Tag Archives: ERWFL League Cup

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Biggleswade United Women

Sunday 1st December

ERWFL League Cup

 Storm Bert putting pay to my football plans last weekend and raring to go again this Sunday making the sort trip down the road to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies in action in the 3rd Round of this season’s ERWFL League Cup as they take on Bedfordshire, and fellow Division One North side, Biggleswade United Women.

A spot in the last 8 of the competition up for grabs as both look to build momentum going forwards into the league as 2024 draws to a close. Division One North an interesting league this season, Harpenden Town Women just missing out on promotion last season, going strong again this campaign out in front. Elsewhere in the league highly competitive with some close results with anyone capable of beating the other on their day and with the added woe of three sides going down this season all the more to fight for. The cup offering a good opportunity to built a run.

 Thetford Town Ladies into their 2nd season playing regional level football, a solid debut season have added some useful experience to the squad over the close season as they look to push on. Have had an inconsistent start to the season winning as many as they’ve lost, but that can be said for a half dozen others, close margins, 3 wins in league and cup out of 4 since I last saw them in action in October, have since added to the squad making 3 new signings, with winger Shannon Chandler joining, along with attacker, Olivia Dunne and midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan, the latter scoring a hat-trick since joining Thetford. Alice Collins, Thetford’s top scorer so far with 5 to her name while captain, Melissa Boulton and Megan Haynes both have 4 goals apiece. A 3-1 home win in the 1st Round of the League Cup against Essex side, Toby Ladies, saw Thetford play fellow Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies away in the 2nd Round, winning the game 6-0.

  Bedfordshire seeing a rapid growth in women’s football in recent season’s with a host of new sides being formed, some aiming to challenge the established order between Luton and Bedford. Biggleswade United Women certainly amongst them. That too has led to a demand for the footballing talent in the area. Biggleswade featuring a 1st and Development team retaining much of their squad from the previous season have been busy adding to their ranks bringing new players in 11 in total joining since the summer. Amongst them, former Stevenage and Royston midfielder, Amy Josland. Attacker, Ruth Fox coming to Biggleswade having gained useful experience playing in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC. leading the way a top scorer at Biggleswade with 6 to her name this season. Winger, Katie White the latest addition again has plenty of experience playing at a higher level. 

 Despite the new additions has been a tough start to the season for Biggleswade, a draw on the opening day at home to Newmarket, was followed by a tough run of 6 loses on the trot to leave them adrift at the bottom of the table with King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Their cup campaign giving them some confidence pushing them on to clinch their first league win of the season away to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, and although they have alot of work to do sides above them haven’t pulled too far ahead. A 2-0 away win against, Division One South side, Frontiers Ladies in the first round of the League Cup was followed by a 4-1 home win against another Essex opponent, Romford Town WFC to advance to the 3rd Round. 

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road Stadium the venue for today’s match. Is a compact round situated beside the leisure centre and playing fields beyond. The clubhouse open serving hot and cold drinks. Beside the clubhouse the main covered stand over the changing rooms overlooking the slightly sloped pitch. In good condition despite all the poor weather recently. Poor once again today with rain falling heavily on the way to the game a brief respite before kick-off but with more likely during the game very gloomy and dull overhead, retreated into the stand to write the report, the notepad and camera having taken a battering a fortnight ago at Leverington.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Keileigh Dixon, Ella Swift, Pola Pasik, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Fran Peeling, Mollie O’Callaghan, Alice Collins, Libby Scott, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler & Melissa Boulton (C). Subs – Hannah Rogers, Olivia Dunne & Megan Haynes.

Thetford Town Ladies

Biggleswade United Women starting XI – Sarah Ridley, Becki Ingram, Tasmin Gentle, Ashley Emerton, Helen Spencer, Amy Josland (C), Louise Sollis, Mia Zorbas, Katie Harrington-Pike, Bethany Walker & Ruth Fox. Subs – Jordan Rockall, Tashai Simms, Katie White, Kayleigh Gray & Harriet Smith.

Biggleswade United Women… take one…

    The teams out on the field ready to play, the referee asking for a change of shirts with a close match in poor weather conditions… thankfully Biggleswade had replacement colours available… one shirt change in the pouring rain later…

Biggleswade United Women… take two.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 That’s a new one and I’ve seen alot covering the game over the past decade, thank goodness Biggleswade travelled with replacement shirts or it might have been bibs, which makes following the numbers nearly impossible, as it is the team sheet I have and the new numbers don’t line up, so another challenge know several out there but even so want to give everyone a mention and the numbers go along way to helping with that endeavour. All fun will make do for now. The rain falling heavily at the start of the match very gloomy out there as the captain’s meet the referee in the centre.

Captain’s Melissa Boulton and Amy Josland with today’s referee Andy Lucraft-Townley

  It’s Thetford wearing their home colours an all claret kit to get the first half underway with Biggleswade initially lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts, with navy shorts and red socks, the change of shirts seeing them now in blue with white sleeves. A slight delay to kick-off as a result the ball played back to Fran Peeling in defence she sends it long up into the left channel with Hannah Claughton bursting forwards, Becki Ingram up well to head the ball clear for the visitors, won back in the middle, played out to the right, Louise Sollis sliding in to tackle for Biggleswade the ball out for a throw on the right.

  Biggleswade making a positive start breaking forwards the ball clipped out to the right for Katie Harrington-Pike to attack, Pola Pasik nipping in with the challenge to send the ball out for a throw for Thetford. A tussle for possession on the middle of the park, Biggleswade captain, Amy Josland playing the pass out to Bethany Walker on the left, skips inside to lay the ball into the path of Sollis making a central run, on the move attempts to thread the ball through the Thetford defence for striker, Ruth Fox, goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon with a good starting position, out to collect the ball into her gloves before Fox can stab it past her.

  Thetford not quite up to the pace of the game in the early stages winning a free-kick on halfway. Peeling over the ball lifts it forwards into the top of the area, Biggleswade head clear but no distance on the ball, the hosts snatching possession back rolled back for Mollie O’Callaghan central 25 yards plus out, slips as she goes to strike the ball her shot running harmlessly through to Biggleswade goalkeeper, Sarah Ridley. 

Thetford midfielder, Mollie O’Callaghan

  Thetford captain, Melissa Boulton holding the ball up up top as O’Callaghan sends it into her with pace lays it away to the right for Shannon Chandler to take on driving down the line fires a cross into the box, intercepted at the back by Biggleswade’s Helen Spencer. Spencer able to bring the ball out from the back for the visitors linking up with Mia Zorbas and Fox up top the ball played between them neatly, before Fox finds Walker on the left, taking the ball on, challenged by Thetford fullback, Ella Swift. Biggleswade pushing players on quick to regain the ball Walker into Tasmin Gentle pushing up form the back on the left plays a great diagonal ball into the top of the D, Sollis providing the midfield run can’t quite take it down in her stride.

  Biggleswade pressing the ball well, forcing errors from Thetford in turn inviting pressure, winning a throw high on the left, turned on into the box, Peeling getting hold of it  in defence launching the ball upfield, Boulton looking to make something of it pressing Gentle out on her right forcing a throw in. Very dull out there with the rain falling heavily. Biggleswade winning a corner on the left, flung in near post played back out to the taker, flashed back into the box deflected behind for a 2nd corner. The delivery played in high to the top of the area, hooked cleared by Libby Scott. 

 Pushing players on looking to force their way through the Thetford defence, the hosts clear long threatening to expose their opponents at the back, Boulton latching onto the central ball racing for the area left of the D, Ashley Emerton with a superb turn of pace covering the ground rapidly to slide in and take the ball way from the attacker sending it away for a throw in. 

Thetford captain. Melissa Boulton

  With the midfield pushed back by Biggleswade, Boulton finds herself isolated up top at times as she attempts to hold the ball up for Thetford, the visitors defence able to get numbers around her, attempting a one two with Chandler on the right, the return pass a little too strong. Zorbas linking up with Sollis through the middle, Sausha Levy-Twomey out from the back line to put in the tackle. Pulling up after in need of treatment, but able to continue. 

 Biggleswade with a free-kick on half way to the left the ball played into the top of the area, Josland playing the dummy stooping to let the ball drop over her to bounce on into the area with Fox after it, Pasik going with her getting a vital touch to send the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the crowded six yard box falls to Ingram getting her foot up over the ball sees her effort blocked from close range turned away to the left, Zorbas out there with Walker the pair working the ball between them the latter curling in a cross aiming for the far post, no one attacking it curls out of play for a goal kick.

Mollie O’Callaghan battling with Biggleswade captain, Amy Josland for possession

  Biggleswade making the better start to the game creating opportunities causing Thetford problems the hosts slower to the ball. The ball played into Harrington-Pike on the right for the visitors sends in infield to Zorbas 20 yards out, turns to strike the ball her shot blasted wide of the near post. Thetford give the ball away on their left, Zorbas latching onto it lining up a shot from all of 25 yards out her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. 

 

  A good battle in the middle between, Josland, Sollis and Thetford’s O’Callaghan getting stuck in winning the ball sends it into Boulton up top, the attacker, turning well to escape her marker run in behind, but again it’s Emerton with her pace recovering the ground to get in front of her to turn the ball away for another throw in. Out on the right, Chandler brings the throw down level with the top of the Biggleswade area put inside for Boulton who returns the ball, Chandler picking out O’Callaghan 25 yards out right of the D, hooks a shot back in towards goal, looping up into the air, drops safely into Ridley’s gloves. 

  Walker drops her shoulder, storms down the line with the ball on the left. players racing into the box, her cross flashed in runs behind Josland, O’Callaghan tracking back with her clearing the ball. Scott finding Claughton out on the left wing takes the ball on, gaining ground before Ingram slides in with the tackle to play the ball out for a throw. The floodlights coming on as it’s so dark out there, Peeling over a free-kick on halfway the ball flighted up into the area, claimed confidently by the keeper.

  Fox seeing the ball into her feet laying it inside for Zorbas to the right has Sollis bursting on to support plays the ball into her path, Sollis’ run blocked the midfielder going down winning the free-kick a good 30 yards out. Fox over the set-piece the striker going for goal, getting her effort on target looking for the top corner, Dixon across her line to get up to claim the ball cleanly. 

Ruth Fox’s free-kick, claimed by goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon

  Levy-Twomey stepping in well to challenge Fox as she receives the ball from Josland, turns to attack the area. Chandler with space to break into on the right for Thetford takes the shot on from 25 yards out firing her effort wide across the six yard out out past the far post. Josland winning the ball on for Sollis who picks out Walker on the left a drop of the shoulder looks to spin off Swift get in behind on the wing, Swift ready, getting her foot in to take the ball away from the lively winger.

Ella Swift clearing the ball for Thetford

  Fox holding the ball up well up top for Biggleswade with players quick to get up around her to receive the ball played inside looking for Sollis, a timely interception from Levy-Twomey top of the D. 

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twomey.

  Scott on for O’Callaghan picks out Chandler on her right the ball sent down the line for Boulton in attack. wide of goal, trying to hold the ball up is quickly outnumbered by the Biggleswade defence. Thetford with the ball out right, Collins in possession with a strong push in the back, aghast as no foul is awarded, O’Callaghan steaming in to regain the ball clipping it up field into Boulton outside the D, attempting to bring it down turn into the shot, is closed down by Spencer the defender clearing the ball up field. 

GOAL! Biggleswade looking the most likely to break the dead lock press the attack late in the first half the ball put into Walker central she turns to play in into the path of Fox up top, looking to roll of Levy-Twomey take the ball past her the defender gets a faint touch on the ball, even as Peeling breaks around on the cover to poke the ball away to the left of the area, Fox continuing her run strong to get back onto the ball flashes a cross along the face of goal, Pasik tracking back with Harrington-Pike on her shoulder, turns the ball into her own net trying to clear 0-1.

Ruth Fox’s determination leading to the opening goal

  Biggleswade with the break through late in the first half. Thetford behind look to get on the attack form the restart, Claughton having seen little of the ball out on the left, taking it on with a powerful run eventually stopped by Ingram out for a throw. Thetford on the ball, Collins central out to Chandler right checks back to play the ball inside to Scott 25 yards out right of the D, hooks the cross in across to the far stick, too much for Claughton to do as the ball runs out of play.

  A goal sparking Thetford into life pressing higher now O’Callaghan seeing the ball laid back into her from Boulton up top, strikes it from all of 25 yards, dragging her shot wide. Ridley with a great goal-kick up to Walker, the wingers first touch lifting the ball over the top for Fox to burst in behind the Thetford defence, a close call her attack halted by a raised flag.

Biggleswade’s Katie Harrington-Pike

  Into the closing stages of the first half, Collins with a speculative effort from all of 40 yards out going wide as Ridley moves across her goal jumping for it, gets a touch to concede the corner kick. Taken short with no one tracking the run of Peeling to the left corner of the area, takes on the shot her attempt curling over the bar. The hosts winning another free-kick to the right from range, Peeling to deliver, clipped high in towards the far post, Ridley keeping her eye on the ball takes it unopposed. 

  Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Biggleswade United Women

   The sides head down the tunnel into the changing rooms with Biggleswade holding a narrow 1 goal lead. The visitors for much of the first half on the front foot, making a positive start to the game getting the ball and players forwards well. Thetford off the pace, 2nd to the ball, inviting pressure pushed back limiting the outlet ball into their attackers. A competitive tussle in the middle, Josland and Sollis battling for the ball providing useful runs to support their attacking players. However just a single goal between the sides and that coming from an own goal leaves it all to play for in the 2nd half with extra-time and penalties if required. 

Biggleswade ringing the changes at the start of the 2nd half as they make 4 substitutions bringing on Harriet Smith, Katie White, Tashai Simms and Kayleigh Gray in place of Fox, Walker, Zorbas and Harrington-Pike. One switch for Thetford with Megan Haynes on for Scott as the visitors get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into defence launched up top into Smith she knocks the ball down to the right looking to send it into the path of Gray breaking in behind, her run stopped by the offside flag.

  Biggleswade looking to make a forceful start to the 2nd period the ball cleared from the defence long into the left channel with Smith looking to take it on into the box, Dixon rushing out of her area looking to close the attacker down, Smith knocking it past the keeper sending the ball down to the by-line looking to retrieve it even as Dixon back peddles back towards her exposed goal, defenders back to cover however the angle against Smith as she attempts to send the ball in near post, cleared by Levy-Twomey. 

 The substitutes looking to make an impact get after the ball, Simms in the middle linking up well with White on the left taking the ball on down the line, before running it out of play as Swift closes her down. Josland on for White to power on down the left flank, checks inside laying the ball into the middle for Smith, Peeling in ahead of her to win the ball back for Thetford. 

 Thetford regrouping O’Callaghan snapping in to win the ball back a free-kick won inside the Biggleswade half on the left. Peeling over the ball, floats a great ball into the far post, Chandler closing it down looking to bring it down turn towards goal, however a handball spotted by the referee Ashley Lucraft-Townley, Biggleswade winning the freekick. 

Thetford’s Shannon Chandler

 Thetford beginning to find some momentum as Boulton now in the middle links up with Collins brings the ball on through the middle linking up with O’Callaghan before sending the ball forwards into Claughton making a good run into the left channel seeing the ball into the feet knocks it on surging into the area left of goal looks to play her low shot back in across the keeper, not enough width on it however as Ridley is right behind it to save low.

Alice Collins

  Biggleswade with a free-kick wide on the left the ball dropped into the mix at the near post, half cleared back out wide to Simms, attempts to put the cross back into the box, Dixon up well to grab hold of the ball. Thetford look to launch a rapid counter attack the ball sent long up to Boulton breaking away on the right, Spencer coming across to defend forced to concede the corner. 

 

 Thetford play the ball high into the near post from the right, cleared out to the top of their area, a Thetford boot latching onto the shot blasted back in at goal, blocked on the line by Emerton! Cleared away to the right another shot coming in on the angle from 25 yards out struck wide of the near post. Thetford make another change with Olivia Dunne coming on in place of Boulton. 

Ashley Emerton with the goal line block for Biggleswade.

 The game more end to end now, Thetford looking to get after the ball, Biggleswade lively turning play around Sollis working hard getting the ball into Simms plays it forwards into Smith who lays it out to Gray on the right flank, in turn she looks to play it back across the top of the area looking for White bursting forwards from the left channel, a vital interception needed from Peeling at the back for the hosts.

Louise Sollis holding of Mollie O’Callaghan

  Swift going past Chandler on the overlap taking the ball on sending a cross into the box from deep, taken high by Ridley. Smith fouled for Biggleswade owed over 35 yards out presenting the visitors with a free-kick in a central position, Josland over the ball plays it out to the right into Gray making a run in behind, Pasik getting back at her to defend for Thetford prevent the cross.

  Pasik and Gray locking horns once again as the winger takes the ball inside, pushed out to the right, Peeling with her clearing the ball, straight to the on rushing Sollis, goes to cross the ball into the far post looking for White, too close to the keeper however, Dixon keeping her eye on the ball. Chandler taking the ball on down the right for Thetford winning a throw in the corner, Played back up the line for Swift to send a cross looping into the box, Ridley catching it ahead of Haynes.

   Emerton coming off at the back for Biggleswade, on comes Jordan Rockall. Spencer sends the ball low through the left channel on for White to attack for the visitors bursting down the line to whip a cross in low across the face of goal angling wide beyond the far post. An intriguing contest remains beautifully poised Biggleswade’s substitutes lively as Sollis picks out Gray with a fantastic ball into the right wing breaking on down the line, Gray flashes a dangerous ball in across the goal face, White closing in can’t get close.

  Pasik defending well up against Gray out on Biggleswade’s right as the game opens up one on one times her tackle perfectly. Chandler is taken out by Rockall as the defender comes sliding in from a long way, spoken too by the referee. O’Callaghan over the resulting free-kick on the angle lifts the ball into the mix, Ridley coming through bodies to lay claim to the ball. A more even contest 2nd half Thetford moving the ball better, risk over committing as Rockall snatches the ball back put on for Gray right side plays it central into Josland moving forwards helped out to White moving on into the left channel, takes on the shot her effort wide of the left post.

  O’Callaghan sending the ball up to Dunne 25 yards out the Thetford attacker shifts the ball inside from a central position looking to line up a shot is charged down by Rockall as the defender rushes out to block. Gray played in again on the right for the visitors surging to the by-line firing another vicious ball in across the face of the Thetford goal, White busting a gut to try and get there throwing herself at the ball , sliding in misses it by a fraction. 

 Sollis has run herself into the ground, comes off for Biggleswade as Fox returns to the action less than 15 minutes left to play. Collins fins Dunne out on Thetford’s left wing taking the ball on players rushing on into the box looking to get onto the end of a cross, Dunne clips it into the area, Josland the one to win it clear for Biggleswade. Thetford making another change with Pasik coming off replaced by Hannah Rogers, an attacker, goes in up top with Claughton now filling in at left back. Walker back on for Biggleswade on the left.

The visitors winning a free-kick on the left the ball level with the top of the Thetford area played into the penalty spot headed back out to the left, played back up the line crossed back into the area from deep, Smith pulling off the defence looking to turn her header goal wards on target but drops kindly for the keeper to grab low.

 The clock ticking down Biggleswade working hard to keep the ball inside their opponents half, Peeling down for Thetford in need of treatment as Collins now wearing the captains armband brings her team together encouraging one final push to find an equalising goal. Dunne holding the ball up for Thetford as Collins goes past her out to the left taking the ball on her cross cut back in across the top of the area cut out by Simms. 

 Players going down with cramp late in the game. Swift defending against White on the left as she looks to take on a diagonal ball played into her from midfield. Into the final 5 minutes Spencer coming off for Biggleswade, Emerton back on into defence. White moving to the right as Gray comes off for Harrington-Pike. Thetford bringing of O’Callaghan late on sending Scott back into the fray. Dunne linking up with Haynes on the left for Thetford the cross clipped into the area, Ridley up to claim it on her penalty spot. 

Biggleswade’s Harriet Smith

  Thetford pushing hard in the closing stages to find the reply to send the tie into extra-time, Dunne laying the ball on down the left for Haynes, Ingram sliding in to win the ball back for Biggleswade. The game open now Thetford pushed up, Biggleswade win the ball back played into White on the right plays a diagonal ball into Smith left of the D, Swift with her getting her foot in to play the ball back to her keeper to kick clear. Thetford push late on the ball fired into Dunne’s feet 25 yards out, looks to hold the ball up, Walker snapping in to clear the ball out for a throw in. The final whistle blows Biggleswade celebrate as they book their place in the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Cup. 

