Tag Archives: Cup Final

Norfolk Finals Day – North Walsham Angels Ladies v Sprowston Ladies

Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final

Sunday 6th May

 The cup final action on Women’s Football East continues this Sunday with a double bill from Norfolk, later on the Ladies League Cup Final but first up an 11am kick-off for the Ladies Plate Final this season being contested by previous Plate winners, North Walsham Angels Ladies taking on Sprowston Ladies.

 The sides entering the Norfolk Ladies League Plate after being knocked out of the early rounds in the League Cup.

 North Walsham Angels Ladies were the 1st ever winners of the Norfolk Ladies League Plate competition when it was 1st introduced in the 2015/16 season, beat Red Rose 4-0 to lift the Plate. Into the Plate Final once again looking to end the season on a high. Having gotten off to a promising start in the Norfolk Women’s Division One this season had suffered from a period with a lack of games losing momentum results since have been inconsistent. Haven’t scored as many goals as last year, the Middleton sisters Luci & Hope netting 69 goals between them last season. 

 Sprowston Ladies step up to the league from U16 football and have adapted to women’s football very well, leading the table early on have kept up their in contention all season dropping to 2nd as Bungay Town Ladies overhaul them 3 points ahead with one more to play win that and even maximum points for Sprowston’s remaining 2 games will most likely not be enough with Bungay having a superior goal difference. Bungay’s last game is this coming Thursday at home to Gorleston FC Ladies, after that result Sprowston will know what they have to do. Runners-up spot in their debut season is most certainly on. Bungay slip up and who knows. On top of that were also semi-finalists in this years People’s FA Cup having been amongst the winners season before.

Road to the Final

  Both sides were knocked out of the League Cup by Stalham Town Ladies, Sprowston 1st Round then North Walsham fell to defeat in the 2nd Round. A bye for Sprowston in the 1st Round of the Plate competition. North Walsham were 4-0 away winners against fellow Division One side Long Stratton Ladies.

  It was North Walsham’s turn to progress without kicking a ball in the quarter finals awarded the away win against Costessey Sports Ladies. Sprowston were at home against Division Two title chasers Beccles Town Ladies. A comfortable 6-0 win seeing them into the last 4 of the competition.

  North Walsham were scheduled to play Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies in the semi-finals nut once again their opponents pulled out meaning North Walsham as much as they’d have rather played the game were into the final. Sprowston were taken all the way to penalties by their semi-final opponents Wymondham Ladies Reserves. Both sides getting a goal in the first half couldn’t be separated the game going to a shootout Sprowston celebrating in the finish reaching the final with a 3-2 win.

The venue for today’s Norfolk Ladies League Plate & Cup Finals aswell as the Final of the Women’s 7’s between Hellesdon Belles & Costessey Sports Ladies, once again Plantation Park, home Norwich United and Norwich City Ladies. It was again another beautiful sunny day for the Final’s got sun burnt last year, pretty sure it’ll happen this time around too, always have to burn before I’ll get a tan. Not a cloud in the sky, cool in the shady spots thankfully. The pitch looking fairly dry and firm offers plenty of width. Been a while since I’ve been to the ground, new dugouts replacing the old brick ones. 

North Walsham Angels Ladies starting XI – Jade Knight, Lauren Yarham, Gemma Newell, Hannah Sturman, Robyn Johnston, Sian Wager (C), Charlotte Darvill, Abbie Storey, Rachel Bussey, Mary-Anne Hoy & Luci Middleton. Subs – Emma Faux, Hope Middleton & Alice Wardle.

Sprowston Ladies starting XI – Megan Lightfoot, Jade Mundford, Ria Drake, Paige Barnard, Calista Tink, Chelsea Brister, Abbi Nobbs, Rebecca Russell, Abby Hutchin (C), Chelsea Pettifer & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Becky Greenslade & Jenny Trenholm.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Sprowston to kick off the Plate Final wearing orange shirts with black across the right shoulder and sleeve, black shorts with orange and black hooped socks. North Walsham lined up opposite wearing white shirts, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Sprowston attack down the left wing the ball played into the top of the area North Walsham defend the rebound picked up by Sprowston’s Victoria Leyer she strikes the ball form 20 yards out Jade Knight in the North Walsham goal can see it out wide across the six yard box.

   A free-kick on the halfway line for Sprowston, Calista Tink over the ball plays it long up to the left wing, Lauren Yarham defending for North Walsham prevents a cross coming into the box. Abbi Storey winning the ball in the midfield for North Walsham looks to play the ball out to the right wing the pass cut out the ball is gathered by North Walsham captain Sian Wager breaking forwards has a strike from distance her effort sent wide of goal. 

Sprowston Ladies, Calista Tink

  Ria Drake cuts the ball out on the right as North Walsham look to build an attack a throw in North Walsham work the ball towards the Sprowston box, Wager playing the ball into the middle of the D, Mary-Anne Hoy seeing the ball into her feet spins away to the left getting into a shooting position inside the area pulls the trigger, Sprowston goalkeeper, Megan Lightfoot making a great save diving to her right to get her glove on the low ball. 

 A good start to the match from North Walsham as they attack Luci Middleton getting played in behind the Sprowston defence sends her strike from 20 yards out past the advancing keeper, cheers go up from the crowd but they are premature as the ball strikes the base of the post and bounces out across the face of goal, Hoy racing in to latch onto it, a Sprowston defender gets back in the nick of time to slide in and take the ball away for a corner kick.

North Walsham Angels Ladies, Luci Middleton

 A lively start to the game North Walsham showing attacking intent, Sprowston defend the corner kick and launch a rapid counter attack Leyer going after the ball played up the line right side, Charlotte Darvill getting back on her to tackle and put the ball out for a throw. Another free-kick on halfway for Sprowston a good delivery from Tink up towards the left corner of the area the ball headed down, Rebecca Russell getting hold of it drives forwards into the box, North Walsham quick to close her down the ball cleared. 

Sprowston Ladies, Abbi Nobbs

  Abbi Nobbs with a good tackle to break up the attack as North Walsham come through the middle Johnston on for Wager. Wager coming inside from a throw in on the left inside the Sprowston half has another pop at goal from 30 yards out her strike on target drops safely into the arms of Lightfoot coming across to her right post. 

North Walsham captain, Sian Wager about to strike the ball

  GOAL! A free-kick awarded to Sprowston in a dangerous area just outside the area, as Jenny Tranholm is clipped in a coming together of legs as she looks to break through on goal feed the ball by Leyer through the middle. Russell positions the ball left side of the D half a yard outside the area, drills a low strike in past the wall evading everyone as it races into the bottom corner bouncing back out of the net as it strike the read supporting post 0-1.

Rebecca Russell’s free-kick finds its way into the bottom corner to give Sprowston the lead

 North Walsham making a change Emma Faux joining the action. Faux with an early opportunity to get the ball forwards brings it on before trying to release Hoy coming in from the left into the area, the ball claimed by Lightfoot. Hutchin with a strong run forwards on the left for Sprowston, Yarham slowing her down the ball put inside for Russell slid forwards into the box Leyer the target, Hannah Sturman cutting it out for North Walsham. 

Sprowston goalscorer, Rebecca Russell

  A bit of ping ball in the middle of the park results in the ball popping over the North Walsham defence, Leyer after in a chase towards the box Darvill on her shoulder, Reaching the top of the area Leyer shoots Knight having started to come stands tall saves with her legs as the ball comes at her quickly. Leyer played on through the middle is adjudged to bring North Walsham’s Darvill down as the pair come together as they race for the box, play pulled back even as Leyer puts the ball into the back of the net.

Sprowston work the ball on through the middle Russell on for Leyer, Pettifer to her right, Sturman winning it back for North Walsham as the 1st half moves into the final 5 minutes. Yarham getting forwards on the right collides with Lightfoot at the corner of the area as both slide in on the ball. Play stretched late on Darvill getting forwards on the left for North Walsham is tackled the ball out for a throw into the middle Sprowston counter the ball on for Russell breaking forwards, Sturman stepping out of the back line to put in the challenge. 

Sprowston’s Chelsea Pettifer with North Walsham’s Abbie Storey

Into stoppage time North Walsham on the attack, Lightfoot just about getting hold of a ball played into her area from a free-kick wide left. North Walsham regaining possession Hoy out on the left tries to get a cross in the ball cut out comes to Darvill she plays a good delivery into the area Middleton rising in the middle of the box in front of goal puts her header straight at Lightfoot the goalkeeper holding onto the ball.  

Half-time Sprowston Ladies 1-0 North Walsham Angels Ladies

  An entertaining opening 45 minutes of this season Norfolk Ladies Plate Final. North Walsham have had the better chances to score but it’s Sprowston who have take theirs to lead the game 1-0 at the break. North Walsham starting brightly Lightfoot with a smart save, the woodwork struck too. Sprowston getting the ball forwards well haven’t had many clear chances at goal, taking advantage of the set-piece awarded to them to open the scoring. Promises to be a close 2nd half.

North Walsham to kick-off the 2nd half, have Hope Middleton on the right in place of Bussey. A throw on the right fro North Walsham inside the Sprowston half Luci Middleton attempting to turn inside get into the box Paige Barnard with a good tackle to stop her. Faux bringing the ball on through the middle moving right sends it on for Hope Middleton up the line her cross in near post initially cut out Luci Middleton going to retrieve right of goal on the six yard box spins and sends a high ball back in towards goal, Barnard up to head the ball behind for the corner.

North Walsham Angels Ladies, Gemma Newell

   Sprowston with possession on the right, Newell conceding the throw in played inside to Leyer right corner outside the area sees the ball into her feet turns and shoots her effort over the goal. Leyer with a run centrally on the ball, closed down plays it on for Russell right side her shot from outside the box charged down. Johnston off for North Walsham Storey back on. Hutchin with a run inside from the left the ball sent into the box gathered by Knight. 

  Progress up the pitch on the left North Walsham get a throw in the ball helped on into the area for a moment Hope Middleton is in the clear baring down on goal, Drake getting back on her with the touch to take the ball from the striker, Lightfoot getting hold of it. Good defensive work at the other end from Yarham as the ball is played through the middle, both Hutchin and Leyer going for it for Sprowston. 

  GOAL! 20 minutes played in the 2nd half and North Walsham find the equalising goal. Storey with the assist through the middle picking the ball up and sending it through for Hope Middleton making the central run Lightfoot comes rushing out to the edge of the area Middleton shooting getting the ball past her and into the back of the empty net 1-1. 

Sprowston’s Paige Barnard with North Walsham’s Hope Middleton

  Lightfoot with a good save under pressure as she is closed down by Luci Middleton at her near post the striker looking to get onto the end of a high ball into the area from Hope Middleton top of the area the keeper coming and punching the ball off her head, then dropping down to claim it before Middleton can react. 

 GOAL! 3 minutes after losing their lead Sprowston get themselves back into the lead. Leyer with the strike as she runs into space behind the North Walsham defence as the ball is pressed in the middle, shooting from 25 yards out drives the ball across the keeper into the back of the net 2-1.

Victoria Leyer restores Sprowston Ladies lead

  Johnston is back on for North Walsham. A good tempo to the match both sides closing the ball down. Faux onto Johnston out to Hope Middleton right side, Drake challenging getting the ball back. Hutchin driving at the North Walsham defence gets inside looking to slide the ball into the area for Leyer, Yarham can let it go through to the keeper. Bussey back on for North Walsham, Becky Greenslade on for Sprowston. 

Hannah Sturman clears the ball for North Walsham Angels Ladies

  Brister does well for Sprowston at the back up against Luci Middleton trying to get a shot away as she gets into the box. Yarham intercepting at the back as Russell looks to put her in behind. PENALTY! Bussey central on for Luci Middleton to her right gets into the area tries to turn make room for a shot is clipped by Pettifer the spot kick given. Bussey to take it driven in low too close to Lightfoot who guesses right down low shifting to her right makes the save the ball looping up off her Luci Middleton quickest to react getting her foot under the ball sends it across the six yard box.

  A save up the other end moment later, Leyer with a run on the left coming into towards goal tries to slot the ball past Knight the keeper making the save. That’s it the final whistle blows a save from the penalty spot by Lightfoot in the closing minutes keeping Sprowston’s 2-1 lead in tact they they win there first piece of silverware.

Full time Sprowston Ladies 2-1 North Walsham Angels Ladies

  A narrow win for Sprowston Ladies taking their chances and holding out late on North Walsham coming close to forcing the Final into extra-time. An entertaining game two lively and well matched sides. North Walsham will feel disappointed created more chances than their opponents just weren’t converted into goals. Sprowston having an excellent season with such a young side adapting to the women’s league very well have a tremendous work-rate and an abundance of energy. Getting back on players when it looks like they have gotten away from them.  

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Picking the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match for this one is incredibly tough everyone put in a shift today for both sides. Abbie Storey in midfield for North Walsham making some important tackles and playing it forwards was impressive. The award however goes to Sprowston’s Paige Barnard strong in the middle of defence or coming out wide to prevent a cross. Play was turned around so quickly at times there was only time to write 16 stops… before your attention has to go down the other end of the pitch.

Sprowston Ladies 2017/18 Norfolk Ladies League Plate Winners

  Congratulation’s to Sprowston Ladies on winning this season’s Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final.

  One final down one to come. My thanks to both clubs for there help with the teams. Good to catch up with both.

 

Cup Final Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Histon Ladies Reserves

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup

Thursday 3rd May

Another trip back to Ely City FC this Thursday evening for my 3rd final of the week. The Suffolk and Cambridgeshire League’s Cup Finals previously it’s the final of a new competition this time around the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup, with the top two in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South meeting in the final, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds versus Histon Ladies Reserves.

A new competition introduced by the Cambridgeshire FA this season. Featuring the clubs playing the the Championship North & South. The sides drawn into a groups of 3/4 teams 2 groups representing each league each playing the other once with the overall group winner progressing into the semi-finals. 

  Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds with 3 wins from 3 topping Group A above Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves, Isleham United Ladies and Burwell Tigers. Having a great season are leading the way in the Championship South by 6 points over 2nd placed Histon Ladies Reserves who have 2 games in hand. Losing just the one league game so far this season look well placed for a return to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. 

Histon Ladies Reserves are new to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South this season… well sort of… as their squad is largely made up of the former Milton Ladies. Now part of the women’s set-up at Histon as the club establishes a strong platform for it’s girls youth sides to progress into adult football. Histon’s 1st team playing in the ERWFL. The club overall looking to become a strong rival to the Cambridge sides City and United.

  Would have expected Milton if they had still been there to be challenging for the league title this season, and so it is the case as Histon Ladies Reserves. Lay 2nd in the Championship South 6 points behind Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds with 2 games in hand. Were drawn into Group B in the Division One Cup along side St Ives Town Ladies Development and Cambridge Rangers. A 1-1 draw with St Ives Town a 5-2 win over Cambridge Rangers seeing them top the Group and progress to the semi-finals.

Semi-finals

  Histon Ladies Reserves were involved in a 9 goal thriller at home to Riverside Ladies in the semi-final of the Division One Cup. A 4-1 lead to Histon in the 1st half, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks with a hat-trick, Riverside battled back to score 3 goals in the 2nd half Histon getting an all important 5th goal to reach the final with a 5-2 win.

I was at the 2nd semi-final to watch Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at home to Wisbech Town Ladies in the Division One Cup. The Championship North side taking the lead on 20 minutes through top scorer Sophie Gutteridge. Fulbourn battled back to lead 2-1 at the break with goals from Krissie Taylor and a volley from the edge of the box from top scorer Marie Stubbings. Sharon Pinner scoring in the 2nd half to put Fulbourn 3-1 up they held on to win despite Gutteridge pulling it back to 3-2 with 15 minutes left.

So it’s Ely City FC’s Ellgia Stadium for a 2nd night running. It hasn’t changed much in 24 hours. The weather still pleasant a little more cloud around tonight and more tractors on the road but I knew I couldn’t get away with it two nights running. 

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Samantha Issacson (C), Seema Grewal, Krissie Taylor, Sarah Bodger, Nikki Cowan, Jo Woods, Emma Clark, Sharron Pinner, Amy Smith, Katie Luddy & Marie Stubbings. Subs – Holly Hayes, Vicky Neal, Stacey Kemp, & Lucy Clarkson.

Histon Ladies Reserves starting XI – Danielle Busby, Lauren Threadgold, Kat Brown, Kirsty Smith, Sarah Freestone (C), Casey Kelly, Sam Cousins, Daniella Briggs, Abi Davies, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks & Philippa Hayden-Evans Subs – Kirsty Jenkinson, Emma Gillespie, Amanda Binge, Becca McNally & Carly Dawson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Three female officials for this evenings final with Stacey Fullicks fresh from helping Cambridge City Ladies secure runners-up spot in the ERWFL Premier Division in the middle assisted on the line by Dulcie Asher and Romana Bria. Andy Phillips the 4th official. Histon to kick off the Division One Cup Final wearing their blue away shirts with yellow trim, black shorts and socks. Fulbourn kitted out in pink shirts each with an individual message of motivation printed upon the back along with navy shorts and socks.

The Fulbourn players sporting motivational messages on their shirts, this from Marie Stubbings

 The ball played back and forth between the midfield’s Fulbourn spreading the play out to the right wing Amy Smith breaking forwards her cross gathered safely by Histon goalkeeper, Danielle Busby. 

A corner for Fulbourn right side the ball in near post defended a 2nd corner awarded. A higher ball in this time Sharron Pinner up to head the ball down into the six yard box, Philippa Hayden-Evans back defending for Histon shielding the ball before it is cleared out to the left. A good start to the match from Fulbourn pressing forwards Jo Woods winning the ball in the middle playing the ball on to Marie Stubbings moving into the left channel, Lauren Threadgold defending for Histon preventing the cross coming in.

Histon’s Casey Kelly with Fulbourn’s Jo Woods

Nikki Cowan cutting a ball out put in diagonally from the left as Histon’s Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks breaks forwards. Pinner linking up with Stubbings left side the cross played into the box the ball deflected gathered bu Busby. Histon get the ball forwards win a corner kick on the right the delivery long Seema Grewal dealing with it at the far post for Fulbourn launch a counter attack the ball played on for Smith on the right bursts forwards turning a cross in towards the box, Busby claims it at her near post. 

The ball regained in the middle of the park Fulbourn’s Emma Clark into Woods played forwards for Katie Luddy support from Stubbings, Luddy shots her effort from outside the area blocked. Histon make an early switch Sam Cousins coming off, Kirsty Jenkinson coming on. Krissie Taylor gets forwards from left back for Fulbourn, Woods making a good run inside her Taylor playing the ball in towards her a clever flick to control the ball on the run knocking it past her into the area six yards out left of the goal shoots her strike racing wide across the face of goal.

   Histon are beginning to settle, Daniella Briggs out on the left side bringing the ball forwards a wonderful ball sent into the area from deep travelling all the way to the far post Abi Davies running in clear on goal hits it first time her effort smashing against the base of the post spins back out into the six yard box a scramble for the ball Fulbourn manage to get it away. A high ball played on up the right a tricky one for Fulbourn’s Sarah Bodger gets her head on the ball only it lands behind her Davies alert for Histon darts around the defender and sends the cross back towards the top of the area for Hayden-Evans, her shot his charged down, the rebound coming to Briggs to her left she shoots wide.

Histon’s Philippa Hayden-Evans & Fulbourn’s Krissie Taylor challenging for the ball

No sooner have Histon rattled the woodwork at one end then Fulbourn get up the other end in a rapid fire attack and do the same, Luddy with the run in the centre onto the ball striking it from 20 yards out the ball rising as it flies in towards goal has Busby beaten cannons off the crossbar. The woodwork is struck for a 3rd time Histon on the attack the ball on the left the cross into the area Hayden-Evans central helps it on to Davies to her right her rising shot coming at Samantha Issacson in the Fulbourn goal fast gets a touch on the ball as it crashes against the bar, Fulbourn clear and go on the attack Stubbings playing the ball on for Smith on the right, Kat Brown dealing with the threat defends for Histon. 

   Fulbourn with possession Woods with an excellent tackle on for Stubbings, Luddy in support the ball played into her the shot skied over the bar. Grewal comes forwards for Fulbourn right side, Smith receiving the pass tries to turn inside Brown tackles regains possession. Clark gets the ball back for Fulbourn, Stubbings seeing the pass into her back to goal on the edge of the box, looks to turn a shoot, Histon’s captain Sarah Freestone has her closely marked. 

 Cousins returns to the pitch for Histon Casey Kelly coming off. Hayden-Evans breaks clear after the ball as Fulbourn are caught with a high line at the back running towards the box she shoots the ball saved confidently by Issacson. Stubbings is fouled by Freestone on the byline left of the area as she tries to force her way past the defender. The free-kick taken quickly Taylor forwards free top left corner of the area delivers a ball into the far post Pinner up and twisting as she heads the ball sends it goalwards, lacking pace Busby is well placed to claim the ball. 

Histon’s Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks looking to bring the ball under control

  Issacson with another good save off Lemmon-Sparks as the attacker latches onto a poor defensive clearance. The shot in low Issacson diving to her left pushing the ball away from goal. Issacson is hurt making another save soon after the ball fired across the area from the right comes to Hayden-Evans closing in the far post can’t get her shot over the keeper as she goes to ground the ball struck against the keeper. Issacson is okay to continue. Fulbourn do make a change Vicky Neal coming on for Pinner. Neal in the action straight away with the defensive tackle to deny Davies a run into the area cutting in from the right. 

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 0-0 Histon Ladies Reserves

  The first half ends goalless, has been lively and if the woodwork hadn’t been involved Histon would be leading 2-1 as it is honours even. Two evenly matched sides Fulbourn starting well have looked lively, Histon settling and posing a threat themselves both sides getting the ball out to their wide players. Issacson with a couple of important saves to Fulbourn. No telling as to who might come out on top 2nd half, extra-time and penalties haven’t been called for yet in any final I’ve been… yet.

A change for Fulbourn at the start of the 2nd half Stacey Kemp wearing the no 90 shirt on for Smith. It’s Fulbourn to kick off the 2nd period. Luddy out wide right wins Fulbourn an early corner kick the ball cut out and Histon look to counter attack through the middle Woods with the tackle to stop Histon getting beyond halfway. Woods with another strong tackle comes back to help on the right as Davies with Hayden-Evans, tries to play Kirsty Smith in as she makes a run towards the area, Woods coming with her. 

   Kemp bringing the ball on for Fulbourn central shifts it out to Luddy on the right her cross in to the area sees Taylor arriving strikes the shot 1st time, Busby with a good save parrying the ball away then is fouled as she moves in to claim it. Briggs with Lemmon-Sparks attacking left side for Histon the ball won back by Fulbourn played on through the middle, Kemp looking to get her head on it arriving in the box, Busby coming puts her fist through the ball punching it away as she goes over Kemp. 

  Fulbourn are getting crosses into the Histon area, almost all are bread and butter claims for Busby. Histon like the 1st half are a little slow to get going momentum starting to build, an attack is launched players breaking forwards left side play switched out to the right Davies 25 yards out from goal sent a shot back in wide across goal. Taylor gets forwards on the left a one two with Stubbings, Taylor goes on her cross along the top of the area Luddy with the shot charged down by Freestone. 

