Tag Archives: Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Wroxham Women v Wymondham Town Ladies

Sunday 8th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Another trip into Suffolk this Sunday for another final event this time from the ERWFL holding its League Cup Final at Haverhill Rovers FC contested between two Norfolk sides this season as Wroxham Women take on Premier Division Champions, Wymondham Town Ladies aiming to make it a league and cup double.

Today’s prize

Today’s League Cup Final will be the last in charge for Wroxham Women manager, Rebecca Burton as she stands down from the role having helped Wroxham to a 4th placed finish in the ERWFL Premier Division and seen over the transition of the woman’s side since it’s move to the Broads club. Has been a tale of two seasons on the pitch getting off to a fantastic start winning 5 out of 5 keeping pace with the title contenders then it all fell apart a tough spell following towards the end of 2021 into 2022 with 4 straight defeats and a high proportion of postponements adding to the frustration. The squad has rallied fantastically however and coming out the other side have recaptured their early season form with 5 straight league wins to get them back into contention at the top to finish 4th. A cup final appearance testament to the character shown. Grace Birchall the leagues 2nd highest goal scorer netting 21 times from just 16 appearances.

Wymondham Town Ladies like Wroxham showing great form at the start of the season 4 straight wins before a dip suffering back to back defeats towards the end of September, never looked back after that going on to win 12 of their remaining 14 games unbeaten to storm to the ERWFL Premier Division title and finish some 12 points clear of the rest. The squad going from strength to strength under manager Alex Guy promoted to the FAWNL 3rd and 4th tiers of the women’s football pyramid. Have done so with one of the smallest squads in the Premier Division using just 22 players in part testament to their fitness and togetherness with 3 of their attackers in the top 5 leading goal scorers behind Natasha Fensome and Wroxham’s, Birchall. Hannah Waters 3rd with 19 goals followed by Francesca Catchpole and Laura Nicholls with 16 and 15 respectfully. Aiming to make it a league and cup double could yet be a treble as Wymondham are into this season’s County Cup Final taking on Norfolk Division One Champions, Mulbarton Belles Ladies at Carrow Road on Wednesday 25th May. 

Road to the Final

The first two round of the ERWFL are contested between the Division One North & South sides with 4 winning through to join the 12 Premier Division sides in the 3rd round. Wymondham starting their league cup campaign at home to Division One South title contenders, Cheshunt FC Women a brace from Kyla Love who joined Wymondham from Wroxham along with a goal each for Francesca Catchpole, Katie Knights and Rebecca Russell seeing them through with a 5-1 win. Wroxham away to Norfolk rival, King’s Lynn Town Ladies newly promoted to the Premier Division a single Grace Birchall goal the difference between the sides on the day

Onto the quarter finals Wymondham again at home taking on their closest rivals 2nd placed Royston Town Women, Rebecca Russell once again on the score sheet along with Natasha Youngs to put them into the semi-finals winning 2-0. Wroxham form returning were drawn away to Colney Heath Ladies who themselves were showing strong form going into the tie. Wroxham coming home form Hertfordshire with a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Grace Birchall and Lauren Bullard. A trip to Haringey Borough for Wymondham in the semi-finals Hannah Waters hitting a double in the match with Hayley Kindred and Laura Nicholls both getting a goal in a 4-1 victory. Wroxham through to the final without kicking a ball after opponents AFC Dunstable Ladies called of unable to raise a side the league ruling seeing Wroxham progress.

The New Croft, home of Haverhill Rovers FC, along with it’s women’s sides. The main grass pitch hosting the final the clubhouse and kitchen open seating in front overlooking the pitch, being watered before the game. A seated stand beside with viewing all round. A bright sunny day, warm with a few dark clouds around but otherwise a pleasant day for a cup final. 

Wroxham Women

Wroxham Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Hope Strauss, Grace Squire, Jess Horn, Tigi Robson, Becky Russell, Broghan Scully, Rosie George, Naomi Cooper, Lauren Bullard & Gracie Birchall (C). Subs – Hope Armstrong, Kayleigh Robb, Charlotte Gardiner-Banks, Holly Walker & Rhianne Brister.

Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Leah Newcombe (C), Chelsea Clarke, Lauren Kett, Mary Croft, Jennifer Codman, Rebecca Russell, Natasha Youngs, Laura Nicholls & Hannah Waters. Subs – Jess Luff, Hayley Kindred, Kyla Love, Lyla Studd & Francesca Catchpole.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Had to happen sooner of later writing a report where players on opposite sides have identical names with both Wroxham and Wymondham having a Rebecca Russell, know one as Becky however and will go with that. Both sides without a key defender for the match with both Wymondham’s Aimee Stretch and Wroxham’s Alice Parker ruled out through injury. Wymondham’ first competitive match in a month that being their semi-final game their league campaign wrapped up in March. It’s Wroxham to get the cup final underway kicking off the first half wearing blue and white vertical stripe shirts with blue shorts and socks. Wymondham opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played out to the right put forwards for captain Grace Birchall in attack holds the ball up before playing it back into central midfield for Becky Russell who in turn spreads play to the left for full back Hop Strauss who attempts to play it up the line for Lauren Bullard moving out wide, Wymondham captain Leah Newcombe on her to challenge send the ball out for a throw.

Wymondham captain, Leah Newcombe

  Both sides moving in quickly on each other in possession, Wymondham’s Hannah Waters giving away a free-kick on halfway to the left bringing down midfielder, Broghan Scully. Strauss to play it up towards the top of the area, Newcombe up stretching to head the ball misplaces her header plying it on into her box, goalkeeper Chloe Pearce alert quickly advancing to grab hold of the ball. Wymondham push players on the diagonal pass sent out to Waters chasing into the right corner, does well to win a corner. Players up from the back, Wymondham from the right play it short the ball taken up the line before the cross is angled back into the box, Becky Russell up to head the ball clear for Wroxham.

Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls looking to get away from Wroxham’s Broghan Scully

   Rebecca Russell on the ball through the middle for Wymondham attempts to play the pass out to Waters drifting right, the ball intercepted by Becky Russell. Newcombe allowed to travel on with the ball for Wymondham lifts it on looking to put Waters in behind the Wroxham defence top of the area won well by Jess Horn. Newcombe then fouls Rosie George on halfway upending her as she looks to break with the ball at her feet. Strauss over the set-piece launching the ball high up into the Wymondham area, Lauren Kett with a strong header putting the ball clear for Wymondham. Both sides giving away free-kicks Wymondham hustling Wroxham on the ball forcing them into errors rushing passes winning a free-kick on halfway left themselves, Kett sends the ball up into the box, bounces through to goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook.

Wymondham’s Rebecca Russell

   Katie Knights getting about the pitch for Wymondham comes out to the right looking to hold up the ball wide of the Wroxham area is fouled. Rebecca Russell on the free-kick flashed into the box at in inviting height is won and cleared by Horn at the far post. Wymondham quick to turn the ball around Wroxham a little nervous not finding the forwards pass allowing their opponents to press forwards.

  GOAL! The ball played into Rebecca Russell central comes on, sees Waters out to the right looking to get in behind, sends the diagonal ball out to her, Wroxham immediately appeal for offside, no flag Waters turns the ball on into the area driving forwards and smashes a powerful strike across the keeper into the back of the net 0-1. 9 minutes played.

Hannah Waters with the opening goal for Wymondham in the ERWFL Cup Final

  Wroxham furious adamant Waters was offside, was certainly close. Wroxham try to find Birchall in attack, Mary Croft defending for Wymondham, to Jennifer Codman forwards for Rebecca Russell inside the Wroxham half moving right passes inside to Waters who plays the pass out to Laura Nicholls moving into the right channel, going into the corner Strauss closing her down wins a corner off the defender. Played in from the right is over Nicholls rising far post retrieved out on the left the cross then charged down. 

  Scully in the middle with Becky Russell on to Bullard has Birchall breaking away in attack on the left side the ball into her feet holding it up as Strauss rushes on taking the ball on on the overlap, Kett comes out to the wing to make the tackle put the ball out for the throw. Play stopped then as Scully is down in the middle clearly in pain, didn’t actually see what happened whether she was caught or not but is in trouble looks to be her ankle, the trainer on needs to be helped off can’t continue. Wroxham send on Holly Walker a rejig of personal with Horn coming into midfield, Strauss going over to the right and George dropping back into left back.

Wroxham’s Jess Horn with Wymondham’s Katie Knights

 Wroxham continue to look unsettled, Wymondham able to regain possession easily with the forward passes not finding anyone. No love lost between the sides certainly has the edge of a derby to it, tackles flying in a free-kicks being given away regularly, Wymondham after a hand ball is spotted on halfway. Played forwards to the top of the area intercepted by Horn. Newcombe on with the ball left forwards for Natasha Youngs her cross put into the area finding Nicholls close in at the near post, she shot blocked by Tigi Robson out for a corner. In across the six yard box from the right, Knights heads over at the far post.

   Horn fouled in the middle for Wroxham the ball out to George up on the left getting into the Wymondham half has Walker ahead of her the pair playing a one two looking to get forwards Kett across to help Newcombe the ball defended cleared for a throw. Wymondham sharp getting the ball forwards from the ball fizzed into Waters left outside the Wroxham area turns sending it on for Nicholls racing away down the wing looking to get into the box, Fullbrook able to get hold of the bouncing ball, Nicholls would have been offside anyway. A throw deep inside Wroxham territory for Wymondham on the right, players battling for possession, Bullard getting hold of it looking to get on the move for Wroxham the potential break stopped by Youngs as she gets the tackle in on Bullard.

Wymondham defender, Lauren Kett

  George with a strong run forwards with the ball on the left for Wroxham on for Walker, Kett in to challenge halting her advance. Fouls continue to be given away a feisty contest. Birchall on the recieving end of a strong challenge. From a throw high on the right Becky Russell wins Wroxham a corner kick. Frustrations with decisions boiling over for Wroxham as the first half moves into the last 15 minutes. Wymondham from a throw on the right Knights showing great skill on the ball turning it infield for Rebecca Russell 20 yards out looking to go forwards, Horn in on her defending for Wroxham.

Wroxham’s Becky Russell

   George clearing the ball right for a throw as Waters flicked on ball from the middle comes out to Nicholls breaking right. Wymondham’s turn to complain about a decision going against them players from both sides showing their frustration risking action being taken against them. Wroxham beginning to find some momentum going forwards at last getting players on better, finding Birchall and Bullard up top. Wymondham always ready to spring the counter Walker needing to track back on the right tackle Newcombe as she gets forwards. The throw deep into the area Waters up near side twisting her header down towards goal, players attacking it, thwarted by the offside flag. 

Wroxham’s Rosie George

  Strauss coming away with the ball on the left side for Wroxham moves inside sending the diagonal ball into Birchall’s feet back to gaol outside the D, looking to turn to her right spin off her marker, Kett reads it lunging out with her leg to take the ball away from her. Soon after though Kett picks up the first yellow card of the game as she catches Horn with a rash tackle in the middle. Strauss on it, into the top of the area Newcombe’s header clear falling to Becky Russell attempts to lob it back in over the defence, claimed by Pearce beyond. 

  Wroxham get up the pitch on the left George up with Walker the ball worked in across the top of the Wymondham area comes out to Bullard 20 yards out right side, curls a viscous shot in towards goal Pearce diving to her left can’t reach it the ball cannoning down off the crossbar and out for a corner off the falling keeper. Wroxham applying some pressure now in the final 3rd the corner played in across the penalty spot headed up twice by Wroxham before dropping to Horn at the near post stabbing her header wide.

Wroxham’s Jess Horn

  The clock ticking down in the first half Wroxham finishing it the strong with the ball higher up the pitch played with renewed confidence Birchall driving on powerfully on the right her cross from deep saved by Pearce out of her area quickly regained by Wroxham Horn into Becky Russell outside the D turns on the ball left intending to shoot, Kett diving in with a last ditch tackle to deny her the opportunity. A pause in play with Nicholls pulling up for Wymondham needing treatment. Okay to continue, the ball won back by Wroxham in the middle up to Bullard with Birchall to her right, Croft defending for Wymondham as the half-time whistle blows.

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-1 Wymondham Town Ladies

  A strong opening half hour from Wymondham as they pressed the Wroxham defence back getting the ball on quickly through the middle to their attackers. Waters opening the scoring inside 10 minutes. A feisty game played at a good pace has the feel of a derby about it some strong challenges being made, decisions upsetting both sides, as of yet though just the one card shown. Wroxham looking a little unsettled at the start not getting their passes right, finding their way towards the end of the half not really wanting the whistle to blow. Wymondham heading into the changing rooms. Wroxham staying out on the pitch, manager Rebecca Burton giving one last impassioned half-time team talk spurring her side on for the 2nd half.

Rebecca Burton giving her final team talk as Wroxham manager (nobody died by the way)

  No changes at the break for either side, 1 goal in it still all to play for as Wymondham get the 2nd half underway. The ball with Newcombe at the back is quickly closed down Wroxham looking to press, Becky Russell getting hold of the ball played inside cut out by Codman. Walker bringing the ball on left fires a diagonal ball inside for Birchall back to goal top of the D, bodies around her turns into traffic no way through. Wymondham regain possession on the right sent on for Waters taking the ball on to the by-line her cross is deflected behind into the side netting for a corner kick. 

Katie Knights with Wroxham’s Becky Russell

 

The corner swung into the near side attacked as Wroxham defend getting it clear play stopped however with a player down, Robson needing treatment. Clarke up on the left with the ball clipping a long pass forwards into the box with Waters pulling off the Wroxham defence, Fullbrook starts to come close the angle, the striker not getting to it the goalkeeper allowing it to bounce on wide of goal. The game stretched more now as Wroxham push up losing the ball out wide, Wymondham counter on the right the diagonal ball forwards seeing Nicholls in through the middle, Fullbrook comes running out to the top of her area sliding in to clear it as the attacker arrives the ball won the pair collide a painful coming together of knees that leaves both on the floor in some discomfort and another long pause in play for treatment to be administered. 

 

  Both up gingerly can play on. Knights coming out to the right holding the ball up twists and turns getting the angle for the cross the ball lifted into the six yard box claimed by Fullbrook. Waters with the ball high on the right winning a throw, players from both sides battling for possession outside the Wroxham box, Becky Russell preventing the cross coming in. Knights stealing in on the ball for Wymondham laying it on for Water right channel, Robson with a good tackle defending for Wroxham. Wymondham’s defence sitting back keeping it tight making it difficult for Birchall to find a way through on goal, angry not to get awarded a corner as she drives on right side.

  A change for both sides with Wroxham bringing on Charlotte Gardiner-Banks for Squires. Wymondham bringing off Youngs replaced by Hayley Kindred. An hour played a much more even contest, Wroxham after the ball getting players up. Wymondham ready to counter at every opportunity Rebecca Russell on through the middle for Nicholls, Fullbrook coming out to meet her doing well to bat the ball down then smother it at the top of her area. Bullard to Birchall taking the ball on into the right corner getting inside to send a cross in towards the near post Becky Russell with the run, the ball clears by Croft. 

Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls

  Birchall with the ball at her feet outside the Wymondham area turns towards goal, Codman back to help her defence with the challenge to win it back. Becky Russell closing down the ball central sends it out to Cooper running into space on the right lifts the ball on into the box for Birchall right side bringing it down gets to the by-line, Kindred tackling for Wymondham. An Injury concern for Wymondham in the middle Waters has pulled up, hurting herself chasing down a ball moments earlier can’t continue a blow, Kyla Love coming on.

Naomi Cooper coming forwards for Wroxham

  Another change for Wroxham with Walker off, Rhianne Brister coming on. Another injury concern for Wymondham with Kett the player down again needs to come off, Wymondham sending on striker Francesca Catchpole. Love in the middle losing possession to Becky Russell, gets back at her to win the ball back a committed tussle from both side now. Horn picking up the ball in the middle allowed to travel pulling the trigger some 20 yards out, Pearce seeing it wide of her left post. The advantage played as Strauss is clipped bringing the ball on on to George out wide her cross into the middle, headed clear. 20 minutes left to play the game could yet go either way Wroxham much improved but as yet to test Pearce.

Wymondham’s Kyla Love

  Birchall battling her way forwards on the right calling for support as she moves infield her ball into the area covered by Pearce. Love heading the ball on up to Catchpole in attack, Strauss closing in to defend for Wroxham. Wymondham upping the pace as they look for a 2nd goal themselves. Players beginning to struggle with fatigue pulling up, Nicholl has taken a few knock during the game. Codman down too needing treatment a large chunk of stoppage time to be added. Codman coming off for Wymondham, Youngs returning to the pitch. 

  Love running onto the ball, 20 yards out looking to press into the box is tackled by Robson, Horn in the middle fouled by Catchpole as she tries to send it forwards. A free-kick for Wroxham wide left halfway into Bullard central has Cooper free to the right the pass into her moves inside lifting it forwards for Brister left of the D, Rebecca Russell up with her, attempts to turn her header on into the area, the ball loose for a moment a 2nd attempt to head it on for Brister the ball on through to the keeper. 

  Gardiner-Banks curls a shot into the keeper 25 yards out on the left side as the advantage is played after Love’s foul on Birchall. Free-kicks the story of the game regularly given away little quarter being given from either side. Brister comes off for Wroxham with Walker returning for the closing stages, time running out for Wroxham to get a goal force the game into extra-time. Strauss on for Cooper right side her cross in cut out. Clarke picking up the ball for Wymondham 20 yards out left of goal getting into the box her shot miscued wide at the near post. Game is very open Wymondham defending deep not leaving any gaps Bullard into Cooper right inside for Walker, top of the Wymondham area left, the ball cleared by Croft for a throw. 

 

  Youngs off a throw left getting to the by-line, Strauss defending for Wroxham, Youngs coming back on her to play it across the top of the area, Love onto it her attempt sent high. 

 GOAL! Regular time up Catchpole on the ball halfway inside the Wroxham half, Cooper closing in lunges in to win the ball Catchpole going down over her legs, Wroxham incensed as the free-kick is awarded against her. Looked a good tackle diving in though adjudged as dangerous play. Clarke over the set-piece the back hit well heading for goal to the right side swerving through the air Fullbrook getting something on it not enough though as it is lost beyond her bouncing down in front of goal, Wymondham have players racing in on the follow-up Love amongst those smashing the ball into the back of the net. Confusion as Wroxham think it’s been ruled out for offside, Wymondham celebrating. A pause in play as the officials consult, the goal is given the ball already over the line before Love arrived 0-2.

  A much needed goal for Wymondham with a substantial amount of injury time to be played. A huge blow for Wroxham who feel they have been on the wrong end of decisions for both goals. Birchall bringing the ball on right her crossed flashed into the six yard box, cleared before Gardiner-Banks can get her head on it. Lyla Studd coming on for Wymondham replacing Youngs. Catchpole holding up the ball fouled by Robson on halfway. 

 Wroxham press forwards in search of a goal Cooper 30 yards out on the right shifts inside letting fly with a stinging shot, Pearce diving to her right with the save pushing the ball out wide to the left. A free-kick crossed into the Wymondham area just out of Birchall’s reach, a foul for Wymondham then as Wroxham attempt to regain possession. Studd back to defend for Wymondham as Becky Russell and Bullard look to combine out on the right. Deep into stoppage time 5 minutes already played.

  A free-kick for Wroxham  30 yards out central, a booking for Kindred. Strauss’ shot striking the 3 man wall. Robson staying up now for Wroxham the ball with Cooper right lifted on Robson that side but the pass too long. 90 + 8 Wroxham with a free-kick on the left Strauss to put it on, headed clear top of the area by Rebecca Russell. Cooper central threading the pass into Robson right her cross into the Wymondham area won by the defence. 

 GOAL! 90+11 Wroxham pushing hard at the death winning another set-piece Strauss on it 25 yards out to the left of the D. Sent in on target Birchall attacking it even as Pearce looks to take it with both hands on her line, does well to hold onto the ball, a little bit of afters between Birchall and Croft that sees the defender kick out at her opponent. The referee blowing up cooling thing’s down calling Croft over booking her and awarding the penalty. Bullard placing the ball on the spot, calm as you like the keeper doesn’t move as she slots it low into the right corner 1-2.

Lauren Bullard scores from the penalty spot for Wroxham

  A goal back at the death for Wroxham, but only a consolation as moments later the final whistle blows and Wymondham celebrate as the win the League Cup and complete the double.

Wymondham celebrate at the final whistle

Full time Wroxham Women 1-2 Wymondham Town Ladies

  An entertaining Cup Final played between two committed sides local rivals, very much a derby. Wroxham much improved 2nd half taking the game to Wymondham opened things up, as they looked for a goal. Wymondham though keeping it tight at the back deep at time not leaving any room in behind. Losing players to injury Wymondham had to fight for the victory getting the crucial 2nd goal in the finish. Some controversial decisions Wroxham feeling hard done by for both goals. Entertaining nonetheless a great advert for the league the ERWFL only getting stronger.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Was a committed battle with both sides playing there part contenders on both sides. For Wroxham, Tigi Robson making a number of crucial challenges at the back. Becky Russell in the middle getting stuck in winning the ball on numerous ocassions looking to get forwards. Lauren Bullard outstanding getting hold of the ball coming close to scoring late in the first half scoring the penalty at the death. Wymondham had to fight for the victory and did a great job as a team. Lauren Kett at the back standing out amongst a solid defensive line. Hannah Waters up top with her movement on and off the ball always causing issues. The award though goes to midfielder Katie Knights covered a huge amount of ground in her pursuit of the ball breaking up several Wroxham moves holding up the ball and getting into some good forward positions.

 Congratulations to Wymondham Town Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL Cup Final and completing a league and cup double.

Wymondham Town Ladies 2021/22 ERWFL Cup Winners

  An entertaining trip down to Haverhill my 3rd final in 6 days one more to come on Tuesday at Newmarket for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final before a slight rest. My thanks to both sides for their help today as always is appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Needham Market Women

Friday 6th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

Back down the A12 for my 2nd Suffolk cup final of the week. Following Tuesday’s SGWFL League Cup Final season climax won by Holland Ladies it’s the turn of the County Cup. The showpiece event in the women’s football calendar being played at The JobServe Community Stadium home of League Two side Colchester United FC between AFC Sudbury Women & Needham Market Women.

This evening’s prize

The competition dominated by Ipswich Town Women since the Suffolk and Norfolk County Cups became separate competitions in 2010. Have featured in 9 of the last 10 finals victorious in all including a 7 game streak before withdrawing from the competition as their excellent growth saw the club reach the 3rd tier of the women’s game. Several sides aiming to be as successful in Suffolk as the game continues to grow at pace and this evenings finalists chief amongst them. Both emerging as a leading force in the game, Needham Market Women winning the ERWFL Division One North title to win promotion to the Premier Division the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid. AFC Sudbury Women aiming to join them as they make a late charge to claim the Division One South title.

 Sudbury the only other side bar Ipswich to have won the Suffolk Women’s County Cup since it’s inception in 2010. AFC Sudbury Ladies as they were back then beating Brandon Town Ladies 5-0. Is a very different Sudbury side now, AFC Sudbury Women now fully integrated with the men’s club and academy with a Reserves side backing up the 1st team playing in the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division. Goal scorers throughout the side Jess Allen is leading the way with 17. ERWFL Division One South proving a strong league this season with new sides joining was a 5 way battle for the title for a long period Sudbury with games in hand remaining the dark horse now with their rivals having completed their fixtures in 4th Sudbury are 8 points behind leaders Cheshunt FC who have finished on 35 points. Sudbury with 3 games left will be Champions if results go their way. Are also in the final of the ERWFL Plate.

  Needham Market Women burst onto the scene reaching the County Cup Final in their debut season just 4 season’s ago. Like Sudbury are fully integrated with their men’s club and academy set-up. Establishing a Reserves side to back up the 1st team that has gone from strength to strength joining the ERWFL have gone on to win Division One North with ease this season winning 10 of their 12 league matches scoring gaols by the bucket load, Lina Nagib with 26 to her name from 20 appearances. Have recruited a few ex-Ipswich players adding valuable experience to the squad with both Molly Hall and Ellie Rossiter having prolific seasons with 19 and 16 goals respectfully. Lois Balfour too celebrating her fair share of goals on 16 too. Made their 2nd County Cup Final appearance last season again losing out to Ipswich. Now making back to back finals like Sudbury will be fancying their chances.

Road to the Final

The early rounds of any county cup competition can see some eye watering results as teams across all tiers are drawn together. In Sudbury’s case it was a walk over for both the 1st and 2nd Rounds seeing them into the quarter finals. Needham Market were at home to Mildenhall Town Women in the 1st Round back in September, Racked up the goals against the Cambs Division Two side winning 20-0. A similar score line in the Round as they were away to Halesworth Town Women bottom of the Suffolk Women’s Championship 22-0 this time around.