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Biggleswade United Women

  An own goal a tough way to lose any game, however that was the difference between the sides in the finish as Biggleswade claim victory in the League Cup. Making a positive start to the first half getting players up to support their attackers well, looked the most likely to open the scoring. Thetford off the pace at the start of the match 2nd to the ball inviting pressure took a while to get going. Biggleswade capitalising creating openings taking the lead late in the half. Rang the changes at the start of the 2nd half, looking to keep up the momentum. Thetford making changes themselves fighting back in the 2nd half led to a more open game. Biggleswade managing the 2nd half well keeping a good shape at the back not letting themselves get exposed behind. Couldn’t find a 2nd goal however and that kept Thetford in it right till the death just couldn’t find a reply themselves. Biggleswade’s cup run continues will need to bring that momentum into the league now as they fight to get themselves out of trouble.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match as more often than not another difficult one to chose with several contenders out there today. A few performances to mention. Firstly for Thetford, Mollie O’Callaghan fought hard in midfield to win the ball back making some strong challenges and looked to get the ball forwards. Melissa Boulton often isolated up front did well nonetheless to try and hold the ball up wait for support to arrive. Fran Peeling and Sausha Levy-Twomey both making some timely tackles and interceptions at the back. For Biggleswade, Ashley Emerton was excellent at the back, her pace helping to thwart Thetford, along with a huge goal line block. Bethany Walker a livewire out on the left seeing the ball into her feet and looking spin in behind link up play. Amy Josland strong in the middle winning the ball, making some excellent runs to join the attack. Ruth Fox in attacker strong on the ball, pulled into space well and her endeavour led to the opening goal. The award today though goes to midfielder Louise Sollis, worked tirelessly in the middle getting in her tackles winning the ball and covering the ground linking up with the attackers.

  A thoroughly miserable day weather wise, but an enjoyable match to watch at 1-0 it as never put to bed. Biggleswade had to work for the win but will gain huge confidence from it. Frustrating for Thetford. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team line-ups today… (Biggleswade twice!) much appreciated. Never a dull moment that’s why I love it so much.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Chelmsford City Women

Sunday 27th October

ERWFL League Cup

A trip to Trafford Park this Sunday to watch a game from the 2nd round of this season’s ERWFL League Cup, Wroxham Women reaching the final last season hosting ERWFL newcomers, Chelmsford City Women making the long trip up to Norfolk from Essex.

  All 36 (now 35) teams across the ERWFL’s 3 divisions contesting the League Cup with those knocked out in the early rounds going on to compete for the League Plate. Wroxham Women one again hoping to go deep into the competition having reached two of the last three League Cup finals. Chelmsford City Women amongst a host of new sides joining the ERWFL this season taking part in the competition for the first time.

  Wroxham Women with a mixed bag of results to start the season winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2 in the Premier Division, playing catch up with their fixtures too with the club also seeing 2 matches abandoned too. Ambitious Wroxham are aiming to compete at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division on a consistent basis an challenge for promotion to the FAWNL above as well as aiming to go deep into League and County Cup respectfully. Building a strong squad as manager Adam Race begins his 2nd season with the club.

 Hannah Fuller has long been one of the best strikers in the region and already has 10 goals to her name this season from her 8 appearances. Have assembled a squad with a strong blend of youth and experience. Leilah Gooding and Hayley Kindred both with ERWFL experience having played for Needham Market last season. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman an influential player for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women last season as they won promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division in their debut season in tier 6. Rio Dobbie and Poppy Loveland young players with lots of potential. Rebecca (Becca) Russell the latest recruit, knowing several members of the squad from her days at Wymondham comes to the club after a spell with Norwich City Women. Means the two Rebecca Russell’s in Norfolk are now on the same side knew it would happen one day, but one’s always been Becky (Wroxham’s captain now) so that makes life easier for those writing match reports!

 Chelmsford City Women were patient in their ambition to reach the ERWFL, wanting to do so as Essex Premier Division champions. That feat achieved last season after a number of years coming close to achieving that goal. Not only that, a club has to be ready to step up to regional football, there’s alot more to it that having a talented squad, as others have discovered. Dussindale & Hellesdon a good example, ready player wise possibly three season’s ago wanted the behind the scenes set up right too and that has paid off with them winning promotion straight from tier 6 to tier 5. Chelmsford going up as champions followed by a host of Essex sides that sees 8 of the 11 sides competing in the ERWFL Southern Premier Division from the county. 

 Chelmsford City Women fairing the best of the newly promoted sides currently sitting 6th in the Division One South table having played 6, making a losing start bounced back well to win 3 on the bounce to climb up the table, pegged back in recent games with narrow defeats against Hutton and leaders Colney Heath Ladies. Victory in the county cup last weekend travel to Norfolk as the underdogs with a few out through injury. Have signed some valuable experience and quality to their squad with the likes of midfielder Jay Blackie and Zoe Rushen who most recently featured for Billericay Town Women in the FAWNL. Zoe Rushen top scorer so far with 6 goals to her name while Blackie has 4. Broghan Kelly too with 3 goals to her name from the 3 matches she has featured in so far.

 Trafford Park the venue for this afternoon’s cup tie. Chelmsford making the trip up to Norfolk the day before staying overnight an extra hour in bed with the clocks going back. A glorious autumn day, make the most of them while they last. Bright sunshine beginning to sink behind one end of the ground likely to cause a few issues for the side defending at the bottom of the sloping pitch The grass pitch a decent size offering good width. viewing all round with a small seated stand opposite the dugouts and clubhouse beyond, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. 

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Jennifer Drummie, Leilah Gooding, Becca Russell, Hayley Kindred, Lucy Eagle & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Becky Russell, Rachel Cossey, Chloe Shipman, Lily Alexander & Lauren Bullard.

Wroxham Women

 Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Hannah Streetley, Shannon Kelly, Kaci Crook, Lauren Butcher, Gaby Freedman (C), Kerry Stimson, Rosie Coe, Jay Blackie, Evie Payne, Ellie Dopson & Zoe Rushen. Subs – Emma Rushen & Heidi Lacey.

Chelmsford City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains’ Gaby Freedman and Tigi Robson with today’s referee, Michael Clark

  Chelmsford to kick-off the 1st half facing into the sun setting low behind the trees up the opposite end of the ground, with Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams goal already in the shade. The visitors wearing their all claret strip with Wroxham wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The players ready to go, the DJ however not the sound system still blaring out the tunes a quick run to the clubhouse and silence as referee, Michael Clark gets the game underway. The ball fed into the middle put out to the left, Hannah Fuller rushing on to close the ball down for Wroxham, Chelmsford under pressure at the back scramble the ball out to Kaci Crook on the right sends it on for Zoe Rushen pulling onto the wing looks to lay the ball back inside to Crook, Chelsea Clarke nipping in to cut the pass out for Wroxham.

 The hosts looking to turn play around quickly played forwards into Leilah Gooding in the middle sprays the ball out wide to the right wing with Hayley Kindred on the move, Shannon Kelly sliding in to make the tackle for Chelmsford sending the ball out for a throw in. Wroxham squeezing possession in the middle getting the ball out to the right flank, Fuller across to link up with Kindred the ball fizzed into the area, Gooding near side looking to get in down under control get a shot away before being closed down, snatches her shot wide of the right post.

  Clarke getting up on the left for Wroxham on for Lucy Eagle with Fuller pulling into the left channel, the ball into the corner crossed into the box, cleared by Kerry Stimson at the ear post for the visitors. A lively start to the game both sides looking to get forwards quickly. Becca Russell with the diagonal ball out to Kindred looking to get on down the right her cross cut back to the top of the D, Eagle looking to meet in her glancing header turning the ball wide at the far post. 

Wroxham striker, Lucy Eagle

  Ellie Dopson dropping back to help in defence for Chelmsford as Clarke breaks forwards for Wroxham, gets fouled as she looks to shield the ball back to her keeper, Hannah Streetley. Chelmsford get hold of the ball on the right Crook up with Dopson the ball rolled on for Rushen to latch onto right channel as she drives into the area closing in on goal from the angle looks to lift her shot over the keepers head, Williams right behind it plucking the ball down comfortably to make the save. 

 Rushen going down under a heavy challenge in the middle of the park, down in need of treatment looks to have ben caught by a flailing elbow, some concern but after a long pause in play is up and ready to play on. Chelmsford battling for the ball in the middle, Jay Blackie the Rosie Coe with the tackles before Coe releases Crook into space on the right drives forwards checking inside to take aim from 25 yards out sends her strike over the bar. 

  The Chelmsford camera filming the game is nearly killed as Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson comes across to the right to clear the ball ball as Rushen looks to get it under control on the wing, a operator with a good save as the tripod legs get struck . Chelmsford encouraged on the right with Crook and Dopson linking up will with Rushen, Crook on for Rushen wide has Dopson inside her gives her the ball as she drives into the box looking to get in behind the defence, Jennifer Drummie tracking back from midfield sliding in on Dopson with a well timed tackle to send the ball behind for a corner kick.

Chelmsford’s Rosie Coe with Wroxham’s Leilah Gooding

  The corner curled into the near post, Clarke doing the defending for Wroxham. Williams out of her area sharply to get to the ball first ahead of Rushen as she springs the offside trap to run in behind. Chelmsford gaining some momentum asking Wroxham a few questions as Blackie sends the ball into Rushen attacking the box left of goal, forcing the hosts into conceding a corner. The ball once again defended at the near post, by Ella Gambell cleared out of the box, Chelmsford quick to regain possession come right with Crook pushing up her pass fed inside looking for Rushen cut out by Drummie.

Chelmsford’s Zoe Rushen holding of Wroxham’s Tigi Robson

  Robson bringing the ball out from the back for Wroxham looking for Clarke advancing down the wing who in turn feeds it down the line for Eagle, Lauren Butcher coming across from the middle of defence to get across the Wroxham attacker see the ball out safely for a goal kick. Wroxham press players forwards Becca Russel out to the right, Gambell on for Kindred to race after down the flank into the corner, getting inside her marker to send a cross into the near post, Gaby Freedman, captaining Chelmsford up to head the ball clear.

  Both keepers called into action to rush out of their boxes to kick the ball clear as Fuller steals in on the ball at the back for Wroxham, then as the ball is launched clear high over the defence at the other end, Williams needs to react to get to the ball ahead of Rushen. Crook bringing the ball on with pace for Chelmsford right side sending it forwards for Dopson on the wing, checks her run, before sweeping a cross into the box, Poppy Loveland intercepting on the penalty spot for Wroxham, clearing the ball.

  Fuller putting herself about up top for Wroxham, a competitive tie with little quarter given both sides willing to mix things up a few over exuberant challenge being made. Fuller pressuring Streetley on the ball as it is rolled into her inside the six yard box, winning her side a corner kick. The corner played into Gooding top of the area left of goal meets the ball on he volley, sending her first time hit wide of the top left corner. 

Hannah Fuller

Wroxham finding Clarke as she gets up on the left links up with Eagle puling out wide the ball from Eagle played back to Clarke left corner of the area, sweeps a cross into the six yard box, Fuller stooping into the header, planting the ball straight at Streetley the keeper grabbing hold of the ball. Streetley playing the ball short out from her box into her defence sees Fuller reacting smartly to steal in to nab the ball right of goal and power her way into the box, the keeper quickly across her area to throw herself down across the striker block the ball at her feet and pull it safely into her body.

Jennifer Drummie

  Drummie into Becca Russell turns on the ball central to lay it on for Fuller, who looks to send, Kindred away down the left, Freedman with a timely interception for Chelmsford. Clarke taking the ball on down Wroxham’s left wriggling free of a couple of challenges to send a cross into Fuller at the near post back to goal lays it out to the top of the area for Gooding 20 yards out, looks to shift inside to make room for a strike, Coe charging her down for the visitors the ball deflected away for a corner. Curled into the near post and cleared.

  Chelmsford working hard at the back to keep Wroxham out, Stimson throwing herself into block as Eagle lines up a strike from all of 25 yards, the ball coming into her from the left. Chelmsford dealing with a couple of knocks, Rushen from her earlier blow. Blackie in the wars too. Wroxham pressing the ball well getting players up around the 18 yard box forcing a corner on their right. Swung in at the near post, Rushen heading away for Chelmsford this time.

  Fuller fouled out on the left giving Wroxham a free-kick from deep, sent into the top of the area cleared out to the right wing Kindred looking to attack, Evie Payne closing into win the ball back for the visitors. The tackles keep coming in, a competitive tussle in the middle, the referee having a word with Blackie for a foul on Drummie. Coe finding Dopson as she charges forwards on the right for Chelmsford, Clarke getting back at her to get in front of her see the ball back to her keeper. 

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

 Butcher and Fuller are enjoying a good battle as the defender looks to keep tabs on the Wroxham striker. Kindred with a shot from all of 30 yards out as the ball is rolled into her from the right, struck in low on target, Streetley is a tall keeper, throws herself to her right across her goal to make the save. Chelmsford get the ball on through the middle out to Dopson on the right up with Rushen, the ball played into her Robson coming across to close her down appeals for a handball as the Chelmsford attacker looks to spring in behind her, Robson pulling her back aggrieved as the appeals are ignored and Chelmsford win the free-kick, the Wroxham captain going into the book too.

 GOAL! The free-kick in a useful position to the right wide of goal, Rushen over the ball, players coming up from the back, Rushen with a fantastic delivery firing the ball in at the far post corridor asking to be attacked players closing in, Blackie amongst those getting a touch to turn the ball back across the keeper and into the bottom corner to put the visitors into the lead with 5 minutes to play in the first half 0-1.

Jay Blackie congratulated as she fires Chelmsford into the lead

 GOAL! It’s an odd cliché, but you’re never more vulnerable than when you score, straight from the restart Wroxham get the ball out to the right, move the ball sharply before turning it inside straight to Becca Russel unmarked 30 plus yards out central, catches the shot well on the turn sending the ball up over the keeper and under the bar to level the scores with a superb strike 1-1.

Becca Russell striking from distance to put Wroxham quickly back on level terms.

  Play stopped soon after the goal with injury concerns for both Blackie and Rushen who has gone down still suffering from the effects of the heavy challenge early on. Time taken for both Rushen in particular before play goes on. Rushen playing the ball up the right for Dopson to race on up the wing getting inside Clarke to attack the box, Robson with the blocking tackle the ball striking Dopson but rebounding safely through for the keeper to scoop up.

Chelmsford’s Ellie Dopson

Blackie fouling, Gooding in the middle the hosts with a free-kick right of the circle played on down the right for Kindred to sweep a cross in at the near post, Streetley coming to punch the ball out of her box, falls to Clarke 25 yards out central fires her strike over the crossbar. Both sides pushing for a goal at the end of the first half the match end to end, Robson lunging in to challenge Dopson as she attempts to carry it through into the box in the right channel. Rushen holding the ball up turning to release Dopson ahead of her on the right, Robson closing her down before Loveland gets onto the ball attempting to carry it out of the back for the hosts. 

Poppy Loveland

  Clarke getting hold of the ball as Chelmsford give it away at the back coming inside form the left 25 yards out drags her shot wide. Kindred put away down the right for Wroxham by Gambell in the closing seconds of the first half fires a cross into the six yard box, Freedman getting to it ahead of Fuller. 

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-1 Chelmsford City Women

  All square at the break as the sides head into the changing room for the half-time interval. Had written in my notes earlier (if Chelmsford can go into the break level they’ll be the happier of the two sides). As it was they went on to score the opener, only to concede straight away that slightly shifting thing’s in Wroxham’s favour as the Premier Division side have come up against a tenacious opponent. Chelmsford working hard at the back with some useful attacking runs, Dopson and Crook linking up well with Rushen up top creating a couple of chances. That said Wroxham have pressed well as a unit the midfield getting up to support the attack creating opportunities themselves and with some good options to bring on from the bench will be interesting to see if they can find the extra edge in the 2nd half with extra time and penalties if needed to settle the tie.

  Chelmsford out first 2nd half making a change, Zoe Rushen having picked up an injury in the 1st half substituted with Emma Rushen coming on. Wroxham attacking up the slope 2nd half with no changes as the hosts get the 2nd half underway. The ball rolled back into Drummie in the middle laid on for Clarke on the left attacking the by-line Chelmsford defending.

  Emma Rushen fouled as she is backed into as she attempts to hold the ball up to the right of the circle. The ball plays up into the top of the Wroxham area, defended Chelmsford keep possession laying the ball to the right the cross curled into the area by Dopson, hooked clear by Robson. The diagonal ball finding Gambell on the move up Wroxham’s right side, Kelly moving into close her down for Chelmsford. 

Shannon Kelly tackling Wroxham’s Hayley Kindred

 Chelmsford fighting for the ball in the middle of the park Coe knocking it forwards, Blackie bursting after it right of the D, Williams racing out of her area to clear as Gambell looks to get in front of Blackie the keeper, clearing the ball as she slides in but colliding with Gambell in the process both down hurt as Blackie walks away unscathed. Another pause in play as both players are accessed, Gambell up first then Williams both okay to play on.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell

 

  Both sides looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half passes rushed Kelly sliding in to clear the ball fed up the right channel for Wroxham looks to have fouled Wroxham’s Kindred the winger hurt as she hurdles the challenge, however the decision goes the other way a free-kick to Chelmsford. Kindred hobbling a little but okay to play on.

 Blackie trying her luck from distance sending a looping shot from 30 yards out straight at the keeper.

Chelmsford midfielder, Jay Blackie

 Drummie threading the pass through to Fuller pulling right beating the offside trap to run on into the area wide of goal fires her cross into the six yard box looking for Eagle at the far post, Butcher with a vital interception for the visitors. Wroxham making a double switch early in the 2nd half as they bring off both Gooding and Eagle send on Becky Russell and Lauren Bullard, straight swaps for both with Russell into the middle, Bullard attacking from the left. 

 Wroxham looking to push on get Kindred on the ball central lays it back for Drummie to strike on the run left of goal, fires her low shot wide of the post. Chelmsford pushed back, Coe getting stuck in to help out her defence bring the ball away for the visitors ending it up to Dopson and Rushen up top, Robson winning it back for Wroxham. The ball pinging back and forth as both sides look for the killer pass to send someone in clear to attack the opposing box. 

Becky Russell

  Stimson fouled top of the circle for Chelmsford. Kelly to play the set-piece in towards the top of the area defended by Loveland, the ball out to the right Chelmsford getting hold of it to send a cross back into the area Williams up to claim the ball. Chelmsford frustrating Wroxham battling hard to win the ball pushed deeper, allowing Wroxham’s full backs to push on. Gambell right side up to Becky Russell coming wide for the ball linking up with Fuller the striker turning into the box right off goal closing down the near post firing the ball across the goal, Streetley down to save as Bullard races in at the far post the ball pushed up though, Bullard attempting to reach it sees her shot charged down by Freedman.

Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman

  Wroxham knocking on the door ringing the changes as they make a triple switch bringing on Rachel Cossey, Chloe Shipman and Lily Alexander to replace, Loveland, Drummie and Becca Russell. Clarke pushing on up the left flank sweeping a cross into the six yard box, gather by Streetley. Clarke up on the left again to play Bullard onto the ball taking it into the box on the by-line lifts a cross in across goal, cut out and cleared by Butcher for Chelmsford.

  Becky Russell getting hold of the ball for Wroxham lifting the pass on for Clarke out on the left wing sends her cross into the near post dropping into Fuller in front of Streetley the attacker lifting her shot over the bar from close range. 

 Chelmsford making their 2nd change as they relieve Heidi Lacey from her lineswoman duties, bringing off Bishop, goes in to right back. Wroxham with fresh legs on the pitch pressing the advantage getting players on.

GOAL! The substitutions making the difference as Wroxham come on through the middle the ball put on for Kindred on the right lays it forwards for Fuller chasing into the box to the by-line Fuller turns to lay the ball back to Kindred top corner of the area, curls her cross into the mix dropping for Becky Russell on the spot closed down before she can get a shot away Lily Alexander latching onto the ball top of the area rifles a shot in towards goal cannoning off the under side of the crossbar to bounce over the line into the back of the net to put the hosts into the lead 2-1.

Lily Alexander coming off the bench to fire Wroxham into the lead

 Wroxham with the lead 24 minutes into the 2nd half. Alexander off the bench to score. Wroxham quick to regain possession back as Chelmsford drop deep to defend, the ball played up to Fuller sprinting in behind on the right her cross looping into the six yard box, just over Bullard running in to attack central. 

Chelmsford’s Kerry Stimson

  Stimson sliding in to make the challenge is hurt as she goes in to tackle Fuller, top of the area. Up gingerly as Gambell puts, Kindred away on Wroxham’s right her cross cut back inside for Alexander 25 yards out attempts to meet it on the volley hooking the ball goal wards but straight into the arms of Streetley. Chelmsford pushed back tiring as Gambell surges on with the ball laying it on for Fuller taking it to the by-line on the right her cross cut out at the near post by Butcher turned behind for a corner kick.

Wroxham winger, Hayley Kindred

  Gambell sliding in to win the ball back for Wroxham on the right putting it on for Kindred lifting a cross into the box, met by Alexander, heads over. Stimson and Coe fighting for the ball for Chelmsford working hard though the middle, Coe lifting it up to Dopson in attack, has limited options as Robson gets across her to play the ball back for her keeper to clear. 

Kaci Crook challenging Hayley Kindred for the ball

  Clarke out on the left for Wroxham sending a deep cross into the box for Fuller attacking centrally, under challenge from Freedman drags her shot wide of the visitors left post. Wroxham on top as Chelmsford tire pushing their opponents back coming on at will Kindred taking the ball on right knocking the ball into the area, cleared by Freedman. Some late tackles coming in Gambell feeling a couple, then Kindred as the advantage is played on the right, Kelly across to defend for Chelmsford. Into the final 10 minutes. 

