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Cup Final Special – Harpenden Town Women v Stevenage FC Women

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Sunday 10th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Onto the 2nd game of this season’s ERWFL Finals day, the League Cup showpiece itself, featuring another all Premier Division clash and a repeat of this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup final with Harpenden Town Women taking on the new league champions and 6 times county cup winners, Stevenage FC Women who are aiming to end a magnificent season with an historic treble.

Won’t be taking their opponents lightly however having been run close in the county cup final, Harpenden reaching their first final getting it back to 2-2 at the death only for Stevenage to get straight up the other end and score the winning goal. Another debut final for Harpenden reaching the last two of the ERWFL League Cup. Stevenage despite their long history in the ERWFL yet to lift the League Cup losing to Luton Town in last season’s final.

Winning the county cup for the 6th time, Stevenage went on to become invisibles in the league, not losing any of their 22 league matches, winning 20. Sarah Wiltshire scoring her 50th goal in her debut season for Stevenage in that game going on to become the ERWFL Premier Division’s leading goal-scorer. An incredible return from the striker named captain at the start of the season, one of a host of new signings, with proven records to lead Stevenage’s charge to winning the ERWFL Premier Division title and returning to the FAWNL. 

The ERWFL League Cup

  Ex-Arsenal and England player, Sian Lingham (formerly Williams) taking charge of Stevenage as they set the chief goal of winning the league as a priority, that achieved in style an unbeaten season top from the start, the momentum carrying through to the cup competitions, back to win the county cup and now aiming for the treble, Wiltshire top scorer with 53 goals. Amy Makewell and Gemma Croucher also into double figures with 11 and 10 respectfully. By far the meanest defence in the league too shipping in just 13 goals, Elly Wade brought in from Luton playing a huge role in that. 

  Harpenden Town Women a rapidly growing force in Hertfordshire rising up the pyramid there debut season in the Beds & Herts Premier Division in 2022 to join the ERWFL, narrowly missing out on promotion to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women in their 1st season in regional football, roared back the following year to win the ERWFL Division One North title convincingly to earn promotion to the Premier Division. Have found their 1st season at tier five tougher but have assembled a talented group with good experience finishing solidly in 8th spot, saving there best form for the cup competitions. 

 Reaching both the county and league cup finals for the first time. Going toe to toe with Stevenage in both, proved a few wrong in the county cup showpiece coming back late on to make it 2-2 only to concede straight away losing it 3-2 at the death. Stevenage won’t be taking them lightly. Sophia Amanor has been the talisman up front for Harpenden and is so once again this season the leading goal scorer netting 35 goals and 3rd highest scorer in the Premier Division this season. 

Road to the Final

  All the ERWFL clubs entering the league Cup with those knocked out before the 3rd Round going on to compete for the Plate. Both Harpenden and Stevenage receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Harpenden progressing to the 3rd Round without kicking a ball due to the withdrawal from the league of She Can Play Panthers. Stevenage on the road taking on ERWFL Division One South side, Cambridge City Women, Amy Makewell netting a hat-trick for the away side with goals too for Sarah Wiltshire and Gemma Croucher seeing the game won 3-1.

 Into the 3rd round of the League Cup Harpenden at home taking on Division One South side, Needham Market Women, coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller, 4-3 with goals from Jaime Curtain, Nancy Tucker, Belle Shannon and Chloe Dinsey. Stevenage away to Premier Division newcomers, Hutton Ladies, a comfortable win against the Essex side with goals from Elly Wade, Croucher, Wiltshire and Rosy Wodhams, 4 without reply to advance to the last 8.

  Harpenden at home once again taking on Premier Division strugglers Enfield Town Ladies, top scorer Sophia Amanor amongst the goal netting a hat-trick along with one each for Seryan Kabongo and Belle Shannon to secure a 5-1 win. Stevenage at home too the Premier Division title chasers, hosting Division One South title contenders, Hashtag United Women Reserves who had already beaten Premier Division sides, Wroxham and Atletico London in the League Cup. A good test, Stevenage having the fire power to come out on top winning 4-2 with Wiltshire bagging a hat-trick, along with a goal for Croucher. 

 Into the last 4 of the League Cup, 2 all Premier Division clashes, Harpenden away top Hertfordshire rivals Royston Town Women, who might have seen themselves as favourites, Harpenden though blowing them away with a rapid 3 goal salvo in the first half to lead 3-0 at the break, Amanor, Ella mercer and Amana Oguntuga all scoring. Royston fought to get back into it 2nd half pulling it back to 3-2 late on but Harpenden had enough about them to see the game won and reach their 2nd final of the season. Stevenage making the trip to Essex to play, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies a close game this a single goal winning it 3 minutes from time, Eva Delaney finding the back of the net to send Stevenage into the final.

 The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC hosting today’s ERWFL finals day, The large clubhouse with bar and kitchen serving hot and cold food and drinks open, leading out to the pitch itself, a 3g playing surface than sees plenty of action. Well looked after the main seated stand opposite the dugouts with covered standing about the ground. The sun trying it’s best to make an appearance, warm when it breaks through the clouds but very much stick or twist when it comes to keeping the coat on or not.

Both sides seeing players injured in the county cup final, Amana Oguntuga for Harpenden and defender Rebecca Edge for Stevenage both not featuring since. The teams and mascots led out onto the pitch by this afternoon’s match referee Jordan Blunt.

Harpenden Town Women starting XI – Daisy Strouts, Kacee Warren, Rebecca Dowdall (C), Lucy Ford, Erin Dinsey, Belle Shannon, Zoe Allen-Thomas, Ellie Deville, Leah Shellard & Sophia Amanor. Subs – Rebecca McShane, Erin Shacklock, Nancy Tucker, Issy Hughes & Seryan Kabongo.

Harpenden Town Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Faye Hazelton, Lucy Webster, Hannah Savage, Elly Wade, Hayley Carr, Rosy Wodhams, Alysha Stojko-Down, Eva Delaney, Amber Pearson, Gemma Croucher & Sarah Wiltshire (C). Subs – Katie Boyle, Amy Makewell, Ashleigh Goddard, Lilly Kelly & Mia Barnett.

Stevenage FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes extra time will follow then if required a penalty shoot-out.

Captains, Rebecca Dowdell and Sarah Wiltshire with todays match officials

  It’s Harpenden to get the League Cup final underway with the kick-off 1st half wearing amber and green vertical striped shirts, green shorts and socks. Stevenage lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts with red shoulders and sleeves, red shorts and white socks. The ball hit long into the left channel, Lucy Webster at the back dealing with it for Stevenage. Harpenden looking to make a positive start the ball fed on down the left into the feet of Ellie Deville takes it to the by-line cutting her cross back into the near post, goalkeeper Faye Hazelton down smartly to turn it behind for a corner kick. 

 The delivery flung into the mix the Stevenage defence dealing up to head the ball away to the right. Harpenden, captain, Rebecca Dowdell across to deal with the ball as Amber Pearson gives chase to a high ball played on through the middle for Stevenage. Chloe Dinsey breaking up play for Harpenden the ball into the right wing for Leah Shellard to take forwards pushing down the line sends a cross into the area Deville looking to get on the end of it, Hayley Carr blocking for Stevenage off Deville behind for the goal-kick.

 A lively start from Harpenden, ex-Stevenage midfielder, Ella Mercer playing to pass into Shellard on the right driving on sends it inside to Sophia Amanor top corner of the box, quickly surrounded, Rosy Wodhams back to put the tackle in bring the ball away for Stevenage. Mercer snapping in to regain possession central on for Dinsey who looks to play Deville in on the left flank, Eva Delaney tracking back to challenge for Stevenage. Attempts to get on up the right taking the ball on Sarah Wiltshire coming for the ball, Kacee Warren closing Delaney down before she can release it.

Harpenden’s Chloe Dinsey

  Warren then fouls Wodhams in the middle as she carries the ball forwards Stevenage with the free-kick. Pearson over it top of the circle goes for goal sending a looping ball in dropping low before the keeper, Daisy Strouts right behind it seeing the ball safely into her gloves. Wiltshire steals through on goal left side in the box as Hannah Savage slips the ball into her path, evading the diving keeper to get behind her, the flag up for offside even as she turns the ball into the back of the net.

  Dinsey winning the ball back at the back for Harpenden sends the clearance long out to the right, Shellard racing after it does well to keep it on her momentum taking her down the line stabs the angled ball in towards goal her attempt brushing the top of the near post and over for a goal kick. The game beginning to settle down, Harpenden starting brightly beginning to drop off a little as Stevenage see more of the ball, Wodhams getting about the middle of the park snapping in to win the ball back. 

Stevenage midfielder, Rosy Wodhams

 Stevenage push p[layers on getting in inside from the right Delaney into Gemma Croucher across the top of the area finding Pearson left of the D, 25 out shifts the ball inside before curling a shot wide of the right post. Croucher getting hold of the ball for Stevenage central forwards for Wiltshire back top goal she looks to find Pearson making a run on the left, Dowdell stretching out a leg intercepting the ball for Harpenden.

  Dowdell covering the ground at the back getting across to close Pearson down as Wodhams bringing the ball on looks to send her in, the ball out for a throw. Mercer taking the ball forwards tackled by Elly Wade, the ball still active inside the D, Mercer stretching to get hold of it, Wodhams back to help in defence. Dowdell stepping up to close Wodhams down as the pro-active midfielder carries the ball forwards with intent. Out for a Harpenden throw on the right dropped into Amanor corner of the area marked well by Wodhams, the ball not clear however finds it way back to Amanor inside the area, digs a shot out curling it wide of the near post. 

Elly Wade keeping close tabs on Harpenden attacker, Sophia Amanor

 Stevenage keeping Dowdell busy at the back as Wiltshire takes the ball forwards into the left channel sending it on for Pearson out a corner on the left, an in swinging ball turned over the bar for by Strouts for a 2nd corner.

 GOAL! The 2nd delivery from the right curled in at an inviting height flashing across the six yard box, collected beyond the far post turned back into the middle, Wiltshire free around the top of the area, there to put her foot through the ball and smash it home to fire Stevenage into the lead 0-1.

Stevenage’s captain Sarah Wiltshire firing her side into the lead

 Stevenage opening to scoring after 16 minutes, undoing Harpenden’s bright start to the match, they look to get after Stevenage from the restart the ball played on by Belle Shannon into Mercer left of the D, connects on the half volley sending in a shot on target, Hazelton right behind it, lacking the pace to trouble the keeper. 

 GOAL! The game end to end released quickly up the right Delaney into Wiltshire, send it inside for Pearson up with her breaking into the box, central, Strouts closing her down diving in at her feet, Pearson getting the ball past her taking it right and going beyond her to cut the shot back in across goal running away in celebration as she doubles Stevenage’s lead in the 18th minute 0-2.

Amber Pearson scores Stevenage’s 2nd

  Stevenage with their tails up pressing players forwards Croucher up to Wiltshire powering on towards the box, Lucy Ford stepping in to tackle for Harpenden the ball pushed away to the right. Stevenage winning it back the ball cut back inside coming to Croucher central 20 yards out shifting the ball between her feet to open up the angle for a shot curls her attempt wide past the right post. 

 Stevenage on top since the goals Wiltshire racing in clear central not offside as Strouts comes racing out to the top of her box to try and close her down, the striker lobbing the ball up over the keeper but so too the crossbar beyond. Dinsey coming off for Harpenden, Nancy Tucker coming on. The offside flag raised halting another Stevenage attack. Webster bringing the ball on for Stevenage right side looking to find Wiltshire with the pass as she makes the run down the line, cut out by Ford for Harpenden.

Harpenden defender, Lucy Ford

  Savage tackling for Stevenage at the back taking the ball from Shellard, on for Wodhams, looks to put in through for Wiltshire in attack, Shannon intercepting the ball for Harpenden, plays it out to Zoe Allen-Thomas on the left knocked forwards for Deville, Webster challenging for Stevenage cleared into Stojko-Down her pass forwards cut out by Shannon. Pearson bringing the ball inside from the left wing prodded on for Wiltshire central clips the rising shot in on goal, Strouts with the high catch.

 GOAL! 25 minutes played Stevenage building a head of steam getting players on well, the ball from Croucher onto Delaney on the right turns it on for Wiltshire pulling off the defence to get into the box right of goal and strikes it on the angle under the diving keeper to make it 3-0 with her 2nd of the game.

Sarah Wiltshire on target for Stevenage again to put them 3-0 up

  Harpenden on the back foot conceding a 3rd goal look to get the ball into the channels, Mercer on for Deville pulling right cutting the ball back into the area, no one their to attack it as Hazelton claims it untroubled. Amanor carrying the biggest threat for Harpenden, Stevenage keeping a close eye on her, the striker having to move about the back line to keep herself available for the pass from the middle receiving it into her feet left of the area, Wade moving across quickly to close her down the blocking tackle turning the ball out for the throw.

 Stojko-Down carrying the ball on through the middle has Wiltshire peeling away into the right channel ahead of her just a little too much weight on the pass sees Strouts able to rush out to lay claim to the ball. Amanor holding up the ball left corner of the area stabs it past Carr with Shellard coming across the back line, Wade getting the foot in to divert the ball away to safety out for a throw. The Harpenden attackers looking to combine on the right Amanor up with Shellard and Deville, exchanging passes, Wodhams back in amongst them for Stevenage to defend, no way through. 

Ellie Deville in between, Alysha Stojko-Down and Hannah Savage

  Wiltshire played in again on the right wide of goal the keeper beat the shot wide across the face of goal cleared by Dowdell. Dinsey back on for Harpenden as they play the ball on into Amanor right side 25 out passed into Shellard, Wade too close the attacker lobbing the ball up past her into the box, but Savage is round on the cover to win the ball back for Stevenage. Wade in to charge the ball down as Amanor tries to play Shellard in on the left. Dowdell with the challenge on Pearson to break up a Stevenage attack up the other end.

 A competitive final Stevenage with the 3 goal advantage however, a pop from range straight into Hazelton’s gloves. Both sides stepping in to close the other down in the middle off the park the game open both defences backing themselves in a one on one situation, Shannon and Dinsey pushed back to help defend for Harpenden, Wodhams all over the place back to win the ball, carrying it back up the pitch for Stevenage. Stevenage making a change Amy Makewell coming on in place of Delaney.

Gemma Croucher

 A good turn on the ball from Pearson on the left receiving the ball off a throw to deliver it into the box, looking for Wiltshire, the keeper just there clear. Wade keeping a close watch on Amanor won’t let the attacker turn on the ball as she sees it into her feet off Dinsey, getting hold of the ball wade plays it forwards into Croucher making the left channel run, Dowdell across her shielding the ball out for a goal kick.

  Wodhams up with Stojko-Down through the middle for Stevenage pushed into Wiltshire 25 yards out finds Croucher left of the D 20 out plays it across the D into Pearson looking to break into the box for the return pass, cut out well by Dowdell for Harpenden. Savage getting on up Stevenage’s left tangling with Dowdell getting the ball beyond her to her cross not stopped by Strouts near side runs on through to Croucher who volleys the ball wide past the right post.

Harpenden captain, Rebecca Dowdell

 Not long left in the first half Wiltshire snatching hold of the ball central out out Pearson free on the left sends the diagonal ball in across the penalty area just too much on it for Croucher and Makewell both running in on goal. 

Half-time Harpenden Town Women 0-3 Stevenage FC Women

  Stevenage heading back to the changing rooms at the half-time interval with a comfortable 3 goal lead. Riding out a bit of early pressure from Harpenden looking to make a positive start, Wiltshire lively up top opening the scoring on 16 minutes, Amber Pearson quickly doubling the lead. Wiltshire adding a third on 26 minutes to put Stevenage into a strong position. The game has been fairly open and competitive Harpenden looking for an opening needing a goal early in the 2nd half to get themselves back into the contest, Stevenage in sights of a historic treble can afford to be patient take the opportunity to add a further goal to make the result certain.

   A double change for Harpenden at the start of the 2nd half, Rebecca McShane and Erin Shacklock on replacing, Shellard and Deville. Stevenage unchanged to get the 2nd 45 minute underway, the ball played back into defence lifted on to the right with Wodhams getting forwards closed down nut keeps hold of the ball sending it inside towards Croucher looking to push her way on into the box Ford defending. Wiltshire breaking away with the ball wide on the right attacking the by-line her cross long towards Makewell making the far post run turns her header wide of the mark. 

Nancy Tucker and Rosy Wodhams

 Stevenage pressing early in the 2nd half the ball hooked into the box from the left lifted clear by Ford. Stojko-Down on the ball for Stevenage on for Croucher linking up with Wiltshire in attack, Dowdell closing the striker down the ball sent up field won back by Webster to chip over the top of the Harpenden defence but the flag is up against Wiltshire. Shannon working the ball on with Dinsey for Harpenden on the right side Wade coming across to deal with the threat.

  Makewell sending the ball into Pearson’s run as the winger bombs on up the left flank in behind to hit the cross on the move a dangerous ball through the corridor but neither Wiltshire nor Wodhams running in on goal can reach it. Shannon still down from the earlier attack in need of treatment for Harpenden, up slowly but ok to continue. Mercer linking up with Ford through the middle for Harpenden the ball played out to Amanor on the right flank takes the ball inside before striking it on the angle from 20 yards out her effort wide at the near post.

  Amanor seeing the ball into her feet well for Harpenden in attack holding it up looking to use her strength to turn on the ball get a shot released, Mercer playing her in top of the D holds of Carr to chip a shot over the bar. 

Ella Mercer

Shacklock in to make the tackle on Wiltshire as the Stevenage attack looks to drive on with the ball though the middle. Mercer has pulled up for Harpenden the midfielder looking in some discomfort needs to come off, helped to the side of the pitch a blow as Seryan Kabongo comes on in her place. Moving past the hour mark the ball clipped into Wiltshire right side a neat touch to bring the ball down and races away down the line before whipping a cross in long across the six yard box, Wodhams meeting it on the run at the far post turning her attempt wide back across the face of goal.

  Harpenden get the ball up the left into Tucker inside the box Wade across her to defend, Harpenden’s bench appealing the referee waving it away no foul. Stays down treatment required but back on her feet. Stevenage’s turn, well certainly the crowds to appeal as Wiltshire, Wodhams and Stojko-Down combine it attack on the right the cross blocked by the rising Dowdell striking her hand, yes, intentional I don’t think so the referee again waving play on. 

 Dowdell heading the ball clear as Stojko-Down bringing the ball on looks for Wiltshire pulling wide on the right. Allen-Thomas lunging in to win the ball back for Harpenden as Stevenage continue to advance with the ball. Amanor remains the outlet for Harpenden but has a lot of work to do as Allen-Thomas sends it long into her path on the right, strong taking it on, gets the cross into the box but can’t pick anyone out.

Harpenden’s Zoe Allen Thomas

  Stevenage’s attackers interchanging positions Ford intercepting with the header as Makewell looks to link up with Pearson on the right. Ford getting her foot in to intercept the ball once again for Harpenden hit long through the middle for Amanor to attack, Wade getting across her path to see the ball back to her keeper to clear. The game not having the intensity of the first half Stevenage with a comfortable lead determined not too concede, Harpenden with more hopeful balls forwards than penetrating passes the game closing in on the final 20 minutes.

Sophia Amanor

GOAL! Stevenage add a 4th goal as Stojko-Down runs onto the ball central top of the D to lift it up over the keeper to score 0-4. 

Alysha Stojko-Down putting Stevenage 4-0 up

  Stevenage in total control now 4 goals to the good with 20 minutes left, make a change the goal scorer coming off, Stojko-Down replaced by Ashleigh Goddard. 

 GOAL! Pressing down the left the cross in cleared back up to Croucher putting the diagonal ball up into the box from deep on the left the keeper going for it not getting enough the ball striking the post and rebounding back across goal, Goddard latching onto it to turn it home from close range making an instant impact from the bench to extend Stevenage’s lead 0-5.

Ashleigh Goddard off the bench to score Stevenage’s 5th goal

 Changes made, Harpenden bringing off, Tucker and Dinsey, send on , Deville and Issy Hughes. The latter looking to link up with Shannon get the ball forwards, play brought back for the free-kick, the referee having a word with Hughes. Stevenage making a double change too, Wiltshire and Webster coming off, Lilly Kelly and Mia Barnett. Shannon with a shot from range as Amanor brings the ball down into her feet the ball in low on goal Hazelton down low at her right post to save.

  Eva Delaney back on along with Katie Boyle with less than 10 minutes to play replacing Wodhams and Pearson. The game a little disjoined with so many changes late on but Stevenage in control need to keep hold of the ball, Croucher sending the ball on through the middle into Goddard inside the box left of the D, strikes the ball wide across goal. McShane linking up with Deville as Harpenden get the ball on left side played inside to Hughes, Goddard back to close her down for Stevenage. 

Ashleigh Goddard

 Kelly bringing the ball on for Stevenage right into the box stabbed in towards Makewell inside the six yard box sees her shot charged down the rebound back to Goddard top of the area leaning back lifts her shot over the crossbar. Stevenage pushing on well in the closing stages of the game looking to add more goals, Makewell attacking on the left striking the ball in on the angle, Strouts getting her gloves up to beat the ball down into the ground and drop to pull it into her body before Goddard can pounce. The final whistle blowing and Stevenage have done it winning the ERWFL League Cup for the 1st time and with it completing a magnificent treble winning season.

Full time Harpenden Town Women 0-5 Stevenage FC Women

 A few lessons learnt from the county cup final Stevenage absorbing some early pressure from Harpenden before getting the ball forwards well into their attacking players using the space to get into some good positions Wiltshire firing them into the lead just past the quarter hour mark. Amber Pearson quickly adding a 2nd. Wiltshire making it 3-0 midway through the 2nd half. That the score-line at the break Stevenage with a comfortable lead to defend could afford to be patient in the 2nd half limiting the opposition chances, looking to add a 4th clinical goal, came through Alysha Stojko-Down, Ashleigh Goddard replacing her straight after on hand to score a quick 5th to put the final beyond any doubt. Stevenage capping off an unbeaten promotion winning season with the County and League Cup a wonderful achievement for the whole club, players, coaching staff and supporting volunteers that do a fantastic job promoting the club via social media. Disappointment for Harpenden in the end but should look back on the season with pride, if you’d have said you’d not only hold your own in your first season playing at tier 5 but reach two cup finals as well you would have taken it. Plenty to build on.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, this one pretty straight forwards, although a hat-trick from a certain 50 plus goal season striker might have changed things. A few performances to mention of course. For Harpenden, captain Rebecca Dowdell won the ball well at the back getting across to deal with threats and winning it through the middle. Ella Mercer looked good on the ball using it well finding pockets of space and linking up with the attackers. Sophia Amanor held the ball up well held of players looked to find a break through. For Stevenage, Elly Wade was composed at the back and did well to keep a check on Amanor, reading the threats. Amber Pearson providing a strong outlet on the left get forwards used the ball well. Gemma Croucher made some great runs finding space linked up play well. Sarah Wiltshire has had a fantastic season from start to finish has run defences ragged never still looking for the ball and given it will create chances scoring two more goals. The award though goes to Rosy Wodhams, she was everywhere early on getting back to win the ball and bring it forwards with purpose and intent never let up. 

Stevenage FC Women 2025/26 ERWFL League Cup winners

 Many congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning the 2025/26 ERWFL League Cup and completing a magnificent treble.

 Congratulations too, to Stevenage FC Women’s development side, finishing runners-up in ERWFL Division One North.

Stevenage FC Women Development runners-up in ERWFL Division One North

 A great achievement for everyone involved at the club and good luck to Stevenage in the FAWNL, see you next season.

 Another long but entertaining finals day at Bedford, my thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the teams. My thanks too to the ERWFL committee for letting me cover another finals day and their help on the day and throughout the year. It’s a highly entertaining league rarely as dull game to watch.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Wroxham Women v Haringey Borough Women

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Sunday 10th May

ERWFL League Plate Final

The final day of the ERWFL season, heading down to Bedfordshire for the regional leagues finals day, two tasty looking finals to look forward to, beginning with the League Plate final, this season an all Premier Division affair with Wroxham Women taking on Haringey Borough Women.

This morning’s prize.

 The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. Always entertaining and competitive the clubs and players within it getting better year on year as the women’s game continues to grow. The ERWFL League Plate contested by the sides knocked out of the early round of the League Cup itself. This years final being contested by the sides finishing 3rd and 5th in the ERWFL Premier Division respectfully and always a competitive side between these two Wroxham having the upper hand results wise this season beating Haringey 2-1 at home on the opening day and 1-0 in the away fixture.

Wroxham Women with Joe Simpson returning as manager this season, finishing the season strong with 2 successive 5 game winning runs to push up the table to finish in 3rd place. Carrying that momentum into the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final, at Norwich City FC’s Carrow Road stadium, to win the trophy for the 1st time, beating fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 2-1 with goals from Poppy Loveland and Hannah Fuller. Having the opportunity to make it a cup double to finish off the season. Hannah Fuller as ever prolific in front of goal top scorer for Wroxham once again with 22 goals to her name. Kathryn Stanley has 12 with Rebecca Stephenson coming in from Cambridge United WFC halfway through the season scoring 9 along with Maddie Green.

Haringey Borough Women like Wroxham one of the most established sides in the ERWFL Premier Division winning promotion from the Division back in 2017 to the FAWNL, a brief stay the side undergoing many changes since then but have always remained competitive more often at the top end of the league, the North London club, experiencing a mixed set of results this season winning as many as they have lost tailing off in the league having put some good runs together early on. A well supported club with a great community feel, with a great social media effort to help promote the club. The squad with plenty of goals in it, captain Ronnell Humes top scorer netting 17 from her 21 appearances. Nia Garwood has 14 and Renea Jarrett also into double figures for the campaign.

Road to the Final

  The sides contesting the Plate competition knocked out of the early rounds of the Cup itself, Wroxham and Haringey disappointed to exit one competition but certainly amongst the favourites entering the Plate. Byes for both in the 1st Round, Wroxham away to Division One South side, Hertford Town Women in the 2nd Round, Kathryn Stanley and Maddie Green both netting a brace in the game along with goals for Hannah Fuller, Lily Alexander, Lauren Bullard, Holly Farrow and Poppy Loveland seeing them comfortably through with a 9-0 win. Haringey also away to Division One South opposition in the 2nd Round taking on Wormley Rovers Ladies, goals from Fatima Husein and Ronnell Humes enough to see them advance to the quarter finals winning 2-1.

Both sides amongst the goals in the last 8 of the competition, Wroxham drawn at home taking on Division One North high flyers Stevenage FC Women Development, Hannah Fuller amongst the goals picking up a hat-trick, with Becca Stephenson, Kathryn Stanley and Anais Winney also bagging a goal each in a 6-2 victory. Haringey on home turf too taking on another Division One North side, Dunstable Town Women Lionesses, wracked up the goals with Ronnell Humes grabbing herself a hat-trick, a brace for both Shanique Brown and Renea Jarrett. Goals too from Shanice Taylor-Newsam, Connie Wakeford, Tayla Dennis and Fatima Husein in a crushing 11-1 win.

Into the semi-finals both sides having home advantage, Wroxham running out of weekends to get their fixtures in back to Aylsham’s 3G pitch to taking on another Division One North high flyer and potential banana skin, Real Bedford Women Reserves, in the end a singe goal was enough to clinch victory, with Becca Stephenson scoring to send Wroxham into the final. Haringey hosting Division One South side, Brentwood Town Women, Renea Jarrett getting Haringey into a 3rd minute lead went on to lead 3-0 at the break with Nia Garwood and Leila Hadari-Agaev also on target. Garwood adding her 2nd and Haringey’s 4th in stoppage time to send them into the final.

The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC the venue for today’s Plate final, hosting the ERWFL Finals day for the 2nd time. Bedfordshire itself becoming something of a hot bed for women’s football in recent season’s. The 3G pitch in a compact ground with a large clubhouse the bar and kitchen open, with hot food and drink being served leading into the ground, a seated stand with covered area at both ends and a small terraced stand behind the dugouts. The weather not as warm as last year, even the day before with a noticeable chill in the air, cloud cover the feature of the year so far keeping the sun at bay but no rain in the forecast as the two sides are led out onto the pitch by today’s Plate final referee Alice Braithwaite, assisted by Mark Howard, Pedro Cotela and Aneeta Gellen.

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Yaz Walford, Tigi Robson (C), Ella Gambell, Poppy Loveland, Elise Wade, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Holly Farrow, Becca Stephenson, Kathryn Stanley & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Lauren Bullard, Katie Green, Maddie Green, Hayley Kindred & Jorja Palmer.

Women Women

 Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Maelie Jay Rance, Zara Kirstein, Chloe Ions, Tayla Dennis, Elisia Huetson, Leila Hadari-Agaev, Connie Wakeford, Nia Garwood, Shanice Taylor-Newsam & Ronnell Humes (C). Subs – Amy Haynes, Shanique Brown, Jada Pollendine, Fatima Husein & Renea Jarett. 

Haringey Borough Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the Plate final will going to extra-time and if required a penalty shoot-out. 

Captain’s Tigi Robson and Ronnell Humes with today’s match officials.