  Both sides were strong in the quarter finals as they came up against sides in the Suffolk Premier Division. Sudbury away to Brantham Athletic Ladies winning the game 10-1 to progress to the last 4, Georgia Sleep netting 4 goals. While Needham Market were 9-0 winners at home to Woodbridge Town Ladies with Molly Hall also on target for 4 goal. Into the semi-finals played at neutral venues Sudbury taking on a rejuvenated Haverhill Rovers Ladies. Luiza Silva on target to score a hat-trick seeing them into the final courtesy of a 3-1 win. Meanwhile Needham Market were taking on Sudbury’s reserve side in the other semi-final, Lina Nagib with a brace and Jodie Sharp with a hat-trick seeing the club into their 3rd final in 4 seasons winning 5-0.

 The JobServe Community Stadium, home of League Two side Colchester United FC the venue for this evenings final. Great to see more County Cup finals taking place at venues such as this, Portman Road also hosting the women’s finals previously. Has hosted a women’s county cup final before aswell as a Lionesses match. Situated just off the A12 with alot of parking the main stand open to fans with sections for both the Sudbury and Needham Market support the large grass pitch looking great. Suffolk FA putting on a fantastic event to showcase the game one of 6 finals being played here. The weather again warm and dry little chance of a shower.

 

AFC Sudbury Women

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Boni Shepherd (C), Ronni Harrison, Amber Provan, Teigan McHale, Kate Edwards, Phoebe Guiver, Isabella Crawford, Alex Penny, Evie Creaton & Jess Allen. Subs – Faith Candice, Sophie Jeffrey, Tye Smith, Kaylee Dodd, Luiza Silva.

Needham Market Women

Needham Market Women starting XI – Dani Clarke, Nicole Pannifer, Niamh Thomas, Laura Bloomfield, Ele Catchpole, Nicola Henderson (C), Abbie Fisher, Mia Etheridge, Ellie Rossiter, Lina Nagib & Lois Balfour. Subs – Eloise Ward, Paige Wakefield, Jo Brawn, Jodie Sharp & Molly Hall.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The crowd in good voice before the match both sides with great support, it’s Needham Market to get this season’s County Cup final underway kicking off 1st half wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts, Sudbury lined up opposite in an all yellow kit. The ball played out to the right side with Ellie Rossiter looking to get forwards for Needham Market, Boni Shepherd defending, Sudbury’s captain seeing the ball out for a throw in. The ball contested over on the far side of the pitch as both sides jostle for possession in the early exchanges.

  Ex-Sudbury player, Mia Etheridge tackling to win the ball on the right sending it forwards for Lois Balfour to attack edge of the box, Teigan McHale getting the challenge in to win the ball back for Sudbury. Lina Nagib, through the middle with support from Etheridge and Abbie Fisher the ball spread out to the left wing as Niamh Thomas looks to get on from full back, cutting inside, Amber Provan comes to face her tackling to see the ball out for a throw. Good distance on it into Etheridge inside the box controlling the ball down into her feet looking to turn and shoot, Provan close on her getting her foot on the ball to send it out for another throw.

Amber Provan winning the header for Sudbury

  Needham Market making the brighter start going forwards with the ball Sudbury keeping a good shape readily regaining possession, Nagib battling her way through in the left channel eventually outnumbered, Ronni Harrison getting hold of the ball for Sudbury. Fisher central lays the ball back to centre back Ele Catchpole who sends a long diagonal ball out to the right Rossiter and Etheridge playing a one two finding no way through the Sudbury defence. Sudbury launch a quick counter offensive with a diagonal pass forwards finding Alex Penny running in behind clear on the right running on sends the cross into Jess Allen inside the box turns the ball goalwards, Needham Market goalkeeper, Dani Clarke down smartly to her right to save push the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired in with pace low at the near post Allen turning to strike it can’t get a touch as the ball runs on for Needham Market to launch clear.

   Both sides taking advantage of the pitches width Etheridge strong on the right moving forwards whipping a cross into the top of the Sudbury area is cleared by Harrison at the back. Pushing up almost to half way at times there is space in behind for Sudbury to exploit and they have pacy players in their side, Penny sending it on through the middle for Allen running clear into the left channel, Clarke has to come running out of her box to deal with the threat. Balfour plays a great pass on for Rossiter racing in behind through the middle into the box, McHale getting back to slide in and tackle as goalkeeper Millie Carter closes the gap, Rossiter amongst those appealing to referee Nick Ward but no penalty the ball out for a throw on the left.

  Catchpole playing the ball on for Thomas away on the left for Needham Market, Harrison closing her down the ball gone for a throw, good distance reaching the area, Provan up to head the ball away. 

 GOAL! On 10 minutes the deadlock is broken Sudbury’s turn to press a high line the middle of the park congested Kate Edwards winning the ball plays a fantastic ball in behind for Evie Creaton to run onto breaking clear in the left speedy travelling towards the box shoots on the angle the ball driven forwards, Clarke down sharply gets something on it but not enough to deflect it wide as the ball nestles in the back of the net 1-0.

Evie Creaton opens the scoring for Sudbury

Needham Market get on the attack from the restart captain Nicola Henderson on for Nagib left side a powerful run forwards getting into the box, slowed up by Harrison, lays it back to Balfour 20 yards out who curls a shot narrowly over the crossbar. Nagib looking to get the ball into her feet run at the Sudbury defence at every opportunity sends it across the top of the area picking out Balfour who sees her low shot blocked by McHale. Catchpole at the back with a timely interception as Harrison coming on up the right attempts the through ball to put Allen away in behind the defence.

GOAL! Sudbury double their advantage the ball won in the middle by Edwards her pass defence splitting pass sending Creaton clear as she breaks inside from the left closing in on the area left of the D, Clarke coming out to close her down makes a blocking save as Creaton’s shot shrikes her body, the ball spinning loose central, Allen is alert snatching onto it a stabs the ball goalwards 2-0.

Jess Allen firing Sudbury into a 2 goal lead

  A great start for Sudbury getting into a 2 goal lead inside the opening 16 minutes. Showing lots of energy Sudbury hustle the ball centrally put on for Penny on the right side, looks to driven on, Thomas tackling to deny her. Rossiter providing the outlet for Needham Market on the right wing pace runs on with the ball sending a shot in on the angle 25 yards out, Carter behind it with a safe pair of hands any spills and Nagib was closing her down fast. Penny taking the ball on right flashing a cross into the six yard box, a the ball sliced goalwards off a Needham Market boot, Clarke reacting instinctively down to save the ball. 

  Isabella Crawford finding Penny on the right, up against Catchpole looking to spin in behind the defender, Catchpole gets her tackle right to put the ball out for a throw. Penny is away in the clear on the right as a defensive clearance from Shepherd at the back finds her running on wide her shot/cross flies across the face of goal Clarke unconcerned. Harrison strong up against Nagib as she is put in on the left by Catchpole carrying the ball out from the back for Needham Market. 

  Rossiter out on the right springs the offside and takes the ball on towards the box, Shepherd recovering after her sliding in as she reaches the by-line to send the ball away for a corner. In from the right twice Sudbury defend putting it out for another corner the 3rd coming in more central, Catchpole under it inside the six yard box heading her attempt over the bar. Closing in on half an hour played Needham market press forwards Nagib out left crossfield to Rossiter on the right has Etheridge ahead of her takes the ball on slotting a cross into Balfour inside the area, Harrison seeing the threat emerging getting in tight on Balfour to stop her getting a shot away.

Needham Market’s Mia Etheridge

   Allen pressing the Needham Market back line steals the ball 25 yards out and bursting in behind right of goal flashes a cross in Clarke down on it well with Creaton running in far post. Nagid sends Rossiter away with the ball on the right for Needham Market running on her touch into the box a little heavy as Carter comes to save sliding in Rossiter leaves the ground with a somewhat reckless challenge feet up as she attempts to get the ball Carter holding onto it despite being hurt in the collision. Play paused whilst she recieves treatment but is up and okay to play on. 

  Needham Market’s build up play is slower than Sudbury’s giving them time to get back into their positions whereas when Sudbury regain possession they are rapid in their counter play with Creaton, Allen and Penny all breaking. Provan winning it at the back for Sudbury clipping the ball into Allen 30 out who sends it through to Creaton running in behind her left she plays an early cross out to the right looking for Penny, this time though their progress is halted by the offside flag.

GOAL! 5 minutes left to play 2nd half and a much needed goal back for Needham Market, as Nagib ploughing her way forwards is fouled halfway inside the Sudbury half. Fisher on the ball looks to go for goal a long way out but connects well getting the ball up and down dipping dangerously for Carter back on her line, the ball smashing down off the crossbar into the six yard box with players closing in, Catchpole getting her head to it as it bounces up to turn home 2-1.

Abbie Fisher’s free-kick on its way to hit the crossbar

Ele Catchpole with the header to pull a goal back for Needham Market

  Sudbury aggrieved feeling it wasn’t a foul in Nagib in the first place. Attack on the left Guiver on for Creaton, drives on tackled by Pannifer for Needham Market. Rossiter bringing down a crossfield ball on the right well moving forwards top of the area strikes a vicious shot wide across the face of goal. The game moving into stoppage time in the first half Needham Market encouraged by their goal getting forwards scrapping for the ball left with Fisher supporting Nagib lifted on into the area for Balfour her attack halted by a raised flag.

Needham Market striker, Lois Balfour

  Balfour with good hold up play on the left shielding the ball has Thomas racing forwards on the overlap puts the pass into her path taking it on Thomas moves inside, looking to get around Harrison, the full back flicking out a leg to win the ball back. 

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 2-1 Needham Market Women

  A good contest so far a 2-1 lead for Sudbury at the break with a good start inviting Needham Market on finding gaps in behind to get their attacking players in on goal opening the scoring on 10 minutes a 2nd added on 16. The ball hotly contested throughout Needham Market on the back foot finding some joy on the right with Rossiter with Nagib too running at the defence needed the next goal and found it with 5 minutes left to play in the half, setting it up nicely for the 2nd 45.

  Sudbury to get the 2nd half underway, no changes for either side as of yet the ball played left Edwards with the ball, on for Creaton but comes to nothing.

GOAL! A fantastic start to the 2nd half… if you’re a Sudbury fan as they win the ball back in defence left side Shepherd on for Creaton racing away on the wing travelling into the box fires a cross into the six yard box, Allen her target, up against Catchpole the defender challenging the ball deflected out to the right and is blasted into the back of the net by Penny to make it 3-1!

Alex Penny puts Sudbury into a 3-1 lead early in the 2nd half

  A blow for Needham at the start of the 2nd half, restart the game going left Nagib with Balfour, the Sudbury defence keeping a solid shape. Allen getting to the by-line on the left with the ball is challenged by Pannifer eventually winning a corner. The ball put into the area, Clarke comes a long way out of her six yard box has to get something on it a fist knocking it down away to the right a shot blasted back in to the angle is blocked. Needham Market make a change early in the 2nd half bringing off Pannifer, with Jodie Sharp on. 

  Sudbury have looked to be more energetic right from the start and a lively at the start of the 2nd half. Creaton attacking on the left has Allen up with her on her inside squares the ball to her goes into the box, Bloomfield, closing her down to defend for Needham Market. Henderson in the middle passing the ball out to Rossiter on the right has Sharp with her pace going past her taking the  ball on as she drifts infield. Sharps cross fizzed into the six yard box his headed clear at the far post landing right of the D, Rossiter is arriving to curl a low shot in towards goal can only find Carter who saves comfortably. 

Needham Market’s Ellie Rossiter

  Shepherd defends against Rossiter on the right a throw high up the pitch, helped on into the box the cross comes in but no one attacking it as Carter catches unhindered. Bloomfield with a great ball forwards for Rossiter on the right wing travelling with it Shepherd back with her forced to concede a corner. In from the right the delivery is met by Etheridge at the near post her header put wide. Half chances created for Needham Market, Sudbury make their first change bringing on Kaylee Dodd for Shepherd, Edwards donning the armband. 

 Nagib holding off challenges turning inside from the left to centre attempts to find Rossiter on the right, Sudbury giving away the throw. Needham Market winning a free-kick inside the Sudbury half similar to the one they had first half. Fisher on it again and again she goes for goal well struck this time though Carter can see it drop safely wide of her left post. Sudbury looking to keep it solid at the back not willing to break as often that said when they get an opportunity they’ll take it Edwards putting Allen on left cuts inside as Needham Market get bodies back into their box her shot cut out by Etheridge. 

  The game stretched opens up as Creaton is sent away on the left towards the area Clarke comes rushing out to charge her down the ball landing in the middle, Guiver taking on the shot from distance with the Needham Market goal exposed, Clarke though back peddles enough stretching up her arm to push the dropping ball down to the right Dodd latching onto it seeing her strike charged down. Sudbury win a corner on their right curled in over the penalty spot Edwards rising at the back post can’t get a touch.

  Nagib as picked up an injury and is struggling for Needham Market, a blow can’t continue, helped off far side, attacker, Jo Brawn comes on. Sudbury too with another change Tye Smith on in attack replacing Allen. 20 minutes left to play players tiring, more changes with Molly Hall coming on, an attacker for a defender with Thomas coming off. Smith straight away flagged offside as Guiver with Edwards look to turn play around in the middle of the park. 

  Hall on halfway with a good flick on for Etheridge right cuts inside looking to get in behind her marker, Penny doing well against her getting the ball back for Cater to clear. Luiza Silva comes on for Sudbury replacing Guiver. Smith with the ball turning in from the right attacking the box her shot sliced away to the left Penny looking to chase it down, not before Bloomfield clears. Needham Market looking for a goal pushing players on gaps at the back, Edwards finding Creaton dropping deep for the ball left, Henderson across to tackle for Needham Market, Etheridge then winning her side a free-kick wide on the right in the corner. Fisher over to take flashed into the six yard box headed outside falling to Rossiter hits the shot takes a deflection robbing it off it’s venom as Carter scoops it up into her gloves. 

   Sophie Jeffery on for Sudbury as the game moves into the final 10 minutes replacing Creaton. A double substitution for Needham Market, Catchpole and Balfour off replaced by Paige Wakefield and Eloise Ward. Sharp over on the left now bombing forwards looks to thread the ball in for Brawn, Carter racing out to the edge of her box getting to the ball first. Faith Candice comes on for Sudbury replacing Harrison at the back. Penny defending top of the D as Brawn looks to turn on the ball. Needham Market pressing on in search on a goal, Sudbury back soaking it up. Sharp getting on left side overruns the ball. 

  The clock ticking down alot of tired legs out there Needham Market leaving gaps as they risk pushing players on, Smith with fresh legs ready to run on with the ball turn the Needham Market defence. Playing in Jeffery to her right, Bloomfield defends for Needham Market. Guiver back on for Edwards late on with stoppage time about to be played. Guiver is fouled 20 yards out left of the Needham Market box trying to bring a ball down from a throw in. Penny on the ball goes for goal her effort landing on the roof of the net. 

  Needham Market come left Henderson with Sharp on for Brawn wide sees her cross charged down. Shepherd back on for McHale in the closing stages for Sudbury. One last attack for Needham Market, Hall laying the ball out to Sharp on the left wing makes a run into the box, Sharp down the line to cross in low Hall meeting it close in near post turns it goal wards, Carter dropping on it smartly, snatching it into her body as Hall follows up. That’s it the final action of the game as the final whistle blows players from the bench rush on to celebrate Sudbury’s victory.

AFC Sudbury Women celebrate at the final whistle

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 3-1 Needham Market Women

  An entertaining final between two strong sides. Sudbury the better on the night solid with plenty of energy taking the lead inside 10 minutes 2 up just 6 minutes later. Looked dangerous on the counter throughout. A goal back five minutes from the end of the first half giving Needham market encouragement going into the 2nd half, the worst possible start however as Sudbury raced into a 3-1 lead and from there looked to keep a good shape and limit opportunities for Needham Market who will feel they didn’t play their best this evening created some chances, Sudbury though had the quicker build up play and threat in attack.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and this is not an easy one at all several great performances out there. A few of note to mention, firstly Needham Market. Ele Catchpole making a number of vital tackles at the back getting the goal to narrow the gap at the break. Lina Nagib strong with the ball at her feet driving on, looking to set up chances. Ellie Rossiter carrying the biggest threat out on the right always available with some pacy running. For Sudbury the side was solid from back to front Millie Carter in goal, Teigan McHale and Ronni Harrison in defence with some great tackles and cover play. Kate Edwards winning the ball in the middle with the front three lively throughout, Jess Allen central with Alex Penny on the right both scoring. Pipping them all too it though the award goes to Evie Creaton. With some incredible runs took the game to Needham market right from the start and helped set the tone ran herself into the ground always ready to get on the attack.

Congratulations to AFC Sudbury Women on winning the 2021/22 Suffolk Women’s County Cup. Still plenty to play for yet this season.

 Both sides back in action again on Sunday with Sudbury in league action at home to Billericay Town Women Development and Needham Market at home to Barking FC Women in the ERWFL Challenge Cup.

 An enjoyable trip to Colchester (admittedly the journey home wasn’t so good with both the A12 and A14 shut but I got home in the finish). A fantastic attendance with 566 fans treated to a great event. Full credit to Colchester FC and Suffolk FA. Thanks for all you help this evening much appreciated. I suspect this is the beginning of a long rivalry between AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women and there with be many more exciting games to come.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Holland Ladies v Woodbridge Town Ladies

Tuesday 3rd May

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final

A trip into Suffolk this evening for the first of 4 cup finals over the next 8 days. Begin with the Final of the Suffolk Women’s League Cup, this season being contested between Holland Ladies and Woodbridge Town Ladies.

The competition back after the 2 previous seasons were affected by the Covid pandemic, bringing a close to the 2021/22 SGWFL season. Featuring 2 divisions for the 2nd successive season as the game grows within the county. The 7 strong Premier Division won by Brettvale Ladies. The 9 strong Championship below seeing AFC Kesgrave Ladies pip Henley Athletic Women to the title on goal difference. This evenings final between two of the emerging sides with the league looking to win their first piece of silverware.

Holland Ladies joining the SWGFL at the start of the 2019/20 season. The north east Essex side hitting the ground running a strong outfit signing a number of experienced players at this level and above odds on for a late charge at the title itself before the Covid pandemic began bringing it all to a close. A 2nd Covid hit season following again stifling the sides development, this is really their first full season. With a 7 strong Premier Division had led for much of the campaign with rivals Brettvale playing catch up, eventually overhauling them to win the title. Pushed down to 3rd in the finish by AFC Sudbury Women Reserves who they had originally been expecting to face this evening  but we’ll get to that in a moment. Jasmine Cox an attacker with a wealth of experience and an eye for goal their leading scoring with over 20 this season with captain Lauren Lucas and Lauren Borne both on 7 each.

   Woodbridge Town Ladies were formed the season before Holland joined the league. Like this evenings opponents looking strong from the start recording a 4th placed finish in their debut season in 2018/19 and in the 2 seasons that followed were pushing for the top of the table on both ocassions with Covid stopping them in their tracks again ruining their development and potential. Amongst the goals too. This season has been a different story ultimately ending up bottom of the table in the finish, have suffered from a lack of numbers at times this season. Tough but have the unexpected bonus of a cup final to look forwards too and know that on their day can match anyone in the league. Sadie Jamieson their top scorer with 8 goals this term.

Road to the Final

 16 sides entering the competition, the first round saw Holland Ladies drawn away to fellow Premier Division side Brantham Ladies. Showing great form in the league Holland running out comfortable winners in the finish 7-1 to progress to the quarter final. Woodbridge were drawn away to would be Championship winners, AFC Kesgrave Ladies. A tricky tie finishing 1-1 went into a penalty shootout Woodbridge eventually emerging winners 8-7 to get into the quarter finals. 

Holland at home to Championship side, Chantry Grasshoppers a brace from Jasmine Cox and a goal from Mary-Jane Walsh sending them into the semi-finals. Woodbridge at home to against another Championship side, league newcomers Waveney Ladies, goals from Tayler Cooke, Sadie Jamieson, Charlene Roach-Smith and Stacey Hadley seeing them through to the last 4. Holland ran riot in their semi-final away to fellow Premier Division side, Stowupland Falcons Women, Lauren Bourne with 4 goals and Cox with a hat-trick amongst the goals in a 10-2 victory to reach their first final. There they were thinking they were going to face AFC Sudbury Women Reserves after they beat Woodbridge 3-0 in the other semi-final but competition rules were broken and they were removed seeing Woodbridge into this evenings final.

  Brantham Leisure Centre the venue for this evenings final, home of Brantham Athletic FC including their women’s team. The large clubhouse with bar and kitchen serving hot food and drink overlooking the grass pitches. The main pitch surrounded by fencing on all sides now. A covered seated stand behind one goal and another between the dugouts. Another warm day with sod all rain around the pitch dry dust coming up off it as the ball is kicked. Cloud cover around turning chilly.

Holland Ladies

Holland Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Warren, Becky McDougall, Elise Purser, Hannah Campbell, Keeley Brickwood, Lauren Lucas (C), Lauren Bourne, Jade Meaney, Charlotte Robertson, Mary-Jane Walsh & Jasmine Cox. Subs – Yssie Tye, Lucy Brown, Phoebe Rose & Sasha Moy.

Woodbridge Town Ladies

Woodbridge Town Ladies starting XI – Georgie Bryant, Alice Ager (C), Natasha Williams, Chloe Stopher, Caitlin Howe, Lauren Jacobs, Grace Murphy, Stacey Hadley, Tayler Cooke, Emma Drake & Sadie Jamieson. Subs – Charlene Roach-Smith, Kerry Scott, Natalie Claridge & Emalene Haynes.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Woodbridge to get the League Cup Final underway kicking off the first half wearing back and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks with Holland wearing orange coloured shirts and socks with black shorts.

 GOAL! No doubt the fastest goal I’ve seen score in a cup final, as Woodbridge play the ball back to their captain Alice Agar at right back is played long up the right side, won by Holland full back, Becky McDougall the cleared ball sent forwards back where it came the defender unaware her goalkeeper is coming as the ball drops towards the corner of her area, the pair collide with Jasmine Cox looking to attack moving left capitalising as she gets hold of the loose ball inside the box and opening up her body slots the ball on the angle into the empty net 1-0.

Jasmine Cox with a quickfire goal for Holland Ladies

  The perfect start for Holland a goal up inside the opening 30 seconds a huge blow for Woodbridge. The game restarting they need to regroup recover quickly the ball is hotly contested in the middle with players from both sides in to close down and block. Stacey Hadley bringing it on for Woodbridge out to Tayler Cooke on the move left side, is forced wide by Holland’s Elise Purser, managing to send low driven ball in on the angle to the near post, Holland goalkeeper, Charlotte Warren closed down by Woodbridge’s Sadie Jamieson the ball not collected knocked behind for a goalkick. 

Woodbridge’s Emma Drake

  Holland captain, Lauren Lucas heading the ball on through the middle for Lauren Bourne to take on shifts it out to Cox on the left of attack, Ager in to close her down forced infield Woodbridge regain possession, Grace Murphy with a forceful run on lifting it forwards, dealt with at the back by Holland’s Hannah Campbell. The midfield busy the ball no still for a moment Murphy forwards out to the right, Holland defend come forwards on the right side with Bourne looks to take on Ager, the full back putting in the tackle the ball going for a throw. Pressing bodies up around the Woodbridge box the ball headed on across the top of the area before a shot from the left is struck wide. 

  Murphy threading the ball on for Jamieson central has Emma Drake giving her a run across her going left to right, attempting to pick her out, Campbell with the foot in to intercept the pass. 

  GOAL! Playing the ball up to Cox right channel, 25 yards out in attack she sends it out to the wing for Charlotte Robertson. Moving forwards plays the cross inside to Mary-Jane Walsh getting clear top of the D, striking the ball with the inside of her right boot looking to send it wide of the keeper into the bottom corner, the crowd and I have to say I did too, thought it was going wide, but no perfectly placed inside the post to double the lead 2-0.

   A strong start to the game for Holland 2 goals up inside the opening 8 minutes. Woodbridge frustrated, a few niggly free-kicks given away. Lucas fouled on half way the ball floated up towards the top of the area dealt with by Hadley for Woodbridge. Coming on down the left wing a throw high for Woodbridge level with the top of the 18 yard line McDougall getting it into Bourne inside the box left corner, controls and strikes the ball on the half volley, caught by Woodbridge goalkeeper, Georgie Bryant.

Woodbridge captain, Alice Ager with Stacey Hadley

  Jamieson looking to put herself about up top for Woodbridge moving right winning a throw, put into Hadley 25 yards out left of the D, strikes a lobbed effort goalwards swerving away off target, Warren claiming the ball. Holland break through the middle Walsh on the ball, is brought down the advantage played though as Cox ahead of her takes on the ball running towards the box shooting from distance on the angle her shot held by Bryant. From a throw on the right, the ball into the Woodbridge box a shot his sliced out to the far post, Cox rising trying to get on the end of it directs it wide.

