Tag Archives: Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Holland Ladies v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Friday 26th April

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final

The end of season finals come thick and fast now with 3 this weekend across the East, starting with a Friday evening trip to Needham Market to watch the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final, between, Holland Ladies and Brantham Athletic Ladies.

An accomplishment in itself to get this season’s women showpiece final even played with the league itself in doubt at the the start of the season with a new look committee working hard to hastily get thing’s organised and strive on throughout the campaign to get the games played. Under the circumstances a tremendous effort with the women’s section growing in terms of numbers a 7 strong Premiership and 14 strong Championship below with a close contest to see who will emerge out on top in both leagues. This evening the climax of the League Cup campaign.

Holland Ladies beating Woodbridge Town Ladies to win their 1st piece of silverware at the end of 2021/22 season. Woodbridge Town Ladies reaching as successive League Cup final last time out going on to beat Brantham Athletic Ladies. Now Brantham Athletic have repeated that feat knocking out Woodbridge along the way as they meet Holland in the final.

This evening’s prize.

Holland Ladies getting all the way to the League Cup final despite a tough 2nd half to the season where they have been short on players and looking to bolster their squad. Jasmine Cox a prolific goal scorer throughout her career, now player manager. Have done well despite being able to field a bare 11 at times. Retain a strong core of talented players more than capable of beating anyone on their day. Currently 4th in the league have fallen away in the title battle despite scoring plenty of goals. Cox herself the top scorer not only for her club but the league itself, way out in front with 35 goals from 15 appearances. Sennen Gregory and Charlotte Warren both have 7 apiece with captain Lauren Lucas and Charlotte Robertson on 6 each.

Brantham Athletic Ladies know what it’s like to be short on players, struggling the season before last at the wrong end of the league. Brought in Daniel Claxton in November of that season to help out with the coaching help turn their fortunes around and as they got a few more players in results started to improve and with it a run all the way to the League Cup final. 12 months on and fortunes are very different the club in a strong position at the top of the table for much of the season, defending champions Stowupland Falcons Women their fiercest rival a point behind now with the two sides having one more crucial match coming up on Tuesday evening. Have exchanged blows in the cup’s too, with Stowupland knocking Brantham Athletic out of the County Cup in the semi-finals, Brantham Athletic returning the favour in the League Cup. Another large influx of players, several with vast experience from the now folded Brettvale side have formed a new Development team this season playing in the Championship. Stacey Teager the leading goal scorer, netting 14 goals so far this season. Tarnya McKew returning after a serious injury at the end of last season, has 10 goals for Brantham. With Laura Tuley, Chloe Wilson and M’Leah Wright all with 8 goals.

Road to the Final

Holland with a bye in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Brantham were at home taking on Championship newcomers, Coplestonians Ladies. Their captain, Lucy Dunnett on target for a hat-trick in the game with Chloe Wilson coring a brace and M’Leah Wright also on target in a 6-0 win.

Onto the 2nd Round both sides racking up the goals. Holland away to newly Ipswich Vale Exiles Ladies newly promoted to the Premiership. Jasmine Cox finding the back of the net for 3 goals. Charlotte Warren bagging a brace too, with Megan Joy, Charlotte Robertson, Libby Batten, Olivia Dowsett and Sennen Gregory all scoring in an 11-1 victory. Brantham were taking on their new development side in the 2nd round, showed no mercy as they too won by double figures Megan Stock and M’Leah Wright scoring a brace each with goals too for Dunnett, Laura Tuley, Rebecca Prime and Sophie Crabtree final score 10-0.

Into the quarter finals, Holland at home to Championship side, Ramsey & Mistley Ladies. Cox, Lucas and Joy all firing home a brace in another double figure win, 10-0 the final score with Warren, Gregory, Joy and Dowsett all on target too. Brantham taking on Woodbridge at home the current League Cup holders, going into the break leading 3-1, Brantham added a 4th goal in the 2nd half to reach the semi-final. Tuley bagging herself a brace with Chloe Wilson and Kirby Seward also scoring.

The semi-finals, tighter affairs. Holland with a depleted squad for their match with just 9 available as they travelled to Championship newcomer and league challengers, Capel Plough Women. Despite their lack of numbers Holland’s quality won through with Cox on the score sheet for 2 more goals, Lucas also scoring in a 3-1 win. Brantham away taking on rivals Stowupland a single goal enough to settle it scored by Tarnya McKew to send Brantham into their 2nd successive final.

This evening’s final being played at Needham Market FC’s Bloomfield’s ground. Have visited their to watch the women play on their 3G pitch and always though I’d like to see a game played on the grass pitch beyond. Both pitches overlooked by the The Hub, Café & Bar with a balcony on either side. The grass pitch a good size with a seated stand on one side and terracing behind one goal with viewing all round. The weather good, still after a bright but chilly day. No rain likely a few clouds around the sun beginning to set as the teams walked out onto the pitch.

Holland Ladies

Holland Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Warren, Alisha Blake, Rianne Dimmock, Hannah Campbell, Ellie Grafton, Lauren Lucas (C), Libby Batten, Lauren Bourne, Olivia Dowsett, Jasmine Cox & Sennen Gregory. Subs – Alison Warren.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Daisy Gibbs, Aimee Berry, Merlin Watson, Shannan Hill, Kirby Seward, Lucy Dunnett (C), Rachel White, Emmi Dennett, Tarnya McKew, Chloe Wilson & Stacey Teager. Subs – Shannon Giles, Issey Bines, Rebecca Prime, Sophie Crabtree & M’Leah Wright.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Holland with a small squad again or this evenings final naming a starting 11 plus one substitute, that a goalkeeper having kick-off in the 1st half wearing orange coloured shirts and socks with black shorts. Brantham with a full squad naming 5 on the bench lined up opposite wearing their all navy blue kit. The ball played back to Olivia Dowsett in the middle goes back to her defence, Rianne Dimmock retaining possession before giving the ball to Hannah Campbell on her right to play long up the right channel, Merlin Watson dealing with the threat for Brantham.

Brantham’s, Merlin Watson

Watson looking to bring the ball on release Tarnya McKew on the left flank, hustled by Campbell the ball out of play for a Holland throw. taken the right played forwards into Libby Batten on the right channel looking to progress into the area, Kirby Seward across making the tackling to send the ball behind for a corner kick. The in swinging delivery headed out of the area to the right, Aimee Berry over on that side defending the resulting throw.

Holland looking to press the ball in the Brantham half, coming back to captain Lauren Lucas she opens up her body attempting a threaded pass into the box for Sennen Gregory coming in off the left, the pass too square easily gathered by Brantham goalkeeper, Daisy Gibbs. Ellie Grafton with a strong challenge to stop Brantham launching a counter through the middle with Emmi Bennett making a run out wide on the right.

Holland’s Ellie Grafton

Brantham win a free-kick deep on the right, captain, Lucy Dunnett to deliver in across the top of the area, met by Seward 20 yards out gets up to head the ball goal wards, an ambitious attempt, hasn’t the power or height to trouble Holland’s goalkeeper, Charlotte Warren.

Holland getting the ball forwards on the left side play Lauren Bourne on to attack running towards the top of the D with the ball at her feet her run stopped by Seward’s challenge. McKew getting hold of the ball on the left attacking for Brantham, holds it up well 20 yards out waiting for Watson to make the overlapping run the ball fed on for the full back into the corner she cuts it back inside to McKew inside the box left corner, turns and shoots her dipping effort played straight into the goalkeeper’s gloves.

A competitive tussle played at a good pace, Holland looking to press Brantham on the ball, Brantham in turn aiming to stretch their attack, McKew left and Bennett right making strong attacking runs. Gregory taking the ball onto the by-line on the left attacking for Holland her cross charged down by Shannan Hill for Brantham.

Stacey Teager in attack through the middle for Brantham, sees the ball into her feet, held up turns well looking to play the diagonal ball in behind the defence for Bennett bursting on down the right, a little too much on the pass allowing Warren to race out to claim it. A loose pass from Rachel White 30 yards out for Brantham, sees Holland’s Gregory steal in on the ball left of the D powering her way into the area, Seward across quickly to lunge in with the challenge put it out to the left, the resulting cross/shot put over the bar.

Chloe Wilson links up with White as the Brantham pair advance through the middle, White lining up a shot from 25 yards out, charged down by Holland’s Dimmock. Holland working hard at the back to challenge for the ball, Campbell winning it well on the right putting the pass forwards into Jasmine Cox, with a powerful drive forwards she cuts inside running across the top of the D, before getting a down shot away, lacking to pace to trouble Brantham goalkeeper, Daisy Gibbs as she drops to her left getting behind the ball.

Brantham goalkeeper, Daisy Gibbs

Dunnett on another free-kick wide on the right sends it long beyond the far post Warren across her goal taking it on the bounce before McKew can get there, sets her side up for a rapid counter attack Cox taking it on with a determined run on the right wing squaring a pacy cross into the near post Gregory waiting for it attempting to back heel it on, Gibbs behind her pouncing onto the ball.

Holland pushed up in defence as Teager sees the ball into her feet off White, turns to lay the pass in behind on the right channel the flag stays down against Bennett as she breaks clear taking the ball on looking to shoot on the angle, Campbell getting across to stretch and put in the block the ball behind for a corner kick.

The corner played into the near post Grafton getting her head onto it for Holland clearing the ball out to the top of the area falling for McKew left of the D sees it across her striking it as she turns her chipped shot put straight at the keeper.

Cox out on the left now for Holland sends a diagonal ball into the area on the angle for Gregory to attack her run halted by a raised flag however. Cox receiving the squared pass across the top of Brantham’s area look to burst into the box left of goal, Brantham’s defence quickly converging on her to make sure there’s no where to go. Brantham build through the middle White on for McKew making a central run in behind, Warren alert out to the top of her area to clear the danger, the flag up against the attacker though.

Brantham pour numbers on in attack runners into the box as Bennett charges down the right her squared cross running behind Teager at the near post, McKew out left looking to get hold of it, Campbell winning the race to take the ball clear of her area. Campbell clipping the ball on for Holland on the right looking for Gregory as she makes a run into the area from the flank, Gibbs quickly out to close the angle gather the ball into her gloves.

Teager combining with McKew on the left as Brantham build an attack, numbers forwards, Watson taking the ball on on the overlap her cross inside for Wilson central, Dimmock in to close her down for Holland the clearance falling to Dunnett 35 yards out, has a strong shot on her, goes for it her attempt over the bar. Likewise on her set-pieces as Brantham are awarded a free-kick right of the centre circle striking the ball on towards goal, Warren able to get across her six yard box to get hold of it.

Brantham captain, Lucy Dunnett

Cox linking up with Dowsett in attack exchanging passes before Cox let’s fly from 30 yards out her shot driven wide a nick off a defenders boot spotted a corner given. Curled in from the left dropping near post, Brantham scramble it away back to the corner taker on the left, the return ball long past the far post. Holland getting bodies after the ball in the final third pressing the Brantham backline, pops back into the middle for Lucas, attempts to hit a shot in from range, Gibbs has it covered in the Brantham goal.

Holland captain, Lauren Lucas

Bourne receiving the ball into her feet from 25 yards out for Holland drags it out of her feet as she lines up a shot her effort, played straight at the keeper from the right of he D. Teager with the ball at her feet looks to battle her way on through the middle knocked on for Bennett central holding it up as McKew runs across her, the pass when it comes seeing McKew flagged offside. Brantham pushing on in attack, Teager getting hold of the ball, delays her shot, allowing the defend to rush out to put in the block 20 yards out. Dunnett with another free-kick from halfway played into the box, Lucas heading clear for Holland.

GOAL! Brantham’s pressure in attack finally tells as they open the scoring with little more than 10 minutes left in the 1st half, White coming forwards with the ball into the left channel feeding the pass into McKew ack to goal top of the area, seeing the ball into her feet drags it to her right then turns into the strike, sending her chipped shot in on the angle over the keeper to score 0-1.

Tarnya McKew opening the scoring for Brantham.

Holland look for a quick reply to falling a goal down, Lucas from distance with time to line up a shot, looks to hit it up and over the keeper, doesn’t get enough on it however the ball falling into Gibbs’ gloves backs up into her six yard box. Brantham get Bennett on the ball down the right winning a corner kick, put in near side defended by Lucas, Holland look to counter quickly, Cox the outlet in attack on the left drives on with the ball, Hill getting back at her to put in the tackle for Brantham.

Wilson passing the ball out to McKew on the left, is a competitive battle between her and Holland’s Campbell the defender close in preventing her from getting past her. Cox attacking with the ball at her feet from the left checking inside looks to play the one two with Gregory break into the box, Hill and Seward cutting off the space for Brantham.

GOAL! Brantham’s turn to hit Holland on the counter the ball put on quickly through the middle clipped forwards to Bennett breaking in behind clear on the right channel, surging into the area smashes her shot across the keeper to find the back of the net to double the lead 0-2.

Emmi Bennett breaking on from the right flank doubling Brantham’s lead

Holland conceding a 2nd goal late in the first half aim to get straight on the attack Grafton out to Cox on the left 30 yards out drives infield getting a shot away under challenge, the attempted tackle doing enough to take the sting out of the attackers shot see it run harmlessly through to the keeper. Bennett on the counter very nearly through on goal again from the right Warren comes rushing out to close her down can’t get hold of the ball knocked up into the air behind her, can turn and get hold of it on the bounce.

Rachel White winning the header for Brantham

Half-time Holland Ladies 0-2 Brantham Athletic Ladies

The sides head into the changing rooms at half-time with Brantham leading the game 2-0. Getting forwards well pushing numbers on have looked to forceful up top creating chances. Holland though working hard all across the pitch to press the ball prepared to keep a high line to give their attacking players as much opportunity as they can to hustle the ball in the final third. The break through eventually coming with 10 minutes to go in the first half McKew giving Brantham the lead before Bennett broke clear to add a 2nd. The next goal if it comes you’d think has to go to Holland to keep them in the game a lot of effort put into the 1st half and without fresh legs will be interesting to see if they can keep up their determined performance in the 2nd half.

The sides as you were at the start of the 2nd half. Brantham to kick-off the 2nd half defending a 2 goal lead. Look to put the ball long on down the right, Blake dealing with it for Holland. Holland look to get the ball forwards through the middle Lucas on into Bourne right of the D, looks to drive forwards, stopped by Seward for Brantham.

Bennett bringing the ball down on the right fizzes a shot in from distance on the angles, Warren behind it to save for Holland. Holland attacking on the left pushing players on Cox through the middle now the ball back out to the left wing the cross cut back to Lucas 25 yards out sees the ball across her body opening the angle to shot, send in on target running for the bottom corner Gibbs down on her line to smother the ball.

Jasmine Cox with Lauren Lucas

Brantham find McKew on the left, Campbell in to close her down the ball out for a throw in. Controlled and played in central, Wilson with the shot fired over the crossbar. Holland looking to give it a go push Brantham back in defence Gregory playing the ball into the area for Cox to attack left side of the goal, Gibbs out to close the angle down onto the ball.

Holland winning a free-kick out wide on the left 25 yards out Bourne over it angling the ball into the near post, dropping amongst bodies, Brantham manage to scramble it away to the top of the area, Cox getting hold of it right off the D turns inside looking for the opening squeezes her shot away, doesn’t get hold of it though safely gathered by Gibbs. A lively start to the 2nd half.

Pushing on looking to attack Brantham ready to react on the counter the cross-field ball finding Bennett out on the right wing drives on down the line her cross cut back into the area with Teager hanging back to receive it top of the area, Campbell having gone with her for Holland putting in the blocking tackle.

Holland defender, Hannah Campbell

Wilson winning the ball for Brantham centrally feeds the pass on for McKew on the left flank, Campbell a thorn in her side throughout closing in to tackle the ball quickly back with Brantham the cross field pass going out to Bennett on the right her cross/shot struck over. Holland giving it a go attacking down the right Batten with Bourne and Gregory a throw won in the corner the cross worked into the six yard box from the by-line Cox attacking it, Watson clears for Brantham.

