Tag Archives: ERWFL Division One North

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 14th December

ERWFL Division One North

One last game to finish 2025, with a short trip to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on newly promoted Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in ERWFL Division One North.

 The Division One North table taking a clear shape as we move into the final weekends fixtures of 2025, Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies looking unstoppable at the top of the table, with a 100% record so far recording 12 wins from 12. Runners-up spot looks to be between Stevenage FC Women Development and Real Bedford Women Reserves, a pack looking to chase down a top half finish, the rest including Fulbourn in a relegation battle a tough league format with 3 of the 12 sides going down at the end of the season. Not easy to build stability nor consolidate your place in the league.

 Thetford Town Ladies have done that, promoted from the Norfolk county league has achieved both to become an established side within the Division now up to it’s full compliment of 12 sides. The ERWFL ever competitive and getting stronger season, upon season. Amber Browne now in charge of the side having been joint manager previously looking to push Thetford on get them into a position to be amongst those pushing for the title and promotion. 

  Building a strong squad with a good blend of youth and experience has been an up and down first half to the season currently 8th with as many wins as losses, well placed to push on into the top half in the new year, but nervously looking over their shoulder keen to pull further clear of the bottom 4 as they all start to claw in some points. Have recently signed, Becky Russell previously with Wroxham Women, returning to the game following the birth of her 2nd child. One of the best midfielders in the county for over a decade will be a huge asset to the club. Hannah Claughton currently top scorer with 5 goals 1 ahead of Gabrielle Cobb.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds the longest established club in Cambridgeshire, winning the Cambs Division One title last season and having been at the top end of the league pushing for a few seasons, make the step up into regional football for the 1st time. Renowned for having a strong attack, attackers Ellie Woodley and Marie Stubbings alone scored 65 goals between them last season on their way to the title. 

 Have found life at tier 6 alot tougher but wanted to test themselves at this level, find themselves in the bottom 3 however in a scrap to avoid relegation, everyone around them battling for points, is close with Biggleswade United Women just outside a point clear, knowing they are being hunted, by Fulbourn, Cambridge City Women and Colney Heath Ladies. The goals not so easy to come by a side used to outscoring their opponents have had to adapt this season. Captain Marie Stubbings top scorer with 9 goals to her name, with Grace Muffett on 4 and Amber may with 3. Ellie Woodley having been away travelling is now back with the club and adds a potent threat to their attack as they press for points going into the new year. 6 points behind Thetford a win possibly lifting them out of the bottom 3 while pulling their opponents closer to the drop zone than they would like.

 Thetford Town FC’s., Mundford Road Stadium the venue for this afternoon’s match, the compact ground featuring a sloping grass pitch. The clubhouse and bar serving hot and cold drinks open the main seated stand beside the changing rooms beneath. In the stands this afternoon as a pose to my usual spot on the opposite side of the ground with the sun low behind the stand making photography tricky, decidedly chilly in the shade however, otherwise dry.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Mya Parker, Shannon Chandler, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling (C), Sausha Levy-Twoney, Hannah Rogers, Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Emily Birt, Megan Chandler & Gabrielle Cobb. Subs – Jess Queimado, Jess Marriott, Liv Dunne, Megan Haynes & Ruby Lakey.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Adams, Alex Milner, Jasmine Fox, Jess Anderson, Caragh Dangerfield, Nat Wells, Katie Chaudhry, Marie Stubbings (C), Ebony Crook & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Hollie Colling & Amber May.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Fran Peeling and Marie Stubbings with today’s match official, Christian Grove.

  Thetford naming 5 on their bench, have some good attacking options to bring on. Wearing their home colours, an all claret coloured kit. Don’t think I’ve seen Fulbourn in any other colours than their sky blue and claret, but have a new away kit today, testing it out for the 1st time an all navy strip with white trim on the sleeves and shorts. Have a few absent naming just the 2 on their bench. The visitors to kick-off the first half, the sun behind the stand casting a shadow across half the pitch may cause a few issues during the contest. The ball played back to Jasmine Fox in defence, played to the right, Thetford moving in quickly to close the ball down a rushed pass up the wing Ellie Woodley the target, dealt with by Zoe Klimcke for the hosts.

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling

  Thetford captain, Fran Peeling on the ball at the back sends a clipped pass long into Emily Birt on the right wing her touch taking her inside plays it across the top of the Fulbourn area into Gabrielle Cobb, 25 yards out, to the left of the D, takes on the shot, rising in at goal but a straight forward catch for goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy. Fulbourn build from the back getting on up the right, Ebony Crook lifting the ball on for Woodley on the right flank, Klimcke coming across her path the see the ball out of play for the goal kick.

Thetford full back, Zoe Klimcke

  A little tentative from both sides early on no one keeping hold of the ball for long. Peeling lining up another pass into Birt on halfway, looks to turn run off her marker as she brings the ball down, Alex Milner pushed up with her for Fulbourn the full back, getting in a timely challenge to halt her advance the ball out for a throw. From the throw Thetford get the ball infield into Cobb, looking to make a run into the box, Fox going with her sticking out a leg to take the ball off her feet.

Jess Adams clearing the ball for Fulbourn

  Thetford forcing a corner as they look to make ground off the earlier throw in. On the right the delivery flashed in across the face of goal attacked low at the far post, Fulbourn with a player on the post blocking on the line scrambling the ball clear. Peeling’s long balls out from the back, posing a threat, looknig for Birt as she comes into the right channel, Milner throwing out a leg with a vital interception. 

Thetford’s Emily Birt

 Winning the ball in midfield, Nat Wells sends the ball on for Woodley threads it into the right channel for Stubbings running in behind the Thetford defence, a defender getting back on her shoulder as she enters the box, pulls the trigger getting a strike away. Mya Parker scrambling across her goal seeing it race wide of the near post. Thetford pressing high getting their midfielders up on the visiting defence force an error the ball put straight into Russell to the right of the D, lays it out wide to Birt who stands a high ball up into the area, Cobb looking to attack it jumping up with Jess Anderson, the defender getting her head on the ball first to get it away.

 Both sides wanting to get the ball up the pitch quickly Fulbourn with Katie Chaudhry on the ball picks out Crook then Woodley on the right, forcing a throw off Klimcke, Fulbourn win their first corner kick of the match. Played into the near post area from the right, Peeling heading it clear for Thetford. The hosts look for a quick break the ball into Hannah Claughton on the left sends it on for Cobb, just a little too much on it, giving Jess Adams time to close her down.

 Crook plays the ball on for Woodley right channel inside form 20 yards out pulls the trigger, her angled shot, into Parker’s mid-riff. Russell getting on from midfielder cutting down the options for the Fulbourn defence putting them under pressure rushing passes, grabbing hold of the loose ball drives on towards the box, Fox diving in to tackle for Fulbourn upending Cobb as she makes a run across her. 

 Little time for anyone to dwell on the ball, Fulbourn looking to release runners into the channels, Crook looks to pick out Chaudhry as she makes a move into the left channel the threaded pass on into the box, Parker with a good starting position sliding in to claim the ball before Chaudhry can get there. A few risky balls at the back from Fulbourn penned back squeezed by the Thetford midfielder, Megan Chandler up with Russell, Anderson getting a blocking tackle in the ball on for Wells into Stubbings launched on for Woodley in attack right side of the D, in behind turning the defence, Parker again with a good starting position out to the edge of her area getting down to scoop up the ball.

Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

  Thetford winning a free-kick out wide on the right as Birt is fouled, Peeling on it sending a ball long into the area, Fox clearing it for the visitors. Both sides fairly even in the opening 20 minutes, Thetford applying more pressure pushing Fulbourn deeper, the visitors looknig to use the space this creates. Thetford turning a throw deep on the left into a corner, the delivery put behind at the near post. Wells getting hold of the ball in the middle for Fulbourn played up to Stubbings who hooks it out too Woodley racing on down the right, her cross on the run driven in behind at the near post.

  Birt turning on the ball getting a half yard on the right cutting a cross in along the top of the D, Anderson, lunging in to stop it, just about getting it clear with Cobb looking to take advantage. Wells linking up with Chaudhry in midfield for Fulbourn the ball sent on into the left channel for Stubbings to chase, looks a little too strong but the Fulbourn captain, does well to play the ball off a defender to win a corner kick. Take quickly short curled into the far post defender by Levy-Twoney out for a corner on the right. This one lifted in near post cleared by Peeling. Thetford look for the counter the ball into Birt, head down drives on, Fox back on her defending well for the visitors. 

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

The low sun causing a few issues, although Shannon Chandler has her eyes balls on a different setting from everyone else

 Thetford’s Hannah Rogers winning the ball in midfield sending it out to the left, Claughton drawing the free-kick. From a deep position the ball played long into the near post, Caragh Dangerfield getting up to head the ball away for Fulbourn. Shannon Chandler bringing the ball on from right back for Thetford into space sends an angled ball in central, Cobb going up to try and head it inside the area can’t quite get hold of it. Megan Chandler coming left with the ball has support with Claughton and Cobb passes exchanged outside the box, Fulbourn’s Adams and Dangerfield with a couple of blocks.

 Thetford growing into the game as Rogers sends the ball to the left into Klimcke played on for Claughton up the line, her cross lifted into the box cut out by Fox. Attacking down the left Thetford open Fulbourn up with a good diagonal ball into Birt, controls to take it on into the area wide of goal, Milner getting back at her, diving in with a risky challenge throwing herself across Birt to take the ball away from her, Birt quick to retrieve it with a 2nd bite, Milner up to block turn it behind for a corner kick.

Fulbourn’s Alex Milner

  The corners just not clicking for Thetford at the moment another played in behind at the near post. Thetford making a change Birt picking up a knock coming off on the right, Megan Haynes coming on over to that side of the pitch. Fulbourn caught short at the back at the right as Russell steals in to take the ball between Fox and Milner, pushing on into the box, releasing her angled shot before anyone can get back at her sends the ball into the side netting. 

Ellie Woodley with Thetford’s Becky Russell

 Woodley closes Klimcke down on the ball on the right, takes it in behind the full back flashing a cross into the top of the area catching, Peeling flat footed can’t get to it, Megan Chandler is around well on the cover however to intercept and clear before Stubbings racing on from the middle can get after the ball. Wells with a shot off of a throw on Fulbourn’s right from all of 25 yards out, dips into the keepers gloves. 

Haynes picking up where Birt left off on the right for Thetford seeing the ball into her feet turning infield to play a ball into the top of the area, cut out by Dangerfield, the rebound dropping to a Thetford attacker 20 yards out the strike rifled in on goal to the left side, Duhy diving at full stretch to make the save turning the ball wide. Claughton looking to put it back in the defence back to get it away from danger.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

 The hosts applying good pressure as the first half moves into the final 10 minutes, Rogers on for Russell through the middle, tries to pick out Cobb pulling off Anderson, Fox diving in to get a leg on the ball turn it on for Duhy to clear. Thetford with a free-kick won in a central position 30 yards out, driven in on target, Duhy with bodies in front of her saving cleanly the shot straight at her.  

 GOAL! From defence Thetford get on the attack the ball played up to Haynes running into space on the right taking the ball on down the line fires a vicious ball in across the face of the Fulbourn goal, Claughton running in far side getting to it first to turn home from close range to open the scoring. 1-0.

Hannah Claughton congratulated by her teammates as she puts Thetford into the lead.

 GOAL! Thetford getting their noses in front in the 36th minute, quickly race into a 2 goal lead, a diagonal ball landing at Haynes feet out to the right turns inside to release a low pass into the box for Cobb central, rolls her marker to take the ball across her and turn to shoot sending the ball back across the keeper before she can set herself 2-0.

Gabrielle Cobb getting in behind to fire Thetford into a 2 goal lead

 Barely 2 minutes between the goals Thetford with a strong finish to the first half a hammer blow to Fulbourn. Thetford with their tails up confident pressing players on, Rogers linking up with Megan Chandler in midfield the ball out to Claughton on the left wins a throw as she is closed down by Dangerfield. Angled into a crowded near post area, Fulbourn clear behind for a 2nd corner. Taken short this time the new angle seeing a similar effort driven into the near post, turned behind again, the 3rd effort also short charged down before the ball can be launched into the box.

Thetford’s Megan Haynes

 Megan Chandler with the ball at her feet allowed to travel for Thetford deep into the opposition half central plays it on for Cobb top of the area she lets it run on for Haynes breaking on to the by-line, unfortunately can’t keep her cross in. Russell plays the ball on from midfield into Claughton running away down the left, squares her cross low into the box, is slightly behind Cobb as she closes in at the near post, tries to dig the ball out from under her feet, sends it wide of the mark. 

Shannon Chandler

 Closing in on the end of the first half Fulbourn with a throw in the right, Levy-Twoney defending to see the ball behind for a corner. Played up high into the box headed clear to the top of the area Stubbings onto it putting it back out to the right, Woodley crossing, Peeling winning the header sending the ball back out to the right, lifts back in Parker comes running out of her six yard box to grab hold of the ball. Dangerfield defending for Fulbourn as Haynes looks to pick out Cobb through the middle with a diagonal pass inside from the right.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 2-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

  Two goals late in the first half seeing Thetford getting a grip on the contest as they head into the changing rooms for the half-time interval. Took awhile to get into full flow but got players on well down the flanks and through the middle to support the attack pushed their opponents back line deep and closed them down to force errors. Fulbourn using the space created well created a few opportunities of their own but nothing clear cut know they have work to do if they are to get back into the game 2nd half, both sides merging from the tunnel early keen to get the 2nd half underway.

  Fulbourn making a couple of changes at the break with Hollie Colling and Amber May on the field in place of Chaudhry and Fox. Thetford unchanged to kick off the 2nd period leading 2-0 the ball played back to Peeling in defence, back into the middle for Russell turns it on up top for Cobb to attack, Adams cutting out the pass for Fulbourn. Thetford press get hold of the ball on their right winning a high throw. 

 Haynes with the ball on Thetford’s right her cross cut back into the box, cut out by Adams as she lunges for the ball, recovering quickly to charge down the shot from outside the box as Russell latches onto it. Shannon Chandler on the move again from the back on the right pressing on into the final third sends the ball on into the box for Cobb, Adams there again throwing out a leg to intercept the ball. Fulbourn on the back foot at the start of the 2nd half, Rogers angling a ball into the channel for Claughton, Adams moving in to close her down the ball out for a throw on the right. From that Thetford win a corner kick. 

 GOAL! Fair to say most of Thetford’s corners weren’t on the mark in the first half, but this one is perfect, lifted up into the near post area, to be met by the rising Russell who turns her headed effort in on goal under the bar to extend Thetford’s lead. 3-0. Russell’s first goal for her new club too. 

Becky Russell heading home Thetford’s 3rd goal.

 Thetford powering their way into a 3 goal lead early in the 2nd half to take control of the game, press on from the restart winning the ball back and pouring players on in attack, Megan Chandler out to Haynes on the right, whips an early cross into the area, Colling tracking back for the visitors cutting the ball out. The hosts lively Rogers winning it central sending a cross-field ball into Haynes on the right she looks to play Cobb onto the ball inside the box, Adams defending on her for Fulbourn.

  Shannon Chandler taking the ball forwards from the back into the right channel looking to play in Claughton as she bursts on from the left into a central position, Adams getting across to block as she tries to get hold of the ball. Claughton coming off soon after as Thetford make a double change, Russell giving way too, on come Ruby Lakey and Liv Dunne to join the attack. Dunne straight into the action onto the ball central on for Haynes right side lifts it into the top of the D looking for Cobb, Colling back to get the tackle in for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn’s Hollie Colling

  Amber May seeing the ball into her feet on Fulbourn’s right holds it up well wriggling inside to send the ball on for Crook who looks to sweep it back out to the right as Stubbings tries to run in behind, the Thetford defence standing up well to catch her offside. Thetford making another double switch with Klimcke and Rogers giving way this time, Jess Marriott and Jess Queimado coming on. From a throw on the left Dunne looks to turn inside lay a cross into the D, cut out by Dangerfield, the ball is presented to Queimado 25 yards out, slices her effort away from the right post.

Gabrielle Cobb and Nat Wells fighting for the ball

  Another vital stop at the back from Anderson as Dunne looks to send the ball on for Cobb up top. Fulbourn on the back foot battle to regain the ball Wells lunging in out to the left Woodley up with Stubbings Thetford charging down a couple of efforts through Shannon Chandler and Peeling before the ball falls to Colling 25 yards out her strike driven in wide of the left post. Stubbings seeing the ball into her body hooks it over her shoulder 30 yards out to drop into the box, Woodley the target coming in off the left, the bounce favouring the goal keeper however as Parker takes it cleanly into her gloves. 

  Dunne pro-active on the ball racing on towards the Fulbourn box right side 20 yards out unleashing a shot her effort over onto the roof of the net. Thetford coming on at will, Megan Chandler turning on the ball laying it into the path of Cobb on the right her shot turned wide across the six yard box. Marriott up against May comes away with the ball left side into Queimado central makes a run towards the box tackled by Wells inside the D, the ball coming to Megan Chandler close on Queimado’s left her low shot straight at the keeper, Duhy down to claim it.

Thetford’s Liv Dunne

 Fulbourn get the ball up the pitch Colling on for Woodley up with Crook to the left of the area 20 yards out a powerful strike unleashed, Parker diving at full stretch to push the ball away behind to the left for the corner with an excellent save. The delivery into the near post defended by Peeling. Lakey coming in central looking to get the ball in from Haynes on the right under control inside the D to shoot, Wells in well to close her down. 

 Shannon Chandler winning the ball back on Thetford’s right playing it on for Haynes taking a run up the wing flashes a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, no one there, skipping up off the turf beyond the far post Lakey tries to get her foot up over the ball turn it back in can only find the side netting. Milner moves in to close Haynes down as she advances on the right the deflection off the attacker though sees her escape in behind to get a cross into the area, Dangerfield getting there just before Cobb to clear.

  Stubbings breaking clear up top for Fulbourn looking to chase down a long clearance from the back, Peeling coming across to close her down inside the area turn the ball away for a throw. Anderson defending on Dunne top of the area as Cobb links up with Haynes on the right. Parker with another top draw save for Thetford as Fulbourn get May onto the ball central coming in from the left to get into the box looking to sent a low shot back across the keeper, Parker gets down sharply to get a strong right hand on the ball divert it behind for a corner kick.

Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker with another excellent save to keep Fulbourn out

The corner lifted into the crowd at the near post defended out behind for a 2nd corner, the result the same in near post only cleared upfield this time. Closing in on the final 15 minutes of the half, Thetford making another change sending Russel back on to replace Megan Chandler. Wells working hard covering the ground in midfield for Fulbourn more often back to defend gets the ball out to Woodley on the right combining with Crook the ball fired in across the top of the Thetford area, Marriott getting it clear before May can arrive. 

Jess Marriot

 Woodley played in central as she drifts in from the left, lining up a strike from 20 yards out. frustrated as Parker again produces a top class save diving low to her right to push the ball wide past her goal for the corner kick. The delivery clipped into the near post, Dangerfield rises to get her head on the ball but sees it drop wide of the left post. The light starting to fade as the sun drops behind the main stand. Parker out to the top of her area to claim as Stubbings look to run onto the ball sent on from the left, Fulbourn unhappy they didn’t get a free kick in the build-up. Cobb coming off for Thetford late in the game.   

 GOAL! Thetford’s substitutes seeing the hosts energy levels remain high throughout, Dunne seeing the ball into her feet top of the D, wriggles her way in past the defence into the box to release a shot sending the ball low past the keeper into the bottom right corner to guarantee the 3 points, 4-0.

Liv Dunne fires Thetford into a 4 goal lead

 Fulbourn deflated keep trying getting the ball on for Woodley in attack as she carries the ball out to the right side, taking a run at the defence, Marriott getting a foot in to tackle take the ball for Thetford. Queimado winning the ball in midfield for Thetford plying it on for Dunne who has Haynes positioned ahead of her top of the area sending the ball on Haynes lets it run through to Lakey breaking clear on the right, the angle against her gets a looping shot in on target, Duhy back on her line making a comfortable save.

 Chaudhry coming back on for Woodley late in the contest for Fulbourn. Thetford relentless Lakey seeing the ball into her feet left of the D puts it back in central looking for Dunne, the challenge from Wells seeing the ball deflected through to the keeper. Haynes pushed up top with Lakey now inside the box as the cross comes into her from the left slightly behind her races onto Lakey at the far post, can’t get hold of it before being tackled by Dangerfield.

  Fulbourn with a free-kick in the middle sent long for Stubbings on the right, whips a cross into the box, just over may in a central position half cleared, Colling looks to take it on, just can’t get a shot away before being closed down. Thetford counter winning a corner on the right, taken short the ball is stood up before the near post, Duhy claiming it well as Lakey rushes in to try and close her down.

  The clock almost up Wells back to defend on Dunne top of the box as the hosts pile players on. Woodley back on with Wells giving way for the visitors, May fouled out wide on the right, Crook over the set-piece fired in near side headed on across the six yard box Thetford get it out of their box, Stubbings looking to hook the ball back into the mix the ball drifting wide of the left post.

Fulbourn’s Amber May

 One last attack from Thetford the game stretched at the death alot of tired legs out there, the ball fired into the six yard box from the right, Haynes in to meet it from close range throwing herself at the ball, her effort cannoning down off the cross bar dropping to Dunne at the left post looks to scoop a shot in back across goal Duhy instinctively parrying it away falls back to Haynes whose 2nd attempt also kisses the bar before being scrambled clear, the final whistle blowing straight after.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 4-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 Thetford from a slow start in the 1st half growing into the game as it progressed pressed well in the final third forcing errors, going onto to score 2 late goals to hold the advantage at the break. Those goals a blow for Fulbourn who never really recovered, conceding a 3rd goal from a corner early in the 2nd half Thetford were in control able to ring the changes their substitutes keeping the energy levels and intensity high creating chances, Fulbourn had to work hard at the back, nevertheless found themselves with good opportunities to pull a goal back forcing 3 excellent saves out of Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker before Liv Dunne broke through on goal late in the game to score Thetford’s 4th. The win seeing Thetford climb up to 6th with other results seeing Fulbourn slip to the bottom on goal difference, the gap to safety still just 2 points however and with 6 home games to come in the new year will fight till the end. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As usual it’s a tough decision but I think I have a clear winner. the notes are vital in some cases. Several performances of note, firstly for Fulbourn was a tough day the defence under pressure throughout but worked tirelessly, Jess Anderson, Jasmine Fox, Caragh Dangerfield and Alex Milner all with vital interceptions and tackles. Nat Wells in front of the defence covering the ground to get back to win the ball too. Not an easy one picking out one from Thetford the whole squad playing their part, no doubt pleasing for the management to see all the substitutes come on and keep Thetford pushing on. That said, they have Mya Parker to thank with 3 brilliant saves to maintain the clean sheet. Fran Peeling used the ball well from the back, Shannon Chandler got forwards with the ball overloading the attack. Hannah Rogers winning it central, Hannah Claughton with some great runs on the left opening the scoring, Becky Russell getting on to support the attackers pressure the Fulbourn defence. Gabrielle Cobb keeping the back line occupied. The substitutes all lively Liv Dunne especially, the award goes to another, Megan Haynes, took over from Emily Birt who herself was excellent on the right, used the ball well turning the defence creating a number of openings came close to scoring a goal herself at the death.

 A enjoyable final game of 2025, struggled to get the games in towards the end of the year but glad to finish with a flourish. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams great to catch up with both. Wishing everyone all the best for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Stevenage FC Women Development

Sunday 26th October

ERWFL Division One North

 Into the last weekend of October, the clocks go back and the temperature most certainly drops, however the football is hotting up nicely, leagues taking shape and the likely title contenders have emerged, the action this Sunday from ERWFL Division One North, leaders, Histon Ladies with a 100% record, hosting 2nd placed, Stevenage FC Women Development also unbeaten in the league.

  One promotion place guaranteed for clinching the title, the winning side moving up to join the ERWFL Premier Division, representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid across the East. The ERWFL reaching it’s full compliment of 36 sides across 3 Divisions in recent seasons. A 12 strong Premier Division with a Division One North and South, tier 6 in the pyramid.

  Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies, returning to the ERWFL a couple of seasons ago, making strides on and off the pitch to become one of the leading women’s football clubs in the county, Matt Payne bringing Kevin Jacklin to the club as manager, now stepping up to oversee the women’s development has a wealth of experience in the women’s game, Darren Marjoram joining the club this season to take on the managers role, after a spell in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC, Liz Pamplin joining him from Cambridge, making for a strong team to take the cub forwards.

 Histon have hit the ground running this season too, with a 100% win rate in the league so far to top the table with 8 wins from 8. Building upon a 2nd placed finished last season, have an experienced squad, with some promising young talent coming through. Evie Nicholls runaway top scorer for Histon scoring 13 from her 11 appearances so far with 10 of her teammates sharing another 11 goals between them. Winning several of their games by a single goal margin are proving hard to break down conceding the fewest goals in the league with 6 against them so far. Ella Marden the latest signing for the club, coming too Histon on a dual registration from Cambridge United WFC, adds an attacking threat on the wing.

  Stevenage FC Women Development have emerged as Histon’s main challengers making a fantastic start to the season unbeaten in their opening 8 league games dropping just the two points along the way, manager Chad Foster, like his counter part at Histon seeing their strong starts recognised in the ERWFL’s new manager of the month feature. Stevenage FC taking over from the foundation in looking after the development girls and women’s section transitioning into an Academy, the 1st team also riding high in the ERWFL Premier Division, top of the table gunning for promotion this season.

 Stevenage FC Women Development  are the top scorers in ERWFL Division One North, finding the back of the net for 27 goals so far. Unlike Histon however their goals are scattered throughout the squad with with 13 different goal scorers, Kelsey Millen now with Wormley Rovers Ladies joint top scorer on 4 goals along with Sophie Hendy. Looking to produce players for the 1st team are packed with young talent becoming firmly established within the ERWFL themselves.

 Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium the venue for today’s league encounter. The weather blowing in form the North earlier ibn the week has seen a marked change in the temperature with it feeling decidedly chilly, overcast too with the likelihood of rain at some point during the match. The large grass pitch looking in great shape, having already featured an U18s match earlier that day. Offering good width covered viewing all round, the main stand housing the bar at the back serving hot and cold drinks. 

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Kelley Robinson, Abi Davies, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Kreuger, Molly Banks, Sabrina Ghosh, Ella Marden, Gabriella Giussani, Sophie Hopkin & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Tash Collins, Eloise Page, Poppy McCleod, Emily Hope & Bella Howard.

Histon Ladies

 Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Tegan Gibbs, Katie Boyle, Jess Preston, Chase Bembridge, Abigail Hunt, Isobel Matfield, Tegan Wilson, Chloe Gregory, Frankie Tilbury, Sophie Hendy (C) & Lilly Kelly. Subs – Charlotte English, Sophie Wade, Isla Martin, Olivia Thornton & Poppy Young. 