GOAL! Wroxham getting bodies up and around the Chelmsford penalty spot the ball knocked out of the area falling to Clarke 25 yards out to the left of the D looks to drag the ball inside for shifting back left and letting loose a strike getting power behind the low shot to send it angling into the bottom right corner to double the hosts lead 3-1.

Chelsea Clarke firing home Wroxham’s 3rd

  Wroxham making a change straight after the goal ending Loveland back on into the back line to replace Robson. Clarke advancing with the ball on the left for Wroxham is tackled well by Chelmsford’s Lacey. Cossey fouled as she looks to bring the ball on for Wroxham through the middle. To the left 30 yards out Clarke to play the set piece up into the top of the area won by Fuller lays it back to Clarke running in on the ball her attempted strike charged down. 

  Kindred putting the ball inside for Cossey as she breaks forwards, Cossey sending it out to Becky Russell on the right flank her cross cut out by Kelly for Chelmsford. Stimson carrying  knock putting her body on the line as she works hard to defend in front of the back line for the visitors as Wroxham push on late in the game looking for another goal. Gambell laying the ball into Alexander 20 yards out looks to turn on the ball drag herself into the box, Butcher moving in to close her down with a well timed tackle.

Wroxham’s Rachel Cossey

  All Wroxham as the hosts push on with less than 5 minutes left to play. Butcher trying to make the ball stick up top for Chelmsford is fouled by Gambell. left of the circle the free-kick played forwards by Kelly, defended by Shipman. Kindred racing away on the right for Wroxham scooping a ball into the area, Stimson stretching managing to get a leg up to hook the ball away from immediate danger. 

Into the closing stages of the tie Wroxham on top Gambell linking up well with Kindred the ball played forwards into Becky Russell coming out to the right side up the line to send a cross into the far post, Lacey defending as she gets in front of Bullard to head the ball clear. The final whistle blows and Wroxham celebrate as they advance in this season’s league cup having overcome a stern test from Chelmsford. 

Full time Wroxham Women 3-1 Chelmsford City Women 

   Wroxham with a strong 2nd half finding the extra edge to overcome their opponents to score twice to advance in the league cup having a strong bench to call upon, manager Adam Race used his substitutes well to find the extra edge to go on to take the lead and secure the win. Pushing players on well as Chelmsford dropped deeper, their options limited through injury and lack of numbers the Essex side nevertheless battled hard throughout. Gave a good account of themselves against higher league opponents. Asking a few questions first half creating opportunities going on to score the opening goal. Unfortunately conceded straight away to lose that advantage. Forced into changes didn’t have the players to refresh things from the bench and as they tired Wroxham were able to press in numbers.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is a tough one once again even to single out a player from both sides let alone overall but their is one of course. Several performances of note even if so I must give credit to both sides for their all round team performance. Firstly for Chelmsford, Ellie Dopson made some very good attacking runs especially first half linking up well with Kaci Crook and Zoe Rushen who herself found some good pockets of space to exploit before having to come off in the 2nd half. Lauren Butcher with some vital tackles at the back along with Shannon Kelly, while Kerry Stimson and Rosie Coe covered alot of ground attempting to win the ball and get their side moving forwards. Again Wroxham with a strong pressing game as a unit. Hannah Fuller leading the line getting into some great positions bringing other into play. Hayley Kindred attacking on the right using the ball well. Tigi Robson and Poppy Loveland with some good tackles and interceptions at the back. The full backs enjoying a good game Ella Gambell getting in some good tackles as well as collecting a few bruises for her efforts linking up play well. The award going to her opposite  number on the left Chelsea Clarke got forwards well putting some useful balls into the box and scored the 3rd goal to secure the result.

  Good to visit Trafford Park again and to catch up with both sides. Chelmsford said they’d give it a go and certainly did asking Wroxham a few questions, and having waited to make their ERWFL bow are a strong addition to the regional set up. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups today as always is appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Real Bedford Ladies v Wroxham Women

Sunday 19th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Onto the 2nd final of the day from Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristal Stadium, hosting this season ERWFL finals day, an all Premier Division clash for the League Cup, Wroxham Women taking on champions, Real Bedford Ladies, looking to win an impressive treble in their first season playing under their new banner.

The League Cup contested by all the clubs across the 3 divisions in the ERWFL, a Division One North and South (tier 6) feeding into a 12 strong Premier Division (tier 5). Often featuring some highly competitive matches with alot of talent on display, The League Cup Final itself no less so.

This afternoon’s prize

Real Bedford FC owned by Peter McCormack, bringing the Bedford Ladies side already competing in the ERWFL Premier Division in to the club becoming Real Bedford Ladies this season retaining their league status, Dean Perrett initially brought in as first team manager the club signing on a host of ne players with experience playing in the ERWFL and the FAWNL above. Indeed hit the ground running winning to go top of the Premier Division and stay there all season 15 straight wins in the league. Perrett moving on, with assistant Georgia Clarke heading up the side for the rest of the season. Their first defeat coming at home to FAWNL side Billericay Town Women in the FA Cup. Haringey Borough Women finally ending their 100% record with a strong 1st half performance (happened to be the two games I attended).

That did little to dent the charge to the Premier Division title secured with a 3-2 win against local rivals Luton Town Ladies, the league title secured and with it promotion to the FAWNL. Soon becoming a league and cup double as Real Bedford continued where Bedford Ladies has previously been on several occasions winning the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup. League results tailing away at the end of the season, the job done however have one more game to play to achieve a historic treble. Natasha Fensome always prolific in front of goal for Bedford, once again top scorer netting 33 goals so far this campaign with new signings, Francesca Partridge and Gemma Croucher on 23 an 19 respectfully with 16 different scorers amongst the squad.

Wroxham Women securing a 5th placed finish in the ERWFL Premier Division this season, the first in charge for new manager, Adam Race, joining the club from Long Stratton Women. The Norfolk club under going another small period of transition have brought in players with plenty of ERWFL experience to build up a squad with a good blend of talent as they look to challenge at the top of the league. Success too in the cup competition’s not only reaching the League Cup final, but the final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the first time.

That at the start of a busy week for the club on Monday evening the squad getting to play under the lights at Norwich City’s, Carrow Road Stadium. Losing in the end to a strong Norwich City Women’s side. Injuries not helping to key players at the business end of the season, need to regroup and focus on today’s game. One of those injured out for the County Cup final striker Hannah Fuller one of the leading scorers in the county often top scorer wherever she’s been and so too this season netting 25 goals. Lara Densley enjoying a good campaign with 10 goals to her name as does Luci Middleton the attacker joining Race from Long Stratton where she was the top scorer in Division One last season with 35 goals.

Road to the Final

 A bye for both sides in the 1st Round of the competition. Real Bedford at home in the 2nd Round taking on Division One North and fellow Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue cross Lionesses. Starting the season strong that form continuing into the League Cup, Neve Mayes and Natasha Fensome both scoring a brace, with goal each for Chloe Martin and Erin Price in a 6-1 win. Wroxham making the long trip down to South Essex to play Division One South newcomers, Southend United Ladies, amongst the goals too with Holly Connell bagging herself a brace there were goals too for Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, Hannah Fuller and Keela Olive the score 6-1.

Into the 3rd Round, Real Bedford staying in Bedfordshire away to fellow Premier Division side, AFC Dunstable Ladies. Goals from Fensome and Gemma Croucher securing a 2-0 to send them into the quarter finals. Wroxham at home taking on fellow Norfolk side and Division One North leaders, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women, their opponents showing great form, Wroxham taking their chances however to secure a comfortable 5-1 win. Hannah Fuller bagging a hat-trick with a goal apiece for Ella Gambell and captain, Becky Russell.

Real Bedford at home in the last 8, Watford Ladies Development leading Division One South, like Real Bedford with a 100% start to the season. The gulf between the sides soon apparent and Real Bedford raced into a commanding lead racking up a double figure score line. Fensome netting 4 goals with Francesca Partridge firing home a hat-trick. There were braces too for Mayes and Croucher the final score 11-2. Wroxham staying in Norfolk a trip to Mulberry Park to play Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL. A tricky opponent, Wroxham getting the only goal of the game in the 2nd half, vice captain, Tigi Robson’s goal sending them into the semi-finals.

Real Bedford coming up against their Bedfordshire rivals all the way through their League Cup run drawn away to fellow Premier Division side and potential league rivals, Luton Town Ladies. Looked to be a close game on the cards and proved so on the day, Andie Dickens scoring for Luton, but a goal in each half for Fensome and Chloe Martin was enough to send Real Bedford into the League Cup final. Wroxham having home advantage in their semi final tie, taking on Hertfordshire side Stevenage FC Women, Stevenage scoring twice, Hannah Fuller with 2 goals for Wroxham seeing the sides all square after 90 minutes to head into extra-time, Fuller going on to complete her hat-trick to send Wroxham through to today’s final.

In need of food during the break between game, headed to the kitchen hatch to order a double cheeseburger. As you know I do like a cheeseburger and know a good one when I taste one have to say Newmarket’s offering is right up there with the best. Fuelled up and ready to go for the 2nd game, a walk round the pitch the sun bright the temperature in the early twenties. Great weather for the final, the crowd building nicely.

Real Bedford Ladies

Real Bedford Ladies starting XI – Destiny Pap, Amy Reed, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin, Sophie Mulvihill, Georgie Giddings, Gemma Croucher, Erin Price, Amber Smith, Francesca Partridge & Natasha Fensome (C). Subs – Sophie Billing, Neve Mayes, Chloe Martin, Izzy Crooks & Lauren Coppin.

Wroxham Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Albany Hodgson, Lauren Kett, Rachel Cossey, Becky Russell (C), Lily Alexander, Ella Gamble, Lara Densley & Luci Middleton. Subs – Tigi Robson, Lauren Bullard, Lucy Eagle and Hannah Fuller.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 

Captain’s Natasha Fensome and Becky Russell with today’s match officials

 Players out for both sides, captain Zara Carroll missing for Real Bedford, her set plays offering another dynamic to their play. Without goalkeeper Sarah Hudson too, Destiny Pap usually an attacking winger by trade has 5 goals for the Reserves this season keeping goal in recent games. Wroxham with injury problems late in the season missing midfielder Jennifer Drummie, Hannah Fuller out for the County Cup final on Monday makes the bench this time around. Both with attacking options to bring on from the bench.

  Wroxham with the kick-off in the first half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Real Bedford lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. Played back to Chelsea Clarke, lifted across field to the right, Lara Densley looking to attack, Lisa Milliken in to challenge for Real Bedford, played into Natasha Fensome captaining the side today, gets on the move, Lily Alexander across to close her down.

  Wroxham pick out Ella Gambell coming inside from the right up with Luci Middleton in attack linking up the ball rolled out to Densley on the right plays it back inside to Gambell 25 yards out, she shot blocked by Real Bedford’s Gemma Franklin. Fensome making a positive start to the game looking to run into the channels take on the Wroxham defence coming left drives on with the ball checking inside into the top corner of the box unleashes a shot rising for the top corner Bryony Williams covering her near post throwing a glove up to push the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

  GOAL! Players up into the box as Lisa Milliken prepares to fire in the corner, curled into the six yard box, Wroxham look to head it clear, only to see the ball driven into the back of their own net, to concede an own goal inside the opening 3 minutes 0-3.

  Real Bedford lively at the start Georgie Giddings getting stuck in in the middle to win the ball on for Gemma Croucher played through to Fensome up top looks to angle her pass right into the path of Amber Smith racing on down the flanks, Wroxham holding their line catching her offside. Amy Reed closing down Gambell as she attacks on the left the ball put into the middle for Erin Price who is fouled the free-kick on halfway launched up towards the area, headed clear by Wroxham defender, Albany Hodgson.

Amy Reed

   Real Bedford find Fensome central, clips the ball on into the box giving chase left of goal, Williams out smartly to slide in grab the ball into her body. A lively opening 5 minutes Real Bedford pressing well, Fensome’s runs causing issues. Leah Newcombe at right back for Wroxham sending the ball on for Densley attacks on the wing putting it inside to Middleton, turns looking to fight her way through into the box, Sophie Mulvihill in to close her down for Real Bedford. 

  Milliken playing the ball on for Fensome to gather on the left makes a surging run forwards, getting inside the box, Hodgson on her shoulder looking to hold her off, Fensome gets a shot away sending the ball across the goal wide past the far post. 

Real Bedford captain, Natasha Fensome

  Rachel Cossey with the ball for Wroxham in the middle out to Gambell left sprays the ball long out to the right for Newcombe making her way forwards, sends it down the line for Middleton pulling wide to receive, Milliken getting across the attacker to see the ball out for a goal kick. Fensome a threat whenever she has the ball at her feet driving forwards prepared to take on players, Wroxham forced to drop back to defend. Francesca Partridge turning on the ball sweeps the pass out to Fensome on the left, Newcombe doing enough to put the attacker off see the ball run out of play. 

  Wroxham finding Densley up on the right, Middleton coming to offer support, Franklin doubling up with Milliken prevents the cross coming in. Wroxham regain possession central flighted on down the right with Densley still forwards fires the cross into the box, Reed tackling, Gambell on the penalty spot to deny her the shooting chance.

Real Bedford clearing the ball up to the left, Partridge looking to cause havoc get control of the bouncing ball inside Kett turns in field, Hodgson holds her ground turning to shield the ball Partridge clattering into her shoulder, left in a heap on the ground. Needs lengthy treatment a head injury, has to come off, will be sporting a nasty looking black eye later on. Real Bedford sending on Sophie Billing to join the attack on the left. Fensome looking to attack the resulting free-kick wins Real Bedford a corner on the left, the delivery curled in over the cross bar.  

  GOAL! 20 minutes played Real Bedford in possession central Giddings out to Smith right put back inside for Croucher to lift out to the left with Billing attacking on the wing sends her cross in blocked by Newcombe at close range, appeals for handball and the referee points to the spot! Penalty! Croucher lacing the ball on the spot and makes no mistakes sending the keeper the wrong way drilling it into the left side of goal to double the lead 2-0.

Gemma Croucher doubling Real Bedford’s lead from the penalty spot.

Wroxham get the ball up the right, Middleton up with Densley winning their side a corner kick. The ball put in close to the near post defended by Price put out for a 2nd corner. This delivery curled in central Pap on her line reacting instinctively knocking the ball up into the air, her defence scrambling it away to the right a high ball put back into the mix dropping to Alexander beyond the far post looks to head it back in across the penalty spot just over Middleton, the Real Bedford defence clearing the danger.

Ella Gambell looking to take the ball on for Wroxham

  Midway through the first half a drinks break called. Gambell seeing the ball into her feet left coming infield looking for Middleton up top, Franklin nipping in ahead of her to steal the ball. Middleton working hard up top to get across the back line supporting Densley on the right Real Bedford working just as hard to prevent the cross. 

 Clarke sending the ball into the middle for Russell, Wroxham’s captain playing the pass into Middleton up top has Alexander up with her central lays the ball into her then out to Gambell wide left her cross launched into the box too close to the keeper, Pap claiming the ball. 

 Real Bedford played on Fensome plays in cross the pitch to Smith on the right who in turn drops it into the middle for Price free 25 yards out top of the D, goes to put her foot through the ball, misses her kick, Cossey snatching it away to safety. Reed bombing on right side goes past Smith on the over lap bursting into the box, Gambell tracking back with her getting a toe on the ball to prod it back to her keeper, Williams kicking it clear.

  Fensome tricky to pick up as she’s constantly pulling of one defender or another, think you’ve got her then she’s gone. linking up well with Smith looking to get on down the right her cross lifted into the box, over Fensome making a central run. Croucher onto the ball central releases a shot from all of 30 yards out her effort straight at the keeper. Newcombe the furthest forwards for Wroxham on the right flagged offside as Densley plays the ball into Gambell 25 yards out looks to put the full back away down the line.

  GOAL! Real Bedford turn play around quickly lifted out to Fensome on the move up the left wing drives on pace, whips a dangerous ball in across the face of the Wroxham goal, Smith running in unchecked at the far post burying her header into the roof of the net 3-0.

Amber Smith roars in celebration as she heads Real Bedford into a 3 goal lead.

  Real Bedford scoring at regular intervals, making Wroxham’s efforts look laboured as a response, Fensome’s runs causing problems, 12 minutes left to play in the first half. Real Bedford winning the ball at the back Price up to Croucher shoots 25 yards out, on target but lacking the pace to trouble Williams as she moves across her goal to catch the ball. Wroxham feeling aggrieved decisions not going their way, Middleton brought down having a word with the referee.

Gemma Franklin

 GOAL! Real Bedford through the middle Giddings on for Croucher up to Fensome in attack drops her shoulder to break into the box central in behind, Williams racing out to close her down goes to ground, Fensome knocking the ball out of the keepers path to the left to round her and slot the ball into the back of the empty net 4-0.

Natasha Fensome getting her goal to put Real Bedford 4 up

  Wroxham pushing on getting the ball on central Gambell coming inside up to Middleton back to Alexander who shoots from range her effort not troubling Pap. The referee stopping play wanting to talk with Gambell and her captain, as the wide player vocally complains about the decision making. 

 

  Russell on the ball for Wroxham out to Densley right, Franklin sliding in playing the ball off Densley for a free kick. Price playing the ball to Billing on the left, Milliken going past her on the overlap the ball rolled into her path crosses into the box, Hodgson clearing at the near post. The ball back with Real Bedford on the left, Fensome coming to receive the ball lifted into the area, Kett the defender under it for Wroxham this time.

Wroxham’s Lauren Kett

 Into first half stoppage time Wroxham vexed as they concede another free-kick on half way to the left, launched up into the top of the area, Williams comes for it gloves up eyes on the ball, Fensome looking to run in see it over her shoulder, clattering into the keeper, unintentional, Williams going down does well to keep hold of the ball as play is stopped immediately so she can receive treatment A blow to the chest looks to be winded more than anything else need a few minutes to recover. Clarke getting on up the left with Gambell for Wroxham but Real Bedford close in leaving no way through as the whistle blows to bring the half to an end.

 Half-time Real Bedford Ladies 4-0 Wroxham Women

 Real Bedford head into the changing rooms, in control of the game with a healthy 4 goal lead. Scoring early and at regularly slots during the first half have looked a constant threat going forwards while limiting Wroxham’s opportunities up the other end. Wroxham stay out on the field gather on the pitch have a mountain to climb if they are to get back into the match. Hannah Fuller warming up hard before the break looks to be coming on. Clarke the player taken off. Tigi Robson on too for Cossey.

 Real Bedford to get the 2nd half underway, put out to the left, Wroxham see the ball out of play. The throw played inside to Giddings, Russell stepping in to steal the ball rolls it back into the defence for Kett to clear. 

Georgie Giddings

  Fuller seeing the ball into her feet turns inside looking to release Newcombe as she attacks down the right, Billing stretching out a leg t intercept the ball puts it into Milliken’s path the defender fouled as she looks to carry the ball forwards. 

 

  A competitive start to the second half Wroxham looking to close the ball down, win a free-kick on half way. Hodgson over the ball floated up into the box, Franklin under it knocking the ball up into the air, dropping right post Pap under it to make the catch. Fuller bringing a different dimension to Wroxham’s play straight away her presence alone giving her side confidence as she takes the ball into the box right side squares it central looking for Middleton closed down squeezes it out to Gambell on the left, Real Bedford shielding the ball out for a throw.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller.

  Fensome ready to make her move whenever Real Bedford have possession, the ball rolled into her turns it to the left for Billing, drives on stopped by Hodgson. Gambell determined on the ball pushing inside from the left fires the ball into Densley, Milliken challenging to in the ball back for Real Bedford. 

Lisa Milliken

 Smith racing away down the right wing for Real Bedford in behind to send a cross into the box, Fensome overcooking her far post run the ball whipping behind her then cleared. Real Bedford defending a 4 goal lead can sit back a little pick their moments to break forwards the ball with Giddings in the middle played on for Croucher outside the box makes a run across the D, cutting her shot back in towards goal, Williams down low to push the ball behind for a corner kick. Put long to the far post Wroxham dealing with it Gambell fouled as she looks to bring the ball out.

Ella Gambell

  GOAL! Gambell fouled again in a much more dangerous are as she drives inside from the left, taken out outside the area 25/30 yards from goal. Standing over the ball with Russell, as the whistle blows Russell runs in to strike the ball angled in on target fizzed in at Pap back on her line hitting her looping up Pap can’t get hold of it as it loops up over her into the back of the net beyond 4-1. A goal back for Wroxham.

Wroxham scoring from the free-kick

Wroxham captain Becky Russell

The game restarts in the middle but is soon stopped with Pap down inside her box, Russell’s strike looking to have struck her in the face is a long pause in play but thankfully she is up back on her feet and able to continue. Wroxham putting the Real Bedford defence under pressure winning a corner on the left played in across the six yard line nocked back across goal to the left side falls straight to Kett who lifts her attempt on goal over the bar.

  GOAL! Wroxham pushing on down the left Fuller taking the ball to the by-line check back up the line turning into the box left corner to flash a cross into the middle, Middleton up with a defender near side making minimal contact, enough to deflect it on into the path of Alexander free to the right to rifle her shot past the keeper into the back of the net and score. 4-2.

