Tag Archives: Eaton Socon Ladies

Cup Final Special – Eaton Socon Ladies v Godmanchester Town Ladies

Friday 8th March

Huntingdonshire FA Women Senior Cup Final

The cup finals getting off to an early start this year with a Friday evening trip to St Neots to watch this season’s Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final between Eaton Socon Ladies and Godmanchester Town Ladies.

Very much a fledgling competition with this being the 3rd final to be played. Cambridge United WFC winning in inaugural competition beating St Ives Town Women with a stoppage time winner from Laura Mitchell to lift the cup. A single goal the difference in the finish in last season’s final too, albeit coming in the opening 50 seconds, Laura Rudd’s 30 yard screamer seeing Cardea FC Ladies win seeing St Ives Town Ladies finish runners-up for the 2nd successive year.

This evening’s prize

Huntingdonshire FA with a small catchment of clubs seeing a field of just 7 enter this years competition and that was further reduced with clubs sadly withdrawing from there respective leagues, one of those, St Ives Town Ladies, their 1st team at least, struggling for numbers and injuries making to tough decision to call it a day. Followed soon after by Yaxley Phoenix Ladies losing both their 1st team and development side. With two of the favourites not even getting to play their drawn matches the competition has opened the door to others. For despite these losses Huntingdonshire has huge potential for growth within the women’s game and interest is strong with the Hunts FA announcing over 600 tickets were sold leading up to this evenings final.

Eaton Socon Ladies into their 1st Hunt’s FA Women’s Senior Final a great opportunity to compete for silverware in what has been a tough season for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side. Due to unforeseen circumstances bringing in a new manager weeks before the start of the season. Dan Dodson looking to bring in a new style of play has taken a little bit of time for thing’s to settle but but after a poor start to the season and a good squad of talented players to work with results have started to come the bonus reaching their 1st cup final

Godmanchester Town Ladies were formed this season the side evolving from the core of the old St Ives Town Ladies Development side, initially moving to Huntingdon before establishing themselves with their new club. Are enjoying a very good season in the league. Top of Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two look odds on to win the league with 7 matches to play, 8 points clear at the top undefeated winning all but one of their 13 games to date. Scoring plenty of goals long the way too with Kendal O’Connor leading scorer so far with 23 goals from 15 games with Ellie Harvey close behind on 20 for the season, with Francesca Worrall and Natasha Houchen also into double figures. That strong league form continuing into the cup competitions reaching a final in their 1st season.

Road to the Final

    With the quarter final draw being blown wide open by the early season withdrawals, Eaton Socon who had been handed a tough home game against St Ives Town Ladies progressed straight to the last 4. Godmanchester were drawn away to St Ives Town Ladies 2nd team which is still going. The away side winning 4-0 to reach the last 4 off the competition with holders Cardea FC Ladies and their new Reserves side the other semi-finalists.

  Eaton Socon at home again in the semi-finals drawn against Cardea FC Ladies 1st team. A 2nd half brace from Hannah Hutchinson and a stoppage time goal from Shannah Anico seeing Eaton Socon into the final winning 3-1 to knock out the holders. Godmanchester at home too taking on Cardea FC Ladies Reserves, rattling in the goals easily reaching the final with a 7-2 victory.

 The previous two Hunts FA Women’s Senior Finals taking place at Eynesbury Rovers FC, the final moved this season to St Neots Town Fc’s. Premier Plus Stadium. With a large crowd expected the ground starting to fill early, the main seated stand on one side of the ground with the kitchen hatch open for hot food and drinks along with the bar. Terraced standing behind both goals with viewing all round. The good sized grass pitch in great condition. A few welcome days of relatively dry weather leading up to the game although their was a bitterly cold breeze keeping temperatures down.

Eaton Socon Ladies

Eaton Socon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Lily Horsler, Victoria Wilkinson, Erin Kelly, Chloe Armstrong, Gemma Cooksley (C), Mollie Childerley, Charlotte Crisp, Hannah Hutchinson, Shannah Anico & Chloe Parncutt. Subs – Melissa Davidson, Rebecca Jones, Kelly Bingham, Cara Howell & Kayleigh Clarke. 

Godmanchester Town Ladies

Godmanchester Town Ladies starting XI – Jade Carpenter, Leah Culpin, Leia Wheeler, Emily Stephenson, Megan Stow, Cherish Sibanda (C), Natasha Houchen, Sophie Crook, Francesca Worrall, Ellie Harvey & Kendal O’Connor. Subs – Georgina Astley, Steph Ransome, Erica Zimmerman, Natasha Colmer & Nicolle Surtees.

  It’s Godmanchester to get the Hunts FA Women Senior Cup Final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing sky blue shirts with navy blue across the top of the chest and sleeves, navy shorts and socks. Eaton Socon lined up opposite wearing claret coloured shirts and socks with sky blue shorts. Th ball played back to the defence clipped long out to the right, Eaton Socon’s Victoria Wilkinson challenging the ball taken out of play for the throw. 

