Tag Archives: Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Norwich City Women

Sunday 4th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Sponsored by Harrod Sport

The finals coming thick and fast now, following on from a double bill from Cambridgeshire in midweek, the action comes from Norfolk this Sunday with a trip to Carrow Road to watch the final of the Norfolk County Cup sponsored by Harrod Sport, a repeat of the final from 2 season’s ago with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies taking on Norwich City Women who are aiming to make it a hat-trick of trophy wins in the competition.

A busy Sunday at Carrow Road with Norfolk FA hosting their 3 senior county cup finals at the ground, the men’s junior and senior cup finals followed by the women’s cup final kicking off at 6:45pm. A fantastic opportunity for all sides involved to get to play at the ground of the leading football club in the county, Championship side, Norwich City FC. No doubt a busy day for the staff at Norfolk FA but as they so often do, lay on a great occasion.

Today’s prize

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies enjoying great success in the competition in their short history, reaching their first final in their debut season in, followed that with two more final appearances at Carrow Road, losing twice against Norwich and once against Wymondham Town Ladies. Knocked out by Norwich at the last 4 stage last season. Now make it 4 final appearances in 5 seasons as they return to Carrow Road. Something of a transitional period as Mulbarton look to introduced younger players to the 1st team squad playing in ERWFL Division One North.

  That along with injuries to key players plus a build up of fixtures due to their pitch not being available for a while seeing games called off saw Mulbarton near the wrong end of the table although with the cushion of games in hand get things going in the right direction to push on up the table and are on course for a 5th placed finish. Rebekah Lake remains one of the leading goal scorers in the county and once again has done the business for Mulbarton in front of goal despite a period out injured has 15 goals to her name from 19 appearances. Midfielder Alanta Griffith also amongst the goals this season netting 8.

  Norwich City Women looking to make it 3 county cup wins in a row and 8th overall since the competition became independent of Suffolk back in the 2010/11 season, winning the 1st 4 finals returned after a spell out of the competition to win it again in 2021 for the 5th time before making in back to back cup successes at Carrow Road. Fresh from playing at the ground too having faced QPF FC Women in their final FAWNL South East Division One winning 3-0 to secure runners-up spot for a 2nd successive season. Ultimately 2 points behind new champions Real Bedford Women frustrating to some degree the clubs ambitions seeking promotion to tier 3, with just one promotion spot up for grabs it isn’t easy, but remain focused bringing young talent through will be up their challenging again next campaign.

  Natasha Snelling named as the Norwich, Player of the Season winning the award a legend within the club, leading the way with the goals this season, with 15 from 28 matches. Holly Kennard joining the club last season from Sudbury has 11 goals this season with Shannon Shaw netting 7. Norwich were without influential player Ellie Smith for a good chunk of the season through injury and her goals have been sorely missed, back to full fitness now has 4 goals from the 17 she has featured in. Another county cup final and the retirement of another Norwich captain, Anna Larkins last time around, it’s the final game for new captain, Megan Todd as she announced her retirement from playing, establishing herself as a fan favourite in her six seasons with the club, influential on and off the field, despite suffering a few injury set backs along the way.

Road to the Final

 The higher league placed clubs entering the county cup in the latter rounds, Mulbarton beginning their run to the final in the 3rd Round of the competition drawn at home to fellow ERWFL Division One North side, King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Struggling for results at the bottom of the table Mulbarton came out strong to wrap a comprehensive win, Rebekah Lake firing home 4 goals. Victoria McNorton bagging herself a brace, their were goals to for Alanta Griffith, Lucy Lincoln and Tallie Chillystone in a 9-0 win.

 Onto the quarter finals Mulbarton were in the road taking on Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Bure Valley Women. Lake once again amongst the goals netting twice as did Griffith with another of the clubs new young players, Scarlett Derrett also on the scoresheet in a 5-1 victory. Norwich City Women entering the county cup at the quarter final stage beginning their defence of the trophy away to another Norfolk Division One side, Aylsham FC Women. The hosts taking a shock lead in the game before Norwich came back to equalise in the 21st minute through, Eloise Morran. Natasha Snelling, Lauren Hailes and a late first half strike from Lara Densley seeing Norwich 4-1, Shannon Shaw was to add 2 more goals in 2nd half stoppage time to see Norwich advance 6-1.

  The semi-finals of the being held on neutral ground on successive evenings a The FDC in Bowthorpe. First up Mulbarton who were paired against another ERWFL Division One North side and tough opponent, Thetford Town Ladies. Goalless at the break, Laura Hedtke was on hand on the follow up to turn the ball home off a Lake effort to put Mulbarton into the lead in the 0th minute. Thetford pushing Mulbarton all the way 1-0 going into the final 10 minutes before lake lifted the ball over the keeper to make it 2-0, Sophie Jermy adding a 3rd to see Mulbarton into another Carrow Road final. Norwich taking on Wroxham Women, having beaten the ERWFL Premier Division side in last season’s final. Wroxham keen to try and get to Carrow Road for a 2nd time proved tough to break down with a single goal winning the match coming from Isabelle Moore to put Norwich into a 3rd successive final.

Carrow Road

Norwich City FC’s, Carrow Road Stadium the venue for this evening’s women’s cup final. As I said fantastic the players get to enjoy the experience of playing at such a prestigious ground. The South Stand open to supporters for the match, the food stalls open below, the media on the opposite I had the appetite for a pie so headed across the pitch to get one, very nice it was too. The pitch as you’d expect immaculate, holding up well despite two games already. The weather much cooler than the two finals in midweek the mini heatwave passing by still mild however a few showers around but not too bad over all.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Leah Brown, Holly Farrow, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Victoria McNorton, Alanta Griffith, Scarlett Derrett, Tallie Chilleystone & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Melissa Belsey, Luka Goodfield, Sophie Jermy, Molly Stevenson & Jo Hooper.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill, Ellie Bishop, Izzy Moore, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran (C), Sienna Booty, Lara Densley, Millie Daviss, Ellie Smith & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Megan Todd, Natasha Snelling, Freya Symonds, Lauren Tomlinson & Olivia Cook.

Norwich City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

This evening’s referee, Francesca Catchpole who follows in her mother Lorraine’s footsteps having refereed last season’s women’s cup final. A quality striker in her own right too, Mulbarton being one of the clubs she has featured for in the past.

Captain’s Eloise Morran and Rebekah Lake with this evening’s match officials

An injury blow for Mulbarton leading into this evenings final losing midfielder engine, Ellie Hunter to a nasty ligament injury away to Thetford in the league just 10 days ago. Goalkeeper, Megan Gowing also suffering a serious ankle injury in that game, but able to start this evening, have Jo Hooper on the bench as standby keeper should she be required. Norwich without a few too including Holly Kennard who scored twice on Sunday against QPR. Norwich still able to name a strong bench including Megan Todd, Natasha Snelling and Freya Symonds, Eloise Morran handed the captains armband starting this evenings final.

It’s Mulbarton attacking the River end to get the final underway wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. Norwich lined up opposite in their traditional yellow and green kit. The ball clipped long into the right channel as captain Rebekah Lake makes a run forwards, Ellie Bishop at left back heading the ball back upfield for Norwich. The ball send diagonally out to the right wing, Millie Daviss looking to get forwards, Holly Farrow closing her down for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw in.

Norwich looking to press the ball high early on have Mulbarton pushed back into their own box with Hope Struss at the back on the ball having plenty of options in front of her to range her pass to. Puts it forwards into the left flank for Bishop looking to bomb on, the ball skipping up off the grass wrong footing full back Leah Brown, Bishop escaping in behind turning to burst into the box, top corner, Laura Hedtke in to close her down block the ball before she can line up a shot.

Norwich getting forwards well the full backs pushing on the ball fed out to the right down the line for Daviss on the by line her cross cut back into the box, evading goalkeeper Megan Gowing as she comes near post, loose for a moment in front of an empty goal, Brown leaps in to hook it clear for Mulbarton. A nervous start from Mulbarton dropping deep inviting Norwich on, the ball clipped into box from Moore on the right into Ellie Smith at the near post back to goal looking to cushion the ball down, three Mulbarton defenders converge on her before she can do anything with it.

GOAL! Bishop with another marauding run down the left gets in behind cutting into the area closed down lays it back to the top of the area for Lara Densley inside the D, she takes on the 1st time strike the ball rifled in towards goal rising past the keeper, crashes down off the crossbar, might have crossed the line then very close either way as Gowing tried to get to it knocked down to the right post players rushing in to try and scramble it away Morran amongst the melee coming in to attack as Moore looks to keep the ball in play stabbing out a foot the ball squeezed past bodies over the line 0-1.

Captain, Eloise Morran opening the scoring for Norwich

Norwich taking the lead inside the opening 5 minutes. A blow for Mulbarton haven’t settled look nervous as Norwich build from halfway again, breaking down the right Ceri Flye from the back on for Daviss who wins her side a corner on the right. Clipped in high to the near post area, Hedtke getting a strong head on the ball to clear for Mulbarton.

Bishop lively out on the left for Norwich, linking up with Smith drives inside getting into the box, but is run off the ball as it runs out of play for a goal kick. Bishop looking to get in behind again wide left of a Strauss pass from the back, Mulbarton hold their line to catch her offside. Strauss and Flye with plenty of time on the ball at the back for Norwich usually up on half way, Flye right lays it on for Moore to clip a cross from the angle into the near post, Shannon Shaw looking to attack the header knocking the ball on wide across goal out beyond the far post.

Smith getting the ball into Densley coming left runs in on for Bishop on the wing takes the shot on from the angle, driven straight at the keeper, Gowing getting her gloves around the ball. Flye combining with Moore and Daviss on the right the cross lifted into the box, Hedtke winning the clearance for Mulbarton look to try and release Scarlett Derrett on the right wing, Strauss getting across her path to hold her up, no way through.

Laura Hedtke moving in to tackle Norwich’s Ellie Smith

Alanta Griffith central in to make the blocking tackle on Smith central comes away with the ball, her forward pass for Tallie Chilleystone making a left channel run cut out by Flye at the back for Norwich. Mulbarton pushed back struggling to get anything going forwards the ball often coming straight back, Bishop charging on down the left given the ball sending a diagonal ball into the box, Lucy Lincoln under it to head clear for Mulbarton.

Norwich remain on top Densley 30 yards out central picking out Flye coming on from the back going right sends in on down the line for Daviss she turns back up the line to lay it back to Shaw edge of the box right side fires her shot over the crossbar.

Norwich attacker, Shannon Shaw

 GOAL! Norwich merciless coming on with abandon get on down the right Daviss pushing down the line the ball at her feet turns it into the box, Smith bursting inside towards the penalty spot stealing in on the ball unmarked to turn it past the keeper and send Norwich into a 2 goal lead. 0-2.

Elle Smith sends Norwich into a 2 goal lead

Norwich 2 goals to the good inside the opening quarter hour looking strong. Bishop charging after the ball down the left flanks, Brown sliding in to make the tackle the pair colliding Bishop coming off the worst wasn’t a pleasant sound knees coming together or shin pads taking the brunt. Either way Francesca Catchpole awarding Norwich the free-kick. Bishop up on her feet okay for now. Densley over the set-piece outside the box takes on the strike, doesn’t get it right, turns in disgust before it’s even cleared the crossbar.

Norwich pushed up Smith outside the D bringing down a goal kick on for Sienna Booty top of the area, closed down by Lincoln, the loose ball running back to Smith right of the D goes to hit it, smashing the shot over the bar. Brown defending on Bishop as Strauss looks to release her in behind on the left. Bishop combining with Densley on the left for Norwich, swinging a teasing cross into the near post, Megan Belsey getting her head on the ball for Mulbarton, Hedtke attempting to bring it away, closed down by Smith.

Norwich quick to win the ball back everyone bar Strauss and Flye inside the Mulbarton half build through the middle Morran with Booty out to the right Shaw with Moore the former attempting to drop the ball in at the near post Daviss looking to steal in to attack it, Gowing getting down to smother the ball.

 GOAL! Midway through the first half Norwich break away down the left to add a 3rd goal, it’s Bishop racing in behind, pace taking the ball on towards the corner whipping an early cross into the top of the six yard box just beyond Shaw running in near side, but straight into Booty’s path running in beyond to meet the ball and lift it up into the roof of the net to score. 0-3.

Sienna Moore meeting Bishop’s cross to fire Norwich into a 3 goal lead

Norwich ruthless 3 goals up, Mulbarton in danger of getting overwhelmed in defence need to find a foot hold in the game somehow. Norwich get on down the left Smith over with Densley and Bishop the ball crossed into the near post Belsey defending for Mulbarton, Booty looking to get after the clearance as it drops inside the D, McNorton in on her to make the blocking tackle.

Francesca Catchpole refereeing this evenings final

 Play waved on as Smith driving on with the ball goes down inside the box the ball going away to the right lofted back in near post Shaw makes contact the ball dropping at the right post Gowing moving in to push it away, hooked clear Mulbarton can’t get any distance on it Norwich come straight back, Daviss in possession on the right, Farrow challenging the ball out for a throw. A high ball in to the top of the area, Booty looking to bring it down, her lay off cut out. 

Mulbarton’s Leah Brown

Everyone back behind the ball for Mulbarton, Hedtke on for Lake the ball lost in the middle 30 yards out Booty running in to strike the ball be effort put straight in at the keeper, Gowing getting hold of the ball. Hedtke defending another Norwich corner at the near post, Mulbarton attempt to break out on their right, Bishop snuffing the opportunity out for Norwich. Strauss into Smith taking the ball away to the right linking up with Daviss her cross lifted into the six yard box, Gowing under pressure from Shaw claiming the ball.

  Daviss running onto a diagonal ball clipped out to her advancing in the right cuts it back inside to the top of the box looking for Shaw, closed down by Lincoln, Booty snatching hold of the loose ball top of the D laying it off to Smith on her right her shot flies narrowly over Gowing’s crossbar. 

Rebekah Lake looknig to get forwards for Mulbarton

 Mulbarton have been under constant pressure at last they mount an attack the ball fired on up the left into Derrett gives it to Lake ahead of her racing on right channel, drives for the Norwich area, has Griffith making a run inside the box looking to come across the near post, Lake sending the ball into her path, Griffith bearing down on goal striking the ball in at goal rising, Quantrill called into action throwing up her glove to turn the ball wide for a corner kick!

  An opportunity for Mulbarton to bring a few players forwards for the resulting corner the ball fired in long through the six yard box met by Lincoln heading the ball goal wards knocked down, Quantrill sharp getting a glove down to the ball deflecting it away for a corner on the left. This delivery in high to the near post dealt with by Smith for Norwich. 

 Something for Mulbarton to feed on their fans too encouraging them on. Have a throw on the left knocked on into the area, Lake moving for it central, Bishop going with her getting the tackle in to get the ball away for Norwich. Bishop getting on down the left has support from Densley and Shaw her cross fired into the near post 6 yards out intercepted by Belsey the clearance won by Strauss sends the ball out to the right Moore getting hold of it getting inside the defence into the box to shoot from the angle Gowing getting down to make the save holds onto the ball. 

  Belsey forced to concede a corner as Norwich advance well on the right. The delivery going long, Brown looking to bring it away for Mulbarton. Bishop throwing herself into the challenge in an attempt to stop her stays down in clear discomfort looked to have jarred her knee. Morran putting the ball out of play so she can receive treatment the physio indicating that she needs to come off with 40 minutes played.

 Is a straight swap at left back with Lauren Tomlinson coming on. Takes over where Bishop left off looking to take the ball on down the flank into the corner, Derrett tracking back with Brown to tackle slow things down. Tomlinson winning a corner in Norwich’s next attack. Out on the left Densley swinging the ball high into the near post, Gowing getting her fists up pushing it away to the right, Densley gathering it sends n inside for Booty 20 yards out to dink one over the top for Smith looking to get in right of goal, Derrett going with her getting something on the ball both closing in on the keeper can’t risk a back pass, takes the ball beyond Gowing across goal before hooking it away.

Millie Daviss attacking on the right for Norwich

  Gowing with another good claim for Mulbarton inside her six yard box as Moore sends Daviss’ layoff into the box. Griffith latching onto the ball getting in the move right sending it on for Derrett, plays it on for lake in attack pulling off Strauss in an attempt to get into the box, Flye though running around on the cover getting to the pass first as the ball enters the box. 

  Tomlinson races away down the left with the ball up to the by-line sending a vicious cross back across the top of the six yard box just beyond Densley and Booty who had burst on to try and get forwards, Chilleystone bringing it under control beyond the pair clearing for Mulbarton. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the first half. Lake getting onto the ball on the drive central for Mulbarton, checks her run before lifting it on for Derrett 25 yards out to the right of the area, shifts the ball between her feet looking to get on into the area, Morran coming in to close her down winning the tackle for Norwich.

Norwich’s Ceri Flye

  Smith coming left with the ball for Norwich fed on down the wing for Tomlinson to take on whips another dangerous ball into the six yard box swerving through the air, Gowing doing well dropping forwards to see the ball into her gloves, pops out for a split 2nd with Shaw lurking but Gowing is quick to react snatching it back into her midriff. 

 Norwich coming no right side Daviss looking to send Smith racing clear into the box right of goal, the flag going up straight away as Gowing goes down to smother the ball, Smith’s sliding in colliding with the keeper, a painful one for Gowing up gingerly but looks to be alright to carry on. One last attack for Norwich, Tomlinson on the left 25 yards out squared inside for Shaw looks to help it on into the top of the area for Daviss, Lincoln up win her winning the header to get the ball away.

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-3 Norwich City Women

  Norwich head into the tunnel holding a comfortable lead at the break, on the front foot right from the off, Mulbarton a little nervous at the start giving them a little too much respect dropping off into their box inviting them on Norwich able to get players on at will overload the flanks, winning it back easily with the outlet ball not on. Racing into a 3 goal lead looking like they might overwhelm Mulbarton, their opponents rallied fighting hard inside their area to try and stem the tide broke away to create a very good opportunity of their own giving them a much needed shot of confidence. Alot to do 2nd half if they are to get back into the game and you feel Norwich can move up a gear if they want.

 Bishop giving a good fitness check at the break as her injury is assessed, Tomlinson back out wearing a bib so looks as if they will be swapping 2nd half. Mulbarton too making changes at the start of the 2nd half bring off, Brown, McNorton and Megan Belsey, send on her twin sister Melissa along with Sophie Jermy and Luka Goodfield. Norwich to get the 2nd half underway, rolled into Morran goes left with the diagonal ball for Bishop, puts it on for Densley ahead of her, Belsey forcing her back put inside for Flye pushing up right on for Daviss on the right wing her cross swept into across the top of the area intercepted by Lincoln.

  Norwich up and around the Mulbarton area winning a free-kick the the left of the box 30 yards out, the ball chipped in over the top, Shaw looknig to steal in on it stoops to head the ball goal wards sends it straight at the keeper. Mulbarton in to defend the ball high up the pitch, Goodfield’s tackle dropping to Jermy 25 yards out central, her strike charged down by Strauss. 

 Norwich still looking to get players on down the wings, Moore on the right overlapping Daviss her cross turned in behind at the near post. Shaw bringing the ball down for Norwich sending the pass right for Daviss her cross deep into the area falling for Densley left of goal can’t bring it down into her feet to get a shot away before it is snatched away by the Mulbarton defence. Away to the left soon back with Norwich the low cross driven in central, Griffith bringing it away for Mulbarton.

  Lake turning with the ball inside the Norwich half gets on the move going into the left channel, holding the ball up as Chilleystone races on to support the ball inside reaching her she looks to pick out Griffith to her right, Moore cutting pass out for Norwich. Norwich getting their crosses all wrong at the start of the 2nd half, Shaw’s the 4th put behind the Mulbarton goal. 

GOAL! The game a little more open 2nd half Griffith looknig to get closer to Lake up front the ball fed into lake 25 yards out sees it into her feet turns to push away left though the middle before cutting the pass back out to the right into Griffiths outside the box closing in on the area shapes to shoot catching it sweetly to send it arrowing past Quantrill into top corner! 1-3!

Alanta Griffith with superb strike for Mulbarton

 The Mulbarton fans erupt in celebration as Griffith races over to them in celebration, the first goal Norwich have conceded in a county cup final at Carrow Road. Mulbarton pulling a goal back in the 50th minute. Norwich press down the right Daviss putting the ball in across the top of the area, Morran running onto the ball looking to hit it, Hedtke moving in to charge the shot down, Morran snatching at the rebound pulling it wide of the left post.

  Norwich’s centre backs still afforded time on the ball able to carry it on Flye driving on right side into towards the top corner of the area firing a dangerous ball in towards the far post dropping Densley racing in trying to meet it on the volley can’t quite get there. Mulbarton working hard in defence, Norwich coming forwards Daviss linking up with Moore in the right. Densley bringing the ball in from the left across the Mulbarton D, sends it into Booty inside the box who storms back across the area looking for an opening, none on shifts in into Shaw out on the left who takes on the shot from the angle, driven in low towards goal, Gowing right behind it down low to save at her near post.

  Norwich lively getting the ball on pressing and probing Smith moving inside to play the ball into Flye looking to get into the box right side, Chilleystone closing her down for Mulbarton, the ball deflected central for Smith to latch onto inside the D, lifts her shot over the bar. Daviss racing clear on the right flashes a pacy ball across the face of the Mulbarton goal, Shaw slipping as she goes for it not making contact. Mulbarton look to break forwards the ball from Griffiths into Lake, Strauss moving in to close her down sending the ball out for a throw.   

 GOAL!  Norwich hit Mulbarton on the counter winning the ball on the throw right side Daviss put away into space on halfway racing forwards drives all the way into the box bearing down on goal, Gowing stays back looking to set herself no one can reach Daviss as she shoots sending the ball in across the keeper to find the opposite corner 1-4.

Millie Daviss breaking away to score for Norwich

 Norwich restoring their 3 goal lead on the hour. Norwich making a change switching captains with Morran coming off handing the armband to Megan Todd as she runs onto the pitch to make her final appearance for Norwich. The goal’s getting both sets of fans going 2nd half in good voice a great attendance too with 956 in the stand. Flye breaks down the right for Norwich looking to exchange passes with Moore the return pass however sees the central defender flagged offside.

  Gowing pulling off a fantastic double save as Norwich thrust forwards Todd moving central from the left into Smith who lays it across to Daviss right of goal with Moore going beyond her the ball into her feet shoots on the angle, Gowing throwing out her left glove to turn the low shot away to the opposite side, Shaw looking to get onto the end of it striking the ball back in across goal, the keeper throwing out a foot to deflect the ball behind.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Megan Gowing

The corner from Densley on the left half cleared at the near post, Densley looking to fire it back in on the angle, Gowing across to the near post takes the ball down cleanly. Norwich ringing the changes midway through the 2nd half bringing Tomlinson back on along with Freya Symonds, Olivia Cook and Natasha Snelling, coming off are, Daviss, Moore, Booty and Densley. Lincoln penalised for obstruction as she impedes Shaw’s attempt to get into the box left of the D. Snelling over the free-kick with an early chance to test the keeper, gets it on target but lacking the pace or height to trouble Gowing.

  Chilleystone getting the ball into Griffith inside the Norwich half she looks to try and play Lake in behind as she burst away into the right channel, the ball launched forwards, Quantrill however able to chase out to the top of the area see the ball safely into her gloves before Lake can pounce. Mulbarton making a triple switch bringing off Chilleystone, Farrow and Hedtke on come Brown, McNorton and Molly Stevenson. 

 Norwich building on the left the ball rolled inside to Todd, 25 yards out encouraged to shoot, sends her shot in Gowing right behind it to save. The game more open as Mulbarton are prepared to get players forwards to try and support Lake up top Norwich alive to the quick counter however Tomlinson left side on for Symonds the cross driven in low to the near post, Gowing dropping forwards onto the ball. 

 GOAL! Norwich up on the left winning a throw, have Tomlinson on now, known for her long throws level with the top of the area launches in into the box dropping for Bishop to hit on the volley as she turns sends it arrowing into the top corner 1-5.

Emily Bishop volleying home Norwich’s 5th

  Norwich extending their lead with 15 minutes of regular time left to play. Press on the left forcing Mulbarton into conceding a corner. Symonds to angle the ball into the near post dealt with by Goodfield behind for a 2nd corner. Cleared again at the near post dropping for Smith top of the area, sees two attempts charged down before the ball is cleared away to the right for a throw.

 Todd putting the ball into Snelling out to Symonds wide left her into Shaw at the near post attempts to lay it on for Snelling closing in, Jermy getting in the way to clear for Mulbarton. Lincoln cutting out a Smith pass inside the D to Snelling the ball behind for a corner kick, taken short on the left the cross whipped into the six yard box attacked but the flag is up. Norwich getting around the box everyone is looking to tee up Todd for a strike on goal Bishop into Symonds central on for Todd shifts it out to Tomlinson pushing on down the left back into Symonds corner of the area, put inside for Todd she pokes it on for Smith pulling in behind at the left post her low strike trapped by Gowing as she dives forwards.

GOAL! Norwich getting the ball into Cook out wide on the right, Has Snelling running in central as she looks to play the ball into the box her cross long angling high across the keeper falling beyond her into the far corner add another goal 1-6. 

Olivia Cook scoring Norwich’s 6th

  Mulbarton bring Megan Belsey back on replacing Lincoln in defence with less than 10 minutes left to play, Chilleystone back on to for Derrett. Make a keeper change too with Gowing coming off and Jo Hooper coming on to make her final appearance for Mulbarton. Flye on the move with the ball for Norwich right side flashed into the top of the box for Snelling she attempts to thread Smith in between the defence in on goal but the flag is up against her immediately.

 The ball given to Todd outside the D, closed down squeezes it out to Symonds pulling left her low cross into the box claimed by Hooper as she goes to ground at her near post. Griffiths finding the energy to get the ball on through the middle for Lake in attack looks to drive out left into the channel get past Flye into the box, the defender stays on her however to put in the challenge nullify the attack. 

 Smith sliding it at the near post sends the ball wide as Bishop breaking down the left sends the ball into the box. Smith with another opportunity moments later as Norwich come right, Cooks cross flashed into the six yard box, Smith can’t get a touch as she closes down the keeper. Mulbarton keep going trying to get an opportunity going forwards, Griffith is dead on her feet though as she gets the ball into Lake who gives her the return pass 30 yards out, tries to pick out Chilleystone to her right, Tomlinson tracking back cutting the pass out. 

  Bishop coming down the right wing cuts the ball back into the top of the area for Cook right of the D, angles the ball into the far post Shaw going in to head it can’t get a touch. Shaw from distance with an ambitious attempt to lob the ball over the keeper seeing the ball land on the roof of the net. Into stoppage time just 2 mins of what has been an intense 2nd half. 

 Brown defending to see the ball out for a corner kick for Mulbarton, swung into the top of the area from the right, Griffith defending for Mulbarton put back out wide, Norwich win it back the diagonal ball curled back into the box Todd racing in six yards out, Hooper snatching it off her feet. 

 GOAL! Norwich driving on till the end a burst into the area from the left no sure who was brought down but either way, Catchpole points to the spot, Penalty! Straight away the call is it has to be Todd to take it, initially walks away though, more to calm herself down than anything else, never in doubt as she places the ball on the spot and scores her final Norwich goal wrong footing the keeper to place it into the left of the goal 1-7. 

Megan Todd scoring from the penalty spot.

 More or less the final action of the game as the whistle blows up and Norwich win the cup for the 3rd successive season. Celebrating in front of their fans.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-7 Norwich City Women

  Norwich starting strong never let off the pace throughout taking an early lead able to get players on at will getting into a 3 goal lead before Mulbarton launched a meaningful attack coming close themselves, fighting hard in defence given some encouragement for the 2nd half. Alanta Griffith with a superb strike to pull a goal back early in the 2nd half before Millie Daviss broke away to restore Norwich’s 3 goal cushion. Emily Bishop and Olivia Cook extending the lead before Todd from the penalty spot put the icing on the cake. Mulbarton showing a little too much respect to Norwich early on in were danger of getting overwhelmed recovered well and when they took the game to Norwich showed what they were capable of.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match two clear contenders with a number of other performances of note. Firstly for Mulbarton the whole team battled hard in defence. Lucy Lincoln with a number of vital wins inside the box. Laura Hedtke too helping out in defence won her fair share of tackles. Alanta Griffith covered the ground getting back to help in defence and trying to get on to support Lake in attack, scoring a goal at Carrow Road that’ll live long in the memory. Megan Gowing with some crucial saves. For Norwich get forwards at will at time Ellie Smith all over the place coming for the ball driving forwards and linking up play. Eloise Morran opening the scoring got hold of the ball kept Norwich on the front foot. Emily Bishop down the left got forwards well pushing in behind creating numerous chances and getting on the score sheet pushed it close but the award goes to Millie Daviss won it on the night and had a fantastic game on the right, constantly available got on well with the ball and broke away to score a fantastic goal. 

Millie Daviss – winning the Player of the Match award

Norwich City Women, 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s Cup winners

Congratulations to Norwich City Women on winning the Norfolk Women’s Cup for a 3rd successive season.

  No doubt a long day for the staff at Norfolk FA with 3 finals completed, my thanks to all for their assistance and allowing me to cover the game as always much appreciated. Many congratulations to Megan Todd on her career been a pleasure to watch her play. Jo Hooper too a legend in her own right with some great memories to take from the game. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 30th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

A cup final double bill from Cambridgeshire this week, with back to back games this Wednesday and Thursday evening. First up the Cambs FA Women’s Invitation Cup Final, being held at Cambridge City FC’s newly built stadium in Sawston, between Cambridge United WFC and Histon Ladies. With the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup being held the following evening at Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium featuring Cambridge Rangers WFC and Ely City Women.

The Women’s Invitation Cup

 This evening featuring the women’s senior county cup competition final. Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Women the leading sides in Cambridgeshire for nearly the past decade dominating the competition, neither 1st team featuring in last season’s competition won by Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Both back in the competition this season however Cambridge United WFC having to field a side made up of their U18’s and 1st team players.

 Turned in a good performance at The Abbey Stadium on Sunday in their final game of the FAWNL season, drawing 1-1 with Chatham Town Women. Finishing 9th has been another frustrating season missing key players through injury not picking up as many points as they would have wanted, nevertheless into another cup final and a chance to end things on a high. Their U18s making it to the final of the Invitation Cup last season this time around it’s a mixed squad mostly U18s again with up to 5 regular 1st team players, players who have played less than 50% 1st team fixtures or been out injured for a sustained period making their return also available. Thus getting the balance right for a mixed squad is a tricky task for manager Darren Marjoram, a good opportunity for the youngsters to impress however.

 Histon Ladies having rebuilt somewhat and returned to the ERWFL are enjoying a strong campaign in Division One North currently in 4th spot with three league games left to play, 2 points off 2nd spot with AFC Dunstable the current occupants having played out their fixtures a fantastic opportunity to clinch runners-up spot themselves. Have only lost two league games all season, and both of those against new league champions, Harpenden Town Women. Sophie Hopkin presented with a shirt celebrating 100 appearances for Histon before the game joint top scorer so far this season along with Evie Nicholls on 16. Poppy Smith has 12 goals to her name with Jessica McCrae netting 8 and midfielder, Rachel Pearce on 6.