 Cousins takes the ball on left side on for Hayden-Evans ahead of her, Neal with the challenge denying the attacker a run at goal. Play is stretched a good tempo, both sides moving the ball quickly. Hayden-Evans finds herself clear in on goal coming into the area from the right Issacson comes to close her down the ball past her into the side netting. Briggs with a driving run at the Fulbourn defence rides two challenges before being stopped by the 3rd. Grewal with a vital interception as Briggs looks to run onto a diagonal ball from Cousins in a central position. 

GOAL! The deadlock is broken at last and it’s Histon who get their noses in front a spell of sustained possession, Fulbourn can’t get it away on the left side close to the byline the ball pinging back and forth Hayden-Evans, Lemmon-Sparks and Davies all challenging for the ball before Davies gets hold of it and turning the angle acute fires a shot in across goal to bury the ball inside the far post. Histon celebrate a flag is raised after consulting the officials let the goal stand 0-1.

Abi Davies with the ball putting Histon into the lead

Issacson well placed inside her goal to save the ball as Lemmon-Sparks moves into a shooting position 20 yards out from the right after receiving the ball from Hayden-Evans. Woods claiming the ball drives forwards lays the ball on for Stubbings right her cross in hooked clear by Freestone. Hayden-Evans and Davies both finding space in attack as Fulbourn push on looking for a quick reply. Taylor pulling up has to come off Bodger comes back on. Brown winning the ball for Histon as Stubbings looks to twist inside her into the box. 

  Woods with Luddy  work the ball up the line for Stubbings her cross in cleared for a corner on the right. A short corner from Fulbourn the cross put in from a deep position, Clark running in to attack it near post Davies back defending does well for Histon. Lucy Clarkson intercepts for Fulbourn at the back as Lemmon-Sparkes sends a cross into the box from the left Davies closing in on the right. Carly Dawson comes on for Histon for Threadgold at right back with a little under 5 minutes left. 

   Fulbourn keep coming forwards risk leaving space in behind as they search for the equaliser. Davies bringing the ball on jinks left the right before striking the ball in towards goal her low drive gathered by Issacson. Lemmon-Sparks on for Davies as Histon break, Pinner blocking, Davies’ strike away for a corner. Bodger clearing the ball for Fulbourn, Kemp on it checks back inside Histon close her down scramble the ball away. Into the closing minutes of the match. Fulbourn are getting the ball into the area from wide positions Busby claiming it once again plucks a high delivery into the near post down into her body. 

  Luddy challenged on the right, a last gasp corner for Fulbourn everyone bar Issacson goes up for it the set-piece, the delivery in is played behind goal, the final whistle blows and Histon celebrate as they become the 1st ever winners of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup. 

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 0-1 Histon Ladies Reserves

   A single goal wins the final scored by Histon Ladies Reserves, Abi Davies in the 2nd half. An entertaining contest both sides lively, Fulbourn certainly had their chances. Good movement and competing well against a physical Histon side who themselves created opportunities finding space out wide. The woodwork struck 3 times in the 1st half, Histon looked to have the more direct threat in front of goal. Issacson denying a couple of strikes. Busby at the other end comfortable with anything Fulbourn played into the box from wide. Silverware for Histon Ladies Reserves in their debut season. The two sides are still competing for the league title a double still on however Fulbourn hold the advantage there.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  On to this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As the game wore on the number of potential candidates was slowly whittled down to just one. For Histon she posed a threat all game on the right getting forwards finding space, striking the woodwork twice in the st half and getting the all important winning goal in the 2nd half so the award goes to Abi Davies.

Histon Ladies Reserves, 2017/18 Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup Winners (changed to their regular colours for the presentation)

Congratulations to Histon Ladies Reserves on winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup.

That’s it 3 finals in 3 nights boy was I tired by the last one hence the later publishing I needed the sleep. Still I enjoyed it starting on Tuesday with the Suffolk Women’s League Cup then 2 finals in Cambridgeshire. a brief rest before the first one of two cup final doubles starting in Norfolk on Sunday. Back to Ely again tonight however not for football however but finally to get around to seeing Avengers Infinity War.. I very nearly avoided any spoilers but I’ve waited a week afterall and before you ask I’m not writing a report on that one. Thanks to everyone again for their help last evening.

Cup Final Report – ICA Sports Ladies v Newmarket Town Ladies

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

Wednesday 2nd May

  The Cup Final action continues this week on Women’s Football East this Wednesday, hot on the heels from watching the Suffolk Women’s League Cup final a trip to Cambridgeshire to watch ICA Sports Ladies versus Newmarket Town Ladies competing for the Women’s League Cup.

 An all Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership Clash, Peterborough side ICA Sports Ladies playing the 1st of two finals they have reached this season with the postponed Junior Invitation Cup Final coming up on the Wednesday 16th May at Newmarket Town FC against Championship South side, Isleham United Ladies. This evening though the focus is on the League Cup. Have progressed in the competition as there form has improved through the season picking up well after a slow start losing there 1st 3 league games some notable results along the way to including beating Premiership leaders St Ives Town Ladies in the semi-finals of the League Cup.

  Newmarket Town Ladies have had a great season to date, an early run in the FA Women’s Cup knocking out higher league opposition have as a result been playing catch up in the league now into the final run in lay in 2nd spot behind St Ives Town Ladies and a well positioned to challenge should there rivals slip up.  Reaching the League Cup Final have scored plenty of goals throughout the season and have several goalscorers in their squad. 

Both sides into their 1st League Cup Final.

Road to the Final 

  A walkover in the 1st Round for ICA Sports Ladies whilst Newmarket Town Ladies racked up a rugby score away to Championship South, Burwell Tigers these score pop up one or twice a season 30-0 to the Premiership side. Into the 2nd Round and ICA Sports were at home taking on Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies a brace from Donna Nicholls along with a goal each for Hayley Jones, Jessica Farchina and Megan Purnell seeing ICA Sports progress to the quarter finals with a 5-1 win. Newmarket were on the road taking on fellow Premiership side Park Ladies. The goals spread around with Cindy Ponder, Amanda Stacey, Brooke Wickens, Antonia Smith Sarah O’Rourke and Chloe Slater scoring in a 6-1 win.

  ICA Sports were at home in the quarter finals taking in Championship South title hopefuls Histon Ladies Reserves. A close game Histon leading 1-0 at half-time a goal from Megan Purnell squaring it up at 1-1 to send the tie into extra-time, no more goals it went to penalties ICA Sports emerging victorious with a 3-2 win to reach the last 4. Another away trip for Newmarket taking on Championship South side Isleham United Ladies. A comfortable win seeing them into the last 4, both Abbi Griffin and Laura Bailey scoring twice with a goal each for Chloe Slater and Jess Linger in a 6-0 win.

  Both semi-finals played on neutral territory at the Fulbourn Recreation Ground. A great result for ICA Sports in the semi-finals drawn against Premiership leaders St Ives Town Ladies. ICA Sports in good form the sides were goalless at the break the winning goal coming in the 2nd period, Lorna Hart with the goal to send ICA Sports into the League Cup Final. Newmarket were taking on Cambridge University Women. Newmarket continuing their good form in front of goal reaching the League Cup Final courtesy of a 5-1 win, Jordanne Sillitoe scoring a brace with Abbi Griffin, Amanda Stacey and Chloe Slater all getting a goal.  

 3 times the sides have met in the league this season Newmarket winning 2 of those encounters 4-1 whilst the other game ended in a goalless draw. League form however goes out the window in any cup game.

   The venue for this evenings Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final sponsored by S-Tech Insurance The Ellgia Stadium, home of Ely City FC. Has been a while since I was last here, there is now a new cinema and restaurant complex build on the land leading to the ground off the A10. The rugby club, tennis, golf and football ground still beyond. New dugouts, the pitch looking in good condition a little bobbly offers good width. Concerned earlier above whether the game would be on heavy rain falling for a while late morning into the afternoon but it cleared and pleasant and mild afterwards, perfect weather for a game of football… about time too.

ICA Sports Ladies starting XI – Clare Knibbs, Steph Pepper, Holly Partner, Sophie Antonucci, Becky Shields (C), Sarah Rouse, Jess Farchica, Zoe Leddy, Megan Purnell, Donna Nicholls & Lorna Hart. Subs – Rhian Leonard.

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Eloise Hope, Yasmin Woodfield, Brooke Wickens, Beth Woodfield (C), Cindy Ponder, Jess Linger, Laura Bailey, Chloe Slater, Antonia Smith, Abi Griffin & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Sarah O’Rourke, Frankie Torrance, Joeli Kirby, Amanda Stacey & Lauren Deller.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Just the one substitute available for ICA Sports, Newmarket having several attacking options available on theirs. It’s ICA Sports to get the first half kicked off, wearing royal blue shirts with a white and navy band across the top, royal blue shorts and blue and white hooped socks. Newmarket wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. 

ICA Sports put the ball forwards right from the off showing attacking intent, Lorna Hart the target , Beth Woodfield captaining Newmarket heading the ball away at the back. Donna Nicholls receiving the ball form Jess Farchica drives forwards on the right tackled by Newmarket full back Yasmin Woodfield. ICA Sports with a good start lively getting players forwards have Newmarket penned back in their own half. 

Newmarket Town Ladies captain, Beth Woodfield heading the ball clear.

  A throw deep on the left into Hart the striker putting the ball inside for Farchica, Newmarket tackle the ball cleared, ICA Captain, Becky Shields bringing it down on halfway, builds another ICA Sports attack. Newmarket haven’t settled, ICA Sports taking full advantage goalkeeper Eloise Hope rushing out of her area to clear the ball for Newmarket as Hart is put in over the top. Newmarket have the ball the pass out to striker Jordanne Sillitoe moving away to the left, her crossfield ball coming to Abbi Griffin in space on the right takes it forwards her cross into the box gathered by ICA Sports goalkeeper Clare Knibbs at her near post.

   Nicholls on the left the ball up to Hart, Cindy Ponder going up for the ball with striker the ball out for a throw-in on the left. Played into Nicholls top of the area, inside for Hart played on across the D for Zoe Leddy, taking the all away to the right making room for a shot sends a low strike angling in towards the far post, Hope is in position to gather the ball. Laura Bailey with the ball inside the ICA Sports half plays the pass out to Brooke Wickens running forwards on the left taking it to the edge of the box the ICA Spots defence close on her no room for a strike a regain possession of the ball. 

ICA Sports Ladies, Donna Nicholls

  Counter attacking the ball played up to Hart she knocks it down to Nicholls breaking in behind on the left, Ponder coming across to slide in and take the ball away from her. Hart leading the line for ICA Sports the ball played into her 25 yards from goal central bringing it down turns and strikes the ball in towards goal her effort straight at Hope the Newmarket goalkeeper claiming the ball. 

GOAL! ICA Sports capitalise on their good start take the lead as Hart forces a mistake at the back the ball played into the left channel the striker going after it as it runs into the box Beth Woodfield trying to shield it back to her keeper, Hope comes out sliding in, Hart on Woodfield’s back the ball is touched by the defender taking it out of Hope’s path leaving her goal exposed Hart alive getting around the Newmarket pair and sending the ball into the back of the empty net 1-0. 

Lorna Hart with the opening goal for ICA Sports Ladies.

  Newmarket were planning a change before the goal do it before the restart Antonia Smith giving way for Frankie Torrance who goes into left back pushing Wickens further up on the wing. Bailey with the ball into Sillitoe left side her lay off to the advancing Torrance 20 yards from goal her attempted strike charged down by the ICA Sports defence. Megan Purnell with the ball attacking on the right wing for ICA Sports screws a shot wide from 25 yards out. The positive start from ICA Sports has them full of confidence, Newmarket rattled are disjointed

 Jess Linger with the ball in the centre for Newmarket on for Sillitoe ahead of her spins the ball out to the left with Wickens bombing on, Shields coming across to clear the ball out for a throw top of the area. Sillitoe taking the throw down well into her body turns and sends a cross into the area, Knibbs can easily gather. Getting early goal they were after ICA Sports have settled forming a solid shape at the back not showing as much attacking intent. Nicholls a threat on the left. Ponder tackling in the middle of the Newmarket defence as Hart looks to force her way in on goal. ICA Sports make a change, Rhian Leonard coming on for Holly Partner. 

Brooke Wickens bringing the ball on for Newmarket Town Ladies

  Bailey plays the ball forwards Sillitoe leaving it to run on through as Wickens runs clear in behind on the left side, Purnell going with her tackles her on the edge of the area. A free-kick wide left for Newmarket, Linger on it a good distance goes for goal the ball wide of the near post. Torrance bringing the ball on down the left on for Sillitoe the Newmarket striker beating a coupe of players before sending a diagonal ball into the box Griffin with the central run the ball too close to the keeper Knibbs down to gather before her goal is threatened.

   Hart strong on the ball gets the better of Beth Woodfield wide left puts a cross/shot in towards goal the ball flashing out wide at the far post across the goal face. Bailey opens up her body sliding the ball into Sillitoe to attack the ICA Sports, no shot on as the opposition are quick to converge, Farchica with Sarah Rouse a shield in front of their defence. Newmarket haven’t got going properly at all, attacking room in the final third but closed down quickly passing options aren’t on. ICA Sports bringing it away Hart always ready yo turn in behind up top. 

Newmarket Town Ladies, Jordanne Sillitoe with ICA Sports, Steph Pepper.

  Into the closing minutes of the 1st half, Leonard forwards on the right for Newmarket played in down the line coming inside Ponder tackling the ball out for a corner kick. Defended near post a goal kick awarded. Rouse sending the ball back into the area as Newmarket initially clear it, bouncing Hart at six yards out Hope does well up against her, her punch taking it off her head knocking it to the floor is first to it and gathers. A free-kick inside the ICA Sports half for Newmarket, Linger has Yasmin Woodfield in space to her right she is supported by Griffin working the ball forwards Leddy wins the ball back for ICA Sports before any cross can be delivered.

Half-time ICA Sports Ladies 1-0 Newmarket Town Ladies

  A strong 1st half performance from ICA Sports showing attacking intent from the start, got Newmarket on the back foot and getting the goal they were after have sat back since. Newmarket are more often than not a free flowing attacking side, haven’t settled at all in the 1st half on this evening’s final a large part down to ICA Sports, haven’t tested Knibbs with a shot getting the ball in and around the box, Shields and Pepper strong at the back backed up well by Rouse and Farchica in front of them. Chances have been few the difference ICA Sports have taken theirs. A narrow lead to defend but Newmarket need to find more in themselves if they are to find a way back into the game 2nd half. 

The floodlights starting to take full effect as the light fades the sides out for the 2nd half. A change for Newmarket who get the 2nd half kicked off, Sarah O’Rourke up top supporting Sillitoe with Bailey off. Ponder moved into midfield, press the ball early Sillitoe inside for O’Rourke the substitute driving forwards to try and get into the box, Farchica sliding in to tackle. A counter attack for ICA Sports the ball played out to Nicholls bursting forwards on the left her pass inside to Hart runs in behind the return pass a little too heavy allowing Hope to come and gather.

Jess Farchica with the tackle to win the ball back for ICA Sports

 Pepper goes in to win the clearance for ICA Sports the ball played long up to Hart moving into the left channel, Beth Woodfield coming across to her to shield the ball out for a goal kick. O’Rourke with the ball deep on the left after a throw-in her cross fired in towards the near post Griffin getting in front of the keeper tries to flick the ball past her with her heel the ball running across the face of goal. Sillitoe with support from O’Rourke right side of the ICA Sports box pushing the ball into her Sillitoe coming inside receiving return ball her shot in curling wide of goal. 

Newmarket Town Ladies, Cindy Ponder

Yasmin Woodfield on the overlap in behind as Griffin slides the ball into her run her cross in cleared by Pepper, comes straight to Ponder drives a shot back in towards goal on target but straight at Knibbs the keeper taking the ball safely into her body. Newmarket starting the 2nd period well players forwards into attacking positions ICA Sports remain a tough nut to crack. Hart the outlet up top for ICA Sports the ball played up to her tried to turn in behind is tackled by Slater. 

ICA Sports Ladies, Steph Pepper

  O’Rourke fouled by Shield as she looks to force her way forwards with the ball through the middle a free-kick in a dangerous position 25/30 yards out Linger takes on the shot her rising ball parried down and caught by Knibbs. A free-kick up the other end as Nicholls is fouled by Beth Woodfield 22 yards out left of the D. She shot striking the wall the rebound blazed high over the goal. 

Pepper comes across to tackle put the ball out for a throw on the right as Griffin is played in behind by Ponder. ICA Sports are standing strong against the Newmarket assault Sophie Antonucci bringing the ball on from the back on for Nicholls on the left the ball put out for a throw level with the top of the Newmarket area.

GOAL! ICA Sports double their lead off the throw in the ball rolled inside for Farchica having gotten into an advanced position 25 yards out no one on her shifts the ball and sends in a great strike towards goal looping up into the air has Hope worried back on her line it dips late on her striking the underside of the crossbar bouncing down and up again the angle taking it into the goal off the side netting 2-0. 

A further blow for Newmarket a triple change made Smith back on along with Joeli Kirby and Lauren Deller. Hart strong through the middle, Beth Woodfield doing well up against her to regain possession. Newmarket overloading the left side win a corner the ball curled in towards the near post Rouse defending for ICA Sports. A change for ICA Sports, Leonard off Purnell back on. Newmarket press players on attacking risk leaving gaps at the back, ICA Sports though defending resolutely are camped inside there half defending the box, Farchica cutting out a through ball for O’Rourke from Ponder. 

Another strike charged down by Pepper, Linger bringing the ball on. Kirby getting hold of the ball 25 yards out runs towards the area, now way through the ICA Sports defence. Newmarket rotate players in attack desperate to find goal. ICA Sports make a change a slight knock for Nicholls, Leonard returning. Into the final 5 minutes ICA Sports are working hard to keep Newmarket at bay happy for the ball to be played around 25 yards out letting no gaps appear especially through the middle. 

  Hart up top on her own always ready to go after the ball whenever it is launched clear one on one with Hope as the keeper comes to the top of the area a crunching 50/50 between the pair the ball could have gone anywhere runs out for a goalkick wide of goal as Hope picks herself up. Smith with the ball fr Newmarket forwards for Kirby, Pepper sliding in to tackle for ICA Sports. Into stoppage time all Newmarket, Knibbs claiming the cross has collected everything Newmarket have played into her box. ICA Sports standing firm right to the final whistle celebrate as they win the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup for the first time. 

Full time ICA Sports Ladies 2-0 Newmarket Town Ladies

  Have seen Newmarket several times this season, and they don’t need me to tell them they can play better. Finals can do that sometimes, have seen it for whatever reason you just don’t have the performance you know you’re capable of there on the day. Disappointment for Newmarket, however take nothing away from ICA Sports Ladies fully deserving of their success came with a plan and executed it perfectly, getting in front early and working hard as a unit to frustrate and prevent opportunities for their opponents. Defending resolutely at times got up the other end to score a 2nd goal wanted the clean sheet up the other end. One final won another to come.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  A tough one this evening singling out just one player for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. It was a good solid all round team performance from ICA Sports. Lorna Hart leading the line well backed up by Donna Nicholls. At the back Steph Pepper put in some terrific tackles to prevent Newmarket’s attackers running through on goal. Sarah Rouse in midfield breaking up play along side Jess Farchina, excellent in disrupting Newmarket’s flow especially 1st half and with a great strike to score ICA Sports 2nd goal I have chosen Jess Farchina.

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Winners 2017/18, ICA Sports Ladies

Congratulations to ICA Sports Ladies on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup.

 My thanks to both sides for there help with the teams this evening. Thanks to Chris Abbott to for asking me to present the players their awards it was an honour one I certainly wasn’t expecting. Back to Ely again tomorrow for my 3rd final of the week the Division One Cup Final.

Cup Final Report – AFC Kesgrave Ladies v East Bergholt United Ladies

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final

Tuesday 1st May

  A busy week of cup finals this week begins this Tuesday with a trip to Suffolk to watch the Women’s League Cup Final with AFC Kesgrave Ladies playing East Bergholt United Ladies.

  A cup final appearance in their debut season for AFC Kesgrave Ladies a young squad making the step up to adult football this season. Hit the ground running winning there opening 2 matches. A run of losses then followed progress in the cup regaining some form has been up and down since with 6 wins from 15 played are comfortable in mid-table as the squad gains experience in the league.

  East Bergholt United Ladies are into their 2nd successive Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final, beaten by Ipswich Town Ladies Development as they secured a league and cup double last season. The League Cup Final ending goalless went all the way to penalties and heartbreak for East Bergholt United as they went down 5-4 in the shootout. Are on course for a league and cup double themselves this season topping the Suffolk Women’s Division all season won their opening 9 games, a run of 4 successive draws following giving the chasing pack a chance to close the gap returning to winning ways last time out away to Leiston St Margarets are ahead on goal difference with 2 games left to play in the league an important week coming up. In action just 48 hours ago winning 7-0 at home to Coplestonians Ladies 

Road to the Final

  Both sides were handed a bye in the 1st Round to progress to the quarter finals of the League Cup. AFC Kesgrave were drawn at home up against Ipswich Athletic Ladies, a goal from Ashley Bustos along with a brace for Daisy Starsmoore in the 1st half seeing the club through to the last four of the competition. East Bergholt United starting the season with 4 successive wins took that form into the quarter finals of the League Cup where they were drawn away to another side with title ambitions Walsham Le Willow Ladies a close game a single goal settling the contest  scored in the first half by East Bergholt’s Charlotte McGrath.

 Onto the semi-finals, AFC Kesgrave were away to Coplestonians Ladies, goals from Bustos and Starsmoore along with Jade Fox securing a 3-0 victory to secure a final spot for the club in their debut season in the Suffolk Women’s Division. East Bergholt United were at home in the semi-finals another tricky looking tie against Bacton United Ladies who have been on their heels in the league all season. A brace from Jessica Clarke with a goal each for Annie Northwood and Millie Wilding seeing East Bergholt United into their 2nd successive final.

  Brantham Leisure Centre the venue for this evening’s final home of Brantham Athletic FC a sports field adjoining the main pitch overlooked by a large clubhouse and bar. Hot food and drink available, needed fuel and they did a very nice cheeseburger. The pitch a good size a small covered seated stand behind the dugouts and another at the end of one end. Rained all day Monday and I did wonder if this evenings final would be on but today has been much better drying thing’s out overcast but mild.

AFC Kesgrave Ladies starting XI – Jade Fox (C), Felicity Cooper, Jade Marsh, Lauren Godbold, Georgia Lane, Daisy Starsmoore, Georgia Clarke, Lina Nagid, Imogen O’Sullivan, Issy McCartney & Ashley Bustos. Subs – Christy Fraser.

East Bergholt United Ladies starting XI – Kimberley Lynch, Harriet Meers, Emily Lambert, Deben Faiers, Millie Wilding, Georgina Longden (C), Charlotte Warren, Charlotte McGrath, Jess Quinsee, Georgia Lockerbie & Annie Northwood. Subs – Holly Prior, Pippa King, Jess Oxlade & Cara Savage. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s East Bergholt to get the match underway kicking off 1st half wearing green shirts with black shorts and socks. Kesgrave lined up opposite wearing red and blue vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Moving the ball forwards Kesgrave look to press East Bergholt early on the ball played out to the left for Jess Quinsee to chase, Kesgrave defend see the ball out for a throw. Kesgrave attack up the left winning a throw the ball played on into the area Deben Faiers defending for East Bergholt as Georgia Clarke and Imogen O’Sullivan look to attack the ball top of the area. 