Holland’s Libby Batten

All action Brantham wanting a 3rd goal Wilson up to Teager, Dimmock preventing the turn back into Wilson then Seward looking to send McKew on down the left, Campbell fighting back to get possession back for Holland. Dunnett taking the ball forwards playing it on for Wilson who picks out Bennett wide right, Blake in to defend for Holland. Holland determined to push out retain a high line at times allow their forwards the opportunity to get at Brantham’s defence, Cox looking to get hold of the ball when ever she can drive forwards into the box. Seward and Hill needing to close her down.

Brantham defender, Kirby Seward

Cox drives for the area in a race with Seward the defender getting her toe on the ball to take it behind for a corner kick. From the right taken short then back to the taker up the line to sweep the cross into the far post, Berry clearing for Brantham. Campbell aiming to send the ball back into the box with Cox pulling off the defence, Gibbs though can get hold of it first.

Holland keeping their energy levels up pushing forwards, Berry winning the ball on for Dunnett surging on lays the ball out to Bennett on the right, held up lays it back to Dunnett 25 yards out, smashes her strike over the crossbar.

Brantham making their first changes of the game bringing off both Watson and Bennett. Sophie Crabtree and M’Leah Wright joining the attack, Wilson dropping back into the back line on the left. Holland lay the pass out to Bourne pulling left on Wilson, taking the ball on, Seward across to support her teammate run Bourne off the ball.

Blake tackling for Holland as Wright looks to break forwards from McKew’s cross-field pass. Midway through a lively 2nd half both sides pressing for a goal, Warren out smartly to the edge of her area to snatch up the ball as McKew looks to run onto a diagonal ball. Holland on the attack Grafton into Lucas on for Gregory central 20 out picks out Cox to her left taking the ball on whips a pacy cross low into the six yard box, Gibbs gets down well to make the save pushing the ball out and away from Gregory closing in on the follow up.

Holland’s Olivia Dowsett

Campbell unfortunate to give away a handball on the left side as Brantham push players up for the set-piece. Dunnett striking the ball curls her attempt in near post, Warren across to cover the post can see it safely wide. Brantham making another change, Wilson off having gone to left back, Rebecca Prime coming on in that position. The pass clipped on for Crabtree in attack, Blake getting in a timely challenge for Holland.

Cox laying the ball from left to right across the Brantham area, looking to pick out Batten making the run, can’t quite take the ball in her stride into the box as a defender runs across her. Dowsett laying the ball on for Cox left channel, breaking into the box her shot charged down, Gibbs onto the loose ball.

Stacey Teager

Into the final 15 minutes, Brantham can’t find the goal to put Holland to bed, their opponents giving it everything to pull a goal back. Crabtree peeling wide with the ball on the right for Brantham in attack picking out Teager central, 20 yards out, Dimmock in close making the blocking tackle. Lucas with the ball for Holland put forwards for Gregory wide left takes it to the by-line cutting the pass back up to Cox wide turns to drive into the area, attempts to pick out Bourne at the near post, Brantham snatching possession back.

Lauren Bourne

McKew played into space on the left checks back inside to shoot from outside the area drags her effort wide of the near post. Comes off then to be replaced by Shannon Giles. Prime getting on down the left to support Teager making a run into the left wing, the ball forwards, Dimmock sliding in to play the ball out for a throw in.

The game open Brantham counter the ball from White into Teager, almost sends Crabtree through on goal, however Warren with a good starting position top of her area is first to the ball. Another change for Brantham as White is taken off with Issey Bines joining the defence. Dimmock the last defender for Holland getting across to intercept the ball as Crabtree bursting away on the right side looks to get onto the end of Dunnett’s through ball.

Rianne Dimmock

Prime picks up a yellow card as she looks to clips Cox’s heels as the attacker looks to drive forwards with the ball, unfortunate looked more of a tangle of legs as the defender tried to adjust her position. Cox feeling it late in the game but is up back on her feet with the clock ticking down. Bourne attempting to play Gregory into the area on the left, the attacker fouling Berry as she goes to attack the ball.

Teager slipping as she goes to strike from distance sends her shot over. Is brought off then with McKew send back into the action with the game moving into stoppage time.

GOAL! Holland have battled on for the entire 90 minutes pushing for a goal in the 2nd half and it finally comes as Cox is played in on the left channel sliding the ball into the box for Gregory on the right she stabs the ball towards goal past the diving keeper and scores 1-2.

Sennen Gregory pulling a goal back for battling Holland late in the game

A goal back for Holland but little time left in the game as Brantham look to keep it attacking on the right McKew fouled by Lucas a free-kick awarded. Dunnett over the ball strikes her shot over on the angle. That’s it though the final whistle blows and Brantham celebrate as they win this season’s League Cup Final.

Full time Holland Ladies 1-2 Brantham Athletic Ladies

Two goals in the first half from McKew and Bennett enough to see Brantham win the game. A third goal wouldn’t come in the 2nd half. The game opening up as Holland fought hard to pull a goal back of their own set up a nervy finish, just came too late in the finish but a brilliant effort from the 11 on the pitch. Brantham able to rotate send on fresh legs hard to work hard at the back to keep them out and earn the win, an entertaining final. Have as big a game at home on Tuesday evening against Stowupland as they aim for a league and cup double, part one complete.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A tough call with both sides giving it their all for 90 minutes. Several performances of note and then I’ll probably not list all. For Holland, Jasmine Cox was the driving force for her side getting hold of the ball with some strong runs looking to find a goal. The midfield and defence pushing up well in support. Rianne Dimmock with several vital tackles while Hannah Campbell was determined to win everything throughout. For Brantham, Kirby Seward was strong in defence getting about to win her tackles. Rachel White composed in midfield getting forwards well. Stacey Teager leading the line holding the ball up well. The wide attackers causing issues throughout and it’s a straight fight between them for the award, Emmi Bennett breaking on well down the right a good outlet though out took her goal well. as did this evening’s Player of the Match, Tarnya McKew. A strong performance taking the ball on and looking to create opportunities for herself and other the entire match.

Brantham Athletic Ladies, 2023/24 Suffolk Women’s League Cup winners

Congratulations to Brantham Athletic Ladies on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final.

An entertaining final, good to see a game on the grass at Needham Market. My thanks to both sides for there assistance with the teams details this evening much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 21st May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Moving onto this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final, played this season between two sides vying for runners up spot in the league as they meet in two crunch games at the end of the season, first in the cup with Stevenage FC Women taking on Luton Town Ladies. The Hertfordshire County Cup Champions playing the Bedfordshire County Cup Champions a little bit of neighbourly county rivalry to add the the mix.

The ERWFL League Cup the regional league senior cup competition with the Division One North and South sides contesting the 1st two rounds with 4 going on to join the 12 Premier Division clubs in the 3rd round.

This afternoon’s prize

The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football, often competitive with a high level of talent on show. A tough league to get out of with only the winners guaranteed promotion to the FAWNL above. AFC Sudbury Women achieving that dream this season with a tremendous campaign to secure back to back promotions. Both Stevenage an Luton have tasted life in the FAWNL and the aim is to get back there themselves both amongst the title challengers this season but just missing out.

Stevenage FC Women relegated from the FAWNL last season, when there were 4 sides to be relegated following the FA’s re adjustment of the leagues following the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. Harsh were close to hanging on to their league status, amongst the favourites to bounce straight back retaining a good portion of their squad under coach Fadi Mazloum in the top two for much of the season as the race for the title heated up with more sides emerging as strong contenders, Mazloum stepping down as head coach, assistant David Perry taking on the role on an interim basis guiding Stevenage to a fifth Hertfordshire County Cup win now given the role on a permanent basis. Amy Makewell Stevenage’s top scorer this season with 15 goals.

Luton Town Ladies themselves enjoying a long spell in the 4th tier before being relegated from the FAWNL were aiming to bounce straight back but Covid got in the way building a strong squad ready to mount a new promotion push were top of the league winning their opening 8 games only to see a points adjustment as Harlow Town Ladies withdrew from the league drop them back amongst the other challengers some competitive tussles at the top of the table have two games left to play one huge one against Stevenage at Barton Rovers this coming Thursday with the winner virtually gaurenteed runners up spot. Will be smarting from their other league encounter with Stevenage leading 1-0 going onto the closing stages Stevenage came back to score a winner at the death to take all three points. Captain Jess McKay and Elizabeth Sanders are joint top scorers each with 17 goals to their name, with Leyah Maddix all into double figures on 11.

Road to the Final

As I said the Premier Division Clubs entering in the 3rd round joined by the 4 Division One sides to progress from rounds 1 and 2 of the competition. Stevenage away to ERWFL Division One South leaders Barking FC Women in the 3rd Round. Emily Schofield scoring a 2nd half brace with Rosy Wodhams also getting a goal in the 1st half for Stevenage and goal for Amy Makewell early in the 2nd period securing a 4-1 win. Luton at home to Bedfordshire rivals and fellow Premier Division side Bedford Ladies, the pair often vying for the County Cup, Luton were the dominant side on this occasion, Elizabeth Sanders with a brace and a goal apiece for Jess McKay and Fiona Constable sealing a 4-0 win.

Stevenage away again in the quarter finals taking on Hertfordshire rivals Royston Tow Women who they would also beat in this season’s County Cup final. Tilly Fidler getting Stevenage off to a great start scoring in the 2nd minute, Nicole Farmer adding a 2nd late in the half, Royston scoring twice themselves, another goal from Fidler plus one from captain Lucy Webster seeing Stevenage into the last 4 with a 4-2 win. Luton hosting Colney Heath Ladies in their quarter final tie, the game though abandoned through an injury to a Colney Heath player rescheduled for a later date Luton leading 1-0 at the break going on to win 4-1 in the 2nd half with goals from Sanders, McKay, Tanya Blacksley and Tsaianne Leander.

A tough semi-final line-up with the Premier Division top 4 into the semi-finals, Both newly promoted sides Needham Market Women and AFC Sudbury Women doing very well. Stevenage travelling to Suffolk to play Needham Market. Amy Makewell from the spot to fire Stevenage into a 9th minute lead were to give away a penalty to see Lina Nagib equalise for Needham Market then hit another spot kick to put Needham Market in front. Becky Shephard striking in injury time to see it all square 2-2 at the break. A competitive 2nd half Rosy Wodhams curling in a strike to put Stevenage 3-2 ahead with 20 minutes left and secure their place in the League Cup Final. Luton at home to AFC Sudbury Women in their quarter final tie goals from Tsaianne Leander and Shanice Lewis the difference for Luton as they won through to the final.

A break to edit some pictures from the earlier game time to get back into The New Croft and refuel a cheeseburger ordered and get ready for the 2nd game of the day. The cloud cover hanging around, the supporters gathering the general consensus being for a close and physical match. Paving around the pitch with a small seated stand on one side beside the main building opposite the new dugouts.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Hannah Nesbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Nicole Farmer, Vicky Neal, Erin Price, Hannah Bodily, Rosy Wodhams, Amy Gooderham, Kelsey Millen & Amy Makewell. Subs – Grace Brooks, Jodie Bellinger, Becky Shephard, Emily Schofield & Tilly Fidler.

Luton Town Ladies

Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Angelika Kopec-Knurec, Lilac Wilson, Adrienne Milton, Tanya Blacksley Elly Wade, Andie Dickens, Elizabeth Sanders, Ellie Sargeant, Fiona Constable, Jess McKay (C) & Shanice Lewis. Subs – Nancy Tucker, Hannah Major, Leyah Maddix, Maria Taylor & Shakeela Hussain.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Stevenage to get this season’s WERFL League Cup Final underway kicking-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts fading to black with red shorts and white socks. Luton lined up opposite wearing orange shirts and socks with dark blue shorts. The ball played back to Erin Price in midfield out to captain Lucy Webster on the right Luton rushing in to close the ball down out of play for a throw in. Stevenage looking to get the back on down the right for Kesley Millen, Ellie Sargeant moving to close her down clearing the ball.

Price getting the ball back into goalkeeper Mia O’Brien to clear as Luton’s Fiona Constable left lifts the ball up to Shanice Lewis in attack. Lilac Wilson getting across to the left to tackle Amy Gooderham on the left as she looks to get a throw under control. Luton captain, Jess McKay picking the ball up through the middle travelling strikes the ball from 30 yards out her low ball straight into O’Brien to claim.

Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham with Luton’s Adrienne Milton

McKay winning the ball in the middle lifting it into the right channel, cut out but Hannah Nebbitt for Stevenage played forwards for Gooderham through the middle, closed down the ball regain by Rosy Wodhams as Stevenage push on tries to get it back into Gooderham left, Adrienne Milton defending for Luton back up the line Nebbitt closing down to knock the ball on into Gooderham left of the D 20 yards out curls a strike over the Luton crossbar.

Elizabeth Sanders getting in to win the ball for Luton right side back for Milton put inside for Andie Dickens play spread into the left channel Constable with a low shot running in towards goal safely gathered by O’Brien. Gooderham looking to travel left on the ball for Stevenage a crossfield pass put out to Millen tracking on right side, Wilson getting in to steal the ball put it back for goalkeeper Angelika Kopec-Knurec to clear. A fast paced start to the game Luton rushing on to close Stevenage down win the ball get it into McKay and Lewis up top.

Andie Dickens

Kopec-Knurec out to the top of her area to gather the ball before Millen can get to the pass on the right as Webster drives on with the ball through the middle for Stevenage. Luton very vocal encouraging one another to get into the opposition. Sanders getting about the park looking to win the ball puts it out to Sargeant on the left, Webster winning the header to clear. Luton from a throw on the left inside the Stevenage half to Lewis right of the area knocks it down to the top of the area right of the D for Dickens to run onto her 1st time strikes swerving through the area as it sails wide of the right post.

Vicky Neal

Sanders looking to plough her way through the middle going shoulder to shoulder with Stevenage centre back Vicky Neal heading for the box Neal does well holding her up, getting the free-kick. Wodhams threading the ball forwards into the left channel for Makewell making a move out to the flank deep, Milton putting in the challenge the ball out for a throw. Nebbitt getting forwards to support Gooderham as Stevenage attack on the left the ball held up well fed inside to Makewell left corner of the area, holding off a defender plays the ball across the top of the area Wodhams leaving in to Hannah Bodily to run onto a strike beyond her the shot blocked by Luton’s Elly Wade out behind for a corner.

Elly Wade

In low towards the near post Kopec-Knurec down well to grab it Luton look to counter the ball with Milton on the right lifted on for Lewis going through the middle won by Nicole Farmer for Stevenage. A tense encounter the two sets of players into each other Luton looking to close the ball down. Nebbitt on the left outside the box turns on the ball to cross in central, Makewell seeing her shot charged down deflected out for Constable to clear. Bodily on for Wodhams central Stevenage send it on for Makewell inside the area, Wade blocking her shot the ball deflected behind for the corner.

The ball angle in under the crossbar Kopec-Knurec up well to get a fist on the ball turn it wide out the left side for another corner. Cleared straight bac to the corner taker tries to hit it back in across goal on the volley goes behind. Webster picking the ball up for Stevenage driving on through the middle going all the way as she exchanges a one two with Wodhams, arriving top of the area, Wade in to close her down. Wodhams sending a great ball into Gooderham on the left, Milton getting in to defend well for Luton.

Luton goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec-Knurec

Luton sending players up from the back as they win a free-kick inside the Stevenage half to the right of the centre circle, Wilson on the ball played in deep to the far post Wade knocking the ball down into the keeper.

GOAL! Constable up on the left playing the ball into Lewis laying it into Mckay driving on central central taking the ball on into the right of the D before getting her foot over the ball to smash a powerful strike past the keeper to put Luton into the lead midway through the 1st half 0-1.