Sophie Hopkin congratulated by her teammates having made 100 appearances for Histon

Road to the Final

 Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the Women’s Invitation Cup, were drawn away in the 2nd Round where both racked up double figure wins to progress to the last 8. Cambridge away to Division Two side, Chatteris Town Lillies Ladies, Sarah Wiltshire firing Cambridge into a 2 goal lead with Millie Docking, Rosy Wodhams and Serina Cobb all finding the back of the net to see Cambridge lead 5-0 at the break, Lauren Rouse from the penalty spot extending the lead in the 2nd half before Wiltshire went on to add two more to the tally, 4 for herself with a double from Emelia Reinhardt making it 10-0. Histon away to another Division Two side, March Town United Ladies the goals flying in there too with Poppy Smith on the scoresheet for 5, Evie Nicholls and Sophie Hopkin firing home 4 apiece with Rachel Pearce also scoring in a crushing 14-0 result.

Onto the quarter finals, Cambridge drawn at home to the side that beat the u18s in the final last season Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, now promoted to the ERWFL, Cambridge securing a 1 goal lead at the break, new signing Becca Stephenson grabbing her 1st goal for Cambridge in the 2nd period to help secure a 2-0 win see Cambridge progress to the semi-finals. Histon also at home in the quarter finals taking on newly crowned Cambridgeshire Division One Champions, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Evie Nicholls on target for a brace with a goal each for Rachel Pearce, Hannah Seymour-Shove and Katie Levitt sealing a 5-0 to see the club advance to the last 4.

An intriguing line up in the semi-finals Histon and Newmarket both riding high in ERWFL Division One North along side Cambridge City Women and Cambridge United WFC. United away to Newmarket in their semi-final. Becca Stephenson picking up where she left off in the quarter final scoring twice in the 1st half to see Cambridge 2-0 up at the break, Emelia Reinhardt coming on in the 2nd half bursting forwards to put Cambridge into a 3-0 lead and see the club into the final. Histon hosting Cambridge City Women now playing in the ERWFL Premier Division. Jessica McCrae bagging herself a brace along with goals for Rachel Pearce and Poppy Smith seeing Histon clinch a 4-1 victory to book the place in the final.

The new main stand at the Cambridge City FC Community Stadium

 The final this season being played at Cambridge City FC’s brand new Community Stadium in Sawston, long planned and finally becoming a reality. An impressive main stand running alongside a large grass pitch with smaller terraced stands on the other 3 sides of the ground. Ample carparking around the stadium. A 3G pitch beside the main pitch. Work still to be completed on the interior but fantastic to see it becoming a reality after so much waiting. Hosting this evenings final April ending with a mini heat wave unusually warm up to 26 degrees today the heat retained into the evening. A food truck and stall offering some delicious looking cakes leading into the ground. The bar beyond open too. A good sized grass pitch offering plenty of width.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner, Olivia Welham, Gisela Otten (C), Lauren Rouse, Sammy Edgar, Serena Cobb, Rosy Wodhams, Charlotte Gillies, Becca Stephenson & Emelia Reinhardt. Subs – Katie Walter, Sydney Daniels, Millie Docking, Natasha Coe & Erika Lempek.

Cambridge United WFC

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Tara Fitzjohn, Freya Goddard, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Rachel Pearce, Sophie Hopkin, Poppy Smith & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Belle Howard, Eloise Page, Evie McCulloch, Claire Krueger & Katie Levitt.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the score be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

Captain’s Laura Leyland and Gisela Otten with this evenings match officials referee, Austin Robichaux and assistants Dominic Cameron and Theresa Robichaux. Carlton Joseph the 4th official.

 Histon taking Cambridge back-up keeper, Sophie Shults on loan for the past 7 matches to help see out the season, are without her this evening as she is in goal for the opposition, with long serving player, Tara Fitzjohn donning the gloves for this evenings final. Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten is playing her last game for Cambridge retiring at the end of the season, having played over 100 games for the club a good portion of those wearing the captains armband. The sun setting behind the main stand may cause a few issues to the players, Histon having it at their backs as Cambridge get the first half underway wearing light blue floral patterned shirts with light blue shorts and socks. Histon wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into Lauren Rouse in defence sent long up to the right for Charlotte Gillies to chase, Mollie Childerley getting across her path to shield the ball out for a goal kick.

  Cambridge pushing up to press the ball inside the Histon half early on, Serena Cobb sending the ball into Gillies on the right fired into the top of the area with Emelia Reinhardt looking to take it inside right of goal, Jess McCrae in to defend seeing it out of play for Histon. Rosy Wodhams snapping in to win the ball for Cambridge fed out to Becca Stephenson wide right her attempted cross cut out by Rachel Pearce. Stephenson quick to get the ball back pushing down the line, Freya Goddard putting in the tackle to see the ball out for a throw in the corner.

 Cambridge getting players up around the area the throw coming into Wodhams inside the box top left corner seeing in down into her feet, turns to strike the ball, Histon captain, Laura Leyland charging the ball down. Cambridge appealing for a hand ball but get no where. Cambridge winning the ball eager to get forwards use the width Gillies picked out on the right wins a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box, claimed by Fitzjohn.

  Histon look to get the ball up field into Poppy Smith on the left flank, taking the ball on, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner diving in with the challenge, the full back then fouled as she attempts to get the ball moving the other way. Wodhams onto the ball making a run across the top of the D, moving left 25 yards out feds it into Stephenson wide left she in turn lays it back to Olivia Welham advancing from left back takes on the shot from range, her shot flying straight into the keepers gloves. 

 Evie Nicholls seeing the ball into her from Sophie Hopkin breaks away on the right channel for Histon looking to get into the area, racing forwards Shults going to ground getting hold of the ball as the ball is over hit. 

 Wodhams driving on with the ball at her feet for Cambridge across the top of the area cut back to the right, Childerley cutting the pass out for Histon, Cambridge though are quick to regain possession keep the pressure on, Sammy Edgar up with Serena Cobb central played wide to Stephenson left her cross swept into the area, cleared by McCrae. Wodhams with another strong run from midfield sees another shot charged down the ball out to the left, Goddard in to challenge Stephenson as she looks to get in behind to cross.

GOAL! The pressure building from Cambridge at the start of the game the Histon defence pushed back busy building from midfield the ball in rolled forwards into Wodhams moving into the left channel, Stephenson makes a run across her going central Wodhams laying the ball into her path, Stephenson 25 yards out wraps her right foot around the ball catching it sweetly to send a superb strike up and over the keeper to nestle into the back of the net to put Cambridge into the lead. 1-0.

Becca Stephenson firing Cambridge into the lead

 Cambridge on top early on taking the lead on 9 minutes competing well for the 2nd ball, Edgar central spotting Stephenson’s left channel run as she attempts to get in behind, Goddard stretching out a leg intercepting the ball for Histon. Smith left and Nicholls right needing to be patient up top be ready to receive the ball, Leyland’s clearance from the ball coming to Nicholls on the right, looks to take it in behind, Cambridge captain, Otten across to close her down put in the tackle. 

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten tackling Histon’s Evie Nicholls

 Cobb on for Wodhams bursting forwards left channel played on for Reinhardt ahead of her outside the box sees her shot charged down the rebound coming to Wodhams central hits it first time 20 yards out drags the ball wide of the target. Is a big pitch Cambridge with time on the ball looking to exploit it as Lauren Rouse on halfway lifting it forwards towards the top of the area, Leyland winning the header for Histon.

  Reinhardt getting hold of the ball looking to charge across the D get into the box, Histon’s Hannah Seymour-Shove looking to go with her pulls up suddenly appearing to jar her knee as her foot catches in the turf. Play continues as Reinhardt finds Stephenson wide left her cross defended by Leyland as play is stopped for Seymour-Shove to receive treatment. Unfortunately doesn’t look good the stretcher called for needs to come off, Histon forced into a change send on Claire Krueger going into the defence along side Leyland with McCrae pushed forwards.

Freya Goddard moving in to tackle Becca Stephenson

  Wodhams latching onto the ball high up the pitch from a goal-kick lays it to the right for Hjaltun-Rayner pushing forwards from full back her early cross into the area dealt with by Leyland. Out of no where Histon spring the counter attack, Cambridge pushed up the ball given to Hopkin in midfield slides it through for Smith in the left channel, races forwards Shults racing out to the top of her area to try and get to the ball, Smith just getting there first taking it around the keeper on into the box left of goal, looks to slot it home, however, Welham racing round on the cover gets in the way to block and turn it behind for a corner kick. 

Olivia Welham getting back to clear the ball for Cambridge

  The corner lifted in to the near side, Krueger up from the back for Histon getting her head on the ball sending the ball over the crossbar. A warning for Cambridge not to get complacent at the back. 

  Edgar into Wodhams for Cambridge attacking through the middle moves left laying the ball back inside for Welham as the full back bombs forwards, looking to get into the box, Goddard closing her down winning the ball back for Histon. McCrae defending for Histon as Stephenson looks to spin in behind on the left the ball hooked upfield by Leyland. Histon absorbing alot of pressure battling for the ball pushed back in defence but determined.

 Wodhams too determined with the ball at her feet for Cambridge on the drive going all the way into the box right of goal closing in on the six yards box, closed down squeezes in on for Gillies to her right inside the six yard box, the angle acute takes on the shot flashing the ball wide across the face of goal past the far post. 

Rosy Wodhams driving forwards for Cambridge

 Leyland making the decision to step out of the back line to deal with Wodhams next marauding run getting the tackle in before the midfield can set Reinhardt loose on goal. The clearance straight back with Cambridge, Cobb lifting the diagonal ball into the area, Krueger heading clear for Histon.

Rachel Pearce looking to get hold of the ball for Histon

 

 Play mostly in the Histon half the defence pressed back continue to work hard to stop Cambridge finding a way through, Hopkin finding Pearce on the right tries to get it on for Nicholls in attack, Otten moving in to close the attacker down. Edgar snapping in to regain possession for Cambridge in the middle tries to thread the ball in behind for Reinhardt pulling off the defence, Fitzjohn moving forward to grab hold of the ball. 

Emelia Reinhardt

 Pearce is fouled deep on the right picking up a knock in the process the free-kick awarded. Histon with an opportunity to get players forwards. Hopkin over the ball launches it in towards the crowd at the top of the area left of the D, the ball knocked down across the D to the right, Pearce free, moving in to strike the ball first time with her left foot, pulls her strike wide of the right post, had more time than she realised but a great chance for Histon nonetheless.

  Cambridge lively Cobb breaking on with the ball rolled on for Gillie right, Childerley lunging in to take the ball away from her for a throw. Histon forced into another change, Pearce having picked up a knock coming off, with Evie McCulloch. Reinhardt with little room to work with as Histon defend their area, driving on with the ball looks to fight her way through on goal, Molly Banks getting a foot in to slow her down, allowing Childerley to bring the ball away from danger.

  Stephenson moving across the top of the area up top for Cambridge sees the ball rolled into her right channel by Hjaltun-Rayner shoots from distance the ball straight at Fitzjohn. Cambridge getting players forwards at will, Wodhams and Stephenson exchanging passes in front of the D, laid back to Cobb to clip a diagonal ball into Welham advancing on the left wing the full back whipping a cross into the area just behind Reinhardt making a near post run, Krueger cutting it out beyond to clear.

  Shults is almost on the halfway line herself such is the pressure Cambridge are being allowed to exert, Smith and Nicholls patient ready to attack should the opportunity fall to them still have alot to do. Otten into Reinhardt going left closing in on the corner with Goddard the air clashing as the ball is seen out of play by the defender, the referee talking to both, the yellow card coming out too.

  Hopkin getting the ball back for Histon central looks to send Nicholls away up top, Cambridge hold their high line however catching her offside. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the first half, for all their dominance Cambridge still leading by just a single goal, Histon backs against the wall determined to keep it that way. Pushed up through the middle, Stephenson inside with Wodhams cross runs the ball on into Cobb inside the D shifts it right for Stephenson to strike, fires wide of the right post. A nick on the way through however a corner signalled. 

 Put in to the near post Krueger winning it for Histon cleared out of the box and launched up field for Nicholls to chase, Shults out of her box needs to win the clearance with the attacker bearing down on her and gets her foot up over the ball to see it away safely. Smith getting her tackle in on Reinhardt as she looks to turn in the middle the ball poked out to Stephenson wide left pushes on with the ball her cross into the box intercepted by Krueger.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Histon Ladies

 

  Cambridge go into the changing rooms at the break leading the final by a single goal, Stephenson’s superb strike on 9 minutes over the keeper from 25 yards out putting them in front. Have applied plenty of pressure seeing more of the ball getting players on, Histon in contrast defending deep inside their box getting bodies back allowing no space through on goal, that in turn limiting their attacking opportunities up the other end but have created two good chances themselves will be pleased to have gotten to this stage with the score as it is. Have lost two key midfielders to injury in the process however. Cambridge winning the 2nd balls keeping play in their opponents half. Could be a question of can Histon keep up their determination in defence 2nd half or will the continued pressure take it’s toll, one goal in it the longer they can keep it that way the better but can they find a goal up the other end?

 No changes at the break it’s as you were at the end of the 1st half the floodlights taking full effect now, remains mild, the burgers, chips and cakes going down well with the gathered supporters, 285 in attendance. Histon to get the 2nd half underway, Cambridge rushing on to immediately close down the ball, get it out to Gillies on the right takes on the early cross squaring it into Reinhardt top of the D, her 1st time strike racing wide of the far post.

Rosy Wodhams constantly taking the ball on for Cambridge

  McCulloch snapping in to win the ball for Histon central forwards into Nicholls, Rouse tackling for Cambridge. Histon getting the ball out to the right McCulloch playing the ball into the near post six yards out, Nicholls and Smith closing in to try and get a touch the ball knocked wide of the post for a goal kick. 

Histon attacker, Evie Nicholls

 

 Lively in the middle, Edgar into get hold of the ball fed on for Gillies down the right wing, Childerley back onto her shoulder challenging to put it out for a throw. Cambridge busy players making runs to try and open up space, Histon stay deep in defence protecting the box, Wodhams winning it off Hopkin in midfield, out to Gillies right, running into the corner with Childerley the defender conceding a corner. Stephenson with a vicious delivery flashed in through the six yard box at an inviting height through everyone however cleared beyond the far post.

 Wodhams influential for Cambridge making some strong midfield runs Gillies and Stephenson looking for provide outlets right and left. Pushing up as they are sometimes leaves Cambridge exposed at the back as Histon snatch the ball back left side the ball threaded into Nicholls in the channel breaks in behind Rouse charging towards the area, the rest of the Cambridge defence looking to recover, Otten sliding in top of the area brings Nicholls down, the free-kick awarded a decision to be made, both full backs were round on the cover the referee showing Otten a yellow card. Hopkin over the free-kick left of the D, gets the ball in past the wall through on goal, but Shults moving across her goal can claim it into her mid-riff.

 Cambridge for all their dominance need to be careful they don’t get caught out at the back, another goal puts them in a much stronger position probing Histon are not making it easy for them to find a way through. Cambridge making a chance bringing off Gillies on the right send on Natasha Coe who had a spell with Histon before coming to Cambridge, goes over to the left with Stephenson moving across the pitch.

 10 minutes played in the 2nd half, Edgar up with Wodhams in midfield, plays it left for Welham advancing on the left plays in on for Coe to take on down the line, Goddard diving in to put it out of play for Histon. Off the throw dropped into Wodhams outside the box on the angle sends a shot in on target, Fitzjohn has the angled covered getting hold of the ball. 

Cambridge’s Sammy Edgar

A double change for Histon with Belle Howard and Katie Levitt introduced to the game, Nicholls and Hopkin coming off. Hjaltun-Rayner looking to get the ball on right side for Cambridge, Wodhams coming across to receive the ball, Banks diving in to challenge to get hold of the ball for Histon looks for Levitt on the left, Rouse cutting out the pass for Cambridge. Cambridge making another switch, Erika Lempek coming on to replace Reinhardt in attack. 

Histon’s Katie Levitt

  Coe played on down Cambridge’s left wing curling a cross into the box, Leyland getting under it to head clear for Histon. The game starting to open up a little as Histon look to commit a little more in attack fresh legs on the pitch. Cobb getting the ball into Lempek’s feet out on the right, Levitt in to win it back for Histon comes away with the ball, Hjaltun-Rayner sliding in with a heavy tackle taking her out, shown the yellow as Levitt is quickly back on her feet. 

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

 

 Otten putting the ball on for Cobb left channel shifted to Coe left played back inside to Cobb up with Stephenson outside the box left of the D, the ball played across to the right for Wodhams in space, shots, a nick off a defenders leg on it’s way through to the keeper taking the sting off the ball, Fitzjohn grabbing it up for the large part despite the pressure in front of her untroubled in terms of needing to throw herself into a save.

 Welham and Coe doubling up on the left as they build an attack for Cambridge, Coe shifting the ball inside looking to get into the box Leyland coming to close her down. Rouse called into action at the back for Cambridge as Histon attempt to put a long ball into Smith in attack, the defender bringing it down well. 

Histon’s Poppy Smith

 Cambridge getting a corner on the right Stephenson curling the ball into the six yard box knocked in towards goal at the far post Histon have players on the line to block cleared out to the top of the area, Cobb putting it back out to Stephenson top right corner of the box, her low cross smashed back in, blocked by Howard. The flag going up against Stephenson as she makes a run in behind right to left across the D, as Lempek seeing the ball into her feet right channel attempts to play her in. Stephenson from all of 30 yards out central firing a strike wide of the left post. Cambridge pressing as the game enters the final 15 minutes. 

GOAL! Cambridge winning a corner out on the right, players up from the back the six yard box packed as Stephenson drops the delivery right into the mix, down amongst feet an orange boot stabbing it towards goal, fired past the keeper, belongs to Hjaltun-Rayner as she is mobbed by her joyous teammates having doubled Cambridge’s lead. 2-0.

Flo Hjaltun-Raynor with the touch to double Cambridge’s lead from the corner

  Histon making a double change with Eloise Page coming on along with Nicholls replacing, Goddard and Childerley. Much needed breathing room for Cambridge the 2nd goal coming at last. Press right Stephenson on for Lempek back inside for Cobb lifted forwards into Wodhams looking to turn top of the area, Leyland closing her down for Histon.

Serina Cobb

 Welham forwards for Coe on the left her cross blocked by Page going away for a corner kick. Another vicious delivery put in across the face of goal, no one getting a touch scrambled clear beyond the far post. Hopkin coming back onto the pitch late on replacing Banks. Cambridge getting on down the right Stephenson’s cross turned behind for another corner. Taken short rolled back into Stephenson the corner taker her cross lifted into the area, won and cleared by Hopkin. 

Sophie Hopkin

 Histon looking to try and get on with the ball fed into Howard on the left looks to release Nicholls in behind through the middle, Welham running around on the cover spotting the threat lunging in to win the ball back. Lempek seeing the ball into her feet putting it on for Wodhams moving right finds Stephenson on the move down the wing her cross into the box blocked by Krueger behind for a corner. Curled into the six yard box headed over the crossbar.

Claire Krueger

  Sydney Daniels and Millie Docking coming on for Cambridge with Edgar and Welham coming off with 6 minutes left of regular time. Cobb picking out Stephenson on the right for Cambridge has Hjaltun-Rayner racing past her on the overlap down the line fires her cross in on the angle takes a nick off a Histon boot as it crashes into the side netting a corner given. Another short on rolled into Coe coming to the ball near post back to Stephenson to cross from the top of area, hooked clear by Leyland.

 

  Goddard back on for Histon with McCulloch coming off. Into the last 5 minutes. Daniels defending at the back for Cambridge as Smith looks to take the ball on. The ball played back to Shults her clearance doesn’t get any height goes between Nicholls and Smith as they look to close her down, comes onto Goddard in midfield tries to hit it first time knowing the keeper is off her line but doesn’t catch it clean the ball put wide right of goal.

  Lempek with a good touch to see the ball down turns to play it forwards almost sending Docking through on goal, the flag though halting her advance. McCrae lining up a strike from range, Otten putting in the block away for a throw on the right, Histon looking to press crossing into the box, defended near side, Shults bringing it down safely into her gloves. Katie Walter coming on to see out the closing stages of the final for Cambridge replacing Hjaltun-Rayner. 

 Docking played in down Cambridge’s left, gets on the move driving forwards all the way into the box eventually stopped by Krueger. Into stoppage time, Cambridge winning a throw in the left Coe crossing the ball into the top of the area, Leyland getting her head on the ball, Cobb pushing on win the ball back played back to the left, the cross dropped into the six yard box, hooked clear.

  Lempek on for Cobb through the middle send away to Stephenson right her cross low into the area cut out by Leyland. Cambridge keep coming late on Histon tiring winning a corner on the right, Whipped in with pace past Coe at the near post on for Rouse central lifts the ball up over the crossbar. Docking on the dribble with the ball looking to get into the box from the left sends a cross into the area, Goddard clearing for Histon. The final whistle blows and Cambridge are victorious winning this season’s Invitation Cup.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 2-0 Histon Ladies

  A dominant attacking display from Cambridge who were made to work hard for the win taking an early lead it wasn’t until they had entered the final 15 minutes of the game before they found a way through to double their lead. Got forwards well winning the 2nd balls and using the pitch. Histon with a battling defensive display made Cambridge work for the win defending deep leaving little room to exploit inside the area, at 1-0 were never out of the game although they had few chances to find a goal themselves eventually tiring can be proud of their effort. Have 3 big league games left to play 2nd spot in the league very much the goal. Cambridge’s season done now, ending with silverware time to enjoy the rest, be ready for next season, FAWNL South East Division One will be more competitive than ever.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, plenty of fine performances but one clear winner for me. Credit goes to the entire Histon squad for their battling defensive display had to keep it tight as a unit to keep Cambridge at bay, captain Laura Leyland and Claire Krueger in particular putting in a number of blocks and crucial tackles. Molly Banks and Jessica McCrae pushed back on the defence winning the ball. Mollie Childerley and Freya Goddard out on the flanks having alot to do throughout but kept at it. For Cambridge, Serina Cobb and Sammy Edgar get stuck in in midfield to win the ball back keep the pressure on continuously. Charlotte Gillies linking up well with Hjaltun-Rayner on the right, likewise Olivia Welham on the left pushing on to support Becca Stephenson whose movement on the left and coming central caused problems throughout made some fantastic runs opening the scoring with a superb strike. The award goes to midfielder, Rosy Wodhams was a threat throughout the game taking the ball on with numerous marauding runs linking up with the attack and getting into some great positions.

Cambridge United WFC 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

 Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

 Gisela Otten’s final game for Cambridge has been fantastic for the club since her arrival a pleasure to have sponsored her for one of those seasons. Sophie Hopkin a legend in her own right for Histon making 100 appearances for the club, congratulations. my thanks to both clubs for their help with the starting line-ups this evening. One final down straight back at it with the Junior Invitation Cup at last the finals are here in abundance but I’ve still get maybe 10 games to go before I can rest…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Leverington Sports Ladies v Newmarket Town Women Development

Wednesday 9th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

 Heading over to Ely this Wednesday evening for another slice of Cup Final action, this time from Cambridgeshire the Women’s League Cup, being contested by Leverington Sports Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development.

 The Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One title clinched by Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds with 2 games to spare, celebrating becoming league Champions in their 20th season! The League Cup Final and all Division One clash with both sides picking off notable scalps along the way. Leverington Sports Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development in good positions to push for a 4 four finish with a handful of matches left.

This evenings prize

 Tonight though it’s all about the cup, Leverington Sports Ladies reaching the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup last season, making it to the League Cup final this time around. Haven’t had the consistency they would like though out the season winning as many as they’ve lost, injuries to key players have certainly not helped in that regards, nevertheless have picked up some good results along the way.

Sophie Swinden no captaining the side one of the leading strikers in the county prolific for Leverington going all the way back to they time as Wisbech. Once again leading goal scorer for the club this season with 22 goals from her 17 appearances. Caitlin Burdett has 6 from her 17 games and Paulina Potoplak with 5 goals. Goals throughout the side too with 14 out of the 24 players used so far this season getting on the scoresheet.

 Newmarket Town Women Development currently 4th in Division One bouncing back well from a tough opening to the season losing their 3 opening matches, the young squad going on to lose just the once in 8 league games since, winning 7 of those. Newmarket very much a club built on youth with youth teams at most age groups players progressing through those sides into their U18’s and Development side then ultimately the 1st team as several of this season’s development squad have featured this campaign. 

  A strong women’s section backing up the first team in the ERWFL, the Development squad strong with 30 players used this season, Amber May the top scorer with 13 goals from her 12 matches, close behind Cerys Bithell who has 11 to her name rom 16 games. Alex Shelford has 6 goals with Ailie Rennie on 5. Won 3-2 away to Leverington earlier in the season.

Road to the Final

  Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st round of the competition. Leverington were drawn away in the 2nd round to play Division Two side, St Ives Town Ladies, ran out comfortable winners racking up the goals with Sophie Swinden netting herself a hat-trick along with goals for Nicole Butler, Ellie Curson, Rhianna Butler, Caitlin Burdett and Samantha Bignall in a 9-2 victory. Plenty of goals too in Newmarket’s 2nd round tie as they were drawn away to fellow Division One side, Wimblington Ladies. The hosts themselves scoring 3 goals the game back and forth Newmarket coming out on top to win the game 5-3 with Cerys Bithell scoring a brace, along with goals for Niamh Bridgeman, Alex Shelford and Hannah Marsh.

 Onto round 3, Leverington drawn at home taking on fellow Division One side, Godmanchester Town Ladies who at the time were mounting a strong challenge with Fulbourn for the title itself. Leverington though fought hard with Godmanchester finding the back of the net for 2 goals, so too did the hosts with Swinden and Samantha Davis scoring to 2nd the tie to a dramatic penalty shootout, going all the way to sudden death Leverington coming out on top to win 7-6 to advance to the quarter finals. Plenty of goals in Newmarket’s 3rd round tie having been drawn away to Division Two side, Willingham Wolves Women, Cerys Bithell scoring 5 goals in the match, half the final tally with Newmarket coming away 10-3 victors, Amber May netting a brace too with a goal each for Cara Moon, Milly Charles and Shelford.

  Into the last 8 with Leverington making the trip over to Rutland to play fellow Division One side, Ketton Ladies. Lacey Metcalfe opening the scoring early in the game to see Leverington 1-0 up at the break with Ellena Sequerah-Salmon, Swinden and Burdett all getting a goal in the 2nd half to see the job done with a 4-0 result to march into the semi-finals. Newmarket away too, taking on Division Two high flyers, Soham Town Rangers Women. A potential banana skin, the hosts pushed Newmarket all the way, the game finishing 2-2 after 90 minutes going on to be decided from the penalty spot. Newmarket comfortable in the shootout scoring their penalties to win 4-1 to advance to the last 4, Marsh and Sophie Carter with the goals for the visitors in regular play.

  An all Division One line-up in the semi-finals, Leverington hosting Cambridge Rangers WFC, who have reached this season, Cambs FA Women’s Junior Invitation Cup final. Swinden scoring for Leverington, Rangers were to come back to level the scores and with no more goals forthcoming in regular play we were to see another penalty shootout, Leverington cool from the spot to win 3-1 to win through to the League cup final. Newmarket were definitely the underdog as they were taking on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds away from home in there semi-final. The champions elect with a 2-0 lead at the break looking in good shape to go on to reach the final however Newmarket had other idea coming back well in the 2nd half with both Amber May and Ailie Rennie scoring a brace each plus an own goal to turn the game on it’s head and see Newmarket through to the League Cup final courtesy of a 5-2 win. 

 Ely City Fc’s, Demcom Stadium the venue for this evenings final. Has hosted many Cambs finals, the clubs Women’s side going from strength to strength too, pushing hard for the title in Division Three and reaching the final of the Junior Invitation Cup Final to be held a Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium on May the 1st. The ground situated behind Ely’s Leisure Village with other sporting facilities. The large grass pitch overlooked by a seated stand above the changing rooms with the clubhouse and kitchen open beside serving hot food and drink. The pitch itself seeing alot of action looking good from a distance certainly patchy in places close up and with the recent lack of decent rainfall a little firm underfoot as with several pitches I’ve visited recently. Still offers good width and a good test of fitness too. The weather as mentioned dry of late another sunny day the sun setting over the trees behind one goal the lights coming on for kick-off as referee Theresa Robichaux leads the two sides out onto the pitch. 

 Leverington Sports Ladies starting XI – Holly Bantoft, Libbie Wykes, Samantha Davis, Jade Court, Olivia Holden, Katie Garner, Ellie Curson, Paulina Potoplak, Caitlin Burdett, Rhianna Butler & Sophie Swinden (C). Subs – Ebonie Goode, Lacey Metcalfe, Abigail Sommerville, Ellena Sequerah-Salmon & Tianna Schunmann.

Leverington Sports Ladies

 Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Linger (C), Peyton Caranta, Becca Reynolds, Jazmine Sarpong, Alex Shelford, Ailie Rennie, Sophie Carter, Cerys Bithell, Amber May & Amelia Thompson. Suds – Niamh Bridgeman, Eden Kirby-Cook, Fliss Payne, Cara Moon & Alice Nicholson.

Newmarket Town Women (plus mascots) before kick-off

Captains Sophie Swinden and jess Linger with this evenings match officials (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Both sides missing players though injury for the League Cup final, it’s Leverington to take the kick-off 1st half wearing orange coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into the defence shifted to the right, Newmarket racing forwards looknig to close the ball down quickly pressure the back line, Jade Court sending the ball long into the right channel looking for Sophie Swinden in attack, Jazmine Sarpong stepping up from centre back to head the ball back into the opposition half.

Newmarket defender, Jazmine Sarpong (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Leverington battling to get hold of the ball in the centre Ellie Curson sending it out to the right, Paulina Potoplak getting forwards with Swinden coming over to support, takes the ball on down the line firing a shot in low on the angle, Charlotte Duhy in goal for Newmarket has the angle covered down low at her near post to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Newmarket moving the ball out to the right the diagonal ball finding Cerys Bithell on the attack charging forwards looknig to get into the box, Leverington’s Samantha Davies going with her getting across the attacker to push the ball on into the area for her goal keeper, Hannah Bantoft to clear.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

A lively opening both sides looking to move the ball forwards quickly, tackles in midfield the ball popping out to Bithell on the right, going forwards looking to link up with Amber May, Davies again getting a foot in to break up the move. Leverington break wide right, Swindon with the ball looking to hold of Sarpong as the defender forces her to the by-line, the striker winning her side a corner kick. Curled in towards the near post, attacked by Curson for Leverington but behind for a goal kick.

Leverington’s Ellie Curson (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Already looks to be a good contest forming between Bithell out on the right attacking for Newmarket and Davies defending at full back for Leverington, Davies looking to hold Bithell up on the wing as she attempts to get the ball down the line checks back to give herself half a yard to whip a pacy cross low into the six yard box, May in front of goal looking to get it down and turn to shoot, is quickly closed down by three Leverington players the blocking tackle seeing the ball cleared away for a throw on the right.