    East Bergholt look to release their wide players, Quinsee left, Georgia Lockerbie on the right. Lauren Godbold stepping out of the back line for Kesgrave to tackle Quinsee as she cuts inside looking to drive towards the area. O’Sullivan attacks as she runs the ball down on the right a crunching tackle from Faiers the deflected ball running to Lina Nagid for Kesgrave 20 yards out left corner of the box shifts it inside one touch and shoots her rising effort wide of the top corner. 

  A bright start from Kesgrave. East Bergholt quick to turn play around. Kesgrave with a free kick on half way the ball played forwards Nagid running clear in behind East Bergholt goalkeeper Kimberly Lynch coming to the edge of her area stays big does enough to as Nagid gets a shot away her strike placed wide of the post.

 GOAL! Kesgrave capitalise on their good start to the final getting forwards up the right win a throw in high up the pitch move it quickly players drawn across the cross comes in towards the top of the area O’Sullivan is there the ball into her path the keeper comes, the ball sent past her into the back of the net 1-0.

   Plenty of pace in the Kesgrave side. Lose possession on the left Quinsee breaking forwards is brought down a free-kick. Players up from the back for East Bergholt the delivery into the top of the area, Godbold defending for Kesgrave. The ball is won back on the left Quinsee with the shot driving the ball in from 25 yards out, Jade Fox in goal for Kesgrave right behind it claims the ball. Lockerbie wide right pushes forwards for East Bergholt she is tackled by Jade Marsh.  

GOAL! East Bergholt get themselves back on level terms attacking down the right the ball out for a throw deep inside the Kesgrave half the ball controlled and a low cross fired across the face of the goal, Quinsee there her 1st time shot initially blocked by the diving keeper is still active a scramble across the goalmouth, Quinsee gets it across the line to level the scores 1-1.

GOAL! No sooner are East Bergholt back on level terms they take the lead and it’s Quinsee once again on the scoresheet. The attack beginning with Annie Northwood driving through the middle stopped by the Kesgrave defence the ball kept by East Bergholt put out to Quinsee left side she takes it forwards shooting from the angle as she arrives in the area the ball racing past the keeper at the near post 2-1.

East Bergholt starting to get into their stride Charlotte McGrath in the middle of the park winning the ball looking to put Quinsee away on the left, Kesgrave intercepting the intended through ball. A double change for East Bergholt, Pippa King and Cara Savage coming on Quinsee and Northwood. King with an opportunity to shoot straight away her 20 yard effort taking a deflection out for a corner. A good delivery into the six yard box after a scramble for the ball Kesgrave get it to safety. Lockerbie with a header on looks to get into the area, Fox can come off her line to gather the ball. 

A change for Kesgrave, Christy Fraser on for Clarke. Nagid looks a threat for Kesgrave picking up the ball inside the East Bergholt half and taking it forwards Faiers coming towards her to put in the challenge win the ball back. Play turned around rapidly Lockerbie wanting it on the right. Felicity Cooper coming across to tackle her. A throw on the right the cross fired into the area a shot right side pulled wide of the post. Emily Lambert on for Charlotte Warren the pass forwards looking to release Savage in behind on the left Issy McCartney getting to it first for Kesgrave.  

GOAL! Half an hour played East Bergholt go further in front. Savage with the goal picking the ball up on the left a strong run forwards letting fly from distance the low shot racing across the keeper into the bottom corner of the net 3-1. 

Ashley Bustos getting forwards for Kesgrave evades Faiers tackle the pass on for Nagid, Millie Wilding winning the ball back for East Bergholt. Harriet Meers breaks up a Kesgrave attack at right back her ball into the middle for Longden play spread out to Savage tackled the ball out for a throw wide left a change for Kesgrave O’Sullivan off Clarke back on. Lockerbie links up with King as East Bergholt attack playing a one two the cross into the area claimed by the keeper. 

East Bergholt are strong through the middle Warren on for McGrath her pass forwards for King op of the area the ball defended runs to the right King seeing another attempt charged down. Nagid with a twisting run through the middle McCartney breaking ahead of her on the left the pass intercepted by Meers. Faiers in again to tackle Nagid as she comes forwards through the middle. 

  Nagid keeps probing through the middle a good run takes on the shot her effort stopped by Wilding almost puts Bustos in on goal inside the area on the follow up pounces on the loose ball Lynch diving at her feet reacts quickly to lay claim to the ball six yards out. McGrath with good combination play linking with Lockerbie right side progress down the right Cooper coming to support Marsh Kesgrave concede the throw in. Northwood returning to the field for Longden. 

 East Bergholt dominating late into the 1st half bodies up and around the Kesgrave area, no final shot. Kesgrave break forwards Bustos fouled in front of the centre circle. Players come forwards as the ball is played up into the box Wilding with the header the ball falling into the area Cooper central with the snap shot the strike wide of goal. 

Half-time AFC Kesgrave Ladies 1-3 East Bergholt United Ladies

  A 3-1 lead for East Bergholt as the referee brings the 1st half to a close. Kesgrave lively from the start taking an early lead East Bergholt finding a quick reply turning the game completely around to lead moments later. Have looked a threat using the wide players well stretching play. Kesgrave far from out of it have the pace to counter attack and create chances. East Bergholt extending the lead. A two goal advantage Kesgrave can put pressure on if they score early 2nd half.

   Kesgrave to get the 2nd half underway. Pushing on win a corner early on in the 2nd period. A great delivery towards the far post dropped inviting the header duly obliged the ball put up and over the crossbar. Northwood played in on the left side attacks for East Bergholt the sliding tackle coming in the ball won back. Northwood getting hold of the ball for a Kesgrave goalkick plays it back across the top of the area Lockerbie sending a ball into the area McGrath with the run can’t quite get on the end of it. 

GOAL! The early goal comes 2nd half unfortunately for Kesgrave it goes against them East Bergholt taking advantage from a slip on halfway as Kesgrave are awarded a free-kick the ball pounced on by Northwood a fantastic diagonal ball to the right releasing Lockerbie in behind lets fly form 25 yards out her strike past the keeper to make it 4-1.

A few times in the match East Bergholt have gotten the ball out wide getting into a good crossing position the ball coming into the area no one has gambled through the middle Kesgrave able to clear the ball without challenge. Nagid has taken a knock for Kesgrave comes off. King puts an effort on goal wide as she attempts to lob the keeper after she goalkick comes straight to her 25 yards out. 

  A triple switch for East Bergholt, Meers, McGrath and Lockerbie off on come Holly Prior, Jess Oxlade and Quinsee returning to the field. East Bergholt looking the more dominant side push players forwards. A long ball forwards from the middle sees Clarke head the ball out wide to O’Sullivan she attacks trying to get into the area, Faiers with the tackle putting the ball out for a throw. Nagid returns to the field for Kesgrave, Clarke giving way. Northwood getting away clear on the left her ball inside the box to Oxlade she lays it back for Savage, Cooper closing her down. 

GOAL! Sustained possession on the right from East Bergholt wins them a corner kick the six yard box crowded as the ball in swung in high dropping across the face of goal Savage with the bullet header to bury the ball into the back of the net claims her 2nd of the final 5-1 the lead with a little over 20 minutes to play. 

GOAL! East Bergholt continue to press forwards savage winning the ball the pass on for Northwood on the left comes inside stopped on the edge of the area. Wilding with the tackle up the other end 20 yards out as Nagid is played on through the middle for Kesgrave. A double save with her leg for the Kesgrave keeper stopping a driven shot fired in from the right side, deflected back out into area Oxlade closed down by McCartney gets a shot away again the keeper saves with her leg the ball cleared out of the area Kesgrave loosing their shape as East Bergholt press on the ball won back is with Savage is a long way out the keeper out of position fires it back in an unorthodox strike but effective as it loops up and drops into the back of the net, a Cup Final hat-trick for Savage 6-1.

Savage is brought off soon after along with King, Longden and McGrath returning. Faiers gets forwards with the ball from the back for East Bergholt has a shot her effort over from 25 yards. Northwood comes close to getting a goal for East Bergholt as she is played in behind through the middle her rising strike inside the box right of goal kissing the woodwork on it’s way out. Alice Longden comes on for East Bergholt replacing Wilding. 

Late into the game Kesgrave tiring haven’t the subs to bring on like their opponents aren’t able to keep the ball as East Bergholt continue to press bodies on. Into the final 10 minutes. McCartney given time and room in the middle gets a shot away for Kesgrave, Lynch behind it all the way in the East Bergholt goal. Northwood put in the clear on the left shoots from the angle the ball whipping wide across the goal face. Nagid with Bustos on the left get forwards the shot driven in wide of the near post. 

GOAL! Quinsee is brought down on the right as she threatens to run in behind clear to attack the goal. A free-kick in a dangerous position 20 yards out right corner of the box, Georgina Longden to take a great strike it flies in a foot under the cross bar to bring up East Bergholt’s 7th goal 7-1.

   Into stoppage time East Bergholt on top Quinsee attacking on the right brought down once again. Kesgrave able to defend the set piece this time. The final whistle blows and East Bergholt claim their 1st trophy winning the Suffolk Women’s League Cup.

Full time AFC Kesgrave Ladies 1-7 East Bergholt United Ladies

  A much better feeling for East Bergholt this time around after last season’s penalty heart ache. 7-1 the winning score a dominant performance once they got into their stride rotating their players frequently. Finding space out wide and recovering from an early set-back. Kesgrave buoyed by their start certainly have talent within their squad, pace good movement will improve 3-1 down at half -time conceding the 4th goal early in the 2nd half was a cruel blow and East Bergholt took full advantage. Never the less Kesgrave should be proud to have reached a Cup Final in their debut season in the Suffolk Women’s Division.

 The League Cup won the double still very much on. Rivals Walsham Le Willows and Bacton United Ladies also playing tonight a 2-1 win for Bacton puts them 3 points behind East Bergholt with one each left to play. Walsham Le Willows are now 8 point behind with 3 to play, East Begholt’s final league game is away to Walsham Le Willows on Sunday 13th May. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  A good all round performance from East Bergholt this evening the defence standing form when called upon, midfield competing for the ball and the wide players a threat whoever took up the position. Overall for her Cup Final hat-trick tonight’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award goes to Cara Savage.

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Winners, East Bergholt United (picture credit East Bergholt)

  Congratulations to East Bergholt United Ladies on winning the Suffolk Women’s League Cup.

Thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details tonight always appreciated. Onto Cambridgeshire for their Women’s League Cup Final.

Cup Final Report – Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Friday 27th April

 Cup Final action this Friday from the FDC, Field of Dreams Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

  A contest between two sides currently at the top of their game in Norfolk. Both with an ambitious young manager at the helm, Bradley Mingay for Acle United, Alex Guy for Wymondham Town Ladies. 

 Acle United Ladies winners of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup in 2014/15, a currently 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division, amongst the title challengers games coming thick and fast at the end of the season. Two cup finals to contest the Norfolk Women’s County Cup this evening, have also reached the final of the ERWFL League Cup coming up on Sunday 13th May against AFC Dunstable Ladies.

   Wymondham Town Ladies are in their 2nd successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final and are looking to make it a double this season having already clinched the ERWFL Division One North title and promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division. Are unbeaten in the league drawing just the one of their 17 games so far and with just one game to play will be aiming to go the season without defeat. Scoring plenty of goals too Laura Nicholls top scorer with 40 goals this season to date. Hannah Waters joining the club midway through the season making an impact to with 22 goals from 15 appearances.

Road to the Final 

   Acle United Ladies received a bye in the 1st Round of the competition, whilst in contrast for Wymondham Town Ladies it was a repeat of last season’s final with a home draw against Thorpe United Ladies a 3-1 win for Wymondham knocking the County Cup holders out at the 1st hurdle. Onto the 2nd Round both Acle and Wymondham drawn away to Norfolk Women’s Division One opposition. Comfortable wins for both Acle putting 7 goals past Gorleston FC Ladies whilst Wymondham scored 8 without reply against Stalham Town Ladies.

  Frustration in the quarter finals for Acle after seeing their tie away to Aylsham Ladies previous County Cup Finalists postponed twice they were eventually awarded the away win to progress to the last 4 of the competition. Wymondham were already scoring plenty of goals when they were drawn away to Fakenham Town Ladies a crushing 15-0 win seeing them through to the semi-finals. Acle away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies who had seen off Norwich City Ladies at The Walks, Acle edging the result on the day 2-1 to reach the Final. Wymondham were drawn away aswell in the semi-final taking on Norfolk Women’s Division One leaders Sprowston Ladies. Unbeaten in the league and scoring plenty of goals Wymondham did so again a 7-0 win seeing them into their 2nd successive final. After missing out on the trophy last season Wymondham have added determination to lift it this time around.

 The venue for this evening’s final The FDC, Field of Dreams in Bowthorpe. Did wonder if we would see a game as the rain had been falling all day and heavy at times on the way there. However Norfolk FA declared the game on a slight concern about one goal mouth by the rain easing slightly. Not much cover beside the ground a small seated stand but despite the miserable conditions a good number had turned out most of the opinion this was going to be a good contest against two good sides.

 Acle United Ladies starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Anna Larkins, Naomi Cooper, Kate Pasque, Chloe Shields, Amber Rowland, Ceira Flatt, Lauren Bullard, Megan Todd (C), Kirstie Kindred & Laura Holden. Subs – Brogan Scully, Erin Wilson, Rhianne Brister, Grace Birchall & Leah McGuire.

Acle United Ladies

 Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Bethany Fretwell, Lauren Kett, Rachel Cossey (C), Alice Ladbrooke, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Nicholls & Hannah Waters. Subs – Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Alice Collins, Jorja Patterson, Rose Glendinning & Louise Hamilton-Rout.

Wymondham Town Ladies

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

  Acle centre back Kate Pasque a doubt before the game having pulled up early in the previous league match away to Royston Town Ladies last Sunday, however coming through the warm-up okay was okay to start. Lauren Kett at the back for Wymondham, starred for Thorpe United in last season’s County Cup Final success. Wymondham to get the first half kicked off wearing red shirts, black shorts and red and black hooped socks. Acle kitted out in white and black vertical striped shirts black shorts with black and white hooped socks. The rain briefly absent.

Both sides probing early on the ball knocked back and forth Wymondham play the ball up to Hannah Waters 30 yards out a speculative attempt from distance the ball landing wide of Cyan Fullbrook’s goal.  Megan Todd wide on the right likes to get the ball at her feet and drive at players, strong cutting inside Lauren Kett comes across to put in the tackle win the ball at the top of the area. Acle build from the left at the back Naomi Cooper bringing the ball on forwards for Lauren Bullard, Amber Rowland moving across from midfield receiving the ball sends Bullard on in behind her cross put behind at the near post.

   Close for Acle as the cross bar is struck early in the game a free-kick awarded in the centre of the Wymondham half, Rowland on the ball a good delivery up to the top of the area Todd the target right of the D gets up well, Ceira Flatt with a good run spinning clear of her marker, Todd’s header falling to her running into the six yard box at the far post catches the ball on the volley her strike smashing up against the bar, drops back into play Wymondham getting it clear.

GOAL! No sooner have Acle come so close to the opening goal Wymondham get up the other end and score. Winning a corner kick on the left side. The initial delivery in defended by Todd at the near post her header going back to the taker the ball shifted and crossed back in high Bethany Fretwell rising highest 8 yards out to get her head on the ball, Fullbrook jumping gets a glove up toward the ball as it smashed against the crossbar drops straight down into the middle of the six yard box straight to Laura Nicholls sends the ball over the line to put Wymondham into the lead 0-1.

  Acle are soon on the attack after the restart looking for a quick response Todd with a powerful run with the ball on the right fires a cross in low towards the near post the shot bu Kirstie Kindred into the side netting. Laura Holden see’s the ball come straight to her as goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan miscue’s her goal kick the ball striking the Acle attacker 25 yards out right of goal she shoots for goal looking to put the ball wide across the keeper too wide the ball runs wide of the far post. 

  Flatt picks up the ball in midfield for Acle takes it on Rowland going with her as she plays the pass out to Bullard getting in behind wide left her cross put back into the middle for Rowland top of the area she brings it inside before unleashing a shot her curling effort rising goes wide of the far post. Wymondham counter quickly the ball put over the top see’s Nicholls running clear in behind, Fullbrook quickly out to the edge of the area to slide in claim the ball at her feet. A good tempo to the game a good sized pitch conditions are tricky but players are keeping their feet well enough as the rain begins to fall once more. 

  Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey is down injured in midfield and cannot continue she is substituted, Jorja Patterson coming on a direct swap. Todd bursts forwards down the right with the ball her low cross in defended Fretwell clearing the ball. Bullard winning a corner on the left as she and Cooper combine well on the left. The ball driven in low towards the near post is deflected into the side netting a goal kick given. A good contest the sides fairly evenly matched the ball played up to Hannah Waters inside the Acle area her knock down back to Kayleigh Holloway on the left her ball back in charged down by Todd. 

  O’Callaghan saves with her legs as Acle attacking down the right send a cross in long across the six yard box Bullard arriving far side with the shot towards goal. Holden and Kindred try to force their way through the Wymondham defence Kindred winning the ball pushes it into Holden she takes t on as Holden tries to get in behind the ball intercepted the deflection taking it away for a corner. The ball attacked near post defended a crowd going for the ball two players down in the aftermath. 

Wymondham’s Alice Ladbrooke with the pass on to Mollie O’Callaghan left side, Anna Larkins with the challenge to break up the attack. Wymondham regain possession in the middle the ball out to the right the cross swung into the area Kate Pasque up to head it away, Alice Ladbrooke claiming the ball puts it forwards early as Acle look to clear the box, do so as Nicholls breaks clear on goal the offside flag halting her attack. Acle attack Cooper picking up possession on the left allowed to travel comes inside out for Bullard wide left her cross along the top of the area, Kindred meeting it her shot central inside the D played wide of the far post.  

 A substitution for Acle Bullard coming off, Grace Birchall coming on. Rowland is fouled on halfway the free-kick played forwards early Fretwell does well under challenge to get the ball safely back to her keeper. Kindred wins the ball 25 yards out Rowland getting forwards to support her right side the ball passed out to Todd her cross fired in near post, two Acle attackers going for the ball put behind for the goal kick. 

GOAL! Just over half an hour played and Acle get themselves back on level terms. Awarded a free-kick out on the right players forwards from the back is a very good ball into the six yard box O’Callaghan comes to punch the ball attacked by Todd it goes beyond her Pasque close behind bundles the ball over the line 1-1. 

GOAL! Wymondham are soon back in front the goal coming from another set-piece a free-kick on half-way the ball played up to the top of the area a push in the back spotted a 2nd free-kick awarded in a dangerous position central right at the top of the D. Mollie O’Callaghan to take, she goes for goal her strike clipping the Acle wall the deflection sending it up and looping over Fullbrook into the back of the net 1-2.

Flatt comes forwards her pass on for Todd on the right the ball into the area intercepted deflected back to Todd who strikes it from 25 yards out her effort bouncing wide across goal taking a nick off a Wymondham player on the way through a corner given. Acle press late on in the 1st half winning another corner right side the delivery into Holden good hold up play she turns he cross back in landing on the roof of the net. Kindred spins in behind, Fretwell quick to recover comes back on her to slide in put the ball out for a throw top of the area. Patterson gets hold of the ball for Wymondham sends it forwards for Waters in the area up against Pasque the defender wins the challenge. 

Half-time Acle United Ladies 1-2 Wymondham Town Ladies

  An entertaining 1st half comes to an end Wymondham holding the narrow advantage could quite easily have been the other way around. Both sides coping with the conditions well are evenly matched and all 3 goals ave come from a set piece. More of the same in the 2nd half and the game could go either way, maybe all the way Acle having been involved in a penalty shootout the last time they were here.

  Acle to get the 2nd half underway start the 2nd half brightly pressing forwards Rowland passing the ball left to Birchall her early diagonal ball into the area Todd closing in on the far post cant quite reach it. Flatt into Rowland as Acle come again she picks out Holden breaking away to the right her cross screws away behind at the near post. Birchall with the ball comes inside from the left digs a shot out from the edge of the area her strike racing wide across goal past the far post. Acle attacking with purpose at the start of the 2nd half, Holden with the ball 25 out Fretwell steps out of the back line to put in the tackle win the ball. 

  Todd with possession for Acle, Larkins races past her on the overlap drives a cross into the box Kindred has it at her feet looks to turn in behind Kett on top of her the defender winning the tackle. Todd takes the ball one cutting inside past one past two is stopped by Fretwell. Acle make a change Broghan Scully on for Flatt. Clarke intercepting the ball played up the line for Todd on the right. Larkins getting forwards on the right her cross going long Newcombe with the header to get the ball clear for Wymondham. A change for Wymondham Ladbrooke coming off, Brooklyn Cheal=Ferris on. 

  Wymondham have stood firm against the early Acle assault at the start of the 2nd half. Attacking up the other end on the left side Waters cutting inside with the ball is brought down. A little further out this time for O’Callaghan left corner of the area sends the ball in long towards the far post, Todd up to head the ball away to safety. 

GOAL! Having weathered the storm Wymondham get forwards and score to extend their lead a good run from the back by full back Clarke as the ball won in the middle is spread out to Waters moving into the left channel, Clarke breaking into the box inside her the ball rolled into her sends it wide across the advancing goalkeeper at the top of the six yard box to make it 1-3.

Chasing the ball down on the right side Nicholls wins Wymondham a corner kick. The delivery in near post leaves a Wymondham player floored needing treatment. The Acle players rush to the bench to receive instruction. A change made Shields coming off at the back Erin Wilson coming on. Larkins moves inside to support Pasque, Cooper coming over to right back. Mollie O’Callaghan is struggling with injury needs to come off Ladbrooke is sent back on. 

Birchall plays the ball in from the left looking to put Holden through on goal, O’Callaghan can see the ball safely into her body. Todd with an attack on the right into the box the ball defended by Kett, deflected away. Holden with it on left is tackled by Newcombe top of the area. Holden is fouled by Kett 30 yards out Birchall placing the ball in a central position driving in low strikes the wall, then Clarke is fouled as she races out to clear the ball. Another injury Rowland taking the knock this time is taken off Flatt coming back on. 

  Cheal-Ferris cuts the ball out as Acle look to release Cooper into space on the right. Birchall bringing the ball down strikes it on the half volley form all of 35 yards out her effort not troubling O’Callaghan. Alice Collins comes on for Wymondham in place of Patterson with lass than 10 minutes left to play. Acle push forwards left side the ball into the area defended the deflection coming to Cooper on the right 20 yards out her 1st time shot put wide of goal..

 Birchall with the run into the area from the left the ball gets caught in the turf preventing her from striking it early hold’s onto possession taking it to the byline firing a cross in along the six yard box behind Cooper she tries to knock it back inside for Holden can’t find her Fretwell launching the ball up field. Ladbrooke tracking back into the area as Acle break forwards in attack is well placed to put in the block, the ball deflected out of the area Fretwell comes out quickly to clear the threat.

  A corner for Acle the ball as Holden wins the ball races forwards into the area Ladbrooke back there again to slide in to block put the ball behind. The delivery from the right into the middle Birchall getting to the ball looks to turn in towards goal, is shoved to the floor I’m right in line with it and it looks a clear penalty but the appeals are dismissed play goes on. More bad news for Acle moments later as they are reduced to 10 Flatt shown a red card as she commits a foul in the middle, poor judgement kicking the ball in frustration. 

