Four games beating the weather in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday. Luton Town Ladies 3rd in the table going into the weekend hosting 3rd fro bottom St Ives Town Ladies. Luton with a fantastic gesture offering all gate money plus more to a charity of choice in memory of St Ives player Charlene Martin who was laid to rest earlier in the week after losing her battle with bowel cancer. An emotional period for St Ives.
Luton with an opportunity to climb above Peterborough Northern Star into 2nd spot in the table starting well taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes Funmi Babalola on target to score her 10th goal of the season. St Ives goalkeeper Kira Markwell with a couple of fine saves to keep Luton from adding to their tally, the host though getting a 2nd goal at the close of the first half Jess McKay on the end of a Zara Carroll free-kick to put the ball away for her 17th goal of the season. St Ives coming out 2nd half looking to pull a goal back neither side with any clear cut chances the game heading into the final 15 minutes, Markwell again saving well. Luton with a corner kick on 79 minutes the ball put into the area by Erica Byron, Leyah Maddix getting onto the end of it to score her first goal and see Luton win the game 3-0. Move up to 2nd six points behind leaders Harlow with a game in hand and a game at home to Harlow to come.
Fourth placed Bedford Ladies made the short journey to play Bedfordshire rivals AFC Dunstable Women at the weekend. Bottom of the table Dunstable rebuilding their side looking to give it a go as they attempt to avoid relegation just 2 points on the board so far this season, Bedford in good form recently getting off to a fantastic start Maya Sidhu putting them into the lead inside 2 minutes. Bex Cray with a couple of early chances too for Bedford one striking the post, Dunstable coming back to level early though 1-1 inside 10 minutes a shot striking the crossbar put away on the follow-up. The hosts going on to take the lead in the 18th minute Nina Regolo with a fine save conceding a corner Dunstable capitalising on the set-piece making it 2-1. Bedford’s turn to come back into it midway through the half, defender Gemma Franklin with the pass out to Sidhu on the right she in turn putting it across for Natasha Fensome to send home 2-2.
Bedford retaking the lead with 5 minutes left to play in the 1st half Fensome playing in Setor Acolatse with the header saved but pouncing on the loose ball to score 3-2 up Dunstable with a quick response the scores levelled for the 3rd time in the match again from a corner. The scores all square at the break the game played in windy conditions. Both keepers called into action saving in the 2nd half as both sides pushed on looking for another goal Dunstable fighting getting their noses back in front with 15 minutes left, Regolo saving with her legs as cross put in from the flanks, the ball loose Dunstable quickest to it the shot deflected and in. Dunstable coming so close to recording their first league win of the season the game deep into stoppage time Bedford finding an equaliser in the 95th minute, good work on the ball by captain Priya Bhatti on the left the ball put on for Fensome to strike of the volley to see it finish 4-4! The point enough to take Dunstable off the foot of the Premier Division table their goals scored by Sasha Manders, Jodi McClelland, Danielle Snowden and Chelsea Jeffery.
Haringey Borough Women themselves without a win this season now bottom on goal difference as they missed out on their first win of the season after a late fight back and last gasp winner from hosts Colney Heath Ladies on Sunday. Travelling with the bare 11 Haringey fought well getting themselves into the lead. 15 minutes to go and Colney Heath drew level Charlene Moreton scoring on the volley. Christina Freestone scoring the winning goal with a fine strike with what proved to be the last kick of the game.
Another high scoring encounter at the weekend between Bowers & Pitsea Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies. Wymondham making the long journey down Essex, neither side with any clear cut chances in the opening 15 minutes. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies taking the lead in the 21st minute awarded a free-kick put away by Megan Harley, her 13th goal of the season. Wymondham coming straight back to level the scores Mollie O’Callaghan lobbing the keeper to make it 1-1. Chances for both after that Georgia Fraser striking the bar, Wymondham straight up the other end to take the lead Hannah Water setting up Freya Symonds to round the defence and score. Wymondham leading 2-1 at the break.
Wymondham Town Ladies midfielder, Mollie O’Callaghan
A great start to the 2nd half by Wymondham, extending their lead in the 57th minute Chelsea Clarke with the pass for Waters to shoot past the keeper. 3 minutes later Wymondham were 4-1 ahead Waters with her 2nd of the match O’Callaghan with the assist. Bowers & Pitsea pulling it back to 4-2 with a little over 15 minutes to play, Courtney Fraser with a great strike from outside the box to find the top corner. Wymondham straight back to restore their 3 goal cushion Symonds away on the right a dangerous ball into the six yard box turned into their own net by the Bowers & Pitsea defence. The game moving into stoppage time O’Callaghan with the free-kick, Mia Etheridge rising to head the ball in to make it 6-2. Georgia Fraser getting a goal in the closing moments for Bowers & Pitsea to see it end 6-3.
ERWFL Plate
A County Cup final appearance for Histon Ladies in midweek, they were in Cup action too at the weekend in the last of the ERWFL Plate quarter finals away to East Bergholt United Ladies. Not much between the sides in the first half going in at 0-0 Histon with the better chances. The 2nd period following a similar pattern Histon eventually getting their noses in front with 20 minutes left to play Alison Wright with the header at the near post initially blocked finding it’s way over the line. The win sealed in added time with captain Sophie Lanham chipping the keeper to see Histon take it 2-0.
Histon Ladies v Hutton Ladies
Leigh Ramblers Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies Development
North ERWFL Division One North
Two games played in ERWFL Division One North at the weekend whilst a three games were lost in Division One South on Sunday, it was to one of these Women’s Football East headed too, 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies making the switch to 3G to avoid a 3rd weekend without a game were taking on bottom side Gorleston Ladies. The visitor finding life tough having made the step up to regional football this season without a point on the board and new it would be a tough ask today against a full strength King’s Lynn side as they travelled with the bare 11 several players missing, players carrying knocks and out of position. King’s Lynn were straight on the front foot creating chances Brianne Dyer busy in the Gorleston goal, Rachel Skinner from a tight angle wide on the right opening the scoring her ball in across goal finding the far corner. Nikita Morris doubling the lead after captain Becky Russell’s shot from the top of the box was blocked latching onto the ball near post to turn and smash high into the net. Emma Corbyn seeing King’s Lynn into a 3 goal lead putting in a Russell cross at the near post. Gorleston with little opportunity to get forwards in attack player manager Sophie Gillett with a tremendous strike on the half volley from 25 yards out getting it back to 3-1. King’s Lynn straight back up the other end to make it 4-1 before half-time a double save from Dyer in vain as Millie Hopkisson closing it scores from close range at the near post.
King’s Lynn always looking to get forwards against Gorleston on Sunday
4-1 up at half-time King’s Lynn ran riot in the 2nd period racking up the goals as they closed to gap at the top to a point on leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development. Getting off t a fantastic start a hammer blow for Gorleston scoring two quickfire goals Hopkisson and then Corbyn with their 2nd goals each. Corbyn with another effort ruled out for offside. The goals kept on coming Zara O’Neill on in the 2nd half to make her King’s Lynn debut with a great run into the box to get her first goal. A frustrating game for attacker Tiffany Forshaw a host of missed chances 1st half got off the mark to fire King’s Lynn into an 8-1 lead. Both she and O’Neill would go in to score 4 goals each as Gorleston tired, Becky Russell also on the score sheet scoring from a corner kick to see the game finish 15-1. The full match report available further down the page.
Tiffany Forshaw on the scoresheet for King’s Lynn early in the 2nd half going on to score 4.
Zara O’Neill with 4 goals on her debut for King’s Lynn
Also in ERWFL Division One North this Sunday it was another Suffolk derby match with Needham Market Women up to 3rd in the league away to AFC Sudbury Women. This game a tale of two halves Sudbury with some excellent play in the first half Needham Market not at their best the hosts though unable to breach their opponents defence both keepers making crucial saves saw it goalless at the break. Needham Market dug deep improving in the 2nd period the break through coming in the 70th minute Amber Sparkes setting up Nia Evans controlling the ball before smashing it into the top corner. The 3 points sealed 2 minutes from time with Sparkes striking to find the top corner. Needham Market winning 2-0 are now 6 points behind leaders Cambridge City with a game in hand and have yet to play them 2 potentially huge matches back to back coming up at the end of the month, King’s Lynn will certainly be an interested observer.
Left it late again this Sunday before deciding where to go to watch a match another storm front breaking yet more rain in affecting the fixture lists once again, spoilt for choice of course so when one game falls by the way side there are plenty more to choose from so kept it local in the finish a sort journey west along the A47 into King’s Lynn to watch King’s Lynn Town Ladies play fellow Norfolk side Gorleston Ladies in ERWFL Division One North.
In anticipation of their fixture being under threat and with no games for 3 weeks King’s Lynn Town Ladies made the switch onto 3G at Lynn Sport just behind their usually Riverlane venue. King’s Lynn Town Ladies are enjoying a strong season in the league an established side in the ERWFL now are looking to push on challenge for the title and with it promotion into the Premier Division itself. Got off to a slow start however losing their opening 2 league fixtures. Recovered well going onto win 6 in a row to propel themselves up into 2nd spot in the table. That run brought to an end by a narrow 3-2 loss to current leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development. The newcomers 4 points clear at the top a question mark over whether they would take promotion themselves or not, might well depend of where their 1st team finishes their season should they win the title even if King’s Lynn don’t overhaul them in the run in 2nd position could be crucial.
Captain Becky Russell at the heart of their midfield top scoring for King’s Lynn with 11 goals so far this season with strikers Tiffany Forshaw and Emma Corbyn both on 8 goals. The club bringing in several young players to join the squad recently adding energy and additional talent to an experienced side. Have lost a couple at the back to long term injury but otherwise can name a full squad for today’s match with 5 available from the bench. A narrow 2-1 win away for King’s Lynn when the two sides met in the reverse fixture at the start of 2020.
Gorleston Ladies are newcomers to the ERWFL themselves this season like King’s Lynn applying for promotion off the back of a 3rd placed finish in Norfolk Women’s Division One. One of four new sides in Division One North this season along with leaders Cambridge City Ladies and Suffolk sides East Bergholt United Ladies and Needham Market Women. A rapid rise through the county set-up winning 3 successive promotions. The ERWFL the next step up. Have found it tough at the higher level adrift at the bottom of the table losing all 8 league games played so far. A mixed bag of results several narrow defeats and some big losses, looking to improve, Jason Croft standing down as manager, Sophie Gillett has taken on the role as player/manager. The women’s side well supported by Gorleston FC remain in good spirits despite the lack of points so far. Won’t be easy this afternoon however as Gorleston travel across the county with just the bare 11 available no one on the bench a few carrying knocks and some out of position.
The game today played a Lynn Sports 3G pitch a popular sporting facility to the north of the town, my first visit to the place a hive of activity. Despite all the rain Sunday bright the sky blue a few clouds around. Very chilly mind a keen wind that was quite strong blowing from one end of the pitch to the other. The pitch a good size a viewing area to one side.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Bryony Robinson, Lily Porter, Shanice Burch, Georgia Freeman, Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse, Tegan Wheeler, Becky Russell (C), Deva Rawlings, Rachel Skinner, Nikita Morris & Tiffany Forshaw. Subs – Oksana Imanalijeva, Millie Hopkisson, Rhian Ellis, Zara O’Neill & Emma Corbyn.
Gorleston Ladies starting XI – Brianne Dyer, Hayley Muir (C), Abbie King, Chantelle King, Leanne Muffett, Kelly Allen, Sophie Gillett, Nicola Sheldrake, Tia Roberts, Hannah Chamberlain & Laura Atkinson.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
King’s Lynn to get the match underway kicking off 1st half wearing blue shirts and shorts with yellow trim with yellow and blue socks. Gorleston playing in an all green kit. The ball put back to captain Becky Russell she plays the pass forwards looking for lily Porter making a run on the left cleared by Gorleston captain Hayley Muir at right back the ball intercepted 30 yards out by King’s Lynn’s Nikita Morris right of the D plays it on into the path for Tiffany Forshaw running into the area, Abbie King closing on her shoulder in to challenge prevent the shot coming in.