Leverington winning the ball back in defence send it clear up the left flank for Rhianna Butler to attack, Newmarket captain, Jess Linger moving up to get her head on the ball sending it out of play before Butler can attempt to get in behind. Newmarket looking to get the ball into the wings, Ailie Rennie in midfield clipping a diagonal ball into Alex Shelford out on the right moving into the corner, a push in the back from Davies seeing a free-kick awarded. Linger is a dead ball specialist over the set-piece fires it with power low into the packed six yard box, the ball won by a Leverington boot, cleared.

Newmarket captain, jess Linger (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket pressing the ball quick to get it back, Rennie with Sophie Carter played out to Bithell on the right side looks to surge forwards, Davies lunging in across her to see the ball back in Leverington possession. Katie Garner sending the pass out to Potoplak right side has Swinden on the move ahead of her, sending it into her path, Swinden winning a corner on the by-line as Peyton Caranta steps in to make the challenge. Another near post delivery plenty of bodies there Newmarket defending to successfully clear the ball.

Newmarket’s Peyton Caranta with Leverington’s Caitlin Burdett (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Is shaping up to be a physical contest, Leverington pressing the ball in the final 3rd, Curson 25 yards out central moving right prodded on for Caitlin Burdett then Swinden wide of goal her shot from the edge of the area charged down spinning away for a throw in the right. Leverington keeping the ball in the final 3rd Garner to Curson central swept out to Swinden in the right channel from the angle lets fly a powerful strike rising in on goal, Duhy making a good save getting her gloves up to tip the ball wide for a corner kick.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

Leverington sending the right sided corner in high to the near post, Rennie getting up amongst bodies to get her head on the ball to clear, but taking a knock on the head in the process going down. Play stopped so she can be seen to, but the midfielder is back up on her feet ready to play on. Leverington winning the ball well in midfield Curson getting about the park feeding a pass into the left channel for Butler to attack, pressing on, Linger coming to close her down getting her foot on the ball to send it out of play.

Play stopped outside the Newmarket box, 30 yards out to the left of goal, Leverington with the drop ball,  Curson hooking it on into the box towards the far post, the Newmarket defence clearing it back to the top of the area, fizzed back in toward Swinden 8 yards out to the right of goal, strikes it in low, Duhy down quickly making the blocking save beating the ball away to safety.

Newmarket’s Becca Reynolds (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket lively on the flanks press Left, Shelford into May racing forwards, Libbie Wykes diving in to make the tackle for Leverington. Off the resulting throw, May gets the ball to the by-line turning into the area, little room to work with as Wykes and Court converge on her, the ball squeezed out for a goal-kick. Newmarket finding a bit of momentum going forwards Carter looking to put a diagonal ball on for Bithell looking to make a right channel run inside Davies, the pass instead intercepted by Holden for Leverington.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

Bithell providing a good outlet for Newmarket on the right n the move the instant the defence wins the ball, Becca Reynolds into Rennie in the middle, clipped on for Bithell, nearly gets away from Davies however the full back with a burst of pace getting back across her as they run into the box to shield the ball back to Bantoft. Bithell breaking again right side looking to get onto the end of a cross field pass into the box from Shelford, Bantoft quick off her line to get to the ball first.

Curson winning the ball in front of her defence bringing it forwards, Butler on the move left side, helping the ball on looks to play Swinden in with the through ball, instead cut out by Reynolds. End to end the ball rarely still fed out to Bithell right side for Newmarket, Davies  in with a robust tackle to win the ball back, Curson coming over to the left to take it on lifting it on for Butler up the line, Linger putting her foot in to halt the advance.

Coming up to half an hour played, Leverington working the ball left Curson up with Butler a high ball looped up into the middle of the six yard box won’t fall kindly before Burdett to get a stab at goal before Sarpong gets her take in to get the ball away, falls to Potoplak left of the D, 20 yards out shifts it left before striking in in low to the near post, behind it so can see the keepers view is obscured, nevertheless Duhy reacts well getting down sharply to get her gloves on the ball, deflecting it onto the post and snatches hold of it on the rebound.

Leverington captain, Sophie Swinden

 The ball hotly contested in midfield, back and forth, Curson getting stuck in after the ball, Rennie getting it out to the right, Bithell knocking it forwards trying to get a yard on Davies, the full back recovering to lunge in take the ball out for a throw in, Newmarket working it down the line from the throw in to win a corner on the right. Players up from the back as the delivery in curled into the six yard box at an inviting height, Rennie central rising to meet it with her head, knocking the ball down, straight at Bantoft who produces a good save from close range.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Burdett on the right for Leverington plays it inside for Potoplak travelling infield with the ball feeds it into Swinden 20 yards out right of the D, back to goal looks to spin inside to get a shot away can’t shake off Sarpong however the defender challenging to win the ball back. Caranta left on for May on the left, Thompson up with her Court moving over to support Wykes putting in the tackle to win the ball. May then winning a corner on the left as Court comes to close her down on the by-line.

  A teasing delivery whipped in to the six yard box from the corner on the left, bouncing out beyond the far post no one getting a touch. Another Newmarket player shoved off the ball, needing treatment. Play resuming with a corner to Newmarket, Linger sending in into the six yard box another good delivery, Bantoft rising to throw her arm up to punch the ball away to the left. Leverington build through the middle, Garner on for Curson attempting to slid the pass in behind for Swinden pulling off, Sarpong’s shoulder right of goal, Duhy though seeing the threat quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. 

Newmarket’s Cerys Bithell (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Leverington push players on from midfield, Garner out to Potoplak right, shifting the ball between her feet drops her shoulder moving inside to send the ball in across the top of the area to Butler, left side 20 yards out, Linger in to close her down the ball out for a throw that side. Taken quickly Curson up with Butler the ball crossed into the box cleared by Sarpong, drops to Garner still up field after the earlier attack, strikes the ball from range, wide of the mark.

 Sarpong pushing up to halfway winning a long ball clearing it on the volley forwards into the path off Bithell on the right channel, 20 yards out takes on the early shot, struck low, Bantoft getting down to make the save. Sarpong intercepting at the back for Newmarket as Curson attempt to find Potoplak moving into the right channel. Newmarket press high the ball won back by Carter inside the Leverington half put diagonally into May moving from centre to right into the box fining space to attack closing down on the six yard box goes to send her shot across the keeper. Bantoft diving throwing out an outstretched arm saving to turn the ball on across goal, running on to Thompson running in beyond the far past. Court rushing in to try and win the ball the shot is clipped narrowly wide of the upright.

GOAL! The deadlock is broken, as Leverington exploit an error at the back from Newmarket, Sarpong seeing a clearance down into her feet carries the ball forwards into midfield, running into Garner who regains possession and sends it forwards into the channel vacated by the defender, knowing that’s exactly where the experienced Swinden is going to exploit, bearing down on the box, shoots before Duhy rushing out to close her down can reach her, sending the ball racing past the keeper into the back of the vacant net 1-0.

Sophie Swinden congratulated by her teammates as she fires Leverington into the lead (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Leverington having to work hard at the back to keep things tight, Court winning the ball well, bringing it out from the back, attempts to go long with Swinden making a run central to the right, Reynolds cutting the ball out. Game remains physical as the ball is hotly contested. Bithell down picking up a knock as the 1st half enters the final 5 minutes. Back and forth, Court cutting the ball out at the back for Leverington, Sarpong in turn winning it at the other end as Swinden looks to steal in behind.

 A cross field ball from Newmarket sees Shelford break forwards into the box to the left of goal, Bantoft rushing out to close down the angle making the blocking save, the rebound outside the area, Thompson looking to get on the end of it, Court sliding in to nick clear for Leverington. Newmarket pushing hard for a goal late in the half, Carter taking the ball forwards moving left sends it on for May pushing into the, Court timing her tackle to win the ball for Leverington away for a corner kick.

 it long from the left across goal headed back across the face at the far post, defended at the opposite post seen safely into the keepers gloves. Davies looks to bring the ball on left side for Leverington on for Butler, shakes off Linger the ball inside for Curson, Reynolds in close to prevent her turning on the ball. May brought down as she attacks on the right for Newmarket. Linger over the set-piece from deep launched into the box, Curson back to deal with it for Leverington. 

  Curson bringing it forwards trying to slide Butler in on the left, Duhy out to to the top of her area getting there first. Court in strong to win it again at the back for Leverington cleared up to Swinden on the right wing, Caranta moving in to close her down for Newmarket, looks to find Thompson in attack, Garner getting her head on the ball to turn it out for a throw in.

Half-time Leverington Sports Ladies 1-0 Newmarket Town Women Development

  A fast paced first half draws to a close with Leverington holding a slender advantage over Newmarket with Swinden put through on goal to break the dead lock late in the first half. Has been a physical game with Leverington getting stuck into Newmarket using their experience to get on with the ball with Swinden up top moving across the back line constantly looking for an opening. Newmarket looking to look move the ball quickly get it out into the flanks drive forwards both sides forcing excellent saves from their respective keepers the final remains delicately poised for the 2nd half. 

  A good sized crowd here to support the teams, Newmarket with a number of their youth teams in attendance shouting encouragement to the team. Newmarket making two changes at the break with Thompson and Shelford coming off in attack, Fliss Payne and Niamh Bridgeman coming on once all nose studs have been removed, the change of personal seeing Bithell taking up an attacking berth on the left. No changes at the break for Leverington as Newmarket get the 2nd period under way. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be decided on penalties.

  Put back into Rennie, Leverington straight in to close her down, Swinden coming away with the ball, taking a punt on the keeper being out of position tries her luck from range, the ball bouncing harmlessly wide. May coming trough the middle in attack with Bithell as Rennie slides the ball through to her in the right channel, Holden cutting the pass out in defence for Leverington. 

Newmarket’s Sophie Carter

  Caranta pushing up from left back sending the ball up the line for Bithell, Court rushing in to slide in to take the ball from her. Newmarket keep on the left Payne up with Bithell to win Newmarket a corner kick, the delivery swung in to the near post, Curson there to defend head the ball clear for Leverington. Wykes playing Burdett on up the right wing moves inside to feed the ball into Swinden positioned top of the area back to goal holding off Sarpong as she looks to turn into the area, the defender keeping tight on her to stab a foot in to take the ball away from her. 

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Rennie winning the ball well in the middle for Newmarket getting her side on the front foot, played forwards, May winning a corner, again it’s Curson who meets it to clear for Leverington. A little bit of frustration creeping into the game, Caranta looking to shield the ball out of play for a Newmarket throw opposite the Leverington dugout gets a cynical shove in the back from Burdett that sends the full back tumbling onto the packed earth bashing her head on the seats in the process. 

 Hardly any need, tempers for treatment the senior players for Leverington quick to clam things down, Burdett shown a yellow card. Caranta eventually back up on her feet and keen to return to the pitch. The incident stirring both sides up Newmarket increasing their intensity as she push for the ball inside the Leverington half, Rennie sending a diagonal ball into, May’s path right of goal, Davies diving in to make the tackle.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Burdett with the ball on the right dropping her shoulder to skip infield 25 yards out rolls the ball in central Curson charging forwards, Rennie though tracking back to intercept the ball. May charging down Holden as she goes to clear the ball at the back for Leverington, 30 yards out right of the D, May in behind going for the early strike dropping wide of Bantoft’s left post, Bithell interested as she goes to retrieve on the by-line, Wykes with her the full back seeing it out for a goal kick. 

  Garner taking a throw on the right for Leverington knocked back towards her as she moves forwards, lunging forwards to try and keep it in play Bithell runs into her receiving a painful blow to the stomach colliding with the midfielders arm. Heavily winded in some discomfort an accidental collision struggling to get her breath the decision is made quickly to take her off bring on Eden Kirby-Cook.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

 An hour played, Caranta pushing up on the left trying to get it forwards to Payne, Garner in the way to turn the ball out for a throw. A combative game Newmarket giving s good a they get in the 2nd half, limiting balls through to Swinden in attack. That said, Swinden is always alert to an opportunity as Leverington come inside from the left Butler into Potoplak central feed it into the box for Swinden right of goal does well to shake off Sarpong turning to shot but gets an unkind bounce as she looks to strike it on the half volley slicing her effort wide.

Jade Court sliding in to win the ball for Leverington (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Kirby-Cook seeing the ball rolled into her path by Payne coming inside from the left drives on towards the box, opting to shoot early the ball racing in to the near post, Bantoft getting down to see the ball up into her gloves. Leverington making their first change with Garner the player coming off, Ebonie Goode coming on. Court all action in defence putting in a number of crucial tackle, hurting herself in the process. Slides in to deny May as she looks to link up with Kirby-Cook.

GOAL! Payne taking the resulting throw launches it towards the top corner of the box, knocked up into the air by a Leverington defender, Bridgeman getting something on it beyond to put it on into the top of the D, for Rennie running onto the ball, gets her foot under the ball to hook it goal wards looping over the keeper and under the crossbar to level the scores 1-1. 

Ailie Rennie scoring the equaliser for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket back on level terms 25 minutes into the 2nd half. Leverington looking to build an attack on the left, Goode working the ball forwards with Butler, Linger challenging to get the ball into the middle, Carter looking to get it forwards. Caranta pushing further up 2nd half driving inside, Court intercepting her attempted through ball for Bridgeman. Court hurt in some pain needing treatment appears to be cramp is up but not moving as freely. Leverington bringing on Lacey Metcalfe in place of Butler

 GOAL! The game turned on it’s head with Newmarket taking the lead just 4 minutes after finding the equaliser, a goal kick falling to Payne to the left 30 plus yards out, knocks it forwards straight into the path of Bridgeman in behind the defence right of the D, racing on pulls the trigger, smashing her shot past Bantoft, inside the right post! 1-2.

Niamh Bridgeman fires Newmarket into the lead (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Newmarket’s young side full of energy, energized further as they take the lead in this evenings final. Caranta storming into midfield with the ball, feeding another through ball into Bridgeman , this time though Bantoft is rapidly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Newmarket lively Rennie out to May on the right driving into the box, on the angle Bantoft rushing out to close the angle May shoots into the side netting. 

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Court clearing for Leverington at the top of her area as may attempts to get onto a ball lifted over the top. Leverington starting to tire, winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half lifted forwards towards Potoplak outside the box left of the D, her shot deflected behind for a corner kick on the left. In short cleared for a 2nd corner. Aimed higher this time angled into the near post, Sarpong up to head the ball clear.

  Leverington winning another free-kick on the left, dropping into the D, Rennie trying to get it clear giving away the free-kick. Sent into the box, bouncing at the near post, Duhy needs to keep her eye on the ball even as she is closed down and does taking it well above her head. The game stretched moving into the last 10 minutes, May racing forwards looking to get onto the end of a long clearance, Bantoft racing out of her area needs to get there first and does.

Hannah Bantoft claiming the ball for Leverington (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Caranta fouled out on the left, inside the Leverington half, Linger coming over to take the set-piece, swung in on target, easy for Bantoft, who looks to get the ball up field quickly into Swinden on halfway back to goal sees it down for Wykes looking to get on right side, Kirby-Cook making the challenge to halt the advance. Court has gone down again and looks in trouble a lengthy pause as she’s seen too on the pitch, can’t continue and needs to be carried to the side lines as Leverington are forced into another change. 

 Newmarket pushing up winning a corner on the left, fired into the six yard box with runners coming in turned behind for a 2nd corner. Whipped in from the left into the near post a Kirby-Cook taking a swing at it from close range, hitting Bantoft beyond diving forwards to get her gloves around the ball. Leverington look to break quickly with the clock ticking down on for Burdett right, looks to drive on, Caranta coming back at her to nip in to turn the ball out for a throw in.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Wykes bringing the ball on right for Newmarket into Burdett inside the right channel 25 yards out looks to drive in central looking for an opening, Caranta, going with her getting a touch on the ball, falls loose in the box with the ever alert Swinden about to latch onto it right side of goal, Reynolds across on the cover to make the blocking tackle get the ball away from danger. 

 Into stoppage time several minutes to come with the pauses for injury in the 2nd half, Leverington looknig for one last effort to try and find a goal to at least force the final to a penalty shootout. Newmarket in turn still looknig for a 3rd goal to kill off the game break right may powering on into the box, Potoplak rushing back to defend for Leverington sliding in to make the tackle risky but times it well the referee quickly to wave away any appeals. 

Paulina Potoplak sliding in to tackle (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Leverington with a free-kick top of the circle barely any time left the ball hooked up to the top of the area, Newmarket winning the header, look to break out with pace. Comes all the way back to Bantoft the keeper launching it up to halfway Swinden turning it out to the right for Curson looking to break forwards, Caranta in on her to cut e pass out as the referee blows up for full-time and Newmarket rush together to celebrate as they win the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup.

Full time Leverington Sports Ladies 1-2 Newmarket Town Women Development

  Newmarket turning the game around having been trailing at the end of the first half, coming out with a positive plan 2nd half getting players forwards well to find the equalising goal midway through the 2nd half and with the momentum firmly on their side going on to take the lead just 4 minutes later. A physical contest two contrasting sides playing out a good battle, Newmarket coping better in the 2nd half, limiting the balls through to Swinden up top nevertheless despite picking up more injuries Leverington fought hard throughout, just could find that one golden chance to get themselves back on level terms in the final 20 minutes. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Plenty of contenders for this one no doubt about in performances of note on both sides. Firstly for Leverington, Ellie Curson had a great game in midfield, getting about the pitch to win the ball and link up with the forward players, getting her tackles in throughout. Hannah Bantoft producing some excellent saves to keep the score low. Sophie Swinden moving about the Newmarket back line constantly looking for an opening firing her side in front. Samantha Davies winning her fair share of tackles, Jade Court putting her body on the line winning the ball well with some crunching tackles busy at the back picking up an injury hoping it’s not too serious. For Newmarket a collective effort to get the ball forwards build momentum in the 2nd half. Jazmine Sarpong with a number of tackles and interceptions at the back. Peyton Caranta at full back fired up using that energy to positive effect. Cerys Bithell too providing a great outlet on the right first half, creating chances for herself and others. Amber May with some positive attacking runs. On the night the award went to midfielder, Ailie Rennie and I have to agree strong in the middle of the park, read the game well and got involved throughout whether tracking back to defend or getting forwards to join the attack getting Newmarket back on level terms.

Newmarket Town Women Development 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Congratulations to Newmarket Town Women Development on winning this evenings Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

An enjoyable evening coming back to Ely City FC for another final, this just happens to be my 600th match report too. Can hardly believe it! These things are a joy to write because no tow matches are ever the same (and I rarely get a 0-0). My thanks to both clubs for their help tonight, along with the staff at Cambs FA. My thanks to too Sean Doyle for the use of his pictures throughout the report. Plenty more games to cup, several of those finals busy right up to the end of May. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Luton Town Ladies Reserves v Stotfold Women

Sunday 23rd March

Bedfordshire FA Women’s Junior Cup Final

A trip down into Bedfordshire this Sunday to watch my first cup final of the season. Beds FA hosting their inaugural, Women’s Junior Cup Final, with Luton Town Ladies Reserves taking on Stotfold Women for the trophy.

Bedfordshire FA following their neighbours in Hertfordshire by splitting their County Cup competition into 2, with the teams playing at various levels across the county divided between the Senior and Junior Cups, this having several advantages, gives teams lower down the pyramid a better chance to compete for silverware, hopefully reduces landslide score lines that does no one any favours and frees up Sundays to get other matches played. The Senior County Cup final dominated between Luton and Bedford in recent season’s the final taking place at Kenilworth Road just this Thursday in front of over 1000 supporters, Real Bedford Women beating Luton Town Ladies 5-0 to lift the cup.

The new Junior Cup featuring those sides playing across the county leagues tiers 7 and below, Bedfordshire seeing a study growth in new women’s sides in recent season’s those sides playing in a combined Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire county league set-up consisting of 4 divisions.

Today’s prize

  Luton Town Ladies Reserves the exception to that in that they play in the Greater London Women’s Premier Division. Currently 8th in the table, have had a tough campaign league wise 2 wins from their opening 11 games, have however pulled clear of the drop zone with back to back victories coming into today’s junior cup final and will be buoyed by recent performances. Sanam Shahid their top scorer with 10 goals to her name from 13 appearances, Carla Todd and Shakeela Hussain both with 6 goals each.

 Stotfold Women return to Kempston Rovers FC after almost a year back then celebrating winning the Beds & Herts League Cup. That victory in their debut season have continued to show great form coming into this season, currently 2nd in the Premier Division table 3 points behind leaders Hitchin Belles Women Blues with a match in hand. Reached the least 4 of this season’s League Cup, eventually bowing out in a penalty shootout with Ware United Ladies.  Amber Olney and Charlotte Peters providing good competition for the top scorer spot with both on 11 goals from 14 games. Millie Fraser has 8 from her 13 appearances while Amy Jack is on 6 goals.

Road to the Final

 15 clubs entering the new Beds FA Women’s Junior Cup, both Luton Town Ladies Reserves and Stotfold Women progressing straight to the quarter finals awarded home wins respectfully. Into the last 8, Luton Town Ladies Reserves were drawn at home to new side Leighton Woodside Women emerging as one of the title contenders in Beds and Herts Division Three, won 2-0, a brace from Shakeela Hussain seeing Luton into the semi-finals. Stotfold Women too were on home turf for their quarter final taking on Beds & Herts Division One side Real Bedford Women Development a potential tricky opponent, a single goal in the 2nd half from Charlotte Ryan enough to secure the win for Stotfold to advance to the last 4 of the competition. 

 Luton Town Ladies Reserves away to Beds & Herts Division One side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses, the visitors scoring twice in the 2nd half, Luton though were on target for three goals, with Caitlin O’Connor, Monet-Grace Wille and Sanam Shahid all or target to send the home side through to the Junior Cup final. Stotfold Women also on the road for their semi-final clash taking on fellow premier Division side, Biggleswade United Women Development, goals from Bonni Woodward, Millie Fraser, Charlotte Peters and Amy Jack seeing them comfortably through to the final courtesy of a 4-0 win.

 Kempston Rovers FC the venue for today’s Junior Cup final. A large grass pitch with a slight slope from one goal mouth to the other, the clubhouse open up the steps leading to the main stand providing some seating and terracing under cover with standing viewing all round. Artificial pitches always busy beside the main pitch. The kitchen hatch open too serving hot food and drinks. An overcast day as we enter spring, not overly warm will rain showers likely during the match.

 Luton Town Ladies Reserves starting XI – Leah Robinson, Hannah Major, Erin McGovern (C), Patience Ndlovu, Chloe Gibbs, Lilac Wilson, Caitlin O’Connor, Carla Todd, Bailey Plumbridge, Shakeela Hussain & Sanam Shahid. Subs – Scarlet O’Dell, Tierra Brookes, Kimberly Newns, Keira Richards & Monet-Grace Wille.

Luton Town Ladies Reserves

 Stotfold Women starting XI – Orlagh Daly, Hollie Sibbett, Chloe Keller, Charlotte Ryan, Bonni Woodward, Amy Jack (C), Cleo Haynes, Millie Fraser, Leigh Burrows-Hall, Charlotte Peters & Amber Olney. Subs – Amelia Bacon, Keira How, Gracie Applin, Nieve Buckley & Maizie Marsh.

Stotfold Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Today’s referee Sarah King and her assistants with team captains, Amy Jack and Erin McGovern

 It’s Luton who will take the kick-off in the first half wearing orange coloured shirts with a vertical white band on the front, navy shorts and orange socks. Stotfold wearing their away colours purple shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball rolled into Lilac Wilson in midfield she launches it up into the right channel for Sanam Shahid to have an early run at the defence, Charlotte Ryan intercepting the ball at the back and clearing for Stotfold.

  Cleo Haynes getting hold of the ball in the centre of midfield for Stotfold driving forwards, has Leigh Burrows-Hall making a forward run into the right channel, looks to play the ball through to her, a little too much on it, Luton goalkeeper, Leah Robinson can come out to the top of her box to get an early feel of the ball. 

Cleo Haynes with an early attack for Stotfold Women

 Robinson’s kick up field, mis-read by the Stotfold back line allowed to bounce, sees Shahid suddenly interested darting after the ball, Bonni Woodward, getting her head on it to send it back to her goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly before she can pounce. Stotfold moving quickly to launch a counter attack the ball rolled on for Haynes breaking down the right side, the cross inside to the top of the area, Amber Olney looking to run onto the ball, Robinson again sharp out to the top of her box getting down to smother the ball.

  Luton making a lively start getting plays forwards quickly Bailey Plumbridge out on the right, taking the ball on seeing her cross snubbed out by Woodward. Luton winning a free-kick on halfway, players up to the top of the area as Wilson sends the ball in, Woodward winning the header turning the ball on her Daly to claim. 

  Another long kick forwards by Luton causing issues at the back for Stotfold, as Shahid looks to use her pace to get after the bouncing back, Daly calling racing out of her defence to put her foot through the ball, ends up smashing it into Ryan, the ball rebounding back of the defender to race wide of the left post for a corner kick.

 GOAL! A great ball in from the corner on the left swung into the six yard box met by Caitlin O-Connor centrally getting a touch with her head to knock the ball down towards goal evading everyone to roll over the line and open the scoring 1-0.

 Luton with an early lead making a fast start to the game inside 5 minutes, Shahid and Shakeela Hussain up top looking to drive at the defence with Plumbridge and Carla Todd pushing up on the flanks, that pushing Stotfold’s midfielder deeper, captain Amy Jack nipping in to regain possession for Stotfold on to Haynes in the middle takes the ball on lifting it up to Olney in attack, Chloe Gibbs moving in to close her down 25 yards out, her central defensive partner Patience Ndlovu on hand to clear the ball.

  Todd bringing the ball on up the right for Luton, checks inside, Chloe Keller getting back on her to get her foot on the ball knock it out of her path, jack bringing in forwards for Stotfold, into Charlotte Peters, Wilson preventing the ball going forwards setting Luton back on the attack. Stotfold looking nervous early on not settled, Luton looking to capitalise pressing high. 

 Jack fouling O’Connor as she brings the ball on right side for Luton, the free kick inside the Stotfold half, played into the box by Wilson, Todd right of goal seeing down flashing a shot low into the right post, Daly down sharply to push the ball away to her right, not cleared, Luton turning it back in across the six yard box, Plumbridge after it running in beyond the far post, Hollie Sibbett there to get the block in turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

  Haynes strong on the ball as she looks to drive through the middle for Stotfold, ends up getting fouled brought down by Ndlovu. The set-piece lifted in towards Peters positioned left of the D outside the box, gets her head on the ball, but can only drop it straight into Robinson’s gloves. 

  Plumbridge looking to burst forwards on the left for Luton, is upended winning the free-kick, takes it quickly herself playing the ball forwards onto Hussain central, shoots from outside the box and sweet strike threatening to angle in over the keeper, Daly though with a superb piece of goalkeeping, lean back throwing herself up to tip the ball over her crossbar. Another warning for Stotfold though caught off guard by the quickly taken free-kick.

Stotfold goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly.

  Luton snapping after the ball unsettling Stotfold forcing them deep, Jack helping her defence the midfield compressed, leaving Olney with too much to do up top when the ball is cleared up to her. Shahid caught offside as she looks to race in behind the defence as captain Erin McGovern wins the ball at the back for Luton setting up a rapid counter attack.

 Shahid with the ball at her feet powering forwards for Luton coming left plays it on for Plumbridge on the wing, held up by Sibbett, sends it back inside for Shahid central 20 yards out helps it on for Hussain to her right, Hussain taking on the shot from the top of the area right of goal, drilled in low, Daly diving across her goal to push the ball out to the left, Woodward in to close Plumbridge down as she looks to go after the loose ball.

Luton’s Shakeela Hussain

 Luton travel with the ball through the middle, O’Connor with Wilson played on for Hussain to attack in the right channel, Woodward looking to turn, comes together with Hussain, from my angle it looked like the attacker had impeded the defender, but my angles not the one that counts, the decision going the other way, with Luton awarded the free-kick. A dangerous position right of goal the ball swung in on target high, Daly again making the save tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick. 

GOAL! From the left the ball curled into the near post Shahid meeting it with her head turning the ball in towards goal, blocked on the line by Jack covering the near post heading the ball down into the middle of the box, The ball loose players rushing to meet it, Luton arriving first the ball stabbed off the turf to smash up against the crossbar, then as it lands Todd meets it on the follow up in front of goal to turn back across to the left of goal, Daly down to try and stop it not getting enough of the ball as it crosses the line to see double Luton their advantage 2-0.

Sanam Shahid’s near post header about to be cleared of the line by Stotfold captain, Amy Jack

However Luton keep the attack alive Carla Todd firing them into a 2 goal lead

  Stotfold conceding a 2nd goal on 16 minutes responding with a change, Keller coming off with Burrows-Hall going over to left back, Keira How coming on to take up a position on the right. Involved in the action straight away as Haynes looks to play the ball on down the right winning a throw high up the pitch. Stotfold winning a free-kick central around 35 yards out, Millie Fraser over the ball, sends it on on target but a straight forward catch for Robinson back on her line. 

Sanam Shahid on the attack for Luton

  O’Connor winning the ball back on the right for Luton inside the Stotfold half puts it forwards into Hussain 30 yards out, drags the ball across her body before unleashing a strike the ball racing wide of the left post. Ryan winning the ball well at the back for Stotfold giving it to Haynes in midfield, looking to take the ball on purpose sends it into the right channel for How to attack, Luton captain, Erin McGovern lunging in on her to send the ball out for a throw in high up the pitch.

 

  Stotfold getting players up to attack the throw finds in way in centrally, hit from range by Olney, Robinson called on to make the save pushing the ball away to her right. Luton making a change bringing of Shahid in attack on comes Monet-Grace Wille. Stotfold finding a bit of momentum going forwards with Fraser sending the ball forwards into Olney moving into the left channel, has Peters up with her, Hannah Major getting her foot in to turn the ball out for a throw in.

  Luton advance up the right, O’Connor linking up with Major and Todd eventually bringing a corner kick. From the right another vicious delivery turned in near post, Jack dealing with it for Stotfold. who look to break, through the middle, Major stepping up well to make the challenge keep her side in an attacking position Burrows-Hall, needing to lunge in to put the ball out for a throw as Todd looks to take the ball up the wing.

Luton’s Caitlin O’Connor

  Haynes making several strong runs on the ball for Stotfold driving through the middle, loos for Olney ahead of her, Gibbs cutting the pass out for Luton. Wilson crossing from deep on the right for Luton up to Hussain making a run to get into the box, Ryan with a well timed tackle inside the area to take the ball from her.

Keira How and Luton captain, Erin McGovern give chase to the ball

  Jack passing to How getting forwards for Stotfold into the right channel forcing Luton into conceding a corner kick. Swung in high across the six yard box, Olney rising centrally getting a glancing header turning the ball wide out to the left, retrieved by Stotfold played back in central to Haynes, looks to play it into Jack right of goal, just a little too much on the pass.