  Wymondham make a change bringing on Louise Hamilton-Rout in the closing stages for Nicholls. Holloway giving way too Patterson back on. Birchall with run up the left tacked by Newcombe. The game moving into stoppage time 6 minutes added. Birchall fouled wide on the left players come forwards from the back, the delivery in towards the near post O’Callaghan taking it cleanly not distracted by the runners closing her down. 

GOAL! Acle press forwards looking for a goal attacking right play stretched Birchall and Kett are both down left side inside the six yard box as the defender puts in the challenge, the ball cleared comes back out to Cooper on the right play goes on, Kett struggling to her feet plays Cooper onside as she manages to get across into a central position to block Cooper’s initial strike the rebound coming straight back to her she shifts it inside and buries the ball into the back of the net this time 2-3. 

  Kindred returns to the field for Birchall as Acle have seconds left to try and find another goal. Is frantic out there, there isn’t time however the final whistle blows and Wymondham are triumphant winning the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history.

Full time Acle United Ladies 2-3 Wymondham Town Ladies

  A good contest between two strong sides. Wymondham with the narrow advantage at half-time weathering the Acle assault early in the 2nd half breaking away to extend their lead. Defended well on the whole Fretwell and Kett strong in the middle of defence. A late goal for Acle ending up a consolation. A hard game to call before kick-off the result could have gone either way in the finish. Wymondham having a fantastic season wining promotion now league and cup double. One more game to go in the league back in action in less that 48 hours away to Histon Ladies where they will want to end the season unbeaten I am sure. Acle are back in league action too on Sunday a long trip down to Hertfordshire to play Colney Heath Ladies. Have another chance for silverware with the ERWFL League Cup Final yet to come.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Several contenders once again for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, knew there would be. Megan Todd was excellent for Acle, Alice Ladbrooke strong in the middle for Wymondham as were their centre backs Lauren Kett doing well but like the Norfolk FA’s choice I’m going with Bethany Fretwell a very composed performance throughout the game.

2017/18 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners, Wymondham Town Ladies

 Congratulations to Wymondham Town Ladies on there league and cup success.

 Norfolk FA always put on a good final the staff always helpful and despite the awful weather a good number made the trip. An enjoyable game managed to keep my notepad dry somehow. 3 more finals coming up next week.

Cup Final Report – Hutton Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

Essex Women’s Trophy Final

Sunday 8th April

 Saffron Walden Town FC the venue for today’s football action on Women’s Football East, another Cup Final this season’s Essex Women’s Trophy Final to be contested between Hutton Ladies and Silver End United Ladies. 

  A new format for the competition this season with the sides knocked out of the earlier rounds off the County Cup going on to contest for the Trophy. Today’s final between two sides that play there football in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Division One. The pair haven’t met in league action as geography see’s Silver End United Ladies play in the North section with Hutton Ladies in the South.

  For a 2nd successive season Hutton Ladies reach a cup final, having reached the ERWFL Plate Final last season beating Colney Heath Ladies to life the trophy. Reaching the Essex Women’s Trophy Final this time around are still in with a good chance of defending the ERWFL Plate too having reached the last four, that semi-final scheduled for next weekend at home to Histon Ladies. Struggled for numbers at the beginning of the season which eventually led to their Reserve side folding earlier in the season. Currently 4th in the league are like many sides in the region, have several games left to play following one of the wettest winters in recent season’s aswell as their run in the cups.

 Silver End United Ladies are one of the few sides who have played out there fixtures ending their league campaign last weekend today’s final is their last match competitive match of the season. Have had a difficult campaign in the league finishing bottom of the league having struggled for numbers and injuries at the start of the season. Danielle Warnes taking on the role of player-manager at the start of the season. Rebuilding and recruitment during the season recent form has improved and to reach the final of a competition at the end of their season is a fantastic achievement.

Road to the Final

  Both sides entering the Trophy in the first round were both up against young sides riding high in their 1st season’s in women’s football amongst the title chasers in Essex Women’s Division One. Hutton Ladies were away to Leigh Ramblers Ladies coming out on top in a close match winning 3-2 to reach the quarter finals. Silver End United Ladies were at home to Southend United Ladies a 2-0 victory seeing them into the last 8.

   Hutton Ladies were away in the quarter finals taking on Essex Women’s Premier Division side Collier Row Tigers a 2-1 win seeing them book their place in the last 4. Silver End United Ladies were handed an away win against Hutton Ladies Reserves side who have since folded. Hutton Ladies had a home draw in the semi-finals up against Essex Women’s Division One side Rayleigh Town Ladies another new name this season. A free scoring side, Hutton proved to strong the higher league placed side comfortably into the final with a 6-1 win. A closer looking game in paper for Silver End United Ladies in the semi-finals at home to the current holders of the play Essex Premier Division side, Frontiers Ladies. Silver End United Ladies started the better and leading 2-0 at half-time held off a Frontiers come back in the 2nd half to win the match 2-1 the reach the Trophy final.

  The venue for today’s game Saffron Walden Town FC a small stadium in the heart of the town, car parking available beside the ground. two small seated stands either side of the pitch. A large bar and clubhouse with rejoining kitchen serving hot food and drinks. Sadly the weather wasn’t playing ball this Sunday as again like so many others recently the day was overcast with heavy rain falling before the game. It rained all the way down from Norfolk so I wouldn’t have been surprised if the game was in doubt when I got there, but despite being muddy the pitch drains well and was okay for the final. 

Today’s prize, The Essex Women’s Trophy

Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Nicola Walker, Kristi McLeavey, Hannah Page (C), Rianne Dimmock, Kaitlin Sugg, Amy Crumpler, Keeley Walker, Lucy Critchell, Kate Lowen & Laura Allen. Subs – Rhiannon Mallard-McHugh, Lucy Blurton, Hayley Critchell & Patrizia Leo.

Silver End United Ladies starting XI – Hannah Streetley, Emily Bambrick, Roxanne Gardner (C), Lindsey Cowell, Danielle Warnes, Danielle Bragg, Stephanie A’Len, Juliana Marques, Rebecca Donnelly, Megan Jiggins & Georgia Bryan. Subs – Laura Borein, Toni Brown, Jennifer Stanhope, Lisa Nepean & Angela Holden.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The rain still falling as the teams walk out onto the pitch the presentations taking place it’s Silver End wearing light blue shirts with navy shorts and socks to kick-off the 1st half with Hutton lined up opposite in an all red kit with white across their shirt shoulders.Conditions are going to be slippery under foot with the amount of rain that has fallen the ground having already seen one final played today. Hutton win the ball early play it long out to Lucy Critchell breaking down the left wing, Silver End captain Roxanne Gardner at right back sliding in to make the challenge put the ball out for a throw.

Kaitlin Sugg holds Silver End, Danielle Bragg off the ball

   Kristi McLeavey winning the ball for Hutton looks to play Kate Lowen in ahead of her on the right taking the ball on down the line slips as she attempts to turn inside giving Emily Bambrick the opportunity to tackle and put the ball out for a throw deep on the right. McLeavey throws it long towards the edge of the Silver End area, Lindsey Cowell getting her head on the ball to clear for Silver End, they counter attack getting the ball up to their attackers, Megan Jiggins bringing the ball down passes it to Georgia Bryan to her left looking for the return pass put into her path as she looks to get in between the Hutton centre backs, Hannah Page, Hutton’s captain intercepts the pass. 

Hutton captain, Hannah Page with Silver End United Ladies, Megan Jiggins

   A free kick awarded wide on the right for Silver End a chance to put the ball into the area  a good delivery into the six yard box Hutton goalkeeper Krissie Glover does well under with a Silver End player closing her down to punch the ball away, the play halted the challenge deemed unfair against the goalkeeper, Glover takes the free-kick. McLeavey with another long throw in deep inside the Hutton half in the right the ball knocked on across the top of the area Lowen knocks it over the top with Laura Allen breaking in behind, the ball dropping wide of goal before she can get a telling touch. 

  Hutton have started the game the better pushing players forwards turning play around quickly no one is afforded any time on the ball the pass forwards Allen giving chase Danielle Warnes sliding in to win the ball. Silver End attack up the right Juliana Marques with the ball squared inside players clustering round the top of the area Jiggins with the strike in towards goal, Glover right behind it makes the comfortable save. 

  Silver End capitalise as a kick out of the area from Glover is intercepted on the right side the ball moved quickly into the middle Jiggins turning and sliding the ball on for Rebecca Donnelly 25 yards out the goal open hits the ball 1st time Glover scrambling to get back across arrives just in time to see the ball bounce wide of the post. A busy opening quarter hour play rushed as both sides move the ball on quickly, Silver End are on the attack, the ball won back by Keeley Walker in her own half the midfielder carries the ball forwards Allen making a good run ahead of her peeling away to the right receives the ball shooting from just outside the area her shot angling in towards goal is straight at Hannah Streetley the goalkeeper making the save. Gardner defends well up against Allen in the next Hutton attack as Walker looks to set her up moving left this time.

Plenty of mud out there

   Silver End break forwards players drifting into the middle, Donnelly is in space on the left the ball played forwards she gives chase towards the box, Glover comes rushing out to meet her sliding in to save at the attackers feet, the ball not gathered runs on behind Glover, Donnelly keeping her feet tries to get there McLeavey back on the cover shielding the ball as Glover gets back to smother the ball. Kaitlin Sugg with good hold up play moving towards the right for Hutton get the ball forwards for Allen running in behind, a cry of frustration as she sends her cross behind the Silver End goal.

Hutton Ladies, Rianne Dimmock

Up the other end Rianne Dimmock comes across from the middle of defence to put the ball out for a throw as Donnelly is looking to get in behind for Silver End on the left. Warns puts in the block as Lowen and Allen attempt the one two getting forwards down the right channel for Hutton. Streetley with a good save to deny Allen as Hutton push on down the left the diagonal ball missed by the Silver End defence running onto Allen clear into the box pulls the trigger looking to put the shot back across the keeper Streetley getting a glove on the ball to deflect it away.

Hutton Ladies, Kate Lowen

  Hutton look lively breaking forwards through the middle Walker on for Lowen takes a run at the Silver End defence, Bambrick blocking her shot the rebound coming out to Amy Crumpler she attempts the slide the through ball on for Allen, a little too much on the ball Streetley can get out of her goal to gather at the top of her area. 

GOAL! Approaching the half hour mark the dead lock is broken as Hutton score the opening goal of the final, pressing forwards through the middle Sugg on the ball riding a tackle from Jiggins as appeals are made for the free-kick Sugg finds herself with time and space on the ball 35 yards out takes on the shot her lobbed effort flying over Streetley to land in the back of the net 1-0. 

Hutton Ladies’ Kaitlin Sugg

Crumpler bringing the ball on through the middle after breaking up at Silver End attack looks to exploit a high defensive line a defensive slip seeing Allen run in behind the flag up against Hutton as Lowen is caught offside. Both sides make a change, Toni Brown coming on for Bambrick for Silver End, Hayley Critchell on for Lucy Critchell for Hutton. Stephanie A’Len bringing the ball on for Silver End through the middle support to her right with Marques the ball dinked over the top of the Hutton defence deflected wide brings the 1st corner of the match. Played in from the right a good delivery an equally good claim from Glover jumping at her near post. 

A’Len getting on with the ball at her feet again through the middle has Donnelly breaking clear on the left wing taking the ball on up the line squares a cross in towards the near post Jiggins closing in as Glover goes down to save the ball put wide looks to come off the keeper but a goal kick is awarded. Into the closing minutes of the 1st half a throw deep on the right for Silver End the ball played into the area Bryan holding in the ball up right of the goal attempts to lay it back for the advancing runner, Hutton defend the ball deflected wide across the six yard box Jiggins retrieves left side swings a low cross back into the six yard box, Glover down low lays claim to the ball. 

  Last attack of the half as Hutton break the ball rolled on for Lowen to take on jinking left then right takes on the Silver End defence moving right gets a shot away from inside the box, Streetley is a tall goalkeeper plucks the ball down safely at her near post.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 1-0 Silver End United Ladies

  That 1st half passed very quickly the ball wasn’t still for a second both sides eager to get forwards, play broken up in midfield space is available if the pass can find the runner. Both goalkeepers producing saves. A single goal the difference between the sides a narrow advantage for Hutton a well taken goal by Sugg to put them ahead. Silver End far from out of the game plenty to look forwards to in the 2nd half.

Tackle avoidance, Hutton’s Amy Crumpler evades Megan Jiggins slide in the mud

A change for both sides at half-time. Both in attack, Patrizia Leo is on for Hutton in place of Lowen. Angela Holden is on for Silver End in place of Bryan. Hutton to get the 2nd half underway. Silver End win the ball and counter the pass long out to Donnelly on the left wins a corner kick. Players forwards as the delivery comes in from the left knocked on across the face of goal falls to Holden from close range her shot is blocked deflected behind for a corner on the right. A good ball in low across the top of the six yard box, no one challenging Glover as she drops forwards onto the ball. 

Silver End United Ladies captain, Roxanne Gardner

  Bragg with a excellent tackle to get hold of the ball for Silver End in the centre on for A’Len she runs with the ball before looking to slide Jiggins in on goal Sugg tracking back is able to shield the ball back to her goalkeeper. A free-kick on halfway for Hutton players up to the top of the area as Crumpler plays it forwards the headed clearance coming back to her as she advances takes a shot fro distance her effort blocked Sugg trying to get on the end of the rebound Silver End launch the ball up field. 

  Crumpler plays the ball on for Critchell getting clear on the left closing in on the byline sends a low cross in towards the six yard box Streetley gets to it first. A’Len with the ball on for Jiggins she is tackled by Walker, the game becoming a little stretched, Silver End knowing they are not out of it sense they can pull the scores level Hutton know they need another goal. Critchell sees another cross in from the left race across the Silver End six yard box. Walker does enough to stop A’Len as the Silver End midfielder looks to press on with the ball. The ball not cleared the diagonal ball is fired in towards the far post Marques closing in, Glover gets out ahead of her to take the ball. 

Silver End United Ladies, Stephanie A’Len

 Leo on the attack right side fires and early ball into the area a difficult ball for Streetley to deal with gets a glancing touch on the ball in the middle of her six yard box to knock the ball on to the left side Critchell after it regains possession hitting a shot in on the turn, Streetley has her near post covered by then is well placed to make the save. Silver End launch a rapid counter the ball on through the middle Bragg on for Jiggins on the move takes on the early shot outside the area Glover behind it all the way safely gathers. 

Straight up the other end the ball played out to Critchell on the left side knocks the ball inside 25 yards out sends a shot in towards goal the rising ball heading for the top corner Streetley makes the save knocking the ball down and away for the corner. The corner delivered low in towards the near post is cleared. Silver End make another change Marques the player coming off on comes Jennifer Stanhope. Silver End are pushing fro the equaliser with 20 minutes of the game left Leo attacking with the ball right side turns in field is tackled by Brown on the edge of the box. Hutton make another change the Critchell’s switching places once again Lucy back on for Hayley. 

 GOAL! Crumpler has the ball at her feet running towards the Silver End goal his fouled by Bragg in a dangerous position 25 yards out central to goal. It’s Crumpler to take the set-piece strikes it superbly the ball curled over the wall finding the top right hand corner of the goal to double Hutton’s lead with less than a quarter of an hour to play 2-0. 

Hutton Ladies, Amy Crumpler

Crumpler involved in the build up once more as Hutton push on taking the ball on through the middle lays the pass out to Leo on the right her early diagonal ball low into the box evades Streetley the ball heading for the goal beyond the Silver End defence back tracking the ball is cleared off the line by Warnes. A throw high on the left for Hutton into Critchell plays the pass from the top of the area 25 yards out on for Allen she takes the ball on shapes too shoot her standing foot going out from under her as she doe so the ball running wide of the far post as a result. A free-kick for Silver End as Gardner is fouled inside her own half almost all go forwards towards the Hutton penalty area. Hutton make a change Crumpler coming off, Lucy Blurton comes on.

 GOAL! Closing in on the final 5 minutes of the match and Silver End set up a tense finish to the final as they pull a goal back. The ball played up towards the top left corner of the area Hutton don’t get it clear as Silver End pressure the ball the cross is fired into the middle of the area, A’Len meeting it sends the ball past the keeper into the back of the goal to make it 2-1.

  Jiggins plays the ball on for Donnelly looking to come inside to attack the box from the left Dimmock gets there first to clear the ball over her own crossbar for the corner. Allen finds space on the left as the ball is won in midfield by Walker. Shoots from 25 yards out her low ball in gathered by Streetley. Silver End make another substitution Bragg the player coming off, Lisa Nepean on. Nicola Walker gets forwards on the left in support of Allen the attacker getting the ball into her the full back squares a cross into the area intercepted by Warnes. Allen chases the ball into the corner eating up valuable seconds.

Silver Ends, Jennifer Stanhope tackles Hutton’s Nicola Walker

  Silver End bring off Gardner late on sending Laura Borein on a straight swap at right back. Donnelly sends a shot over the Hutton cross bar after the referee plays the advantage as she runs onto the ball after Jiggins is fouled in the middle. The last chance of the match as the final whistle blows and Hutton Ladies celebrate winning the Essex Women’s Trophy.

Full time Hutton Ladies 2-1 Silver End United Ladies

  Despite the horrible conditions an entertaining final played at a furious pace both sides never finding any time on the ball. Hutton leading 1-0 at half time were in need of a 2nd goal as Silver End pushed for a reply in the 2nd half, Amy Crumpler’s superb free-kick doubling the advantage. Silver End never gave up though and pulling it back to 2-1 made Hutton work for the result. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Sometimes it can be an easy decision… but more often then not it’s a tough one picked a Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A committed battle in the centre of the park play broken up by both sides, plenty of good forwards movement too. One player slightly ahead of the rest and consistent throughout was Hutton’s Amy Crumpler and add on to that her excellent free-kick the make it 2-0 she wins today’s Player of the Match award. 

Essex Women’s Trophy winners 17/18, Hutton Ladies

Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning this season’s Essex Women’s Trophy Final.

 To Silver End United Ladies congratulations too, a cup final to end a difficult season for the club.

  Plenty more games left to squeeze in before the end of the season and possibly some dry ones too. Enjoyed the final despite the weather my thanks to the Essex FA and both the clubs for their assistance today. 

Cup Final Report – BBC Essex Women’s County Cup

Thursday 29th March

Brentwood Town Ladies v C&K Basildon Ladies

 Aveley FC the venue this evening for the final of the BBC Essex Women’s County Cup between Brentwood Town Ladies and the current holders C&K Basildon Ladies.

 Winners of the Essex Women’s County Cup for the past 3 successive season’s 4 wins over all C&K Basildon Ladies are aiming for a record equalling 5th win in the competition formed back the 1994/95 season. C&K Basildon’s opponents for this evening’s final are Brentwood Town Ladies from the ERWFL Premier Division making their 1st ever County Cup Final appearance.

   Last season fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Billericay Town Ladies took C&K Basildon Ladies all the way to extra-time before the FAWPL Southern Division side went on to win their 3rd County Cup in a row. The will be an incentive to Brentwood Town Ladies as they face a tough test against a side in good form playing 2 leagues higher. Currently 6th in the ERWFL Premier Division, Brentwood Town Ladies form has varied this season a poor run earlier in the season seeing them slip down the standings. A change in the management team saw Paul Prosser taking over at 1st team manager. A run of good results has followed including their County Cup success’s. Have also formed a new Reserves side this season competing in Essex Women’s Division One, after a slow start the side is now in a rich vein of form in third position right amongst the title challengers.

  C&K Basildon Ladies have improved year on year as, promoted to the FAWPL Southern Division, have not only consolidated their status at that level but progressed up the table reaching the top of the league itself earlier in the season to date their highest league position in the women’s football pyramid. Currently 2nd in the table a point behind leaders Crystal Palace Ladies and have two games in hand. They too have a Reserves side their Development team currently 3rd in the FAWPL Reserve Southern Division.

Road to the Final

   Both sides were given a bye in the Essex Women’s County Cup to the quarter final stage along with Billericay Town Ladies, Writtle Ladies and Colchester Town Ladies all from the ERWFL Premier Division. A tough tie for Brentwood  Town Ladies in the quarter final draw away to local rivals Billericay Town Ladies a bit of competition always guaranteed between the sides it was Brentwood Town Ladies who were celebrating after the final whistle reaching the semi-finals with a 2-0 win. C&K Basildon Ladies were handed a home tie against Colchester Town Ladies and progressed without kicking a ball as the ERWFL side had unfortunately folded earlier in the season. 

 Into the semi-finals and Brentwood Town Ladies were at home this time up against fellow ERWFL Premier Division side Writtle Ladies this tie going all the way. The sides drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes and beyond the tie headed into a penalty shootout Brentwood Town Ladies emerging 4-2 winners to reach their 1st ever County Cup Final. C&K Basildon Ladies were also at home in the semi-finals and were at last kicking a ball in the competition hosting Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies from ERWFL Division One South who had come all the way through from the initial Preliminary Round. C&K Basildon Ladies finishing the game the stronger running out 9-0 winners to reach their 4th successive final.

The new stadium at Aveley FC

 A new venue for this evenings Essex Women’s County Cup Final, Aveley FC’s brand new stadium. An impressive looking modern main building housing the changing rooms, a very large clubhouse and bar along with fully equipped kitchen. Seating in front of the main building with a balcony inside the clubhouse/bar over looking the pitch too. A smaller seated stand opposite the pitch an all-weather 3G surface another 1st for the Essex Women’s County Cup Final. A wet journey down from Norfolk, thankfully the rain had stopped by the time I arrived at the ground, plenty of parking outside. Overcast by thankfully any rain would stay away for the match.

Brentwood Town Ladies starting XI – Kelly Walker, Amy Vernon, Emma Hooker, Nicole Manning, Chloe Wilkinson, Jess Mills, Danielle Butler (C), Drew Allen, Laura Wheeler, Georgia Holdaway & Marie Barker. Subs – Angela Arnold, Rachel Stittle, Ashley Debnam, Abigail Maynard & Zoe Hinton.

C&K Basildon Ladies starting XI – Nikita Runnacles, Laken Duchar-Clark, Ellie Manning, Hayley West, Danica Revell, Kerry -Anne Stimson, April Bowers, Zoe Rushen (C), Angela Addison, Jay Blackie & Therese Addison. Subs – Jamie-Lee Bamford, Tilly Deacon, Amy Nash & Karissa Rodney.

 It’s Basildon to kick off the final 1st half wearing and all red kit with Brentwood lined up opposite wearing navvy shirts and shorts with blue socks. The ball played out long to the left Angela Addison immediately on the move down that flank, along with her twin sister Therese operating down the right side in attack the pair have been a revelation since breaking into the 1st team earlier in the season. Plenty of pace Angela Addison sees her ball knocked on in to the area intercepted the rebound coming straight to Basildon captain Zoe Rushen 20 yards out shoots over from a central position. 

   Rushen comes forwards again in support of Therese Addison on the right getting past her inside the right channel into the area her low crossed squared across the six yard box, goalkeeper Kelly Walker diving onto the ball for Brentwood. Coming forwards with the ball Laura Wheeler plays it forwards into Drew Allen on the left for Brentwood has help on the inside from Georgia Holdaway receiving the pass takes the ball on looking to get in behind the Basildon defence fouls Basildon’s Danica Revell in the process the free kick going against her.