Jess McKay putting Luton into the lead

Stevenage looking for a quick response out to Nebbitt forwards on the left putting the ball on for Gooderham takes the ball down into the corner turning inside moving into the box her low cross put straight at the keeper. Bodily getting the ball out to Millen on the right for Stevenage coming to the top of the area squares a cross in near side for Makewell, Tanya Blacksley in to close her down for Luton as she goes to shoot.

Tanya Blacksley

Wade bringing down Wodhams inside the box as she looks to turn on the ball played into her from the right, the referee pointing to the spot, Penalty! Makewell on the ball goes for power looking to place it top corner, instead misses sending it over the bar.

Blacksley in again to put in the block on Makewell right of the area as she looks to turn and shoot the ball coming into her off a throw. Luton looking to break from a Stevenage corner the ball right put on for McKay attempt to head it on for Lewis racing on left channel, Farmer intercepting for Stevenage. Farmer in again to cut the ball out stepping out to head the ball away as Sanders right turns to play the ball in along the top of the area.

Luton closing the ball down in the middle well, Sargeant then Dickens playing the ball out to Lewis top right corner outside the box puts a shot in across goal narrowly wide of the far post. Lewis across to the left to press the ball high putting it back to McKay 20 yards out to blast goalwards, O’Brien down to save pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left. Wade knocking the ball on near side, the free-kick given away as Sanders fouls Nebbitt going for the ball. Neal winning the ball well against Luton’s Sanders as the ball lifted on for her.

Sanders covering alot of ground for Luton getting across the pitch to close the ball down on the right has Milton bursting on past her given the ball, Milton sends a cross in low across the top of the Stevenage area cut out by Price. The ball on Luton’s left rolled inside for McKay 25 yards out sees it across her body turning to strike sends the ball over the crossbar.

Stevenage come left themselves Nebbitt getting ahead of Gooderham as she plays the ball on into the full back using the outside of her boot to deliver a cross into the top of the six yard box, behind Millen closing in central lays it out to the onrushing Wodhams to strike on the run from 10 yards out the ball crashing into the base of the right post and out for a goal kick. Sargeant down over on the far side with an injury for Luton the trainer on to administer treatment is back to her feet able to play on as plays come over to the benches to take on fluids.

Stevenage’s Amy Makewell

Into the closing stages of the first half Stevenage with a free-kick right of the circle players up from the back as the ball in dropped into the area, Milton in to take the ball off the head of Neal to clear for a corner kick. Into the mix Price looking to attack it, Luton defending well close to goal to win a goal kick as the ball is turned wide far side. Sanders fouling Farmer as the Luton midfielder looks to take the ball on left channel, Luton not amused with the decision.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Luton Town Ladies

A highly committed tussle Luton working hard to close Stevenage down get hold of the ball, players winning their individual battles, Sanders looking to get on with McKay and Lewis in the attack making some good runs, McKay driving on to open the scoring mid way through the first half. Stevenage have had chances to equalise missing a penalty and striking the post, a close game as everyone predicted a single goal in it all to play for in the 2nd half.

Doesn’t appear to be any changes as the sides come back out for the start of the 2nd half, Stevenage looking to get at Luton as their opponents get the 2nd half underway. Stevenage almost undone straight away as Dickens closes the ball down put forwards for McKay breaking in into the right channel wide of the D going shoulder to shoulder with Neal holding off the defender to shot sending it past the on rushing O’Brien the ball crashing against the post deflected out across the goal loose, Farmer able to get there first to launch clear.

Milton pressing on down Luton’s right, Nebbitt in to challenge for Stevenage. A concern for Stevenage Wodhams hurt in the build up, has been a strong player for Stevenage in recent game unable to continue Stevenage forced into a change bringing on Becky Shephard. Sanders disrupting the Stevenage midfield closing players down. Milton tackling Gooderham the ball back into the middle of the park Sanders in to win it back for Luton on for Dickens puts it into McKay pulling right 25 yards out sends a shoot up to land on the roof of the net.

GOAL! Luton surge forwards Constable away on the left down towards the top of the area wide to flash a cross in central, attacked by Sanders, Price in to close her down the ball ricocheting off the pair out to Lewis free to the right of goal reacts quickly the ball into her feet digs out the shot lifting it rising into the top corner to double Luton’s lead 0-2.

Shanice Lewis doubling Luton’s lead

Luton building on a strong opening to the 2nd half to score a 2nd goal, a further set back for Stevenage as they look to rally coming left the ball from deep cross to Gooderham breaking into the box from the right Kopec-Knurec out well to close her down sliding in to save at her feet. Intense as Luton go to close the ball down no quarter given the bench vocal encouraging Luton to get after the ball, Dickens and Sanders strong in the middle. Sanders getting back to challenge Millen as Webster bombs on through the middle Millen putting the ball in as Webster enters the D, Wade close putting in the blocking tackle.

Lucy Webster

Shephard on for Makewell central as Stevenage look to add some urgency to their play, lifted on for Gooderham on the left, Luton hold thier line catching her offside. Dickens sending the ball out to Constable on the left curls a cross in to the top of the area won by Stevenage’s Price. Stevenage making a double change bringing off Makewell and Gooderham for Emily Schofield and Tilly Fidler in attack. Stevenage with a throw high on the right the cross long charged down by Sargeant cleared Luton threaten to break, Lewis looking to get away through the middle, Price getting back on her defending well for Stevenage.

Elizabeth Sanders

Luton come right Sanders up with Lewis the cross into the top of the area won by Bodily. Stevenage struggling to clear the ball as Luton push up on their box half cleared to the left falling to Constable hits it wide on the half volley. Lewis taking the ball out to right on for Sanders wide to lift a cross into the box, Neal winning the ball up against McKay, then gets fouled trying to play it out.

Wade getting in the way of everything inside the box up the other end as Stevenage attempt to find a way through on goal. Millen tracking back hurt as her goes to defend for Stevenage. Another double change made with Millen coming off along with Nebbitt, Grace Brooks on at left bac with Jodie Bellinger on to attack on the right with a little over 20 minutes left to play. A few tempers flaring is an intense contest.

Luton getting a free-kick out wide Constable to put a dangerous ball into the six yard box central in front of the keeper, O’Brien beating it down as she goes down the ball loose Neal doing brilliantly as she gets in to protect the keeper letting the ball roll across her body as Lewis closes her down. O’Brien stays down after but is okay after treatment. Luton looking strong on their right Milton getting on to support Sanders as she pulls wide the cross flashed into the area cut out by Neal away for a throw in.

Erin Price with Shanice Lewis

Into Mckay wide smashes a hard shot across the face of goal, Sanders closing in far post stretching can’t quite get there to divert it home. Luton with a strong spell Stevenage struggling for an answer. Another free-kick for Luton put in from wide cleared by Price, no break on however as Dickens gets the ball back for Luton to keep the pressure on. Sargeant with a turn and swing from distance dragged wide of the left post.

Hannah Bodily

Stevenage frustrated trying to lift it as they look to get themselves back into the game. Luton hungry for the ball determined to close it down. McKay with a wild strike over from the angle.

GOAL! Stevenage with a diagonal ball up into the top of the area for Schofield left of the D, looking to see it down take inside to shoot is fouled by the on rushing keeper. Penalty! Kopec-Knurec shown the yellow card. Grace Brooks over Stevenage’s 2nd penalty hits it to the keepers left Kopec-Knurec going the right way getting something on the ball but too much power behind the ball to keep it out Stevenage with a goal back in the 77th minute 1-2.

Grace Brooks scoring from the spot

Sargeant picking up a yellow card for Luton. Sanders driving on down the right firing a cross in along the face of goal neither Dickens nor Lewis chasing in can get a touch. Webster at the back on for Shephard left lifts a diagonal ball up towards Fidler top of the turns to put her strike wide past the right post

Luton making a double change bringing on Hannah Major and Maria Taylor for Sanders and Wilson. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular play opening up as Stevenage look to press on leaving opportunities to exploit at the back as they have to gamble. Luton digging in Constable looking to relieve the pressure on the eft taking the ball on Farmer getting it back for Stevenage inside for Bodily looks for Schofield, Wade defending for Luton then wins the ball for a 2nd time a Shephard plays it back in from the left.

Bellinger fouled on halfway to the right Farmer putting the free-kick inside, Taylor defending for Luton lifted forwards for Lewis in attack, Farmer getting back on her just about winning the ball. Tense Lewis taking the ball into the corner looking to eat up time into injury time Makewell back on for Stevenage an extra attacker bringing of Webster in defence. Leyah Maddix on for Luton replacing Lewis up top. Everybody sent up for Stevenage bar the keeper Luton defending their box, Wade strong, Dickens back too.

Jodie Bellinger with Fiona Constable

Stevenage with a free-kick out on the left into Price helps it out to the right with Farmer up joining Bellinger given the ball cuts inside Blacksley blocking for Luton they get on the counter attack the ball Maddix running on with the ball through the middle Neal in to charge her down well, McKay out the loose ball to the right shooting over.

Sargeant out to Maddix on the left goes into the corner before being fouled, the Luton free-kick cleared by Neal, then Dickens with a high boot giving the free-kick away top of the area. Wade cutting out a ball fed into Fidler up top. Stevenage with one last chance to push everyone up winning a free kick left of the circle played long goes through every one out wide for a goal kick.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-2 Luton Town Ladies

Luton Town Ladies celebrate winning a cup double adding the ERWFL League Cup to their Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup success. A strong combative performance to get in to win the ball through out showing great energy to get amongst Stevenage leading by a single goal at the break were strong at the start of the 2nd half hitting the post before doubling their leaf. Stevenage struggling for an answer at times getting a goal back from the penalty spot to set up a tense final 10 minutes however Luton were determine in defence holding on giving nothing away to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day again another difficult choice to make several strong contenders. Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham getting on well down the right creating opportunities linked up well with Hannah Nebbitt coming forwards. Vicky Neal putting in some vital tackles. Rosy Wodhams looking to get forwards into some good positions before coming off injured. For Luton, Elly Wade was superb at the back winning the ball, and getting out to block. Andie Dickens solid in the middle winning the ball preventing the midfield getting on, in turn allowing Elizabeth Sanders to get on put herself about wining the ball and making some excellent runs into the channels. The award though goes to full back Adrienne Milton had a excellent game at right back getting in to win the ball and winning her tackles.

Luton Town Ladies 2022/23 ERWFL League Cup winners

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final.

Another enjoyable day at Haverhill for the ERWFL Finals Day, rarely does the league disappoint with action, alot of talent on show. An entertaining game, tense tight as predicted, Luton joyous to emerge as victors. My thanks to Daniel Forde an Chris Abbott from the ERWFL committee for their help today… one game left and the season’s one.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Hutton Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 21st May

ERWFL League Plate Final

The season drawing to a close soon time for a rest after a busy season but first there’s a another cup final double to cover this time from the ERWFL, holding their finals day at The New Croft home of Haverhill Rovers FC. Kicking off proceeding the League Plate final an 11am kick-of with two previous winners of the competition meeting Hutton Ladies and Newmarket Town Women.

The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid the next set up from the county divisions two Division One’s based on geography, North and South aiming for a full compliment of 12 teams in each leading to a 12 strong Premier Division and promotion to the FAWNL. With two cup competitions the League Cup and League Plate the latter between the Division One clubs knocked out in rounds 1 an 2 of the League Cup.

This morning’s prize

Hutton Ladies finishing as runners up this season in ERWFL Division One South behind runaway Champions Barking FC Women. Winning the League Plate in two successive occasions in 2017 & 2018. Has been quite a while since I’ve seen the Essex side in action before Covid, along with several clubs I’ve yet to get reacquainted with. One of the longest established sides in the ERWFL managed by Dennis Hindley previous with the Reserves these days have come good at the end of the season to record 5 straight wins in the league to overhaul Billericay Town Women Development to 2nd in the table. Victoria Kinsman back amongst the goals top scorer with 27 goals from 17 appearances. Lucy Critchell netting 9 goals from the 9 games she’s appeared in. Backed up by a Reserves side playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division a step below.

Newmarket Town Women winning the ERWFL League Plate in 2019 joining the ERWFL the season before beating Histon Ladies 3-2. Playing in ERWFL Division One North, have had an indifferent season in the league as had the whole league itself short on numbers and losing a further along the way the sides playing each other 3 times as a result. Two defeats to start the season got back in amongst it with a 3 game winning streak, bringing through a number of young players have been inconsistent ever since ending up with a 5th placed finish have saved their best form for the cup getting into the Plate final and a chance to contest for silverware at the end of the season. Like Hutton backed up by a Development team and a strong youth set-up with a number of sides competing. Lidiya Mykhaylechko, Newmarket’s top scorer with 10 goals. Abbie Corbyn signed from Thetford Town Ladies at the start of the season on 9 for the campaign with Katie Speirs and Olivia Bradley scoring 7 and 8 respectfully.

Road to the Final

Hutton Ladies drawn at home to Division One North side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses in the 1st Round of the League Plate, the sides all square sharing 6 goals in a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes, Hutton were to come out on top in extra time with 4-3 win. Victoria Kinsman netting a hat-trick with Lucy Critchell also on the scoresheet. No such drama for Newmarket Town Women recieving a bye in the 1st Round to advance to the quarter finals.

Hutton Ladies with a tough draw at home in the quarter finals taking on Division One North leaders, AFC Dunstable Ladies. A close game a single goal was to settle the tie Isobel Boyd finding the back of the net for Hutton to send them through to the last 4. Newmarket Town Women away to AFC Sudbury Women Reserves newly promoted to Division One South a late kick-off featuring in a double header with the first team the sides were to slug out a goalless 90 minutes and with extra-time yielding no break through the game was settled from the penalty spot Newmarket emerging victorious 3-1 in the shootout to reach the final 4.

Hutton Ladies having home advantage once again in the semi-finals as they were drawn against Yaxley Phoenix Ladies themselves newly promoted to Division One North. The pair sharing a 9 goals thriller! Yaxley Phoenix on the scoresheet for 4 goals, Hutton edging the tie to progress to their 3rd Plate final winning it 5-4 with goals from Victoria Kinsman, Lucy Critchell, Chloe Woolaway, Hayley Critchell and Isobel Boyd. Newmarket Town Women drawn away to fellow Division One North side St Ives Town Ladies the pair have shared some great encounters in recent season this time it was Newmarket’s day as they put 4 goals past them to advance into the Final with 4-1 victory. Holly Dryland, Niamh Bridgeman, Antonia Smith and Katie Walker all bagging a goal.

The New Croft the venue for today’s ERWFL Finals Day, home to Haverhill Rovers FC and until recently had a women’s team in the ERWFL themselves but feeling poorly treated by the club have since disbanded, Haverhill Rovers nonetheless reaffirming it’s commit to having a women side representing the club will watch develops eagerly. The main complex between the main grass pitch and artificial pitch beyond. New dugouts added to the pitch since my last visit looking very smart. The bar and kitchen open for finals day serving burgers and chips. The morning bright and sunny although there was a chilly breeze blowing to and cloud cover would develop later in the day nevertheless great conditions for playing football. The grass pitch in good condition with the odd dip that will need attention once the seasons over.

Hutton Ladies

Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Kelly Roberts, Rianne Dimmock, Kirsty Knight, Chloe Woolaway, Abigail Fry, Katy Edwards, Isobel Crichton, Hayley Critchell, Lucy Critchell & Victoria Kinsman. Subs – Lauren Knight, Isobel Boyd & Danielle Hindley.

Newmarket Town Women

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Grace Joslin, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Lydia Mason, Liv Caffarelli (C), Chloe Slater, Katie Hayes, Faith Entwistle, Abbie Corbyn, Katie Walker & Lidiya Mykhaylechko. Subs – Antonia Smith, Liv Bradley, Sophie Yorko, Millie O’Dwyer & Katie Spiers.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Hutton to kick-off the Plate final wearing red coloured shirts with white trim, red shorts and red and white hooped socks, Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into Katy Edwards in midfield lifted out to the right for Lucy Critchell, Kara Wayman and Abbie Corbyn closing her down for Newmarket. Comes back into the middle laid forwards into the D, Newmarket captain, Liv Caffarelli heading the ball clear.