Alice Ager with the block for Woodbridge

   Cox looking to pick up the ball driven on at the Woodbridge defence Chloe Stopher forcing her wide, as Cooke comes back to defend the ball gone for a throw in. McDougal up on the left winning the ball high looking to drive on towards the Woodbridge area, Murphy across to help Williams as she faces off ends up on the floor and in disbelief as she free-kick is awarded against her. A set-piece in a dangerous area outside the box left side McDougal over the ball strikes the ball with her right foot curling in towards goal, the keeper beaten the ball smashes down off the crossbar rebounding out to the right where a hurrying shot is lifted over. 

McDougall’s effort striking the crossbar

  Holland looking a threat coming forwards Walsh in the middle on for Cox out to the right players drawn across as the cross is flighted into the box, won by Ager and cleared. Competitive in the middle, Woodbridge aren’t getting much joy trying to feed in their attackers with Campbell and fellow centre back Keeley Brickwood winning most things in the air. Bourne central with a great threaded pass to send Cox through in behind right side running at goal blasts the ball goalwards, Bryant behind it down sharply to save. 

Holland Ladies, Hannah Campbell

Holland with a corner on the right players up into the area the inswinging ball helped on across the six yard box, Lucas getting up to head the ball at the back stick, put over a touch off a Woodbridge player spotted another corner awarded from the left. Flung in low cleared at the near post coming back to corner taker, Purser has help from McDougall plays it to her to cross into the area nodded in towards goal, Bryant getting her gloves on it before it can be attacked.

  Jamieson seeing the ball into her from the right with a casual looking flick in behind that sees Drake running into the box striking a shot wide of the near post for Woodbridge. Cooke getting on down the left putting a diagonal ball in towards the top of the box, Warren out quickly to lay claim to the ball with Jamieson stealing through. Jacobs on for Jamieson right the ball played across the top of the Holland area coming to Cooke left side trying to get the ball down under control before she is closed down, snatches at it lifting her attempt over. 

Grace Murphy on the attack for Woodbridge

   Both Cooke and Murphy making an attempt to thread the forwards pass into Drake in attack both times intercepted by Campbell for Holland. Murphy tracking back to defend on Cox as Walsh looks to send her on through the middle. Woodbridge are a little stretched at the back as they commit players on risking the counter attack in their attempts to get the ball into Jamieson in attack, driving on with it left channel, Purser does well to force her out to the touch line  the ball going for a throw in. Both Caitlin Howe off a Holland free-kick and Stopher heading the ball out for defence for Woodbridge. 

 GOAL! 5 minutes left on the clock in the 1st half, Cox with her 2nd of the game, canny as the ball is rolled into her through the middle in behind Bryant coming to close her down, checks shifting the ball to her right to present her with an open goal beyond and sends it home to make it 3-0. 

 Cox’s movement up top often allowing others to get forwards from the middle or full back, is out on the left with Bourne, linking up as McDougall gets on in support the left back clips the cross into the box, Bryant in untroubled able to let the ball run wide of her far post. A corner out of nothing for Holland on the left the ball curled in towards the top of the area a glancing header knocked down by Lucas is turned wide at the far post.

Lauren Bourne with the ball for Holland

  Late in the first half Howe brings the ball out from the back for Woodbridge into the middle back to Ager to send up to the attackers, Brickwood with a timely interception to deny Jamieson the chance to run through on goal. Into stoppage time Cox attacking Howe across to defend a corner given against her on the right players up into the box, into the box McDougall free at the far post getting plenty of power into her header isn’t far wide with her effort.

Holland Ladies, Becky McDougall

Half-time Holland Ladies 3-0 Woodbridge Town Ladies

  A fantastic start to the cup final for Holland with a goal inside the opening 30 seconds adding a 2nd within 8 minutes. Have had the bulk of the attack since creating a number of chances McDougal striking the crossbar from a free-kick, then heading wide at the end. A 3rd goal coming at the right time with Woodbridge competitive throughout. Recovering well from their poor start haven’t found it easy going forwards, Campbell and Brickwood solid at the back for Holland. Keeping it to 2 goals a half-time would have given them some confidence for the 2nd half conceding a 3rd makes it difficult to get themselves back into the game.

  Changes for both at the start of the 2nd half roll on roll off substitutes not always the easiest to keep track of. Charlene Roach-Smith on in attack for Woodbridge. Sasha Moy  on for Holland replacing McDougall. Holland to get the 2nd half underway. The ball contested in the middle straight away no time on the ball, Hadley getting away on the right for Woodbridge finding no way through. Roach-Smith winning Woodbridge a corner as she pressure the defence inside the box as Cooke puts the ball on from the left. 

  Free-kicks keep being given away in the middle, Holland with the ball on up into the box Howe clearing , Woodbridge look to counter through the middle, Brickwood dropping off to give herself room as Jamieson looks to get the ball down making the tackle. Woodbridge looking to put more pressure on Holland at the start of the 2nd half Jamieson holding the ball up left side winning her team a corner. Whipped in across the six yard box Jamieson then gets up in front of goal but can’t get a telling touch. Walsh on the move with the ball at her feet over halfway for Holland on for Cox, Stopher in to close her down with a good challenge. 

Woodbridge’s Chloe Stopher

Getting a little heated between the sides as Woodbridge finding more possession inside the Holland half. Holland with a free-kick on the right inside the Woodbridge half in towards Robertson top of the D, can’t find a way through the ball cleared. Phoebe Rose coming on for Woodbridge. Purser getting the ball back to Warren as Murphy plays Jamieson on through the middle. 

  GOAL! An hour played and Holland stretch their lead off a corner won on the left, swung into the six yard box dropping down a real goal line scramble ensues as both sides go after the ball pinging back and forth it squirms free to Lucas positioned to the right of the melee and she in turn flicks the ball off her boot into the back of the goal 4-0.

Holland captain, Lauren Lucas putting her side into a 4 goal lead

 A 4th goal coming for Holland denting Woodbridge’s spirited start to the 2nd half. Holland coming right forced wide, back for Brickwood to hit an angled ball into the box wide at the near post. Another sub for Woodbridge, Kerry Scott on at the back. Drake over on the right for Woodbridge running in behind can’t get there before Warren racing out of her area can kick clear. Bourne with some powerful runs through the middle for Holland putting it on for Robertson, Ager tackling for Woodbridge. Holland press on the flanks winning throws high up the pitch from the left the ball sent into the box near side, Bourne running in, Bryant getting her gloves around the ball first. 

Lauren Bourne tackled by Woodbridge’s Caitlin Howe

  Cooke stealing onto the ball out with with a burst of pace put on for Jamieson attacking the box in behind, Warren out to the top of her area getting hold of the ball before she can get a touch. From front to back as Warren’s kick out in headed on by Lucas in the middle on for Robertson who finds Cox drifting to the right forced wider still her cross/shot lands in the side netting. A free-kick for Holland 30 yards out right of the Woodbridge goal, Moy over it directs her strike over at the near post. The game open with both sides looking to score Woodbridge getting Drake away on right sends it in for Roach-Smith running into the box, just overruns the ball allowing the keeper to claim. 

  Robertson just offside as Cox looks to turn the ball in behind on the left. Yssie Tye onto the pitch for Holland along with Emalene Haynes for Woodbridge with around 15 minutes left on the clock. Purser with a great long ball on for Cox pulling right takes it to the by-line before sending a cross into the six yard box, Bryant down to smother it. Players starting to pull up with cramp. Purser feeling something go as she stretches for the ball on the touch line needs to come of McDougall back on. 

 Brickwood with a great challenge to deny Roach-Smith as the ball is lifted in through the middle. McDougal has a decent throw on her sending it on down the right Tye with Cox working a cross into the box, Bryant snatching it down well. Lucas with a driven ball into the area from the left for Holland, Bryant knocking it up into the air appears to get fouled as she goes to catch the ball, her defence though scramble the ball clear. Get up the other end quickly Jamieson moving towards the D checking right before her shot in is saved by Warren, end to end as Holland counter the ball fed on for Cox moving left, Ager with a robust tackle clearing the ball for a corner on the right. 

  Cox drifting right moves wide with Lucas playing her on sees her shot from distance angled in held by the keeper. Walsh sending a shot over from distance as Holland look to keep the ball with the game moving into stoppage time alot of tired legs out there. The ball inside the Woodbridge half late on as Holland come on crossing from the right along the six yard box Cox beyond the far post twisting to head the ball places it wide. Walsh brought down in the middle in front of the Woodbridge D, Ager with the clearance, Cox charging down the ball runs wide behind goal.

  Full time Holland Ladies 4-0 Woodbridge Town Ladies

  A spirited 2nd half from Woodbridge, just couldn’t find the goal they needed to apply any pressure to Holland. a 4th goal coming on the hour making it comfortable at the back for Holland. Woodbridge limiting there chances 2nd half pressed the ball higher. The game opening up as players tired and changes were made. Holland celebrating winning their first piece of silverware.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances of note to mention first. For Woodbridge, their captain Alice Ager was strong at the back throughout with a number of vital challenges. Taylor Cooke winning the ball well out wide getting on with the ball when she could. For Holland both Lauren Lucas and Lauren Bourne were strong in midfield winning the ball, Lucas with several great passes getting into some great positions from set pieces. Bourne with a number of purposeful runs forwards to join the attack. Becky McDougal strong at the back for Holland and a threat getting forwards unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. The award though goes to Jasmine Cox. Was a menace up front all match with her running on and off the ball moving left and right scoring twice.

Congratulations to Holland Ladies in winning this seasons Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Winners, Holland Ladies

  An enjoyable trip back down to Brantham, an entertaining contest, full credit to Woodbridge after the start they had to keep fighting and not let the result get away from them limiting it to 1-0 in the 2nd half. Holland capitalising on that start however never looked back to win the cup. My thanks for everyone’s help this evening and for the team details as always appreciated. Next up the County Cup Final see you all again Friday.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Billericay Town Women v Hashtag United Women

Thursday 14th April

Essex Women’s County Cup Final

Hot on the heels on one cup final comes the 2nd with a trip down to Essex for the Women’s County Cup showpiece event between fierce rivals, Billericay Town Women and Hashtag United Women. 

 A rivalry made all the keener by virtue of the fact the two Essex giants are vying for top spot in FAWNL South East Division One and with it promotion to tier 3 of the woman’s football pyramid. A position Hashtag United Women formerly C&K Basildon Ladies have tasted before coming very close to achieving promotion to  what is now the FAWSL Championship. Along with Billericay Town Women the pair have dominated the county cup in recent seasons. Have been the top two in FAWNL South East Division One all season Hashtag United Women leading the way as Billericay play catch up having been involved in the FA Women’s Cup. Their season finished though Hashtag have 62 points winning 20 of their 24 league matches. Billericay with 2 games in left and a 5 point gap to close down know what they have to do, a 4-0 win away to Cambridge City Ladies closing the gap to just 2 points, know victory in their final home game against mid-table London Seaward FC with guarantee the title. 

This evening though it’s all about the County Cup, Billericay the holders the final missing from the previous two seasons because of the Covid pandemic the rivalry continues with Hashtag United Women gunning for their 1st ever county cup success. Billericay  pushing Hashtag all the way in the race for the league title have lost just one league game all season with striker Zoe Rushen having an incredible season in front of goal with 28 scored so far from 31 appearances accounting for over 30% of Billericay’s goals. Saw them on the opening day of the season winning 8-0 away to Norwich and all accounts have been the toughest opponents others have played all season. 

Equally strong at the top of the table are Hashtag United Women. Basildon’s merger with Hashtag United reviving the clubs fortunes after they were relegated to South East Division One. Well looked after with strong media support for the side have been out in front for much of the season. Scoring 83 goals in their 24 league matches 10 clear of 2nd placed Billericay with the best defensive record too shared with 3rd placed AFC Wimbledon with 14 goals conceded. Malika Apindia, Hashtag’s top scorer netting 21 goals from 27 appearances with Kelly Wealthall and Sasha Adamson on 13 and 12 respectfully.

  Road to the Final

Along with fellow FAWNL South East Division One side, Harlow Town Ladies and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies of the ERWFL Premier Division both sides entered the competition the quarter final stage. Billericay drawn away to Hashtag United Women’s Reserve side, goals from Sam Pittuck, Ruby Sealey, Mia Lockett and Zoe Rushen securing a 4-0 win. Hashtag themselves at home to ERWFL Division One South promotion hopeful’s Leigh Ramblers Ladies were also comfortable winners progressing with a 5-0 result.

 Both sides strong too in the last 4 of the competition. Billericay at home to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, Rebecca May on target with a hat-trick. A brace each for Shannon Drewe and Logan O’Shea with Karissa Doo and Sam Pittuck also on target in a 9-2 win. Hashtag were away to Harlow Town Ladies booking their spot in the final with a 6-2 win.

Aveley FC’s, Parkside Stadium the venue for the final and soon to become the home of Hashtag United Women. A new build, featuring a state of the art building beside the 3G playing surface, housing a large bar area on the ground floor, hospitality above with large windows giving a great view of the action seating in front of the clubhouse with another covered stand opposite, viewing all round a new scoreboard in one corner and a kitchen serving a variety of hot food and drink, much needed after a 2 hour drive from Norfolk to get here. A very warm day staying pleasant for the game again mild and calm. A hugely anticipated game a good crowd in attendance.

Billericay Town Ladies

Billericay Town Women starting XI- Alex baker (C), Kerry Stimson, Lucy Jones, Ellie Jeffkins, Courtney Lumley, Jay Blackie, Georgie Moreton, Logan O’Shea, Shannon Drewe, Zoe Rushen & Ruby Sealey. Subs – Rebecca May, Amber Gaylor, Maddie Reynolds, Sam Pittuck and Casey Iron.

Hashtag United Women

 Hashtag United Women starting XI – Imogen Riches, Maddie Thomas, Katherine Nutman, Grace Gillard (C), Hayley West, Sophie Kelly, Gemma Baker Sasha Adamson, Emma Samways, Kelly Wealthall, Malika Apindia. Subs – Eva Carvahlo, Abbey Davies, Rebecca Sargent, Kelsey Smith & Nikita Whinnett. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Despite Aveley soon to be their home ground Hashtag are the ‘away’ side this evening both sides in their away colours too with Billericay wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. Hashtag wearing white shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and white socks. It’s Billericay to get the final underway kicking off the 1st half the ball immediately charged down inside the centre circle. Contested back ad forth before Hashtag get it out to the right side with attacker Malika Apindia giving chase, Lucy Jones able to see it out for a Billericay goal kick.

A high tempo start both sides in to close the ball down, Zoe Rushen moving right as the ball in sent on from the middle, Katherine Nutman defending for Hashtag seeing the ball go for a throw in. Billericay’s Georgie Moreton tackling in the middle the ball lifted out to Shannon Drewe out on the left taking the ball to the by-line plays in a cross to the near post, Hashtag captain, Grace Gillard arriving to block deflecting the ball behind for a corner kick, Billericay appealing for a handball but nothing doing. The corner curled in to the top of the area Ellie Jeffkins rushing in unopposed can’t quite get her head on the ball as it is deflected back to Hashtag goalkeeper, Imogen Riches beyond her.

Billericay winning a free-kick out wide right put in from deep, Hashtag’s Sophie Kelly back to defend heading it clear of the area. The ball pinging around in the middle no one allowed to settle Billericay lift it forwards up for Rushen right of the D, the defender marking her clearing the ball as Rushen goes down hurt in the challenge, again Billericay appeal but no penalty. Rushen needing treatment a pause in play  but is okay to continue. Play resuming Hashtag moving the ball through the middle on for Apindia breaking away to the right, Jones staying with her to send the ball back to goalkeeper and captain Alex Baker to clear.

Is tense, cagey almost as both sides battle for possession in quickly to close each other down, play broken up as a result. Attacker, Ruby Sealey seeing the ball into her feet 30 yards out releasing Drewe on the left racing on to the corner wrapping her foot around the ball a cross swung into the six yard box headed clear by Gillard. Billericay seeing more of the ball in the final 3rd in the opening 10 minutes. Hashtag attacking on the left get into a crossing position the ball whipped in across the area, Jones defending the ball out for a corner kick. Attacked at the near post turned on across the face of goal goes out beyond the far post for a goal kick.

Emma Samways moving out right for Hashtag with a dummy as the ball is played into her then reverses to send the ball on up the line for Apindia, Jones again able the shield the ball out for a goalkick. The delivery put in centrally, Baker rising to knock it down into the ground, before Billericay scramble it away. Rushen getting the ball into her feet coming inside from the right driving for the area, a strong tackle from Gillard halting her attack. Hashtag looking dangerous n the counter attack as the ball is fired up to Apindia on for Samways, Courtney Lumley defending a corner conceded. Taken short from the left blocked and then cleared.

Billericay striker, Zoe Rushen with Hashtag captain, Grace Gillard (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

The game livening up as both sides get forwards with purpose Rushen with a back heel on the left corner of the box on for Drewe down the line, Nutman defending for Hashtag seen out for a goal kick. Jay Blackie surging on from midfield is brought down inside the d but again Billericay appeals are waved away. Baker with a hasty clearance as the back pass is threatened from a throw on the left as Samways rushes in. Gillard has a long throw in her arsenal up on the pitch right side headed on the attempted hook shot at the far post is missed.

  Moreton breaks on from the middle for Billericay this time the foul is given as she is brought down heavily outside the D to the right of goal. Close to the edge of the box Rushen’s attempt to give herself an extra yard further back upsetting the Hashtag fans the referee seeing it’s taken from the correct position, Rushen smashes her shot into the wall then slices the rebound wide as it comes flying back to her. Neither side allowed any rhythm isn’t pretty, certainly committed Hashtag with a vocal support. Jeffkins intercepting as Gemma Baker looks to put Apindia away through the middle. 

  Jones at left back tackling Samways as she attempts to shift the ball in behind her on the right. Billericay attack Moreton coming to the right Rushen and Drewe ahead of her, the latter wide cutting the ball into Rushen inside the area left corner tries to pick out Sealey who fouls Nutman as she goes to attack the ball, Hashtag with the free-kick. Half an hour played the game opening up as both sides get forwards with attacking intent. Moreton on the ball forwards for Rushen moving left into the area, Nutman intercepting. 

 Sasha Adamson on the right pushing on with Samways, Jones challenging the ball out for a throw. Hashtag with a strong appeal for a penalty as the ball is cleared inside the Billericay box. The ball fizzed into Apindia from the left central top of the D, is falling as she spins attempting to hit it on the turn sends her effort off target. Hashtag putting pressure on Billericay at the back as they linger on the ball outside the area put back to Baker who picks it up appeals again. Passion rising. 

  Drewe winning the ball high on Billerica’s left inside for Rushen top of the area left plays it across looking for Sealey right of the D, Kelly back to win for Hashtag cleared to the right a strike sent back in low in low on the angle, Imogen Riches comfortable down to claim in the Hashtag goal. No sooner has one goalkeeper claimed the ball then Brooks up the other end is called into action as Hayley West on the left fires a strike in low on the angle across goal, Brooks down sharply getting a touch to turn it wide beyond the far post for a corner on the right. 

  Hashtag are getting more of the ball in Billericay’s half now pressing the back line a couple of long range strikes from the left blocked. A corner from the left for Hashtag crossed in Jeffkins winning it for Billericay. Adamson left inside for Apindia sends it out to the right for Samways her attempted cross cut out by Jones behind for a corner. The corner successfully defended Billericay launch a counter attack, Sealey bringing it on from halfway has Rushen going with her gives her the ball she sends it on for Moreton racing on right  to the top of the box, Adamson getting the tackle in the ball deflected away. Moreton down needing treatment but is okay to play on.

Georgie Moreton looking to shoot for Billericay (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

  Remains a tense affair, the pendulum swinging in Hashtag’s favour towards the end of the 1st half. Thomas with a throw on the left for Hashtag is knocked on into the area, West inside charging in seeing her effort blocked then cleared. Apindia is a handful up top strong in possession controls the ball with her head outside the area looks to set up Baker, Lumley defends for Billericay. Moreton advancing on the ball moves left on for Sealey in attack, Nutman though with a solid defensive clearance to stop the threat for Hashtag. Moreton out to Sealey again right side her cross cut out by Baker tracking back.

  Hashtag looking to break on the left Stimson with the foul on halfway, no advantage for Hashtag play brought back for the free-kick as Stimson goes into the book. The free-kick on halfway headed on by Apindia inside the box at the near post across the six yard box, a snap shot at the far post charged down going for a corner. Into the closing seconds of the 1st half the corner up the line the cross in charged down, Thomas back on the ball to put inside near side Apindia controlling with her head cushioning the ball down hitting it on the spin her shot held by Brooks in the Billericay goal. 

Half-time Billericay Town Women 0-0 Hashtag United Women

  Goalless at the break, is certainly tense a game neither wants to lose. Both side closing the other down. Billericay with the narrow advantage early on getting forwards. Hashtag strong in defence letting nothing through gaining momentum towards the end of the half efforts blocked from outside the box, Brooks called into action needing to put the ball wide from a West effort. If there are any clues to which way it might you 2nd half then I’ve missed them. Beautifully poised for the 2nd half.

 A change at the start of the 2nd half for Billericay, Amber Gaylor coming on for Drewe to join the attack. Hashtag to get the 2nd 45 underway. Wealthall immediately winning Hashtag a throw high on the left. Gillard up with her long throw into the area looking for Apindia, cleared by Stimson for Billericay. Gaylor putting the ball on for Rushen up top the ball defended by Gillard. Fouls a feature of the game a little niggle between the sides more born out of passion than anything else and quickly brought under control when tempers flare. 

Blackie into an advanced position winning a corner as Billericay look to press Hashtag back at the start of the 2nd half. Lumley at one end for Billericay and Nutman at the other with last ditch tackles as each side play the ball long. Gaylor plays the ball on for O’Shea as she races forwards her effort blocked. Gaylor exchanging passes with Rushen on the right as Billericay advance, Gaylor going on to strike the ball goalwards from the angle well held by Riches in the Hashtag goal. 

 GOAL! 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half and the deadlock is finally broken, Hashtag put Wealthall in on the left to the top of the area looks to play it inside with Adamson closing in, Stimson diving in to challenge can only help the ball on into Adamson’s pat as she takes it on into the area closing in on goal and sends it across the falling Brooks into the bottom corner 1-0. 

  Hashtag pressing the ball from the restart looking to go after Billericay, the shot from Samways tame however safely claimed by Brooks. The goal putting a spring into Hashtag’s step, Billericay visibly frustrated as passes go astray. West with a good tackle stopping Sealey advancing with the ball as she looks to travel from halfway. A change for Hashtag as they bring on Nikita Whinnett on the hour for Wealthall who has been struggling since the goal. Jeffkins putting the ball forwards picking out Gaylor to the left of the area her shot swung in held by Riches.

  Blackie shown a yellow card from a strong tackle out wide in the corner on the left Hashtag with the set-piece played into the six yard box, it’s Blackie who wins the header to clear the danger. A hand ball spotted by the referee in the middle giving Billericay a free-kick, Jeffkins over it takes on the long distance shot, Riches not troubled as she moves wide of her goal to catch the ball. moving into the final 20 minutes Billericay making a tactical change bringing off a defender, Stimson at full back for attacker, Sam Pittuck.

Billericay’s Amber Gaylor (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

  Pressing the ball Moreton into Rushen left side 20 yards out getting a shot away her attempt caught by Riches. Billericay pressing on as they look to get a goal themselves. Gillard up the field to take another long throw, balls running out as they are cleared out of the ground, Jeffkins with a firm head to put the ball clear of the area for Billericay, counter quickly the move ending as Rushen 20 yards out slices her attempt wide as she is rapidly closed down.

GOAL! 15 minutes to go and Billericay find the leveller and it’s a well struck effort from Moreton too! Attacking on the left Gaylor deep puts it back to the full back to lift a high ball in near post Rushen up with a defender the ball coming off both out to the top of the area, Moreton moving across the D, controlling it on her chest and catching it sweetly to send it past the diving keeper 1-1.

Georgie Moreton congratulated by her teammates after levelling the scores for Billericay (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

 No sooner have Billericay found the equalising goal then Hashtag get on the offensive and come close to retaking the lead Apindia picking up the ball on halfway driving forwards through the middle drifting right letting fly from all of 25 yards out, Brooks is beaten doesn’t move the ball wide of her, turns to see it come off the base of her left post and careen across the face of her goal, Whinnett after it with Lumley the ball out of play. 

 Apindia out right twisting and turning her marker with a clever back heel taking the ball to the by-line her cross laid back into the box cut out and cleared. West tracking back into the box tracking back with Rushen as Moreton attempts to puck her out from the right. 

GOAL! Hashtag retaking the lead with 8 minutes left to play scoring with a well worked goal started and finished by Baker. On the ball bringing it on through the middle sends it on for Apindia who in turn finds Davies advancing on the left flank her cross squared into the area cut out the loose ball skipping up for Baker at the top of the D, bringing it down off her chest and catches it superbly on the volley to rifle her strike in off the crossbar 2-1.