   The Addison sisters are lively attacking down the flanks for Basildon on either side breaking forwards have the Brentwood defence pinned back, Therese’s cross from the right swerving over the crossbar. A coming together between Brentwood at the back between Emma Hooker and Amy Vernon as the ball is played long from Basildon up to Therese Addison sees the attacking running in clear behind, the ball skipping off the 3G surface Walker is able to advance towards the edge of her box and clear before the attacker can close her down.

   Walker then produces a great save to deny Angela Addison scoring the opening goal as she breaks clear on the left side pushing on into the top of the area before firing in a fierce shot, angling in near post Walker beats the ball away sending it spinning away across the face of goal out for a corner kick. A good delivery from the corner coming in centrally Jay Blackie rising to meet it with her head 8 yards out on target is caught high by Walker in the Brentwood goal. A dominant start to the match from Basildon, Brentwood opportunities to attack are limited, Wheeler plays the ball over the top for Chloe Wilkinson in attack to try and chase down too much to do as the ball is gathered by goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles at the top of her area.

  GOAL! 13 minutes on the clock and Basildon open the scoring a long range diagonal ball from midfield picking out Angela Addison breaking in behind the Brentwood defence coming into a central position controls the ball in the area 10 yards out before slotting a low shot past Walker to make it 0-1.

   Basildon continue to press forwards a good ball from Blackie in the middle coming to receive the ball sends Therese Addison away on the right her cross going long across the six yard box. Blackie charges down Walker’s clearance as she comes out of her area to clear the ball the ball rebounding away to her right, no Basildon player is there to capitalise as Brentwood captain Danielle Butler gets back to hook the ball clear. 

  Ellie manning comes on from right back to help Therese Addison the ball played on for her the attacker taking on the Brentwood defence into the area lays the ball back towards April Bowers arriving at the top of the area opening up her body to shoot puts her effort wide across goal at the far post. Bowers is the furthest forwards again for Basildon moments later throwing herself at the ball crossed in towards the far post from the right can’t quiet connect with the ball inside the six yard box. 

   Brentwood are busy in defence, Nicole Manning making a vital interception inside the area, Marie Barker back to win the ball passes onto Wheeler she looks to get Holdaway forwards, Hayley West winning the tackle against her at the back for Basildon, a swift counter attack the ball into Kerry-Anne Stimson on for Angela Addison breaking down the left side a mazy run on the ball the Brentwood defence back pedalling, tries to set up her sister moving into a central position top of the area, Manning cutting the pass out.

   The Addison sisters look to link up in attack once more both breaking away down either flank Therese putting the cross in earlier along the top of the box Angela with the knock on into the area Manning stays with her keeping her eye on the ball putting in the defensive block as the attacker goes to shoot the ball turned behind for the corner. An very good delivery from the corner on the left side an inswinging ball whipped in with pace Walker under pressure beating the ball away on her goal line before Basildon can pounce on the loose ball play is stopped with a Brentwood player down on the line. 

  A strong tackle by Wheeler on Blackie at the top of the area sees the Brentwood player win the ball after Ellie Manning gets forwards to cross into her from the right. Walker rushing out of her area slides into to win the ball from Angela Addison as the attacker bursts clear, does get the ball but takes Addison out too the referee awarding the free-kick. Rushen a dead ball specialist sends a shot from the angle in on goal Walker palming it up over her crossbar makes the save. The corner whipped in with pace towards the near post Angela Addison attempting the diving header can’t get anything on the ball as Brentwood scramble it clear.

  Laken Duchar-Clark with the ball on the right on for Bowers played into Rushen her shot from distance held comfortably by the keeper. Brentwood with a rare attack Jess Mills with the ball into Wilkinson has support coming from Barker she passes the ball out to Drew Allen on the left side looking to come in field now way past Ellie Manning as the full back puts in the challenge to regain possession of the ball. A caution for Mills as she blocks Angela Addison on the left the ball into the area defended by Hooker. Therese Addison takes on Vernon down the right getting the better of the full back wrong footing her top of the area gets inside pulling the trigger drags her low shot wide across the face of goal. Bowers with the ball for Basildon 30 yards out central goes to shoot her effort charged down is enough to deflect the ball narrowly wide of the far post a corner awarded.

GOAL! Closing on in on the last five minutes of the 1st half Basildon double their lead another good delivery from the corner a high ball played into the crowded six yard box a Brentwood head on the ball knocks the ball away from goal dropping to the edge of the area. Angela Addison eyes must light up as the ball is presented straight to her she strikes it sending a thunderbolt through the crowd into the back of the net beyond 0-2. 

 Angela Addison pressing with the ball turns inside from the left into the area her cross along the six yards box Blackie letting the ball run across her turns and shoots Allen back in defence blocking the ball it spins behind for the corner. Playing in short towards the top of the area the shot is taken the ball striking to post, players from both sides scrambling to get to the ball Walker has gone down with a knock the referee stopping play so she can receive treatment. 

 4 minutes of stoppage time to be played Basildon ending the 1st half as strongly as they started it pushing forwards, a cross squared in low from the left Walker misses her low catch at the top of her six yard box plenty of players in the area the ball pin-balling around as Brentwood put in the blocks a shot from Therese Addison squeezes through Walker recovering well back on her feet on her line saves with her legs the ball deflected away. 

   Rushen getting into the area sees her shot charged down by Vernon deflected away for a corner kick. The delivery in from the right going long across the top of the six yard box Angela Addison up to head the ball, Brentwood have the far post covered the defending the ball clear a late chance for Brentwood to break the ball played long Wilkinson giving chase, Runnacles having not had much to do in the 1st half alert and out to the edge of her area to gather the ball into her gloves. 

Half-time Brentwood Town Ladies 0-2 C&K Basildon Ladies

   A 2-0 half-time lead for Basildon have dominated the 1st half in attack, Brentwood have been defending well kept busy at the back keeping the scoreline down. Walker making some fine saves too. Haven’t created much going forwards with no attempts at goal pushed back into their own areas for large spells getting players up in support of Wilkinson in attack hasn’t been easy, the Addison twins posing a real threat on either flank for Basildon with Blackie, Rushen and Bowers though the middle all capable of creating something from distance if given room on the ball. At 2-0 however the final is far from being settled.

 A double change for Brentwood at the break, Mills and Wheeler off 20 and 3 on for Brentwood but without a final team-sheet to confirm which number belong to which player I can tell you no more. Brentwood to get the 2nd half underway I’ve come across to the opposite side to sit in the mainstand for the 2nd half the venue impressive under the floodlights. Basildon with the early attack regaining possession of the ball in the middle Rushen on for Angela Addison breaking in behind on the left the cross fired in centrally Walker coming out slides in well to save at Blackie’s feet. 

 GOAL! Ins’t long before Basildon extend their lead however as 3 minutes into the 2nd half Angela Addison completes her hat-trick. A lovely flighted long pass by Rushen up towards Addison inside the area left side great control the attacker turning inside her marker before driving her strike past the keeper into the back of the net 0-3.

 Brentwood are more than prepared to have a go at Basildon themselves when they can get forwards Barker receiving the ball in the middle brings it on before playing it forwards for Wilkinson she turns and drives at the Basildon defence, Revell standing her ground puts in the tackle. Holdaway trying to get a little more advanced to support Wilkinson 2nd half chests the ball down well moving to the left plays the ball inside West intercepting for Basildon the pass sent long with Angela Addison breaking away down the left touching in on into the area shoots putting the ball wide across the face of goal.

   Manning takes the ball on down the right for Basildon crossing the ball in low towards Therese Addison positioned near post 3 yards out closely marked her touch wrong-footing the Brentwood defender she gets a shot away Walker with the instinctive close range save beats the ball away. Basildon continue their dominance pushing players forwards, Barker back sliding in to stop Bowers setting up Blackie. Manning on down the right away her cross put in early into the area Walker keeps her eye on the ball catching cleanly as Bowers closes her down. 

  A shot at goal for Brentwood as the ball is played inside Wilkinson letting fly from 25 yards out her effort dragged wide doesn’t trouble Runnacles. Stimson has been the holding midfielder for Basildon a rare foray forwards she sees her shot from 25 yards out charged down. A corner on the right for Basildon whipped in near post defended well Brentwood try to break but the ball is lost. Therese Addison back to goal outside the box sees the ball into her body turns well moving inside onto to her right foot to shoot, Walker making another excellent save. 

  Brentwood get forwards the ball rolled out to Holdaway on the left her pass on for Allen she sends a squared cross into the area, Runnacles catching before Wilkinson can reach it. Walker is down injured looks painful as she stays down after colliding with Addison. Is a long pause in play as she receives treatment sadly cannot continue and has to come of Abigail Maynard the substitute goalkeeper onto the field. Play resumes Vernon with a fine tackle to stop Therese Addison on the right as she comes inside looking to take her on.

  GOAL! Moving into the final 15 minutes Basildon extend their lead, Angela Addison the provider this time as she is put away clear on the left side plenty of pace she fires the ball into the middle of the area aiming for Blackie, who shows great composure to let the ball run across her opening up her body to turn the ball wide past the keeper and on into the bottom corner of the net for a 0-4 lead.

  Brentwood go straight up the other end from the restart the game a little stretched showing a willingness to attack Runnacles has to make a save as the ball comes to Allen central 25 yards out has time to pull the trigger the ball arrowing in high on target Runnacles behind it tipping the shot up over her crossbar. The corner from the right going long and out at the far post. Brentwood come forwards Holdaway inside to Barker onto Wilkinson she tries to play Holdaway in behind on the left Manning stepping up to intercept the ball.

   A difficult ball for Maynard to deal with up the other end the high ball flung into the box from the left the keeper doing well to pluck the ball down from under her crossbar, Vernon kicking the ball away for the corner. 

 GOAL! From the 81st minute corner Basildon extend their lead, the delivery from Manning again very good fired in along the top of the six yards box the perfect high for Rushen who gets up highest to put her head on the ball and drive it into the goal 0-5. 

 A triple change for Basildon follows the goal with Runnacles, West and Bowers off, on come goalkeeper Jamie-Lee Bamford, Tilly Deacon in defence and Karissa Rodney in attack. Basildon press on winning a corner on the right the ball into the six yard box headed clear by Brentwood, Revell onto the ball outside the area screws her 20 yard shot wide of goal. The Brentwood defence will have a few ball prints adorning their bodies come the morning as they put in a succession of blocks inside the box in their determination to prevent Basildon scoring as repeated shots are taken, Manning, Vernon and Allen all putting their bodies in the way of the ball.

   Rodney with a chance to score for Basildon as the Addison sisters combine in attack Angela with the cross in long from the left Therese with the touch to square the ball back into Rodney central scoops the ball up over the crossbar from six yards out a deflection spotted a corner awarded. The keeper with a good save at close range from a Rodney shot at the near post. 

GOAL! Into stoppage time a bit to be played with the injury to Walker and Basildon score a sixth goal breaking from a Brentwood attack Duchar-Clark with the interception plays the past long the Brentwood defence stretched Rodney away in behind on the left Angela Addison running central into the box the cross squared into her she stays on her feet as the challenge comes in digging the ball out of her feet and slotting it past the keeper for her 4th of the match, putting Basildon into a 0-6 lead.

GOAL! The lead is further extended 4 minutes into stoppage time a free-kick wide right outside the box as Vernon up ended Therese Addison. Rushen over the set-piece goes for goal the ball going long towards the far post plenty of pace on the ball finds in gap in the crowded six yard box and nestles inside the post 0-7.

Full time Brentwood Town Ladies 0-7 C&K Basildon Ladies

   That’s it the final whistle blows and C&K Basildon Ladies win a fifth recorded equalling Essex Women’s County Cup Final a fourth successive County Cup win too. A dominant display right from the off getting players forwards. Brentwood knowing they would take some stopping battled well and defended well for large parts of the game but without being able to get the ball up the other end for any length of time the Basildon attacks were coming at them frequently. Some fine saves from Walker keeping the scoreline down was just 3-0 going into the final 10 minutes of the game. Basildon though are a strong side and have were composed and disciplined at the back.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 A fairly straightforward choice for this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Lively right from the start and full of running with or without the ball at her feet creating plenty of goal scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates, and scoring 4 well taken goals in the final of the Essex Women’s County Cup it is of course Angela Addison.

C&K Basildon Ladies, 5 times Essex Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulations to C&K Basildon Ladies on their record equalling County Cup success winning a 4th successive final. Ultimately a 7-0 loss but congratulation to go to Brentwood Town Ladies on reaching their 1st ever County Cup Final. An enjoyable trip to Aveley FC this evening.

Cup Final Report – Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup

Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup Final

Sunday 11th March

Stevenage Ladies v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

The first County Cup Final of the season today a 3:00pm kick-off at The County Ground, Letchworth, with Stevenage Ladies looking to successfully retain the trophy for the 1st time take on county cup final debutants, Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies.

 A contest that pits FAWPL against ERWFL, two leagues between the sides a stern test for Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies playing in ERWFL Division One South up against a Stevenage Ladies side that is as strong as it has ever been. 

  Reece Buck the man in charge of Stevenage Ladies 1st team these days into his 2nd season in the job, was previously in charge of Hoddesdon Town Owls taking several of their experienced players with him to join Stevenage. Promoted to the FAWPL they retained their league status in their first season at that level aswell as winning the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup for the ??? Bringing in several experienced players over the close season have gotten stronger currently in 7th place in the table well away from danger nudging towards a top half finish. Their 4th successive County Cup Final winning the competition in the 2014/15 & 2016/17 seasons Stevenage Ladies are looking to successfully defend the trophy for the 1st time.

 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies reached the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final for the 1st time this season, a great achievement for a side that has been through a difficult spell of late. Following the departure of Reece Buck and several players, Matthew Hudson took over the 1st team having to field an inexperienced side last season, a difficult campaign struggling for points things starting to improve towards the end of the season. Some of their experienced players returning to the club, Leah Dunnage, Kristina O’Connell and Rosy Wodhams were in the starting line-up for Stevenage in the County Cup Final last season Wodhams scoring two goals. Thing’s are improving as Hoddesdon look to reestablish themselves in the ERWFL.

Road to the Final

 A big win away from home for Stevenage Ladies in the 1st Round of the competition as they began the defence of their trophy, taking in Beds & Herts Division One side Garston Ladies. Hat-tricks for both Leah Littlechild and Nicole Emmings in a 14-0 win. More of the same in the 2nd Round away to Bed & Herts Division Two side Evergreen Eagles 14-0 again the winning score, captain Donna McGuigan the pick of the goalscorers with 5 goals to her name.

   Onto the quarter finals and another away trip this time to play Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies whom they beat to win the County Cup in the 2014/15 season. The result 3-0 then it was 3-0 again as Stevenage booked their place in the semi-finals with goals from McGuigan, Ellie Searle and Amy Makewell. A repeat of last seasons final in the semi-finals only Stevenage were at home for the 1st time in the competition as they took on Royston Town Ladies goals from Littlechild, Ashleigh Deacon and Chloe Gunn seeing them into the final courtesy of a 3-0 win.

 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies started their campaign in the County Cup at home to Beds & Herts Division Three newcomers Welwyn Pegasus Azures. Kristina O’Connell scoring a hat-trick in a comfortable win for the higher league side. At home again in the 2nd Round a much sterner test followed as they faced fellow league side and unbeaten leaders, Stevenage Ladies Reserves. A great result for Hoddesdon as they battled to a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes taking the tie into extra-time going on to win 5-3. Hannah Kelly scoring a hat-rick with O’Connell also getting a brace.

 Higher league opponents in the quarter finals of the competition Hoddesdon were draw at home again to take on Colney Heath Ladies. Another battling display seeing the sides drawing 2-2. Rosy Wodhams and Charley Handley scoring for Hoddesdon the tie going all the way to penalties. Goalkeeper Casey Herrick with some great saves as Hoddesdon went on to win the shoot-out 3-1 to reach the semi-finals. At home once again were the narrow favourites as they took on Beds & Herts Division One leaders, St Albans Ladies. Captain, Natasha Crick scoring twice with a goal each for O’Connell, Handley and Wodhams in a 5-2 victory to reach the County Cup Final for the very first time.

  The County Ground, Letchworth once again the venue for today’s final. The Hertfordshire FA getting their county cup competition wrapped up in most cases a month before the surrounding counties. A nice wide playing surface a little sticky underfoot with the amount of moisture that has fallen recently. Overlooked by a large mainstand on one side the bar at one end the changing rooms beyond. At the other the Pukka Tukka refreshments trailer serving hot food and drinks. A good crowd building for the final. An overcast sky not too chilly little or no rai forecast during the match.   

 Stevenage Ladies starting XI – Shayla Burgess, Paige Logie, Tanya Blacksley, Dominique Godbeer, Cara Breckenridge, Chloe Gunn, Ellie Searle, Leah Littlechild, Donna McGuigan (C) & Nicole Emmings. Subs – Danielle Maloney, Amy Josland, Kristi Burling, Ashleigh Deacon & Rebecca Scola.

 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies starting XI – Casey Herrick, Katie Kendle, Charley Handley, Faye Holder, Hannah Kelly, Leah Dunnage, Sian Owens, Chloe Makepeace, Kristina O’Connell, Natasha Crick (C) & Rosy Woodhams. Stephanie Iaonnou, Megan Davies, Shannon Daly, Robyn Jones & Courtney Smart. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  7 players that started last season’s County Cup Final are in the starting line-ups this afternoon 4 for Stevenage whilst, Leah Dunnage, Kristina O’Connell and Rosy Wodhams represent Hoddesdon this time around. It’s Stevenage to kick off the game 1st half wearing white shirts with pale red vertical stripes, red shorts and socks. Hoddesdon lined up opposite wearing navy and red vertical striped shirts, navy shorts and socks. Midfielder Chloe Gunn sends the ball long from kick-off out into the left channel for Ellie Searle to try and chase down can’t reach it an early goalkick for Casey Herrick for Hoddesdon.

 A bright start from Stevenage trying to get players forwards Hoddesdon with a free-kick on half way as Paige Logie commits the foul for Stevenage the ball played high up towards the top of the area, Dominique Godbeer the middle of Stevenage’s three centre backs getting her head on the ball to clear. Sian Owens on the right side for Hoddesdon looks to make progress down the wing her pass inside to Rosy Wodhams she tries to pick her out with the return pass, Tanya Blacksley coming in tackling the ball out for a throw. Hoddesdon sending captain Natasha Crick away down into the right corner she squares the cross inside the box into Wodhams looking to strike it on the angle first time, Godbeer going to ground slides in to take the ball away from the striker. 

Stevenage Ladies, Dominique Godbeer

 Stevenage launch a rapid counter attack, Gunn bringing the ball on through the middle. Nicole Emmings peeling away into space on the right ahead of her Gunn picks her out with the pass her cross into the Hoddesdon area cut out by Faye Holder. Stevenage rebuild in attack coming forwards the pass out to Leah Littlechild on the right her cross whipped in dipping near post captain Donna McGuigan with the run stoops to get her head onto the ball turns her effort wide of the post inside the six yard box. A fast tempo from Stevenage at the start of the game coming forwards with purpose. 

Chloe Makepeace winning the tackle for Hoddesdon Town Owls

  A free-kick for Stevenage wide right level with the top of the area, Gunn their set-piece specialist over the ball goes for goal her strike flashing wide across the face of goal. Searle with the ball on the left rolls it on for Emmings, getting inside the full back puts the ball into the path of Gunn her long range strike controlled by Herrick back on her goal line. As Stevenage come again the Hoddesdon defence gets a little ragged as they attempt to clear the ball falling pushed out wide McGuigan latching onto the ball stumbles slightly before regaining control and firing in a vicious strike towards goal her attempt smashing against the cross bar before running out wide to the left.

 Hoddesdon have defended hard for the opening 15 minutes getting forwards pressing the ball high catch Stevenage in possession Hannah Kelly winning the ball brings it on, Cara Breckenridge getting back on her to win the ball back for Stevenage. The ball played into Gunn she picks out Searle going clear into space on the left her cross fired into the near post intercepted by the Hoddesdon defence. 

GOAL! Stevenage open the scoring in the 16th minute have a free-kick inside their own half the ball played up towards the top of the area, Gunn under it the ball knocked into McGuigan she passes back to Gunn who lays the ball back for Amy Makewell to hit 1st time 25 yards out her low driven shot racing past the diving keeper into the bottom corner 1-0.

  Stevenage looking strong press forwards Emmings with support from Littlechild on the right the ball turned into the area, Holder comes charging forwards to win the tackle for Hoddesdon. Herrick produces an excellent one handed save as Stevenage get in behind her defence Makewell moving to the left cutting the ball across the area for Emmings to strike from 8 yards out Herrick flinging a hand out parrying the ball away from her goal.  

GOAL! On 20 minutes Stevenage’s lead is doubled, Makewell scoring again from outside the box a virtual copy of her first goal, Bodies forwards around the top of the area as the ball comes in Emmings getting the ball into the number 9 she sends another low drive into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

 Little opportunity for Hoddesdon to get the ball into their attackers, O’Connell bringing the ball on through the middle has support from Kelly she holds the ball up well tries to pick out Wodhams on the left, Logie closing her down regaining possession for Stevenage. A free-kick wide right for Stevenage, Gunn to play the ball long into the area, Charley Handley with a commanding header getting the ball away for Hoddesdon. A throw on the left the ball played inside by Stevenage is inviting Breckenridge to have a strike 30 yards out she obliges, pulling her effort wide of the left post. 

Hannah Kelly on the ball for Hoddesdon looking to get past Stevenage’s Cara Breckenridge

 Littlechild breaking away on the right side for Stevenage her diagonal ball into the box parried behind for a corner by Herrick. Taken short up the line on the right Littlechild fires a shot narrowly over the Hoddesdon crossbar. Katie Kendle tackles well to stop Searle on the left as Gunn looks to play the winger in behind. Gunn confident in possession breaks forwards through the middle with the ball O’Connell seeing the threat goes with her sliding in to take the ball from her as she closes down on the area. 

Stevenage’s Tanya Blacksley contesting the ball with Hoddesdon’s Rosy Wodhams

 Stevenage are on top, pushing on the ball played inside to McGuigan in a central position outside the box a turn and hit as the ball comes across her the attempt taking a deflection wide for a corner. Dunnage winning the ball for Hoddesdon, attempting to break themselves Stevenage are organised at the back the 3 centre backs keeping tabs on any one threatening to get in behind. 

GOAL! Half an hour played and Stevenage extend their lead with a well worked goal. Gunn beginning the move and finishing it as she carries the ball forwards laying the pass out to Searle getting in behind on the left Gunn continuing her run into the area as Searle sends the ball into her run, the midfield opening up her body to send the ball angling away from the keeper into the top corner 3-0.

Stevenage Ladies, Chloe Gunn

 Stevenage press their advantage look strong as Hoddesdon look to regroup. O’Connell back to clear the ball hasn’t had much chance to influence thing’s going forwards. Holder scrambling the ball away inside the box for Hoddesdon as the cross is flung into the area from the right, a foul spotted by the referee as Emmings latches onto the ball. A chance for Makewell for complete her hat-trick as the ball comes to her momentarily free in the area a second to composure herself looks to play the ball wide of the keeper right into the bottom corner of the net sees her shot run wide of the post. Hoddesdon make a change, Stephanie Iaonnou coming on in place of O’Connell. 