Lily Alexander scoring Wroxham’s 2nd goal

  Two goal in 7 minutes Wroxham looking to get themselves back into the game ask Real Bedford a few questions. Wroxham finding an extra gear getting forwards well Fuller making the ball stick up top, Mulvihill getting a foot in to take the ball off the striker as she looks to drop her shoulder inside the D. 

Real Bedford’s Sophie Mulvihill

  Real Bedford still carrying plenty of threat in attack the ball played out to Billing on the left powers forward her cross claimed at the near post by Williams. Some of the decisions continue to vex Wroxham, Kett pulling up with a knock another pause while she receives treatment. Smith attacking down the right her cross blocked back to her puts it inside for Croucher out to Billing on the left her high ball into the box has Fensome interested, however Williams keeps her eye on the ball taking it cleanly above her head. 

Real Bedford attacker, Sophie Billing

  Middleton coming off for Wroxham with 20 minutes of regular play left, Lauren Bullard on to join the attack. Reed clearing the ball at the back for Real Bedford as Kett’s clearance has Fuller running to attack on the left. Gambell off a throw in the left inside to Russell, Alexander taking on the ball, looking to thread it into Fuller, cut out by Franklin. Russell taking the ball inside off of another throw on the left her shot on the angle straight at Pap.

  Russell laying the ball on for Densley out on the right, Newcombe bursting on to support her on the flank, Milliken isolated does well to get in between the pair to win the ball lift it forwards, Fensome looking it down knock to the left, Hodgson throwing out a leg to turn the ball away from her. 

Albany Hodgson

 Alexander up with Gambell central forwards to Russell inside the D her shot blocked by Mulvihill. Real Bedford spring the counter attack Price to Fensome releasing Billing on the left her cross cleared by Kett. A drinks break called alot of energy expanded out there. Play resuming Gambell taking the ball inside from the left laying it on for Densley top of the area, Franklin tackling, Gambell going down pulling up in alot of pain needs to come off Lucy Eagle joining the action with 10 plus stoppages to play.

  Eagle linking with Bullard on the left the ball clipped into the box, Mulvihill heads clear. Real Bedford dropping back intent on protecting their lead. Wroxham with a throw in the corner into Densley her cross cut out by Croucher inside the box, stays with Wroxham right up the line into Newcombe inside for Russell right corner digs the ball out from under her feet to cross too close to the keeper, Pap seeing the catch into her body. 

Wroxham’s Lucy Eagle

  Real Bedford with a rapid counter move getting the ball up to Fensome drifting left plays the one two with Billing wide getting the return pass inside the box to shoot on the angle, her strike fired in straight at the keeper. Billing taken off as Real Bedford send on Chloe Martin. One end to the other Eagles seeing Williams goal kick down left side, putting the defence under pressure the cross into the six yard box headed over for a corner. 

 Densley to take on the right dropping invitingly into the six yard box, think Russell gets her head on the ball drives the ball onto the crossbar, before a free-kick is called awarded Real Bedford’s way. 12 minutes of stoppage time in total. Real Bedford clear Price up to Fensome dinks the pass into Martin on the move left side her cross angled into the side netting, a Wroxham touch spotted, the corner awarded much to the annoyance of the fans. 

Erin Price

 Dropped into the six yard box from the left the ball headed down towards goal at close range, Williams with the sharp save little time to react straight at her knocks it up into the air dropping far post and dives down amongst legs to push the ball away to the right a goal kick awarded. 

Bryony Williams with a superb double save for Wroxham

  Real Bedford get on the attack Martin pushing inside with the ball at her feet from the left, played in central, Kett stopping it, knocked down, Fensome ready to pounce latching onto it inside the D pulling her shot wide of the right post. Eagle sees the ball into her feet lays it in to Bullard 20 yards out, Franklin out to close the attacker down. Eagle pulling up then taking a blow Wroxham take her off send Middleton back on for the final minutes of the game as Real Bedford look to get the ball forwards into the channels.

 

  Fensome breaking away still full of running coming in from the right across the top of the area her shot narrowly over from 20 yards. Fuller central looks to send the ball on turn and attack, Franklin sliding in to take the ball away from a throw in. A frantic finish to the game however Real Bedford see it out to celebrate winning the League Cup and completing a history making treble in just their first season.

Full time Real Bedford Ladies 4-2 Wroxham Women

  Treble wins aren’t common so to see two clubs do it in as many days is impressive, Real Bedford matching Whittlesey Athletic in that regards. Impressive. A strong first half seeing them race into a 4 goal lead. The damage done, it was nevertheless a spirited fight back from Wroxham in the 2nd half two goals in 7 minutes putting a different complexion on the game. Had further chances but Real Bedford were determined in defence not to concede again and remained a threat going forwards on the counter throughout William with a brilliant double save to deny them extending the lead. A treble won and FAWNL football to look forwards to next season, under a new manager. Georgia Clarke leaving her role, a treble winner in her first managerial role. Wroxham can be pleased with their 2nd half performance but will be disappointed to lose two cup finals. Nevertheless a great achievement to get there in the first place and a good platform to carry into next season. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again there was a clear contender early on although as the game wore on a few other get themselves into the mix with some good performances on both side. Firstly for Wroxham, goalkeeper Bryony Williams pulling off a superb double save with some brave goalkeeping to keep Wroxham in the hunt. Hannah Fuller came on 2nd half lifted the whole team got hold of the ball allowing other to get forwards creating chances. Ella Gambell frustrated in the first half used that positively in the 2nd half getting hold of the ball and linking up well with the forwards with some useful runs. Real Bedford out of the blocks well in the first half taking the game to Wroxham, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin and Sophie Mulvihill all making good tackles at the back. Gemma Croucher linking up the midfield and attack well. Sophie Billing and Amber Smith lively down the wings. That drive coming from their captain Natasha Fensome wins the award got hold of the ball and drove at the Wroxham defence creating chances got into some great positions and was always ready to receive the ball.

Real Bedford Ladies 2023/24 ERWFL League Cup winners

Completing a historic treble in the process

 Congratulations to Real Bedford Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup and winning the treble.

  Look forward to seeing Real Bedford in the FAWNL, another huge step up and I hope the club can sort out their ground issues with Bedford council before then. A busy but enjoyable day at Newmarket for the ERWFL Finals Day two entertaining matches. my thanks to both clubs for the help with the teams today and the ERWFL committee and staff at Newmarket for their hospitality. Into the final week of the season 3 more games to go…

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Wroxham FC Women

Sunday 28th Jan

ERWFL League Cup

Back at it after a much needed weeks break, heading over to Mulberry Park this afternoon to watch Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies take on fellow Norfolk side Wroxham FC Women in the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Cup.

 A strong line up reaching the last 8 of this season’s competition with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies one of two Division One sides to progress this far, with the other being Division One South leaders Watford Ladies Development away to the Premier Division’s runaway leaders Real Bedford Ladies. defending cup holders Luton Town Ladies are away to St Albans City Women next week. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies taking on Stevenage FC Women in the remaining quarter final tie. A different format to the League Cup this season with all the clubs entering at the 1st Round stage, previously the Premier Division sides entered in the 3rd Round.

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies moving up into regional football after back to back titles in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Building a strong women’s section in their relative short history bringing in a high level of talent from Norfolk. Have made a good start to life in tier 6, whilst suffering the frustration of a lack of league fixtures for various reasons, that had seen them a low as 2nd bottom purely through lack of game time, but with just 13 points separating top to bottom a 3-2 at home to Fakenham last weekend push Mulbarton up to 5th and with plenty of game in hand on the sides above are more than capable of putting pressure on the top two whom they have yet to face in the league.

 Rebekah Lake amongst the best strikers playing in the county has been top of the scoring charts for Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies since their beginning and is out in front again this season finding the back of the net for 14 goals from 9 appearances. Sam Walker another leading goal scorer in the county joining Mulbarton from Long Stratton last season has 5 so far from 8 played. A bye for the club in the 1st Round of the League Cup drawn at home to Division one South side Billericay Town Women Development, Lake on target for a brace with Walker also scoring in a 3-0 victory. Away to another Division One South side in the 3rd Round taking on Lawford Ladies, goals from lake, Lucy Kean, Atlanta Griffith, Laura Hedtke and Charlotte Groves sealing a 5-2 win to send Mulbarton into the last 8.

 Wroxham FC Women currently 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division table, amongst a cluster of sides in the top 5 separated by just two points challenging for what looks like runners-up spot with runaway leaders Real Bedford Ladies yet to drop a point so far this season. Adam Race taking on the managerial role this season having moved from Long Stratton, inheriting a strong squad with a great blend of youth and experience have added a number to their ranks with the most recent signings being talented young goalkeeper Bryony Williams and experienced defender Mary Croft both dual signed from Norwich City Women.

 Hannah Fuller (previously Waters) can easily go toe to toe as one of the best strikers in the county. Both are a nightmare to defend against finding great positions to run in behind and take on players. Leading the goal scoring charts for her club once again netting 20 goals so far from 15 matches . Lara Densley enjoying a great season for Wroxham on the scoresheet for 8 goals from 16 played. Luci Middleton and captain Becky Russell both with 7 goals. Like Mulbarton a bye for Wroxham in the opening round, an away trip to Essex to play newly promoted Southend United Ladies in the 2nd Round, Holly Connell striking twice with goals from Hannah Fuller, Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley and Keela Olive securing a 6-1 win. A home tie in the 3rd Round against fellow Norfolk side and Division One North leader, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. Fuller on target to bag herself a hat-trick with Ella Gambell and Russell getting a goal apiece in a 5-1 victory.

 Mulberry Park the venue for todays game the weather much improved after the stormy conditions at the beginning of the week. Warm and bright, with no wind. The pitch seeing a lot of action, the ground still damp heavy in places. A small seated stand opposite the dugouts with the tee hut open serving hot drinks and snacks. The sun low behind the stands moved from my opposite flank to view the game so I had it at my back to help with the camera. 

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Jody Todd, Lauren Bumstead, Rachel Jermy, Megan Belsey, Ellie Hunter, Leah Brown, Lanta Griffith, Sam Walker, Sophie Jermy, Molly Ryan & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Melissa Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Poppy Loveland & Olivia Smith.

Wroxham FC Women

 Wroxham FC Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson, Albany Hodgson, Becky Russell (C), Jennifer Drummie, Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, Luci Middleton & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Ella Gambell, Rachel Cossey, Keela Olive, Ellie Overton & Sumer Copland.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Mulbarton to get this afternoon’s quarter final underway kicking off the first half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Wroxham lined up opposite in their away colours aquamarine coloured shirts with black across the top of the chest and shoulders, black shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle, Wroxham break forwards quickly to pressure the ball out on the left the ball won pushed back towards captain Becky Russell outside the box clips a high ball in towards goal dropping down cannons off the bar back into play the Mulbarton defence launching it clear.

Wroxham captain, Becky Russell

  Wroxham setting the tempo early doors getting at the Mulbarton back line keeping the hosts pinned in the final 3rd Chelsea Clarke combining with Lara Densley on the left flank on for Luci Middleton wide her cross blocked behind for a corner kick. Curled into the area defended headed back out to the left the 2nd ball in deflected away for a throw in. Wroxham threatening left side Russell with Densley forwards for Middleton to attack running into the box, tackled the ball prodded out of play for another corner.

Lara Densley crossing the ball for Wroxham

   Ellie Hunter looking to take the ball on through the middle spark Mulbarton into life played on for captain Rebekah Lake up to, Albany Hodgson stepping in to intercept the pass. Wroxham come right Jennifer Drummie off a throw in forwards for Lauren Bullard to travel the the by-line before squaring a ball into the six yard box, cut out and cleared by Megan Belsey at the back for Mulbarton. All Wroxham winning the ball inside the Mulbarton half push players into the final third the ball rolled into Densley top of the D, struck on the half volley, dipping in front of goalkeeper Jody Todd does well to get her palms behind it make the blocking save. 

Mulbarton yet to get a toe hold in the Wroxham half yet a meaningful attack registered, Drummie in to win the ball in the middle, Clarke left and Leah Newcombe on the right getting forwards to push the hosts back. The ball sent long on the left in behind for Fuller to attack  from the left channel a strong run, Lauren Bumstead and Belsey going with her as she powers her way into the box the ball won well and cleared. 

Lauren Bumstead clears the ball for Mulbarton

 Wroxham dictating the play able to push their defence up play the ball across the back, Lake up top alone with a lot to do if her teammates can get the ball into her. Newcombe taking the ball on up the right forwards for Bullard looking to turn in behind, Hunter tracking back well getting to the ball to take it clear for a throw. 

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

  Hodgson plays the pass along the ground into Densley left side, lines up a strike from range her shot flashing wide of the far post. The visitors forwards on the left Clarke on for Densley into Fuller left of the D, gets the ball across the top of the area for Middleton central ready to shoot, Hunter gets back on her in the nick of time to win the ball the opportunity gone. Sam Walker goes into the book for an off the ball offence with Drummie. 

Wroxham attacker, Luci Middleton

  Walker with a ell timed challenge a few moment later to halt Densley’s progress as she looks to make ground on the left. Belsey out to block Densley as she lines up another strike 25 yards out top of the D. Walker find Leah Brown on the right as the winger looks to get away down the line pushing inside, Densley closing her down stops the cross, Brown winning Mulbarton their first corner of the game. Taken short, Mulbarton dally on the ball too long as Wroxham rush out to close it down threaten to counter, Belsey standing her ground on halfway to make sure that doesn’t happen. 

  Midway through the first half, Wroxham dictating play creating chances around the box, Mulbarton yet to have in theirs working hard at the back, getting the ball out and keeping it their proving difficult. Middleton seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out to the left of the D, turns well to hit the shot her effort flashing over the crossbar. Drummie out to Newcombe right on for Bullard, Rachel Jermy stretching to win the ball clears for Mulbarton. 

Mulbarton defender, Rachel Jermy.

  Russell sending the pass on for Bullard wide right squares it across the top of the area, Drummie running onto the ball her shot charged down by Belsey. Newcombe taking the ball in behind for Wroxham on the right, Sophie Jermy running back to challenge on the by-line clearing for the hosts falls straight to Russell positioned right of the area 25 yards out, looks to thread a diagonal ball on for Middleton spinning off the defence into the area central, Bumstead getting back at her to lung in take the ball away from her. 

  Sophie Jermy pushed back needing to slow down Newcombe help Rachel Jermy out with Bullard looking to run in behind her. Walker on for Hunter through the middle, Lake pulling out wide on the left into space brings the ball down whipping a cross into the area, Molly Ryan cutting in of the right channel looking to attack it the ball though cleared by Hodgson. 

  Mulbarton finding a little momentum in the middle as Lanta Griffith, Hunter and Sophie Jermy combine getting forwards on the left, Jermy sending the ball on for Hunter bursting into the left channel the ball crossed in cleared back out to Griffith, lifted back into the box, Tigi Robson heading clear for Wroxham out to the right of the box, Ryan looking to latch onto it, Clarke in to block her shot. 

Sophie Jermy

  Clarke on from the left with Densley played into Fuller left of the area turns inside bursting into the six yard box putting it in across goal, Todd their first to snatch the ball down, vital with Middleton lurking ready to turn it home. Clarke getting up on the left receiving the lay off from Fuller left of the D, shots her shot blocked defecting harmlessly through to the keeper. Wroxham upping the ante pressing forwards as a pack the ball played into Fuller up top left side flicks the ball into the path of Middleton putting her clear right side to attack the goal, shoots, Todd down smartly gloving the ball away for a corner kick. 

Luci Middleton played in on goal

  The ball dropped into the box scrambled away by Hunter for Mulbarton. Sophie Jermy alert on the left taking a quick throw looking to set Griffiths away, Newcombe getting back at her to tackle see the ball out for a throw. Clarke putting Fuller through in behind to run into the box, and score won’t count however the flag early against her as Mulbarton’s defence hold a good line. Fuller hungry for a goal, so too Clarke as the ball comes back to her on the left, as soon as it arrives you can see she’s going to take the shot on hit on the angle a vicious ball in low dipping late on Todd does well to block with her legs as she falls forwards doesn’t get hold of it as Fuller rushes in on the follow up, strikes the ball looking to get it over the keeper, Todd getting enough of her body in the way to deflect it over the bar!

Hannah Fuller in to follow up Clarke’s strike seeing her shot deflect over of the keeper

  Bryony Williams has largely been a spectator in goal for Wroxham in the first half but need to remain alert pushing up from the back Mulbarton winning it back launch a pass long for Lake to try and chase down, Williams needing to come hurtling out of her area to clear the ball. Wroxham attack right Bullard sending it on for Newcombe on the overlap to the by-line back to Bullard turning into the area right lifts a cross into the mix, Hunter trapping the ball top of the six yard box, but not away Fuller taking a swing at it as it rolls forwards doesn’t get a clear hit scuffed as Megan Belsey gets the block in and taken away to the left for a corner kick.

Wroxham full back Leah Newcombe

Lauren Bullard preparing to cross

Megan Belsey into block Hannah Fuller’s attempted strike

  Mulbarton making a change bringing off Ryan with Poppy Loveland coming on. Russell seeing the ball onto her feet for Wroxham outside the D, puts her foot through the shot rising in on goal, Todd with the spectacular save gloving the ball up over the bar for the corner kick.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Jody Todd

  Swung into the area knocked down into the mix, cleared by Bumstead, the counter on as Sophie Jermy takes it on for Griffiths who bombs forwards into the left channel making for the box is clipped as she looks to drive into the area, goes down play brought back for the free-kick, Bullard goes into the referees book. Loveland on the set-piece gets it past the Wroxham wall in towards goal, Williams though right behind seeing the ball into her mid-riff as she drops forwards. 

Lanta Griffith driving on for Mulbarton

 Into first half stoppage time Wroxham still prepared to push player forwards Drummie winning in in the middle on for Russell, playing the ball forwards as Rachel Jermy and Walker collide allowing a gap for Fuller to turn and run into looking to get onto it as it races towards the box, Todd sharp diving forwards onto the ball in the nick of time Fuller leaping up letting out a cry of frustration. 

a coming together at the back sees Hannah Fuller break after the ball

Jody Todd getting to the ball before Fuller can strike

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-0 Wroxham FC Women

  As one sided a goalless first half as you will ever see, Wroxham will be wondering how they are not in front have pushed hard for the opening goal, seeing one disallowed and the woodwork struck. Mulbarton goalkeeper Jody Todd called into action for a number of saves. The hosts have had to work hard at the back to keep Wroxham at bay right from the off a gutsy performance under pressure. Rebekah Lake up top on her own getting little to fed on. Wroxham pushing up will getting their full backs advanced to keep Mulbarton pushed back looking to move the ball about the park. Still with nothing in the goal scored column all to play for 2nd half.

  Changes for both sides at the break, Mulbarton staying out on the pitch making two changes bringing on Laura Hedtke and Melissa Belsey for Bumstead and Griffith. Ella Gambell coming on for Wroxham on the right replacing Bullard. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway, played into Russell looks to clip the ball out to the left for Densley, Brown can see it safely out of play for Mulbarton. 

  Gambell into the attack early on racing down the right into the corner winning a free-kick. Looped into the near post headed on across goal headed goal wards the ball claimed by Todd in goal. Russell gathering the ball into hr feet on the right tracking inside for Wroxham fires it into Densley running in central to curl a shot from 20 yards out wide of the right post.

Wroxham midfielder, Jennifer Drummie

  Wroxham looking to start of the 2nd half where they left off the first. Middleton drifting right seeing her cross cut out turned behind for a corner. The corner curled into the middle of the area by Densley headed back out to the right inside the box snatched hold of by Gambell strikes a shot on the angle saved by Todd knocked down into the ground and cleared by the defence. 

  Hedtke sending the ball on for Lake pulling out to the left for Mulbarton wide has limited options as she looks to cross the ball into the area, the ball intercepted by Hodgson. Drummie on through the middle, Middleton and Fuller running in ahead of her towards the area plays it on for Middleton central as Fuller peels away to the right of goal, Middleton lays the ball into her Megan Belsey getting across to lunge in to put in the block as she goes to pull the trigger the ball spinning away for a corner kick.

Rebekah Lake looking to cross the ball.

  The corner count rising Densley putting so useful balls ball in from that side, in central cleared back to Gambell right this time sends her shot behind. Mulbarton making another change bringing on Olivia Smith to replace Walker. Brown storming forwards with the ball on the left for Mulbarton, sending it inside to Lake 20 yards out, Clarke in to challenge her before she can look to spin in behind to shoot. 

Leah Brown coming forwards with the ball for Mulbarton

 Clarke running into space on the left found by Russell striking in a shot on the angle held by Todd. Mulbarton’s back line remain pinned back, Megan Belsey and Rachel Jermy both making a blocking tackle on Middleton and Fuller respectfully. Gambell adding to Wroxham’s threat going forwards with some driving runs on the right, sees a cross snuffed out by Rachel Jermy as he breaks for the by-line.

Ella Gambell attacking for Wroxham

  Clarke adding to the threat going forwards from the back on the left for Wroxham, bursting forwards plays a one two with Fuller as she continues her run past her into a central position to shoot from 20 yards out her effort fired straight at Todd who claims the ball. 