  Luton remain a threat on the counter attack full of pace, Plumbridge lively out on the left flashing the ball forwards, Ryan with a vital interception at the back, or risk Hussain, breaking in behind to go one on one with the keeper. A few spots of rain in the air as Stotfold get on well down the right Burrows-Hall up with Peters and Olney winning a corner kick. 

Cleo Haynes battling for possession with Luton’s Monet-Grace Wille

Leigh Burrows-Hall on the ball for Stotfold

 Into the final couple of minutes in the first half, Stotfold pushing hard late on to find a goal getting players into the final 3rd working the ball across the pitch winning a throw high on the right, have a long one in their arsenal. Ryan from the angle on the right fires a shot wide high past the far post. Stotfold looking to press high in the closing stages of the first half, Olney central with Haynes 20 yards out, goes down appears to have rolled her ankle, needing treatment isn’t good news can’t continue, comes off with Nieve Buckley sent on. 

 

  Jack and Petters combining on the left for Stotfold, with How moving across to offer her support, can’t find a way through into the Luton box as Major gets a foot on the ball to clear up field. 

Half-time Luton Town Ladies Reserves 2-0 Stotfold Women

  Luton leading 2-0 at the break as the sides head back to the changing rooms with a little rain in the air. Luton making by far the better start lively from the off running at a nervous looking Stotfold back line scoring inside the opening 5 minutes, snapped in to win the ball keeping their opponents forced back, Daly calling into action saving on a couple of occasions, before Luton snatched a 2nd goal from a contentious free-kick. Luton good value for their lead Stotfold making a change slowly working their way back into the game finding it tough to get plays on to support Olney up front in attack, the game more even in the final 2o minutes of the 1st half. A 2-0 score-line useful but another goal early in the 2nd half makes things alot more comfortable, Stotfold though know if they can score early they are right back into it too.

 Needing to protect the camera from the elements have retreated to the cover of the stand for the 2nd half. Appears to be no changes for either side as Stotfold get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back to Woodward in defence lifts it forwards into the right as How breaks forwards, Gibbs winning the header to play the ball out for a throw in for Luton. Woodward again with the ball at the back for Stotfold sends it on into the right wing for Olney to try and chase down, gets a useful nick off a defender to see the ball run out of play for a corner kick.

 GOAL! Players up from the back, as the delivery from the corner out on the right is served on a plate in central head height, Woodward running in on it unmarked stooping her head to drill it on past the keeper before she can react to pull a goal back straight away in the 2nd half 2-1. 

Bonni Woodward powers home header header to pull it back to 2-1 for Stotfold

 Just what Stotfold were looking for at the start of the 2nd had pulling a deficit back to a single goal. Luton complaining about a push the officials consulting but nothing doing the goal stands. Stotfold buoyed by the early goal snapping in to win the ball in the middle, Buckley with Fraser played on for Olney moving to attack the right wing, McGovern closing her down to clear the ball for Luton.

Amber Olney looking to get forwards for Stotfold

  Stotfold giving free-kicks away. Wilson over one on half way, Wilson over it clips a diagonal ball in toward the right of the D, Peters getting up to head the ball away to safety for Stotfold. O’Connor bundled over a heavy knock is down in need of treatment, but after taking a few moments is okay to continue, Robinson over the free-kick clips the ball long out to the right, intercepted by Peters however Stotfold look to counter quickly Peters attacking with the ball on the left as the keeper rushes to get back into position, Peters going on her own eventually squeezed off the ball before she can get into the box try to shoot.

Stotfold’s Charlotte Peters

 Both sides keen to get on the counter attack the game opening up a little, Luton sending Hussain away on the right channel, Woodward coming out to close her down challenging to the ball out for a throw in. Luton working the ball into the middle. Wilson 25 yards out going to line up a strike, Jack with the blocking tackle. Luton with pace on their flanks getting players up to support the attack quickly. Stotfold needing to keep players back or risk exposing gaps not as well equipped to get players forwards to support Olney up to as she looks to run the ball down, Gibbs and Ndlovu in the centre of defence able to double up on her. 

Luton goalkeeper Leah Robinson claiming the ball

   Wilson using the ball well for Luton in the middle has good option s left and right to spray the ball about the park, Plumbridge away on the left driving for the box, Woodward on her shoulder doing enough to see her force her attempted strike wide at the near post. Stotfold unhappy to with decisions going against them coming out wrong side of a few 50/50 challenges. Peters with support from jack out on the left sliding the ball up the line for How, the flag going up against her however a close call, leads to manager Tom Olney venting his frustration and getting shown a card by the referee.

  The game livened up both sides going for it, O’Connor shifting the ball between her feet sliding Plumbridge in down the left wing driving on Woodward out to close her down challenging to send the ball out for a throw in. McGovern stopping a Stotfold attack on their right, lays the ball infield to Wilson who in turn looks for Hussain in the right channel, Ryan throwing a leg out to intercept the ball for Stotfold. 

  The game end to end, Plumbridge flagged offside on the left as Hussain looks to play her in behind. Light rain falling Luton keeping Stotfold pushed back in defence, Wilson moving the ball Plumbridge bursting away on the left, into the area bearing down on goal, Ryan racing across to put in the block does enough to put the winger off as she fires her shot into the side netting. 

  Luton attacking players up on the right, Wille with Todd into the box for Hussain, meeting it on the volley angling her attempt over the bar. Woodward going in to win a 50/50 ball with Hussain on halfway is aggrieved as they concede another free-kick. Luton come right, Todd with O’Connor the ball crossed into the near post Hussain looking to meet it on the half volley back to goal a difficult one to control turns the ball behind for a goal kick.

Keira How attacking on the left for Stotfold

  How and Olney willing runners up top moving into the channels but closed down by the Luton defence before support can arrive from midfield. Wilson with the ball central for Luton sweeping the pass into Plumbridge on the left, Sibbett going in to make the blocking tackle, deflects the ball on as Plumbridge chases it to the by-line fires in a cross along the face of goal, cleared by Burrows-Hill at the far post.

 How played onto the ball up the left wing for Stotfold turns inside to loops a cross into the top of the area, Peters looking to head the ball on across goal, but grabbed up by the keeper. Hussain coming over to the left linking up with Wilson and Plumbridge for Luton the cross angled into the area cleared by Woodward. The rain falling more steadily as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Luton bringing off Hussain send Shahid back on up top.

Luton midfielder, Lilac Wilson

  Fraser on for Olney attempting to force her way into the box centrally, Ndlovu stepping in to take the ball off her feet. Luton counter with pace O’Connor up on the right linking up with Plumbridge and Shahid coming to the ball crossed into the near post Stotfold’s Ryan clears.

Stotfold captain, Amy Jack

  Jack aggrieved this time as Stotfold give away the foul outside the box to the right of their goal as O’Connor is brought down. Wilson over the set-piece, clipped into the far post knocked down into the six yard box, Stotfold manage to scramble it clear. Stotfold off a throw on their left sees Peters play it into Fraser who hooks an inviting ball into the box bouncing near post, How looking to jump in to attack it the bounce favours the goalkeeper however as Robinson claims it high above her head.

Luton defender, Chloe Gibbs

  Into the final 5 minutes of regular play time running out for Stotfold to at least score an equaliser force the final into a penalty shootout, Luton however looking to more likely to score and put the game to bed. Stotfold up on the right to win a corner comes into the area, Jack going down even as Luton clear look to break asks the question but nothing doing however even as Woodward blasts a distance strike over from all of 25 yards out.

  Fraser pushed on further for Stotfold in the latter stages of the game as they look to find a goal. Fraser playing Olney onto the ball right side, McGovern challenging putting the ball out for a throw before the cross can be attempted. Buckley on for Olney in the left channel has How with her the pair attempting to get the ball on into the area, Ndlovu getting in between them to wrestle back control of the ball. 

Luton’s Patience Ndlovu

 Fraser with a neat piece of control as the ball comes into her quickly 20 yards out from goal right side her low shot lacking the pace to trouble the keeper. Kimberly Newns coming on for Luton as the look to play out the remaining minutes of the game. Jack shown a yellow card for Stotfold as another free-kick goes against them time almost up Plumbridge coming off to be replaced by Keira Richards for Luton. The free-kick from deep on the right lifted into the far post claimed by Daly.

  Fraser with a speculative effort from 25 yards out for Stotfold, collected cleanly by Robinson in the Luton goal. Into stoppage time Major coming off for Luton with Scarlet ( just the one E)  O’Dell coming on. Luton looking to hold the ball up in the corner know the final whistle is imminent bring off Todd send Tierra Brookes. Stotfold can’t get the ball up the pitch for one final attack as the whistle blows and Luton rush together to celebrate winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s junior Cup.

Luton celebrate at the final whistle 

Full time Luton Town Ladies Reserves 2-1 Stotfold Women

 Luton Town Ladies Reserves winning the inaugural Bedfordshire FA Women’s junior Cup. On the whole a deserved win too, making a strong start to the game on the front foot with pace getting players forwards, taking the lead inside 5 minutes creating chances forcing errors unsettling Stotfold in the process, forcing some great saves from keeper, Orlagh Daly before going on to add a 2nd goal in the 16th minute. Stotfold struggling to get a foot hold up top did get themselves back into the match finishing the 1st half strong, losing Cleo Haynes to injury a blow for sure. Nevertheless came out strong 2nd half a well taken corner leading to them pulling a goal back early in the 2nd half. Luton continued to look for a 3rd goal to restore their 2 goal cushion always a threat on the counter attack, pushing Stotfold back limiting the numbers they were prepared to commit forwards, still there was but a single goal in it till the death one more clear chance never came.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match this is a tough one and even as I’m typing I’m still mulling it over in my mind still I think one player has won me over with her performance overall, Several contenders nevertheless, a few to mention firstly for Stotfold, goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly with a number of top draw saves in the first half to keep the score-line down keep her side in the game. Defenders, Charlotte Ryan and Bonni Woodward with a number of vital tackles and interceptions were kept busy throughout, Cleo Haynes with some determined runs through the middle, coming off injured could well have been the difference 2nd half. For Luton it was an all round great team performance getting into close the ball down get forwards with purpose keep on the front foot for large spells. Bailey Plumbridge marauding down the left wing a constant threat throughout, Carla Todd likewise right side getting on the score sheet. Sanam Shahid’s pace and runs causing the Stotfold defence concern, Shakeela Hussain finding some great positions to great opening for herself and her teammates. Caitlin O’Connor opening the scoring making some good runs from midfield getting up to support the attack. The award goes to Lilac Wilson the midfielder on hand to break up alot of play keeping her side on the front foot throughout the contest, had good passing options and used the ball well.

Luton Town Ladies Reserves, Bedfordshire FA Women’s Junior Cup winners 2024/25

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies Reserves on winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup

 An entertaining first cup final contest of the season always enjoy my trips down to Kempston Rovers FC. My thanks to both sides for their assistance with the team details today, and to the staff at Beds FA for all their help as always it is very much appreciated. One down a whole bunch to go, can’t do them all but will sure do my best to cover as many as I can. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Colney Heath Ladies v Stevenage FC Women Development

Sunday 24th March

Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy Final

Heading over to Hertfordshire today to watch the rearranged final of a new competition with the counties FA introducing a secondary competition to run along side the County Cup the Women’s Trophy. The inaugural final to be contested by Colney Heath Ladies and Stevenage FC Women Development.

  The original final, was to be my first of the season, the game had to be abandoned however with Stevenage FC Women Development player, Sophie Jones collapsing on the pitch. An ambulance called the decision taken and rightly so to call off the game, rearrange a new date. Sophie his since recovered and is well. The new competition seeing the women’s football clubs competing at various levels through the women’s football pyramid divided into two with those clubs playing in the national and regional leagues drawn together to play in the County Cup while the club largely from the county league (tier 7) playing in the new Women’s Trophy. 

 It’s a sensible format, other county FA’s running 2 county cup competitions having all sides compete in the county cup before those losing in the early round go onto play the secondary competition. Some with seeding some without. In theory it should limit some of the eye-watering score-lines you can see in the county cups while giving all clubs a realistic opportunity to challenge for silverware. Should also help with fixture congestion too.

Who will be the first name on the new trophy?

 Colney Heath Ladies had been a long established name playing within the ERWFL rising up into the Premier Division before a split within the club last season that saw first team moving to another club taking that ERWFL status with them. However despite the set back Colney Heath have kept going rebuilding with their reserves side stepping up to carry their mantel forwards. Already a successful club with the Beds & Herts Women’s Football league playing in the Premier Division reaching the League Cup final last season. Is one of two cup finals they have reached this season, the other Beds & Herts, Chris Renshaw Cup, beat St Margaretsbury Women to lift the cup and make it a double, also clinching the Premier Division title a league and cup double a massive achievement have a chance to make it a treble and amazingly we have see two of these already across the East. Mia Simmonds top scorer with 14 goals to her name with Cally Salter netting 11. Goals throughout the side with 15 of the squad on the score sheet this season.

 Stevenage FC Women Development (U23s) are the only side outside of the Beds & Herts County leagues playing in the Women’s Trophy, joining the ERWFL Division One North this season having spent a period in the FAWNL reserves section. Stevenage’s young side finding it tough going to begin with taking just 4 points from their opening 8 matches and looked in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the table. However the 2nd half to the season has been much improved with an 3 successive wins and a draw against Harpenden one of the title chasers seeing the club put itself right back into the midst, eventually finishing 8th in the table, that good form continuing into the cup competitions, where they have not only reached today’s Trophy Final but also the ERWFL League Plate. That final, played last Sunday, Stevenage were to lose the game 3-0 to Wormley Rovers Ladies. Still need to pick themselves up and go again a chance to lift silverware in what is now their final game of the season following the earlier abandonment. Have plenty of players coming through with 46 used so far this season, Ella Mercer top scorer with 11 goals with Stephanie Fausse one behind on 10. 

Road to the Final

   I said the competition format should help to reduce eye watering score-lines but not end them entirely as was the case with a couple of ties in the first round of the Women’s Trophy, one of those scores featuring Colney Heath with the premier Division side drawn away to Division One side Everett Ladies. Cally Salter firing in a hat-trick with a brace each for Mia Simmonds and Olivia Corbett helping Colney Heath to an 11-0 win. Lucy Kavanagh-Blake, Amy Phillips and Laura Gifford also amongst the goals. Stevenage FC Women Development receiving a bye in the first round.

  Onto the 2nd Round, Colney Heath drawn away to fellow Premier Division side Hartham United Ladies. Won 2-0 to safely reach the quarter finals. Stevenage also away in the 2nd round up against Division Three side Bedwell Rangers Ladies, Ella Mercer on target for a hat-trick, plus a goal a piece for Stephanie Fausse, Sophie Jones and Amy Reeves o secure a 6-1 win.

 Colney Heath at home in the quarter finals up against another Premier Division side, Hitchin Belles Women Blues. Mia Simmonds once again amongst the goals netting a hat-trick with Jael Muzzi and Bora Cela also scoring in a 5-0 win. Stevenage a home too in the last 8 taking on Division One side Garston Ladies Mets Chloe Gregory and Anaise Corrigan the scorers in a 2-0 win to send them into the last 4 of the competition. 

 Home turf for both in the semi-finals with Colney Heath up against Division Two side Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Mia Simonds with her 2nd successive hat-trick in the competition helping to send Colney Heath into the final along with goals from Amy Phillips, Sherrie Oliver and Holly Jury in a 6-0 victory. Drama in the other semi-final with Stevenage taking on Premier Division newcomers St Margaretsbury Women. Amana Oguntuga scoring twice for Stevenage, but goals from Billie Curtis and Sherrie Evans for St Margaretsbury saw the match finish 2-2 and settled on penalties! Stevenage clinching the tense shoot-out 6-5 to advance to the final.

  The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for this afternoon’s Women’s Trophy Final. Home to Hertfordshire’s FA the stadium recently redeveloped featuring an all weather pitch with a seated stand one one side housing the café and function room beneath. Serving hot food and drink. Terraced viewing on the opposite side with standing viewing all round, is a good sized pitch, well used. Home to Stevenage’s women’s sides know the facility well. The weather best described a changeable, a few showers around, with cloud in the sky, warm and sunny when the sun breaks through (is a bank holiday weekend after all).

  Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Rachel Sherlow, Anna Simou (C),Sophie Joseph, Abbey Williams, Madison Gorton, Molly Slade, Sheree Oliver, Holly Jury, Amy Phillips, Cally Salter & Mia Simmonds. Subs – Laura Gifford, Bora Cela, Olivia Corbett, Lacey Kavanagh-Blake & Caz Pennifold. 

Colney Heath Ladies

 Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Holly Southam, Tabitha Goodall, Neave Wilson (C), Amana Oguntuga, Remi Martin, Isobel Matfield, Chloe Gregory, Ella Mercer, Stephanie Fausse & Anaise Corrigan.  Subs – Lucy Fox, Ellie Merkis & Ella Hayes. 

Stevenage FC Women Development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Anna Simou (Colney Heath) and Neave Wilson (Stevenage) with today’s match officials

 The teams walking out to pouring rain, lining up opposite the main stand, it’s Stevenage who will get today’s final underway kick off in the first half wearing their away colours and all purple strip with red trim. Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black short and socks. The ball played back to Ella Mercer in the middle, clips a long pass out to the right players rushing forwards, Sophie Joseph playing at left back for Colney Heath getting her head on the ball to clear. 

  Stevenage goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien comes racing out of her box to clear the ball as Colney Heath forced the ball on through the middle with Mia Simmonds looking to run in behind the Stevenage defence left channel. Amana Oguntuga at left back for Stevenage driving up the pitch lays a diagonal ball in towards the top of the box looking to pick out Anaise Corrigan in attack, Abbey Williams getting their first to head the ball away for Colney Heath. 

Abbey Williams getting to the ball ahead of Stevenage’s Anaise Corrigan

  Stevenage feed the ball out to Stephanie Fausse pulling onto the left wing knocks it inside for Corrigan central, plays the ball on into the area with Mercer making the run to get into the box right of goal, Colney Heath keeper, Rachel Sherlow out quickly to close her down getting her foot on the ball sliced behind for a corner kick. Mercer to curl the ball into the box attacked at the near post over everyone falls to Corrigan central, snatches her shot over the crossbar. The rain falling steadily, Isobel Matfield looking to travel with the ball brought down, Stevenage winning a free-kick. 

 GOAL! Mercer over the free-kick all of 40 yards out central putting her foot through the ball gets plenty of pace behind it whipped in on target head height, Sherlow behind it beating the ball down into the six yard box at her left post, attacked comes on loose into the centre, Matfield stood there unmarked, firing the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring. 0-1. 

Ella Mercer’s free-kick knocked down at the at the left post, knocked in central with Isobel Mansfield ready to pounce

Isobel Matfield firing Stevenage into the lead

 A goal for Stevenage in the opening 5 minutes of the final. Colney Heath getting the ball down the right as they restart the gamer, Cally Salter on the move driving on delivering a rising ball into the near post on the angle, O’Brien calling for it a making the claim. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien claiming the ball at her near post

  Stevenage break up a Colney Heath attack play the ball up to the attackers, Corrigan 25 yards out back to goal central controlling the ball off her chest turning it into Fausse left of the D, her shot fired in wide of the far post. Chloe Gregory tackling for Stevenage to win the ball from Colney Heath captain, Anna Simou as she looks to bring the ball out from the back on the right. 

Stephanie Fausse with Colney Heath captain, Anna Simou

  Molly Slade gathering the ball into her feet central for Colney Heath, drives forwards making ground before attempting to thread Simmonds in behind the challenge coming in a Simmonds breaks into the box the ball away for a corner kick on the left. An in swinging delivery high to the near post, Mercer up well to put her head on it and clear for Stevenage.

  The rain has stopped for now the sun breaking through the clouds. Sheree Oliver strong to win the ball for Colney Heath in the final 3rd turns looking to play Amy Philips on down the left as the winger strides in behind, getting a cross in from the by-line however her progress halted by an offside flag. A lively contest both sides looking to get the ball moving forwards. Oliver central on for Simmonds up top back to goal, looks to play the lay off back to Oliver spin into the box left of goal looking for the return pass, O’Brien reading the threat rushing out to close the attackers down sliding in to make a blocking save at her feet. 

Mia Simmonds

 Mercer with a powerful run on the ball driving inside from the right for Stevenage pulling the trigger from distance the ball arrowing in on goal, coming straight at Sherlow high the keeper does well to make the save get her glove up to knock the ball up over the crossbar. The corner swung into the six yard box from the left, cleared by Colney Heath. 

 The ball put long into the left wing for Holly Jury to get under control shifts it inside looking to play a diagonal pass into Simmonds up top, Oguntuga with the attacker to get her foot on the ball clear for Stevenage. Both sides willing to get the ball down drive at the defence, Fausse receiving the pass from Matfield on the left moving inside looking to play the ball into Corrigan as she moves across the top of the D, Abbey Williams getting the tackle in to clear for Colney Heath at the back.

Colney Heath giving away another free-kick wide on the right players up into the area as Mercer prepares to take her strike hitting the ball, Colney Heath looking to counter, Stevenage captain, Neave Wilson halting their advance. Matfield carrying the ball on through the middle for Stevenage lifts it forwards with Corrigan on the move up top across the D, wrong footing the defence, almost escapes through clear into the box, except Joseph has come round on the cover to put her foot through the ball.

Colney Heath’s Mia Simmonds with Stevenage captain, Neave Wilson

  Lively Stevenage attacking right winning a throw high up the pitch lopped up into the box, Madison Gorton heading it away for Colney Heath. Pushing on through the middle, Slade with Oliver looking to pick out Jury as she makes a left channel run, Wilson lunging in with her leg to take the ball from her. 

Molly Slade

  Gregory going down inside the Colney Heath box as she looks to force her way through the middle, off Gorton’s challenge, half hearted appeals as the ball goes behind for a corner on the right. Mercer sending the delivery in at the near post attacked minimal contact drops for Corrigan top of the box back to goal, looks to get the ball under control, turn, the shot denied as Slade moves in to close the striker down.

  Colney Heath with a throw on the right played down into Salters feet 25 yards out right of the D, looks to clips it into the area on the half volley, O’Brien racing off her line to throw herself down onto the ball. Bright and sunny now. The ball up the right for Corrigan pulling wide for Stevenage powering her way to into the box, at the by-line cuts the ball back up to the top of the six yard box for Fausse, Gorton intercepting for Colney Heath to clear the ball. 

Colney Heath defender, Madison Gorton

  Oguntuga getting up the right for Stevenage a strong run on the ball delivering a cross into the near post too close to the keeper, Sherlow down to get behind it with Corrigan running in. Wilson cutting the pass out at the back for Stevenage as Oliver sends the pass on for Simmonds up top. A change for Colney Heath in the middle, Slade coming off, Caz Pennifold on. 

Remi Martin

Fausse and Corrigan look to combine through the middle 25 yards out, Gorton getting in between the pair to win the ball for Colney Heath. Sherlow called into action rushing out to slide in make the blocking save as Corrigan is fed onto the ball by Mercer from the right.

Rachel Sherlow sliding in to save against Anaise Corrigan

  Colney Heath immediately on the counter Phillips left lifting a cross the ball played off Simmonds a goal kick won. Jury taking the ball into the left channel for Colney Heath pushing forwards, Holly Southam closing her down to win the challenge for Stevenage at the back. Simou running into space on the right for Colney Heath as the cross-field pass from the left picks her out delivers a cross into the top of the area, Salter the target looks to see it onto her boot turn the shot goal wards, O’Brien moving forwards to collect it on the bounce.

  A competitive tussle, Colney Heath coming back into the game getting after Stevenage through the middle, Oliver getting about to put in the tackles. A drinks break called with a couple of players needing attention, both okay play resumes Pennifold getting back at Mercer tackling to win the ball in the middle as the Stevenage player looks to get on with the ball. Wilson with a clattering challenge on Jury as she comes to close her down the ball out to the right for Mercer to play forwards into Corrigan right channel, Sherlow needing to come racing out of her box to kick the ball away.

Tabitha Goodall with the acrobatic clearance for Stevenage

  Goodall defends on Simou as the Colney Heath captain look to push on down the right wing, Goodall getting her foot on the ball to play it out for a throw. 40 minutes played both sides making a change. Lacey Kavanagh-Blake on for Colney Heath replacing Jury goes to the left side with Phillips moving to the right. Ella Hayes coming on for Stevenage to replace, Martin.

  The game flowing fairly even both sides coming on well, Stevenage advancing on the right Joseph tackling Mercer the ball out for a throw. Corrigan seeing it down outside the box, turns straight into Williams ready with the challenge. Back up the line to Oguntuga plays it into the box from the angle, Gorton racing back with Gregory at the near post cutting the ball out

 GOAL! 2 minutes of regular play in the first half and Colney Heath get themselves back into the game with a superb move, Pennifold central feeding it into Salter, spins of her marker to make a run to the top of the area as she lays the ball out to Simou advancing on the right, plays Phillips in down the line cutting into the box on the by-line sends the ball into Salter positioned on the penalty spot and she sends her 1st time shot up over the keeper to fly in under the cross bar 1-1.

Cally Salter about to hit the equaliser for Colney Heath

Cally Salter equalises for Colney Heath

 GOAL! Colney Heath literally turning the game on it’s head in a matter of minutes the ball cleared out to Simou moving forwards on the right lays it into the path of Phillips racing down the wing turns into the box closing in on the near post and pulls the trigger, her shot wrong footing the keeper, O’Brien can’t adjust the ball off her into the back of the net to hand Colney Heath the lead 2-1.

Amy Phillips celebrates as she sees Colney Heath into the lead.

  Stevenage making a change as the game moves into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Ellie Merkis coming on for Goodall. Pennifold, Salter and Oliver combining through the middle for Colney Heath, Oliver’s ball threaded into the area claimed by O’Brien. Colney Heath finishing the first half strong Kavanagh-Blake fouled on the left deep as she tries to pick out Simmonds no advantage played brought back. Gorton to play the set-piece into the area, won by Mercer heading the ball over for a corner kick. 

 Mercer again defending the corner up at the near post to head the ball back left for a throw in. Colney Heath pressing Oliver in to steal the ball central 20 yards out turns inside, not getting a strong connection with her shot runs safely through to the keeper. 

Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 2-1 Stevenage FC Women Development

  A strong end to the first half from Colney Heath sees them turn the game on it’s head to go into the changing rooms leading 2-1 at the break. That after a strong opening from Stevenage scoring in the opening 5 minutes throw Isobel Matfield created some good opportunities after that both sides looking to get forwards quickly, move the ball around has been a competitive game, Colney Heath making a few adjustments applying pressure late in the first half to build momentum and score a well worked equaliser in the 43rd minute, Amy Phillips driving into the box from the right for the 2nd time in as many minutes to put Colney Heath into the lead. Set’s it up nicely for the 2nd half.

  The rain staying away for now, pleasant out there as the teams return for the 2nd half Colney Heath to get the 2nd half underway, now extra-time today should the scores be level after 90 minutes it goes straight to penalties. The ball back to Gorton in defence lifted on for Phillips on the right, won by Stevenage defender, Merkis. Colney Heath quick to regain possession, Pennifold into Phillips right shifts inside looking for Simmonds 25 yards out, Matfield cutting the pass out for Stevenage. 

  Oguntuga pushing up on the right now for Stevenage getting on down the line held up plays the ball back for Mercer, Kavanagh-Blake tracking back to close her down. Oliver opening up her body to play the pass into Phillips’ feet on the right. lifts the angled cross into the area, the ball just behind Slater central looks to shield the ball, dig it out from under her feet, Wilson close in pressing can’t find a teammate as Gregory gets hold of the ball for Stevenage. 

 Kavanagh-Blake taking the ball on down Colney Heath’s left sending in into Simmonds skips inside driving into the D, runs into a Stevenage road block eased off the ball. Stevenage attack down the left Fausse down the line lifting a high ball into the area, Gorton heading it out of the area, Matfield getting hold of the ball central pushed on into Gregory back to goal, tries to turning behind, Williams stretching out as leg to win the ball inside the D.

Oguntuga tackling Kavanagh-Blake turns to angle a deep cross into the area from the right, Gorton again under it to clear for Colney Heath. Stevenage getting hold of the ball high up the pitch looking to up the tempo, the ball fed into Corrigan left of the D, spins in behind getting into the box closing in on the keeper, shoots low, Sherlow down to make the save pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left.

Lacey Kavanagh-Blake carrying the ball forwards for Colney Heath

  The corner curled in under the bar, central Sherlow getting her gloves on the ball knocking it down into the ground and collecting on the bounce well. Mercer picking up the ball 40 yards out left moves inside a strong run, Gorton coming out from defence to close her down even as Oliver slides in from behind, only succeeds in taking Gorton out Mercer staying on her feet stepping inside to unleash a shot from range, placed straight at the keeper.  

Ella Mercer

  Matfield taking the ball inside from the left 20 yards out takes on the shot, Gorton in the way blocking for Colney Heath. Joseph playing the ball on for Kavanagh-Blake attacking on the left, looks to turn inside as Hayes steps in to challenge, the defender getting back at her with a well timed tackle to halt the attack. 

Ella Hayes

 Oguntuga driving on with the ball at her feet on the right for Stevenage, Joseph in to close her down conceding the corner. The corner whipped in across the six yard box falling beyond the far post Stevenage getting hold of the ball the shot charged down. 

Sophie Joseph moving on on Amana Oguntuga

 Colney Heath making a change up top bringing off Simmonds, Bola Cela sent into the action. Involved straight away as Pennifold carries the ball away to the right top of the area cuts the pass back to Cela top corner, is quickly closed down, can’t get her shot away. Kavanagh-Blake with the ball at her feet turns infield from the left as Salter makes a run across her wanting the ball fed into her path on the left channel, Southam getting back on her to tackle on the by-line for Stevenage.

Holly Southam winning the ball for Stevenage

  A lively contest, Stevenage competing for the ball turning play around quickly. Hayes on for Oguntuga up the right wing for Stevenage lifts the cross into the box looking for Corrigan coming near side, Williams getting her foot on the ball to clear for Colney Heath. Stevenage looking sharp in attack the diagonal ball clipped into the box left side sees Corrigan race in behind to shoot on the angle driven in low at the near post Sherlow down save the ball up off the goal keeper over the bar for a corner kick.

  Stevenage making a change before the corner comes in Goodall back on to replace, Merkis. The corner from the left angled in low at the near post stabbed away to safety. An hour played Stevenage looking to press in the final 3rd apply pressure. Another corner on the left put in high at the near post, Mercer looking to attack it, Sherlow up with her fist to punch it away. Williams throwing her body in to block a shot from Gregory from 20 yards out. 

  Oliver sending the ball out to Phillips now back out on the left wrapping her foot around the ball whips a cross into the six yard box, Cela can’t reach it before O’Brien can take it into her gloves. Hayes and Oguntuga linking up on the right for Stevenage, Oguntuga strong on the ball, lifting the cross into the box, won by Colney Heath’s Gorton. Stevenage looking to turn the screw pushing on well 2nd half a throw high on the right dropped into Corrigan right inside the area turns for goal near post sees her initial effort blocked coming back to her snatches another shot away Sherlow with a strong hand behind the ball to save knocking it down, the ball eventually scrambled behind for a goal kick. 