Newmarket build on the left Corbyn bringing the ball on put in central helped onto into the right channel laid back to Katie Walker 25 yards out lines up a shot rifled in the ball coming back down off the crossbar, Krissie Glover in goal captaining Hutton getting hold of the ball as players rush in on the follow up. Newmarket making a positive start to the game Chloe Slater clipping the ball long out to the right with Katie Hayes getting forwards Hayley Critchell tackling for Hutton, Walker onto the ball to cross in top of the area cut out by Chloe Woolaway for Hutton.

Hutton’s Katy Edwards

Edwards getting hold of the ball in the middle for Hutton lifting it forwards for Isobel Crichton running in behind the defence, goalkeeper Grace Joslin quickly out to the top of her area to claim the ball. Hutton attack on the left the ball into Lucy Critchell central back to goal turns inside the get a shot away straight into the keeper. Newmarket bring the ball on through the middle on for Walker to thread a low pass out into the left channel for Corbyn to attack, Kelly Roberts going with her the defender doing well to play the ball of Corbyn behind for the goal kick.

Kelly Roberts with Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn

GOAL! Victoria Kinsman rising in the centre to win the header knocking the ball forwards for Lucy Critchell racing through the middle driving for the box shifts out to the left prodding it on for Hayley Critchell to the left corner of the area, she pulls the trigger angling a low drive across the face of goal into the bottom corner to give Hutton the lead 1-0.

Hayley Critchell congratulated by her teammates after scoring the opening goal for Hutton

Hutton taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes attack on the right winning a corner kick. The ball played in along the six yard box coming out to Woolaway at the far post her shot blocked by Holly Dryland defending the post for Newmarket, looking to clear there area the ball is clipped back in for Kinsman attacking to the left of the goal, Joslin rushing out to put in the blocking save on the striker.

Newmarket win the ball at the back Lydia Mason into Faith Entwistle the ball played out to the left for Corbyn Hutton giving a foul away in a dangerous position outside the area to the left side of the area. Hayes over the ball curls it around the wall and fires her strike against the bar!

GOAL! Moments after Newmarket strike the bar for the 2nd time they are hit on the counter as Hutton win the ball back on the right Lucy Critchell and Crichton exchanging passes before Critchell picks out Edwards central to lay the ball out wide to Hayley Critchell, sweeping a cross into the six yard box Kinsman stealing in adjusts her body to meet the ball with her head and drive the ball past the keeper to double the lead 2-0.

Victoria Kinsman scorer of Hutton’s 2nd goal

A blow for Newmarket coming so close one end then conceding have the ball central Walker lifting in on for Lidiya Mykhaylechko to chase too much on the ball however Glover can see it out for a goal kick. Kinsman moving across the Newmarket back line to find an opening stealing in clear on the right whips a cross into the six yard box, Lucy Critchell making a central run can’t quite get there.

Hutton coming on left side Kinsman across to support Hayley Critchell winning a throw in the corner, Dryland doing well in defence to regain possession for Newmarket. Another ball threaded onto the left channel for Corbyn to bear down on, Glover out quickly to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Corbyn and Roberts chasing for the ball on the right, Roberts looking to see it out for a throw holding Corbyn off the winger keeping it as even as Roberts picks it up expecting the throw, dismayed when she gives away a free kick instead for handling the ball. The free-kick in the corner flashed in across the far post Chloe Staler attacking not quite able to get a touch.

Abbie Corbyn keeping the ball in play even as Kelly Roberts thinks it’s out.

Entwistle rushing in to make the blocking tackle inside the Hutton half comes on with the ball for Newmarket laying it out to Hayes right of the box pulls the trigger from 20 yards, Rianne Dimmock getting in the way to blocks feeling the full effect of Hayes’ strike, down for a moment but up okay to play on.

Edwards with room to play the ball on in midfield for Hutton Kinsman and Lucy Critchell with good movement ahead of her. Hayley Critchell picked out on the left, Dryland winning the challenge for Newmarket. Corbyn fouled on halfway the ball played forwards to the top of the Hutton area cleared by Kirsty Knight into Edwards on for Abigail Fry tackled by Slater.

GOAL! Kinsman onto the ball inside the Newmarket half turning to lay it out to Lucy Critchell running into the right channel getting past Kara Wayman running into the box, Wayman attempts to get back at her lunging in attempting to win the ball only succeeds in taking out the player… Penalty! Kinsman with the ball placing it on the spot moves back and running in strikes the ball hard to the right of goal to score 3-0.

Kinsman scoring from the spot to make it 3

Hutton going into a 3 goal lead midway through the 1st half getting on top on the Plate Final. Hayes sending the ball from the right across the area looking for Corbyn far side cut out by Woolaway deflected out to the left retrieved by Corbyn dribbles the ball back into box left side firing a cross in close to the near post again cut out by Woolaway away for a corner kick.

The ball into the six yard box won by Hutton coming out of the area look to break, The threat neutralised by referee Charlotte Hindmarch inadvertently getting in the way of the ball outside the area, play brought back for a drop ball to Hutton. Hayes coming inside linking up with Entwistle the ball out to Corbyn left, Roberts getting in to close her down. Newmarket getting on well enough down the flanks Hayes winning a throw deep, Dimmock with the defending playing the ball back for Glover, Mykhaylechko running in to close her down pulling out knowing she can’t get there.

The ball clear to the left regained by Dryland on for Hayes crossed in from deep, intercepted by Woolaway. Hutton dangerous on the counter running away into the channels Lucy Critchell on the right 20 yards out with a strike swerving high past the right post. Hutton making a change bringing of Hayley Critchell on the left to be replaced by Danielle Hindley.

Chloe Slater

Hindley straight into the action onto the ball central carrying it out into the left corner Dryland in on her to concede the corner. Swung in towards the near post, Dryland again rising to head the ball clear. The game opening up as Hindley drives on left for Hutton, Dryland in to make the blocking challenge the ball cleared out to Corbyn on the left, has Wayman going past her on the overlap the ball played on for her, Woolaway out to close her down.

Edwards picking out Kinsman outside the area left of the Newmarket going shifting the ball inside, shapes to shoot even as Joslin comes racing out to close her down the ball struck past the keeper, but alos wide of the far post. Edwards closing down the ball in the middle puts it on for Hindley on the left passes inside to Kinsman outside the box trapping the ball in her feet looks to shift inside to shoot, Mason in to block, the ball cleared by Slater.

Hutton with a 2nd change bringing off Crichton replaced by Isobel Boyd. The ball played long into the right channel for Boyd, Wayman across her seeing the ball back to Joslin to clear. Edwards taking on the strike from distance straight into Joslin. Newmarket making a double change bringing on Sophia Yorko and Antonia Smith for Mason and Entwistle. Yorko straight into defend putting in the tackle on Kinsman as she bursts on right side.

GOAL! Newmarket pull a goal back pressing Hutton on the ball in the final 3rd Smith closing down lifting it high into the D for Mykhaylechko to attack, Glover rushing out t close her down making the blocking save at the top of her area the ball deflected out to the right, knocked back into the area behind the stranded keeper by Slater into Mykhaylechko to send the ball into the empty net beyond 3-1.

Lidiya Mykhaylechko pulling a goal back for Newmarket

Smith getting into close the ball down for Newmarket press Hutton inside their half fed on Mykhaylechko is caught offside. Hayes on the right sending the ball on for Mykhaylechko to give chase too much though Glover coming to clear it. Corbyn battling with Roberts for the ball left sends in on for Wayman running past her to take the ball on into the area left closing in on the near post fires in a low shot Glover covering her post, seeing the ball safely into her gloves.

Just the single minute of stoppage time to be played, time for Hutton to mount one last attack Lucy Critchell playing the ball out to Hindley on the left down the line sends it inside for Kinsman coming out to receive the ball, Dryland getting her foot in to take the ball away from her.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 3-1 Newmarket Town Women

Hutton taking a 3-1 lead into the break as the sides head back into the changing rooms. Newmarket starting brightly rattling the crossbar in the opening minute pushing on Hutton breaking away to find the opening goal inside 10 minutes. Making some good forward runs Newmarket were again to strike the woodwork before conceding a 2nd almost immediately after Hutton going 2-0 up added a 3rd from the penalty spot midway through the 2nd half. Comfortable Newmarket making changing paying off almost instantly as Smith closed the ball down to set up Mykhaylechko to score pull it back to 3-1 give Newmarket something as they look to find a way back into the game in the 2nd half.

Victoria Kinsman with Newmarket captain Liv Caffarelli

No changes for either side as Newmarket get the 2nd half underway the ball out to Dryland on the right looks to get forwards support Hayes, Dimmock defending for Hutton. Newmarket press the ball on the right early on winning a throw high put on for Hayes her cross along the face of goal Walker jumping to attack far post can’t quite reach it.

Holly Dryland defending against Hutton’s Danielle Hindley

Newmarket’s Slater sending a diagonal ball into Hayes 20 yards out on the right of the area controlling the ball shifts into the area getting a half yard on her marker to unleash a shot, cut in low Glover going one way saves brilliantly with her legs knocking the ball away to the right.

Krissie Glover saving Katie Hayes shot with her legs

Hutton’s captain and goalkeeper, Krissie Glover

Hutton look to get the ball down into the Newmarket half out on the left Dryland defending knocking the ball out for a throw deep, dropped into Kinsman’s feet outside the box left turns sending a cross into the six yard box Boyd closing in right post knocking the shot wide past the left post.

Smith regaining possession well for Newmarket in the middle sending it on for Hayes on the right wing coming back inside to shot from 25 yards out on the move over hits it sending the ball wide of the far post. A miscue at the back on the left sees Lucy Critchell steal onto a short pass and cut inside to run for the box, Slater getting back on her diving in to win the ball top of the area for Newmarket. Dryland taking the ball on up the right for Newmarket on for Hayes lifts it across the pitch to Corbyn trying to get away on the left, Roberts just about getting her foot in to knock the ball out of her path.

Abbie Corbyn

Newmarket lively looking better now getting forwards, Hutton patient with the experience in attack to counter. Hindley coming on left sweeping a ball into the area cut out well by Yorko. Smith with Walker in the middle winning the ball for Newmarket lifted out to Hayes on the right drives forwards, Dimmock closing to challenge for Hutton. Lucy Critchell bringing the ball on into the left channel for Hutton Hindley with her the ball taken on forwards for Kinsman tracking down to the by-line before turning to cross the ball cleared by Caffarelli.

Lucy Critchell

Kinsman getting into space on the left playing the ball into Hindley getting up the pitch to send a waist high cross racing trough the top of the six yard box Lucy Critchell throwing a leg up and only get a glancing touch taking it on wide of the right post. Hayes and Corbyn swapping wings for Newmarket, as Fry gets the ball on for Hutton out to the left on for Hindley winning a corner. The inswinging delivery sent in across the face of goal Roberts looking to get her head on it needed a shout from Kinsman coming in ready to power the ball home beyond her as it runs out of play far side for a goal kick.

GOAL! One chance goes begging it isn’t long before Hutton regain the ball high on the right lifting a deep cross into the area Hindley inside the box left of goal, Dryland and Slater going to clear the ball get in each others way, allowing the attacker to steal in to take the ball beyond them and send t wide across Joslin into far side of the net 4-1.

Hutton restoring a 3 goal cushion with another corner kick on the right put in high Newmarket clear the ball back out to the right sent back into the area from deep falling for Kinsman central getting her foot over the ball to shoot drags it wide of the left post. Hutton making another change bringing on Lauren Knight for Fry. Hindley taking the ball inside from the left firing it into Lucy Critchell outside the D powering forwards Walker tracking back to challenge the shot under challenge coming in low as Joslin gets down to see it into her gloves, saves with her face instead as the ball hit a divot and skips up before her before she knows anything about it luckily deflected away behind for a corner kick. The corner played long to the far post Dryland covering clears for Newmarket.

Katie Walker

Dryland picking up a slight injury coming off for Newmarket at the back with Katie Spiers coming on to join the attack. Newmarket pressing hit on the break Edwards on for Hindley through the middle out to Kinsman pulling wide left inside the box fires a cross in towards the far post Lucy Critchell making a run to get onto the end of it, Joslin down well to get hold of the ball to deny the chance.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Grace Joslin

Smith into Mykhaylechko through the middle out to Corbyn right side Dimmock stepping in to tackle for Hutton at the back. Walker with a strike from distance for Newmarket landing on the roof of the net. Both teams battling for possession Newmarket pressing up looking for a goal, Hutton ready to break with gaps to exploit at the back. Kinsman lifting in on for Hindley through the middle, Caffarelli coming to close her down clear even as the flag goes up for offside.

Katie Hayes

A frantic spell as neither sides gets any meaningful possession, Hayes fouled on the left the ball to be put into the area from deep in high knocked down into Mykhaylechko lays it back for Spiers to strike from range fired wide of the left post. Hutton making changes bringing off Roberts off with Hayley Critchell back on Hindley going over to the right. Slater defends against Kinsman as the Hutton striker drives on with the ball right of the D. Newmarket pressing the ball around the Hutton penalty area, Spiers looking for an opening the door closed in front of her by Knight put out t Hayes on the left her cross swept in caught by Glover.

Newmarket bring off Caffarelli send on Millie O’Dwyer with the clock starting to run down, Yorko clipping the ball forwards the keeper can come and gather before Corbyn can attack it. Yorko then throwing herself down in front of Kinsman to block her strike as she shifts right across the D. Woolaway getting on down the left now up with Hayley Critchell, Corbyn coming back to defend sliding in to put the ball out for a throw. The throw into Edwards top left corner of the area turns to pick out Kinsman central her low strike straight at the keeper back on her line.

Hutton bring Lucy Critchell off late in the game bring Crichton back on. Hindley at the back now seeing the ball back to the keeper to clear as Walker looks to put Corbyn on though to attack. Woolaway getting into the box on the left inside the six yard box Yorko across her trying to defend Joslin coming sliding down to claim the ball, Hutton appeal for a pass back, the decision given Hutton getting a in directed free-kick inside the six yard box left of the goal. A wall covering the near post Boyd plays it to Woolaway to strike a powerful right foot shot over the bar.

Newmarket continue to throw the ball forwards looking for a way through Hutton though are an experienced side a keeping things tight through the middle. Kinsman bursting onto the ball right channel stroking a shot over with the game moving into injury time. Newmarket putting a low cross in from the left taken by Glover, Yorko charging down the ball as Hutton counter left. Joslin coming to claim top of her area as Hutton break in the closing seconds.

Full time Hutton Ladies 4-1 Newmarket Town Women

Hutton Ladies win the ERWFL League Plate for a 3rd time. Leading 3-1 at the break. Newmarket looking to build on scoring late in the first half pressed well at the start of the 2nd period Glover making a great save. Hutton patient waiting for the chance to score a 4th goal and from there had control of the game could get players up behind the ball, Newmarket finding on way though. Hutton’s using their experience well. Newmarket will rue their luck first half striking the bar twice Hutton taking thier chances getting a 3rd goal from the penalty spot.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the day. A few performances to mention first, for Newmarket Holly Dryland well at left back winning a number of tackles and defending set-pieces well. Katie Hayes driving on right side getting the ball into some dangerous areas. Antonia Smith making an impact coming into the middle. For Hutton the defence was solid giving little away. Katy Edwards in control of the midfield for much of the first half getting free to spread ball into the wide players. Lucy Critchell superb running the channels and getting into some good attacking positions. The award for me though goes to Victoria Kinsman strong in the air winning the ball setting up the first goal, scoring twice and getting into some fantastic positions moving about the Newmarket back line hard to mark though out.

Hutton Ladies 2022/23 ERWFL League Plate winners

Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning today’s ERWFL League Plate and making it a 3rd win overall.