Chelsea Clarke getting forwards on the left for Wroxham

 Wroxham make their 2nd change bringing Rachel Cossey on to replace Middleton. Densley tracking in from the left appears to be bundled over, the visitors appealing for the fouls as the ball runs through to Gambell 25 yards out right side, Rachel Jermy rushing out to meet her win the challenge for Mulbarton. Wroxham win a corner on the right swung in near post Todd comes out into the mix to try and get hold of it doesn’t as the ball is turned behind for a 2nd corner.

  GOAL! The corner deliveries from the right have been dangerous and this one brings the opening goal the ball fired in with pace into the six yard box met by Robson making her 50th appearance for Wroxham gets her head under the ball powering it into the back of the net 0-1.

Wroxham celebrate scoring the opening goal

Tigi Robson scoring on her 50th appearance for the club

  The deadlock finally broken in the 65th minute. Play resumes Ryan and Griffith back on for Mulbarton the ball played up the left sent into the area, cleared. Robson down needing treatment. Wroxham suddenly down to 10 as Clarke finds herself sent to the sin bin the game had gotten a little testy. The visitors adjusting to the player disadvantage by making a change bringing of Densley, with Ellie Overton coming on the fill in at the back. 

Wroxham’s Albany Hodgson

   Gives Melissa Belsey less to worry about on her flank the full back getting forwards as Hedtke picks her out with the pass up the pitch lifts a cross into the box knocked clear by Hodgson. Mulbarton a goal down with a player advantage need to come out attack, have to remain wary of Wroxham’s attack still lively Gambell on the drive central closed down well by Megan Belsey. The ball swept out to Fuller pulling right side of the box lay the cross into the D with Drummie on the move Ryan going with her getting enough of a challenge in to slow her down force the ball left as Megan Belsey comes to clear the ball.

Melissa Belsey

  Wroxham competing well with one less player keeping the ball away from their exposed left flank. Russell on the left of the box heading the ball down into Fuller central turns to run out to the right, Smith stretching to stop her cross. Robson going down under a heavy challenge picking up a knock Wroxham on the attack Drummie clipped out to Fuller right her cross chipped into the box cleared by Megan Belsey.

  Griffith getting hold of the ball driving forwards through the middle for Mulbarton aiming to thread the ball through the Wroxham defence for Lake to hunt down, Williams though ready racing out to the top of her area to dive onto the ball.

Bryony Williams winning the race to claim the ball

  Mulbarton pressing on trying to find a break through to get them back on level terms Hedtke on for Lake to attack, Williams again going down to claim it spills the ball however no one is close enough to capitalise as the ball is made safe. Clarke’s time up is allowed back onto the pitch eager to resume, Overton pushed on ahead of her. Hunter and Gambell battling for the ball come together a bit of afters quickly dispelled, Hunter hurt in need of treatment can’t continue, Bumstead coming back on.

   Fuller with a drive on the right smashing the ball against the crossbar from the angle. Robson is down feeling the effects of her earlier knock, needs to come off with Newcombe returning to the game. The clock ticking down Wroxham continue to dominate the attack, yet while the score remains 1 nil Mulbarton only need one moment to turn the game on its head, looking unlikely though with Fuller driving on with the ball into the area, Melissa Belsey and Bumstead combining to defend see the ball out for a corner. 

 Gambell from the right cutting inside lays the ball in central, Loveland cutting it out for Mulbarton playing it forwards the left, Clarke latching hold of it coming straight back at them. The final whistle signalling the end of the game Wroxham clinch the win to send them through to the last 4 of this season’s ERWFL League Cup

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-1 Wroxham FC Women

  Tigi Robson’s 65th header proving to be the difference between the sides as Wroxham find a goal in the 2nd half to win the match. Doesn’t tell the whole story, Wroxham no doubt the dominant side going forwards right from the opening whistle creating chances getting players forwards to keep Mulbarton penned back limited their opportunities going forwards in the process. An intriguing yet tense contest. Mulbarton on the back foot never really found the spark to get ignited going forwards that left Lake isolated in attack, no doubt part of Wroxham’s game plan. Credit to the defence however who played well making some vital challenges under a lot of pressure. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match as more often than not a difficult one and one I don’t thankfully have to make on the final whistle, even if one or two players are in prime position in my thought the notes help immensely. Some great and battling performances out there. Firstly for Mulbarton, Ellie Hunter  really covered the ground in the middle getting back to help the defence and winning the ball doing her all to get her side going forwards. Credit to the defence for a hard fought display particularly Megan Belsey for some vital blocks and tackles. Goalkeeper Jody Todd too her saves and positioning undoubtedly keeping the score down. For Wroxham was a strong attacking performance  without necessarily getting the rewards. Both full backs got forwards well Leah Newcombe on the right, Chelsea Clarke strong on the left with some great runs and passing, getting into good shooting positions. Hannah Fuller up top would have scored a hat-trick on another day made some great runs pulling into the channels setting up others. Luci Middleton deeper with some fantastic runs with and without the ball to create chances. Tigi Robson scoring the winning goal in her 50th appearance for the club. As is often the case when one side is pushing the other back it’s how the ball is won back in the middle that often keeps the pressure on and for that today’s award goes to Jennifer Drummie a strong performance in the middle to win the ball and keep Wroxham pressing forwards getting into some good positions to have herself a shot too.

  Well rested after a week off, didn’t know how much I needed it. A great game to come back to. Always a good contest between the sides who might well end up facing each other in the County Cup should they win there respective quarter finals. My thanks to both for there help with the teams today and to catch up with a few footballing friends.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 21st May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Moving onto this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final, played this season between two sides vying for runners up spot in the league as they meet in two crunch games at the end of the season, first in the cup with Stevenage FC Women taking on Luton Town Ladies. The Hertfordshire County Cup Champions playing the Bedfordshire County Cup Champions a little bit of neighbourly county rivalry to add the the mix.

The ERWFL League Cup the regional league senior cup competition with the Division One North and South sides contesting the 1st two rounds with 4 going on to join the 12 Premier Division clubs in the 3rd round.

This afternoon’s prize

The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football, often competitive with a high level of talent on show. A tough league to get out of with only the winners guaranteed promotion to the FAWNL above. AFC Sudbury Women achieving that dream this season with a tremendous campaign to secure back to back promotions. Both Stevenage an Luton have tasted life in the FAWNL and the aim is to get back there themselves both amongst the title challengers this season but just missing out.

Stevenage FC Women relegated from the FAWNL last season, when there were 4 sides to be relegated following the FA’s re adjustment of the leagues following the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. Harsh were close to hanging on to their league status, amongst the favourites to bounce straight back retaining a good portion of their squad under coach Fadi Mazloum in the top two for much of the season as the race for the title heated up with more sides emerging as strong contenders, Mazloum stepping down as head coach, assistant David Perry taking on the role on an interim basis guiding Stevenage to a fifth Hertfordshire County Cup win now given the role on a permanent basis. Amy Makewell Stevenage’s top scorer this season with 15 goals.

Luton Town Ladies themselves enjoying a long spell in the 4th tier before being relegated from the FAWNL were aiming to bounce straight back but Covid got in the way building a strong squad ready to mount a new promotion push were top of the league winning their opening 8 games only to see a points adjustment as Harlow Town Ladies withdrew from the league drop them back amongst the other challengers some competitive tussles at the top of the table have two games left to play one huge one against Stevenage at Barton Rovers this coming Thursday with the winner virtually  gaurenteed runners up spot. Will be smarting from their other league encounter with Stevenage leading 1-0 going onto the closing stages Stevenage came back to score a winner at the death to take all three points. Captain Jess McKay and Elizabeth Sanders are joint top scorers each with 17 goals to their name, with Leyah Maddix all into double figures on 11.

  Road to the Final

  As I said the Premier Division Clubs entering in the 3rd round joined by the 4 Division One sides to progress from rounds 1 and 2 of the competition. Stevenage away to ERWFL Division One South leaders Barking FC Women in the 3rd Round. Emily Schofield scoring a 2nd half brace with Rosy Wodhams also getting a goal in the 1st half for Stevenage and goal for Amy Makewell early in the 2nd period securing a 4-1 win. Luton at home to Bedfordshire rivals and fellow Premier Division side Bedford Ladies, the pair often vying for the County Cup, Luton were the dominant side on this occasion, Elizabeth Sanders with a brace and a goal apiece for Jess McKay and Fiona Constable sealing a 4-0 win.

Stevenage away again in the quarter finals taking on Hertfordshire rivals Royston Tow Women who they would also beat in this season’s County Cup final. Tilly Fidler getting Stevenage off to a great start scoring in the 2nd minute, Nicole Farmer adding a 2nd late in the half, Royston scoring twice themselves, another goal from Fidler plus one from captain Lucy Webster seeing Stevenage into the last 4 with a 4-2 win. Luton hosting Colney Heath Ladies in their quarter final tie, the game though abandoned through an injury to a Colney Heath player rescheduled for a later date Luton leading 1-0 at the break going on to win 4-1 in the 2nd half with goals from Sanders, McKay, Tanya Blacksley and Tsaianne Leander.

A tough semi-final line-up with the Premier Division top 4 into the semi-finals, Both newly promoted sides Needham Market Women and AFC Sudbury Women doing very well. Stevenage travelling to Suffolk to play Needham Market. Amy Makewell from the spot to fire Stevenage into a 9th minute lead were to give away a penalty to see Lina Nagib equalise for Needham Market then hit another spot kick to put Needham Market in front. Becky Shephard striking in injury time to see it all square 2-2 at the break. A competitive 2nd half Rosy Wodhams curling in a strike to put Stevenage 3-2 ahead with 20 minutes left and secure their place in the League Cup Final. Luton at home to AFC Sudbury Women in their quarter final tie goals from Tsaianne Leander and Shanice Lewis the difference for Luton as they won through to the final.

A break to edit some pictures from the earlier game time to get back into The New Croft and refuel a cheeseburger ordered and get ready for the 2nd game of the day. The cloud cover hanging around, the supporters gathering the general consensus being for a close and physical match. Paving around the pitch with a small seated stand on one side beside the main building opposite the new dugouts.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Hannah Nesbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Nicole Farmer, Vicky Neal, Erin Price, Hannah Bodily, Rosy Wodhams, Amy Gooderham, Kelsey Millen & Amy Makewell. Subs – Grace Brooks, Jodie Bellinger, Becky Shephard, Emily Schofield & Tilly Fidler.

Luton Town Ladies

 Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Angelika Kopec-Knurec, Lilac Wilson, Adrienne Milton, Tanya Blacksley Elly Wade, Andie Dickens, Elizabeth Sanders, Ellie Sargeant, Fiona Constable, Jess McKay (C) & Shanice Lewis. Subs – Nancy Tucker, Hannah Major, Leyah Maddix, Maria Taylor & Shakeela Hussain.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Stevenage to get this season’s WERFL League Cup Final underway kicking-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts fading to black with red shorts and white socks. Luton lined up opposite wearing orange shirts and socks with dark blue shorts. The ball played back to Erin Price in midfield out to captain Lucy Webster on the right Luton rushing in to close the ball down out of play for a throw in. Stevenage looking to get the back on down the right for Kesley Millen, Ellie Sargeant moving to close her down clearing the ball.

  Price getting the ball back into goalkeeper Mia O’Brien to clear as Luton’s Fiona Constable left lifts the ball up to Shanice Lewis in attack. Lilac Wilson getting across to the left to tackle Amy Gooderham on the left as she looks to get a throw under control. Luton captain, Jess McKay picking the ball up through the middle travelling strikes the ball from 30 yards out her low ball straight into O’Brien to claim. 

Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham with Luton’s Adrienne Milton

  McKay winning the ball in the middle lifting it into the right channel, cut out but Hannah Nebbitt for Stevenage played forwards for Gooderham through the middle, closed down the ball regain by Rosy Wodhams as Stevenage push on tries to get it back into Gooderham left, Adrienne Milton defending for Luton back up the line Nebbitt closing down to knock the ball on into Gooderham left of the D 20 yards out curls a strike over the Luton crossbar. 

 

Elizabeth Sanders getting in to win the ball for Luton right side back for Milton put inside for Andie Dickens play spread into the left channel Constable with a low shot running in towards goal safely gathered by O’Brien. Gooderham looking to travel left on the ball for Stevenage a crossfield pass put out to Millen tracking on right side, Wilson getting in to steal the ball put it back for goalkeeper Angelika Kopec-Knurec to clear. A fast paced start to the game Luton rushing on to close Stevenage down win the ball get it into McKay and Lewis up top.

Andie Dickens

 

 Kopec-Knurec out to the top of her area to gather the ball before Millen can get to the pass on the right as Webster drives on with the ball through the middle for Stevenage. Luton very vocal encouraging one another to get into the opposition. Sanders getting about the park looking to win the ball puts it out to Sargeant on the left, Webster winning the header to clear. Luton from a throw on the left inside the Stevenage half to Lewis right of the area knocks it down to the top of the area right of the D for Dickens to run onto her 1st time strikes swerving through the area as it sails wide of the right post. 

Vicky Neal

 Sanders looking to plough her way through the middle going shoulder to shoulder with Stevenage centre back Vicky Neal heading for the box Neal does well holding her up, getting the free-kick. Wodhams threading the ball forwards into the left channel for Makewell making a move out to the flank deep, Milton putting in the challenge the ball out for a throw. Nebbitt getting forwards to support Gooderham as Stevenage attack on the left the ball held up well fed inside to Makewell left corner of the area, holding off a defender plays the ball across the top of the area Wodhams leaving in to Hannah Bodily to run onto a strike beyond her the shot blocked by Luton’s Elly Wade out behind for a corner. 

Elly Wade

  In low towards the near post Kopec-Knurec down well to grab it Luton look to counter the ball with Milton on the right lifted on for Lewis going through the middle won by Nicole Farmer for Stevenage. A tense encounter the two sets of players into each other Luton looking to close the ball down. Nebbitt on the left outside the box turns on the ball to cross in central, Makewell seeing her shot charged down deflected out for Constable to clear. Bodily on for Wodhams central Stevenage send it on for Makewell inside the area, Wade blocking her shot the ball deflected behind for the corner.

  The ball angle in under the crossbar Kopec-Knurec up well to get a fist on the ball turn it wide out the left side for another corner. Cleared straight bac to the corner taker tries to hit it back in across goal on the volley goes behind. Webster picking the ball up for Stevenage driving on through the middle going all the way as she exchanges a one two with Wodhams, arriving top of the area, Wade in to close her down. Wodhams sending a great ball into Gooderham on the left, Milton getting in to defend well for Luton. 

Luton goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec-Knurec

Luton sending players up from the back as they win a free-kick inside the Stevenage half to the right of the centre circle, Wilson on the ball played in deep to the far post Wade knocking the ball down into the keeper. 

 GOAL! Constable up on the left playing the ball into Lewis laying it into Mckay driving on central central taking the ball on into the right of the D before getting her foot over the ball to smash a powerful strike past the keeper to put Luton into the lead midway through the 1st half 0-1.

Jess McKay putting Luton into the lead

  Stevenage looking for a quick response out to Nebbitt forwards on the left putting the ball on for Gooderham takes the ball down into the corner turning inside moving into the box  her low cross put straight at the keeper. Bodily getting the ball out to Millen on the right for Stevenage coming to the top of the area squares a cross in near side for Makewell, Tanya Blacksley in to close her down for Luton as she goes to shoot.

Tanya Blacksley

  Wade bringing down Wodhams inside the box as she looks to turn on the ball played into her from the right, the referee pointing to the spot, Penalty! Makewell on the ball goes for power looking to place it top corner, instead misses sending it over the bar. 

  Blacksley in again to put in the block on Makewell right of the area as she looks to turn and shoot the ball coming into her off a throw. Luton looking to break from a Stevenage corner the ball right put on for McKay attempt to head it on for Lewis racing on left channel, Farmer intercepting for Stevenage. Farmer in again to cut the ball out stepping out to head the ball away as Sanders right turns to play the ball in along the top of the area. 

 Luton closing the ball down in the middle well, Sargeant then Dickens playing the ball out to Lewis top right corner outside the box puts a shot in across goal narrowly wide of the far post. Lewis across to the left to press the ball high putting it back to McKay 20 yards out to blast goalwards, O’Brien down to save pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left. Wade knocking the ball on near side, the free-kick given away as Sanders fouls Nebbitt going for the ball. Neal winning the ball well against Luton’s Sanders as the ball lifted on for her. 

  Sanders covering alot of ground for Luton getting across the pitch to close the ball down on the right has Milton bursting on past her given the ball, Milton sends a cross in low across the top of the Stevenage area cut out by Price. The ball on Luton’s left rolled inside for McKay 25 yards out sees it across her body turning to strike sends the ball over the crossbar. 

  Stevenage come left themselves Nebbitt getting ahead of Gooderham as she plays the ball on into the full back using the outside of her boot to deliver a cross into the top of the six yard box, behind Millen closing in central lays it out to the onrushing Wodhams to strike on the run from 10 yards out the ball crashing into the base of the right post and out for a goal kick. Sargeant down over on the far side with an injury for Luton the trainer on to administer treatment is back to her feet able to play on as plays come over to the benches to take on fluids.

Stevenage’s Amy Makewell

  Into the closing stages of the first half Stevenage with a free-kick right of the circle players up from the back as the ball in dropped into the area, Milton in to take the ball off the head of Neal to clear for a corner kick. Into the mix Price looking to attack it, Luton defending well close to goal to win a goal kick as the ball is turned wide far side. Sanders fouling Farmer as the Luton midfielder looks to take the ball on left channel, Luton not amused with the decision.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Luton Town Ladies

  A highly committed tussle Luton working hard to close Stevenage down get hold of the ball, players winning their individual battles, Sanders looking to get on with McKay and Lewis in the attack making some good runs, McKay driving on to open the scoring mid way through the first half. Stevenage have had chances to equalise missing a penalty and striking the post, a close game as everyone predicted a single goal in it all to play for in the 2nd half. 

  Doesn’t appear to be any changes as the sides come back out for the start of the 2nd half, Stevenage looking to get at Luton as their opponents get the 2nd half underway. Stevenage almost undone straight away as Dickens closes the ball down put forwards for McKay breaking in into the right channel wide of the D going shoulder to shoulder with Neal holding off the defender to shot sending it past the on rushing O’Brien the ball crashing against the post deflected out across the goal loose, Farmer able to get there first to launch clear. 

  Milton pressing on down Luton’s right, Nebbitt in to challenge for Stevenage. A concern for Stevenage Wodhams hurt in the build up, has been a strong player for Stevenage in recent game unable to continue Stevenage forced into a change bringing on Becky Shephard. Sanders disrupting the Stevenage midfield closing players down. Milton tackling Gooderham the ball back into the middle of the park Sanders in to win it back for Luton on for Dickens puts it into McKay pulling right 25 yards out sends a shoot up to land on the roof of the net. 

 GOAL! Luton surge forwards Constable away on the left down towards the top of the area wide to flash a cross in central, attacked by Sanders, Price in to close her down the ball ricocheting off the pair out to Lewis free to the right of goal reacts quickly the ball into her feet digs out the shot lifting it rising into the top corner to double Luton’s lead 0-2. 

Shanice Lewis doubling Luton’s lead

Luton building on a strong opening to the 2nd half to score a 2nd goal, a further set back for Stevenage as they look to rally coming left the ball from deep cross to Gooderham breaking into the box from the right Kopec-Knurec out well to close her down sliding in to save at her feet. Intense as Luton go to close the ball down no quarter given the bench vocal encouraging Luton to get after the ball, Dickens and Sanders strong in the middle. Sanders getting back to challenge Millen as Webster bombs on through the middle Millen putting the ball in as Webster enters the D, Wade close putting in the blocking tackle. 

Lucy Webster

  Shephard on for Makewell central as Stevenage look to add some urgency to their play, lifted on for Gooderham on the left, Luton hold thier line catching her offside. Dickens sending the ball out to Constable on the left curls a cross in to the top of the area won by Stevenage’s Price. Stevenage making a double change bringing off Makewell and Gooderham for Emily Schofield and Tilly Fidler in attack. Stevenage with a throw high on the right the cross long charged down by Sargeant cleared Luton threaten to break, Lewis looking to get away through the middle, Price getting back on her defending well for Stevenage. 

Elizabeth Sanders

Luton come right Sanders up with Lewis the cross into the top of the area won by Bodily. Stevenage struggling to clear the ball as Luton push up on their box half cleared to the left falling to Constable hits it wide on the half volley. Lewis taking the ball out to right on for Sanders wide to lift a cross into the box, Neal winning the ball up against McKay, then gets fouled trying to play it out. 

  Wade getting in the way of everything inside the box up the other end as Stevenage attempt to find a way through on goal. Millen tracking back hurt as her goes to defend for Stevenage. Another double change made with Millen coming off along with Nebbitt, Grace Brooks on at left bac with Jodie Bellinger on to attack on the right with a little over 20 minutes left to play. A few tempers flaring is an intense contest. 

 Luton getting a free-kick out wide Constable to put a dangerous ball into the six yard box central in front of the keeper, O’Brien beating it down as she goes down the ball loose Neal doing brilliantly as she gets in to protect the keeper letting the ball roll across her body as Lewis closes her down. O’Brien stays down after but is okay after treatment. Luton looking strong on their right Milton getting on to support Sanders as she pulls wide the cross flashed into the area cut out by Neal away for a throw in. 