 Closing in on the final 5 minutes of the 1st half, Hoddesdon have their 1st shot of the match coming as Stevenage give away possession wide on the left Crick with the attempt from all of 30 yards out, on target, Shayla Burgess on loan from Watford Ladies having had little to do in the Stevenage goal, well place however back on her line is right behind the strike palming it down and safely claiming the ball. 

Hoddesdon Town Owls captain, Natasha Crick

GOAL! 41 minutes on the clock and Stevenage have another goal. Launching a counter attack the ball with Littlechild right side she squares the ball inside to Breckenridge coming on through the middle she is fouled in a dangerous position 25 yards from goal. Gunn to take it strikes the ball perfectly the ball lifted up towards goal flies over the keeper and into the back of the net 4-0.

  Late into the 1st half and Stevenage ring the changes, making 3 substitutions, Emmings, Littlechild and Blacksley coming off for Danielle Maloney, Ashleigh Deacon and Rebecca Scola. 

Half-time Stevenage Ladies 4-0 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

  A dominant 1st half from Stevenage sees them with a comfortable 4-0 lead. A brace each from Makewell and Gunn. Have created numerous other chances. Hoddesdon have battle hard in defence have see little of the ball themselves with just the one attempt at goal. 

 More changes at half-time for Stevenage, Amy Josland and Kristi Burling replacing Breckenridge and McGuigan. Megan Davies on for Hoddesdon who get the 2nd half underway. A later 3pm kick-off sees the floodlights starting to come on as the natural light begins to fade. Wodhams with the ball at her feet 30 yards out is allowed to come on takes on the strike her effort on target Burgess back on her line right behind it once again comfortably gathering the low ball. 

Stevenage Ladies, Paige Logie

  Deacon wide on the right side for Stevenage receiving the ball off a throw sends the pass inside towards Gunn positioned outside the box connecting with the ball sens it looping high into the air, heading towards goal looks to be heading over but dips very late a real problem for Herrick as she back peddles onto her goal line sees the ball land on top of the crossbar. 

 GOAL! 5 minutes into the 2nd half Stevenage go further into the lead, the Hoddesdon defence stretched pulled over to the left as Searle races on with the ball fires in a cross along the face of goal, both Josland and Deacon are racing in far post the latter getting the touch on the ball to turn it into the back of the net to make it 5-0. 

GOAL! A 6th goal quickly follows a minute after scoring her 1st of the final Deacon with her 2nd with a great individual goal as she is set away on the right side after Stevenage break up a Hoddesdon attack. The right winger carrying the ball on into the area unopposed right of goal sends her shot wide across the keeper to score 6-0.

Two quick goals for Stevenage’s Ashleigh Deacon

  Hoddesdon make a change Makepeace coming off to be replaced by the returning O’Connell. Makewell with a strong run forwards, Holder getting in front of her to get the ball back to her keeper to clear. A free-kick won for Hoddesdon 30 yards out in a central position O’Connell over the ball goes for goal on target the shot lacks the pace to trouble Burgess. 

Makewell close again to completing her hat-trick as Gunn playing deeper 2nd half sends the ball forwards towards Scola as Stevenage come forwards a clever touch from Scola sending the ball on through splitting the Hoddesdon defence Makewell racing in free behind, Herrick starts to come, Makewell puts the ball past her spinning away her head in her hands as she sees the ball strike the base of the post. 

  Dunnage defending well against Makewell on the right giving away the corner as the attacker looks to get around her. Iaonnou comes off for Hoddesdon, Shannon Daly coming on. A free-kick wide on the left inside the Hoddesdon half for Stevenage the ball headed on into the box, Deacon is free far side the flag up for offside however before she can strike the ball. Wodhams and Davies work the ball well together on the left for Hoddesdon, Davies looking to get in behind, Logie with good defensive work for Stevenage.

Megan Davies bringing the ball forwards for Hoddesdon

GOAL! Stevenage get a 7th goal and finally it’s a hat-trick for Makewell. Times her run in behind well as Gunn plays the ball up to her from the back, with the keeper coming to close her down as she carries the ball right the striker dinks the shot over her and into the goal beyond to make it 7-0.

 Tiring Hoddesdon have let their heads drop a little 2nd half Handley winning the ball puts it forwards into midfield the ball deflected out to the right, Kelly wriggles clear to get in behind and fire a cross into the area, Godbeer coming towards her getting in the block. Searle with a burst of energy on the left for Stevenage fires a low cross into the area Josland can’t quite connect running on races onto Scola quickly no control on her attempt as the ball is deflected up over the crossbar. 

Rosy Wodhams winning the ball for Hoddesdon from a Stevenage corner

  A free-kick wide left for Stevenage Gunn to play in towards the far post the ball knocked down comes to Burling controls well hitting the shot on the turn putting the ball wide. Kendle is off for Hoddesdon as Robyn Jones comes on. Stevenage continue to dominate Makewell driving a 20 yard strike wide of the right post. Gunn getting onto the ball 30 yards out plays Josland in behind to inside the box, Herrick coming to close her down going to ground stops the shot getting past her. Emmings comes back on for Makewell for Stevenage, Handley coming off for Hoddesdon, Courtney Smart joining the game. 

Stevenage make more changes, McGuigan and Littlechild returning to the field late on. Into the last 5 minutes. Wodhams with a cross/shot from a wide position on the right sending the ball behind the Stevenage goal. 

GOAL! Another goal for Stevenage late in the match Littlechild on target to bring up their 8th. The attack on the left the ball rolled into Emmings outside the box good hold up play allowing Littlechild to get forwards running past her Emmings lays the pass into her run Littlechild striking the ball from the top of the area finds the bottom corner 8-0.

Godbeer comes off in the closing stages for Stevenage as they finish as strong as thy started the game. Scola wide on the right  flashes a cross along the top of the six yard box, McGuigan in the middle attempting an ambitious overhead kick does’t connect with the ball. 

Full time Stevenage Ladies 8-0 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

  The final whistle blows and Stevenage Ladies celebrate having successfully retained the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup for the 1st time. A dominant performance an 8-0 win. Some well taken goals amongst those. On top right from the off and never let their opponents have any time on the ball. A fantastic effort from Hoddesdon to reach their 1st ever County Cup Final couldn’t get to grips with Stevenage on the day nevertheless should be proud of their achievement.

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Winners – Stevenage Ladies

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 She’s already got one of these but an easy choice once again for today’s Women’d Football East – Player of the Match. Dominating the midfield with great vision in passing and timing of her runs, especially in the 1st half along with scoring twice is Stevenage Ladies, Chloe Gunn.

Enjoyed my 1st final of the season, plenty more to follow. My thanks to the staff at Hertfordshire FA today for their assistance, everyone was very helpful always appreciated. Lastly my congratulations to Stevenage Ladies on successfully retaining the County Cup.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 30/04/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 30th April

A slightly different Round-Up for Norfolk this week, just the 3 games played over the weekend all of them Cup Finals! Starting with the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final on Friday night with defending cup holders, Thorpe United Ladies up against Wymondham Town Ladies appearing in their 1st ever County Cup Final. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog was there to cover that game then onto Sunday for the Leagues own finals day at Plantation Park 3 finals played in total the SWF Blog covering 2 the Ladies League Plate Final between King’s Lynn Town Ladies & Sprowston Ladies followed by the League Cup Final with Bungay Town Ladies taking on Thorpe United Ladies playing again less than 48 hours after their County Cup game. As all 3 finals will be published here anyway I figured I’d make it a Round-Up special.

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

First published Friday 28th April

Cup Final Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

 

  For the 2nd Friday in row the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is covering another final under the lights, this time at The FDC Field of Dreams to watch the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final between Wymondham Town Ladies and Thorpe United Ladies the current holders of the trophy.

  Two sides that have featured regularly on the SWF Blog since it began featuring on the post match reports after it’s launch in 2013. In that time Thorpe United have always been a force in the women’s game in Norfolk. Regular visitors to The FDC too having appeared in 4 of the last 5 finals, finally winning the trophy after 3 losses the last in the 2014/15 season losing on penalties to Acle United Ladies. Last season it was an all Norfolk Women’s Division One clash with Thorpe United playing Aylsham FC Ladies a 2-0 victory final seeing them collect winners medals and lift the trophy. 

  Ahead in the Norfolk Division One table this season, have the possibility of claiming a treble this season as not only have Thorpe United reached the final of the County Cup but also the League Cup, a good test for Martin Francis’ squad however as the finals are less than 48 hours apart with the League Cup on Sunday afternoon. 

  Wymondham Town Ladies have come a long way to in that time, progressing each season, Manager Alex Guy seeing them to League Cup success in 2015, went on to win the Norfolk Division One title the next season and take promotion to the Eastern Regional Women’s Football League (ERWFL) building a squad to compete at a higher level a successful campaign saw Wymondham Town clinch 3rd spot in Division One aswell as reach the semi-finals of the League Cup where they were knocked out by Haringey Borough Women who would go onto become the ERWFL Premier Division Champions. Have reached the final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history, looking to end the season with silverware.

Road to the Final

   Both sides with a bye in the 1st Round of the County Cup this season. neither was to kick a ball in the 2nd Round either as both were awarded the away win against lower league opponents. Thorpe have  seen an unusual amount of games called off against them this season and as it was progressed all the way to the semi-finals without kicking a ball awarded the win in the quarter finals with their opponents unable to field a team. 
  Wymondham were drawn at home to Norfolk Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies breezed into the semi-finals with a 7-1 victory. Onto the semi-finals a repeat of last season’s final for Thorpe as they were drawn at home to Aylsham FC Ladies the score the same as in that final a 2-0 win for Thorpe making it a 5th County Cup final appearance. A clash between the two ERWFL sides in the other semi-final with Wymondham away to Acle United Ladies playing in the league above them challenging for the Premier Division title. 1-0 down at half-time, Wymondham came back with a strong 2nd half performance to get themselves into a 4-1 lead before Acle United found a goal late on 4-2 the final score Wymondham reaching the final of the County Cup for the 1st time in their history.
  The Football Development Centre (FDC) in Bowthorpe on the outskirts of Norwich the venue for tonight’s final the sun setting over the pitch opposite the small mainstand as the teams warmed up. A good sized pitch in good condition plenty of people coming in to watch what should be an intriguing final. Changeable weather all week was nice and dry after a warm today for the match. Modern technology being embraced by Norfolk FA as a flying drone buzzed over head as the two sides walked out for the opening presentations.
Buzzing above the pitch, Norfolk FA’s drone capturing the opening presentation from a new angle
  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Chelsea Clarke, Gemma Sanders, Rachel Cossey (C), Amber Cantwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Nicholls, Alice Collins & Laura Wiseman.

  subs – Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Lily Ray & Ella Swift.

Wymondham Town Ladies

  Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Bethan Sommerfield, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Lisa-Marie Riches, Lauren Kett, Alice Ford, Jade Powell, Shanice Sutton, Vivian Moyo, Laura Hedtke & Rebekah Lake (C)
  subs – Nicole Read, Chelsea Clark & Edie Wright.

 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Thorpe United Ladies
    Wymondham to take the kick-off 1st half wearing red shirts and black shorts with black and red hooped socks with Thorpe lined up opposite in their away colours luminous green shirts with black across the top of the chest and sleeves. Black shorts and socks. Wymondham play the ball out to the right as they attack right from the off, Laura Nicholls that side taking the all down the line before firing a cross into the box, too close to the goalkeeper, Cara Anderson claims for Thorpe.
  Building from the back Thorpe play the ball into Alice Ford in the middle on for Shanice Sutton on the left the ball at her feet looks to run at the Wymondham defence coming inside is tackled by Leah Newcombe before she can fashion a shot outside the box. Wymondham waste no time in getting the ball forwards targeting ex-Thorpe striker, Laura Wiseman who is Wymondham’s top scorer with 20 goals this season making a run through the centre, Lauren Kett steps up from the defence to intercept the ball. 
  A positive start from both sides, Thorpe in particular looking to close the ball down early on squeeze the Wymondham defence. Playing up front for Thorpe Laura Hedtke sees the ball into her feet from the midfield holding it up well outside the box left of goal, tries to turn inside, closely marked by Newcombe the defence puts her foot in to win the ball. Another opportunity for Hedtke as Thorpe are awarded a free-kick on halfway the ball fired up into the box, the striker brings down well looks to turn and shot finds the room top of the area putting it low, Wymondham goalkeeper, Ashleigh O’Callaghan gets down to her right to make the save.
Wymondham’s Leah Newcombe headers the ball clear before Thorpe’s
Laura Hedtke can get in behind.
  Thorpe are building momentum, Lisa-Marie Riches wins the ball at the back as Wiseman looks to knock the ball in behind played up to Sutton halfway has Rebekah Lake, Thorpe’s captain available for the ball ahead of her plays the pass, Lake has Hedtke to her left threads the ball into her run as she comes into the box from the left channel shoots on the angle Anderson hols onto the ball at her near post. 
  Another free-kick for Thorpe sent up into the area, players attack the ball, Bethany Fretwell heading it out of the area for Wymondham, Vivian Moyo closing down outside the box for Thorpe 25 yards out plays it out to Sutton left side top corner of the area puts the cross in finds Lake near post puts the ball straight into Anderson from close range the keeper holding onto the ball. Just wide from Lake as the striker gets in behind the ball dropping over her shoulder as she enters the box, won’t drop quick enough as O’Callaghan comes to close her down, Fretwell on her shoulder Lake manages to connect with the ball knocking it past the keeper but also wide of goal.
  Wymondham have for the most part been looking to get the ball into Wiseman in the early stages up top, the striker finds a space in behind on the right into the box one on one with the keeper as Anderson starts to come shoots, the keeper palming the ball behind making the save. Playing into towards the near post the flick on catches a Thorpe defender in the face and the referee stops play so she can receive treatment. 
  Thorpe get the ball up the other end quickly as play resumes Moyo linking up with Lake moving into space on the right winning a corner kick on that side the high ball into the box is headed clear by Fretwell. Wymondham are struggling to get their attacking players on the ball, Amber Cantwell coming back to help the defence win the ball has it outside her own area looks to carry it forwards, Thorpe move in quickly to stop her, Jade Powell winning the ball. 20 minutes played and Thorpe are looking the most likely to open the scoring.
  Powell with a shot from 30 yards for Thorpe as she receives it from Hedtke after more good hold up play inside the box back to goal sees the midfielder free rolls the ball back out to her Powell hitting the ball 1st time her effort has the pace but isn’t on target. A great ball from Kett at the back for Sutton off the shoulder of the last defender left side for Thorpe shoots from outside the box her effort wide of the near post. Thorpe have identified Cantwell as Wymondham’s main threat and she fouled inside her own half.
 GOAL! 25 minutes played and the deadlock is broken. The ball from the free-kick is cleared and Thorpe play it up field quickly, Lake is an extremely difficult player to mark, diminutive and pacey always looking for space whenever her side win the ball, central as the ball comes to her 25 yards out peels off her marker moving right taking the ball on a touch turns back inside and curls a 20 yard shot across the keeper and into the back of the net 0-1.
 
Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake opening the scoring
  Wymondham look for an immediate response from the restart the ball by captain Rachel Cossey out to Gemma Sanders on the right driving on her cross/shot flies into the side netting. A couple of refereeing decisions leave the Thorpe supporters bemused as they go against their side. Wiseman brings the ball down onto her chest has Kayleigh Holloway looking to go on the left side gets the ball into her feet taking it on, Thorpe right back Bethan Sommerfield gets back on her sliding in to put the ball out for the throw. 
   Over the top from Thorpe, Lake after it, O’Callaghan out quickly to the edge of her box to win the race scoop the ball out, then gives the ball away with a misplaced ball out of her area straight at Lake, right side knocks in on into the box, shaping to shoot Fretwell covers the ground throwing herself into the challenge to take the ball away from the striker for the corner kick. Fretwell is on hand from the corner to clear as Hedtke looks to knock it on.
  Wiseman almost in behind as Cossey puts the ball into her feet, top of the area, between Kett and the on rushing Anderson the striker is squeezed of the ball. Moyo doing well on the right for Thorpe finds room is played in behind taking the ball down the channel fires a cross into the area just evades Hedtke on the penalty spot.
  Sanders with the ball 20 yards out right has Alice Collins on the overlap sends the ball into her run taking the ball on squares it across the six yard box evading Anderson at her near post is cleared by Summerfield. Wymondham keep possession in the final 3rd win a free-kick wide right players come forwards from the back a great ball into the box Fretwell rising centrally sees her head directed across goal run narrowly wide. A change for Wymondham as they bring off Nicholls send on Lily Ray.
  Moyo and Lake look to combine down the left, Chelsea Clarke closes Lake down tackling  the ball out for a throw, played back to Summerfield the defender plays the ball up into the box long Sutton attempts to bring it down manages to knock it forwards trying to put it across the six yard box is charged down spinning away for the corner. Ford gets up near post to try and reach it doesn’t connect the ball bouncing safely across the six yard box. 
  Lake forces a great save from O’Callaghan as she rolls her marker top of the box pulls the trigger the keeper down smartly. Powell is booked as she up ends Cantwell trying to carry the ball away from her area. Into 1st half stoppage time Wymondham come forwards Wiseman making a run centre to left the ball dropped into her run has space charging into the box unleashes a shot the ball rising Anderson takes it well at head height. Holloway takes the ball on down the left getting inside Summerfield the defender recovering makes the challenge as Holloway enters the box the ball back to Anderson.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-1 Thorpe United Ladies

  Thorpe good value for their lead at half-time have pressed the ball well and created more chances Lake putting them ahead midway through the 1st half. A below par 1st half from Wymondham haven’t been able to find any rhythm. At 1-0 down they are far from out of the game, need a much improved 2nd half however more than capable of turning thing’s around.
  A change for Wymondham at half-time Collins taken off Nicholls back on as Thorpe get the 2nd half underway. The ball is won in the middle by Wymondham passes out to Wiseman carrying it down the right wing, squares a pacey cross in towards the near post inside the six yard box missed by a defender comes at Nicholls quickly behind her, gets her foot on the ball leaning back sends her shot up over the bar.
Wymondham’s Chelsea Clarke getting up to
challenge Lake for the ball
  A good start to the 2nd half from Wymondham, Sanders right getting forwards linking with Nicholls the cross is long to the far side of the area, Holloway can’t get it under her control before Summerfield closes her down. Sanders on the move down the right looks to get in behind, Olivia Mungham-Gray up well to head the ball to safety. Cantwell is brought down in a dangerous position outside the box right of the D, with Holloway who runs over the ball Cantwell strikes the ball wide across goal, has to be retaken however as the wall moved before the ball was struck albeit because of Holloway’s dummy. Cantwell clips the 2nd delivery up in towards the far post runners closing in but no one can reach it.

 

Wymondham Town Ladies captain
Rachel Cossey

 Cantwell charges down Hedtke 25 yards out up the other end as she looks to shoot having been played in by Powell. Mungham-Gray wins the race with Sanders for the ball down the right as the ball is put down the line diving in the defender gives away the corner. A good delivery to the far post Cossey gets her head on the ball places the ball wide of the post. Holloway wide on the left puts a high ball into the Thorpe area a good jump from Wiseman her attempt goes wide of the goal.

  Midway through the 2nd half Wymondham creating a few chances but the Thorpe defence holding firm, few opportunities up the other end but always ready to counter. Sutton is struggling a bit with a knock needs treatment but carries on. A great tackle from inside the box from Kett to deny Sanders as she gets inside from the right. Cantwell takes the resulting corner, Fretwell doesn’t get the connection with her head coming for the ball cleared back out to Cantwell right looks to meet the ball on the volley puts the ball behind goal.
  The ball is pinging around between feet outside the Thorpe box as sides try to get possession a fortunate deflection sends the ball through in behind Sanders quickest to react knocks the ball on towards the area, Anderson comes rushing out, just gets there 1st to kick the ball away, is caught by Sanders throwing herself at the ball in a desperate attempt to reach it 1st. A painful knock but Anderson is okay to continue. Wymondham keep the ball inside the Thorpe half a throw in right played into the box Powell challenges Cantwell for the ball in the area runs outside towards Fretwell 20 yards out opens her body for the shot can’t get it on target.
   Half an hour of the 2nd half gone 15 more minutes plus stoppage time for Wymondham to find a leveller. A corner from the right for Thorpe the initial delivery poor comes back to the taker lifted high into the six yard box 3 green shirts attack the ball, Kett gets her head on the ball knocking the ball down a superb close range save from O’Callaghan goes out wide left fired back in a scramble in front of the six yard box the referee spots an infringement Thorpe get the free-kick.
 Holloway was tries away down the left, has be well attended to by Summerfield all game the defender stopping her getting inside with support from Moyo who clears the ball up the pitch. The game entering the final 5 minutes of regular time Thorpe make their 1st change, Sutton brought off Edie Wright coming on. Soon after another change is made Lake off, on comes Chelsea Clark as they look to keep hold of their narrow advantage in the closing stages. The substitutes link up well either side of Moyo now playing through the middle, Wright left outside the area across to Moyo helps it on for Clark right side she shoots puts the ball wide. 6 minutes of added on time to play.
 GOAL! Encouraged by the extra few minutes Wymondham push on trying to get the ball forwards is lost and sent forwards Moyo running onto the ball 30 yards out takes it around the last defender getting in behind shifts it before sending the ball past the advancing keeper into the back of the net to double Thorpe’s lead with minutes left 0-2.
 
  Wymondham pile everyone forwards as the game restarts a painful blow to the ankle for defender Ray she limps off the pitch Wymondham send Ella Swift on, clearing the ball from the area Powell onto it looks to bring the ball away for Thorpe, Cantwell with the strong challenge wins the ball plays it out to Holloway shoots puts her strike wide across the goal. No time left for another attack the final whistle blows and Thorpe United Ladies celebrate defending the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-2 Thorpe United Ladies

   A competitive final played in front of 272 spectators, Thorpe by far the better side in the 1st half getting the lead just the one goal however the game was far from over, Wymondham improved 2nd half just couldn’t put that all important chance away, hit on the counter late in injury time Moyo securing the result the Thorpe defence particularly strong. 
  

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  She was the Norfolk FA’s player of the match too the SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Thorpe United defender Lauren Kett a fantastic effort Wymondham finding no room through the middle made some vital challenges and interceptions almost scored up the other end too.
Thorpe United Ladies 2016/17 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners
  Congratulations to Thorpe United Ladies on retaining the County Cup. One final down one to go Sunday afternoon at Plantation Park playing Bungay Town Ladies for the Norfolk Ladies League Cup 3pm kick-off little time to recover but much easier when you’ve got the win under your belt.
  My thanks to Norfolk FA and The FDC staff for their help tonight.

Norfolk Ladies League Plate

First published Sunday 30th April

Cup Final Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Sprowston Ladies

 

  The cup finals keep coming in Norfolk this weekend with a double this Sunday, form the Norfolk Women’s & Girls Football League (NWGFL) hosting their senior finals day at Norwich United FC’s Plantation Park. The first of those finals the Ladies Plate Final this year being contested by King’s Lynn Town Ladies & Sprowston Ladies.

  The Ladies Plate is a new competition introduced by the NWGFL last season the sides entering that didn’t reach the last eight of the League Cup. North Walsham Angels Ladies beating Red Rose Ladies 4-0 to win their 1st ever trophy in last season’s final.