 Moreton down with a knock on the far side of the pitch is replaced by Rebecca May with 5 minutes left to play. Not long for Hashtag to hold out or Billericay to find a 2nd leveller. Pressing the ball Hashtag gaining a throw high on the right, Gillard up to take the ball cleared at the near post by Lumley comes straight to West 25 yards out right of the D she shot fired back in held by the keeper. 

 The clock ticking own Billericay with players forwards as they get a free-kick inside the Hashtag half the ball lofted into the area the keeper doesn’t get hold of it, dropping down outside the box, two efforts are charged down in quick succession as Hashtag defend for their lives. The counter on Apindia on for Whinnett moving left Lumley closing in tackling for Billericay. Not long left am surrounded by Hashtag fans eager for the final whistle to blow. A few cool heads needed another ball cleaned out of the ground. That’s it the whistle blows and Hashtag players and coaching staff rush onto the pitch to celebrate as they win the County Cup.

Full time Billericay Town Women 1-2 Hashtag United Women

  A massive 578 fans in attendance watching this evenings final a great game between to fierce rivals. Certainly tense and cagey with neither wanting to give anything away. Spirited the 2nd half seeing 3 well taken goals scored Gemma Baker with the all important winning strike for Hashtag United Women, their first trophy, would dearly love a 2nd but that one remains Billericay’s to lose with one final league game to play in a fortnights time and despite losing the final will now be focused solely on London Seaward FC. Quality finishers on both sides could have gone either way in the end committed performances from both sides this is a rivalry that is set to continue and for Essex that is only a boon. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. This was a contest between two committed sides who didn’t want to be beaten. Credit to all involved. Lucy Jones at the back with a number of critical challenges for Billericay. Zoe Rushen their main threat in attack battling for possession setting up chances for herself and her teammates. Georgie Moreton outstanding in the middle taking the ball on and getting into some great positions a great strike to level the scores. For Hashtag, their captain Grace Gillard led by example at the back cutting out a number of crosses and winning the ball. Gemma Baker with a superb finish to win the game. The award though goes to attacker Malika Apindia carrying a constant threat up front all game whether running at the defence or getting hold of the ball in an around the box unlucky not to have a goal herself. 

 Congratulations to Hashtag United Women on winning this season’s Essex Women’s County Cup.

Hashtag United Women, winners of the 2021/22 Essex Women’s County Cup (photo credit Essex FA)

 A great game to match down at Aveley I do like that ground, so Hashtag might well see me again next season. I don’t miss the M25 even after 2 and a half seasons still I got home in the end. My thanks to everyone at Aveley for there help this evening. Nicky Hayes from Billericay for letting me use his photo’s so to Essex FA and hopefully will add a few more from Hashtag United Women soon. Two cup finals in two days I’m off for a rest now… until Sunday at least this is the best part of the football season after all.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v St Ives Town Ladies

Wednesday 13th April

Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final

A busy week of cup final action on Women’s Football East, starting this Wednesday evening with a trip to Eynesbury Rovers FC or the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final between Cambridge United WFC and St Ives Town Ladies.

Huntingdonshire FA’s inaugural Women’s Senior Cup at last taking place after Covid put pay to the final being played last season. 7 women’s sides featured within the county with representatives varying from county level right up to FAWNL Division One the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid.

The two strongest sides within the county reaching the final of the competition with Cambridge United WFC playing their football at St Neots Town FC playing in FAWNL South East Division One taking on St Ives Town Ladies from the ERWFL Premier Division below.

Cambridge United WFC manager, Darren Marjoram taking on familiar opponents having joined the FAWNL side at the start of the season having previously been manager at St Ives Town playing a major role in the clubs development and rapid rise up the football pyramid. Overall a successful 1st season with Cambridge pushing for a top 4 finish at one point tailing away towards the end with consistency proving a challenge will secure a mid-table finish with a good platform to build on next season. Cambridge United WFC enjoying closer ties with Cambridge United FC which will benefit them going forwards have traditionally been a dominant force within the county cup competition in Cambridgeshire itself, now with their base in Huntingdonshire have the opportunity to contest for silverware once again.

St Ives Town Ladies having reached the ERWFL Premier Division 3 seasons ago after a fast and strong rise through the leagues, were looking strong in their debut season, then Covid came along and put an end to proceedings, the following season likewise affected stifling development for a lot of clubs. A change of management this season with Ben Green eventually taking charge. Have found this season in the ERWFL Premier Division a struggle winning just one of their opening 8 league fixtures and with one game left to play are unfortunately at the bottom of the table and facing the prospect of relegation, yet the mood in the camp remains positive and recent results giving the squad some much needed confidence going into this evenings final. 

Road to the Final

  With 7 sides contesting, new side Huntingdon Town Ladies made up largely of the old St Ives Town Ladies Development side were the ones to receive a bye into the last 4. Cambridge United WFC starting their cup campaign away to Cardea FC Ladies,, 2nd in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, 3 divisions between the sides Cambridge running out comfortable winners with both Ruth Fox and Laura Mitchell scoring a hat-trick in an 11-0 win. A equally high scoring victory for St Ives Town Ladies in their quarter final away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two side, Brampton Ladies. Charlotte Noble on target with a hat-trick with top scorers Angel Lyden netting a brace in a 10-2 result.

  Into the last 4 and Cambridge were drawn at home to Cambridge Women’s Division Two title chasers, Eaton Socon Ladies. A good test for the visitors young squad, Cambridge once again racking up the goals powering into the final with a 13-0 win. St Ives at home to Huntingdon Town Ladies in  their semi-final. Georgia Stancombe on target with a brace with a goal each for Kati Stancombe and Sasha Smith seeing them through to their first county cup final.

  The venue for the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Final, Eynesbury Rovers FC. Like St Neots, Premier Plus Stadium situated in a residential area, featuring a very large grass pitch which will offer plenty of width in great condition. A seated stand along one side of the ground opposite the dugouts, housing the changing rooms with the bar/clubhouse with kitchen hatch alongside. Another seated stand behind one of the goals a good sized crowd building. A pleasant warm day  carrying into the evening mild with no wind or rain forecast.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Carrie Bennett, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Lauren Rouse, Abi Davies, Gisela Otten (C), Abbi Griffin, Faith Hewitt, Laura Mitchell, Nicole Emmings & Ruth Fox. Subs – Kira Markwell, Grace Waygood, Alysha Stojko-Down, Libby Fraser & Niamh Day.

 St Ives Town Ladies starting XI – Sarah Aftelak, Mollie Flack, Sasha Smith, Anna Hicks (C), Georgia Stancombe, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Jessica Conyard, Sarah Mosley, Angel Lyden, Katie Stancombe & Elle Jefferson. Subs – Lauren Bird, Poppy Lyons & Penelope Ford.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Three former St Ives players following Darren Marjoram to Cambridge all featuring in this evenings final with Ruth Fox, top scorer for Cambridge this season with 14 goals leading the attack and Abbi Griffin starting in midfield. Goalkeeper, Kira Markwell on the bench. Cambridge to get the game underway kicking off 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks with St Ives opposite wearing white shirts with black vertical striping, black shorts and socks. The play played diagonally out to the left wing for Nicole Emmings, Mollie Flack gaining possession for St Ives lifting the ball back into the middle.

St Ives closing in on the ball Jessica Conyard playing it out to Angel Lyden on the right support with Sarah Mosley down the flank the pair playing a good one two on, Carrie Bennett across the ball for Cambridge to see it safely out of play for a goalkick. Cambridge winning a free-kick captain Gisella Otten on for Laura Mitchell on the right takes the ball on squaring it into Ruth Fox top of the area, Georgia Stancombe defending for St Ives the ball back with Kayleigh-Anne Burt on the right spreads play across to Lauren Rouse moving left  on for Bennett up for Emmings taking the ball up up the left whistling a cross into the box, Fox the target central, St Ives captain Anna Hicks getting her foot on the ball to clear.

St Ives, Mollie Flack with Cambridge’s Nicole Emmings (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  St Ives build on the left getting a free-kick the ball played on cleared is picked up by Katie Stancombe out left 30 yards out strikes the ball goalwards, arrowing in, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb with a spectacular save, athletically diving to her right gloving the ball away for a corner kick. The corner delivery lofted into a crowded near post, Webb coming in amongst everyone to jump punch the ball down, cleared up to Mitchell looking to break, Sarah Aftelak keeping goal for St Ives out of her box to clear.

  St Ives with a fast start looking to press the ball get it moving forwards quickly, Elle Jefferson in attack nudging the ball on for Lyden, Burt closing in to tackle, halt St Ives progress for Cambridge. Lyden getting on well right side with Jefferson supporting, Faith Hewitt across to put in the tackle. Cambridge rushed on the ball as St Ives work to close down passes not finding their targets. Rouse at the back for Cambridge onto Hewitt with Bennett going on left side her diagonal ball flighted into the area seen out at her near post by Aftelak. A busy opening 10 minutes from St Ives have caught Cambridge a little off guard, Mosley in to tackle Otten put the ball out to Lyden, Emmings tracking back to challenge get the ball back into Cambridge’s possession.

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Emmings with Bennett up the left checks back inside firing a cross into the area Fox the target too close to the keeper Aftelak snatching it up into her gloves. Griffin down in the middle for Cambridge needing treatment after a challenge, is okay to continue. Play resuming Flack with a timely interception getting her foot on the ball as Emmings looks to thread a pass on in behind. Katie Stancombe with the ball driving on left side pace forced back up the line before turning and seeing her long range strike charged down. The ball up to Fox in attack right channel 25 out played back to Hewitt central out out to Mitchell on the right advances before flashing and angled shot wide across the St Ives goal.

Cambridge’s Faith Hewitt (photo credit Ben Phillips)

There positive start giving St Ives confidence, Jefferson linking up well with Lyden on the right keeping Bennett occupied at the back for Cambridge. Aftelak with a good catch high at her near post as Cambridge attack right Mitchell sending the ball in. Cambridge lose the ball at the back Rouse tackled by Katie Stancombe right sent onto Jefferson racing into the area evading Burt’s challenge, Griffin running back closing in to block before Jefferson can unleash a shot. St Ives quick to counter whenever they have the ball Lyden on the right looking to set up Jefferson ahead of her, Rouse defending well for Cambridge shielding the ball putting it back for Webb to clear.

Fox for Cambridge with a great first touch 25 yards out to take the ball in behind on the left channel, Lyden getting back on her shoulder to shoulder forces her wide before tackling to clear the ball. Cambridge with a free-kick on the left leading to a corner kick, players up from the back the six yard box loaded, the delivery in escaping the defender at the near post running on into the mix, a snap shot taken from close range Aftelak with a fantastic save leaping to her left to snatch the ball down with both hands.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

Otten central spinning to evade a tackle playing the ball into Fox’s feet as she peels away left channel to run in behind towards the box shooting from outside the area her effort drilled wide of the near post. A tug back leading to a St Ives free-kick central, players up as Georgia Stancombe sends it up into the area Jefferson unable to get it down under control before being closed down the ball cleared. Half and hour played, Griffin wrestling free with the ball in the middle sending it through for Fox left of the D too heavy though the keeper gathering safely.

Lyden strong on the right getting in behind, pace taking her to the by-line flashes a cross along the face of the Cambridge goal Katie Stancombe beyond the far post can’t keep it in. Otten puts the ball on for Emmings into space on the left driving on wraps her foot around the ball angling a cross into the box swerving goalwards Aftelak with a confident take high at her near post. Otten strong in the middle winning a St Ives goalkick the ball out to Emmings again on the left shifts inside this time shooting wide from 30 yards out. St Ives forced back as Cambridge get players forwards Davies up with Mitchell on the right the ball cut out fed across the the left Bennett up field delivering a cross into the top of the area Georgia Stancombe clearing for St Ives.

Cambridge gaining some momentum as the 1st half draws to a close Georgia Stancombe clearing a cross the ball out for a corner on the left. Put into the mix in front of goal Aftelak getting a fist on the ball can’t claim, falling a scramble in front of her put clear, Jefferson breaking with it through the middle, Mitchell racing back for Cambridge to challenge. Fox taking the ball on as she sees it into her feet and turns 25 yards out, Conyard going with her lunging in to take the ball away from her.

Hewitt fouled in the middle played out to Mitchell on the right Davies looking to get on with her, Smith timing her tackle well to halt Mitchell’s run. Davies up with Mitchell on the right moments later the shot angled in low, held well by Aftelak down smartly at her near post. Hannah Seymour-Shove tackling in the middle out to Katie Stancombe on the left driving on, Davies challenging as Burt comes to clear. Won back up to Mosley, Jefferson moving into the D ahead of her, Rouse getting her foot in to steal the ball. Burt sending the pass on for Davies bursting forwards on the right, strikes the ball on the angle from distance, Aftelak untroubled as she sees it wide of her far post.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

St Ives playing the ball on with pace through the centre Jefferson and Lyden looking to get into the box, Rouse across to put in the tackle before the ball is cleared for a throw on the left. St Ives winning a free-kick on their right, Bennett aggrieved as she goes in for a 50/50 challenge. Smith flighting an inviting ball into the box, Otten inside to defend with a firm header as push spotted however Cambridge getting the free-kick. Into the closing stages of the 1st half Cambridge attack on the right Fox up with Mitchell a throw won high up the pitch. The cross coming in off the throw sees Fox’s attempt near side charged down Mitchell getting hold of the rebound seeing her shot deflected wide for a corner on the right. Put in across the six yard box scrambled behind for another corner on the left this delivery cleared at the near post.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 St Ives Town Ladies

  Goalless at the break. A competitive game with St Ives starting brightly working hard to close the ball down, get it on take the game to Cambridge who were a little cold at the start caught off guard. Webb called into action with an early save. The work rate continuing from St Ives have counted well, whilst defending their box. Cambridge gaining momentum as the half wore on will be interesting to see if St Ives can match this tempo 2nd half, remains all to play for.

Carrie Bennett with St Ives Elle Jefferson (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  A triple change for Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half with Kira Markwell replacing Webb in goal. Also on defender Grace Waygood and midfielder Alysha Stojko-Down for Burt and Hewitt. Tactical changes too as Griffin goes to right back, Davies up to joined Fox and Emmings in attack on the right side. St Ives with the same 11 get the 2nd period underway the scores level after 90 minutes the game goes straight to penalties. The ball played forwards cleared by Waygood. Both sides closing down in the middle the start of the 2nd half disjointed with neither side getting hold of the ball.

   Cambridge build on the left Bennett on for Emmings attacking down the wing crossed into the area for Mitchell played back out to Stojko-Down 20 yards out, her strike charged down by Hicks. Cambridge showing more attacking intent at the start of the 2nd half looking to get on the front foot Stojko-Down and Otten tackling in the middle, the former fouled by Seymour-Shove a free-kick lifted into the area defended away for a corner kick on the left. Played in to the near side Emmings coming towards the ball twists as she leaps looking to turn the ball goalwards plants it wide.

Angel Lyden with Alysha Stojko-Down (photo credit Ben Phillips)

 Smith’s clearance at the back has Lyden running in clear behind on the right, Markwell responding quickly advancing to the top of her area to grab the ball into her gloves. The ball clipped into Fox from midfield 25 yards out brings it down well turning to attack the area, runs into Georgia Stancombe who stabs out a foot to take the ball away. Davies and Emmings pushing on with Fox through the middle now in attack St Ives forced back, Otten and Stojko-Down in midfield winning the cleared ball back. Smith gets in a great tackle ,needed as Davies looks to charge on down the right side. 

  A flare-up on the right as St Ives win a free-kick, quickly extinguished by the referee, the set-piece send long into the area, Markwell unchallenged with an assured claim. Cambridge using the pitch better now as Otten coming right to win possession links up with Griffin the ball played into Stojko-Down central helped out to Bennett on the left forwards for Emmings her cross dinked into the area finds Fox getting a yard clear of the defence just inside she sends her shot in, narrowly over the crossbar. 

Cambridge striker, Ruth Fox (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  St Ives with their backs to the wall as Cambridge mount an attack on the left Emmings getting help from Mitchell the ball flashed in across the six yard box Davies in far side with a 1st time effort back across goal can only find Aftelak who is down swiftly on her line to save. Stojko-Down on for Emmings left a high ball into the box Davies managing to keep it in but Smith tackles for St Ives, Davies fouled as she goes to retrieve the ball. 56 minutes played and the first change of the game for St Ives as Poppy Lyons comes on in attack in place of Jefferson. 

  Cambridge up on the left with a throw in put into Mitchell shifts infield to the top corner of the area shooting low the ball rolling into Aftelak getting down to claim at her near post. Lyden up on the right with Katie Stancombe, Bennett forcing her back before Stojko-Down regains possession for Cambridge. Davies with pace on the right adding an attacking threat turning St Ives around whips a dangerous ball in across the six yard box, Flack cool under pressure with a cushioned header back to her keeper. 

Cambridge’s Abi Davies (photo credit Ben Phillips)

   Otten moving right with great foot work to back heel the ball on into the area, Mosley needing to track back to intercept, Katie Stancombe clearing options up the pitch limited Cambridge quickly regain possession. Smith in the wars for St Ives has taken another knock and this time needs to come off. Jefferson retuning to the pitch up alongside Lyons as Mosley drops back into left back. A ball played over the top for Davies attacking right of the D, Georgia Stancombe running with her to the ball first her attempted clearance hitting Davies rebounding goalwards, Aftelak reacting sharply to save. 

 Katie Stancombe’s pace an outlet for St Ives if they can get the ball out to her, on the left turns infield allowed to travel with the ball, it’s Rouse who gets back on her sliding in to tackle 20 yards out. Up the other end Georgia Stancombe lunging into tackle Davies 20 yards out as she shapes to shoot. Jefferson fouled top of the circle a free-kick for St Ives played long up into the area, Markwell not put off with Jefferson chasing in on the ball catching cleanly. 

  Seymour-Shove with a rash challenge catching Fox on the back of her achilles, presenting Cambridge with a free-kick to the right some 25 yards out. Griffin over the ball. Put into the box claimed by Aftelak. Closing in on the final 15 minutes, Cambridge strong in the 2nd half but yet to break down a resilient St Ives defence. Mitchell on the left side moving inside to cross whipping the ball in Fox her target, Georgia Stancombe going with her to intercept and clear for St Ives. Fox then sending a header over the bar as Emmings plays a cross in from the left side. 

  Mosley pushing Davies wide as she bursts on down the right gets to the by-line her cross drifting behind into the side netting. Otten with a strong header off a St Ives goal kick the ball with Davies on the right wins her side a corner. Long across the face of goal cleared falls to Stojko-Down 25 yards out left smashes a shot goalwards, takes a deflection on its way over. A pause in play with a St Ives player needing treatment. The corner from the right Emming’s leaping central can’t quite get there the ball cleared at the far post. Stojko-Down linking wit h Otten and Griffin central the ball fed forwards cut out by Hicks. 

  Into the final 10 minutes, Cambridge making a change bringing on Libby Fraser for Emmings on the left. Otten winning the ball in midfield out to the right Mitchell with Davies the shot on the angle put behind. Fox seeing the ball into her feet back to goal 20 out has support with Otten advancing she spreads play to the left Fraser with Mitchell, Flack tackling the ball out for a throw. Davies attacking right to the by-line winning a corner off Mosley. Mosley then clears at the near post as the corner is swung in.

Cambridge’s Laura Mitchell (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The clock is ticking down, St Ives are absorbing alot of pressure can’t get the ball out off there half as Cambridge press hard, can they hold on, take it to the lottery of a penalty shootout? Mosley outnumbered on the left as Fox moves out to help Davies with Griffin getting up the pitch does well to get a challenge in halt progress with a throw. Defended a rare opportunity to break with Katie Stancombe in the clear on the left, Rouse though covers the ground well to slide in with the tackle. Niamh Day coming on in the closing minutes for Cambridge replacing Davies the game entering stoppage time 4 minutes to be played.

  GOAL! Stojko-Down playing the ball on down the left for Mitchell deep her touch seeing her shift inside run into the area wide of goal no one from St Ives can get near her as she strikes the ball with her right foot a fantastic hit rifled home across the keeper into the corner of the goal! 1-0. One of those instances where you see the attack building and know the attacker is going to score.

Laura Mitchell congratulated after her scoring in the 91st minute (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The St Ives defence breached at last in stoppage time a valiant effort, Cambridge have been on top throughout the 2nd half finally have the goal. Little time left and St Ives have given it there all Katie Stancombe in space on the left can’t get a cross into the area. Cambridge with time to mount one last attack Fox put in behind on the right taking the ball to the by-line whipping in a cross that his cut out at the near post.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 St Ives Town Ladies

  The final whistle blows and Cambridge celebrate as they win the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup. Laura Mitchell with the unstoppable strike in the 91st minute. Late heartbreak for St Ives who gave everything coming within minutes of taking their higher league opponents to a penalty shootout. Can rightly be proud of their performance was a valiant effort ran out of steam in the 2nd half absorbing alot of Cambridge pressure as their opponents adjusted things at half-time dominating the 2nd half despite not finding the all important winning goal until the end. 

Women’s Football East – -Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match several great performances all over the pitch from players on both sides. Credit to the whole of the St Ives defence along with Sarah Mosley who did a fine job slotting into left back after Smith’s injury. Georgia Stancombe with a number of committed tackles throughout. For Cambridge, captain Gisela Otten was strong in the middle especially 2nd half winning the ball back on numerous ocassions St Ives unable to get out because of it. Laura Mitchell with the all important winning goal with a number of great attacking runs throughout aswell as Abi Davies on the right. The award ere though as it did on the night goes to St Ives goalkeeper Sarah Aftelak with some great saves and good positioning made sure her team were in the game right till the end.

A valiant effort from St Ives Town Ladies (photo credit Tom Alfuth)

  Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup 

Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners, Cambridge United WFC (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The first of two mid-week finals completed a trip down to Essex on the heels of this one. 214 in attendance in what was a nail biting final no where near as one sided as some had predicted. Credit to St Ives for that smiles on their faces at the end despite the lose knowing they had given it their all. My thanks to everyone at Hunts FA for their help aswell as both clubs for their assistance with the team details and Ben Phillips for allowing me to use some of his pictures in the report. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge City Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Tuesday 22nd March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

 Hot on the heels of the 1st Cup Final of the season, comes the 2nd with a Tuesday night trip to the Abbey Stadium for the Final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup sponsored by S-tech insurance. Cambridge City Ladies the current holders taking on Newmarket Town Women reaching their 1st ever county cup final.

  Looking back to March 2020 the Women’s Invitation Cup on the 5th was to be the last final of the season with the Covid pandemic hitting, seeing the that and the following campaign cut short. Is great to have finals to look forwards to at the end of the season again a busy spell personally but opportunities to win silverware abound with some great contests to look forwards too.

  S-Tech Insurance sponsoring the Invitation Cup competitions have be proud supporters of the woman’s game for close to 15 years now. The Abbey Stadium once again hosting the final, home of Cambridge United FC who have been promoting the woman’s game heavily over the past month with a number of games played at the venue.

This evenings prize

Cambridge City Ladies of FAWNL Division One South East missing out in the final last time out back in 2019. Easing through to the final of the competition this time around. Are looking to become an established side in the 4th tier having been promoted in the season the pandemic hit following a rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid. Traditionally a side that thrives on youth bringing players up through the various age groups with 3 senior sides a Reserves and Development side backing up the first team. Getting themselves up into midtable early on are now 8th with recent results going against them find themselves closer to the relegation zone than they would like with sides gaining late season momentum below a win though and everything changes. Grace Stanley their top scorer with 21 goals so far from 24 appearances.

 Newmarket Town Women are on course for their highest ever league finish in the women’s football pyramid aswell as reaching the County Cup final for the first time. Plying their trade in ERWFL Division One North, are in 2nd spot in the league table having played out their fixtures with the division dropping down to just 7 sides. Can be caught by Biggleswade United Ladies but can finish no lower than 3rd. Again traditionally a young side bringing players up through there youth set-up with a Development side in the division below, have had to do a little rebuilding in recent seasons with players moving on. Have brought in attackers Katie Hayes from Mildenhall Town Women and Lydia Mykhaylechko from Cambridge University Women both with a good return for the season so far 25 goals between them with Katie Spiers also coming in netting 13 from just 12 appearances.

Road to the Final

  A bye for both sides in he 1st round of the Invitation Cup. Cambridge City advancing from the 2nd round without kicking a ball awarded the home win over Leverington Sports Ladies. Newmarket at home to Histon Ladies now of Cambridge Division One after losing a fair number of senior players over the summer. Newmarket strong on the day with Lydia Mykhaylechko scoring a brace along with goal for Jess Linger, Chloe Slater, Katie Hayes, Faith Entwhistle and Katie Spiers in a 7-0 win.