An exciting appetiser for the main event this afternoon, an entertaining contest as you’d expect from the ERWFL, my thanks to both sides for their help today along with Daniel Forde from the ERWFL for the team details, time for some foo then onto the next one…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Norwich City Women

Friday 19th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Needham Market Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Tuesday 16th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women v UEA FC Women

Sunday 14th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Time for a quick bite to eat before moving onto the 2nd of today’s finals the Norfolk Women’s League Cup being contested by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women and UEA FC Women.

The third of three women’s finals taking place today with the League Plate and 7’s League Cup Finals earlier now onto the senior cup competition, the 11’s League Cup, the cloud lifting with some welcome sunshine warming things up.

This afternoon’s prize

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women victorious in the League Plate Final last season going all the way this time around looking to lift the League Cup, hoping to win some silverware to end what has been a successful season, pipped to the Division One title by Mulbarton Belles Ladies despite leading the way for much of the season two games against their main rivals to end the season proving the difference. Ambitions to test the squad at a higher level have applied for regional football along with Mulbarton and based on my knowledge of the 6th tier both would certainly be a competitive force. Shanice Sutton the top scorer for Dussindale & Hellesdon and 2nd highest scorer in the league netting 32 goals so far from 18 appearances with Vitoria Leyer on target 17 times from 13 games played. Plenty of goals from the rest of the squad too with Dussindale & Hellesdon averaging 4.6 goals scored per game throughout the season.

UEA (University of East Anglia) FC Women re establishing their women’s side last season, with a strong campaign in Division Two finishing runners-up behind Caister FC Ladies to earn promotion to Division One. Hit the ground running this season winning 5 of their opening 6 league games showing great form also knocking Mulbarton Belles Ladies out of the League Cup. Have been hampered by injuries and availability at times since and the 2nd half of the season has proved a challenge have slipped down the table after a run of 9 straight defeats in the league. Have fought hard to turn thing’s around saving their best results for the cup and with 2 league games left after today’s final will be aiming to finish the season on a high. Ella Burnley their leading goal scorer firing home 12 goals so far this season from 19 games, with Freya Fuller one behind on 11 from the 12 games she has featured in.

Road to the Final

Dussindale & Hellesdon receiving a home win in the first round of the competition over Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development. UEA drawn away to Division Two side, FC Viking & Valkyries Women, proving too strong for their opponents racking up a 7-0 score line to progress into the 2nd Round.

Dussindale & Hellesdon again progressing without kicking a ball as they were awarded the away win over Division Two side Gorleston FC Ladies who were soon to sadly fold. UEA handed a tough tie away to one of the cup favourites Mulbarton, 1st half goals from Ella Burnley and Rachel Lawrence proving to be enough as UEA worked hard in the 2nd half to keep Mulbarton from coming back winning 2-1.

Into the last 8 and Dussindale & Hellesdon were away to fellow Division One side long Stratton Women for the 2nd successive Sunday in cup competitions a 3-0 win on a cold January day to see them advance in the County Cup have enjoyed so entertaining games with Long Stratton and this one proving no different, Chelsea Brister and Shanice Sutton on target in the first half to see Dussindale & Hellesdon leading 2-1 at half-time, Long Stratton coming back to equalise to make it 2-2 send the tie into extra-time the hosted then seeing Sam Walker sent off with Dussindale & Hellesdon taking full advantage of the player advantage with Sutton going on to score twice, get a hat-trick with Georgina Belton adding on at the death to see them through to the last 4 5-2. UEA away to Bungay Town Ladies, Ella Burnley scoring twice in the first half doing the damage to see UEA 2-0 up after a strong half, Bungay improving in the 2nd period but could find no way through a stubborn UEA defence as the visitors booked their place in the semi-finals.

A strong line up in the last 4, Dussindale & Hellesdon at home to Caister FC Ladies the two meeting in last season’s League Plate final, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning 6-0, proved to be a potent in front of goal this time around too, Victoria Leyer getting them off to a flying start scoring in the 1st minute adding a 2nd in the 2nd minute, Caister pulling a goal back to make it 2-1 at the break. Leyer going onto complete her hat-trick early in the 2nd period. A strong finish seeing 3 more goals added in the final 20 minutes with Georgina Belton, Betty Booker and Tallulah Bell all on target in a 6-1 win. UEA at home to Thetford Town Ladies were leading 1-0 in the match before the visitors came back with a devastating spell in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1… however ultimately Thetford much to their disappointment were adjudged to have fielded an ineligible player seeing the semi-final being replayed. No less drama 2nd time around, Mia Bambury and Kamile Omelevlclute scoring for Thetford, Ella Burnley and Cassandra Piejko scoring for UEA to send the tie into extra-time and then penalties, UEA edging a tense shootout 7-6 to reach the League Cup Final.

Aylsham FC’s Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL Finals Days for the 2nd successive season. The large clubhouse newly build surrounded by numerous grass pitches the main pitch with a barrier all round, the BBQ in full swing now helped myself to a cheeseburger and portion of chips from the kitchen, much needed fuel before sitting up for the 2nd final of the day. The cloud burnt off now bright sunshine getting warm as the spectators arrived.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Siesha Humphries, Calista Tink (C), Georgina Belton, Abbi Nobbs, Chloe Shipman, Abby Hutchin, Chelsea Brister, Shanice Sutton & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Kari Kowalczyk, Hanna Coombe, Amee Kennett & Phoebe Green.

UEA FC Women

UEA FC Women starting XI – Anoushka Williamson, Tasha Harvey, Madeline Pitt, Lucy Gooding (C), Olivia Seeley, Amber Long, Freya Standing, Freya Fuller, Chloe Neate, Cassandra Piejko & Ella Burnley Subs – Lilly Brewer, Mia Everett, Tegan Collier, Prini Woods & Charlotte Stelmaszyk.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both sides with a few missing through injury, Georgina Belton dropping into the defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon while UEA have 5 or 6 likely starters side-lined through injury, have been hard pressed to name a regular starting XI all season. Nevertheless both have a large squad with players ready to step in. This mornings officials back for the League Cup Final, Craig Day running the line in the 1st game in the centre now with Ryan Starkey and David Fairhurst running the lines.

UEA to get the League Cup Final underway kicking off the first half wearing an all navy kit with yellow trim on the shirts, Dussindale & Hellesdon opposite lined up in their claret coloured kit. The ball played back comes to Olivia Seeley on the left played up to Cassandra Piejko knocked inside for Amber Long as UEA look to push through the centre played up to Ella Burnley in attack holds the ball up before rolling it back into Freya Standing a free-kick given away halting the attack.

Dussindale & Hellesdon get hold of the ball in the middle Chloe Shipman playing it forwards into Victoria Leyer in attack sends the short ball out to Shanice Sutton on the right corner of the UEA box gets a shot away on the angle, straight at UEA goalkeeper, Anoushka Williamson, saves comfortably. Both sides into each other from the start closing one another down, no time allowed on the ball, Leyer taking the ball on across the top of the area 20 yards out for Dussindale & Hellesdon, tracked well by Standing who lunges in to tackle wins the ball.

Shanice Sutton

Dussindale & Hellesdon come left Siesha Humphries putting the ball on for Chelsea Brister, quickly closed down by Tasha Harvey, Leyer taking on the loose ball before too being closed down outside the box by Madeline Pitt. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing on at the start of the game the front three pressing UEA back into their box the ball rolled inside from the left coming to Sutton some 30 yards out pulls the trigger sending a shot wide of the right post. Seeley looking to take the ball on up the left for UEA sees her cross cut out by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rachel Bussey.

UEA’s Olivia Seeley

GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon capitalising on their positive start to the game by taking the lead n the 6th minute, attacking on the left Brister lifting the ball into the box, cleared by Harvey play congested inside the area the ball regained by Dussindale & Hellesdon lifted back inside for Leyer to attack left of the goal six yards out strong to hold off her marker turns getting her foot up to the ball to send it wide of the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

Victoria Leyer opens the scoring for Dussindale & Hellesdon

UEA conceding an early goal look to rally straight away Standing putting the ball out to the right for Freya Fuller, driving on looks to take on the full back, however can’t keep the ball in play goes out for a goal kick. UEA winning a free-kick with a handball spotted on halfway players up into the box the delivery long to the far post, captain Calista Tink heading clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Shipman with the ball setting off through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Long with the challenge for UEA.

Chloe Shipman

Sutton tussling with the UEA defence for the ball top of the area, outnumbers but looking to get hold of the ball, ultimately frustrated giving away the free-kick as Fuller looks to take the ball out to the left. Fuller with a strong run on the ball left side for UEA tracking inside laying it forwards towards the area, Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole out well to the top of her box to claim the ball. Neither side able to play much flowing football as they both continue to rush in to close the ball down, scrappy at times, UEA captain Lucy Gooding in the back line intercepting a through ball intended for Leyer.

Shanice Sutton battling with the UEA defence

Leyer coming inside form the left on the ball shooting off target from 25 yards out. Gooding with the clearance at the back a long ball finding Chloe Neate out wide right, turns on the ball looking to drive on, Humphries quickly into her to tackle regain possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Pitt getting up on the right with Neate UEA forcing a corner kick. Lifted in near side, attacked by Fuller can only direct her header behind for a goal kick.

Pitt bringing down Shipman in midfield sees the UEA player picking up an early yellow card. Brister over the set-piece left of the circle, tries her luck a good hit sending her shot narrowly over the crossbar. A lively contest UEA looking to get the ball out to Neate and Fuller on the flanks run at the Dussindale & Hellesdon full backs, Long finding Neate on the right opts to shoot on the angle a low drive into towards the near post from 25 yards out not troubling Cole.

Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking on the left winning a throw lifted into the box for Sutton, Harvey getting across her to defend for UEA. The game frantic in terms of pace at time as the ball is exchanged between the sides Dussindale & Hellesdon turning play around to attack left channel with Sutton on the move with Brister, Humphries bombing on on the over laps the ball rolled on down the line, Pitt out to her to clear the ball for the throw. Alot of energy being expanded both sides into each other a few rash challenges, thing’s need to settle down.

Dussindale & Hellesdon look to make a double change, bringing off Sutton and Humphries and sending on Kari Kowalczyk and Amee Kennett. UEA making a change too, Prini Woods coming on replacing Long. UEA attacking up on their right the ball squared into Burnley inside the area near side, Tink sliding in to make the tackle coming off the defender for a corner kick. The delivery headed back out to the taker wide the cross/shot back in wide at the near post.

Abbi Nobbs and Shipman working hard in the middle to win possession back for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Nobbs fouled by Standing as she looks to link up with Abby Hutchin making a break through the middle. The game stretched as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter Kowalczyk on the left putting the ball inside for Leyer in attack, put back into Hutchin out to Bussey advanced on the right her cross lifted into the area cut out by Gooding. As quickly as Dussindale & Hellesdon can spring an attack they are equally adapt at regrouping at the back the midfielders tracking back well, Shipman covering alot of ground.

Rachel Bussey

Pitt blocking Leyer as he picks the ball up on the left outside the area looks to turn and shoot. UEA springing a counter attack, Gooding with a great pass on her picking out Burnley getting hold of the ball 30 yards out and turning to strike the ball racing wide of the left post. Another double switch with Brister and Nobbs coming off for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Phoebe Green and Hannah Coombes entering the game late in the first half.

Williamson with a magnificent save for UEA off Leyer as she latches onto a clearance, shooting low across the keeper, Williamson down sharply low to to throw out an arm glove the ball wide for a corner. The set-piece lifted into a packed area cleared by the UEA defence. Gooding in on Kowalczyk to win the ball top of the area left as Bussey puts the diagonal ball into her. Fuller pressing on the right for UEA the cross swept into the area cleared by Tink back out to the right a corner won, Harvey coming towards the corner hear side helping it on across goal no one able to reach it.

UEA goalkeeper, Anoushka Williamson

Both sides continue to niggle at each other no quarter given, Shipman running to close down Pitt as she attempts to get forwards. UEA winning a free-kick wide on the right out in deep from Harvey, headed clear by Belton back out to the right the looping ball back into the area landing on the roof of the net. Belton picking up a yellow card for Dussindale & Hellesdon as she brings down Burnley taking a run at the defence. Neate on the ball lifted forwards into the area Dussindale & Hellesdon clearing as the half-time whistle blows.

Madeline Pitt

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 1-0 UEA FC Women

Certainly a competitive 1st half both sides working hard to close the other down, little time for anyone on the ball. Victoria’s Leyer’s 6th minute goal the difference between the sides at the break. Dussindale & Hellesdon starting well pressing the UEA defence back, the game beginning to open up as the ball was closed down, UEA getting the ball out wide often end to end in nature as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter well creating chances Leyer seeing a shot saved late in the first half UEA getting into some good positions but as yet to really test the keeper, 1 goal in it however still very much to play for.

Really warm now as both side return for the 2nd half, Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the game restarted the ball rolled back to Tink in defence out to Bussey moving forwards on the right, plays the ball long looking for Leyer Gooding winning it for UEA. The ball played into Burnley in midfield lifts it out to Neate breaking on down the right her cross cut back into the D, cleared by Coombe for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Coombe then picking up a yellow card for a high boot on Standing. Fuller getting hold of the ball in the middle for UEA driving on into the Dussindale & Hellesdon half encouraged to shoot’ lets fly from 25 yards out blasts the ball wide of the left post. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a corner out on the right players up from the back, Tink coming to head the ball near side picking up an head injury play stopped immediately for the trainer to come on administer treatment, Tink is okay and able to play on.

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Calista Tink

A lively start to the 2nd half, Woods up into Fuller edge of the box looks to turn closely marked by Belton the defender getting a foot in to take the ball. Kowalczyk bursting on with the ball left side for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Neate tracking back on her to challenge as Gooding comes across to clear the ball. Quite intense you feel Dussindale & Hellesdon need another goal to try and settle the game down, UEA pressing well. Belton under pressure as Burnley links up with Standing through the middle, deals with the threat to clear the ball.

Kari Kowalczyk

Kowalczyk bringing the ball inside linking up with Leyer in attack the Dussindale and Hellesdon striker pulling right to shoot 25 yards out her effort dipping in front of the keeper caught by Williamson on the bounce. Tink throwing herself in to block Burnley as she lines up a strike left side of the D. Coombe spraying the pass out for Green racing on up the line right wing her cross dipping into the near post met by Leyer on the volley turned over at close range.

Fuller bringing the ball on for UEA out to Neate on the right, Bussey tackling for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Belton clearing for the throw in the corner. UEA pressure the ball inside the box to Standing comes back to Woods top of the area is rapidly closed down. Dussindale & Hellesdon bringing Humpies back on for Kennett. Neate advancing on the right for UEA her cross coming into Burnley inside the box, Belton challenging for Dussindale & Hellesdon the ball out for a throw in the corner. Pressure from UEA on the right appeals for handball the decision finally given a free-kick wide above the area, played into the area cleared back to Neate the free-kick taker, goes down after a challenge with Kowalczyk struggling can’t continue is brought off with Mia Everett coming on.

UEA’s Freya Fuller

Green flying up the right into the corner for Dussindale & Hellesdon cutting a cross back into the area, Williamson just about getting there before Leyer. Dussindale & Hellesdon press the ball high up the pitch winning a free-kick outside the box to the right of goal in the 66th minute.

GOAL! Coombe over the dead ball 20 plus yards out from goal players up from the back the ball struck low driven in towards the far corner, Belton running in getting the telling touch to send the ball home to double Dussindale & Hellesdon’s lead 2-0.

Georgina Belton (16) in to score Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 2nd goal

Georgina Belton

Gooding across to put in the blocking tackle on Leyer left outside the area as she receives the ball from Green advancing up the wing. Dussindale bringing of Kowalczyk bringing Brister back on on the left of attack.

GOAL! UEA with a quick reply to falling 2 goals behind coming right back to pull a goal back with Fuller driving on with the ball left channel to the edge off the area playing it into Burnley central inside the D shows great skill and close ball control as she shifts the the ball between her feet on the turn before lashing a shot past the keeper inside the left post 2-1.