  An all Division Two final back then, it’s Division One versus Division Two this time around with King’s Lynn Town Ladies improving year on year since joining the NWGFL 3 seasons ago the previous 2 as Lynn Ladies a merger with King’s Lynn Town FC in the summer are currently 2nd in the Division One table challenging leaders Thorpe United Ladies for the title. This is the first final the club has reached since joining the league.

  A good run of form for Sprowston Ladies going into today’s Plate Final currently 2nd in Division Two after a 5 game unbeaten run in league and cup 4 wins from 5 played. A strong youth setup at the club many of the players involved today have come through the clubs youth sides to play for the 1st team 

Road to the Final
 
 Both sides playing in the 1st Round of the competition, King’s Lynn Town were away to Division Three side, Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves a resounding 8-0 win seeing King’s Lynn Town through to the quarter-finals. Made headlines in the next round as they scored a whopping 31 goals at home against Cromer Town Ladies also from Division Three top of the table the with Cromer bottom of Division Three. Were awarded an away win in the semi-finals after opponents Briston Wanderers Ladies fell foul of the rule that all players must have played 5 league games before competing in a semi-final with just 8 league games played the club had to withdraw.
  
   Sprowston started their run to the Plate final with an all Division Two clash in the 1st Round at home to Long Stratton Ladies, the away side finding the back of the net for 3 goals, Sprowston hot double that up the other ended winning 6-3 to advance to the quarter-finals where they were at home once again taking on higher league opposition, Fakenham Town Ladies from Division One a narrow 2-1 putting them through to the semi-finals where they face a tricky looking tie away to Division Three side Tavern Ladies amongst the title challengers in that league. This game was right at the start of Sprowston’s 5 game unbeaten run and a 4-0 result saw them into the final.
  Plantation Park the venue for all 3 of today’s finals the Plate and Cup both on the main pitch, the Ladies 7’s Final between Morley Ladies & Costessey Sports FC being played in the practise pitch behind the mainstand. The clubhouse and bar overlooking the pitch refreshments available too. A large pitch plenty of width does slope a little, can be prone to being waterlogged but with a lack of the wet stuff lately was surprisingly firm underfoot dusty on patches. A dry day unless you happened to be behind the dugouts where the framer next door had positioned his water irrigator a little to close. Warm but with a strong breeze blowing from one goalmouth to the other which might have an influence in both games.  
 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Louise Coggles, Viktorija Burkauskaite, Amy Gillon, Albany Hodgson, Emma Woods, Millie Hopkisson, Jade Kelly, Oksana Imanalijeva, Becky Russell, Shelley Woods (C) & Josie Turner.
 subs – Millie Wilson, Winona Lee & Natalie Bunton
 
 Sprowston Ladies starting XI – Eloise Leach, Paige Barnard, Calista Tink, Abby Hutchin, Georgia Potter, Lois Irving (C), Rebecca Kirby, Nicole Smith, Kerry Mortlock, Rebecca Russell & Victoria Leyer.
 subs – Laura Jenkins, Rosie Wickenden & Ria Drake. 
 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Sprowston to kick-off the Plate Final 1st half wearing orange shirts with black sleeves, black shorts with orange stripes either side and black socks with King’s Lynn wearing red shirts for today’s final along with black shorts and red socks. King’s Lynn press the ball straight away getting hold of it spreading play out to the right win a corner the ball lifted high into the box, Sprowston’s Rebecca Kirby gets her head on the ball knocking it up into the air, goalkeeper Eloise Leach comes and claims the ball. 
  Paige Barnard looks to carry the ball out from right back for Sprowston sends it on down the wing for Kirby to go after taking it down the line King’s Lynn left back Viktorija Burkauskaite gets back on her initially tackling and taking the ball from Kirby she get’s back on it to put a cross into the area, the ball won and cleared by Albany Hodgson. A fairly open start to the game neither side able to fashion a shooting chance in the opening 5 minutes.
Sprowston Ladies, Paige Barnard
  Josie Turner up front for King’s Lynn presses the ball as it is played out wide into the right corner wins a corner kick, takes it herself the ball put in towards the top of the area is met by Lithuanian International, Oksana Imanalijeva right of goal hits the shot as the ball comes into her feet puts the strike wide of goal. Imanalijeva with a powerful run coming inside from the right as the ball is rolled into her path by Millie Hopkisson dives towards the box getting closed down gets a shot away from outside the box, doesn’t have the pace on it to trouble Leach in the Sprowston goal.
  King’s Lynn are beginning to build a little momentum Becky Russell coming on with the ball moves out to the right puts a cross in, Sprowston’s Calista Tink stretched her leg to intercept turn behind for the corner. Cleared at the near post, Imanalijeva retrieves looks to go down the wing gets a throw, Sprowston captain Lois Irving wins the ball as it is lifted up into the top of the area.
  GOAL! Penalty! In the 15th minute Imanalijeva links up with Jade Kelly as the ball moves over the halfway line on the right exchanging passes Imanalijeva looks to get into the box, Sprowston’s Nicole Smith slides in attempting to win the ball catches the attack the foul just inside the box referee Paul Gibson points to the penalty spot. Turner to take it a powerful hit rising to the keepers right past her and into the back of the net 1-0.
 
Josie Turner puts King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-0 up from the penalty spot.
 
 A free-kick for King’s Lynn just inside their own half Hodgson to sent the ball up towards the top of the area, inside the D, Sprowston get the ball away King’s Lynn so have it back spread play to the left Imanalijeva taking it on fires a vicious cross along the top of the six yard line, King’s Lynn captain Shelley Woods it there far post turns the ball goalwards, Leach makes a fantastic save with her legs reacting sharply.
  GOAL! King’s Lynn don’t take long to double their lead writing notes from the previous move look up to see Imanalijeva move in on the ball right side top of the area as Sprowston lose it, the ball is sent it across the box past the stranded keeper with Turner giving chase it finds the bottom corner 2-0 the goal goes to Imanalijeva.
  Scoring 2 quickfire goals the Division One side are threatening to overwhelm their lower league opponents. Russell with Imanalijeva bring the ball in the slide rule ball picking out Turner making a run through the middle, reaching the top of the area, Barnard gets across her in the nick of time to put the the block deflect Turner’s shot away for a corner kick.
Becky Russell playing the ball on for King’s Lynn Town Ladies
   Kirby gets forwards for Sprowston on the right getting a throw deep in King’s Lynn territory put into the feet of Rebecca Russell on the edge of the area good footwork to hold off her marker turns inside on the byline fires a ball into the centre cleared by Amy Gillon her clearance is picked up by Barnard outside the area right corner looks to play the ball back in this time it is claimed by goalkeeper Louise Coggles.
  GOAL! 22 minutes played and King’s Lynn have a 3rd goal a great run from Becky Russell on the ball pushing towards the right corner of the Sprowston box squares the ball along the front of the area into Shelley Woods left of the D, sees the ball into her feet shifts it a yard to evade her marker open up the opportunity for a shot puts her foot through the ball sending it sailing past the keeper into the goal beyond 3-0. 
 
  A change for Sprowston Ria Drake on for Georgia Potter. Sprowston get the ball up field Smith on for with a great ball on for Rebecca Russell left side support from Victoria Leyer, Russell is brought down just outside the box, gets up to take the free-kick, floating the ball in towards the near post with runners coming in Coggles has the post covered gathers the ball as it pops out of her gloves. 
 
  Burkauskaite wins the ball from Kirby plays it up the line with Shelley Woods already on the move, left side she is squeezed off the ball 25 yards out the deflection taking it infield is picked up by Turner has Becky Russell to her right getting forwards lays the ball into her run shoots as it comes on to her Leach can see it wide of her left post. Russell get’s fouled wide on the right for King’s Lynn the ball is fired into the area players forwards cleared the ball comes back to the taker sent back in again, Leach dives low to her right to push the ball away before being cleared by her defence. 
Abby Hutchin looking to get forwards for Sprowston Ladies
  Sprowston with an opportunity to break the ball send on for Leyer on the left side getting in behind the King’s Lynn defence, Coggles starts to come then back pedals as Leyer shifts the ball inside rather than shooting getting more central the striker shoots puts the ball straight at Coggles who scooped the ball up into her gloves. Hutchin over on the right for Sprowston now gets hold of the ball takes it down the wing no cross on keeps possession turning back has Barnard up with play ready to receive the ball curls the cross into the box, King’s Lynn can’t clear comes to Smith arriving late stretching for the ball on the edge of the six yard box lifts the ball up over the bar. 
  Potter returns to the action for Sprowston replacing Mortlock at the back. Irving steps across Kelly to win the ball 20 yards out as the midfielder tries to drive on with it through the middle. The last action of the 1st half King’s Lynn returning to the dressing room with a comfortable lead.
  

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 0-0 Sprowston Ladies

    3-0 the lead for King’s Lynn Town Ladies at the break, getting an early penalty soon doubling the advantage before getting 3rd, and have yet to fire on all cylinders. The last thing Sprowston wanted was to concede early the 2nd ad 3rd goals putting them on the back foot have defended well on the whole Leach with 2 important saves. Have alot to do to get back into the match, can they keep King’s Lynn from extending their lead 2nd half.
  King’s Lynn to kick-off the 2nd half the strong breeze picking up despite the bright sunshine. Natalie Bunton on for King’s Lynn replacing Turner at the start of the 2nd half. Leach comes racing out of her area as Irving tries to shield the ball back into her to kick clear knocking it along the ground instead the keeper ends up halfway in her half before getting it away before rapidly getting back into her area. King’s Lynn don’t capitalise. 
 A spell of possession for King’s Lynn in the final 3rd ball lifted forwards dealt with by Tink and then Irving at the back. Eventually break the ball up the middle for Rebecca Russell to run onto goes for the shot all of 30 yards out her effort drifting wide of goal. Drake intercepts the ball at the back for Sprowston as Kelly looks to carry it on after being played in through the middle. King’s Lynn make a change with Winona Lee coming on for Becky Russell going into the right back position. 
 King’s Lynn work the ball up the left Shelley Woods pushing on with the ball to get into the box has Hopkisson inside her puts the ball into her feet near the penalty spot is crowded off the ball before she can gets it back out of the area Kelly tries to head the ball back in on target is long way out the ball bounces wide. 
King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Jade Kelly
  A good move from Sprowston down the right wing brings a corner players up from the back the delivery put into a central position at the top of the area, a scramble for the ball on the deck, 1st Tink then Kirby see shots blocked a close quarters before Tink squeezes a ball through the bodies rolls onto the base of the post cleared out to the left put back into the top of the box Leyer onto it 20 yards out screws her shot wide.
   
  Open game 2nd half Sprowston willing to go for it not defend for their lives, are keeping the ball better 2nd half. Play is brought back on the right as Sprowston have no advantage Barnard over the ball sends in up into the area, Shelley Woods heads it clear coming back to Barnard sends another high ball into the area Coggles under it claims without being challenged. Russell and Turner return the the action for King’s Lynn, Turner is quickly on the ball springing into action as Sprowston hesitate at the back running in behind, she is caught by both Tink and Drake, the 3 come together the ball rebounding back out to Imanalijeva outside the box right of goal fires a low drive in, Leach is behind it all the way.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Beck Russell
  Irving in the right play to clear Imanalijeva’s ball into the box from the right, comes right back at the attacker slices her 1st time hit away from the top corner. A powerful run from Hutchin inside from the right for Sprowston has Leyer on the move ahead of her rolls the ball into her striking it from the top of the area puts the ball wide. Another top draw save from Leach in the Sprowston goal, King’s Lynn play the ball central up into the box Turner controls well back to goal bringing the ball into her body then turning to shot, Leach palms the rising ball up over her goal to land on the roof of the net.
Sprowston Ladies, Victoria Leyer
  Sprowston are getting some confidence they can pull a go back are going for it play left squared across the face of the area, Leyer inside the D strikes the shot early the ball racing wide across goal. Millie Wilson comes on for King’s Lynn replacing Gillon. Another shot from distance for Leyer the ball, taking a deflection pushing it wide of goal for a corner on the right a poor one Sprowston have the goal kick.
 GOAL! Pushing on Kelly closes Barnard down on the ball winning it is in behind, left of the area plays the pass through to Turner in behind, the ball running onto her strokes it on under the diving Leach into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game.
Eloise Leach, Sprowston Ladies
goalkeeper with some excellent saves
in the Plate Final
  Sprowston almost hit back with an instant response winning a free-kick after a high foot halfway inside the half to the left, Rebecca Russell looks to go for goal a little bit of wind assistance the ball comes straight in threatening to dip late Coggles gets her gloves up knocking the ball on to crossbar it spins away for a corner kick. Sprowston make a change before the corner is taken Irving coming off, Rosie Wickenden coming on the no 10 runs to join her team mates inside the box, the corner is taken the substitute comes towards the ball dropping near post 10 yards out looks to hit the ball on the volley her effort turned 90 degrees isn’t far wide. 
  Into the final 5 minutes King’s Lynn work to keep possession inside the Sprowston half the ball finds Hopkisson inside the D, shifting it to her right whistles over the crossbar. Leach has performed excellently in goal for Sprowston today a natural shot stopper makes a great double save in the closing minute, Hopkisson playing the ball into Imanalijeva right side the attacker turns inside into the area shoots across goal aiming far post, Leach diving to her left stops the ball isn’t clear Turner running in on the follow up looks to smash the ball home Leach grounded throws herself into the block the ball away for a corner. Cleared King’s Lynn celebrate winning the Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final their 1st piece of silverware. 

Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 0-0 Sprowston Ladies

  Not their best performance but King’s Lynn did enough had the movement to keep possession, Russell and Imanalijeva working the ball well. Took the early lead followed it up with 2 more goals, Sprowston on the back foot did well to not fold dug in and gave a good account of themselves 2nd half might have found a goal, King’s Lynn getting a 4th late on to win the final and take home the Plate trophy.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final is King’s Lynn Town Ladies Becky Russell, a good performance making good runs on and off the ball, drifting wide an excellent range of passing.
Captain Shelley Woods holding aloft the Plate trophy for her joyous team mates
  Congratulations to King’s Lynn Town Ladies on winning their 1st ever trophy. Saw the celebrations were well underway in King’s Lynn tonight, no shopping trolley is safe. 
  Thanks to both clubs for there help with today’s teams.

Norfolk Ladies League Cup

First published Sunday 30th April

Cup Final Report – Bungay Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

 

  On to the 2nd Final of the day at Plantation Park the Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final with Thorpe United Ladies who successfully defended the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final on Friday night back in action looking to make it a cup double taking on Bungay Town Ladies.

   This season’s League Cup Final contested by the sides 1st and 3rd in the league both in great form in 2017. Bungay Town Ladies after a slow start hit the ground running after the New Year, winning 8 straight league games to leap up the table get onto the tails of the leading pair, beating Thorpe United Ladies 4-1 at home to end their 100% winning start to the season in that spell, 10 games unbeaten in all before the run was ended with a 1-0 loss away to Aylsham FC Ladies, who won the League Cup last season. This is Bungay Town Ladies 1st appearance in a Cup Final.

  Thorpe United Ladies started the season very well under new manager Martin Francis won their opening 12 games in both league and cup, nine straight wins in the league the coming to an end as mentioned above in February when they were beaten by Bungay Town Ladies. Looking strong in the league despite a couple of losses have a 7 point lead at the top from King’s Lynn Town Ladies. 

  A possible treble on the cards, claimed the 1st silverware of the season successfully retaining the Norfolk Women’s County Cup beating Wymondham Town Ladies 2-0. That final as you will know was just two nights ago on Friday, unfortunate scheduling, a quick turn around and recovery for Thorpe United however with one trophy successfully defended they will be in confident mood of claiming another. 

Road to the Final

 Bungay Town Ladies were at home in the 1st Round of the League Cup hosting Sprowston Ladies back in October a comfortable 6-0 win over the Division Two side seeing them progress into the 2nd Round where they were away to another Division Two side, Bohemians Ladies. A 5-1 win putting them into the quarter-finals, after that Bungay Town didn’t kick a ball, despite wanting to as they were awarded a home win against East Coast Ladies before advancing through to the final as opponents Brandon Town Ladies fell foul to the same rule that had seen Briston Wanderers Ladies withdraw from the semi-finals of the Plate. Having beaten Thorpe United once this season Bungay Town will be hoping to so do again this afternoon to win the League Cup.
  Was also 6 goals at home to Division Two opposition in the 1st Round for Thorpe United in the League Cup as they dispatched Long Stratton Ladies 6-1 to reach the 2nd Round. There they faced a tough test away to fellow Division One side King’s Lynn Town Ladies went on to win the match 5-1 to reach the quarter finals. Another fellow Division One side to play another tricky tie drawn at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies, Thorpe won the game 4-1 to progress into the semi-finals. At home to runaway Division Two Champions Gorleston FC Ladies. A single goal in the 1st half saw Thorpe United set up their 2nd final date of the season. 
  An hours turnaround between games had to dash off find a new memory card for the camera the one in place flashing up as corrupt just what I didn’t need but made it back just in time for kick-off. The strong breeze still in place, plenty of people there to watch the final as the 2 sides walked out onto the pitch.
 
 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Ruth Smart, Kelly Collins (C), Hannah Jones, Charlotte Power, Jessica Keeling, Teodora Ilie, Ella Hindley, Laura Holden, Lauren Purling, Nicky Hazell & Lacey Andrews.
 subs – Emily leach, Beccy Goffin & Stefanie Cool.
 
 Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Bethan Sommerfield, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Lisa-Marie Riches, Lauren Kett, Alice Ford, Jade Powell, Vivian Moyo, Edie Wright, Laura Hedtke & Rebekah Lake (C).
 subs – Nicole Read, Chelsea Clark & Shanice Sutton.
 

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Thorpe to take the kick-off 1st half in the League Cup Final, back to wearing their usual home colours dark pink shirts with black shorts and socks. Bungay wearing light blue shirts with black shorts and socks. Goalkeeper Ruth Smart with an early touch of the ball as she claims it inside her area for Bungay as Thorpe captain Rebekah Lake looks to work her way into the box straight from kick-off. A slow start to the game both sides looking to get the ball out wide defences dealing with it.
  An opportunity for Thorpe to bring players forwards as they are awarded a free-kick outside the box on the right as Laura Hedtke is fouled. The ball played in near side centre back Lauren Kett gets her head on the ball directs her effort wide of the Bungay goal. Alice Ford with a good tackle wins the ball for Thorpe in the centre of midfield moving forwards attempts to side the ball through the middle for Lake, Bungay’s Jessica Keeling cuts out the ball outside her area. The ball is launched up field Bungay striker Lacey Andrews is away in behind for a moment as goalkeeper Cara Anderson starts to come, Kett recovers the ground and gets across her prevents any meaningful shot coming in. 
  Ford closing the ball down on halfway plays the pass out to Edie Wright on the left wing back to goal 25 yard out rolls her marker turning inside sends a looping ball high into the area Smart keeps her eye on the ball but sees it land safely on the roof of her net. Bungay are working hard at the back to keep someone on Lake prevent her making the runs into gaps to receive the ball. Laura Holden breaks from midfield for Bungay moving right, Olivia Mungham-Gray getting back on her does enough to put her off as she shoots the ball safely into Anderson’s gloves.
  Hedtke and Lake getting hold of the ball link up in the right corner before the ball is played long across the area met by Wright inside the D, looks to open up her body curl the ball into the top corner, bends sharply flying straight into Smart the keeper claiming the ball. An intriguing contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree little opportunity to get in behind. Andrews flagged offside on a couple of occasions for Bungay. Ford and Jade Powell combine winning ball in the middle, Powell trying her luck with the strong breeze at her back 30 yards out her pacey dipping effort doesn’t drop far wide of goal.
   Ford also has a go from distance shortly area not the same pace on her shot as Powell,s bounces through to the keeper. A free-kick for Thorpe on half-way Kett over it flights the ball into the middle of the area, Moyo has made the run, doesn’t get the touch as it runs through to Smart. Moyo with a chance as Thorpe break their clearance finding Hedtke turns plays the ball into Moyo making the run on the right knocks the ball on towards the box, Smart comes rushing out Moyo gets the ball past the advancing keeper sees her attempt run narrowly wide of goal. 
Thorpe United Ladies, Alice Ford with Bungay’s Lacey Andrews
  A change for Thorpe, Wright coming off, Shanice Sutton coming on. Bungay also make a change Stefanie Cool coming on for Nicky Hazell. Bethan Sommerfield gets up the field for Thorpe on the right supporting Lake the ball given back to her sent into the area, headed away by Keeling. Thorpe with more of the ball 1st half chances limited Bungay deep not alot of room in behind shots coming in from distance.
  Bungay launch a counter attack the ball with Lauren Purling as she gets forwards with support from Holden as Andrews plays it on, left side coming into the area the shot is past the onrushing Anderson running along the ground the ball goes out wide at the far post. Bungay make another change Teodora Ilie coming off Emily Leach coming on. Ella Hindley lifts the ball over the top of the Thorpe, Andrews after it, Kett recovers well getting back on the striker forcing her out wide left concedes the corner kick. The high ball into the box cleared by Lisa-Marie Riches away for a throw opposite side. 
Bungay Town Ladies, Lauren Purling
  From the throw in the ball from Holden is played into Leach central, tries to power her way through the middle of the Thorpe defence 20 yards out the ball is lost, looking to get Sutton away on the left she is fouled on halfway, the set-piece sent up towards the top of the area is cleared by Bungay’s Charlotte Power.  
 GOAL! 2 minutes of normal time left in the 1st half and the deadlock is broken, Bungay have worked hard all game to limit Lake’s movement in  front of goal she finds away through however to score. The ball played up field into Moyo brings it don on her chest well Lake making her move to get into the area, Moyo sends the ball on up into the area, Lake brings it down with a glance off her shoulder taking it away to the right evading the Bungay defence fires her shot across the keeper and into the far corner 0-1.

Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake

  A strong end to the half for Thorpe, Hedtke bringing the ball into her body turning inside 25 yards out from the left shifts it between her feet to get room for a strike a tame effort in the ed runs through to Smart. Sutton looks to get in behind on the left wing, Hannah Jones back n her slides in to win the ball.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 0-1 Thorpe United Ladies

 As with the County Cup Final on Friday, Thorpe hold a narrow 1-0 lead going into the dressing room at half-time. A different game however have put a lot of energy into the 1st half without getting in behind so much as Bungay are prepared to sit invite them on. Have stifled Lake to a degree although she found a way through to score. Haven’t had much luck up the other end against the breeze stay out on the pitch during the break.
  Having been in the mainstand 3 the Plate Final and 1st half of the League Cup Final decide to head round to the opposite side of the pitch to get a better feel for the breeze that blowing across the pitch is strong and clearly having an influence on play aiding the ball one way, sapping energy the other. It’s Bungay to kick-ff the 2nd half. Thorpe win the ball Ford on for Sutton breaking on the left coming inside evades Keeling, but is stopped by Power beyond as she tries to enter the box.
  GOAL! The scores are levelled Bungay getting the equaliser early in the 2nd half the ball is played into Leach inside the Thorpe half top of the centre circle, goes for goal looks a dangerous ball the moment it leaves her foot up into the area caught by the breeze Anderson back on her line is in trouble as it drops dipping late sneaking under the crossbar and in 1-1.
 