  Big wins for both too in the quarter finals of the competition. Cambridge City at home to Cambridge Division Two title challengers Cambridge Rangers WFC. 4 division between the sides Cambridge City racking up a double figure score line with Grace Stanley netting a hat-trick, a brace each for Lauren Tomlinson and Amy Reed whilst there were 7 other scorers in a 14-1 win. Newmarket drawn away to another Cambridge Division One side, March Town United Ladies. Katie Hayes scoring twice along with goals for Mykhaylechko, Katie Webb and Antonia Smith to see Newmarket into the semi-finals with a 5-0 win.

  The semi-finals saw Cambridge City drawn away from home to take on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds of Cambridge Division One. Karly Tolentino scoring a brace with a goal each from Shannon Shaw and Grace Stanley securing Cambridge City’s place in the final with a 4-0 victory. Newmarket at home to Cambridge Division Two side Park Ladies in the semi-finals Katie Spiers bagging herself a hat-trick as Newmarket went on to reach their first ever county cup final in a 5-1 win. Linger and Mykhaylechko with the other goals.

The Abbey Stadium hosting this evenings Invitation Cup Final

  The Abbey Stadium the venue for this evenings final under the lights. Home of League One side Cambridge United FC. The club itself promoting the women’s game strongly over the past month with thier women’s side playing the first of 2 matches here beating Norwich City Women 1-0 and playing again this coming Sunday against Billericay Town Women. The pitch offering plenty of width a great occasion for both sets of players. The weather perfect for a cup final has been a warm day, dry and mild. 

Cambridge City Ladies

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Amy Reed, Jess Evans, Ceri Flye, Mulheron Bronwyn, Hannah Bodily, Ellie Cullum, Lauren Tomlinson, Charlotte Gillies, Amie Fullwood & Grace Stanley. Subs – Karly Tolentino, Freya Goddard, Zynia Delglyn, Bella Ely & Rosie Mead.

Newmarket Town Women

 Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Jess Linger, Kara Wayman, Becca Towler, Liv Caffarelli, Antonia Smith, Chloe Slater (C), Katie Spiers, Katie Hayes, Katie Walker & Lydia Mykhaylechko. Subs – Grace Joslin, Katie Webb, Annabelle Herring, Alex Milner & Faith Entwhistle.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A decent atmosphere building before kick-off the teams walking out onto the pitch lining up in front of the main stand before shaking hands. It will be Cambridge to kick-off the 1st half wearing white shirts with black trim, black shorts with white trim and black and white hooped socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts and white coloured socks. The ball played back to right back Amy Reed sent long up the line for striker Grace Stanley to chase, see out safely out of play by Newmarket’s Kara Wayman.

Katie Walker on the ball for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Cambridge up on the right a throw in pressuring the Newmarket back line. Winning an early corner players up from the back the ball fizzed in towards the near post cleared out to the right for a throw, as good as a corner with the throwing ability of Lauren Tomlinson. Cambridge building on the left the ball out Tomlinson throwing it long into the box for Stanley, Jess Linger getting in close to defend see the ball out for a goal kick. Bronwyn Mulheron with a commanding defensive header to clear the ball for Cambridge at the back as Newmarket play it long up through the middle.

Newmarket midfielder Antonia Smith (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Pace evident in both sides Newmarket looking for the run of Katie Spiers on the right the pass cut out fed into midfield a quick counter launched the ball in behind for Stanley moving into the left channel into the box brings the ball inside before attempting to curl a shot around the keeper, the ball angling into Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary who catches cleanly. A lively start Cambridge quick to turn play around, Ceri Flye winning the ball at the back out to Tomlinson on the left, Spiers coming back to slide in take the ball away from her.

   Tomlinson gets away moment later down the left flank running on with the ball into the box, Linger getting in close to pressure, the ball running out of play. Pressure in attack from Cambridge midfielders Hannah Bodily and Ellie Cullum playing the ball out to the wings Charlotte Gillies and Tomlinson providing good width forcing Newmarket back into their own box. Becca Towler intercepting a cross from the right starting from deep, Spiers on the right and Katie Hayes on the left are trying to provide passing options on the wings but all too often Cambridge are closing the ball down before the pass can be attempted.

   Jess Evans heading the ball clear from the top of the area as Katie Walker attempts a diagonal pass long from the left for Newmarket. Spiers through the middle quick on for Hayes who plays it on through aiming for Lydia Mykhaylechko the pass intercepted by Mulheron outside the area cleared forwards. Antonia Smith in front of her defence getting in a timely tackle on Stanley as she snatches the ball and looks to drive forwards break through the defence. Cambridge getting numbers forwards in attack out on the right Gillies cross flung in towards the back stick, Newmarket captain, Chloe Slater there to bring the ball down and clear. 

Newmarket defender, Becca Towler (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Linger from distance puts a free-kick wide of the Cambridge goal. The ball regained in the final 3rd Spiers on the right drives on before striking a shot on the angle fired in low towards the near post, Cambridge captain and goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson dropping down to easily gather the ball. Spiers looking lively on the right for Newmarket Slater lifting the ball into her, Evens getting across her the ball back with her keeper. 

  The game quickly switching from one end to the other as both sides break with purpose and pace Newmarket charge the ball down outside their area the clearance seeing Spiers racing after it, Evans with her blocking her early cross. Newmarket’s defence under more pressure with Cambridge regaining possession in midfield with 20 minutes played. Newmarket with a free-kick inside the Cambridge half on the right Linger to float the ball in towards the left, Cambridge defend and hit their opponents on the break, Gillies away on the right with support from Amie Fullwood the pair exchanging passes before Gillies scoops a cross in across goal from the by-line claimed high by Szary.

Cambridge City’s, Hannah Bodily (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Cullum is clattered in the middle trying to bring the ball on referee Ramona Bria playing a good advantage as the ball runs on through to Gillies right of the D, both Towler and Wayman are quick to close her down, Gillies held up getting the ball across to Fullwood inside the area left of goal, strokes a shot low beyond the far post.

  GOAL! Midway through the 1st half and the deadlock is broken Cambridge pressing the Newmarket defence, a misplaced past latched onto the ball fed diagonally out to the left Fullwood getting hold of it turning into the area and moving forwards drilling a shot home on the angle 1-0.

Amie Fullwood with Newmarket’s Liv Caffarelli opening the scoring for Cambridge City

  Cambridge quick to get the ball back from the restart keeping the ball inside Newmarket’s half Mulheron stepping forwards to claim it over half way connecting with the shot some 30 plus yards out, dipping late Szary stretching to make a top draw save tipping the ball over her crossbar for a corner kick. A low shot turned goalwards from the resulting corner Szary can see it out. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 GOAL! 2 minutes after taking the late Cambridge go on to double their advantage. Coming from an error at the back the ball played out to the left by Szary, lost as Fullwood nips in to get hold of the ball powers her way on into the box then smashes a strike across the keeper into the back of the net 2-0.

Amie Fullwood scoring a quickfire double for Cambridge City (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 A frantic few minutes to say the least Newmarket rocked by two quickfire goal against them find themselves under more pressure getting out of shape at the back as Cambridge’s Bodily puts the ball out to Reed on the right on for Gillies forwards her cross looping into the six yard box scrambled away by Liv Caffarelli back to the right Gillies inside the box catching it on the half volley sending her effort wide across the face of goal. 

Slater on the ball through the middle for Newmarket gains ground looking to link with Spiers in front of the Cambridge defence no way through as Mulheron wins the defensive header. Slater looking to try and take the game to Cambridge picking the ball up battling her way on through to the top of the area her scuffed shot running harmlessly through to Hudson. Caffarelli winning the ball at the back well for Newmarket takes it on into midfield, gaining some ground before Bodily closes in with a strong challenge to win the ball. 

  A double switch for Cambridge then with Tomlinson and Gillies coming off, Karly Tolentino and Bella Ely coming on. Newmarket settling down again after conceding getting players further forwards Slater combining with Walker 30 yards out driving forwards into the left channel riding a tackle sending the ball on into the box for Mykhaylechko to attack, Flye shielding the ball for Hudson to gather.

Katie Spiers getting forwards for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Spiers using her pace getting back quickly to slide in tackle Ely as she threatens to take the ball on for Cambridge down the left flank. Spiers has space to run into on the right herself as the midfield lift the ball into her path taking it down on towards the Cambridge area unleashes a shot from 25 yards out on target, however Hudson is behind it all the way. Wayman getting up to support Walker and Hayes on the left winning a throw in the corner Cambridge have numbers back preventing the cross coming in launching a counter play spread to the left Linger blocking Ely’s attempted cross. 

  Smith conceding a free-kick out on the left as she comes across to tackle with Ely linking up with Cullum on the wing. Stanley over the set-piece a good delivery launched in high to the far post a runner late to arrive the ball there to be attacked bounces out of play. Stanley comes off then replaced by Zynia Delglyn. Hayes on the left for Newmarket into Mykhaylechko inside the box back to goal closely marked by Mulheron lays the ball out across the D to Slater bombing on from the middle on the run strikes the ball on target straight at Hudson though the keeper untroubled.

  Into the final 5 minutes of the first half Cambridge with a corner on the right, Newmarket defending but not clearing there line put back into the box the shot finding the back of the net, however it won’t counted the flag raised. Cambridge come again on the right another corner played in near side defended sent back out to the taker cut back towards Delglyn 20 yards out right side her shot bouncing through to goal held by Szary.

Spiers continues to look a threat for Newmarket on the right, Slater in the middle picking her out with space to run into pushing forwards from 25 yards sends a shot on the angle over the crossbar. A short back pass to Szary puts the keeper under pressure top of her box as Fullwood comes streaming in her kick charged down flies up, the bounce favouring Szary who is able to get it into her gloves before Fullwood can capitalise. Delglyn with Cullum through the middle plays the ball into Ely’s path as she breaks into the area left of the D, clipping a shot in towards goal rising, Szary batting it away well to concede the corner.

Cambridge City defender, Amy Reed (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  From the left the corner falling far post his defended by Mykhaylechko. Cafferelli across to challenge winning the ball as Fullwood and Ely link up on the left for Cambridge. Szary with another quality save at her near post tipping the ball over the bar, as Tolentino charging forwards on the right drives in a vicious rising shot. The corner from the left fizzed into the six yard box into Cullum’s chest, difficult to get under control before Newmarket scramble it away. 

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 2-0 Newmarket Town Women

  That the final action of an exciting 1st half. Cambridge going in with a 2-0 lead at the break. Scoring 2 quick fire goals midway through the 2nd half. Could have added more if not for some fine saves from Dominika Szary in the Newmarket goal. Newmarket holding their own against there higher league opponents have been forced back defending deep more often than not making it harder to counter but have soaked up alot of pressure, getting forwards with pace to create a few opportunities of their own none of them troubling Sarah Hudson in goal. A two goal lead at the break as is often the case in a cup tie the next goal could prove crucial.

Cambridge with a triple switch during the half-time interval, Stanley and Tomlinson back on along with Freya Goddard for Evans, Fullwood and Bodily. Newmarket getting the 2nd half underway. Look to play it long through the middle Hayes after it, Flye stepping out of defence the pair collide, Flye coming off the worse, it okay after a pause for treatment. Spiers attacking with the ball at her feet on the right pace her cross in cut out. 

Katie Walker and Freya Goddard battling for the ball (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Tolentino getting the ball into her feet on the right side for Cambridge driving on, twists and turns getting free to lift a cross on the angle into the six yard box Stanley central chesting it down taking it out to the right of goal turning into the shot charged down by Towler out for a corner kick.

GOAL! An early goal at the start of the 2nd half and it goes the way of Cambridge. From the resulting corner the ball is cleared long out to the left side, retrieved by Cambridge possession kept well played into the box from the top of the area, Szary coming for it, Stanley closing in taking the ball past her and slotting it into the bottom corner 3-0.

Grace Stanley scoring early in the 2nd half for Cambridge City Ladies (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 A huge blow to Newmarket at the start of the 2nd half, Cambridge showing there intent coming forwards with determination Tolentino right side looking for Stanley, won well by Smith. A free-kick won by Cambridge top of the D, a dangerous position, Stanley on it drags her attempt wide of the far post. Newmarket’s defence under pressure, Linger defending, the ball quickly won back a corner won on the right. Floated into the six yard box Cafferelli clearing to the left, put back in, the offside flag giving Newmarket some respite.

  Tolentino looking to drive on with the ball, Wayman stopping one attack, Tolentino is soon after her again into the corner squeezed a cross into the near post from the by line, Ely near post close on goal trying to turn it inside the post, Szary there to bat it away her defence clearing. Newmarket make their first change of the game Mykhaylechko coming off for Katie Webb. The substitute with a good tackle 25 yards out to regain possession right side Walker up with her, curling a shot from outside the box wide of the far post. 

Katie Webb with Cambridge City’s Lauren Tomlinson (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Working the ball into the box from a throw on their right Cambridge attack it near post a corner awarded. Defended at the near post cleared outside the box a shot from distance struck back in caught by Szary. Getting out of their half proving difficult for Newmarket Cambridge pressing to quick regain the ball. Newmarket with a 2nd change, Annabelle Herring on for Spiers with an hour played. A free-kick at the back for Cambridge, Cullum helping it on through to the top of the area, Towler does well defending for Newmarket as Stanley closes in.

 Tolentino winning a corner on the right, goes long out to the left a shot from distance on the angle driven wide across the face of goal. Cambridge with a double switch bring Rosie Mead on along with Gillies. A deep cross from the left finding Gillies free inside the box, she puts the ball into the back of the net the flag though is already up. Faith Entwhistle joins the action for Newmarket on for Smith. Cambridge strong in the 2nd half dominating play in the final 3rd.

GOAL! That pressure bringing them a 4th goal a corner on the right side played into the mix cleared at the far post falls to Goddard outside the box 25 yards out, wastes no time getting her shot away the ball rising towards goal, Szary stretching to reach it can’t get enough on it as the ball falls beyond over the goal line 4-0.

Freya Goddard congratulated by her teammates (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Few opportunities to get forwards for Newmarket so far in the 2nd half, getting the ball off a thro on the left Walker turns infield sending it out to Hayes on the right of the area, tries to punch her way through the Cambridge defence but too much traffic her progress halted. Cambridge come left winning a corner kick. The ball flighted into the six yard box turned down towards goal, defended well by the defender on the far post the ball skipping up off her foot into Szary’s gloves. 

 A fluid attack from Cambridge from back to front 4 one touch passes sending the ball on through to Gillies getting free on the right into the box a shot fired in low on the angle Szary down smartly to save push the ball away the the left. Tolentino on that side now getting hold of the ball wide curling a shot back in Szary can’t doing anything saved by base of her far post before being cleared.

Newmarket captain, Chloe Slater (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Into the last 15 minutes another triple switch for Cambridge with Evans, Bodily and Fullwood all returning on for Mulheron, Flye and Stanley. Webb on the right looking to get past Evans sending the ball on for Hayes, Hudson able to claim it, play stopped with a player down on the far side. It’s Evans only just on can’t continue, Mulheron’s rest last all of a minute is sent back on. Evans unable to walk unaided with an ankle injury helped round the pitch. 82 minutes played.

GOAL! The changes opening up the game somewhat, Newmarket’s Slater closing the ball down well in the centre coming on before laying it through for Hayes moving left of the D, moving the ball on to get her shot away sends it low under Hudson to score 4-1.

A cup final goal for Newmarket’s Katie Hayes (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Hayes last action of the game however has picked up a side injury in the process of scoring the goal, with Mykhaylechko coming back on. Alex Milner on too. Cambridge get straight on the attack running down the right a dangerous ball whipped in across the face of goal, Linger with the clearance. Newmarket struggling to clear there lines as Cambridge come on with renewed vigour.

GOAL! Tomlinson getting up on the left to support Tolentino the full back taking the ball on into the corner swivelling well to lift a shot from a acute angle in over Szary to fall inside the goal at the far post 5-1.

Lauren Tomlinson adding a 5th for Cambridge City (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Walker getting onto the ball left side for Newmarket sends it on for Mykhaylechko inside the area, looks to shift inside make room for a shot but can’t shake off Mulheron the centre back tackling to clear the ball away to the left. A crossfield ball for Gillies on the right in cut out by Wayman, Fullwood though is quick to snatch the loose ball but attempting to return it to Gillies catches her offside. 

 Into stoppage time play spread Newmarket giving it a go late on Webb with support from Walker on the right whose angled cross lifted high into the box is claimed securely by Hudson. Caffarelli down having received a head injury but after treatment is okay to come back on. Cambridge with possession on the left see the game out  a shot from distance wide across the area.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies 5-1 Newmarket Town Women

 A strong 2nd half performance from Cambridge in the 2nd half seeing them retain the Invitation Cup with a 5-1 over Newmarket. A two goal lead from the 1st half quickly extended early in the 2nd half with a 4th goal coming past the hour. Newmarket on the backfoot defended stoutly but struggled to get anything going in attack. A well won ball from Slater putting Hayes through on goal giving them the goal they deserved on the balance of play. Cambridge going on to add a 5th. Looked composed throughout getting players forwards using the flanks well and taking the game to Newmarket who can be proud of their performance in their first County Cup Final a great occasion, mistakes seeing Cambridge score, the defence battled hard throughout Szary with a number of quality saves to keep them in it.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, and boy is this a tough one. Some great performances all over the park. Let’s begin with Newmarket can’t single out a single defender as they all put in a shift keeping Cambridge at bay. Dominika Szary with some great saves. Chloe Slater winning the ball in midfield looking to take the game forwards, Katie Spiers on the right a willing runner with pace offering a pass whenever Newmarket could break. All round it was a strong squad performance from Cambridge which will give them confidence going forwards. Bronwyn Mulheron was strong at the back didn’t give anything away. Ellie Cullum and Hannah Bodily prevented Newmarket getting out through the middle on several occasions. Used the flanks well particularly strong in the 2nd half, and a good portion of that dominance was down to Karly Tolentino with some forceful running on the ball creating a number of chances. This evenings Player of the Match.

  Congratulation to Cambridge City Women on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

 An enjoyable evening at the Abbey Stadium an entertaining final. My thanks to both sides with their help tonight along with that of the Cambridgeshire FA, Abbey Stadium staff and particularly, Chris Abbott much appreciated. Updated with photo’s courtesy of Sean Doyle again much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

 

Cup Final Special – Colney Heath Ladies v Stevenage FC Women

Sunday 20th March

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final

At Letchworth’s County Ground this afternoon for the 1st cup final of the season. Back after a 2 season hiatus the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup. Plenty of massive fixtures across the region this weekend but this will see the 1st bit of silverware lifted with Colney Heath Ladies featuring in there first ever county cup final taking on Stevenage FC Women who have featured in every final covered by Women’s Football East to date.

  Covid of course the reason for the 2 season hiatus, but it’s great to see end of season showpieces returning with a busy schedule looming, (wouldn’t have it any other way). Hertfordshire usually the first of the county cup finals to be held getting underway back in September with 35 entrants. The finalists with contrasting history in the competition.

  Colney Heath Ladies reaching the County Cup Final for the 1st time. Promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division in 2017 have gone on to become an established side in the league. Youth at the heart of their development an influx of talent the season before last has seen the side push on this season and although Wymondham Town Ladies already have the title sown up the race for runners-up spot is very much on Colney Heath currently 6th just 4 points off 2nd with games in hand on all the sides above them. Was at the County Ground I first saw Colney heath play in their first ever final the ERWFL Plate, this their greatest achievement to date reaching the County Cup Final for the first time.

  Stevenage FC Women playing in the league above are in a battle to avoid the drop from FAWNL South East Division One. Now run by the Stevenage FC Foundation, the restructuring seeing quite alot of player movement along with a managerial change with Fadi Mazloum now managing the 1st team. With 4 sides likely to go down this season Stevenage were struggling for points 2nd bottom however a run of 3 wins from 4 against the sides down there with them has put them right back into contention to wrestle free of the drop zone and given them momentum and confidence at a crucial stage of the season. have dominated the County Cup in recent seasons. This now Stevenage’s home ground too with the County Ground their base although for today’s game they are the ‘away’ side.

Today’s prize

Road to the Final

A bye for both sides in the 1st Round of the competition. Colney Heath were to take on Beds & Herts Division Three newcomers St Margaretsbury Women at home in the 2nd Round, a convincing win in the finish against a side who would go onto win their league, 13-0 with Lily Hall bagging a double hat-trick. Stevenage were at home to facing Beds & Herts Premier Division side Garston Ladies. Holly Greenwood with a brace amongst the goals in a 4-0 win.

Into the 3rd Round Colney Heath presented with a tricky tie away to ERWFL Division One South high flyers Cheshunt FC Women. Goals from Christina Freestone and Lucy Hancock seeing them edge the game 2-1 to progress to the last 8. Stevenage awarded an away win against Hitchin Town Women Canaries.

  Colney Heath at home to another Division One South side in the quarter finals taking on Wodson Park Ladies. A comfortable 4-0 victory putting them into the semi-finals. Stevenage at home to ERWFL Premier Division side Royston Town Women pushing for the title at that point, goals from Greenwood and Vicky Neal securing a 2-1 win to take them into the last 4.

  Coney Heath drawn to face cup holders Watford FC Women Development in the semi-finals, Sasha Manders firing them into an early lead. Grainne Kellet later on doubling the advantage to send Colney Heath into their first ever County Cup Final. Stevenage away to Bed & Herts Premier Division side Oaklands Wolves Ladies 4 divisions between the sides Stevenage were comfortable winners. Paige Pryor netting a brace with a foal each for Greenwood, Dionne Manning, Vicky Neal and Lucy Webster to take them into another final.

  Been a while since I’ve ventured to the County Ground, in Letchworth home of Hertfordshire FA. Today themselves launching a pledge to level up the gulf that still exists between the numbers of men and women registered to play the game within the county. Stevenage themselves amongst a growing number of clubs supporting the #HerGameToo initiative to tackle sexism within the game.

Stevenage supporting the #HerGameToo initiative

The ground with some redevelopment in recent seasons a new artificial playing surface, overlooked by the large main seated stand with terracing around the ground. The cafe/clubhouse upgraded too. The pitch a decent size, a great day for the final bright and sunny with no chance of rain as we enter spring. The sun low behind one goal may well cause issues during the game. 

Colney Heath Ladies

Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Naomi Swift, Ella Holmes, Lucy Hancock (C), Kelly Hancock, Sofia Santangelo, Lauren Appleby, Esme Hume, Grainne Kellet, Tia Steadman, Sasha Manders & Terri Harvey. Subs – Lily Hall, Lilly Nellis, Daniela Monastero, Melissa Godino & Annie Hickey.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Tea Oldroyd, Kate French, Lucy Webster (C), Chloe Gunn, Vicky Neal, Holly Greenwood, Shianne Swarres, Jodie Southby, Jodie Bellinger, Emily Schofield & Amy Makewell. Subs – Poppy Bennett, Stef Paci, Dionne manning, Ailish Straver & Paige Pryor.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Ex-Arsenal and England player Sian Williams the guest of honour for today’s final, introduced to the teams before kick-off. A great sized crowd gathered around the ground for the match. It’s Stevenage to get this season’s County Cup Final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing red and white shirts with red shorts and socks. Attacking into the sun with Coney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts black shorts and socks. The ball clipped long out to the right wing Colney Heath defending seeing the ball out safely for a goal kick.

Kate French bringing the ball on into space on the left for Stevenage plays the pass into central midfield for Shianne Swarres, she in turn sweeps a diagonal ball out to the right with Jodie Bellinger bombing on, Colney Heath captain Lucy Hancock over on that side regaining possession. Colney Heath sitting back inviting Stevenage on somewhat in the early exchanges Kelly Hancock challenging for the ball lifted into Amy Makewell outside the D, spring a counter attack the ball fed out to Sasha Manders over on the left travelling on into the corner wrapping her foot around the cross lifting a high ball into the box is taken high by Stevenage goalkeeper, Tea Oldroyd inside her six yard box.

  Esme Hume nipping in to win the ball inside her own half lifting the ball forwards quickly for Terri Harvey to go after, Chloe Gunn  getting to the bouncing ball first to clear at the back for Stevenage. Grainne Kellet exploiting a gap on the right to run into taking the ball on for Colney Heath, doesn’t get far as Vicky Neal racing across to cover the ground puts in a strong tackle to send the ball out for a throw. A long throw put into the box from the right by Colney Heath bouncing up over Harvey at the near post, Oldroyd grabbing it into her gloves beyond.

Grainne Kellet bringing the ball on for Colney Heath

    Tentative start overall Stevenage allowed to come on with the ball Colney Heath deep keeping compact not easy to break down. Colney Heath’s, Kelly Hancock across to tackle Amy Makewell as she moves into the left channel looking to provide the passing option for Holly Greenwood winning the ball back in central midfield. Swarres is proving a formidable barrier in midfield for Colney heath to bypass, more often than not the beginnings of an attack is snuffed out by the central midfielder with Jodie Bellinger an Southby looking to provide options left and right to keep the pressure inside their opponents half. 