Russell getting hold of the ball in the middle has options ahead of her runners right and left aims her pass out to Forshaw coming inside from the left, the ball cut out by King at the back. King’s Lynn lively early on getting bodies forwards, Tegan Wheeler in the middle on for Deva Rawlings the ball put out wide right Rachel Skinner taking it on turning to get inside her marker flashing a ball in across the face of goal.
Sophie Gillett picking up the ball in the middle strong a she carries on on holding off Russell before sending it on for Hannah Chamberlain making herself available on the right channel, Georgia Freeman standing her ground not letting the attacker get inside her. Brianne Dyer called into action to make the save in the Gorleston goal as King’s Lynn get on down the left Morris on the ball cutting inside to shoot.
Hannah Chamberlain looking to hook the ball forwards for Gorleston
A corner given as Russell’s shot from the top of the area takes a nick on it’s way wide following good work from Skinner on the right. The corner in high near side headed up by Morris, drops back down for her to hit first time her effort blocked inside the six yard box deflected out to Porter left side she fires it back in another block before Gorleston scramble it away. King’s Lynn on the front foot, Gorleston pressing well in the middle of the park but the ball coming back too often
GOAL! The early pressure telling as King’s Lynn open the scoring, Wheeler getting on down the right Leanne Muffett closing in to tackle the ball running on into the corner Skinner after it into the corner getting control and firing the ball in across the face of goal to find it’s way inside at the far post 1-0.
Rachel Skinner with the opening goal for King’s Lynn
An error at the back bringing Gorleston a bit of respite at the back as they win a corner can’t capitalise from the set piece, Gillett though doing well to prevent King’s Lynn mounting a rapid counter attack. Wheeler laying the pass forwards for Forshaw running left channel under pressure a defender on her shoulder pokes her shot wide. Gillett looking to make things happen through the middle for Gorleston the ball put on for Chamberlain right her touch heavy allowing King’s Lynn defender Shanice Burch the opportunity to clear the ball out for a throw.
GOAL! King’s Lynn double their lead inside the opening 20 minutes Skinner carrying the ball forwards on the right down to the by-line players coming forwards through the middle the winger does well jinking inside to play it back towards the top of the box for Russell to strike her low drive blocked at the near post may have even struck Morris forwards inside the six yard box, either way Morris is sharpest to react latching onto the ball and tuning into the shot to smash it high into the roof of the net 2-0.
Nikita Morris on target for King’s Lynn’s 2nd goal
King’s Lynn winning the ball looking to get forwards as quickly as possible players making good runs Porter left side taking the ball in looking to thread it through in behind for Forshaw, Muir getting her foot on the pass deflecting it towards King to launch up field. Bryony Robinson dealing with a cross fire in from the left as Gillett goes on from a Tia Roberts pass, the hosts break quickly the ball forwards into Forshaw left channel bringing the ball down bursts into the box and angle closing quickly at the near post looks to lift the ball over the keeper, Dyer gloves up pushing the ball up and catching safely.
King’s Lynn defender Georgia Freeman
Skinner blasts a shot wide as a defensive clearance falls to her. Russell lining up a strike from distance the ball smashing against the crossbar. Forshaw inside the box left holding off defenders puts her shot wide. King’s Lynn on top Gorleston on the back foot defending unable to get the ball up to Chamberlain and Laura Atkinson in attack. A double switch for King’s Lynn Porter and Wheeler off on come Oksana Imanalijeva and Millie Hopkisson. Forshaw and Russell combine in front of the box for King’s Lynn going forwards Chantelle King with a superb tackle on Russell to win the ball back for Gorleston.
Muir blocks inside the box as Imanalijeva brings a diagonal ball down from the right. Gillett with another powerful run through the middle, tackled by Rawlings, Russell takes the ball on aiming to release Forshaw early in behind, Dyer out of her box early winning the race for the ball. Forshaw a threat on the left in attack touching the ball on into the area shoots across the keeper the ball striking the base of the far post out towards the right Morris racing onto it opens her body up to place her shot low, Dyer on her line saving with her legs before the ball is cleared. Forshaw frustrated so far as she sees another effort at goal fly over the ball from inside the D.
King’s Lynn’s Deva Rawlings
Forshaw off for a rest on come Emma Corbyn in attack. The substitute with a chance straight away forcing a save from Dyer down low to her left to push the ball away. Relentless from King’s Lynn, Gorleston losing possession in the final 3rd have to get back quickly King’s Lynn rushing on Imanalijeva sending a shot wide across the face of goal as she gets free on the left.
GOAL! Five minutes left to play in the 1st half and King’s Lynn further extend their lead, Russell with a burst of pace travelling withe the ball getting on down the right squaring it near post into the path of Corbyn to strike home from 8 yards out 3-0.
Gorleston with a rare attack Roberts up with Gillett on the left first winning a throw high and then a corner kick. The delivery in near side cushioned down latched onto by Chantelle King getting her foot over the ball striking it wide of goal.
GOAL! Out of no where Gorleston have a goal back and a superb shot it is too. The visitors winning the ball back high, Gillett central onto it 25 yards out catching it on the half volley a spectacular strike angling away from the keeper Robinson with no chance to stop it 3-1.
Sophie Gillett with a fantastic strike for Gorleston
GOAL! Almost immediately after they’ve scored however Gorleston concede a 4th goal. Desperately unlucky for Dyer but great persistence from King’s Lynn as they press forwards, Hopkisson with a shot from inside the box right Dyer with a superb double stop gloving her effort away they a follow up strike from the right the ball down in the six yard box Hopkisson racing in on the follow-up quickest to it smashing it past keeper at close range 4-1.
The woodwork struck again as Hopkisson and Skinner combine on the right for King’s Lynn. Hopkisson again on the ball with a first time hit inside the D as the ball comes in front the left struck over the bar. Russell coming forwards working the ball on with support from Imanalijeva on to Corbyn inside the box her first touch giving Dyer the opportunity to step forwards and claim the ball. Russell away left side sending a deep cross in towards the far side Morris onto it hits the shot blocked by Muffett full in the face a painful one a bloody nose has to come off for treatment Gorleston down to 10.
Nicole Sheldrake bringing the ball on for Gorleston
King’s Lynn constantly first the any 2nd ball never a moments let off for Gorleston battling hard but their opponents keep coming Morris running into the box from the right, Chantelle King lunging in to tackle, Morris with a 2nd bite at the cherry fires into the side netting. Nicola Sheldrake able to bring the ball on for Gorleston right side on for Gillett her pass on to Chamberlain holding it up outside the box can’t pick out Atkinson as Burch closes her down.
Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 4-1 Gorleston Ladies
The first half ends with King’s Lynn leading 4-1 have dominated play from start to finish creating a host of chances getting into a early lead moving the ball well players providing great runs all over the park getting forwards well always an option for the player on the ball. Gorleston working hard but on the back foot haven’t had any meaningful possession and the ball is coming back all too quickly getting a goal back with just their 2nd attempt on goal giving them some hope but short lived King’s Lynn able to rotate their players keeping energy levels high.
Gorleston the get the 2nd half underway the wind at King’s Lynn’s back now have made a three changes Forshaw back on for Morris, Rhian Ellis on for Skinner on the right and Zara O’Neill on to make her debut replacing Hopkins-Duckhouse. Straight away the hosts have Gorleston under pressure Russell on for Corbyn, Muffett defending. Muffett one more as on Forshaw inside the box doing enough to see the striker put her shot wide as Ellis puts the cross in from the wing.
GOAL! An early goal for King’s Lynn at the start of the 2nd half a heavy blow for Gorleston. Forshaw with the run and shot from the left the shot stinging the keepers gloves falls down to Hopkisson racing in near post to blast in from 6 yards out 5-1.
Millie Hopkisson getting King’s Lynn off to a fast start in the 2nd half with her 2nd of the game
GOAL! Not one but 2 quick fore goals at the start of the 2nd half as Forshaw causes mayhem on the left once again driving on to fire in a low cross to the near post Corbyn to it first inside the six yards box clipping it up back across the keeper Dyer unlucky getting a touch on it but so close had no chance to set herself 6-1.
All King’s Lynn at the start of the 2nd half pushing on through the middle, Russell firing a 25 yard drive wide of the right post, Forshaw with an effort put over from the left. Ellis skipping free on the right playing a cross in towards Hopkisson top of the area striking across the ball, Dyer with a fine save.
Becky Russell holding off the tackle by Gorleston’s Kelly Allen
King’s Lynn have the ball in the back of the net again this one though ruled out for offside. The hosts bringing the ball on O’Neill getting forwards to support Forshaw inside the box left of goal players going forwards, Forshaw striking the ball Dyer saving gloving the ball forwards Corbyn racing onto it burying it into the back of the net but it won’t count the flag up against her.
Robinson has had little to do up the other end comes racing out of her box as Gillett manages to feed the ball through for Chamberlain. Forshaw coming on left side sends a shot into the side netting.
GOAL! King’s Lynn soon have a 7th goal and it’s a goal on her debut for O’Neill making a superb run from midfield into the box getting in behind onto the ball left of goal to send the ball across the keeper from close range 7-1.
Zara O’Neill with a goal on her debut for King’s Lynn
Hopkisson brings the ball on through the centre for King’s Lynn unopposed she goes on has Corbyn ahead of her 25 yards out back to goal gives her the ball held up she sends it back across to Hopkisson top of the area, doesn’t get a clean strike on the ball her attempt angling wide of the post.
GOAL! Forshaw on the scoresheet at last, must have been wondering if it was going to be one of those days but you can’t keep giving her opportunities through the middle this time a well made run the ball fed into her feet takes in on in behind into the area the keeper comes but can’t get there Forshaw rounding her to place the ball into the bottom corner beyond 8-1.
The wind is alot keener now very chilly, Gillett the most likely to make thing’s happen for Gorleston strong on the ball pressing forwards goes it alone bearing down on the box is simply outnumbers in the end run of the ball Rawlings bringing the ball forwards passing to Russell to set off another King’s Lynn attack.
GOAL! A goal for the captain as King’s Lynn win a corner on the right, a great inswinging delivery put under the bar Dyer doing well to keep it up a glove up high knocked down onto the penalty spot straight to Russell strikes the ball Dyer with a reactive save with her legs the ball deflected away Russell onto it again not closed down able to smash it high into the back of the net 9-1.
Dyer by far the busier of the two keepers making another save with her legs as O’Neill races through into the box latching onto a crossfield ball as Forshaw looks to find Russell. Dyer low to her left to push a strike fired in from 20 yards out for a corner on the right. The delivery deep to the far post Forshaw adjudged to have committed the foul as she climbs for the ball. Gorleston are tiring alot of effort put in and run ragged by King’s Lynn as they come wave after wave in the 2nd half.
GOAL! Forshaw with her 2nd of the game bring’s up a double figure scoreline Gorleston slow to react at the back the ball finding it’s way through to Forshaw clear in the box left of goal hits it hard across the keeper to find the far corner 10-1.
Abbie King cutting out the ball as Hopkisson attempts to thread it through for O’Neill making a great run. Played forwards won back by the King’s Lynn defence won’t stick no respite the hosts press forwards. Bursting forwards the ball put quickly into Forshaw inside the D, shapes to shot the tackle deflecting the ball wide for a corner kick. A high ball in near side Allen up to head the ball to safety for Gorleston. Imanalijeva comes off as King’s Lynn bring Porter back on.
Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse on the ball for King’s Lynn
Muir getting in the block to send the ball away for a corner as O’Neill tries her luck from 20 yards out. Corbyn coming near side to receive the corner tuns into the shot her first time strike sent over the bar. Skinner comes back on for Freeman
GOAL! O’Neill with her 2nd of the game scores as she makes a fantastic run forwards as Russell collects the ball on the right the diagonal pass put into her run O’Neill takes it on into the area and cool as you like strokes the ball wide of the advancing keeper 11-1.
15 minutes left to play relentless from King’s Lynn, Gorleston can get no where near the ball, Russell hard to track at the best of times never stays still away to the left this time into the channel hits a shot in from 25 yards out, Dyer making the diving save pushing the ball out to the right not out of play gather in the corner by Corbyn squared back in O’Neill attacking it near post close in Dyer behind it able to get her gloves on the ball.