  Godmanchester pressing on the right the ball won central threaded through for Kendal O’Connor running into the right channel, Chloe Armstrong intercepting the pass at the back for Eaton Socon. A lively start to the game both sides closing the ball down, little time to pick a pass. Shannah Anico with pace to burn looking to get free on the right as the ball is squeezed in the middle launched forwards, Emily Stephenson winning it at the back for Godmanchester.

Shannah Anico (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

 Cherish Sibanda captaining Godmanchester combining with Sophie Crook through the middle played forwards for Francesca Worrall pulling in behind the Eaton Socon defence taking the ball into the area left of the goal, goalkeeper Keeley Robinson comes racing out to close her down going to ground making the blocking save at the strikers feet.

  Lily Horsler moving in to press the ball off a Godmanchester throw in on right looks to put Anico on down the wing, Stephenson getting across on the cover to close her down send the ball out for a throw. A high tempo both sides continue to get at one another, Eaton Socon come forwards Hannah Hutchinson on for Anico bursting down the right into the corner, holds possession sending it back into Hutchinson 25 yards out central, looks to return it to Anico as she races back to the top corner of the area, the number 9 brought down, referee Lauren Dobbs awarding the free-kick. 

 Crisp over the set piece 20 yards out right corner of the Godmanchester area whips a curling ball in low towards goal runners coming in to attack it, Mollie Childerley meeting it with a little too much power driving it wide at the near post. Eaton Socon starting to gain some momentum coming forward well, Erin Kelly on for Hutchinson out to Anico on the right Leia Wheeler getting her foot in to take the ball away from her clear for Godmanchester. Hutchinson pulling right again linking up with Anico threads the ball into the area, the Godmanchester defence across her to shield the ball out for the goal kick.

  Anico looking to play Hutchinson on this time down the right wing, Natasha Houchen tackling for Godmanchester. Jade Carpenter, keeping goal for Godmanchester comes to claim as Anico 25 yards out lifts the ball into her box. Carpenter then racing out of her area to kick the ball clear as Chloe Parncutt threatens to run in behind the defence from an over the top pass. 

 Eaton Socon doing well to win the 2nd balls stop Godmanchester finding their attackers turn play around played out to Childerley on the left, Wilkinson providing support the ball back to her played inside for Kelly to strike from distance Carpenter right behind it to save. Horsler putting herself about getting stuck in on the right linking up with Anico, Megan Stow getting across as she gets in behind to clear. Horsler with a nice piece of footwork to drag the ball back skip past her marker on the right cuts inside running into traffic can’t pick out a teammate before Sibanda tackles.

Lily Horsler (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  O’Connor gets hold of the ball in attack for Godmanchester powers her way in behind the defence looking to attack the area moving central, checks inside to come back onto her right foot as the Eaton Socon defence recovers the ground, nevertheless gets her shot away a low strike angled in at right post, Robinson down smartly onto it to save.

 The tackles continue to mount up O’Connor earning herself the 1st yellow card of the game as Eaton Socon get the free-kick on halfway. Sent long in towards the area Stow heading clear, Eaton Socon keep possession a diagonal ball angled out to the right with Hutchinson giving chase to the by-line looks to play the ball of the tracking defender and gets it to win her side a corner kick. Parncutt to take the corner played in low to the top of the box the pass returned to Parncutt coming inside to sweep a cross into the six yard box, Sibanda winning it for Godmanchester. 

  GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 19th minute Eaton Socon winning the ball back on their left Wilkinson into Kelly to Parncutt the ball fed into the left channel Childerley breaking in behind the defence moving central comes back onto her left foot to smash a low shot under the diving keeper from 20 yards out and turns to race away in celebration. Next to her grandparents they were pleased with that one 1-0.

Mollie Childerley opens the scoring for Eaton Socon Ladies (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography

   Competitive in the middle, Crisp and Sophie Crook for Manchester getting stuck into each other as crisp comes right looking to pick out the run of Anico. Hutchinson finding room on the ball for Eaton Socon getting forwards well having the pacy Anico getting central slips the ball into the area forwards for Anico to attack left of goal a little too far ahead of her came on poke her shot wide of the post. Hutchinson then seeing the ball into her feet outside the box right corner turns to shoot, Stephenson out to block her.

  Godmanchester competing for the ball well, finding it hard to pick a pass with Eaton Socon moving quickly to get hold of the 2nd ball. Crook playing to the ball out to Worrall moves inside her inside pass cut out by Eaton Socon captain, Gemma Cooksley.

  GOAL! Out of nothing Godmanchester get themselves back on level terms, the ball played wide out to the left in the final third looking to be running out of play, chased down and kept in, Crook with it at her feet coming inside on the angle hitting the ball in towards the far post on the angle, sends it over Robinson under the crossbar to pull it back to 1-1.

  Back all square, Eaton Socon regain possession on the left the ball with Childerley forwards for Parncutt driving down the line, Leah Culpin getting in the challenge to win the ball back for Godmanchester. Kelly with Crisp in the middle the ball put forwards onto Anico up to, looks to steal half a yard on the defence get in behind, Stephenson with a great tackle recovering to nick the ball away from her.