A long range strike from Emily
Leach puts Bungay Town Ladies
back on level terms
 
 
  Lake comes to receive the ball 30 yards out helps it on to her left with Moyo on the move up the right wing carries the ball into the area pulls the trigger her strike taking a deflection off Power turned wide of goal for the corner kick. A high ball in from the right Kett gets up headers the ball on across goal, Purling is able to clear it far side. Riches does well at the back sliding in to intercept the ball in front of Andrews as Holden attempts to thread the ball into her in a central position inside the D. 
  Lake onto the ball inside the box right plays it back outside to Powell looks to play in in high for Sutton coming in far post, Leach back for Bungay gets her head on the ball to clear. Cool looks to get onto the diagonal ball send right to left, reaching it 1st sends it on into the area, Purling has covered a lot of ground on the right to get into the box, can’t get to the ball before Anderson claims it.

 GOAL! Good work from Purling on the right closing the ball down winning it and in behind whipping a low ball in across the top of the area left of the D, Andrews doesn’t quite take it in her stride however it hits the defender tracking back with her comes back into her feet a s the goalkeeper starts to come, Kett lunging in to try and take the ball away from the strikers feet Andrews ends up on the floor the ball squeezing past Anderson rolls into the back of the empty net beyond. 2-1 Bungay take the lead with a little over 15 minutes played in the 2nd half.

 

Bungay Town Ladies,
Lacey Andrews

Thorpe look to freshen things up make an immediate change, Powell comes off, Chelsea Clark on goes out to the right Hedtke coming more central. Purling is left in a heap on the floor as she and Ford clash heads in the centre of the pitch, both are okay after a spell of treatment. Andrews with space on the right to run into sends a high ball into the box, Ford is back to head clear for Thorpe. Sommerfield clears the ball as Holden looks to pick out Cool with a long diagonal ball as she comes inside from the left. 

  Holden brings the ball on for Bungay looks to put the ball into Andrews moving into the right channel, Mungham-Gray closing her down to tackle and clear the ball. A little ragged from Thorpe now their energy levels dropping Collins comes off for Bungay with Beccy Goffin entering the field. Cool peeling off the Thorpe defence runs onto Andrews diagonal ball closing in on the area shoots a comfortable gather for Anderson at her near post. 

 A free-kick for Bungay wide on the right inside the Thorpe half each over the ball looks to put it on target another difficult ball for Anderson to deal with back on her line gets her gloves up does well to bring it down safely. Wright comes back on for Thorpe replacing Hedtke as they look to find a goal to get them back into the match. Lake on the ball gets her head down drives forwards has Sutton left looking to get in behind the Bungay defence into the box Lake tries to pick her out, too close to Smart the goalkeeper can get there first.

Shanice Sutton challenges Lauren Purling for the ball

  Moyo with a good take down on the right side plays the ball on for Lake charging up towards the top of the area, Smart comes racing out to meet her as she enters the area Lake getting the ball past the keeper but not on target, Power back on the ball to launch it clear. A double change for Bungay Cool and Holden the players coming off, Hazell and Ilie back on. Ford with a determined run forwards shoots from all of 30 yards out no pace on the ball Smart able to claim.

 

  Another clash of heads between Moyo and Hindley this time, the Bungay midfielder coming off the worse comes off holding her bleeding nose. Holden barely rested coming back on. Purling collects a ball in the guts leaving her grounded again. A fair bit of injury time to come. Good work from Holden taking the ball from a central position out to the right before turning back inside an firing a cross along the top of the Thorpe area runs into Ilie looks to curl a shot into the top corner instead puts it into Anderson. 

  Thorpe are throwing players forwards going for broke as the game moves into stoppage time risk the counter Bungay break the ball from Jones into Holden on for Hazell coming in towards the box from the left Anderson comes racing out to the edge of her area gets her gloves up to block the ball as Hazell looks to lift it past her contact outside the box Anderson goes down holding her face, another few minutes to be added. One last throw of the dice for Thorpe everyone up as they win a free-kick wide right Kett up into the area landing inside the area Jones can see it out shielding it from Ford as the final whistle blows and Bungay Town Ladies win the Norfolk Ladies League Cup.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 0-0 Thorpe United Ladies

 A game too far for Thorpe in the end 2 finals in the space of 48 hours the joy off winning the County Cup tempered by defeat in the League Cup Final. A fantastic achievement none the less to reach both finals. Bungay doing well to keep Thorpe’s chances limited 1st half conceding a goal late on found an immediate response 2nd half working hard to close the ball found another on the counter attack wasn’t a pretty goal but Andrews did enough to put the ball over the line Bungay holding on to the lead to claim the victory.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final goes to Lauren Purling an energetic display working hard to close the ball down especially 2nd half getting back to help defend when needed set up the winning goal.
  Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning this season’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup Winners, Bungay Town Ladies
  Also congratulations to Costessey Sports who won the Ladies 7’s League Cup Final beating Morley Ladies 2-0.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams and to the committee members of the NWGFL for all their assistance and putting on a great finals day

Match Report – Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final

 The 1st Cup Final of the season for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup.

Stevenage Ladies v Royston Town Ladies

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final 2016/17 

 A trip to The County Ground, Letchworth this Sunday for my 1st Cup Final of the 2016/17 season. Stevenage Ladies playing Royston Town Ladies in this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final.

  A league between the sides both sides were promoted as league champions last season to test themselves at a higher level. Stevenage Ladies winning the ERWFL Premier Division title to move up into the FAWPL South East Division One, are 3rd from bottom currently and picked up a good win away from home last weekend as they look to maintain their league status. This is Stevenage Ladies 3rd successive appearance in the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final winning it for the 1st time 2 season’s ago, finished runners-up against Watford Ladies Development U19s last time around. 
  
  Royston Town Ladies were promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division this season after clinching the ERWFL Division One West title. Like their opponents in today’s final currently sit 3rd bottom in the table but with more points on the board are 9 points clear of the bottom side. Have one of the league top hotshots in their squad, Sammy Tinsley who has scored 31 goals so far this season. Royston Town Ladies have enjoyed their County Cup run scoring 40 goals in 4 rounds to reach the final. Were beaten finalists in the 2013/14 season.

Road to the Final

   Both sides entered the competition in the 1st Round. Stevenage progressing without kicking a ball awarded a home win. Royston were at home in the 1st Round taking on Beds & Herts Division Two side Panshanger Ladies, Sammy Tinsley hitting a double hat-trick as the club progressed with a 12-1 win.
  In the 2nd Round, Stevenage were drawn at home to ERWFL Division One side, Colney Heath Ladies, won the match 5-0 with Daniela Martucci netting a hat-trick. Royston were drawn at home again in the 2nd Round, playing Beds & Herts Division One side St Albans Ladies. Tinsley with just the 1 hat-trick this time, however she was joined by Stephanie Hicks and Georgina Gannaway as Royston scored 12 again winning 12-4 to progress.
  Into the quarter finals an away match versus Evergreen Eagles, playing 5 leagues below them in Beds & Herts Division Three, Stevenage winning 6-0 to reach the semi-finals with captain Donna McGuigan scoring a brace in the game. Scoring 12 goals in the previous 2 ties in the County Cup, Royston’s goal scoring was far from over as they hosted Beds & Herts Division Two side Watton Ladies in the quarter finals won the game 14-0 with Tinsley top scoring in the game with 5 goals.
  The semi-finals were much closer affairs for both sides. Stevenage were at home playing another Watford Ladies youth side their U17s Hornets their young side pushing them all the way for a large chunk of the game before Stevenage sealed a 2-1 win to set up a 3rd successive final appearance, McGuigan scoring both the goals. It could have been an all Stevenage final too as their Reserves side had also reached the semi-finals away to Royston it was another 2-1 winning scoreline with Tinsley scoring both the goals.
  The County Ground, Letchworth headquarters of the Hertfordshire FA the venue for today’s match. A good sized stadium, one main seated stand over looking a good sized pitch covered standing areas each end and on the opposite side the bar and clubhouse behind the main stand. The Pukka Tukka trailer their to provide hot and cold refreshments. Was an overcast day with a few spots of rain in the air slicked the pitch up a little before the match.
 
  Stevenage Ladies starting XI – Katherine Long, Leah Dunnage, Tanya Blacksley, Dominique Godbeer, Jade Beckett, Lisa Milliken, Kristina O’Connell, Donna McGuigan (C), Cara Breckenbridge, Rosy Woodhams & Bolu Fisher.
  subs – Hayley Wood-Thompson, Amy Josland, Daniela Martucci, Stephanie Mann & Kristi Burling
 
  Royston Town Ladies starting XI – Emma D’Costa, Rebekah Fisk, Annie Chambers, Amie Jones, Amy Cooper (C), Grace Leslie, Hayley Graham, Paris Coldicott-Stevens, Georgina Gannaway, Sammy Tinsley & Harriet Smith.
  subs – Katie Seymour, Paige Rolfe, Andrea Wright, Lucy Sende & Allyson Santini
(roll on roll off substitutes)

    It’s Royston wearing white shirts and socks with black shorts to get the final underway, Stevenage lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with black sleeves, blue shorts and socks. Royston push forwards right from the start the ball from Hayley Graham into Georgina Gannaway takes the ball on towards the Stevenage area, Leah Dunnage closing her down outside the box tackling to concede the throw. Winning the ball in the middle Paris Coldicott-Stevens plays it on to Sammy Tinsley on the right for Royston, cutting back in field as she carries the ball on looks to thread the ball into striker Harriett Smith making a run ahead of her into the box, defender Dominique Godbeer goes with her keeping Smith from reaching the ball lets it run across her through to her goalkeeper Katherine Long to safely gather into her gloves.
  A competitive opening to the final, Royston pressing the ball early have kept Stevenage penned back in their own half without getting a shot away the midfield congested a few strong challenges. The ball runs favourably out to Cara Breckenbridge out wide left for Stevenage looks up attackers Bolu Fisher and Rosy Woodhams are both on the move sends the ball over the top Fisher closest breaks forwards after the ball, Royston goalkeeper, Emma D’Costa commits early rushing out towards the edge of her area to slide in and claim the ball before Fisher can reach it. 
  Stevenage are starting to find a few pockets of space to run into, Kristina O’Connell breaks from midfield moving to the left getting in behind wants the ball played into her, Royston captain Amy Cooper reads the threat getting across to win the ball play it out before O’Connell can get into a one on one position. Stevenage work the ball across the top of the area from the throw on the left the cross flighted in towards the far post sees Lisa Milliken flagged offside. It’s Cooper’s central defensive partner, Amie Jones who breaks up the next Stevenage attack as their opponents work the ball through the middle Jade Beckett playing it on for Fisher moving left has Stevenage’s captain Donna McGuigan ahead of her they try to play the one/two Jones getting in between the to intercept the ball knocking it of McGuigan for the throw.
Stevenage’s Jade Beckett looking to get ahead of Royston Town
midfielder Paris Coldicott-Stevens
  
  A brave and vital save from D’Costa in the Royston goal as Woodhams battling for the ball in the middle gets it out to Breckenbridge left sends the pass over the Royston defence with Fisher on the moves getting in behind a race for the ball, sliding it to save at the top of her area D’Costa makes the save collides with Fisher the ball runs in behind, Fisher scrambling up goes after it as the Royston defence get back to cover the goal, before Fisher can turn the ball home however referee, Rebecca Fearns-Purdue stops play with D’Costa hurt. 15 minutes in a chance for both sides to have a breather. D’Costa is okay to continue after treatment.
  Tanya Blacksley winning the ball at the back for Stevenage pushes forwards through the middle before sending it long for Fisher to go after having peeled away to the left side, Jones covers the ground well to get across on the cover to slide in and clear the threat for Royston. A corner kick for Stevenage on the left, Breckenbridge plays it short the cross delivered into the middle of the Royston area, Cooper gets up highest to head the ball from danger. Attacking down the right side another corner is conceded, Stevenage play the ball in high to the near post Jones up to head the ball out of the area, is fired across the D in towards McGuigan who hits the shot on the spin sending it goalwards, lacking height or pace the ball is gathered by D’Costa on her goal line.
Stevenage’s Tanya Blacksley with Royston’s Harriet Smith
Little room on the ball for Royston in the final 3rd, Grace Leslie gets hold of the ball runs it on for Tinsley out right turns in field drives towards the Stevenage box, Blacksley on her shoulder runs her into Dunnage who wins the tackle gets it out to Breckenbridge moving down the left on for Fisher, reaches D’Costa coming to the edge of her area first. A free-kick for Royston on half-way the ball played up to the edge of the area is initially headed away by Breckenbridge, Royston win the ball back the diagonal ball from right to left picks out Gannaway outside the area left of the D shifts the ball between her feet well to make room for a shot, slips at the vital moment the ball rolling towards goal scooped up by Long.
  Tinsley is stopped in her tracks by Dunnage as the Royston attacker dribbles the ball through the middle. Dunnage plays the ball forwards into space for Fisher to go after, Cooper with her both are beaten to the ball by D’Costa the Royston keeper out early to the edge of her box to slide onto the ball. From a throw in on the right Tinsley gathers the ball into her body turns and looks to find space in front of the Stevenage area for a shot, Blacksley goes with her, Tinsley sends the ball out to Annie Chambers on the left the full back rolling the ball into Gannaway ahead of her inside the box looks to square the ball across the six yard box with Smith making a central run, Dunnage gets across to clear the ball for the throw. 

Georgina Gannaway on the ball for Royston Town Ladies
 GOAL! Just over half an hour played and the deadlock is broken, Stevenage taking the lead after Long claims possession of the ball from a Royston attack the goalkeeper kicking the ball from the top of her area up towards the halfway line for once the centre backs fail to deal with the ball as it deflects favourably for Fisher sends the ball forwards getting up a head of steam drives towards the box left into the area plays from both sides racing to catch up with her, D’Costa comes closing down the angle saves well with her legs as Fisher looks to put the ball wide of her, grounded however the ball runs back to Fisher keeps her composure as the Royston defence get back to cover the goal instead rolls it across the penalty spot to Woodhams who sends the ball into the bottom corner of the goal to make it 1-0.

Rosy Woodhams scores the opening goal in this seasons
Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final

  Royston make a change with Andrea Wright coming on up top for Smith. The substitute looks to hold the ball up as she takes it into the right corner is tackled by Blacksley playing the ball into O’Connell helps it on for Fisher to try and get in behind, Jones goes with her sliding in to take the ball away from the striker into Chambers to clear. D’Costa out to the edge of her area right corner saves well again sliding in to deny Fisher the ball rolls back out towards McGuigan, Leslie slides in to take the ball from her before she can line up a shot the ball running across the top of the box Coldicott-Stevens gets it up field. 

Stevenage’s Bolu Fisher with Royston Town’ defender Amie Jones

  Gannaway plays the ball on for Wright down the left channel cutting inside gets into the area her ball put in along the six yard box cut out and cleared by Godbeer. A set-piece for Royston on half-way players go forwards as Cooper plays the ball up towards the top of the area, Leslie heads the ball on into the six yard box, Dunnage is the quickest to react getting it out of the box for Stevenage. Breckenbridge finds herself with time and space in the middle as the ball is played across to her 35 yards out lines up a strike plays the ball straight into the keeper. Fisher has been in the wars 1st half clattered into several times a free-kick is awarded in 1st half injury time after she is brought down wide on the left inside the Royston half, O’Connell on the ball a corner is conceded on the left a good delivery into the box by Breckenbridge, Beckett gets her head on the ball sends her effort over the bar the final action of the 1st half.

  Half-time Stevenage Ladies 1-0 Royston Town Ladies

  A 1-0 lead for Stevenage at half-time having been dominant once they got to grips with Royston’s pressing game, a competitve contest especially in the middle of the park. Stevenage getting in behind the Royston defence on a few occasions eventually bringing the goal whilst up the other end have kept things tight at the back playing deeper preventing their opponents attackers from finding any room to exploit. Leading by just a single goal the Final is far from settled.
   It’s Stevenage to kick-off the 2nd half, Royston look to get hold of the ball right from the start, Stevenage instead get it forwards playing it into Fisher outside the box left of the D back to goal rolls in across the top of the area looking to pick out Woodhams, instead Chambers steps in to intercept the ball clear it up field for Royston.
 GOAL! Stevenage waste no time getting the ball back into Royston’s final 3rd win themselves a corner on the left side, Breckenbridge to take as players come up from the back the delivery in towards the near post Godbeer gets her head on the ball inside the six yard box at the near post nodding the ball into the ground it bounces into the back of the net to see Stevenage double their advantage 4 minutes into the 2nd half 2-0.

Dominique Godbeer is mobbed by her team mates after putting Stevenage 2-0 up

 Royston come very close to pulling a goal back right from the restart the ball passed into Tinsley in a central position 25 yards from goal, good footwork to make room for a shot let’s flying the ball arrowing towards the top corner, Long throws herself to her right as it dips late strikes the post before rebounding out of play. Royston make a double substitution Jones and Gannaway the players coming off, Lucy Sende and Paige Rolfe come on. A throw in for Royston on the left the ball is played across the pitch by Graham out towards Fisk plays it forwards for Wright making a move down the right channels to get in behind the Stevenage defence, Long comes rushing out from her goal to slide in and claim the ball before Wright can take it past her.

Royston Town Ladies, Rebekah Fisk

  Stevenage counter attack from a Royston free-kick the ball played out to Woodhams on half way drives forwards before sending the ball into Fisher’s path moving right looking to get into the Royston box is forced wide by Cooper tracking back with her the angle against her as she tries to get a shot away sends her effort high over the crossbar.

 GOAL! 10 minutes into the 2nd half and Stevenage extend their lead a moment D’Costa will want to forget unfortunately the keeper having had fantastic game up to that moment, Stevenage get the ball forwards into the run of Woodhams left side pushing towards the area knocks the ball on into the area, coming out to slide in and claim the ball D’Costa doesn’t take it cleanly pops out of her gloves, Woodhams knocks it past her and gives chase to send the ball into the empty net beyond to make it 3-0.

 D’Costa is distraught but her teammates are quick to pick her up and get her focused with over half an hour of the final still to play. A comfortable lead for Stevenage now. Royston push players on Fisk supporting Tinsley out wide right receives the ball squares it into Graham in a central position 20 yards from goal, shifts the ball between her feet making room to curl a low shot in towards goal, travelling towards the bottom corner not enough pace on the ball as Long comes across her goal to claim it. Fisk pushes on again with Wright holding the ball up in the left corner for Royston plays it up towards the full-back who has Tinsley making a run across the D in front of the Stevenage box, Fisk picks her out the attacker meeting the ball 1st time sending the ball in towards goal flies wide of the post.

  A change for Stevenage as they bring off Milliken with Amy Josland coming on into the midfield. Involved in the action straight away a ball over the top has Woodhams in behind same run that led to her goal, D’Costa comes rushing out to sliding takes the ball confidently into her body. Pressing on the right wing Stevenage win a corner kick, Breckenbridge plays it up the line with O’Connell available the midfielder sends a sweeping cross in towards the near post just behind Dunnage’s run the defender turns getting her chest on the ball to help it on, bouncing up for Beckett, she tries to get some power on her header but plays it straight into D’Costa in goal.

Changes for both sides, Royston bring on Katie Seymour in place of Fisk, Stephanie Mann comes on for Stevenage replacing Beckett midway through the 2nd half. Woodhams looks to bring the ball on through the middle for Stevenage is tackled by Rolfe 25 yards out the ball deflects wide to Breckenbridge on the right plays a great early ball into the Royston area, bouncing in front of the six yard box, D’Costa claims the ball well above her head not distracted by Josland racing in try and reach the cross. Allyson Santini come on for Royston in place of Coldicott-Stevens. 70 minutes played.

Royston are awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position just outside the box top left corner, Wright over the ball as players come forwards from the back. Is a great ball in towards the players lining up at the far post picking out Leslie 12 yards out gets a firm header on the ball turning it towards goal, pace on the ball it is heading for the bottom corner, Long throws herself across her goal to make an excellent save. Stevenage bring off Woodhams sending on Daniela Martucci to join the attack for the final 15 minutes. 

Royston’s Grace Leslie get her header on target

  Rolfe gets back to tackle Martucci as she takes the ball down the right channel conceding the corner kick. Breckenbridge plays the ball into the area going long is just over McGuigan falls to Josland beyond who meets the ball on the volley sends her attempt wide of target. Smith rejoins the action for Royston with Graham coming off. McGuigan is away down the right as the referee plays the advantage after Breckenbridge is clattered driving inside into the box closing in on goal McGuigan blasts the ball into the side netting a corner is signalled however, the delivery swung in towards the near post is headed clear of the area by Santini, falling to O’Connell outside the box snatches at the shot cutting the ball wide across the area.
  
  Breckenbridge is the next player substituted by Stevenage, Kristi Burling coming on with a little over 10 minutes left to play. Godbeer comes across to slide in and take the ball inside the area from Smith as she is played in behind on the left side by Chambers. Fisher comes off in the latter stages of the game with Stevenage sending on Hayley Wood-Thompson. Josland tussling with Leslie for the ball in the middle of the park gets it forwards for McGuigan, advances towards the top of the area before blasting a shot wide of the far post. Milliken returns to the action in place of O’Connell for Stevenage.

 

Royston Town Ladies,
Harriett Smith

Late pressure from Royston as they search for a goal, Smith is played in down the right carries the ball on into the box Long comes to close the angle, Godbeer too, between them squeeze the Royston attacker off the ball. A great reverse ball down the line from Santini gets Chambers in behind on the left for Royston sends a long ball in across the six yard box towards the far post Wood-Thompson defends well against Wright heading the ball out of the area falls to Leslie 20 yards out running onto the ball hits it back into the area her strike blocked. 

 Into the final couple of minutes of normal time Royston get the ball forwards into Smith right of goal shifts the ball before pulling the trigger, Long gets down sharply to make the save the ball deflects across her six yard box, no one following in as Stevenage launch it up field. Another late chance for Smith as Tinsley rolls the ball into her path outside the area hits the ball hard towards goal Long throws herself to her left, the ball flies narrowly wide of the post.

 GOAL! In injury time Stevenage hit Royston on the break to score a 4th goal the ball played out to Milliken is space on the right plays the ball in towards the top of the area just behind Wood-Thompson has Josland beyond her McGuigan is running on towards the top of the box Josland rolling the ball into her opening up her body McGuigan meets the ball perfectly sending it angling into the top corner 4-0. Virtually the last action of the game the final whistle blows and Stevenage celebrate winning the County Cup.

Full time Stevenage Ladies 4-0 Royston Town Ladies

  A 4-0 win for Stevenage 2 early goals 2nd half putting them in control of the final, the better side on the day their defence giving Royston very little opportunity in behind whilst up the other end had players always ready to break forwards. Royston battled hard a competitive contest especially in the middle of the park but eventually ran out of energy. A few late chances to pull a goal back hit on the counter on concede a 4th goal. A good game watched by a decent sized crowd.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

     With two goals in the final the SWF Blog – Player of the Match is Rosy Woodhams. Made life difficult for the Royston defence with so forceful runs on the ball. Good hold up play to bring others into the attack aswell as making intelligent runs to make space for others to exploit.

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Winners, Stevenage Ladies

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

  My thanks to the Hertfordshire FA staff today, especially Callum Riley for his help with the team line-ups. Enjoyed my 1st Cup Final of the season plenty more to look forwards too.