Erin Price with Shanice Lewis

  Into Mckay wide smashes a hard shot across the face of goal, Sanders closing in far post stretching can’t quite get there to divert it home. Luton with a strong spell Stevenage struggling for an answer. Another free-kick for Luton put in from wide cleared by Price, no break on however as Dickens gets the ball back for Luton to keep the pressure on. Sargeant with a turn and swing from distance dragged wide of the left post. 

Hannah Bodily

 Stevenage frustrated trying to lift it as they look to get themselves back into the game. Luton hungry for the ball determined to close it down. McKay with a wild strike over from the angle.  

 GOAL! Stevenage with a diagonal ball up into the top of the area for Schofield left of the D, looking to see it down take inside to shoot is fouled by the on rushing keeper. Penalty! Kopec-Knurec shown the yellow card. Grace Brooks over Stevenage’s 2nd penalty hits it to the keepers left Kopec-Knurec going the right way getting something on the ball but too much power behind the ball to keep it out Stevenage with a goal back in the 77th minute 1-2.

Grace Brooks scoring from the spot

  Sargeant picking up a yellow card for Luton. Sanders driving on down the right firing a cross in along the face of goal neither Dickens nor Lewis chasing in can get a touch. Webster at the back on for Shephard left lifts a diagonal ball up towards Fidler top of the  turns to put her strike wide past the right post 

Luton making a double change bringing on Hannah Major and Maria Taylor for Sanders and Wilson. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular play opening up as Stevenage look to press on leaving opportunities to exploit at the back as they have to gamble. Luton digging in Constable looking to relieve the pressure on the eft taking the ball on Farmer getting it back for Stevenage inside for Bodily looks for Schofield, Wade defending for Luton then wins the ball for a 2nd time a Shephard plays it back in from the left.

  Bellinger fouled on halfway to the right Farmer putting the free-kick inside, Taylor defending for Luton lifted forwards for Lewis in attack, Farmer getting back on her just about winning the ball. Tense Lewis taking the ball into the corner looking to eat up time into injury time Makewell back on for Stevenage an extra attacker bringing of Webster in defence. Leyah Maddix on for Luton replacing Lewis up top. Everybody sent up for Stevenage bar the keeper Luton defending their box, Wade strong, Dickens back too. 

Jodie Bellinger with Fiona Constable

 Stevenage with a free-kick out on the left into Price helps it out to the right with Farmer up joining Bellinger given the ball cuts inside Blacksley blocking for Luton they get on the counter attack the ball Maddix running on with the ball through the middle Neal in to charge her down well, McKay out the loose ball to the right shooting over. 

 Sargeant out to Maddix on the left goes into the corner before being fouled, the Luton free-kick cleared by Neal, then Dickens with a high boot giving the free-kick away top of the area. Wade cutting out a ball fed into Fidler up top. Stevenage with one last chance to push everyone up winning a free kick left of the circle played long goes through every one out wide for a goal kick. 

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-2 Luton Town Ladies

  Luton Town Ladies celebrate winning a cup double adding the ERWFL League Cup to their Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup success. A strong combative performance to get in to win the ball through out showing great energy to get amongst Stevenage leading by a single goal at the break were strong at the start of the 2nd half hitting the post before doubling their leaf. Stevenage struggling for an answer at times getting a goal back from the penalty spot to set up a tense final 10 minutes however Luton were determine in defence holding on giving nothing away to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day again another difficult choice to make several strong contenders. Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham getting on well down the right creating opportunities linked up well with Hannah Nebbitt coming forwards. Vicky Neal putting in some vital tackles. Rosy Wodhams looking to get forwards into some good positions before coming off injured. For Luton, Elly Wade was superb at the back winning the ball, and getting out to block. Andie Dickens solid in the middle winning the ball preventing the midfield getting on, in turn allowing Elizabeth Sanders to get on put herself about wining the ball and making some excellent runs into the channels. The award though goes to full back Adrienne Milton had a excellent game at right back getting in to win the ball and winning her tackles. 

Luton Town Ladies 2022/23 ERWFL League Cup winners

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final.

 Another enjoyable day at Haverhill for the ERWFL Finals Day, rarely does the league disappoint with action, alot of talent on show. An entertaining game, tense tight as predicted, Luton joyous to emerge as victors. My thanks to Daniel Forde an Chris Abbott from the ERWFL committee for their help today… one game left and the season’s one.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Wroxham Women v Wymondham Town Ladies

Sunday 8th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

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

Today’s prize

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

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

Road to the Final

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

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

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

Wroxham Women

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

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

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

Wymondham captain, Leah Newcombe

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

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

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

Wymondham’s Rebecca Russell

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

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

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

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

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

Wroxham’s Jess Horn with Wymondham’s Katie Knights

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

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

Wymondham defender, Lauren Kett

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

Wroxham’s Becky Russell

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

Wroxham’s Rosie George

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

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

Wroxham’s Jess Horn

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

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-1 Wymondham Town Ladies

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

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

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

Katie Knights with Wroxham’s Becky Russell

 

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

 

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

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

Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls

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

Naomi Cooper coming forwards for Wroxham

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

Wymondham’s Kyla Love

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lauren Bullard scores from the penalty spot for Wroxham

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

Wymondham celebrate at the final whistle

Full time Wroxham Women 1-2 Wymondham Town Ladies

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

Wymondham Town Ladies 2021/22 ERWFL Cup Winners

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

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 1st November

ERWFL League Cup

Cup action this Sunday in the featured match on Women’s Football East with a trip down into Suffolk to watch a game from the 2nd Round of the ERWFL League Cup, AFC Sudbury Women v Newmarket Town Women.

  The two ERWFL Division One sides meeting at the Kings Marsh Stadium a little under a month since a dramatic game in the FA Women’s Cup that saw Newmarket edge Sudbury out 4-2 on penalties after the 90 minutes finished all square at 3-3. Victory today for either seeing them reach the last 16 of the ERWFL League Cup one o 4 sides from Division One to join the 12 Premier Division sides in the next round.

Has been quite a while since I last saw AFC Sudbury Women in action were still Sudbury Ladies in fact. Has been something of a rebuilding of the side since it was relegated from the ERWFL Premier Division. Playing in ERWFL Division One South this season having been in the North previously. AFC Sudbury football club featuring an academy for both boys and girls have been one of the leading forces for women’s football in Suffolk in recent seasons and Suffolk as a whole has seen a healthy grow for women’s football of late. A strong start to the season for AFC Sudbury Women despite a narrow 3-2 defeat on the opening day are 3rd in ERWFL Division One South are unbeaten since 5 league and cup matches if you don’t count the penalty shootout loss to Newmarket. Two league wins out of three lay 3rd in the table a point behind title contenders Millwall Lionesses and Hutton Ladies. Beat Suffolk rivals East Bergholt United Ladies 5-0 in the 1st Round of the League Cup. A new Reserves sides entering the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division this season.

That penalty shootout win part of a fantastic run for Newmarket Town Women in this season’s FA Women’s Cup beginning with a memorable win in the extra preliminary round over higher league opponents Wymondham Town Ladies form the Premier Division, again drawing after 90 minutes winning the resulting shootout. Advancing through two more rounds with wins against Bungay Town Ladies and Sudbury before the run was ended by FAWNL South East Division One side Norwich City Women. One of just six sides now competing in Division One North is a league where all six sides are capable of challenging for the title, have won one and lost twice in the 3 games played so far. A strong youth section within the club, with a Development sides several players have stepped up to the first team in recent seasons. Won 4-1 away to Division One South side Stevenage FC Women Development in the 1st Round of the League Cup.

The game being played at AFC Sudbury’s, King’s Marsh Stadium. The large 3G pitch surrounded on all sides a large newly built clubhouse and kitchen to one side with a covered seated stand, a terraced stand opposite with the viewing area’s behind both goals covered. Covid restrictions well in place. A youth game taking place as I arrived an hour before kick-off a nasty injury in the game seeing it running late delaying the kick-off for today’s cup clash. Alot of rain recently but I didn’t think the ground would be affected. Dull and overcast with a little rain in the air a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch would affect the flight of the ball.

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Ciara Roberts, Faith Candice, Jodie Donely, Amanda Short (C), Brogan McHale, Maisie Goodwin, Megan Partridge, Georgia Thorpe, Amber Provan, Amy Thompson & Tye Smith. Subs – Teigan McHale, Hannah Stephenson, Rebecca Stephenson, Evie Creaton & Isabella Crawford.

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Layla Weston, Beth Woodfield (C), Rebecca Towler, Jess Linger, Chloe Slater, Katie Webb, Katie Hayes, Gemma Moore & Annabel Cuthbert. Subs – Tash Patten, Kaitlin Elsey, Liv Caffarelli, Hannah Doyle & Megan Spurrell.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The game eventually able to get underway a little after 2pm, it’s Newmarket to get the first half in their change strip as both sides wear yellow, the visitors in an all red kit today with Sudbury in their all yellow kit featuring an array of squad numbers from 3 to 57. Annabel Cuthbert playing the ball back to midfielder Chloe Slater she plays it long out to the left looking for the run of Katie Hayes, Sudbury full back Faith Candice in quickly to close her down prevent her skipping in behind her challenge taking the ball out for a Newmarket throw. A positive start from the visitors Newmarket pressing high closing the Sudbury defence down forcing a throw deep on the right.

 Newmarket’s Katie Webb fresh from riding her first winner at Leicester Races earlier in the week combines with Gemma Moore up the line on the right exchanging passes before Moore attempts to pick out Cuthbert making a near post run, the Sudbury defence blocking can’t get it clear Newmarket push numbers into the final third, Cuthbert central 20 yards out unable to get a Jess Linger ball down under control and hit on the turn as Brogan McHale closes her down for Sudbury, Slater pressing keeping the attack alive the ball played out to Layla Weston getting forwards on the right the full back sending in a cross from 25 yards out Cuthbert getting hold of it this time inside the area takes it to her right intending to shoot, Sudbury captain Amanda Short at centre back getting on her shoulder tackling to send the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Sudbury defender, Brogan McHale

   GOAL! Newmarket hammer home there fast start opening the scoring inside 4 minutes. The corner put in by Linger from the right defended by McHale at the far post, the hosts can’t break however as Newmarket are quick to close the ball down turn play around the ball played out to the left side nudged on for Cuthbert finding space inside the box top left corner, opens up her body to send a curling effort high across the diving keeper into the far corner of the net 0-1.

Annabel Cuthbert with the early strike to give Newmarket the lead

  Sudbury yet to have any meaningful possession inside their opponents half fire a warning shot across their bow straight from the restart the ball out to Amy Thompson running clear on the left has support from Tye Smith the ball put across the top of the Newmarket box, Georgia Thorpe running with it before putting her foot throw the ball from the top of the D, her shot straight at Dominika Szary, the Newmarket keeper catching it cleanly. Newmarket left back Holly Dryland finding herself in space strikes the ball across field as Webb makes the run on the opposite flank, picks her out superbly (if catching her on the side of the head and sending her sprawling was the intention) nevertheless having been poleaxed Webb is okay to continue. 

Newmarket’s Holly Dryland playing the ball forwards

  Newmarket regain possession in the middle Slater taking it on with Moore ahead of her peeling right attempts the diagonal ball into the box for Cuthbert, Candice intercepting setting up a Sudbury attack forwards for Maisie Goodwin taking it on plays it forwards towards Smith, Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield defending at the back, plays it long for Hayes away to the left her touch knocking it on gets in behind before checking back inside to take on the strike from the angle 20 yards out lifts her strike over the crossbar. A good battle shaping up in the centre of the park Linger winning it for Newmarket passes to Hayes out on the left, crosses early too close to the goalkeeper, Ciara Roberts with a confident claim high at her near post.

Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield clearing the ball ahead of Sudbury attacker Tye Smith

   Goodwin’s turn to get the better of the midfield battle coming away with the ball at her feet into the Newmarket half lays it on for Thompson left side, a clever touch seeing her take the ball in behind the Newmarket defence into the area but can’t win the race to the ball before Szary can come off her goal line lay claim to the ball. Newmarket continue to press the Sudbury defence on the ball McHale with limited options as she is closed down by Cuthbert outside the box turning back into the box the striker nipping in to take the ball off the centre back 8 yards out gets a shot away but is a tame effort along the ground Roberts down to smother it inside her six yard box. 

Gemma Moore looking to get away with the ball for Newmarket in attack

 Goodwin tracking back tackles Webb inside her box bringing the ball away plays a fantastic long range pass up to Smith in attack the striker getting hold of the ball looking to take on the Newmarket centre backs Rebecca Towler slowing her progress as Woodfield comes in to make the tackle. Candice stepping up wins the ball intended for Hayes from Dryland at the back space to run into has good vision to pick out the run made by Smith peeling off Towler’s shoulder to get into the box right of the D, pulls the trigger early her strike racing wide behind at the left post. 

Sudbury’s Amy Thompson

 Thompson with a powerful run with the ball on the left in attack does well to win Sudbury a corner kick. A cluster of players gathered at the top of the box Newmarket keeping 3 up to occupy the Sudbury defence. The delivery from the left in central Thorpe jumping nodding it down towards goal, Weston defending the post scrambling the ball away to safety. 20 minutes played the game starting to level out Sudbury finding more time on the ball have to stay alert, Jodie Donley doing just that at left back as Cuthbert coming deep to receive the ball into her feet turns brilliantly to send it forwards for Webb attempting to run clear on the right side, Donley cutting it out. 

Newmarket’s, Katie Webb

 Newmarket having make a fantastic start, unsettling Sudbury the hosts starting to get hold of the ball centrally, Goodwin tenacious supported well by Megan Partridge locking horns with Linger and Slater. Goodwin’s pass long for Thompson left plays it inside for the advancing Smith who in turn plays a diagonal ball into the area looking for Thorpe far side, running in with Dryland on her shoulder the Newmarket left back defending well. Thompson and Smith combining as they come forwards for Sudbury left side Thompson inside to Smith bombs on up the wing Smith picking her out gets into the area near post to receive the cross flashes a ball across the face of goal Thorpe running in far post can’ t quite get there. 

Newmarket’s Jess Linger and Chloe Slater combine to win the ball

 Partridge getting forwards to the edge of the area as Sudbury win a throw high on the right sees the ball rolled into her feet lets fly from 20 yards out right of the D fires her shot over the bar. Amber Provan nips in to regain possession for Sudbury 30 yards out, attempts to play in Thorpe to her right, goes on into the area, Dryland lunging in with and outstretched leg taking the ball away from her.

  GOAL! Newmarket double there lead on the half hour getting forwards win a corner on the left. Push players forwards into the box the delivery put in across goal into the six yard box Cuthbert, Webb and Slater all gathered at the far post the ball knocked down to the floor is loose for a second, Woodfield closest the quickest to react stabbing the ball in over the line at close range 0-2.

Beth Woodfield (5) quickest to the loose ball to put Newmarket 2 nil up

 Sudbury ring the changes using all five substitutes as Evie Creaton, Hannah Stephenson, Teigan McHale, Isabella Crawford and Rebecca Stephenson enter the game coming on for Smith, Provan, Brogan McHale, Candice and Thompson. Other players moving position too the intent to cause an impact Sudbury are on the attack Creaton central onto the ball rolled out to Crawford on the right side firing in an early cross into the box, Woodfield tracking back clearing inside her own six yard box. Newmarket clear their back line left side long with Cuthbert moving into the channel does well getting the bouncing ball under control holding it up as team mates races forwards in support slipping inside lifts a cross into the area, Slater arriving on the penalty spot stooping to head the ball wants to loop it over the keeper, not easy and succeeds in dropping it into Roberts gloves instead.

   GOAL! The substitutes having the desired effect as Sudbury pull a goal back injecting pace into side clear there defence the ball played on into the middle Crawford racing onto it taking it on plays a superb ball through to Partridge leading the attack now having peeled into the right channel sees the ball into her run sets herself and lets fly from inside the box keeping it low races pass Szary into the back of the net 1-2.

Megan Partridge moving into attack pulls it back to 2-1 for Sudbury

 Sudbury have sharpened up are pressing Newmarket at the back as much as the visitors were to them at the start of the game forcing errors. Goodwin in the middle tackling to get another attack going comes left on for Creaton, looks to go on Weston getting back on her doing well to force her run away from goal Creaton still managing to square a cross into the six yard box, Szary at full stretch diving to get her gloves on the ball with both Partridge and Crawford coming in. 

  Newmarket bringing players forwards for a corner Sudbury defending look to break Thorpe outside the area getting hold of the ball taking it forwards covering alot of ground before sending it out to Partridge away to her right, 25 yards out comes back inside closing in on the area, strikes the ball her shot angling wide across the face of goal. Into the last 5 minutes of the first half. Teigan McHale blocking a cross fired into the box from the left fired in by Dryland as she goes beyond Hayes. The game intense both sides closing each other down looking for openings both defences being kept on their toes. Rebecca Stephenson bringing the ball under control centrally 25 yards attempts to thread it through for Partridge, Towler throwing a leg out intercepting outside the box.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 1-2 Newmarket Town Women

  Newmarket with a fast start putting Sudbury under pressure at the back closing the ball down capitalising with an early goal. Unsettling the hosts took Sudbury a while to find their rhythm, before the game settled into a more even contest Newmarket continuing to create chances doubling their lead on the half hour. Sudbury responding with 5 changes, making an immediate impact pulling a goal back setting up an intriguing 2nd half.

Maisie Goodwin bringing the ball away in midfield for Sudbury

   Newmarket’s turn to ring the changes at the start of the 2nd half making 4 substitutions, on come Kaitlin Elsey, Tash Patten, Hannah Doyle and Megan Spurrell, replacing Webb, Moore, Hayes and Linger. Sudbury to get the 2nd period underway. Look to get the ball left, find no joy as Weston gets control of the ball plays it inside for Woodfield to launch upfield. Elsey peeling into space on the left for Newmarket in attack checks back inside to attack the box her cross cut out the loose ball gathered by Doyle 20 yards out central hits it hard, Short with the block. 

 The visitors pressing at the start of the 2nd half keep the pressure on in the final 3rd Doyle into the box left side shooting on the angle Roberts on her line down to make the save. Short does well inside her box defending against Elsey as the Newmarket attack looks to take her on entering the box left of the D.

  GOAL! Defending one end Sudbury get straight on the attack the ball out from the back wide to Crawford in space attacking right side plays a great diagonal pass into the box for Partridge making the run in behind advancing on the keeper, slots the ball along the ground wide of her to equalise early in the 2nd half 2-2.

Megan Partridge equalises for Sudbury early in the 2nd half

  Tash Patten is brought down in a dangerous position for Newmarket 25 yards out from the Sudbury goal the referee awarding a free-kick. With Linger off, it’s Slater on the set piece takes on the shot over the wall dips too soon making it a straight forward catch for Roberts. Minutes after equalising Sudbury are celebrating once again thinking they’ve taken the lead, almost a carbon copy of that goal today Crawford racing clear on the right sending the ball through to Partridge inside the box in behind the defence, the flag is up straight away however even before the ball nestles in the back of the net, the celebrations cut short.

  Crawford and Creaton lively on the right side for Sudbury, the former pushing on into the area from the wing, Towler coming across to slide in take the ball away for a corner. Defended Newmarket attempt to break, Sudbury close the ball down well centrally press the attack to win a corner on the right. Rebecca Stephenson with an inswinging delivery trying to use the wind to her advance goes long through the crowded six yard box to strike the far post, rebounded out towards the top of the area a shot fired back in is blocked spins away for a corner on the left. Another good delivery inswinging towards the near post, Szary with a good leap punching it away to safety.

  Patten with a risky but nevertheless good sliding tackle just inside the box against Partridge denies the attacking a shot on goal as the ball is send into her feet from the left. Sudbury with the brighter start 2n half keep the ball inside the Newmarket half Goodwin onto Rebecca Stephenson. A free kick awarded 30 yards out to the right of goal, Rebecca Stephenson on it blasts over. The host pressing well in the final 3rd win a corner on the left, the delivery long over everyone retrieve by Goodwin beyond the far post flashes a cross through the six yard box Partridge far post can’t get a telling touch runs through to the corner taker, Rebecca Stephenson shifting it onto her right foot inside the box shoots on the angle the ball bulging the side netting.

Sudbury’s Rebecca Stephenson coming forwards with the ball

 An hour played a lively contest between two battling sides no let up from either, Patten on the wrong end of a strong challenge in the middle, Slater to play the free-kick into the box taking a deflection on it’s way past goal winning Newmarket a corner. Elsey up attacking the far post can’t get her header on target. Sudbury ring the changes once again, Brogan McHale, Provan, Candice, Thompson an Smith back on for Goodwin, Partridge, Short, Thorpe and Donely. Newmarket making a change too Woodfield off at the back on comes Liv Cafferelli. The flood lights coming on as the light starts to fade. 