  Mercer winning Stevenage a corner the left dropped into the mix headed clear Colney Heath looking to counter lifted up to Kavanagh-Blake left feeds the ball on for Cela, lays it to the right for Phillips looking to spin into the area wanting the return ball, Phillips threading it into the box, O’Brien sharp out snatch it up into her gloves before Cela can pounce,

Caz Pennifold

  Simou, slows Fausse down as she attacks on the left back for Mercer a free-kick won, Stevenage with players up into the box, Mercer strikes the ball in towards goal, Sherlow punching the ball up and behind for a corner kick. A double change for Colney Heath, Williams and Salter coming on, on come Laura Gifford and Olivia Corbett. 

 Colney Heath finding Phillips out on the right 20 yards out sends the ball into the area for Corbett inside the box, tangles with Oguntuga, going down appeals but nothing doing. Gifford picking up a yellow card for Colney Heath the free-kick to Stevenage in the centre circle the ball launched forwards bouncing through to the keeper. 

Olivia Corbett with Ella Hayes

  Oliver throwing herself in to block as Gregory lines up a strike from 25 yards out. Southam picking out Mercer as she comes right to take the ball on forwards into Oguntuga, her cross to strong for Corrigan and Fausse making runs into six yard box. The game moving into the final 12 minutes Stevenage looking the most likely to score winning the ball high turning play around putting Colney Heath on the back foot. 

 Wilson and Corbett in a race for the ball as it’s played on down the right channel, Wilson throwing out a leg to play the ball off Corbett behind for a goal kick. Corrigan fouling Simou as she goes to clear the ball. Wilson again winning the ball up to Mercer left side plays Fausse down the line, the cross cut out Colney Heath look to play it up to Cela right.

 GOAL! Stevenage snapping back to win the ball back send it inside for Gregory, lifts it forwards into Corrigan top of the area a great take down to get in behind into the area moving towards the right post across the six yard box cuts her shot back across, to evade the keeper and roll into the back of the net to score the equaliser! 2-2!

Anaise Corrigan with the equaliser for Stevenage

 Stevenage coming back to level the scores in the 82nd minute set up a frantic finish to the game. Colney Heath taking off Phillips bringing Slade back on. Stevenage lively Matfield into Gregory lifted into the area right of goal Corrigan racing to attack, Sherlow putting her foot through the ball strikes the onrushing attacker the rebounding ball could have gone anywhere, however a raised flag sees the threat neutralised.

  Mercer with a shot from 20 yards out left of the D, put straight at the keeper. Southam winning the ball at the back clearing to Mercer on the right puts it on for Oguntuga wide right her cross flashed in beyond the far post, Fausse latching onto it firing her strike into the side netting, Stevenage looking dangerous as the game heads into the closing minutes. 

 Colney Heath with some relief as they get on down the right win a free-kick level with the top of the area played into the box central Gifford getting her head on the ball, plants her attempt straight into the keepers gloves. Gifford with another effort moments later as a diagonal ball from midfield drops to her in the box left side, falling as she goes to strike the ball pulls her shot into the keeper.

Laura Gifford

  Merkis coming back on to replace Fausse with 3 minutes of regular time left to play. Oliver across to halt Mercer’s progress as she looks to carry the ball away on the right. Salter back on for Colney Heath replacing Kavanagh-Blake. Sherlow up to claim a high ball played into her box from the left. Simmonds returning to the pitch replacing Joseph. Penalties moments away, 4 minutes to be added on.

 Southam putting the ball into Corrigan top of the D, Simou in with and outstretched leg to take the ball from her. Stevenage press to win a corner on the right, curled in Mercer up heading the ball on across the six yard box. Colney Heath getting the ball up to Simmonds left side comes inside, Merkis back across to support Hayes in defence get the ball clear for a corner left. Into the area cleared by Wilson, Stevenage look to counter up the left Mercer racing away with the ball, Gifford easing her off the ball.

 GOAL! Southam with the clearance on half way for Stevenage turns into a brilliant assist and it’s launched high dropping into the box, Corrigan looking to attack it as it drops near post, she and Simou coming together left grounded as the ball bounces loose to the left of goal, Oguntuga quickest to it turning to attack and fires her shot in low and fast into the bottom corner to surely score the winning goal for Stevenage 3-2! 

Holly Southam clearing the ball on halfway up into the area in the build up to the goal

Amana Oguntuga first to the ball after Anaise Corrigan and Anna Simou collide

Amana Oguntuga celebrates as she wins the game for Stevenage!

  Oguntuga called into the action up the other end to hook a ball clear from the top of her box as Colney Heath launch it forwards. Little time left to find a reply Corbett strong to win Colney Heath a corner on the right, push players up, put in to the top of the area comes to Corbett inside left of the D, a difficult ball to get under control, hasn’t time to bring in down, lifts her shot over the bar. The final whistle blows and Stevenage come back with a last gasp winning goal to win the inaugural Herts FA Women’s Trophy. 

Full time Colney Heath Ladies 2-3 Stevenage FC Women Development

  A strong 2nd half performance from Stevenage in the finish the better side in the 2nd period getting after the ball in the final 3rd applying good pressure to the Colney Heath back line winning the ball back moving it across the pitch creating chances. One eventually counting in the 82nd minute. Stevenage with the momentum didn’t sit back kept pressing the game into stoppage time penalties moments away and they took there chance to win the game at the death. A tough on for Colney Heath to take the treble just 10 minutes away they played well first half to get themselves into the lead. Found the chances harder to come by 2nd half and couldn’t hold on, still double winners have had a fantastic season nonetheless.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. Wasn’t quite sure who to award it too leaving the ground but as the report unfolded from my notes a clear winner emerged. Several performances of note to mention first, for Colney Heath, Madison Gorton and Abbey Williams made a number of vital tackles at the back, winning the ball getting it forwards. Amy Phillips strong on the flanks running with the ball setting up Cally Salter for the first goal, scoring the 2nd. Sheree Oliver got about the centre of the park to win the ball, defend and link up with the attackers. For Stevenage, again the centre backs were strong Holly Southam and Neave Wilson won the ball well helped get play turned around quickly 2nd half. Ella Mercer strong on the ball with some great runs and link up play. Amana Oguntuga strong in defence in the first half adding to Stevenage’s attacking threat on the right in the 2nd half strong on the ball on hand to score the winning goal. The award though goes to Anaise Corrigan. Was a threat up top throughout looking to get the ball down and turn to attack created a number of opportunities in front of goal, never gave the Colney Heath defence a break and fired home the vital equalising goal giving her side the belief to go on and win the game.

Stevenage FC Women Development 2023/24 Herts FA Women’s Trophy winners

 Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women Development on winning the inaugural Herts FA Women’s Trophy.

 A highly entertaining cup final to end the 2023/24. A competitive tussle full of drama, us neutrals loved it. My thanks to both club for the team details and Hertfordshire FA for their assistance today. That’s the 10th season done and dusted, well almost. Have loved almost every minute of it couldn’t do it without all the support from the players, their clubs, league volunteers and FA staff alike. All of it has been greatly appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Stowupland Falcons Women

Tuesday 21st May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

  sponsored by MH Goals Ltd

Heading down into Suffolk this Tuesday evening for my penultimate cup final of the season. The Suffolk Women’s County Cup contest sponsored by MH Goals Ltd being played at Ipswich Town FC’s, Portman Road Stadium. AFC Sudbury Women playing Stowupland Falcons Women.

  The fabulous occasion for both clubs with the county cup final returning to Portman Road, the town on a high following Ipswich’s back to back promotions returning them to the Premiership. Many within both clubs huge fans and a dream for the players to get to play in the stadium. The competition dominated by Ipswich Town Women for a long spell before they bowed out of the competition, since then a rivalry has developed for the county cup between the next highest league placed sides in the county AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women. But the final has also seen a good proportion of sides from tier 7 make it to the final, Bungay Town Ladies last season, now Stowupland Falcons Women into their first ever county cup final.

This evenings prize

  AFC Sudbury Women themselves enjoying back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL (tier 4) last season. A huge step up for their young players many coming through the ranks of their academy. However they rose to the challenge and despite struggling for results got the crucial wins against the sides around them at the bottom of the table to pull clear of the bottom two and retain their league status for a 2nd season. Winning the county cup back in 2022 beating Needham Market in the final were knocked out early on previous season by their rivals but went on to secure the ERWFL Premier Division. Returning the favour this time around they are overwhelming favourites to lift the cup once again. Jess Allen top scorer this season closely followed by Sophie Jeffery.

  Stowupland Falcons Women have grown as a side since 1st entering a women’s side into the league in Suffolk 4 years ago. A club with a strong youth setup the woman’s side adding Clare Bevan and Amy Gilson from Henley Athletic Ladies to squad last season went on to win the Suffolk Women’s Premiership. As defending champions this season Stowupland enjoyed a good rivalry with a newly rejuvenated Brantham Athletic Ladies. Stowupland with games in hand always chasing, just missing out to finish as runners-up. The two going head to head on both the semi-finals of the league and county cup, the score 1-1 their too with Stowupland’s players reaching the final for the first time and getting the opportunity to play at Portman Road. Clare Bevan captaining the side top scorer this campaign with over 23 goals, Amy Gilson also into the 20’s with her goals with 18 of the 22 players used this season all getting on the scoresheet. Know they face a tough test this evening against a side 4 league higher

  Road to the Final

  Unlike some of the other county cups in the East, Suffolk don’t have a seeding system in place all sides entering in the 1st round the big guns potentially drawn together. Sudbury beginning their county cup campaign on the road taking on the newly formed, Bury Town Community Women. The gulf between the sides soon apparent as Sudbury racked up a huge double figure score-line, Keira Harms on target for 5 goals. Evie Creaton hitting 4 into the back of the net Their were braces too for Sophie Jeffery and Phoebe Guiver. Kate Edwards, Kaylee Dodd and Holly Kennard all scoring too, final tally 16-0. Stowupland also away taking on another need side and can say they beat Sudbury in the cup no matter what, this the newly formed Sudbury Sports Women, Laura Brame scoring a hat-trick with goals from Clare Bevan, Emily Bates, Millie Gant and Lydia Denny securing a 7-1 win.

  Onto the 2nd Round, Sudbury at home taking on Premiership side, AFC Kesgrave Ladies, was to be another goal rout with Jasmine Drake putting away a hat-trick, Chloe Brame with a brace and five other scorers in a 10-0 win, Jess Allen, Maisie Goodwin Keira Harms, Kaylee Dodd and Amber Provan. Stowupland also winning by a double figure margin as they took on early Championship pacesetters, Ipswich Valley Rangers from the league below. Clare Bevan finding the back of the net for 4 goals. Emily Bates and Amy Gilson both netting a hat-trick each with Ellis Rabey also scoring. 

 Into the last eight, Sudbury at home taking on another Premiership side, Woodbridge Town Ladies. Progressed to the semi-finals courtesy of a 5-0 victory with 5 different scorers, Jess Allen, Eva Frazzoni, Maisie Goodwin, Sophie Jeffery and Alex Penny. Stowupland taking on fellow Premiership side Needham Market Women Development at home in the quarter finals, Amy Gilson scoring in the first half the sides level at the break, the hosts going on to in it by a single goal in the 2nd half with Enya Moore on target for the winning goal.

  The semi-finals played at neutral venues, the big guns drawn together in the last 4, the holders, Needham Market Women, Sudbury’s opponents. Knocking Sudbury out in the 2nd Round last season, Sudbury were in no mood to repeat the feat this time around and a brace for both Jasmine Drake and Jess Allen ensuring the win, 4-0. Stowupland up against their league rival, Brantham Athletic Ladies in their semi-final clash Amy Gilson firing home a brace as Stowupland ran out 3-1 winners, Ellis Rabey also scoring to send the club to Portman Road.

 The County Cup Final held at Colchester United FC in recent season’s making a welcome return to Portman Road home of Ipswich Town FC a dream for both sets of players and their manger’s too to get the opportunity to play at the stadium The Cobbold Stand open for the final, the fans allocated a section each opposite the dugouts. Suffolk FA looking to make it a special occasion for the players, which is great to see as these are the opportunities they dream of. The weather was going to have a large say in the final, with the forecast heavy rain beginning to fall… more about that later. For once undercover I didn’t have to worry about getting wet.

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Ronni Harrison (C), Kaylee Dodd, Amber Provan, Aliyat Lambe, Leonnie Bezant, Maisie Goodwin, Jess Allen, Sophie Jeffery, Eva Frazzoni & Yasmine Drake. Subs – Jessica Egan, Amy Jarvis, Ava Jouvenel, Ella Edwards & Alex Penny.

AFC Sudbury Women

 Stowupland Falcons Women starting XI – Emily Huggins, Eloise Flack, Lucy Daly, Anya Williams, Ebonie Calvert, Ellis Rabey, Millie Gant, Laura Brame, Clare Bevan (C) Mollie Frost & Amy Gilson. Subs – Porscha Rampley, Caitlin Jackson, Millie Bloom, Lydia Denny & Enya Moore.

Stowupland Falcons Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Ronni Harrison and Clare Bevan with this evenings officials

  AFC Sudbury wearing pink for this evenings final, their shirts and socks with black shorts, traditionally in yellow and blue, so too are their opponents colours, Stowupland wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shots and socks. The rain getting stronger as the captains meet with this evenings official led by Isobel Chaplin. Stowupland to kick-off the first half the ball rolled back into the middle lifted out to the left, captain Clare Bevan racing on looking to pressure, Sudbury’s Aliyat Lambe as the defender looks to clear the ball, forces Sudbury into conceding the throw high up the pitch.

  A positive start from Stowupland looking to close the ball down on the left get a cross into the area, cleared by Sudbury’s Amber Provan the ball runs out to Stowupland midfielder, Ellis Rabey all of 25 yards puts her foot through the ball her shot racing wide of the left post. Bevan attacking left for Stowupland, with Millie Gant the cross fired into the area, just behind Amy Gilson on the penalty spot. 

 GOAL! Sudbury playing the ball out with pace fired up to Sophie Jeffery on the left getting the ball into her feet drives down the wing firing a diagonal ball into the box, Stowupland’s Anya Williams getting it clear to the right, latched onto by Sudbury’s Bermudan International, Eva Frazzoni out wide flashed  dangerous ball in across the face of the Stowupland goal, Jeffery having run in at the far post turning it over the line to put Sudbury into the lead inside 2 minutes 1-0.

Sophie Jeffery putting Sudbury into an early lead

 Jess Allen played in on the right for Sudbury, bursts forwards with the ball checking her run to lay it into the middle for Maisie Goodwin who carries the ball out to the left 25 yards out fires and angled ball in towards, Yasmine Drake at the near post, looking to hit the shot as the ball runs across her sends the ball wide of the post. 

Sudbury’s Jasmine Drake with Stowupland defender, Ebonie Calvert

  Sudbury moving the ball about quickly using the whole of the pitch, Allen and Jeffery outlets on the flanks. Leonnie Bezant with the ball in the middle, looks to thread it through the Stowupland defence, playing a high line, Frazzoni looking to run in behind, goes a fraction too soon, flagged offside.

 Gilson after the ball played into the left channel, tires to fight her way in behind Lambe the defender getting her body in between the ball and attacker to play it upfield. Ronni Harrison wearing the captain’s armband for Sudbury lifting a cross-field ball out to Allen on the right, cuts the ball back in towards the top of the box right side, Frazzoni looking to strike the ball, Ebonie Calvert lunging in to block the ball striking the referee, play halted resuming with a drop ball.

  Sudbury lively nipping in to win the ball, Stowupland snapping back to try and win it back, their opponents getting it moving quickly stretching them. Goalkeeper, Emily Huggins having to come racing out of her area to clear the ball as Frazzoni looks to pick out Allen with a diagonal ball on the right. The rain pouring down now with 10 minutes played. 

 Sudbury with the early goal settling quickly into a rhythm continue to spray the ball about the pitch, Goodwin linking up with Bezant in the centre the pass out to Allen powering on down the right wing to the by-line her cross turned behind for a corner by Stowupland’s Lucy Daly.

Leonnie Bezant holding off, Stowupland’s, Ellis Rabey

 GOAL! Jeffery to take the corner from the right a threatening delivery curled in towards goal at the far post the defender covering it trying to keep it out with Frazzoni pressuring the ball as it falls forced over the line, Sudbury double their lead, difficult to tell who got the final touch, Frazzoni or an OG, Jeffery’s corner may even have already been over the line either way it’s 2-0.

 The rain falling heavily, water already beginning to lay on the pitch. Sudbury undeterred press Stowupland for possession, Bezant in on Bevan as she looks to drive central, launched up field, Calvert looking to get it down, play it forwards for Rabey. 

  GOAL! Sudbury are awarded a free-kick out wide on the left, about level with the corner of the Stowupland area, Jeffery over the ball looks to float the ball in central, Lambe up from the back rising highest to get her head on the ball and drill her header down into the back of the net, Huggins throwing herself at the ball instinctively getting a faint touch but too much power on the ball 3-0.

Aliyat heading home for Sudbury

 Sudbury powering into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes. conditions horrendous torrential rain now. Jeffery splashing up water as she sprints out to the left with the ball angling a diagonal ball back into the box targeting Drake making a near post run, the ball into her path turns her shot wide past the far post.

 GOAL! Coming out to the right Allen squares the ball into Drake right of the D, goes to strike the ball charged down by Calvert the rebound come into Frazzoni’s feet 22 yards out central, unleashes a powerful shot rising, crashes down off the underside of the crossbar to bounce down over the line, no mistake about the scorer of this one, fabulous strike 4-0!

Eva Frazzoni firing home Sudbury’s 4th goal

 Stowupland shipping in goals undeterred in their effort to try and get the ball up the pitch attacking on the right win themselves a corner. Players up lifted in near side, it’s Jeffery to head the ball clear for Sudbury midway through the first half. Goodwin rolling the ball on through the middle with Allen making a central run, can’t quite take it into her strike as Williams comes to close her down.

 GOAL! There’s no one else involved in Sudbury’s 5th goal as Kayleigh Dodd scores a superb solo effort. Picking up the ball on the wing the right back drives forwards checking back to turn inside a defender get into the box and smash her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner 5-0.

Kayleigh Dodd with a superb solo effort to put Sudbury 5 up

  All this and the rain is still raging down, players and officials alike, like drowned rats, “run the line in a cup final at Portman Road, yeah I’ll be up for that.” 

 Good for the sliding tackle mind, if you’re not planning to stop. Stowupland making a change Daly coming off, Caitlin Jackson coming on with half an hour played. Sudbury playing the ball from left to right at the back, Dodd getting on the move up the wing putting the ball on for Allen who surges towards the by-line, Gant looking to close her down doing enough to see the attacker turn her cross behind.

 Sudbury ringing the changes, as they often do, this time a quintuple substitution, Jessica Egan, Ella Edwards, Amy Jarvis, Ava Jouvenel and Alex Penny coming on. Jeffery, Allen, Goodwin, Dodd and Harrison the players off, Bezant now wearing the captains armband. Stowupland with a rare attack get the ball out to the right Mollie Frost with Gilson coming to support, turns inside on the by-line the ball laid back to the top of the area, Gant striking the ball, the shot blocked.

 Bezant bringing the ball on for Sudbury central looks to lay it out to Egan attacking on the right, Huggins again out of her box sharply to kick the ball clear. Alot of water on the pitch, players slipping over the ball holding up. Drake taking the ball on down the left flank, powers on before being up ended Sudbury awarded the free kick  out wide of the corner of the area, Penny stood in the pouring rain eying up a shot on goal. Fires in pacy strike towards goal, cutting through the spray, evades the keepers gloves to find the back of the net 6-0.

Probably not the image Alex Penny had in her head when she dreamed of scoring at Portman Road, but a great strike nonetheless

  Sudbury 6 goals up with nearly 40 minutes played doesn’t look good however rain pouring down off the stadium roof, water splashing up players falling, referee Isobel Chaplin calling over the captains, player safety the number one concern… they walk off play suspended.

Referee, Isobel Chaplin calling over the captains as the decision is made to suspend play

 Doesn’t look good the pitch having adsorbed alot of water in a short space of time the rain still falling an inspection to take place at 8:45pm. Headed downstairs to hospitality to take advantage of the buffet generously laid on by Suffolk FA. Some concern, will the final have to be abandoned, the only chink of light the rain has started to ease. A further inspection at 9:05 water still visible on the surface the ball not moving freely but no rain can it drain enough… the crowd patient a healthy number 920 in attendance a further inspection and discussions and play will resume at 9:35pm a delay of 1hr 20 minutes, the two sides back on for a short warm-up. 5 minutes left in the first half then a 5 minute turn around for the 2nd half.

 Play getting underway with a Sudbury throw on the right. Water still kicking up but the pitch is holding up well. Egan on the right putting a ball into the Stowupland box, Drake looking to head the ball down her effort charged down. 

 GOAL! Sudbury feed the ball out to Penny on the left on the move her cross lifted into the box, turned behind, a handball spotted, Chaplin pointing to the spot Penalty! Drake placing the ball on the spot opts for power drills the ball in central giving the keeper no chance 7-0.

Jasmine Drake putting Sudbury 7 up from the penalty spot.

  Pretty much one way traffic, Stowupland can’t make the ball stick Sudbury’s players lively snapping in to claim the 2nd ball. Bevan attempting to feed the ball into Gilson up top, Jarvis in close to challenge get Sudbury back on the ball. Egan putting the ball on for Penny as the pair attack on the right, Jackson getting back on Penny defending for Stowupland.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 7-0 Stowupland Falcons Women

  An extended first half draws to a close the teams staying out on the pitch with a brief turn around for the 2nd half. Sudbury adding a 7th goal to their tally before play was suspended. A commanding 7-0 at the break. Got off the the perfect start scoring early in the game settling quickly and moving the ball about well have steadily built up their lead. Stowupland working hard but can’t get the ball to stick, the conditions no doubt playing a part but Sudbury lively nipping in to win the 2nd ball. All they can do is continue to work hard and hope they get an opportunity to score a goal.

  The 2nd half kicking off at 9:47pm Sudbury to get the game restarted the ball played left down the line, Ella Edward pushing on, Flack clearing for a throw. Sudbury pressing get on down the left an early ball slid into the box for Drake to attack, Flack sliding in to get the ball out of the box. Sudbury keep it on the left Jouvenel up with Edwards, Frost back to help Flack in defence the ball turned behind for a goal kick.

  The left flank being over used in the opening minutes of the 2nd half the ball rolled into Drake wide looks to turn in towards the area, Flack getting her body across the attacker to shield the ball knocks it into Williams to hook the ball clear. Provan at left back since the changes for Sudbury pushing on down the wing sends it on for Jouvenel but the flag goes up against her offside. 

 Bezant gives the ball to Penny moving inside in the right channel drives for the area, Calvert standing in her path to close the ball down. Sudbury winning a free-kick 30 yards out on the right lifted into the area headed clear back to the right falls to Penny’s feet, latches a shot back in on the angle, the ball cannoning down into the six yard box off the crossbar. Penny carrying the ball down to the right corner, Gant up with her Calvert coming across, the ball put out for a corner kick.

  Played into the near post, turned behind for a 2nd corner. Curled in to the near post again, Drake looking to attack it, scrambled behind for another corner. This delivery in high before the near post, Frazzoni looks to turn her header in towards goal sends the ball over the bar. Lambe stepping in to block, Brame’s pass as she attempts to play Gilson in behind. 

Stowupland’s Millie Gant

 Frost with a strong tackle to wrestle the ball away on the right, turn and has an opportunity to run forwards coming inside sends the ball into the area for Jackson central holding off a challenge gets her shot away low to the left side of goal, Sudbury goalkeeper untroubled till that point getting down with a smart dive to her left to stop the ball. The Stowupland fans at that end of the ground giving a loud cheer of encouragement.

Stowupland’s Mollie Frost

 Frost and Edwards again in a tussle of possession on the right both going to ground, the Stowupland player eventually pulled up for a foul. Egan playing the ball on for Penny on the right pushing into the corner, Gant over to defend sees the ball out for a throw in. A busy start to the 2nd half, Jouvenel turns on the afterburners she she brings the ball forwards through the middle for Sudbury attempting to lay Drake on in behind, Calvert reads it and steps in to cut the pass out.

  Stowupland giving it their best looking to press, Frost getting about on the flank. Edwards racing on left wing looking to get inside Flack, the full back under pressure does well to see the ball back to her keeper to clear. An hour played, Sudbury once again ringing the changes, Harrison, Dodd, Allen, Jeffery and Goodwin back on. Frazzoni, Bezant, Drake, Lambe and Provan coming off. 

 GOAL! The changes breaking an immediate effect as Allen gets hold of the ball on the right and moves inside twisting and turning as the keeper come rushing out gets inside her to rifle her strike into the empty net 8-0.

Jess Allen firing home Sudbury’s 8th goal

 Stowupland making a double change, Rabey and Frost coming off, on come Millie Bloom and Enya Moore. Jeffery finding Penny inside the box forced wide to the left by Flack the ball cleared for a throw in the corner. Jeffery looking to find a way into the box, Brame back to defend for Stowupland. Sudbury full of running Allen playing a one two with Jeffery on the right running onto the box looking for the return pass, Flack sliding in with the challenge to clear.

  Huggins is drawn out of her goal to come out to try and close Allen down as the attacker gets in behind on the right, into the box, rounds the keeper, looking to fire the ball on the angle into the goal beyond the Stowupland defence back covering, Flack intercepting the shot. Gant blocks as Allen right lays the ball back to Jeffery top of the area. 

 GOAL! Jouvenel sees the ball into her feet central and turns to attack racing forwards into the box right of goal letting fly with her shot as putting it past the advancing keeper to score before running over to the Sudbury fans and knee sliding in celebration 9-0.

Eva Jouvenel with Sudbury’s 9th goal

 72 minutes played Jouvenel on the drive with the ball rom the left is knocked off the ball, hooked behind for a corner on the left, taken short is blasted into a Stowupland defender going to block. Allen is dispossessed on the right the ball fed on up the wing for Denny to chase, Egan getting back on her to clear the ball for a throw. 

Stowupland’s Laura Brame

Stowupland with a chance to get players up into the box as they win a free-kick wide on the left the ball angled in is behind everyone, Allen far side latching onto it races away on the counter attack surging up the flank comes inside bursting into the D before pulling the trigger, sending her shot racing wide of the far post. Gant coming off for Stowupland, Daly back on going into the left back position. 

 GOAL! Sudbury getting a corner on the right, curled in towards goal, Huggins getting her fist on the ball to knock it away from her goal drops straight to Penny running in top of the area puts her foot thought the ball rifling it through the crowd into the goal beyond to bring up Sudbury’s 10th 10-0.

Alex Penny racing onto the ball to score Sudbury’s 10th soon followed by her hat-trick

 GOAL! Moments later Penny has her hat-trick getting onto the ball from the right powering her way on into the area, evading a couple to challenges gets inside to blast the pall past the keeper 11-0.

  Into the final 5 minutes, Sudbury intent on getting forwards Dodd dinking the ball inside into Penny central inside the D goes to shoot, the ball caught by Huggins. 

 

 GOAL! Stowupland have been up against it all gave but never lost their spirit working hard to find an opportunity to threaten it comes a Moore up top nips in to steal the ball top of the area and moving inside keeps her composure to send her shot under Carter to score, the loudest cheer of the night coming from the Stowupland end as Moore runs over to celebrate with her teammates 11-1.

Enya Moore scoring for Stowupland at Portman Road

 Rabey sent back on for Stowupland replacing Williams at the back as they look to see out the close stages of the match, Penny into Allen wide right her cross scooped up into the area, caught well by Huggins at her near post. The final whistle blow at it’s Sudbury’s fans to roar out a cheer as they win this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup. 

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 11-1 Stowupland Falcons Women

 Never looked in doubt from the word go. An early goal is always going to settle any nerves and dampen the underdogs spirit. Sudbury moving the ball quickly using the pitch breaking down the flanks soon getting a 2nd and a 3rd despite the horrendous conditions play suspended with them 6 up after 40 minutes. The long delay thankfully seeing the rain ease and the pitch drain enough for the game to resume a penalty seeing Sudbury 7 up at the break. Stowupland continued to work hard keep the score down and try to find an opportunity of their own eventually forcing Carter into a save before Sudbury rang the changes again and extended the lead eventually reaching double figures, but not a clean sheet as Stowupland grabbed themselves a goal at the finish. The win probably never in doubt Stowupland nevertheless enjoying the occasion at Portman Road.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Glad I didn’t have to call this one at the game as I knew it was a tough one. Also know my notes can help immensely in that regards. A few performances of note to mention of course. For Stowupland the defence was under the cosh throughout nut still gave it there al, Ebonie Calvert and Eloise Flack with some good challenges. Clare Bevan running through the middle trying to unlock the defence for the attackers. Mollie Frost when she could making her presence felt. Sudbury were lively throughout using the whole squad moved the ball well creating numerous chances. Jess Allen with some great movement on the right setting up chances getting on the score sheet. Sophie Jeffery opening the scoring getting on well down the opposite wing. Eva Frazzoni with some great link up play and movement into the channels scoring a quality goal. The award though goes to the hat-trick scorer Alex Penny coming on to score a brilliant free kick. Ran constantly at the Stowupland back line creating chances and took her 2nd and 3rd goals well.

AFC Sudbury Women 2023/24 Suffolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulations to AFC Sudbury Women on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

  A late one in the finish but got the game finished 10.45 when I left the stadium the celebrations still going on The rain holding off or the 2nd half coming back with a vengeance for the drive back to Norfolk. Full credit to Suffolk Fa and Ipswich Town FC for coping with the atrocious conditions, play having to be suspended the fans patient the pitch drained enough to get the final finished. A night to remember no doubt. A great occasion and experience for the players and managers of both clubs. Thanks to everyone for their assistance tonight, and the hospitality. Good to catch up with Darrell Allen too, despite our shared interest in the game haven’t crossed paths much this season, but will hopefully do it again on Wednesday with a top of the table clash in Norfolk Division One possibly seeing the title won.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Real Bedford Ladies v Wroxham Women

Sunday 19th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Onto the 2nd final of the day from Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristal Stadium, hosting this season ERWFL finals day, an all Premier Division clash for the League Cup, Wroxham Women taking on champions, Real Bedford Ladies, looking to win an impressive treble in their first season playing under their new banner.

The League Cup contested by all the clubs across the 3 divisions in the ERWFL, a Division One North and South (tier 6) feeding into a 12 strong Premier Division (tier 5). Often featuring some highly competitive matches with alot of talent on display, The League Cup Final itself no less so.