Stevenage FC Women Development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Stevenage to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing an all navy kit with red and white trim. Histon lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence played up through the middle into Tegan Wilson she looks to send in on through the centre into Chloe Gregory making an attacking run at the Histon defence, the pass cut out by Histon captain and centre back, Laura Leyland.

  Stevenage making a bright start looking to shift the ball between them short passes keeping the ball moving, Isobel Matfield getting hold of the ball taking it on through the middle, clipped out to Lilly Kelly making a run on the right flank, controls the ball, checking back inside to play the ball in central, Sabrina Ghosh back to intercept it for the hosts. 

 The visitors winning the ball back inside the Histon half Gregory feeding it into the left channel for Frankie Tilbury to attack, knocks it on, full back Abi Davies thrusting a leg out to cut the ball out divert it out of play for a throw in. The hosts send the ball on up through the middle looking to break in behind the Stevenage defence, Sophie Hopkin with the run, Abigail Hunt getting to it first to put it out for a throw high on the left.

  The throw dropped into Hopkin outside the box left corner, looks to see it down into her feet and turn to release a shot, slips as she goes to pull the trigger seeing her effort screw wide of the left post for a goal kick. Histon coming back at Stevenage to press the ball inside their opponents half, Gabrielle Giussani charging the ball down on the right, can’t pick the pass through for Evie Nicholls up top, cut out by Stevenage’s Jess Preston out for a throw. Lively from both sides rushing in to close the other down. Gregory bringing the ball away to the right on for Kelly has Katie Boyle racing past her on the overlap, Mollie Childerley challenging to prevent the cross.

  Gregory linking up with Wilson through the middle for Stevenage gaining ground the pass threaded out to Kelly on the right driving up the line swings in a cross to the near post grabbed up by Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson. Histon winning another throw high on the left Childerley combining well with Ella Marden to get the ball down into the corner to whip a cross into the near post, goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs down to snatch it up into her gloves not distracted by Nicholls racing in to try and get hold of the ball herself.

Stevenage’s Chloe Gregory

  The visitors working the ball up the pitch quickly Tilbury out to the left, has plenty of support the cross swung in from a deep position, Childerley to clear for Histon central, Stevenage making an appeal for handball but nothing doing. Another Stevenage foray up on the left captain Sophie Hendy on the ball ball left on for Tilbury the ball crossed in to Gregory top of the area, fouls Leyland as the defender goes in to try and clear the foul given even as Boyle right of goal snatches a shot wide of the right post.

Stevenage captain, Sophie Hendy with Histon defender, Claire Kreuger

  Giussani pressing forwards on the right for Histon winning a throw, sees Nicholls turn it into the first corner of the match. Played in long across the six yard box, Stevenage get hold of the ball break forwards Kelly taking the ball on lifting it long into Tilbury charging up the left, slowed up by the Histon defence, playing it back to Hendy her shot from outside the box, deflected through to the keeper. 

  A long ball splitting the Stevenage defence sees, attacker Nicholls racing through in on goal, central pulls the trigger, Gibbs advancing reacting well with a sharp save getting down to block with her leg, the ball looping up lose in the area, no one up with Nicholls who can’t reach it before Stevenage hook the ball clear. 

Goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs preparing to save Evie Nicholls strike

 A lively contest with both sides aiming to get the ball forwards quickly snapping into their tackles, Histon with another probing long pass through the middle from Ghosh sees Hopkin this time stealing away to the right of the D, Chase Bembridge lunging in with the tackle to take the ball away from her for the visitors. 

Chase Bembridge winning the ball back for Stevenage

 Tilbury linking up with Hendy in attack a high ball into the box cleared by Histon who counter the ball forwards into Hopkin, up with Nicholls played down the left wing for Marden to attack, Boyle getting back on her to tackle the ball off her out for a corner kick. Players up from the back for Histon, Claire Kreuger looking to pull of her marker near post make a run to the far side as the corner is swung in towards her, gets a glancing head on the ball, not enough to divert it goal wards as it runs wide past the far post. 

Claire Kreuger intercepts the ball for Histon

  Players from both sides lunging in to try and win the ball some hotly contested 50/50’s, Molly Banks getting stuck in for Histon well backed up by Ghosh as they look to break play up in the middle keep Histon on the front foot. Kelly with some smart footwork to come away with the ball on the right for Stevenage powering forwards has Gregory ahead of her up the line her ball into the box too close to the keeper, Robinson launching it clear.

  Leyland intercepting an attempted through ball from Wilson as Hendy looks to pull in behind. Histon pressuring the ball, closing it down well to get it forward into their attacking players, Hopkin up with Nicholls getting a throw on the left down the line for Marden to wrap her foot around the ball in the corner send a cross into the near post top of the six yard box, Hopkin momentarily free, knocking it down in front of her, Hunt recovering superbly to get back at her deny the shot.

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

  Kelly picking up a yellow card as she brings Childerley down on the right as she looks to get inside to delivery a cross into the box. Marden coming into the middle sending the cross-field pass into Giussani on the right attempts to play it over the top into the box for Nicholls, too much on it however allowing Gibbs to claim. Midway through the 1st half, a lively contest all action the ball rarely still, Histon beginning to see more of the ball winning it in the middle pushing players on. 

 Banks bringing the ball on well for the hosts playing it on for Marden pushing on down the left the angle against her as she attempts to cross the ball back into the Stevenage area, hits the side netting. Marden played in again on the left to the by-line squares the ball back into the six yard box, missed by Hunt as she goes to clear, however runs on safely for Gibbs to pounce upon it before Histon can capitalise. 

 Hendy fouled as she takes the ball on from Matfield through the middle for Stevenage. Histon strong in defence leaving no room to run in behind cut out by Kreuger, the ball played forwards quickly into Marden breaking on down the left, cuts inside 30 yards out, a miscued attempt to drop the ball into Nicholls path inside the box instead goes out for a goal-kick.

Stevenage’s Isobel Matfield

 A few niggly free-kicks given away but such is the nature of the game the ball being moved so rapidly tackles are bound to be mis-timed, no malice though. Hendy carrying the ball on for Stevenage sends it on for Kelly right side, wide on the angle takes the shot on her effort over the crossbar. 

  Kelly with a late challenge on Childerley, the referee telling her to calm things down, Childerley picking herself up ready to get on with things, the free-kick into the top of the area half cleared, Ghosh onto it firing it on, Nicholls in behind turning to shoot wide of the left post however the flag is up against her. Hunt with  good piece of defending at the back for Stevenage dropping off well on Nicholls to give herself room to tackle as Hopkin attempts to feed the ball into her feet top of the D.

Stevenage defender, Abigail Hunt

  Tilbury lining up as strike from all of 30 yards out for Stevenage central, charged down by Kreuger. 

 GOAL! The clock ticking down in the first half, Nicholls closely marked by the Stevenage defence determined to find a way through, pulls away to the right as Ghosh plays her in from the middle takes the ball into her stride holding off players as she bursts into the box, striking the ball on the angle to blast a vicious strike low past the keeper before she can get down to block 1-0.

Evie Nicholls opening the scoring for Histon

  Stevenage falling behind late in the 1st half, Histon with a long range effort fired into the box, catching Gibbs unawares she lurches forwards palming the ball away, goes down in agony immediately after appearing to get her feet caught in the turf jarring both her ankle and knee, only recently recovered from an ankle injury play is stopped some concern amongst the Stevenage players, needs treatment play paused. The visitors with no recognised goalkeeper on their bench discussing their options, Bembridge putting herself forwards for the role the change delayed however as Gibbs slowly rises to her feet prepared to go on see how she feels for now.

 Not risking kicking the ball, play resumes with Histon quickly in to win the ball back in the middle, Hopkin with a long range tester for the injured keeper, Gibbs back in her six yard box untroubled the ball straight at her gathered. Hendy onto the ball left side in the box shoots low, Robinson down to save it covering the near post.

Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson

 Histon attack down their right, Davies on for Giussani, her cross into the top of the area brought under control by Marden left of goal her initial shot blocked by Hunt, gets another bite at it hooking the loose ball up in towards goal, Gibbs back on her line getting her gloves up above her head to grab hold of the ball. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs

 Into stoppage time in the 1st half, Stevenage dropping deep looking to protect their injured keeper, Nicholls full of attacking intent looking to chase Gibbs down winning her side a late corner. Swung into the box cleared by Boyle. Childerley with another throw on the left high inside the Stevenage half sends Marden in down the line, Boyle back on her to defend the ball out for a corner. Defended successfully out for a 2nd corner no time to take it as the referee blows up for half-time. 

Half-time Histon Ladies 1-0 Stevenage FC Women Development

  A lively 1st half drawing to a close Histon heading into the changing rooms with a narrow one goal lead. Made to work hard for it the ball closed down throughout by both sides, Stevenage with a bright start looking to get the ball forwards, Kelly a threat out to the right keeping the defence busy, the midfield hotly contested, Histon getting on top to press the ball create chances, Nicholls closely marked working hard to find an opening put trough to score late in the half. Goalkeeper Gibbs picking up a nasty looking injury a blow to the visitors.

  As suspected Stevenage are not risking Gibbs in the 2nd half making a change, Bembridge donning the spare goalkeepers kit coming out early to get warmed up for her new role. The visitors making double change, Wilson also off with Charlotte English and Isla Martin coming on.

Chase Bembridge warming up going into goal in the 2nd half for Stevenage

  Histon unchanged as they get the 2nd half underway the rain arriving now retreated into the stand to watch the game. The ball from the middle clipped out to Marden on the left knocked forwards, Boyle out to close her down sending the ball out for a corner kick.

 Taken short played up the line, the cross coming in from deep falling to Leyland unmarked top of the area tries to guide her header into the left of the Stevenage goal, Bembridge across her goal face to grab hold of the ball. Histon making a positive start to the 2nd half pressing on with the ball, Banks finding Nicholls breaking into the left channel  wins a corner off a defensive challenge.

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

  From the left swung in central knocked down central to the left of goal, Bembridge alert down quickly to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Histon’s defence pushed up as Stevenage look to counter, Matfield playing the ball on through the middle, Leyland with a vital interception at the ball or Gregory would have been free with the ball to make a run on goal. 

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

 Davies combining with Giussani on Histon’s right, the latter sending a cross deep into the far post Marden arriving to get her head on the ball drives it wide back across the face of goal. Stevenage frustrated as Kelly is flagged offside attempting to get after a diagonal pass into her on the left. Stevenage defending deeper 2nd half, inviting pressure from Histon, Davies and Childerley able to get forwards to help support the attack. Gregory picking up a knock for Stevenage back helping out in defence but back up on her feet able to play on.

  Childerley with a strong challenge on Martin as the wing cuts inside from the right, play brought back for the free-kick with no advantage. Right of the D 25 yards out, Tilbury over it strikes the ball well past the wall but not troubling Robinson has she holds up her gloves seeing it race wide of her left post. 

 Banks continues to get stuck into the action for Histon making some strong challenges to win the ball back keep her side on the front foot. A free kick won inside the visitors half played out to the left the cross turned behind by English for a corner kick. Curled into the top of the six yard box attacked by Kreuger central her header seeing the ball turned out wide past the far post.

  The rain falling steadily Histon attack on the right Davies going past Giussani to take the ball on slipping as she goes to play the cross. Is still high up the pitch as Giussani lunges in to regain possession put it back on for her wide, this time sends her cross into the box, snatched up by Bembridge at the near post. Giussani given the ball by Ghosh angling a cross into the area from the right, headed clear by Hunt for Stevenage. Marden taking the ball on from Childerley on the left feeding in on into the box for Hopkin sends the ball from the angle up over the bar.

Histon winger, Ella Marden

  Histon making a double switch past the hour mark, Tash Collins and Belle Howard coming on, Giussani and Hopkin coming off. Nicholls seeing the ball into her feet central top of the D, moves right, getting a shot away under challenge, angled back in across goal, Bembridge getting down behind it to make the save. The Stevenage defence riding out a spell of pressure, Preston breaking away with the ball on the left angling a cross into the area, cleared by Childerley far side as Martin looks to run in on the ball.

  Histon’s defence looking solid not leaving many gaps pushed up at time Banks and Ghosh supporting the ball won back Davies and Childerley getting on to support on the flanks. Howard busy after the ball providing good link up play with Nicholls in attack. English cutting a pass out inside the D as the pair combine. Marden flashing a cross into the near post coming at Bembridge quickly makes a grab for it pops up out of her gloves for a split second but recovers quickly to get hold of it before it can evade her trickle over the line.

Histon full back Abi Davies

 Howard hooking the ball forwards on for Nicholls pulling into the right channel bringing the ball down, comes back inside shaping to shoot, Boyle in to close her down the ball off the defender behind for a corner kick. 

 GOAL! Players up from the back for the corner initially defended by Stevenage cleared to the left outside the area Histon closing the ball down en masse the shot struck on with plenty of pace from the angle, head height, on Bembridge quickly makes a grab for it but doesn’t stick in her gloves popping out and agonisingly beyond her over the line to see Histon double their lead with a little over 15 minutes left on the clock 2-0. Leyland the player with the strike congratulated by her teammates scoring her 2nd goal of the season.

Captain Laura Leyland firing Histon into a 2 goal lead

  Niggle as Stevenage want to make a change before the restart, retaken so it can be made Olivia Thornton coming on replacing Kelly. Stevenage picking out Martin wide on the right she wins her side a throw, the ball level with the top of the area helped on into the box headed away by Leyland. Preston pushing on up the left looking to link up with Thornton, Collins getting back to help in defence winning the ball back.

Jess Preston winning the ball back for Stevenage

  Gregory picking the ball up in the middle for the visitors pushing on towards the box, right of the D, is no way through forced out of the area by Kreuger the centre back lunges in to give away the free-kick and earn herself a yellow card. Similar to her earlier attempt, Tilbury over the ball again gets it on target this time but straight forward for Robinson right behind it in goal.

Stevenage’s Frankie Tilbury

  Histon look to launch a rapid counter attack the ball on for Ghosh through the middle lifts it on into the area for Nicholls but too strong out for a goal kick. Thornton taking the ball on to the by-line for Stevenage left flank, Davies back with her challenging to see the ball off the attacker for a goal kick. Into the final 10 minutes Stevenage with a double change, Gregory and Preston coming off, Sophie Wade and Poppy Young sent on. Histon also making a change, Marden coming off to be replaced by Emily Howe.

  Martin getting the better of Childerley attacking on the right inside to delivery a cross into the area, Kreuger though under it to clear for Histon. Leyland on hand at the back for Histon to clear the ball as Thornton stands a ball up into the box from the left. Ghosh firing the ball into Howard she knocks it into Nicholls central, Hunt snaps in to take the ball off her for Stevenage. Collins attacking with the ball out on the right for Histon sees her cross deflected behind off a defender for a corner kick.

Histon’s Sabrina Ghosh

 The light beginning to fade rapidly as we move into the final 5 minutes of the game, Collins pushing on into the box from the right flashing a cross into the six yard box, Nicholls central looking to get it under control release a shot, Boyle in to close her down the ball away for a corner kick. Histon on top in the closing stages of the game winning a free-kick as they look to hold the ball up in the corner, played into the area cleared to the top of the area Ghosh latching onto it strikes the ball in on goal from 20 yards out swerving to the left, Bembridge gets down well to save. 

 Eloise Page coming on in the closing moments for Histon replacing Ghosh. Collins using her experience to keep the ball in the corner on the right for Histon run down the clock, the final whistle blowing up to see the hosts collect the 3 points extending their 100% record to 9 straight wins to extend their lead at the top of the table. 

Full time Histon Ladies 2-0 Stevenage FC Women Development

  Histon with a goal in both halves ensuring victory, on top overall with a strong 2nd half performance to dominate the ball wining their challenges, getting players up the pitch to keep the pressure on while staying solid at the back giving very little away in the 2nd period. An entertaining contest between the two sides at the top of the table, easy to see why both are where they are, Stevenage losing their unbeaten record, will have a chance to get back at Histon straight away as the two sides meet again next weekend in the reverse fixture, sure to be as hotly contested as the first.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As usual another tough on, although I was fairly certain before the final whistle. Small margins however and both sides with a strong all round team performance. Several to mention, firstly doe Stevenage, Abigail Hunt with some vital interceptions and tackles in defence. Chase Bembridge too stepping up to replace the injured keeper 2nd half. Chloe Gregory with some strong midfield runs. Lilly Kelly a threat on the ball on the flanks looked dangerous throughout. For Histon, Laura Leyland and Claire Kreuger were strong in the centre of defence limited opportunities keeping it tight won the ball well both offering a threat from set-pieces up the other end, backed up well by full backs, Mollie Childerley and Abi Davies. Sabrina Ghosh with some useful tackling played the ball forwards well. Evie Nicholls lively in attack, closely marked but worked hard to find an opening opening the scoring. The award goes to midfielder Molly Banks got stuck in from the start closing the ball down, wining her fair share of tackles and kept her side on the front foot throughout.

 October’s been a lean month for myself football wise, other priorities taking hold but good to be back at it today with an entertaining contest from the top of ERWFL Division One North, thanks to both sides for their help this afternoon always appreciated. Best wishes too to Stevenage goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs hoping the injury isn’t too serious and she can make a swift recovery. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Newmarket Town Women v Histon Ladies

Sunday 17th August

ERWFL Division One North

 Well that was another very successful summer for women’s football in this country with England’s Lionesses, winning the Women’s Euro’s to retain their hold on the trophy for another 4 years, simply fantastic even if they did put us through it a times. Have enjoyed a good break myself with a long than planned rest but here we go again entering my 12th season of covering women’s football in the East and it looks to be another competitive season right across the board.

 Beginning the season with a game from ERWFL Division One North, with Newmarket Town Women taking o Histon Ladies. Finishing 3rd and 2nd respectfully last time around, both have bolstered their squads as they both look to be amongst the sides vying for promotion to the Premier Division.

 The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England. 36 sides spread across 3 divisions a 12 strong Premier Division with 2 12 strong divisions split loosely into North and South with the winner of each winning promotion to tier 5. Concentrating on Division One North today, Histon and Newmarket finishing 2nd and 3rd last season will be amongst the favourites this time around but others will be in the mix too, Dunstable Town Lionesses, Colney Heath Ladies move from the southern section into the north. Cambridge City Women, relegated last season with a young squad looking to rebuild will be looking to make a positive impact. Hertfordshire side, Hitchin Belles Women, and Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, from Cambridgeshire are newly promoted to the 6th tier. Other sides have recruited well and only after the first half dozen games have been played will a better picture of the title contenders emerge.

 Newmarket Town Women are one of the longest established clubs in the league which has expanded to it’s full capacity of 12 sides in recent seasons and has certainly been turbulent in the past. Harpenden Town Women to runaway leaders in the league last season, Newmarket along with Histon and Dunstable battling all the way to end behind them. Newmarket eventually clinching 3rd place and will be keen to build on that finish push for promotion this time around. A club very much built on youth and bringing players on through the age groups. Have retained their Development side for the coming season providing a vital link to the 1st team with several coming through last campaign to feature for the 1st team.

 Millie Docking top scorer for Newmarket last season with 15 goals returns for a 2nd season dual signed from Cambridge United Women. Also joining Docking from Cambridge is fellow attacker Emilia Reinhardt adding pace will trouble any defence with her strong runs will the ball as Newmarket themselves found out last season. Another striker adding another dynamic to Newmarket’s attack is Ella Burnley joining the club this season. Defender, Sydney Daniels too, joining the 1st team squad this season.

 Histon Ladies are still in the process of rebuilding their women’s setup after regaining promotion to the ERWFL 2 season’s ago. A strong campaign seeing them finish as runners-up in the league as well as reaching the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final, coach Matt Payne bringing in Kevin Jacklin to help manage the 1st team, will a wealth of experience in the women’s game in Cambridgeshire. More changes to the coaching team this season with Jacklin moving on to oversee all women’s football and a new 1st team coach with Darren Marjoram coming to Histon after leading FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC for four years leading them to their 1st national final along the way. Joining Marjoram form Cambridge is Liz Pamplin, a shock to see her depart Cambridge after 25 years service as player, coach and everything else, does still retain a place on the women’s board at Cambridge however while excited to get back in the dugout with a coaching role at Histon.

Histon Ladies finishing runners-up in ERWFL Division One North last season losing just the 2 matches both against champions Harpenden Town Women. Had a prolific attack with Evie Nicholls top scoring with 19 goals. Poppy Smith along side her netting 16 along with club legend Sophie Hopkin. Smith making the move to play her football in the USA this season. Histon looking to build on last season’s success have added with experienced full back Abi Davies returning to football after a short spell away. Have also brought in a handful of youthful talent with Holly Plummer, and Gwen Davis-Jones coming to the club from Cambridge United WFC’s U18’s along with Evie McCulloch. Poppy McCleod and Summer Taylor joining from Cambridge City’s U18s.

The Tristel Stadium home of several of Newmarket Town FC’s sides the venue for today’s season opener. The artificial playing surface well used offering good width standing viewing on all sides with a covered seated stand next to the changing rooms and clubhouse the bar and kitchen open serving hot and cold drinks. A hotter than expected day too temperatures in the mid twenties with the cloud burnt off early a bright sunny afternoon. Histon winning 2-1 in the respective fixture last season, the points shared in a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Ellie Sturgess, Sydney Daniels, Abi Gibson, Katie Walker (C), Millie O’Dwyer, Abbie Corbyn, Abbi Griffin & Emelia Reinhardt. Subs – Toni Smith, Niamh Bridgeman, Ella Burnley, Eden Kirby-Cook & Evonne Yerrell.

Newmarket Town Women

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Mollie Childerley, Eloise Page, Abi Davies, Claire Krueger, Laura Leyland (C), Jess MaCrae, Molly Banks, Belle Howard, Tash Collins, Holly Plummer & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Gwen Davis-Jones, Sophie Hopkin, Summer Taylor, Poppy MacLeod & Evie MaCulloch.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Laura Leyland and Katie Walker with today’s referee Theresa Robichaux

Kicking off in August can pose a problem with player availability and both sides are without key players for todays game, Histon most notably with no recognised goalkeeper through work commitments with right back Mollie Childerley donning the gloves to todays league opener. Defender, Claire Krueger literally getting off a plane to attend today’s game. It’s Histon to get the match underway with the kick-off first half wearing red shirts with black vertical stripes on the front, with black shorts and socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball rolled back into Molly Banks in midfield clips a pass long out to the left for Holly Plummer to attack, Holly Dryland seeing it safely out of play for the hosts. 

Histon’s Molly Banks with Newmarket’s Millie O’Dwyer

 Newmarket looking to play the ball out from the back moving it across the pitch before sending it into the left channel for striker Emilia Reinhardt to chase, a little too much on it on this occasion. Abbie Corbyn pushing up in attack for Newmarket coming in off the left top of the area charges the ball down as Histon look to clear their lines takes the ball left into the box reaching the by-line before cutting a low ball into the six yard box, scooped up cleanly by Childerley in the Histon goal. 

Mollie Childerley donning the goalkeeping gloves for Histon this afternoon

 Histon captain sends a free-kick on the right up the line Histon forcing a throw in high up the pitch, full back Eloise Page getting good distance with her throw launching it into the top corner of the Newmarket area, Ellie Sturgess closely marking striker Evie Nicholls, prevents her from spinning off her with the ball to try and get inside the box. Newmarket looking to get the ball moving forwards quickly trying to pick out Reinhardt as she bursts away down the right, Abi Davies keeping her eye on the ball to cut it out for the visitors.

Histon’s Abi Davies

  Sturgess bringing the ball out from the back unopposed for Newmarket has left back Kara Wayman racing on down the flank, sends the ball into her path, Leyland moving out from the centre of defence to get across her shield the ball out for a goal kick. Both sides a little tentative probing each other out both with one up top a little congested in the centre. Belle Howard snapping in to win the ball well centrally for Histon puts a diagonal pass out to Plummer coming inside from the left, she attempts to play it over the top for Nicholls breaking through the Newmarket defence, but they have stepped up well catching her off-side.

  Newmarket press players forwards captain Katie Walker sending a through ball into Reinhardt to the right of the D, Jess McCrae putting in the blocking tackle, Newmarket retrieving the loose ball on the by-line flashed across the six yard box to the right of goal force a corner kick. Abbi Griffin lifting a curling ball into the near side the defensive header missed the ball dropping at the far post, Sturgess getting hold of it back to goal, looks to turn is quickly closed down. 

Histon counter McCrae with the forwards pass to send Nicholls in behind to the right off goal, Szary quickly out to close her down Nicholls taking on the early lob getting it over her but not on target as Newmarket get hold of the ball far post to turn play around. Competitive through the middle, Banks releasing Tash Collins out on the right wing getting forwards looks to square the ball in central for Nicholls, Sturgess running back with her getting in the way to intercept. 

Newmarket defender, Ellie Sturgess

Page getting up the right taking the throw in’s for Histon look a threat, Howard pushing up with banks outside the Newmarket box right of goal, Abi Gibson closing Banks down putting in the blocking tackle the loose ball spinning right into Page on the overlap hooking a cross in central to Nicholls in front of goal, leaping up to get her head on the ball knocks it down into the turf bouncing wide of the far post.

  Newmarket aiming to get the ball up into Reinhardt as quick as they can a high ball awkward for the Histon defence over them but not close enough for Childerley to claim top of her area has to wait to see it safely into her area even as Reinhardt looks to steal in, dropping on the ball getting clattered by the attacker in the process. Childerley making a timely call soon after to burst out of her box to clear the ball as Newmarket get it forwards from a throw deep in their half. 

  Walker with a very good pass on her given time on the ball in the middle to play a great diagonal ball into Griffin on the right of attack, running onto the pass driving forwards shoots from 25 yards out on the angle her effort driven wide of the near post. Histon getting a little ragged with their passing a loose goal kick won straight back on the right the cross from deep collected by Childerley at her near post. 

 A pretty even contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Corbyn seeing the ball into her feet left side turning to attack down the line checks back to cross, the ball into the middle cleared by Krueger in defence. Nicholls winning Histon a corner up the other end on the right, Fired in to the far post the ball headed up in towards goal claimed smartly by Szary in the Newmarket goal.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

  Szary getting the ball upfield quickly the Histon defence dropping off a throw conceded on the left, Sturgess getting forwards on the left firing a deep cross into the area, Krueger heading clear for the visitors. Newmarket beginning to find some momentum getting players on to link up with Reinhardt in attack, Corbyn working the ball inside from the left Howard getting a foot in to stop her advance, just as the referee blows up for a drinks break.

  Play resumes with Newmarket getting themselves a throw out on the right O’Dwyer playing it inside for Gibson squares it to Walker central 30 yards plus out takes on the strike, through the defence but not troubling Childerley beyond as she moves across her goal to gather up the ball. Leyland moving in to put a tackle in on Reinhardt as she looks to control and turn to shoot 25 yards out. 