  French moving left with the ball spreads play diagonally out to the right Southby, tackled, Colney Heath look to counter Manders taking the ball up the line Swarres moving in quickly to tackle keep the pressure on down the right side Stevenage winning a corner kick. Players up from the back the ball in near side headed out of the area away to the right Swarres getting hold of it with support from Neal looking to work and opening, Kelly Hancock getting the tackle in Holly Greenwood onto the loose ball attempts to battle through the defence the box too congested no way through.

Esme Hume with the ball on the right helping to break up a Stevenage attack sets up a counter mover feeding the ball on for Grainne Kellet out on the flank, travels a long way with the ball holding off a challenge to get down to the by-line and fire a low cross in towards the near post met by Terri Harvey six yards out turns the ball goalwards, Oldroyd is right behind it to make the save. Colney Heath are compact making it a challenge to drive through the middle space available out with the full backs able to come on a corner won on the left. 

  An inswinging delivery to the near post the defensive header sending it out to the right side well beyond the far post, falling to Emily Schofield she shoots on the angel the ball looping towards goal. Colney Heath goalkeeper Naomi Swift back-peddling to reach it with a good save to glove the ball away to safety taking a knock in the process, play stopped so she can receive treatment. Colney Heath with a free-kick on the right out to Hume on the wing forwards her cross driven into Harvey arriving top of the area right of the D, Swarres rushing back sliding it with a strong challenge to win the ball.

  Is a close contest, Stevenage with more of the ball able to come on Coney Heath soaking up pressure. Schofield moving out to the right taking the ball on from Bellinger drives on with the ball at her feet lets fly from the angle her shot fired in across the face of goal wide, Southby closing in can’t quite reach it to deflect in at the far post. Swarres sliding in to halt another Colney Heath advance, lifting the ball over to Bellinger on the right, the flag up however ha strayed offside. Hume putting the ball on into Harvey up top for Colney Heath combines with Tia Steadman looking to release Manders on the left in behind the pass short intercepted by Gunn.

Stevenage midfielder, Shianne Swarres

  Swarres winning the ball 25 yards out threads it through the defence, Schofield breaking clear into the box, Swift advancing it lay claim to the ball first. Amy Makewell with a strike from outside the D moments later, held by the Colney Heath keeper. Hume charging down Greenwood’s attempted cross as the gathers the ball from a throw on the left. French forwards on the left inside to Swarres some 35 yards out time and space to line up a shot sent in on target but at a comfortable height for Swift to catch. 

Colney Heath’s Sasha Manders

 Colney Heath competing for the ball well enough but deep back defending there box getting out in numbers is proving difficult, Stevenage regaining possession coming straight back at them, Bellinger over on the left now going in to challenge for the ball deflects favourably to let her run in behind. Towards the area turns inside looking for an opening to shoot, Colney heath captain, Lucy Hancock closing in to make a great tackle to thwart her. Kelly Hancock in turn out to tackle Bellinger, Hume taking up possession on for Kellet on the wing a race with French, the full back getting across her to roll the ball back to her keeper to clear.

   GOAL! Midway through the 1st half and Stevenage’s pressure brings the opening goal attacking on the left the ball at Bellinger’s feet she drills a great ball across the six yard box with Schofield wriggling free to connect and turn the ball past Swift into the back of the net 0-1.

Emily Schofield fires Stevenage into the lead

  Changes then for both sides, Dionne Manning coming on for Stevenage, Melissa Godino for Colney Heath replacing Appleby. Kellet has pace out right for Colney Heath looks to travel with the ball whenever she can, French needing to stay alert getting back on her to lunge in to tackle. A free-kick won for Stevenage wide right top of the area the ball lifted in near side headed out to the top of the D put back inside Kellet heading it away, falling to Gunn who sends a curling diagonal ball back into the far post Colney Heath in again to win the defensive header clearing the threat.

Colney Heath’s Melissa Godino

Godino taking the ball on through the centre for Colney Heath has Manders moving into space over on the right picking her out French closes her down challenging to regain possession unfairly however Colney Heath with the free-kick. The ball into the box comfortably defended by Stevenage. Colney Heath with a 2nd change, Lily Hall on for Steadman. Webster advancing on the right for Stevenage with the diagonal pass inside for Schofield right of the D turns into the shot a low effort gathered by Swift back on her line. Swarres moving on through the middle with the ball unleashing a shot from 20 yards out right side of the D runs wide of the far post. 

  Stef Paci a recent signing for Stevenage from London bees comes on replacing Greenwood in the midfield. Makewell battling for control of the ball 25 yards out squeezes it through to Schofield top of the D, shifts to shoot pulling her strike narrowly wide of the right post. Colney Heath working the ball into their attackers, Harvey and Manders linking well in the middle rolled back to Godino who in turn sweeps a pass out to Ella Holmes free on the right getting into the box takes on the shot the ball angled low into the keeper at the near post. Hall running on with the ball top of the area her shot blocked by Gunn. 

  Kelly Hancock fouls Makewell as she tries to get the ball under control as it is cleared up to her from the back, the free-kick to the right. Makewell with Webster on the right the cross fire into the middle of the box Manning can’t get it down onto her feet before the ball is scramble away to safety. Colney Heath getting players further forwards late in the 1st half are hit on the counter with Bellinger coming away with the ball on the left. Plays in diagonal pass inside looking to pick Schofield, Kelly Hancock intercepting for Colney Heath. 

Stevenage’s Dionne Manning with Colney Heath’s Daniela Monastero

  Holmes central with space in midfield plays the ball on for Manders on the right of attack, shifts inside before taking on the strike top of the are, swerving through the air but doesn’t cause Oldroyd any problems. Into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Colney heath coming forwards left side the cross turned away to the right for a throw in, another long delivery in the box, bouncing Oldroyd claiming it high.

Half-time Colney heath Ladies 0-1 Stevenage FC Women

  A narrow 1-0 lead for Stevenage at the break, scored midway through the half by Emily Schofield. Colney Heath soaking up alot of pressure defending deep at time wanting to be hard to break down has allowed Stevenage to come on at will at times their full backs joining the attack whilst the midfield, Swarres in particular have prevented Colney heath getting the ball out up to their attacking players. Chances created without the keeper being overly tested, Stevenage will want to be more clinical 2nd half. Defending well Colney Heath will have to come out more 2nd half if they want to score and with 1 goal in it still all to play for.

  With roll on roll off substitutes it’s not always easy to keep track of who is on and who is off. Stevenage appear unchanged with Annie Hickey on at the back for Colney heath who get the 2nd half underway defending with the low sun in their eyes. Played out to the back Stevenage in quickly to pressure the ball, Paci out to Manning moving right her cross met by Schofield at the near post, takes a deflection as it runs wide of the post for a corner. Players up into the box the delivery from the right turned on to the left Gunn outside the area hooking it back in towards the near post Neal getting something on it heading the ball over the defence claimed by Swift beyond.

   Manders is fouled trying to get forwards for Colney Heath on the left side no advantage play brought back. The game looking more open now Colney Heath looking to get players into advanced positions take the attack to Stevenage. Swarres in the middle out to Bellinger on the left side runs into traffic forced back play spread to Webster right on up the line for Manning her cross angled in to the area headed clear by Hickey. 

Colney Heath’s Annie Hickey

Hickey then out of the area to charge down Swarres as she bursts forwards from midfield. Harvey moving out to the right for Colney Heath sending a cross long through the six yard box. Kellet back on the right for Colney Heath getting on with the ball cutting it back into Manders top of the box, is closed down quickly by the Stevenage defence. A different feel to the 2n half more open as Colney heath look to apply some pressure in the final 3rd. Paci turning on the ball centrally clipping a diagonal ball out to Manning on the right her cross dipping in front of goal headed away by Hickey. 

  Colney Heath break left side Hall bursting forwards her low cross for Harvey inside the are Oldroyd comes sliding out Harvey nicking it beyond her, caught by the keepers trailing leg, can’t get to the ball before it is cleared to safety, looked a good shout for a penalty but no one appeals play goes on. Stevenage making a change on the hour breaking on Paige Pryor up top for Makewell. Daniela Monastero on in midfield for Colney Heath moving on with the ball covering alot of ground before Neal moves out to close her down.

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

  Kellett right side plays the ball inside to Steadman free for a moment top of the area turns into the shot no power behind her strike however as it rolls harmlessly through to Oldroyd. Gunn holding off Hall at the back seeing the ball safely back to her keeper to clear. Harvey taking on the Stevenage defence looking to plough her way through into the area, Neal across her though shielding the ball well back to Oldroyd. 

Chloe Gunn winning the ball for Stevenage

 Pryor looks to be in on goal left of the D bringing a cross down from the wing, Lucy Hancock getting back on her well to deny the chance, Swift down to smother the ball as Manning goes in for it. Changes around as Southby returns for Stevenage along with Ailish Straver replacing Bellinger and Swarres. Appleby returning to the pitch for Colney Heath. Pryor nips in to steal a misplaced pass at the back from Colney heath on the left side 25 yards out takes on the shot angled in low saved by Swift at her near post. 

Colney Heath captain, Lucy Hancock

  Colney Heath gaining momentum feeling they can get themselves back on level terms risking leaving gaps at the back. Manders on the left space to take the ball into her cross won by Straver. The ball bouncing through the middle Neal finding herself under pressure between two Colney Heath attackers isn’t fazed dealing with the threat comfortably. Godino winning the ball in midfield into Steadman, turns into traffic the ball lost. Poppy Bennett coming on for Stevenage replacing Schofield with game moving into the final 20 minutes. 

Vicky Neal winning the challenge for Stevenage

Pryor moving across the top of the D left to right for Stevenage blazes a shot over the crossbar. The game stretched players tiring, the ball played into Manning top of the D spins it out to French clear on the right, Lucy Hancock recovering to slide in pressuring the ball back with her keeper. Stevenage pushing on looking to stretch Colney Heath at the back.

 GOAL! On 75 minutes Stevenage score a crucial 2nd goal, the ball put into Manning’s feet back to goal 25 yards out sees French breaking on her left, the ball rolled out to her right of goal she checks inside to strike a left footed shots around the keeper into the corner of the net 0-2.

Kate French doubles Stevenage’s lead

 Colney Heath with a series of changes Santangelo amongst those back on as Monastero plays the ball on for Harvey the cross in long Hall on the far side retrieving it on the by-line scooping a dangerous cross in near post, Steadman there close in on goal with Oldroyd, the keeper under some pressure bating it away before being cleared. French off for Stevenage, Makewell back on. Lilly Nellis on for Colney Heath for Steadman who has picked up a knock. 

GOAL! Stevenage go on to extend their lead late on the game a blow for Colney Heath, their opponents coming down the left the ball played into the middle for Makewell right over the D bringing the ball down carry’s it in field into Straver who strikes the ball in towards goal a fantastic strike to lob the keeper from outside the box fly in under the crossbar 0-3.

Ailish Straver making in 3-0 to Stevenage

  Stevenage scoring two quick goals late in the game taking control of the final. A free-kick won in front of the centre circle Gunn on it goes for goal her effort bouncing wide of the post. Hall on the drive with the ball for Colney Heath on the left whips in a cross far post, Bennett rising to head it away for Stevenage. 

GOAL! Into the final 10 minutes Monastero is fouled for Colney heath 25 yards out to the left of the Stevenage goal. Manders placing the ball down to take the set-piece. Takes on the strike is hit well sent up over the wall, to dip beyond beating Oldroyd rising on her line to drop under the bar and in 1-3.

Sasha Manders scoring from a superb free-kick

  Is there to be late drama in the game the tie going to penalties if the scores were to be level at full time. Stevenage though are an experienced side now comes down to ball management, Colney Heath looking to press the ball leaving gaps all over the pitch. Manning and Paci winning challenges in the middle the play spread. Neal and Gunn keeping it tight through the middle. Greenwood back on for Straver in the closing minutes. Kellett for Godino for Colney Heath. 

 Gunn playing the ball onto Greenwood eft of the D digging a shot out of her feet the dipping effort held by Swift. Space on the right Webster forwards crossing into the area the ball cleared turned back in cleared out to Greenwood top of the D lashes a shot in Swift up doesn’t get it as it comes crashing down off the crossbar before being scramble clear. Stevenage with the ball as 4 minutes of stoppage time is signalled. Colney Heath can’t find any meaningful possession in the closing moments Stevenage readily winning the ball back celebrate as the final whistle blows.

Full time Colney Heath Ladies 1-3 Stevenage FC Women

  Stevenage winning the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup for a 4th time beating Colney Heath 3-1. A game of two halves with Colney Heath soaking up alot of pressure 1st half allowing Stevenage to come on keeping it tight difficult to break down going in trailing by just a single goal. Was a more open 2nd half chances created for both sides, Stevenage scoring a quick double inside the final 15 minutes to take control of the game. 3-0 though harsh on Colney Heath a battling display getting a goal back to make it 3-1 a fine free-kick from Sasha Manders. Stevenage though were in no mood to throw it all away and kept the ball well to see out the closing stages coming close to adding to their score line. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. One player standing out a few performances of note to mention first though. For Colney Heath, Kelly Hancock was strong in defence with a number of tackles and interceptions. Sasha Manders out wide looking to take the ball on create openings up front scoring a superb free-kick. Esme Hume at just 16 years of age impressing too. For Stevenage Vicky Neal was solid and composed at the back unfazed and reading and dealing with threats. Up top Emily Schofield was strong getting into some great positions opening the scoring. The award today though goes to midfielder Shianne Swarres, broke up play on numerous occasions Colney Heath often seeing an attack broken up before it had begun. Used the ball well spreading the ball out to the flanks.

 Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup.

  Great to see a final back at the County Ground the first of many to report upon this season back to it on Tuesday night at the Abbey Stadium for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final between Cambridge City Ladies and Newmarket Tow Ladies. An enjoyable first final of the season to watch in front of a strong crowd. My thanks to Hertfordshire FA for there help today and both sides for the team details much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Bedford Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women

Sunday 6th June

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup Final

 A trip down to Bedfordshire this Sunday for one last County Cup Final and one I haven’t attended before as Bedford Ladies face AFC Dunstable Women.

 Normally the season would be done and dusted by now, and I would be grateful for the chance to rest before it begins all over again, but this time around with the ongoing Covid pandemic having disrupted another playing season, the FA have where wanted extended the season into June. Competition in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk set to continue for another fortnight, today’s final brings an end to the season in Bedfordshire. 

Today’s prize

The County Cup Final in recent years dominated by Bedford Ladies and Luton Town Ladies winning the last 8 between them, Bedford the current holders winning against Luton back to back on 2018 & 2019. No competition last season due to the pandemic, Beds FA along with their counterparts in Norfolk and Suffolk going ahead with their County Cup competitions when the country came out of it’s 3rd lockdown at the end of March. 

Bedford Ladies have won the County Cup on 5 occasions first in 2012, then back to back wins in 2014 and 15 then most recently 2018 and 2019 the Covid pandemic seeing no final played a victory to day would see Bedford win the trophy 3 times in a row. One of the leading female clubs in Bedfordshire along side Luton and Dunstable all playing in the ERWFL Premier Division, competitive rivals all three. Bedford have a strong youth section with two senior sides, the Development side completing in Beds & Herts Division Two.

  Despite being an established side in the ERWFL Premier Division AFC Dunstable Women came close to folding a couple of seasons back due to a shortage of numbers, Ashley Pead coming in to manage the side, something of a rebuilding process with a young squad followed, the ERWFL Premier Division a tough league to blood a young side but they have doe well improving all the time and getting back to the levels where they will once again being pushing Bedford and Luton for honours in the county.

Road to the Final

  Both sides along with Luton Town Ladies receiving a bye to the quarter finals of the County Cup. Bedford began their defence of the trophy at home to Beds & Herts Division Two side Biggleswade United Ladies, newly established with ambitions to become a leading force in women’s football in the county were outmatched on the day by Bedford who dominated to win the game 9-0. AFC Dunstable Women were away in their quarter final taking on Luton Town Ladies Reserves. A battle between the sides Dunstable edging it 2-1 to progress to the semi-finals with Tia Steadman netting both goals.

 Bedford were to take on AFC Dunstable Women Blues in the last 4 of the County Cup, won the initial game 2-0 booking their spot in the final the game voided however, and Bedford made to play it again. Dunstable’s Blue side a growing force in their own right didn’t make it easy however Bedford went on to win the game 3-1 to set up today’s final. A tough test for Dunstable in their semi-final away to Luton Town Ladies, was a determined performance though that saw the sides finish the game to send the tie into a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper, Ciara Taylor a recent addition for Dunstable the hero as she saved Luton’s 6th penalty as the shootout entered sudden death to send Dunstable into the final.

 Into June the venue for today’s final, Cranfield United FC, just off the A421 through the village of Cranfield you come to the ground, parking around 3 sides of the pitch, fenced off the playing surface looking superb the grass lush. A clubhouse, with bar and kitchen hatch serving hot food and drink at one end a small seated stand between the dugouts. A good size offering plenty of width. A few spots of rain about before kick-off, the dark clouds pasting however leaving behind a sunny if somewhat muggy afternoon. Traffic was a nightmare, but I suspect I was the only one who travelled from Norfolk today.

Bedford Ladies

Bedford Ladies starting XI – Alex Shore, Mollie Robinson, Stephanie Fisher, Sophie Mulvihill, Zara Carroll, Jasmine Ajayi, Shianne Swares, Destiny Pap, Gemma Franklin (C), Setor Acolatse & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Ashley Emerton, Mollie Marshall, Carissa Kaczorowski & Rianne Townsend-Brown.

AFC Dunstable Women

AFC Dunstable Women starting XI – Ciara Taylor, Shauna Smith, Mollie Burgess, Nicole Raffermati, Jodi McClelland (C), Chloe Esposito, Louise McCay, Rebecca Devereux, Gemma Darvill, Chelsea Jeffrey & Tia Steadman. Subs – Darcy Collins, Hannah Ring, Louisa Sexton & Ella Claridge.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Both sides play in blue as a rule, Bedford with the change strip today wearing white shirts with black shorts and socks to have the kick-off 1st half with Dunstable all in blue opposite. Bedford play the ball right for Destiny Pap moving forwards, Gemma Darvill stepping in to win it for Dunstable has support on the inside from Nicole Raffermati, the pair exchange passes Darvill powering on down the wing gaining ground before she is stopped by Mollie Robinson as the full back comes sliding in to take the ball out for a throw in.

Dunstable’s Gemma Darvill with Bedford’s Setor Acolatse

Dunstable with the early pressing keep the ball down the right working a cross on across the top of the area Bedford send it clear helped on up to the right with captain Gemma Franklin looking to get hold of it carry it forwards before being chopped down, Bedford getting the free-kick. Players go forwards the ball sent long up into the area, headed out by Dunstable, Shauna Smith the rolling ball comes to Shianne Swares 25 yards out, one thing on her mind striking the ball her attempt charged down.

Mollie Burgess for AFC Dunstable Women

Mollie Burgess with the ball at her feet playing on the left of defence for Dunstable lines up a fantastic pas sending it long into the path of Darvill on the moves taking it in her stride, runs on checking back aiming to reach the area before Sophie Mulvihill put in the sliding tackle for Bedford. Swares bringing the ball on through the middle, Louise McCay getting across to halt her progress, the midfield area lively. McCay with another strong challenge moments later to deny Setor Acolatse. Chelsea Jeffery with space on the ball central for Dunstable 35 yards out receiving the ball from Rebecca Devereaux on the left attempts to put it into Darvill’ run out wide right, plays it too close to the keeper allowing Alex Shore to come out of her six yard box and claim.

Bedford’s Shianne Swares

Two committed side Swares lays it wide for Pap on the left, up the wing, Darvill coming back closing in to challenge, allowing Burgess to clear the loose ball. Both side looking to work the width, Darvill and Devereaux for Dunstable, Pap and Franklin for Bedford all with driving runs when the ball is laid into their feet. Devereux plays it inside from the right into Chloe Esposito 25 yards out turns and strikes the ball goalward skipping up off the grass, Shore is right behind it see it up into her arms. Darvill strong on the ball takes it on right on for Jeffery into the right channel carrying on into the Bedford area comes inside, shift right, then left, failing to get a cross away before being closed down by Zara Carroll.

Gemma Franklin driving forwards for Bedford Ladies

Dunstable with a corner on the right, the ball headed away out of the box but no cleared Dunstable keep players up close the ball down sent back in cleared for a 2nd time then Bedford break, out to the right the ball fired up to Natasha Fensome in attack, hasn’t seen much of the ball early door running at the back tracking Dunstable defence let’s fly from all of 30 yard out her shot bouncing wide. Bedford getting Acolatse up with Fensome the pair combining outside the box right side slip the ball inside for Franklin running in behind, Taylor alert quickly out to save sliding it at the attackers feet.

Dunstable midfielder, Louise McCay

McCay spinning in the centre laying the ball out right for Darvill power forwards, Robinson across to close her down, the result a throw to Dunstable. Dunstable come close to opening the scoring are doing well keeping the ball in the final 3rd without so far finding the final ball, do so this time a a cross is flashed in across the six yards box to be met by Tia Steadman to hit it from close range goal bound, but for Shore down low at the post the make the blocking save. The ball out for a corner on the left.

Dunstable with the early pressure has taken Bedford a little longer to find their rhythm. T he corner swung inwards under the bar punched away well by Shore, Bedford break quickly right side Acolatse on up the field for Fensome she has the vision to spot Pap sprinting away up the left her pass pinpoint picking her out brings the ball into the box up against Burgess, shifts left then back inside attempting to find space to shoot, Burgess doing well however putting a leg in to block cut the ball out.

Bedford’s Setor Acolatse

Fensome leading the line for Bedford uses the space well, never still, never staying on one defender, moving right seeing the ball rolled into her exchanges passes with Franklin on the wing going beyond her wide shoots on the angle driven wide at the near post Bedford claiming it took a nick of a Dunstable body win the corner. The delivery looping in near post Fensome heads it down, striking a Dunstable head, instinctive sent over the bar for a 2nd corner. From the right a 2nd time fired into the six yard box runners racing in Franklin rises well meeting it to blast her head wide beyond the far post.

Robinson on for Acolaste on the right times her diagonal ball up towards the area perfectly seeing Fensome burst in behind between the centre backs, Taylor with quick reactions out to close her down sliding in to claim the ball, as Fensome lunges for it. Dunstable attack the ball out on the left Devereux inside for Steadman outside the box, Jeffery with her whip a dangerous ball across the area looking for Darvill far side, two defenders and the keeper closing in Darvill appears to be bundled over, despite appeals nothing is given.

Jasmine Ajayi along side Swares in the middle for Bedford has won her fair share of tackles gets into a shooting position 20 yards out as Fensome top of the area, sees a ball from the right into her feet and lays it back to her, Ajayi striking it 1st time sees her bending effort roll wide of the far post. The game is flowing well moving from one end to the other both sides looking to attack, Carroll with a clearance at the back finds Fensome away clear on the left breaking into the area, closing in on goal, strikes the ball hard before she is closed down, Taylor with a superb save diving to her left to push the rising ball behind with her gloves.

 GOAL! From the resulting corner however Bedford find the opening goal, little Taylor can do about it, the delivery is perfect fired in fast across the face of goal to the Bedford players attacking the far post, Mulvihill meeting it driving a bullet of a header into the back of the net 1-0. 22 minutes played.

   Stephanie Fisher recieves a talking too from referee James Cantwell, as she brings down Dunstable’s. McCay 35 yards from goal. Jeffery on the free-kick sends it long to the far post, Shore comes and punches the ball down to the left, Bedford can’t get it away Dunstable snapping in to get the ball is eventually cleared to the right for a throw. Bedford play the ball out from the back into Fensome on the halfway line is brought down the advantage played as Pap races on looking to get on up the wing her touch allowing Dunstable captain, Jodi McClelland to come and clear the ball over the hedge for a throw. 

  Darvill is a threat down the right for Dunstable getting on with the ball taking it to the by-line presses on into the area looking to cross, Mulvihill in to block it. A corner for Dunstable  on the right in central, Devereux up but can’t get enough on it to take it beyond the goalkeeper. Dunstable committing the foul as Bedford once again struggle to get it clear. Swares does well getting hold on the ball in midfield for Bedford left side has Fensome drifting across as the passing option sends it forwards, McClellan looks to have it only for the defender to slice her clearance, the ball deflected into the box beyond Fensome off like a hare after it, Taylor sharp comes out to claim it holding onto the ball as Fensome runs into her. 

Bedford attacking right side release a shot from distance no idea who took it the ball racing in from 25 yards flashing wide of the near post. The cars exposed behind the goal I’m glad I’m parked well out of the way.

  GOAL! Ajayi fouled inside the Dunstable half a free-kick given to the right of the centre circle. Carroll over it has a good set-piece on her fires the ball in through everyone Taylor may not have expected that reacts well to push the ball away to her right, the ball left of her goal Bedford are alert whilst Dunstable remain static Franklin and Fensome through on the follow-up, Franklin left retrieving the ball spinning to lift it back in across goal evading Taylor, Fensome is there unopposed in the middle to raise her leg and guide the ball home 2-0.