This afternoon’s prize

Real Bedford FC owned by Peter McCormack, bringing the Bedford Ladies side already competing in the ERWFL Premier Division in to the club becoming Real Bedford Ladies this season retaining their league status, Dean Perrett initially brought in as first team manager the club signing on a host of ne players with experience playing in the ERWFL and the FAWNL above. Indeed hit the ground running winning to go top of the Premier Division and stay there all season 15 straight wins in the league. Perrett moving on, with assistant Georgia Clarke heading up the side for the rest of the season. Their first defeat coming at home to FAWNL side Billericay Town Women in the FA Cup. Haringey Borough Women finally ending their 100% record with a strong 1st half performance (happened to be the two games I attended).

That did little to dent the charge to the Premier Division title secured with a 3-2 win against local rivals Luton Town Ladies, the league title secured and with it promotion to the FAWNL. Soon becoming a league and cup double as Real Bedford continued where Bedford Ladies has previously been on several occasions winning the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup. League results tailing away at the end of the season, the job done however have one more game to play to achieve a historic treble. Natasha Fensome always prolific in front of goal for Bedford, once again top scorer netting 33 goals so far this campaign with new signings, Francesca Partridge and Gemma Croucher on 23 an 19 respectfully with 16 different scorers amongst the squad.

Wroxham Women securing a 5th placed finish in the ERWFL Premier Division this season, the first in charge for new manager, Adam Race, joining the club from Long Stratton Women. The Norfolk club under going another small period of transition have brought in players with plenty of ERWFL experience to build up a squad with a good blend of talent as they look to challenge at the top of the league. Success too in the cup competition’s not only reaching the League Cup final, but the final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the first time.

That at the start of a busy week for the club on Monday evening the squad getting to play under the lights at Norwich City’s, Carrow Road Stadium. Losing in the end to a strong Norwich City Women’s side. Injuries not helping to key players at the business end of the season, need to regroup and focus on today’s game. One of those injured out for the County Cup final striker Hannah Fuller one of the leading scorers in the county often top scorer wherever she’s been and so too this season netting 25 goals. Lara Densley enjoying a good campaign with 10 goals to her name as does Luci Middleton the attacker joining Race from Long Stratton where she was the top scorer in Division One last season with 35 goals.

Road to the Final

 A bye for both sides in the 1st Round of the competition. Real Bedford at home in the 2nd Round taking on Division One North and fellow Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue cross Lionesses. Starting the season strong that form continuing into the League Cup, Neve Mayes and Natasha Fensome both scoring a brace, with goal each for Chloe Martin and Erin Price in a 6-1 win. Wroxham making the long trip down to South Essex to play Division One South newcomers, Southend United Ladies, amongst the goals too with Holly Connell bagging herself a brace there were goals too for Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, Hannah Fuller and Keela Olive the score 6-1.

Into the 3rd Round, Real Bedford staying in Bedfordshire away to fellow Premier Division side, AFC Dunstable Ladies. Goals from Fensome and Gemma Croucher securing a 2-0 to send them into the quarter finals. Wroxham at home taking on fellow Norfolk side and Division One North leaders, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women, their opponents showing great form, Wroxham taking their chances however to secure a comfortable 5-1 win. Hannah Fuller bagging a hat-trick with a goal apiece for Ella Gambell and captain, Becky Russell.

Real Bedford at home in the last 8, Watford Ladies Development leading Division One South, like Real Bedford with a 100% start to the season. The gulf between the sides soon apparent and Real Bedford raced into a commanding lead racking up a double figure score line. Fensome netting 4 goals with Francesca Partridge firing home a hat-trick. There were braces too for Mayes and Croucher the final score 11-2. Wroxham staying in Norfolk a trip to Mulberry Park to play Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL. A tricky opponent, Wroxham getting the only goal of the game in the 2nd half, vice captain, Tigi Robson’s goal sending them into the semi-finals.

Real Bedford coming up against their Bedfordshire rivals all the way through their League Cup run drawn away to fellow Premier Division side and potential league rivals, Luton Town Ladies. Looked to be a close game on the cards and proved so on the day, Andie Dickens scoring for Luton, but a goal in each half for Fensome and Chloe Martin was enough to send Real Bedford into the League Cup final. Wroxham having home advantage in their semi final tie, taking on Hertfordshire side Stevenage FC Women, Stevenage scoring twice, Hannah Fuller with 2 goals for Wroxham seeing the sides all square after 90 minutes to head into extra-time, Fuller going on to complete her hat-trick to send Wroxham through to today’s final.

In need of food during the break between game, headed to the kitchen hatch to order a double cheeseburger. As you know I do like a cheeseburger and know a good one when I taste one have to say Newmarket’s offering is right up there with the best. Fuelled up and ready to go for the 2nd game, a walk round the pitch the sun bright the temperature in the early twenties. Great weather for the final, the crowd building nicely.

Real Bedford Ladies

Real Bedford Ladies starting XI – Destiny Pap, Amy Reed, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin, Sophie Mulvihill, Georgie Giddings, Gemma Croucher, Erin Price, Amber Smith, Francesca Partridge & Natasha Fensome (C). Subs – Sophie Billing, Neve Mayes, Chloe Martin, Izzy Crooks & Lauren Coppin.

Wroxham Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Albany Hodgson, Lauren Kett, Rachel Cossey, Becky Russell (C), Lily Alexander, Ella Gamble, Lara Densley & Luci Middleton. Subs – Tigi Robson, Lauren Bullard, Lucy Eagle and Hannah Fuller.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 

Captain’s Natasha Fensome and Becky Russell with today’s match officials

 Players out for both sides, captain Zara Carroll missing for Real Bedford, her set plays offering another dynamic to their play. Without goalkeeper Sarah Hudson too, Destiny Pap usually an attacking winger by trade has 5 goals for the Reserves this season keeping goal in recent games. Wroxham with injury problems late in the season missing midfielder Jennifer Drummie, Hannah Fuller out for the County Cup final on Monday makes the bench this time around. Both with attacking options to bring on from the bench.

  Wroxham with the kick-off in the first half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Real Bedford lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. Played back to Chelsea Clarke, lifted across field to the right, Lara Densley looking to attack, Lisa Milliken in to challenge for Real Bedford, played into Natasha Fensome captaining the side today, gets on the move, Lily Alexander across to close her down.

  Wroxham pick out Ella Gambell coming inside from the right up with Luci Middleton in attack linking up the ball rolled out to Densley on the right plays it back inside to Gambell 25 yards out, she shot blocked by Real Bedford’s Gemma Franklin. Fensome making a positive start to the game looking to run into the channels take on the Wroxham defence coming left drives on with the ball checking inside into the top corner of the box unleashes a shot rising for the top corner Bryony Williams covering her near post throwing a glove up to push the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

  GOAL! Players up into the box as Lisa Milliken prepares to fire in the corner, curled into the six yard box, Wroxham look to head it clear, only to see the ball driven into the back of their own net, to concede an own goal inside the opening 3 minutes 0-3.

  Real Bedford lively at the start Georgie Giddings getting stuck in in the middle to win the ball on for Gemma Croucher played through to Fensome up top looks to angle her pass right into the path of Amber Smith racing on down the flanks, Wroxham holding their line catching her offside. Amy Reed closing down Gambell as she attacks on the left the ball put into the middle for Erin Price who is fouled the free-kick on halfway launched up towards the area, headed clear by Wroxham defender, Albany Hodgson.

Amy Reed

   Real Bedford find Fensome central, clips the ball on into the box giving chase left of goal, Williams out smartly to slide in grab the ball into her body. A lively opening 5 minutes Real Bedford pressing well, Fensome’s runs causing issues. Leah Newcombe at right back for Wroxham sending the ball on for Densley attacks on the wing putting it inside to Middleton, turns looking to fight her way through into the box, Sophie Mulvihill in to close her down for Real Bedford. 

  Milliken playing the ball on for Fensome to gather on the left makes a surging run forwards, getting inside the box, Hodgson on her shoulder looking to hold her off, Fensome gets a shot away sending the ball across the goal wide past the far post. 

Real Bedford captain, Natasha Fensome

  Rachel Cossey with the ball for Wroxham in the middle out to Gambell left sprays the ball long out to the right for Newcombe making her way forwards, sends it down the line for Middleton pulling wide to receive, Milliken getting across the attacker to see the ball out for a goal kick. Fensome a threat whenever she has the ball at her feet driving forwards prepared to take on players, Wroxham forced to drop back to defend. Francesca Partridge turning on the ball sweeps the pass out to Fensome on the left, Newcombe doing enough to put the attacker off see the ball run out of play. 

  Wroxham finding Densley up on the right, Middleton coming to offer support, Franklin doubling up with Milliken prevents the cross coming in. Wroxham regain possession central flighted on down the right with Densley still forwards fires the cross into the box, Reed tackling, Gambell on the penalty spot to deny her the shooting chance.

Real Bedford clearing the ball up to the left, Partridge looking to cause havoc get control of the bouncing ball inside Kett turns in field, Hodgson holds her ground turning to shield the ball Partridge clattering into her shoulder, left in a heap on the ground. Needs lengthy treatment a head injury, has to come off, will be sporting a nasty looking black eye later on. Real Bedford sending on Sophie Billing to join the attack on the left. Fensome looking to attack the resulting free-kick wins Real Bedford a corner on the left, the delivery curled in over the cross bar.  

  GOAL! 20 minutes played Real Bedford in possession central Giddings out to Smith right put back inside for Croucher to lift out to the left with Billing attacking on the wing sends her cross in blocked by Newcombe at close range, appeals for handball and the referee points to the spot! Penalty! Croucher lacing the ball on the spot and makes no mistakes sending the keeper the wrong way drilling it into the left side of goal to double the lead 2-0.

Gemma Croucher doubling Real Bedford’s lead from the penalty spot.

Wroxham get the ball up the right, Middleton up with Densley winning their side a corner kick. The ball put in close to the near post defended by Price put out for a 2nd corner. This delivery curled in central Pap on her line reacting instinctively knocking the ball up into the air, her defence scrambling it away to the right a high ball put back into the mix dropping to Alexander beyond the far post looks to head it back in across the penalty spot just over Middleton, the Real Bedford defence clearing the danger.

Ella Gambell looking to take the ball on for Wroxham

  Midway through the first half a drinks break called. Gambell seeing the ball into her feet left coming infield looking for Middleton up top, Franklin nipping in ahead of her to steal the ball. Middleton working hard up top to get across the back line supporting Densley on the right Real Bedford working just as hard to prevent the cross. 

 Clarke sending the ball into the middle for Russell, Wroxham’s captain playing the pass into Middleton up top has Alexander up with her central lays the ball into her then out to Gambell wide left her cross launched into the box too close to the keeper, Pap claiming the ball. 

 Real Bedford played on Fensome plays in cross the pitch to Smith on the right who in turn drops it into the middle for Price free 25 yards out top of the D, goes to put her foot through the ball, misses her kick, Cossey snatching it away to safety. Reed bombing on right side goes past Smith on the over lap bursting into the box, Gambell tracking back with her getting a toe on the ball to prod it back to her keeper, Williams kicking it clear.

  Fensome tricky to pick up as she’s constantly pulling of one defender or another, think you’ve got her then she’s gone. linking up well with Smith looking to get on down the right her cross lifted into the box, over Fensome making a central run. Croucher onto the ball central releases a shot from all of 30 yards out her effort straight at the keeper. Newcombe the furthest forwards for Wroxham on the right flagged offside as Densley plays the ball into Gambell 25 yards out looks to put the full back away down the line.

  GOAL! Real Bedford turn play around quickly lifted out to Fensome on the move up the left wing drives on pace, whips a dangerous ball in across the face of the Wroxham goal, Smith running in unchecked at the far post burying her header into the roof of the net 3-0.

Amber Smith roars in celebration as she heads Real Bedford into a 3 goal lead.

  Real Bedford scoring at regular intervals, making Wroxham’s efforts look laboured as a response, Fensome’s runs causing problems, 12 minutes left to play in the first half. Real Bedford winning the ball at the back Price up to Croucher shoots 25 yards out, on target but lacking the pace to trouble Williams as she moves across her goal to catch the ball. Wroxham feeling aggrieved decisions not going their way, Middleton brought down having a word with the referee.

Gemma Franklin

 GOAL! Real Bedford through the middle Giddings on for Croucher up to Fensome in attack drops her shoulder to break into the box central in behind, Williams racing out to close her down goes to ground, Fensome knocking the ball out of the keepers path to the left to round her and slot the ball into the back of the empty net 4-0.

Natasha Fensome getting her goal to put Real Bedford 4 up

  Wroxham pushing on getting the ball on central Gambell coming inside up to Middleton back to Alexander who shoots from range her effort not troubling Pap. The referee stopping play wanting to talk with Gambell and her captain, as the wide player vocally complains about the decision making. 

 

  Russell on the ball for Wroxham out to Densley right, Franklin sliding in playing the ball off Densley for a free kick. Price playing the ball to Billing on the left, Milliken going past her on the overlap the ball rolled into her path crosses into the box, Hodgson clearing at the near post. The ball back with Real Bedford on the left, Fensome coming to receive the ball lifted into the area, Kett the defender under it for Wroxham this time.

Wroxham’s Lauren Kett

 Into first half stoppage time Wroxham vexed as they concede another free-kick on half way to the left, launched up into the top of the area, Williams comes for it gloves up eyes on the ball, Fensome looking to run in see it over her shoulder, clattering into the keeper, unintentional, Williams going down does well to keep hold of the ball as play is stopped immediately so she can receive treatment A blow to the chest looks to be winded more than anything else need a few minutes to recover. Clarke getting on up the left with Gambell for Wroxham but Real Bedford close in leaving no way through as the whistle blows to bring the half to an end.

 Half-time Real Bedford Ladies 4-0 Wroxham Women

 Real Bedford head into the changing rooms, in control of the game with a healthy 4 goal lead. Scoring early and at regularly slots during the first half have looked a constant threat going forwards while limiting Wroxham’s opportunities up the other end. Wroxham stay out on the field gather on the pitch have a mountain to climb if they are to get back into the match. Hannah Fuller warming up hard before the break looks to be coming on. Clarke the player taken off. Tigi Robson on too for Cossey.

 Real Bedford to get the 2nd half underway, put out to the left, Wroxham see the ball out of play. The throw played inside to Giddings, Russell stepping in to steal the ball rolls it back into the defence for Kett to clear. 

Georgie Giddings

  Fuller seeing the ball into her feet turns inside looking to release Newcombe as she attacks down the right, Billing stretching out a leg t intercept the ball puts it into Milliken’s path the defender fouled as she looks to carry the ball forwards. 

 

  A competitive start to the second half Wroxham looking to close the ball down, win a free-kick on half way. Hodgson over the ball floated up into the box, Franklin under it knocking the ball up into the air, dropping right post Pap under it to make the catch. Fuller bringing a different dimension to Wroxham’s play straight away her presence alone giving her side confidence as she takes the ball into the box right side squares it central looking for Middleton closed down squeezes it out to Gambell on the left, Real Bedford shielding the ball out for a throw.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller.

  Fensome ready to make her move whenever Real Bedford have possession, the ball rolled into her turns it to the left for Billing, drives on stopped by Hodgson. Gambell determined on the ball pushing inside from the left fires the ball into Densley, Milliken challenging to in the ball back for Real Bedford. 

Lisa Milliken

 Smith racing away down the right wing for Real Bedford in behind to send a cross into the box, Fensome overcooking her far post run the ball whipping behind her then cleared. Real Bedford defending a 4 goal lead can sit back a little pick their moments to break forwards the ball with Giddings in the middle played on for Croucher outside the box makes a run across the D, cutting her shot back in towards goal, Williams down low to push the ball behind for a corner kick. Put long to the far post Wroxham dealing with it Gambell fouled as she looks to bring the ball out.

Ella Gambell

  GOAL! Gambell fouled again in a much more dangerous are as she drives inside from the left, taken out outside the area 25/30 yards from goal. Standing over the ball with Russell, as the whistle blows Russell runs in to strike the ball angled in on target fizzed in at Pap back on her line hitting her looping up Pap can’t get hold of it as it loops up over her into the back of the net beyond 4-1. A goal back for Wroxham.

Wroxham scoring from the free-kick

Wroxham captain Becky Russell

The game restarts in the middle but is soon stopped with Pap down inside her box, Russell’s strike looking to have struck her in the face is a long pause in play but thankfully she is up back on her feet and able to continue. Wroxham putting the Real Bedford defence under pressure winning a corner on the left played in across the six yard line nocked back across goal to the left side falls straight to Kett who lifts her attempt on goal over the bar.

  GOAL! Wroxham pushing on down the left Fuller taking the ball to the by-line check back up the line turning into the box left corner to flash a cross into the middle, Middleton up with a defender near side making minimal contact, enough to deflect it on into the path of Alexander free to the right to rifle her shot past the keeper into the back of the net and score. 4-2.

Lily Alexander scoring Wroxham’s 2nd goal

  Two goal in 7 minutes Wroxham looking to get themselves back into the game ask Real Bedford a few questions. Wroxham finding an extra gear getting forwards well Fuller making the ball stick up top, Mulvihill getting a foot in to take the ball off the striker as she looks to drop her shoulder inside the D. 

Real Bedford’s Sophie Mulvihill

  Real Bedford still carrying plenty of threat in attack the ball played out to Billing on the left powers forward her cross claimed at the near post by Williams. Some of the decisions continue to vex Wroxham, Kett pulling up with a knock another pause while she receives treatment. Smith attacking down the right her cross blocked back to her puts it inside for Croucher out to Billing on the left her high ball into the box has Fensome interested, however Williams keeps her eye on the ball taking it cleanly above her head. 

Real Bedford attacker, Sophie Billing

  Middleton coming off for Wroxham with 20 minutes of regular play left, Lauren Bullard on to join the attack. Reed clearing the ball at the back for Real Bedford as Kett’s clearance has Fuller running to attack on the left. Gambell off a throw in the left inside to Russell, Alexander taking on the ball, looking to thread it into Fuller, cut out by Franklin. Russell taking the ball inside off of another throw on the left her shot on the angle straight at Pap.

  Russell laying the ball on for Densley out on the right, Newcombe bursting on to support her on the flank, Milliken isolated does well to get in between the pair to win the ball lift it forwards, Fensome looking it down knock to the left, Hodgson throwing out a leg to turn the ball away from her. 

Albany Hodgson

 Alexander up with Gambell central forwards to Russell inside the D her shot blocked by Mulvihill. Real Bedford spring the counter attack Price to Fensome releasing Billing on the left her cross cleared by Kett. A drinks break called alot of energy expanded out there. Play resuming Gambell taking the ball inside from the left laying it on for Densley top of the area, Franklin tackling, Gambell going down pulling up in alot of pain needs to come off Lucy Eagle joining the action with 10 plus stoppages to play.

  Eagle linking with Bullard on the left the ball clipped into the box, Mulvihill heads clear. Real Bedford dropping back intent on protecting their lead. Wroxham with a throw in the corner into Densley her cross cut out by Croucher inside the box, stays with Wroxham right up the line into Newcombe inside for Russell right corner digs the ball out from under her feet to cross too close to the keeper, Pap seeing the catch into her body. 

Wroxham’s Lucy Eagle

  Real Bedford with a rapid counter move getting the ball up to Fensome drifting left plays the one two with Billing wide getting the return pass inside the box to shoot on the angle, her strike fired in straight at the keeper. Billing taken off as Real Bedford send on Chloe Martin. One end to the other Eagles seeing Williams goal kick down left side, putting the defence under pressure the cross into the six yard box headed over for a corner. 

 Densley to take on the right dropping invitingly into the six yard box, think Russell gets her head on the ball drives the ball onto the crossbar, before a free-kick is called awarded Real Bedford’s way. 12 minutes of stoppage time in total. Real Bedford clear Price up to Fensome dinks the pass into Martin on the move left side her cross angled into the side netting, a Wroxham touch spotted, the corner awarded much to the annoyance of the fans. 

Erin Price

 Dropped into the six yard box from the left the ball headed down towards goal at close range, Williams with the sharp save little time to react straight at her knocks it up into the air dropping far post and dives down amongst legs to push the ball away to the right a goal kick awarded. 

Bryony Williams with a superb double save for Wroxham

  Real Bedford get on the attack Martin pushing inside with the ball at her feet from the left, played in central, Kett stopping it, knocked down, Fensome ready to pounce latching onto it inside the D pulling her shot wide of the right post. Eagle sees the ball into her feet lays it in to Bullard 20 yards out, Franklin out to close the attacker down. Eagle pulling up then taking a blow Wroxham take her off send Middleton back on for the final minutes of the game as Real Bedford look to get the ball forwards into the channels.

 

  Fensome breaking away still full of running coming in from the right across the top of the area her shot narrowly over from 20 yards. Fuller central looks to send the ball on turn and attack, Franklin sliding in to take the ball away from a throw in. A frantic finish to the game however Real Bedford see it out to celebrate winning the League Cup and completing a history making treble in just their first season.

Full time Real Bedford Ladies 4-2 Wroxham Women

  Treble wins aren’t common so to see two clubs do it in as many days is impressive, Real Bedford matching Whittlesey Athletic in that regards. Impressive. A strong first half seeing them race into a 4 goal lead. The damage done, it was nevertheless a spirited fight back from Wroxham in the 2nd half two goals in 7 minutes putting a different complexion on the game. Had further chances but Real Bedford were determined in defence not to concede again and remained a threat going forwards on the counter throughout William with a brilliant double save to deny them extending the lead. A treble won and FAWNL football to look forwards to next season, under a new manager. Georgia Clarke leaving her role, a treble winner in her first managerial role. Wroxham can be pleased with their 2nd half performance but will be disappointed to lose two cup finals. Nevertheless a great achievement to get there in the first place and a good platform to carry into next season. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again there was a clear contender early on although as the game wore on a few other get themselves into the mix with some good performances on both side. Firstly for Wroxham, goalkeeper Bryony Williams pulling off a superb double save with some brave goalkeeping to keep Wroxham in the hunt. Hannah Fuller came on 2nd half lifted the whole team got hold of the ball allowing other to get forwards creating chances. Ella Gambell frustrated in the first half used that positively in the 2nd half getting hold of the ball and linking up well with the forwards with some useful runs. Real Bedford out of the blocks well in the first half taking the game to Wroxham, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin and Sophie Mulvihill all making good tackles at the back. Gemma Croucher linking up the midfield and attack well. Sophie Billing and Amber Smith lively down the wings. That drive coming from their captain Natasha Fensome wins the award got hold of the ball and drove at the Wroxham defence creating chances got into some great positions and was always ready to receive the ball.

Real Bedford Ladies 2023/24 ERWFL League Cup winners

Completing a historic treble in the process

 Congratulations to Real Bedford Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup and winning the treble.

  Look forward to seeing Real Bedford in the FAWNL, another huge step up and I hope the club can sort out their ground issues with Bedford council before then. A busy but enjoyable day at Newmarket for the ERWFL Finals Day two entertaining matches. my thanks to both clubs for the help with the teams today and the ERWFL committee and staff at Newmarket for their hospitality. Into the final week of the season 3 more games to go…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women Development v Wormley Rovers Ladies

Sunday 19th May

ERWFL League Plate Final

Into the penultimate weekend of the season, and one more cup final doubles day to look forwards too, over to Newmarket Town FC once again this Sunday for the ERWFL Finals Day with the regional league’s show piece bringing an end the season across tiers 5 and 6 in the East. First up the League Plate Final, this season being contested by two of the league’s newcomers, Stevenage FC Women Development and Wormley Rovers Ladies.

 The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) hosting two cup competitions, the League Cup and Plate with the sides knocked out of the early rounds of the League Cup going on to contest the Plate. A slight change in format from previous years when the early rounds were contested by the Division one sides with the 12 Premier Division sides entering in the 3rd round.

The ERWFL League Plate

 This the first of two cup finals in 8 days for Stevenage FC Women Development/U23s, although the first should have been done and dusted back in March. Sadly that game against Coney Heath Ladies in the new Herts Women’s Trophy competition had to be abandoned due to a medical emergency, a Stevenage player collapsing on the pitch and had be rescheduled for this coming Sunday. First up the League Plate Stevenage’s Development side re-joining the ERWFL after a spell in the FAWNL Reserves section.

Going into Division One North, found it tough going early on collecting just 4 points from their opening 8 games but rallied towards the end of the season with an unbeaten run of 5 matches 4 wins and a draw to pull off the bottom eventually finishing 8th. That momentum in the league no doubt playing a part in their charge to two cup finals. Have had a large talent pool to draw from with 46 players used during the season, will no doubt benefit the 1st team playing in the league above. Stephanie Fausse the sides top scorers with 9 to her name this season with Ella Mercer on back on 8.

Wormley Rovers Ladies only formed a women’s side two season’s ago. Situated in a strong catchment pool of football clubs in south Hertfordshire. Going straight into the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division, were involved in a thrilling title race with the two sides who would eventually come up with them, taking the league title in their final game of the season a winner takes all game against Hertford Town Women at the top a 7 goal thriller Wormley Rovers Ladies won 4-3 to become Champions in their debut season. Going up into regional football entering Division One South this campaign.

  Haven’t found life quite so easy, have added experienced players to their squad as they looked to consolidate in tier 6. Struggling for results, have been near the bottom most of the season but keeping away from the bottom position, eventually recording an 8th placed finish like Stevenage, have saved their best form for the cup. Chelise Fleming firing in 39 goals in their debut season, has been top scorer once again this campaign, firing in 17 goals in 17 appearances. With Kasey Keen and Niamh Gallagher both on 6 goals. 

Road to the Final

  Both sides with a bye in the first round of the League Plate drawn away in the 2nd Round. Stevenage away to Division One South side, Stanway Pegasus Ladies. Remi Martin scoring a brace in the game with Holly Southam, Chloe Gregory and Ella Mercer all on target with a goal in a 5-2 win. Wormley taking on fellow Division One South side and the current late holders Hutton Ladies. A close game Wormley coming out on top to win the match 2-1 with Lily Marie Hanlon scoring both goals.

 Into the quarter finals, both sides on the road again, Stevenage taking on another Division One South side, Billericay Town Women Development. Stevenage winning the tie by the odd goal in 5 winning the contest 3-2 thanks to goals from Ella Mercer, Stephanie Fausse and Matilda Thomas O’Keefe. Wormley too taking on Division One South competition, close neighbours Cheshunt FC Women, goals from Chelise Fleming and Charis Howell securing a 2-1 victory to send Wormley into the last 4.

  Once again both sides drawn away. Stevenage playing fellow Division One North side, Biggleswade United Women, advanced into the final of the competition with Izzy Ruse and Thomas O’Keefe on target in a 2-0 win. A tough semi-final for Wormley as they were taking on Premier Division side, Barking FC Women, the hosts coring twice, Wormley firing back with goals from Fleming, Niamh Gallagher and Savannah Japal to secure a 3-2 victory and progress to the final. 

 Back to, Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristal Stadium the ground having hosted the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final on Friday evening and the men’s first team lay off final victory on Saturday. Now hosting the ERWFL Finals Day. The state of the art artificial playing surface in almost constant use hosting football of all ages throughout the season. A seated stand on one side beside the clubhouse and changing rooms. The bar open along with the kitchen hatch serving hot food and drinks. The weather perfect the temperature rising nicely, the sun high in the sky and little cloud around, certainly no rain forecast.

Stevenage FC Women Development

Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Lucy Fox, Mistie Fox-Baker, Sophie Afshar, Neave Wilson (C), Amana Oguntuga, Izzy Ruse, Chloe Gregory, Isobel Matfield, Stephanie Fausse, Ella Mercer & Matilda Thomas O’Keefe. Subs –  Holly Southam, Katie Boyle, Remi Martin. Freya Rice & Anaise Corrigan.

Wormley Rovers Ladies

 Wormley Rovers Ladies starting XI – Amy Jo Hebborn, Adel Mehmet, Gracie Manning, Katie Church, Aimee Burling, Rachel Daltrey (C), Maddie Lang, Charis Howell, Savannah Japal, Niamh Gallagher & Chelise Fleming. Subs – Nicole Cooper, Taila Kirkpatrick, Monique Marshall & Lily Marie Hanlon.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

The two sides walking out onto the pitch with the morning sun high in the sky. It’s Stevenage to kick-off the 1st half wearing red and white patterned shirts, red shorts and white socks. Wormley usually wearing black and red vertical striped shirts the ‘away’ side today wearing their change strip, lime green shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball lifted out to Amana Oguntuga attacking on the right for Stevenage fed on up the line for Ella Mercer, celebrating her birthday today to chase into the corner, Katie Church closing the ball down to put out of play in the corner for Wormley.

Played in deep cleared by Church out to the left for a Stevenage throw, looking to get on up the right Adel Mehmet sending in on for Savannah Japal, Mistie Fox Baker closing in for Stevenage in defence to halt the move. Wormley closing the ball down in the middle Maddie Lang on for Charis Howell played out to the left channel with Chelise Fleming pulling into space drives on looking to run into the box, Stevenage captain, Neave Wilson across to tackle regain possession.

Stevenage captain Neave Wilson moving in to tackle Wormley’s Chelise Fleming

Wormley press the ball comes to Niamh Gallagher wide left plays the ball into the area, central attacked by Fleming, slices her shot, cleared by Stevenage back out to the left for a throw. Looking for the long throw, into the edge of the box Stevenage defending look to break played up to Mercer, strong on the ball knocks it in behind for Matilda Thomas O’Keefe breaking clear left channel, Wormley goalkeeper, Amy Jo Hebborn out quickly to the top of her box to lay claim to the ball.

Evie Church clearing the ball for Wormley as Stevenage’s Matilda Thomas O’Keefe closes in

Stevenage lively at the start looking to move the ball quickly across the pitch, down the left a cross lifted over the bar. Wormley winning a throw high on their left, Gallagher and Fleming looking to team up on the ball, Wilson getting hold of the ball her clearance long dropping into the box, Thomas O’Keefe interested in a race with Manning on her shoulder the defender doing well to not only see the ball out but win a goal kick too.

Fleming making so promising runs up top, peeling left as Howell plays the ball into her, Sophie Afshar getting back at the attacker to close the ball down clear with her blocking tackle. Mercer running into the right corner after a high bouncing ball, Church and Manning linking up to get the ball up the field for Wormley.

Wormley’s Gracie Manning

Stevenage bring the ball on quickly through the middle into Thomas O’Keefe she fires the ball on with Mercer looking to make a run into the box right of goal, Manning coming to close her down, Hebborn rushes out sliding in to get hold of the ball, evades her grasp, inside her, Manning holds up Mercer as she attempts to reach it, Hebborn grounded stretching out an arm to get her glove around the ball pull it into her body.

Mercer and Thomas O’Keefe linking up well in the opening 10 minutes for Stevenage, Mercer left 25 yards out across the top of the D into Thomas O’Keefe goes to strike the ball, Manning charging it down. Positive from Stevenage. Fleming the outlet up top for Wormley as captain Rachel Daltrey finds her on the left combines with Gallagher on the wing the cross into the top of the area cleared.

Aimee Burling winning the ball at the back for Wormley to Mehmet on the left played up the wing for Japal getting on the move, plays the one two off Fleming inside her before angling the ball into the near post, caught cleanly by Stevenage goalkeeper, Lucy Fox. Fox tested again moment later as a Wormley shot is struck at her from distance, bouncing at her knees as she goes down for it, skips up, reacts sharply to grab it safely into her chest before Fleming can pounce.