Histon captain, Laura Leyland tackling Newmarket attacker, Emilia Reinhardt

 Reinhardt lively up top looking to get hold of the ball run at the defence, Leyland and Krueger giving her little room through the middle. Newmarket the livelier of the two sides since the drinks break taking the game to Histon, Walker pushed up beyond Reinhardt with Corbyn inside the D as the attacker threads the ball into her attempts to play Corbyn in, the Histon defence quick to get numbers on her to close down the space wrestle the ball away to safety.

  Griffin taking the ball on right side lifting a high cross into the near post, plucked down safely by Childerley. Szary up the other end almost a sweeper keeper at times marshalling the top of her area well alert to the threat posed by Nicholls breaks in behind clearing it to Sturgess to her left she sends it on for Wayman breaking up the wing looks to combine passes with Corbyn going on the overlap but the return ball is a little too strong. 

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman

Walker’s passing giving Newmarket an extra edge as they look to get players on down the wings, Walker herself making a un into the D as Dryland sends a cross in from deep on the right on the run Walker can’t quite get hold of it as Leyland clears the ball back out to the right, Griffin sending it back into the six yard box, Corbyn central looking to bring it down off her body to strike on the volley fires her shot over the bar. 

 Page playing the ball in across the top of the Newmarket box from the right looking for Nicholls, Daniels moving in to close her down win the ball for the hosts at the back. A few mis-timed tackles coming in from both sides as Newmarket press the ball looking to get forwards. Banks with McCrae central for Histon forwards into Collins on the right in the clear to square the ball in along the top of the area, Nicholls racing in far side, Dryland tracking back on her to slide in and win the ball well for Newmarket. 

  Newmarket quickly on the counter with Wayman once again breaking on the left down the line her initial cross blocked by Page, the loose ball spinning to Corbyn on the touchline 20 out plays it inside for Gibson outside the box, Banks with the blocking tackle the ball spinning loose into Dryland central strikes it from range the driven strike screwing wide of the left upright.

  Histon livening up late in the 1st half as Nicholls charges down the defence to steal in behind moving to the right of the area, bearing down on goal Szary out to close her down stays big arms out wide to save the shot knock the ball out to the right, Histon push up to get hold of the ball forcing a corner. An in swinging delivery put under the bar, Szary getting a fist on the ball to divert it behind to the left of her goal for another corner.  

  GOAL! The delivery fired into the middle of the box with pace, attacked by Krueger her head down in front of goal blocked scrambled clear but straight into Nicholls beyond the near post smashes it back in towards goal through everyone to hit the back of the net to see Histon take the lead in the 36th minute 0-1.

Evie Nicholls celebrates as she opens the scoring for Histon

  Newmarket going a goal behind counter well the ball put into Walker pushing upfield 25 yards out slides it through into the box for Reinhardt bursting inside left of goal, from the angle six yards out smashes a rising shot into the side netting. 

Nicholls impatient to get back onto the pitch having come off after receiving treatment for a knock, in doing so, Banks finds her unmarked on the right wing to break on with the ball at her feet, Szary rushing out to close her down, Nicholls looks to drag the ball inside her get in central her touch a little strong giving Daniels the split second she needs to slide in win the ball back inside the D. 

Histon making a change bringing Plumer off on the left sending on Gwen Davis-Jones. O’Dwyer playing the ball to Wayman on the move left side squares it in central for Walker, Banks moving in to close the Newmarket captain down before she can pick her pass. Corbyn drifting inside with the ball from the left playing an angled ball across the pitch into Corbyn on the right she puts another high cross into the near post, Childerley getting her angles right to keep it out. 

  Newmarket winning a corner on their right, Griffin with a fine ball in across the six yard box through bodies falls to Sturgess at the far post stabs her shot narrowly wide. Leyland moving into to block, Wayman’s cross on the left as Corbyn sends the ball on, out for a corner kick. Another delivery to the far post from Griffin, Leyland on Sturgess this time as they both jump for the ball Leyland seeing it away to safety. 

Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn

 Howard with a strong tackle in the middle looking to get forwards with the ball left channel, Daniels back at her with an equally strong challenge to regain possession for Newmarket. Wayman advancing on the left with the ball for the hosts puts it into the D for Reinhardt, Krueger quickly in to close her down tackling to prevent her unleashing a strike. 

Half-time Newmarket Town Women 0-1 Histon Ladies

  Both sides looking to finish strong as the first half comes to a close. Newmarket heading back to the changing room, Histon seeking out the little spot of shade behind the goal they were defending. Neither side on top for a sustained period Histon becoming a little ragged midway through the half as Newmarket pushed players on but defended well on the whole good chances created, Got themselves out of that hole to open the scoring late in the half holding onto their narrow advantage as Newmarket pressed for a quick reply.

 The result still wide open as we go into the 2nd period things for both to improve on too, Reinhardt and Nicholls both working hard up top to create an opening. Neither side making a change at the start of the 2nd half the sun still blazing high in the sky, Histon bringing Davis-Jones on late in the 1st half as Newmarket get the 2nd half underway. Rolled into Walker she turns it out to Wayman on the left the ball clipped up into Reinhardt central, Leyland winning the header for Histon, the loose ball cleared by Krueger. 

Histon defender, Claire Krueger

  Histon defending the deeper of the two sides, keen to protect Childerley in goal had done a good job so far. O’Dwyer playing the ball on for Corbyn left side looks to travel coming inside, tackled by Davis-Jones. Nicholls receiving the ball out wide on Histon’s right flank driving on squaring it into the top of the area for Davis-Jones getting forwards, Dryland closing her down defending for Newmarket. 

Newmarket midfielder, Abi Gibson

 Krueger winning the ball at the back for Histon hooking it away as Walker attempts to drop it over the top for Reinhardt. Griffin sends the ball down the right flank for Reinhardt to chase, Krueger moving to get across her try and shield the ball out, Reinhardt gets a foot in to knock the ball into the six yard box, but Leyland is there to clear for Histon. O’Dwyer in to defend for Newmarket clearing the ball for a throw as Howard and Banks look to combine coming on down the right. 

  Both sides giving niggly fouls away, a good battle out there, MaCrae looking to get on more for Histon coming right enjoying a lively contest with Dryland. Leyland playing the ball long into the top of the Newmarket area, Sturgess winning the header for the hosts. No advantage played as Davies gets clipped looking to get into the box attacking down the left for Histon the ball loose coming to MaCrae, little room to work with 20 yards out the ball blocked. Histon applying a bit of pressure however with the full backs getting on better to push numbers on. 

 GOAL! Newmarket get the ball on down their right Dryland finding Walker coming out to receive the ball angles it into the box for Corbyn central, is fouled as a defender dives in to try and get the ball the referee pointing to the spot, penalty! Griffin to take it placing the ball on the spot no messing around, drives it low to the keepers left into the back of the net to level the scores 1-1.

Abbi Griffin firing Newmarket level from the penalty spot

Abbi Griffin

 Newmarket back on level terms 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Newmarket’s full backs getting on with the ball too, Dryland on the right attempting to play a diagonal ball into Corbyn as she provides a good run inside from the left, close but can’t quite get hold of it to take it on into the area have a chance on goal. 

 McCrae does well to roll off Dryland on the left channel and turn in behind drive for the area, left of goal, Dryland recovers well getting back at her diving in to tackle even as Daniels has the same idea McCrae unscathed as the ball runs out for a corner kick. A high delivery into the far post knocked out to Leyland at the top of the area, her shot stabbed in blocked the rebound volleyed over, even as Histon make a half hearted appeal for handball.

Holly Dryland and Jess McCrae

  Walker charges down a shot from distance resulting in a corner kick for Histon, Banks to take it curled in from the left, Szary misses her punch however the ball sails out beyond the far post. Newmarket looking to push players on still get up with Reinhardt, Dryland with space to move into puts an angled cross in from deep, Leyland getting her head onto it for Histon. The hosts pressing on the right sweep a ball into the box, Corbyn central looking to get it under control, won’t sit as it instead pops up for O’Dwyer to strike sends it over the bar.

  Walker with a powerful strike from distance 40 yards out rifles the ball past the right post. Newmarket make their first change, with Reinhardt coming off to see Ella Burnley make her first competitive start for the club. Histon too with a change bringing off Howard in the middle to be replaced by Sophie Hopkin. The drinks break called soon after. Play resumes with a crunching 50/50 tackle between banks and Sturgess with the Newmarket defender coming off 2nd best. Up okay after on pitch treatment and keen to get back into the action. 

  Gibson getting hold of the ball 30 yards out driving towards the box for the hosts, runs into Krueger however the Histon defender winning the ball. Dryland taking the ball on for Newmarket right side pushed inside central for Burnley looks to push through the defence get into the box, Krueger getting a foot on the ball to clear. Histon attempt to counter the ball helped on by McCrae into Hopkin left channel, Nicholls ahead of her however Wayman is across to intercept the pass for the hosts.

Newmarket captain, Katie Walker

  Krueger not giving away anything at the back for Histon reading the game well. Dryland on for Griffin right side, Davies cutting out her cross. Histon coming back into the game with McCrae influencing things going forwards puts the ball on down the left flank for Nicholls as the striker races clear her low cross squared into the six yard box scooped up into her gloves by Szary even as Hopkin closes her down. 

The clock ticking down, no telling which way this game might go, certainly both are trying to win it, Dryland comes back to slide in to clear the ball for a corner kick on Hopkin as she is put in the clear on the left. Fired in long beyond the far post Krueger attacking it heads the ball over the crossbar. Newmarket making a double switch bringing off Gibson and Sturgess with Toni Smith and Eden Kirby-Cook coming on. Sees Newmarket making a few adjustments at the back.

 GOAL! closing in on the final 10 minutes Histon get on the attack banks playing the ball on for Hopkin left side sends the ball down the line for Nicholls pulling wide taking it on to the by-line cuts the ball back in across the face of goal, Szary sticking a leg out to try and divert it away only plays it straight to Collins coming in beyond the far post she doesn’t miss her opportunity drives the ball back in at the near post to put Histon back into the lead 1-2. 

Tash Collins on hand at the far post to fire Histon back into the lead

 GOAL! No sooner have Newmarket fallen behind again they have no time to regroup as they concede again a long pass seeing Nicholls beat the offside flag on the right flank, driving for the box has been one on one with Szary on a couple of occasions doesn’t let the keeper get too close this time shoots early lifting the ball over her to loop into the goal beyond to see Histon extend the lead 1-3.

Evie Nicholls breaking clear to fire Histon into a 3-1 lead

 I was in the process of changing the batteries in my camera at this precise moment so didn’t capture the celebrations, sure someone else did. Histon getting into a 2 goal lead late in the game to put themselves in a healthy position to claim the 3 points. Histon with renewed energy getting bodies forwards now, the ball fed inside to Nicholls inside the D, sees it into her feet before prodding it to her left to turn and unleash a low shot, Szary down sharply to save getting her body behind the ball.

Abbi Griffin and Abi Davies

  Banks winning the ball well in the middle of the park for Histon, Newmarket struggling to find any momentum late on the visitors break Collins right on for Nicholls forwards into Hopkin at the near post her shot lacking power stopped by Szary. Newmarket with another double change, Dryland and Griffin off with, Niamh Bridgeman and Reinhardt coming on. Nicholls picking up a knock off too for Histon with Summer Taylor, Plummer back on too for the closing stages.

  Collins moving right with the ball for Histon sending it forwards into Taylor her cut back across the top of the D struck first time by Plummer, sent over. Davis-Jones winning the ball in the middle for Histon pushing forwards, Daniels out well from the back to tackle for Newmarket. Bridgeman putting a diagonal ball into the top of the area from the right for Newmarket looking for Burnley cut out by Davies turned behind for a corner kick. Into the closing moments of the game the corner into the top of the area Reinhardt putting it back out to Bridgeman on the right, her cross blocked for a 2nd corner.

 Played into the top of the area Walker connecting on the half volley the dipping ball straight at the keeper. Histon eating up the clock with a late substitution, Collins brought off to be replaced by Evie MaCulloch. Histon aiming to keep the ball in the corner late on seeing out the game to clinch the 3 points on the opening day of the season.

Full time Newmarket Town Women 1-3 Histon Ladies

 Histon scoring twice late in the 2nd half to secure 3 points on the opening day of the season and get their ERWFL Division One North campaign off to a winning start. Holding a narrow advantage at the break, Newmarket came back well to find an equalising goal from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Both sides enjoying good spells throughout the game whilst never getting the upper hand creating chances it looked an even contest throughout well fought. Histon dropping off becoming ragged at times responded well however figuring it out to get back on top. Newmarket will be disappointed but know where they can improve the game was there for the taking Histon scoring at timely intervals edging it. Division One North looks to be very interesting already looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season and as is so often the case it’s another hard decision, well sort of. Several performances of note to mention too. Firstly for Newmarket, Sydney Daniels was outstanding at the back putting in a number of crucial tackles, covered the ground well. Both full backs Holly Dryland and Kara Wayman defended well and got forwards too, Wayman in particular with some great runs. Ellie Sturgess was no slouch either won her share of tackles too allowed space used the ball well. Katie Walker’s passing gave Newmarket an extra dynamic in the middle, Emilia Reinhardt worked tirelessly up top. For Histon, Evie Nicholls was lively in attack finding space and making runs all game always available for a pass. Molly Banks with some strong tackles in the middle of the park linked up play well throughout, Jess McCrae got forwards well battling for possession especially 2nd half. Again the Histon defence was strong especially through the middle, captain Laura Leyland reading the game well winning her fair share of the ball, edging it though her defensive partner, Claire Krueger, the pair leaving no room to exploit through the middle, won her tackles well focused throughout, might well be jet legged by now but can be pleased with that performance.

 Good to be back! Had little prep time feared I might be a little rusty coming into this game but the hand writing is still as bad and I have written 615 of these so I didn’t need much warming up. Plenty of exciting games to come started with the ERWFL because it rarely disappoints. Thanks to both clubs for their help today, never taken for granted and always appreciated. The new season has begin.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Wednesday 23rd April

ERWFL Division One North

Heading down the A1065 this Wednesday evening for a spot of midweek football action from ERWFL Division One North, to Mundford Road to watch Thetford Town Ladies versus Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies.

The football season rapidly drawing to a close with just a handful of matches left in the ERWFL, final positions to jostle for, Mulbarton moving above Thetford at the weekend up to 6th in the Division One North table with 4 league games left to play, Thetford with just 2 more to go, having beaten Mulbarton earlier in the season in the reverse fixture, the pair meeting just a fortnight ago in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, Mulbarton securing a 3-0 win in the 2nd half to make it to their 4th county cup final in 5 season’s.

Thetford Town Ladies near to completing their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL, looking to build on a 6th placed finish in their debut season in regional, have established themselves in the league without finding the consistency they would have liked a mixed bag of results a run of 4 straight defeats putting a dent in what looked a good push for a top 5 finish. A strong squad with a healthy bland of experience and youth haven’t always had the full compliment to pick from, Mollie O’Callaghan coming to the club this season the top scorer with 7 goals so far, Alice Collins captaining the side now, next highest scorer with 6 goals. Megan Haynes has 5 to her name while, Melissa Boulton, Olivia Dunne and Caitlin Skipper all have 4 each.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies joining the ERWFL along side Thetford last season having won the Norfolk Women’s Division One title the previous two seasons. Finishing 3rd in the table in their 1st season in regional football, have had a more difficult 2nd season, Seeing several games called off earlier in the season, players not getting the run of matches to aid both fitness and development, the 1st team bringing in several younger player to the squad this season, a mixed bag of results early in the season, injuries playing a part too, have turned things around in recent weeks losing just 1 of their last 8 league games to climb away from the bottom end of the table and move past Thetford into 5th position having been awarded a home win with the recent withdrawal of Whittlesey Athletic Ladies from the league. Rebekah Lake as ever the leading scorer for Mulbarton, out injured for a spell earlier in the campaign still has 14 goals from her 17 appearances. Midfielder, Alanta Griffith with 6 goals to her name. 

Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road Stadium the venue for this evenings match, the clubhouse open leading into the ground, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. Out into the stadium itself a covered seated stand over the changing rooms beside, with standing viewing all round the grass pitch, slightly sloped. A sunny end to the day the sun setting behind one end of the ground, no rain forecast.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Keileigh Dixon, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Mollie O’Callaghan, Fran Peeling, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler, Olivia Dunne, Alice Collins (C), Hannah Rogers, Megan Haynes & Caitlin Skipper. Subs – Zoe Klimcke, Ella Swift, Dayna Howard & Niamh Underhill.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Meg Gowing, Holly Farrow, Leah Brown, Lucy Lincoln, Melissa Belsey, Victoria McNorton, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Alanta Griffith, Sophie Jermy & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Laura Goodfield, Tallie Chillystone, Scarlett Derrett, Izzy Noakes & Molly Stevenson.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Rebekah Lake and Alice Collins with this evenings referee Michael Clark

 Both sides with a long trip to Bedfordshire on Sunday with contrasting results, Thetford travelling with just 10, battled hard but came home empty handed losing 2-0 to AFC Dunstable, while Mulbarton ran in 6 goals without reply at Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses. Both sides nevertheless with good sized squads for this evenings game, Mulbarton choosing to have the low sun at their backs with Thetford kicking off the first half wearing their claret coloured kit with blue trim on the shirts. Mulbarton in their away colours wearing aquamarine coloured shirts with grey shorts and socks. The ball played back into defence, Mollie O’Callaghan sending a probing ball into the left channel for Caitlin Skipper up front to attack, Melissa Belsey cutting it out to clear at the back for Mulbarton the ball helped on in midfield lifted into the left channel for Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake, Fran Peeling intercepts in defence for the hosts.

  Mulbarton quick to close the ball down central Laura Hedtke with a wild lash at the ball, sending a shot flying over the Thetford goal from range. Thetford goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon retrieving the ball, announcing it has picked up a puncture and is going flat, referee Michael Clark calling for a replacement, play continues. Thetford moving in to close the ball down central Olivia Dunne with captain, Alice Collins the ball sent forwards, Mulbarton goalkeeper Megan Gowing quickly out of her area to reach the ball first as Skipper races in behind the defence.

  Play turned around Mulbarton seeing the ball into Alanta Griffith in the midfield controls and turns to clip a pass out into the left flank with Sophie Jermy on the move, looks to have times her run perfectly to get away in behind, the Thetford defence just holding their line however the flag going up against her. Thetford pushing up as a team, Mulbarton winning the ball back outside there area looking to set up a quick counter the ball from Hedtke fed on for Griffith, looks to lift it on for Lake up top, Sausha Levy-Twomey getting her head on the bouncing ball to clear for Thetford.

 Thetford pressing on the left Hannah Claughton getting up to win the ball back on for Hannah Rogers taking it on plays a pacy diagonal ball into the top of the area for Skipper to attack, Belsey closing her down timing her tackle to get hold of the ball top of her area. Rolled into Victoria McNorton in midfield for Mulbarton looks immediately for the run from Lake up front the ball clipped on through the middle, just a little too much on it as Dixon comes out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball.

Thetford goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon

   A tentative start to the game both sides testing out the other with probing balls, Thetford pushing up as a unit, Peeling cutting out an attempted ball from Griffith central out to Jermy left side. Frustration for Mulbarton again as Ellie Hunter nips in to regain possession off of a Thetford throw opening up her body to slide the ball on for Jermy on the move left side, as again the flag goes up against her.

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

  Skipper lively in attack for Thetford making some good runs into the channels, the diagonal ball comes into her on the right side, taking it on, Lucy Lincoln moving in on her to tackle for Mulbarton. Thetford pressing the ball in the final 3rd Skipper with Megan Haynes out on the right, Collins getting forwards to offer support, Hunter attempting to get to her as the pass from Haynes comes into her 20 yards out, the pair coming together, Hunter looking to have gone down awkwardly, in some discomfort play stopped not looking good can’t continue walking gingerly as she is helped off the pitch Scarlett Derrett coming on.

 The resulting free-kick played on by Lincoln into the middle Griffith looking to turn the ball out to Jermy on the left, Peeling cutting the pass out for Thetford. Claughton bringing the ball on left side for Thetford fed forwards into Dunne looking to get forwards, Leah Brown in to close her down putting the ball out for a throw in. Thetford battling for possession putting in the tackles in the middle, Haynes light with a good turn on the ball to send the ball racing up the channel for Skipper to chase down, Belsey coming across to make the challenge inside the ball turning the ball behind for a corner kick.

  The delivery from the right flashed on through the six yard box to the far post before being struck back over the crossbar. Lively Thetford pressing Mulbarton looking to turn play around quickly the host defence having to be alert to the ball being helped on through the middle, Griffith trying to find Lake in attack, Levy-Twomey getting her head on the ball for Thetford to keep the ball inside the opposition half. 

Thetford’s Mollie O’Callaghan

 

 O’Callaghan stepping forwards in defence for Thetford playing a high line to charge the ball down the rebound coming to Collins central lifts it into the box with Haynes breaking forwards on the right, Gowing composed keeping her eye on the bouncing ball to see it safely into her gloves. The game a little heated at times Thetford working hard to disrupt Mulbarton get hold of the ball, Haynes in particular providing a good outlet on the right, Holly Farrow getting across to close her down for Mulbarton as she looks to drive on off off a cross-field ball from Dunne. 

  Skipper releasing Haynes out on the right to take the ball on in behind whips an inviting cross into the box, Gowing laying claim to the ball. Play drawn over the the left as Thetford fight to get the ball forwards, Haynes free in space to the right the diagonal pass coming into her path surges forwards up the wing cutting a cross back into the area, just behind Skipper racing in central runs onto Collins beyond outside the box, meeting it first time sends her strike crashing over off the crossbar!

Mulbarton’s Holly Farrow in to tackle Thetford’s Megan Haynes

 

  Mulbarton work the ball on well through the middle McNorton into Griffith linking up with Jermy the ball lifted on sees Lake burst in behind Thetford, looks to be away timing her perfectly, but no, the flag is up against her. Griffith getting the ball into her feet for Mulbarton on the turn lays it into the path of Jermy looking to break clear in behind wide left taking the ball on clips a cross into the top of the area, Lake racing onto the ball turns it goal wards the ball rolling agonisingly wide of the left post.

  Griffith trying her luck from range for the visitors the ball held onto by Dixon back in the Thetford goal. Mulbarton looking to up things Griffith looking to push on further forwards coming left strong on the ball attempting to lift it over the defence for Jermy, Chandler getting her head to the ball to cut out the ball for Thetford. 

 Thetford attack through the middle, Collins on with Haynes the ball rolled onto Skipper left corner of the area held up by Belsey, laid back to Collins to run onto the ball 20 yards out, strikes the ball wide of the near post. Thetford getting a corner out on the left the ball sent into the top of the area, the Mulbarton defence rushing out making a series of blocks to prevent a shot, attempt to break out themselves left side Chandler in to close the ball down keep Thetford in the front foot.

  Hedtke playing the ball up to Griffith back to goal on halfway, turns well to lift it over the top play Lake in behind racing clear, Dixon though comes racing out of her area getting there in the nick of time to clear for Thetford. Peeling busy in the Thetford defence coming across on the cover as Mulbarton build on the right to challenge Lake turn the ball out for a throw in. Skipper full of pace up top for Thetford looking to get onto the end of a Rogers pass, strikes the ball wide of the left post from all of 25 yards out. Lively competitive through the middle, McNorton on for Griffith, Lake looking to moving inside from the right, Peeling intercepting the through ball for Thetford.

GOAL! Thetford bringing the ball on through the middle with pace, Skipper taking it on left of the D, bearing down on the box, Belsey stepping in to make the blocking tackle the ball spinning across the top of the area out to the right, Haynes latching onto the ball whipping a cross back into the mix, Collins running onto the ball to meet it 10 yards out smashing the ball past the keeper and on into the back of the net to open the scoring 1-0.

Thetford captain, Alice Collins firing Thetford into the lead

Thetford in front with almost half an hour played in the first half, Mulbarton look for a quick response Griffith on for Hedtke linking up with Derrett through the middle, Levy-Twoney getting the challenge in to win the ball back for Thetford. Derrett inside for Lake coming in field from the right 25 yards out sends it on for Griffith to turn onto the shot, does get a clean connection as she falls back the ball in low easily gathered by the keeper.

  Chandler under pressure at the back for Jermy as she attacks left side does well to get the ball back, then Jermy comes off worst as she and Collins go in on a 50/50 ball outside the area. Thetford getting the ball on up the right Skipper over to combine passes with Haynes who wins her side a corner. Curled in across the six yard back cleared back out to the corner taker on the right, curled into the near post Hedtke getting her foot on the ball to launch clear for Mulbarton.

  Thetford’s defence pushed up at times so they have to be alert to the counter attack the ball put on through the middle with lake never still looking to make a run off a defender nip in behind, Levy-Twomey with another vital interception to head the ball back for the hosts. Peeling breaking up a Mulbarton attack sending the ball on up the right channel for Rogers, Farrow lunging in to halt her advance for Mulbarton.

  Mulbarton play the ball on through the middle McNorton working well with Griffith pushing the ball into her moving forwards to take on the return pass laying it out to Derrett wide right she takes the shot on from the angle low driving into the near post, Dixon down at her near post to gather the ball into her gloves.

  Mulbarton push on down their right Derrett charging to the by-line her cross deflected behind by Claughton. Lifted into the near side, Peeling getting her head on the ball to send behind for another corner. Clipped in near side again knocked down to the top of the area, Griffith onto the ball looks to hold up turn to release a shot, charged down by Chandler, comes back to Griffith already falling tries to get hold off it but can’t keep it down over for a goal kick.

  Mulbarton making a double change with McNorton and Jermy coming off, on come Luka Goodfield and Izzy Noakes coming on. O’Callaghan in defence for Thetford stepping in to win the ball, comes to Haynes central feeds it across to Skipper left of the D, moves forwards, Belsey in to close her down, the ball rebounding back to Collins to hit from range, strikes the ball over the crossbar.

  Dixon needing to race out of her box to win the clearance as Lake threatens to out pace the defence as Mulbarton turn play around in the middle. Mulbarton pushing players on late in the first half lake to Griffith right of the D, looks to lift a deft ball back into the box, Peeling cutting it out for Thetford. 

 GOAL! Mulbarton looking to get the ball on rapidly through the middle, Griffith racing forwards breaking in behind the defence in the clear, no flag raised, Dixon comes racing out to try and close her down but can’t get there as Griffith lobs the ball over the keeper to see it bounce on through to the goal beyond to level up the scores 1-1.

Alanta Griffith sending the ball over the advancing keeper to equalise for Mulbarton

 Mulbarton with their tails up equalising late in the first half press the ball through the middle Noakes on for Griffith strong on the ball looks for Lake up top, Peeling getting to the ball first to clear for Thetford. Collins fouling Derrett, Mulbarton with the free-kick the ball put into Lake back to goal top of the area, given no room to turn by O’Callaghan, Thetford look to counter the ball lifted on for Skipper in the left channel, Belsey cutting it out for the visitors.