Natasha Fensome puts Bedford into a 2 nil lead

  Fensome causing the Dunstable defence problems with her movement drawing players out of position going into the right and left channels looking for the ball, moving right this time Burgess goes with her needing to slide in to defend on the attacker as she goes to shoot. Franklin is upended on the right for Bedford, Carroll on the set-piece goes for goal, a good range strike, the cars behind the goal saved as a spectator claims the ball as it drops over the bar. 

  Esposito on for Devereux on the left the cross fizzed inside for McCay top of the D the Dunstable midfielder striking it 1st time slicing her shot wide. McClelland with a vital interception eft side to deny Fensome as Acolatse looks to send the ball on. Swares and Ajayi work the ball well central up into Fensome outside the box right her flick to the right seeing Franklin break in behind, Smith lunging in with a timely tackle to stop her shot. A strong finish to the 1st half from Bedford, Ajayi turning central has support from Fensome dropping deeper, Acolatse going beyond her Fensome rolls the ball into her feet Acolatse turning to strike a shot from 25 yards out Taylor moving across sees it wide of the near post. 

  Bedford come on through the middle Acolatse right playing it crossfield for Pap on the left 25 yards out drops it into Fensome outside the box the attacker turning on the ball to clip a shot in towards goal, on the rise Taylor is right behind it a confident claim high. Dunstable get the ball on down the left Devereux inside for McCay central 20 yards out sees her effort charged down, the ball put back to Devereux left tries again, McCay top of the D seeing the ball across her body before striking it frustrated as her attempt races wide.

 Strong tackling all round some decisions frustrating Dunstable. McCay adjudged to have fouled Ajayi outside the centre circle Carroll up to take it again, keeps her shot lower this time but the keeper can see it wide. Fensome and Acolatse break through the middle seeking to get into the Dunstable area, Raffermati doing well in the defence to get in between the pair thwart the attack. 

Half-time Bedford Ladies 2-0 AFC Dunstable Women

  A 2-0 lead for Bedford at the break both goals coming after a good chance for Dunstable at the other end. Bedford taking a while to settle into the match, Dunstable applying pressure early on getting forwards well, both side using the width the midfield battle committed a good contest Bedford scoring at timely intervals to get themselves into a good position going into the 2nd half, work for Dunstable to do if they are to get back into the game, 2-0 though can be a tricky score-line.

  A double change for Dunstable at the start of the 2nd half, Hannah Ring and Darcy Collins on for Smith and Jeffery. No changes for Bedford as Dunstable get the ball moving 2nd half. Fisher defending on the right as the ball is played out to the wing. Bedford straight on the attack the ball worked across the pitch out to Pap on the move left side strikes it on the angle, Taylor down low at her near post making a comfortable save. 

Mollie Robinson, clearing the ball for Bedford

  Fensome left clips a ball over the top into the area for Acolatse, struggles to bring it down to shoot, allows Devereux to get in her her and clear the ball for Dunstable. McCay out on the right wins a throw as Dunstable advance, the set-piece put into the path of Darvill 20 yards out blazes a shot over the bar. Swares retrieves a ball fed out into space on the right for Bedford swinging a cross back in across goal, Franklin closing in far side connects with in but turns it wide. A pause in play Pap down with an injury but is okay to continue for now. 

Dunstable captain. Jodi McClelland

  Carroll defends in close on Steadman top of the area as Devereux advances down the wing sends the ball into her. Moments later Carroll is called into action again as Dunstable work a throw into the area from the left of Devereux. Bedford with a free-kick on halfway, Ajayi knocking it down into the path of Acolatse top of the D opens her foot to turn the ball goalwards in low Taylor down is right behind it. 

  Darvill still carrying a threat on the right for Dunstable breaks on in behind up the line, Steadman with a good near post run, Darvill wraps her foot around the ball, lifting it in, Shore can’t get there Steadman is inches away from heading it beyond her. Pap having sustained another knock has to come off for Bedford, on in her place on the left Carissa Kaczorowski. Ring chips the ball from 25 yards out, on towards the top of the area looking for Darvill, Mulvihill closing her down the ball running on behind for Shore to gather. 

  GOAL! 18 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Bedford find that all important 3rd goal, Ajayi lifting a ball up from the middle high to drop inside the area left of goal, Fensome getting onto Raffermati the Bedford attacker using her body well, experienced as it bounces difficult to deal with keeps her marker at bay before striking a fierce shot low wide across the keeper into the bottom corner 3-0.

Natasha Fensome puts Bedford 3-0 up

  A blow for Dunstable frustration showing the weather warm a drinks break called soon after a break in play, time to regroup. Play resumes Ring with good work on the ball right side passes inside for Burgess to send it on for McCay who in turn looks to put it into Steadman’s feet as she moves across the D from the left to the right, Robinson with a vital tackle stopping the Dunstable attacker getting in behind on goal. 

  Ring wins Dunstable a free-kick wide on the right, players come forwards the delivery in near side defended well by Ajayi, the break is on Bedford moving left get up the pitch quickly cut out by McClelland, the ball still alive left side Bedford fire it in central to Fensome, Esposito in on her with a fine tackle to win the ball. Acolatse comes off for Bedford to be replaced by Rianne Townsend-Brown. 

Dunstable’s Chloe Esposito

  GOAL! Bedford pressing forwards extend their lead the ball played out to Fensome drifting into space on the right takes the ball on driving to the by-line into the box flashes a cross into the six yard box, Franklin is there to smash goalwards a defenders dive to block, Taylor making a good save the ball still alive however Franklin sharp to scoop it up wide beyond the despairing Taylor to the right of goal 4-0.

Bedford’s captain, Gemma Franklin puts her side into a 4 goal lead

  Ring brings the ball on central for Dunstable strong riding a challenge surges on has McClelland with her, Dunstable’s captain brought down a free-ick given 30 yards out. McClelland over it goes for goal her shot blasted wide. Dunstable visibly frustrated fell decisions are going against them. Darvill continues to attack down the right powers forwards squares it top of the box into Steadman’s path the strikers 1st touch a little heavy let’s Shore snatch the ball up into her body. 

  GOAL! Darvill’s determination pays off as she pulls a goal back for Dunstable, getting players up central Bedford don’t get clear the ball won back play turned around 30 yards out the pass is perfect into Darvill right into the area pace taking her on blasts her shot on the angle wide across the keeper 4-1.

  15 minutes left to play plus stoppages, Dunstable find another level of energy as they look to rally, tempers though will need to be left in check. McClelland doing well at the back clearing the ball as Bedford drop it in left for Kaczorowski to chase, wants Taylor to come but can’t risk it clearing the ball to the left. Bedford with the throw allows players to come forwards crossed into Franklin top of the area back to goal she pushes it out for the advancing Carroll to hit from 25 yards out, her attempt running wide across goal.

  The game has suddenly livened up, Dunstable upping it, Bedford have responded well. Jeffery comes back on for Dunstable replacing McCay. Fensome with a shot on the angle from the left see Taylor down low at her near post to claim. 

  GOAL! Bedford score a wonder strike to effectively kill off the game, attacking on the left, Franklin pushing on across the top of the area, Dunstable clear it back to the left Bedford regaining possession the ball squared to Ajayi some 30 yards out left of the D wraps her foot around the ball and sweeps a looping shot beyond Taylor before she can move 5-1. 

Bedford’s Jasmine Ajayi

  Dunstable hit with another blow nevertheless look to get on the offensive, Darvill right side surging on into the box, Carroll comes sliding in to make the tackle. The game becoming stretched as players tire. Ring with Steadman top of the area for Dunstable played back for Jeffery to hit from distance her strike charged down. Dunstable with a throw right keep players up Bedford can’t get it away Darvill with a strike from outside the box charged down by Carroll. A corner won on the left.

 A double substitution for Dunstable before it’s taken Devereux and Esposito off, Louisa Sexton and Ella Claridge coming on. An inswinging delivery into the six yard box a good height attacked by Burgess sails over the crossbar. Bedford make a late change Ashley Emerton on for Kaczorowski. Franklin goes left on for Fensome, McClelland in to tackle the ball out for a throw. Fensome’s last action of the game as she is replaced by Mollie Marshall. 

Burgess’s header goes over for Dunstable

  The game moving into stoppage time Bedford attacking left side on for Townsend-Brown central lays it wide to the right the advancing Emerton her target but the pass doesn’t quite reach her, Dunstable bring it away played up to Jeffery turns over halfway into Ring beyond her moves left, Mulvihill steps out of the backline to tackle her. Collins with a great ball upfield to Darvill on the move right side crosses into the box for Steadman near side knocks it back for Claridge to strike her attempt charged down Bedford straight on the counter the ball long up to Townsend-Brown to hit on the run from distance sends it over the bar. 

Bedford’s Ashley Emerton

 A late corner for Bedford right side long to the far post knocked goalwards Taylor though takes high back on her line. Bedford with the energy in the closing moment push on Ajayi right side seeing her cross charged down for a corner. Dunstable clear, the ball though quickly back with Bedford Franklin central sending it to Ajayi to her left to hit from distance the strike over the top.  

Full time Bedford Ladies 5-1 AFC Dunstable Women

  Bedford Ladies win the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup for a 3rd successive year. In the end proving too much for Dunstable. Despite starting the slower, Dunstable having opportunities Bedford came back to score twice to lead 2-0 at the break finished the 1st half well. Play stretched in the 2nd period Dunstable continuing to look a threat Bedford got the crucial 3rd goal going on to add a 4th the goal at regular intervals during the game hurting Dunstable, who never gave up however pulling a goal back, a wonder strike from Ajayi effectively sealing the win. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match is once again a tough one, not often I have a nailed on candidate. A few performances to mention. Some great saves from Ciara Taylor despite the score line for Dunstable. Gemma Darvill’s performance deserved a goal, her pace and power on the right a threat for Bedford throughout the game. For Bedford, Gemma Franklin was a threat out wide too, picking up the ball and driving forwards bringing others into play linked up with Fensome well. In midfield it was a battle ultimately won by Shianne Swares and Jasmine Ajayi for Bedford both putting in several great tackles with Ajayi scoring a brilliant goal. The award though goes to Bedford’s Natasha Fensome scored twice, her movement off the ball causing Dunstable issues all game, is a hard player to mark and is more often than not clinical when given a chance in front of goal.

 Congratulations to Bedford Ladies upon another County Cup victory.

Bedford Ladies County Cup Winner 20/21

  An entertaining game the score-line perhaps not telling the whole tale. Nice to finally get to a Bedfordshire County Cup Final. Has been a long while too since I’ve opted to decamp to a hotel for the night get the report written instead of burning the midnight… usual well past it oil. My thanks to both teams for providing me with the team details and Mark from Beds FA for their help today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

 

Cup Final Special – Ipswich Town Women v Needham Market Women

Sunday 30th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by HomeStoreUK

 The action this Sunday comes from the Final of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup, with Ipswich Town Women looking to make it 7 successive wins in the competition as they take on Needham Market Women.

Today’s prize

 Suffolk FA like their counterparts in Norfolk and Bedfordshire pressing on with their County Cup competitions following the emergence from the 3rd lockdown during the ongoing Covid pandemic at the end of March. The Suffolk Cup running on it’s own since 2010 the competition has been dominated by Ipswich Town Women winning 8 of the last 9 finals including a run of 6 successive wins.

Ipswich Town Women are the leading force for women’s football in Suffolk and are only getting stronger. The first team topping the FAWNL South East Division One in both the previous Covid affected seasons and with a shake up of the pyramid coming the club is in a strong position to apply for upwards movement. Today’s squad though lends testament to that strength as Ipswich have fielded there WSL Academy side throughout the competition, which sees there youngsters playing against as the name suggest some of the countries top female academies and underlies the clubs ambitions. Setting goal scoring records too scoring a staggering 71 goals without reply in 4 matches to reach todays final.

Another club on the rise within women’s football in Suffolk is Needham Market Women, established in 2018, recorded a 2nd placed finish in the Suffolk Women’s Division aswell as reaching the final’s of the League and County Cup. Joined the ERWFL looking to test themselves at regional level whilst setting up a Reserves side. The Covid pandemic affecting both season’s, lost out to Ipswich in the semi-finals of the County Cup last season before bouncing back this term to make it 2 finals out of 3. Warren Lewis-Claxton taking over the running of the 1st team from Freya Louis who is now the Girls & Women’s Development Manager for Needham Market Academy the club themselves offering a pathway for both mens and women’s football. 

Road to the Final

  The County Cup getting underway before the 2nd lockdown in November and for both sides it rained goals. Ipswich’s academy side seeing the County Cup retained for a sixth straight season with a 6-0 win in the delayed final carried over from last season began their defence with a home tie against Suffolk Women’s Division Two newcomers Kesgrave Kestrels Ladies, dominated from start to finish winning 18-0. Needham Market were just as ruthless at home to another Division Two side, Chantry Grasshoppers recording a 22-0 win. 

  The 2nd Round after the 3rd lockdown seeing contracting matches played out. Ipswich were away to Suffolk Division One side Brantham Athletic Ladies, the goals flowing once again eased through to the quarter finals with a 15-0 win. A tougher opponent for Needham Market at home to AFC Sudbury Women, like them another club offering a women’s football pathway as the ERWFL Division One side looks to re-establish itself as a dominant side within women’s football in the county, the pair contesting a 1-1 draw the tie going to penalties, Needham Market coming through with a 4-3 victory. 

  More of the same for Ipswich in the quarter finals rattling in a further 14 goals without reply away to East Bergholt United. An away win awarded to Needham Market who were drawn against Norfolk Division One side Waveney Ladies. Onto the semi-finals played at neutral grounds. Ipswich taking on Bungay Town Ladies at Framlingham Town, were far too strong for the Norfolk Division One side as they ran riot scoring 24 goals with Zoe Barrett and Lucy O’Brien netting 13 between them. Needham Market travelled to Mildenhall Town FC to take on fellow ERWFL Division One side Haverhill Rovers Ladies, newly established themselves reaching the last 4 of the County Cup are a club in a similar vein to Needham Market. Two goals late in the 1st half from Abbie Wilkinson and Nia Evans seeing Needham Market leading 2-0 at half-time a penalty scored late in stoppage time by Lois Balfour sealing a 3-0 win.

The venue for today’s final at The MEL Group Stadium home of AFC Sudbury’s mens and women’s teams. A state of the art artificial playing surface. A modern newly built clubhouse over looking the pitch with bar and kitchen hatch serving hot food and drink, a seated stand beside  with one more on the opposite side. An evening kick-off a bright and sunny day, a pleasant Bank Holiday weekend. 

 Ipswich Town Women starting XI – Nina Meollo, Summer Hughes, Emma Wallis, Amy-Leigh Abrehart, Liv Bilson, Abbie Jackson, Molly Sutherland (C), Kyra Robertson, Zoe Barrett, Lucy O’Brien & Maddie Biggs. Subs – Leonie Jackson & Sarah Brasero.

Ipswich Town Women

 Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Ellie Rossiter, Jodie Sharp, Laura Bloomfield, Ele Catchpole, Nia Evans, Nicole Henderson (C), Amber Sparkes, Mia Etheridge, Abbie Wilkinson & Lois Balfour. Subs – Francesca Rainbird, Sasha Diston, Gemma Foster & Freja Scott.

Needham Market Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   The teams lining up before the match Ipswich will be kicking off the first half wearing their all blue kit with white trim. Needham Market opposite wearing red shirts with yellow trim, red shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence is put to the right for Emma Wallis to take forwards exchanges passes with Zoe Barrett on the flank before looking to drive on, Needham Market’s, Jodie Sharp coming to close her down tackle and see the ball out for a throw., Needham Market work the ball across the field out to the right, Mia Etheridge taking it on sending an early cross into the top of the area, headed clear by Ipswich’s Abbie Jackson.

Zoe Barratt on the attack for Ipswich

  A few of the Ipswich side have some experience with the 1st team, one of those being attacker Maddie Biggs who is fed in making a run into the left channel, likes to run at defences pace unleashes a shot from 20 yards out the ball wide at the near post. Amy-Leigh Abrehart out on the left for Ipswich sends the ball through for Biggs to attack the left channel once again, Laura Bloomfield sliding on to challenge her win the ball for Needham Market.  Ipswich on the offensive right from the off, Lucy O’Brien latching onto a poor pass at the back from Needham Market right side looks to drive for the box is clipped brought down a free-kick awarded 20 yards out right of the D. Abrehart over it goes for goal, her strike high and wide of the near post. 

Ellie Rossiter bringing the ball on for Needham Market

Ellie Rossiter brings the ball on down the right for Needham Market on for Abbie Wilkinson, attempts to cut inside with Etheridge providing a run moving into the right channel, Molly Sutherland captaining Ipswich soon to head off to the United States getting back on her to regain possession. Ipswich quick to turn play around, Ele Catchpole stepping out from the back to tackle for Needham Market put long up to captain Nicole Henderson she heads it on in behind right side, Summer Hughes there to put out for a throw prevent Wilkinson taking it on.

Needham Market captain, Nicole Henderson

  Wallis plays in on for Barrett in space on the right, carries the ball on looking to take on Sharp, attempts to knock it around the full back get in behind, Sharp doing well stretching to take the ball away from Barrett. O’Brien recieving the ball in a similar position on the right drives for the area, is closed down by three Needham market players at the top of the area, riding a challenge well staying on her feet in behind bearing down on goal lets loose from the angle, goalkeeper Danielle Clarke down smartly to make the blocking save the ball deflected across the six yard box cleared by Bloomfield.

Danielle Clarke down to save for Needham Market

   Wilkinson played into the box right side by Etheridge does well to ensure her side get a corner. Ipswich defend the set-piece at the near post the ball dropping back to the taker is fired back into the area, an Ipswich leg cutting it out before being cleared. Clarke off her line early comes out to close the angle as Biggs gets away with the ball at her feet on the left smashes her shot against the onrushing keeper. Ipswich lively moving well as a unit, the attackers looking to stretch the Needham Market defence, playing 3 up top are on the front foot. 

Jodie Sharp coming forwards for Needham Market

 

  Sharp has been kept busy in defence has a rare chance to get forwards for Needham Market on the left Ipswich standing off her she comes inside striking the ball from 25 yards out left of the D, curling the ball in near post, doesn’t trouble Ipswich goalkeeper, Nina Meollo. Nia Evans on the ball centrally looks to play it over the top for Amber Sparkes through the middle, Ipswich step up well at the back however seeing her stray offside. Henderson with a short pass into Etheridge turns plays it on for Sparkes, Liv Bilson winning the ball back for Ipswich at the back. 

  A free-kick for Needham Market out wide on the left a chance for players to come up towards the area, the delivery into the near side Etheridge jumping well to met it heads it on down towards the far post, Sharp the closest to it but can’t reach it before Meollo has it safely in her gloves. Etheridge central with Henderson, Needham Market go forwards the pass laid forwards for Lois Balfour attempting to get in behind, read well by Jackson winning the ball back for Ipswich. 

Needham Market’s Mia Etheridge

 Barratt full of running on the right in attack for Ipswich getting hold of the ball charges on towards the area, Sharp getting back on her the pair shoulder to shoulder, Sharp doing enough to see the ball safely collected by her keeper. Biggs carrying an equally dangerous threat on the left side of Ipswich’s attacking trio, surges into the box Clarke coming to close the angle Biggs moving central shoots, Clarke down saving well getting something on the ball as she drops squirms out from under her but rises up to cannon off the crossbar and down for the defence to launch clear. Needham Market with a free-kick on the halfway lime left side put up into the congested D, Etheridge again up well to head the ball goalwards but lacking power is gathered by Meollo.

  GOAL! 22 minutes played and Ipswich open the scoring, Wallis clear on the right side getting into an advanced position flashes a cross in along the top of the Needham Market area, controlled by O’Brien central laid to her right for Barratt who sees the ball into her body turning well right of the D to hit a low strike in past the diving keeper at the near post 1-0.

Zoe Barratt opens the scoring for Ipswich

  Ipswich waste no time in getting hold of the ball from the restart, Kyra Robertson out to Wallis right side she powers forwards sending in an early cross across the area met by the advancing Abrehart far side sends her shot wide across the goal. Changes for both sides as Ipswich bring Sarah Brasero on for Biggs. Needham market bring on defender Sasha Diston for Sparkes. Misplaced passes out from the back are putting the Needham Market defence under pressure Ipswich lively looking for the ball Barrett snatches it right side firing it into the area with O’Brien providing the run moving right, Clarke does well out to save bravely at her feet before she can get a shot away.

  Sutherland with some strong tackles in the middle, is stopping Needham Market gaining any momentum through the middle, Evans and Henderson looking to feed it forwards to Balfour, Etheridge and Wilkinson when they can. The Ipswich captain moving into a shooting position 30 yards out sends a shot wide of the near post. Sharp with time on the ball left side advancing goes central looking for options, runs into traffic 25 yards out, Sutherland putting in the tackle to set up another Ipswich attack. Brasero and Wallis bringing the ball on centrally combining well before Henderson get’s back to tackle Brasero. The ball pops loose straight to Wallis her strike from distance blocked by Bloomfield. 

Luara Bloomfield with the header for Needham Market at the back

 Ipswich with a corner on the right put into the top of the area comes back to Barratt on the right loops a ball in towards goals drops down off the crossbar, dropping far post a shot blasted in, saved excellent work from Clarke on her line before being cleared, Needham Market break forwards the ball into Wilkinson in space on the right looks to set up Balfour at the near post, Sutherland back clearing it for a corner kick. A inswinging delivery from Sharp is at a catchable height, safely into Meollo’s midriff. 

 GOAL! 10 minutes left in the 1st half as Ipswich get forwards and double their lead, the ball fired into O’Brien from the left the striker in a central position, gets a shot away before Sharp can tackle her, Clarke down sharply to her left saving well, O’Brien alert however after the loose ball to the right of the keeper retrieves coming back inside turning to send her low strike in at the near post 2-0.

Lucy O’Brien doubles Ipswich’s lead

 

  Needham Market working hard frustrated going forwards, Evans on for Etheridge who is hauled down in the centre. Sharp out wide left taking the ball on attempts to get in behind, Wallis with the challenge sending the ball out for a throw. Evans allowed time on the ball in the middle threads it through to Balfour central, Wallis getting tight on does well in defence to prevent the Needham Market attacker getting away from her. 

 

 

  Abrehart over on the right now for Ipswich finds some space hugging the touchline, takes the ball on up the line, Sharp finding the pace to get out to her lunging in with the tackle to concede the corner. Taken short with Hughes moving towards the ball back to the take the pair working a cross into the box defended by Catchpole. Catchpole defending again as Wallis lets loose from the angle on the right the centre back cutting her strike out falls for Abrehart inside the box wide right fires her shot wide across the face of goal. 

Needham Market’s, Sasha Diston

  Diston winning the ball inside the Ipswich half left side plays it inside for Etheridge 25 yards out central turns to pass forwards to Balfour breaking right, the attacker tackled inside the D, appeals but no foul given. 

Half-time Ipswich Town Women 2-0 Needham Market Women

  Ipswich go into the half-time break leading the Final 2-0. But for some excellent saves from Needham Market goalkeeper Danielle Clarke could have been 4 or 5. Have been lively going forwards the front 3 causing their opponents defence problems and that in turn limiting Needham Market’s own opportunities going forwards. The teams staying out on the pitch during the break in the shade provided by the building behind. Ipswich leading will be a tough ask for Needham Market to find a goal of their own. 

Needham market to get the 2nd half underway changes for Ipswich a change of goalkeepers with Leonie Jackson on for Meollo, Biggs back on too. The ball put to the left, won back by Hughes the full back looking to get forwards for Ipswich Diston comes in to win the challenge before Needham Market win a free-kick. Etheridge playing it long, Bilson defending. Needham Market almost capitalise as Ipswich get out of shape at the back the ball fired on for Wilkinson to chase Ipswich getting out of shape at the back as the keeper comes for the ball, Leonie Jackson recovering well however to get back on Wilkinson to block and clear. 

Needham Market’s Nia Evans

  Robertson moving out into the right channel for Ipswich taking the ball down to the by-line whips a cross back in the ball cut out by Sharp conceding the corner. Swung into the six yard box, Clarke going for is fouled. A blatant push on the advancing Biggs sees Ipswich awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position outside the D to the right of goal. O’Brien to take goes for goal over the wall but falls comfortably for Clarke to take cleanly beyond. 

Ipswich fullback Summer Hughes

Ipswich are defending from the front well their attackers in to close the Needham market defence down making playing out from the back difficult and bringing about unforced errors. Biggs latching onto the ball right sides lifting it across to Barratt on the left into the box, Rossiter getting across her to hook the ball away to safety. Biggs is full of energy on the right surging to the by-line clipping it back to Wallis getting forwards with her to hit 1st time on the angle, Clarke covering her near post down to scoop up the ball. 