Stevenage loose the ball at the back, Gallagher snatching it 20 yards out central, sends her shot high and wide. Howell is fouled as she carries the ball out to the left inside the Stevenage half. Over the set-piece herself, fires a high ball into the box far side knocked down back across to Fleming top of the area, Oguntuga on her shoulder, squeezes a shot away places it straight at the keeper.

Stevenage’s Isobel Matfield

Competitive in the middle of the park, Daltrey linking up with Fleming as the pair look to get Gallagher in on the right the pass a little heavy runs out of play. Another Wormley free-kick on the left played up into the area, Mercer up well to defend it heading the ball out for a throw on the left. Mercer clearing the ball long up to Thomas O’Keefe on the move left wing, is bundled over a free-kick won. Mercer coming up to take fired in with pace into the near post, Hebborn throwing herself to her left, saving turning the ball behind for a corner.

Wormley slow to play the ball out at times risk getting caught in possession, Thomas O’Keefe doing just that, 30 yards out central, pulls her shot wide of the right post. Mercer pressuring the ball on the right forcing Wormley to concede a corner kick. The delivery put into Wilson top of the area central shoots, rising, blocked appears to strike and outstretched hand Stevenage immediately appealing even as the deflected ball drops to Thomas O’Keefe at the far post close in turns the ball home on the angle, the goal won’t count however as the offside flag is raised against her. A frantic spell as Wormley counter attack the ball fired long up to Fleming to bring down 25 yards out left of the D, strikes the ball in low across goal, Fox with a superb save diving down to push the ball behind for a corner kick!

Busy game a lot happening, the corner kick curled in across the face of goal beyond the far post retrieved the cross however turned behind. The game open, Stevenage pushing on he ball cleared into Daltrey looks to put Fleming away in the left channel as she powers forwards, Afshar getting a vital foot in to nick the ball off the attacker or she was clear to attack the box.

Stevenage defender Sophie Afshar

Stevenage’s Izzy Ruse on the ball linking up with Isobel Matfield on for Chloe Gregory the final pass up to Thomas O’Keefe cut out by Church. Japal with the ball at her feet driving on down the right wing for Wormley, Fox Baker slides in to defend for Stevenage.

GOAL! Almost half an hour played Wormley fight to win back possession in the middle, Daltrey launching it forwards up towards the Stevenage box left of the D, Fleming looking out run on the shoulder of the back tracking defender, Fox comes racing out the other way to try and win the ball, goalkeeper and defender collide left in a heap on the floor, Fleming is still standing and in behind onto the loose ball, to walk it into the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Chelise Fleming putting Wormley into the lead

Stevenage on the attack from the restart Mercer finding Oguntuga breaking clear on the right down the line her cross squared into the box, Hebborn collecting it on the bounce on her penalty spot. Matfield putting the ball inside to Thomas O’Keefe, 35 yards out pulls her shot dragging it wide of the near post. Oguntuga offside as Mercer attempts to pick her out on the right.

Stevenage’s Ella Mercer

Wormley quick to get the ball forwards up the right Japal inside for Fleming breaking in behind, Fox taking no chances rushing out of her area to clear, takes the ball off the striker moving left, Fleming stealing the ball back has the keeper out of position as she powers her way back towards the box, the defence running back to cover the goal en masse her eventual shot, blocked and cleared.

Stevenage on the left Gregory with Matfield into Thomas O’Keefe inside the box the ball angled in low at the near post, Hebborn there to claim. Fleming strong up top making some forceful runs into the channels the midfield picking her out the ball clipped into her on the left forces her way into the box angling a low strike in across goal, Fox down smartly to save getting her body behind the ball.

Wormley pressure mounting as the 1st half draws to a close up on the right Japal with Fleming across in support the ball played in across the top of the area into Howell lays it into the path of Lang right of the D to strike on the run her shot blasted in at Fox, the keeper batting the ball away for a corner kick. The corner in across the six yard box, Stevenage look to get it clear but Wormley move to close the ball down.

Wormley’s Maddie Lang

A double change for Stevenage, Remi Martin and Katie Boyle coming on for Matfield and Fausse. Afshar doing well at the back for Stevenage getting in to tackle Fleming as the Wormley attacker surges towards the box off a Howell pass. A drinks break called late in the half with Mercer needing treatment for an injury, looks to be her knee, is determined to stay on and see if she can play on.

Mercer showing little sign of her knock as she gets in to break up a Wormley attack as Howell and Gallagher combine on the left. Fired up towards Thomas O’Keefe on the box, a coming together between her and Burling, the attacker coming off worse, needs treatment but up and allowed back onto the pitch as play resumes the first half moving into stoppage time. Church cutting the ball out at the back for Wormley as Mercer attempts to play Thomas O’Keefe in behind.

Moments left in the first half, Howell steals possession in the middle sends the ball out to Fleming pulling into the left channel, on the angle fires her shot in across the keeper, but wide of the far post too.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women Development 0-1 Wormley Rovers Ladies

  The sides head back into the changing room with Wormley holding the narrow lead at he break. Chelise Fleming capitalising on a mix up at the back to open the scoring on the half hour. Wormley a threat getting forwards out wide and into the channels. Stevenage though with a positive start had a goal ruled out for offside, and a penalty shout moment before. Two contracting sides, Stevenage’s young players looking to get the ball moving quickly. Wormley with the experience finding the gaps to exploit. Set up perfectly for the 2nd half.

Both sides keen to get going out early for the 2nd half, Wormley to get thing’s underway with a change, Monique Marshall on coming into the middle replacing Church with Daltrey dropping into defence. A triple switch for Stevenage with Martin, Boyle and Thomas O’Keefe of, Fausse and Matfield back on along with Anaise Corrigan going up top in attack. Just waiting on the officials to return, referee Francesca Catchpole a pretty decent striker in her on right leading her team out.

Wormley get the 2nd half going looking to get straight on the attack, Marshall onto the ball clipping it out to the right Afshar defending as Fleming looks to go after the ball.

GOAL! Wormley pressing the ball into Japal inside right with Fleming ahead of her played across the top of the Stevenage area into Gallagher left corner turns the ball back up the line for Howell, who puts her foot through the ball angling a shot in with power high past the diving Fox to crash into the back of the net 0-2. 

Charis Howell fires Wormley into a 2 goal lead early in the 2nd half

A huge blow for Stevenage early in the 2nd half, Wormley out of the blocks quickly to double their lead. Bringing the ball on down the right played on Fausse looks to link up with Corrigan in attack, Japal racing back to help defend nicking the ball back for Wormley. Marshall making an impact for Wormley coming off the bench strong getting after the ball deep on the left with Japal the ball cleared forwards Fleming looking to attack it right channel heading for the box, Fox out well to gather the ball into her body.

Marshall lifting the diagonal ball out to Japal on the right squares her cross into the top of the area looking for Fleming, Fox again rushing on to get hold of the ball. Wormley strong on the ball, Marshall attacking right side of the area, Afshar on her shoulder sends the ball across the area into Gallagher left side her shot straight at the keeper. Wormley with a dominant start to the 2nd half.

Wormley’s Monique Marshall

Howell 25 out moving across the top of the Stevenage D, playing the ball off the outside of her boot out to Gallagher on the left, her cross cut out by Wilson, Ruse looking to bring it away is quickly closed down. Marshall fouled by Gregory wide on the right. players up to the top of the area as she stands over the resulting set-piece, puts a dangerous ball into the corridor, Fox with the acrobatic save to push the ball away from danger out for a corner on the left.

Lucy Fox with the acrobatic save to turn the ball wide for a corner.

The corner played short up the line to Fleming, turning as she breaks into the top corner of the box, fires her shot up over the cross bar. Mehmet pressing the ball, getting it up field on the right channel, Fleming bursting forwards, seeing the ball drop over her shoulder as she runs into the box, drills her shot into the side netting, a slight touch off a Stevenage player on it’s way through a corner awarded.

Adel Mehmet with Stevenage’s Anaise Corrigan

  The corner played in from the right comes out to Japal positioned outside the D, goes to shoot, stretching as she connects with the ball falling back dragging her shot wide away past the left post, pulls up immediately in pain, suffering from a nasty bout of cramp. Almost an hour played, Wormley make the change Taila Kirkpatrick on to replace Japal.

Mistie Fox Baker defending against, Wormley’s Chelise Fleming

  Fox Baker getting onto the ball for Stevenage left side rolled on for Gregory bursts on down the wing all the way to the by-line cutting into the box her cross put into the side netting. Stevenage looking to up the tempo as Mercer gathers the ball into her feet looks to travel, moving central is bundled over the advantage played as Corrigan races in behind after the ball, Hebborn though sprinting out to the top of her box to reach the ball first.

  Marshall lifting the ball on for Kirkpatrick looking to get on for Wormley up the right, Fox Baker getting her tackle in as the pair race to the by-line. Howell latching onto a shot from distance smashes the ball over the Stevenage crossbar. Stevenage making a double change bringing of Matfield and Afshar, on come Thomas O’Keefe and Holly Southam. Wormley strong through the middle the ball fed into Gallagher outside the D, lays it off for Fleming, turns inside to shoot from all of 25 yards out angling in across goal to the far post. Fox pushing it away to her left.

  Stevenage look to turn play around in the middle, Fausse turning on the ball to thread a pass in behind for Corrigan to attack, Hebborn racing out the other way to try and close the angle, Corrigan attempting to knock the ball wide past her to have a chance on goal, the keeper though with an excellent save stretching out her arm to get her glove on the ball snatch the ball.

Amy Jo Hebborn getting her arm out well to stop the ball getting past her.

  Fausse taking the ball out to the left attacking for Stevenage whips a cross/shot into the near post, Hebborn down to stop it knocked across the face of goal, Daltrey running back with Corrigan holding the attacker off. Stevenage with a set-piece out wide on the right curled into the box by Mercer, Hebborn up well pushing it down out away from her goal, runners closing in no one can get a touch the ball hooked clear. 

Amy Jo Hebborn up to save, Ella Mercer’s free-kick

  Wormley getting on the counter attack the ball long through the middle with Marshall providing the run strong into the box looking to get between the back tracking centre backs, Wilson getting it back to Fox, the keepers clearance striking Fox Baker full in the face leaving her floored in the box, play stopped immediately as she is treated a lengthy pause players taking on fluids.

 Fox Baker back up on her feet, as the game rolls into the final quarter hour, Fleming coming for the ball, turns and pushes into the right channel, Southam getting back into her to tackle for Stevenage. Burling in to break up a Stevenage attack clears the ball long up to Fleming breaking into the right channel, Fox Baker running back into the box after her getting her foot on the ball to play it behind for a corner kick. The delivery short into Howell curls a cross in towards the far post, headed behind.

Stevenage’s Holly Southam

  Wormley with the ball left in the corner Gallagher up the line for Fleming played in central, Mehmet latching onto the shot, dipping right in front of her Fox almost wrong footed adjusting quickly to get hold of the ball. Lang linking up with Marshall though the middle, on for Fleming the pass cut out by Southam. Oguntuga defending for Stevenage on the left stays on Marshall well as she looks to get onto the ball fed into the right channel getting a foot on the ball to block as Marshall crosses. the ball out for a throw in the corner.

Stevenage’s Amana Oguntuga with Worley’s Taila Kirkpatrick

 Dropped into Marshall on the by-line holds it up before rolling it back for Fleming to send a cross in across the face of goal, Gallagher attacking it at the far post inside the six yard box twisting to head the ball sees it cannon back off the post before the Stevenage defence scramble clear. 

Wormley’s Niamh Gallagher

  Fausse getting onto the end of a diagonal ball played across to her as she pulls away to the left squaring her cross into the top of the Wormley area, Burling doing the defending on Corrigan as she goes for the ball. Howell coming off for Wormley, Lily Marie Hanlon coming on. 85 minutes on the clock. Ruse sending the ball out to Fausse on the left angles the ball into the area, Hebborn letting everyone in the stadium know it’s hers as she comes out to gather the ball into her gloves.

  Another change for Wormley Manning coming off at the back, Church back on. Marshall fouled for Wormley on halfway as she looks to bring the ball on. The free-kick looping up into the area, dropping sharply in front of Fox, shoves the ball away, falls straight to Fleming on the penalty spot, her shot charged down.

 

  Mercer’s knee injury flaring up again, needs to come off, Martin sent on. Wormley have managed the game well their attackers pulling out wide, Marshall pushing on from midfield with space to run into, Fleming a ready outlet going forwards. The attacker seeing the ball into her feet dribbling forwards through the middle unleashing a shot 25 yards out, low into the box gathered by Fox. 10 minutes of stoppage time to be played, the game halted with an injury to Mehmet at the back for Wormley.

  GOAL! The defender back up on her feet play resuming with a drop ball, knocked long up towards the Stevenage box, bouncing in the area, Fox can’t get to it as Fleming central looks to get a touch knocked past Fox into the goal beyond 0-3.

Chelise Fleming forcing the ball home for Wormley’s 3rd goal

 A 3rd goal surely sealing the win for Wormley with the game into stoppage time. Kirkpatrick carrying the ball out to the right forwards for Fleming her touch to heavy the pass running out of play. Wormley keeping the ball well in stoppage time driving forwards looking to get the ball into the box, Gallagher wide left seeing her cross blocked, comes back up the line to Lang then Hanlon a shot fired in on the angle, straight at Fox.

  Fleming shooting narrowly wide of the right post as she controls the ball 30 yards from goal. Time almost up Stevenage lifting the ball forwards up to Corrigan in attack, turns on the ball driving into the left channel, riding a tackle stays on her feet to stab the ball on for Thomas O’Keefe racing into the box on the angle fires her shot wide across goal. The final whistle blows and Wormley celebrate winning the ERWFL League Plate in their debut season in regional football.

Full time Stevenage FC Women Development 0-3 Wormley Rovers Ladies

  An entertaining final between two contrasting sides, Wormley using their experience and strength will making a brilliant start to the 2nd half, doubling their lead in the 46th minute to press the advantage. Got the ball into their attacking players quickly and drove at the Stevenage defence forcing them back stretching play at times. Stevenage’s youngster kept going looking to pick out their attacking players in the channels, Wormley though comfortable at the back for the large part, Hebborn with a couple of useful saves too.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time for the 1st Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, asked to choose the player of the match on the day too. Luckily this one an easy decision in the finish a clear contender emerging early on. A few performances of note to mention. Firstly for Stevenage, Ella Mercer having to play through the pain barrier at times got about the pitch well looking to find space up top and link up with the attackers, won the ball well. Izzy Ruse too getting her tackles in to win the ball in the middle, Sophie Afshar and Mistie Fox Baker with some vital tackles at the back. For Wormley, Amy Jo Hebborn with a couple of important stops in the 2nd half to ensure Wormley’s two goal lad remained intact. Charis Howell getting about the middle of the park into some great positions a great strike for the 2nd goal. Monique Marshall making an impact coming off the bench for the 2nd half, strong with some forceful runs on the ball linked up well with the attack. The award though goes to Chelise Fleming. Made some fantastic runs up top. Pulling into the channels strong on the ball putting the Stevenage defence under pressure opening the scoring a willing runner throughout.

Wormley Rovers Ladies 2023/24 ERWFL League Plate winners

 Congratulations to Wormley Rovers Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Plate.

 An enjoyable first final of the day. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today. Stevenage disappointed, but have another final to prepare for next weekend, Wormley ending their season on a high. Time to find something to eat, get ready for this afternoon’s match.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Friday 17th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

Beginning another long weekend of cup final football action this Friday evening with a trip to Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristal Stadium to watch the final of this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, between the top two in the Women’s Premiership, runners-up Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds play league winners, Whittlesey Athletic Ladies going for an impressive treble having won the Women’s Invitation Final just over a week ago.

The Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup contested by the sides playing across all three divisions in the county, this time around the final featuring the two sides who have proved to be strongest in the top flight within that set-up. The competition proudly sponsored by The Alan Boswell Group that has been involved with the league in Cambridgeshire in various guises for close to 20 years now.

This evenings prize.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds one of the longest established sides within the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership under the leadership of Ashley Hunt and Ryan Lee have grown throughout the season finishing strongly with 7 wins in a row to pull 12 points clear of the pack to secure 2nd spot behind winners, Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Both are to step back from the dugout after this evenings final with the club bringing in Shane Lebbon to manage the side, has a wealth of experience coaching within the woman’s game in Cambridgeshire having previously been with Newmarket Town Women, coaching at all levels, developing and bringing youth players into the 1st team. 

Fulbourn with a strong attacking quartet, scoring plenty of goals between them this campaign, Ellie Woodley on target to score 41 goals so far this season in 21 games. Captain, Marie Stubbings, often amongst the goals has 21 to her name while Ebony Crook and Eve Seyf has scored 18 and 14 respectfully. Face a tough test in this evenings final having lost heavily to Whittlesey in both there matches this season.

They aren’t the only club to lose heavily to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies this season however, with the club reforming it’s women’s side this season, pulling in players from a strong talent pool in the Peterborough area, easily equipped for tier 6. Can’t enter at that level however and have to be promoted from a county league, going straight into the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, hit the ground running and never looked back a 100% record on their way to the league title after 16 of there 18 league matches, strong in the cup competitions too as they proved in the final of the Women’s Invitation Cup final last Thursday, beating Cambridge United WFC’s U18s 2-1 to make it a league and cup double.

Emma Pollard opening the scoring for Whittlesey back then has enjoyed another 50 plus goals season in front of goal, 58 last season as she helped Cardea FC Ladies to a league and cup double too, has 52 this season in just 15 matches. Tara Parker with 15 goals and Taylor dean also into double figures on 10. A cup hangover (maybe) saw them lose their 100% record last Sunday, a 1-0 defeat away to Cambridge University Women. Tonight though a chance to complete the treble.

 Road to the Final

 Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st round of the League Cup. The goals flowing for both in the 2nd road. Fulbourn especially as thy were at home taking on Division Three side Cambridge Rangers WFC Reserves. Ellie Woodley alone firing home 7 goals. Ebony Crook and Marie Stubbings getting 4 apiece. with a brace each for Eve Seyf and Katie Luddy in a 19-0 romp. Whittlesey at home against fellow Premiership side Cambridge University Women, Emma Pollard smashing home 4 goals, Jenna Nairn was to net a brace with Hannah Murphy, Taylor Dean and captain, Leah Barnes all getting a goal each in a 9-0 win.

Fulbourn continuing their goal scoring form in the League Cup as they took on Chatteris Town Lillie Ladies, from Division Two in the 3rd Round of the competition. Woodley and Crook both scoring a hat-trick, surpassed by Stubbings who grabbed another 4 goal haul with Hollie Turner also on target in an 11-0 win. Whittlesey handed the away win having been drawn against Division Three side, Willingham Wolves Women.

Into the last 8 of the League Cup, Fulbourn on the road this time taking on Division Two side, Waterbeach Colts WFC. Their attackers continuing their strong form in front of goal, Crook getting herself a hat-trick with Seyf firing in a brace, Woodley scoring too in a 6-1 victory. Whittlesey away to in the quarter finals up against Division Two title chasing Godmanchester Town Ladies, a rare game where Pollard didn’t score, they progressed into the semi-finals courtesy to a 2-0 win, Taylor Dean and Jenna Nairn with the goals.

Into the semi-finals an all Premiership line-up, Fulbourn at home taking on Newmarket Town Women Development, Woodley’s goals seeing them into the final, scoring a hat-trick to advance with a 3-1 win. Whittlesey at home too taking on Leverington Sports Ladies, who had improved over the 2nd half of the season pulling away from the bottom of the table. Goalless at the break, Whittlesey would break the deadlock in the 2nd half to into win the game 3-0 with goals from Murphy, Pollard and Megan Strickland.

Newmarket Town FC’s Tristal Stadium hosting some big matches this weekend, not only this evening’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final, but a huge game for the men’s first team on Saturday as they take on Mulbarton Wanderers in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Play-off final. Onto Sunday the ground hosting this season’s ERWFL Finals Day. The ground featuring a state of the art cork based artificial playing surface. A seated stand on one side beside the clubhouse and changing rooms with the bar and kitchen hatch open. A warm evening, dry with a few clouds around but no rain likely.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Julie Brown, Nat Wells, Seema Grewal, Jess Anderson, Jess Adams, Mollie Turner, Dani Quinn, Marie Stubbings, Ebony Crook, Eve Seyf & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Rachel Fallow, Sarah Bodger, Gaby Gallegos Garrido & Amy Smith.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies starting XI – Zoe Shepherd, Megan Strickland, Maisie Homden, Hannah Johnson, Alice MacNicol (C), Hannah Murphy, Jenna Nairn, Taylor Dean, Mia Wilson, Tara Parker & Emma Pollard. Subs – Grace Spencer, Katie Barber, Jorja Badcock & Olivia Smith.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An injury blow for Whittlesey with captain, Leah Barnes out on crutches. Played a big part in there Invitation Cup success, however they do welcome back Hannah Murphy and Hannah Johnson to the starting line up with Jorja Badcock on the bench. Alice MacNicol captaining the side as they get the League Cup final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing an all blue kit. Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue coloured shirts with claret trim and sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. The ball rolled back to Hannah Johnson in defence, fed up to Jenna Nairn looks to pick out Emma Pollard in attack pulling into the left channel, Jess Adams intercepting the ball for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn looking to press the ball win a series of throw ins on there left looknig to get forwards. Playing the ball into midfield, Hollie Turner into Eve Seyf looks to play Ellie Woodley in behind, MacNicol closing her down to tackle regain possession for Whittlesey. Fulbourn positive pushing on up the right, Seyf combining with Woodley out wide, her cross clipped into the area, cleared by Hannah Johnson for Whittlesey.

Fulbourn’s Eve Seyf with Ellie Woodley

Seyf making a nuisance of herself on the right in attack looking to see the ball into her feet, skip past her marker, turning inside is brought down, winning Fulbourn a free-kick in an inviting position 25 yards out. Ebony Crook over the set-piece, floated the ball in towards the far post, runners closing in however Whittlesey goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd takes the ball cleanly above her head.

Fulbourn have Whittlesey penned back in their own half as Seema Grewal plays the ball into the middle helped on up to Seyf in attack as captain Marie Stubbings making a move to race in between the centre backs threads the pass on for her to attack, Shephard quickly out of her area gets there in the nick of time to kick the ball clear the ball out for a throw on the right.

For all there forward play at the start of the game Fulbourn have to be wary of the counter attack, Emma Pollard ready and waiting up top for the ball to be cleared into her path, Nairn lifting it into the left channel Pollard, clips it across to the right for Hannah Murphy into the right channel attempts to send, Tara Parker into the box, Adams close on the attacker getting her foot in to stop the ball reaching its target.

Fulbourn quick to turn play around launch the counter attack, Dani Quinn playing the ball forwards Crook left helping it on for Seyf racing in behind the Whittlesey defence into the box the keeper coming to close the angle, Seyf shoots, the ball racing wide of the right post, a corner given the keeper with the merest of touches keeping it out. The corner whipped into the six yard box by Crook, over Quinn jumping central, cleared back out to Crook on the right, sends her cross over.

Whittlesey’s Maisie Homden after Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

Parker loosing her boot as she is fouled trying to break clear wide on the left on halfway. Whittlesey bringing players up as the ball is lifted into the top of the Fulbourn box, Quinn heading the ball away. Fulbourn move the ball right Crook over on that side putting it on for Woodley central, in turn playing it forwards into Seyf, close control wriggles her way through the defence into the area, one on one with the keeper as Shephard comes to close her down, stays big as Seyf looks to place her shot past her, the keeper getting her left glove on the ball making a superb save to concede the corner. Curled in near post defended by Maisie Homden. A pause in play with MacNicol down inside the box with a knock, but okay to play on.

Whittlesey goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd

GOAL! The deadlock is broken, Whittlesey having had to work hard at the back in the opening 10 minutes to keep a lively Fulbourn out hit their opponents on the counter, Nairn playing a great ball into Pollard left channel combines well with Parker in attack the pair playing the ball back and forth making their way forwards Pollard inside to Parker getting the return pass slipping the ball into the box behind the Fulbourn defence for Parker bursting into the area, before smashing her shot into past the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

Tara Parker celebrates after scoring Whittlesey’s opening goal

Two good chances for Fulbourn not taken, Whittlesey clinical in their first meaningful attack open the scoring. Energised now get forwards Nairn combining with Pollard in the middle spots Homden on the move left wing breaking down the wing in behind with the ball, pushed to the by-line, can’t keep her cross in play. Murphy playing the ball onto Taylor Dean, who is fouled inside the Fulbourn half beside the centre circle on the right. Nairn to send the ball long towards the far post, MacNicol up from the back tries to get her head on the ball but can’t quite reach it as it runs behind for the goal kick.

Stubbings putting Woodley in on the right plays the ball down the line for Seyf to attack a race for the ball with Homden the defender seeing the ball out for a corner kick. Crook lifting an in swinging ball in high central, Shephard up well to make a comfortable claim. Fulbourn getting the ball moving in the final 3rd, Seyf feeding the ball out to Woodley wide right this time, looking to take the ball on, Homden with her the full back challenging to win the ball back.

 GOAL! Whittlesey always looking for Pollard up top whenever they regain position and the attacker is always looking to make herself available pulls left as Nairn wins the ball in the middle, picks her out with the past, Pollard racing away down the win, pace to cut back into the area before flashing a ball in across the face of goal, Julie Brown in goal looking to get something on it, the ball deflected into the onrushing Parker for her to turn the ball home for her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Tara parker doubling Whittlesey’s lead

Nairn comes close to putting Pollard through to score Whittlesey’s 3rd moments later lifting the ball into the left channel, Pollard seeing it drop over her shoulder top of the area, ready to latch onto her shot, Brown reacting sharply out to the top of her area, making the blocking save with her legs to deflect the ball away from danger.

GOAL! Whittlesey upping their game midway through the first half winning a corner on the right, players up rom the back, the initial corner lifted into the near post defended cleared out to the right lands at Dean’s feet, blasts the ball back into the box, blocked coming back out to the right a measured cross curled in across the goal the the far post with MacNicol in position to nod the ball down into the back of the net. 0-3.

Alice MacNicol heads Whittlesey into a 3 goal lead

A huge blow to Fulbourn with 2 good chances to take the lead, find themselves 3 goals down in the opening 23 minutes. Whittlesey lively as Murphy finds Dean out wide on the right her cross in towards the top of the area intercepted by Fulbourn’s Jess Anderson. Woodley central threads the ball on for Stubbings looking to break in behind, Johnson having dropped off, having a crucial half yard head start on the attacker getting to the ball first to put out for a throw in the corner. Fulbourn press well to bring themselves a corner.

Played into the near side helped on across the six yard dropping far post, Homden covering the post sees it out for another corner on the right. Crook’s delivery knocked down into the area, Seyf looking to latch onto it central, Murphy charging the ball down for Whittlesey.

Parker fouled on halfway as she looks to break away with the ball. Nairn to play the ball from right to left in towards the far post, Murphy jumping but over the attacker, nevertheless retrieves the ball on the by-line to spin back inside and flash the ball in across the face of the Fulbourn goal. Pollard with the ball at her feet right, Nat Wells sliding in slows her down by Pollard stays on her feet to cut the ball back into the area from the by-line, Parker looking to hit it first time, fires her strike wide.

Stubbings 30 yard out central with Crook to her left the pass into her played forwards with Woodley looking to surge into the box, MacNicol getting in close to prevent the shot, Woodley’s attempt deflected off her legs up over the crossbar.

Nairn winning the ball for Whittlesey central attempts to pick out Pollard pulling into the left channel once again, her touch a little too heavy this time allowing Adams the opportunity to get her foot through the ball before she can take it on. Woodley fouled outside the box on the left for Fulbourn the free kick fired in towards goal, Shepherd reacting late saving the ball with her legs, Whittlesey looing to mobilise a counter attack, Quinn stopping the advance for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn undeterred by falling 3 goals behind still going forwards looking to create something, win a throw high on the right, put into Seyf’s feet turns well to put a cross into the top of the area, Stubbings running in making contact with her knee places the ball wide of the near post. MacNicol just about gets there to tackle Woodley top of the area as Crook looks to play her in on goal.

Nairn strong to win the ball turns to pick out Pollard going left, has Homden on the sprint to get ahead of her on the overlap, Brown has to come racing out of her area to kick the ball clear. Whittlesey press on the right Dean with Wilson a corner kick won, Lifted in near side defended knocked out to the right, Murphy latching onto the shot, the ball fired into the crowded near post area, blocked turned behind for another corner, again defended at the near post back to the corner taker the cross turned over the bar.

Whittlesey bringing of Wilson, send on Katie Barber. Woodley left on for Seyf ahead of her, Johnson on her shoulder to pressure the shot, put straight at the keeper. Seyf getting about the pitch in the final 3rd stealing into the box on the right as the diagonal ball comes into her, can’t dig the shot out of her feet however instead putting the ball in central for Woodley, Whittlesey quickly into her to close the ball down.

Quinn getting up the pitch to win the ball for Fulbourn central plays it forwards into Woodley before making a run to the right, Woodley linking up with Seyf beside her who in turn picks out Quinn wide inside the box, her shot curled in across goal wide at the far post. Fulbourn pressing for a goal late in the first half, Crook on to Woodley left forwards into Seyf looking to race into the box Johnson looking to stay on her shoulder, Seyf gets her shot away looking to go across goal into the bottom corner, Shephard diving down to her left making another fine save getting her gloves on the ball.

Grewal getting forwards on the right picking out Woodley ahead of her turns to release Seyf down the right wing before making a run into the D, Seyf looking to find her with the cross, MacNicol in to close her down the shot blocked taking the sting out of it runs safely through to the keeper.

Pollard’s pace attacking down the right wins Whittlesey a corner, an in swinging delivery across the six yard, MacNicol nodding in down into the mix at the far post, the ball scrambled over the bar. Fulbourn get on the move left Grewal inside for Woodley, running in behind, Johnson looking to stay on her into the box, Shepherd coming the other way to block the ball deflected out to the left, Stubbings looking to race onto it, Strickland sliding in to get to it first clear the threat.

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 0-3 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  The sides head into the changing rooms at the break with Whittlesey holding a 3-0 advantage. Could have been a very different score line had Fulbourn put away their early chances, the difference between the sides in the first period Whittlesey clinical when they’ve had their chances, making them counter looking a threat on the break. Fulbourn undeterred have kept getting forwards looking for an opportunity to score and have forced goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd into making some excellent saves. Still a lot of work to do if they are to get themselves into the game 2nd half, will have to come forwards and Whittlesey with the advantage an be patient with Pollard up top ready to spring into action.

The floodlights taking full effect as the sides emerge for the 2nd half. Fulbourn to get the 2nd half underway have changed their keeper, with Rachel Fallow in in place of Brown, Whittlesey immediately into hustle the ball, nick possession to lift the cross field pass out to Pollard on the right, sends it across the top of the area for Homden getting on down the wing, Grewal challenging to get the ball away from danger for Fulbourn.