Yaz Walford in goal for Wroxham with Bryony Williams picking up an achilles injury ruling her out of both finals. A few changes to the side that won the County Cup with defender Elise Wade back in the side, Holly Farrow, Kathryn Stanley starting with Hayley Kindred, Maddie and Katie Green on the bench. Haringey too with 5 to call on from the bench if required. It’s Wroxham to kick-off the first half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks, Haringey lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue trim, blue shorts and yellow socks with blue tops. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped long out to the right wing for Kathryn Stanley pushing forwards, too much on it full back, Chloe Ions can see it out for a throw to Haringey. 

  Wroxham moving in to press the ball early on squeeze Haringey’s defence, Katie Knights snapping in to close the ball down. Popping about Haringey look to counter the ball up to Shanice Taylor-Newsam, Ella Gambell in to close her down win the ball back in defence for Wroxham. Fed into Becca Stephenson top of the D looks to link up with Hannah Fuller in attack, Haringey with plenty back Leila Hadari-Agaev stabbing a foot out to get the ball away from danger.

  Haringey looking to counter attacking on the right Nia Garwood with support from captain, Ronnell Humes, Lily Alexander defending for Wroxham the ball out for a throw, Haringey press to win a corner kick on that side.

 GOAL! Players up from the back the delivery is spot on from Humes the corner floated in central dropping invitingly inside the six yard box, Zara Kirstein running in rising to meet it powering her header over the line to open the scoring 0-1.

Haringey open the scoring from their 1st corner of the game

Zara Kirstein heading Haringey into the early lead.

  Haringey with the perfect start into the lead scoring in the 4th minute from their 1st corner of the game. Wroxham look for a response the ball played on for Stanley attacking on the right, Ions putting it out for the throw taken quickly Fuller bringing it down turning for the by-line wrapping her foot around the ball to cross, Tayla Dennis cutting it out turning the ball behind for Wroxham’s first corner of the game. A good ball delivered into the box, Dennis getting her head on the ball to clear as a host of players rush in to attack the ball, Knights retrieving it for Wroxham but play stopped with a Haringey player own inside the area.

 A pause in play as Ions is treated, but up okay back to her feet ready to play on. Humes, Garwood and Taylor-Newsom all staying high ready to counter as Haringey break up a Wroxham attack the ball cleared long up to the attackers strong, Haringey are a physical side like to get stuck in pressure the defence Humes looking to get Garwood onto the ball right side, intercepted by Poppy Loveland at the back for Wroxham. Haringey quick to close the ball down back with Garwood on the right tackled by Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

 Lively Knights lifting the ball up over the Haringey defence with Fuller breaking in behind, goalkeeper, Maelie Jay Rance quickly out of her area to win the race for the ball. No quarter given by either side, Hadari-Agaev playing the ball on through the middle into Humes, looks to play it into the left channel for Taylor-Newsam, Alexander across to deal with the ball for Wroxham. The ball put up to Fuller heading it down into Stanley on the right is fouled by Hadari-Agaev winning the free-kick. Taken quickly by Stephenson worked down the line for Gambell racing on into the box taking the ball down to the by-line her cross into the near post taken by the keeper, however the flag is up for off-side.

  Haringey looking to get the ball into one of their front three at the earliest opportunity, Taylor-Newsam with it at her feet on the right, held up by Gambell as she tries to force her way in-field. Cleared into the middle, Hadari-Agaev playing it back in over the top, Elise Wade playing it out for Wroxham. A few free-kicks being given away. Stephenson fouled centrally for Wroxham played on into the right Gambell getting a throw high up the pitch. Put inside to Stephenson top right corner of the area turns into the D, taking the ball on looking for an opening, finds it unleashing a vicious left foot strike pace behind it the keeper diving to her right the ball cannoning back off the post, turned behind for the goal-kick.

  Shaping up to be a lively contest the two sides getting stuck into each other, Wroxham breaking up a Haringey attack the ball played up to Alexander has Gambell racing on past her the ball put into her path striking it from range powered into the box, intercepted by Dennis knocked up into the air before being cleared behind to concede the corner. Stephenson with the in- swinger curling the ball in to land on top of the net.

  Haringey’s front three staying up as they defend set-pieces the ball cleared long up towards them looking too turn the opposition, Garwood managing to get free out wide on the right 25 yards out to unleash a shot the ball racing in across goal wide past the far post. Alexander combining with Knights to get Wroxham moving forwards, into Stephenson as the Haringey defence drops back into their box clipped on for Fuller, Dennis cutting it out to clear for Haringey. 

Haringey’s Tayla Dennis with Wroxham’ Hannah Fuller

 Quick to get the ball up the other end into Garwood right side linking up with Kirstein the ball fired in to the angle towards the near post, Walford getting down smartly to make the save the ball lose however turned on across the face on goal, no one in the six yard box to attack it. Wroxham bring the ball on left side, Robson on for Farrow she takes it on before releasing it into Fuller who drives into the box, Dennis lunging in to defend putting the ball behind for a corner kick. 

 The ball from the left lifted into the near post attacked turned on across goal out past the far post another corner awarded. Players running in to attack the ball as it is dropped into the six yard box, Gambell running in to attack it with Fuller, knocking the ball over as she is bundled over with an arm in her back, landing awkwardly and in need of treatment the game paused. 

 Gambell up slowly feeling her shoulder, but okay to return as Haringey look to go left from the restart, Wade across to defend putting the ball out for a throw. Taylor-Newsam playing the cross-field ball into Garwood out on the right looking to bring it down is challenged well by Robson. Haringey getting themselves a corner on the left the ball played in dealt with by Knights out to the right for another corner kick.

 GOAL! Haringey capitalising on their corners as they go on to double their lead, Ions over on the right side to deliver curls the ball in close to the near post low, Walford diving forwards looking to try and collect doesn’t get there as the ball whips past her across the line into the bottom corner 0-2. Haringey doubling their lead midway through the 1st half.

Chloe Ions scoring straight from the corner to double Haringey’s lead

 Play sometimes a little rushed neither side willing to give the other time on the ball, Wroxham getting players on well as Haringey concede ground at times, Stanley putting the ball on for Fuller coming right, Lexi Wade getting a foot it to turn the ball away for a throw. Robson having a lively contest on the opposite flank with Garwood as Humes turns the ball into her from Connie Wakeford in the middle. Rance sharp again out to the top of her area to get to the ball as Fuller pulls off the defence.

  Wroxham pushing on Stanley over with Farrow on the left exchanging passes, cut out by Elisia Huetson comes back to Gambell in space on the right on the angle lifts the ball into the box, just over Fuller rising centrally dropping for Stephenson beyond the far post, can’t work it back inside to Fuller as Haringey rush to get players back around the ball, cleared out of the area straight to Gambell right of the D 20 yards out strikes the shot low and hard, Rance diving full stretch to her left keeping it out pushing the ball wide.

Haringey goalkeeper, Maelie Jay Rance

  Wroxham growing a little frustrated feel a few decisions aren’t going their way or not being dealt with, Fuller flagged offside as another ball from Stanley is angled in from the right. Kirstein winning the ball back as Farrow looks to take it on left wing. Wroxham exerting some pressure. Haringey strong in defence plenty back, Dennis and Huetson with blocking tackles. Their attackers always ready to receive the ball turn their markers. Humes and Garwood both closing the ball down forcing errors at the back. 

Haringey captain, Ronnell Humes with Wroxham defender, Elise Wade

  Wroxham get the ball on down the right Stanley into Fuller taking the ball on to the by-line cutting it back up the line to Stanley her strike blocked by Huetson, Gambell running in to take hold of the rebound charging down the line whipping the ball in across the six yard box, falling too Farrow her strike beat down by the keeper.

Wroxham’s Holly Farrow

 Robson fouled again by Haringey, Wroxham winning the free-kick deep on the left, Alexander to deliver sending the ball high into the box, Huetson dealing with it for Haringey. Knights winning it back for Wroxham attempting to put it back in Dennis clearing for Haringey. Wroxham making a change as  Robson has an issue with her contact lenses, Katie Green onto the field. Huetson getting a foot in to take the ball off Fuller as she looks to run in behind.

  Humes through the middle, Walford out to close her down top of her area, the ball knocked past the keeper, wide of goal however cleared by Wade. Wroxham loosing at the back, Humes looking to capitalise shooting from the right of the D however effort wide past the far post. Stephenson on for Stanley out on the right, to the by-line fouled but Wroxham furious the decision not given.

  Robson back on for Wroxham, press the ball Gambell in to defend on Humes putting the ball on for Stephenson to Fuller pulling out to the right, Dennis going with her lunging in to send the ball out for a throw. Ions down for Haringey in the middle hurt during their latest attack, looks in some discomfort hurting her ankle. Needs to come off can’t put any weight on her injured leg is carried off the field, Renea Jarrett coming on in her place.

  Play resuming with a throw to Wroxham on the right, Loveland dropping the ball into Fuller she plays Loveland on down the line to take the to the by-line before cutting a cross back into the penalty spot, attacked by Stanley she turns her attempt wide past the right post. Haringey working hard in defence Wroxham asking questions, Jarrett back to defend clearing the ball. Still a threat up the other end on the counter, Haringey have it in midfield, Hadari-Agaev having a go from range, Walford getting down behind it to save push the ball out to the left behind for a corner.

Haringey’s Elisia Hadari-Agaev

  Taken short, Jarrett to send the ball into the near post, claimed by Walford. Wroxham winning a free-kick to the left 25 yards out, Stephenson over it strikes for goal her shot hitting the post, scrambled clear to the left Wroxham with a throw the pressure building keeping players up, Gambell coming right whipping a cross into the box, over Stanley central but turned behind for a corner on the right.

Becca Stephenson hitting the post twice

 The corner fired into the six yard box, over Gambell and Fuller running in central to attack it cleared at the far post only to the top of the area. Knights latching onto it her low strike on target throw bodies blocked on the line out to the right Stephenson sending it back in Stanley towards the far post heading the ball over the bar. The chances mounting for Wroxham but Haringey holding the 2 goal advantage.

Poppy Loveland beating Haringey’s Ronnell Humes to the ball

 Gambell in the wars again a clash of heads with Taylor-Newsom another pause late in the game. Is back on her feet ready to go again, little time left in the half however Knights looking for Fuller pulling off the defence cut out by Dennis.

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-2 Haringey Borough Women

  Haringey with the early strike scoring in the 4th minute from their first corner of the game. Wroxham with the lions share of the ball getting players on well but Haringey keeping players up despite the defence getting pushed back, ready to launch the counter attack the front three looking to hold the ball up stretch the Wroxham back line, competitive and physical Haringey doubling their lead from another corner midway through the 2nd half. Wroxham frustrated hitting the post twice and forcing a save from the keeper. 2-0 the advantage for Haringey will be aiming for a 3rd to take control of the contest, Wroxham will feel confident of getting a goal themselves and coming back in the 2nd half despite their frustration with a few decisions.

 No changes for either side, Jarrett on for the injured Ions late in the first half for Haringey as they get the 2nd half underway the ball played long into the left flank too strong for Taylor-Newsam out of play for the throw. Both sides in to close each other down early in the 2nd period the ball given away. Gambell winning the ball well for Wroxham right side up the line into Stanley looks to drive with it, stopped by Huetson.

  Taylor-Newsam on the left getting the ball into the box, looking for Humes central, Walford getting hold t it for Wroxham. Kirstein closing the ball down in Haringey’s right puts it on for Humes attacking the top of the area right side, Walford racing out to drop down and smother the ball before the attacker can reach it. Free-kicks continue to be a feature of the game, Wroxham putting another ball in from deep won by Dennis. 

 Wroxham with the cross-field ball Gambell running not it taking the ball on down the right sending her cross into the side netting. Wroxham winning a free-kick in a central position roughly 25 yards out Gambell and Stephenson over the ball as Haringey set their wall, Stephenson with the strike, gets it over the wall but too much on it lifts the ball over the bar. 

 Gambell getting on the wrong end of another heavy challenge play stopped over on the right as she is treated another long pause in proceedings some concern has been on the end of some bruising challenges. Clearly not happy with thing’s makes a comment to the referee and gets shown a yellow card and sin binned, Wroxham down to 10 for 10 minutes as play resumes with a Haringey throw put back to the keeper. 

 Haringey looking to take advantage the ball from Jarrett on for Garwood into the right channel powers forwards her early cross into the box defended by Wade, cleared back out into the middle, Hadari-Agaev with the strike from range, hit straight into the keeper. Wroxham in need of a goal keep players forwards Wade with a cross from deep looking for Stanley central, Kirstein doing the defending for Haringey. Taylor-Newsam looking to take the ball on left, tackled by Wade, the ball played into Alexander looks to send it on for Fuller up on the right with Stanley, Dennis over to defend for Haringey force the error the ball behind for the goal kick.

Haringey’s Renea Jarrett

  Wroxham getting players up around the 18 yard box, Stanley putting it into the top of the area, for Stephenson her shot fired in on the angle wide past the far post. Wroxham wit a throw high on the right put into Fuller taking it on down the line her cross diverted behind by Dennis for the corner. Curled into the box headed clear dropping for Alexander whipped back into the mix Haringey with numbers back getting it clear. 

Wroxham’s Lily Alexander

 Haringey always ready for the counter the ball from Wakeford on for Garwood bursting clear right channel to take the ball on into the box, the angle going against her as she looks to lift her shot over the keeper, sending it up over the bar. Garwood strong on the right getting away again, Robson back with her slowing her down no cross comes back up the line to play the ball in central, Huetson getting forwards, Stanley back to defend for Wroxham top of the D. 

Haringey attacker, Nia Garwood

 Wroxham making a double change Hayley Kindred coming on replacing Farrow on the left side Maddie green on into the right replacing Stanley. Gambell back on Wroxham back up to 11 with the little over 15 minutes left to play the ball lifted into the box, Fuller attacking it, Rance sliding in to save get hold of it at her feet. Dennis across to defend tackling Fuller as she links up with Stanley on the right. Wroxham press Kindred onto the ball left inside for Stephenson 25 yards out on for Fuller back to goal she turns it back to Kindred wide on the wing, challenged the ball out for a corner kick.

 GOAL! Wroxham pushing players up the ball fired in with pace across the face of goal coming straight to Fuller who digs it out from under her feet to turn over the line to pull a goal back for the Norfolk side 1-2.

Hannah Fuller onto the ball to fire a goal back for Wroxham

  Into the final 15 minutes Wroxham looking to keep the pressure on Haringey look to release Garwood on the right she is fouled by Kindred winning the free-kick. The delivery swept into the area from the angle cleared by Wroxham’s Gambell. Knights up to Kindred on the left linking up with Fuller, Huetson closing her down the ball out for a throw.

Connie Wakeford

 The game opening up Haringey breaking forwards Humes coming right with the ball sending it on for Taylor-Newsam powering her way into the box striking it goal-wards rising  Walford throwing am arm up to turn the ball up over the crossbar for a corner. 

 Curled into the area from the right Gambell heading clear for Wroxham, Fuller taking the ball on from Knights taking it right challenge by Wade out for a corner kick. Dennis dealing with the threat from the corner for Haringey. Alexander getting back onto the ball for Wroxham wide her shot angled in beat down and claimed by Rance. Wade coming off for Wroxham, Katie Green coming on. 

 GOAL! Just as Wroxham were looking to exert some pressure get back into the game Haringey hit them on the counter as Garwood is played into space on the right charging on with the ball to the by-line sends her cross into the six yard box, Gambell going to clear it ahead of the keeper, turns in dismay as she diverts into the back of her own net 1-3.

 Haringey restoring their 2 goal lead in the most unfortunate of circumstances, Gambell crestfallen two finals 2 own goals, distraught Wroxham bring her off, sending Stanley back on football can be cruel at times. Haringey making a change Humes coming off, Shanique Brown coming on. Wakeford bringing the ball on clipping a deep cross into the area, collected by Walford. Garwood tangling with Robson as she looks to get away on the right.

 The game opening up now as Wroxham have to take a few chances Garwood away on the right combining with Brown, Loveland seeing it out for the goal kick. Jada Pollendine coming on for Haringey. Garwood bursts in behind through the middle with Wroxham pushed up racing after the ball central Walford comes racing out of her area to try and win the race for the ball sliding in gets a bit of both Garwood going over her the ball in beyond cleared by Katie Green. Play brought back for the free-kick however, Walford shown the yellow card. Jarrett placing the ball down for the set-piece 25 yards out central shooting over. 

Katie Green

 The game stretched, Brown getting a shot away from outside the box for Haringey taking a nick off a defender out for a corner kick. Taken short Haringey looking to keep possession, Brown fouled winning the free-kick wide on the right. Jarrett to put it in, claimed by Walford. Loveland winning the ball high for Wroxham, before being fouled the free-kick taken quickly, Jarrett winning it back for Haringey.

  The clock tickling down Haringey working hard at the back to keep Wroxham at bay, Dennis blocking a shot from the right, the intercepting a ball put in from Kindred on the left. Wroxham pushing on late on winning a throw deep on the right into the area cleared out to the left retrieved by Alexander strikes the ball on the angle her effort blocked the rebound out to Knights top of the area shoots over. 

  Haringey get the ball away from danger out to Garwood breaking right side, takes the ball into the corner looking to see the clock down supported by Brown, winning a corner, no need to play it in keep possession as the final whistle blows and celebrate as Haringey win this season’s ERWFL League Plate final.

 Celebrating in front of their fans gathered behind the goal

Haringey celebrating with their fans at the final whistle

Fulltime Wroxham Women 1-3 Haringey Borough Women

  Haringey winning the ERWFL League Plate final 3-1 to get their hands on the trophy getting off to a fantastic start scoring form the first corner of the game inside 4 minutes. Defended well often deep inviting pressure but dealing with it, ready to counter with their 3 attackers staying high ready to go. Wroxham frustrated seeing the post struck twice creating further chances, Haringey continued to be a threat from set-pieces Chloe Ions doubling the lead before having to come off injured, hopping around after the game hoping it’s nothing too serious no doubt a trophy win helping with the pain. 2-0 up at half-time Wroxham unhappy with some decisions always going to be a physical encounter, a few bruises to show for it. Wroxham fought to get a goal back, doing so through Hannan Fuller in the 74th minute, Haringey remained a threat on the break and Garwood bursting away down the right saw her cross turned into the back of the net for an unfortunate own goal to restore the 2 goal cushion and see the game out to clinch the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the day a few contenders but one standing out. A competitive game expected no less performances of note across the park. For Wroxham it will be a day Ella Gambell will probably want to forget but she stood out for Wroxham aggressive winning the ball at the back getting stuck in made some great forward runs, clattered more than once. Becca Stephenson unlucky hitting the post twice got on with the ball looking for opening in a tightly packed box at times. Katie Knights with some good ball winning tackles in the middle get Wroxham going forwards. Hannah Fuller lively kept the Haringey defence on their toes constantly looking for an opening. For Haringey it was a battling defensive performance got numbers back inviting a little pressure but for the large part dealing with it. Zara Kirstein with some strong tackling heading home the opener. Elisia Huetson with numerous interceptions and blocks.. Going forward Nia Garwood was strong on the right taking players on and a ready outlet throughout. Renea Jarrett coming on into the middle getting stuck in to win the ball. The award going to Tayla Dennis the pick of the defenders made several tackles and blocks, getting across to nullify threats and defend set plays.

Haringey Borough Women win this season’s ERWFL League Plate

 Congratulations to Haringey Borough Women on winning the 2025/26 ERWFL League Plate.

 A competitive final to start the day, expected no less between the sides finishing 3rd and 5th in the Premier Division. A fine end to the season for both should use it as a platform to push on next season. Wroxham missing out on one final are the new County Cup champions and if they continue the form they had towards the end of the season will be amongst the favourites for the the title. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today. as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Wroxham Women

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Sunday 3rd May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Sponsored by Harrod Sport

  The action switches back to Norfolk this Sunday with a another trip to Carrow Road to watch the final of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup, sponsored by Harrod Sport. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women into the final for the 1st time taking on fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Wroxham Women.

This evening’s prize

   The final between the two leading sides in Norfolk with Norwich City Women victors in the last 3 finals not entering this years competition, in action early today at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium playing Moneyfields Women in FAWNL South West/South East Play-off match. A dramatic end to the game drawing 2-2 the final whistle Norwich emerging victorious in a sudden death penalty shootout to clinch promotion to tier 3 for the first time in their history, many congratulations to all at the club. The ERWFL Premier Division representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid a strong and highly competitive league both Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Wroxham Women with strong campaigns finishing 6th and 3rd respectfully locking horns in the county cup final.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women have gone form strength to strength since joining the ERWFL 3 season’s ago, winning promotion in to the Premier Division in their 1st season at regional level, retained their Premier Division status the year after and have now clinched their highest ever league finish, 6th place. Playing at The Nest ground sharing with Norwich City Women got their fixtures in when others didn’t meaning an early finish their league campaign wrapped up back on the 18th of March, so a long spell without a competitive fixture leading into this evening final.

 Reaching the County Cup final to make their Carrow Road debut has been  an incredible journey having followed the group from their days as Sprowston Ladies to where they are now. Winning the Norfolk Women League Plate back in 2018, captain Calista Tink and striker Victoria Leyer the only two members of that squad still at the club along with Tink’s father Adrian who has led the side in all that time. Have grown as a club on and off the pitch. Leilah Gooding the top scorer with 11 goals, Holly Walker and Millie Baggott both with 9 each.

Wroxham Women reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final for the 1st time themselves two season’s ago beaten 6-0 by Norwich City Women, have been playing right up until the final day of the ERWFL campaign where a strong end to the season saw them clinch a 3rd placed finish, and the potential of a cup double as they have not only reached the final of this season’s County Cup but also final of this season’s ERWFL League Plate, taking on Haringey Borough Women next Sunday at Bedford Town FC. Tonight though all about the county cup will be slight favourites having gotten the better of Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women in both their midweek league encounters both game though won by a single goal 1-0 and 2-1 respectfully.

 Wroxham Women an established side playing at tier 5 with ambitions to push for promotion to the FAWNL above. Joe Simpson returning as manager, Wroxham suffered a slow start dropping points early on but since being knocked out of the League Cup have gone from strength to strength, 2 runs of 5 straight wins interrupted by a defeat to champions Stevenage seeing them power their way up the table to consolidate a top three finish will be hoping that momentum carries through to their cup final games. Hannah Fuller as ever prolific in front of goal top scorer for Wroxham once again with 21 goals to her name. Kathryn Stanley has 12 with Rebecca Stephenson coming in from Cambridge United WFC halfway through the season scoring 9 along with Maddie Green.

Both sides have players in their squads who have won the county cup before, Kathryn Stanley with Norwich, Katie Knights with both Norwich and Wymondham, Hayley Kindred also in the Wymondham squad back in 2022 along with Hannah Fuller all playing for Wroxham this evening. Anna Larkins playing for Dussindale & Hellesdon appearing in multiple finals. This evening’s referee, Alice Parker also a winner of the county cup in her playing days with Norwich City Women.

Road to the Final

 Norfolk FA seeding their senior women’s sides to enter in the later rounds of the competition, both Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Wroxham Women joining at the quarter final stage. Dussindale & Hellesdon having home advantage in the last 8 as they took on ERWFL Division One North side, Thetford Town Ladies. Goals for Leilah Gooding, Calista Tink and Holly Walker sealing a 3-0 win. Wroxham drawn away to Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Sprowston FC Women. Kathryn Stanley rattling home a hat-trick, Rebecca Stephenson scoring a brace plus a goal each for Hannah Fuller and Ella Gambell seeing the game won comfortably 7-0.

Into the semi-finals, the big guns kept apart, both taking on county league opposition with the NWGFL having two representatives in the last four of the county cup, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Costessey Sports Ladies conquerors of Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies who had reached 4 of the last 5 county cup finals. Leilah Gooding on target to score twice, plus a goal for Isla Thorne securing a 3-1 victory to book Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 1st county cup final appearance. Wroxham away taking on UEA FC Women. A single goal enough for Wroxham winning through to the final 1-0 courtesy of a goal from their captain, Tigi Robson.

Carrow Road

Carrow Road the venue once again the premier football stadium in Norfolk, home to Norwich City FC. A busy Sunday hosting 3 finals the Junior an Senior men’s county cup finals along with the women’s showpiece. The pitch looking immaculate as you’d expect a carpet compared to most of the pitches in the county which could do with some rain, none expected again this evening however, a warm and sunny day the temperature pleasant heading into the evening. The fans from both clubs situate in the South Stand opposite the dug outs. Both teams out on the pitch enjoying a look round the stadium no doubt excited for the occassion.

 Alice Parker this evenings match referee assisted by Elise Carroll-Mileham and Alex Vasey with Edwards Colman the 4th official.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Addi Gregory, Yve Mitchell, Anna Larkins, Calista Tink (C) Maddie Goodenough, Chloe Shipman, Isla Thorne, Ella Kruez, Holly Walker, Leilah Gooding & Kyla Langan. Subs – Rosie George, Lauren Baxter, Millie Baggott, Abbie Gilchrist & Alexia Cooke.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Yaz Walford, Katie Green, Tigi Robson (C), Ella Gambell, Poppy Loveland, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Hayley Kindred, Becca Stephenson, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs- Lauren Bullard, Jordan Arnoup, Kathryn Stanley, Jorja Palmer & Holly Farrow.

Wroxham Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be settled on penalties.

Captains Tigi Robson and Calista Tink with this evening’s match officials

Both sides with goalkeeping issues leading up to the game without regular keepers, Amber Locker or Tyla Cole, Addi Gregory usually an outfield player donning the gloves. Yaz Walford between the sticks for Wroxham with Bryony Williams out injured. A long wait for the final for Dussindale & Hellesdon the build up over the game finally here, have the kick-off 1st half wearing an all clear kit with Wroxham lined up opposite not in their usual blue and white kit but a kit harking back to their time as Acle prior to joining the Wroxham family white shirts with black diagonal striping and a red slash through the middle, with black shorts and socks. The ball put into the middle sent long out to the right flank out of play for an early Wroxham goal kick.

A little tentative at the start Dussindale & Hellesdon up to press the ball, given away at the back by Wroxham on the left, Kyla Langan nipping onto the ball linking up with Leilah Gooding in attack on Dussindale & Hellesdon’s right taking the ball on a shot struck in on the angle from 30 yards, Walford behind it all the way. Wroxham come forwards Katie Knights central long out to Becca Stephenson attacking on the right takes on the early cross squaring the ball into the box, cleared by Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink.

Both sides into each other the ball closed down not much head way made, Wroxham getting a series of throws on the left, defender Poppy Loveland has a long throw in her arsenal, launched into striker Hannah Fuller down near the by-line left of goal, tracked by Maddie Goodenough the defender getting it away for Yve Mitchell to clear up field. Testing balls launched into the channels early on by both sides, Langan and Gooding looking to combine up top for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Maddie Green right side and Hayley Kindred left for Wroxham breaking forwards. Tink winning the ball at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Ella Kruez playing the ball on for Langan over on the right her strike into the box collected by Walford. Tink coming across to tackle Fuller as the Wroxham striker goes after the ball fed on into the right side, the pitch watered before kick-off slick the ball skipping on. Holly Walker closing the ball down on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting in crossed into the area, cleared by Loveland for Wroxham. A few niggly fouls given away competitive in the middle, Knights with Lily Alexander for Wroxham, Isla Thorne snapping in for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Wroxham midfielder, Katie Knights

Tink pro-active in defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting out to the ball closing down Maddie Green as her sister Katie sends the ball on up the right. A throw for Wroxham on the right played inside into Stephenson’s feet top of the D, turns going left looking for an opening to strike the ball, Kruez getting in the tackle before she can attempt it. Kindred up ended for Wroxham outside the box top left corner, the set-piece launched into the box headed clear by Tink. Back out to the left a shot from the angle punched back into the area racing wide past the far post.

Wroxham’s Becca Stephenson with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Anna Larkins

Knights carrying the ball on through the middle for Wroxham fed out to Maddie Green on the right, Tink across to offer Anna Larkins support as she slows the attacker down the ball cleared as it is played into the box. Dussindale & Hellesdon defending deeper working hard to regain possession at the back, lifted up to Langan and Gooding in attack the pair combining well causing the Wroxham defence a few issues, breaking forwards into the right channel the ball prodded on towards the box, diverted behind by Loveland for the first corner of the game.

Leilah Gooding

The corner swung in on goal landing on the roof of the net. Ella Gambell taking a knock for Wroxham as the defender fights to win the ball back for Wroxham as Walker brings it on up the left fed inside for Langan. A pause in play while she receives treatment both sides over to the benches for fluids and instructions rom their respective coaches. Gambell up ok to play on, the opening quarter hour seeing both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Stephenson taking the ball on into the left channel, Kreuz tracking back to put in the challenge for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

 

Is a good sized pitch both sides looking to test the other on the flank, so far without much success, Tink clearing up most ball played into her box, Dussindale & Hellesdon attack starting deeper Loveland and Gambell both stepping up to tackle as Langan and Gooding drive on through the middle. Larkins putting the ball on for Walker left side, Gambell giving the foul away seeing referee, Alice Parker awarding the free-kick. A dangerous ball curled into the area cleared well by Loveland over to the right, won back Dussindale & Hellesdon sending the cross back into the six yard box, Walford claiming it unchallenged.