King’s Lynn with another double change Hopkins-Duckhouse and Wheeler back on for Rawlings and Corbyn. Porter with a strike over the bar from inside the box as she receives ball following great work from O’Neill coming forwards right side. All King’s Lynn 2nd half no respite for Gorleston still playing with smiles on their faces even though they are on the wrong end of a heavy defeat.
GOAL! The goals keep coming too Forshaw scoring her hat-trick as she is put through on goal by O’Neill 25 yards out, Forshaw closing in on the keeper slotting her shot past her into the bottom corner 12-1.
Muffett sliding in to tackle Ellis on the right as she looks to cut inside with the ball.
GOAL! A hat-trick for O’Neill on her debut set up by Forshaw out on the left wide on the ball comes on before sending in a dangerous ball to the near post O’Neill allowed to steal in unopposed one more meeting the ball close it to flick past the keeper 13-1.
GOAL! King’s Lynn full of energy in the closing stages of the match, Gorleston dead on their feet the goals keep coming, O’Neill getting hold of the ball on halfway looks up for options Forshaw with the call is making the run left side wants the ball, a fantastic delivery from O’Neill dropping it into her path into the box Forshaw with the clinical finish has 4, 14-1.
Tiffany Forshaw on the scoresheet with 4 goals for King’s Lynn in the 2nd half
GOAL! 4 minutes left to play Wheeler and O’Neill combine getting the ball on quickly into the box Gorleston don’t get it away King’s Lynn close down the pass sneaking across the box to O’Neill free on the left of the six yard box struck low and scores a 4th on debut 15-1.
Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 15-1 Gorleston Ladies
King’s Lynn run rampant in the 2nd half to take full advantage and rack up the goals, netting 15 in the end a totally dominant display, on the front foot straight away scoring early Gorleston working hard knew it would be tough but their opponents movement on and off the ball was too much along with having no substitutes to bring on rest players King’s Lynn using their bench well, kept going clinical finishes the goals flowing. Close the gap to leaders Cambridge City to 1 point the goals helping their too the difference -7 at the start of the day now plus 7. All to play for yet. A valiant effort from Gorleston in good spirits throughout despite the huge loss will hurt no doubt and this report won’t help at all but credit to them gave it a go can only move on to the next one.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few players to mention, have nothing but praise for Gorleston goalkeeper Brianne Dyer was under the cosh from the first minute and despite the goals produced some fine saves. Sophie Gillett too several strong runs on the ball tried to make thing’s happen but lacked support as King’s Lynn kept the defence penned in scored without a doubt the best goal of the game. For King’s Lynn, Becky Russell will always gives everything. What a debut for Zara O’Neill scoring 4 goals showed a great first touch and timed her running excellently. This weekends award though goes to TiffanyForshaw frustrated early on kept going in attack a threat constantly left side or in the box creating numerous opportunities ending up with 4 goals herself.
Always a hard one to cover when a game is so one sided but it is what it is, Gorleston will know they were beaten by a far better side today, King’s Lynn with a professional performance took their chances well creating plenty kept playing no arrogance shown at all, although the management team have a selection headache in front of them now. My thanks to both sides for the team details as always much appreciated.
Harlow Town Ladies back to league action this weekend travelling away to St Ives Town Ladies, the Essex side leading the ERWFL Premier Division unbeaten dropping just 2 points this season. St Ives Town promoted to the league this season finding life in the league tough but working hard week in week out to improve. A good performance at the weekend seeing them earn a point against Harlow, St Ives taking the lead in the first half Ruth Fox with a great first touch bringing a pass from halfway down taking it away from the defence running on from 30 yards out into the box the angle against her lifted a superb shot up across the keeper into the far side of the goal to make it 1-0. Harlow coming back to level late in the first period captain Kaydee King always a danger from set-pieces heading the ball on to equalise. Harlow taking the lead in the 2nd half from a free-kick put into the box by Amy Nash, King getting her head on the ball finding it’s way into the back of the net. St Ives Town giving it there all coming back to level the scores and take a share of the point Caitlin McGeown with her first goal of the season. Harlow dropping their first points since the opening day of the season remain unbeaten still.
Ruth Fox with a superb goal to put St Ives Town Ladies into the lead on Sunday (photo credit Gary Reed)
Second placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies close the gap on leaders Harlow to 4 points winning at home to Royston Town Women on Sunday. A good first half from the host side Leah Cudone racing through to beat the offside trap beating the keeper to make it 1-0 in the 18th minute. Peterborough doubling their lead late in the first half Evie Driscoll-King scoring for the 2nd successive match the defender with 5 for the season now. Royston improving 2nd half as they fought to get back into the game Peterborough goalkeeper Sarah Hudson with a number of vital saves keeping the clean sheet in tack. Cudone firing in her 18th goal of the season towards the end of the match the seal the victory.
Luton Town Ladies hot on Peterborough’s heels in 3rd spot in the ERWFL Premier Division two points behind with a game in hand were hosting Hertfordshire side Colney Heath Ladies at the weekend. Luton with a number of chances in the first half frustrated by Colney Heath goalkeeper Amy Butler making several fine saves. The hosts taking the lead late in the first half awarded a penalty, Charlene Moreton finishing from the spot to see the visitors 1-0 up at half-time. Luton getting back onto level terms early in the 2nd half. Finding a way past Butler to take the lead went onto score a further 2 goals, strikers Rebecca Kane and Jess McKay remaining neck and neck on the goal scoring charts both on 16 for the season now McKay with a goal, Kane netting a brace. Luton winning the game 4-1 their was also a first goal of the season for Olivia Abraham.
Bedford Ladies 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division are currently in a rich vein of form themselves making it 6 straight wins in league and cup on Sunday away to 2nd bottom Haringey Borough Women. This their fifth straight league win the 3 points coming courtesy of a 4-1 victory the goals spread amongst their squad 4 different scorers at the weekend Natasha Fensome putting away her 8th goal of the season, Lauren Murray her 5th and Setor Acolatse scoring her 4th of the campaign. Bex Cray the other goalscorer with her 2nd of the season.
ERWFL Division One North
King’s Lynn Town Ladies were aiming to close the gap to ERWFL Division One North leader Cambridge City Ladies Development to 4 points as they travelled down to Suffolk to face AFC Sudbury Ladies on Sunday. A close game between the sides back in November King’s Lynn winning 2-1 at home, this Sunday’s game proving a similar case Sudbury’s young side hard to break down at times both sides creating chances scoring a goal each in the first half the scores level King’s Lynn improving in the 2nd period scoring again with what would prove to be the winning goal the result 2-1 yet again, Emma Corbyn with her 8th goal of the season and Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse on the scoresheet.
Three successive league wins sees Needham Market Women climb up into 3rd spot in the ERWFL Division One North table finding their feet in the league now following promotion last season. Were away to Newmarket Town Women on Sunday. Came out on top of a 7 goal thriller to win 4-3 in the reverse fixture between the sides in November. Another high scoring game between the sides this time around Needham Market starting well have goalscorers throughout their side, taking the lead inside the opening quarter hour Francesca Rainbird putting the ball over the top for Annie Northwood to close in on goal drive a shot home. A strong opening period from the visitors restricting Newmarket’s chances doubled the lead in the 34th minute a 30 yard free-kick from Amber Sparks parried onto the post by the keeper Lois Balfour rushing in on the follow up to make it 2-0. Balfour in to score her 10th goal for the 1st team this season making it 3-0 set up by Northwood in the 40th minute. Needham Market 3-0 up at the break.
A great first half from Needham Market on Sunday seeing them leading 3-0 (photo credit Ben Pooley)
Newmarket goalkeeper Ellie Quinn-Nicholls denying Balfour her hat-trick early in the 2nd half. Newmarket capitalising on a mistake in the 65th minute lobbing the keeper from 35 yards out to make it 3-1. Northwood putting Needham Market 4-1 up with the game into the final 15 minutes, her 13th goal of the season a superb half volley. Newmarket fighting to get back into it scoring a 2nd goal following a scramble from a corner in the 85th minute, Bethany Woodfield and Chloe Slater with their goals, Needham Market defending to see them climb into 3rd spot with a 4-2 victory.
ERWFL Division One South
Leigh Ramblers Ladies continue to do well in ERWFL Division One South joining the league this season move joint top with Millwall Lionesses at the top of the table after the league leaders saw their match away to Hoddesdon called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Leigh Ramblers away to Stevenage FC Women Development on Sunday. A close game between the sides, Emily Schofield with her 11th strike of the season putting Stevenage in front in the 15th minute. Lucy Dalgarno pulling the scores level for Leigh Ramblers 5 minutes later. Goalkeeper Emily Mackler with a number of saves to deny Stevenage seeing the pair level at the break 1-1. Tea Oldroyd kept busy in the Stevenage goal too as Leigh Ramblers pushed forwards in the 2nd half Georgia Holdaway beating her in the 80th minute to score her 9th goal of the season to see Leigh Ramblers clinch the 3 points.
A new arrival can certainly make an impact upon any side and that can definitely be said for Kristina O’Connell at Wodson Park Ladies. A poor beginning to the season which saw them lose their first 6 league games Wodson Park got their first 3 point of the season in mid-December a 3-2 win away to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. O’Connell making the switch from Hoddesdon in the New Year. A narrow 2-1 defeat to high flying Leigh Ramblers in their first match of 2020. Wodson Park have now won 3 in a row in league and cup to move away from the bottom of the table. O’Connell scoring successive hat-tricks before this weekend on target for four more goals this weekend taking her to 10 already from just 4 appearances. Wodson Park at home to Lawford Ladies fielding the bare 11. Dempsey Favell also on the scoresheet for Wodson Park in a 5-1 win. Daisy Canny scoring late on in the game for Lawford has 15 for the season.
With runaway leaders Harlow Town Ladies playing their rearranged League Cup game this weekend it was a chance for the chasing sides to reduce their 9 point lead at the top. Remains very tight in the Premier Division below Harlow with just 6 points between the 2nd and 9th placed sides in the table all fancying their chances of pushing on in their final games of the season.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies topping the chasers in 2nd spot were at home to bottom side AFC Dunstable Women on Sunday. Dunstable very nearly opening the scoring in the 10th minute Peterborough goalkeeper Sarah Hudson tipping the shot over the bar, going on to claim the resulting corner and setting up Katie Steward to put the hosts 1-0 up in the 11th minute. Peterborough comfortable after that going on to take a 2-0 lead in the 20th minute Evie Driscoll-King heading home from a corner kick. Peterborough continuing in the same vein at the start of the 2nd half Chanade Henderson thumping a header against the crossbar before Georgia Coulson made it 3-0 chasing in onto a rebound to make it 3-0. Steph Gale introduced to the action scoring an audacious goal with the outside of her boot looping into the net leaving the keeper standing. Coulson at the back post turning in her 2nd of the match making it 5-0. Dunstable substitute Daniella Snowden putting away a cross pulling a goal back with 15 minutes to play. Time at the end for Gale to score her 2nd of the game following good work from Katie Stewards on the wing 6-1 the final score.
A brace for Peterborough’s Steph Gale on Sunday including an outrageous effort with the outside of her boot (photo credit James Cox)
Luton Town hot on Peterborough’s heels in 3rd spot in the ERWFL Premier Division two points behind with a game winning away from home on Sunday against 2nd bottom side Haringey Borough Women. Rebecca Kane netting a first half hat-trick to take her onto 14 goals for the season. Opening the scoring in the 9th minute put through by Rebecca Ferris into the box to slot the ball under the advancing keeper. Kane’s 2nd in the 29th minute scoring from close range off Elly Wade’s cross. The hat-trick coming 5 minutes later send through on goal by Zara Carroll. 3-0 up at half-time Jess McKay edging back into the lead as top scorer for Luton with her 15th of the season in the 78th minute. Tanya Blacksley with her first goal of the season for Luton heading in from a corner in the 90th minute to see the game won 5-0.
With Royston Town Women’s home match against Wroxham called off both Colney Heath Ladies and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies took full advantage winning their home matches to climb above them into 5th and 6th respectfully in the ERWFL Premier Division. Colney Heath Ladies hosting St Ives Town Ladies who had Kira Markwell back in goal after the keeper sustained a nasty injury towards the end of last season. Not much between the sides in the opening half hour, Colney Heath’s Rianne Townsend winning the ball on half way sending Megan Kelly away on the right her shot fired into the top corner to make it 1-0. The visitors defending up the other end to hold their lead going into the break. Both goalkeepers called into action in the 2nd half St Ives keeping Colney Heath from adding to their lead frustrated not to get anything from the game in the finish.