Ella Burnley with a great strike to pull a goal back for UEA

Game on with 20 minutes left to play UEA getting it back to a single goal. Dussindale & Hellesdon win the ball in the middle Hutchin getting hold of it powering her way forwards eventually stopped as 3 UEA players converge on her, Leyer taking on the loose ball out right top of the box in low pushed wide by the keeper.

UEA’s Chloe Neate with Abby Hutchin

Another player down for UEA, Piejko retuning to the action. Nobbs back on for Coombe. The game intense as Dussindale & Hellesdon press on with the ball Humphries picking the ball up central driving towards the area, Pitt closing her down coming together both go down outside the D, UEA incredulous as the free-kick goes against them, furious feeling it should have gone the other way!

GOAL! Nobbs over the set-piece for Dussindale & Hellesdon in a very dangerous position central 20 yards out, catches her strike beautifully the lift the ball up over the wall and looping down over the keeper into the back of the net 3-1.

Abbi Nobbs scores from the free-kick to make it 3-1

UEA seething, furious at the decision to award the free-kick in the first place falling 3-1 behind as a result of it being given vent their opinions, their woes further increased as Piejko is sent off for decent after being asked to repeat her original comment, UEA down to 10, worse still as Burnley with an outburst is shown a yellow card and sin binned for 10 minutes. UEA down to 9! The game turned on a sixpence.

Belton looking to exploit the player advantage sweeping a diagonal ball up to Brister on the left, striking the ball from distance sees it race wide of the far post. Sutton back on for Dussindale & Hellesdon replacing Leyer. Dussindale & Hellesdon able to come on as UEA try to claim themselves down, Green volleying over at the far post as Brister sweeps in cross from deep on the left. Shipman with a shot driven in on the angle Williamson taking it into her midriff.

Chelsea Brister

GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon all over UEA now as they press on Green breaking into the area on the ball, Gooding nibbling at her with the challenge, Green staying on her feet to strike the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner. 4-1.

Phoebe Green congratulated by her teammates after scoring Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 4th

Hard work for UEA now, Dussindale & Hellesdon with a double switch taking off Humphries and Bussey on come Kennett and Kowalczyk. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular time Fuller off for UEA, Tegan Collier on as they look to hold Dussindale & Hellesdon back. Standing back to defend on Hutchin as she gets the ball fed into her feet from the left.

GOAL! Hutchin with a wonderful strike from distance to bring up Dussindale & Hellesdon’s fifth goal. All of 30 yards out to the right of the area connects with the shot to curl the ball into the top left corner to score a beauty 5-1.

Burnley back on for UEA as Dussindale & Hellesdon press on through the middle Shipman into Sutton holding off a defender as she breaks into the area gets a shot away the keeper holding onto the ball. Burnley looking to break through the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence stopped by the offside flag. The game deep into stoppage time Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick out wide on the left the ball flung in towards the far post headed clear by UEA as the final whistle blows.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 5-1 UEA FC Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final 5-1. The score line not reflection the balance of the game, a controversial free-kick with 0 minutes to go altering the course of the game Dussindale & Hellesdon scoring from it to go 3-1 ahead pushed all the way by UEA until then an intense game boiling over UEA furious with the decision getting two players sent off, Dussindale & Hellesdon taking advantage to score two more goals to settle what could well have been a nervy end to the game. A battling performance from both sides closing each other down with little time on the ball for anyone played at a high tempo. Dussindale & Hellesdon leading by a single goal at the break a close contest, needed a 2nd goal getting it UEA came straight back to make it 2-1 with 20 minutes to go. A huge effort from UEA played their part in the final made Dussindale & Hellesdon work for the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again another tough one with several contenders on both sides to mention. For UEA, Madeline Pitt making some great tackles at the back, Captain Lucy Gooding reading the game well getting in position to intercept and win the ball, her long range passes useful for the counter. Freya Standing and Prini Woods getting after the ball in the middle while Freya Fuller was outstanding making several strong runs through the middle and out wide. For Dussindale & Hellesdon Georgina Belton had a great match at the back in defence winning the ball and preventing the attackers turning. Victoria Leyer up top taking the ball on getting into some great positions inside the box opening the scoring. The award though goes to Chloe Shipman, bossed the midfield getting about the pitch to win the ball, making some useful runs forwards.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 2022/23 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

Congratulations to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup

An enjoyable day at Youngs Park watch the League Plate and Cup Finals my thanks to everyone for their help today two entertaining games. Plenty of football action still to come a busy week ahead before the excitements all over…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development v Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

Sunday 14th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

On the road early this Sunday heading to Aylsham for this season’s Norfolk Women’s Finals Day. Three finals taking place featuring the 11 aside League Plate and Cup Finals along with the ever popular 7 aside League Cup Final. The League Plate kicking the day off with a 10:30am kick-off between an all Mulbarton final as the 1st team take on their new Development side reaching a cup final in their debut season.

The League Plate the leagues secondary competition with the sides knocked out in the early rounds of the league cup entering the plate competition.

This morning’s prize

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st team with a busy end to the season crowned Division One Champions for the 2nd successive season following a 4-1 win at Bungay Town Ladies in midweek are looking to make it a league and cup double this weekend with another huge final to look forwards to on Friday as they take on Norwich City Women at Carrow Road in their County Cup Final appearance in a row. That sums up their history in a nutshell as Mulbarton Belles Ladies are only into their 3rd season as a club the bulk of the quad following manager Martin Francis to Mulbarton having previously been with Thorpe United.

The women’s side fully embraced by Mulbarton Wanderers FC becoming an integral part of the club reaching the county cup final in their debut season going on to become Division One Champions last year along with reaching the League Cup and County Cup Finals. Have continued to grow their 7 aside team winning the Division One title in their respective league also into this season’s League Cup final taking on Division Two Champions, Taverham Ladies FC. Coming out on top in two huge games against Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women in the league to overhaul their main rivals to reclaim their Division One title.

Reaching the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup too has been another history making season with only one loss in the NWGFL against UEA FC Women seeing them exit the League Cup to enter the League Plate. Are unbeaten in the league with 15 wins and 2 draws. Captain Rebekah Lake their talisman up top in attack one of the leading strikers in the county netting 21 goals this season. Francesca Catchpole with a prolific spell in front of goal for Mulbarton before joining Wroxham weighing in with 15 goals with Sophie Jermy netting a hat-trick in the 4-1 title winning victory in midweek now on 14 for the season.

Growing rapidly with more players joining the club not only has a 7 aside team been established but also a new Development team this season. Managed by Cara Skinner have enjoyed a strong debut season in NWGFL Division Two, amongst the pack pushing for the title playing out there fixtures currently sit 2nd in the table the sides immediately below with games to play may drop a place in the final standings. That league form carrying into the cup competitions. Lucy Kean top scorer for the Development side netting 21 goals from 20 appearances while Charlotte Groves has 13 goals from 16 games.

Road to the Final

Both Mulbarton sides progressing without kicking a ball in the 1st Round of the Plate competition, through to the quarter finals the Development at home drawn against Division One side Beccles Town Ladies. A hat-trick from Charlotte Groves proving to be the difference with the Development side edging the result 3-2 to reach the last 4. Mulbarton’s 1st team away to Stalham Town Ladies bottom of Division One, Molly Ryan netting a hat-trick in the match along with a brace for Francesca Catchpole in a 7-1 victory with Ellie Hunter and Olivia Smith also on the score sheet.

The development side away to another side going strong in Division Two, Thorpe St Andrew Women in the semi-finals. Lucy Kean putting the Development side into the lead early in the 2nd half with Ella Cattermole doubling the lead before Thorpe pulled a goal back, Rosie McNarry making it 3-1 with 10 minutes to play securing the Development’s place in the Plate final. The 1st team at home to Division Two side, North Walsham Angels Ladies in the last 4, Sophie Jermy bagging herself a hat-trick as the hosts ran out comfortable 6-0 winners to reach the final with Rebekah Lake, Ellie Hunter and Molly Ryan all getting a goal.

Aylsham FC’s, Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL Finals day for the 2nd successive year, a weekend of finals held at the ground with the youth team finals held the day before. Aylsham themselves re establishing a women’s side this season just a win away from securing the Division Two title in their first season together, with youth sides at U7’s & U11’s too. The newly build clubhouse and changing room’s over looking the numerous grass pitches with the main pitch beside the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drinks. A somewhat murky start to the day thick cloud overhead keeping thing’s dull and damp under foot the pitch moist, forecast it for it to burn off get out brighter later in the day.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development

Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Meg Anderton, Jessica Clegg, Stephanie Leek, Natasha Williams (C), Nicole Read, Rosie McNarry, Charlotte Groves, Ella Cattermole, Amy Coaker & Lucy Kean. Subs – Kiera Barrowcliffe, Maria Sosnina & Amber Ovens.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st team

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st starting XI – Cara Anderson, Aneliese Smith, Melissa Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Alice Smith, Ellie Hunter, Laura Hedtke, Sophie Jermy, Emma Farmer & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Olivia Mungham-Grey, Olivia Smith & Molly Ryan.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

With all 3 Mulbarton sides in action at the same time (the 7’s kicking off before the end of the Plate final both sides have three available on the bench. Typically I write Mul in my notes but that’s not going to work today so from now on so as not to confuse you or me I will refer to the sides as the Development and 1st’s. The Development side in the home changing room wearing Mulbarton’s home colours, blue and black vertical striped shirts, with blue shorts and socks. The 1st’s wearing their away strip, turquoise coloured shirts with grey coloured shorts and socks. The 1st’s to get the game underway played back into Laura Hedtke in midfield back to Melissa Belsey at right back sends the ball across the defence for Aneliese Smith to send up the left for Ellie Hunter to attack down the flank, Natasha Williams captaining the Development side coming across to defend the ball cleared for a throw.

Both sides getting after each other in the middle in the early exchanges the ball out of play, cleared at the back the 1st’s send the ball out to the right with Emma Farmer bringing it on cutting inside to make a run across the top of the area, laying it into the box for captain, Rebekah Lake right of goal held up lays it back to Hedtke coming on to strike on the angle from 25 yards out sends her shot over the bar.

Emma Farmer

Alice Smith winning possession in the midfield for the 1st’s lifting the ball over the top dropping into the box with Lake giving chase, goalkeeper Kirstie Andrews wanting to see the ball out of play but pressed by Lake clears for a throw to the left. Sophie Jermy picking up the ball for the 1st’s out on the left surging inside heading towards the area is tackled by the Development’s Stephanie Leek. Hunter and Jermy combine coming forwards on the left for the 1st’s, Jermy forced inside putting the ball into Alice Smith central who plays the ball out to the right for Melissa Belsey bursting forwards from full back puts her cross back to Farmer top of the area right of goal who then curls a cross into towards the far post Hedtke stealing in volleying over from close range.

Lucy Lincoln defending at the back for the 1st’s as Charlotte Groves makes a midfield run linking up with Lucy Kean in attack looking to go on, Lincoln gets her foot in to tackle running back towards her area.

Lucy Kean

GOAL! The deadlock broken inside the opening 7 minutes, the 1st’s feeding the ball into Jermy on the left is allowed to travel cutting inside pulls the trigger from 25 yards out to smash a shot past the keeper into the right side of the goal 0-1.

Sophie Jermy with the opening strike

The 1st’s getting players on from midfield well Alice Smith with space to pick a pass in the middle clipping a diagonal ball n towards the left corner of the area, Hedtke making the run to get onto the end of it, Leek doing well to clear for the Development side. Groves bringing the ball on through the middle for the Development side put forwards into Kean in attack looks to turn but closely marked by Lincoln instead shifts the ball out to the right flank with Amy Coaker getting into an advanced position squaring a cross in towards the near side, Kean wriggling free to attack it turning it towards goal but plucked up into her gloves safely by goalkeeper, Cara Anderson.

Amy Coaker

A free-kick for the Development side on halfway, Nicole Read to play the ball long up towards the top of the area won by Lincoln headed clear. The Development side pushed back into their area, Williams defending sending the ball long up to the right, Lincoln intercepting for the 1st’s the ball coming straight back. A throw high on the left for the Development side dropped into Kean not able to turn and strike on the angle plays it into the path of Ella Cattermole coming across her instead is charged down as she goes to strike the ball from outside the box.

Development side captain, Natasha Williams

Groves looking to make thing’s happen attacking through the middle for the Development side looking to release Rosie McNarry out on the left of attack, Anderson however is quickly out to the corner of her area to claim the ball for the 1st’s. Farmer over on the left in attack for the 1st’s now breaking forwards with Hedtke as the diagonal ball comes floating in towards the top of the box, Williams getting there first to win the header send the ball clear.

Lake coming for the ball in the middle bursting forwards a strong run, halted by Williams as she comes to close her down. Ken linking up with Cattermole through the middle lifting the ball out to Coaker attacking on the right a heavy tough giving Lincoln the half yard to get onto the ball and clear. Hunter coming into the middle spinning to play the ball forwards with Lake making the run into the right channel, Jessica Clegg with a vital interception for the Development side.

Jessica Clegg

Megan Belsey winning the header top of her area as Coaker sends in a cross from deep on the right. A change for the Development side with Amber Ovens coming on for McNarry. Groves pushing up playing a one two with Kean through the middle, Lincoln reading it pulling away to get into the path of the ball and send clear. Several pauses for undone laces the game being played in good spirits Mulbarton is a tight knit and united outfit. The 1st’s burst on through the middle Lake on the move up top Hedtke lifts the ball forwards dropping left of the D, Andrews comes down in front of Lake to save doesn’t get hold of the ball however loose to the left Lake after it the defence racing back, the shot delayed giving Andrews the time she needs to regain her angle and get behind the ball sent towards her goal and claim.

Melissa Belsey taking the ball on for the 1st’s on the right sends it on to Lake down the wing then breaks into the box herself Lake picking the full back out with her cross, sends a looping header in towards goal from the top of the area, Andrews catching it high. The 1st’s getting players forwards well Jermy linking up with Lake on the right top of the area, Hedtke getting on to join the action sending a forwards pass into the area with Lake breaking in behind however she is halted by the raised flag, offside.

25 minutes played and the 1st’s continue to show good movement in attack, players moving across the final 3rd keeping the Development side from committing too many players forwards. Still some good battles out there, Groves always hard to shake off the ball once she gets on a run. Melissa Belsey bringing her down on the left on halfway. Groves looking to link up with Kean in attack again attempt the one two with Kean pulling right forwards into the box for Groves, Lincoln getting across to shield the ball claimed by Anderson.

Charlotte Groves

Clegg doing well at the back against Lake as Alice Smith lifts another inviting ball forwards into the box for the 1st’s. Melissa Belsey with a strong challenge at the back to win the ball for the 1st’s sending the ball on for lake out into the right, player streaming forwards to get into the box, Lake’s low cross cut out by Read, deflected out towards the top right of the area with Hunter latching onto it for the 1st curling a looping effort up towards the left corner the strike cannoning back down into the area left off the crossbar…

Ellie Hunter

GOAL! … the shot is struck on the angle back towards goal, blocked… appeals for handball, referee Ryan Starkey pointing to the spot, Penalty! Hedtke placing the ball on the spot runs up to strike the ball a powerful hit sending the keeper to wrong way to hit the back of the net and make it 0-2.

Laura Hedtke makes it 2-0 from the penalty spot

Laura Hedtke

15 minutes left on the clock in the 1st half Mulbarton’s 1st team doubling their advantage. Coaker coming forwards with the ball central for the Development side picking out Ovens with the pass on the right, Aneliese Smith lunging in to win the tackle for the 1st team. Melissa Belsey right on for Lake to attack on the right her sweeping ball into the box headed clear by Williams. The Development side’s captain winning her fair share of headers inside the box with Lake pulling wide to cross. Coaker with Ovens out on the right getting the Development side a corner. Lifted in near post Anderson comes amongst bodies to get a fist on the ball send it clear to the right.

Alice Smith

The 1st’s making a triple switch bringing of Aneliese Smith, Jermy and Melissa Belsey bringing on Olivia Smith, Olivia Mungham-Grey and Molly Ryan. Groves back to defend a throw deep on the right cutting out the ball sending it behind for a corner as Lake turns to attack the area. The ball flung into the mix headed clear.

Molly Ryan

Groves high up the pitch getting in the tackle to win the ball, sets off, Lincoln with a timely tackle to toe the ball away from the midfielder or she’d be through to attack the box beyond. Time ticking down in the first half the Development side battling hard to defend but often pushed back can’t get players up quick enough to support Kean in attack, seeing the ball come straight back. Hunter in the middle on for Lake ahead of her lays the pass out to Ryan to the right bursts on into the box Ryan playing the ball into her shooting for the left side across the keeper, Andrews getting down smartly to make a superb save push the ball away then back up quickly to save again with her feet beating the ball away as Lake goes after the loose ball.

Goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews

The Development side winning a corner on the left the ball fired in low across the six yard box knocked back in central falling to Groves can’t get a shot away before being closed down the 1st team defence scrambling the ball clear.

GOAL! Into stoppage time in the first half and a sucker punch for the Development side as they are hit on the counter attack Hedtke bringing the ball on from the middle left side laying it forwards into Lake racing on the keeper rushing out to close her down, Lake top corner lobs it over the keeper with the outside of her boot to send it racing on into the empty net 0-3.

1st’s captain, Rebekah Lake

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development 0-3 Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

A late late goal in the first half seeing Mulbarton’s 1st team take a 3-0 lead into the break. A strong first half scoring an early goal getting forwards well pushing the Development teams defence back. Adding a 2nd from the penalty spot midway through the half then a 3rd late on to put themselves into a strong position going into the 2nd half. The Development side working hard at the back with some good defending and saves from Andrews getting the ball into their attackers hasn’t been easy, Groves with her driving runs looking the most likely to make something happen.

Both sides making changes at the break with Jermy back on for the 1st’s replacing Alice Smith, McNarry and Maria Sosnina on for the Development side who get the 2nd half underway the ball launched forwards at the start looking for Kean pushing on however is long for a goal kick. The Development side looking to start the 2nd half on the front foot Groves looking to play the ball on for McNarry as she get’s past Lincoln, the ball put inside cut out by Olivia Smith.

Read with a coming together with Hedtke leaves the midfielder down for a moment needing a little time to recover, still played in good spirits if competitive. McNarry winning the ball for the Development side putting it on for Groves central as she makes the run right channel to break into the area, Groves playing the ball into her, Megan Belsey in the make the blocking tackle as she goes to shoot the defender then clearing the loose ball.

Megan Belsey

GOAL! The Development side looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half quickly find themselves trailing by a 4th goal, the 1st’s with the ball in midfield lifting it out to the right with Ryan bursting forwards driving a low cross into the box, near side, Lake stealing in near post to strike the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner for her 2nd of the match 0-4.

Rebekah Lake

Anderton with a strike from all of 30 yards for the Development side over the crossbar as the ball is laid back into from Groves. The Development side with a substitution bring Cattermole back on for Read. Lake flagged offside as Hunter’s pass into Farmer wide left see a cross launched in towards the far post. Anderton up on the left combining with Sosnina, the ball into the area won by Lincoln.

Andrews out smartly to claim the ball to the right of her area before Farmer can reach Hedtke’s crossfield ball. The 1st’s with a triple switch as they bring Alice Smith, Melissa Belsey and Aneliese Smith back on for Hunter, Hedtke and Megan Belsey. Game strategy with Friday’s County Cup Final in mind. Ryan driving a shot wide across goal from a throw high on the right. Framer playing the ball up into Lake in attack, Clegg defending for the Development side…

GOAL! … players up the field the 1st win possession back quickly the pass played into the area for Lake racing in clear left wide of goal to shoot on the acute angle to send the ball across the goal into the net on the right for her hat-trick. 0-5.

A cup final hat-trick for Rebekah Lake

The 1st team getting themselves into a 5 goal lead early in the 2nd half, captain Rebekah Lake bagging herself a cup final hat-trick. The Development side making a change bringing off Anderton for Read, soon after Leek picks up a head injury and is taken off to be replaced by Coaker. Ryan taking the ball on for the 1st team moving left pushed on for Farmer racing towards the area left side, Andrews out to close the angle making a fantastic save with her legs as she goes to shoot the ball out for a throw deep on the left. From the dead ball the cross flashed into the six yard box across goal Aneliese Smith attacking it far post sending the ball over from close range.

Aneliese Smith

Read blocking Ryan’s shot as the attacker looks to force her way into the box. The 1st team in control of the game now pressing their opponents in the final 3rd the cross coming in Lake attacking it close in at the right post frustrated but smiling as her attempted shot doesn’t come of instead goes narrowly wide.

Lake turning provider peeling out to the right to fire a cross into the six yard box, Ryan meeting it, Andrews again saving brilliantly with her feet. Read off again with Anderton back on for the Development side. Ovens sending the ball on for Groves as the Development side attempt to break, Jermy tracking back to defend.

GOAL! The game stretched as the Development team tire and push players on looking for an opening, the ball won in the middle played out wide for Aneliese Smith on the right wing taking it in shoots on the angle a vicious strike in low towards the near post, Andrews down covering the angle, getting her gloves on the ball but only succeeds in pushing it across her goal and straight into the path of Lake to stroke the ball home for her 4th of the match 0-6.

A 4th goal for Rebekah Lake

The game open now the 1st team coming on at will finding space out wide Alice Smith picking out Aneliese Smith getting up on the right sends the ball inside for Lake 20 out to lay back for Alice Smith to take on the strike from 25 yards out, put in on target saved by Andrews right behind bringing the ball down and claiming.

Jermy into Lake out on the left sending a cross in central from deep, Ryan latching onto the ball to cut past the defence and shoot, left of the D, Andrews diving he ball though racing wide of her left post. The Development side struggling to find any rhythm, Groves continues to get onto the ball but frustratingly can’t get it into her teammates as Alice Smith, Lincoln and Melissa Belsey all close her down. McNarry winning the ball back right putting it forwards, Olivia Smith there to reclaim before Kean can get across to it. Sosnina out on the left bringing the ball down plays it into the area , Lincoln in to clear for the 1st team.

Maria Sosnina

Andrews rushing out to slide in and claim at the feet of Aneliese Smith on the right as she runs in behind the defence. The game moving into the final 10 minutes the 1st’s winning a throw deep in the corner on the right put into Jermy near side a turn and volley sent over from 10 yards out. Despite the score line everyone is playing with a smile on their face good banter being exchanged.

Coaker coming off for the Development side, Ovens back on, Farmer on the left flashing a cross along the face of goal, Aneliese Smith sending it over, but play halted by the raised flag. Lincoln has done as much as anyone to frustrate the Development sides attacking efforts during the match getting in to tackle more than one driving run from Groves through the middle.

Amber Ovens

Ovens attacking with the ball into the right corner for the Development side laid back to Cattermole top of the box right her cross in cut out by Jermy, the 1st’s launching a counter attack racing up the pitch the ball out to Aneliese Smith on the right inside the box for Jermy to attack a swing and a miss as two sliding challenges come in. Game end to end as the Development side look to break the game stretched.

Ryan sending the ball inside for Aneliese Smith inside 20 yards out from the right takes on the shot a high ball lifted in towards goal, taken by Andrews on the bounce. Into the closing moments McNarry breaking into the box for the Development side the ball is lifted over the top, Lincoln holding her off as Anderson calls loudly and rushes out to claim the ball.

Rosie McNarry

The game into the dying second lifted forwards by the 1st’s cleared by Williams as the final whistle blows and the 1st team celebrate winning a league and cup double.

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development 0-6 Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

Mulbarton’s 1st team with a strong performance to win the Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final, Sophie Jermy scoring inside the opening 7 minutes with a 2nd added from the penalty spot by Laura Hedtke was a real blow for the Development side to concede a 3rd so late in the first half. Andrews with a number of crucial saves while the defence worked tirelessly. Looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half the Development side soon found themselves 4 goals down with 1st’s captain Rebekah Lake netting her 2nd and soon after her 3rd of the game. In control of the game now the 1st’s pressed on looking a threat in attack, a 6th goal coming as Lake got onto the end of a saved strike from Aneliese Smith to add her 4th of the game and the 1st teams 6th. A heavy loss for the Development side in the end but it mustn’t distract from the an excellent debut season reaching a cup final while challenging week in week out at the top end of their league and great to see both sides united after the game.

A league and cup double for Mulbarton’s 1st team as they gear up for their 3rd successive County Cup Final appearance on Friday as they take on Norwich City Women at Carrow Road.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several strong performances out there but as always only one winner. For the Development side the defence worked hard throughout making a number of vital interceptions and tackles none more so than captain, Natasha Williams. Goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews pulling off a number of fantastic saves. Charlotte Groves getting about in midfield looking to take the ball on force play and ring others into the attack. For the 1st’s Lucy Lincoln was immense at the back reading the game well, making alot of interceptions and winning the ball with her head. Sophie Jermy covering the ground getting on with the ball and tracking back to defend opening the scoring with a wonderful strike. The award though goes to captain Rebekah Lake scoring 4 goals in the final, getting into some great positions inside and outside the box pulling wide for the ball never still.

This is a Mulbarton centric report s o here is the best time to give a shout out to their 7’s side who were also victorious in their Cup Final today. Alice Ladbrooke with the only goal of the game seeing them beat Taverham Ladies FC, with goalkeeper Jo Hooper named player of the match.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 7’s with a League and Cup double of their own

Congratulations to Mulbarton Belles Ladies 7’s on winning today’s League Cup final.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 2022/23 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

Champions of Norfolk Women’s Division One

Congratulation’s too, too Mulbarton Belles Ladies on winning today’s League Plate Final and for becoming Division One Champions for the 2nd successive season.

An enjoyable first game at today’s Norfolk Women’s Finals day, thanks to the NWGFL committee and teams for their help this morning a quick turn around and some food needed before this afternoon’s League Cup final.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cardea FC Ladies v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 10th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Woodbridge Town Ladies v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Wednesday 3rd May

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final

Back on the cup final trail with a midweek trip to Ipswich to watch the final of this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup between Woodbridge Town Ladies and Brantham Athletic Ladies.

The Suffolk Women’s Football League once again featuring two divisions a 7 strong Premier Division and 6 sides contesting the Championship below. Initially looking to be alot larger but unfortunately some late pull outs saw numbers reduced, still encouraging signs for future growth with several clubs showing interest in starting up a women’s side for the new season. Stowupland Falcon’s Women looking firm favourites to clinch the Premier Division title in just their 3rd season playing at this level. Ipswich Exiles Ladies winning the Championship in their debut season a fantastic achievement.

This evening’s prize (photo credit SGWFL)

Woodbridge Town Ladies through to the League Cup Final for the 2nd successive season. Reaching the final last season after a tough campaign, were struggling for numbers at times during that season and were to finish bottom of the league, the signs already in place that thing’s were improving. Lost that final 4-0 against Holland Ladies. Come into this season’s final as the favourites enjoying a long unbeaten run that has now extended to 13 matches. Have regrouped well under manger Charlie Jackson becoming a side that is hard to beat, while carrying a goal threat up the other end. Sadie Jamieson top scorer weighing in with 12 goals from 12 appearances while Jess Oxlade joining from East Bergholt has 6 goals so far.

Brantham Athletic Ladies the longest established side in the Suffolk Women’s League. That said they were in real danger of folding during the summer losing players also injuries and unavailability playing there part, struggling for results. Daniel Claxton coming in November to help coach the side along side manager Matthew Gribben. Brantham have been working hard to improve their fitness and make changes to best suit the players available to them pulling clear of the bottom have saved their best form for their cup run to this season’s final and with morale improving are confident of a better future. Stacey Teager top scorer with 9 goals from 5 games sadly unavailable for this evenings game. Captain, Lucy Dunnett has netted 5 so far with Chloe Wilson scoring 4.

Road to the Final

Woodbridge receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Brantham were at home to Championship newcomers Ipswich Valley Rangers Women. A comfortable result in the finish going a long way to set up the run to the final 5-0 the final score.

Woodbridge drawn away to Championship side Leiston St Margarets Ladies in the quarter final, proved resilient opposition, Amy Cook’s 1st half strike proving the difference with Woodbridge emerging 1-0 victors. Brantham handed a tough test in the quarter finals away to Brettvale Ladies one on the strongest sides in the Premier Division. Brantham though were beginning to turn thing’s around working hard to secure a 1-1 at full time send the game into extra-time. Scoring two more goals to win their spot in the last 4 of the competition winning 3-1.

Woodbridge at home to fellow Premier Division side Needham Market Women Development in their semi-final. Dep into their unbeaten run with a determination to reach a 2nd successive final, goals from Natalie Claridge and Taylor Cooke were to see Woodbridge win 2-1 to progress. Brantham paired at home to defending cup holders, Holland Ladies in their semi-final. Another tough game, plenty of goals scored with the sides level a 4-4 after the 90 minutes! Chloe Wilson netting a brace for Brantham, along with strikes for Stacey Teager and captain, Lucy Dunnett. No further goals in extra-time saw the semi-final settled from the penalty spot, Brantham edging it 6-5 to win through to the final.

This evening’s final at the SEH Sports Ground on Humber Doucy Lane, home to Ipswich Wanderers FC. Has been several years since I’ve seen a women’s football match on this ground. Ipswich Town Women hosting a few there. With a large parking area before the stadium the clubhouse and bar, along with kitchen hut serving hot food and drinks leading out to the pitch itself with standing viewing on three sides along with covered viewing opposite the dugouts with two small seated stands. A good sized crowd in attendance. The grass pitch looking in good condition for the time of season. The weather having been warm and sunny all day the temperature was beginning to drop sharply with a nip in the air still likely to stay dry for the game.

Woodbridge Town Ladies

Woodbridge Town Ladies starting XI – Florence Dickin, Alice Ager (C), Molly Nicholson, Natalie Claridge, Caitlin Howe, Tayler Cooke, Lucy Eagle, Stacey Hadley, Jess Oxlade, Amy Cook & Sadie Jamieson. Subs – Grace Murphy, Eloisa Bruce, Rhianna Kiwomya, Izzy Owen & Pippa King.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Connie Madley, Shannan Hill, Aimee Berry, Issey Bines, Charlotte Archer, Laura Tuley, Lucy Dunnett (C), Chloe Wilson, Sophie Crabtree, Ellie Robus-Miller & Lucy Elmes. Subs – Frances Turner, Jessica Ryan, Lucy Penn, Harriett Young, Shannon Giles.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both sides able to name a squad of 16 for the final with 5 players each on the bench to choose from during the match, walking onto the pitch with their young mascots. Woodbridge nicknamed the Woodpeckers joined by the club’s mascot Woody. It’s Woodbridge to get the 2022/23 Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. Brantham lined up opposite wearing an all dark blue coloured kit. The ball rolled back into the middle, Brantham captain Lucy Dunnett rushing forwards to close the ball down, comes out to Ellie Robus-Miller on the right for Brantham drives forwards, Molly Nicholson defending for Woodbridge the ball out for the throw in.

High in the corner on the right, Brantham getting the ball down and cross into the Woodbridge area, Jess Oxlade back to clear for Woodbridge out for Caitlin Howe wide right the full back taking the ball on, tackled by Brantham’s left back Aimee Berry. A positive start from both sides getting after each other looking to win the ball. Dunnett sent tumbling in front of the dugouts winning Brantham a free-kick on the halfway line, the back launched forwards into the area, claimed confidently by Woodbridge goalkeeper, Florence Dickin.

The ball out of play quite alot as both side look to get their wide players on the move, Howe coming back to tackle Brantham’s Chloe Wilson on the left and Berry lifts the ball forwards. Dunnett closing the ball down in the middle of the park playing it forwards into Lucy Elmes who in turn shifts play out to the left wing, Wilson racing on taking the ball into the corner, Woodbridge captain, Alice Ager getting across to close her down prevent the cross. Berry with a good tackle at the back on Woodbridge’s Sadie Jamieson passing in up the line into Dunnett lifts the ball over Howe to put Wilson in behind, Ager once again rapidly across to challenge.

Woodbridge Town Ladies captain, Alice Ager

The ball never still both sides after it the full backs kept busy with their opponents pressing forwards. Berry nipping in to take the ball of Oxlade. Dunnett getting it under control forwards into Laura Tuley, up to Elmes outside the box, Natalie Claridge defending for Woodbridge. Brantham lively contesting the ball a collision seeing Shannan Hill down needing treatment a long pause in play a head injury properly checked and seen to is up and okay to resume the match. Jamieson and Berry enjoying a good contest out on Woodbridge’s right the striker accidentally catching Berry in the shin as she goes to win the ball.

Brantham’s Laura Tuley

Lucy Eagle getting about in the midfield for Woodbridge getting hold of the ball bringing it forwards, fed on for Oxlade up top, Hill getting her foot in to win the ball back as she turns to attack. Woodbridge hustling the Brantham defence on the right as they look to play the ball short, Oxlade with Jamieson the ball played back to Eagle top right corner of the box 25 yards out her 1st time strike off target.

Amy Cook running with the ball attacking down the left flank swings a cross long into the area, Berry winning the ball for Brantham, playing a one to with Dunnett as she takes the ball up the left lifting it forwards for Wilson, Howe lunging in to tackle put the ball out for a throw. The stands and surrounding fence not too high several match balls needing to be retrieved, Wilson holding the ball up on the corner left sends the pass back for Dunnett getting up with play opens her body up looking to put the return ball into Wilson’s path as she breaks into the area can’t quite pick her out the ball gone for a goal kick.

Woodbridge’s turn to have some sloppy play at the back, Elmes snatching in to get hold of the ball right of goal with a strike outside the box, put straight at the keeper.

GOAL! The deadlock broken with a little over 20 minutes played, Eagle coming on with the ball for Woodbridge through the middle with the diagonal ball for Jamieson attacking the right channel, Berry tracking back with her well for Brantham no shot on Jamieson keeps possession turning back to lay the ball into Oxlade outside the back, taking it in central cut back on her left for to shoot putting a low strike past the keeper into the bottom corner 1-0.

Jess Oxlade opens the scoring for Woodbridge

The goal livening Woodbridge up as they pour forwards Stacey Hadley playing the ball into Cook on the left, turns inside 20 yards out, shooting as she is closed down the effort pulled wide of the near post. Issey Bines stepping out of the defence to win the ball for Brantham finds Sophie Crabtree out on the right with an excellent ball, Crabtree striking from distance on the angle the ball racing across the Woodbridge goal out past the far post. Tuley passing to Dunnett through the middle, has a go from range on target played straight into the keeper, Dickin catching cleanly.

Brantham’s Sophie Crabtree

A miscue at the ack for Brantham, sees Jamieson steal in on the ball right 25 yards out , hesitates as goalkeeper, Connie Madley comes to close her down, the defence recovering Jamieson putting the ball wide. Berry and Jamieson continue their battle on the right, Jamieson closing the defender down looking to wrestle the ball free turn for the box, Berry nipping back at her to clear the ball. Dunnett playing the clipped pass across field into Crabtree going forwards into the right channel, runs into traffic as Woodbridge’s defence close her down, Nicholson clearing. Eagle onto the ball with a forceful run for Woodbridge.

Brantham full back, Aimee Berry

Robus-Miller fouled on the right for Brantham inside the Woodbridge half, Dunnett over the set-piece lifted forwards into the near post area, Claridge up well for Woodbridge heading the ball behind for the corner kick. From the right put in near side an emphatic clearance from Woodbridge to see the ball out for a Brantham throw. Put in across the top of the area, falls into Dunnett’s path has a decent strike in her arsenal, takes aim, shoots, turns away in frustration as she puts the ball straight into Dickin in the Woodbridge goal.

Connie Madley getting hold of the ball for Brantham

Eagle with several purposeful runs with the ball at her feet for Woodbridge, sends it into Cook now out on the right, looks to take on Berry, the full back stretching to tackle the ball put out of play. Woodbridge on the throw deep in the Brantham half Cook getting it down knocked inside for Oxlade her cross claimed by Madley inside her six yard box. Remains competitive both sides closing the ball down. Elmes seeing the ball into her body looking to shift it out to Crabtree attacking right, pushing on is tackled by Nicholson for Woodbridge.

Jess Oxlade with Brantham’s Issy Bines

Woodbridge have a break on the right, Ager winning the ball at the back on for Howe racing on down the flank with Cook ahead of her sending the ball on Berry across Cook to defend see the ball out for the goal kick. Cooke winning the ball in the middle for Woodbridge has Eagle inside her in turn out to Cook on the right, shifts the ball well between her feet attacking the Brantham defence, Charlotte Archer getting the challenge in to regain possession. Taking the ball forwards on to Elmes who finds Wilson shifting in field form the left, her shot blocked.

Oxlade with a turn and hit left of the D 20 yards out sends the ball into the keeper, Madley claiming the ball into her midriff. Jamieson out on the left taking on the strike from distance her angled drive wide past the far post. Woodbridge appealing for a handball inside the Brantham box as the cross in played in from the left following a strong run from Eagle out to the left. The clock running down in the first half the game remains open, Dickin with a great save for Woodbridge as the ball is fired in from the right. Cook on the right for Woodbridge winning her side a corner kick as Hill closes in to block her.

GOAL! The corner ball played in across the top of the Brantham area the shot struck in towards goal, strikes a Brantham arm, Woodbridge appeal, referee Mark Dyer pointing to the spot, Penalty! Jamieson placing the ball on the spot stepping back to strike hits it hard low to the bottom left corner, Madley diving the right way gets something on it but not enough as the ball bursts into the net 2-0.

Sadie Jamieson scoring from the penalty spot to make it 2-0

Sadie Jamieson

A blow for Brantham conceding a 2nd goal late in the first half look for a quick response, Tuley central out to Crabtree on the right, Robus-Miller in support, Nicholson defending for Woodbridge the ball out for the corner kick. An inswinging delivery a little too much on it landing on the roof of the net.

Woodbridge give the ball away at the back played straight into Dunnett, 25 yards out left of the D, Wilson breaks inside taking the ball off her to feed to Elmes inside the area, back to goal closely marked by Claridge, can’t turn to shoot instead lays it back to Bines central who curls her shot wide of the right post.

Half-time Woodbridge Town Ladies 2-0 Brantham Athletic Ladies

A lively first half sees Woodbridge leading the game 2-0. Jess Oxlade cutting across the area to opening the scoring with 20 minutes played. A penalty late in the half seeing the score doubled. The goals livening up Woodbridge who have been well matched by Brantham. Several hotly contested duals across the pitch, both sides closing the ball down looking to get it out to their wide players stretch the game. Has been open Brantham creating a few opportunities of their own the 2nd goal a blow as is often the case with a 2 nil score line the 3rd goal could prove critical in determining the outcome of the game.

Appears to be no chances by Woodbridge at the break, Brantham bringing on Shannon Giles out early the floodlights taking full effect, a great attendance of 395 getting behind both sides with the floodlights now taking full effect. Brantham to get the 2nd half underway, The ball put back into the middle lifted out to Wilson attacking left her infield ball finding Crabtree, puts it back out to Dunnett pulling left, her cross cut out by Ager. Brantham looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half.

Woodbridge’s Lucy Eagle

Eagle getting forwards well for Woodbridge striking from 25 yards out her attempt gloved down and claimed by Madley. Woodbridge counter well Hadley in space central lifting the ball out to Jamieson breaking clear on the left side running on towards the area pulling the trigger the shot driven in low Madley down to save diving to her right getting enough on the ball as it squirms under her, scrambling up to claim it behind her. Tuley in the middle for Brantham out to Crabtree bursting on right side her cross whipped in near post claimed by Dickin with Elmes running in to attack the ball.

Robus-Miller has alot of pace racing forwards on the right for Brantham getting on to support Crabtree in attack the cross lifted into the area, Claridge rises to head the ball clear for Woodbridge. Brantham pressing up Woodbridge look to counter get the ball out to Jamieson to break in behind on the left, Giles getting back on her defending for Brantham.

GOAL! Woodbridge making a few technical adjustments at the start of the 2nd half pay off as they go on to score a 3rd goal early in the 2nd half. Eagle with the perfect pass in the middle to pick out Jamieson running clear into the left channel, the defence can’t catch her as she strikes the ball on the run sending it inside the near post to net her 2nd of the game. 3-0.

Sadie Jamieson putting Woodbridge 3-0 up early in the 2nd half

A further blow for Brantham they nevertheless press on Tuley out to Wilson on the left, her deep cross, cleared by Claridge. The game end to end Jamieson pulling left the outlet and threat for Woodbridge Eagle picking her out again, Hill getting there first to play the ball back into her keeper to clear. Up for Crabtree wide right her cross finding Elmes inside the box back to goal, can’t turn and get a shot away as the defence converge on her.

Oxlade up on the right for Woodbridge holding the ball up before wriggling free to drive and angled ball into the side netting. Woodbridge making a change bringing off Cook for Rhianna Kiwomya. Oxlade fed the ball outside the box for Woodbridge rolls it across to Jamieson to the left as they look to open up the Brantham defence, Madley rushing forwards getting her foot to the ball to take it away from the strikers path.

Woodbridge’s Stacey Hadley

Bines winning the ball at the back well for Brantham as Eagle ploughs on through the middle for Woodbridge. Eagle coming left playing the ball up for Jamieson, Hill under pressure in defence for Brantham, hit by Eagles shot into her. Woodbridge getting hold of the ball better 2nd half coming forwards, Eagle influential in the middle getting herself about. A throw won high on the left put into Jamieson turns and plays the pass into Kiwomya central striking the ball outside the box, lacking the power to trouble Madley.

Dunnett passing to Robus-Miller racing forwards sends the ball into Crabtree right, Nicholson challenging well for Woodbridge. Berry pressing no with the ball for Brantham wide right coming inside her cross coming to Crabtree inside the box right of goal her cross intercepted by Ager. Woodbridge clearing complaining at a foul not given Brantham send a strike in from distance wide of the left post.

Bines getting in well to defend for Brantham as Oxlade takes the ball on through the middle drives forwards the ball cleared out to the right, Kiwomya’s cross claimed by Madley. Eagle picking up a knock for Woodbridge as she brings the ball on, wants to play on but needs to come off, Eloise Bruce coming on. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half. Woodbridge defending at the back launching the counter attack Cooke on for Oxlade through the middle, looking to run at the box, Bines recovering to get back at her tackle for Brantham.

The ball out on the left put back into Nicholson forwards into Jamieson left of the area, sends her shot on the angle wide at the near post on the turn. Robus-Miller racing on with the ball for Brantham into Elmes up top, Ager and Claridge in to close her down for Woodbridge.

GOAL! Jamieson carrying the threat in attack for Woodbridge 2nd half getting hold of the ball on the left to advance and strike the ball from outside the area up and over the keeper to bag herself a cup final hat-trick 4-0.

A cup final hat-trick for Woodbridge’s Sadie Jamieson

20 minutes left on the clock Brantham making a double switch at the back with Jessica Ryan and Hill coming back on at the back. Cooke hitting a shot from outside the area for Woodbridge right of the D, taking a nick off a defender passing wide of the far post for a corner kick. Taken short from the left lifted into the middle of the box cleared back to the corner taker played back to Ager who lines up a crack at goal from 35 yards out isn’t far wide of the left post.

Woodbridge’s Taylor Cooke

Woodbridge on top now finding the ball and stretching Brantham’s back line. Izzy Owen coming on for Woodbridge. Owen taking the ball on up the left for Woodbridge, the cross cleared Brantham find Robus-Miller charging on right side linking up with Crabtree, the cross in cleared by Ager. Kiwomya on the right for Woodbridge sending the ball in on the angle, beat down by Madley in the Brantham goal. Madley saving again moments later holding onto the fired fired straight at her by Jamieson central as she is given the ball by Hadley.

Robus-Miller getting Brantham a corner on the right, put in low knocked goalwards, Woodbridge clearing get on the counter the ball on the right cleared back into the middle, Cooke onto it from distance the strike claimed by Madley. Woodbridge confident finishing the game strong. Brantham working hard Giles out to Robus-Miller right still showing fantastic pace tracking inside finding Crabtree outside the box, Hadley closing her down defending for Woodbridge.

Ager getting in on Crabtree to tackle inside the area right of goal as she looks to take the ball down from a cross deep on the Brantham left. Crabtree strays down suffering with cramp a few players pulling up alot of effort put in. Brantham ringing the changes with a triple switch, Crabtree, Elmes and Robus-Miller off. Lucy Penn, Frances Turner and Harriett Young on. Hadley off for Woodbridge with Pippa King coming on. Penn getting onto the ball out wide seeing her cross claimed by Dicken.

The game entering the final 5 minutes of regular play Woodbridge in control in the closing stages. Dunnett bringing the ball down playing the pass into Tuley central, turns looks play the ball forwards, intercepted by Claridge. Cooke sliding in to win the ball, stays down having over stretched up but moving a little gingerly. Ryan heading a cross from the left clear at the back for Brantham as Owen gets up on the wing.

Brantham press on late on looking to get something out of the game winning a corner on the right send players up into the box the ball in across the six yard box knocked down towards goal Woodbridge clearing on the line then blocking the follow up shot before scrambling the ball is cleared behind for a corner out on the left. This delivery put behind off a defender at the near post conceding a 3rd corner late pressure from Brantham. Another dangerous ball swung into the area attacked central turned down towards the far post again Woodbridge clear off the line. Woodbridge get on the move up the left Owen taking the ball on, Giles getting back to defend for Brantham

GOAL! A late late consolation goal for Brantham as Berry charges on with the ball left side played on for Dunnett out wide 25 yards out catches to ball sweetly to strike a wonderful shot across the keeper into the far corner of the goal 4-1.

Brantham captain, Lucy Dunnett pictured with Lucy Eagle scoring a screamer to pull a late late goal back for Brantham

Just time for Woodbridge to make one last change bringing on crowd favourite Grace Murphy for hat-trick her heroine Jamieson. The final whistle blowing moments later, Woodbridge celebrating as they claim their first piece of silverware.

Full time Woodbridge Town Ladies 4-1 Brantham Athletic Ladies

Woodbridge with a strong 2nd half performance, making a few technical tweaks to get in behind Brantham and extend their first half lead. That after a largely and evenly fought 1st half. Jamieson finding space on the left a ready outlet going on to score twice more to claim her hat-trick. Losing last season’s final 4-0, scoring 4 in this season’s final would have liked the clean sheet no doubt but Brantham kept going pushing for a goal at the end and got it thanks to Dunnett’s screamer from outside the box.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to pick this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A well contested game with both sides playing their part. Brantham matching Woodbridge first half getting about the pitch winning their share of the ball, Aimee Berry with some fantastic tackling at full back. Lucy Dunnett looking to get hold of the ball find the wide players in attack scoring a wonderful goal. For Woodbridge the back line was composed and solid, Alice Ager and Molly Nicholson with several great tackles and interceptions throughout. Lucy Eagle getting about the park, chasing the ball down, making some dynamic runs forwards , tenacious in her pursuit of the ball. The award goes to the hat-trick scorer, Sadie Jamieson. Strong in attack winning the ball, enjoyed a good contest with Berry in the first half before the tactical switch to the left, a ready outlet in attack getting behind taking her chances well to see Woodbridge lift the cup.

Woodbridge Town Ladies, 2022/23 Suffolk Women’s League Cup winners.

Congratulations to Woodbridge Town Ladies on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup.

An enjoyable well contested final between the sides played in front of a fantastic crowd. My thanks to Mandy Cutting the League Chair for her assistance and help this evening along with the staff at Ipswich Wanderers and to both sides for their help with those all important squad numbers.

by Darren Gilham