Homden needing to defend up the other end putting the ball out for a throw as Seyf looking to march on down the wing. The ball taken to the by-line fired in central, Woodley looking to attack it, Strickland clears back to the right for Whittlesey, lifted into the near side right of goal Johnson defending the ball back out wide before the cross is flashed in wide across the face of goal.

Whittlesey’s Hannah Johnson

Fulbourn prepared to push on take on the Whittlesey defence, Stubbings with room in the middle picking out Seyf with her pass on the right, knocking it on down the line, Homden getting across her body to shield the ball out of play for a goal kick. Fulbourn pushed up the ball coming into Wells deep on the left lifts the ball high into the box at the near post, Shepherd up well to take with Seyf closing in.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

Stubbings across to put in the challenge on Dean as the Whittlesey forward looks to advance on the right. Again Fulbourn press the ball well in the final 3rd without finding a way through then Whittlesey with a couple of passes forwards spring the counter, Pollard looking to race on with the ball into the left channel, however Anderson gets out to close her down tackles to win the ball back.

Whittlesey’s Taylor Dean

Dean on for Pollard on the right travels with the ball squaring a dangerous ball into the top of the six yard box, a vital touch from Fallow getting her gloves on the ball knocking it down to claim, especially with Barber running in behind the keeper ready to turn the ball home.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow

MacNicol down again for Whittlesey, having pulled up a couple of times in the first half, needs to come off this time, Whittlesey sending on Jorja Badcock. Fulbourn pushing on looking to cause problems for the Whittlesey defence winning a throw high on the left the ball flighted into the area, headed away by Johnson. Nairn getting the ball into her feet playing it into Murphy on for parker outside the box right of the D, moves inside looking for room to shoot, Anderson staying on her as Adams closes ranks the moment lost. 

Jess Adams

 Seyf getting on with the ball right side for Fulbourn sends the cross into the box turned behind by Strickland for a corner kick. Flung in near post players up to attack it, knocked on across goal out beyond the far post. Whittlesey dropping back inviting Fulbourn on allowing Quinn and Turner to press higher. Parker back on the cover to clear a Fulbourn free-kick launched up field for Pollard to chase down on the right, her initial cross into the box blocked comes back out to her Wells moving in to close her down Pollard playing the ball off the defender for a corner. Curled into the six yard box from the right, Pollard the player under it at the far post turns her header wide.   

  GOAL! Whittlesey powerful on the counter attack, Nairn seeing what’s ahead of her s she wins the ball back in the middle, lifting her pass up towards the right of the D for Pollard to attack, in a race with Wells, the defender trying to play it back to her keeper, but rushing out the other way they get too close, Fallow slicing the ball inside towards the penalty spot, Pollard reacting faster ducking inside to get onto the ball and side foot it into the empty net 0-4.

Emma Pollard extending Whittlesey’s lead in the 2nd half

  Whittlesey extending their lead midway through the 2nd half, Pollard getting herself on the score sheet. nip in to regain possession high Parker on the ball feeding it up to Pollard, Anderson lunging in to make the tackle. Barber advancing on the right as Whittlesey look to up the tempo comes inside heading for the box, Wells closing her down as Anderson makes the blocking tackle. Dean with Homden up on the left the ball played into the box headed away for a throw in the corner.

 GOAL! The throw in played into Pollard who turns on the ball and breaks into the box, left corner, angles her powerfully hit strike across the keeper into the corner of the net to make it 5. 0-5

 Whittlesey with two quick fire goals from Pollard pulling into a 5 goal lead. Making a change with 20 minutes to play as Dean comes off, Olivia smith on. Fulbourn having pushed on don’t let their heads drop, continue to attack looking for a goal of their own, Quinn letting fly from 20 yards out right of the D sees her shot come back of the post, Fulbourn pushing up winning a corner on the left. Knocked on across goal to the far post running out to Quinn on the angle her shot blasted in blocked by the Whittlesey defence. 

Hannah Murphy

  Turner playing the ball on for Stubbings central in attack looks to twist and turn find a way through the Whittlesey defence, Johnson closing her down. Wells putting the challenge in to put the ball out for a throw on the right as Barber drives down the right wing for Whittlesey. Badcock seeing the ball into her feet in attack central has Barber running past her rolls the ball into her path her 20 yard shot blocked at close range by Anderson. Badcock up with Pollard the ball played into the attacker 20 yards out, puts her shot straight at the keeper. 

  GOAL! Fulbourn awarded a free-kick inside the Whittlesey half to the right of the centre circle the ball floated into the area headed out to the right drops straight to Quinn beyond the far post, puts her foot through the ball and blasts her shot from an acute angle into the back of the net, their endeavour getting them a deserved goal 1-5.

Dani Quinn pulling a goal back for Fulbourn

 10 minutes left on the clock, Fulbourn pulling one goal back scoring against Whittlesey at last but their opponents still have a commanding lead. Wells firing the ball inside to Turner in the middle on for Quinn linking up with Stubbings through the middle, Murphy back to defend for Whittlesey. Nairn’s balls forwards up to Pollard so dangerous, the striker getting on the move, Anderson quick to close her down, nick the ball for Fulbourn. 

Eve Seyf

  Wells coming forwards has Seyf up ahead of her, the ball played on Seyf feeding it to Woodley left of the D, turns playing it across to Crook on the right, Homden cutting out the cross, back with Crook her 2nd attempt behind for a corner kick, the ball dropping in near post headed on across the six yard falling before Seyf, can’t get it out from under her feet before Whittlesey close her down.

 Fulbourn keep going Wells playing the ball up to Seyf left level with the box fires an inviting cross in along the face of the Whittlesey goal, Woodley racing in far post can’t quite get there. For a moment it looked as if Fulbourn had won a penalty, as they attack right t left Stubbings playing the ball into Seyf central is brought down, the foul however right on the line a free-kick awarded nevertheless. The set-piece struck low hitting the wall deflected behind for a corner on the right The delivery teasing flashing in  through the six yard box no one can get a touch.

Megan Strickland

  Seyf, cleaned out by Johnson out wide on the left another free-kick awarded. Fulbourn with the late pressure the ball in to the near post cleared by Strickland for a throw out on the left. The ball put across the top of the area Fulbourn pushing up the wing to get a corner on the right as the game moves into stoppage time, curled in near side, a turn on the ball and shot, the ball blocked on the line back out to the right then fired back in across the face of goal. 

 Whittlesey adsorbing a late Fulbourn push make a double change, Pollard and Nairn coming off, Wilson and Grace Spencer on. Woodley letting the ball roll cross her 30 yards out, sends a shot arrowing in straight at the keeper. Seyf sending a cross into the box from the left attacked at the far post, Homden with the block on the post. The final whistle blows and Whittlesey have done it won a league and cup treble with their newly reformed team.

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 1-5 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  An impressive achievement for Whittlesey to win the league and two cup finals. Were clinical on the night putting away their chances. Counter attacking well and working hard at the back pushed back at times. A great effort from Fulbourn never gave up two great chances to take the lead themselves were hit on the counter to concede the opener, Whittlesey upping their game to put two further chances away before the break with goal keeper, Zoe Shephard called into action to keep the clean sheet on a couple of occasions. Fulbourn not prepared to settle back 2nd half gave it a go to try and find away back into the match, Whittlesey could bid their time however wait for the right moment to pounce get up the other end and Pollard was on hand with a quickfire double to put the game beyond doubt Fulbourn remained positive getting the goal their attacking play deserved and never let Whittlesey settle.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, again it’s a fairly straight forward one and too a player that has won a few of these before. A few performances to mention first, for Fulbourn they worked hard up top t find a way through no one more than Eve Seyf who got about the flanks looking to take the ball down create openings unlucky not to score,. Marie Stubbings too covering a good amount of ground to make herself available for the ball and help out in midfield. Dini Quinn making some great runs forwards took her chance well, also tracking back the other way to help the defence. For Whittlesey, Tara Parker was lively up top looking to get into the box on hand to score the opening goals. Zoe Shephard made some vital saves in the first half to keep the Fulbourn out. Jenna Nairn winning the ball played some fantastic passes forwards. The award winner once again Emma Pollard, played a part in all the goals assists and putting two away in the 2nd half. Running into the channels made herself a read outlet throughout.

Emma Pollard with this season’s haul

 Congratulations to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies on winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup and for claiming an impressive treble, there aren’t many sides that can claim that.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies 2023/24v Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners

  A good evening out at Newmarket, an entertaining final. Whittlesey strong all season finishing in style one game left to play. Fulbourn with a spirited performance can be proud, gave it there all. Ashley and Ryan leave the team in great shape, improved ready to challenge for honours next season. My thanks to both teams and referee Carlton Joseph for the help with the teams this evening. Back to Newmarket on Sunday for the ERWFL Finals Day, into the final run 5 games to go… 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Wroxham FC Women v Norwich City Women

Monday 13th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by Harrod Sport

No time to rest after a busy Sunday covering two finals on NWGFL Finals Day, the cup finals keep rolling on in May with a Monday evening trip to Carrow Road, home of Norwich City FC for this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, with Wroxham FC Women reaching their 1st county cup final taking on current cup holders, Norwich City Women. 

The Norfolk Women’s County Cup enjoying a record crowd last season, played at Carrow Road. Had to wait and see how Norwich City FC’s, Championship season was going to turn out before announcing a date this time around. The competition proudly sponsored by Harrod Sport….

This evenings prize

Wroxham FC Women reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history. One of two finals the ERWFL Premier Division outfit has reached this season with the ERWFL League Cup final to follow this coming Sunday at Newmarket Town FC against league champions Real Bedford Ladies. Another new manager at the start of the season the club bringing in, Adam Race from Long Stratton Women. New faces added to the squad, have a good balance on youth and experience, with several of their players having featured in finals at Carrow Road before.

Wroxham securing a 5th placed finish in the Premier Division, have goal scorers throughout their side. Hannah Fuller once again leading the goal scoring charts, firing home 25 goals so far this campaign. Lara Densley has had a fantastic season for the club scoring 10 goals. 10 goals too for Luci Middleton, doing well having come with race from Long Stratton stepping up to play regional football.

Norwich City Women fully merged with Norwich City FC now, dominated the county cup in it’s early years before stepping back from the competition, returning in recent season’s have won 2 of the last 3 finals to make it 5 in total. Winning at Carrow Road last season, the club is ambitious and aiming for promotion out of the 4th tier where thy have long been established. Bringing in Martin Herdman to manage the team, pushed eventual champions, AFC Wimbledon Women all the way. Herdman leaving part way through the campaign, Scott Emmerson from within the club taking on the job for the rest of the season were unbeaten, right up until the final day of the season losing out 1-0 away to Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women.

This evening’s final will be captain. Anna Larkins last game for the club, announcing she will be leaving the club she joined 16 years ago has been a fantastic servant for the club in that time. Natasha Snelling has enjoyed a prolific season in front of goal, the 3rd highest scorer in FAWNL South East Division One scoring 21 goals. Player of the season, Ellie Smith has scored 12 goals, with goal scorers scattered though out the side.

Road to the Final

 Norfolk County FC, using a seeding system in the competition meaning the higher ranked clubs don’t enter until the latter stages, in the case of both of this evenings opponents that being the quarter finals. Wroxham drawn away in the last 8 taking on Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Caister FC Ladies. Wroxham amongst the goals leading 4-0 at the break going on to add a further 3 in the 2nd half to cruise into the last 4 courtesy of a 7-0 win. Hannah Fuller on target for a brace, with a goal each for Chelsea Clarke, Lucy Eagle, Tigi Robson, Lara Densley and Luci Middleton. Seven goals too for Norwich City Women as they entertained, ERWFL Division One North leaders, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. Both, Hope Straus and Rachel Lawrence scoring 2 each. With goals too for Megan Todd, Eloise Morran and new signing Holly Kennard, joining from AFC Sudbury Women.

Both clubs amongst the goals in the semi-finals too, having home advantage, Wroxham were taking on ERWFL Division One North side, Fakenham Town Ladies. Fuller bagging herself a hat-trick, with goals too for Densley, Middleton and defender, Albany Hodgson, seeing Wroxham into their first county cup final. Norwich hosting Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, their county cup opponents in their previous two finals, newly promoted to ERWFL Division One North, Norwich were determined to progress, with Natasha Snelling scoring twice. Shannon Shaw, Freya Symonds, Katie Knights, Lauren Hailes and Anna Larkins all on target too as Norwich won 7-0 to book their spot in a 2nd successive Carrow Road final. 

 Carrow Road hosting two of Norfolk FA’s County Cup finals this season on successive nights, starting tonight with the women’s cup and the men’s senior county cu on Tuesday. The pitch looking fantastic a brilliant surface to play on the teams out having a look round taking it all in pre-warm up. The Sir Geoffrey Watling Stand being used for spectators this evening, filing up nicely. The weather a little cooler after another warm day with some cloud cover but still pleasant.

Wroxham FC Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Lauren Kett, Albany Hodgson, Rachel Cossey, Becky Russell (C), Ella Gambell, Lara Densley, Lily Alexander & Luci Middleton. Subs – Holly Connell, Tigi Robson, Lauren Bullard, Lucy Eagle & Summer Copland.

Norwich City Women

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill, Anna Larkins (C), Hope Strauss, Ceri Flye, Alice Parker, Eloise Morran, Lauren Hailes, Katie Knights, Holly Kennard, Ellie Smith & Natasha Snelling. Subs – Millie Daviss, Freya Symonds, Lauren Tomlinson, Shannon Shaw & Charlotte Pernet.

Wroxham FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Anna Larkins and Becky Russell with this evenings match officials

Huge injury blows for Wroxham for this evening’s county cup final with striker Hannah Fuller out, along with midfielder Jennifer Drummie. Both not only influential for the team but with experience playing at Carrow Road in previous final too. Still the opportunity for others to step up. Norwich with a strong line-up, missing Megan Todd who has enjoyed county cup success in the past. Pre match ceremonies complete it’s Norwich to kick-off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with green striping, green shorts and yellow socks. Wroxham lined up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Eloise Morran in turn to Hope Strauss at the back. Ella Gambell running at her looking to close the ball down, comes out to the right, Katie Knights on the drive up the wing her pass inside cut out by Lauren Kett.

Norwich push players on winning a corner on the right. Appling early pressure players up the ball swung into the six yard box, goalkeeper Bryony Williams previously with Norwich deal with the threat the ball put out of the box. Ellie Smith looking to keep it alive closing down scrambled out for a throw on the right. Up level with the penalty area played inside by Natasha Snelling fires it across the D to Lauren Hailes left side pulls the trigger, defender, Albany Hodgson putting in the block the ball spinning behind for a corner on the left.

A flurry of Norwich chances as the ball fires in near post is deflected on into the middle of the area, Wroxham’s defence blocking one shot on the line then a follow up scrambled back out to the left curled back in the ball striking the base of the post! Norwich showing attacking intent right from the off. Wroxham clear the ball up their right, Lara Densley able to travel with it bursting down the line, sends wide high past the goal out for a throw in the left corner.

Play stopped an injury concern in midfield following the early Norwich attacks Gambell down treatment required, comes off to be assessed as play resumes. Hope Strauss at the back alongside captain Anna Larkins with time on the ball as Wroxham back up lifted out to the left for Hailes, plays a diagonal ball from deep into the area, Kett heading clear for Wroxham. Gambell back on the pitch, Norwich able to push their full backs right up to join the attackers adding to the pressure applied. Ceri Flye taking the opportunity to run with the ball up the line.

Lauren Kett

Hailes lively turning a throw in across the top of the area, headed away by Densley for Wroxham. Snelling across to the right looking to link up with Flye, Chelsea Clarke  under pressure ends up being fouled. A strong opening 7 minutes for Norwich. Gambell sliding in on half way with a heavy challenge on Flye, referee Lorraine Catchpole having word. Flye up okay.

Luci Middleton leading the line for Wroxham, is isolated up top as Norwich push Wroxham back, Strauss and Larkins often the only two players bar goalkeeper, Sarah Quantrill still in their half. Flye playing the cross into the area off of a throw on the right, Hodgson heading clear for Wroxham at the far post. Norwich win it straight back on the left driven into the area turned behind for a corner.

Lara Densley

Wroxham looking for an outlet, Densley the most likely on the right as she steal in on the ball gets the Norwich defence turned around as she races forwards putting it inside for Middleton looking to break into the box near side, closed down the ball rebounding out to captain Becky Russell free 30 yards out looks to take on the shot a high ball looping in towards goal, however Quantrill backing up onto her line makes a comfortable catch.

Lauren Bullard

Strauss lifting the ball long up the right as Holly Kennard powers forwards racing on with the ball roared on by the crowd plays the ball into the box, Hodgson dealing with it for Wroxham. Hodgson lunging in on Snelling giving away a free-kick in a dangerous area left side out to the right for Kennard to attack, Clarke getting across her run, defending seeing the ball out for a goal-kick.

Clarke looking to wiggle clear on the left for Wroxham beats the ball down with her hand as it’s deflected up in front of her, everyone in the stands roaring up seeing it, all except the referee on the opposite side, Clarke taking the ball on, Larkins across to challenge. Wroxham absorbing a lot of pressure, doing okay unlikely to get many opportunities up top, need to make them count. Densley pushing on well on the right, Middleton offering support as she looks to make herself available for the counter.

Smith flagged offside as the attacker looks to break into the box off a Hailes ball put on through the middle. Rachel Cossey getting the ball into Middleton back to goal spins away to the left putting the ball into the on rushing Densley taking the ball on towards the top of the area, Strauss manages to trap the ball between her legs, not clear though, Lily Alexander tries to snatch it, Strauss’ momentum gets her back onto ball to force clear.

Wroxham midfielder Rachel Cossey

Norwich break up the left Parker crossing in low near post Smith the target, Kett sliding in to challenge gets the ball behind for a corner but hurt as Smith falls on top of her, another pause in play Kett needing lengthy treatment comes off with the trainer needing to be waved back on as Norwich resume with the corner kick. The offside flag putting the end to another spell of Norwich pressure.

Norwich looking lively players racing forwards often exchanging positions, Smith and Snelling floating pulling wide at times, dropping deeper in others allowing others to run on. Flye amongst those pace to get into the box, runs into Kett who puts in the blocking tackle. Densley winning the ball on the right gets on the move linking up with Alexander who gives her the return pass as she breaks down the wing striking the ball on the angle, Quantrill right behind the ball.

Flye excites the fans as she pulls off a nutmeg on the right, skipping in behind the full back to drive at the box, once again Kett is there to halt her run. Leah Newcombe putting the ball on for Densley ahead of her, Norwich sliding in on her brought down the free-kick given away. Floated into the box Quantrill coming into the crowd to punch the ball clear, Norwich take it forwards on the counter, Kennard racing away down the right Clarke looking to get back at her squeezes a cross in along the top of the area Snelling in position left side, her strike charged down by Newcombe.

Norwich strong going forwards Flye right into the middle for Hailes, Russell getting in the tackle the ball coming to Middleton looks to get away from Strauss, Norwich as quick to get players back as they are to race forwards crowd the striker off the ball.

Luci Middleton looking to get away from Hope Strauss

Middleton getting n with the ball central has Densley up with her on the right channel playing the ball into her the ball into the box tame off target as Quantrill dives forwards onto the ball. Parker down on with a knock for Norwich receiving treatment. Wroxham under pressure holding out for the first half hour.

GOAL! Norwich attack pushing down the left the cross lifted up to the top of the area, Hailes inside the D going to shoot, her effort taking a deflection looping up in front of goal, Snelling on the line seeing the dropping ball onto her boot to side foot into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1. 

Natasha Snelling opening the scoring for Norwich

Kennard driving on up the right wing for Norwich down to the by-line turns the ball in to the box, snuffed out by Hodgson, Kett clears the ball. Wroxham a little unsettled after conceding Norwich sharp getting up the flanks Parker left firing a ball through the six yard box. Smith getting about looking to get onto the ball cause Wroxham problems. Middleton up with Densley on the right exchanging passes, Parker back to defend, as Strauss comes to challenge for the ball.

Knights on for Flye on the right on the attack her cross taking a deflection up off a defender seeing in loop dangerously in towards goal, Williams cool back on her line to take the ball high above her head. Norwich making a change bringing off Parker, Lauren Tomlinson coming on. Wroxham too with a change Middleton replaced up top by Lauren Bullard. Play with Wroxham on the left have a free-kick after Kennard shoves Gambell over., Lifted into the D by Clarke, Russell under it knocks it in behind across to the far post, Bullard running in looking to get onto the end of it Norwich see the ball out.

Hodgson fouling Tomlinson in a central position 22 yards out a dangerous position as Snelling and Smith stand over the ball, it’s Smith who takes on the shot over the wall high looping in towards goal destined to drop in under the bar but for an excellent save from Williams throwing her arm up to glove the ball over the bar.

The resulting corner into the top of the area, Densley does well defending on Strauss to clear the ball. Winning the ball back Strauss gives the ball to Larkins played on for Kennard racing away up the right whips a vicious ball in across the face of goal, Williams diving forwards to claim it vital with Snelling racing in to attack it beyond.

Russell finding Densley with the ball on the right, has Newcombe getting up with her laying it wide looks to break inside into the box, Newcombe unable to pick her out with her cross. Hodgson shown a yellow card as she tugs on Snelling’s shirt as the attacker attempts to skip past her left of the D. Hailes over the resulting free-kick, curled in towards goal not troubling Williams. A few wild challenges flying in Wroxham need to settle, Smith brought down. Winning a corner on the right Norwich play the ball short up the line the angled ball turned in towards goal, Williams right behind it.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams

Into stoppage time 5 minutes to be played, Wroxham with Alexander into Densley right channel inside for Bullard in the D, looks to wriggle free to get a shot away, Morran tracking back from midfield in to win the ball back. Smith carded as she slides in on Kett as the defender loos to clear the ball in the box. Norwich with a corner on the left played in far post cleared out of the area a fouls spotted as Wroxham attempt to bring the ball out, Hailes picks up a booking for kicking the ball away, the crowd booing the decision Hailes gesturing playing up to the crowd, good natured engaging with the support.

Lauren Hailes engaging with the crowd after picking up her booking

Morran giving away a late free-kick wide left into the top of the area Larkins in to block the ball as the half-time whistle blows.

Half-time Wroxham FC Women 0-1 Norwich City Women

  A strong first half performance from Norwich, getting forwards at will at times, still have just the one goal to show for it. Williams playing her part in keeping that number down with a fantastic save. Have been able to get on pushing the full backs up to join the attack throughout. Wroxham battling at the back dealing with a lot of pressure, getting forwards when they can Densley looking their best outlet if she can get support.

The sides out ready for the 2nd half

Wroxham making a double substitute as the 2nd half resumes, Middleton back on for Gambell, Tigi Robson on for Hodgson at the back. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway in front of another fantastic crowd of 922. Norwich immediately in to close the ball down run out of play for a throw on the left, break away down the wing, Tomlinson flashing a cross into the six yard box, Snelling at the far post down to Smith central, can’t get her shot away, comes back to Snelling, Williams saving with her legs the shot put over.

GOAL! Norwich attacking at the start of the 2nd half threatening to overwhelm Wroxham pushing on up the right the ball comes into the top of the area, Knights to receive it strikes a rising shot in past the keeper to double Norwich’s lead 0-2. Knights definitely a fans favourite running over to the crowd to celebrate.

Katie Knights turns in celebration as she double Norwich’s lead rushing over to cheering crowd

A blow for Wroxham right at the start of the 2nd half. Get on down the right to win a corner. fired into the near post low Norwich defend turned out to the top of the box, Robson looks to lift the ball back in towards goal, Quantrill claiming it high. Cossey in the middle picking out Densley on the left travels forwards for Wroxham her cross into the box headed away by Larkins, Norwich getting it up quickly on the right for Kennard, evades Clarke, Kett coming into the corner to put the ball out for a corner.

Katie Knights

 

Curled in towards goal Williams right behind it to catch unchallenged. Smith attempts to thread a diagonal ball into Kennard coming in to attack inside the box on the right, Williams rushing out to making the blocking save with her legs the loose ball running in across the penalty spot, Snelling running in to attack it Wroxham’s defence rushing back to cover their goal, get the block in to turn the ball away for a corner.

A change before it’s taken, Kennard off with Parker back on, her first job to take the corner kick, Densley defending for Wroxham. Morran running onto the ball 30 yards out lashes a shot up over the crossbar. Clarke coming off for Wroxham, Holly Connell coming on to join the defence. Middleton jumping with Strauss gets the better of the defender turning to get onto the ball break into the right channel, Morran tracking back to get in to close her down, blocking her attempted cross turned behind for a corner.

Norwich back to defend at their near post. A double change for Norwich, Freya Symonds and Millie Daviss coming on, Hailes and Knights coming off. Newcombe playing the ball up the line for Bullard on the right the Wroxham attacker looking for Middleton in the box, pulls her diagonal ball into the keeper. Parker surging down the right for Norwich lifting a cross in near post attacked by Daviss, Kett on her defending well for Wroxham.

GOAL! Tomlinson knocking the ball on down the left wing getting in behind to square a great delivery into the six yard box, Snelling closing in on the far post, placing her head on the ball to ram home her 2nd of the game and Norwich’s 3rd. 0-3.

Natasha Snelling celebrates with cross provider, Lauren Tomlinson

Smith getting hold of the ball through the middle driving forwards, hauled down. The free-kick out to the right for Parker, eased off the ball by Russell inside the box. Cossey coming off for Wroxham on comes Gambell back into the action. Middleton the latest player to go into the book for a foul out on the wing. A free-kick in from the wide position won by Densley, another infringement spotted however Norwich keep the pressure on, Parker curling the delivery wide.

Ella Gambell

GOAL! Norwich looking strong full of running, Tomlinson deep cross from the left into the box Smith looking to attack it  dragged down as she goes to shoot, the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Penalty! Strauss to take the spot kick, a short run up but a powerful hit smashing the ball into the right side of the goal, Williams dives the right way but can’t get close to it 0-4.

Hope Strauss fires home Norwich’s penalty

Hope Strauss

Strauss has has had a fantastic season for Norwich. Can recall a time in the early days of Women’s Football East, when she was a young up coming player within the Billericay Town Women’s set-up, Kim Coster telling me how good a player she was, great to see that development. Under 20 minutes left to play it’s all Norwich.

Wroxham struggling to get the ball into their attackers in the 2nd half forced onto the back foot. Lucy Eagle coming on to go up top for Wroxham, Middleton coming off. Gambell booked for Wroxham after she brings Tomlinson down. Tomlinson subbed off moments later, Charlotte Pernet. Norwich in full control how Wroxham tiring pinned back, a high ball in from the right taken by Williams.

Norwich pushing on up the right to the by-line the cross cut back into the near post Snelling looking to get on the end of it, Alexander in to block for Wroxham. Kett coming off at the back for Wroxham, Hodgson sent back on. Snelling brought off, by Norwich Shannon Shaw going on up top. Pernet on the left level with the top of the area puts in into Shaw top corner of the box rolls her defender to send a shoot arching in towards goal, William s diving to push the ball away from goal falls straight to the onrushing Smith smashes her first time shot wide past the far post.

Eagle seeing he ball down into her feet turns to clip a diagonal ball long into the Norwich area looking for Densley breaking forwards, Strauss heading the ball clear. Symonds getting on with the ball on the left running into the box sees her cross blocked by Robson.

GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes Norwich press on the right the ball inside to Symonds bursts into the area her shot blocked the loose ball running across the face of goal, Smith rushing in to blast the ball home to get herself on the score sheet 0-5.

Ellie Smith gets her goal

Morran grabbing hold of the ball 25 yards out unleashing a strike, put straight at Williams back on her goal line. Knights returning to the pitch as the club brings off their captain Anna Larkins for one last time, rightly getting a standing ovation from the Norwich faithful.

Knights running onto the ball played into Shaw who send a shot racing past the far post on the angle. Hodgson defending closing in on Symonds as she looks to turn on the ball right side of the D.

GOAL! A corner conceded on the right, Norwich play it short rolled back to the taker played up the line Daviss firing the ball back into the area, the ball deflected for a moment the crowd are silent as no one reacts the ball creeping inside the right post however, a 6th goal scored, unfortunately an own goal 0-6.

An unfortunate own goal as the ball creeps in inside the post

Wroxham’s opportunities in attack few and far between in the 2nd half late on Densley gets on down the right, but can’t pick out Alexander inside the box from her cross. Norwich with one last push the ball fed into Symonds right side looks to send it on for Shaw making a move to get into the box, Williams running out to the top of her area getting there first. That’s it all over the final whistle blows and Norwich win 6-0 to retain the County Cup.

Full time Wroxham FC Women 0-6 Norwich City Women

  Norwich ramped it up 2nd half getting straight on the attack to quickly double their lead though Katie Knights, ringing the changes Lauren Tomlinson crossing the ball in for Natasha Snelling to head in Norwich’s 3rd. Wroxham fought hard at the back, but often penned in their box found it difficult to get anything going the other way. Norwich kept coming a 4th coming from the penalty spot, a couple of late goals sealing a dominant win to retain the county cup. Wroxham had injuries but will be hugely disappointed feel they could have posed a few more questions going forwards if they were prepared to give it a go still at 1 nil at half-time did okay and had the early goals not gone in the 2nd half might have fancied their chances. Still have to pick themselves up another huge game around the corner the ERWFL League Cup still to contest. A fifth placed league finish and two cup finals giving the club and excellent base to build on for next season whatever the out come. Will be there to see them in action at Newmarket on Sunday. Norwich finishing their season on a high retaining the county cup after a strong FAWNL campaign finishing 2nd losing just the one game by a single goal. Looking for a new manager to take the club forwards as they aim for promotion to the 3rd tier.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the 3rd and final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of a busy spell of cup finals, a few contenders but won’t veer from the player awarded on the night. Wroxham battle hard were pinned back for most of the game little room for defenders to manoeuvre, Lauren Kett in particular making a number of vital blocks and tackles. Bryony Williams understandably distraught to concede 6 goals but nevertheless made some critical saves and no doubt kept her side in it 1st half. Lara Densley a threat on the right got forwards when she could just needed more support. Norwich were rampant in attack right from the start taking the game to Wroxham, powering down the wings doubling up at times players rotating positions. Katie Knight getting about to win the ball high, Ceri Flye surging forwards linking up with Holly Kennard. Hope Strauss comfortable at the back ready to stifle any threat used the ball well. Natasha Snelling getting into some great scoring positions. The award though goes to Ellie Smith moved about the back line looking for the ball and to set up chances for herself and others.

Ellie Smith collecting her player of the match award

 Congratulations to Norwich City Women on retaining the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

Norwich captain, Anna Larkins collecting the county cup trophy in her final game for Norwich

Norwich City Women 2023/24 Norfolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Another fantastic occasion at Carrow Road. Norfolk FA doing a great job, very grateful to get the opportunity to cover the final once again. Thanks for the help this evening. 3 finals in two days, makes for a busy schedule, 3 reports done, sleep sacrificed but it’s all done and dusted for another year… well till next weekend anyway 5 more finals to come… wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Darren Gilham