Bowers & Pitsea Ladies climb up to 6th in the Premier Division table winning at home to an in form Bedford Ladies who had previously won 4 straight games in league and cup. A good start from Bowers & Pitsea undone in the 10th minute as Natasha Fensome ran through onto a loose ball at the back to put Bedford into the lead. Bowers & Pitsea coming back to level the scores applying pressure late in the first half Courtney Fraser’s cross turned in by Danni Jennings in the 39th minute to see it level at 1-1 at half-time. Into the 2nd half a long stoppage on play with Bowers & Pitsea’s Yasmin Cowley suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury, unable to continue awaiting scans to determine the extent of the damage can only wish her all the best for a full and speedy recovery. Bowers & Pitsea rallying well as play resumed taking the lead midway through the 2nd half Megan Harley scoring direct from a corner. The hosts pushing on creating more chances making the lead more comfortable in the 83rd minute Harley with her 2nd of the game a looping strike from 30 yards out. Harley completing her hat-trick in the final minute running away down the wing sending her shot into the top corner Bowers & Pitsea winning 4-1.
ERWFL Cup
One outstanding tie left to play in the 1st Round of this season’s ERWFL Cup, the game postponed from a fortnight ago due to minibus trouble for Harlow Town Ladies on the way to the game rearranged for this Sunday the ERWFL Premier Division leaders heading up to Norfolk to play Wymondham Town Ladies. Close games between the pair in the league Wymondham the only side managing to take points off Harlow. Meeting the the League Cup both sides affected by injuries and absences only able to field one substitute each a fast start to the game Harlow taking the lead inside 6 minutes a diagonal ball launched up into the area deflected into the path of top scorer Becky Shephard burying her shot to put Harlow into the lead. Wymondham coming back to level the scores quickly defender Lauren Kett putting Wymondham’s top scorer and captain Hannah Waters through clear on goal wrong footing the keeper outside the box to send the shot past her into the empty net 1-1. The game continued to be played at a rapid tempo a number of free-kicks given away players in the wars Danni Clarke in goal for Wymondham with a brave save at the feet of Harlow’s Liv Steele.
Wymondham Town Ladies captain Hannah Waters with both goals for Wymondham Town Ladies on Sunday
1-1 at half-time a hand injury to Clarke seeing her having to come off Freya Symonds taking over in goal putting in an assured performance the defence working hard in front of her both sides attacking an open game and injury to midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan seeing Wymondham forced to play the final 20 minutes with 10 players, despite that upped their effort coming closest to finding the winning goal in normal time Mia Etheridge’s driven shot on the angle smashing against the bar. 90 minutes up the scores all square the tie heading into extra-time. Wymondham back up to 11 with Clarke coming on to support the midfield. Alot of effort put in by both sides Wymondham finding a goal late in the first period of extra play, from a corner the ball retrieved wide fired back across goal flicked on for Waters rising to get her boot on the ball turn it in at close range. Wymondham managing the 2nd period well frustrating Harlow going on to win the match book their place in the quarter finals. The full match report can be found further down the page.
ERWFL Division One North
Plenty of action too in ERWFL Division One North at the weekend with all 8 sides in action including a top of the table clash between leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development at home to 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies. The visitors coming into the match off the back of a strong run to close the gap on the leaders. Had the better of the 1st half with goals from Katie Ward and superb strike from Tegan Wheeler seeing them into a 2-0 lead at half-time. A complete turn around in the 2nd half as Cambridge City came back from 2 down to in the game 3-2. Carla Penny with her 15th goal of the season bringing it back to 2-1 on the hour. Rachel Pearce equalising just 3 minutes later a well struck free-kick flying in under the bar. The hosts taking the lead in the 72nd minute awarded a corner the ball fired into a crowded box, bodies everywhere Kayla Krett getting the telling touch to score her first goal for the side, proving what would be the winning goal Cambridge City pulling away 7 points clear at the top.
Cambridge City Ladies Development before Sunday’s game (photo credit Chris Mosley)
Very tight below the top two sides with just a point between the next 4 in the Division One North table. Newmarket Town Women ahead of Histon Ladies in 3rd on goal difference winning at home to AFC Sudbury Ladies on Sunday. Captain Bethany Woodfield putting Newmarket into the lead on 18 minutes that the advantage at the break. Sudbury’s young side working hard to improve week in week out coming back to level the scores with and hour played. Newmarket straight back into the lead 5 minutes later a corner won. Jess Linger with the inswinging delivery pressure on the goal line the ball over the line Linger credited with the goal winning the 3 points for her side.
Histon Ladies matching Newmarket’s 14 point tally in 4th position in the Division One North table winning at home to Suffolk side East Bergholt United Ladies at the weekend. Brie Baker setting up Poppy Kelly to open the scoring for Histon on 6 minutes. Molly Blair heading in a Sophie Lanham cross on 27 minutes to see Histon 2-0 up at half-time. East Bergholt coming back to make it 2-1 with Elena Nitsche on target in the 70th minute but with the visitors pushing from an equaliser later on Histon hit them on the counter to win the game 3-1 in the 90th minute Kelly scoring her 2nd of the game. Just one point from their last 5 league games for East Bergholt after a promising start to the season countered by back to back cup wins.
Histon wearing black armbands on Sunday in memory of Stephen Parker who sadly passed away earlier in the week after losing his battle with cancer a tremendous fan and servant of Histon football club helping with the Ladies side recently. Has help me on a number of occasions RIP.
Histon Ladies wearing black armbands in memory of Stephan Parker on Sunday (photo credit Histon Ladies)
Needham Market Women joining Suffolk rivals East Bergholt on 13 points now 5th in the Division One North table with a big home win over bottom side Gorleston Ladies on Sunday. Getting off to a fast start Abbie Wilkinson crossing for Francesca Rainbird to score in the 2nd minute. Lina Nagib’s run through into the box seeing the ball deflect off a defender into the path of striker Lois Balfour to make it 2-0 on 21 minutes. A minute later Balfour netted her 2nd of the game heading an Ashleigh Goddard ball. Balfour celebrating her hat-trick a few minutes later turning in Rainbird’s cross. 4-0 at the Annie Northwood introduced to the action with a goal 3 minutes after the restart. Rainbird scoring her 2nd of the game a couple of minutes later Needham market 6-0 with 50 minutes gone. Gorleston capitalising on sloppy play at the back from Needham Market pulling a goal back on the hour. Northwood with her 2nd of the game from a Gemma Moore corner then setting up Abbie Wilkinson to make it 8-1 completed her hat-trick with 3 minutes left. Needham market winning 9-1.
ERWFL Division One South
Two matches in ERWFL Division One South at the weekend leaders Millwall Lionesses away to 3rd placed Leigh Ramblers Ladies. Millwall unbeaten at the top of the table getting off to a disastrous start conceding 2 goals inside the opening 8 minutes. Millwall settling building some momentum Leigh Ramblers with a 3rd goal disallowed for a foul in the build up. Molly Hawkins forcing a save from Leigh’s keeper. Shannan Drewe with a rocket to pull a goal back for the visitors with 21 minutes gone. 2-1 to Leigh Ramblers at the break Millwall out of the blocks 2nd half Drewe netting her 2nd of the game to level the scores in the 52nd minute. Leigh Ramblers providing a stern test hitting the crossbar midway through the 2nd half. Late drama Leigh Ramblers stealing the ball on the Millwall 18 yards line to retake the lead 3-2. The game into the final minute a free-kick for Millwall floated into the box met by new signing Kaitlyn Lewis to score in her debut. The game ending in a stalemate 3-3. The point enough for Leigh Ramblers to climb above Hutton into 2nd spot in the table their goals scored by Paige White and a brace for Rebecca Dalgarno.
Wodson Park Ladies winning 4-2 in the ERWFL Plate a fortnight ago made it back to back wins this Sunday again at home taking on bottom side Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Kristina O’Connell joining from Hoddesdon opening her Wodson Park account with a hat-trick against Sudbury repeated the feat against her former club this weekend with Carly Snell also getting a goal to see Wodson Park win 4-2 to pull away from the bottom two. Sam Garner in the first half and Rebecca Scola in the 2nd scoring for Hoddesdon.
First Round-Up of the New Year beginning the league reviews with the latest action from the ERWFL all three divisions shaping up nicely before the festive break. A strong ERWFL Premier Division. Harlow Town Ladies six points clear of the rest at the top at the end of 2019, looking to push on and win the title. Some strong challengers below as all 12 sides were in action at the weekend.
Harlow Town Ladies hosting 2nd placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies who have a game in hand. The visitors taking the lead in the game going 1-0 up early in the match. An eventful first half Harlow came back to level, scoring twice more to hold a 3-2 lead at the half-time interval. Harlow pulling further in front in the 2nd period went on to win the match 5-2 at extend their lead at the top of the table to 9 points with 10 left to play. Five different goal scorers for Harlow, Fran Gamble scoring her 7th of the season, a 5th goal of the season for both Abbey Dell and Georgia Box whilst Amy Nash and Hannah Porter were all on target with a 4th goal of the season each. Leah Cudone scoring her 15th of the campaign for Peterborough North Star with Stephanie Gale also celebrating her first goal for the club.
Georgia Box amongst the goal scorers for Harlow Town Ladies on Sunday (photo credit Proud of Harlow)
Remains very tight below Harlow, Luton Town Ladies climbing back up to 3rd in the table after a late goal secured all three points away to Wroxham Women on Sunday. A highly competitive match both sides testing the goalkeeper early on. Tight in midfield both sides battling to find the opening goal proving hard to break down. 0-0 at half-time Luton have the tightest defence in the league conceding just 11 goals so far this season and worked hard in defence to keep another clean sheet clearing the ball off the line late on bodies in to block. The visitors finding the winning goal in the 83rd minute Rebecca Kane joining top scorer Jess McKay on 11 goals for the season as she struck a shot across the keeper. Luton also hitting the post in the closing minutes.
Royston Town Women up there too in the cluster of sides in the top half of the ERWFL Premier Division going into their 1st game of 2020 on 20 points alongside Wroxham and Luton were making the trip across to Essex on Sunday to face Bowers & Pitsea Ladies who had enjoyed a solid start to life playing at this level for the first time. An even start to the match Bowers & Pitsea gaining some momentum putting pressure on the Royston defence chances created, Royston goalkeeper Ellie Pickard with two superb saves to keep it at 0-0 midway through the 2nd half the visitors going on to score the opening goal in the 34th minute Rebecca Vass with the through ball to send Emma Salter in on goal to make it 1-0.
Royston leading at half-time. Bowers & Pitsea starting well in the 2nd period coming back to level the scores in the 53rd minute Yasmin Cowley with chances in the first half up highest to head Kiera Adcock’s cross into the bottom corner. two minutes later Bowers & Pitsea were in the lead Ebony Moore at the back post making it 2-1. Royston regrouping getting it back to 2-2 in the 65th minute Danielle Carty scoring from distance. 2-2 with 18 minutes left Courtney Fraser skipping a challenge on the wing sending the ball inside for Sophie Dowman to turn and score to put Bowers & Pitsea back into the lead. The 3 points secured in the final 15 minutes, Fraser and Dowman involved in the build up to see Moore score her 2nd of the game to win it 4-2. All very tight in the middle of the table now as Bowers & Pitsea 9th join Wymondham Town Ladies and Colney Heath Ladies on 18 points, two points behind a trio on 20, including Royston and Wroxham.
Joining Wroxham and Royston on 20 points in 6th place in the table are Bedford Ladies as they won at home against St Ives Town Ladies at the weekend. St Ives promoted as Division One Champions last season in their debut season in the ERWFL finding it tough playing at this level collecting 7 points from their opening 9 matches working hard a steep learning curve held Bedford to a goalless opening half the hosts finding the break through goal in the 2nd period going on to score a further 3 to win the match 4-0.