Alice Parker, winning the county cup with Norwich now officiating the final

Gregory racing out to the top of her area as Fuller steals in behind on the left, the keeper just getting there ahead of her to get it away. Alexander getting hold of the ball for Wroxham links up with Knights, Thorne snapping back to win the tackle for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Stephenson moving about the top of the 18 yards box probing for an opening, her short pass into Fuller, Tink stabbing out a foot to take it away from her. Katie and Maddie Green linking up on the right, Larkins into challenge the ball out for a throw.

Wroxham starting to build a little momentum going forwards the ball chased down in the final 3rd, Katie Green lifting it over the top for Stephenson breaking away right channel, again it’s Tink back at quickly doing the defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. The crowd making themselves heard, Dussindale & Hellesdon look to have the greater number, Wroxham with their band present not to be out done. Langan onto the ball left channel pushes on knocking the ball into the area, cut out by Loveland for a throw. Dussindale & Hellesdon getting players on the cross into the box Gooding onto the end of it sending a shot in to the near post blocked turned behind for a corner on the right.

Wroxham’s Katie Green

The result the same as the previous corner, curled in on goal looking to test the keeper with a ball under the crossbar, it instead nestles on top of the net. Wroxham up on the left with a throw high, Goodenough getting it back for Dussindale & Hellesdon into Shipman turned on up field, the break is on 2 v 2 at the back Langan after the ball rolling on into the left channel, Gooding powering her way into the box the cross curled in invitingly, just too far ahead of Gooding.

Half an hour gone in the first half a game of few chances so far none on target Wroxham have a throw out on the right brought down played inside to Alexander 20 yards out sends it on across the top of the D, for Kindred to attack left of the D, her 1st time effort curling away from Gregory’s left post. No quarter given in midfield, Thorne busy closing players down on the ball, Knights attempting to add thrust to Wroxham’s attack driving on with the all central running into a dead end as 3 Dussindale & Hellesdon players close her down top of the D.

Katie Green on for Stephenson pulling out to the right, Larkins tackling the ball out for the throw. Inside for Stephenson linking up with Fuller outside the Dussindale & Hellesdon 18 yard box, no way through lays it back into Alexander 25 yards out takes on the strike the ball racing wide of the left post. With Dussindale & Hellesdon dropping off in defence, Katie Green and captain Tigi Robson are able to get on support Wroxham as they get the ball on up to the final 3rd, Tink a little reckless sliding in to win the ball top right corner outside the area fouling Stephenson as she gets inside off a throw picking up the first yellow card of the game.

Kindred on the free-kick, strikes it in towards the far post, too much on it however, flies over the bar. The ball hooked up field by Dussindale & Hellesdon, Langan can’t make it stick as Gambell closes her down, Wroxham quick to get it back up the pitch out to the left flank Robson up with Kindred sending the cross into the near post, claimed by Gregory. Gambell pushing up from the back to get stuck in to win the ball back for Wroxham on for Knights in the middle lifted out to Stephenson combining with Maddie Green the cross cut out by Tink, not clear, struck back in from range taking a deflection out behind for a corner on the right.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Chloe Shipman

GOAL! 40 minutes played players up from the back for the Wroxham corner, taken short the delivery fed back out to corner taker who lifts the cross up over the crowd gathered at the near post, to fall into the six yard box which is met by Loveland unmarked to smash past the keeper to open the scoring 0-1.

The ball dropping down into the box for defender Poppy Loveland to run onto a blast home to put Wroxham into the lead

 

Poppy Loveland

Wroxham having gathered some momentum towards the end of the first half taking the lead. Both sides continue their midfield tussle, Thorne into tackle Stephenson, Gooding brought down as she looks to travel through the middle. A good distance out Walker looking to send the ball on over the top for the goal kick. Katie Green with the diagonal ball into Fuller back to goal left side turns it on for Kindred attacking on the wing, to the by-line tackled by Mitchell the ball out for a corner kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Yve Mitchell

Played in low to the near post turned behind for a goal kick. Into 2 minutes of stoppage time. Goodenough putting the tackle in on Fuller as she looks to attack the left channel taking the ball on from Kindred.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-1 Wroxham Women

  The first half drawing to a close, Wroxham scoring late in the half to take a slender advantage into the break. Has been a half of few chances with defences largely on top. Dussindale & Hellesdon dropping deeper giving Wroxham very little room to get in behind, protecting the keeper. Both sides competitive a close contest snapping into the other not much between them, clear both sides have players who can hurt the other but the final ball hasn’t been there, little between the sides in their 2 league fixtures and looks to be the case here too, a single goal in it still very much all to play for.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon ringing the changes at half-time making a triple switch sending on Rosie George, Millie Baggott and Abbie Gilchrist to replace Langan, Gooding and Larkins. Wroxham making a change too with Kathryn Stanley coming on in place of Katie Green. Wroxham to get the 2nd period underway, a reminder should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will go to penalties. The ball launched out to the right seen out of play by Gilchrist for a throw. George and Baggott leading the attack for Dussindale & Hellesdon now play switched quickly up the left channel with George getting in behind to chase the ball down, Walford rushing out to the corner of her area just about getting there to knock the ball out to the touch line, kept in Dussindale & Hellesdon are quick to get players up, for a moment the goal open, but takes too long to get the angled ball played, Walford back by then recovering to push the ball away from danger.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to make a positive opening to the 2nd half. Knights for Wroxham playing the ball into Maddie Green right side her cross put into the top of the area intercepted by Tink. Thorne onto the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Wroxham’s defence pushed up space opening up to play the ball into a little wild with her release doesn’t capitalise as George looks to pull clear right side. 

 The 2nd half already having a different feel about it both sides looking to be more direct, Alexander central for Wroxham putting the ball into the left for Stephenson down the line held up by Mitchell forced back up the line squeezing a cross into the D, Stanley running onto it her strike charged down by Goodenough. 

Maddie Green

 The game opening up space to run into George is put away out on the right the ball at her feet surging into the box wide of goal fires a low shot in on the angle, Walford down smartly to make the save the ball pushed out to the top of the six yard box, Baggott on the follow getting hold of the ball Walford making another fantastic blocking save the ball knocked up onto the crossbar and out to keep Wroxham’s lead in tack.

Goalkeeper Yaz Walford with a brilliant double save for Wroxham

 Dussindale & Hellesdon creating chances Baggott and George looking to take over where Gooding and Langan threatened in the 1st half. Gambell fouled as she looks to tackle Baggott as the attacker tries to force her way through the middle. Kindred combining with Stephenson out on Wroxham’s left the ball inside for Fuller outside the box, Goodenough challenging to get the ball out into the middle, Thorne taking it on sending the ball out to George on the right, Robson tackling to win it back for Wroxham.

  Loveland with a vital touch at the back volleying the ball clear as George looks to spin in behind as the ball from Kruez is played into her feet. Baggott almost stealing in behind central moments later 30 yards out but for another crucial challenge from Loveland. Battles all over the pitch Shipman getting a free-kick as she and Kindred come together. 

Wroxham’s Hayley Kindred

 Fuller making several runs into the channel looking to draw defenders out, Tink out to the right to close her down. Dussindale & Hellesdon’s defence staying deep, Wroxham able to get players on but have to be wary of losing it, starting from halfway however the attackers have alot of work to do, with Loveland, Gambell and Robson quick to read the danger. Stephenson seeing a shot from the top of the D struck over as the ball comes into her from Green on the right. 

Becca Stephenson

  Loveland getting across to close down Baggott as she brings the ball down from Shipman in the middle. Thorne continues to get about the midfield breaking up play for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Gambell at the back getting her head on a high ball to clear as Dussindale & Hellesdon look to counter on the right. Gilchrist putting the ball into Thorne central for Dussindale & Hellesdon, has Baggott ahead of her looking to run in behind the threaded pass just the wrong side of her allowing Gambell tracking back with her to intercept. 

 Dussindale & Hellesdon getting the ball back out on the left Walker to George from the angle 25 yards out striking her shot over. Robson bringing the ball on right side for Wroxham chipping it up to Fuller making the run out into the wing, Kruez getting back to help Mitchell in defence the ball out for a throw. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Maddie Goodenough

 Alexander getting a shove in the back as she rises to head the ball the free-kick awarded deep on the left. Kindred on it played short fed back to the winger who places the cross along the top of the D, Fuller running onto it 20 yards out firing a vicious strike wide past the right post.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller

  Moving into the final 20 minutes the game still in the balance. Wroxham keen to extend their advantage prepared to take a few risks keeping Dussindale & Hellesdon penned in trusting they will have too much to do to get players out to support any counter attack. Gambell again with the header as a free-kick won by Dussindale & Hellesdon is launched up from half way. Tink going out to close Fuller down as she gets onto the ball right side concedes the corner kick.

 Wroxham with another short corner routine the ball back with the taker, Dussindale & Hellesdon look to clear their lines as the cross is whipped in with pace attacked by Fuller central burying it into the back of the net runs away in wild celebration, the lead doubled! No! The flag up for offside, the famous canary goal celebration music there for a split second but quickly curtailed that was an extremely close call.

Hannah Fuller’s goal ruled out for offside

Robson in the wars for Wroxham brought down, stays down taking a knock to the ankle, treatment given the players with a chance to catch their breath the game has a nervous edge to it. Play resuming Robson ok to go on Dussindale & Hellesdon advance on the left Walker sending a looping cross into the box, George striding in central jumping for the ball can’t quite get there over her to be cleared on the opposite side. Robson pulling up again feeling her injury, Wroxham unwilling to make the change Robson determined to play on.

 George keeping a throw in on the by-line cutting it back up to the corner of the area for Kruez, goes for goal sending the ball over the bar. Less than 10 minutes on the clock Fuller on the left up with Stanley, played back for Robson plays the ball in central Stephenson knocking it forwards into the box left of the D, Stanley bursting in behind, the flag up straight away as Gregory dives in bravely to get the ball, colliding with the onrushing attacker, Stanley hurdling over the keeper who stays down. Treatment needed a pause in play, 743 in attendance for the final. Gregory up back on her feet. 

 

 GOAL! The game getting stretched opening up suits Fuller as the attacker sees the ball into her path as she breaks into the left flank surging on taking the ball into the box, Tink coming to close her down Fuller with a neat touch to drag the ball inside the defender and moving in central puts her right foot through the ball rifling it past the keeper, to score wheeling away in celebration running over to supporters to celebrate with her teammates 0-2.

Hannah Fuller checking inside to set herself up to rifle home Wroxham’s 2nd

 GOAL! Wroxham finally doubling their lead but it is undone straight away as Dussindale & Hellesdon get the ball out quickly too George on the right down the line whipping a pacy cross into the six yard box, Gambell lunging in to try and clear only succeeding in diverting it into the back of her own net 1-2.

  A lively end to the game Dussindale & Hellesdon getting it back to a single goal straight away. Gilchrist getting a foot on the ball to stop Green getting in behind as Knights plays a diagonal ball out to the flank. Both sides re energised Dussindale & Hellesdon going for it throwing their attackers back on Gooding and Lagan back on the pitch replacing Goodenough and Kruez off. 

 Wroxham playing the ball up to Fuller in attack heads it down for Stephenson making the run to the left taking the ball on digs the cross out dropping it into the six yard box, Fuller in place to nod the ball down towards goal, Gregory getting hold of it for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Wroxham strengthening their defence, Katie Green back on replacing Maddie Green. A lively end to the game the supporters over on the far side encouraging their teams, Gooding trying to get the ball through to Baggott, Loveland cutting it out. 

5 added minutes to be played, a goal for Wroxham will surely seal the win, one back for Dussindale & Hellesdon and we go to penalties. Have a throw out to the left work a shot in from range wide at the near post. Wroxham playing the ball up the left for Fuller who used her experience to take the ball into the corner eat up time. Shipman fouled picking up a knock, the set-piece put in from deep cleared by Stanley for a throw. 

 Wroxham dropping back for the first time in the game defending, Katie Green getting her head ball to clear for Wroxham off of a throw on the right. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a corner at the death everyone up bar the keeper, but don’t make it count as the ball is curled into the side netting, the final whistle blows and Wroxham have done it getting their name of the trophy winning the Harrod Sports Women’s Cup for the first time.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 1-2 Wroxham Women

  The 2nd half bringing the game to life Dussindale & Hellesdon making changes forcing Wroxham goalkeeper, Yaz Walford into a fantastic double save. Both looking for a goal Wroxham continuing to get players on, Fuller seeing a goal ruled off for offside only spurring her on to get into the box and rifle the ball home to double lead. Short lived as an own goal gets Dussindale & Hellesdon back into it setting up a nervy finish, Wroxham seeing the game out clinching victory over Dussindale & Hellesdon by a single goal for the 3rd time this season. Can’t help feeling this the the beginning of a new rivalry in the county cup Wroxham getting their hands on the trophy Dussindale & Hellesdon can be proud of their Carrow Road debut.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders and I’m going away from the winner of the award on the night. Strong performances all over the pitch for Dussindale & Hellesdon it was a strong game at the back from their captain, Calista Tink won the ball and read the game. Isla Thorne was busy in midfield getting after the ball several good balls up to the attackers. Lilah Gooding did well in the number 10 shirt useful runs looking to link up with Kyla Langan both causing issues for the Wroxham defence as did Rosie George coming on in the 2nd half providing a good outlet for the ball. For Wroxham Katie Knights took the ball on well through the middle joining up the attack. Becca Stephenson covered the ground in the final 3rd looking for openings and ready to receive the ball. Yaz Walford’s double save was crucial. Hannah Fuller won the award on the night and for that winning goal I can see why made some great runs into the channels a defence dropping deep space limited found the opening. But this was a close one and defenders all played their part Ella Gambell put herself about challenging to win the ball close players down. I’ve gone for Poppy Loveland made so important last ditch tackles didn’t let players pass her on too many opportunities and scored the opening goal.

Wroxham Women 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulations to Wroxham Women on winning the 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

  The season over for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women a 6th placed finish and county cup final appearance there’s more to come from this side and will be hungry to reach the final again. Wroxham Women winning one of their two finals off to Bedford next Sunday, for the ERWFL League Plate final know Haringey Borough Women well as they look to make it a cup double. My thanks to all at Norfolk FA for their help this evening and allowing me to cover the final always appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 29th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

Heading into Cambridgeshire this Wednesday evening for the first game of a cup final double bill, starting with the Women’s Invitation Cup Final, the counties senior women’s competition, followed by the Junior Invitation Cup Final on Thursday between Newmarket Town Women Development and Soham Town Rangers Ladies. This evening it’s the main event the Invitation Cup final a repeat of last season’s final too as holders Cambridge United WFC taking on Histon Ladies.

This evening’s prize

  The venue the same too being played at Cambridge City FC’s new stadium at Sawston, the on going building work to the main stand due to be completed over the summer. This season’s finals played between two sides with very contrasting season’s under their belts.

  Dare I say it but in the end a season to forget for Cambridge United WFC, what started as a promising new era, under newly installed manager Sean Greygoose with changes behind the scenes and new players brought in the FAWNL South East Division One side long established in tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid, were up to 4th in the table early on with 4 straight wins, a few changes to the squad senior players let go and young talent recruited a poor run followed this lead to the unexpected departure of the manager just when the squad bringing in new faces needed to settle rebuild momentum looking very much to the future a baptism of fire for interim manager Sam Carrington, Cambridge picking up just a single point from their final 10 matches finishing 10th in the table.

 Cambridge United WFC for a long period the leading forces for women’s football in Cambridgeshire now fully integrated with the men’s club, have long dominated the county cup in Cambridge, along with Cambridge City a healthy rivalry, have mixed thing’s up in recent season’s playing their U18’s and last season a mixture of both U18’s and 1st team, this season 5 first team players can be played along with any not having played 50% of first team games and with so many new faces added to the squad can field a strong side as they look to end a tough season on a high. The future bright, will be playing in Cambridge itself for the first time I can remember having followed them at Ely, the Mildenhall and St Neots, always knowing they needed to be in Cambridge itself build themselves a concrete supporting base.

 Histon Ladies are most definitely on a high saw them at the weekend complete a remarkable achievement going a whole season without dropping a single point in the league, 22 wins from 22 to become champions of ERWFL Division One North and clinch promotion back to the 5th tier of women’s football. The foundations laid by Matt Payne bringing his Great Shelford side to Histon in 2017, took a few season’s to get the club back into the ERWFL but have been on the rise ever since, Kevin Jacklin brought to the club with a wealth of experience in the women’s game leading them to runners-up spot last season took the opportunity to further strengthen the coaching set-up bringing in Darren Marjoram let go by Cambridge United WFC despite leading them to another county cup success joined by Cambridge United legend, Liz Pamplin, to lead the club to a memorable campaign.

  Sophie Hopkin with over 100 appearances for the club, only one of two players left from the Great Shelford era, the other Abi Davies returning to the club after a spell at United herself. Evie Nicholls rattling in the goals for Histon out in front as the leagues top goal scorer with 37 goals, have the tightest defence in the league too, conceding just 15 goals a title winning combination for sure, fancy their chances of causing an upset this evening but Cambridge United won’t give up the trophy lightly beating Histon 2-0 last time around to lift the cup. 

  Road to the Final

Byes for both sides in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup, into the 2nd Round, Cambridge United away to Cambridge Rangers WFC from Cambs, Division One, goals from Bella Simmons, Jade Bell, Millie Docking and Lauren Cullum seeing United 4-0 up at the break, Emilia Reinhardt and a 2nd for Cullum in the 2nd half seeing the game won 6-0. Histon away to Cambs Division Three newcomers, Linton Granta Women, a huge gap between the sides, Histon wracking up a double figure score with Evie Nicholls scoring 4 goals, Molly Banks and Sophie Hopkin netting a brace each and goals to for Ella Marden and Hannah Seymour-Shove. Final score 10-0.

 Into the quarter finals, Cambridge United progressing without a ball with opponents Wimblington Ladies plagued by injuries having to pull out. Histon at home taking on fellow Division one North side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, Nicholls again amongst the goals smashing home a hat-trick to see the game won 3-1.

 The semi-finals seeing the 4 strongest sides in the county go toe to toe, Cambridge United away to Cambridge City Women slowly beginning fortunes around after a difficult couple of season’s, Drawing 0-0 until the final quarter hour Mollie Coupar firing United into the lead from the penalty spot, Reinhardt charging down the keeper to add a 2nd then another in stoppage time to secure a 3-0 through to another final. Histon at home taking on Newmarket Town Women also playing in Division one North, a single goal settling this one scored by Abi Davies to send Histon into their 2nd successive final.

 Cambridge City FC’s new stadium in Sawston hosting the Invitation Cup final for the 2nd successive season, the large grass pitch overlooked by an impressive stand with elevated seating, work still on going on the interior but making progress, plenty of food and drink on offer, been good this year haven’t had a cheeseburger yet but the one’s at the ground are too good to resist so indulged myself. The weather pleasant a warm day a bit of power in the sun starting to set behind the main stand creating a shadow across the pitch could pose a few issues.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Isabelle Beeson, Lauren Rouse (C) Beatrice Rogers, Eleanor Townsend, Ellie Curson, Tally Miles, Sammy Edgar, Mollie Coupar, Matilda Thomas O’Keefe & Emilia Reinhardt. Subs – Daisey Jeckell, Katie Hayes, Millie Docking, Hannah Mitchell & Annabel Ferguson.

Cambridge United WFC

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Eloise Page, Abi Davies, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Krueger, Jess McCrae, Molly Banks, Tash Collins, Ella Marden, Sophie Hopkin & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Mollie Childerley, Gabriella Giussani, Sabrina Ghosh, Hannah Seymour-Shove & Summer Taylor.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be settled by a penalty shootout.

Captains Laura Leyland and Lauren Rouse pictured with this evenings math referee Jordan Blunt, assisted by Jaroslaw Olczak and Will Fulcher ( Anouskha Williamson the 4th assistant)

A change of ends at the start of the game with Cambridge putting the sun at their backs, Histon to have kick-off, wearing their all blue away strip, Cambridge in wearing amber shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played into Molly Banks in the middle lifts a long ball out to the right wing as Tash Collins races forwards, Isabelle Beeson dealing with it for Cambridge. A large pitch both sides comfortable using the width offered a competitive start a little unsettled both sides into the other Cambridge getting a free-kick for a foul on midfielder Sammy Edgar.

Histon pressing in the final 3rd Sophie Hopkin getting in to close the ball down hoked high up into the box with Ella Marden coming in off the left to attack it, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb with the comfortable catch. Eloise Page getting in the challenge as Mollie Coupar finds Ellie Curson on the left. Cambridge attempting to get players on quickly mount an attack left Eleanor Townsend linking up with Matilda Thomas O’Keefe, Abi Davies with support from Collins getting the ball out for a throw.

Marden breaking forwards on the left flank for Histon as Hopkin hooks the ball on stretching to get her leg up to deliver the cross on the by-line, the ball is claimed by Webb high at the far post.

Histon pressing well getting bodies up Banks onto Hopkin who is pro active getting after the ball forcing a throw the ball down the line giving attacker Evie Nicholls something to attack her cross blocked by Cambridge captain, Lauren Rouse back off Nicholls for the goal kick. Hopkin coming left on for Nicholls wide cuts inside before delivering a cross into the top of the area, Jess McCrae making the central one not quite able to get to it, Beatrice Rogers clears for Cambridge.

Cambridge defender, Beatrice Rogers

Cambridge break on the left forcing a corner kick, the delivery low into the near post defended knocked back out to the left the corner taker sending the ball back into the box, Histon get it out to the right a blistering shot fired in on the angle from 25 yards, Histon keeper, Keeley Robinson down sharply to he left to parry it away across the six yard by Emilia Reinhardt snatching at the rebound sending the ball narrowly wide of the post.

Histon’s McCrae taking a blow inside the box as Histon sought to clear their lines, holding her nose, needing to come off for better treatment an early change a straight swap with Hannah Seymour-Shove taking her place in midfield. 10 minutes played looks to have settled into an even contest both sides with combative players on the middle the ball hotly contested. Both sides using the wings Cambridge from a throw high on the right wining a corner fired in central attacked turned onto the far post lifted back in across goal, plucked down into her gloves by the rising keeper.

Banks battling for the ball for Histon linking up well with Hopkin to Marden left taking it to the by-line her cross cut back into the top of the six yard box behind Nicholls central, Collins rushing in far side can’t quite get a touch Cambridge getting it out of their box to the right Davies up with Seymour-Shove the strike sent it from the angle races wide past the far post.

Histon’s Ella Marden

Histon getting after the ball Hopkin imposing herself finding Marden again on the left taking the ball to the by-line her cross swerving behind. Cambridge win the ball central Tally Miles to Coupar on for Reinhardt the young attacker getting on the move knocking the ball on moving right, one touch too many however giving Page the opportunity to get hold of the ball turn it forwards for Histon.

Histon’s Eloise Page with Cambridge’s Ellie Curson

Cambridge with a throw on the right helped on into the middle Edgar taking it into her stride shooting from distance a little swerve on the ball Robinson right behind it however with the blocking save at her feet. Collins combining with Hopkin top of the Cambridge are, Beeson getting the challenge in the ball knocked out wide, an angled shot driven it towards goal, Webb with the smart save down well to her left to push the ball to the left, Histon with players up rush to close it down Marden has it from the angle goes for goal 25 yards out her effort looping up and over the keeper but onto the roof of the net.

Miles sending a great ball into the right channel for Curson, Claire Krueger getting back on her shoulder strong to see the ball back to her keeper to clear. Histon captain stepping out to close down Reinhardt before she can get the past out to Thomas O’Keefe to the left, Banks and Edgar two midfielders who like to get stuck in going toe to toe the latter drawing the foul on halfway. Hopkin getting forwards into right channel fed wide the cross lifted up into the near post, Nicholls rising to attack it twisting in the air can’t get enough of the ball her attempt dropping wide.

Webb needing to stay alert her defence pressed back at times Histon attacking right Davies to Collins an angled ball lofted on towards goal the Cambridge keeper grabbing it down on her line.

Seymour-Shove on through the middle to Collins looks to pick out Nicholls ahead of her the pass intercepted by Rogers. Midway through the 1st half shaping up to be a close game Histon looking strong confident, Cambridge with players who can hurt you however get on down the left to win a corner, swung into the near post behind off the keeper for another corner. A dangerous ball in across goal attacked but a foul spotted by the referee Histon have the free-kick.

Robinson out to get down to claim the ball into her body as Coupar coming right with the ball attempts to pick out Curson ahead of her. Histon counter through the middle Hopkin sending Nicholls in behind the centre backs, Webb seeing it racing out to the top of her area to pressure the striker the ball goes beyond her to keeper’s left, Collins trying to win the race to the loose ball, Webb having not gone to ground, able to recover get back to slide onto the ball.

Webb the busier of the two goalkeepers, taking a cross/shot as her near post as Histon attack a throw on the left. Hopkins running in to close the ball down, is loose for Banks to get hold of outside the area drags her shot from range wide. Rouse onto the ball for Cambridge played on for Coupar pulling into the right channel, Krueger closing her down tackling for Histon.

Seymour-Shove putting the ball on for Marden left wing driving to the by-line her cross turned behind by Rouse for the corner. Fired in low to the near post Cambridge don’t clear a little scrappy at the back as Hopkins and Collins she snatched shots blocked, space looks to open up a Nicholls gets hold of it inside the D, but her touch a fraction heavy sees Rogers stabbing it away to safety.

Tash Collins putting the ball on for Histon

Cambridge making a change  with 10 minutes left in the first half, Curson coming off, Annabel Ferguson sent on. Collins right side tees up Banks 25 yards out her strike flashing over the crossbar. Miles putting the ball into Townsend left side her cross inside cut out by Leyland, back with Cambridge on the left the angled shot straight at the keeper. Histon pressing on the right getting a throw, Collins surging on to the by-line, Townsend back to defend conceding the throw in the corner.

Couper seeing the ball into her feet on halfway with a good turn on the ball to release it into space on the left for Thomas O’Keefe to attack, Davies though getting there first to defend for Histon. Cambridge a little disjointed at times, up against an experienced back line who keep a disciplined shape the final ball not finding its mark. Leyland intercepting as Miles attempts to send Reinhardt in behind.

 Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Histon Ladies

 The sides heading back to the changing rooms level at the break, both keepers making saves but on the whole has been a competitive tussle Histon working hard to press the ball get players on feeling the more confident having gone toe to toe with a side playing two leagues above. Will they be able to keep those energy levels up for the 2nd half is the question, Cambridge not as settled disjointed on occasion no less competitive haven’t got the numbers on in the final 3rd as their defence is pushed back. Lively should the scores stay level it’ll be decided on penalties.

The lights starting to take effect as the sun drops low on the horizon, no changes for either side as Cambridge get the 2nd half underway. A long ball into the left wing seen out for an early Histon throw. Townsend linking up with O’Keefe on the left for Cambridge her cross cleared by Leyland. Is a feisty edge to the game, Histon putting themselves about Cambridge frustrated, Nicholls fouling her marker as Collins looks to pick her out with the pass on the right.

Histon striker, Evie Nicholls

Hopkin turns on the ball 25 yards out scooping it forwards for Nicholls, Rogers winning the header for Cambridge. Davies in to close Reinhardt down as the pacy attacker looks to get after the ball fed into the left flank. Robinson comes rushing out to the top of her box to clear the ball, falls invitingly to Thomas O’Keefe 25 yards out her shot just wide of the left post.

Krueger getting in the way to block as strike from Reinhardt top of the Histon area as she steals onto a slack goal kick. The attacker forced wide getting another bite at her her shot low claimed by the keeper. Histon with a free-kick deep on the left up to the top of the area Townsend blocks a shot. Nicholls picking up the first yellow card of the game as it grows more tense. Both sides making a  change on the hour mark, Firstly Thomas O’Keefe is taken off by Cambridge, on comes Katie Hayes. Davies giving way for Histon on comes Gabriella Giussani. Krueger fouled Cambridge presented with a free-kick 30 plus yards from goal. Banks on it, her ball into the box lacking the pace to trouble the keeper.

Cambridge captain, Lauren Rouse

Histon making another change Collins coming off, Sabrina Ghosh entering the action. Nicholls looking to get after the Cambridge back line up with Rogers to try and win the ball as Webb comes out to top of the area, Nicholls seeing a snap shot blocked by Rouse, Ghosh after it as it spins into the box, Webb getting back to grab hold of the ball. The game opening up as the clock moves into the final 20 minutes, Edgar with the pass into Coupar going left, Giussani in to block for Histon. The ball spinning central Reinhardt coming off the worse as she looks to win a 50/50 ball with Leyland.

Cambridge’s Isabelle Beeson

The substitutes looking to add energy to the game getting a little stretched as others tire a couple of Histon players down with cramp. Reinhardt almost steals through central as Coupar cuts the early cross inside from the left, only a good starting position from Robinson denies her a chance to shoot the keeper out to the top of her box to claim first. Townsend tackling to win the ball well as Nicholls looks to link up with Ghosh out on the left.

Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson

Banks over a free-kick out wide on the right angled in across goal no one getting a touch until it passes the far post out for a goal kick. Collins coming back on to replace Marden. The spectre of penalties looming neither side wanting to concede now. Nicholls keeps running at the Cambridge defence driving left Townsend back defending. Leyland winning the ball up the other end for Histon as Miles looks to feed it on through the middle for Couper.

Cambridge midfielder Sammy Edgar with Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

Histon firing a dangerous cross in along the face of the Cambridge goal out for a corner on the left. The ball swung in cleared back out to the left sent back into the middle headed away to the right a high ball struck from the right of the D taken by the keeper. Hopkin coming off for Histon, McCrae back on. Histon getting the ball on right side Ghosh to Nicholls pressing to get into the box left side, seeing the ball drop over her shoulder, Webb stands up well to grab it low before the striker can attack it. 

Mollie Coupar with Histon captain, Laura Leyland

  Into the final quarter hour, Reinhardt with a late tackle on Krueger no foul given. Couper up central pressing the ball out to Hayes left flank down the line for Reinhardt, driving on checks inside to turn into the box moving across the top of the six yard box, strikes the ball rising, Robinson with a great catch taking the ball firmly above her head. Histon starting to tire the game stretched Nicholls still full of running up to but not getting the players up with her. Reinhardt up the other end looking to put herself about get after the ball. Banks picking out Collins on the flank her ball into the near post cut out by Rouse.

  Page coming off for Histon, Mollie Childerley coming on. A heavy tackle late on McCrae central but up on her feet okay. Coupar taking on the ball as it evades Giussani at the back to the left comes back inside to find room for a shot top of the D, Giussani in the way to put in the block. Krueger cutting a threaded ball out at the back for Histon. The clock ticking down a little edgy now, Cambridge with some urgency in their game. Ferguson taken off replaced by Curson. Giussani cutting out a cross-field pass from Miles to the left.

Claire Krueger

  Coupar taking the ball left on for Townsend racing on up the wing her cross close to the by-line turned behind by the rising Leyland, gets a shove in the back from Reinhardt hardly necessary, Leyland landing hard down needing treatment, no action taken. The corner swept long into the area, a foul spotted Histon getting the free-kick this time. Curson for Cambridge sends the ball on for Coupar coming right, Childerley in to close her down. Hayes down off the ball after a late challenge from Banks, play stopped so she can receive treatment a painful blow needs to come off, Millie Docking coming on. 

 Not long left moving into stoppage time Nicholls digging a shot away on the angle from the left, Webb behind it all the way. Nicholls given the ball by Ghosh taking it left to the by-line cutting the cross back in to the area across goal, Collins stretching for it the ball wide past the post. Collins pulling up with cramp, comes off Hopkin returning to the pitch with penalties in mind. Ghosh lobbing the ball forwards Webb out to the top of her area to claim. Miles back to win the ball in defence as Histon press late into the game. The ball away for a throw high on the right seconds left taken quickly a dangerous ball flashed into the six yard box Nicholls attacking it with her head at the back post strikes the upright with the very last touch of the game as the final whistle blows the Invitation Cup final going to penalties.

Full Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Histon Ladies

 Good chances for both sides in the 2nd half of a hard fought contest but as the clock ticked down penalties looked the more likely outcome Histon working hard all game to keep Cambridge out getting on themselves well the game stretched as players tired a penalty shootout a lottery.

Penalties

  Histon to open the penalty shootout going first, Nicholls stepping up to place the ball on the spot a confident strike low to the keepers left to open the scoring 1-0.

  Edgar up first for Cambridge hit with power rising high into the back of the net before the diving keeper can reach it 1-1.

  Hopkin is up next for Histon a well struck ball high past the keeper before she could react 2-1.

  Miles taking Cambridge’s 2nd penalty, cool sends the keeper the wrong way to strike it in low to the left of goal 2-2.

  Seymour-Shove up next for Histon a low strike racing over the line makes it 3-2.

  The pressure building as Coupar walks up to take Cambridge’s 3rd penalty hit hard powered past the keeper before she can react 3-3.

  McCrae up next for Histon gets lift on her penalty rising creeps in under the bar to make it 4-3.

 Thomas O’Keefe up next for Cambridge runs up and turns in despair as she sends the ball high over the cross bar 4-3.

 Histon can win it with their 5th penalty, up comes captain, Leyland, the centre back putting her foot through the ball buries it to seal the win 5-3.

 Histon Ladies winning on penalties to win this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup and cap a history making season with a double. Working hard from the off to compete with Cambridge taking them all the way to a shootout and emerging victorious. Cambridge gutted no doubt it might feel great to win on penalties but being on the losing side is a tough. Ends a tough season one to forget, a new look squad is being shaped and with a new home to look forward to next season have plenty to look forwards too.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as usual not an easy call although a couple of candidates put themselves to the forefront early on and stayed there, a few performances to mention first. For Cambridge, Mollie Coupar looked to get forwards use the ball with some good balls to try and release teammates, Sammy Edgar strong in the middle looked to give Cambridge some drive, Lauren Webb reading the game her defence pushed back at time took control of the ball. For Histon as they were on Sunday the whole side worked hard to close the ball down got on well and kept the pressure off there defence. Claire Krueger winning her tackles at the back, Hannah Seymour-Shove getting after the ball in the middle. Tash Collins making several good runs on the right and through the middle. Evie Nicholls was a constant threat making runs into the channel, pulling off the defence. Molly Banks with a strong midfield performance getting after the ball pushing Histon on. Narrowly misses out the award going to Sophie Hopkin put herself about early on to close the ball down high link up the attack and keep Histon up the pitch.

Congratulations to Histon Ladies on winning the 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup and for your historic double.

Histon Ladies 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

  Another entertaining cup final from Cambridgeshire, a good crowd anticipating a close final on the whole and got one. Good to catch up with so many familiar faces my thanks to those who helped with the team details a quick turn around heading back to Cambridgeshire this evening for the Junior Invitation Final between Soham Town Rangers Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development at Soham, the pair drawing 3-3 at the weekend in Division One.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Harpenden Town Women

Sunday 12th April

Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final

Onto the 2nd part of this Sunday’s Hertfordshire FA Women’s County Cup finals double bill the main event the Senior Women’s Challenge Cup, at Harpenden Town Women into their 1st County Cup final taking on 5 times winners, Stevenage FC Women.

Hertfordshire FA splitting their county cup into two competitions in 2024 with the national and regional sides contesting the Senior Challenge Cup and the the sides from tier 7 the county league sides mostly competing for the new Trophy competition won by …. this morning. As explained previously in enhances both competitions gives the lower placed league sides a competitive competition to play in and for the most part reduces one sides games and eye-watering scores which serve no purpose plus frees up weekends which can clog up the early part of the season.

This afternoon’s prize

Stevenage FC Women bringing in ex-Arsenal Women and England international, Sian Lingham as head coach at the beginning of this season as the club sets it’s budget and sights on winning the ERWFL Premier Division title and returning to the FAWNL after a 4 year absence. That they have achieved and in some style unbeaten in 20 games played winning 18 of those to clinch the title with ease. That league form transcending to the cup competitions and a potential treble on the cards winning through to the finals of the County and League Cups.

Have brought in players with extensive experience playing at a higher level most notably new captain, Sarah Wiltshire most recently at FAWNL South East Division one side, Cambridge United WFC. Has been in red hot form in front of goal closing in on 50 goals for the season! 49 so far across all competitions. Whilst at the other end Stevenage have the meanest defence conceding just 11 goals. Amy Makewell the only other player into double figures with 11, with Gemma Croucher on 9. Stevenage dominant in the county cup in recent season’s winning it 5 times since 2015, including a run of successive final appearances from then up to 2023, today their 10th final aiming to lift the trophy for a 6th time.

Harpenden Town Women in comparison into their 1st ever County Cup final, formed back in 2022 have enjoyed a fast rise up the pyramid promoted to the ERWFL in their debut season. Into Division One North enjoyed close tussle for the title just missing out on promotion by a single point to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women the following year. Made up for it the following year by clinching the league title by 3 points over Histon Ladies to achieve promotion to tier 5. The ERWFL Premier Division a steep jump for most sides coming up Harpenden have held their own currently 9th with 2 games to play.

Have saved their best form for the cup competitions making it a cup double in fact as not only have they reached their first ever County Cup final but so to the League Cup final where again they will be playing champions, Stevenage on May the 10th at Bedford Town FC. Sophia Amanor the top scorer for Harpenden in their promotion winning season rattling in 34 goals. This time around despite the jump in level Amanor has once again been potent in attack once again firing in 34 across all competitions.

Road to the Final

  The Women’s Senior Challenge Cup contested by the clubs playing regional football and above in Hertfordshire. 11 sides in total. A bye for Harpenden in the first round back in October. Stevenage away to Hitchin Belles Women recently promoted to the ERWFL, Got off to a flyer with Sarah Wiltshire rattling in the fastest ever hat-trick in the game inside 3 minutes! Ashleigh Goddard also finding the back of the net for 3 goals in the first half, Amy Gooderham netting twice with a goal each for Gemma Croucher, Amy Makewell and Eva Delaney plus an opposition own goal seeing Stevenage win 12-0.

Into the New Year and the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup, Stevenage drawn away from home to play fellow Premier Division side, St Albans City Women, goals from defender, Rebecca Edge and Wiltshire plus a brace from another new addition to the squad form Cambridge United WFC, Alysha Stojko-Down securing a 4-1 victory. Harpenden also away in the last 8 taking on ERWFL Division One North side, Colney Heath Ladies. Sophia Amanor smashing the ball into the back of the net for 4 goals, Belle Shannon and Ellie Deville also scoring in a comfortable 6-0 result.

Into the last 4, Stevenage at home taking on local rivals Royston Town Women back to back winners of the Challenge Cup, up at the top end of the Premier Division too in recent season’s, a single goal just before the hour enough to seal the win Amber Pearson on target to send Stevenage into another Challenge Cup Final. Harpenden at home facing Stevenage FC Women’s Development side, sitting 2nd in Division one North, Amanor again amongst the goals netting twice with Ella mercer and Belle Shannon also finding the back of the net to send Harpenden into their 1st Challenge Cup final.

The County Ground, Letchworth again the venue for this afternoon’s final. A familiar place for Stevenage serving as their home ground in recent season’s and having the home dressing room today. Off to the café to get some much needed food between finals the sun still bright but cloud are scattered about the likelihood of showers this afternoon increasing. A good crowd building spectators taking up position all around the ground.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Faye Hazelton, Lucy Webster, Hannah Savage, Rebecca Edge, Elly Wade, Harley Carr, Rosy Wodhams, Amber Pearson, Gemma Croucher, Amy Makewell & Sarah Wiltshire (C). Subs – Sophie Shults, Leonie Telford, Alysha Stojko-Down. Eva Delaney & Ashleigh Goddard.

Stevenage FC Women

 Harpenden Town Women starting XI – Daisy Strouts, Kacey Warren, Rebecca Dowdall, Lucy Ford, Amana Oguntuga, Zoe Allen, Belle Shannon, Chloe Dinsey, Ella Mercer, Ellie Deville & Sophia Amanor. Subs – Neave Wilson, Leah Shellard, Isobel Hughes, Seryan Kabongo & Erin Shacklock. 

Harpenden Town Women

If the scores should remain level after 90 minutes the game going straight into a penalty shootout.

Captains, Sarah Wiltshire and Rebecca Dowdall with today’s match officials lead by referee, Andrew Marsh

A switch of ends at the start of the game with Stevenage to kick-off the first half wearing white coloured shirts with red sleeves, red shorts with white trim and white socks. Harpenden lined up opposite wearing green and yellow vertical striped shirts, green shorts and socks. The ball played back into the defence Harpenden rush on looking to close the ball down, Sophia Amanor up with Ellie Deville right side siding a cross charged down the ball out for a throw in.

From the throw high on the right Harpenden look to cause problems working a cross into the near post Amanor closing goalkeeper Faye Hazelton down stretching to try and get to the ball as the keeper gets something on the ball to take it away from her, Amanor going down awkwardly looks to be in some discomfort a concern for Harpenden so early on the contest, a pause in play as she receives treatment inside the six yard box, up on her feet but hobbling gingerly looks to try and run it off as play resumes.

A physical battle shaping up Gemma Croucher with her arm already bandaged tangling with Harpenden’s Amana Oguntuga as she looks to get the ball under control on the right going to ground getting accidentally stood on, again a long pause as she is carefully accessed but indicates to the bench she will be okay to play on.

Stevenage’s Gemma Croucher

Lively Harpenden looking to get after the ball close Stevenage down, Croucher playing a diagonal ball on for captain, Sarah Wiltshire making a run to the right, Harpenden goalkeeper, Daisy Strouts alert out to the top of her area to clear the ball for a throw.

Harpenden’s Amana Oguntuga

Stevenage off the throw working a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Rosy Wodhams making a back stick run attempting to get it under control as it skips up on the by-line but can’t redirect it on target. Harpenden get the ball into Oguntuga right side plays it forwards to Deville the cross coming into the box from deep, claimed well by Hazelton.

Stevenage midfielder, Rosy Wodhams

GOAL! Stevenage get the ball moving forwards pushing players on as Amy Makewell links up with full back Hannah Savage on the left flank the ball fed into the box, cut out by defender, Rebecca Dowdall, Makewell latching onto the ball top of the area lashing a shot back in on goal, Strouts diving to her left pushing it out to the opposite side, chaos as Wiltshire gets hold of it firing the ball on the angle back across goal Croucher not quite able to get to it, Stevenage quick to get it back left side put back into the mix the cross back out to the right side, Amber Pearson getting her foot through the ball to blast it in at the near post to open the scoring 1-0. 

Amber Pearson celebrating as she fires Stevenage into the lead

Stevenage into the lead inside the opening 11 minutes, an early blow for Harpenden, Ella Mercer pushed up latching onto a loose ball at the back form Edge to the right 35 yards out turns to shoot sending the ball wide of the near post. Croucher bringing the ball on coming inside from the left placing her pass on for Makewell as Stevenage surge forwards, Makewell sending it on for Wiltshire in the right channel plays it into the right for Pearson, Belle Shannon diving in to challenge for Harpenden.

Harpenden’s Belle Shannon

Both sides busy Harpenden working hard to get after Stevenage close the ball down get it into their attacking players, Mercer on for Deville central turns well on the ball driving forwards before attempting the through ball for Amanor looking to run off the defence, instead, Elly Wade steps up to intercept for Stevenage. Busy, play turned around Harpenden sending Deville away on the right flank making a run to try and get into the box, Savage getting her body in between her and the ball to turn it back to her keeper to kick clear.

Harpenden’s Ella Mercer

Harpenden striker, Sophia Amanor

Oguntuga putting the ball on up the right for Deville squares her cross into the middle, Amanor inside the D seeing her attempt charged down by Wade, the rebound also blocked as it’s smashed in from 25 yards out. A competitive game Harpenden causing Stevenage a few issues as they look to try an impose their presence on their opponents, Oguntuga away with the ball on the right bursting forwards her cross flashed into the near post Wade tracking Amanor shoulder to shoulder the defender with the challenge taking the ball off Amanor behind for a goal kick.

Stevenage defender, Elly Wade

Harley Carr playing the ball on for Wodhams for Stevenage as she breaks forwards looks to play Wiltshire in on the right channel, Kacey Williams stepping in to cut the pass out for Harpenden at the back. Makewell’s turn to try and pick out the run from Wiltshire into the box on the right, Strouts getting to the ball first her kick charged down by the striker, the rebound favouring Harpenden.

Chloe Dinsey getting the ball on for Harpenden putting it to Mercer moving right her shot from distance on the angle claimed by Hazelton at her near post. Lucy Webster sending the ball on for Wilshire on the right turns onto her left foot as she breaks into the box and takes on the strike half blocked by Warren, half hearted appeals for hand ball as the ball is diverted back to the keeper.

Captain, Sarah Wiltshire bringing the ball on for Stevenage

Stevenage building a little momentum as the game approaches the half hour mark Carr into Wiltshire taking the ball right flashes a cross into the six yard box, both Croucher and Makewell making runs to attack the ball just over both, wide past the far post, Wodhams retrieves but is closed down before she can get a meaningful ball back into the mix. Zoe Allen left into Dinsey central for Harpenden lays it forwards for Amanor looks to take on the ball drive towards the box, closed down by Edge the ball cleared.

Up the other end Wiltshire after the ball into the right gets her side a corner kick, the delivery into the near side initially cleared, coming back to Pearson at the top of the area right of goal sends a shot looping in up over the crossbar. An intriguing match up, Oguntuga wriggling free of her marker on the right, her cross fired into the near post Wade tracking back on Amanor as she looks to attack it turned behind for a corner kick. The corner cleared back to Mercer on the right sees her 2nd attempt to put a cross in charged down by Savage out for a throw in the corner.

Amana Oguntuga with Stevenage’s Hannah Savage

Possession back with Harpenden in the middle Mercer opening up her body to lay the ball forwards into Amanor, inside the D turning on the ball to unleash a shot in low, Hazelton down sharply to make the save with her legs. A chance up the other end as Wiltshire sends the ball on for Croucher making a run into the box wide right, Strouts coming out to try and close her down Croucher already moving away from goal tries to get the ball back past her, but so too wide of the near post.

Savage looks to break away for Stevenage left side running into the corner, Oguntuga going with her the pair coming together going down awkwardly the cross findings it’s way into the six yard block play goes on as a scramble ensues the ball blocked at close range popping up for Wiltshire right of goal, sending it back in, Strouts getting hold of it. Play stopped then as both Savage and Oguntuga have stayed down, looked to be a nasty one, Savage the first back to her feet, Oguntuga however in alot of discomfort feeling her ankle, hopping to the side-line doesn’t want to come off but waved back on as play resumes she knows she can’t continue the change has to be made. Leah Shellard coming on in her place on the right.

Amy Makewell on the attack for Stevenage

The substitute nips in to get hold of the ball on the right, drives forwards on the flank, Edge getting back at her to tackle deny the cross, the ball popping loose back for Mercer to put one into the box from deep long to the far post no one can get there. Shannon into Dinsey on for Deville left of the D, looks to get it down turn to shoot, Edge in to close her down with the blocking tackle. Dowdall stepping in to win the ball as Wiltshire breaks on into the right channel. Webster with a strong run from the back for Stevenage carrying the ball forwards the final pass looking for Wiltshire pulling right intercepted by Ford.

Into injury time at the end of the 1st half several minutes to be added due to the injuries, Harpenden with a free-kick out on the left put in from deep, Hazelton punching the ball clear out of her box falling to Mercer 25 yards out has Dinsey to the right laying the ball into her digs out the shot dropping wide of goal. A late break from Stevenage as Makewell takes the ball on playing in Wiltshire to the right, checks back inside to shoot on the angle, into the near post Strouts behind it blocking with her chest collecting the ball on the bounce. Harpenden mount on last attack Allen into the box as Amanor helps the ball on left side in front of goal slides in accidentally on Wade as the defender gets the ball clear, up okay as the whistle blows for half-time.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-0 Harpenden Town Women

 A competitive 1st half drawing to a close, Amber Pearson’s 11th minute strike the difference between the sides, has been a physical contest, Harpenden working hard to get after Stevenage on the ball stretched at the back as a result sometimes, Stevenage yet to capitalise getting layers forwards well, Harpenden keeping numbers up to attack the ball in the final third a few half chances and Amanor forcing Hazelton into a crucial save to keep the clean sheet. A single goal in it still very much all to play for players to bring off the bench you feel there are more goals waiting in the 2nd half.

No changes for either side at the break, the sun still shining the threat of a shower looking to have passed as Harpenden get the 2nd half underway the ball hit long into the left channel, Webster dealing with it for Stevenage. Stevenage get the ball on through the middle, Croucher with Wodhams into Wiltshire up top looks to spin off, Ford try and get into the box right side, the defender getting back on her shoulder forcing her off the ball.

A lively start to the 2nd half, both sides after each other in the centre, Carr wining it for Stevenage on for Makewell, her pass out wide to Wiltshire cut out by Allen.

Harpenden’s Zoe Allen

GOAL! Harpenden pour players forwards as they break through the middle Deville linking up with Amanor pulling left of the D, comes back inside to fire the ball in across the top of the area picking out Shellard positioned to the right of the D, digs the shot out to see it loop up past the keeper into the back of the net to level up the score 1-1.

Leah Shellard levelling up the scores for Harpenden

Harpenden back on level terms five minutes into the 2nd half. The game end to end as Harpenden halt a Stevenage surge through the middle, the ball out with Allen on the left plays it on for Deville her cross cleared by Wade.

Stevenage defender, Lucy Webster

 Webster defending for Stevenage inside the box as Harpenden win a throw high on the left looks to dribble the ball out of the area almost runs into trouble as Amanor closes her down her attempt at goal blocked the ball cleared.

Stevenage’s Rebecca Edge setting herself up to tackle Amanor as she drives forwards with the ball

 

Harpenden confident as they come forwards with Allen on the ball taking the ball inside on for Mercer making a central run ahead of her, tackled by Wade top of the D. Mercer getting the ball out to Shellard wide right pressing on with the ball, Edge moves out to close her down, going down in the tackle and staying down in alot of discomfort another long pause in play as she receives treatment, doesn’t look like she can continue as she is helped off the pitch taken off on comes Leonie Telford, into right back seeing Webster move inside.

An hour gone the game resumes Hazelton hitting the ball long to Wiltshire breaking right channel, looks to make a nuisance of herself but can’t get a shot away. Deville tackled as she takes the ball on from Allen left side, wide all of 3 yards out Shannon over the ball takes on the shot over the wall but over at the near post. Wiltshire winning a corner on the left as her cross is blocked. Emotions high from the Harpenden bench as Savage is upended in front of their bench the free-kick going against them. From deep launched up into the area, Wiltshire looking to bring it down an awkward angle to try and carve out a shot, Ford into close her down the ball away.

Hazelton out to the right of her box to get down and claim the ball as Amanor looks to power her way clear on the right. Deville squeezing the ball away out on the left turning inside, Telford back on her the cross deflected long across the top of the area Amanor over in the right corner lacking support works the ball well to gain a corner kick. Curled into the near post, Wade getting something on it to get it away for Stevenage. Pearson coming on well through the middle sends the ball into Makewell inside the D, lets it run past her with Wiltshire pulling off her to get in behind the defence, Strouts out smartly to gather it up first.

Harpenden goalkeeper, Daisy Strouts

Shannon looks to hit the ball on the run from range as Mercer lays the ball into her path for Harpenden the attempt blazing over. The game moving into the final 15 minutes but again there will be several minutes of stoppages to add, Makewell chasing the ball down on the by-line holding it up as Croucher gets on in support top left of the box the ball played into her, Deville back to help in defence for Harpenden closing her down. Pearson from 30 yards out frustrated as she slices a shot wide.

GOAL! Pearson chasing down the ball on the right the game stretched players racing to get into the box the cross in from the by-line flashing in across the face of goal, Wiltshire throwing herself at it at the far post to turn the ball over to restore Stevenage’s lead and score her 50th goal of the season in the process 2-1.

Sarah Wiltshire celebrates as she scores her 50th Stevenage goal of the season.

Stevenage making a chance immediately after with Makewell giving way for Eva Delaney. The great stretched Stevenage counter Wodhams looking to release Delaney out on the right into space, the pass a little strong, Delaney nevertheless stopping it from going out of play and then sending a diagonal ball back towards to top of the area for Wodhams to attack her shot saved by Strouts legs as she gets down to block. 

 Pearson trying her luck out wide on the left angling a shot in with pace towards goal her effort brushing off the top of the crossbar. Harpenden making a change bringing off Mercer, on comes Erin Shacklock. Amanor getting the ball on for Deville breaking on into the right channel, savage in to challenge her for Stevenage. Amanor with the ball in the right channel held up plays it back inside for Shannon 25 yards out strikes the shot in on goal, her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. Another change for Harpenden, Deville the player taken off, Seryan Kabongo entering the action with 85 minutes played.

Kacee Warren and Amy Makewell

  Wiltshire sending a cross form a deep position on the left into the box, Wodhams forwards keeping it in play wide of goal but can’t do anything with it before being closed down by Warren. A frantic finish to the match Harpenden keen to get the ball forwards, Webster cutting a ball out as they look to go left. Harpenden with a free-kick from halfway lifting up to the top of the area, Kabongo trying to get hold of it, closed down.

  Amanor booked as she is deemed to have kicked the ball away after the offside flag goes up against her as she surges on in the right channel. All action as Amanor gets the ball inside the D from the right, Kabongo looking to take it on Wade diving in with the tackle the ball away for the throw. Hazelton kicking the ball long up field looking for Wiltshire pulling of the last defender, Warren keeping close attention to the bouncing ball. 6 minutes of stoppage time to be played Harpenden pushing hard to find an equaliser, Amanor strong winning a corner on the right. The in-swinger taken comfortably by Hazleton. Shannon with a wild punt from range 30 yards out the ball swerving through the air running wide of the right post.

 GOAL! Harpenden pushing players on with the clock ticking down 3 minutes of injury time played overload the right Shellard and Amanor linking up with Kabongo who out wide 20 yards out smashes her foot through the ball driving it on low across goal and into the bottom corner to cue wild celebrations 2-2!

Seryan Kabongo striking to fire Harpenden back on level terms in stoppage time

  GOAL! Just as Harpenden have done enough to force the game into a shootout, Stevenage hit back straight away breaking on in attack the ball Croucher putting the ball on for Wiltshire into space on the right taking the ball on sends a vicious cross into the six yard box, Pearson sliding in at the near post to send it home and put them back into the lead, 3-2!

Stevenage hit straight back, Amber Pearson making it 3-2!

 Seconds left, Wiltshire looking to run the ball into the corner to eat up valuable time. Pearson coming off, with Alysha Stojko-Down on to see out the game. Harpenden getting a last gasp corner, everyone up into the box including the keeper as Crick fires the ball into the box from the left, cleared up to Telford looks to try and get it down try to get a strike at the empty net, Kabongo covering the ground to get back on her. The last action of the game as Stevenage come out on top in a dramatic finish to the game to win the Challenge Cup for the 6th time  

Everyone up for the corner

Full time Stevenage FC Women 3-2 Harpenden Town Women

 Well that was certainly a dramatic end to the Challenge Cup Final, Harpenden giving it a real go the score-line much closer than some predicted, as will give Harpenden plenty of encouragement despite losing it in such a fashion. Stevenage make to earn the win but were as determined themselves holding a slender lead at the break, were pegged back by Harpenden early on the 2nd half coming back to take the lead with Wilshire scoring her 50th goal of the season, Harpenden made changes kept coming pushing hard and found the equaliser in stoppage time, but you’re never more vulnerable than when you score and Stevenage hit straight back getting the ball on and in across the face of goal for Pearson to slide in and score the winning goal. The two sides meeting again in the League Cup Final, Harpenden knowing they can compete, Stevenage on course for the treble will know they can’t be complacent.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to choose the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the day, again a tough one to call, and exciting cup final both sides playing their part. A few performances to mention, firstly for Harpenden, Sophia Amanor is a handful to deal with up top strong holding up the ball and prepared to take players on whilst readily setting up others. Ella Mercer go forwards well to support the attack pressing the ball high along side Chloe Dinsey. Kacee Warren at the back with a number of useful tackles. For Stevenage Elly Wade was strong at the back closing the ball down, putting her body in to block and intercept. Gemma Croucher busy getting about the pitch taking the ball and players on. Sarah Wiltshire making several great runs lively getting into the channels, looking to find and opening as scored her 50th Stevenage goal in just her 1st season with the club. The award going to the match winner, Amber Pearson, opened the scoring used the ball well and got on to support the attack.

Stevenage FC Women 2025/26 Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup winners

 Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning their 6th Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup and completing a double. 

  Another enjoyable day down in Hertfordshire, two great finals, and the weather was mostly fine. Good to catch up with both sides and thanks to Stevenage for supplying me with the team info. Thanks too, to Hertfordshire FA’s, Seb Hutchinson for his assistance today much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Ware United Ladies v Berkhamsted Ladies

Sunday 12th April

Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy Final

Making the trip down to Hertfordshire this Sunday for a cup final double bill, to The County Ground, Letchworth, for the Herts FA Women’s Trophy and Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Finals, First up the Women’s Trophy final this season being contested by Ware United Ladies and Berkhamsted Ladies.

Hertfordshire FA making the decision to split their women’s county cup into two competitions back in 2024. Creating the Women’s Trophy competition to partner the Senior Women’s Challenge Cup. County Cups seeing teams compete from usually tier 3 down to county level can often lead to some eye watering score-lines and wasted weekends due to teams pulling out of a one sided contest. This format although not immune to high scoring games creates a better opportunity to teams to compete for silverware with the national and regional clubs contesting the County Cup, the county league sides playing for the Trophy. No regional sides in this season’s Trophy competition sees an all BHWGFL Premier Division (tier 7) final.

This morning’s prize.

The BHWGFL (Beds & Herts Women’s & Girls Football League) Premier Division has always been one of the most competitive leagues I’ve covered during my time doing Women’s Football East, this year no exception with the title going all the way, new side AFC Welwyn Ladies currently top by 3 points with one to play, can be caught by Ware United Ladies in 2nd and Ampthill Town Ladies in 3rd.

Ware United Ladies pushing at the top of the Premier Division all season into a cup final for the 2nd successive season, narrowly missing out on the League Cup last season will be aiming to go one better in the Women’s Trophy Final. Have brought in a strong squad packed with experience and in Paige Pryor have the league top scorer with 25 goals across all competitions this season. 3 points behind leaders AFC Welwyn Ladies with one game to play and a result to be determined will take the title race all the way. Formed in 2024 with the bulk of then St Margaretsbury Ladies who had reached the Chris Renshaw Cup final the season before have pushed on reaching the League Cup final and finishing 4th last season to press for the title this time around and another cup final appearance. 

 Berkhamsted Ladies enjoying a successful beginning entering the BHWGFL in 2023, finishing 4th in their debut season went on to finish runners-up last season to clinch promotion to the Premier Division and won the Chris Renshaw Cup Final beating Sherrardswood Ladies 2-1. Have built strongly on that success more than holding their own in the Premier Division currently 5th in the table with 3 games to play and can push for a 4th place finish at the very least. One cup final appearance last season, making it two this time around as along with reaching the Women’s Trophy final will be facing AFC Welwyn Ladies in the final of the BHWGFL League Cup in May. A busy end to the season but looking to finish on a high. Plenty of goals in the side, Amy Bentall the top scorer with 17 across all competitions with Nicole Hollick and Ruby Curry on 13 and 12 respectfully. 

Road to the Final

   A bye for both Ware United Ladies and Berkhamsted Ladies in the 1st Round of the Trophy competition. Both sides progressing without kicking a ball too in the 2nd round as they were awarded an away win in Ware United’s case and a home win for Berkhamsted.

 So onto the quarter finals, Ware United drawn away to Division Three newcomers and table toppers, Hitchin Belles Women Whites, two form sides Ware had the quality to easily see off their opponents running out 7-1 winners in the finish Paige Pryor rattling home 4 goals, with Sherrie Evans, Billie Curtis and Rebecca Brooker all finding the back of the net with a goal each. Berkhamsted too wracking up double figures in their quarter final clash as they were drawn at home to Division One bottom side, Letchworth Garden City Eagles, their opponents light on numbers Berkhamsted picked off the goals with Amy Bentall, Ruby Curry, Nicola Hollick and Natasha McConville all bagging a brace with a goal each for Bianca Hedgecock and Jessica Green in a 10-1 win.

  Into the business end of the competition the last 4, aiming to book a final spot, Ware drawn away to fellow Premier Division side, Oaklands Wolves Women. Pryor was again on fire in front of goal smashing home a hat-trick, Millie Fraser also grabbing a goal as Ware ran out 4-0 victors to reach the Trophy final. Berkhamsted at home taking on Harpenden Town Women Colts flying high in Division One the away side scoring twice, Nicola Hollick firing in a brace for the hosts with Ruby Curry and Casey Evans also getting a goal apiece to see Berkhamsted win 4-2 to reach the trophy final would go on to beat the same opponents 5-2 away from home a week later to in the League Cup semi-finals to make it a double finals appearance.

 The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for this mornings Trophy final, home to the Hertfordshire FA nestled in the corner of the ground. Featuring a large 3G pitch, the ground has undergone a good deal of renovation over recent season’s a main stand on one side behind the dugouts with the café underneath serving hot food and drink. A covered terraced stand opposite with standing viewing around, a pleasant spring morning with the sun bright, albeit a little chilly in the shade the forecast hinting at a few sharp showers throughout the day. 

 Ware United Ladies starting XI – Daniela Martucci, Hollie Sibbett, Aoife Loriga, Hannah Fowler (C), Charlotte Walker, Izzy Tuck, Cleo Haynes, Sherrie Evans, Billie Curtis, Millie Fraser & Paige Pryor. Subs – Rebecca Brooker, Maisie Collins, Natasha Crick, Georgia Gannaway & Poppy Latham.

Ware United Ladies

 Berkhamsted Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Howey, Ellie Smith, Heather Illsley, Sarah Hunt, Maddie Gresham, Nat McConville, Bianca Hedgecock, Ruby Curry (C) Nicola Hollick, Casey Evans & Amy Bentall. Subs – Rosie Lewis-Roberts, Helen Rogers, Leah Haley, Jess Green & Andrea Hunyadi.

Berkhamsted Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 The game to be decided by a penalty shoot-out should the scores be level after 90 minutes.

Captains, Hannah Fowler and Ruby Curry with today’s match officials lead by referee Alice Braithwaite.

  Ready to go, Ware to take the kick-off in the first half, wearing white coloured shirts and socks with black shorts, Berkhamsted lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue across the shoulder and sleeves, blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Izzy Tuck in midfield she clips it long out to the left looking for Billie Curtis on the flank, full back Heather Illsley seeing it safely out of play for the throw in.

Ware’s Billie Curtis

  The pitch a good size has quite a spring to it too the ball bouncing up, Berkhamsted look to mount their first attack the ball played through the middle out to Casey Evans on the left wing carries the ball forwards, Hollie Sibbett moving in to close her down with the tackle the ball out for another throw. An open start both sides moving in quickly to close the other down passes rushed as a result, Ware striker Paige Pryor seeing the ball into her feet turns it on into the left wing for Curtis to chase, the pass a little strong runs away from her for a goal kick.

  Competitive in the middle a few robust challenges as both sides go in to win the ball, cagey, Curtis pressing the defence on the right as Berkhamsted look to see the ball out of play succeeds in winning her side a corner kick. A high ball into the box, over everyone out beyond the far post. Nat McConville seeing the ball on for Nicola Hollick through the middle for Berkhamsted drives forwards before laying it into the right channel for striker Amy Bentall, Charlotte Walker getting to it first for Ware to see it back to goalkeeper, Daniela Martucci, who I’m used to seeing as an outfield player clear up field.

Berkhamsted’s, Nicola Hollick

  Cleo Haynes pushing on from the middle for Ware tackled outside the box the ball running loose to Pryor 35 yards out has a pop from range her effort lacking the power to trouble Berkhamsted goalkeeper, Charlotte Howey. Berkhamsted pushing on up the right getting themselves a corner of a throw. Casey Evans to take into the top of the opposition area, Ware moving in quickly to deny a shot the ball not clear though a diagonal ball back in from the left cut out by captain, Hannah Fowler. 

Ware United Ladies captain, Hannah Fowler

 Hollick turning on the ball releasing Casey Evans out on the right with her pass sends it back into the top of the D for Bentall, looking to get it out of her feet, is quickly closed down by 3 ware defenders the ball put back to the keeper. Ware counter well Tuck into Millie Fraser right channel, looks to play the diagonal through ball back inside for Pryor making a run in behind the Berkhamsted defence but she goes too early the flag up against her for offside. 

 Fairly even, fast paced both sides a little wasteful with the ball the game not settling down, Ware with a throw on the left, Haynes to take has a long throw in her arsenal, into the box his knocked up and on near side, Howey getting her fist up to punch it away to safety. Fraser spotting the run of captain Ruby Curry through the middle, sends the ball on Maddie Gresham getting across in the nick of time to get a touch take it on for her keeper to clear. 

Ware midfielder, Izzy Tuck

 No quarter given a little physical, Tuck and Haynes in strongly to win the ball back for Ware as they get numbers up well on the left, inside for Curtis corner of the box lays it back to Pryor to strike on the angle 25 yards out drills her shot wide of the near post. Fraser on the right from deep hooking a ball in high towards the top of the area looknig for Pryor, the striker after it, Howey out to the edge of her box keeping her eye on the ball seeing it down into her gloves as Pryor comes it they make contact the goalkeeper briefly losing the ball but quick to snatch it back into her gloves. 

Paige Pryor

 Busy Berkhamsted winning a corner on the right off of a free-kick, the delivery long across the six yard box retrieved by Sarah Hunt beyond the far post turns it back towards the top of the area, Haynes lunging in to get it clear. Hunt then defends up the other end the central defender across to stop Pryor as she looks to get in on the end of another long throw from Haynes. 

Berkhamsted’s, Sarah Hunt

 Bentall gets hold of the ball out on the left flank for Berkhamsted, drives on, evading a tackle cutting inside to surge into the box left of goal strikes the ball low, Martucci with a superb save reactive down low to block the ball half cleared to the top of the area another shot charged down. The bounce of the ball causing a few issues for defenders, Pryor especially looking to capitalise for Ware. Sherrie Evans sending the ball into Pryor looks to release Fraser making a run into the right channel, Ellie Smith stretching to deny her for Berkhamsted.

 Haynes getting back at Fraser on the flank as the winger initially evades her challenge. Tuck moving in to tackle McConville as she looks to combine with Curry through the middle for Berkhamsted. Illsley lunging in to stop Curtis as she looks to take the ball on from Aoife Loriga as the full back carries the ball forwards. Haynes getting her throw into Pryor outside the near post looks to bring it down turn into the shot, Hunt nicking it off her toes to clear for Berkhamsted. 

Heather Illsley

Pryor fancying her chances from range sees the ball rebound to her from all of 35 yards out central, hit on the half volley her effort over the crossbar. Somewhere in the general melee for possession of the ball Pryor has picked up some blood on her face and sent over to the dugout to get it sorted, is fine to carry on. Hollick getting out to the left for Bentall to chase, managing to keep it in play burst forwards down the flank into space her cross squared into the top of the area, Bianca Hedgecock breaking on from midfield looking to get on the end of it, Walker getting a timely touch for Ware at the back.

  Haynes long throws for Ware causing Berkhamsted a few concerns the ball flung into the area turned behind by Illsley for a corner out on the left put in high dropping far post, Pryor attacking it heads the ball back across and over the bar. The referee having  a word with Tuck as she goes in to tackle Curry giving away the foul wide on the right. om inside their own half the ball is fired up towards to top of the Ware area, Hedgecock up well to get her head on the ball knock it down to the right into the path of Curry from the angle strikes the ball wide across the face of goal. 

Cleo Haynes

 The ball rarely still a good sized pitch both side covering the ground, Ware looking to get the ball into Pryor up top, Berkhamsted’s main threat Bentall driving wit the ball at her feet from the left. Walker with another vital interception getting her toes on the ball as Hollick looks to steal in through the middle. The clock ticking down in the first half Berkhamsted winning a corner out on the right, Casey Evans to play it on from the right, long over everyone, retrieved by McConville on the left, drives for the box, getting past one defender, nutmegging a second before clattering into a third, appeals but half heartedly nothing doing. 

Nat McConville

Moving into injury time at the end of the first half Berkhamsted winning a free-kick wide on the right a card shown and an injury to Loriga, Ware making a change as she comes off to be replaced by Rebecca Brooker. Casey Evans putting the free-kick into the box, Smith near side can’t get it out from under her feet for the short manages to get it back to Evans to fire in a 2nd cross, Hunt up too try and get her head on it central can only glance it wide past the far post out to the left. Hollick combining with Bentall out wide left as they work the ball in across the top of the area Casey Evans making a run right of the D, cut out by Walker. One last chance falling to McConville as the ball cleared out of the Ware box comes to her as she runs to attack it 30 yards out fires her shot wide of the right post.

Half-time Ware United Ladies 0-0 Berkhamsted Ladies

  The sides heading back into the changing rooms goalless at the break has been an open and competitive tussle, cagey too with both moving in to close the ball down a great save from Martucci to deny Bentall, Berkhamsted taking a little while to settle, Ware have be combative in the middle getting players up and around Pryor in attack, but as of yet neither side breaking the deadlock.

 Berkhamsted to get the 2nd half underway making a change bringing of Smith at the back sending on Leah Haley. Ware unchanged with Broker on late in the 1st half. The ball into McConville central sends it long looking for Bentall on the advance left flank has kept Sibbett busy the full back able to see this pass out for a throw. Bentall showing attacking intent at the start of the half taking the ball on from Hollick wide left delivering a cross into the top of the Ware box, intercepted by Tuck, comes back out to McConville 25 yards out her low shot straight at the keeper, Howey down behind it to hold.

  Berkhamsted looking to impose themselves at the start of the 2nd half getting players on Bentall left, Casey Evans right and Hollick and Curry through the middle. Haynes playing the ball into Brooker on the left takes it on towards the top of the area sweeping the pass into the D looking for Fraser, she attempts to turn it into the box for Pryor pulling off the defence, Hunt leaving her to get her foot on the ball to clear.

  Ware coming back into it Curtis driving on with the ball left side her high cross into the near post claimed by Howey. The game remains open, Berkhamsted turning play around quickly, McConville on halfway picking out Hollick getting on into space in the right channel she diverts the diagonal ball into the box central looking to pick out Bentall bursting in behind, slides it to try and get the ball even as Howey comes the opposite way diving in at her feet the pair come together the ball running on into the back of the net but it won’t count as the flag is up for offside.

Amy Bentall on the attack for Berkhamsted

 Howey staying down in need of a moment to recover and receive treatment. Is thankfully okay and back up on her feet. Howey with a good starting point in her box to come claim the ball at the edge of her area as Berkhamsted put a flowing attack together, Hollick inside right into McConville attempts the through ball to split the centre backs as Curry provides the run, Howey with her gloves on the ball.

  Ware winning a free-kick deep on the right, flighted up into the box right of goal, Pryor up well on to knock it down into the mix, Hedgecock trapping the ball between her feet stabbing it out for a throw on the right.

  GOAL! Haynes with the throw knocked on near side into the six yard box, Brooker getting onto the end of it to smash the ball past the keeper and open the scoring 1-0. Ware leading 10 minutes into the 2nd half.

Ware celebrate as they take the lead

Rebecca Brooker with the opening goal.

 A blow for Berkhamsted look to get straight on the attack from the restart winning a throw high on the left, Curry bringing it inside, Bentall taking over 25 yards out shoots over.

 GOAL! Berkhamsted hitting back straight away as they pile players forwards, the ball out on the right with Casey Evans her angled ball into the far post seeing Bentall bursting in to attack it lifting it over the keeper to fire her side back back on level terms 1-1. 

Amy Bentall quick to get Berkhamsted back on level terms

 The game has gone a little frantic as both sides both energised by scoring and flustered by conceding rush to close the ball down. Berkhamsted making a change, Hedgecock coming off to be replaced by Andrea Hunyadi. Curry seeing the ball into her feet from Hollick looks to play Bentall in left side, Haynes cutting it out, back with Curry turns the ball into the right flank for Casey Evans, Curtis back at her to put in the challenge deny the cross. 

 Tuck coming off for Ware, on in her place comes Georgia Gannaway. Casey Evans right for Berkhamsted fires a ball into the box, Fowler lunging for it turns the ball on into the path of Curry attacking top of the area left of the D, sees her strike at goal blocked. 

Casey Evans

 Pryor breaking clear on the right wide angling a shot in towards goal, Martucci down smartly to turn the ball wide beyond the far post, left side Brooker keeps it in play turns it back into the area for Sherrie Evans six yards out goes to shoot, Martucci throwing up a glove to make the save the ball cleared.

Ware goalkeeper, Daniela Martucci

  Lively as Brooker carries the ball forwards for Ware passes it to Pryor with Haynes looking to make a run beyond her, Gresham reading it intercepting the ball for Berkhamsted. A rapid counter attack the ball lifted into Bentall out on the left driving for the by-line her cross flashed in across the face of goal snatched up by Howey. Gresham tackling well to half Brooker’s attack as she surges inside off the left wing. Ware making a substitution with Pryor coming off up top, Natasha Crick replacing her.

   Gannaway fouled for Ware 30 yards out to the left of the area, Fraser over the set-piece goes for goal over the wall the ball dropping wide of the near post. Ware winning a free-kick in the corner Illsley upending Fraser. Crick to play it into the box from the left, across the six yard box attacked by Fraser, Howey diving to turn it wide to the right past the post for a corner kick.

 GOAL! Walker to deliver the ball into the box, defended in front of the near post the ball coming back out to her on the angle, shapes to fire it back in struck with pace across goal, a faint touch from the keeper not enough to stop it finding the bottom corner as Walker runs off in celebration scoring her first goal of the season and an important one too to put Ware back into the lead 2-1.

Charlotte Walker runs away in celebration as she puts Ware back into the lead

  Ware back into the lead inside the final 15 minutes of the match, making a change Maisie Collins coming on in place of Haynes in the middle. Berkhamsted with a change too as Smith returns to the pitch in place of Illsley at the back. Ware with their tails up Fraser racing on left to the by-line Howey getting out to grab hold of the ball. Fowler charges down Casey Evans as she goes to pull the trigger 20 yards out as the ball comes across the area to her from the left. 

 Ware winning a free-kick on the right, a dangerous ball in Sherrie Evans going in far post on the keeper, the ball cleared off the line by Gresham. Evans hurt in the attack but is alright to play on. Up the other end Martucci is quickly out to the top of her area to save at the feet of Curry as she makes a break in through the middle. Players picking up knocks changes made, Hedgecock back on for Smith, Tuck back on for Sibbett. Curtis taking the ball off the feet of Casey Evans sending it behind for a corner kick, fired in from the right high across the six yard box, Martucci with a fist on the ball to turn it wide and additional touch on the way through seeing a goal-kick awarded.

  Fowler getting the tackle in on Hollick as she looks to make headway through the middle. Has been hinting at rain for a while dark clouds about retreating to the stand beyond as ware look to keep hold of the ball use up valuable time Berkhamsted doesn’t have. The burst of rain going away as quickly as it came however the next two pictures following in sequence moments apart.

Berkhamsted defender, Maddie Gresham with Ware’s Natasha Crick

 Fowler across to charge down Casey Evans cross to concede a corner late in the game. The ball sent into the top of the area, no one can get a telling touch. Berkhamsted look to keep the attack alive the ball angled in from the left defended by Sherrie Evans. Time almost up Gresham travelling on with the ball, looks to pick out Bentall on the left the ball cleared for a throw. The final whistle blows and Ware United Ladies celebrate as they win their 1st ever trophy.

Full time Ware United Ladies 2-1 Berkhamsted Ladies 

  Ware United Ladies winning the Hertfordshire Women’s Trophy final, drawing 0-0 at the break Berkhamsted came out strong at the start of the 2nd half creating chances, saw a goal ruled out for offside. Ware coming back strong themselves to open the scoring through Rebecca Brooker, Berkhamsted with an immediate response through Amy Bentall. The winner coming in the final 15 minutes, Charlotte Walker with her first goal of the season to send Ware back into the lead and they held on to claim the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, difficult to single one player out several strong contenders from both sides, a few to mention, firstly for Berkhamsted, Amy Bentall was a potent threat all game attacking from the flanks driving with the ball creating chances taking one. Maddie Gresham with a number of vital interceptions and tackles at the back. Daniela Martucci with some fine saves to deny Berkhamsted. Nicola Hollick looking to get about the pitch join the attack link up play. For Ware, captain Hannah Fowler and defensive partner Charlotte Walker got in some important challenges, Walker scoring the winning goal. Paige Pryor ready to receive the ball looking constantly for an opening. Izzy Tuck put herself about in the middle disrupting and breaking up play. Rebecca Brooker came on to good effect providing a useful outlet on the wing and getting Ware into the lead. The award though goes to midfielder, Cleo Haynes covered the ground got stuck in to win the ball and came forwards well to bolster the attack her long throws potent too.

Congratulations to Ware United Ladies on winning the Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy.

Ware United Ladies 2025/26 Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy winners

 An entertaining first cup final of the day, stayed mostly dry, came to life in the 2nd half and could have gone either way, Ware getting themselves into the lead with little time left and didn’t surrender their lead a 2nd time. Berkhamsted disappointed to miss out on the trophy having little time to recover back in league action on Wednesday evening at home playing Stotfold Women. Good to see both sides in action and thanks for their assistance. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Ely City Women v Spalding United Women

Thursday 9th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

Heading down the A10 this evening for my 2nd cup final of the season, this time from Cambridgeshire with the Women’s League Cup taking place at Ely City FC’s, Demcom Stadium with Ely City Women’s team playing at their home stadium facing new side Spalding United Women.

The cup final season getting into full swing with plenty of showcase games to come across the East of England. This season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup once again sponsored The Alan Boswell Group who have long supported women’s football in the county.

This evenings prize

Ely City Women reaching their 2nd cup final in successive season’s having played in last season’s, Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation cup final, then a Division Three side, losing narrowly to Division one side, Cambridge Rangers WFC. Going onto clinch promotion to Division Two this season have become an integral part of Ely City FC itself, the club long supporting women’s football, hosting finals as well as the home of Cambridge United and Cambridge City Women for a spell. Forming their own women’s side in 2022, after a slow start building a strong squad to gain promotion, have further added a Reserves side this campaign, the 1st team making a strong account of themselves in Division Two currently in 4th position. Charliene Murombo joining Ely this season current joint top scorer with 7 goals to her name along side Danni Youngs with both Beth Horsfield and Treasure Nwanebu on 5 apiece. A special occasion for Ely City Women with this season’s final being played at their home venue.

 Spalding United Women (The Tulips) a new side established this season with a strong squad with mixture of experience and young talent the South Lincolnshire side going straight into Division One in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football league. Playing catch up early on in the season as they were involved in a number of cup games a useful run in the FA Women’s Cup as well as going all the way to the finals of both the League Cup and senior Lincolnshire Women’s County Cup. Opening their league campaign with successive draws followed by back to back wins have lost just the one league game to date against 2nd placed Godmanchester Rovers Women back in November, haven’t looked back since wining 9 in a row to power their way to the top of the Division One table, where it looks to be a straight fight between them and Godmanchester themselves who have only lost one for the title. Plenty of goals in the squad too, Constance Onyinah the leading goal scorer netting 27 goals in her 16 appearances. Tara Parker has 17 goals from 12 games with 11 others scoring 28 goals between them. Are producing some great content on social media.

Road to the final

  Ely receiving a bye in the 1st two rounds of the League Cup. Spalding with a bye too in the 1st round away to fellow Division One side, Soham Town Rangers Women in the 2nd Round, Tara Parker scoring in the 1st minute, Constance Onyinah adding a 2nd in the 1st half, Carla Penny netting twice for Soham Rangers, Spalding edging the result 3-2 with a goal from Ava Smith in the 2nd half.

 Into the 3rd Round, Ely at home taking on fellow Division Two side, Lincolnshire Swifts Ladies a single goal scored by Emily Grande-Buttimer enough to secure the win and send Ely into the quarter finals. Spalding on the road again taking on newly reformed Hertfordshire side, Royston Town Women Reserves, a brace from Onyinah scoring in each half seeing them safely through to the last 8.

  Ely with a tough test but home advantage in the quarter finals taking on fellow league side Real Bedford Women Development, emerging a strong title contenders early on. Hannah Dove scoring for Real Bedford, Natasha Lane scoring a goal for Ely to see the sides draw the match 1-1 before heading to a penalty shootout, Danni Youngs, Megan Dunlevy and Tiana O’Hara scoring their penalties for Ely who won the shootout 3-2 to book their spot in the semi-finals. Spalding again away from home playing another Division One side, Waterbeach Colts WFC in the quarter finals, Falling a goal behind after 15 minutes Spalding hit back straight away through Ava Smith to see the sides level at half-time, Spalding going on to score 3 goals in the 2nd half to progress into the semi-finals with a brace for Onyinah and a late goal from Alisha Rix.

  Ely drawn at home for their semi-final clash as they took on the current League Cup holders, Newmarket Town Women Development. Beth Horsfield firing Ely into an early lead from a free-kick awarded for a back pass inside the box. The hosts doubling their advantage through Charliene Murombo to see them lead 2-0 at the break, worked hard in the 2nd period to defend that advantage and won through to the League Cup Final. Spalding drawn away again in the competition playing fellow Division One side Cambridge Rangers WFC in the last 4. Another brace from Onyinah and a goal for Parker seeing them secure a cup final place in their debut season going through 3-1.

The Demcom Stadium, home of Ely City FC the venue for this season’s Women’s league Cup final. Amongst a number of sports facilities nestled behind a food and drinks entertainment site on the outskirts of Ely just off the A10. The stadium featuring a large main grass pitch overlooked by a high stand building over the changing rooms with standing viewing all round. The clubhouse and kitchen beside the main stand serving hot food and drinks. The recent warm spell on the way out temperatures dropping back to normal a few clouds around with the hint of rain in the air.

 Ely City Women starting XI – Atlanta Stevenson, Kerry Dyer, Emma Cooper, Ellie Cooper (C), Natasha Lane, Louisa Harwood, Treasure Nwanebu, Geovanna Salles, Beth Horsfield, Danni Youngs & Charliene Murombo. Subs – April Kitchen, Christine Cullen, Erin Chandler, Kaci Gibson & Tiana O’Mara.

Ely City Women

 Spalding United Women starting XI – Vickie Foster, Lily Forsyth, Ivy Lane, Amber Nieburg, Chloe Biggadike, Annie Vayro, Nicola Krajewska, Tara Parker, Phoebe Richards-Reeves (C), Emily King & Constance Onyinah. Subs – Grace Hill, Sophie Goodwin, Molli McCormack, Ava Smith & Phoebie Eyett.

Spalding United Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Phoebe Richards-Reeves and Ellie Cooper with this evenings match officials

  The floodlights beginning to take effect as the two sides are led out onto the pitch by this evenings referee Rob Smith and his two assistants Anouska Williamson and Paul Vincent with Jamie Rayner the 4th official. A good number in attendance, a drum banging loudly behind one goal. Ely wearing an all red kit with white trim on the shirts and shorts to take the kick-off in the first half, Spalding lined up opposite wearing a all blue coloured kit with yellow trip on the shirts and socks. The ball played back to the defence, Emma Cooper sending it long out to the right for Charliene Murombo bursting forwards but the Spalding defence can see it out safely for the throw in.

  Natasha Lane onto the ball in the middle for Ely sends a useful pass forwards into the right channel for Geovanna Salles, has Treasure Nwanebu up with her the pair exchanging passes before the cross is delivered into the near post claimed cleanly by Spalding goalkeeper, Vickie Foster. Is a big pitch and Spalding look to use the width Annie Vayro putting a diagonal ball out to the right for Emily king breaking forwards, Ely captain, Ellie Cooper across on the cover to close her down the ball out for a throw.

 Getting bodies up the pitch from the throw Spalding look to apply pressure to the Ely back line. The ball hooked on from the wing behind for a goal kick. Ivy Lane seeing the ball into her feet on the right for Spalding travels forwards turning into the middle gaining ground, Natasha Lane getting back to close her down put in the challenge. Louisa Harwood playing the ball into Murombo in attack for Ely, holds it up holding off a defender, has Beth Horsfield looking to get up with her left side the ball into her knocked on for Nwanebu, a little too strong Spalding can get it clear.

 GOAL! Ivy Lane powering on with the ball into the right wing for Spalding delivers a vicious cross low into the six yard box, Ely goalkeeper, Atlanta Stevenson with a reactive save throwing out a leg to try and divert it away to safety only succeeds it turning it on past her far post into the feet of Spalding’s captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves who strikes it back it past the keeper into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves fires Spalding into the lead (photo credit Keira Thurston)

(photo credit Keira Thurston)

 Spalding with the early break through inside the opening 4 minutes, a blow for  Ely the last thing the lower placed league side wanted to do was concede an early goal. An open start to the game however both sides a little nervous a few stray passes. The two sides not getting condensed but using the whole pitch, Ely used to playing on it, Spalding looking to stretch their opponents. The ball fired up to Murombo. strong hold up play left side looks to turn on the ball, defender Amber Nieburg close on her getting her leg out to intercept the ball clear into the midfield.

   Murombo hooks the ball on up the line for Horsfield to attack on the left flank, Chloe Biggadike coming across from the middle of defence to close her down send the ball out for the throw. Spalding wining the ball get on the move quickly launching a counter attack the ball sent long into the right channel for Constance Onyinah, Stevenson quick to race out of her box to get to the ball first send it clear. 

 Lively both sides not holding onto the ball for long, Natasha Lane putting it on for Murombo turns it inside for Danni Youngs central attempts to put the ball in behind for Nwanebu making a run in behind the defence, intercepted by Biggadike. Biggadike taking the ball on through the middle soon after pushing forwards tackled by Ellie Cooper as she moves in to close her down. Competitive, the referee having a word with Biggadike as Nicole Krajewska is penalised for handling the ball, Ely winning the free-kick on halfway.

  The ball played into the crowd at the top of the area, Youngs getting her head on it looking to lift it up over the defence towards goal, falls short Spalding scrambling it clear. Spalding pushing up as a unit well, Tara Parker pushing on through the middle looking to see the ball into Richards-Reeves racing on down the left, Kerry Dyer staying on her for Ely regaining possession. Nwanebu getting stuck in closing the ball down high up the pitch for Ely, Murombo and Youngs looking to make runs off her, Nieburg cutting the ball out for Spalding.

  Quick passing as Krajewska picked out the forwards run of Parker, looks to keep it moving for Onyinah breaking into the area, Ellie Cooper reading the move there to cut the ball out for Ely. Spalding pressing on right side, Ivy Lane linking up with King the ball out for a throw in the corner, dropped into Onyinah, Ellie Cooper close in challenging, no turn, Parker taking over carrying the ball o the by-line before flashing a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Dyer tackling Richards-Reeves as she looks to get onto the end of it. A shot comes in from distance on the angle left side, Stevenson down low to gather behind it all the way. 

 Ely working hard, stabilising things after conceding early, Murombo seeing the ball into her feet left side, helping it on down the line for Horsfield, King defending for Spalding. Spalding build on the left, Lily Forsyth on for Richards-Reeves who wins her side a corner kick. A beautiful delivery from the corner into the six yard box, dropping far post it was asking to be turned into the back of the net but incredulously no one gets a touch. 

  Spalding quicker to the 2nd ball look to get forwards with pace the ball fed into the left channel, Onyinah looking to get clear of defender Emma Cooper as they close down the box, Stevenson rushing out to try and close her down, Onyinah gets a shoot past her under pressure from the defender, the ball running wide of the near post. 

 Ely looking to use Murombo’s good hold up play bring others on to support her, is being closely watched by Nieburg and Biggadike, the former making the tackle. Natasha Lane with time on the ball in the middle fires it into the feet of Horsfield pulling to the right has Murombo ready to receive right corner of the area, Foster quick off her line to slide in and get her gloves around the ball. The open nature of the game could lead to individuals making timely runs at either end but so far the defences are holding form, Ellie Cooper reading the game moving out to close down threats, likewise at the other end Spalding’s defence is discipline moving back and forth as a solid unit. 

Ely’s Natasha Lane

  Natasha Lane allowed time on the ball central has put a couple of teasing passes on her latest up to Youngs left of the D 25 out can’t quite turn it on into D, for Murombo looking to steal in behind as Nieburg cuts it out. Parker making some good forward runs for Spalding linking up with Krajewska through the middle winning a corner kick on the left. Spalding’s corners a threat another inviting ball dropping in at the far post not attacked reclaimed right side fired in across the face of goal through to the corner taker on the opposite side, blasted back into the mix, Ely get it away to safety.

  King on the right for Spalding comes inside combining with Krajewska central she looks to release Ivy lane in behind on the right as she makes a surge to get into the box, Ellie Cooper coming across quickly to tackle, the ball fired back in on goal from distance on the angle claimed by Stevenson. Onyinah with a chance on the left top of the area onto the ball knocking it past the advancing keeper sees it again flash wide at the near post.

  A competitive tussle for the ball in the middle between Natasha Lane and Vayro, the latter coming away with it has both Richards-Reeves left and Onyinah central making runs in behind the ball through a little too heavy, Stevenson able to gather. Nieburg up to head the ball clear marking Murombo as Horsfield looks for her with the looping ball from the left. 

Ely’s Charliene Murombo

 Stevenson not afraid to come racing out to the top of her area moves out sharply to deal with the threat of Onyinah as the striker looks to pulls off Ellie Cooper’s shoulder get into to attack left of goal the keeper diving in to save at her feet. Spalding making a change Molli McCormack entering the game coming on for Ivy Lane. Spalding looking to up it as the first half draws to a close, Vayro on for Krajewska moving left with the ball attempting to player Richards-Reeves, pressure from Dyer, Stevenson advancing to claim the ball.

Spalding’s Annie Vayro

  A little rain in the air as Forsyth sees the ball on for Richards-Reeves left wing, Dyer in to close her down the ball out for a throw. The throw into Onyinah left corner outside the box hits it on the turn towards goal, straight at the keeper, Stevenson down behind it to save. Ely working hard in defence getting players back limits the balls up to their attackers, but have so too limited the chances for Spalding. Onyinah taking the ball on from Biggadike pushing on, Harwood on her shoulder forcing her out to the left as Ellie Cooper comes to close the ball down. 

   Ely’s captain, covering the ground at the back getting to the ball first to clear as Spalding play probing passes into the channels. Spalding making another change with Onyinah picking up a slight knock comes off with Ava Smith coming on. Richards-Reeves enjoying a good contest with Dyer on the right. McCormack adding to the threat coming through the middle linking up well with Parker. Natasha Lane with a diagonal ball into Salles up with Nwanebu on the right looking to force a way in behind to cross, Biggadike supporting Forsyth the ball cleared. 

Ely captain, Elie Cooper with Kerry Dyer

 Both sides look to have the players to cause problems to the opposing defence if they can just find the right final ball, Natasha Lane lifting on on through the middle, dealt with well by Nieburg heading clear with Murombo and Nwanebu ready to burst in behind either side of her. Spalding winning another corner out on the left, this delivery lifted into the near post, Stevenson through bodies getting a fist in the ball knocked down into the box the snap shot is turned high over the bar.

  McCormack linking up with Krajewska central out to Parker left side, Dyer in to close her down for Ely. Spalding with a free-kick deep on their left a good delivery up to the top of the area, dealt with by Ellie Cooper, Back with Richards-Reeves on the left strikes it goal wards, Stevenson down onto it to save at the top of her area. Into the final couple of minutes of the 1st half Horsfield pushing on forcing Nieburg into conceding the throw, form there Ely get a cross in across the top of the area, Murombo up well to get her head on the ball inside the d head it down towards goal, Foster sharp quickly grabbing it up into her gloves even as Nwanebu rushes in on her.

  GOAL! A half chance at one end Spalding launch a counter attack to double their lead late in the first half the ball played on down the right flank attacked the cross flashed in high across goal, Stevenson throwing a glove out attempting to get it clear doesn’t get a clean touch the ball dropping down into the area straight to the unmarked McCormack and she adjusts her feet to get the ball back in on goal up over the keeper to score 0-2. 

Molli McCormack lifting the ball up over the keeper to score Spalding’s 2nd goal (photo credit Keira Thurston)

Half-time Ely City Women 0-2 Spalding United Women

 Virtually the last action of the 1st half Spalding doubling their lead head into the changing rooms 2-0 up at the break. A hammer blow for Ely having worked so hard to compete with their higher league opponents in the 1st half that after conceding a goal inside the opening 4 minutes. Has been an open game a big pitch Ely used to playing on it, Spalding have looked comfortable getting the ball out wide and into the channels, Ely getting players back have defended strongly whilst not over committed too often the other way. Few clear cut chances despite the nature of the contest. A record crowd in attendance for not only Ely City Women but the Women’s League Cup final itself at 326. Spalding with a 2 goal advantage know a 3rd will probably put it beyond Ely, their opponents however are not out of the game yet by any stretch.

  The sides out for the 2nd half, Spalding to get the game restarted, making a double change bringing off Krajewska and King to be replaced by Sophie Goodwin and Grace Hill. Phoebe Eyett also on replacing Vayro late in the first half. A probing long ball sent forwards taken buy Stevenson out at the top of her area. Ely with a throw on the left, the ball won back by Spalding launch a rapid counter Forsyth on for Parker linking up with Smith on the left, Ellie Cooper again moving out to close the ball down. A busy start to the 2nd half Nwanebu turning the ball on for Salles left looks to take on Forsyth the full back holding her up.

Danni Youngs and Tara Parker (photo credit Keira Thurston)

 Spalding advance right Richards-Reeves over on that flank now on for McCormack who turns it in centrally for Biggadike to run onto 25 yards out her strike charged down by Dyer. Spalding building pressure early in the 2nd half, Richards-Reeves right linking up with Biggadike the ball fired into the near post Parker forwards looking to turn it on for goal putting it straight at the keeper. Hill getting up to support the Spalding attack on the right getting a shot in on the angle past the advancing keeper, Ellie Cooper running back on goal intercepting the ball to keep it out of her goal.

  Spalding pushing players on winning a corner on the right, lofted into the near post knocked down in front of the six yard box Harwood back on the line to block a stinging shot the ball hooked clear. Pressure mounting as parker latches onto a loose pass at the back feeding it to Smith left of the D, brings it inside to shoot centrally curling a shot in looking for the inside of the far post, drifts the wrong side. Remains competitive Ely competing for the ball soaking up a little pressure. Ely making a change Tiana O’Hara coming on to join the attack replacing Youngs.

  Nwanebu putting the ball into Murombo’s feet back to goal, turns it to Horsfield on the left she attempts to feed it in behind the defence for O’Hara through the middle, Foster with a good starting position alert into close it down and claim at  the top of her area. Parker strong looking to hold of Dyer as she attempts to break on into the box, Stevenson always willing to charge forwards out to get hold of the ball at her feet. Ivy Lane back on for Spalding. Biggadike pushed on into the middle now causing a few issues getting up with the attacking players keeping Ely on the defensive. 

Spalding’s Tara Parker alongside Ely’s Louisa Harwood

  Parker fouled by Ellie Cooper top of the circle the set-piece curled into the right post area, Stevenson getting up well to claim it. The game stretched at times Ely willing to take a few risks get players on to support, Murombo and O’Hara in attack. Nwanebu always busy after the ball, Nieburg throwing out a leg to deny the pass into O’Hara. 

 GOAL! Stevenson comes racing out to the top right corner of her area try and deny Richards-Reeves as she is played through in behind on the flank the pair coming together as the ball runs past the keeper on for goal, Dyer getting it clear only for the referee to point to the spot, Penalty! Richards-Reeves to take it herself the captain placing the ball on the spot, no messing blasts it home past the keeper before she can react to extend the lead 0-3.

Phoebe Richards-Reeves firing Spalding into a 3 goal lead from the penalty spot (photo credit Keira Thurston)

 Spalding adding their 3rd goal midway through the 2nd half, have looked the more likely since the restart. Ely making a change, Christine Cullen coming on to replace Emma Cooper at the back. Horsfield coming on left side getting her side a corner kick, lifted in high defended by Nieburg at the near post behind for a 2nd corner, this one into a similar position cleared upfield. The ball popping about a few tired legs out there. Nieburg defending holding off Murombo as the attacker looks to force her way into the box.

 Foster up well to claim a diagonal ball from the left side fired into the area from Natasha Lane. Spalding ringing the changes bringing on fresh legs with a quadruple switch, Forsyth, Biggadike, Parker and Nieburg coming off, on come King, Krajewska, Vayro and Onyinah. Lane and Salles coming off for Ely, Erin Chandler and Kaci Gibson coming on as the game moves into the final 15 minutes. Smith with a good win getting onto the ball sending it out to Richards-Reeves right side from the angle 20 yards out drives her strike into the side netting.

Spalding attacker, Constance Onyinah (photo credit Keira Thurston)

  Ivy Lane sending the pass into Richards-Reeves right side played inside for Onyinah right of the D, Cullen lunging in to make the tackle for Ely. Players cramping up a lot of work put in this evening the temperature dropping. Dyer clearing the ball as she cuts out a cross fired into the box from the right. Into the final 10 minutes of the game Ely push players on looking to get something out of the game Murombo into O’Hara pressuring the defence forcing Eyett into conceding a corner kick. 

GOAL! The corner delivered into the six yard box from the right lopping in Foster comes to attack it with her fist knocking the ball back out to the right, goes after it attempting to chase it down but is back with the corner taker and clipped back in across the face of goal into a crowd at the far post and turned home by Ellie Cooper to see Ely pull a goal back 1-3.

Ely captain, Ellie Cooper pulling a goal back

  Makes things a little nervier for Spalding than they would have like, Ely with their tails up Murombo attacking right back inside for Harwood to strike on the angle 20 yards out right of the D struck across goal Foster gathering at her far post. Murombo into the box looking to press the ball off a throw on the right, a defender looking to see the ball back to the keeper, Foster down to claim it Murombo accidentally catching her a painful blow a pause in play suiting Spalding more than Ely as she receives treatment but is okay to play on back on her feet. Changes for both lane back on for Ely O’Hara off. Smith on for Spalding replacing Vayro. 

 Play resumes a minute plus 3 added to play Parker driving on with the ball right, Stevenson out to close her down the ball out for a throw. Krajewska with a long ball for Spalding launching a counter up to Onyinah up top, Cullen getting her head on it to deny the threat for Ely. Stevenson positioned top of her area keeps her eye on the ball as it drops out of the floodlights with Onyinah looking to close her down, knocked down well collects on the bounce. Spalding on the attack in the closing seconds Hill on the right from the angle lifting a shot over the advancing keeper sees it fall wide of the near post. The final whistle blows and Spalding win silverware in their debut season in Cambridgeshire winning the league cup beating Ely 3-1.

Full time Ely City Women 1-3 Spalding United Women

 Was a much closer contest than some would have predicted, Spalding leading Division One on a strong run taking an early lead, Ely working hard to limit their chances keeping it tight despite the open nature of the game, an entertaining match, played in front of a record crowd, Spalding getting players on better getting a timely goal at the end of the half to lead 2-0 at the break. Began the 2nd half the stronger making changes looking to get that 3rd goal and scored from the penalty spot. Ely put in a shift the Division Two side fighting getting a goal back in the final 10 minutes but Spalding had enough about them to see out the game coming close to scoring a 4th.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as often the case several strong contenders but overall one stands out, both sides playing their part in an intriguing contest. For Ely captain Ellie Cooper won the player of the match in the semi-final and again this evening was strong throughout covering the ground at the back reading the forwards runs and scoring. Natasha Lane with some great passes came close to unlocking the Spalding defence on a coupe of occasions. Kerry Dyer also busy in defence getting her tackles in. For Spalding, Amber Nieburg was on no mood to let anyone get past her at the back, intercepted well and won the ball. Tara Parker making some strong attacking runs getting into the box linking up the attack. Molli McCormack coming on adding to the attack held the ball up and got into some good positions doubling the lead. The award goes to Spalding’s captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves was a constant threat out on the left and the right driving forwards ready for the ball opened the scoring and powered in the penalty to put Spalding 3-0 up.

Phoebe Richards-Reeves player of the match (photo credit Keira Thurston)

 Congratulations to Spalding on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup. 

Spalding United Women 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners

  Another enjoyable evening at Ely City FC’s Demcom Stadium. An open and entertaining final good to see it well supported. Ely can be proud a 2nd successive cup final and have competed strongly on both. Spalding lifting the trophy a great achievement in their debut season and still all to play for the league itself and a county cup final. I have enough games to cover as it is but I haven’t done a Lincolnshire County Cup Final for years I am tempted to make the trip to Boston on the 1st of May. My thanks to Chris Abbott at Cambs FA and both sides for their help this evening. Keira Thurston too for letting her use some of her pictures in the report. Will add a few more from Ely when I get them.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup Final

Sunday 22nd March

Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup Final

Making the long trip down to Bedfordshire this Sunday to watch my first cup final game of the season, the Beds FA Women’s Junior Cup Final, with Woburn & Wavendon Women taking on Stotfold Women for the trophy.

Beds FA splitting the county cup into 2 competitions last season, the Senior and Junior Cups, the Junior Cup represented by those sides playing at county level giving them a realistic opportunity to compete for silverware, with the Senior Cup reserved for the sides playing at regional level and above, following other county FA’s in the East like Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, helps prevent the often one sided games that are seen sometimes in a county cup.

Today’s prize

Luton Town Ladies Reserves winning the inaugural Women’s Junior Cup last season beating Stotfold Women last season 2-1 to lift the trophy. Stotfold back again looking to bring the trophy home this time around. 

Stotfold Women winning the Division One title in their debut season in 2023, winning promotion to the Premier Division have since been an established club competing at the top end of what is always a competitive league, winning the League Cup in 2024. Finishing 3rd last season 2 points behind eventual champions Hitchin Belles Women and Ampthill Town Ladies. Reaching the inaugural final of the Beds FA Junior Women’s Cup last season.

 Enter a new era this season with Laurence Jack taking over as manager following the departure of Tom Olney. Seeing a few experienced moving on, have still retained a good chunk of last season’s squad along with bringing in new talent. Haven’t had to results in the league they would have liked, down to 8th in the Premier Division table with a run of 4 straight defeats in the league, have saved their best for for the county cup and will be aiming to go one better than last season and clinch victory finish the season strong. Amelia Klausner joining Stotfold early in the season is the current top scorer with 7 goals from 14 appearances, Charlotte Peters has 4 to her name.

Woburn & Wavendon FC entering a women’s side in various guises into the BHWGFL over the various season’s I’ve been doing Women’s Football East, the latest team into their 2nd season, currently 5th in the Division One table with games in hand on those above and will be pushing hard to match or better last season’s 4th place finish. Woburn & Wavendon FC have a strong youth section the girls side features teams from U10’s through to U16’s. The women’s side having brought in some useful experience to their squad and plenty of goal scorers too, Chelsea Jeffery leading the way has 23 alone from her 16 appearances. Princess Mgbemere is also into double figures on 10 with Casey Chapman one behind of 9. With 9 others all amongst the goals this season.

 Road to the Final

 Both sides receiving a bye in the first round of the Junior Cup progressing to the 2nd round. Woburn & Wavendon drawn away to Division Three side, Flitwick Eagles Ladies Blues, the goals flowing with 4 players all scoring a brace, Chelsea Jeffery, Casey Chapman, Princess Mgbemere and Jodi McClelland with Cerys Saunders, Rosie White-McColl and Aimee Esser also getting a goal in an 11-1 victory. A potential banana skin for Stotfold who were also drawn away to take on Real Bedford Women Development who having moved across to play in the Cambridgeshire league this season are looking strong at the top of Division Two, no such worries for Stotfold however as 1st half goals from Amelia Klausner and Charlotte Ryan saw them through with a 2-0 win

Into the quarter finals Woburn & Wavendon away to Premier Division strugglers, Langford Ladies, goals from McClelland, Jeffery, Chapman and Mgbemere seeing them through to the last 4 comfortably 4-1 the final score. Stotfold at home playing Division Two side EB Lions AFC Ladies in the last 8, 4 goals too for the hosts with Gracie Applin netting twice plus a goal each for Chloe Keller and Nia Kourmourou. 

Into the semi-finals two tough looking ties, Woburn & Wavendon at home taking on the defending champions, Luton Town Ladies Development, a close game the sides sharing 5 goals, Chapman, Mgbemere and Esser all on the scoresheet for Woburn & Wavendon to send them into their first final with a 3-2 win. Stotfold away to fellow Premier Division side, Ampthill Town Ladies, Applin scoring for Stotfold the scores level at 1-1 after the 90 minutes were up heading straight to penalties, Stotfold edging the shootout 5-4 to make it back to back Junior Cup Final appearances.

Kempston Rovers FC the venue for this afternoon’s final always a hive of activity with the artificial pitches beyond the main grass pitch seeing plenty of action. The large grass pitch sees alot of action is a little bobbly in places but offers good width with standing viewing all-round with a covered stand along one side offering seating and terraced areas, the bar open along with a food hut. A mid day as we move into spring proper a little heat in the sun but as has been the theme so far in 2026 the cloud cover still lingers. No chance of rain however.

Woburn & Wavendon Women starting XI – Chloe Johnson, Loren Elliot (C), Emily Grimes, Sharna Halai, Klaudia Gnitecka, Cerys Saunders, Kimberley Newns, Cerys Saunders, Jodi McClelland, Princess Mgbemere & Chelsea Jeffery. Subs – Aimee Esser, Tia Ellis & Abigail King.

Woburn & Wavendon Women

 Stotfold Women starting XI – Orlagh Daly, Chloe Keller, Nieve Buckley, Nia Kourmourou, Charlotte Ryan, Amy Jacks (C), Charlotte Peters, Keira How, Freya Taylor-Burton, Sharyl Thwaites & Amelia Klausner. Subs – Alex Lewis, Estelle Klausner, Maizie Marsh, Grace Applin & Samantha Watler.

Stotfold Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Loren Elliot and Amy Jack with today’s match referee Tamia Chikaviro-Trainor & her two assistants, Emma Chamberlain & Liz Choonara

 Pedro Cotelo the fourth official for today’s final, the game going straight to penalties should the scores be level after 90 minutes. It’s Woburn & Wavendon to get the final underway with the kick-off first half wearing an all claret kit, Stotfold opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Lifting the ball forwards Casey Chapman hooks it up high away to the left, Freya Taylor-Burton cutting it out for Stotfold, won quickly back by Princess Mgbemere, the ball at her feet surges forwards wide lifts a cross the top of the box, Chapman moving into attack it inside the D, Charlotte Ryan heading it clear for Stotfold. 

  Woburn & Wavendon making a positive start pushing players forwards, Stotfold looking a little nervous at the back, Chelsea Jeffery hanging back, seeing the ball into her feet from Kimberly Newns played out to the left, a throw won. Mgbemere putting herself about early on taking on players clips a high ball into the box from the left knocked back out to the left Jeffery after it on the angle, her cross blocked by Taylor-Burton. Good pressing from Woburn & Wavendon in the opening minutes.

Play drawn over to the left, Cerys Saunders breaking from the middle for Woburn & Wavendon her run spotted the diagonal ball played into her path knocks it on towards the top of the area right of the D 20 yards out strikes the ball goal wards, plenty of pace behind it angling in on target, goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly getting down sharply to make the blocking save the ball knocked back out towards the penalty spot, Mgbemere onto it stabbing a shot back towards goal, Daly with a superb double save recovering quickly from the first save to get up and low to her right to turn the ball wide for a corner kick.

A fine double save from Stotfold goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly

The corner taken short up the line on the left the cross angled into the near post, Daly calling for it, Ryan taking no chances getting her head on the ball to push it back out to the left. A chance for Stotfold to relief the pressure as they mount a counter attack captain Amy Jack on for Charlotte Peters out to Taylor-Burton racing on down the right wing inside for Klausner, Sharna Halai in well to close her down at the back for Woburn & Wavendon.

Stotfold come away with the ball, Ryan on for How has Peters up with her the pass into her she sends it on for Sharyl Thwaites pulling into the left channel moves inside taking the ball across the top of the D before wrapping her foot around the strike, angling in at the far post, Emily Grimes defending for Woburn & Wavendon, up to the top of her area, Stotfold pushing players on the ball charged down spinning away to the right for a throw in. The game settling down into a more even affair after Woburn & Wavendon’s positive start.

Jeffery sending the ball into McClelland attacking on the right, Nieve Buckley in to challenge the ball out for a throw, taken quickly McClelland turning well to send a cross into the six yard box, Ryan there to head it away to safety for Stotfold. Jack playing the ball on through the middle up to Klausner back to goal turns the ball on for Taylor-Burton racing past her on the right wing from the angle flashes a cross/shot in at goal, high goalkeeper Chloe Johnson throwing a glove up to turn the ball on across her area, play halted however with the flag up for offside.

Stotfold’s Nieve Buckley with Woburn & Wavendon’s, Jodi McClelland

Competitive with both sides going in to close the other down, a few robust challenges coming in, Woburn & Wavendon captain, Loren Elliot right side playing the ball on for McClelland up the wing, Chapman up with her the ball in across the top of the area, Jeffery the target, Jack stretching out a leg to knock it into her defence to clear. How seeing the ball played into her feet breaks down the left tracking inside to get into the box, closed down by Halai the ball out for the throw in. Both sides using the whole pitch Elliot up to Mgbemere 25 yards out, Ryan moving out of defence to make the challenge, Mgbemere fighting to keep hold of the ball the defender nipping in to get across her to clear the ball into midfield.

Woburn & Wavendon’s, Princess Mgbemere bringing the ball on

Flowing football from Stotfold How taking it on left channel inside to Klausner, helped onto Peters, returned to Klausner she lays it back to Peters to burst into the box right of the D, her touch a little heavy sees the ball run away behind for the goal kick. Lively, Jeffery on for Mgbemere, drives on with the ball, Burton-Taylor back to help Kourmourou in defence played back into the middle, Jack looking to find Klausner up top, Halai staying with her cutting the pass out.

Saunders on for Chapman as Woburn & Wavendon attack through the middle lifts the ball up to Jeffery 25 yards out, back to goal nods the ball down to her  left into the feet of the on rushing Mgbemere as she looks to take the ball on into the box right channel, Buckley stepping up to put in the tackle to deny her a shooting opportunity. Burton-Taylor looks to break away down the right for Stotfold, Grimes looks to track back with her pulling up sharply going down in some discomfort, is unable to continue helped off the pitch, not wanting to put any weight on her right ankle, on in her place comes, Tia Ellis.

How fouled deep on the left, Stotfold with a free-kick inside the Woburn & Wavendon half Buckley to launch the ball up into the box, defended the ball cleared Woburn & Wavendon launching a counter attack the ball sent on for Mgbemere on the left driving on forces her way into the box before laying it back to Jeffery positioned top of the D, puts her foot through the ball, rifling a shot in on goal over the keeper, strikes the crossbar and over for a goal-kick.

Mgbemere physical making a nuisance of herself difficult to shake off the ball as upended outside the box to the left, a dangerous ball clipped into the six yard box, Daly getting a good fist on the ball to knock it clear of her area. Jeffery latching onto a loose goal-kick carries the ball forwards to the right, Buckley blocking the attempted cross. Midway through the 1st half a lively contest, Woburn & Wavendon seeing slightly more of the ball Jeffery holding it up, Mgbemere, Chapman and McClelland looking to bomb on. Stotfold defending, Ryan getting in a number of tackles the latest on Mgbemere as she looks to fight her way into the area. McClelland shaking off her marker in midfield, taking on the strike from 35 yards out, Daly right behind it to gather the ball up.

Peters sending the ball out to Burton-Taylor on the right plays in inside for Klausner to shoot on the angle from 25 yards out her low effort covered by Johnson at the near post. Ryan and Mgbemere enjoying a good contest as the attacker tries to shake the Stotfold defender off.

Stotfold’s Charlotte Ryan

 Klausner getting onto the end of another Stotfold free kick launched long into the box, to the right of goal volleying it up back towards the near post, Johnson with a good reach getting up well to pluck the ball down at the near post to prevent it dropping down in front of goal. Mgbemere grappling for possession in midfield, emerging with the ball looking to release Jeffery in attack Stotfold’s back line pushed up holding their line see’s the attacker flagged offside.

 Half an hour played, Peters closing the ball down well in the final 3rd central, pushed into Thwaite moving left into the top of the area, drags the ball inside before reversing her pass to lay it on for How to the left from the angle fires the ball in across goal, Peters having broken forwards to get in on goal at the far post can’t quite get it under control. Johnson out quickly to the top of her area to smother the ball as Klausner looks to link up with Burton-Taylor on the right. Thwaite nipping in to close the ball down top of the area getting a shot away left of goal, the attempt straight at the keeper, Johnson claiming comfortably.

GOAL! Stotfold getting the ball on through the middle Jack forwards into the right channel 30 yards out putting her foot through the ball the ball racing on into the box, Klausner pulling off the defence to the left of the D inside the box, in the clear to get a touch on the ball to divert it up and over the keeper to drop into the back of the net and send Stotfold into the lead 0-1.

Amelia Klausner congratulated by her teammates as she breaks in behind to open the scoring for Stotfold

  Woburn & Wavendon not happy feel their was an element of offside about the goal, but the decision stands they trail with 33 minutes played. Get back on the attack from the restart, Jeffery seeing the ball into her feet well using it’s momentum to turn it into the path of Chapman surging past her to latch onto the strike 20 yards out central, flashed in at Daly fast the keeper stopping it with her legs her defence getting it away to safety. 

Woburn & Wavendon’s Casey Chapman

  Woburn & Wavendon using Jeffery well, holding the ball up allowing others to push on make runs past her, McClelland taking the ball on stopped by Ryan top of the area. Mgbemere rushing in to try and get hold of the loose ball ends up fouling Ryan. Buckley playing a useful ball from deep into How moving into the Woburn & Wavendon box, Halai with the challenge to deny a shooting opportunity. Jack putting the pass into Taylor-Burton breaking on down the left, her cross stood up at the near post, Johnson turning it behind for the corner kick.

Sharyl Thwaites with Woburn & Wavendon’s Kimberly Newns

  The corner from the right defended at the near post turned away to the top of the area, Thwaite running onto the loose ball striking it low in towards goal, Johnson down quickly behind it to make the save. The game stretched at times, Woburn & Wavendon getting players up quickly when ever they turn play around, Peters coming back to defend top of her area on Chapman as Jeffery and Mgbemere link up on the left side. 

  Ryan in to charge the ball down as McClelland looks to bring it down off her chest inside the D to fashion a shot as Mgbemere evades tackles to get the ball into her from the left. Jack taking a knock needing a moment to recover Woburn & Wavendon busy as the 1st half draws to a close, Chapman up with Mgbemere on the left fighting to get into the box, Stotfold converging to squeeze the space the ball popping loose falls to Jeffery 20 yards out leaning into the shot angles the ball in on goal, dips late over Daly but not quite enough as it sails narrowly over the crossbar.

  Into the final minute of the 1st half Stotfold on the attack Peters laying the ball on for How making a move into the box from the left, the pass cut out by Saunders, Klausner attempting to burst through into the area after the loose ball, goes down appeals as How comes inside across the D putting a reverse strike in on goal, Johnson diving down to her left getting behind the ball to save. Kourmourou defending for Stotfold in stoppage time as Saunders delivers an early cross from the right into Jeffery top of the D.

Half-time Woburn & Wavendon Women 0-1 Stotfold Women

  The two sides head back into the changing rooms with Stotfold holding a narrow advantage, Amelia Klausner in behind the defence to lift the ball over the keeper to score in the 33rd minute. Could have been a much different story had it not been for a vital double save from Orlagh Daly at the start of the contest as Woburn & Wavendon started brightly getting players on well have caused problems. Stotfold a little nervous early in but settled into the game an even contest both getting on well creating opportunities, Woburn & Wavendon brushing the crossbar will feel unlucky not to be heading in at half-time leading themselves. Stotfold have the edge however and will be keen to add to that in the 2nd half.

 It’s Stotfold unchanged to get the 2nd half underway, a change for Woburn & Wavendon with Aimee Esser coming on taking up a position on the right Newns the player off. The ball rolled back into midfield launched up through the middle, Halai clearing for Woburn & Wavendon. Mgbemere getting her head down taking the ball forwards through the middle sending it on for Chapman bursting forwards, Daly out quickly to the top of her area to get down claim the ball.

Stotfold captain, Amy Jack fighting for the ball with Woburn & Wavendon’s Cerys Saunders

  Klausner up on the right linking up with Taylor-Burton up the wing delivering the cross into the box, Halai intercepting to clear for Woburn & Wavendon. Jack carrying a knock down for a moment, picks herself up wanting to carry on. Stotfold looking to get on in attack at the start of the 2nd half, Klausner taking the ball on left flank turning into the box, held up lays it on into Thwaite making a run into the D, tugged back, referee Tamia Chikaviro-Taylor awarding the free-kick. The set-piece inside the D to the left Jack to take goes for goal getting the ball up well in on target, Johnson behind it throwing her arms up to save tipping the shot up over her bar for the corner kick.

Chloe Johnson turning Amy Jack’s free-kick over the bar

 GOAL! Buckley with the corner kick on the right a good ball clipped into the mix, Jack up well to turn her header on across the top of the six yard box controlled beyond the far post and fired back in across the face of goal, Peters stooping down to get her head on the ball power it over the line from close range doubling Stotfold’s lead 0-2.

 

 

 

 

The captain likes that one as Stotfold double their lead

Charlotte Peters doubling Stotfold’s lead

Stotfold with a good opening 10 minutes in the 2nd half doubling their lead, a blow for Woburn & Wavendon. Jack having picked up a knock coming off, for Stotfold with Alex Lewis coming on. Their tails up Stotfold regain the ball in the middle, sent on for Taylor-Burton on the right crosses it inside early into Thwaite 20 yards out, closed down by Gnitecka. How substituted by Stotfold with Gracie Applin entering the game. Saunders controlling the ball looking to fire it up to Jeffery 25 yards out, Peters cutting the ball out for Stotfold.

Cerys Saunders

  Woburn & Wavendon remain lively looking to get players on Mgbemere up with Chapman on the left look to exchange passes drive on, Kourmourou getting her foot in for Stotfold at the back. Jeffery turning the ball on for Esser pushing on down the right her cross into the box intercepted by Ryan. Peters playing a great ball on for Thwaites pushing on up the left turning into the box, just over hits the ball allowing Halai to nip in ahead of her stab it back to her keeper to launch clear.

Woburn & Wavendon’s Sharna Halai

 

  Both sides going for it 2nd half the game open, Jack returning to the action sending the ball on for Thwaites left of the D into the box her strike saved by Johnson with her legs getting down behind the ball. End to end as Applin has a punt from range blocked, Woburn & Wavendon counter, Mgbemere stealing in to take the ball off Peters put on for Esser right side fed back inside to Mgbemere who lays it back into the top of the area with the Stotfold defence rapidly back peddling, Jeffery onto it seeing her shot blocked by Ryan. 

Woburn & Wavendon attacker, Chelsea Jeffery

 Another change for Woburn & Wavendon, Elliot coming off, Abigail King coming on moving to the right Esser over to the left. Wins her side a corner kick. Thwaites coming off for Stotfold with Samantha Watler coming on. Halai brining the ball out from the back for Woburn & Wavendon threads the ball on into the left channel looking for Esser, Taylor-Burton back to cut it out for Stotfold. 

 Woburn & Wavendon fighting for the ball in the middle, Mgbemere into McClelland laying it out to Chapman moving right digs the cross out looping into the six yard box, threatening to drop over the keeper, with Jeffery closing in unmarked beyond, Daly does well to get something on it take it away to the left, Esser looking to keep it alive looks to be bundled over as two defenders converge on her, appeals but nothing doing.

  Klausner fouling Gnitecka as she looks to take the ball past the defender on the right as Woburn & Wavendon commit players forwards. Ellis also getting a timely challenge in on Klausner as the attacker looks to nip in on the ball. A corner won on the right, put high into the top of the crowded six yard box, Johnson up through bodies to punch the ball away to the top of the area Lewis looking to run into the shot blasted in, blocked by Gnitecka.

  Applin frustrated pulling her shirt up over her head as she controls the ball sweetly bringing it down well 20 yards out to turn and shoot dragging her effort narrowly wide of the right post. 

Gracie Applin frustrated as she sends her shot wide.

 Keller in to defend for Stotfold the ball played up to Applin looking to get away on the right, tripped by Mgbemere awarded the free-kick. From deep launched up towards the box, Ellis under it to clear for Woburn & Wavendon. The ball finding its way up to Jeffery in attack out out to Esser on the left back inside to Mgbemere looking to take players on, is fouled by Lewis winning the free-kick. Stotfold ringing the changes, Keller, Buckley and Peters have left the field, Estelle Klausner, Samantha Watler and Maizie Marsh into the action as they look to see out the game.

Gracie Applin

 Ellis with a vital header at the back too get the ball away as Applin looks to get onto a diagonal ball played into the box from the left. Mgbemere and Ryan continue their contest fighting for possession of the ball the attacker getting the free-kick this time around. The game stretched with Woburn & Wavendon looknig to find a way through on goal, Lewis sending it on up the left, Estelle Klausner looking too get after it, Gnitecka defending for Woburn & Wavendon. 

Klaudia Gnitecka getting to the ball before Stotfold’s Amelia Klausner

 The clock ticking down a few tired legs out there, Mgbemere still hard to get off the ball, pressing on, closed down pops loose to Jeffery, looks to get Esser away on the left, cut out by Jack. Woburn & Wavendon winning a free-kick out to the left a chance to throw players up into the box try and force a late goal.

 GOAL! A great ball into the box Jeffery up well to get her head on the ball from the penalty spot drive it in on goal comes at Daly quickly a reactive save knocking the ball up onto her crossbar, rebounds down into the six yard box, Woburn & Wavendon’s attacker surge forwards, Esser onto it firing the ball over the line from close range to pull a goal back and set up a nervy final few minutes 1-2.

Aimee Esser, (blue boots) forces the ball over the line to pull a goal back for Woburn & Wavendon

  Stotfold look to get the ball into the final 3rd played on Ellis defending for Woburn & Wavendon. Halai shown a yellow card as she takes out Watler as she carries the ball on. Applin winning the ball back high on the right hooks the ball in on goal, Johnson back on her line under it to safely take it down into her gloves. Little time left in the game as Woburn & Wavendon look for one last chance to try and take the final to penalties, Jeffery bringing the ball down outside the box, looking to strike it on the half volley slicing the ball wide. That’s it the final whistle blows and Stotfold celebrate as they win this season’s Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup.

Full -time Woburn & Wavendon Women 1-2 Stotfold Women

 An entertaining cup final played largely in a good spirit by two determined sides, Stotfold holding the narrow advantage in the 1st half, coming out focused on getting a 2nd early in the 2nd half got players on to join the attack created opportunities and doubled the lead in the 55th minute from a well worked corner. Both keepers making saves as the game grew stretched players tiring, Stotfold not quite able to find a 3rd goal to make thing’s comfortable as Woburn & Wavendon kept probing finally finding a goal themselves in the final minute, Stotfold seeing out the final few moments of the match to ensure the win having missed out last season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, certainly a few contenders for this one on both sides several good performances. Firstly for Woburn & Wavendon a solid defensive performance from Sharna Halai at the back, won numerous tackles and closed the ball down well throughout. Jodi McClelland and Casey Chapman got forwards well to support the attack, looking to find a way through on goal set up others. Chelsea Jeffery with some great hold up play used the ball well strong in possession. Princess Mgbemere caused problems throughout hard to shake off the ball, driving at the defence. For Stotfold, goalkeeper Orlagh Daly’s fine double save at the start ensured her side weren’t on the back foot early on. Charlotte Peters using the ball well getting forwards to support the attack. Freya Taylor-Burton providing a good outlet ready to take the ball on down the right flank. The Stotfold defence all playing their part with some vital tackles the award going to Charlotte Ryan was strong throughout getting in her tackles and intercepting the ball.

 Congratulations to Stotfold Women on winning this season’s Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup.

Stotfold Women 2025/26 Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup Winners

 A long trip to Bedfordshire, was an enjoyable cup final to get the set piece games underway, a decent crowd of 253 in attendance. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team sheets and to the staff at Beds FA  for their assistance and hospitality, one final down plenty to look forwards too. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Tuesday 27th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by MH Goals Ltd

Back to Suffolk this Tuesday evening to watch my final match of the season, at Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town FC, once again hosting the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final, sponsored by MH Goals Ltd, AFC Sudbury Women the holders and overwhelming favourites, playing Bungay Town Ladies who have done the double this season.

  The Suffolk Women’s County Cup long dominated by Ipswich Town Women now promoted to FA WSL 2 (formerly the Championship). No longer competing in the county cup, since then AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women have emerged as the leading sides in the county Sudbury winning 2 of the last 3 finals. Winning the trophy at Portman Road last time out. Bungay Town Ladies finalists against Needham Market Women at Colchester a couple of seasons ago, stronger now having won back to back league titles in Norfolk Women’s Division One. making it a double last weekend winning the League Cup.

This evenings prize

  AFC Sudbury Women come into the final as overwhelming favourites due to their league status and growth in recent season’s, finishing 7th in FAWNL South East Division One in their 2nd season in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid. A rapid rise with back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL. I thought they might struggle in their 2nd season, however the club recruited well, mostly from rivals Needham Market to add experience to a young talented group. Goalkeeper, Nino Meollo a Filipino international, joining the club from Ipswich on loan for the season. Picking up some good results learning from their first season to have a trouble free mid-table finish.

 New challenges await the 4th tier only getting stronger year on year some big clubs in their and the FA demanding more from their member clubs. Sudbury will face these challenges financing a huge issue Sudbury finding it a struggle to get a front of shirt sponsor despite showing themselves to be a competitive force within the FAWNL. Have had their share of injury problems too with captain, Ronni Harrison only recently returning after a long injury lay off. One back one lost however with Amber Cantwell having made a huge impact since joining from Needham Market in the summer suffering a very serious knee injury. Jess Allen the top scorer with 13 goals recorded to her name from 15 appearances while, Jasmine Drake, Lina Nagib, Eva Frazzoni and Alex Penny all have 5 each.

Bungay Town Ladies come into this evenings final on a potential treble, know however that 3rd trophy will be a tough one to win, definitely the underdogs, still can hopefully relax and give it their all and enjoy the occasion getting the opportunity to play at a Premier League stadium. Building on last season’s Norfolk Women’s Division title, successfully defending it this time around winning it with games to spare, out in front for much of the season. Going one better in the League Cup final having missed out last season came back from a goal down to beat Aylsham FC Women 2-1 to lift the trophy and complete the double. 

Step 7 versus step 4 is a huge gap, Bungay have assembled an experienced squad with proven goal scorers, adding to that a crop of young talented players losing just one league game all season. New signings, Hazel Saddington and Beth Turner have 35 goals between them, 17 and 18 respectfully. Mia Rose scoring the winning goal in the League Cup final, has 13 to her name. Zoe Gibbons has 11 goals from her 9 appearances while Abi Bell also scoring in the League Cup final is also into double figures.

Road to the Final

  No seeding in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup so the higher placed sides enter in the 1st Round. Sudbury however handed a bye in the 1st round. Bungay on home soil taking on Bacton United 89 Ladies from the Suffolk Women’s Championship. Bungay rampant firing in the goals, Beth Turner netting 6 with Zoe Gibbons striking 5 times, Hazel Saddington bagging a brace with goals too for Lola Barbour-King, Porsha Renwick and Abi Bell in a 16 nil win.

Into the 2nd Round Sudbury at home taking on Suffolk Championship side, Leiston St Margarets. Getting the defence of the cup off to a dominant start racking up a double figure score line, Lina Nagib and Amber Cantwell both scoring hat-tricks. With Ella Edwards and Emily Newcombe both getting 2 each, Sophie Jeffery, Yasmine drake and Jess Allen also scoring in a 13-0 result. Bungay handed a tough tie in the 2nd round away to Suffolk Premiership champions, Brantham Athletic Ladies the champions of Norfolk and Suffolk drawing 1-1 at 90 minutes to send the tie into a penalty shoot-out Bungay edging it 4-3 to advance to the last 8. Selina Rowland with their goal.

Into the quarter finals, another strong performance in front of goal from Sudbury as they travelled to play Norfolk Division Two side, Waveney FC Ladies, Megan Edwards firing in a hat-trick. Daisy Canny on hand to score two goals, with Ellie Rossiter, Alex Penny Ella Edwards and Lina Nagib also amongst the goals in a 12-0 win. Bungay also away in the last eight taking on Suffolk Premiership side, Woodbridge Town Ladies. The hosts scoring twice, however Bungay advanced through to the semi-finals scoring 4 in reply with Brooke Osborne, Mia Rose, Turner and Rowland all on the scoresheet.

The semi-finals of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup held on neutral ground with Sudbury taking on their rivals Needham Market Women in the last 4 at Hadleigh United FC. Eva Frazzoni on target to strike home 2 goals for Sudbury with Leonnie Bezant also grabbing a goal in a 3-0 victory to see the club return to Portman Road. Bungay travelling to Stowmarket Town FC to play Sudbury Sports Women competing in Essex Women’s Division Two. Bungay getting into a 2 goal lead at the break going on to win the game 4-1 after a long injury break in the 2nd half. Gibbons on target for two goals with Saddington and Rose also scoring to send the club to Portman Road.

Heavy rain leading to last season’s final being suspended

Last years Suffolk Women’s County Cup  final having to be suspended for over an hour due to a huge amount of rainfall from a passing storm. A Premiership quality pitch however the Portman Road playing surface handing the game to continue. This evening no exception with another day of heavy rainfall affecting the area the pitch looking superb. The fans in the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand opposite the dugouts. Situated in the lower tier for media duties on this one rain still about little cover but enough for me to keep the camera and notepad relatively dry.

The Portman Road pitch in fantastic shape

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Sophie Jeffery, Ellie Rossiter, Aliyat Lambe, Leonne Bezant, Maisie Goodwin, Megan Edwards, Phoebe Guiver (C), Alex Penny, Lina Nagib & Jess Allen. Subs – Maddison Carpenter, Lily-Jo Hinton, Kate Edwards, Emily Newcombe & Jade Barrett.

AFC Sudbury Women

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Grace Storey, Charnelle Riggall (C), Ruby Roos, Fran Heaney, Selina Rowland, Ab Bell, Lauren Purling, Hazel Saddington, Beth Turner & Mia Rose. Subs – Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Sofia Serghiou, Brooke Osborne & Molly Webb.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

Captains Phoebe Guiver and Charnelle Riggall with this evenings match officials

Ipswich Town Women’s legend, Natasha Thomas the guest of honour meeting the players from both sides a few who have played in the same side her. Playing in the newly renamed FA WSL2 next season. Phoebe Guiver playing her last game for Sudbury, captaining the side this evening. Using as many of the players that have played in the county cup this season as they can, Millie Carter in goal back with the club after a season out on loan at Royston Town Women. Bungay captained by Charnelle Riggall, missing a few key players tonight, notably attacking midfielder, Zoe Gibbons with attacker, Lucy Eagle cup tied, young talent Marseilles Will also unavailable.

Bungay wearing their all red away kit to kick-off the first half, Sudbury lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball clipped into the left channel with forwards Mia Rose on the move, the ball quickly closed down, Sudbury snapping in to get hold of it swept out the the left, Abi Bell coming to close the ball down for Bungay send it out of play for a throw. Two attempts to cross the ball into the area cut out by Bungay centre back Ruby Roos. Sudbury busy in the opening minute the ball worked back to Aliyat Lambe at the back pushed up on half way the ball inside for Ellie Rossiter to fire long into the right wing for Alex Penny, Riggall at left back closing her down to force the ball out for a throw.

GOAL! Sudbury looking to press players on up an around the Bungay area early on Guiver putting the ball into Jess Allen’s path on the right, drives inside into the box before striking the ball hard looping up and over goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce, to cannon against the crossbar rebounding back into play inside the box, Sudbury pushed up, Maisie Goodwin left of the D getting hold of it to strike the ball low at hard into the left side of the net to put Sudbury into an early lead. 1-0.

Maisie Goodwin opens the scoring for Sudbury (photo credit Nick Flexman)

A blow for Bungay conceding inside the opening 3 minutes, Selina Rowland winning the ball in front of her defence trying to get Mia Rose on the move left side, Rossiter on half way defending winning the ball getting play turned around rapidly, fired forwards into Lina Nagib 25 yards out right of goal, can’t quite get the ball under control before being closed down. The full backs pushed on for Sudbury keeping Bungay pinned inside their own half, Megan Edwards taking the ball into her feet from a throw on the right turned across the top of the area pushing in on into the D, Goodwin latching onto it her low drive saved by Pearce back on her line.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Sophie Jeffery bringing the ball driving into the channel forwards into Allen up top right cuts inside, challenged by Bungay’s Fran Heaney. Edwards pushing on with the ball at her feet right side for Sudbury cuts in inside for Allen positioned right of the D, her shot whipped in on target claimed by Pearce going to ground. Sudbury winning the ball back quickly in the final 3rd stopping Bungay from getting out keeping the pressure on rolled on for Penny left side her cross cut out by Grace Storey for Bungay, Bell attempting to get it up field into striker Beth Turner on halfway, Aliyat and Rossiter quick to close her down get possession back with Sudbury.

Wave after wave of Sudbury attack, moving the ball about the pitch, Guiver to Leonne Bezant out to the left, the ball driven to the by-line the cross into the six yard box charged down by Roos. Allen running in on goal central getting her head onto the end of a cross placing her attempt straight at the keeper. Goodwin sending a pass into Edwards attacking right wing fed down the line for Allen, Riggall getting back at her to put the tackle in send the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner swept in long through the six yard box dropping to Aliyat at the far post, Bungay surrounding her quickly to close her down before she get release a shot on goal.

Jess Allen (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Rossiter defending on half way reading the ball moving it on win it before Bungay can get hold of it in attack denying Hazel Saddington as she looks to try and get Bungay on the move on the left, her pass forwards into Allen surging into the right wing, Riggall getting a toe on the ball to divert it away for a throw. The rain falling steadily making the pitch slick. Sudbury snapping in to win the ball getting it across the 18 yards box players fluid in their positioning.

Ell Rossiter with Bungay’s Mia Rose

The ball coming into Allen inside the box from the left, the attacker right of goa looking to turn and shoot closed down by Heaney the ball behind for a corner kick. Sent into the near post from the right, cleared, Sudbury quick to get it back the ball crossed into the middle a snap shot turned wide of the right post. Saddington taking the ball into her feet coming left as Rowland wins it back for Bungay looks to get on the move has Rose coming over to offer support, Rossiter tackling to halt the advance.

Goodwin lining up a strike for Sudbury left side outside the box 20 yards driven in low wide of the right post. Riggall challenging Jeffery for the ball in the right corner as she takes it on from an Allen layoff.

GOAL! The pressure tells as Sudbury double their lead on 16 minutes, Nagib into Goodwin left outside the box players running on into the area looking for the ball, Goodwin threads it through into the path of Guiver central bearing down on goal digs the ball out of her feet to strike it wide to double the advantage 2-0.

Phoebe Guiver scores Sudbury’s 2nd (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay under pressure working hard at the back to try and slow Sudbury down, Saddington tracking back to put the tackle in on Penny as she takes the ball on down the right wing. Goodwin getting about the midfield to win the ball for Sudbury sending it into Jeffery in the right channel, inside Edwards, Heaney getting in the tackle for Bungay. Bezant linking up with Goodwin in the middle the ball fed into Allen inside the area right of goal, shoots in low with pace Pearce saves pushing the ball behind to the right for a corner kick.

Bungay’s Abi Bell (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Curled into the box, Rowland heading it clear for Bungay, Saddington looking to get hold of it bring the ball away left for Bungay, Jeffery putting the challenge in for Sudbury. Jeffery out on the right given the ball as Sudbury regain possession in the final 3rd down the line whips a cross in along the face of goal, attacked by Nagib at the far post, close in snatched up into her gloves by goalkeeper, Pearce.

Lina Nagib and Selina Rowland (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Heaney winning the ball inside the box for Bungay looks to bring it into midfield is quickly closed down by Goodwin. Sudbury keeping the ball moving it around crisply left to right a cross lifted into the six yard box claimed confidently by Pearce. Sudbury building on the right Edwards out to Jeffery wide bursting down the wing, as Jeffery feeds it into Allen corner of the area, she turns it on for Edwards taking it to the by-line, Riggall rushing back to get her tackle in see the ball behind for a corner.

Another delivery fired in long to the far post down into the mix scrambled away to the top of the area, Goodwin with Guiver looking to find a way through on goal, Bell getting it clear for Bungay. Bezant sending a diagonal ball through to Jeffery attacking right side, her cross from 25 yards out charged down by Riggall. Saddington fighting to get on the ball take it on left for Bungay lifts it on through the middle for Rose surging in behind the centre backs, Carter with little to do in the Sudbury goal alert as she comes out quickly to the top of her area to claim the ball before Rose can pounce.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

The keeper playing a great ball forwards, Allen pulling off the Bungay defence with a great touch to knock the ball down into her feet, moving right hits a rising shot in at goal, but not enough on it to beat the keeper, Pearce behind it all the way. Rowland with Bell coming on with the ball out of the back for Bungay fed up to Turner who knocks it on for Rose , Rossiter getting across her to see the ball back safely to her keeper.

Nearly half an hour played Sudbury ringing the changes, bringing off Rossiter, Guiver Penny, Allen and Goodwin, on come Maddison Carpenter, Jade Barrett, Lily-Jo Hinton, Emily Newcombe and Kate Edwards.

GOAL! Sudbury get the ball out to Megan Edwards on the left wing driving forwards bursts into the area and from the angle lashes a shot in across the keeper to land inside the far post 3-0. Sudbury 3 goals up on the half hour.

Megan Edwards scores Sudbury’s 3rd goal (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Newcombe working the ball on with Bezant through the middle for Sudbury, fed out to Hinton on the right her cross into the top of the area cut out by Bell for Bungay. Riggall getting hold of the ball for Bungay at the back sending it on for Saddington up to Rose on the left inside for Turner, looking to battle her way past Aliyat the central defender doing well to see the ball back to her keeper.

GOAL! Sudbury have the ball on the left Jeffery into Barrett the ball crossed into the area cut out by Heaney cleared outside the box, Newcombe latching onto it for Sudbury left of the D, puts her foot through the ball sending it flying back in on goal racing past the keeper before she can react 4-0.

Emily Newcombe off the bench to put Sudbury 4 up (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay winning a free-kick on halfway the ball lifted into the top of the area defended cleared to the left Rose looknig to take it on into the corner for Bungay, Kate Edwards moving in to close her down. Little for the Bungay strikers to feed on the midfield pushed back onto the defence, Turner and Rose needing to be patient holding the line on halfway ready to attempt a counter attack. Barrett linking up with Jeffery on the left the cross from 20 yards out intercepted by Storey, cleared by Heaney.

Sudbury getting the ball out to the by-line on the left Nagib up with Newcombe the cross flashed in along the face of the Bungay goal cleared by Bell. Barrett taking the lay off from Newcombe down the left flank, Purling getting back to put in the tackle for Bungay. Sudbury remain lively players moving rapidly looking for the ball Bezant into Barrett left, Jeffery up with her the ball flashed in across goal, Carpenter racing in far post can’t quite get there.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Sudbury with a corner on the left taken short up the line to Barrett her initial ball into the box cut out by Roos, coming back to Barrett fires her effort over from the angle. A roar from the Bungay supporters as the ball is launched forwards, Rose looking to race in behind the defence chase it down, Carter rushing out the other way to the top of her area just about gets there.

Saddington cutting out the back back helping defend for Bungay top of the D as Kate Edwards looks to thread it forwards into Nagib. Bungay break right at the end of the first half the ball played into Turner up top lays it on for Rose as both turn to burst forwards Rose left channel rolling it back inside to Turner pulling out to the right getting into the area bearing down on goal ready to pull the trigger, Carter rushing out to slide in and save bravely at the attackers feet.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 4-0 Bungay Town Ladies

 A dominant first half display from Sudbury putting Bungay under pressure right from the start taking the lead inside 3 minutes. Getting players up and around the area, first to the ball moving it about crisply looking to find openings. Adding a 2nd before ringing the changes making it 3 on the half hour going on to add a 4th. Bungay battling hard in defence under pressure but getting in the blocks tough to get going the other way rare glimpses, an encouraging break at the end of the first half giving them something to take into the dressing room as they prepare for the 2nd half.

Guest of honour, Ipswich Town Women’s Natasha Thomas handing out medals at half-time

Sudbury to get the 2nd half underway the ball played into Jeffery on the left evading a tackle sending a cross into the area, cut out by Heaney out to the right, the 2nd  delivery cut out turned behind for a corner kick. The corner lifted into the crowded six yard box headed away to safety. Sudbury looking too get after the ball early in the 2nd half keep Bungay’s defence pushed back.

Lina Nagib with Bungay’s Fran Heaney

Rowland winning the ball back inside her D, lifted up to Rose attacking through the middle, Bezant going in to tackle hurt in the challenge the ball kicked out of play so she can be seen too. Sudbury press right the ball on for Megan Edwards crossed in low intercepted by Heaney, Bells clearing the ball out for a throw high on the right. Hinton on the move with the ball at her feet for Sudbury, closed down by Riggall the ball out for a corner kick. Dropped in near post, Bungay get it out to the top of the area.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

GOAL! Sudbury moving the ball quickly moving in to get the ball back shift it out to the flanks Carpenter in the corner with Edwards the cross flashed in near post, Nagib running in on the keeper, both missing it the ball rolling on straight to Newcombe central a yard out to poke home from close range for her 2nd of the game 5-0.

Sudbury adding to their lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half a strong start pressing the ball. Jeffery getting onto the ball racing on left wing drives into the area, Purling tracking her all the way lunging in to tackle sending the ball out for a corner kick. The corner played in from the left, Megan Edwards not quite able to pick out Nagib top of the area, Bell getting it away for Bungay.

Saddington seeing the ball played into her as the pitch suddenly opens up before her running forwards her cross swung in from deep cut out by Hinton. Bungay making their first change on 56 minutes bringing off Turner up top sending on Lila Eden. Bell winning the ball top of the area for Bungay sending it on for Rose attack, battling with Aliyat to get in behind comes away with the ball shooting from all of 25 yards out her strike straight at Carter who saves comfortably.

Bungay stirred into life looking to get players out from the back relieve the pressure on their defence, Bell on for Purling getting forwards on the right, Aliyat coming across to put in the tackle the ball out for a corner kick. The ball swung into the six yard box half cleared as Jeffery goes to attack it near post with Rowland, falling to Bell outside the area right of goal, strikes the ball back in seeing it race wide past the far post.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Aliyat picking up the first card of the game after bringing down Purling on the right as Bungy look to up things get after the ball higher up the pitch themselves. The free-kick cleared by Sudbury as it’s floated into the area. Eden snapping in to win the ball in the middle for Bungay into Bell going right, Jeffery closing her down. The game opening up Bungay allowed to get out with the ball Sudbury dropping off a little, opens up the pitch more, Jeffery getting on with the ball left combining with Newcombe but the ball cut into the area, cleared by Storey.

Sudbury’s Jade Barrett (photo credit Nick Flexman)

The game moving into the final half hour Sudbury ringing the changes once again, Rossiter, Allen, Goodwin and Guiver coming back on, Megan Edwards, Bezant, Nagib and Jeffery coming off. Riggall clearing a Sudbury free-kick played into the top of the area by Barrett. Heaney doing well in defence for Bungay cutting out another cross played in from the corner on the left.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Rossiter racing on with the ball on the right touch line sent into the area cleared to the top of the area, Barrett latching onto it outside the D, shifting the ball inside onto her right foot sending a strike over the bar. Bell fouled as she looks to take it on for Bungay. Roos moving out to the right to put the blocking tackle in on Allen as she drives into the box from the right for Sudbury. A different feel about the game now, more open Sudbury ringing the changes, Bungay looking to get hold of the ball higher, Eden moving in well to close it down Rose ready to burst forwards.

Bungay’s Mia Rose

Bell rushing in to close Carpenter down as she brings the ball inside from the left into the D. Rossiter away on the right cutting a cross back to the top corner of the area, Goodwin 20 yards out taking on the shot firing over the bar. Rossiter right feeding the ball into Allen’s path as she drives into the area right of goal, Heaney in to challenge well the ball turned behind for a corner. Curled into the area the ball knocked in cleared off the line out off the area to the left of the D, Carpenter striking it pulls her attempt wide of the left post.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Into the final 20 minutes, Aliyat coming off at the back for Sudbury, with Jeffery returning to the pitch. Bungay making a change too with Purling coming off, Molly Webb sent on. Saddington looking to get on with the ball chopped down in the middle. The ball out to Bell coming right linking up with Webb and Edan as Bungay look to get into the area the ball into the top of the box cleared into midfield.

GOAL! Rowland getting onto the end of a loose pass for Bungay sending the ball into the left wing for Saddington to attack, charging in behind turning into the area, from the angle drills a powerful shot past the keeper into the bottom corner, to see Bungay grab themselves a goal at Portman Road 5-1.

(Hazel Saddington pulls a goal back for Bungay (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay responding well to conceding a 5th goal early in the 2nd half have showed no fear looking to get forwards the game opened up Sudbury looking to use the space to their advantage too as they press right side Barrett on for Allen, Riggall getting across her path to see the ball back to Pearce. Eden making an impact for Bungay snapping after the ball in the middle, giving Rose something to feed on as she looking to provide some probing runs left and right.

Sudbury overload the right side Rossiter taking the ball on the overlap squaring it back inside to Hinton right of the D, flashes a shot in low towards the near post Pearce across her line to save knocking it behind for a corner kick. Played into the middle of the box Bungay look to launch a counter attack, Barrett in to win the ball back for Sudbury putting it forwards into Goodwin who sends her strike from range onto the roof of the net.

Heaney moving in to tackle top of the area the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box from the right missed by Pearce over her but Rowland is back on the line to head off the line and makes a 2nd block as the rebound it turned back in on goal. Storey coming off for Bungay with Maddie Flatman coming on as the game enters the final 6 minutes. A competitive 2nd half.

Sudbury keen to develop their young players using the final to enhance that football experience Allen on for Rossiter right side Riggall getting help from Roos as she races to the by-line the ball cleared for a throw in the corner. Goodwin lining up another strike from range her shot coming in under the bar Pearce up to save, landing behind her looks to be in for a minute, but no reaction, is actually behind the net turned over the bar by the keeper. Taken short on the right the cross from deep going long past the far post.

Riggall racing back to track Rossiter’s run blocking her cross, Bungay look to get on the attack with Eden and Bell through the middle but the final ball not finding Rose. Carpenter coming into the middle seeing her 20 yards strike blocked inside the box turned away to the right, Riggall then blocking to cross. Sudbury pushing for a goal late on attacking right an angled shot smashing down off the bar bouncing up inside the six yard box, Penny racing in central can’t get enough onto as she glances it over the top.

Riggall coming off for Bungay in the closing stages with Sofia Serghiou coming on a left back. Into added time Sudbury with a corner on the right, dropping over everyone at the near post comes at Allen unexpectedly doesn’t get hold of her header sending it wide past the far post.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 5-1 Bungay Town Ladies

  Full time and Sudbury win the game to successfully retain the Suffolk Women’s County Cup, 3 wins in the past 4 seasons to lift the trophy. A dominant first half the game effectively won in the opening half hour with 3 goals scored, putting Bungay’s defence under pressure getting players forwards moving the ball well. Ringing the changes adding a 4th goal before half-time. Bungay with little opportunity to get forwards themselves with as good break late in the half. Sudbury out of the traps fast too in the 2nd half to add a 5th goal. Bungay responded well prepared to give it a go themselves as Sudbury dropped off allowing the pitch to open up Bungay battling for the ball putting Saddington through on the left to fire in a goal. Defended resolutely throughout Pearce a good shot stopper with some vital saves, Sudbury coming close to adding further goals but Bungay pleased to hold them to a 1-1 in the 2nd period.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season, it’s a tough one as is more often the case but sticking with my original pick on the night. Great performances from both sides. In truth had to single out a Bungay player as they all played their part in a spirited performance looking to be in danger of getting over run responded well 2nd half prepared to take on their opponents get the ball forwards. Fran Heaney with a strong defensive display getting her blocks in and winning the ball. Captain Charnelle Riggall ran herself into the ground working hard at left back blocking crosses and trying to limit balls into the box. Abi Bell covering the ground box to box 2nd half looking to get Bungay something positive from the game. Hazel Saddington scoring at Portman Road worked hard to try and provide an outlet throughout the game despite the constant threat posed by Sudbury. Sudbury in turn with a fluid performance getting players on shifting the ball well winning it back quickly and had players constantly looking for openings. Ellie Rossiter composed and patient reading the game at the back 1st half adding to the attacking threat 2nd half. Sophie Jeffery got up and down the pitch well throughout winning the ball setting up attacks. Jess Allen making some great attacking runs. Megan Edwards with some great passes. The award though goes to midfielder Maisie Goodwin opening the scoring was hugely influential at the start of the game setting the tone winning the ball and keeping Sudbury on the front foot.

AFC Sudbury Women 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulation to AFC Sudbury Women on successfully retaining the Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

Last game of a long season completed and I can tell you I’m ready for a rest, the new season won’t be long in coming of course and I know it never really stops. Another great evening out a Portman Road, My thanks to both teams for their help this evening, The staff at Ipswich and Suffolk FA too, much appreciated. Thanks to Nick Flexman for letting me use some of his pictures in the report. Followed both sides some tie now and looking forwards to seeing how both progress into the new season.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Bacton United 89 Ladies v Halesworth Town Women

Wednesday 21st May

Suffolk Women’s League Plate Final

Heading back into Suffolk this Wednesday evening to watch the final of a brand new competition, the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate. Between two sides making their debut on Women’s Football East too, Bacton United 89 Ladies versus Halesworth Town Women.

A new competition in Suffolk as they join other league around the East to introduce a secondary league trophy to join the League Cup. Tried to get it up and running last season, but have succeeded this time around featuring the sides from the Suffolk Women’s Championship, knocked out in the early rounds of the League Cup itself, another opportunity for clubs to compete and lift silverware.

A shiny new trophy for the Suffolk League Plate final, who will be the 1st captain to lift it?

The Suffolk Women’s football league expanding to two divisions in recent seasons, a 7 strong Premiership and an 11 strong Championship below. The women’s game growing and Suffolk working to build two strong leagues. The Championship competitive at the top this season, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies top for a long period, eventually beaten to the title by Ramsey & Mistley Ladies to the title. A good showing too from this evenings opponents with Bacton United 89 Ladies recording a 3rd place finish and Halesworth Town Ladies fourth.

Bacton United 89 Ladies, with a much improved 2nd season playing in the Suffolk Women’s Championship since the club reformed it’s women’s side the season before. That debut campaign proving tough finishing 2nd bottom, have recruited to bolster the squad adding useful experience and have pushed on this season, getting the unexpected opportunity to compete in a final after their opponents beating them in the semi-final were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.

Bacton have plenty of goal scorers within the side having added some useful experience this season. Amelia Deuchers is leading the goal scoring charts for Bacton firing home 12 goals from her 12 matches so far. Porscha Rampley netting 8 from her 13 matches. Kirsten Spooner has 7 from her 10 appearances, Amy Kerry with 6 goals and Georgia Huggins and Clara Harper has 5 each.

Halesworth Town Women coming to the end of their 5th season, with a vastly improved performance this campaign recording their highest ever league finish, in 4th spot. That after a number of season’s struggling at the bottom of the league. Have stuck at it and the perseverance has paid off, following a strong performance in the Suffolk Women’s Championship getting to their first cup final. Have had to be patient, the original final called off with just 2 days notice, but have kept their focus.

 Assembling a strong squad with several having a wealth of experience playing across Norfolk and Suffolk. Jodie Ellie leading the goal scoring charts having scored 14 goals to date. Lucy Robbens also into double figures having netted 10 times. Louise Nichols and Elisha Bower with 8 goals each. 

Road to the Final

  Bacton United 89 Ladies receiving a bye in the first round of the League Plate, Halesworth Town Ladies were on the road taking on Ipswich Valley Rangers Ladies. Elisha Bower netting a brace in the game along with a goal from Louise Nichols to secure a 3-0 win.

 Moving into the quarter finals, Bacton were at home taking on new side, Saxmundham Sports Ladies, a close match Bacton edging it 2-1 at half-time going onto win the game 3-2 to advance to the semi-finals, with Porscha Rampley, Daisy Ross and Kirsten Spooner all getting a goal. Halesworth also at home in the last 8 taking on Alresford Colne Rangers Ladies. another close score line, goals from Bower and Jodie Ellis sealing a 2-1 win.

 Into the last 4 of the League Plate, Bacton were away taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies Development, a tight game a single goal settling it unfortunately for Bacton it went against them. Brantham though penalised eventually for fielding an ineligible player removed from the competition 2 days before the original final, Bacton reinstated suddenly offered an opportunity to play for the trophy. Halesworth with a tough draw in their semi-final taking on title contenders, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies, had home advantage however the tie hard fought the pair drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes to see the game go to extra-time, Halesworth scoring the winner to take it 3-2 reach their first ever final along with Bacton.

 Intriguing to see how the routes to the final effect thing’s Halesworth having been long prepared for the final, Bacton having a late invitation to complete, the league matches between the too promising a competitive contest with plenty of goals, having drawn 3-3 at Bacton, Halesworth winning 4-3 at home.

 Stowmarket Town FC the venue for this evenings plate final, literally just off and over looked by the A14 a large carpark leading to the clubhouse housing the Stowmarket Community Sports & Social Hub. Beyond that the ground itself, a neat layout. The large grass pitch well used looking a little bobbly in places. The bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot food and drink. A small seated stand opposite the dugouts with standing viewing all round. Has a nice fell about it, Stowmarket Town having been flirting with the setting up a women’s side themselves, hosted one of the County Cup semi-finals too recently between Bungay Town Ladies & Sudbury Sports Women. The weather set fair again, bright ad sunny, a little chance of rain, the sun setting in one corner.

Bacton United 89 Ladies starting XI – Emily Higgins, Daisy Ross, Kaira Hazelton, Chloe Strachan, Kirsten Spooner, Kirstie Turner, Almudena Cobos, Cherie Harper, Krystal Monaghan, Georgia Huggins (C), & Amelia Deuchars. Subs – Sienna Brinkley, Charlotte Long, Charlotte White, Simona Bieniauskaite & Amy Kerry.

Bacton United 89 Ladies

Halesworth Town Women starting XI – Harriet Cotton, Zoe Lamb, Alicia Hall, Elisha Maher, Erin Galer, Laura Leggett, Faith Foster (C), Lucy Hood, Louise Nichols, Lucy Robbens & Jodie Ellis. Subs – Elisha Bower, Lily Whitehand, Joscelyn Foster, Erin Ruffles & Olivia Foster.

Halesworth Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Extra-time and penalties if required.

Captain’s Georgia Huggins and Faith Foster with this evenings match officials

  With the sun setting behind the ground potentially affecting one goal, there is a change of ends with Halesworth moving to have the sun at their backs attacking during the first 45. Bacton with the kick-off first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. Halesworth lined up opposite wearing back and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle lifted out to the left channel with Amelia Deuchars, but Halesworth centre back, Elisha Maher gets in front of the bouncing ball to shield it back to her keeper Harriet Cotton.

  Both sides after the ball in the middle popping back and forth, Halesworth’s Laura Leggett lifting a high ball on into the right wing for Louise Nichols to attack, looks to be a pacy player darting forwards, Kirsten Spooner from the middle of defence for Bacton racing out to close her down to tackle play the ball out. Halesworth pushed up on the right with a throw, Zoe Lamb linking up with Lucy Robbens, who turns to drive into the box, Spooner coming to close her down. 

Bacton’s Kirsten Spooner

  Snapping after the ball it is hotly contested neither side getting an advantage, Kaira Hazelton on the left at the back for Bacton getting hold of the ball sending it up the line for Deuchars to chase, looks to get on down the wing, Lamb close in her along with Maher preventing the cross. Alicia Hall getting hold of the ball for Halesworth on the left wing charging on from full back, Daisy Ross getting on shoulder as she drives forwards, putting a foot in to turn the ball out for a throw.

  Jodie Ellis, top of the D for Halesworth, looking to drag the ball into her from the right in behind her marker, Ross stabbing out a boot nicking it from the striker launching it up field. Captain, Georgia Huggins lifting the ball on through the middle with Almudena Cobos and Deuchars surging forwards through the middle, Cotton out quickly to the top of her area to grab hold of the ball.

 Nichols looks to have pace to burn on the right for Halesworth the ball fed into her on the diagonal by captain Faith Foster in midfield, Nichols looking to get away from Hazelton, Spooner coming across on the cover to close her down. Uneven bounce as the ball if hoisted forwards, wrong footing more than one player. Spooner at the back getting her head on a high ball sent on through the middle by Halesworth. 

Bacton’s, Kaira Hazelton

 Bacton goalkeeper, Emily Huggins wearing baseball cap to combat the setting sun comes rushing out of her area to clear as Halesworth look to play a high ball on for Nichols in behind through the middle. Emily Huggins sharp throwing out a hand top save turn the ball wide into her side netting for a corner kick on the left as the shot comes in from that side on the angle. The corner turned into the box near side defended, seen out for a goal kick.

Halesworth’s Laura Leggett

  Leggett in to close the ball down centrally for Halesworth lifting a diagonal ball out to the right for Nichols racing away to the by-line, Spooner powering on to close her down, challenging gets the goal-kick. Frantic at times Bacton moving in to close the ball down play compact as players cluster to the ball. Georgia Huggins getting hold of the ball with a powerful run through the middle, Deuchars going with her, Elisha Maher with the blocking tackle to prevent either getting into the box.

Halesworth defender, Elisha Maher

  Emily Huggins kick out from her box going astray falling straight at Robbens 30 yards out to the right of the goal, hooks it back in toward goal, looks to be going in one the bounce over the keeper, not getting near it as it loops up over her and comes down off the crossbar before being scrambled away to the right. Kirstie Turner through the middle for Bacton fired on for Cobos, looks to try and feed it through for Deuchars breaking in behind the Halesworth defence, onside, Cotton comes racing out of her area to put her foot through the ball plays it straight at Galer the ball striking the defender but spinning away to safety on the left, cleared by Hall.

  Nichols moving over to the left attacking with Hall coming on in support players from both sides tracking back into the Bacton area, the cross coming in cut out initially by Spooner back out wide another cross blasted into the box won by Cherie Harper this time the rebound falling to Ellis inside the D, her strike, blocked by Harper. 

 Georgia Huggins taking the ball on for Bacton into the right channel, cutting it back inside for Cobos she puts it back out wide for the onrushing Ross who hooks a high diagonal ball up into the area, Cotton up well at her near post to lay claim to the ball.

Halesworth goalkeeper, Harriet Cotton

  Halesworth getting a throw high on the right the ball dropped into Robbens 25 yards out turns to shot from the corner of the area, flashing a shot over the Bacton crossbar. Halesworth lively Hall quickly from left back having Nichols ahead of her keeping Ross busy, the Bacton full back holding Nichols up she rolls it back to Hall to cross in central for Robbens 25 yards out attempts to drag the ball across her turn into a shot, Spooner going with the ball lunging in to win it back for Bacton.

 Chloe Strachan, needing to defend as Halesworth’s Lucy Hood sends the ball forwards for Robbens to chase central, the defender going with turning the ball behind for a corner kick. Put in short played back to Robbens on the left from the angle sends a shot in to the near post Emily Huggins having it covered down low to save. 

Halesworth’s Lucy Hood

Spooner busy at the back for Bacton winning the ball well, chests a high ball down into her feet, sends it forwards for Harper looking to make a left channel run, drives forwards Maher coming to close her down preventing the cross. Spooner over a Bacton free-kick lifts it up top into Krystal Monaghan moving through the middle turns the ball out to Harper left side, her cross into the area, blocked by Maher, then Harper is penalised as she handles the rebound.

 Certainly a close contest can see the competitiveness between the sides, Halesworth looking the sharper going forwards with their pace on the flank. Nichols brought down as she gets on the charge wide left, captain Faith Foster to curl the ball into the box, the header won by Bacton’s Monaghan. Turner sending the ball on through the middle into the path of Cobos left of the D, powering on has Lamb on her shoulder as she pulls the trigger from 20 yards out the ball racing wide of the left post.

Bacton’s Almudena Cobos

  Spooner diving in to tackle Ellis inside the D as she looks to control a Foster ball into her feet. Half an hour played, Spooner winning another ball at the back coming left to lift it up the line for Deuchars, dropping her shoulder comes inside to shoot on the angle the ball rising on target but saved comfortably by Cotton. Foster sending the ball out to Nichols on the left, Ross getting a toe on the ball to turn it behind for a corner. In near side back out to the left, Ellis with Robbens the cross put low into the six yard box claimed by Huggins. 

Halesworth captain, Faith Foster

 Bacton making a change, Cobos coming off with Amy Kerry coming on to join the attack. Lamb wins the header at the back for Halesworth as Turner looks to put a diagonal pass into Deuchars breaking down the left. Galer coming in to close Monaghan down to win the ball at the back for Halesworth putting it forwards into Nichols left flank onside she whips a cross in central for Robbens outside the D seeing the ball across her shoots pulling her effort narrowly wide of Huggins’ left post. 

 Lamb defending for Halesworth at the back as Ross right side plays a diagonal pass on for Harper making a run into the left channel, Lamb seeing the ball back safely to her keeper. 

  GOAL! Bacton with the ball on the right pushing players on Monaghan up with Georgia Huggins the ball slipped on through the right into Kerry to charge into the area power her way in towards goal and smash a powerful drive past the keeper into the back of the net to fire Bacton into the the lead 1-0.

Amy Kerry off the bench firing Bacton into the lead

 Bacton opening the scoring in the league Plate final with 7 minutes left to play in the first half. Bacton pressing the ball well right side Monaghan taking it infield, Galer tackling to stop her picking out Kerry central. The ball lifted on for Robbens right side awkward to control skipping up over the attacker, Spooner beyond her up to head the ball knocking it on behind her, recovers quickly to clear as Robbens looks to steal into the box.

 A competitive end to the 1st half Halesworth looking to get forwards Foster up with Hood the ball out to Nichols on the left flank in behind, Strachan getting a foot on the ball but Nichols keeping it lifting a shot straight into the keepers gloves, the flag has gone up for offside though. 

Half-time Bacton United 89 Ladies 1-0 Halesworth Town Women

 Bacton taking the lead late on in the first half carrying a narrow advantage into the changing rooms as she two sides head in for the half-time interval. A lively first half the ball rarely still, Halesworth looknig a threat going forwards, with pace in Nichols out wide. Bacton defending well through the middle, Spooner winning her fair share of the ball. Bacton making a change as they build a bit of momentum in the final 3rd slipping Amy Kerry on into the box to fire them into the lead. Still all to play for 2nd half.

  Both sides out early keen to get on with the game, Bacton making 2 changes at the start of the 2nd period, Sienna Brinkley coming on in defence for Hazelton, with Cobos back on for Monaghan. Halesworth to get the 2nd half underway the ball lifted on up the right but charged down sent back into the middle clipped up into the top of the area with Lamb bursting on up the left but Emily Huggins is out smartly to the top of her area to catch the ball.

  Nichols back on the right for Halesworth on the move down the wing as Robbens spins the ball out to her feet, striking the shot on the angle, Huggins is down at her near post to see the ball into her gloves. Halesworth looking to get the ball into Nichols as quickly as they can coming forwards, Brinkley cutting out a pass for Bacton into Georgia Huggins central, rolls it on for Deuchars, Galer in to challenge for Halesworth. 

Halesworth’s Erin Galer

 Ross getting hold of the ball for Bacton making a strong run into the middle, Hall coming in to close her down with a strong tackle, too strong from the referee’s liking a free-kick awarded, Ross hurt in need of treatment but will be okay to continue.

 GOAL! Turner over the set-piece just inside the Halesworth half to the right outside the centre circle. Running onto the ball strikes it well sending a high ball angling up and down into the opposition area looking to be attacked, balls have taken a wicked bounce all game and this one see’s the ball bounce up off the surface in front of the keeper, with spin taking it high over her head and on into he goal beyond, 2-0.

Kirstie Turner’s free-kick sending Bacton into a 2 goal lead

 Bacton doubling their lead within 5 minutes of the restart. Halesworth making a change breaking off Ellis in attack, sending Elisha Bower on. Ross getting hold of the ball at the back right side for Bacton sending in on through the middle for Harper to glance on for Kerry in attack her first touch a little too heavy seeing the ball run away on her into the area, Cotton rushing onto hit to scoop up the ball.

GOAL! Halesworth pushing players on through the middle, Bower up with Foster central 20 yards out she strikes the ball Spooner blocking the ball taking a deflection off, Strachan out beyond sending it out to the right inside the area, Nichols rushing in on the angle driving the ball past the keeper into the back of the net running away in celebration 2-1.

Louise Nichols pulling a goal back for Halesworth

 Halesworth getting a goal back soon after conceding a 2nd a good response to reduce the deficit back to a single goal. Nichols taking the ball on right side for Halesworth powering pass Brinkley, Spooner darting in to tackle as she gets across on the cover. Galer with a good had on the ball as Bacton look to get Deuchars on the move left channel. 

Bacton’s Cherie Harper

 Emily Huggins getting out to the edge of her area reading the threats as Halesworth probe left and right, moving out rapidly to stop the ball at the feet of Nichols as she races on right side. Harper dragging the inside as she turns on the right clipping it into Kerry top of the D, Maher getting a foot on the ball for Halesworth, allowing Hall to launch it clear. Nichols full of running right side cutting in on the angle to blast a fierce ball in on goal, for a moment it looked like it had gone in, but instead narrowly wide, a corner signalled, Huggins with a faint touch on the ball. 

Bacton captain, Georgia Huggins

 Halesworth’s corners rarely getting much distance Bacton deal with in near side. Make another change soon after with Monaghan coming back on to replace, Strachan which sees Turner drop deeper. Foster on the turn central laying the ball out to Nichols on the right, Emily Huggins ever alert racing out to the top of her area to get down to gather up the ball.

Bacton goalkeeper, Emily Huggins

 Huggins the busier of the two goal keepers, Nichols taking the ball on right wing sending in early into the middle for Bower to run onto 20 yards out, slipping as she goes to pull the trigger, the low ball nevertheless coming in at Huggins with pace the keeper with a sharp save getting down behind the ball to save turn it away to the right.

 20 minutes gone in the 2nd half Halesworth getting forwards well, Bower lively since coming on winning a free-kick out wide as she is brought down on the right by Monaghan. The set-piece swept into the top of the six yard box, it’s Monaghan who defends it heading the ball clear. 

 

  Bacton tiring Turner pushing the ball into the middle for Cobos, who turns looks for Kerry up top, Galer cutting out the pass for Halesworth. Turner winning the header at the back as Foster looks to chip the ball on for Bower. Another vital win by Turner moments later as Leggett attempts to find Nichols looking to run in behind on the right with the diagonal pass.

Bacton’s Daisy Ross

Deuchars putting a long range strike wide on the angle from the left as Kerry helps the ball on though middle for Bacton. Spooner running onto a loose ball at the back carrying in on into midfield for Bacton, runs into Hall who comes away with the ball leaving Spooner on the turf, staying down hurt looks to be cramping up, has put a lot into the game as Bacton work hard to hold onto their lead. Make a change with Harper coming off, Charlotte White coming on .

 Turner in to close Nichols down as she makes a run into the left wing the ball out for a throw. The throw put inside for Bower central top of the D, shoots on the turn the ball skipping in towards goal dipping in front of the keeper, Huggins reacting quickly to get a glove on it turn it away to her left behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! The box crowded as Bower fires a longer ball in central, Monaghan to defend clearing the ball to the top of the area, Robbens latching onto it firing a driving shot in on goal, through bodies Huggins down quickly to save turning the ball away to the left, wide, Bower getting hold of it the angle acute puts her foot through the ball, a shot or a cross? Fired into the near post with venom is inside it past the keeper before she can react as Bower races for the halfway line in celebration getting Halesworth back on level terms. 2-2.

Elisha Bower levelling the scores for Halesworth

Halesworth getting back level to make it 2-2 with a little under 15 minutes to play. Are the ones asking the questions as we move into the latter stages of the contest. White getting back to defend as Hall looks to take the ball on left side. Hood coming on with the ball for Halesworth moving right looking to link up with Nichols exchanging passes the return ball to Hood in the box cut out by Bacton’s Spooner. The defender carrying the ball out from the back looking to get Bacton on the attack sends it on through for Kerry in attack, the pass over hit through to the keeper. 

Bacton’s Krysta Monaghan

 Spooner fouled as she goes in to win the ball back in midfield, down hurt again her legs cramping up. Winning the free-kick on halfway the ball with Turner sent on to the top of the area, headed clear by Halesworth. Spooner stretching to get the ball back as Halesworth look to counter with Robbens on for Hood through the middle. Lifted on for Kerry out to the left, the ball intercepted by Galer. 

 Emily Huggins saving at the near post as Nichols sends a shot in from deep on the right. Huggins getting out to the edge of her area smartly sliding in to save at Nichols feet as Robbens attempts to slide the ball into her from a central position. Hood coming off for Halesworth, Erin Ruffles coming on with the final moving into the last 5 minutes.

GOAL! Halesworth sending the ball out to Nichols on the right wing drops her shoulder cutting infield to break across the top of the area strikes the ball, her shot blocked by Ross, the rebound running back into Robbens central 25 yards out gets hold of the shot putting her foot through the ball to send a low drive arrowing in at goal through everyone before they can react and finds the back of the net to send Halesworth into the lead 3-2!

Lucy Robbens striking for fire Halesworth into the lead

 A complete turn around from Halesworth, trailed 2-0 early in the 2nd half coming back to score 3 goals to lead 3-2 with a little under five minutes left. A huge blow to Bacton, who have put a huge amount into defending their lead. Spooner in particular feeling it her calves tight. Maher defending a high ball at the back for Halesworth. Turner looking to get on into the middle for Bacton with the ball at her feet threaded through to Kerry outside the box to the right of goal, Hall in to win the ball back for Halesworth. 

  Spooner coming over to defend against Ruffles as she comes on with the ball on Halesworth’s left. Spooner taking the ball on for Bacton tackled by Robbens, tried to release Nichols coming inside from the right, Emily Huggins out quickly to the top of her area to get hold of the ball. Charlotte Long on for Bacton late on with Kerry giving way. Huggins in the Bacton goal with a superb double save Nichols finding Bower inside the box central her shot blocked by Huggins as she goes to ground in front of her, the ball pushed away to the left Nichols rushing in on the follow up, the Bacton keeper up sharply to dive in save at her feet.

 Lamb off for Halesworth, Joscelyn Foster coming on. Nichols on the left now pushing on to try and get into the box riding a coupe of tackles Ross getting a timely foot in to deflect the ball away, Faith Foster looking to get hold of the loose ball fouled outside the box winning Halesworth a free-kick. Bower 20 yards out over it floating a ball in towards goal, Huggins turning it behind for a corner kick. 

 The clock ticking down Halesworth looking to keep the ball in the corner. Bower driving inside pushing to get into the box, Cobos tackling for Bacton, try to get it upfield to the left half cleared, Deuchars looking to get hold of it but the ball into the box, a little heavy allowing Cotton to claim it. Halesworth with the ball up the right end of the pitch with seconds left to play an angled ball in from the right beat down by Huggins at her left post. The final whistle blowing soon after Halesworth celebrate as they win the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate.

Full time Bacton United 89 Ladies 2-3 Halesworth Town Women

 Halesworth trailing at the break conceding a 2nd goal early in the 2nd half but responded well getting players forwards asking the questions coming up against keeper pulling off some fantastic saves got a goal back quickly putting the pressure on to go on and score the equaliser and as their opponents tired when on to fire home the winning goal in the final 5 minutes. The stronger side 2nd half was a compelling final between two evenly matched sides, Halesworth’s pace on the flanks a threat all match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders with both sides having a couple of strong candidates. A competitive game no doubt as the previous results proved. For Bacton, goalkeeper, Emily Huggins pulled of some tremendous saves keeping her side in the game for a long period, read the threats well getting out to the top of her area rapidly. Defender Kirsten Spooner covered the ground across the backline getting across to win the ball, block and intercept ran herself into the ground. Kirstie Turner winning the ball in the middle dropping deeper 2nd half passing well. Daisy Ross at full back getting in her fair share of tackles. For Halesworth, Elisha Bower made a huge impact coming on in the 2nd half taking the game to Bacton getting her side back on level terms. Elisha Maher with a number of crucial interceptions at the back. So to fellow centre back Erin Galer who won the ball throughout. Lucy Robbens getting into some great positions none more so than the one to score the winning goal. The award goes to Louise Nichols, her pace and driving runs with the ball at her feet causing Bacton problems all evening. A ready outlet for the midfield and defence never stopped running.

Halesworth Town Women, 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s League Plate winners

 Congratulations to Halesworth Town Women on winning the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate.

 Another enjoyable final from Suffolk, a new competition good to see more sides get the opportunity to play for silverware. My thanks to both sides for their assistance this evening and the leagues committee members for their help. Two new sides to watch but I knew more players that I realised (been doing this for a long time). Almost done two games left. 

by Darren Gilham