 Claughton closing down Lake as the striker looks to shift the ball down the line on the right. Griffith taking the ball on from Goodfield, stabbed forwards, O’Callaghan getting her foot in to win the ball off Lake, looks to send it on for Skipper up top pace running with the ball bearing down on the ball, Belsey getting back at her easing her off the ball.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-1 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

 The half-time whistle blows the sides all square at the break, Thetford working hard for their lead getting in amongst Mulbarton looking to disrupt play and get it forwards quickly Skipper running at the defence creating chances, captain Alice Collins firing the hosts into the lead on the half hour. Mulbarton frustrated not finding a rhythm, losing Hunter to injury, some decisions going against them fought back well to level the scores up late in the half. All set for the 2nd half, Thetford looking good value for their lead, no doubt frustrated to concede so late in the half.

No changes at the break for either side with the floodlights taking full effect, it’s Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball fed up the left wing with Lake pressing the attack, Chandler across to deal with the ball forced out for a throw in the corner, Mulbarton getting bodies up around the ball forcing a corner kick. The delivery swept in low to the near post, Thetford clearing the danger.

  Thetford look to break away down the left the ball rolled on for Skipper, Brown cutting it out for Mulbarton sending in infield into Griffith’s feet plays it forwards over the defence into the box with Lake bursting into the area left of the D, Dixon coming out to claim the ball catching it on the bounce. The hosts building on the left, Claughton carrying the ball forwards cuts inside to play the ball in central, Skipper looking to take it on Lincoln sliding in to defend for Mulbarton.

  O’Callaghan going down for Thetford picking up an ankle knock, a pause in play but needs to come of, Zoe Klimcke being readied to come on the defender going over to the right side with Chandler switching to an attacking role left side. A quite start to the 2nd half with both sides cancelling each other out in the middle, defences first to any attempted through balls. Claughton surging forwards with the ball on the left sending a diagonal ball into Skipper outside the box looks to spin of Belsey break into the box the defender getting a challenge in the ball deflected to the right, Skipper lining up a strike, Lincoln going in to block the ball deflecting off the defender for a corner kick.

  Into the near post area the ball attacked, Dunne turning the ball wide of the upright. Thetford lively working hard to press the ball, Collins out to Haynes right side breaks forwards with the ball before attempting to slid it on for Skipper coming across for the pass, Farrow getting hold of the ball for Mulbarton. Lake constantly on the prowl looking to steal into space between the Thetford defence, Griffith looking for those runs trying to put her through on goal, Peeling sticking out a leg this time to prevent the opportunity. Dixon clearing the ball for Thetford at the back as Mulbarton attempt to play Lake in behind, launched up field, Skipper looking to make a nuisance of herself, Lincoln, then Brown putting in blocking tackles before the ball runs out for a goal kick.

  GOAL!  Thetford quick to get bodies up around the area pressing the ball of the goal kick, Haynes and Chandler with Skipper outside the area, the ball popping about as Collins races on from midfield to latch onto the ball top of the D and send a strike rifling past the keeper into the back of the net. 2-1.

Alice Collins running onto the ball to fire Thetford back into the lead

 Thetford retaking the lead 11 minutes into the 2nd half. Mulbarton look to get on up the right Lake over with Noakes, Claughton winning the ball back for Thetford breaking on down the left firing it forwards into Chandler on the wing squares the cross into Skipper in attack her touch a little to strong, allowing Goodfield to nip in take possession back for the visitors. Having retaken the lead, Thetford are in need of settling things down, play a little frantic attacks breaking down.

 Griffith holding onto the ball for Mulbarton coming left sends it on for Lake who fires it across the area into Noakes, Peeling moving in to put in the block the ball rebounding out to the right, Derrett crossing the ball in along the face of the Thetford goal Lake running in beyond the far post stretching out a leg can’t quite get there to turn the ball back over the line. Hedtke coming off for Mulbarton, on comes Tallie Chillystone.

Thetford defender, Fran Peeling

 Mulbarton pushing Griffith on more now coming left as they look to find a reply, Klimcke closing her down. Skipper full of running in attack for Thetford, keeping the defence occupied, Brown cutting out a pass left side as she tries to knock it beyond her. Griffith through the middle for Mulbarton on for Noakes, who in turn attempts to put Lake through on goal, Levy-Twomey getting her leg out to intercept the ball.

  20 minutes played in the 2nd half Thetford working hard to disrupt Mulbarton’s play close the ball down, Lake bringing the ball down off of a throw high on the right, corner of the angle, turns into the strike smashing her effort across goal wide past the far post. Chillystone needing to come off for Mulbarton, Molly Stevenson introduced to the game. Skipper bringing the ball down turning to send it to Chandler on the move down the left, Brown going with her blocking her cross to turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

Mulbarton’s Leah Brown

  The delivery from the corner played on to the far post knocked back across goal, Mulbarton scrambling it away to the top of the area, Skipper central getting hold of it putting her foot through the ball, smashes her shot wide of the left post.   

 GOAL! Mulbarton working the ball up the left wing win a free-kick just outside the box. Griffith over the set-piece asking to be hit in towards the far post, instead the midfielder takes on the shot, hitting the ball sweetly sending in up and over the keeper to find the back of the net to level things up for the 2nd time in the match. 2-2. Griffith never takes free-kicks apparently, on this evidence she shouldn’t be afraid to step up more often.

  20 minutes to gone Mulbarton back level. Thetford restart the game the ball clipped long to Skipper pulling wide left, plays a high ball in across the top of the Mulbarton area with Haynes coming on from the right looknig to meet it on the volley 25 yards out, blasts her strike wide of the right post. Thetford winning the ball central Collins with Dunne the ball fed on for Chandler left, Brown sliding in to play the ball out for a throw.

 Gowing needs to break out of her area quickly to close down Skipper as she is played through central by Dunne, the keeper with the block to see the ball deflected away from danger. Griffith attempts to play the threaded ball on for Lake up top as she pulls left, Peeling cutting the pass out hooking the ball clear. Mulbarton bringing players up for a corner on the left chipped in near post Thetford clear.

 GOAL! The break on Thetford sending the ball long into the right channel, Skipper racing after it knocking the ball on into the area wide of goal, Gowing comes racing out to dive forwards onto the ball, gets her gloves around the ball as she and Skipper come together, hurting her ankle, the ball is loose as Skipper is quickly back on her feet, an advantage played, close to the line hasn’t much of an angle to shoot from but strikes the ball, getting a good curl on it to see it creep inside the near post even as Brown racing back in attempts to clear it 3-2!

Caitlin Skipper puts Thetford 3-2 up

 Thetford retaking the lead in somewhat controversial circumstances, Mulbarton incensed claiming their keeper had hold of the ball, but the decision stands, even as Gowing is down receiving lengthy treatment on her damaged ankle, cannot continue and with no substitute goalkeeper on the bench, it’s midfielder Hedtke back on to don the gloves. Mulbarton break forwards from the restart Griffith powering forwards left side on the ball striking a shot in towards goal narrowly over the crossbar. Thetford counter Dunne central sending the ball into Chandler left side clips in back in central for Skipper making the run up top, Hedtke out though to gather the ball top of the area.

GOAL! Thetford win the ball back in the final third players pressing up to the box, Collins central lifting the ball into Chandler inside the area left of goal, Mulbarton claiming offside as she puts her foot through the ball, to smash the ball back across goal, Hedtke throwing herself down in an attempt to stop it gets her fingertips to it but not enough to prevent it finding the bottom corner to see Thetford double their lead 4-2.

Shannon Chandler through on goal to fire in Thetford’s 4th

  Thetford with their tails up late in the game gaining a two goal cushion, Mulbarton aggrieved seeing two decisions going against them leading to the goals. Thetford keen to hammer home the advantage though Haynes running onto the ball right side flashing a cross into the box wide past the far post. Belsey coming off for Mulbarton with McNorton back on. Dunne pushing up into the box left side with Chandler as Brown goes to put the block in, the ball running past her into Dunne’s feet rushing her strike sends the ball up over the bar.

  The clock rapidly ticking down Thetford keeping their energy levels up pressing the ball, lose possession on the right as Farrow moves in to close the ball down carries it up the wing sending a cross into the top of the area for Lake bearing down on the box, Dixon rushing out to close her down making the blocking save the ball angling away to her right cleared by Levy-Twomey. 

Victoria McNorton

 Levy-Twomey in again to defend as Griffiths puts the ball into Noakes central 25 yards out. Mulbarton pushing players on looking to force an opening Thetford ready to counter Claughton left side launching in forwards for Dunne making a left channel run, Brown out to meet her lunging in to prevent her skipping in behind. With Mulbarton pushed up in the closing seconds of the contest Collins wins the ball outside her box lifts it on for Skipper up top Dunne looking to cover the ground get up with her, McNorton getting her tackle in to stop Skipper getting the pass into her.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 4-2 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

  The final whistle blows and Thetford celebrate getting back to winning ways and doing a league double over Mulbarton to move back above them into 5th place in the Division One North table. Worked hard for the three points pressing the ball as a unit defending high at times to keep the ball up the pitch the defence needing to remain alert throughout. Took the lead twice only to be pegged back, before getting their noses in front for a 3rd time, going on to add a 4th. Mulbarton frustrated creating some good chances never really got going to put their stamp on the game far from happy with the 3rd goal. Thetford kept their energy levels up throughout and with one game left to play will at home to Biggleswade will aim to finish on a high.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to chose this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, and although their are plenty of performances to mention, there is one clear winners. Firstly for Mulbarton, Alanta Griffith was strong throughout getting hold of the ball and making several positive forwards runs scoring both the visitors goals. Leah Brown at the back with a number of vital tackles to stop Thetford getting in behind. Mel Belsey had her work cut out with Caitlin Skipper but won more than her fair share of challenges. For Thetford the aforementioned Skipper was a handful all game, running into the channels a ready outlet for the midfield, her pace and movement causing problems getting on the scoresheet. The Thetford defence as a unit strong, Fran Peeling, Mollie O’Callaghan and Sausha Levy-Twomey all making vital interceptions and tackles. Shannon Chandler and Hannah Claughton bringing the on up the flanks. Olivia Dunne winning the ball in the middle of the park. The award goes to the captain, Alice Collins got about the pitch well winning the ball and linking up with the attack, marshalling her team along with scoring twice and setting up the 4th goal.

 An enjoyable evening of ERWFL football, always competitive my thanks to both teams for their help with the teams, I know, I know most of the players but it always pays to check. Hoping the injuries to goalkeeper Megan Gowing and midfield engine Ellie Hunter aren’t as serious as first appeared and both with be ok for the upcoming county cup final.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women Development v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 26th January

ERWFL Division One North

A trip down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to catch some action from ERWFL Division One North, with Stevenage FC Women Development hosting 2nd placed Newmarket Town Women.

Harpenden Town Women looking strong favourites to clinch the title at the 2nd attempt in ERWFL Division One North, but there are a trio of sides looking to push them all the way battling for the places below, Newmarket Town Women amongst them currently 2nd in the table behind, AFC Dunstable Women and Histon Ladies. As competitive at the other end with the pressure on with 3 sides facing relegation, Stevenage FC Women Development edging their way out of the bottom 3 still have alot of work to do to avoid drop.

The hosts looking to build on recent results a 1-0 win at home in the league to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies seeing them move out of the bottom three. Followed that up with victory in the quarter finals of the Herts Women’s Trophy last weekend, having won the competition last season in it’s inaugural year. Joining the ERWFL last season as the league expanding to it’s full compliment of sides, had a tough league campaign, but to go along with their county cup success, also reached the final of the ERWFL League Plate. Backing up the 1st team plying in the Premier League above have used alot of players this season 39 to date as they struggled to find a winning formula an opening day win followed by a series of losses a couple of wins and draws have seen Stevenage push hard to get themselves out of trouble at the wrong end of the table. Eva Delaney top scorer with 5 goals from 7 matches, has made 8 appearances too for the 1st team. Stephanie Fausse scoring 4 from her 11 appearances.

Last saw Newmarket Town Women in action back in October, at Thetford Town Ladies came into the game off the back of a good win at home against AFC Dunstable Women having had a frustrating start to the season. Going on to beat Thetford 2-0 was the 2nd win in a run of 7 straight league wins that helped propel Newmarket up to 2nd in the table. That 7 run winning streak ended ironically by Dunstable in another frustrating result last weekend. Traditionally a club that has built it’s foundations on a strong youth policy bringing players up through the age group from 8 onwards. Have an U18’s and Development side backing up the 1st team, two Development players making their senior debuts today in fact, Hannah Marsh and Ailie Rennie. Millie Docking currently Newmarket’s top scorer with 14 goals so far from 15 games, hot on her heels Katie Spiers netting 12 times from 14 matches.

Once again the weather was going to play a big part in the weekend, Storm Eowyn blowing through in midweek, another band of wet and windy weather forecast for Sunday, not likely to hit to the afternoon so another bout of mass postponements unlikely, but knowing it was going to be a wet one really didn’t fancy standing out in the elements to take my notes, the camera’s taken a bit of a battering of late too so off the The County Ground in Letchworth home of Hertfordshire FA, and Stevenage’s woman’s sides. The main stand covered wit seating over the café area serving hot food and drink. The wind blowing the rain into the stand however a better option lay on the other side of the artificial playing surface a covered terraced stand protecting spectators from the elements and it was most definitely needed the rain falling as the sides warmed up, a strong breeze blowing across the pitch too was going to be miserable to play in.

Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Shannon Alderman, Katie Boyle, Jessica Preston, Neave Wilson (C), Abigail Hunt, Isobel Mayfield, Ellie Merkis, Ebba Taylor-Pugh, Kelsey Millen, Kristal Clarke & Sophie Hendy.  Subs – Holly Southam, Remi Martin, Kiera Mynott, Sarah Payne & Lilly Kelly.

Stevenage FC Women Development

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Hannah Marsh, Ellie Sturgess, Ailie Rennie, Katie Walker (C), Holly Corley, Abi Gibson, Abbi Griffin, Amelia Thompson & Millie Docking. Subs – Abbie Corbyn, Eden Kirby-Cook & Fliss Payne.

Newmarket Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Stevenage welcome back Sarah Payne, on the bench today having made her long awaited return to play again on the 12 of January having suffered an ACL injury that has since her out for 491 days. Good to see her back. Newmarket giving senior debuts to Hannah March and Ailie Rennie both lining up in defence. 

Captain’s Neave Wilson and Katie Walker with today’s referee, Rhys Stewart

  It’s Stevenage to kick-off the 1st half with the rain falling steadily wearing white shirts with red trim, red shorts and white socks with Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into the defence, Newmarket rush forwards to close the ball down forcing a rushed pass long up to the right,  Kelsey Millen though able to race on through to burst down the right wing cutting a cross back in towards the top of the area, Holly Dryland stretching out a leg to intercept and clear at the back for Newmarket. 

  Both sides snapping into heir challenges the ball out of play for a series of throws with neither making headway through the middle. The visitors winning a free-kick out wide on the right inside the Stevenage half, bring players forwards from the back as the ball is curled into the top of the area, missed by the Stevenage defence runs through to Dryland pulling clear into the box left of goal, drags her shot wide of the left post, play brought back however as she had run offside.

  Newmarket’s Ellie Sturgess bringing the ball out of defence looking up to send a long ball into the right channel with Amelia Thompson looking to break in behind. Stevenage goalkeeper, alert to the threat out quickly to the top of her area to grab hold of the ball. The hosts looking a little unsettled in the early exchanges taking a few chances in possession at the back, Alderman looking to play a short pass out of her six yard box to captain Neave Wilson positioned to the left corner of her area, attacker, Millie Docking stealing in with a raised foot to intercept the pass, deflects the ball straight back towards goal but thankfully for Alderman straight into her gloves.

  The rain falling heavily, Newmarket looking to be positive get players on through the middle, Abbi Griffin and Abi Gibson pulling into the flanks right and left. Ebba Taylor-Pugh latching onto the ball in the middle of the park for Stevenage driving on, is taken down late after she releases the ball forwards for Sophie Hendy in attack, play brought back for the free-kick top of the centre circle. Taylor-Pugh to take herself floats a ball into the box dropping far post, Dominika Szary across her goal to cover for Newmarket can see it safely out of play.

Ailie Rennie tackling for Newmarket

 Playing conditions tough the wind swirling with the rain, free-kicks being given away. Newmarket looking to use the flanks get the ball moving across the pitch with purpose. Holly Corley sliding a pass into Griffin on the right, clips a cross into the top of the area, Abigail Hunt turning it away to the left for the hosts. Kristal Clarke seeing the ball into her feet for Stevenage 30 yards out to the left makes a strong run on the ball inside towards the Newmarket box, running into traffic, the Newmarket defence going to close her down, does well to send the ball on to the right for Millen to take on steal into the area making for the by-line sends a cross into the near post, Dryland running back towards her own goal cutting it out.

Newmarket’s Holly Dryland

  Winning the ball back in midfield Newmarket play the ball on for Corley moving out to the left cuts back inside 30 plus yards out to play the ball into Griffin unmarked, 25 yards out to the right of the Stevenage area, puts her foot though the ball, driving it in towards goal flying over the keepers head, smashes down into the area off the bar! Hunt reacting a split second before Docking to scramble the ball clear as she goes in to attack the follow up.

Stevenage defender, Abigail Hunt

  Millen providing a useful outlet for Stevenage on the right flank the ball coming to her from the middle she brings it under control making a surge towards the Newmarket box, Sturgess closing her down to put in the tackle to win the ball back. Cleared up to Docking wide on the left lays it inside for Thompson 25 yards out who in turn sends it down the line for Gibson pushing into the corner, held up by Stevenage’s Katie Boyle plays the ball instead up the line to Dryland who clips it into the top of the area, Wilson getting it clear as Thompson looks to bring it down.

  Newmarket regain possession quickly get the ball out to Griffin on the right the ball driven low in towards goal, Alderman reacting quickly getting something on the ball to deflect it away across her six yard box out for a corner kick. Curled in across goal, dropping far post the ball in turned towards goal, Alderman snatching hold of it from close range.

  Newmarket getting players on, Stevenage reacting well to get the ball out of there half look to exploit the gaps at back, Taylor-Pugh bringing the ball inside off the left wing lifting a ball over the top, Hendy looking to attack it, Szary out of her area rapidly to put her foot through the ball to clear. Szary needing to come along way out of her area as Stevenage catch Newmarket on the break Taylor-Pugh with the pass to send Clarke clear on the left, the keeper reaching it first to put out for a throw. Stevenage slow to react can’t capitalise with Szary out of position.

Ebba Taylor-Pugh bringing the ball on for Stevenage

  The weather awful driving rain, both sides undeterred nevertheless a lively contest, Stevenage winning a free-kick wide on the left, Taylor-Pugh to send into the box, Szary with the claim at her near post. Katie Walker captaining Newmarket playing the ball out to Docking pulling to the right 25 yards out sends the ball back into the Stevenage D, looking for Thompson, Hunt getting her boot in the way to deflect the ball out for a throw on the left. 

  Docking sees the ball down off her feet, turning back to goal to attack from the right, Wilson lunging in with the tackle to take the ball from the attacker before she can burst into the box. Newmarket playing some neat short passes in their build up in front of the Stevenage area, Corley with Docking and Thompson the ball fed through in behind for Gibson breaking into the box from the left, Alderman though able to snatch hold of it before the midfielder can strike.

  Midway through the first half an intriguing contest, the weather playing it’s part, Gibson bringing the ball down off of a throw on the left 25 yards out turning to lay the ball on for Docking top of the D, head down intends to drive for the area, up against Wilson, Stevenage’s captain, tackling well to halt her advance. 

Stevenage’s captain, Neave Wilson

 Newmarket pressing well getting the ball on into Gibson left plays it into the box for Docking stealing into the box left of goal, six yards out closing in on the near post turns her shot goal wards, Alderman making a brilliant save with her legs deflecting the ball away from danger. The chances mounting up for Newmarket. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Shannon Alderman

  Stevenage’s Clarke strong in possession looking to drive her side forwards, Taylor-Pugh up with her though the middle on for Hendy, Sturgess closing her down. Stevenage making a change as they bring off Clarke, send on Lilly Kelly to join the attack. Dryland pushing on with the ball down Newmarket’s left sending a diagonal ball in towards the top of the D, Ellie Merkis back to head it clear for Stevenage. The visitors quick to regain possession however, risk over committing in attack leaving themselves exposed at the back, Wilson getting the ball out of defence into Isobel Mayfield she sends a good ball into the right channel for Millen to attack, Szary again out of her area dealing with the threat.

Newmarket attacker, Millie Docking

Newmarket attacker, Millie Docking

  Sturgess high inside her half with the ball plays it over the top for Docking to race through to attack top of the box, Alderman rushing out to close her down making the blocking save with her legs. The ball loose, Thompson looking to race in on the follow up, Alderman does well adjusting on the ground diving to snatch hold of the ball.

Newmarket defender, Ellis Sturgess

  The rain has slowed for now but the swirling wind remains, Newmarket win the ball back in the middle, Corley playing the ball to Griffin right,  lifted into Docking back to goal right of the D, 25 yards out turns well to strike the ball her half volley rising on target, Alderman with another excellent save throwing an arm up to turn the ball over her crossbar for a corner kick. The resulting corner curled in onto the roof of the net.

Holly Corley

  Millen looks to go it alone as she gets hold of the ball on Stevenage’s right cutting inside, Sturgess standing up against her the centre back winning her tackle. Kelly stealing onto the ball for Stevenage inside the Newmarket half makes a powerful run towards the opposition box before laying it o her right for Taylor-Pugh to take on, Dryland moving in to slow her down forcing her wider, the midfielder still managing to get a strike away 20 yards out but over the bar.

 

  Kelly coming on giving Stevenage a little more thrust going forwards looking to get hold of the ball and power her way into the final 3rd, looks to release Hendy to her left, Rennie cutting the pass out for Newmarket outside her box. Corley looks to have picked up a knock for Newmarket comes off in midfield to be replaced by Fliss Payne. 

  Into the closing moments of the first half Thompson with the ball on the left for Newmarket lays it on for Gibson running into the corner, held up check back inside to whip a cross into the top of the area, Griffin looking to attack it right of the D, forcing another save from Alderman.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women Development 0-0 Newmarket Town Women

  Goalless at the break, frustrating from Newmarket’s point of view, have created some good opportunities, struck the woodwork, and forced some excellent saves from Stevenage’s keeper, Shannon Alderman. Those saves though keeping her side firmly in the game, the hosts looking unsettled at the start slowly coming into their own the game opening up have looked a threat on the break. Awful conditions to play in with their showing no signs of things letting up.

 No changes for Newmarket as they emerge from the changing rooms, Stevenage making a switch with Remi Martin on at the back for Preston. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway played out to the right with Martin seeing the ball out for a throw in. Stevenage looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half, Mayfield playing the ball on for Kelly left side turns to attack driving on comes infield before being stopped by Sturgess. 

Hannah Marsh tackling Stevenage’s Lilly Kelly

  Stevenage aiming to press the ball higher winning a free-kick in a dangerous position out wide on their right inside the Newmarket half, the delivery fired in low into the near post cleared by Newmarket’s Thompson. The ball deflected back out to the right with Stevenage played up the line the cross flung into the near post area from deep, Szary up well to claim the ball.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

  A different tempo to the 2nd half Stevenage looking to press higher, sees the game opening up, Payne in the middle for Newmarket sending the ball on through the middle looking for Docking in attack, Wilson winning the header for Stevenage. Alderman’s turn to call and claim the ball at her near post as Newmarket win a free-lick out wide on their left flank. 

Stevenage clearing the ball up to Kelly inside the Newmarket half in the right, Marsh close in on her as the attacker looks to untangle the ball from her body turns into the full back, harsh on Marsh as she is penalised for handball giving Stevenage a free-kick, deep on the left, clipping into the top of the area, Payne winning the header for the visitors to clear.

Sarah Payne controlling the ball for Stevenage

  Stevenage making another change early in the 2nd half, with Sarah Payne continuing her comeback from injury coming on to replace Handy, going into an attacking position alongside Kelly. Marsh bringing the ball on for Newmarket right side sending it through for Griffin to attack, plays a deep cross in diagonally to the far post, a little too much on it for Docking. 

 Walker carrying the ball on through the middle for Newmarket passes it on for Thompson in the left channel 25 yards out bursts inside her tough a little heavy, allows Wilson to get her foot on the ball to kick clear. A free flowing contest Docking with a great first touch back to goal 25 out top of the D, spins in behind as she lays it out to Griffin to the right of goal taking the ball into the area goes to shoot across the keeper, Alderman with another breath taking save throwing out her left hand to parry the ball into the ground, Docking racing in on the follow-up not quite able to catch t on the volley, as Hunt sends it clear for the hosts.

  Marsh gets away down the right with the ball for Newmarket the full back firing a cross into the box, Docking tracking in to attack it making contact on the run sends her effort over the bar. Newmarket pressing Griffin playing the ball out to the left for Gibson to attack in the corner winning her side a corner kick, players up into the area as the ball is swung into the near post area defended the ball back out to the corner taker on the left returns a high ball back into the mix, Sarah Payne defending for Stevenage. 

Abi Gibson with Isobel Mayfield

  All action the ball never still, Walker sends Gibson away down the left for Newmarket, Boyle defending for Stevenage preventing the cross. Newmarket pushing up are taking a risk off being exposed at the back, Szary though is something of a sweeper at the back willing to rush out of her area deal with a threat if it comes her way. Clarke returning to the field for Stevenage coming on for Taylor-Pugh. 

  Clarke straight into the action strong on the ball pressing through the middle out to Millen right side wins a corner kick. Players up from the back the corner curled into the near post, Clarke up with Szary as she comes for the ball, miscues her punch the ball deflected on into her own net but it won’t count, disallowed, the referee blowing up for a foul on the keeper, much to the grievance of the Stevenage fans.

Stevenage see a goal disallowed

 A little tension creeping into the game, Clarke adding some steal to the Stevenage attack plays a cute pass over the top that sees Millen beat the offside trap, Newmarket getting back at her to deflect the ball away for a throw on the right. Kelly digging the ball out from under her feet as it comes into her quickly turns to release Millen on the right for Stevenage a quick fire attack the cross flashed into the six yard box, Szary getting a glove on the ball to punch clear with Sarah Payne inches away.

  Sarah Payne combining with Clarke as Stevenage build through the middle turning the ball out to the right for Clarke to attack breaking into the area, Sturgess getting across her run the shield the ball out of play for a goal kick. Open play Newmarket turning play around rapidly as Fliss Payne lifts a good ball forwards for Griffin cutting in from the left channel, Alderman rushing out, Griffin knocks the ball wide of her into the box racing after it at the near post, the angle closed as the Stevenage defence recover Griffin plays it across goal, but can’t pick out a teammate the ball launched clear.

Stevenage’s Kristal Clarke

  End to end. Wilson with a clever turn on the ball as she wins it high for Stevenage clipping it into the right wing for Clarke to break away, has no one with her however as she plays the ball into the box, Newmarket clear and get straight on the attack, going left the ball fired into the box has Docking bearing down on goal six yards left side shoots, Alderman with the blocking save, deflected out to the top of the area, Griffin latching onto the ball fires her first time effort wide of the far post. 