Newmarket’s Chloe Slater

  Newmarket get on the attack Slater on for Cuthbert getting clear in the middle running clear on goal opening up for her has Elsey running with her to the right opts to cross set her up the weight of the ball a little to heavy evading her. Patten having picked up a couple of knocks for Newmarket is replaced by Linger. The visitors get an attack going the ball out to Spurrell on the right peeling off the shoulder of the last defender into the box shoots low Roberts well placed to drop onto the ball make the save. A triple change for the visitors Newmarket bringing off Weston, Cuthbert an Slater, Webb, Hayes and Moore retuning to the action. 

  Creaton getting hold of the ball well for Sudbury causing Newmarket problems on the right sees the ball into her feet off a throw in turns inside to play in a cross to Smith centrally outside the area, Cafferelli getting in front of her well to win the ball back. Creaton skipping on past her marker right side sends a diagonal ball into the area long for Thompson far side, closing in on goal from the left, Szary closing down the angle down smartly to save low, her defence scrambling the loose ball away. 

GOAL! Into the final 20 minutes Sudbury have upped their game 2nd half pushing on in attack win another corner on the left, players gathering at the top of the area to make runs as Rebecca Stephenson places the ball, flights it in towards the near post six yards out, Creaton has snuck in unchecked leaping to nod the ball down into the ground and bounce up over the line into the roof of the net 3-2.

Evie Creaton scores to put Sudbury into a 3-2 lead

  It’s competitive there are some strong challenges out there a little niggle too creeping into the game. Elsey is hurt in one such challenge and needs to come off, Cuthbert retuning to the action as the game enters the final 10 minutes. Provan gets back well to tackle Hayes as she looks to gather the ball into her feet in attack on the left drive at the defence for Newmarket. The host win a free-kick in a dangerous position left of the D a yard outside the box, Rebecca Stephenson placing the ball, strikes it well racing in on target, a superb attempt, an equally superb save by Szary getting across her goal diving to her right throwing out a glove to palm the ball behind conceding the corner. 

  The corner defended Newmarket can’t get the ball forwards Sudbury are closing everything down working hard to regain possession. Hayes threatening to run in behind catching Sudbury with a high line, goalkeeper Roberts comes running out of her box to win the race and clear the danger. Szary at the other end has to come racing out to the top of her box to as a looping ball is played forwards, to risky to attempt handling it ha to get her head on the bouncing ball cleared but not far Crawford 30 yards out attempts to take advantage catch the keeper off her line the shot however off target dropping wide of the post. Dryland across to dive in halts a Sudbury attack as they press numbers on through the middle.

 Moments later Dryland pulls up looks like cramp but very painfully the Sudbury bench helping her off the pitch, Slater is sent back on with 5 minutes left to play. Rebecca Stephenson a threat in any dead ball situation Sudbury are drawing their fair share of free-kicks aswell as giving them away. This though is adding up to time lost as Newmarket frustratingly cant get the ball into their attackers late on. Creaton on the ball good close control as she dribbles towards the Newmarket area taking players on is clipped right on the edge of the area. Rebecca Stephenson placing it right of the D, strikes it early, Szary not set but the attempt is wasted racing wide past the left post. Stoppage time being played Rebecca Stephenson left rolls it on for Smith in attack, puts Cafferelli under pressure as she attempts to shield it back to Szary, the clearance put straight to Stephenson she strikes it wide across goal. Creaton holding it up in the corner as the final whistle blows.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 3-2 Newmarket Town Women

  Sudbury come back from 2-0 down to win the game 3-2 in the 2nd half to reach the last 16 of this season’s ERWFL Cup. A highly entertaining contest between two evenly matched sides. Newmarket quick out of the blocks taking an early lead going 2 up on the half hour. Sudbury ringing the changes pulling a goal straight back to trail 2-1 at half-time scored early in the 2nd half and maintained there strong start to the 2nd period to go on and find the winning goal whilst doing well to limit Newmarket’s opportunities up the other end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Again another tough one to decide, rarely are they easy, but that’s the nature of the game. A few contenders for Newmarket, Beth Woodfield was strong at the back making several important tackles as was Chloe Slater in the middle, getting forwards well too. For Sudbury Megan Partridge came into her own taking over in attack getting into some great positions, scoring twice to level the scores. Evie Creaton too with a great performance getting hold of the ball setting up numerous attacks and keeping the momentum with Sudbury scoring the winning goal. The award though goes to Maisie Goodwin had an excellent game in midfield, battling hard winning the ball and when she did having the vision and range of passing to find her attackers.

  If it is to be my last game for a while an excellent match to leave it one highly entertaining from the first minute to the last plenty of talent on display a great advert for the ERWFL. My thanks to both sides for the all important teams details as always much appreciated. 

The Round-Up – ERWFL 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March 

ERWFL Cup

After a long month of postponements Peterborough Northern Star Ladies finally played their County Cup semi-final match against Moulton Ladies a convincing 11-0 win seeing them through to the final of the Northamptonshire Women’s up where they will face local rivals Peterborough United Ladies. That game out of the way the ERWFL Premier Division side had another cup game long lined up at home to fellow league side Colney Heath Ladies in the ERWFL League Cup quarter finals a home tie against Wymondham Town Ladies awaiting the winners. Early chances for both sides Katie Steward firing wide for Peterborough, Sarah Hudson in goal making a quality save to deny Colney Heath. Leah Cudone top scoring for Peterborough through one on one with the keeper to open the scoring for the hosts, Cudone in again to send the ball over the keeper to make it 2-0 with her 20th goal of the season going on to complete a hat-trick with just 21 minutes played. Samaira Khan top scoring for Colney Heath this season pulling it back to 3-1 10 minutes before half-time. The visitors threatening a comeback as Colney Heath pulled a 2nd goal back 5 minutes into the 2nd period. Pushing hard Colney Heath unable to find a levelling goal, Cassie Steward returning to the side recently having had a baby on target to score her first of the season to wrap up a 4-2 victory and send Peterborough into the last 4 of the league Cup.

A first half hat-trick on Sunday for Peterborough Northern Star’s Leah Cudone (photo credit Jason Cox Photos)

ERWFL Premier Division

ERWFL Premier Division leaders Harlow Town Ladies stay 6 points clear at the top of the table as they kept their unbeaten season going at home to 4th placed Bedford Ladies this Sunday. Both sides scoring goals their were plenty on show with the pair sharing a 9 goal thriller. The fourth match in a row Bedford have score 4 or more goals, Natasha Fensome leading the attack getting a good portion of them on target to score a hat-trick against Harlow, Jasmine Ajayi also scoring a goal for Bedford. 4 goals for Bedford too last weekend ended up with just a point against local rivals AFC Dunstable Ladies, disappointment at the final whistle this Sunday leaving the Harlow Arena empty handed as a hat-trick from striker Georgia Box helped Harlow to a 5-4 win. Amy Nash and Tayla Handscombe also celebrating a goal each.

Georgia Box scoring a hat-trick for Harlow Town Ladies this Sunday (photo credit Proud of Harlow)

Luton Town Ladies move 4 points clear in 2nd spot in the Premier Division table, 6 points back from Harlow with a game in hand. Were at home to Wroxham Women this Sunday in the league. Wroxham having seen a few games called of recently slipping down the Premier Division table, Luton in good form creating opportunities opening the scoring late in the first half Zara Carroll with the ball in for Jess Mckay to head in. 1-0 up at the break Luton were quick out of the blocks 2nd half Dionne Manning with an early chance saved Funmi Babalola putting over on the rebound as McKay’s strike struck the crossbar. McKay finding the top corner for her 2nd of the game in the 58th minute sees her onto 19 for the season. Rebecca Kane with a shot in the final five minutes rolled in by a defender to see Luton win the match 3-0.

Wymondham Town Ladies manager Alex Guy, celebrating a milestone this Sunday his 200th match in charge of the side, the Norfolk side enjoying a great spell in that time rising through the leagues and back to back successes in the County Cup, are up to 5th in the ERWFL Premier Division table now after coming home with the 3 points secured away to 2nd bottom AFC Dunstable Women. The hosts though taking an early lead going 1-0 inside 2 minutes scoring from a corner. Wymondham getting themselves back into it starting to control possession equalising on the half hour, Chelsea Clarke putting in a cross for Laura Nicholls finish first time. Wymondham going on to take the lead on the closing minutes of the first half Mollie O’Callaghan with the corner kick Mia Etheridge rising to head home. 2-1 up at the break Wymondham went on to seal the win midway through the 2nd half good work from O’Callaghan in midfield the ball on to Etheridge shooting into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

Royston Town Women another side to have slipped down the ERWFL Premier Division table due to called off fixtures, in good form at the start of the season recent results a mixed bag have reached the last 4 of the League Cup were at home to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies this weekend. Rebecca Vass doing well for Royston since joining the club scoring twice at the weekend to move onto 21 for the season off 14 appearances Charlotte South alos getting a goal for the Hertfordshire side her 5th of the campaign along with a first for Becki Ingram in just her 4th appearance for the side. The 4-0 win for Royston lifting them above Bowers & Pitsea into 7th a point out of the top half with games in hand on a couple of sides.

ERWFL Division One North

Just 3 games left to play for ERWFL Division One North leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development enjoying a strong debut season in the ERWFL losing just one of their 11 games so far this season 9 wins and a draw end Sunday 4 points clear of 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies who sat out this weekends fixtures. Cambridge were away to fellow promoted side East Bergholt United Ladies, the Suffolk side an early pace setter along side Cambridge have since slipped all the way down to 7th in the table. 3 sides for Cambridge this season a big games elsewhere too travelled Suffolk with the bare 11. East Bergholt getting off to a good start 1-0 after just 5 minutes. East Bergholt playing well Cambridge got themselves back level in the 35th minute Bella Simmons brought down inside the box Carla Penny scoring the resulting penalty. East Bergholt came back to retake the lead from a well worked goal to go in 2-1 up at the break. Cambridge regrouping starting the 2nd half well early pressure seeing the ball handled inside the box a 2nd penalty awarded Penny up to score her 2nd of the game top scorer with 19 goals for the season. East Bergholt a threat going forwards fighting to retake the lead, instead it a Cambridge who get thier noses in front midway through the 2nd half with Simmons finding the bottom corner from 20 yards out to score her 12th of the season. Cambridge holding on to win the game East Bergholt left frustrated their goals scored by Jessica Quinsee and Pippa King both on target with their first goals of the season.

Needham market Women also new to the ERWFL this season finding their feet in regional football in just their 2nd season together climbing to 3rd in the Division One North table had closed the gap to leaders Cambridge to 6 points with a game in hand and two games against the league leaders home and away to come. Were away to Histon Ladies this Sunday the Cambridgeshire side 5th also have games in hand 6 left to play before the weekend and on 14 points could well press on into the top 3 themselves. Annie Northwood on target to score her 14th of the season putting Needham market into the lead inside the opening 5 minutes. A good as it would get for the visitors in the first half however as Histon bounced back well to losing the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final in midweek, equalising in the 22nd minute went on to take the lead on the half hour quickly adding a 3rd goal. Histon leading 4-1 at half-time, Poppy Kelly netting a brace to give her 12 for the season. Alison Wright scoring for the 7th time this campaign and a first goal for defender Amie Flack. An own goal seeing Histon go 5-1 up in the 2nd half. Needham Market getting one back through Millie Carter on the hour as good as it would get Histon moving onto 17 points up to 4th.

AFC Sudbury Women playing their last game of the season this Sunday rebuilding with a young squad after relegation last term have grown as a team results not coming early on but have picked up one notable scalp, Cambridge City’s only defeat this season against Sudbury. Ended the season on a high at home to bottom side Gorleston Ladies, the Norfolk side also new to the league this season enduring a tough campaign no points on the board for the 2nd successive weekend travelled with just the bare 11 players carrying injuries to playing on a tough task against a Sudbury side with 5 named on the bench. Rebecca Stephenson netting a hat-trick for Sudbury. There were also two for Charlene Roach-Smith with Evie Creaton and Phoebe Guiver also scoring in a 9-1 win that sees Sudbury 6th for now at least.

ERWFL Division One South

The fixtures wiped out again last weekend in ERWFL Division One South there was a full fixture list with 3 games on this Sunday. Unbeaten leaders Millwall Lionesses were hosting bottom side Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies travelling with just 10 players it was always going to be tough against a Millwall side with plenty of energy and creativity in attack. Molly Hawkins getting the hosts off to a fast start putting Millwall up inside 3 minutes adding a 2nd 5 minutes later was celebrating her hat-trick with 20 minutes gone. Shannan Drewe in on goal to make it 4-0 on the half hour Millie Connell making it 5 moments later. Connell on the scoresheet for her 2nd to score from the penalty spot after Hawkins was fouled inside the box. Matilde Strocchi rounding the keeper to score on her Millwall debut to see the hosts 7-0 up at half-time.

  The goals kept coming 2nd half Kaitlyn Lewis heading in Millwall’s 8th. Hawkins in to score her 4th of the match, Sian Fitzpatrick bringing up double figures. Rebecca Scola getting one back for Hoddesdon midway through the 2nd half. Connell with her 2nd penalty of the match to bring up her hat-trick. Drewe with a quickfire goal making it 12-1 going on to complete a hat-trick with 15 to play. A flurry of goals at the death with Connell making it a hat-trick from the penalty spot Hawkins with her 5th and one from Daniella Colorado.

Millie Connell with 4 goals for Millwall Lionesses at the weekend including a hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Leigh Ramblers Ladies continue to keep pace with Millwall Lionesses at the top of the ERWFL Division One South table the Essex side new to the league this season enjoying a strong campaign at regional level a very young side were away to Stevenage FC Women Development on Sunday. Georgia Holdaway amongst the goals joining Leigh Ramblers this season was on target to score her 12th of the campaign at the weekend with goals to from Rebecca Dalgarno her 8th of the season and a goal each for Kate newton and Paige White to help secure a 4-1 victory. Harriet Douglas scoring for Stevenage. 

Hutton Ladies 3rd in the ERWFL Division One South table the side the leading pair need to keep an eye on unbeaten themselves the Essex side have much more experience in their ranks and games in hand with the gap now 4 points were away to Lawford Ladies at the weekend their first league game since the 2nd week of the new year plenty of goals scored so far this season were strong in attack again this Sunday top scorer Vicky Kinsman with another brace to her name moves onto 36 now for the season from just 12 games. Lauren Knight on the scoresheet too for her 9th of the season along with a goal for Clare Edmondson and a first for Kayleigh Franklin in a 5-0 win.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 23/02/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 23rd February

ERWFL Cup

First it was Storm Ciara and then came along Storm Dennis putting pay to the majority of fixtures across the East on successive weekends. The ERWFL suffering as much as most the ERWFL Cup and Plate quarter finals scheduled for a fortnight ago there was better weather this time around wit only only 11 fixtures lost due to waterlogged pitches. Three of the four League Cup quarter finals taking place this weekend it was to one of those Women’s Football East headed at the weekend a trip down to Bedfordshire to watch Premier Division side Bedford Ladies up against ERWFL newcomers Millwall Lionesses. 

Millwall Lionesses having to rebuild starting again in the ERWFL the only Division One side left in the last 8 of the ERWFL Cup unbeaten top of their league up against a Bedford side winning their last 6 matches in league and cup up to fourth on the Premier Division table. Millwall starting brightly putting Bedford on the back foot gaining confidence winning a series of corners one on those eventually counting a ball put in evading the keeper Olivia Gregory close in bundling it home beyond. Bedford coming into it both sides creating good opportunities in front of goal, could easily have been 3-2 either way at the break. As it was Millwall holding a slender one goal advantage. Bedford losing their goalkeeper Lauren Webb through injury full back Nina Regolo taking over in goal.

Olivia Gregory scoring the opening goal for Millwall Lionesses pictured with Bedford’s Alicia Cobb

  The 2nd half again a fairly even contest both sides getting forwards well Natasha Fensome leading the attack for Bedford making some great runs playing across the Millwall defence getting through on goal chipping the keeper at close range to equalise. The hosts thinking they had won it in the 90th minute Fensome shooting across the keeper to put them 2-1 in front. Millwall pushing on Daniella Correa playing the ball into the area Samantha Middleton after it the keeper coming hands on the ball Middleton shoved in the back colliding with her a penalty awarded. A long delay before it’s taken Middleton sustaining a nasty injury can’t play on. Millie Connell with the spot kick cool as ice to hit it wide of the diving keeper to send the tie into extra-time.

Bedford’s Natasha Fensome equalising for Bedford before putting them into the lead on 90 minutes.

 The extra period of play seeing both sides continuing to push forwards looking for an opening and still a hard game to call. The break through coming early in the 2nd period of extra-time, Fensome playing the ball crossfield to Maya Sidhu top of the area left of the D a composed strike to put the ball into the bottom corner. The knockout  blow coming from a free-kick wide on the left Shianne Swarres with a superb delivery her ball in evading everyone to drop over the line. Millwall pressing on in attack conceding a 5th goal at the death Bedford sending a ball in from the left brought under control at the far post by Setor Acolatse sending it back across goal Fensome rushing in completing her hat-trick. The full match report can be found further down the page. 

Bedford Ladies will be away to Hertfordshire side Royston Town Women in the semi-finals of the League Cup after they beat Norfolk side Wroxham Women in their last eight tie on Sunday afternoon. Wroxham with good possession at time thwarted by the keeper on a few ocassions. Royston with a disciplined game themselves taking the lead through top scorer Rebecca Vass lobbing the keeper to make it 1 nil. The tie made safer with 10 minutes left to play a fine finish from Emma Slater to make it 2-0, Vass seeing a good chance saved by Wroxham’s Amy Bell late on. 2-0 enough though for Royston into the last 4 of the competition and what is sure to be a tough match at home to Bedford.

Another ERWFL Cup tie going all the way on Sunday saw Wymondham Town Ladies and Luton Town Ladies go all the way to a penalty shootout. Wymondham reaching a 4th successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup final the weekend before had knocked out league leader Harlow Town Ladies in the 1st Round of the League Cup were at home in the quarter finals taking on Luton Town Ladies who themselves are through once again to the Bedfordshire County Cup final. Nothing could separate the sides after 90 minutes both sides with opportunities, goalkeeper called into action the game heading into extra-time a further half hour though seeing no goals. Onto penalties Wymondham edging it winning through 5-4 to book their spot in the last 4 of the competition where they will be away to either Peterborough Northern Star Ladies or Colney Heath Ladies.

ERWFL Premier Division

One league match played in the ERWFL this Sunday in the Premier Division, leaders Harlow Town Ladies making the trip to North London to play 2nd bottom side Haringey Borough Women. A clutch of new signings made by Harlow recently as they look to have the squad in good shape to make a final charge for the title. Unbeaten so far winning 11 of their 13 matches scoring goals too rattling in a double figure scoreline at the weekend. Becky Shephard top scorer in terrific form this season netting another hat-trick. A hat-trick too for striker Georgia Box her first season with Harlow hampered by injury moving onto 8 goals. Chloe Bassett netting a brace there were goals too for Amy Nash, Abbey Dell and Bethany Chambers. Harlow winning 11-1 to move 7 points clear at the top.

ERWFL Plate

Three quarter finals played to in the ERWFL Plate this Sunday. Cambridge City Ladies Development leading the way in Division One North hosting Stevenage FC Women Development in the last 8. Carla Penny in good form in attack for Cambridge so far this season putting the hosts into the lead. Cambridge with a dominant performance at times going on to win the game 2-0 with Penny on the scoresheet for her 2nd of the game taking her to 17 for the season. Cambridge will be making a trip down into Essex in the semi-finals to play fellow ERWFL newcomers Leigh Ramblers Ladies.

 Leigh Ramblers Ladies were at home to fellow Division One South side Wodson Park Ladies in the quarter finals of the Plate. Leigh Ramblers showing good league form stepping up into regional football this season level at the top with Millwall Lionesses. Wodson Park after a difficult start to the season showing great form themselves in recent games pulling away from the bottom of the table. Georgia Holdaway joining the Leigh Ramblers squad this season has been amongst the goals on target for another 2 at the weekend moving her onto 11 for the season. Megan Thomas putting the ball in the back of the net aswell to celebrate her first goal of the season securing a 3-1 win to sent Leigh Ramblers into the ERWFL Plate semi-finals.

Hutton Ladies with a 100% record still in ERWFL Division One South were back to back winners of the ERWFL Plate just a couple of seasons ago, travelled up to the east coast this weekend to play Norfolk side Gorleston Ladies in the quarter finals of this season’s competition. Hutton scoring plenty of goals whilst not conceding many at the other end. Gorleston finding life in the ERWFL tough since making the step up to regional football. The game played in windy, rainy conditions, Hutton having the wind to their advantage in the 1st half creating chances and scoring goals leading comfortably at the break 6-0. Gorleston working the ball around well hitting the crossbar. Had the wind 2nd half pulling a goal back straight away and put pressure on Hutton in the 2nd period an improved performance their goal scored by Hannah Croft. Hutton though adding another goal themselves to run out comfortable winners into the semi-finals. Vicky Kinsman adding another 2 goals to her impressive tally now 32 from just 10 appearances. A brace too for Sally Appleton along with a goal each for Kelly Roberts, Lauren Knight and captain Abigail Fry. Hutton will be away to either East Bergholt United Ladies or Histon Ladies.

Match Report – Bedford Ladies v Millwall Lionesses

Sunday 23rd February

ERWFL Cup

 Left it to the last minute before committing to a game this weekend with another band of rain falling overnight, the two previous weekend it by Storm’s Ciara and Dennis respectfully as it was I headed to the game I planned on seeing a fortnight ago, the ERWFL quarter final match between Bedford Ladies and Millwall Lionesses.

 Mind you if I’d have known how bad the roadworks would be between Norfolk and Bedfordshire I might have headed in the opposite direction as it was it was a trip well worth making as you shall read on later on.

 The ERWFL Cup into the quarter final stage put on hold this past fortnight with the bad weather virtually no football played teams keen to get back at it this weekend. A strong line-up in the last eight of the competition the ERWFL Premier Division in particular highly competitive, Millwall Lionesses the only Division One side left from outside the division.

  Bedford Ladies coming into the game in a good run of form winning 6 straight games in league and cup a run that has seen them climb up to 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division. An long established side at this level briefly playing higher well amongst the sides battling for a top 4 finish anyone down to 9th position still in contention. Bedford reached the final of the League Cup last season eventually losing out on penalties to Cambridge City Ladies completing a league and cup double last season. A 2-1 away win against Division One North side Newmarket Town Women saw then advance into the last 8 of this season’s competition.

  Millwall Lionesses a new face in the ERWFL. Virtually a new side rebuilding after the women’s section broke away from Millwall in go independent as London City Lionesses keeping their FA Championship status as a result. Millwall Lionesses left to start over a fresh. Know a little of what that’s like myself having been a Lincoln Ladies fan in the FAWSL before they ‘rebranded’ still every cloud has a silver lining and without that Women’s Football East would never have been born. This is about Millwall Lionesses however a new side, has great support from Millwall FC, a strong and passionate fan base and excellent media coverage as they look to start again in the 6th tier of the women’s football pyramid.

Playing in ERWFL Division one South are top of the table with 8 games played unbeaten and aiming for the title, Essex side Hutton Ladies with a 100% and games in hand their main rivals can’t afford to take their foot off the gas. The ERWFL Cup featuring a group stage for the Division One sides this season 4 groups of 4 with the winners going on to the knockout stages joined by the 12 Premier Division sides. Millwall Lionesses neck and neck with Division One North leaders in Group B a play off match needed to decide the winner Millwall Lionesses progressing to play AFC Dunstable Women in the 1st knockout round a single goal enough to win the game netted by top scorer Shannan Drewe setting up an away trip to Bedford in the quarter finals the clubs sternest test yet.

 The Eyrie the venue for today’s match home of Bedford Town FC, just off the A421 into Bedford, my first trip to the stadium featured a large clubhouse leading into the ground with a bar serving hot food and drink. A large wall mounted TV screen great for showing sports events. Leading out onto a stadium itself a seated stand on one side a terraced stand the other cover at both goal ends. A nice layout a good sized pitch in good condition despite the recent bad weather. Cloudy but the rain had passed the sun setting behind one side of the stadium would cause a few issues during the game… but I can’t really complain about the sun can I.

 Bedford Ladies starting XI – Lauren Webb, Mollie Robinson, Nina Regolo, Gemma Franklin, Ashley Emerton, Jasmine Ajayi, Priya Bhatti (C), Shianne Swarres, Matilda Fidler, Maya Sidhu & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Alicia Cobb, Chelcie Alleyne, Lauren Murray & Setor Acolatse.

 Millwall Lionesses starting XI – Kelly Webster, Millie Connell, Alyssa Miranda, Elena Stonebrook, Sian Fitzpatrick, Libby Stubbs (C), Katie Klosinski, Kaitlyn Lewis, Olivia Gregory, Shannan Drewe & Molly Hawkins. Subs – Jansu Mentesh, Samantha Middleton, Daniella Correa.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Bedford to get the cup tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. Millwall lined up opposite in their away colours white shirts and shorts with navy blue socks with white hoops. The ball played back in their defence Millwall rush on to close the ball down quickly preventing Bedford getting out the ball pinging around in the middle, Millwall captain Libby Stubbs sets Olivia Gregory away free on the right wing to chase the ball down, Gemma Franklin coming across to get back on her slide in to make the tackle and send the ball out for an early corner.

  Bedford defending the corner look to counter attack bringing the ball on Millwall close the ball down keeping the pressure in their attacking third a diagonal ball played out to the right of the area a shot clipped in taking a deflection putting it wide for a 2nd corner. This time on the left attacked at the near post behind for a third corner. Bedford goalkeeper Lauren Webb coming out from her near post to catch the ball. Millwall lively early on aren’t letting Bedford out of their half Stubbs playing Gregory in to space on the right takes the ball on into the area flashing a dangerous ball across the top of the six yard box, Ashley Emerton defending against Molly Hawkins at the far post brings a 5th Millwall corner. 

Millwall Lionesses captain Libby Stubbs looking to get the better of her Bedford Ladies counterpart Priya Bhatti

  5 minutes played and Bedford finally get the ball over the halfway line Jasmine Ajayi bringing the ball on through the middle tackled by Millwall’s Katie Klosinski the ball sent out to the left Shannan Drewe taking it on wins another corner, again not beating the keeper at the near post. The action frantic at times Millwall winning the ball back on halfway Stubbs in possession plays it on down the left Drewe racing on fires a cross into the near post skipping up in front of Hawkins at the near post can’t get a shot away lays it back to the top of the box dinked back in a stooping header prodding the ball goalwards Webb flying to her right pushing it away wide of goal smashed back in by Drewe, blocked on the goal line by Bedford. 

Bedford Ladies, Jasmine Ajayi

  Bedford getting some joy through the middle now captain Priya Bhatti playing the ball up top to Natasha Fensome back to goal 20 yards out rolls her mark before unleashing a shot the attempt off target flying wide past the Millwall far post. Ajayi battling for possession in the middle of the park for Bedford takes it on before passing forwards to Maya Sidhu away on the left. Millie Connell getting back on her to slide in and put the ball out before a cross can be played. Bedford turn play around in the middle Millwall caught on the back foot Bhatti attempting to find Matilda Fidler making a move clear to the right, a timely interception made by Millwall centre back Sian Fitzpatrick. 

  Shaping into a good contest Bedford getting forwards well in attack the midfield looking to get the ball out to Sidhu and Fidler running the channels, Sidhu put in by Bhatti in the middle sends an early cross in from the wing towards the top of the a the clearance sliced by Millwall defender Alyssa Miranda falls behind her into the area Fensome sharp skipping in behind onto it the keeper to beat sends her shot narrowly wide of the near post. Millwall work the ball on through the middle direct play almost pays off the ball in behind seeing Hawkins get a yard on the Bedford back-line takes aim from the top of the area the shot lacking power runs safely through to Webb in goal. 

Molly Hawkins bringing the ball on in attack for Millwall Lionesses.

 The action end to end now both sides getting forwards quickly Bedford feed the ball on for Fidler moving forwards on the right into the area, Miranda stays with her the full back doing well under pressure to scramble the ball away. Gregory receiving the ball in her own half on the right brings it forwards riding a tackle skipping infield runs in prodding the ball into the path of Hawkins coming from centre to right in the box turns to shot gets no power behind it Webb saving easily. An even contest Millwall edging it in the first 20 minutes if anything Connell and Elena Stonebrook link up at the back right side up to Gregory on down the line a dangerous cross into the six yard box dealt with by Bedford’s Nina Regolo. 

 GOAL! Millwall score the opening goal midway through the first half, scoring from a corner. Haven’t made the most of their opportunities so far several not beating the keeper at the near post this delivery much better higher clearing Webb as she goes for in inswinging dropping at the far post close in Gregory on hand to bundle it over the line to put the visitors into the lead 0-1.

The build up to Millwall’s opening goal missed by the keeper, Olivia Gregory poised at the far post to score

Bedford go straight up the other end from the restart and score… the goal however ruled out for offside. Getting forwards the ball played diagonally into Ajayi top of the area she screws her shot wide away from goal, turns into a good ball nonetheless as Fidler right side races onto it driving on into the area and angle tight gets a shot away under challenge past the keeper striking the base of the near post spins across the face of goal put in at the far post by Fensome but the flag is raised won’t count.

Bedford on the front foot, Bhatti away with the ball in the middle forwards for Fensome leading the attack, pushes on into the box, Fitzpatrick making a fine tackle for Millwall to regain the ball. Attacking Bedford come forwards in numbers Fensome drifting out to the right laying the ball central for Sidhu bursting forwards holds it up 20 yards out, Fensome not standing still has rushed forwards to make herself available inside the box, Fitzpatrick closing her down the loose back latched onto by Bhatti right of the D, her first time strike inches wide.

Gemma Franklin bringing the ball out of defence for Bedford Ladies

  Hawkins up the other end put clear into the area left of goal closing down the keeper momentum sees the pair come together Hawkins effort wide across the face of goal, Webb stays down is badly hurt follows a long pause in play as she receives on field treatment lot of concern and unfortunately can’t continue the goal keepers jersey handed over to Regolo the defender going in goal as Webb is carried off the pitch by her teammates with what looks to be an ankle injury Bedford bring on Alicia Cobb to join the defence.

Play resumes after a long delay, Bedford get on the offensive Fidler getting away right side, Miranda recovering inside the area pressuring her shot the ball gathered by Millwall goalkeeper Kelly Webster. Franklin brings the ball out from the back for Bedford allowed to travel with it lays it on for Fensome, Fitzpatrick intercepts. Ajayi combining well with Sidhu out on the left side, Connell with the defensive work for Millwall, Bedford press the ball inside the Millwall half keep it in the final third Sidhu receiving the ball top of the box left turns beating her marking, the left foot strike on doesn’t fancy it looks to lift the ball goalwards with the outside of her right boot, Webster close by then catching the ball.

Bedford’s Alicia Cobb with Millwall’s Olivia Gregory

 Millwall yet to test the replacement keeper, Bedford’s back-line preventing anything getting through. Gregory with an ambitious half volleyed attempt sends a shot over from outside the box. Fensome with a great crossfield ball to find Sidhu up in attack left of the D controls the ball well turning into the box closed down quickly, stabs a shot wide of the post. 

Half-time Bedford Ladies 0-1 Millwall Lionesses

 The first half ends with Millwall Lionesses holding the narrow advantage leading 1-0. An entertaining first half Millwall more than matching their higher league opponents starting well giving them confidence scoring the opening goal. Bedford responding well both side creating great chances in front of goal and on another day could be a 3-2 scoreline to either side. As it is the game still very much in the balance all to play for in the 2nd half.

No changes for either side, Millwall get the 2nd half underway, Drewe taking the ball gets in behind the Bedford defence, Franklin back sliding in to take the ball away from her inside the box the loose ball coming back to Hawkins 20 yards out right of the D puts her first time strike wide. Bhatti getting forwards for Bedford inside the D as the ball comes in to her from the right wing catches it on the half volley the shot scooped up over the bar. Bedford winning a free-kick wide on the left  good delivery fired long towards the right side Fidler with the headed ball put back across the top of the six yard box, Fensome quick to react, the ball closer to Webster she can get her gloves firmly around it.

Bedford captain Priya Bhatti clearing the ball

Sidhu a threat wide left in attack for Bedford taking the ball on is brought down, another free-kick for Bedford out wide, Ajayi to put the ball into the area Franklin forwards attacks it just over her, Fitzpatrick winning the header clearing for the visitors. Strength on the ball from Drewe as she takes the ball on down the left whilst holding off the pursuing defender wins Millwall a corner. Takes it herself played in central the ball headed over the bar a goal kick awarded. Drewe again drifting inside 20 yards out central as the ball is fired in to her from the right brings it down well turning to knock it on into the area, Emerton getting back on her able to run it out of play.

  Bhatti on the ball for Bedford right has support ahead of her from Fensome, a give and go out to Fidler wide as she bursts into the area in behind Fidler picking her out closes in on goal opts to cross instead of pull the trigger squaring the ball across the six yard box leaving Webster stranded Sidhu racing in, Connell with the diving tackle lunging in to clear the ball. The game stretched at times both sides wanting to get forwards quickly Bedford turning play around getting on the offensive Shianne Swarres taking the ball on through the middle passing forwards into Sidhu she in turn sends it on for Fensome making a run central can’t quite take it in her strike, Stonebrook getting hold of it for Millwall 20 yards out.

Bedford Ladies, Shianne Swarres

Bedford win another free-kick wide left, make a change before it is taken Setor Acolatse on for Ajayi. The ball flighted in towards the top of the area half cleared back to the left, scooped back in again dropping at the far post 8 yards out Acolatse taking a swing, doesn’t connect, Miranda scrambles clear for Millwall. 

GOAL! Bedford equalise with 20 minutes gone in the 2nd period, Fensome making several great runs in attack throughout the game get’s half a yard on the Millwall defence as the ball is put long from midfield bouncing inside the box right of goal Fensome chasing it down closing in on the keeper, chips the ball over her looping beyond to drop in at the far post 1-1.

Natasha Fensome chipping the keeper to equalise for Bedford

Millwall make their first change Daniella Correa entering the field for Klosinski. Stubbs getting hold of the ball lays it forwards for Drewe to race away on the left crosses into the box early looking for Hawkins, Regolo doing well donning the gloves off her line sharply to claim the ball. Bedford getting players forwards to support Fensome in attack left side the ball crossed in low into Acolatse not closed down scoops her attempt up over the bar. Franklin with a couple of great defensive tackles at the back to deny Hawkins an opportunity on goal. 

 Ajayi returns to the field for Bedford replacing Fidler. Fensome drifting away to the right channel as Bedford bring the ball on through the middle play into her feet she sends a superb crossfield ball out to Sidhu left side takes it on into the box momentum seeing the angle closed down close range hits it low and hard, Webster saving well with her legs the ball deflected out to the left wide fired back in the keeper beaten this time the ball smashing down off the bar into the six yard box, Fensome pounces stabs it over the top. 

Jasmine Ajayi battling for possession with Millwall’s Kaitlyn Lewis

 The game entering the final 10 minutes have the feeling it could go either way as Millwall bring on Samantha Middleton to join the attack replacing Gregory. Bhatti combining well with Acolatse and Ajayi as they trio work the ball on down the right Lewis tackling for Millwall. On the left side for Millwall Drewe is prepared to take the defence on at every opportunity racing on fires a cross into the six yard box, Regolo in bravely to catch the ball near side. Not long left of the 90 now Gregory returning to the field for Hawkins as Millwall as they win a corner the ball in headed clear by Franklin, Bedford break forwards Fensome getting hold of the ball, both Stonebrook and Fitzpatrick close her down to regain possession top pf the area. 

GOAL! Into the final minute and Bedford score again taking the lead late in the game, Fensome in again with her 2nd of the game bursting in behind the Millwall defence off a long range pass her touch taking it to the left of goal strikes it back across the keeper and low into the bottom corner 2-1.

A 2nd goal of the match for Bedford’s Natasha Fensome putting the hosts into the lead in the 90th minute

 The hosts coming back from a goal down to lead 2-1 with 5 minutes stoppage time to play. Drewe twisting and turning on the ball outside the Bedford area drops her shoulder getting into the box screws her shot wide at the near post. Bedford bring Fidler back on for Sidhu. 

 PENALTY! Millwall press the attack Correa getting hold of the ball 25 yards out threading it into the box with Middleton racing on right side of goal, Regolo racing out to meet her has the ball in her gloves stooping in front of the attacker, Robinson racing back on Middleton shoves the attacker in the back causing her to fall awkwardly colliding with the keeper, the referee pointing to the spot. Robinson booked, Middleton has stayed down clearly in alot of pain, on field treatment seeing a long delay can’t continue helped off unable to put any weight on her leg, Hawkins coming back on.

GOAL! A long delay between the penalty being given and taken, Connell placing it on the spot isn’t affected as she strikes it sweetly lifting it right wide of the diving Regolo to nestle in the back of the net 2-2. Virtually the last kick of the game no time for either side to mount another attack the game heads into extra-time. 

Millie Connell wheels away in celebration having scored a last gasp penalty for Millwall.

Full time Bedford Ladies 2-2 Millwall Lionesses

extra-time 

  30 additional minutes to be played for either side to try and find a winning goal 2 15 minute halves or the tie will be decided on penalties. Has been a fantastic contest so far. Bedford thinking they’d won it at the death, Millwall scoring a last gasp penalty to force extra-time. Bedford to get the first half of extra play underway. Fidler bringing the ball forwards plays in to to Acolatse left side she clips it infield to Fensome inside the D back to goal controls well before threading it inside the box to Acolatse continuing her run, the angle against her fires her shot wide at the near post.

Libby Stubbs with Bedford’s Setor Acolatse

Bedford starting extra-time well on the front foot the ball fed on by Bhatti into Fensome central holding off her marker looks to see the ball run on past her into Acolatse’s path just not enough pace on the ball to carry. Connell in an advanced position for Millwall on the right joining the attack takes aim from 30 yards out hit well skipping through across the goal Regolo diving to her right the strike however past the far post. Sidhu returns to the field for Fidler. Regolo snatching up the ball inside her box just before Hawkins can latch onto it racing forwards having been put in by Gregory central. 

  Drewe sees a shot pushed behind by the keeper for a corner on the left, Millwall make a change before it is taken Jansu Mentesh on for Correa. Dropped in near post an easy claim for Regolo. Stubbs playing the ball long up to Hawkins in attack the Millwall attacker’s header cushioning the ball down outside the D, shoulder to shoulder wit Emerton looks to drive on the pair leaving the ball behind, latched onto by Mentesh passed across to Gregory right, can’t get a shot away before Franklin closes her down. Bedford counter attack plenty of energy shown still by both sides, Bhatti picking out Ajayi in space on the left she puts it back inside for Bhatti coming on 25 yards out takes on the shot drops wide of goal. 

Franklin lunging in to block a shot from Hawkins at the far post as she drags the ball inside from a free-kick flighted in from the right. Fitzpatrick defending for Millwall against Sidhu as Fensome plays it long from halfway. 

Half-time extra-time Bedford Ladies 2-2 Millwall Lionesses

 All action an intriguing contest could yet go either way Millwall to get the 2nd period of extra-time underway. Miranda coming on from defence in to win the ball high on the left sends Drewe away with it on the left travelling with the ball her cross come shot bouncing wide beyond the far post. 

GOAL! Bedford retake the lead early in the 2nd period possession on the right the ball put on into Fensome plays it in across the top of the area not cleared, Sidhu racing in getting hold of it left of the D strike the shot on the turn hit well wide of the diving keeper into the bottom corner 3-2. 

Maya Sidhu fires Bedford back into the lead in extra-time.

Millwall straight on the attack from the restart commit bodies forwards the ball struck from range by Mentesh rattling the crossbar down and cleared. The visitors press winning a corner, cleared by Cobb Bedford look to get forwards on the counter. Millwall get the ball back played long picking out Hawkins in the box right lines up a shot on the angle straight at Regolo.

GOAL! 5 minutes left to play and a knock out blow for Millwall as Bedford score another goal, the hosts awarded a free-kick wide left top of the area players forwards a Swarres places the ball a fantastic strike fired in across the face of goal high evades everyone creeping inside at the far corner 4-2.

 Millwall keep going getting forwards, Franklin in to deny Hawkins top of the area, a change made Emerton off late on with Chelcie Alleyne coming on. Stubbs getting the ball on for Hawkins peeling right her low cross in cut out at the near post. 

GOAL! With the visitors committing players in search of a goal Bedford hit them on the counter attack to score a 3rd goal in extra-time the ball sent in early from the left Acolatse forwards making a run far post bringing the ball under control sending it back across the face of goal for Fensome to turn in from close range to score her hat-trick 5-2. The last action of the match Bedford finishing strong to win in extra-time book their spot in the last 4 of the ERWFL Cup.

Full time extra-time Bedford Ladies 5-2 Millwall Lionesses

  Bedford with face Royston Town Women in the semi-finals after the Hertfordshire beat Wroxham Women 2-0 at home this afternoon. A really entertaining match Millwall the underdog giving a good account of themselves making a bright start to the game gaining confidence scoring the opening goal, both sides could have had more goals in the first half. The 2nd carrying on in the same vain, Bedford coming back to level then take the lead in the 90th minute. Gave away a penalty to see Millwall score a last gasp equaliser to send the game into extra-time. The first period coming to a close it could still have gone either way. Millwall losing out in the finish Bedford getting their noses in front going on to score another getting a 2 goal cushion, a 5th goal coming at the death with Millwall pushing on. An entertaining match as I said at the start of the report well worth the trip.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances to mention, for Millwall Sian Fitzpatrick was superb at the back making several vital tackles. Shannan Drewe too on the left of attack never stopped running a threat on the ball taking players on creating opportunities. For Bedford, Priya Bhatti with a strong game in the middle of the park. Gemma Franklin was excellent in defence made several crucial challenges and blocking the ball. The award though goes to Natasha Fensome in attack leading the line well, showing fantastic movement on and off the ball sees options all over the pitch took her goals well.

Enjoyed my first trip to The Eyrie a really entertaining match to watch always competitive in the ERWFL, my thanks to both sides for the team details and Bedford captain Priya Bhatti with a couple of other enquiries. Nasty injuries picked up by Bedford’s Lauren Webb and Millwall’s Samantha Middleton wish both well for a speedy and full recovery.