  Stow winning the header in defence for Godmanchester the ball back into mid-field Crook out to the left wing for Worrall wins them their 1st corner of the game. The delivery swung into the near post clear by Hutchinson for Eaton Socon out for a throw. Eaton Socon build through the middle Parncutt combining with Crisp taking the ball right slide the pass in for Hutchinson 25 yards out, Stephenson quickly out to close her down tackling to win the ball back. 

Charlotte Crisp (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  Both sides maintaining a good tempo the ball rarely still, flowing been with some robust challenges. Horsler nipping in to win the ball of Worrall breaking forwards comes inside runs into Sibanda. Godmanchester caught high lose the ball, Stephenson well positioned to halt the counter attack. Houchen with a talking too as she chops down Hutchinson on half way. Eaton Socon break left Childerley on for Parncutt, the ball rolled back to the top of the area the cross swept into the six yard box claimed well by Carpenter.

  Carpenter out of her area to hack the ball clear as Hutchinson feed the ball on for Anico on the right. Anico’s pace continues to cause Godmanchester problems as Carpenter is needed to run out to the top of the box to clear before the attacker and race onto the ball in behind. Eaton Socon looking to finish the first half strong Childerley, Anico and Parncutt combining down the left can’t quite keep the ball in play as she stretches to cross on the by-line. Godmanchester with one last attack in the half getting up the left winning a corner. A decent ball swung in central Eaton Socon thought winning the defensive header to see the sides go in level at the break.

Half-time Eaton Socon Ladies 1-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Hunts FA announcing an absolutely fantastic crowd of 708 at this evenings game. Have seen an entertaining first half with the sides drawing 1-1 at the break. Godmanchester breaking trough into the box with an early chance. The game played a a good tempo with little time afforded on the ball. Eaton Socon doing well to get themselves into a good position winning the 2nd ball well building momentum before opening the scoring in the 19th minute. Godmanchester though finding a goal out of nothing to pull the scores level. Both sides scoring in the final at the 3rd attempt will be intriguing to see if the pace of play can be maintained in the 2nd half very much still all to play for.

  No changes for either side at the break, with Eaton Socon getting the 2nd period underway, played back to Kelly into her defence, Cooksley and Armstrong pressed by the on rushing Godmanchester attackers the ball hastily cleared. Harvey and O’Connor getting after the ball both sides continuing to snap into their challenges. Crisp looking for Parncutt with the pass on the left, Culpin tackling for Godmanchester.

Kendal O’Connor on the attack for Godmanchester (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  Eaton Socon bringing the ball on going right Hutchinson wide angling the ball in towards Anico making the run top of the area, Carpenter rushing out to put her foot though the ball. Sibanda dealing with a cross swung in from Eaton Socon’s right. Godmanchester looknig to be a little more direct push on ha opened the game up a little more Eaton Socon countering Kelly through to Anico with Hutchinson through the middle the pass played on for Parncutt making a run right of the D, Stephenson in her path to put in the blocking tackle. 

  GOAL! Eaton Socon driving at the Godmanchester defence the ball from midfield played in to Hutchinson right side of the D into the area takes the ball round a defender to shoot on the angle, drives her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner 2-1.

Hannah Hutchinson fires Eaton Socon back into the lead (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  Eaton Socon getting back into the lead early in the 2nd half, Godmanchester looknig for a quickly response the ball from Crook into Worrall on the left checks inside turning into the box, tackled by Horsley. Culpin bringing the ball on down the right for Godmanchester playing the pass forwards for O’Connor, Wilkinson challenging for Eaton Socon. Hutchinson giving away a free-kick Godmanchester winning the set-piece 35 yards out Houchen over the ball lines up the strike on target but Robinson behind it all the way.

Vicky Wilkinson (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

    Eaton Socon with the first changes of the match making a double substitution  on 58 minutes bringing on Melissa Davidson and Kelly Bingham to replace Kelly and Crisp. Anico brought down for Eaton Socon the free-kick wide 35 yards out Childerley to send into the box, Stow heading the ball clear for Godmanchester as they break with pace the ball sent on for O’Connor on the right racing forwards, Bingham catching up with her top pf the area doing enough to take the power off her cross the ball deflected across D in favour of Eaton Socon who get to the ball 1st to clear.

  Armstrong getting across to defend on O’Connor takes the ball on down the right flank. Godmanchester pushing on Crook up with the attack the ball played into her inside the D, looks to turn off her own flick on get into the area but is tightly marked can’t get into the box. 

 Hutchinson regaining possession on the right as Godmanchester are forced into a hasty clearance taking the ball on her cross/shot on the angle claimed by Carpenter at her near post. A lot put into the game players starting to go down with cramp. Eaton Socon moving the ball well. Childerley up on the left with support from Parncutt the latter taking the ball infield before whipping a cross into the far post for Hutchinson to attack but is stopped by the raised flag, offside. 

(photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

 Midway through the 2nd half, Eaton Socon pushing looking for a helpful 2 goal cushion, Godmanchester fa from out of it. Eaton Socon turning play around as Horsley cuts out the ball at the back played forwards Parncutt pulling off the defence into the box left of goal, Carpenter rushing out to close the angle, Parncutt screws her shot wide of the post. Eaton Socon enjoying a good spell Childerley and Hutchinson both useful outlets on the flanks. Houchen taking a heavy fall down needing treatment a chance for a pause but is up ok Godmanchester making a change bring off Wheeler on comes Rebecca Jones as the game moves into the final 20 minutes.

Chloe Parncutt (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

  Bingham gathering the ball into her feet through the middle her momentum seeing her charge into the D is stopped by a somewhat clumsy challenge by Godmanchester get away with it the ball cleared. Another change for Godmanchester, Houchen having taken the knock coming off replaced by Erica Zimmerman. Harvey wit a strike on goal from the top of the area right of goal, Robinson back on her line seeing it all the way to save comfortably. A reminder to Eaton Socon that with just one goal in it the result is still in the balance.

 Anico with a burst on energy as the game moves into the final 15 minutes taking the ball right flashes a shot on the angle across the goal wide past the far post. Steph Ransome coming on for Eaton Socon to replace Armstrong at the back. Eaton Socon pushing on looknig for their 3rd goal Hutchinson wide right angling a ball into the near post, Childerley in the six yard box her attempt blocked at close range rebounds back to Bingham in the box on the right smashed her strike over the crossbar.

  Natasha Colmer coming on for Godmanchester with Harvey coming off with 5 minutes left on the clock. Eaton Socon on the whole looking comfortable continuing to push on in attack rather than begin dropping back looking to defend their lead. Parncutt breaks through the defence into the box right of goal, Carpenter out to block her. Bingham with Davidson passing on through the middle on for Parncutt, Stephenson cutting the ball out for Godmanchester. 

  Into stoppage time Eaton Socon making a double switch sending on Cara Howell and Kayleigh Clarke replacing Parncutt and Anico up top. Godmanchester going for it late on a strike from 25 yards out on the left rattling wide. Eaton Socon’s defence backed up by the midfield as they limited the spaces in behind the ball clear and the final whistle blows, Eaton Socon rush together to celebrate winning this season’s Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup. 

Full time Eaton Socon Ladies 2-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies 

  Another new name on the cup and it’s only into it’s 3rd season. A entertaining final played at a fast tempo with both sides closing the ball down throughout, Eaton Socon winning more of the 2nd balls to get themselves on the front foot looked comfortable in the 2nd half once they got their noses back in front but would have liked a further goal to extend the advantage at 2-1 Godmanchester were never out of the game and will feel they just lacked that final killer ball to expose their opponents defence. A lot of energy put into the game and with the shape of thinks currently in Huntingdonshire theirs every reason to think these two sides could be at the beginning of a new rivalry.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s a tough one but my mid was leaning towards one player and that differs from the player who got the award on the night but it was close. A few performances of note to mention first for Godmanchester, Emily Stephenson was strong at the back reading the game well getting in some vital challenges and certainly denied Eaton Socon a few more chances. Cherish Sibanda got about the pitch to win the ball helped back in defence and looking to get the ball into her attackers. For Eaton Socon, Lily Horsley was a live wire at the back snapping in with her challenges to win the ball and keep Eaton Socon on the front foot. Mollie Childerley got forwards well to support the attack on the left took her goal well. Shannah Anico’s pace causing Godmanchester problems throughout made several good runs as did Chloe Parncutt who won the award on the night, was a great outlet up top running into the channels and setting up others unlucky not to find a goal herself. Edging it for me however was Hannah Hutchinson linked up fantastically with Anico getting forwards into some great positions whether inside or out on the right in the 2nd half took her goal well.

Captain, Gemma Cooksley with her hands on the cup for the victorious Eaton Socon Ladies (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

Eaton Socon Ladies 2023/24 Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners (photo credit Lucy Nicole Photography)

Congratulations to Eaton Socon Ladies on winning this season’s Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup

  Hunts FA putting on a great final, fantastic to see a great crowd of 708 enjoy a good game, show piecing women’s football in the area. My thanks to everyone for their help tonight getting the team details. Thanks also to Lucy Nicole Photography (Instagram  @lucynicolephotography ) for allowing me to use some of her pictures in the report much appreciated. The cup finals have started my favourite time of the season.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Eaton Socon Ladies

Sunday 8th October

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

 A return to county league action this Sunday on Women’s Football East with a trip into Cambridgeshire to watch a game from the Women’s Premiership with Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds taking on Eaton Socon Ladies.

 Cambridgeshire like the other county leagues across the East seeing a rise in the number of sides playing as the women’s game continues to grow across the country. The county now featuring 3 divisions with a total of 33 sides. 10 sides competing in the Premiership.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds one of the longest established clubs within Cambridge competing in the counties top division. Of course can’t go past this without mentioning the heartfelt loss of Sam Issacson losing her battle with bowel cancer a well loved member of the Fulbourn team, taking part in the Kick Cancer Cup along with her Fulbourn teammates raising money for charity before final succumbing to the decease. A bench erected by the pitches at the Recreation Ground in her honour and the new coaching team of Ashley Hunt and Ryan Lee adding a tribute to the with the words Sam 10 on the shirt sleeves the number 10 shirt retired in her name. 

Sam’s bench, erected in memory of much missed Fulbourn player Samantha Issacson.

 A side that was often amongst the goals last season where they averaged 6.44 goals per game they featured in unfortunately not winning as many as they lost though, to record a 7th place finish. Ebony Crook and Marie Stubbings scoring 40 goals between them last season with Crook getting 18, Stubbings 22. Neither coming close to Ellie Woodley who found the back of the net for 40 goals during the campaign. Just two league matches played so far this season, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Cambridge Rangers WFC before bouncing back well away to Cambridge University Women last time out winning 5-0 with Marie Stubbings netting a hat-trick, Eleanor Woodley and Natalie Wells also on the score sheet.

 Eaton Socon Ladies joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s football league back ii the 2019 season, initially affected by the Covid pandemic season’s have progressed up the league’s winning Division One North in 2021. Promoted to the Premiership last season enjoyed a strong debut season at that level unbeaten in their first 6 matches, only losing 5 matches along the way with 4 of those being against the two sides vying for the title finishing 4th overall.  Sasha Tristram now out in the US to enjoy her football top scoring during that campaign with 12 goals. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances Eaton Socon Ladies having to bringing in a new manager just a few weeks before the season was due to start with Dan Dodson taking charge of the squad. Looking to bring in a different style of play it has been a tougher start to the campaign with 3 consecutive losses beginning with a 1-0 home defeat against Real Bedford Reserves then back to back losses on the road 2-0 and 6-0 away to Cambridge Rangers WFC and Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Will be hoping to turn their fortunes around with their 3rd successive away trip.

Having not been to the Fulbourn Recreation Ground for a while I was still sure I knew the way, but I didn’t as I turned right at the pub bringing me out behind the pitch so a quick turn around and I sorted thing’s out. A large community facility with numerous sports activities on offer the grass pitches over looked by a large pavilion and cricket square. Today’s game on the pitch furthest from the changing rooms the whole area surrounded by trees. At first appearances the pitch appearing to be covered in dew in places but was in fact a carpet of spiders webs…  

Part of the pitch covered in a carpet of spiders webs

…with numerous little arachnids scuttling about getting disturbed by the arrival of the players and supporters alike. The weather remains beautiful for the time of year with it again over 20 degrees, dry and the sun high in a relatively blue sky.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Rachel Fallow, Seema Grewal, Julie Brown, Sarah Bodger, Jess Anderson, Dani Quinn, Hollie Turner, Ebony Crook, Katie Luddy, Marie Stubbings (C) & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Jody Hoenink & Gabby Gallegos.

Eaton Socon Ladies

 Eaton Socon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abby Jones, Faye Prout, Gemma Cooksley (C), Georgia Bickley, Kelly Bingham, Hannah Hutchinson, Shannah Anico, Charlotte Crisp, Chloe Parncutt & Lily Horsler. Subs – Kayleigh Clarke, Hollie Radford-Dare, Cara Howell, Rebecca Jones & Leah Falzarano. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Gemma Cooksley and Marie Stubbings with Richard May

The spiders might have enjoyed their Sunday so far, but now 22 football players are about to descend upon them. Eaton Socon doing the league double over Fulbourn last season will be hoping for a victory today to kick start the new campaign the sun moving around the pitch with the tree line leaving one goalmouth in shade with Fulbourn winning the kick-off attacking that end first half wearing sky blue shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. Eaton Socon themselves usually playing in claret colours wearing a white away shirt with red on the sleeves, white shorts and claret socks. The ball rolled back to captain Marie Stubbings to clip long out to the right as Katie Luddy breaks forwards on the wing, Faye Prout clearing the danger for Eaton Socon.

 The visitors hustling in midfield the ball played out to the right for Shannah Anico to attack up the line whipping a dangerous cross into the Fulbourn six yard box players running no one can get a touch as it bounces on at the far post. Retrieved on the left the cross back in taking a deflection straight into goalkeeper Rachel Fallow’s gloves. Hannah Hutchinson battling for the ball in midfield for Eaton Socon picking out Anico with the diagonal pass out to the right, Fulbourn full back Julie Brown getting across her to take the ball out for a throw.

Kelly Bingham on the ball for Eaton Socon

  Eaton Socon looking to make a positive start pushing up into the Fulbourn half to press and win the ball, Anico providing an outlet on the right looking to take on Brown a good contest looming between the pair, Brown throwing a leg out to take the ball away from Anico. A high line from the visitors Fulbourn looking to expose the defence as Hollie Turner gets hold of the ball inside the centre circle attempts to thread it in behind into Stubbings as she pulls into the left channel, Abbey Jones with a timely interception for Eaton Socon.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

  The Eaton Socon defence back peddling as Fulbourn turn play around with a high clearance from the back players rushing forwards, Georgia Bickley getting her boot up well to hook the ball away to safety. 

  GOAL! The ball contested hotly in the middle Fulbourn bring it on the attackers combining Woodley on for Stubbings breaking into the area left of the D, goalkeeper Keeley Robinson coming to close her down, saves with her foot as Stubbings shoots the rebound gathered by Stubbings who lays the ball in central for Woodley to turn unmarked and open up her body to slot the ball into the bottom corner 1-0. 

Ellie Woodley opening the scoring for Fulbourn

  A goal inside the opening 5 minutes from Fulbourn, a blow for Eaton Socon having made a positive start winning a free-kick on half way the ball floated in to the top of the area the header won by Fulbourn’s Sarah Bodger.

  GOAL! Fulbourn’s attackers carve open the Eaton Socon defence to double their lead as Stubbins picking the ball up on halfway travels on well before threading it through the middle for Woodley to race clear into the box and shoot low wide of the keeper for her 2nd goal in 3 minutes 2-0. 

Two quick fire goals for Ellie Woodley

  Eaton Socon well and truly on the back foot now, looking for a response as Hutchinson takes the ball on into the right corner before whipping a dangerous back in across the face of goal, no one there to turn it home however. The visitors getting a throw high on the right, Anico and Jess Horsler combining as another teasing ball is flashed across the six yard box, Seema Grewal able to clear for Fulbourn beyond the far post. 

  Fulbourn winning a free-kick on the left 35 yards out as Crook bringing the ball on is bundled to the ground. Over the set-piece herself strikes the ball in towards goal a curling ball that crashes down off the crossbar, Dani Quinn racing in on the follow up as the ball drops wide of the right post, Robinson on the ground having dived attempting to get to Crook’s effort scrambling up to make the blocking save, Quinn able to get hold of the ball for a 2nd bite looking to drag it round the keeper can’t believe it as she rakes her shot wide past the far post. 

Ebony Crook’s free-kick comes down off the bar

Dani Quinn, frustrated to see her shot race wide

  The visitors on the ropes coming close to conceding a 3rd scrapping for possession in the middle, Kelly Bingham on for Horsler, turns Bodger in to close her down. Turner and Quinn working together in the middle for Fulbourn the ball lifted forwards, cleared by Eaton Socon captain, Gemma Cooksley as she backs up towards her area, Stubbings racing in to steal the ball finding its way into Crook inside the D, turns inside looking to strike the ball sends her effort wide of the top corner. 

Fulbourn’s Ebony Crook

  Eaton Socon riding their look still aiming to get forwards with Hutchinson carrying the ball out to the right linking up well with Anico on the line to deliver a cross in along the top of the area, Horsler getting up to head the ball down towards goal, drops straight into Farrow back on her line. Hutchinson making some powerful runs on the ball again on the right winning a throw the ball down for Anico to cross, Charlotte Crisp looking to get it under control outside the box, turns into Jess Anderson as she closes her down.

   Bickley clearing at the back for Eaton Socon as she drops back on Woodley as Stubbings attempts to play the ball up to her. Brown lunging in to deny Anico getting in behind on the right. Eaton Socon pressing on the right with Bingham the latest player to take the ball on force her way through into the box, running into traffic. Crisp brought down presenting Eaton Socon with a free-kick 25 yards out to the right of goal. Takes on the shot the Fulbourn wall doing it’s job the ball deflected out to the left as the referee stops proceedings for a drinks break.

  25 minutes played a chance for Eaton Socon to regroup. Play resuming with an Eaton Socon throw on the right, Chloe Parnett crossing the ball in high headed clear by Bodger. Bodger then clearing as she closes down Hutchinson looking to drive on with the ball on the left side. Hutchinson sending a ball over the top into the area for Horsler and Crisp to attack, Anderson holding them off to see the ball safely back to her keeper.

Eaton Socon’s, Hannah Hutchinson

 Stubbings getting the ball down inside the Eaton Socon half off of their own goal kick knocks it forwards into Woodley inside the D, looking to turn inside to shoot Bickley stretching out a leg for Eaton Socon deflects the ball away. The visitors get on up the left winning a throw high leading to a looping cross dropping into the six yard box, Crisp under challenge trying to get something on it unable to connect as Fallow lays claim to it. 

  Eaton Socon winning the first corner of the game taken from the right a great delivery curled in across the face of goal over everyone, no one able to connect as it bounces past the far post. Fulbourn happy to drop invite Eaton Socon on defend around their box knowing the counter is always on the ball cleared out to the left with Crook looking to turn the defence, Jones just about staying on her stretching her leg to knock it against Crook to deflect it away to the left corner, then as Crook goes to retrieve it Jones prevents the cross coming in the ball off Crook for the goal kick.

  Turner and Quinn putting in a shift to win the ball in the middle for Fulbourn the ball forwards releasing Woodley away through the middle off Cooksley last man she can’t risk bringing her down as Woodley break into the box a chance to net her hat-trick shoots early a tame effort in the finish not troubling Robinson. 

  Stubbings pulling out to the right wide receiving the ball, held up lays it back up the line for Luddy her cross/shot from deep dropping over the Eaton Socon goal. Woodley put in the clear on the right wing sees the keeper way off her line attempts the chip sending the ball over her to bounce inside the six yard box, up onto the crossbar and behind!

Fulbourn’s Hollie Turner

 The chances mounting for Fulbourn to extend their lead. Eaton Socon still pushing for a reply however getting another corner on the right, swung into the near post, Farrow punching it behind for a 2nd corner, this one cleared out of the area, no break on as Eaton Socon put a diagonal ball into Horsley who hits the shot on the turn 30 yards out a good effort, but once again straight into Farrow.

 The visitors winning the ball central on for Horsley, right going in to challenge with Brown the defender grounded the ball deflected forwards, Bingham racing onto it striking the ball on the angle, Farrow scrambling across her goal seeing it crash into the side netting. Leah Falzarano on for Eaton Socon for Anico, up on the right with Hutchinson cut back inside for Horsler her shot blocked by Bodger. 

Eaton Socon’s Lily Horsler

  Eaton Socon overloading the right side getting up the pitch well delivering a dangerous ball into the box bouncing awkwardly at the far post with Parncutt closing down the keeper, Fallow composed taking it high on the bounce. Brown picking up a head injury for Fulbourn in the latter stages of the first half comes off with Jody Hoenink coming on. The game getting a little testy in patches Eaton Socon a little frustrated. The visitors with the opportunity to play the ball into the area off a free-kick on the right Bingham to deliver, Crisp up central can’t get strong contact the ball flicked out to the left gathered by Parncutt who rifles a shot over on the angle. 

  Cooksley winning the ball as she tackles Stubbings inside the D as she attempt to bring down a cross put in from Luddy on the right. Eaton Socon flabbergasted as they fail to win a corner in the dying seconds of the first half with Bingham and Anderson battling for the ball delivered into the box from the right, Bingham adamant it came off the defender.

   Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-0 Eaton Socon Ladies

  Fulbourn in control of the first half, despite Eaton Socon looking to make a positive start the hosts capitalising on errors at the back to break away to score two early goals. Woodley on target for both, could well have added a couple more having created some golden chances and hitting the woodwork. Eaton Socon regrouping well after the drinks break to try and pressure the Fulbourn defence getting after the ball getting into some good positions but not testing the keeper. Still at just 2-0 are far from out of the game and as is often the case the next goal is critical. With the pavilion housing the changing rooms a good distance away both teams staying out in the shade for the half-time break. Spiders everywhere one crawling across my notepad and having left my bag open goodness knows how many I’ll be bringing home with me. 

Just one of thousands of spiders descend on Fulbourn Recreation ground this Sunday.

No fresh changes for either side with Jody Hoenink for Fulbourn and Leah Falzarano for Eaton Socon coming on late in the first half. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway. The ball launched forwards out to the right, Hoenink doing the defending for Fulbourn. The hosts straight on the counter with Turner in the centre helping the ball on for Stubbings to race forwards lay the pass out to Woodley on the right her strike on the angle saved low at the near post by Robinson. 

Seema Grewal defending for Fulbourn

 Fulbourn pressing the ball outside the box deflected back into the box, Robinson rushed into the clearance as Woodley closes her down. Quinn tackling in the centre playing the pass forwards into Stubbings sprays the ball out to the right for Luddy, her cross swept in towards goal put behind. 

Eaton Socon getting up on the right winning a corner the ball sent into Horsley top of the area plays it back to the taker driven in towards the near post cleared by Hoenink, Crisp getting back onto the ball from distance striking a shot wide. Bingham putting herself about to try and win the ball back for Eaton Socon get them on the attack driving a pass into Horsler 25 yards out back to goal controls on the turn striking a shot goal wards, Fallow must have a script for this game because the goalkeepers right behind it again to catch. 

Fulbourn’s Jody Hoenink

 Bodger defending as Bingham drives at her getting the ball off Parncutt on the left. Winning a throw on the left level with the top of the area Bingham sees the ball into her before tracking inside to strike the ball, falling back as she does so screws the ball wide of the far post. 

Kelly Bingham slipping as she unleashes the shot

 Eaton Socon remaining competitive looking to take the game to Fulbourn who allow sitting back remain comfortable in defence. The ball lifted into the six yard box off a throw on the left drops in front of Falzarano, the attacker can’t get a telling touch though before Fallow snatches up the ball. Fulbourn patient in attack ready to hit Eaton Socon on the counter Turner out to Stubbings left plays it forwards early into the channel looking to release Woodley, Robinson racing out to the edge of her box able to gather first.

Horsley controlling the ball 30 yards out putting into the path of Hutchinson bursting away into the left channel striking the ball in towards goal on the angle plenty of power behind it Farrow gets down low to save top of her six yard box the ball split running out to the left, Grewal back to hook the ball away from a throw before Parncutt can pounce. Eaton Socon with a double change the fullbacks Prout and Jones coming off Rebecca Jones and Cara Howell coming on. Brown back on for Fulbourn replacing Luddy.

Eaton Socon’s Chloe Parncutt

 Fallow down to stop a shot driven in on the angle by Crisp for Eaton Socon. Crook up on the right for Fulbourn whipping a cross in near post, Woodley closing in on the keeper, Robinson staying big making the blocking save holding onto the ball.

  Quinn tracking back well from the midfield to put the challenge in on Hutchinson top of the area as she drives on through the middle with the ball. Bickley defending for Eaton Socon at the back as Woodley takes the ball into the box a corner conceded on the right. Played in deep across the six yard box Quinn meeting it heads over. Bingham determined to get forwards on the right winning Eaton Socon a corner kick, this time Quinn is up to win the defensive header, Stubbings bringing the ball away to safety. Midway through the 2nd half. Fulbourn breaking away in attack Crook up with Woodley through the middle the latter running through into the area, Robinson coming to close her down saving the ball beat away to the right…

Eaton Socon’s Kelly Bingham

  GOAL! The ball deflected out to the right Crook racing after it the Eaton Socon defence stretched the cross fired in along the face of goal, Robinson can’t get down to it, with Woodley waiting at the far post for a simple tap in to secure her first hat-trick of the season. 3-0.

A hat-trick for Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

 A drinks break called immediately after the goal remains warm out there. The game restarted from the spot Eaton Socon sloppy in possession giving it away the diagonal ball out to Crook on the right wing hooks a high ball in towards the far post, has Robinson back peddling can’t get to it, close but lands on the roof of the net. 

  Woodley lining up a strike from 25 yards out as the ball deflects into her feet, races wide of the right post. Eaton Socon with another double switch bringing on Hollie Radford-Dare and Kayleigh Clarke for Horsley and Parncutt off. Crisp curls the ball forwards looking to drop it into the path of Falzarano racing towards the box, Farrow quickly forwards to claim. 

Eaton Socon’s Charlotte Crisp

 Hutchinson upended as she drives forwards with the ball the free kick awarded 20 yards right of the D. Crisp over it her shot deflected up off the wall falling to Hutchinson beyond the right post can’t sort out her feet before she is closed down snatches the ball wide. 

 Grewal winning the ball at the back for Fulbourn hooking it into the middle for Stubbings to who in turn feeds the ball up the left channel into Woodley in space the keeper off her line takes on the shot early slotting it past Robinson but too past the outside of the far post. Fulbourn gaining momentum as Eaton Socon tire Turner into Stubbings she and Woodley combine through the middle bringing the ball on played wide to Crook breaking away on the right fires a pacy ball low into the six yard box, Robinson down well to grab with a smart save with Woodley rushing to close her down.

  Fulbourn making a change at left back bringing on Gabby Gallegos for Grewal with a little over 10 minutes left to play. The hosts in control as Quinn is fouled on halfway. Bodger to send the ball on up into the area, Cooksley clearing for Eaton Socon. Anderson can’t help but collide with her keeper as Fallow makes the decision to come and claim the ball low off an Eaton Socon free-kick from halfway. Down for a moment is okay to continue. Howell picking up a knock on her knee (I know what they feel like) is taken off with Anico back on for the visitors.

  Fulbourn working hard towards the latter stages of the game to keep their clean sheet intact. Hutchinson pushing on with the ball right side winning a corner off Anderson. Into the last 5 minutes, Hoenink out to Quinn on for Stubbings through the middle on for Woodley left of the area 25 yards out her shot wide of the far post taking a nick off a defender the corner awarded. Swept in across the face of goal claimed confidently by Robinson. Crook taking the ball into the corner with the clock ticking down.

  Radford-Dare took out by Anderson a heavy challenge, the free-kick awarded, Bingham getting a warning from the referee after voicing her complaints. Crisp over the ball to the left swept in central one bounce and claimed by the keeper. Crook taking the ball away to the corner getting a late corner deep in stoppage time, the shot from the edge of the box held by the keeper. 

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 3-0 Eaton Socon Ladies

Eaton Socon’s Abbey Jones with Fulbourn’s Ebony Crook

Full time and Fulbourn come away with the 3 points and a 2nd successive clean sheet, Ellie Woodley with all three of their goals. Breaking away to get in behind the Eaton Socon defence to score two early goals in the first half. Creating more good opportunities to extend their lead. Eaton Socon competing for the ball looking to press high making mistakes at the back letting their opponents in. Enjoyed good spells without really testing the keeper. At 2-0 however weren’t out of the game by any stretch and came out strong at the start of the 2nd half looking for a reply, Fulbourn happy to sit back defending comfortably waiting for the right moment to attack getting the crucial 3rd goal to seal the result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Once again not a straight forwards decision a few contenders and some performances of note to mention. First up for Eaton Socon. Hannah Hutchinson looked to be the driving force through the middle getting hold of the ball and making several good runs. Shannah Anico providing a great outlet on the right in the first half, while Kelly Bingham got about well covering the ground looking to win possession and take her team forwards. For Fulbourn Dani Quinn and Hollie Turner with a composed display in the middle of the park. The front 3 outstanding 80 goals between them last season, Marie Stubbings getting onto the ball carrying it forwards well with two assists. Ebony Crook out on the flanks offering some great runs and getting the ball into the attackers well with the other assist. The award though goes to the hat-trick scorer herself Ellie Woodley clinical in her finishes pulling into the channels well and reading the game developing behind her.

  Great to be back at Fulbourn again, has been a while but I can say that about several places, good to catch up though and pleased to finally see Eaton Socon even if they didn’t get a positive result stick together and the results will come. Appreciate the help given by both teams today. I dare say we’ve all taken a spider home with us but they don’t mean us any harm. 

by Darren Gilham