  Merkis with room to play the ball in the middle plays a great ball out to Kelly on the right looks to bring it down off her body spin of Marsh as she comes to close her down, the full back, with a superb tackle to get her foot on the ball prevents Kelly from racing in behind. Into the last 15 minutes of the game, feel it can go either way right now and one goal from either side would seal the win. The rain starting to fall heavily again just to add to the drama.

Stevenage’s Ellis Merkis

  Kelly seeing the ball down into her feet off a throw on the left for Stevenage, digs it free to get inside to fire a cross into Millen positioned right of the D, looking to control it off her chest strike the ball, Sturgess gets in the way to block for the visitors. Thompson lining up a shot from range for Newmarket held by Alderman. Thompson’s last action of the contest as she comes off with Corley send back into the action. 

Neave Wilson winning the ball

  Alderman down quickly to save from Griffin now operating on the left as the cross-field ball comes into her from the right. Stevenage with another change, Martin coming off to be replaced by Holly Southam at the back. Gibson on for Walker driving forwards for Newmarket central pushes it into Docking top of the D, turns runs into Wilson the ball half cleared to Griffin 20 out sends a high ball looping into the box, Alderman keeping her eye on it making the catch with Docking closing her down. 

 Clarke off for Stevenage with Kiera Mynott entering the action with 5 minutes left to play. Stevenage winning a free-kick wide on the right inside the Newmarket half, flighted into the near side, Wilson gets her head on the ball twisting to turn the ball on across t the far post, runners closing in but no meaningful contact as it runs behind for a goal kick. Stevenage regain possession at the back left side, Southam on for Mynott turns to send it down the line into Kelly wide looking for the return pass as she breaks into the area, Mynott receives it only for her attempt to shoot being charged down by Rennie. 

Lilly Kelly on the attack for Stevenage

  The clock ticking down into stoppage time the rain falling steadily Stevenage have a throw on the left inside the Newmarket half, Southam launching the throw into the box for Kelly to run onto left of goal bearing down on the six yard box, goes to shoot with the outside of her right foot her attempt inches wide of the near post!

  Seconds left as Kelly gets hold of the ball drives through the middle, runs into traffic, Merkis regaining possession to clip the ball out to Kelly moving left, looks to turn on the ball drag it down the line, Marsh again close on her to deny the move. The final whistle blows the points are shared.

 

Full time Stevenage FC Women Development 0-0 Newmarket Town Women

  Goalless draws are rare in women’s football, and even rarer on here, but this don’t let that fool you this was an enthralling contest, played in some awful conditions. As the clock ticked on you felt one goal could win it but that could have gone either way. Newmarket with a host of chances will feel unlucky not to be leaving Stevenage with 3 points but came up against a dogged defence and inspired keeper, couldn’t take their chances, hitting the woodwork and forcing a number of saves. Stevenage with an improved 2nd half seeing a goal disallowed may well have won it themselves in the dying seconds. This was as enjoyable a 0-0 as you could get, but then I was neutral so it might just have been me.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders but really only one clear winner. Both sides played their part some great performances out there, firstly for Newmarket, Millie Docking showed great movement and endeavour up front, coming for the ball and turning to attack, creating chances for herself and other on another afternoon has a hat-trick. Abbi Griffin providing a great outlet on the right, making several strong runs coming close to scoring herself. Abi Gibson with some fantastic movement to take the ball on. Solid debuts for the senior team for Hannah Marsh and Ailie Rennie at the back, while Ellie Sturgess won the majority of her tackles. For Stevenage, captain, Neave Wilson was superb winning the ball, strong in her tackles, got her team moving forwards. Ebba Taylor-Pugh with some great midfield running looked to link up the attack. Kristal Clarke strong with the ball showed great attacking intent. Lilly Kelly looking to receive the ball making some great runs on the ball. Kelsey Millen a constant outlet for the hosts on the right ready to race in behind creating chances. Today’s award winner is goalkeeper, Shannon Alderman, pulled off a number of fantastic saves which no doubt kept her side in the game all the way to the end.

 Alright it was 0-0 but I enjoyed it despite the weather, both sides gave it there all could have gone either way in the finish. Players missing for both sides, but vital minutes for others, ERWFL Division One North is really competitive this season look forward to seeing how it all pans out. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams, I managed to stay dry too which is always a bonus.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 13th October

ERWFL Division One North

Can’t stray too far away from home this weekend, but there’s plenty of exciting football action to be had locally, with this Sunday’s action coming from ERWFL Division One North with Thetford Town Ladies hosting Newmarket Town Women, currently separated by one place and one point in the league with a victory for either potentially propelling them up to 3rd in the table.

  The ERWFL representing regional football, tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England. Finally reaching it’s full capacity of 36 sides competing across 3 divisions, a 12 strong Premier Division representing tier 5 with two divisions representing tier 6 a 12 strong Division One North and South. Division One South now sadly down to 11 with the withdrawal of Cheshunt FC Women. Shows how volatile and fragile the pyramid is with 7 sides already folding in the East alone in the first 3 months of the season.

  Moving into regional football a big step up for most clubs and alot has to be in place for them to make a success of it, both Thetford and Newmarket on a good footing with strong support from their club to compete in tier 6. A challenge made all the harder with the fact both Division one North and South will see 3 sides each relegated this season with just one promotion spot up for grabs staying there getting harder. Personally (and I know it’s not going to happen in the foreseeable future) I would like to see the leagues increased to 16 sides so fair enough 3 go down, one from each still goes up and the 2nd placed sides in each meet in a play-off to see a 3rd side promoted. Still we’ve only just gotten to a stage where the ERWFL can fill 3, 12 strong leagues so one step at a time.

  Thetford Town Ladies were one of a host of sides across the East to join the ERWFL last season to help it reach it’s full compliment. A big step up from county league football, however the club was ready for the challenge having recruited some useful additions to the squad over the close season hitting the ground running, eventually secured a strong midtable finish. Kamile Omeleviciute top scoring with 14 goals last season (plus a few that didn’t count with other teams withdrawing from the league). 

Have added 3 new additions to the squad this season with attackers Sophia Price and Niamh Underhill joining having been with Mundford FC Ladies last season. Underhill scoring 27 goals in 16 games last season. Libby Scott another new addition to the squad coming in from King’s Lynn. Alice Collins top scorer so far with 3 goals, with Megan Haynes, Omeleviciute and defender Fran Peeling all on 2 each. An inconsistent start to the campaign for Thetford with 3 wins and 3 losses. Back to back league wins giving them so momentum coming into today’s home match.

  Consistency is what Newmarket Town Women are also looking for as they travel to Thetford this weekend having begun the season with successive draws conceding late on to see points dropped. Winning against bottom side King’s Lynn, were to lose against leaders Harpenden before picking up all 3 points with a good result at home to AFC Dunstable Women last time out, games in hand on the sides above them looking to push up the table.

 The longest established side in ERWFL Division One North, Newmarket boasts a strong youth section with the women’s 1st team backed  by a Development side and U18s team. A strong tradition of promoting players through the ranks, have also brought in 3 new additions to the squad over the summer, Abbi Griffin returning to the club after a few years away with St Ives Town Ladies and Cambridge United WFC  in the FAWNL. Millie Docking also joins from Cambridge United on a dual registration with Abbie Gibson joining having played for Cambridge Rangers WFC last season. Docking hitting the ground running at Newmarket scoring 7 goals in 7 games, with Katie Spiers netting 5.

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road stadium the venue for this afternoon’s game. A compact ground with a slight slope to the grass pitch, with standing viewing on three sides with the main stand housing the changing room beneath. A new clubhouse built leading into the ground the bar open with hot and cold drinks being served. The weather dry and calm as we enter the middle of October the sun giving a little heat, enjoy it while it lasts.

 Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Katie Fray, Sausha Levy-Twoney, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling, Ella Swift, Dayna Howard, Alice Collins, Melissa Corbyn (C), Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler & Megan Haynes. Subs – Niamh Underhill, Libby Scott, Pola Pasik, Rhian Ellis & Hannah Rogers. 

Thetford Town Ladies

 Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Ellie Sturgess, Bethany Seymour (C), Holly Corley, Toni Smith, Millie Docking, Abbi Griffin, Abbie Corbyn & Katie Spiers. Subs – Abbie Gibson & Yvonne Yerrell.

Newmarket Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Bethany Seymour and Melissa Corbyn with today’s referee, Jason Ding

 Today’s match seeing two  new sister-in-laws going head to head on the pitch with Thetford Town Ladies captain Melissa Corbyn (previously Boulton) marrying Abbie Corbyn’s brother. Abbie Corbyn playing for Thetford too prior to joining Newmarket. It’s the visitors, Newmarket to kick-off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks. Thetford lined up opposite in their home all claret strip. The ball rolled back to Newmarket captain, Beth Seymour in defence, play sprayed out to the left with Abbie Corbyn looking to get on, Sausha Levy-Twoney clearing the ball out for a throw for Thetford.

Abbi Griffin on the ball for Newmarket

  Abbi Griffin picking up the ball in the middle for Newmarket driving out to the right looks to set Holly dryland up as she breaks up the wing the pass a little too strong, Zoe Klimcke across to defend for Thetford can see it safely out of play for a goal kick. The visitors pushing on looking to press the ball high, Holly Corley putting the ball in behind, Thetford goalkeeper, Katie Fray out to the top of her area to kick the ball clear.

  Dayna Howard getting onto the ball in the middle of the park for Thetford tries to release captain, Melissa Corbyn as she drives into the right channel, Ellie Sturgess challenging for Newmarket. Winning a series of throws on the left Newmarket advance the ball dropped into Abbie Corbyn flicks it forwards for Katie Spiers leading the line, Klimcke across to hook the ball away for Thetford at the back. From that throw a cross is fired low into the near post, Spiers looking to attack it, can’t quite get there as Fray gathers the ball safely into her body.

  Thetford winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half to the left. Peeling over the set-piece floated in towards the far post from distance a great ball, however no one is running in to attack it as it runs wide of the post for the goal kick. Newmarket making a good start pushing on up the right, Griffin linking up with Dryland as the pair look to advance up the wing, Hannah Claughton getting in the way to intercept Griffin’s return ball turning it behind for a corner kick.

Hannah Claughton getting the tackle in on Holly Dryland

 

  Griffin sending the corner into the box from the right curled into the near post Fray punching it down back out to the right, Griffin from the angle sending the cross back into the mix, knocked out beyond the far post, Abbie Corbyn looking to get over the ball to have a strike on goal can’t quite connect. A high line from Newmarket sees plenty of bodies inside their opponents half as Seymour wins the header to turn play around Griffin carrying the ball out to the right swinging a cross into the near post claimed well by Fray.

  Claughton gets hold of the ball out on the left flank for Thetford driving into the corner angles her cross back towards the top of the D, Megan Haynes running onto it seeing her strike race wide of the left post, taking a nick off a defender on the way through a corner awarded. A vicious delivery from the corner curling through the six yard box goes clean through everybody out the opposite for a goal kick. 

  Competitive in the middle, Howard winning the ball for Thetford, Toni Smith snapping into her challenges for Newmarket, knocked up to Spiers in attack, Fran Peeling intercepting for the hosts to clear at the back. Looking for a rapid counter catching Newmarket high up the pitch the ball looped up towards Haynes looking to pull off the defence, Seymour keeps her eye on the ball, winning a vital header for Newmarket. 

Newmarket captain, Beth Seymour heading the ball.

  Newmarket’s turn to counter the ball played into Griffin in the right channel, her forward pass cut out the ball loose out to the right, Griffin after in angling a high ball back in towards goal, Fray taking it high plucking the ball down at her near post for Thetford. Howard battling for possession central for Thetford launches it forwards into Haynes 25 yards out takes on the early strike lashing her effort wide of the left post. 

Thetford midfielder, Dayna Howard

 Lively, Millie Docking out to Smith over on the left sends a cross in on the angles dropping wide of the far post. Klimcke sending the ball on down the left for Claughton to chase, Dryland has a half a yard advantage, enough to get round onto the ball first clear for the visitors.

Holly dryland reaching the ball first as Hannah Claughton breaks forwards

An intriguing contest, Newmarket pressing well, Thetford looking a threat as they counter, just haven’t found their mark with the final ball in the opening 20 minutes. Peeling taking a painful knock to the ankle a pause in play as she receives treatment. Is ok to continue and waved back onto the pitch as play resumes.

  GOAL! Newmarket with players up in the final third pressing the ball a rushed clearance falling to Abbie Corbyn in the left channel, knocks it forwards to see Spiers turn the defence, muscle her way into the area and plant her strike low to the keepers left to open the scoring. 0-1.

Katie Spiers with the opening goal for Newmarket.

  Thetford look to get on the attack straight from the restart the ball played out to the right by Melissa Corbyn on for Chandler swung in central with Claughton positioned top of the D 25 yards out getting her strike away as Seymour goes in to close her down her attempt going over the crossbar. 

Thetford winger, Shannon Chandler

  Alice Collins winning the header for Thetford 30 yards out dropping the ball into the path of Chandler storming inside from the right tracking into the area, putting Sturgess under pressure the defender recovering well to block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Whipped up towards the near side, turned behind for a 2nd corner even as Thetford appeal for a handball. Again played in near side the attempt to hook the ball on into the mix seeing the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

  Griffin getting hold of the ball for Newmarket making some strong runs as she carries the ball out to the right, her cross cut out by Ella Swift at the back for Thetford. The hosts press the ball high on the right, Melissa Corbyn strong on the ball linking up with Collins and Chandler, the latter playing the ball back infield for Collins to hit 20 yards out to the right of the box fires over. Kara Wayman gets across to put in the challenge on Chandler as see is put away on the right by Haynes. 

Pelling across to put in the tackle as Smith breaks away on the left for Newmarket. Howard strong with her tackling attempts to thread a ball through for Haynes up top, Sturgess in close holding the attacker off to see the ball back to her keeper, Dominika Szary to clear. Chandler taking the ball on down Thetford’s right flank laying the ball inside for Collins 25 yards out, Smith lunging in to tackle for Newmarket. 

Toni Smith heading the ball clear for Newmarket

 Griffin fouled as she bring the ball out to the right for Newmarket, Thetford defend the ball out for a throw, taken quickly Griffin spinning on the ball sending it forwards into Docking’s path as the attacker runs into the area right of the Thetford goal, Klimcke getting back at her to slide in make a great tackle to put the ball behind for a corner kick before Docking can unleash a shot. Dropped into the near post from the right, knocked down and cleared for a throw. Comes into Docking who attempts to hook it forwards her effort drops wide.

  Claughton doesn’t get the decision as she is upended attacking on the left, the ball cleared up to Spiers for Newmarket, Fray alert out of her area sharply to clear for the hosts. Claughton does get the decision moments later as she is fouled by Dryland as she carries the ball into the Newmarket half. Peeling over the ball to the left of the centre circle. A good hit just a little too strong as it flies past Szary’s left post.

Fran Peeling

 Thetford winning another free-kick out on the left level with the top of the Newmarket box after Melissa Corbyn is brought down following a powerful run on the ball. Claughton over the ball curls a left foot strike in across goal aiming for the top corner, Szary can let it go, wide. The set-piece’s stacking up for Thetford towards the end of the first half another won to the left a little deeper into the Newmarket half, Peeling on the ball floated her delivery into the far post, Collins attacking it turns the ball wide.

 

 Sturgess with the ball and time at the back for Newmarket sends the ball up to Spiers in the left channel knocks it into the path of Griffin as she makes a run across the D taking the ball out to the left, attempts to cut it back into the path of Docking, Swift throwing a leg out cutting the ball out for Thetford. 

Thetford full back Zoe Klimcke

  Newmarket press late in the first half the ball sent diagonally out to Griffin moving into the right wing whips a dipping cross into the Thetford six yard box, Spiers racing in far post can’t get there as the ball runs on out of play. Thetford counter, Klimcke taking the ball on down the left on for Claughton who turns inside before laying the ball into the top of the D for Collins, Sturgess in to close her down at the back for Newmarket.   

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Newmarket Town Women

A fairly even contest, Newmarket with the narrow advantage making the brighter start on the front foot early, pushing players up well. Thetford putting in the tackles to win the ball back, a threat on the counter, lacking the final ball so far to cut Newmarket open as the visitors play a high line. That working to their advantage as they can turn play round quickly get the ball into their attacking players. A narrow advantage can all change 2nd half as both sides head into the changing rooms for their respective team talks.

  Thetford with the kick-off in the 2nd period the ball rolled back to Peeling in defence she clips the a ball on up the right flank for Chandler to attack, sends it infield to Melissa Corbyn running into the right channel in turn lays it forwards into the box for Haynes to attack surging towards goal, her shrike taking the faintest of touches off Szary as it flies into the side netting for a corner kick. 

Thetford captain, Melissa Corbyn

  The corner from the right defended put back out to the taker on the right, Chandler sending it back in across goal drops wide of the far post. The hosts making a strong start to the 2nd half as Howard steals in to win the ball 30 yards put set Chandler away on the right, Newmarket giving away the free-kick. Curled into the penalty spot the ball knocked down into the mix, scrambled away by the Newmarket defence. 

 In defence, Peeling drops off well to give herself room to clear the ball as Newmarket attempt to set Abbie Corbyn away in the left channel from a goal kick. Thetford’s gaining another set-piece wide on the right, Peeling with some great deliveries from a dead ball situation to play the ball in towards goal, Szary equal to it getting up to claim the ball and bring it down safely.

  Newmarket launch a rapid counter attack the ball fired up to Spiers on the move into space in the left channel wraps her foot around the ball crossing it back inside into the path of the onrushing Docking who hits it 1st time her effort narrowly over the crossbar. 

Newmarket’s Millie Docking

  Melissa Corbyn taking the ball on for Thetford shifting left then right before letting loose a strike from all of 30 yards out, her attempt put straight at the keeper. Sturgess sending the ball long for Newmarket into the left wing with Spiers racing after it into the corner whipping a dangerous ball into the Thetford six yard box, Klimcke with a wild attempt at clearing the ball, slicing it behind for a corner kick. 

Melissa Corbyn holding off Newmarket’s Holly Corley

 Swung into the near post from the right, Swift getting her head on the ball to turn it behind for a 2nd corner to Newmarket. Griffin floating the ball into the mix the ball knocked out to the top of the area, Abbie Corbyn latching onto the the ball driving a low strike in towards goal, Fray diving to her left, the shot blocked instead by Levy-Twoney, rebounding out to the right, Griffin running onto the ball firing it into the side netting. 

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twoney

   Sturgess picking up a yellow card as the fouls mount up, Melissa Corbyn upended this time, Peeling on the ball to the left 30 yards out looks to lifting it in at the far post, again, Szary can see it run safely out of play. Spiers on the turn some 30 yards out looks to take on the shot as the ball is fired up to her, her attempt driven in with pace, but straight at Fray the keeper holding onto the ball well. 

Thetford goalkeeper, Katie Fray

  Newmarket making the first change of the match as they bring off midfielder, Corley send Abbie Gibson on. Thetford too making a switch with Chandler coming off, Niamh Underhill coming on, goes over to the left with Claughton switching to the right wing. Abbie Corbyn after the ball played into her path on the left flank, Swift going with her the defender winning the race to touch the ball back for her keeper to clear. 

Abbie Corbyn

 The visitors have players forwards regaining possession, Smith out to Griffin on the right pushing down the line her cross fired in near post, blocked by Peeling turned behind for a corner kick. Fray coming into the crowd at her near post to get her fist on the dropping ball, knock it down for her defence to clear. Swift and Abbie Corbyn tussling for the ball on the left, the defender getting the decision winning the free-kick. Getting a little niggly in the last few minutes a good contest between the sides.

  Thetford making another change with Claughton the player coming off, Pola Pasik entering the action. Moments later Underhill is hurt in a challenge with Sturgess. Is down in some discomfort and is unfortunately unable to continue as she is helped off the pitch. Striker Hannah Rogers coming on as her replacement. Dryland away on the right for Newmarket her cross flung into the near post defended by Peeling. 

 Howard winning the ball inside the Newmarket half looking to release Pasik out on the right, Wayman getting in a timely tackle to deny her the opportunity to skip in behind. The game moving into the final 10 minutes, both sides pushing for a goal, scrappy in the middle of the park, the ball is released forwards by Newmarket, Abbie Corbyn looking to attack hurdling a wild lunge to latch onto the ball run in towards the Thetford box opts to shoot early 20 yards out, getting too much behind it sends her shot over. 

  GOAL! Newmarket win the ball out on the right high up the pitch the pass into Griffin down the flank drives forwards before sending  a cross into the six yard box, Spiers bringing it down off her chest well to turn on the ball and blast her shot past the keeper into the back of the net to make it 0-2.

Katie Spiers bringing the ball down off her chest to turn and score

2 goals for Newmarket’s Katie Spiers

 The visitors doubling their lead inside the final 10 minutes to get a firm grip on the 3 points. Howard is fouled for Thetford as they look to move the ball through the middle. The set-piece 30 yards out to the right of the Newmarket goal. Peeling lining up the strike, hits it hard, the Newmarket wall doing it’s job but someone’s going to sporting a healthy bruise in the morning as a result. 

 Newmarket get on the counter from the free-kick, lifted into Spiers attacking the left channel turns inside 25 yards out curling a shot wide on the angle beyond the far post. Thetford making a double switch as they bring off Klimcke and Collins, send on Libby Scott and Rhian Ellis. 

  Wayman bursts away down the left for Newmarket, Pasik going with her making the blocking tackle as she tries to cross sending the ball behind for a corner kick. Players up from the back for Newmarket as the corner is curled into the box from the left, Dryland getting up at the far post with the glancing header, turning the ball wide beyond the far post. A touch off a defender spotted however a corner signalled on the right.

Holly Dryland’s glancing header for Newmarket

  Angled in near side the ball defended cleared out of the area, falls to Spiers outside the area lashes a strike over from range. Wayman coming off for Newmarket, with Yvonne Yerrell coming on goes to right back with Dryland switching flanks. Newmarket come on through the middle Docking into Spiers, lays the ball out to the right with Griffin pressing on right of goal hits the shot goal wards 20 yards out, rising, Fray though is well positioned back on her line to pluck the ball down from under her bar to make the save. 

Thetford’s Pola Pasik

  Peeling pulling up with an injury for Thetford signals straight away that she needs to come off, helped to the side-lines, Klimcke is reintroduced to the action. Griffin taking the ball on down Newmarket’s right lifting a cross into the Thetford six yard box, Spiers on a hat-trick goes for the spectacular, attempting the overhead, would have been brilliant, but the the script wasn’t written on this occasion as she misses.

Katie Spiers tries the spectacular in her attempt for a hat-trick

  Scott up to Rogers on the left for Thetford, fouls Yerrell as she goes into defend for the visitors. Dryland winning the ball on the opposite side for Newmarket attempts to thread the pass in behind for Spiers moving into the left channel, Swift going with her putting in the tackle for Thetford. 

 

 Docking gets onto the ball for Newmarket with the clock ticking down and carries it all the way into the corner, holding the ball up before winning her side a throw eating up valuable seconds. The visitors keeping the ball down that end as Docking is fouled.

  Swift battling to get the ball back for Thetford winning the free-kick, the pass forwards won back by Smith to Dryland on for Spiers, no thoughts of a hat-trick now as she runs the ball into the corner, playing the ball off a defender thinks she’s won her side a corner, consternated to see a goal kick awarded. Matters little with seconds left the ball launched forwards successfully defended as the final whistle blows and Newmarket celebrate winning the 3 points.  

Full Thetford Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

  The win lifting Newmarket up to 5th in the Division One North table. A close contest between two committed sides. Newmarket with the brighter start on pressing high to create openings getting players on well. Playing a high line at times, Thetford looking dangerous on the counter, but couldn’t find that clinical final pass of open up their opponents. Newmarket doing just that to open the scoring in the first half. Holding the narrow advantage going into the break. Thetford came out of the blocks flying 2nd half coming close to levelling in the opening seconds. Pushed hard for a reply, winning free-kicks in dangerous positions but again that clinical final ball eluded them. Newmarket patient presented with a chance to secure the win and took it inside the final 10 minutes. Ending the game strongly pushing for a 3rd goal. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders but I was fairly happy with my decision on the final whistle the notes have done nothing to change that. Several performances of note. First up for Thetford, Dayna Howard put in a solid performance in the middle of the park getting in to win the ball back and get her team going forwards. Melissa Corbyn with several strong runs on the ball carrying it into the attack looking to bring others into play. Zoe Klimcke with some vital tackles at the back throughout. For Newmarket, Holly Dryland was strong at right back, limiting Thetford’s attacks while getting forwards well. Abbie Corbyn with some good work in the left channel got forwards well. Katie Spiers took her goals well and led the line to great effect for the visitors. The award goes to Abbi Griffin, set the tone early on with some superb attacking runs. Used the ball well and linked up play moving out to the right, providing the assist for Spiers 2nd goal.

  Was great to catch up with both sides, welcoming and provided a great contest. My thanks to both for their help with the team details too as always much appreciated.  

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 31st March

ERWFL Division One North

Heading to The Daly Group Stadium, this Easter Sunday to watch a game from ERWFL Division One North, the league looking intriguing at both ends of the table as we move into the final two months of the season, with Fakenham Town Ladies taking on Newmarket Town Women.

  The title battle going to the wire between Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Harpenden Town Women. ERWFL Division One North feeding into the Premier Division above contested originally between 12 sides as the ERWFL reached it compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, sadly down to 10 early in the season following the withdrawals of St Ives Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Ladies. As intriguing elsewhere with just 6 points between 5th placed Newmarket and 10th placed Fakenham, with plenty of points for most still to play for. Both of today’s opponents looking to end a poor run of losses.

  Fakenham Town Ladies currently 10th in the ERWFL Division One North table, slipping to the bottom off the back of 4 straight league defeats. Playing there 2nd season of regional football, looking to build on a successful spell for the club. With 5 games left will be aiming to turn thing’s around and push up into the middle of the pack. Began the new campaign with a 5-3 win at home to Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses, two defeats following before an unbeaten run of 5 matches collecting 9 points in that period. Mixed results since with 4 league defeats in between a run to the last 4 of the County Cup. Chloe Gravett way out in front as leading goal scorers netting 17 goals in 17 appearances.

  This is Newmarket Town Women’s penultimate match of the season, both against Fakenham Town Ladies, they themselves looking to end a run of league defeats like Fakenham stretching to 4 now which has seen them fall away from the pack chasing the leading pair, all 4 games lost by a 2-1 score line. Are the longest established club in the ERWFL Division One North which is odd in itself as they are relative new comers themselves a club built very much on youth and bringing players up through the clubs various youth and Development sides, has produced some very talented players over the years. Starting with 2 wins, Newmarket were on the tails of the top two for a good spell that poor run denting their campaign will be aiming to finish on a high. Katie Hayes and Lydia Mykhaylechko joint top scorers on 5 apiece.

   The Daly group Stadium (formerly Clipbush park) the venue for today’s game, the ladies game advertised on the boards outside the ground entrance off a busy roundabout leading into Fakenham itself. The clubhouse and bar open serving hot food and drinks. The main pitch in use for today’s game a big pitch offering plenty of width always a good fitness tester. A few days of dry (ish) weather most welcome the clouds however building once again… were supposed to getaway with the rain, but sadly that wasn’t to be the case a light drizzle in the air as the teams walked out onto the pitch prior to kick-off.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Georgina Pooley, Ruby Curtis, Jemma Riches (C), Sophie Buckley, Sian Sands, Rochelle Woods, Scarlett Derrett, Kirstie Rusted, Shelley Woods & Chloe Gravett. Subs – Amie Hutchinson, Olivia Baker & Nicole Costin.

Newmarket Town Women

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Koren Evans, Kara Wayman, Hollie dryland, Ellie Sturgess, Katie Walker (C), Felicity Payne, Katie Hayes, Abbie Corbyn, Holly Corley & Lidiya Mykhaylechko. Subs – Liv Caffarelli, Violet Jones, Becca Reynolds, Niamh Sutherland & Evonne Yerrell.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Jemma Riches and Katie Walker with today’s match referee Michael Clark.

  It’s Newmarket wearing their away colours, an all red strip with white trim to kick-off the first half with Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shoulders and sleeves, black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped diagonally forwards to the right with Katie Hayes drifting inside from the flank allowed time to lift a clipped ball out to the left for Abbie Corbyn to attack left of the D, knocking it down into the area the angle rapidly closing her cross/shot dropping wide past the right post.

Newmarket’s Katie Hayes playing the ball forwards

Newmarket getting after Fakenham early on a competitive midfield the visitors winning a free-kick, won back by Fakenham, full back Georgina Pooley gets hold of the ball driving on down the left, Holly Dryland coming across for the back to support Koren Evans the defence marshals the ball back into their box for goalkeeper, Dominika Szary to kick clear. 

 Felicity Payne linking up with captain, Katie Walker through the middle as Newmarket get forwards a throw won out on the left taken quickly into striker Lidiya Mykhaylechko who turns into the channel looking to plough her way in behind the Fakenham defence, captain Jemma Riches staying on her getting her foot on the ball to halt the attack.

Newmarket’s Lidiya Mykhaylechko looking to get past Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

  Fakenham regain possession central the ball played long out to Chloe Gravett pulling right into space chasing the ball down taking it down the wing whips a cross into the area, Ellie Sturgess intercepting for Newmarket at the back with Shelley Woods running in behind her. 

 Newmarket lively getting on the counter attack smartly looking to get the ball into their wide players, Hayes right and Abbie Corbyn left, Ruby Curtis tackling to prevent the latter getting in behind for Fakenham. Walker lifting her pass forwards into Mykhaylechko inside the D, looking to get the better of Sophie Buckley, the defender holding her ground the ball knocked down into the box gathered by goalkeeper, Tilly Betts as she runs out to the top of her area. 

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman

  Kara Wayman on the ball storms forwards down the left for Newmarket racing into the opposition half before attempting to put a cross-field ball into Hayes  running into the area from the opposite flank, the pass evading her. Fakenham under pressure in the middle from Newmarket limited in the final 3rd Rochelle Woods playing the ball into Shelley Woods 25 yards out central back to goal, lays it off to Kirstie Rusted pulling on into the right channel going wider angles a cross into the near post Shelley Woods looking to attack it, Dryland coming across in front of Szary to defend, clears the ball.

  A misplaced ball out from the back has Szary in trouble as it runs straight to Rusted 30 yards out an the angle looks to chip the ball towards the open goals even as she is closed down, doesn’t get enough purchase on her shot the chip safely back with Szary rapidly back peddling towards her goal. Fakenham finding a foot hold in the final 3rd after Newmarket’s strong start to the game. 

Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn with Fakenham’s Ruby Curtis

  A mistake at the back from Fakenham the diagonal ball from Hayes on the right missed, leads to Corbyn stealing in on it left of the D to burst into the area, Riches recovering the ground well stretching for the ball, takes it off Corbyn even as the goes down as the attack goes to strike the ball which runs safely back to the keeper.

  Pooley advancing on Fakenham’s left on for Rusted plays the one two with Gravett inside her top of the box, Rusted after the return ball, Evans defending for Newmarket the ball back with Szary the goalkeeper with a quick throw out seeing Newmarket on the counter attack down their left Mykhaylechko peeling wide sweeping a cross into the box, Buckley defending as Hayes looks to attack the ball at the far post.

Scarlett Derrett looking to play Chloe Gravett in behind

 

   A few tasty tackles coming in a competitive match Newmarket pressing around the Fakenham area Hayes on the right passes inside for Mykhaylechko inside the D, screws her shot wide of the right post. Gravett looking to provide an outlet for Fakenham up top pulling into space on the right found by her teammates drives on before delivering a looping cross into the area, Dryland there to clear the ball for Newmarket.

Holly dryland contesting the header with Fakenham’s Shelley Woods

  Gravett getting in behind Sturgess on the right as the defender gets caught in possession turning in behind whips an early ball into the area with the same result, Dryland on the end of it to launch clear. Fakenham driving on through the middle Sian Sands, Rusted on for Shelley Woods 25 yards out blasts her strike over the crossbar. 

Sian Sands with Newmarket attacker, Holly Corley

  A pause in player with a player down for Fakenham injured, it’s Derrett needs to come off, the hosts sending on Nicole Costin. Gravett central taking the ball off Shelley Woods powers forwards, Dryland, Sturgess and Wayman all closing her down crowding the striker off the ball. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 15th minute Newmarket attacking down their left the ball on for Mykhaylechko wide 30 yards out, sees Holly Corley making a run across her out to the left lays the ball into her path Corley taking it down the line lifting a cross into the six yard box, Hayes getting a foot up to connect with the ball send it past the keeper and into the back of the net 0-1.

Katie Hayes opening the scoring for Newmarket

  Newmarket with their tales up taking the lead winning a free-kick on half way the ball put into Corley central has Wayman bursting down the line on the left plays the ball out to her before running into the area, Wayman picking her out she strikes the ball in towards a packed near post, Betts there to punch the ball away back out to the left, Wayman attempting to put in a curling ball over her, Betts with her gloves up to claim it, slips through her fingers, but has killed the flight as it drops behind her and she can turn and snatch the bouncing ball up before it can trickle over the line. 

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

  Betts with a busy spell in goal for Fakenham as Hayes left plays the ball through into the area for Corbyn advancing inside on the left, Betts out quickly to meet her sliding in to save with her feet, a corner conceded on the left. Delivered into the mix drops for Payne top of the area her snap shot driven into bodies blocked, the rebound from outside the area smashed over. 

 Newmarket looking sharp winning the 2nd balls getting play turned around quickly pushing forwards, Walker into Corbyn left, Curtis staying on her as she tries to break in behind, the defender slowing her progress as Riches comes across to clear. Gravett battling for everything up top for Fakenham often pulling wide, lacking bodies in the box to play the ball too.

  Corbyn taking the ball down on the left powering on, Curtis looking to stay on her going to ground as she looks to prevent the cross, is immediately in trouble screaming in pain looks to have caught her studs in the turf, play stopped straight away as her teammates rush over to assist. Didn’t look good, some concern for sure at ne point the stretcher is called for, but much to everyone’s relief Curtis is up to her feet and walking albeit with no weight on her damaged ankle can’t continue Fakenham forced into another change bringing on defender Amie Hutchinson at left back.

 

  The rain falling steadily now, Newmarket winning a throw in the left put down the line for Corbyn, digs out a cross on the by-line claimed by Betts at her near post. Newmarket looking to press high Corley with Mykhaylechko the ball out to Corbyn left on for Wayman going past her on the overlap sends the cross into the box won by Riches for Fakenham.

Fakenham’s Nicole Costin

  Free-kicks regularly given away on half way, Hayes on the right taking the ball on for Newmarket looking to check inside, Buckley getting a toe on the ball to take it off her foot before she can line up a shot. Defending their area from a Newmarket free-kick Fakenham launch the ball forwards into the right flank for Gravett to hunt down, no one up with her does well to hold it up in the corner invite the defender on and win her side a corner kick. The corner fired in low and fast towards the top of the area intercepted by Payne who brings it out of the box leading the counter attack…

Felicity Payne wins the ball from the corner to begin Newmarket’s counter attack

 GOAL! the midfielder firing the ball on for Mykhaylechko out to the left who sees the ball into her feet rolling her marker to spin in behind powers down the line before lifting a ball into the six yard box where Hayes has once again arrived to get onto the end of it and put it back across the keeper to score her 2nd of the match 0-2. 

Katie Hayes striking for the 2nd time in the match to double Newmarket’s lead.

 The 2nd goal coming in the 41st minute, Fakenham with a blow late in the half looking to get on the attack from the restart, Gravett picked out on the right taking the ball wide before lifting a cross into the near post a clean catch taken by Szary. Walker giving away the free-kick shoving Costin in the back, taken quickly Gravett for a moment looking to be in the clear as she carries the ball on towards the box right side of goal, defenders rushing to close her down, Szary advancing to close the angle the ball blasted wide a goal kick signalled.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

 The rain falling steadily as the two sides head back into the changing rooms. Newmarket leading 2-0. Opening the scoring in the first 15 minutes, made a strong start to the game before Fakenham got back at them the visitors looking lively competing for the ball, winning the 2nd ball and looking to get players on down the flanks. Fakenham’s chances limited, Gravett often on her own up top as the numbers are needed back in midfield, Betts making a couple of vital saves to keep the score down the 2nd goal coming late in the first half putting the hosts on the back foot while losing a couple of players to injury too. 2-0 often that awkward score-line at the break the next goal crucial, Fakenham will want it to go there way as the teams come out for the 2nd half the rain falling all the more heavily looking set in.

  Fakenham to get the 2nd half underway, looks like no changes for either the ball put into a tight midfield quickly closed down by Newmarket clipped out to Hayes wide right for the visitors takes it on before seeing her cross cut out by Pooley at the back for Fakenham.

  The ball hotly contested in the middle of the park, tackles coming in pops out to Hayes breaking away on the right wing her cross taking a deflection turned in towards the keeper to claim. Costin fouled deep on the right for Fakenham inside the Newmarket half the ball flighted into the top of the area falls for Gravett inside the D, takes a step back looking to get so power behind her strike, her effort in low towards goal, Szary right behind it to gather up into her gloves. 

  Rochelle Woods opening up her body to lay the ball on well for Gravett peeling away right, out wide lifts a dangerous ball into the box, Shelley Woods looking to deflect it goal wards, sees Szary backing to her line saving well with her shin at close range sending the ball away to safety. 

Newmarket captain, Katie Walker

  Walker playing Hayes in down the right takes the ball on before looking to send the ball across the top of the Fakenham box, Corley the target central, Buckley gets a nick on the ball to deflect it on across the D, comes straight to Corbyn top of the area who smashes her first time attempt wide of the far post.

  Hayes a constant threat for Newmarket, enjoying a good contest with Pooley, this time opting to check inside 25 yards out find her way into the area, Riches though comes across to put in the blocking tackle for Fakenham. Buckley in the way to put in the block this time as Hayes coming inside from the right strikes the ball. Newmarket pressing winning a corner on the right, fired into a congested near post pops loose for Payne looking to get a shot in from the tightest on angles planted the ball into the side netting.

Felicity Payne battling for possession with Sian Sands

  Newmarket pushing for a 3rd goal Riches defending another corner at the near post from the right. Riches driving forwards with the ball from the back for Fakenham runs into traffic 25 yards out, Gravett though quick to win it back laying it on for Riches breaking into the box right side her cross lifted in central, cleared by Dryland. 

 Another injury blow for Fakenham as Costin is down and unable to continue come off with Olivia Baker coming on up top with Shelley Woods dropping deeper. Fakenham successfully defending a Newmarket free-kick look to counter, Rusted out in the right channel taking the ball in behind striking the ball wide across goal from the angle. 

Kirstie Rusted attacking for Fakenham

 Midway through the 2nd half and Newmarket ringing the changes bringing on four players with, Liv Caffarelli, Violet Jones, Becca Reynolds and Niamh Sutherland coming on for, Evans, Wayman, Coley and Corbyn. A fresh injection of energy as they look to put the game to bed. Fakenham winning possession though as Rochelle Woods plays Gravett in right side plays the ball inside for Baker 25 yards out, Shelley Woods attempting to get into the area, Baker’s attempt to find her cut out by Reynolds. 

  Thing’s getting worse for Fakenham as they find themselves reduced to 10 players, for 10 minutes at least as Sands gets herself sin binned. Newmarket with a free-kick all of 30 yards out central, Hayes over it looks to have a go on goal strikes her attempt wide. Szary called into action making another vital save for Newmarket as Gravett breaking in behind the defence from the right tracks in central bearing down on goal, Szary out to close her down sliding in saving with her legs as Gravett looks to slip the ball past her. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

 Fakenham not deterred with a player disadvantage, Gravett putting in a shift up top chasing down the ball, winning another corner on the right. Lifted in high near post headed away for a 2nd corner, Woods again lifting it in near post Szary amongst a crowd can’t get hold of it loose in the six yard box for a moment the visitors scramble it clear. 

Fakenham’s Georgina Pooley

 Pooley carrying a threat on the left whenever she is able to get forwards the ground soggy now as she races onto a Rochelle Woods pass whipping a diagonal ball in central Gravett looking to latch onto it Szary coming out to the top of her area looking to win the race is going to fall short, her defence recovers superbly as both Caffarelli and Reynolds make up the ground either side of Gravett doing enough between them to put the striker off and allow their keeper to clear it. 

 The game is really open, Newmarket not prepared to sit on their lead looking for a 3rd while Fakenham aren’t interested in damage limitation want a goal themselves. The visitors winning a corner on the left, an in swinging delivery aimed high, Betts up well to pluck it down at her near post dropping onto the ball. Newmarket hitting Fakenham on the counter Hayes with a fantastic pass forwards into Mykhaylechko turning for goal 25 yards out, Riches on her shoulder, as the striker drives for the box, Riches winning the battle challenging her tackle deflecting the ball of Mykhaylechko back for Betts to claim.

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

   Walker coming inside from the left 20 yards out blasting a shot in towards goal, Betts behind it beating the ball away. Newmarket with another set-piece on the left the game a little testy at times the ball floated in across the six yard box over everyone out the far side a nick off a defenders head seen a corner awarded. Cleared at the near post. Sands back on Fakenham back up to 11.

Shelley Woods

  Fakenham winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half on the right into the top of the area cleared by Walker. Fakenham keep the pressure on wide right a high ball looped up into the D, Baker seeing it down into Rusted to strike a ball in high over the defence, dropping out of the sky as Szary steps back on her line has to keep an eye on it and catches safely with no one chasing in on the follow up. 

Fakenham’s Olivia Baker

  No let up in the action, Jones advancing on the left for Newmarket played in central the tackle seeing the visitors awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a dangerous position. Hayes taking on the shot heading for the top corner Betts back on her line with a brilliant save to get her gloves up turn the ball wide for a corner on the right. The delivery swung in central Betts getting up well to bring the ball down, knocked out of her gloves cleared for a corner on the left. Again fired into the mix dropping the shot blasted into a sea of bodies deflected behind for a goal kick.

Tilly Betts saving the free-kick

 

  Pooley attacking on the left forcing Hayes to track back and put in the challenge the ground decidedly greasy now with the falling rain. Fakenham attacking late on Gravett shoved over by Payne getting a free-kick as she comes left, Rochelle Woods striking the ball in towards goal taken cleanly on the bounce by Szary back on her line. An intense finish to the game Newmarket haven’t put it to bed and Fakenham believe they can get something in the closing stages winning a free-kick in a central position in the closing seconds of the game 25 yards out Rochelle Woods aiming for goal curls the ball in to the right side, Szary across to bat it away, the final action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle and it’s a much welcome win for Newmarket lifting them back up into 4th spot. 

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

  An entertaining match, played in some rubbish conditions in the finish, be nice to see a game completed in the dry can only hope that April’s better (needs to be still a lot of football to be played). Not for Newmarket however as they win their penultimate game of the season to end their winless streak and gain a spot in the Division One North table. Made a strong start to the game taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, Fakenham came back strongly to pressure the ball and looked to create openings in attack. Hampered by injury Newmarket won the 2nd ball well using the flanks effectively to push forwards and double their lead late in the first half. Didn’t sit back in the 2nd half wanting a 3rd goal, it wouldn’t come however even as Fakenham forced to vital saves from Dominika Szary as they pressed for a goal themselves further injuries and being reduced to 10 didn’t deter the hosts kept going Tilly Betts called into action to make a vital save too never gave up but wasn’t to be as their winless run extends, stay bottom but no where adrift with 4 games left to play, go to Newmarket next for the return match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Tome to choose today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s rare I have it nailed in stone at the final whistle but not the caser today. Several performances to mention first though. Firstly for Fakenham a battling display, their captain Jemma Riches covering the ground at the back to win the ball with several vital tackles. Georgina Pooley on the left in a competitive tussle with Katie Hayes throughout getting forwards when she could and looked a threat when crossing into the area. Chloe Gravett battling for everything up top often lacking support chasing down lost causes setting up others unlucky not to score. Tilly Betts with some important stops to keep the score down keep Fakenham in the game right till the end. So too her opposite number Dominika Szary with two vital saves in the 2nd half to keep Newmarket’s lead intact. Holly Dryland reading the game well at the back getting into position to win a number of balls. Katie Walker strong on the ball in the middle winning her tackles and playing it forwards well. Today’s award though goes to Katie Hayes was a constant threat out on the right, to receive the ball and set up numerous attacks as well as getting forwards into the box on hand to score both goals.

  As always an entertaining game from the ERWFL, rarely does it not delivery in terms of action a competitive contest. The weather wet once again but never mind, glad to have caught up with Fakenham after having seen the two previous opportunities rained off and didn’t think I’d get an opportunity to see Newmarket at all this season so pleased that I did. My thanks to both sides for all their help today, hoping the injuries picked up by Fakenham’s players prove not to be too serious and wish everyone a speedy recovery.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Harpenden Town Women

Sunday 7th January

ERWFL Division One North

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. Raring to go in 2024 as the football season resumes after the festive period. A wet start to the year with Storm Henk blowing in causing chaos with the fixture schedule, nevertheless plenty of tasty games to choose from beginning the year with a top of the table clash from ERWFL Division One North with early pace setters Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women hosting new leaders Harpenden Town Women in the first game of a double header between the sides that could go along way to seeing who can clinch to title and with it promotion to the Premier Division.

  Both sides amongst a host of new sides joining the regional set up this season as the ERWFL reaches it full potential of 36 sides playing across 3 divisions a 12 strong Premier Division with a Division One North and South each 12 strong feeding into it. Two sides since withdrawing from ERWFL Division One North leaving 10 sides to contest the league.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women one of 3 Norfolk sides moving up into the ERWFL this season, with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies and Thetford Town Ladies. Finishing runners-up to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division One, went on to lift the League Cup. A lot of planning and preparation involved prior to promotion to ensure the club was ready on and off the field to challenge at a higher level, hit the ground running winning 5-0 at home against Biggleswade United Women beginning a 6 match unbeaten run winning 5 and drawing one to lead the table early on.

 One defeat so far a narrow 2-1 to 3rd placed Newmarket Town Women allowing Harpenden Town Women to take over at the top prior to Christmas face their league challenges in back to back fixtures in January. Two crucial matches. Have build a large squad with several players coming through the youth levels together one of those top scorer Victoria Leyer who has always been amongst the goals for the club netting 16 to date from 12 appearances this season while Tallulah Bell has 8 goals to her name from 12. Bringing younger players on part of the clubs philosophy with Izzy Noakes and Alisha Juby named on the bench the latest additions to the squad.

  Harpenden Town Women one of three clubs promoted to the ERWFL this season, the geography of the leagues seeing their fellow Hertfordshire sides, Hertford Town Women and Wormley Rovers Ladies join Division One South. Finishing in 3rd spot Harpenden Town Women like Dussindale & Hellesdon won silverware last season too beating Colney Heath Ladies Reserves to win the League Cup. Began their ERWFL campaign with a 4-3 loss away to fellow promoted side Histon Ladies… however haven’t looked back since with a 100% record stretching to 7 matches that has seen them overhaul Dussindale & Hellesdon at the top.

  Striker Sophia Amanor’s goals going along way to seeing Harpenden Town Women win 7 straight league matches, way out in front as not only Harpenden’s top scorer but the league itself with a staggering 31 goals so far from 14 appearances. Becky McShane the next highest goal scorer in the side with 4 to her name. Goals right throughout the side however with a further 11 players on the scoresheet so far this season. Taking over at the top face two important matches against Dussindale & Hellesdon that could go along way into shaping the season.

  The Nest the venue for todays league encounter, the new sports facility to the north of Norwich close to the airport the home to both Norwich City Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women with a number of full sized grass and artificial pitches. The main artificial pitch beside the clubhouse featuring a large cafeteria/dining area and conference room beside. Storm Henk blowing in yet more rain, rivers full to bursting across the county the worst thankfully blown through the ground saturated, the artificial surface a blessing the game never in doubt, although with kick-off fast approach, Harpenden’s team bus was yet to arrive. the weather dry but overcast and chilly the visitors arriving at 1:40pm, little time to get warmed up kick off delayed slightly to allow the players time to limber up properly.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Siesha Humphries, Ella Swift, Jess Barnes, Calista Tink (C), Chloe Shipman, Abby Hutchin, Rachel Bussey, Victoria Leyer, Issy Moore & Rosie George. Subs – Addison Gregory, Kari Kowalczyk, Chelsea Brister, Izzy Noakes & Alisha Juby.

Harpenden Town Women

Harpenden Town Women starting XI – Sophie Harris, Kacee Warren. Erin Shacklock, Rebecca Dowdall (C), Iva Hrisimova, Chloe Dinsey, Melody Jones, Natalie Cloy, Jamie Curtain, Belle Shannon & Sophia Amanor. Subs – Jasmine Hughes, Hannah Pope, Reese Ayres & Becky McShane.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Rebecca Dowdall and Calista Tink with today’s referee Steven Hemp

  It’s the visitors Harpenden to get the match under way kicking off the 1st half wearing aquamarine coloured shirts with black across the top of the chest and sleeves, with black shorts and aquamarine coloured socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon lined up opposite wearing claret coloured shirts with sky blue trim, claret shorts and socks. The ball played back into the defence swept out to the right Jamie Curtain out wide looking to play Natalie Cloy in ahead of her fullback Siesha Humphries sticking a foot in to take the ball off her for a throw in.

  The visitors fresh having just warmed up and staying out ready for kick-off starting well putting the Dussindale & Hellesdon back line under pressure attacking down the flanks, Curtain again on the right flashing a cross into the top of the area, Chloe Shipman latching onto it for Dussindale & Hellesdon carrying the ball out clearing to the opposite flank, Harpenden snatching it back the strike from 25 yards out put over the bar.

Chloe Shipman bringing the ball away for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  Dussindale & Hellesdon winning the ball at the back find Issy Moore pulling wide on the left sends the ball on through the middle looking for Rosie George leading the attack, in a race towards the Harpenden box with captain Rebecca Dowdall, George is adjudged to have fouled the defender halting the attack. 

 Sophie Amanor looking strong with the ball at her feet pulling out wide to the right, looks to take the ball on inside the full back, Humphries late with her tackle catching Amanor with a painful blow to her ankle sending the striker sprawling. A moment of concern for Harpenden as Amanor receives treatment. Humphries shown an early yellow card. Amanor up and okay to play on as Belle Shannon stands over the resulting free-kick.

 GOAL! The ball swept in towards the near post Amanor making the run across defender Jess Barnes as she goes to head the ball, only succeeding in glancing it on behind her into the onrushing crowd, Dowdall amongst those knocking the ball in towards goal past the keep, Amanor closing in stooping to head the ball which could very well have already been over the line 0-1.

Harpenden captain, Rebecca Dowdall

 Harpenden might have arrived late but have the early lead in Norwich as they open the scoring inside 5 minutes. The visitors looking to press the advantage Melody Jones getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park spreading the pass out to the left Cloy racing on the ball send into the area aiming for Curtain closing in on the far side, Humphries getting a foot on the ball to knock it out of play for a corner. 

  All action as the corner is lifted in near side, Curtain up well to power her header in towards goal blocked by the defender covering the post, down before the goal line goalkeeper Tyla Cole down looking to grab hold of the ball as Shannon rushes in to attack it deflected out of the keepers gloves Dussindale & Hellesdon defending for all their worth somehow keep the ball out before Cole eventually lays claim to it.

  Jones regaining possession out on the left inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half sweeping a long diagonal pass out to the right, Curtain the target, Moore tracking back well for the hosts there to intercept. Erin Shacklock clearing the ball up to Curtain central she looks to send the ball on in behind the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence with Amanor breaking in behind, Cole starts to come out of her area to clear but realising the ball has enough momentum on it falls back into her area to see the ball roll safely into her gloves.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon having out ride out a strong opening salvo from Harpenden come away with the ball lifted on for Moore breaking into space on the left the cross turned back into the area near side for Victoria Leyer to try and shift inside to shoot her strike charged down the ball deflected down towards the by-line left of goal, George racing after it trying to put the ball back in across goal can only play it straight into the arms of Harpenden goalkeeper Sophie Harris. 

 Moore looking the best outlet for Dussindale & Hellesdon as she runs into space out on the left flank down to the touchline turning into the box rides two challenges before Iva Hrisimova comes across to block the ball turn it behind for a corner kick. The corner delivered into the six yard box headed out to the top of the area, Moore pulled up for a high boot as she looks to regain possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

Harpenden’s Natalie Cloy

  Harpenden attacking down the right Curtain with Amanor combining the latter taking the ball on in behind turning into the area, Barnes getting back to charge down her cross turn the ball behind for a corner. Flighted in near side George getting her head to the ball takes a deflection off a Harpenden player to see the ball land on the roof of the net. 

 GOAL! Winning the ball back Barnes carries the ball out of the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon before laying it on for Moore racing away down the left wing squaring her cross into the six yard box, Harris calls for the ball going down to claim it, but George has other ideas as the attacker lunging forwards stretches a long leg out to turn the ball under the keeper and into the back of the net to level the scores 1-1.

Rosie George levels the scores for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  Harpenden look for a rapid response getting down the other end to win a corner kick on the right, played in close to goal, Cole under it knocking the ball out to the top of the area, half cleared to the left Jones getting back onto the ball for Harpenden sending the cross back into the area cleared by Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Calista Tink. 

 Amanor seeing the ball into her feet 35 yards out turning and making a strong run towards her opponents area letting fly from distance the shot racing wide of the left post. A lively contest Dussindale & Hellesdon coming back into the game well after Harpenden’s bright start. Leyer bundled over on halfway as she looks to carry the ball forwards for the hosts. Players go forwards as Tink looks to play the ball long into the area, Kacee Warren winning it with her head for Harpenden then races out to charge down Humphries before she can send the rebound back into the box. 

Harpenden’s Kacee Warren

Harpenden bringing the ball on down the left wing Cloy with Shannon the cross lifted high in close towards Cole’s goal the keeper jumping up to confidently get hold of the ball. Amanor making some excellent runs into the channels looking to carry the ball in behind, the Dussindale & Hellesdon full backs busy. Dussindale & Hellesdon break from the back the ball put out to Abby Hutchin moving right her diagonal ball back inside put into Leyer’s path her touch seeing the ball swerve away from goal out to the right George closing the defender down as she looks to clear doing well to win a corner.

   The delivery from the right played in near side attacked by George the header driven wide of the right post. Quick build up play from the hosts as Shipman plays the ball on for George who in turn spins the ball out to the right into the path of Hutchin whose early strike on the angle is driven wide.

 

  GOAL! Pressing forwards Dussindale & Hellesdon win the ball outside the Harpenden area to the right of goal, Leyer with a superb strike to fire the ball in over the keeper into the back of the net to put the hosts into the lead on the half hour 2-1. 

Victoria Leyer firing Dussindale & Hellesdon into the lead

  A lively affair now Dussindale & Hellesdon after the ball looking to get forwards with pace put the Harpenden defence on the back foot. Leyer picking up the ball charging on towards the top of the D, Dowdall with the tackle. Amanor with another powerful run driving on towards the Dussindale & Hellesdon area, brought down by Barnes 25 yards from goal. Chloe Dinsey over the set-piece takes on the shot, fired in on target, Cole diving to her right getting her gloves onto the ball to save knocking it away to the right.

Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole

 Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick wide on the right, Hutchin to play the ball into the area, George up well to attack it but her header lands wide of the near post. Flowing football from both sides. Harpenden getting hold of the ball in the middle, Dinsey looking for Jones moving left, Swift sticking a leg out to intercept deflecting the ball out of her path. Bussey tracking back to defend for Dussindale & Hellesdon as Jones looks to get forwards on the left flank. 

Harpenden midfielder, Melody Jones

 Warren hits a great ball in over the top for Shannon bursting in behind the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence but stretching can’t quite get the ball under control to threaten the goal. Harpenden with a free kick out wide on the left swept on into the area Tink knocking the ball out of her box, falls to Curtain who attempts to knock it back inside for Cloy on the penalty spot, Tink there again however to snatch the ball away to safety. 

Jess Barnes holding of Harpenden’s Jamie Curtain

 Harpenden with a change late in the first half bringing off Dinsey, on comes Becky McShane. The ball pinging back and forth in the middle comes back to Warren who attempts to play an awkward ball back to her keeper, the pass short, as Harris rushes forwards, Moore nips in to get her foot on the ball knock it past the keeper, who turns to see it safely roll wide of her goal. 

  GOAL! Into the closing seconds of the first half, swift in possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon at the back brings the ball on before sending a brilliant ball into the right channel for Leyer to latch onto 25 yards from goal, racing into the box pulls the trigger to smash her strike low past the diving keeper into the goal beyond 3-1. 

Victoria Leyer shooting to put Dussindale & Hellesdon into a 3-1 on the stroke of half-time.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 3-1 Harpenden Town Women

 A lively contest between the side at the top of the league, despite arriving late Harpenden got off the the brighter start taking the ball to Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking the flanks taking an early lead. Creating further chances before Dussindale & Hellesdon regrouped to start applying pressure the other way breaking down the left to find the equaliser the game free flowing at times a brilliant strike from Leyer putting the hosts into the lead on the half hour before Leyer was played through on goal by Ella Swift to make it 3-1 on the stroke of half-time. A useful cushion for Dussindale & Hellesdon going into the 2nd half Harpenden however carry a strong threat in attack.

  No changes for the hosts at the break, Harpenden out for the 2nd half early keen to get going making two changes with Reese Ayres and Jasmine Hughes coming on for Warren and Shannon. Light already fading the floodlights partially on with Dussindale & Hellesdon getting the 2nd 45 underway. Harpenden in quickly to close the ball down looking to take the game to their opponents, Shipman getting in a timely tackle to stop Jones feeding the ball on for Amanor. 

 Amanor taking up a position on the left dragging the ball back under her feet before p[laying it down the left flank for Cloy the chase, Barnes going with her as the pair close in on the by-line the defender clearing the ball out for a corner kick. Flung into the six yard box, Tink up amongst bodies to win the header and clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

 The hosts attacking down the left the ball played on for Moore her cross cut out by Dowdall. Back with Dussindale & Hellesdon on the left the cross-field ball finding Bussey to the right of the box, strikes the ball on the angle from 20 yards out Harris down to save pushing the ball out players rushing into attack the loose ball clatters down off the crossbar. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rachel Bussey

  Leyer taking hold of the ball on the left flank her runs causing the Harpenden midfield some issues as she tracks inside before threading the ball into the area looking for George central, caught a little flat footed can’t react in time before Harris rushing out snatches hold of the ball. 

Harpenden goalkeeper, Sophie Harris

  Swift does well to tackle Amanor stop her getting in behind on the left the defending seeing things open up before her deciding to have a crack at goal from range, her effort not troubling the keeper. Amanor out on the left does find a way in behind this time racing down to the by-line cutting into the box closing in on Cole’s near post the keeper positioning herself the strike powerful blasted under her striking the base of the post rebounding back into the grounded keeper, Amanor trying to get over her to turn the loose ball goal wards can only place it into the side netting. 

  Swift having her hands full with Amanor as Jones plays the striker in down the left the defender back on her to challenge play the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery into the six yard box knocked on towards the far post, cleared well by the defender on the post away to the right. 

 

  Harpenden build through the middle Hughes playing the ball to Cloy who in turn sends it out to Curtain bombing down the right her cross lifted into the area, Amanor making a near post run, Cole does well to read the flight of the ball come to catch it in front of the attacker. Amanor looking to take the ball on carrying it into the box from the left twisting and turning looking for an opening can’t find one before the Dussindale & Hellesdon defender converge en masse. Shacklock putting the ball on well for Amanor left side down the wing her cross along the top of the six yard box intercepted by Tink.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change, George coming off, with Alisha Juby a new singing from King’s Lynn coming on to make her debut for the club going up top. Continues to be an intriguing contest, Harpenden doing there all to get back into the game Dussindale & Hellesdon working hard to keep them at bay. The visitors making another switch bringing off Curtain for Hannah Pope. Referee Steven Hemp spotting a handball Harpenden winning a free-kick 30 yards out, McShane to play the ball on into the area, attacked and cleared by Tink for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

  Leyer with the ball at her feet on the move for Dussindale & Hellesdon out to the left lifting a cross into the middle for Hutchin who attempts to help it on with her head for Bussey out to her right, the flag though going up against her. Cloy coming off for Harpenden with Shannon re-entering the action. Juby on the attack down the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Shacklock tracking back to put in the challenge knocking the ball of Juby behind for a goal kick.

Rachel Bussey with Harpenden’s Erin Shacklock

  Amanor turning on the ball central to lay it out to Pope attacking down the right channel striking the ball on the angle from 20 yards out, Cole gets down well to make the save for Dussindale & Hellesdon. The ball played long for Amanor to attack out on the left strong to get into the area closing in on goal, Barnes gets back across her to put in the challenge send the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired in near side attacked by Ayres the ball wide taking a knick of a defender on its way out. The 2nd corner put in low central into Hughes on the penalty spot squeezes her shot through the crowd towards goal but Cole is right behind it to drop low to save.

  Harpenden pushing players on looking for a reply Shacklock inside to Shannon on halfway picks out Amanor breaking free left side squares her cross into the six yard box too close to the keeper, Cole down to smother the ball. Dussindale & Hellesdon soaking up a lot of pressure content to pick their moments going forwards determined to hold onto their lead. Leyer providing a good outlet going forwards with some useful runs on the ball.

 A few spots of rain in the are as the floodlights take full effect the odd plane coming in to land flying low over the pitch. Amanor chasing after the ball shielding it out to win the corner on the left, another good delivery into the six yard box, Tink though the one defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon to head it clear. The hosts making another change with Bussey coming off and George coming on to support Juby in attack. Hutchin sending the ball on for Moore out on the left, Dowdall closing her down to defend for Harpenden the ball cleared up the line Humphries latching onto it shooting from all of 30 yards out her attempt put wide.

Jasmine Hughes attacking for Harpenden

  Dinsey coming back on for Harpenden replacing Jones. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick 30 yards out to the left of the Harpenden goal, Leyer fancying in puts her strike over the crossbar. Cole out off her line quickly to come and lay claim to the ball as Shannon looks to play the pass on for Amanor pulling off her marker top of the D.

  GOAL! Amanor has been threatening a goal all 2nd half and switching over to the right finds a way through to set up a nervy close to the match attacking down the right the ball is played into the attackers path racing to the by-line the angle rapidly going away from her slides into the shot Cole going down to save the ball somehow squirming under her at the near post to trickle over the line beyond her 3-2. 

Sophia Amanor pulling a goal back for Harpenden late in the game

  Dussindale & Hellesdon do well to win a corner on the left up the other end looking to eat up valuable time make a mess of it playing a short ball back up the line as Harpenden nip in to steal the ball and counter, Humphries doing well to force the attacker wide hold her up allowing her defence to get back into shape, Pope getting inside squeezing a ball into the area, Cole with a strong call rushing out to throw herself on the ball.

Iva Hrisimova

 

  Barnes getting in the blocking tackle to stop Amanor as she looks to turn and run with the ball. Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking on the left Moore inside for Hutchin 25 yards out her strike charged down out for a corner high up the pitch. Steady rain falling now. time ticking down Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to keep possession with a throw on the right, Hrisimova winning it back for Harpenden looks to send the ball long for Hughes her cross cut out by Tink.

 One last attack for Harpenden Amanor fed in on the right into the box driving to the by-line goes down appeals, the ref in a good position waving play on, no penalty. The final whistle blowing moments later, Dussindale & Hellesdon holding on for the win the 3 points taking them back to the top of the league.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 3-2 Harpenden Town Women

  Dussindale & Hellesdon with a strong defensive performance in the 2nd half to hold off a determined Harpenden fightback. Sophia Amanor strong on the ball creating chances eventually pulling a goal back for the visitors, not enough however as the hosts held on for the 3 points. Taking their chances in the first half to get themselves into a 3-1, Dussindale & Hellesdon played well having soaked up some early pressure before coming back into the match with several useful attacking moves. Overall an entertaining contest fought between the sides at the top of the table and the return game at Harpenden in two weeks time promises to be no less intriguing.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Might be a new year but it’s won by a player whose collected a few of these in the past. Several performance of note to mention of course for Harpenden, Sophia Amanor was excellent in attack running down the flanks taking on the defence easy to see why she scores so many goals created numerous chances. Jamie Curtain too very good on the right getting forwards and looking to set up her teammates while Melody Jones showed a useful range of passes in the middle of the park competing for the ball. For Dussindale & Hellesdon the defence had their work cut out at time however were up to the task, Jess Barnes and Calista Tink making some useful interceptions and tackles. Goalkeeper Tyla Cole commanding her box well with some great calls and positioning. The award today though goes to Victoria Leyer, scoring two superb goals but no only that make some brilliant runs from the middle to put the Harpenden back line under pressure and bring her teammates into contention. 

  A highly entertaining game from the top of ERWFL Division One North to start the new year. Both sides enjoying life playing at the higher level. Have no doubt the follow up game will be just as entertaining. Will we be any closer to knowing who might win the league after that… I doubt it. First time seeing Harpenden a pleasure to see them in action. My thanks for everyone’s help with the team line ups today much appreciated. Here’s to a great 2024.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Histon Ladies

Sunday 26th November

ERWFL Division One North

A short journey this Sunday to catch some football action from ERWFL Division One North staying in Norfolk to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies both new additions to the league.

The regional league seeing an increase in numbers in recent season’s getting to it’s full potential of 36 sides playing across three divisions, representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid. Both of today’s opponents amongst 6 new sides successfully applying to join the ERWFL in Division One North, now sadly reduced to 10 sides with the unfortunate withdrawals of St Ives Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Development.

Thetford Town Ladies a late entrant to the league having initially lost out on the promotion pool, but with one of the new entrants having to pull out, Thetford were pleased to be invited to join and make the big step up into regional football for the first time in the clubs history. Manager Luke Pickford busy in the summer bringing in players to help the squad compete at a higher level. Amongst those, experienced defender, Fran Peeling having previously been with King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the league above joining Peeling from King’s Lynn is Alice Collins another player with a high level of experience playing in the league above. Katie Fray and Kate Morris joining Thetford having had a very successful season with Taverham FC Women’s 7-aside team scoring 102 goals between them, Fray netting an incredible 78 goals in just 18 appearances. Attacker, Mary-Anne Hoy has experience playing at a higher level with Wroxham FC Women, while ex-Norwich City player Hannah Claughton joins after a successful season playing for Aylsham FC Women last campaign. Megan Gowing the latest recruit, the young talented goalkeeper joining Thetford having begun the season playing for Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Hit the ground running in the league, with an opening day win away to St Ives Town Ladies, Women’s Football East there as Kamile Omeleviciute hit the back of the net for 4 goals in a 6-0 win to see the newcomers sit top of the league. That result and Omeleviciute’s goals from that game chalked off however as St Ives Town Ladies struggling for numbers and injuries pulled out of the league. Thetford now sitting in 9th having played just 5 league matches winning 2, drawing another and 2 losses. Cup competitions affecting any momentum in the league typical at this level their last league game back on the 15th October a positive result this afternoon could see Thetford climb up into the top half of the table. Despite having 4 goals chalked off, Omelevicuite is still the leading goal scorer with 9 officially to her name so far this season, with Katie Fray having scored 6.

Histon Ladies returning the the ERWFL this season after a strong season in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, finishing 2nd and reaching the League Cup final. Having previously been an established side within the ERWFL. Managed by ex-Cambridge City Women’s chairman, Kevin Jacklin. A club which has always strived to bring on youth players through it’s ranks, several ex-City players following Jacklin to Histon to bolster an experienced squad of players with the likes of Bella Ely, Eloise Page and Natasha Coe joining this season along with Jorja Badcock who was part of the Cambridge United WFC Development team that won the Junior Invitation Cup last a season and Molly Banks another talented youngster from Girls United FC. Also added to the squad midfielder Hannah Seymour-Shove who was vital player for St Ives Town Ladies over several seasons. 

  Histon’s return to the ERWFL has been a story on inconsistency so far this season, winning as many as they have lost, with 12 points from 8 played are still handily placed in 3rd spot in the table and a positive run of results could well see them consolidate that position and press the top two as the season progresses. Natasha Coe and Rachel Pearce currently leading the goal scoring charts with 3 goals each.

 Thetford Town FC’s Mundford Road stadium the venue for today’s league encounter, entry through the clubhouse leading into the ground itself, a burst pipe in the kitchen seeing a clean up operation in progress with no hot drinks available the bar still open however. leading out to the main stand beside the grass pitch with a slope across it to the dugouts on the opposite side. A dull, gloomy day heavy cloud darkening the sky, cold and damp to boot, need some football action to warm thing’s up…

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Browne, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Zoe Kimcke, Fran Peeling, Alice Collins, Mia Bambury, Kamile Omeleviciute, Katie Fray, Melissa Boulton (C), Hannah Claughton & Laura Martins. Subs – Megan Gowing, Elizabeth Moore, Erin Lloyd, Amber May & Pola Pasik.

Histon Ladies

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Jorja Badcock, Abi Laughlin, Katie Levitt, Amy Ozakpinar, Eloise Page, Rachel Pearce, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Bella Ely, Sophie Hopkin & Carla Penny (C). Subs – Molly Banks, Natasha Coe, Kirsty Geal & Tara Fitzjohn.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Carla Penny and Melissa Boulton with today’s match official Anoushka Williamson

It’s Histon in their all blue away strip to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half with Thetford lined up opposite wearing their home colours, an all claret kit with sky blue trim. The ball played back to Eloise Page in defence, launched out to the right for captain Carla Penny to attack, Zoe Klimcke seeing the ball out for a thrown in for Thetford. Pressure from the throw high on the right seeing Histon win an early corner. 

  The delivery into the Thetford box deflected outside to Histon’s Rachel Pearce some 25 yards out, clips a high ball back in towards goal, Amber Browne, Thetford’s goalkeeper and assistant manager seeing the ball land safely onto the roof of her net. Histon making a strong start getting after Thetford inside their own half, Penny in particular putting herself about chasing and closing the ball down. Klimcke tackling her as she presses on the right brings the ball out from left back looking to play Hannah Claughton in down the line, Abi Laughlin stretching out a leg cutting the pass out for the visitors.

  Penny powering her way to the by-line on the right, using her strength on the ball as she checks inside towards the box, challenged the ball behind for another corner, Jorja Badcock to lift the ball into the area headed clear by Thetford’s Katie Fray. Thetford finding themselves on the back foot haven’t settled into the game at all, Sausha Levy-Twomey getting a tackle in to break up a Histon attack through the middle the hosts look to counter the ball forwards into Claughton has options either side with Martins though the middle, Fray pulling wide to the left, playing the pass inside to Martins she in turn releases Fray out wide to whip a cross in towards the top of the Histon area, Amy Ozakpinar intercepting the ball and clearing for Histon. 

Histon defender, Amy Ozakpinar

  Penny is pushed in the back as she looks to hold the ball up wide on the right giving Histon a free-kick some 30 yards out, Pearce to lift the ball in towards goal a dangerous delivery with Sophie Hopkin and Ely bearing down on goal the ball dropping inside the six yard box threatening to creep in at the far post, Browne makes a fantastic save dropping down to her right arm outstretched to glove the ball away to the left.

Thetford goalkeeper and assistant manager, Amber Browne

  Histon quick to regain possession, Page allowed to travel into space on the right from the back lifting a looping ball into the area for Ely positioned to the left of goal, attempting to get the ball down off her chest to shoot is closed down by Fran Peeling the ball scrambled out of the area, Hopkin looing to latch onto the ball 20 yards out her shot is charged down. Pearce and Hannah Seymour-Shove closing the ball down for Histon inside the Thetford half keeping the hosts unsettled Penny providing a useful outlet picking the ball up driving into the channels is upended out wide on the right.

Histon captain, Carla Penny

 Pearce to play the set-piece flighted in under the bar, Browne getting up to knock the ball out to the left conceding a corner. Histon sending players up into the area Thetford defending getting it out falling straight to Hopkin 25 yards out on the turn lifts a shot over the bar. Thetford getting frustrated passes not finding their mark the ball coming straight back.

Sophie Hopkin

  Penny carrying the ball forwards through the middle played on for Hopkin up top with Ely in support the pair exchanging passes 25 yards out before Ely slides the ball into the path of Laughlin getting into the box from the right, Klimcke across her with a well timed tackle to clear the ball for a throw out on the right. Klimcke winning Thetford a free kick on halfway a chance to relieve some pressure as Mia Bambury launches the ball up into the box, Martins right of goal looking to see it down onto her foot to shoot, is closely marked by Katie Levitt

  Ely taking the ball forwards on the left for Histon checks inside looking to thread a pass inside for Hopkin in the middle, Collins stretching to cut it out for Thetford. The hosts playing some loose ball forwards gifting Histon possession back as the visitors launch a swift counter attack Pearce on the ball central looking to pick put Penny as she breaks into the box to the right of goal. Klimcke with the tackle once again lunging out a leg to take the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Thetford’s Zoe Klimcke tackling Histon’s Carla Penny

  Thetford fighting for the ball inside the Histon half, Bambury to Omeleviciute fed on for Martins bursting down the right, Badcock getting back on her to challenge concede the corner, taken short the move breaking down as flag is raised. Histon breaking down the left Ely getting the throw put inside to Penny who turns left corner of the area, shifting the ball as she evades one challenge, lining up the strike, Claughton rushing in to charge the ball down.

  Histon making a change, bringing off Hopkin on comes Molly Banks with 24 minutes gone. Klimcke busy at the back defending for Thetford bringing the ball out sends it up the line for Martins pulling out to the left channel, Page coming out to close her down winning the ball back for Histon. The visitors setting the questions Thetford remain unsettled unable to find any rhythm, captain Melissa Boulton linking up with Omeleviciute through the middle, Ozakpinar cutting out the pass intended for martins as she makes a run towards the right of the D. Histon winning another corner on the right, curled in towards the near post, Omeleviciute defending heading the ball away for Thetford.

  Thetford pushing on well through the middle, played forwards into Omeleviciute racing into the right channel, Martins with her the ball rolled into her path inside the box, the challenge clumsy, Martins upended the ball though away for a corner on the right. Histon defending there box well the ball lifted forwards, the threat of a counter attack halted by Peeling on halfway as she gets across to smother the ball.

  Thetford in need of a lift attack on the left Claughton taking the ball on with Omelevicuite providing a good run into space ahead of her picking her out Omeleviciute turning into the area, rides a tackle staying n her feet to send a dangerous ball in across the top of the six yard box, Boulton central throwing herself at the ball can’t get any contact coming through to Martins beyond the far post, looks to check back inside before the Histon defence regroup and close her down.

Thetford’s Laura Martins

  Penny shooting over the crossbar from inside the D, as the ball comes into her feet of a rebound in midfield. Thetford pulling players out right and left looking to find some joy going forwards, Fray playing the ball into the area from the left, Badcock clearing for Histon.  Signs Thetford are getting back into the game having absorbed a lot of pressure as Histon pressed the ball well.

Histon’s Jorja Badcock

 GOAL! The game turned completely on it’s head as Omeleviciute steals in to win the ball on halfway and drives forwards bearing down on the area moving to the left before angling her shot back across the keeper to send the ball into the bottom corner to rattle in her 10th goal of the season and open the scoring for Thetford 1-0.

Kamile Omeleviciute steals in on the ball to race forwards and score for Thetford

  Thetford into the lead, fair to say against the run of play, but goals bring confidence and straight from the restart Thetford look a different side after the ball, Collins on for fray peeling out to the left, taking the ball into space, Page across to close her down the ball put out for a throw in. Omeleviciute playing the ball in across the top of the area, Seymour-Shove clearing for Histon.

Rachel Pearce clearing the ball for Histon

   Thetford winning a corner on the left played in long knocked down at the far post, Kayleigh Blanchard down smartly to claim the loose ball. Blanchard hurt then as she goes across to slide in claim a ball whipped in from wide on the right diving in as Martins races in looking to attack the ball, the goalkeeper gets the ball but comes off the worst as she and Martins accidentally collide. A lengthy pause as Blanchard is down in some distress needing treatment. Coming off holding her nose can’t continue, Tara Fitzjohn, on the bench, the physio too, needing to don the goalkeeping gloves coming on to see out the remaining minutes of the 1st half. 

 The ball cleared out to the right, Thetford latching onto it Boulton lifting it on into the area for Martins to chase, Fitzjohn out well to get hold of the ball. Thetford with numbers forwards on the right Omelevicuite driving down the line appears to be fouled, doesn’t get the decision however as the cross is curled into the near post claimed high by Fitzjohn. Thetford finishing the 1st half the stronger Bambury pushing the ball forwards into Boulton on the right, clips it back in towards the D, Martins the target, Seymour-Shove back to defend for Histon.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-0 Histon Ladies

 

The first half ends with Thetford going into the changing rooms leading 1-0. A brilliant individual goal from Kamile Omeleviciute turning the game on it’s head. Histon no doubt the team on top up until that point getting after the ball inside the Thetford half putting the defence under pressure and frustrating Thetford who didn’t settle into the match, having rode out that difficult start however, the signs were there things were on the swing then Omeleviciute drove forwards to score and put some much needed vigour into Thetford’s blood the goal bringing confidence the hosts finishing the first half strong. A single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

  Bad news for Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard, with a suspected broken nose is heading off to hospital to get it looked at. A blow for Histon, who make two more changes at the break bringing on Natasha Coe and Kirsty Geal replacing, Ely and Levitt. Thetford unchanged, very gloomy out there now and the floodlights need to be turned on, now raining but the air heavy with moisture. Thetford to get the 2nd half underway the ball out to Claughton on the left launched high into the area, caught by Fitzjohn. 

  Geal racing on into space on the left for Histon whipping a cross into the six yard box flashed in across the face of goal, Klimcke down having gone in for a challenge at the near post the game stopped for her to receive treatment but is up and okay to continue. Boulton getting away onto the right for Thetford getting the ball under control lifting a cross into the area Martins looking to attack it near side has plenty of defenders for company can’t get a telling touch the ball knocked through for the keeper to safely gather. 

  Penny bringing the ball inside plays it into Banks central 25 yards out, knocks it wide for Badcock rushing forwards on the wing, Martins tracking back to defend challenging to win possession back for Thetford. Coe with the ball at her feet coming inside from the right to play the diagonal ball out to fellow 2nd half substitute Geal wide on the left, she in turn squares the cross into Banks 25 yards out top of the D, latching onto the shot she strikes the ball wide of the left post.

Thetford’s Hannah Claughton

  Claughton on the attack on the left powering forwards with the ball sends it on for Martins attacking the channel, Page out to close her down for Histon before she can break into the area the ball safely through to the keeper. Peeling sending a long ball looping in towards goal from the right, Fitzjohn back on her line getting her gloves up to make the save spilling the ball however, recovering well throwing herself down on it bravely as Fray steaming in to attack it goes over her.

 

 

 Fitzjohn the busier of the two goalkeepers at the start of the 2nd half Thetford getting the ball out to Claughton on the left fed forwards into Fray left inside the area, Fitzjohn out sharply to gather the ball. Boulton in a race to get to the ball before it runs out of play on the right, does well to keep it in play on the by-line before sending a cross high into the six yard box, too close to the keeper however Fitzjohn snatching it into her gloves 

Thetford making a double switch bringing off Martins up top bringing Amber May on. Megan Gowing also coming on to make her Thetford debut in goal replacing Browne. Histon winning a free-kick on the left a chance to put the new goalkeeper under pressure, instead goes long to the far post, Thetford clearing the ball. 

Boulton finding pockets of space to run into for Thetford in the 2nd half surging on through the middle, making her way into the area, Geal back to block her shot for Histon. May up top for Thetford putting herself about looking to press the defence on the ball, giving Boulton the opportunity to get beyond her looking to get the ball into the area. The pair linking up as May pulls wide right to lift a teasing ball into the near post, Fitzjohn well placed to snatch the ball into her chest with Boulton closing in looking to put her head on the ball. 

  Badcock with an attempt on goal from range, easily dealt with by Gowing. Histon attacking on the left with Badcock forwards to support Geal and Coe, Fray coming back to do the defending for Thetford lifting the ball up to May who looks to feed in Boulton on the right, her cross easy for Fitzjohn to pluck down. Thetford stronger in the 2nd half the game more open. Coe looking to combine with banks through the centre, Levy-Twomey tackling for Thetford.

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twomey

  Coe strong on the ball coming inside from the right with Laughlin going past her on the overlap into the box, Klimcke tackling for Thetford. Histon gaining some momentum in the final 3rd with Coe getting hold of the ball pressing towards the box the visitors making a change ringing Hopkin back on to replace Pearce as they look to change formation press another player forwards. 

Histon’s Eloise Page

  Fray and Claughton forwards for Thetford 25 yards out left of the D playing the one two Claughton teeing up Fray inside the area to strike the ball, wide of the left post, a nick off a defender spotted the corner awarded. Taken short, the opportunity to cross wasted, however Histon can’t retain possession the ball rolled into the path of Omelevicuite central drives for the box but can’t find a way through on goal.

  Peeling lifting the ball out long for Claughton on the left, knocking it forwards, in a race with Laughlin the defender sliding in t send the ball behind for a corner kick. The ball played short into Boulton coming towards the ball turns to drive into the area, tripped inside the white line, referee Anoushka Williamson pointing to the spot, PENALTY! Boulton herself to take it placing the ball on the spot gets too much on it turning in frustration as she balloons the ball over the crossbar, the opportunity to double the lead gone.

  The game moving into the final 15 minutes Thetford up on the left the cross dipped into the D, May looking to bring it down under control, Badcock closing in to defend for Histon. The hosts working hard to win the ball back that in turn putting them on the front foot, are keen to score a 2nd try and put the game to bed, Histon far from out of it. Boulton striking the ball over on the half volley from inside the D. 

 Histon making another change bringing Ely back on for Badcock. Geal racing away in the left for the visitors sweeping a cross into the six yard box, Klimcke clearing for Thetford at the far post. Page with a crack from range for Histon her shot dropping wide of the left post. Thetford making a double switch late in the game bringing off Klimcke and May, Elizabeth Moore and Pola Pasik coming on.

  Laughlin winning the ball on the right as Thetford attempt to counter keeping the pressure on inside the final 3rd. Seymour-Shove winning Histon a corner on the right. The ball in near post knocked out across goal to the left retrieved by Geal fired back in cleared by Omeleviciute for Thetford. Banks with a wild strike from distance over. The game opening up Omeleviciute breaking for Thetford, Geal tracking back to defend clearing the ball, Peeling charging down a 25 yard strike.

  Histon on the counter attacking right Coe with Laughlin players drawn to the ball as the cross is swept into the top of the area Geal free left of the left striking the ball on the volley back across the keeper towards the right post, but agonisingly wide. Histon applying pressure late on winning a free-kick in the corner on the right. knocked on across the area out for a corner kick on the left. Put in long knocked down to Laughlin central her strike from outside the area deflected over the bar. A corner for Histon on the left played in towards the near post defended by Collins for Thetford back out to the left the return cross clipped over the bar.

Thetford’s Alice Collins

  GOAL! Just as Histon looked to be turning the screw Thetford break away to double there lead, the ball played into Claughton left side races forwards powering her way into the left channel before unleashing a venomous strike, Fitzjohn down sharply at her near post getting her gloves on the ball but not claimed loose beyond her Boulton the fastest to react rushing in to blast the ball into the back of the net 2-0.

Melissa Boulton doubling Thetford’s lead late in the match

  Thetford getting that all important 2nd goal as the game moves into stoppage time coming just as Histon were looking for push for a late goal themselves to salvage something from the game. Bambury down with a knock late on for Thetford, the hosts making a late change bringing of Fray sending defender Erin Lloyd on. The substitute straight into the actin intercepting a cross put in from Laughlin on the right.

 Histon pushing players forwards looking to find a goal in the closing stages, Thetford back defending their area. Lloyd and Levy-Twomey both winning crosses. The job down the final whistle blows and Thetford celebrate the victory and the 3 points moving up a couple of places into 7th seeing the middle of Division One North bunch up closely with just 2 points between them and Newmarket Town Women who move into 3rd spot with a 2-1 win over leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. remains a highly competitive league will be intriguing to see who emerges out on top come the end of the season.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

  Gaols change games and this was certainly the case today. Thetford finding themselves on the backfoot for much of the first half, unsettled as Histon pressed the ball well creating opportunities without taking advantage of their dominance. Thetford in need of a moment of inspiration and Kamile Omeleviciute delivered to steal the ball on halfway and break way to score a brilliant individual goal to give the hosts the lead, finished the half on the front foot and came out positive in the 2nd half taking the game to Histon who made changes riding out a strong Thetford spell themselves before threatening to pull the scores level late in the match, Thetford again breaking away to get that all crucial 2nd goal to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Most of the time it’s never an easy decision although today I did have someone in the forefront of my thoughts leaving the ground only for my notes (and I do write down a bit as you know) sending me in a different direction. A few performances of note to mention of course, for Histon, captain Carla Penny was exceptional, especially in the first half getting after the ball, taking the game to her opponents and creating opportunities for herself and others. Substitutes Kirsty Geal and Natasha Coe both making a positive impact coming on in the 2nd half while Abi Laughlin get forwards well on the right to support the attack while defending well at the back. For Thetford, Kamile Omelevicuite goal changed the course of the game giving Thetford a vital shot of confidence to carry them forwards for the rest of the match. Katie Fray working hard in midfield getting forwards to support the attackers. Hannah Claughton with some strong runs out on the left. captain Melissa Boulton making some excellent attacking runs in the 2nd half linking up well with the midfield and attack. Pipping her to today’s award though is defender Zoe Klimcke made a number of crucial tackles at the back, especially in the first half while Histon were on top preventing the ball getting into the box and denying shots to keep Thetford’s goal intact.

  Great to catch up with both sides. Always a good contest in the ERWFL, hopefully for Thetford the result will count this time. Wishing Histon goalkeeper Kayleigh Blanchard all the best hoping for good news regarding her injury. My thanks to both sides for their assistance today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – St Ives Town Ladies v Thetford Town Ladies

Sunday 13th August

ERWFL Division One North

Here we go again! The new season quickly upon us with the ERWFL getting the ball rolling for the 2023/24 campaign. Promises to be an exciting season ahead and with the Lionesses going strong in the FIFA Women’s World Cup reaching the last 4 the game continues to rise.

 Not quite the restful period I was hoping for am nevertheless ready to go again and besides it never really stops in the footballing community with clubs and managers busy preparing for their next season. Has certainly been alot of movement, most likely an increase in club numbers aswell and certainly the case the ERWFL as the league’s representing the 5th and 6th tiers of the women’s football pyramid reach their full potential in terms of numbers with 11 new names joining taking all three divisions the Premier and Division One’s North and South to 12 sides each.

 Regretfully one side has since been forced to withdraw due to lack of numbers, East Bergholt United Ladies having worked hard to get to the ERWFL always finding it a challenge with a number of strong sides around them to retain players, have always had a good youth set-up and will hopefully return some day in the women’s game. 35 clubs then beginning the new season with Hertford Town Women, Wormley Rovers Ladies, Southend United Ladies, Stanway Pegasus Ladies and Watford Ladies Development joining ERWFL Division One South. Harpenden Town Women, Histon Ladies, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Ladies, Thetford Town Ladies and Stevenage FC Women Development joining Division One North and where Women’s Football East begins it’s season with St Ives Town Ladies hosting one of the leagues new sides, Thetford Town Ladies.

 St Ives Town Ladies bursting onto the scene formed in 2015 enjoying a rapid rise up the women’s football pyramid, reaching the ERWFL Premier Division. Dropped back into Division One North last season looking to bounce straight back ultimately finishing third in the table along with reaching the Hunts Women’s Cup final for the 2nd successive season. With 7 new sides in the league their may well be several challenging for the title. Some upheaval towards the end of the season with Ben Green departing as manager, with ex-Cambridge United player Emily Ingle joining the club last season taking on taking on the role. Have a trimmed down squad for the 2023/24 campaign while retaining a solid core of experience with a promising youth set-up backing them up their U18’s side winning their league last season with a 100% record. A few of these stepping up to join the first team along with Natalie Munden from the Development side. Olivia Dunne also recruited having previously been with Haverhill Rovers Women.

 Thetford Town Ladies originally missing out on a place in the ERWFL due to the high volume of applications were later given the news they had been successful after another side chose to withdraw. Manager Luke Pickford joining Thetford midway through last season busy in the close season recruiting players to help bolster the squad to play at a higher level. Kamile Omelevicuite and Laura Martins retained having impressed joining the club last season. Added to the squad are Katie Fray and Kate Morris starring for Taverham Women’s 7-aside team last season, Fray scoring an incredible 78 goals in just 18 matches with Morris not doing bad either netting 24. Also joining the attack are Jordanne Sillitoe with plenty of experience in the ERWFL previously with Haverhill, Hannah Claughton the winger dual signed with Aylsham and Maryanne Hoy most recently with Long Stratton Women. With two more new signings joining the defence, Libby O’Callaghan and Fran Peeling who was ERWFL Premier Division side King’s Lynn Town Ladies vice-captain last season. Assistant coach Amber Browne donning the goalkeepers clubs with a long term injury to Millie Askins.

The new playing surface at St Ives

  Starting this season where I ended the last one at Westwood Road home of St Ives Town FC. Back then to attend the last ever Kick Cancer Cup held in memory of Sam Issacson and Charlene Martin both losing their lives to bowel cancer. Many of the St Ives players featuring for the Charlene’s XI squad that won the game on the night raising lots of money for charity. The Westwood Road pitch replaced by a new 3G surface a couple of seasons ago which saw an end to the infamous hill on one corner of the grass pitch. A lovely surface now nice and wide with viewing all round the bar and clubhouse overlooking one side with kitchen hatch serving hot drinks. A small seated stand opposite. A bright sunny afternoon if a little cloudy at times to begin the season all in all good conditions for a match.

St Ives Town Ladies

  St Ives Town Women starting XI – Sarah Aftelak, Sasha Smith, Jess Conyard, Lauren Fort, Koren Evans, Jasmine Cowie, Hannah Seymour-Shove (C), Niamh Sutherland, Katie Stancombe, Olivia Dunne and Maya Edwards. Subs – Elle Jefferson, Natalie Munden, Enya Griffiths and Emily Waterman.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Browne, Elizabeth Moore, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling, Mia Bambury (C), Dayna Howard, Kamile Omeleviciute, Kate Morris, Maryanne Hoy, Katie Fray and Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Erin Lloyd, Laura Martins, Amber May, Hannah Rogers & Hannah Claughton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Thetford to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing an all claret strip with sky blue trim on the shirts. St Ives lined up opposite wearing white shirts with black vertical striping on the front along with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Dayna Howard in midfield back to Moore on the right of defence shifts inside as Katie Stancombe moves to challenge the ball back for Howard lifted out wide to Maryanne Hoy the the move down the left flank sends the ball inside for Jordanne Sillitoe coming to receive top left corner of the area, she swivels lifting a cross to the far post, Kamile Omeleviciute running in meeting it as it drops on the volley to smash against the base of the right post! Goalkeeper Sarah Aftelak going down for the initial shot able to adjust on the ground the snatch up the loose ball. An early chance for Thetford.

  The visitors feeding off their bright start getting on the front foot pressing St Ives high, Lauren Fort stepping on well to clear the ball inside the D for St Ives look to break hit Thetford on the counter, Fran Peeling backing up to head the ball clear. Sillitoe and Omeleviciute combining through the middle for Thetford the ball laid out to Hoy wide left her cross whipped in to the far post cleared by St Ives, Sasha Smith. Attacking on the left the ball on for Stancombe driving forwards fed into the area for Maya Edwards in behind the defence volleys wide at the near post as she closes down the keeper.

St Ives Maya Edwards looking to take the ball on

   Thetford press high captain Mia Bambury playing the ball into Howard threaded on for Sillitoe, Jess Conyard incepting and clearing for St Ives outside her area. Hannah Seymour-Shove captaining St Ives putting in a good tackle in the middle looking to take the ball on travelling right, Zoe Klimcke out to close her down as Hoy tracks back to defend. Omeleviciute getting on well from the middle for Thetford overloading the attack as the short diagonal ball is rolled into her left of the D puts her foot through the shot clipped goalwards angling in high swerving narrowly wide of the top left corner. 

Zoe Klimcke

  GOAL! Thetford building on their positive start opening the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, fighting for possession in the final third Sillitoe battles to gain possession 25 yards out with Omeleviciute stealing in behind her taking hold of the loose ball to charge at the goal sliding in under challenge to knock the ball wide of the keeper low into the bottom corner. A brief conversation between referee Charlotte Hindmarch and the linesman however the goal stands 0-1.

Kamile Omeleviciute opening the scoring for Thetford Town Ladies

  Thetford pressing the ball at the back limiting the opportunities for St Ives to get their own attacking players involved in the game. Seymour-Shove working hard to break thing’s up put herself about looking to win the ball preventing Omeleviciute getting forwards with Hoy and Sillitoe breaking in front of her. Not long before Thetford win the ball back however Katie Fray into Sillitoe out to Hoy wide left players tracking back to defend the box, Jasmine Cowie on hand to head the cross clear for St Ives.

St Ives Town Ladies, Jasmine Cowie

   Moore on the right sending the ball on for Morrie on the wing powers forwards with the ball at her feet the shot on the angle put straight into the keepers gloves. St Ives mount an attack sending players on as Cowie lifts the ball long for Evans running on down the right checks back level with the top of the area laying the ball back for Edwards 25 yards out she in turn lifts the ball high into the middle of the area, Peeling under it to head away for the visitors. 

Fran Peeling

  Fray seeing the ball into her feet central turns right of the D looking to take on Fort in the centre of defence the centre back getting her boot in to take the ball away, Thetford getting numbers on however to pressure the ball win a corner on the right. Swung in St Ives defend solidly at the near post. Look to get on the attack Stancombe getting hold of the ball taking it forwards through the middle pace has support from Dunne on her left laying the ball into her strikes it hard from 25 yards out rising the keeper beaten as the ball smashes down off the bar collected by Stancombe outside the box central lines up the strike this time Browne sees it all the way takes it well moving to her left.

Katie Stancombe

  GOAL! No sooner have St Ives struck the woodwork one end Thetford attack up the other and double their lead. The ball played on from the middle to find Omeleviciute on the move right of the D 25 yards out sends the ball into Sillitoe moving across the top of the area dragging the defence to the left before checking back to play the shot low back across the keeper into the opposite corner to score her first Thetford goal 0-2.

Jordanne Sillitoe opening her Thetford account

  Thetford 2 goals to the good inside the opening 20 minutes continue to press inside the St Ives half the ball wide for Hoy taking it on down the left winning her side a corner kick. Sillitoe down for Thetford with a knock as players take on fluids he visitor’s with a double change bringing both Sillitoe and Morris off on come Laura Martins and Hannah Claughton. The corner ball cut out by Dunne inside the box, Seymour-Shove carries it out quickly into the Thetford half her crossfield ball looking for Stancombe cut out well by Moore at the back for Thetford. 

 Fray with a mishit shot from 30 yards out central turns into a great pass for Hoy racing on down the left her cross whipped into the six yard from deep just a little too high for Claughton at the far post, Fray getting hold of it beyond her can only turn the ball into the keeper. Natalie Munden on at the back for St Ives replacing Smith. Evans into block a vicious strike from outside the box as Thetford attack on the right.

St Ives Koren Evans

  Claughton up front getting after the ball eager to run at the defence turning inside from the right, Conyard and Fort between them make her think twice before taking the strike the ball lost. Klimcke out to close down Evans as the St Ives defender looks to run into space on the right. Evans coming off soon after replaced by Enya Griffiths. Stancombe with the ball for St Ives out left charging on squares it inside for Dunne, Omeleviciute tackling well 25 yards out to prevent a shooting opportunity. Seymour-Shove with Sutherland in the middle working the ball all almost through the Thetford defence for Edwards but for Peeling getting a vital touch as she stretches for the ball to take it away from the attacker.

  Cowie off for St Ives, with Elle Jefferson into the action. The hosts getting the ball into Stancombe looking to produce some magic jinking inside the ball rolled into the D, Klimcke stretching to intercept is closed down by Dunne getting inside her to shoot drills a low ball to the left Browne diving low making a fantastic save to claim the ball. St Ives finding a little momentum winning the ball in the middle Seymour-Shove battling for everything on for Edwards has Dunne ahead of her who plays it out for Griffiths wide to the right her cross swept across the goal face hooked behind by Moore to concede the corner kick. Taken short the ball whipped in near post cleared by Omeleviciute. 

St Ives captain, Hannah Seymour-Shove

  Thetford strong in the final third getting after the ball Claughton in to close down the St Ives defence moves across the D to the left before shooting clipped narrowly wide of the top left corner. Hoy latching onto a clearance 30 yards out left side sending the ball back into the area knocked on pass the far post the shot turned back in low caught by Aftelak on the ground. Thetford push forwards Hoy left inside for Fray then Claughton out for Morris wide the shot struck on the angle claimed by Aftelak.

  Morris out on the left firing in a shot on the angle to rattle the bottom of the post. Omelevicuite does well flicking on Browne’s goal kick to send Claughton racing through into the area Seymour-Shove with a burst of pace getting back at her lunging in to tackle winning the ball well. Thetford winning a free-kick inside the St Ives half on the right late in the first half the ball swung into the box by Peeling met by Fray near side on the half volley turned goalwards, Aftelak though right behind it to claim.

Hannah Claughton looking to drive at St Ives Jess Conyard

  Omeleviciute pulling free to the left of the D receiving the ball of Fray to strike a swerving shot into the side netting. Thetford ending the half strong Howard forwards into Fray looks to drive at the defence, sees her shot blocked. 

 GOAL! The ball won back in the middle by Thetford, Howard finding Omeleviciute outside the area left of the D, not closed down sends her shot low across the keeper to nestle into the bottom corner 0-3. 

A 1st half brace for Thetford’s Kamile Omeleviciute

Half-time St Ives Town Women 0-3 Thetford Town Ladies

  A goal at the end of the first half sealing a dominant display from Thetford starting well taking an early lead pressing the ball high St Ives limited in their reply nevertheless creating a couple of chances striking the woodwork before immediately conceding a 2nd goal midway through the first half. Thetford remained on the front foot getting after the ball creating a few chances of their own, St Ives still looking a threat when they were able to take the ball on hit with a 3rd goal before the break. Thetford with a comfortable lead to defend going into the 2nd half, St Ives with things to work on if they wish to get back into the game in the 2nd period.

  A double switch for Thetford at the start of the 2nd half Martins and Sillitoe back on for Morris and Hoy. St Ives to get the 2nd half underway played into Sutherland back for Munden Thetford quick to press the ball played back to the keeper forced into a rushed clearance.

  GOAL! The ball dropping to Omeleviciute 30 yards out floated out to the left flank with Claughton on the attack the ball fizzed into the box near side 12 yards out met by Sillitoe her strike blocked by Fort lunging across her coming to Omeleviciute having burst into the area to lift the loose ball back up over the keeper to score an opening day hat-trick 0-4.

A hat-trick for Kamile Omeleviciute on her ERWFL debut

  A huge blow for St Ives conceding a 4th goal straight at the start of the 2nd half. Give away a free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out to the left of the area, Sillitoe over the ball goes for it sending her strike over the bar. St Ives with a change bringing Evans back on replacing Munden at the back. Martins looking to get on with the ball take it on left side is tackled by Seymour-Shove giving away the free-kick. Peeling over the delivery wide right a teasing ball put into the corridor in front of goal defended by Fort headed out.

Jess Conyard

  Thetford pushing on well with Martins running on to the by-line wide right before sending a cross in low nearside Fray close in on goal turning the ball on across somehow kept out by the St Ives defence comes back to the right post Omeleviciute attempting an audacious overhead kick doesn’t get a strong enough touch the ball caught by Aftelak. 

Katie Fray

  For all of Thetford’s dominating play getting after the ball St Ives remain a threat going forwards themselves looking to expose gaps through the back line the ball put on by Sutherland for Jefferson taking it on right channel holding her marker off well before rifling a shot wide of the near post. Bambury finding Martins going right the ball hit on the diagonal finding the run of Omeleviciute top of the area turns her shot over. 

 Seymour-Shove getting in to tackle Martins turning to play the pass on for Dunne, Moore stepping in to challenge at the back for Thetford. St Ives bringing Cowie back on replacing Sutherland in the middle. Omeleviciute brings down Jefferson bringing St Ives a free-kick central 35 yards out players go up as Seymour-Shove plays it high into the box, Browne keeping her eye on the ball making a clean catch. 

 Fray finding space for Thetford clipping a diagonal pass out for Claughton advancing on the left her cross squared into the area cut out by Fort. Out for a throw left side lifted into Fray inside the area looks to turn on the ball quickly closed down by Stancombe. Thetford quick to regain possession through Howard the ball to Martins right her cross cleared by Griffiths for a corner on the left. Played in low dipping near side met by Claughton looks to flick the ball on towards goal Aftelak with a sharp save at her near post. 

Sarah Aftelak saving off Hannah Claughton’s flick on

 Thetford with a double change with Fray and Klimcke coming off, Erin Lloyd and Amber May sent on with Lloyd going to the right of defence Moore coming left. Conyard off for St Ives, Munden back on. Fort doing well at the back coming in to close down Claughton as she drives into the box with the ball at her fee from the left. The visitors press on the left winning a throw high into May plays it on for Sillitoe breaking on into the box, Fort sticking out a foot snatching the ball off her, out to the left of goal Omelevicuite flashing a shot wide across the face of goal. 

  Griffiths with some pace on the ball out on the right played on by Cowie drives a shot in on the angle held by Browne. Sillitoe from the left taking the ball on into the box shifting left then right before powering a shot wide off the base of the post. Claughton off for Thetford with Hoy back on. St Ives replacing Edwards with Conyard. Munden finding Jefferson up top with a well placed pass, linking up with Griffiths to her right look to play the one two, Moore getting her foot in to regain possession for Thetford.

  GOAL! Players tiring on both sides Thetford win the ball back on halfway with Bambury opens up her body to send the pass on for Martins breaking forwards on the right whips her cross into the six yard box players running in he ball over May central drops for Sillitoe behind to smash the ball past the keeper to make it 0-5.

A opening day brace for Thetford’s Jordanne Sillitoe

 A 5th goal coming with a little under 20 minutes left St Ives finding it difficult to get any meaningful possession inside their opponents half Seymour-Shove continue to fight for everything the ball on for Jefferson out to Griffiths on the right flank taking it on down the line her shot on the angle driven behind. Sillitoe left puts the ball forwards for Hoy on the touchline, Evans getting across her to defend for St Ives conceding the corner. The ball floated in central headed out to the left side with Stancombe looking to break getting in behind wide, Peeling comes rushing across to clear the ball away for a throw.

St Ives Enya Griffiths

  Off the throw Evans puts the ball in across the top of the Thetford area for Jefferson who helps it on for Stancombe to her right the number 17 rifling a shot in Browne throwing herself at it past her comes crashing down off the crossbar for a 2nd time, Browne grounded in a favourable position to take the rebound before Jefferson can meet the follow up.

  Up the other end Aftelak makes a strong blocking save as she comes out to the top of her area to close Sillitoe down as she bursts in behind the hosts defence on the left. May bringing down a diagonal ball into the box shifts inside to shoot, is tackled by Seymour-Shove diving in the ball deflected out to the right post May with a 2nd bite getting her foot under the ball forcing Aftelak into another brilliant save pushing the ball over her goal. 

  GOAL! Thetford though go on to score from the resulting corner the ball curled into the box knocked down by Lloyd off her chest into the path of Omeleviciute central to lift past the keeper and into the back of the net for her 4th goal of the match 0-6.

Erin Lloyd knocking the ball down from the corner for Omeleviciute to score her 4th of the match

 Omeleviciute coming off after her 4th goal to be replaced by Hannah Rogers. Thetford on top pressing the advantage with Martins going on with the ball right side into the box for May who goes out to the by-line right held up before cutting it back into Martins central, slipping as she goes to pull the trigger her shot running harmlessly wide of the far post. 

St Ives still looking to attack catch Thetford sleeping at the back Griffiths taking the ball on right side putting it into the box for Dunne, her effort blocked by Moore. Stancombe charging on with the ball looking for Jefferson through the middle with 9 breaking into the box the final ball just won’t fall as Peeling scrambles it away. Stancombe off late on with Edwards back into the action as the host look for a late flurry, Lloyd lunging into tackle Dunne left of the D as Seymour-Shove rolls the pass into her.

Thetford’s Dayna Howard

 

  May pulling right knocking a diagonal pass down inside for Martins to run onto right channel 25 yards out hit well Aftelak diving to her left but the shot races wide of the post. Aftelak then producing a low save to her right as Sillitoe turns inside to shoot off a throw on on the left, Conyard in to close Sillitoe down then as she goes after the loose ball. One last corner won by St Ives on the right Thetford back to defend as the ball is played short before Griffiths fires the cross wide along the face of goal.

Full time St Ives Town Women 0-6 Thetford Town Ladies

  A great start to life in the ERWFL for Thetford Town Ladies as they begin life in the 6th tier with a dominant victory away from home. Set the tone early getting after the ball high up the pitch putting the home defence on the back foot scoring and early goal. St Ives coming close to equalising denied by the woodwork before being hit with a sucker punch up the other end to concede a 2nd straight away midway through the half. Thetford getting on well with good runs from midfield to add a 3rd goal t the end of the 1st half. The last thing St Ives wanted was to concede another goal early in the 2nd half unfortunately they did as Thetford began strong getting after the ball. A mountain to climb Thetford proved relentless in attack although signs were there they might be exposed at the back St Ives didn’t do it enough to exert any real pressure going on to concede a 5th the 6th goal. A tough opening day for the hosts will need to regroup and go again for Thetford it will be more of a case of keeping everyone’s feet on the ground, nevertheless a fantastic result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season, most of the time it’s not an easy decision although today is an exception. A few performances to mention first though. For St Ives no doubt Hannah Seymour-Shove their captain ran herself into the ground getting after the ball making tackles and spurring her teammates on. Katie Stancombe looking the most likely to make something happen driving on with the ball at her feet. For Thetford the defence was kept relatively free of pressure by the forwards getting after the ball high up the pitch, Jordanne Sillitoe strong getting in to win the ball moving into some good positions scoring a brace. Hannah Claughton and Maryanne Hoy enjoying good spells out on the flanks getting into some great positions. Dayna Howard winning the ball well in the middle of the park the award though goes to Kamile Omeleviciute a fantastic game in her ERWFL debut (someone said to me recently she’s going to get noticed further afield now and she’s certainly done that) make some fantastic runs to support the attack adding pressure to the hosts back line taking her goals well. 

  Great to be back, did feel a little under prepared going into the new season but having written 531 reports hoped it would all come back to me and it has ( at least I think so) plenty of goals scored in the ERWFL this weekend promises to be an exciting season be intriguing to see how it all pans out. My thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the teams today and best of luck for the rest of the season. Up and running.

by Darren Gilham