Tight in the top half of the ERWFL Premier Division 5 points between 2nd and 6th a trio of sides queuing up below on 18 now. Bowers & Pitsea as already mentioned the other two met at the weekend with Hertfordshire side Colney Heath Ladies travelling up to Norfolk to play Wymondham Town Ladies. A host of injuries both long and short term for Wymondham to deal with this season are in a decent position coming into the New Year. Colney Heath themselves enjoying good form during the first half of the season both will fancy there chances of pushing into the top half towards the end of the season. Wymondham opening the scoring in the 36th minute Chelsea Clarke setting up top scorer Hannah Waters to fire home her 16th of the season. Olivia Mari equalising for Colney Heath on the stroke of half-time pouncing on the rebound as a well struck free-kick hit the crossbar.
1-1 going into the 2nd half Wymondham retaking the lead early on Waters on target with her 2nd of the match scoring from an impossible angle. Wymondham pressing the attack Katie Knights setting up Laura Nicholls her shot hitting the bar coming back down into play Waters on the follow up blocked, Knights pouncing to put Wymondham 3-1 ahead. Laura Nicholls top scorer for Wymondham last season back amongst the goals after a spell out with injury Jennifer Grey playing her in to score her 9th of the season with 15 minutes left to play. Nicholls 10th of the season coming inside the final five minutes a great individual effort to make it 5-1. Colney Heath’s top scorer Samiara Khan pulling it back to 5-2 with 2 minutes left on the clock Wymondham beginning 2020 with a win.
2020 saw the 2nd battle of the season between the basement sides AFC Dunstable Women and Haringey Borough Women a tough 1st half of the season just 3 points between them both without a win on the board. A transitional period for both, AFC Dunstable a new look side rebuild over the summer after almost folding. Both battling week in week out as they look to improve. The points shared in a 1-1 draw when they met at Haringey earlier in the season. Hannah Ring with her 3rd goal of the season putting Dunstable into the lead on Sunday. A great strike from Rosie Missen for Haringey seeing the visitors come back to level the scores and the points shared for the 2nd time.
ERWFL Division One North
A superb first half of the season for Cambridge City Ladies Development as the newly promoted side made their ERWFL debut in Division One North winning 5 of their opening 7 matches with just one loss. That result a 1-0 defeat away to AFC Sudbury Ladies. A vital first win of the season too for Sudbury relegated the season before and rebuilding with a new look young side. Pressure applied by King’s Lynn Town Ladies moving into 2nd a point behind to end 2019, Cambridge City played host to AFC Sudbury at the start of 2020. The visitors taking the lead in the 16th minute held onto their advantage late into the 2nd half. Cambridge City doing everything but score the first time they met at last finding a reply with 20 minutes to go Megan Stow tapping home at the far post to make it 1-1. 2 minutes later the hosts were in front Ellie Cullum poking home a Bella Simmons through ball. A quickfire double in the final 5 minutes securing the 3 points Yasmin Crow and then Stow with her 2nd of the game seeing it end 4-1.
A strong run of 5 straight wins seeing King’s Lynn Town Ladies recover from losing their opening two games to finish up 2nd in the Division One North table a point behind the leaders Cambridge City at the end of 2019. That form continued into the New Year as they extended their winning run away to bottom side Gorleston Ladies on Sunday. A tough introduction to the ERWFL for Gorleston finding themselves adrift at the bottom of the Division One North table without a point on the board with 5 games played. Started 2020 with a positive performance that will give them plenty of encouragement going forwards though as they were unlucky not to take anything away from the match at the weekend going down to a 2-1 defeat. Beth Turner getting off the mark for Gorleston levelling the scores in the first half after Katie Ward had put King’s Lynn in front. Emma Corbyn on target for the fourth match in a row scoring the winning goal for the visitors in the 2nd period her 7th of the season.
A local derby too in ERWFL Division One North at the weekend too as Suffolk sides Needham Market Women and East Bergholt United Ladies locked horns for the 2nd time time this season. Both promoted to the ERWFL for the first time this season were neck and neck in the race for the Suffolk Women’s Division title last season. East Bergholt United edging it to complete a 2nd successive league and cup double, began life at a higher level well leading early on 2nd for much of 2019 edged into 3rd by King’s Lynn, a 1-0 home win against Needham Market earlier in the season. Needham Market playing in just their 2nd season since forming taking time to find their feet at this level a great result against their local rivals at the weekend. Lois Balfour amongst the goals for both their new Reserves sides and now the first team opening the scoring early making it 1-0 with just 5 minutes played. Amber Sparkes sending Needham Market into a 2-0 midway through the 2nd half. Sparkes adding a 2nd just 4 minutes later chipping the keeper from 30 yards. Balfour adding her 2nd of the game 2 minutes later. Megan Partridge pulling a goal back for East Bergholt before Balfour completed her hat-trick on the stroke of half-time to send Needham Market into the dressing room 5-1 up at the break. A quieter 2nd half Needham Market creating further chances striking the woodwork Balfour on target for her fourth of the game midway through the 2nd half to see the match won 6-1.
Lois Balfour sending the ball into the back of the net for Needham market Women (photo credit Ben Pooley Photography)
ERWFL Division One South
Two matches played in ERWFL Division One South at the start of 2020. Millwall Lionesses ending 2019 top of the table after joining the league in the summer after the upheaval at the club. Rebuilding and regrouping a positive outlook and a hungry squad. Began the year away to Lawford Ladies who they had beaten heavily twice this season at home in league and cup. A tough end to 2019 for Lawford a much more positive start to 2020. A bright start from Millwall out of the blocks quickly Lawford though hit them against the run of play to open the scoring captain Daisy Canny pouncing on a goalkeeping error to make it 1-0. Millwall pushed on creating chances Molly Hawkins dancing through to make it 1-1 in the 20th minute. The host continued to dominate first half but it was Lawford who retook the lead on 40 minutes Canny with her 2nd of the game alert to capitalise on a mistake outside the 18 yard box. Lawford 2-1 up at half-time. Shannan Drewe amongst the goals for Millwall towards the back end of the year pulling the visitors level midway through the 2nd half latching onto a ball over the top to score. 5 minutes later Millwall were leading Samantha Middleton newly introduced to the action volleying home from a corner to make it 3-2 with 20 minutes left. Cansu Mentesh firing home from close range off a corner in the final minute. Millwall winning 4-2 to stay 3 points in front at the top of the table.
Shannan Drewe amongst the goalscorers for Millwall Lionesses at the start of 2020 (photo credit Millwall Lionesses)
Leigh Ramblers Ladies keeping the pressure on Millwall in 2nd beaten 4-1 by Millwall at the end of 2019 the Essex side newly promoted to the ERWFL bounced back with an away win against Wodson Park Ladies to begin 2020. Abbi Brown and Rhiana Castle both scoring their first goals of the season to secure the 3 points for Leigh Ramblers as they ran out 2-1 winners over Wodson Park who put in a much improved performance to begin the new year as they look to get themselves away from the bottom of the table. Olivia Worsfold scoring her 2nd goal of the season for the hosts.
The final weekend of fixtures for 2019 in the ERWFL this weekend, the weather unfortunately playing it’s part with 4 of the 6 fixtures scheduled in the Premier Division falling by the way side. A healthy lead at the top for Harlow Town Ladies would ensure they go into the festive period top of the pile no mater what. A close battle behind the Essex side with the top half tightly congested. Peterborough Northern Star Ladies climbing into 2nd last weekend were aiming to close the gap to Harlow as they took on Bowers & Pitsea Ladies at the weekend. The hosts taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes Jessica Driscoll put through on goal from the left to score. Bowers & Pitsea coming back to level the scores in the 21st minute Sade Waters with the through ball for Yasmin Cowley to round the keeper and make it 1-1. The sides drawing at the interval. Bowers & Pitsea having opportunities in front of goal denied by Peterborough goalkeeper Sarah Hudson. Peterborough retaking the lead with 20 minutes left Chanade Henderson with the goal to make it 2-1. Top scorer Leah Cudone on target for her 14th strike of the season five minutes later to see Peterborough win the game 3-1 and open up a 5 point gap in the sides below.
Jessica Driscoll looking to take on the Bowers & Pitsea defence (photo credit James Cox Photos)
Wroxham Women made the long journey down to North London on Sunday to play bottom side Haringey Borough Women in the Premier Division a win would put them back up into 3rd spot, as it was they left it late to salvage a point, the sides goalless at the break despite Wroxham having numerous opportunities to score whilst goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook prevented Haringey from finding the opener. The hosts breaking the deadlock in the 2nd period came very close to getting their first win of the season the game a minute into stoppage time Kirstie Kindred struck to find the back of the net to score her 5th goal of the season and see Wroxham take home a point. Move into 4th level with 3rd placed Royston and 5th placed Luton on 20 points.
ERWFL Division One North
One match affected by the weather in ERWFL Division One North this weekend, top of the table Cambridge City Ladies Development home match against Needham Market Women off. An opportunity for the chasing sides to close the gap one again. East Bergholt United Ladies 2nd in the table drawing 0-0 at home to Newmarket Town Women last weekend made the trip to Norfolk this Sunday to play in form King’s Lynn Town Ladies, moving up the table fast into 3rd winning their last 4 league matches in a row a run that began away to East Bergholt back in October. A close 2-1 result then, nothing close about it this time around a King’s Lynn’s winning streak moved to 5 matches, scoring 6 without reply, 3 players all celebrating a brace, captain and top scorer Becky Russell into double figures for the season, 8 goals now for Tiffany Forshaw with Emma Corbyn on 6. The result takes King’s Lynn 2nd in the table now just a point behind Cambridge City.
A big home win at the weekend too for Newmarket Town Ladies, soon to be under new management. Craig Boneham coming in during the summer stepping down from the role. Newmarket moving swiftly to appoint Kevin Parsons taking over as first team manager. Looking on this weekend with Eddie Cuthbert looking after the team as they took on bottom side Gorleston Ladies. A brace from top scorer Annabel Cuthbert and a long range strike from Katie Webb seeing Newmarket lead 3-0 at half-time. Cuthbert completing her hat-trick early in the 2nd half her first of the afternoon would go on to score 3 more goals to give her 22 for the season, Sarah O’Rourke with her first goal for the first team also as Newmarket ran out 8-0 winners. Up to 4th in the table despite an indifferent start to the season. Congratulations too t Newmarket midfielder and dead ball specialist, Jess Linger as at just 20-years-old she made her 100th appearance for the club at the weekend.
A double hat-trick at the weekend for Newmarket Town Women striker Annabel Cuthbert (photo credit Gary Reed)
Elsewhere in ERWFL Division One North it was a clash between two sides showing recent good form in the league Histon Ladies travelling to play AFC Sudbury Ladies, the Suffolk side coming into the game off back to back victories, Histon winning their last 3 league matches. The sides contesting a goalless draw after 90 minutes to share the points. Histon in 5th on 11 points now with Sudbury a place and point behind both well positioned to push on in the New Year.
ERWFL Division One South
Millwall Lionesses end 2019 top of the pile in ERWFL Division One South moving ahead of Hutton Ladies who weren’t in action at the weekend. Millwall were at home taking on Essex side Leigh Ramblers Ladies. Unbeaten in the league Millwall level on points with Leigh Ramblers heading into the game the visitors showing good from with 3 straight wins in league and cup themselves. Hannah Cheeseman opening the scoring for Millwall in the 10th minute, putting away Shannan Drewe’s left wing cross. Few chances in the first half Leigh Ramblers with a strong finish Millwall holding onto their 1-0 advantage. Drewe amongst the goals in recent games for Millwall firing in a worldie early in the 2nd half to put the hosts 2-0 up. A strong start to the 2nd half Millwall adding a 3rd on the hour with Cheeseman putting away her 2nd of the match 5 minutes later Leigh Ramblers given a penalty pulling it back to 3-1. Drewe put in behind the defence to fire in across the goal to put Millwall 4-1 up and see them win the game and climb to the top of the table dropping just 2 points so far this season.
At the other end of the ERWFL Division One South table it was a much welcomed first 3 points of the season for Wodson Park Ladies as they travelled to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies at the weekend. The hosts with just the one win themselves Wodson Park losing their opening 6 matches. Leah Dunnage and Sam Garner with their first goals of the season for Hoddesdon. A brace for Christie Seakins her first goals of the season for Wodson Park and a 4th of the season for Chloe-Marie Clay seeing the visitors edge the win 3-2, takes them off the bottom on goal difference.
Harlow Town Ladies extend their winning run to 10 games in the league to move 9 points clear of the chasing pack in the ERWFL Premier Division. At home on Sunday taking on bottom side Haringey Borough Women. An emotional win too achieving a double figure scoreline getting off to a good start the goals flowing. 22 goals for the season now for top scorer Becky Shephard a poignant a special hat-trick scored on Sunday, thought are with her at this time. Plenty of goals to amongst the squad this season too with both Abbey Dell and Beth Chambers scoring a brace each with goals too for Frances Gamble, Georgia Box and captain Kaydee King. The final score 10-2.
Royston Town Women starting the day in 2nd spot in the ERWFL Premier Division travelled to play Bedford Ladies at the weekend. Royston with a string of early chances, a keenly fought match goalless at the break was to end in frustration for the visitors, Bedford capitalising to score the only goal of the game to win it 1-0, Maya Sidhu with the goal getting Bedford back to winning ways.
That defeat coupled with a 6th straight league win for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies sees then move up into 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division table 9 games unbeaten now in all competition following an opening day defeat. Making the trip to Norfolk this weekend to play Wymondham Town Ladies. The hosts starting the brighter taking the lead inside the opening 5 minutes, Rebecca Russell playing in top scorer Hannah Waters to make it 1-0. PNS coming back to level the scores in the 15th minute. A competitive contest Wymondham retaking the lead 5 minutes later with Chelsea Clarke sending a shot across the keeper. Back came PNS to equalise, the visitors going on to score two goals late in the first half to lead at the break 4-2. A 2 goal cushion PNS went on to add a 5th goal before the hour finishing up winning the match 6-2. Jessica Driscoll dual signed with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies scoring a hat-trick on her first appearance for PNS. Goals too for Emma Pollard, and top scorer Leah Cudone with Chanade Henderson scoring her first goal of the season.
The ERWFL Premier Division where the action on Women’s Football East came this weekend a trip down to Essex to watch the match between Bowers & Pitsea Ladies and Luton Town Ladies. Bowers & Pitsea’s recent form improving back to back wins coming into the game have added Terry Harrison to the management team. Luton relegated from the FAWNL making a good start to the season themselves blooding alot of youngsters plenty of talent within the club, 16-year-old Ellie Sergeant handed her first start. The wind at their backs a solid defensive display from Luton, Bowers & Pitsea enjoying more of the possession moving the ball well without creating much in front of goal. Luton happy to sit back taking the lead midway through the first half, as route one a goal as you’ll see goalkeeper Kezia Hassell kicking the ball forwards travelling with the wind behind it missed by the Bowers & Pitsea centre backs attacker Rebecca Kane running onto it in the clear to place wide of the keeper. Erica Byron firing in a superb strike from outside the box to double the lead.
Luton’s Funmi Babalola challenging for the ball
Luton 2-0 up at half-time. Bowers & Pitsea continued to move the ball well Luton standing firm as the hosts looking to pull a goal back Kane put in over the top late on no flag going on to slot home her 2nd of the match to see the game won 3-0. Luton climb into 4th spot in the Premier Division table. The full match report available further down the page.
ERWFL League Cup
One outstanding match from the group stages of the league cup played this Sunday to decide the winner of Group B. Millwall Lionesses and Cambridge City Ladies Development finishing level on points goal difference not counting. The pair going head to head again a thrilling 4-4 draw the last time they met. Cambridge the hosts this Sunday Millwall pressing for a goal in the first half not taking their chances the pair goalless at half-time, Cambridge improving in the 2nd half two young sides showing plenty of energy, Millwall ending the game strong Cambridge goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru with a couple of saves, in the end the 90 minutes couldn’t separate them and the game heading into extra-time both sides tiring Millwall awarded a penalty Shannan Drewe sending her spot kick over was to make amends in the 2nd period of extra-time a mazy run ending with a goal enough to see Millwall secure victory and progress to the knock-out stages of the League Cup, Cambridge going into the Plate competition.
ERWFL Division One North
With leaders Cambridge City Development in cup action this weekend it was a chance for the sides below to close the gap to the top once more. Frustration for 2nd placed East Bergholt United Ladies last time out losing 4-2 to AFC Sudbury Ladies were at home playing Newmarket Town Ladies this weekend. As it was defences stood firm as the pair battled out a goalless draw to both take a point from the match enough to keep East Bergholt 2nd 3 points back from the leaders.
Coming up the rails at a gallop are King’s Lynn Town Ladies up to 3rd in the ERWFL Division One North table with a 4th straight league win. Bar a penalty shootout loss are unbeaten in 7 now in all competitions. The Norfolk side travelling down into Suffolk this weekend to play Needham Market Women. King’s Lynn making a strong start leading within 2 minutes a 2nd coming before 10 minutes were on the clock, Needham Market coming back creating chances King’s Lynn getting the better of the hosts to score twice more to lead 4-0 at half-time. King’s Lynn holding their advantage deep into the 2nd period Needham Market with a late fightback, Sasha Diston letting fly from 30 yards with 16 minutes left finding the top corner to make it 4-1. Captain Nicola Henderson with a goal a minute later also hit from 30 yards out bringing it back to 4-2. 10 minutes left Henderson with another long range hit getting it back to 4-3. The hosts tails up pressing forwards in search of an equaliser King’s Lynn exposing the high line to get forwards a score a 5th goal to seal the win 5-3 in the 88th minute. Emma Corbyn with a pair. Captain Becky Russell with her 9th goal of the season and a first of the season for Lily Porter and Deva Rawlings.
AFC Sudbury Ladies travelled up to the Norfolk coast at the weekend looking to build on last Sunday’s win against East Bergholt as they took on bottom side Gorleston Ladies still looking for their first point since joining the ERWFL. A close contest Gorleston unlucky not to get more from the match as they went down narrowly 3-2. AFC Sudbury with back to back wins up to 5th in the Division One North table, goals from Olivia Gunn, Rebecca Stephenson and Amy Thompson securing the 3 points despite the visitors ending with 10 players Evie Creaton sent off for collecting 2 yellow cards. Sophie Gillett and Nicole Sheldrake with her first of the season scoring for Gorleston.
ERWFL Division One South
One game played in ERWFL Division One South this weekend and it was a good result at home for newly promoted Leigh Ramblers Ladies their recent good form continuing their unbeaten run up to 4 matches now with 3 wins on the bounce. Taking on 4th placed Stevenage Women Development a brace from Rebecca Dalgarno along with a goal each for Georgia Holdaway, Kate Newton and Lucy Dalgarno seeing Leigh Ramblers to a 5-1 win that moves them level on points with 2nd placed Millwall Lionesses who they play this coming Sunday. Hannah Marshall scoring the goal for Stevenage.
Harlow Town Ladies fantastic start to the season continues unabated as they move 8 points clear at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with their winning streak moving onto 9 matches. The only points dropped to date way back on the opening day draw against Wymondham Town Ladies. Harlow’s 9th straight win coming on the road this weekend a trip to Bedfordshire to played AFC Dunstable Women. A 7-1 win in the reverse fixture back in September. AFC Dunstable working hard to improve, Harlow not at their best at the weekend still finding the back of the net for three goals to come away with the three points. Abbey Dell, Chloe Bassett and a 19th of the season from Becky Shephard securing the victory.
Plenty of challenges to come for Harlow as the chasing pack look to close them down and take points off each other in the process, with 2nd placed Wroxham Women’s match away to St Ives Town Ladies postponed it was an opportunity for Royston Town Women to move above them as they played host to Colney Heath Ladies. Top scorer Rebecca Vass finally breaking the deadlock to put Royston 1-0 up at half-time with her 17th strike of the season. Colney Heath have their own goal machine this season Samaira Khan prolific in front of goal since joining in the summer putting the visitors level early in the 2nd half. A goal disallowed for offside, Vass then fired Royston back in front with her 2nd of the match Colney Heath responding straight away to equalise for a 2nd time, Khan with her 2nd of the. Khan then bringing up her hat-trick to put Colney Heath into the lead with 80 minutes left to play. 19 goals for Khan now. Royston frustrated at conceding awarded a late minute penalty, Joanne Rutherford stepping up to take and salvage a point. Enough to take Royston 2nd in the Premier Division table.
Games in hand on the three sides above them Peterborough Northern Star Ladies climb up to 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division table with their 4th straight league win. At home this Sunday playing Bedford Ladies. Winning 3-1 in the reverse fixture back in September their good form continued as they emerged 5-2 winners to collect the 3 points. Leah Cudone netting a brace top scorer this season with 12 so far. Emma Pollard alos on target for a goal along with Evie Driscoll-King and Faith Horner scoring her first goal for the club. Priya Bhatti and Natasha Fensome scoring the Bedford goals.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies, Faith Horner
Bowers & Pitsea Ladies ended a run of 5 straight losses with a great result away to Colney Heath last time out winning 2-1. Were looking to build on recent performances having made a good start to life played in the ERWFL Premier Division for the first time. Away to bottom side Haringey Borough Women this weekend. The Essex side taking the lead on 18 minutes Georgia Fraser cutting the ball back towards the top of the area for Megan Harley to put away her 9th goal of the season. Fraser setting up the 2nd goal too flicking the ball on for Yasmin Cowley to run in behind the defence and score 6 minutes later. A 3rd goal coming late in the first half Taylor Adcock captaining the side scoring her 1st of the season firing in a 35 yard free-kick. A comfortable lead for Bowers & Pitsea at half-time. Donna Fletcher with a 30 yard shot putting the visitors 4-0 with nearly an hour played. An own goal adding a 5th in the final 10 minutes, Haringey netting a late consolation in the final minute, Bowers & Pitsea up to 8th winning 5-1.
ERWFL Division One North
With the leaders, Cambridge City Ladies Development seeing their match away to Gorleston Ladies called off on Sunday it was an opportunity for 2nd placed East Bergholt United Ladies to close the gap to within a point at the top should they win away in their Suffolk derby with AFC Sudbury Ladies this weekend. Megan Partridge formerly of Sudbury putting East Bergholt into the lead. Sudbury with a chance to level from the penalty spot, Becca Stephenson clinical with her 5th goal of the season to make it 1-1. Sudbury going on to taking the lead Charlene Roach finding the top corner from close range. Amy Thompson showing good footwork inside the box getting a shot away taking a wicked deflection onto the post and back across the line to grab her first for the club. Evie Creaton with a bullet header down into the East Bergholt goal to celebrate her first of goal to put Sudbury 4-1 ahead. Georgia Lockerbie with a late goal pulling it back to 4-2 for East Bergholt. Sudbury’s new look young side picking up just their 2nd league win of the season, the first of course against leaders Cambridge City Development.
Needham Market Women’s match away to Histon Ladies also postponed on Sunday it’s now getting very tight in the middle of the Division One North table, King’s Lynn Town Ladies finding their form after losing their opening two league matches, a 3rd straight win coming away to Newmarket Town Women on Sunday. Emma Corbyn with her first goals of the season netting a brace. Captain Becky Russell with a goal taking her onto 8 so far this season. Nikita Morris also on the scoresheet in a 4-0 result with her first goal for the club.
ERWFL Division One South
A full fixture list in ERWFL Division One South at the weekend. Hutton Ladies leading the way a perfect start winning 4 from 4 were looking to make it 5 from 5 as they played host to bottom side Wodson Park Ladies, the Hertfordshire side still looking for their first points of the campaign with 5 straight defeats. Hutton scoring plenty of goals, in particular top scorer Vicky Kinsman on target once again this weekend to bury 4 more goals taking her to 28 for the season in just 8 matches. Kate Lowen also celebrating a goal as the Essex side ran out 5-1 winners.
Looking to chase Hutton down are Stevenage Ladies Development and Millwall Lionesses 2nd and 3rd level on 10 points each after 4 played both unbeaten meeting this weekend Millwall the away side fielding the bare 11 on Sunday battling to a goalless draw at the break. Shannan Drewe firing home her 11th goal of the season putting Millwall into the lead early in the 2nd period. Millwall fighting to keep their lead intact a clean sheet for Kelly Webster seeing Millwall win the 3 points to en Stevenage’s unbeaten record and move 3 points clear in 2nd spot.
A high scoring match to end this weeks ERWFL Round-Up. Initially listed a 0-0 on full-time was told on two fronts it actually ended 9-5 between Lawford Ladies and Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Corrected on full-time now but still reading a 0-0 at half-time I don’t believe that either. A tough start to the season for both Lawford earning their first point of the season against Leigh Ramblers Ladies 3 weeks ago back in league action this Sunday away to Hoddesdon with just the 10 available. Conceding 5, battled through to hit their opponents for 9 up the other end to win their first game of the season. Daisy Canny often Lawford’s talisman on target for 7 goals in the match. Nancy Bulter with a brace scoring her first goals of the season.
The top two meeting the the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with Wroxham Women 2nd making the trip down to Essex to play leaders Harlow Town Ladies. Having lost to Harlow twice this season already in the league and FA Women’s Cup illness and unavailability making thing’s tough as the Norfolk side look to close the 3 point gap at the top. Harlow quickly on top scoring within the opening 90 seconds. A further injury blow for Wroxham seeing Grace Parker forced off Harlow continued to push forwards taking a 2-0 lead a 3rd goal coming late in the 1st half 3-0 up at the break. Wroxham putting in the shift, Harlow strong Amy Bell with a double save the hosts went on to take a 4 goal lead. Wroxham battling striker Kirstie Kindred brought down in the box scoring from the resulting penalty. Rhianne Brister scoring to pull it back to 4-2. Harlow would have the final say Becky Shephard scoring their 5th goal to see them do the league double over Wroxham winning 5-2.
Fantastic action shot from Sunday’s match (photo credit Proud of Harlow)
As Harlow open up a 6 point lead at the top of the Premier Division it remains very tight amongst the chasing pack, Royston Town Ladies up to 3rd in the table now joining Wroxham on 19 points as they won at home on Sunday a comfortable result in the finish taking on newly promoted St Ives Town Ladies, Rebecca Vass prolific in front of goal this season following her move from Bedford Ladies on target for 5 goals in the match taking her tally to 16 for the season. Emma Slater also scoring for Royston along with Samantha Edgar in a 7-2 result. Katie Stancombe with her 1st goal of the season and Georgia Stancombe scoring the goals for St Ives.
Didn’t get a mention last week as their weren’t enough games played in the ERWFL to see a Round-Up produced was a very good result for Bowers & Pitsea Ladies they lost 3-2 to leaders Harlow Town Ladies, a loss may not sound like a good result but it was a much improved performance compared to the 16-1 drubbing they suffered in the reverse fixture at the start of the season a blip on what has other wise been a solid first season playing in the Premier Division. Giving the Essex side a bit of confidence as they travelled to Hertfordshire to play the 3rd placed Colney Heath Ladies this weekend, in good form themselves. Bowers & Pitsea edging the first half taking the lead on the half hour Yasmin Cowley’s strike taking a deflection on it’s way into the back of the net. Colney Heath coming back to level the scores midway through the 2nd half. 1 all heading into the final 6 minutes, Cowley finding space there to receive Megan Harley’s cut back to score her 2nd of the game and win it for Bowers & Pitsea.
For the 2nd successive weekend it was a Bedfordshire derby as Luton Town Ladies made the short trip to play rivals Bedford Ladies. Meeting in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup quarter finals with Luton hosting last weekend they won 7-1 to advance in the competition. A much closer result this time around in the league with both sides on 14 points heading into the game. Luton with an early lead Rebecca Kane heading in on 3 minutes from a Zara Carroll free-kick. Bedford coming back to level within 10 minutes the visitors then going 2-1 ahead through a controversial free-kick. All action first half Kane on target for her 2nd of the game making it 2-2 to Luton with 5 minutes left to play in the 1st period, Kane than rounding the keeper in the final minute of the 1st half to complete her hat-trick put Luton 3-2 ahead. That how the score remained heading into the final 10 minutes Luton getting themselves a 2 goal cushion as Erica Byron smashed a shot into the roof of the net. Bedford coming back to make it 4-3 Luton holding out for the victory.
Wymondham Town Ladies are up to 7th in the Premier Division table 4 points behind 2nd and 3rd placed Wroxham and Royston now winning for the 4th time this season, were at home taking on bottom side Haringey Borough Women. Hannah Waters rounding the keeper in the 5th minute to put the hosts into the lead. Waters doubling the advance in the 22nd minute. 14 goals for the season now for Waters. Midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan amongst the goals too this season for Wymondham scoring a brace in the match to keep pace with Waters on 14 goals her first of the day making it 3-0 after the visitors failed to clear a corner. 3-0 up at half-time Laura Nichols released by Rebecca Russell through on goal to round the keeper and score in the 63rd minute putting Wymondham 4-0 up. O’Callaghan’s 2nd coming soon after scoring from a good run forwards. Katie Knights on hand to score after Haringey fail to clear from a corner in the 70th minute making it 6-0. The visitors going straight up the other end to score a consolation. Nichols celebrating her 2nd of the game wrapping up a 7-1 victory for Wymondham in the 90th minute once again set-up by Russell.
ERWFL Division One North
The top two in ERWFL Division One North due to meet at the weekend, East Bergholt United Ladies due to host leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development saw their match called off. The postponement an opportunity for the sides below to close the gap to the leading pair. Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies finding their form in the league were looking to make it 3 wins on the bounce as they travelled to the Norfolk coast to play Gorleston Ladies. New signing Poppy Kelly scoring a hat-trick along with a goal from Alison Wright seeing Histon win comfortably 4-0 to climb into 3rd place in the table 2 points behind East Bergholt.
Women’s Football East made the journey to Bloomfields home of Needham Market Women on Sunday to watch their match against Newmarket Town Women. New to the league Needham Market had secured their first win playing at this level for the first time at home to Suffolk rivals AFC Sudbury Ladies a fortnight ago, victory in the County Cup following had the opportunity to make it 3 wins on the spin as they took on Newmarket, the full match report can be found further down the page. Newmarket settling quicker, forcing an error from a corner to take the lead captain Sasha Diston heading into her own net a further error from the goalkeeper seeing Newmarket take a 2-0 lead Lauren Deller striking from outside the box and the ball was presented to her. A life line for Needham Market coming late in the first half Newmarket’s goalkeeper with the error this time failing to collect Lois Balfour’s through ball for Francesca Rainbird the Needham Market winger tenacious winning the ball and sending it into the back of the net.
Needham Market captain, Sasha Diston with a goal for each side
Needham Market coming out with a strong start to the 2nd half equalising straight away a corner won dropping inside the six yard box a fortunate deflection putting it straight at Diston to score and make it 2-2. An intriguing match open could have gone either way Needham Market taking the lead for the first time in the game scoring from another corner the ball knocked down into the feet of Rainbird she struck it back in off the underside of the bar. Annie Northwood giving Needham Market a two goal cushion as Newmarket pressed for a reply the visitors managing to get it back to 4-3 with seconds left no time to mount another attack Needham Market joining Newmarket of 7 points for the season.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies losing their opening two league games in Division One North got thier first win under their belt away to East Bergholt United Ladies back on October. Postponements and cup matches since were hosting another Suffolk side this weekend as they made it back to back wins in the league taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies. Goals from captain Becky Russell and a first of the season for fellow midfielder Tegan Wheeler securing the 3 points courtesy of a 2-1 win.
ERWFL Division One South
Leigh Ramblers Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL join Stevenage FC Women Development and Millwall Lionesses on 10 points the trio now all 2 points behind leaders Hutton Ladies. Away from home this weekend playing the only match in the Division were taking on Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Emily Diwell on target netting 4 times in the match as the Essex side ran out 10-2 winners. Rebecca Dalgarno scoring a brace, with 3 more players celebrating their first goals of the season, Chloe Gilligan also bagging a brace with Paige White and Connie Mashford off the mark for the season. Lauren Hasler scoring in the first half for Hoddesdon with Jo Brookman scoring her first goal for the club in the 85th minute.
League action this weekend on Women’s Football East, a game from the ERWFL Division One North, newly promoted Needham Market Women hosting Newmarket Town Ladies.
A meeting between two sides that have several similarities, a young talented squad looking to make an impact. Needham Market Women just over a year old formed during last summer made a great start one of several new sides competing in an expanded Suffolk Women’s Division. Made a strong debut pushing eventual champions East Bergholt United Ladies all the way in the title race aswell as reaching the finals of both the League and County Cup. Moving straight up to join the ERWFL along with East Bergholt, the club setting up a new Reserves side to compete the the Suffolk Women’s Division, going well with a 100% record after 7 games played.
Freya Louis one of the youngest managers around looking after the 1st team and pretty much involved with everything to do with the club. Passionate about her role and loving it to the max, writes the Happy Gaffer blog in her spare time and most recently has set up the #WeAre twitter account with the aim to celebrate females in all roles within the game and to encourage more participation, to find out more go to and follow@UK_WeAre
Stepping up to the regional set-up Needham Market into Division One split into two divisions this season North & South. Are in the North league along with East Bergholt, Cambridge City Ladies Development and Gorleston Ladies also new this season with AFC Sudbury, Histon, King’s Lynn and Newmarket seeing 8 competing. Has been a stop start season so far for Needham Market which can often be the case for ERWFL in the first half of the season. 3 league games played so far yielding 4 points. Cup games dominating for the large part the early stage of the League Cup seeing the Division One teams divided up into 4 groups of 4 playing each other once with the group winners going on to join the Premier Division sides in the knockout stages, Needham Market topping Group C. Lois Balfour featuring for the first team today, prolific in front of goal for the Reserves so far this season with 28 goals from just 7 appearances.
Newmarket Town Ladies beginning their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL made a solid debut upon stepping up into regional league football, quickly found their feet in a highly competitive single division last season eventually finishing in fifth spot. On top of that won silverware as they reached the final of the ERWFL Plate beating Histon Ladies to lift the trophy. Reestablishing a Development side this season, Craig Boneham coming in to take charge of the 1st team as the club looks to push on once again. The ERWFL Division One North looking a strong league this season Newmarket have 7 points from their opening 5 games, young striker Annabel Cuthbert finding her form in front of goal early netting 16 goals so far this season from 10 played.
Bloomfields the venue for today’s game home of Needham Market FC, it’s women’s sides part of a wider club and academy. The Hub cafe & bar was in construction the last time I visited now build dominating as you enter the ground the grass pitch beyond overlooking the 3G pitch where today’s game will be played. Two stories the ground floor home to the changing facilities, the upper floor housing a conference room and the cafe itself serving hot and cold food and drinks a balcony for viewing surrounding it. A smart looking set-up. A hive of activity very much a community feel to the place. Pity the weather was rubbish, dull and overcast, the rain though should stay away. A game taking place on the 3G on arrival would run into the next game causing a delay in kick-off so both sides can get warmed up properly.
Needham Market Women starting XI – Freya Louis, Jodie Sharp, Ashleigh Goddard, Maria Smith, Amy Dunn, Sasha Diston (C), Taylor Cooke, Amber Sparkes, Francesca Rainbird, Lois Balfour & Annie Northwood. Subs – Megan Stock.
A few players missing for Needham Market only able to name the one substitute, manager Freya Louis donning the goalkeeping gloves today with 1st choice keeper Amber leeks out injured. Newmarket naming two 16-year-old Development players amongst their squad today Rebecca Towler and Layla Weston. Needham Market to get the first half underway wearing an all red kit with yellow trim. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. Back to the defence Newmarket quick to close down on the right forcing a throw, Needham market build again through the middle captain Sasha Diston bringing a wealth of experience to Needham Market having joined in the summer playing the ball forwards into Lois Balfour she lays it out to the left wing, Francesca Rainbird racing down the line fizzing in a cross towards the near post Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield racing in clearing despite goalkeeper Elli-Rai Quinn-Nichols well placed to pick up.
Newmarket bring the ball out from the back central forwards into attacker Lauren Deller, spots Molly Agnew making a run on the left putting the pas into her feet she takes it on Jodie Sharp, another of Needham Market’s summer recruits playing right back getting back across Agnew to defend and play the ball back to her keeper to clear. Woodfield plays a fantastic pass from the back out long to the rights to set Laura Brame away recently joining Newmarket was at Needham Market at the beginning of the season. Against her former club takes the ball in behind a good turn of pace letting fly from the angle her shot over the bar.
Newmarket Town Ladies captain, Beth Woodfield
Brame played in again on the right after another superb ball from Woodfield at the back taking the ball on travelling into the box Maria Smith sliding on to tackle brilliantly for Needham Market the ball sent behind for a corner kick. The corner delivered near side Woodfield running forwards to meet it getting a firm header on the ball looming high into the air dropping over the goal.
Rainbird getting hold of the ball for Needham market left side threads a pass through to Annie Northwood in attack, joining from rival East Bergholt United scoring 40 goals last season. Northwood touching the ball looks to shift inside to get a shot away inside the box, well read and defended by Newmarket centre back Chloe Slater. Maria Smith with another fine piece of defending on Annabel Cuthbert central as Deller almost slides her through in behind, the ball put back to Louis to kick clear. Holly Dryland up on halfway as Newmarket lose the ball does well defensively to stop Needham market getting away on the wing.
Holly Dryland in to win the challenge for Newmarket
Needham Market win the ball back central put forwards into Amber Sparkes she plays the ball forwards with the outside of her boot scooping it over the Newmarket defence for Northwood getting in behind moving to the right into the area sends a shot in low across the keeper, Quinn-Nicholls down well throwing out a glove to push the ball wide of the far post for a corner. A god delivery in from the right through the six yard box, Diston the target gets no contact retrieved by Sparkes hooks the ball over her head back across the face of goal Diston inches away again.
Needham Market Women’s Amber Sparkes
Diston with a strike from distance off a throw in on the left side sets her sights from 40 yards out on target one bounce in the box, Quinn-Nichols catching safely right behind it. Newmarket pressing well showing good movement intercepting more than one mislaid Needham Market pass and getting it forwards quickly, Deller finding room coming for the ball, Brame and Agnew outlets on either flank. Nearly pays off as Agnew is played in right side squaring a cross into Cuthbert top of the area a great piece of skill to wrong foot the defence and get into the box, Maria Smith recovering fantastic to dive in make the challenge put the ball away for the corner before Cuthbert can pull the trigger.
Molly Agnew looking for a passing option as she gets hold of the ball for Newmarket
GOAL! Closing in on the opening 20 minutes and Newmarket open the scoring. From the corner kick put in from the right Woodfield making the run once again closer in across goal, forcing the error Diston getting her head on the ball to her dismay sends it into her own goal 0-1.
Needham Market haven’t settled not giving themselves enough time on the ball in the early stages Sparkes gets hold of the ball 40 yards out and battles her way forwards riding a couple of tackles before shooting from the top of the box, the ball straight into Quinn-Nicholls back on her line. Sparks has Sharp making a run on the overlap right side puts her in taking it to the line sends in a cross along the top of the six yard box the ball cut out by Slater.
Amy Dunn clearing the ball for Needham Market
Sparkes showing intent in attack getting on for Needham Market a great pass forwards putting her in by Diston central Sparkes quick takes the ball into the area, right of goal has it in her sights Slater coming to close opts to take another tough into the six yard box wide of the post turns inside looking to knock it past the keeper and shoot, Quinn-Nicholls down at her feet makes the save. Needham Market creating opportunities now have a free-kick wide on the left the ball flighted in goes long Taylor Cooke hooking it back in across goal beyond the far post met first time by Northwood fired over.
Antonia Smith and Jess Linger working well together in the centre of Newmarket frustrating Needham Market as they look to play the ball though the middle, Rainbird always ready to break on the left for Needham Market almost in behind, Rebecca Towler getting in close to tackle and deny the cross. Louis races out of her area to get to the ball first as Cuthbert is played in behind by Antonia Smith getting forwards as Brame wins the ball. Amy Dunn coming to help Sharp on the right as Agnew receives from Deller in the middle.
Laura Brame playing the ball for Newmarket
Balfour on the ball high on the right for Needham Market passing central for Diston getting forwards good work on the ball dinks it over the top into the area for Northwood great control with her first before shooting lifting the ball high but straight at Quinn-Nicholls, gloves up palms it down coolly. Cuthbert has been almost gotten away from the Needham Market defence on a few ocassions playing off the shoulder of the last defender, more often than not Maria Smith has been the defender making the vital tackle. The home sides turning play around quickly look to get Sparkes away central as she comes inside, Dryland getting her toe on the ball to deflect it away from her into the box for Quinn-Nichols to clear.
GOAL! Late in the first half Newmarket double their lead Brame running with the ball on the right in behind crosses into the box, Louis coming out to that side gets her fists on the ball, pushes it out of her area, but it well out of position as the ball falls straight to Deller 20 yards out puts her foot through the ball rifling it into the back of the empty net 0-2.
Lauren Deller fires Newmarket into a 2-0 lead
Sparkes seems intent on taking the whole Newmarket defence on at once as she picks up the ball 35 yards out central forces her way forwards checking back inside the D, spots Rainbird to the left breaking in behind attempts to chip the ball to her, Woodfield getting hold of it clearing for Newmarket.
GOAL! Time almost up first half, Needham Market frustrated so far getting a late lifeline on the attack Balfour lifting the pass forwards for Rainbird racing on into the box, Quinn-Nichols to the ball first knocking in away from the winger, does claim however as Rainbird gets back on her to steal possession and roll the ball into the empty net beyond 1-2.
On last attack for Newmarket Deller taking the ball on down the left, Sharp quick staying with her for Needham Market putting in a good challenge to win the ball back.
Half-time Needham Market Women 1-2 Newmarket Town Women
2-1 to Newmarket at half-time, a late life line for Needham Market giving them something to take into the first half. Good chances created by both sides the goals however all coming from errors. An intriguing contest, Newmarket settling the quicker looking a threat out wide and Deller picking up the ball finding space. Needham Market frustrated passes not finding their marked have more time on the ball than they are giving themselves. The game still very much there for the taking.
No changes at the break the floodlights coming on Newmarket to get the 2nd half underway. Sparkes on the attack straight away forcing her way forwards brought down 30 yards out winning a free-kick. On the set-piece herself goes for goal on target finds its way through but not troubling Quinn-Nichols. A positive start from the hosts on the offence driving forwards Sharp running in behind on the right delivering a low cross into the area takes a deflection sending it behind for a corner.
GOAL! Needham Market straight back on level terms at the start of the 2nd half an inswinging corner falling into the six yard box takes an unfortunate deflection of a Newmarket defender sending it straight into the path of Diston close in to stab over the line and equalise 2-2.
Needham Market captain, Sasha Diston
Needham Market fired up now coming forwards a fantastic through ball to set Northwood away into the area clear left of goal fires a low drive across goal, Quinn-Nichols down well to save pushing the ball wide well away from danger. Newmarket win the ball central Linger into Brame left forwards to Cuthbert making a run into the channel the striker carrying the ball inside looking for a shooting opportunity tackled by Dunn, the ball spins loose to Deller central her first time strike charged down.
Jess Linger, Newmarket’s dead ball specialist
Newmarket make a double change Towler and Agnew coming off on come Yasmin Woodfield and Jordanne Sillitoe. Linger a threat from any dead ball situation, over a free-kick 40 yards out, plays the ball into the box swinging towards the far post, Louis doesn’t catch the ball dropping wide of goal. Diston plays a nice crossfield pass 30 yards out left into Sharp advancing into the area on the right catching it on the volley blasts into the side netting. Needham Market make a change Sparkes the player off Megan Stock on comes over to left back with Goddard switching to the right Sharp pushed forwards. Goddard called into action right side straight away defending well as Cuthbert controlling the ball 25 yards out looks to shift and shoot.
Needham Market’s Ashleigh Goddard
Anyone’s game at the moment Needham Market coming back well, both sides looking to get forwards. Sharp getting clear on the right into the corner does well to get a cross towards the top of the six yards box, think it’s Balfour racing in near post stooping into the header, sends the attempt wide across goal. Stock linking up with Rainbird bringing the ball out from the back the latter crossing along the top of the area Northwood receiving looks to tie up Balfour inside the box, Beth Woodfield in between the strikers intercepts the pass. Newmarket make another change Layla Weston coming on for Deller.
Development player, Layla Weston on for her senior team debut for Newmarket
Goddard shown the first yellow card of the game for a somewhat ungainly challenge on Cuthbert as she attempts to break into the box. The free-kick in a dangerous position 20 yards out left of the D, Linger over the ball takes on the shot, on target Louis with a superb save tipping it over the bar, is rather pleased with her effort. The resulting corner sees Slater almost steal in around the back to poke out a boot stab towards goal her shot blocked. Needham Market hit Newmarket on the counter Northwood carrying the ball down the left all the way into the area closing in on goal drags her shot wide of the near post. The game entering he final 15 minutes Sharp causing problems for Newmarket on the right in attack a surging run with the ball towards the ball Slater tackling the ball behind for the corner.
Needham Market’s, Jodie Sharp
GOAL! Needham Market come back from 2-0 down to take the lead for the first time in the match. The corner from the right into a congested six yard box Quinn-Nichols up amongst bodies gets her fist on the ball knocks it down and straight at Rainbird back on the penalty spot an instinctive hit lifts her shoot back in an down off the underside of the crossbar 3-2.
Newmarket respond straight away with a substitution, Hannah Rogers on Brame coming off. Needham Market lively getting players forwards Rainbird continuing to carry a threat on the left winning a corner. Diston making thing’s tick in the middle for Needham Market now coming inside of a throw in right side drags a shot narrowly wide from 20 yards out. The game open Needham Market on the attack, Newmarket still carrying a threat up the other end Cuthbert pushing the ball central for Sillitoe can’t get a clean connection as she throws herself into the shot.
Newmarket come forwards Antonia Smith playing it on for Cuthbert on the left comes infield is challenged the ball deflected spins out to Sillitoe right comes inside top of the area into a shooting position a shot curled in low Louis diving to her right making the save.
GOAL! Needham Market get down the other end win a corner on the right the delivery in with pace attacked near side missed runs across goal, Balfour racing after it to retrieve left side turns an fires the ball in towards the near post, Northwood sticking out a leg meets the ball turning it into the back of the net to give the hosts a 2 goal cushion late in the match 4-2.
Annie Northwood battling for the ball with Antonia Smith.
Needham Market come forwards Balfour playing her pass out to Rainbird advancing on the left shoots towards the near post Quinn-Nichols down to make the save. Sharp on the opposite flank striking the ball on the run blasting it wide across goal. Time running out Needham Market starting to put everyone behind the ball Newmarket press forwards, Dunn and Maria Smith solid through out the game.
Needham Market centre backs, Maria Smith and Amy Dunn
GOAL! Into stoppage time a last gasp free-kick wide on the right for Newmarket Linger to delivery played long to the far post knocked down back across goal, defended on the line the block putting it straight into Sillitoe to smash home from close range pull a goal back 4-3.
No time left however for another attack the final whistle blows and Needham Market record back to back wins in the league to join Newmarket on 7 points.
Full time Needham Market Women 4-3 Newmarket Town Ladies
A thoroughly entertaining match this afternoon, Needham Market coming back from trailing 2- to win the game 4-3. Newmarket having the best of the 1st half causing Needham market problems creating chances forcing errors. A vital goal coming late in the 1st period for Needham Market began the 2nd half strongly straight back on level terms. The game wide open for a spell, Needham Market taking the lead and getting a 2 goal cushion, Newmarket never out of it pulling one back late hadn’t enough time left to find another.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders out there. Lauren Deller for Newmarket scoring their 2nd goal, finding pockets of space between midfield and defence almost had Cuthbert in on goal on a couple of ocassions. For Needham Market I’ve mentioned the centre backs a few times, Maria Smith in particular with some great tackles first half to prevent Newmarket shooting. Jodie Sharp in defence but mostly in attack a threat on the right as was Francesca Rainbird on the left. Have gone for Sasha Diston overall strong in the middle the engine for Needham Market a good range of passing bringing others into play and winning the ball.
An enjoyable trip to Bloomfields, an entertaining match, always competitive in the ERWFL, never disappoints. My thanks to both clubs for the team line-ups much appreciated.