 GOAL! Ipswich extend their lead Biggs attacking right tackling Catchpole to steal in behind racing forwards sends the cross in towards Barratt getting away far post to connect with the ball and turn it into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game 3-0.

 Catchpole gets back at Biggs this time as the attacker threatens to race through once more, the flag though already up against her. Biggs a menace on the drive the ball at her feet right, shifts inside into the box shooting low, straight at Clarke however the keeper gathering. Ipswich come left Hughes linking with Barrett and Brasero who escapes her marker to get into the box flashes a cross into the six yard box, Robertson advancing meeting it to hit 1st time sees her effort fly up over the bar.

  Needham Market are on the backfoot can’t get the ball into an advanced position, Sutherland stifling play in the centre the full backs can’t get out. Evans committing a foul in the middle Ipswich take it quickly Sutherland to Robertson moving left goes on tackled by Rossiter out for a throw, drops to Barratt  back for Sutherland as she turns heading for the area, recieves the return pass, strikes a shot in on the angle from the corner of the area in low safely collected by Clarke. 

  GOAL! 64 minutes on the clock and Ipswich cap a dominant period in attack with a 4th goal as O’Brien snaps in to win the ball high on the right takes it on in behind swinging a cross in towards the near post, Barratt and Brasero both closing in on Clarke, the keeper blocking Barratt’s attempt, the ball drops down to the feet of Brasero to top of them both and she stabs it home 4-0.

Ipswich attacker, Sarah Brasero

 A drinks break following a chance for both sides to regroup, Freja Scott enters the game for Needham Market. Abrehart back on for O’Brien for Ipswich. Bloomfield with a long ball up top for Balfour to attack, Bilson is close on her to ensure she does get the ball down and in behind. Biggs unleashes a shot from 25 yards out on the right but is again frustrated as her attempt is held by Clarke. Biggs then beats the offside flag breaking centrally racing in behind, the defence can’t catch her, Clarke comes racing out of her area has to get to the ball slides in takes it away from the attacker behind her, Rossiter back to send it clear from a throw out on the left. 

 GOAL! Surging forwards, Ipswich go on to add a 5th goal, numbers forwards Needham Market on the backfoot the ball right fired in to the path of Biggs, a frustrating afternoon so far in front of goal, she makes no mistake this time with a powerful strike from 20 yards out that leaves Clarke with no chance as it hits the back of the net across her 5-0.

Maddie Biggs with a powerful strike adding Ipswich’s 5th

  Needham Market tiring Ipswich remain full of running with less than 20 minutes left to play, Brasero left sends it on for Abrehart escaping into the box beyond the defence, the flag up however thwarts her attempt on goal. Abrehart is gifted another opportunity moments later as Needham Market give the ball away at the back left side steals inside to shoot on the angle driven in low near post, Clarke down diving full stretch to make another fantastic save sending the ball behind for a corner. The delivery in defended well by Scott at the near post for Needham Market. Balfour comes off for Needham Market with Gemma Foster coming in at left back pushing Sharp further forwards. 

Needham Market defender, Ele Catchpole

Bloomfield in to block )’Brien at close range as Abrehart plays her in left side of the goal. Barratt returning to the game for Ipswich. Catchpole in on Brasero as the Ipswich attack looks to burst clear through the middle off a Robertson pass. Robertson on the ball central again plays it out to Biggs right side, Foster intercepting to clear up to Sharp for Needham Market. The game into the final 10 minutes. Ipswich on top coming on looking for more goals. Hughes getting on a diagonal ball into Barratt shoots from distance, the ball held confidently by Clarke.

Needham Market goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke

  Changes for both sides Robertson off for O’Brien for Ipswich, Francesca Rainbird on for Evans for Needham Market. Hughes races away down the left for Ipswich sending in a cross from the by-line cut out by Bloomfield tracking back for a corner with Barratt on her shoulder. 

  GOAL! Ipswich send players up from the back for the corner, from the left angled in across the face of goal towards the far post, deflected goalwards is blocked on the line Needham Market failing to clear falls central in the six yard box stabbed goalwards by Bilson he shot rising up to smash down off the crossbar and down over the line 6-0.

Liv Bilson netting Ipswich’s 6th goal

  Etheridge central with a ball over the top as Ipswich are caught with a high line, Leonie Jackson quickly out of her area to clear smashes the ball straight against the advancing Wilkinson, rebounding behind them both, it’s the keeper who can recover the quicker and nullify the threat. Hughes lays the ball inside from the left to O’Brien 25 yards out drops her shoulder shifting the ball to her right before letting fly sends her strike over the bar. Hughes and Abrehart combining on the left a give and go Abrehart sending the full back in behind fires a cross into the area, Biggs breaking clear far side after it, Clarke saving at point blank range coming out to close her down.

  Ipswich creating chances a shot angled in from distance on the right cannons off the post. Abrehart central curling a shot around the post from beyond the D. Ipswich finishing the game strong all Needham Market can do is try to thwart the advance, Clarke immense throughout out to save at the feet of O’Brien. The flag stays down as Biggs bursts through in behind in stoppage time, shots on the drive, falls to the ground beating it in frustration as she sees another effort wide. 

Full time Ipswich Town Women 6-0 Needham Market Women

  The final whistle blows and Ipswich finishing the game strong win comfortably 6-0 to make it 7 straight County Cup wins. Were on top from start to finish their attacking trio causing the Needham market defence all sorts of problems with their pace and movement. Chances created taking the lead after 22 minutes, going in 2 up at the break. Could have had more. Needham market having few opportunities up front couldn’t get the bodies forwards to worry the Ipswich backline. Ipswich strong in the 2nd period full of energy as Needham Market tired, more chances, the goals coming at regular intervals.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Difficult to pick one it has to be said but firstly huge credit goes to Needham Market goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke an ex-Ipswich player she was immense in goal pulling off some incredible saves and although her side eventually lost 6-0 without her saves it could have been double that. For Ipswich really hard to pick one player out was an all round team performance, Molly Sutherland was strong centrally commanding the midfield. The front three lively, Maddie Biggs a constant threat on the left first half right the 2nd, Lucy O’Brien through the middle but narrowly edging it the award today goes to Zoe Barrett, some great link up play and movement scoring 2 goals.

Congratulations to Ipswich Town Women on winning the County Cup for a 7th successive time.

2020/21 County Cup Winners, Ipswich Town Women

  An entertaining afternoon at AFC Sudbury, as always my thanks to the clubs for providing me with the team details and the staff at Suffolk FA too for their assistance. Women’s football in Suffolk is on a rapid upwards curve and whilst Ipswich continue to be out in front Needham Market are amongst the frontrunners looking to close the gap.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge City Ladies Development v Royston Town Women

Sunday 23rd May

ERWFL Challenge Cup Final

A trip down to Haverhill in Suffolk this Sunday the venue The New Croft for the ERWFL Challenge Cup Final, between Cambridge City Ladies Development and Royston Town Women.

  Couldn’t do my usual prep for this one however as the two finalists wouldn’t be known until the respective semi-finals were played in the morning. Today the ERWFL Challenge Cup Finals Day. With four sides competing, in two, hour long matches. The semi-finals then a final/3rd place match in the afternoon. 

  Along with Cambridge City Ladies Development and Royston Town Women were, Bedford Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies. All group winners in the Challenge Cup, a temporary competition put in place by the Eastern Region Women’s Football League after the regular playing season was curtailed due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. 19 clubs from the ERWFL entering the Challenge Cup.  

Road to the Final

The 19 sides competing drawn into 4 groups each side playing the other once with 3 points awarded for a win, a point for a draw and for this competition, an extra point for a penalty shootout win after the sides have finished all square during the match. 

Cambridge City Ladies Development have done well since joining the ERWFL going strong at the top of Division One North in both the pervious seasons before their early finish were drawn in Group A with 3 Premier Division sides, started well with an away win against Wroxham Women. Took on Haringey Borough Women at home next the sides fighting out a 4-4 draw Cambridge going on to win the penalty shootout to claim a bonus point. Last up another home game against AFC Dunstable Women was a winner takes all match to see who would top the group Cambridge coming away 2-1 victors to progress to finals day

  4 wins out of 4 saw Bedford Ladies win Group B to progress to the Finals Day, starting with a narrow 3-2 win away to Division One North side King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Won 6-0 and 6-1 respectfully against two more Division One sides, Wodson Park Ladies and East Bergholt United Ladies. It was a good 3-1 win at home against Premier Division title chasers Harlow Town Ladies that ensured Bedford’s progress.

  Royston Town Women were drawn in Group C along side fellow Premier Division side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies along with 3 Division One sides, Stevenage Women Development, Leigh Ramblers and Haverhill Rovers Ladies. Collected a point from their first match after a 4-4 draw with Haverhill Rovers who went on to win the shootout 10-9! Went on to take maximum points at home to Stevenage 2-1 and 4-2 away to Bowers & Pitsea, the final group match at home to Leigh Ramblers the Essex side doing well in the group vying for top spot. Royston thanks to a brace from Sammy Tinsley and goal each for Tally Miles and Charlotte South winning the game 4-1 to finish top.

  Wymondham Town Ladies leading the Premier Division before the league campaign ended were drawn in Group D, something of a group of death as they were paired with high flying St Ives Town Ladies and Luton Town Ladies along with another Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies and Needham Market Women from Division One North. Started well with a 4-0 win at home to Colney Heath. Drew 3-3 with St Ives missing out on the bonus point. A tough match at home to Luton saw Wymondham come out on top 2-1 a 3-1 away win assuring the Norfolk side made it through to finals day.

The final 4 all strong on their day anyone of them capable of going all the way as they arrived at The New Croft for Finals Day.

 The Finals day seeing the sides meet in two hour long semi-finals the winners going on to the final itself with a 3rd placed match for those missing out. The draw made the morning before the game saw Royston Town Women taking on Bedford Ladies with Cambridge City Ladies Development up against Wymondham Town Ladies. Couldn’t make it in time for the start of the semi-finals due to work commitments. The New Croft at Haverhill featuring a stadium wit a grass pitch with a 3G pitch behind, the semi-finals going off at the same time. On the 3G pitch Royston made a strong start to their match Emma Slater scoring twice to see them leading 2-0 at half-time. Bedford pulling it back to 2-1 in the 2nd half, the Hertfordshire side though were to hold on to book their place in the final.

A first half brace for Emma Slater helping to see Royston through to the ERWFL Challenge Cup Final.

  Cambridge and Wymondham playing their semi-final on the grass pitch, Shannon Shaw opened the scoring to see Cambridge 1-0 to the good at half-time. Wymondham frustrated never really getting going Shaw was to make it a brace on the 2nd half to see Cambridge through to the final 2-0.

A brace too for Cambridge’s, Shannon Shaw seeing the Development side through to the final.

  The venue for today’s ERWFL Challenge Cup Finals Day, The New Croft, home of Haverhill Rovers. Have been here before to watch Haverhill Rovers Ladies play over on the 3G pitch situated behind the main building a new facility. There a practise pitches beyond that and to the opposite the main stadium, a grass pitch with a small seated stand, a modern clubhouse with bar, and kitchen serving hot food and drinks. The weather pleasant in the morning the semi-finals played in the dry, dark clouds looming a heavy downpour between matches would see the pitch slicken up before kick-off with the threat of more showers hanging about.

 Cambridge City Ladies Development starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Emily Trezise, Lauren Tomlinson, Kayla Krett (C), Ceri Flye, Rachel Pearce, Freya Goddard, Bella Simmons, Ellie Cullum, Lauren Sanders & Grace Stanley. Subs – Amy Reed, Emma Littlewood, Elizabeth O’Callaghan, Amie Fullwood & Shannon Shaw. 

  Royston Town Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Fran Gough, Hattie Bourne, Leah Dunnage, Amy Cooper (C), Paris Coldicott-Stevens, Georgia Miller, Tally Miles, Charlotte South, Sammy Tinsley & Emma Slater. Subs – Samantha Edgar, Grace Georgiou, Beki Roach, Sydney Graham & Gemma Croucher.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An hour long match should the scores be level a the final whistle the game going straight to penalties. The heavy shower easing up prior to kick-off, both side usually playing in black and white, it’s Royston with the change of shirts getting the 1st half underway, purple their away colours with black shorts and white socks. Cambridge opposite wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The ball closed down in the middle straight away by Cambridge the pass send crossfield to the right channel for Bella Simmons to attack, travels before being closed down by Royston’s Leah Dunnage the ball out for a throw.

 

Rachel Pearce plays the ball on through the middle for Cambridge for Lauren Sanders attacking the right channel pushes the ball on for Simmons racing intothe area ahead of her, Royston captain, Amy Cooper in tight to the Cambridge attack to take the ball loose on the right Sanders goes after it but can’t fashion a crossing opportunity as Hattie Bourne gets tight to her. Royston make ground on the left winning the first corner of the game, the delivery long goes out of play beyond the far post.   

Royston’s Emma Slater with Cambridge’s Rachel Pearce

  Cambridge clear the ball upfield, Grace Stanley on the left looking to get forwards, Fran Gough slicing her clearance sees the ball drop into space beyond her, Stanley reacts a burst of pace getting her onto the ball, Gough getting back on her forcing her down to the by-line, Stanley gets a cross into the near post, Royston keeper, Mia O’Brien has it covered catching the ball low. A good start from Cambridge getting players forwards with pace running at the Royston defence, using the width well Sanders furthest forwards looks to take the ball into her stride as Simmons lays it on from the right, Cooper getting there to intercept off Sanders was through to attack the box. 

Emily Trezise clearing the ball for Cambridge

  O’Brien with a great save called into action diving to her right as Cambridge power on down the right the ball 20 out inside for Sanders sees Stanley free to the left of the D sends the ball on, Stanley meeting it first time striking it low, O’Brien diving full stretch to her right to push the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Royston goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien

  Simmons out on the right causing Royston problems holding the flank well, her teammates picking her out, Sanders and Stanley making central runs, Sanders this time bursting in behind off her through ball, Dunnage doing well to catch up and slide in to make the challenge. Simmons getting hold of the ball on the right coming inside towards the top of the area, 4 Royston players converge on her inside the D, Georgia Miller slowing her down, no shot on as Tally Miles clears the ball upfield. 

Georgia Miller winning the header for Royston

  Tomlinson clear on the left down the line gets her cross into the box long to the far stick, congested, Simmons and Sanders looking to keep it alive, Royston managing to scramble it away. Royston haven’t settled in the early exchanges, Cambridge on top. Tinsley left side playing the ball diagonally into the area with play draw across the pitch, Miles central looking to attack it on the penalty spot, Lauren Tomlinson doing well up against her for Cambridge. 

Tally Miles on the move for Royston

Tomlinson bringing the ball away at her feet on the left for Cambridge races over halfway before firing it in central for Simmons racing through the middle, O’Brien quickly out of her six yard box up to the top of her area to get her gloves firmly around the ball with Simmons bearing down. Royston look to get thing’s going through the middle, Paris Coldicott-Stevens getting hold on the ball putting it on for Miles she goes on with Charlotte South the pair exchanging passes looking for a pass into Slater, Pearce and Freya Goddard getting in between to win it back for Cambridge. 

Cambridge City’s Lauren Tomlinson

 Cambridge make a change bringing Shannon Shaw on for Cullum. Cambridge win a corner on the left played short into Stanley left side looks to go inside, Miles does well defending close on her for Royston. Can’t make it stick up top Cambridge get right back on the attack, Tomlinson racing forwards taking the ball to the by-line flashing a ball into the near post O’Brien with an instinctive jab with her toes deflecting the ball behind for the corner.

Grace Stanley on the attack for Cambridge

  Stanley racing on with the ball left side for Cambridge attempts to put it on into Shaw ahead of her, Cooper getting across for Royston putting in a timely tackle. From the resulting throw in Royston break Miles taking the ball on up the right flank sends it inside for Slater her touch 20 out seeing her turn into the area ready to attack the goal, Cambridge captain Kayla Krett recovers superbly throwing herself into the tackle taking the ball off Slater’s feet sending it behind for the corner. A dangerous delivery fired in across the face of goal barely half a metre off the floor, inviting but no one from Royston is near it. 

Royston defender, Fran Gough

  Simmons continues to carry a threat on the right winning a corner. Into the mix at the near post the ball half cleared looping up towards the top of the area Simmons is there to strike it as it lands angles across the area towards the opposite corner on target, Gough covering the post clearing the ball off the line. Tomlinson bringing the ball on left side passes it to Sanders 20 out she clips it in to Simmons central, brings it down well on her chest to strike on the turn, the shot however straight at the keeper, held by O’Brien. 

Cambridge’s Bella Simmons

  GOAL! The first half drawing to a close, Cambridge have a corner on the right, players up from the back, the ball fired into the congested near post area headed up into the air by Cooper drops down inside the D, struck by Krett on the half volley her strike blocked by a charging defender, the deflection though seeing it land in behind to Shaw unmarked six yards out to the left, strikes it low under the diving keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies Development 1-0 Royston Town Women

  Cambridge with the narrow advantage at the break, having started the brighter have been on the front foot throughout, creating chances, deservedly in the lead, just by a single goal however. Royston in contrast got off to a sluggish start and have been frustrated in the first half, few opportunities in the final third, the defence making several crucial tackles, O’Brien too in goal with a crucial save. Know they will need to improve in the 2nd period if they want to get back into the game. 

 

 

   Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half, Emma Littlewood, Amy Reed and Amie Fullwood on for Cambridge. Samantha Edgar and Beki Roach on for Royston. Cambridge to get the 2nd period underway. Straight away Royston find joy on the left Tinsley playing a great ball in diagonally to the top of the area for Slater to attack in behind, Kayleigh Blanchard though with a good starting position in goal for Cambridge out to the top of her box to nullify the threat. Cambridge break down the left an early cross fired into the box, Simmons the target, the number 9 can’t quite reach it. 

Royston’s Sammy Tinsley

  Miles from 30 yards out on the right gets plenty of power behind the ball as she shoots on the angle her strike bouncing off the advertising boards behind the goal. The game open at the start of the 2nd period, end to end, Royston looking to get Tinsley and Miles further up on the wide positions to support Slater. Miles advancing on the right fires a diagonal cross into the area, players running in central, Blanchard gets her fingertips on the bouncing ball as it runs out of play on the opposite side, after appeals Royston are awarded the corner kick.

  GOAL! The perfect start to the 2nd half for Royston as they get themselves back on level terms the ball driven in to the six yard box, met at the near post knocked on into the path of Slater at the far post who powers the ball in under the crossbar to score 1-1.

Emma Slater’s goal makes it 1-1

 South brings down Cambridge’s Flye as the defender carries the ball on over the half way line seeing a free-kick awarded 30 yards out to the right of the box, Goddard over to take it, flights a ball in towards the top of the area, headed up but not clear by the Royston defence a shot is allowed to come in from 25 yards out goes over. An improved 2nd half performance from Royston the game more even, Slater looking more of a threat having players up with her.

Royston attacker, Emma Slater

 Appeals for a penalty by Royston as Slater and Flye tangle at the far post close in as a cross from the right in flashed across the six yard box, a good challenge by Flye however, Royston get the corner. the delivery into the area falls down to Edgar right of the D, strikes it hard and low back across goal, isn’t far wide of the far post. Tomlinson has a long throw on her carries a threat, but everyone in the league knows it, Royston are staying alert knowing the danger it poses. Changes for both sides Gemma Croucher on for South for Royston, Elizabeth O’Callaghan on for Cambridge at the back. 

 

 

  Cooper in to close down Shaw inside the box right side as Simmons lays the ball into her feet from the right, Cambridge keeping the ball in the corner, can’t fashion a cross as Dunnage sends the ball up into midfield. A marauding run central between Edgar and Croucher for Royston, O’Callaghan stepping up well to put in the challenge break up the attack outside her area. Less than 10 minutes left for either side to find a winner. A sloppy passage of play from both sides passes missing there mark, another sliced clearance leading to a Cambridge corner. The ball in near side met well by Dunnage. Coldicott-Stevens comes off for Royston, Miller returning to the action. 

  Slater getting more of the ball in the 2nd half, picking it up 30 or so yards out driving at the defence has made several threatening runs, O’Callaghan and Krett both tackling to regain possession. The attacker has the ball at her feet again central pushes forwards, has Miles coming in from the right ahead of her, doesn’t release the  ball early enough as O’Callaghan comes to close the angle, the goes in on Slater to deny her a shot. Stanley comes back on for Cambridge replacing Sanders. 

 

  Cambridge get the ball moving quickly from back to front, right side fired into the middle for Stanley into the right channel, has Simmons bursting into the box from the right, helps the ball into her path, Simmons shooting first time sees her effort fly over the bar from the angle.

 

  Miles has the ball in the right for Royston lays it infield for Slater to drive at the defence, O’Callaghan stepping up to close her down, slows her down as Goddard comes in to support, Slater shoots outside the box, hits Goddard deflected through safely for the keeper. Both sides starting to think about penalties as Royston send South back on for Gough. Slater on the run is brought down seeing Royston win a free-kick 30 yards out, Miles to send in to the far stick the ball is put behind for a corner. Players up from the back the delivery drops far post, Cooper is there but gets under it, Dunnage beyond also missing out. 

  Pressure from Royston late on getting players on South up with Slater a corner won. Cooper up well to meet it on the penalty spot sees her attempt sail over the bar. That’s it, the game ending in a draw will be decided on penalties.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies Development 1-1 Royston Town Women

  A much improved performance from Royston in the 2nd half got themselves straight back into the game from the restart and the game was a more open sided affair 2nd half, Tinsley and Miles getting further on up the flanks limiting Cambridge’s opportunities to get players forwards. On to penalties, and with dark clouds building towards the end of the game the rain has started to fall again. I might have mentioned before I hate penalties but there we go.

Penalties

  Cambridge up first, with captain Kayla Krett to take the first penalty, sets the ball on the spot, hits it well to O’Brien’s right, the keeper guesses right but despite getting her fingertips to the ball sees it nestle in the back of the net 1-0.

  South up first for Royston cool as you like strokes it low to the keepers left to find the bottom corner 1-1.

  Goddard with Cambridge’s 2nd penalty, sends it home high to the keepers right 2-1.

  Tinsley up 2nd for Royston, opts for power rising to the left, Blanchard goes the right way diving gets something on the ball but can’t keep it out 2-2.

  Tomlinson up next for Cambridge smashes it home to make it 3-2.

  Croucher’s turn for Royston penalty number 3 buried low into the left corner 3-3 the pressure building.

  Shaw up for Cambridge 3 goals already on Finals Day makes no mistake from the spot planting the ball to the keepers right 4-3.

 Slater matching Shaw’s goal scoring feat on Final’s Day up next for Royston opens up her body to send the ball wide of the keeper 4-4.

  The tension building Stanley steps up for Cambridge, places it sweetly into the bottom left corner 5-4.

  Edgar has to score for Royston to send the shootout into sudden death, Blanchard goes the right way but Edgar has gotten enough power on her strike to evade the keeper 5-5.

  I’m more tense now writing about the shootout than I was watching it, Reed comes forwards for Cambridge, hits the ball low to the keepers left angling into the bottom corner, O’Brien though goes the right way throwing herself into the dive full stretch makes the save knocking the ball away it remains 5-5.

  Miles placing the ball on the spot for Royston a chance to win the Challenge Cup, strikes it well power and pace on the rising ball, despair for Blanchard who goes the right way but can’t reach it 5-6! Royston win on penalties. 

Tally Miles scoring the winning penalty for Royston Town Women

  Always a harsh way to lose a game, but oh so great if you win as Miles is swamped by her joyous teammates, Royston coming back from a goal down to level the game and take it to a penalty shootout with a much improved 2nd half performance. 5 perfect penalties for each side sending it to sudden death a superb save from Mia O’Brien before Tally Miles scored the winning penalty. Didn’t think there would be much between the 4 sides today, Royston clinching the silverware.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders once again. Bella Simmons with a fantastic game in attack for Cambridge really put the Royston defence through it especially first half and was unlucky not to be on the score sheet. Amy Cooper with some good tackles in defence for Royston who found themselves on the backfoot in the 1st half. A couple of quality saves from Mia O’Brien in goal. Tally Miles too getting forwards well to support the attack in the 2nd period. Edging it however with some great positional play up top and movement off the ball and the growing threat she posed through the final scoring the all important equaliser today’s award goes to Emma Slater.

Congratulations to Royston Town Women on winning the ERWFL Challenge Cup.

 

 

Credit to Cambridge however took the final all the way and on penalties it literally is a lottery. In the other match the 3rd place game Wymondham Town Ladies emerged comfortable winners, a more relaxed performance seeing them take control of the game leading 3-0 t half-time before going on to win 5-0 against Bedford.

 The ERWFL laying on an excellent Finals Day in what has been another turbulent season, let’s hope for better thing’s into the new campaign. The Regional leagues playing a vital role in the women’s football pyramid, plenty of entertainment a good standard that is only going to improve in the future as the game grows as a whole. Great to see spectators enjoying a game once again too. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham