Tag Archives: ERWFL Premier Division

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Needham Market Women

Sunday 28th August

ERWFL Premier Division

 A short trip to Trafford Park this Sunday to watch my first game of the season from the ERWFL Premier Division. Wroxham Women who made a winning start to their season last Sunday hosting newly promoted Needham Market Women.

 The ERWFL Premier Division once again looking strong with a number of sides having the title in their sights, with Harlow Town Ladies and Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL straight away after suffering relegation last season. The 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid with plenty of talented players as the game continues to grow. Often competitve and exciting to watch.

 Wroxham Women now a well established part of the Wroxham footballing family with ambitions to attain promotion to the FAWNL. A frustrating season to say the least during last years campaign. Getting off to a blistering start winning their opening 5 games, then the wheels came off and a difficult run of 4 straight losses followed before a draw and a lengthy period through the end of November into the New Year without a game. 2023 bringing the return to form the squad knew they were capable of winning 7 of their last 8 games aswell as reaching the final of the League Cup. Eventually finishing 4th a case of what might have been for the lull cost them. Manager Rebecca Burton standing down at the end of the season.

 Wroxham bringing in Joe Simpson as their new manager. At the club previously as coach the former King’s Lynn Town Ladies manager bringing Burton back as his assistant with another for King’s Lynn Town Ladies manager, Shelley Stewart part of the coaching team. Charlotte Rose in as strength and conditioning coach with goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook taking on a player/coach role. Several changes within the player squad too with players moving on or retiring, most notably striker, Grace Birchall a talisman for the club up front scoring 66 goals in 42 appearances. Simpson bringing in a number of news faces to the squad. Reuniting with a trio of former King’s Lynn players, Tiffany Forshaw bringing a wealth of experience to the club can operate anywhere through the spine of the team. Mary-Ann Hoy returning to Wroxham from King’s Lynn too along with midfield talent Zara O’Neill. 

  Saw Lucy Eagle first in action for Leiston St Margarets Ladies and has starred in attack for a number of county league sides since most recently Bungay Town Ladies, making to jump up to the fifth tier this campaign looking to test herself. Paige Shorten is another player with huge experience back playing after coaching with Ipswich Town Women. Plus a quartet of young players from Norwich City’s Player Pathway, Lucy Bradford, Lara Densley, Keela Olive and Breana Rudd.

Needham Market Women achieving promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division for the 1st time. In a very short space of time the club has become one of the leading lights for women’s football in Suffolk looking to emulate the counties leading side Ipswich Town Women in it’s growth and success. Joining the ERWFL in the 2018/19 season no doubt the Covid pandemic has stalled the clubs progress. A full season played a last in 2021/22, Needham Market were dominant from start to finish clinching the Division One North title gaining promotion along side fellow Suffolk rivals AFC Sudbury Women won won Division One South. The step up to the 5th tier of the women’s pyramid where standards go up a notch and a good test for an ambitious club looking to push itself. Scored plenty of goals last season, with Lina Nagib top scorer netting 26 goals, with Molly Hall, Lois Balfour and Ellie Rossiter scoring 21, 17 and 16 respectfully.

  An academy and 2nd team backing up the first team, manager Warren Lewis-Claxton has added a number of experienced former Ipswich players to the ranks such as goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke, Ellie Rossiter, Nicole Pannifer, Molly Hall and Paige Wakefield in recent seasons, has added a further two defenders this season in Lindsey Cooper and Eva Hubbard aswell as a number of promising young players such as Poppy Nunn and goalkeeper, Emily Cockrill. also joining aling with Charlotte McGrath who was most recently at Abingdon. Started life in the ERWFL Premier Division with a trip to Haringey Borough the hosts coming away with a 4-3 win.

  Trafford Park the venue for today’s match, a large grass pitch offering plenty of width, not the most even of playing surfaces with a distinct slope nevertheless in great condition. Viewing all round. A covered stand on one side of the pitch. The bar and clubhouse serving hot food and drinks on the other. Great weather for the match bright with a little cloud cover and a slight breeze.

Wroxham Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Lightfoot, Lucy Bradford, Breanna Rudd, Tigi Robson, Jess Horn (C), Zara O’Neill, Becky Russell, Holly Connell, Keela Olive, Lucy Eagle & Tiffany Forshaw. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Lara Densley, Summer Copland & Ellie Overton & Megan Rose.

Needham Market Women

 Needham Market Women starting XI – Emily Cockrill, Niamh Thomas, Eva Hubbard, Ele Catchpole, Lindsey Cooper, Abbie Fisher, Leilah Hanson, Mia Etheridge, Ellie Rossiter, Jo Brawn & Lois Balfour (C). Subs – Charlotte McGrath, Poppy Nunn, Lina Nagib & Paige Wakefield.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Two goalkeepers making their debuts today with Megan Lightfoot in goal for Wroxham. Danielle Clarke picking up an injury for Needham Market away to Haringey Borough last Sunday a blow, in comes Emily Cockrill recently joined from Kesgrave Kestrals. Lindsey Cooper making her competitive debut too for the visitors. Six more from Wroxham’s starting line-up making thier home debuts, Tiffany Forshaw, Lucy Eagle, Keela Olive, Lucy Bradford, Breanna Rudd and Zara O’Neill. It’s Wroxham to get the game under way kicking off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical stripped shirts with blue shorts and socks with Needham Market lined up opposite in their away colours, yellow shirts and socks with black shorts. Wroxham look to send the ball on out to the left, Needham Market full back, Niamh Thomas can let the ball run on into the area for Cockrill to get an early feel of the ball.

A frantic start the ball hit back and forth between midfield and defensive Needham Market pushing  up, Wroxham manage to lift a pass over the top into the right channel for Eagle to run onto 25 yards out looks to take on the early strike, isn’t quite set stretching a little too much as she connects with the ball dragging it inside wide across the area. Leilah Hanson sending the ball on through the middle for Needham Market into the feet of captain and attacker Lois Balfour, she turns well on the ball spinning the pass out to Jo Brawn wide left, looking to take the ball on Wroxham full back Lucy Braford gets across to make the challenge the ball out for a throw in.

Wroxham’s Lucy Bradford

  A wide pitch play getting drawn to one side of the pitch space to exploit if the pass can be seen. Hubbard well aware of that as she bombs on down the left taking the ball on reaching the penalty area squares an inviting ball inside, dealt with by Wroxham captain, Jess Horn her clearance latched on in midfield a strike from distance fizzed back in, blocked. Wroxham break on their left the ball fed up the line rapidly, on for Forshaw bursting into the box, takes on the shot striking a low ball in on the angle, Cockrill closing the gap making a good blocking save. 

Needham Market’s Niamh Thomas

Needham Market attack left Hubbard racing up the line feeding the ball on for Balfour peeling into the channel, Horn getting across to put in the tackle before she can turn into the box. Forshaw looking to play off the last defender break in behind for Wroxham as the midfield work the ball into her, through to attack the box, her attack halted by the offside flag, a close call. Cockrill comes a long way out of her area to deal with the danger as Forshaw gives chase to a ball lifted into the right channel. Cockrill putting the ball into Hubbard the defender put under pressure by Forshaw who wins Wroxham a throw high up the pitch. 

Needham Market’s, Eva Hubbard

 Both sides looking to get the ball out from the back with pace into midfield, Needham Market have it on the left played into Hanson the Fisher as they go crossfield to Rossiter bursting forwards wide out on the wing her cross fired into the area collected by Lightfoot at her near post. An intriguing contest shaping up with 15 minutes gone. O’Neill getting hold of the ball in the middle for Wroxham plays it to Rudd on the left plays the ball on for Forshaw in attack, can’t reach it but is willing to pressure the defence looking to force an error, the result a goal kick this time. The hosts getting numbers forwards well pushing Needham Market’s defence back the release for the visitors Hubbard on the left as she looks to run into space. 

Ellie Rossiter with Wroxham’s Breanna Rudd

 Hubbard turning inside with the ball plays a great diagonal ball forwards, a vital interception from Horn, or Brawn is in clear to attack the goal. Hanson in the middle sends the pass out to Thomas right getting the return pass as she moves forwards her cross into the box on the angle claimed well by Lightfoot. Hubbard continuing to cause problems on the left with the ball for Needham Market sends it on for Brawn ahead of her moving inside to take on the return pass driving for the box, Horn lunging in to make the tackle to dispossess her.

Wroxham captain, Jess Horn

  Keela Olive getting forwards with the ball for Wroxham right side on for Eagle her early diagonal ball into the area finding Forshaw out beyond the far post, controlling the ball sees Russell coming on lays the ball back into her path the midfielders cross/shot charged down by Cooper in the Needham Market defence. Wroxham retain possession on the left getting bodies forwards well the ball lofted back into the area Holly Connell beating her marker getting the ball down turning towards goal shooting low, Cockrill with a superb save getting down smartly blocking with her thigh. 

Keela Olive looking to get hold of the ball for Wroxham

 Pressure mounting from Wroxham keeping the ball in the final 3rd played out right a player brought down right on the edge of the box a free kick on the line level with the six yard line, Russell to play it into the area, Mia Etheridge up to make the defensive header clearing for Needham Market the ball falling to Wroxham’s Olive 25 yards out her 1st time shot blocked. A corner won on the right for Wroxham short between Connell and Russell the cross put into the area cleared. Another close call with the flag to deny Forshaw anyone chance on goal as she is almost put in by Eagle’s fine diagonal ball as she and Russell exchange passes on the right. 

Wroxham midfielder, Becky Russell

  Forshaw looking the goal threat for Wroxham, Russell looking to thread a pass through for her to attack, Cockrill with a good starting position quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Brawn comes left with the ball, Bradford back on her to slow her down holds it up well as Hubbard racing forwards in support takes the ball on in behind to the by-line winning her side a corner kick. The delivery in to the near post doesn’t get past Horn, heading clear.

  Hubbard breaks clear on the left as Needham Market press the ball high, runs into the box, Connell getting back at her to challenge the ball turned off her for a corner kick. Payed in the outcome the same Horn winning the header at the near post. Into the final 15 minutes of the half few clear cut chances as of yet both sides putting alot in to press the ball. Brawn picking the ball up inside the Wroxham half looks to push on driving forwards almost reaching the area before getting outnumbers still managing to squeeze the ball back into the path of Fisher 30 yards out her wild strike landing wide of the mark. A pause in play with Russell down recieving treatment both sides going to the bench for instructions.

 GOAL! Play resumes Needham Market having possession out wide right, played inside to Brawn inside the area looks to attack, Lightfoot coming appears to hesitate, Brawn capitalising beating her to the ball stabbing it past her to open the scoring 0-1. 

Jo Brawn opens the scoring for Needham Market

  Needham Market looking sharper after the break in play getting the lead and going on the attack breaking from a goal-kick Brawn on the left with Hubbard taking the ball on in behind her, Horn needing to come round on the cover to clear the ball for a corner. Eagle taking a heavy knock as she runs into traffic in the middle. Needs a moment but is okay to continue. Etheridge getting on the ball through the middle for Needham Market puts the pass forwards for Balfour as she looks to move out into the channel, Horn getting in to tackle her. 

 Hubbard back to defend intercepting a diagonal pass from O’Neill as she looks to release Connell on the right. Catchpole winning the header top of her area as Wroxham get up on the left cross the ball in. The game moving into stoppage time Wroxham mounting a late attack the ball fed on for Forshaw left channel, Cockrill coming to close her down with her defence exposed, Forshaw cleverly taking the ball around the keeper as she slides in commit, left bearing down on goal shoots low, Catchpole sliding in making the last ditch defensive block the ball out to the far post Catchpole scrambling back to her feet to get to Forshaw before she gets a 2nd bite at goal lunging in to block again the ball rebounding out of the area falls to Olive 25 yards out puts her foot through the ball looking to smash it home, Cockrill recovering her position grateful to get her gloves up pluck the ball down to safety. One last corner for Wroxham to end the half put into the area successfully defending as the whistle blows.  

Needham Market defender Ele Catchpole with a crucial double block at te end of the 1st half

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-1 Needham Market Women

  Needham Market leading by a single goal at the break. A close contest an intriguing watch the sides evenly matched. The result could have easily been the reverse at half-time. Cockrill making 2 superb saves with Catchpole making a huge block on the stroke of half-time. Jo Brawn’s goal the difference is still very much game on going into the 2nd half. A change at half-time for Wroxham with cyan Fullbrook on in goal for Lightfoot. Needham Market getting the 2nd half underway unchanged.

 

  The ball played out to Wroxham’s left, Bradford winning it for the hosts. Wroxham looking to make a busy start take the game to Needham Market at the start of the 2nd half, Rudd left sending the ball crossfield into Olive, back to Russell, Etheridge out to block her pass collecting the ball in the face a painful knock, play stopped for treatment. O’Neill playing the ball left to Rudd, pressured into playing the ball back to her centre backs Horn an Robson likewise under pressure as Etheridge hustles getting hold of the ball to release Rossiter into a gap on the right her cross into the area caught cleanly by Fullbrook. 

Wroxham’s Zara O’Neill

 Catchpole with a firm defensive clearance that has Rossiter giving chase to the ball on the right, crosses as she reaches the by-line but Fullbrook points out the ball was already gone, the assistant agrees. A corner for Needham Market on the right as Rossiter gets forwards well. As in the first half the delivery only finding Horn defending the near post area. Needham Market gaining momentum more on the right than the left with Thomas getting on to support Rossiter. Another corner on the right fired in near post Horn turning it out of the area, Needham Market have players ready to close down outside the area a shot struck in through bodies looks like it might be creeping inside the post, Fullbrook scrambling to get back to it scooping a glove under the ball enough to turn it wide for a corner on the left.

 Another pause in play with Etheridge down off the ball needing treatment, needs to come off this time with Needham Market bringing on Charlotte McGrath. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half remains a very tight and edgy affair. Needham Market taking the game to Wroxham keeping them busy inside their own half keeping Forshaw off the ball. Rossiter taking the ball on right side wrapping her foot around it to send the cross into the area, Horn heading clear for Wroxham. Another player down this time for Wroxham, Eagle a willing runner looking to drive on with the ball has been clattered a few time for her efforts. Wroxham making a double switch Eagle coming off, so too Rudd to be replaced by Lara Densley and Ellie Overton. Robson moving to the left of defence. 

 Overton’s first touch very close to being an own goal as Needham Market have a throw high on the right, Thomas putting it on for Hanson to head forwards for Rossiter on the wing her cross fired into the six yard box almost finding Balfour free at the near post, hitting Overton behind is narrowly wide for the corner. Needham Market with the momentum getting players forwards, Catchpole and Cooper looking solid in the centre of defence, Wroxham lacking numbers when they can break Connell right her cross claimed by Cockrill. Another double change for Wroxham with Megan Rose joining the back line on for Bradford. and Summer Copland on up top for Olive.

Needham Market captain, Lois Balfour

  Russell winning the ball back in the middle for Wroxham lays it forwards for Forshaw left of the  turns well in behind, Cooper quick to adjust getting back at her to deny the shot. Needham Market continue to exploit Rossiter on the right getting a throw high Rossiter’s cross in is uncharacteristically missed by Horn at the near post catching Brawn behind her off guard her touch off her hip turning the ball goalwards can’t react before Fullbrook snatches it up into her gloves. Needham Market bring Lina Nagib on with 10 minutes of regular time left.

Ellie Rossiter

  Rose winning it well at the back for Wroxham lifting the pass long for Connell 25 yards out an angled shot in rising Cockrill gloves it down to claim on the bounce. Rossiter and Robson enjoying a good battle now as Wroxham look to limit the balls coming into their box from the right. All good natured however Rossiter down with cramp, Robson helping her stretch. Catchpole winning the ball at the back well for Needham Market plays a good ball through for Balfour in attack, Rose getting on her shoulder to defend for Wroxham. Catchpole defending on Forshaw as O’Neill looks to find her with the pass up top. Forshaw coming off now with Eagle being sent back on to join the attack. A one two between Copland and Robson on the left as the defender gets forwards taking on the strike from distance drops wide. 

Wroxham’s Tigi Robson

 Wroxham looking to put some urgency into their play as they look to find a goal with the clock running down. Connell up with Eagle and Russell moving towards the Needham Market box, Fisher taking back to put the tackle in on Russell to regain possession. Rossiter coming off for Needham Market with Etheridge returning to the action, Hubbard quieter in the 2nd half making fewer forward runs nevertheless has plenty left in the tank as she cuts inside from the wing 25 yards out driving for the box Horn stepping out to block her run win back the ball. Nagib getting on the ball right for Needham Market driving up the line holding the ball up Thomas arriving to support her angled ball into the area dealt with by Rose. 

 

  Olive back on for Wroxham with the game heading for stoppage time, plenty of it to be played with the pauses for injuries. Olive taking the ball on from O’Neill in the middle forwards into Copland, Catchpole defending for Needham Market the ball running back to Olive to latch onto 25 yards out drags her volleyed effort wide. Robson off for Wroxham as they throw Forshaw back on. O’Neill with the diagonal ball out to Eagle on the right, brings it down well, striking the shot on the angle from distance frustrated as she only picks out the goalkeeper at the near post.

  Wroxham’s Olive steals onto the ball left side, her cross squared into the area but a heavy touch from Forshaw allows Cooper to clear out into the middle O’Neill getting hold of it 30 plus yards out her shot dipping lands on the roof of the net. A clash of heads between Densley and Thomas sees another break in play both physio’s racing on. No chances taken with Densley coming off for Wroxham. Poppy Nunn and Paige Wakefield also coming on for Needham Market Jo Brawn one of the players off.

Lina Nagib bringing the ball forwards for Needham Market

  GOAL! Deep into stoppage time Needham market regaining the ball on the right wing Wakefield taking it on cleverly winning a free-kick late in the game. Inside the Wroxham half taken quickly with Fisher running into a gap on the right side taking the ball to the top of the area before delivering a looping cross in towards the near post, put on a plate for Balfour drifting in unmarked to coolly nod down into the back of the net to seal the 3 points 0-2.

Lois Balfour centre making it 2-0 to Needham Market late in the game

  The 2nd goal scored in the 96th minute with another 4 minutes of stoppage time to play Needham Market with their tails up chasing the ball down looking to keep it inside Wroxham’s half . Nagib with Fisher looking to hold it up on the right winning a corner kick off Horn, the ball into the six yard box cleared as the final whistle blows, Needham Market celebrate their first ever win in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Full time Wroxham Women 0-2 Needham Market Women

 The late late goal from Lois Balfour sealing the win for Needham Market in what proved to be a tight and intriguing contest between the 2 sides. Giving little away the result could well have gone either way and neither would have complained with a draw. As it was Needham Market scored the all important goals and were strong in defence to limit Wroxham’s chances especially in the 2nd half. Even for large parts the game won on small margins the wins you have to work hard for are always the best. Needham Market took the game to Wroxham 2nd half and in doing so limited the impact their attackers had up the other end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy this is a tough one and it is difficult to name a clear winner. Strong performances form both sides, with both looking solid as a unit. Jess Horn won so much at the back for Wroxham whilst Tigi Robson beside her was strong. Tiffany Forshaw making some intelligent runs in behind getting into the box unlucky not to score 1st half. That largely down to Emily Cockrill in goal an impressive debut between the sticks for Needham Market with two fine saves. Ele Catchpole too in defence with some strong defensive wins. Eva Hubbard with her managing running down the flank. The award though goes to Ellie Rossiter took the game to Wroxham 2nd half with so powerful runs getting into some great positions and delivering some dangerous crosses.

 Another entertaining game for the ERWFL Premier Division, never disappoints and Needham Market are another strong addition to it’s ranks. Likewise Wroxham a new look side with a mixture of experience and youth, all the young players impressing will only get better as they play regularly at this level. As usual my thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today especially as I have been experiencing some technical difficulties. Much appreciated. Next up a derby double for the FAWNL a busy week ahead but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 9th January

ERWFL Premier Division

 Excited to start a new year on Women’s Football East. 2022 promises to be a huge year for women’s football with England hosting the UEFA Women’s European Championships. The game will receive coverage like never before and England themselves have a real opportunity to win the competition themselves.

 Plenty of exciting football action to come before that though and my year begins with a Norfolk derby, a top of the table clash no less in the ERWFL Premier Division with league leaders, Wymondham Town Ladies hosting 3rd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

Wymondham Town Ladies in a very strong position at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division going into the new year. 6 points clear of 2nd placed Royston Town Ladies, the most likely side capable of catching them barring a major collapse now for the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL. Not that manager Alex Guy will let his side take their eye off the ball. Have led for most of the campaign winning 10 of their 13 games played so far, with the only blip back to back defeats at the end of September against Royston and King’s Lynn. Have scored to most goals in the league and have the best defensive record with it. A prolific attack with Hannah Waters leading goal scorer so far with 13 goals from 16 played, Francesca Catchpole and Laura Nicholls both with 10 goals apiece behind Waters from 16 and 13 appearances respectfully.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies reaching their highest ever league position in the women’s football pyramid to close out 2021. Up to 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division in what is there debut season at this level. Joe Simpson stepping down as manager leaving a strong squad and great set-up within the club for his successor. Alex Cook the new manager looking to take the side forwards a great platform to build on in what is a competitive league. King’s Lynn quickly finding their feet at this level a 4-0 victory at home to today’s opponents Wymondham being one of the highlights. Amy Magnus and captain Tiffany Forshaw top scorers so far this season with 6 goals each.

Ketts park the venue for todays game. With heavy rainfall the day before I thought it a safe bet to go for a 3G option and with it being a top of the table clash plus derby match too it was an easy choice. A van serving hot and cold drinks leading into the ground. The caged pitch offering standing room for spectators along one side opposite the dugouts. A little bit of heat from the rapidly descending sun that falling below one goal could pose a few viewing problems for defenders.

Wymondham Town Ladies

 Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Mary Croft, Aimee Stretch, Rachel Cossey (C), Rebecca Russell, Natasha Youngs, Laura Nicholls, Francesca Catchpole & Hannah Waters. Subs – Hayley Kindred, Katie Knights, Kyla Love & Jenifer Codman.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Ellie Prentice, Chloe Burch, Shanice Burch, Fran Peeling, Amy Cropley, Samantha Davis, Alexa Hunter, Jodie Hopkins, Tiffany Forshaw (C), Ella Gavaghan & Amy Magnus. Subs – Amy Bell.

(Roll on roll off substitutes)

  Rachel Cossey captaining, Wymondham today, good to see her starting a game after spending more than two seasons out through injury. New signing Kyla Love joining from Wroxham amongst the 4 substitutes. King’s Lynn’s naming just the one substitute goalkeeper, Amy Bell. It’s the hosts Wymondham to kick off the match wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. King’s Lynn in a new away strip, black and white vertical striped shirts with white shorts and socks. With gold numbers on the back (not my favourite combo of shirt and colour number to read it has to be said, hard to read when you’re trying to follow the numbers).

  King’s Lynn press Wymondham on the ball right from the start forcing them to go back to their goalkeeper Chloe Pearce, cleared out to the left the ball out for a throw. The visitors continue t press the ball on the right striker Ela Gavaghan put through behind by Amy Cropley however the flag raised against her for offside. Wymondham come through the middle of the park the ball lifted forwards, Shanice stepping out of the back three for King’s Lynn to clear the ball long upfield out into the right channel for Gavaghan to chase, Wymondham defender, Mary Croft getting across her to shield for Pearce as the keeper comes sliding in to claim the ball.

Wymondham defender, Mary Croft

   King’s Lynn pressing the ball high trying to unsettle Wymondham at the back early on Alexa Hunter in to win the ball, Aimee Stretch nicking it ahead of Amy Magnus up top, on for Rachel Cossey, Wymondham’s captain driving forwards on the ball, playing it long for Hannah Waters escaping into space behind on the right, Shanice Burch recovering well to get back on her sliding in to take the ball away from the attacker before she can check inside to line up a shot on goal.

   Wymondham not finding their rhythm in the opening minutes rushed on the ball as King’s Lynn work hard to close it down. Rebecca Russell evading a tackle central finding space to run into with the ball laying it up the left for Chelsea Clarke bombing on, her cross/shot angling wide beyond the far post. Gavaghan nipping at the Wymondham defence, looks to be in behind momentarily the ball running behind for a goal kick. Fouls being given away.

  Waters linking up with fellow attacker Francesca Catchpole up top for Wymondham, Leah Newcombe’s run from the right spotted the full back picked out goes on up the wing before turning a cross ack in across the top of the area just beyond Laura Nicholls positioned left of the D. Jodie Hopkins on the ball in the centre for King’s Lynn has plenty of space ahead of her goes on unopposed lifting it on for Magnus right of the D 20 out, can’t bring it down under control before being closed down by Wymondham’s Stretch, the ball loose beyond the pair comes to Gavaghan she plays it across the box to the right looking to pick out her captain, Tiffany Forshaw. Wymondham get back on her en masse the ball scrambled away comes back to Hopkins some 30 yards out strikes it first time but well off target.

King’s Lynn captain, Tiffany Forshaw

   Cossey brought down in the middle left side a free-kick to Wymondham taken early put out to Newcombe free on the right her early cross lifted into the mix cleared top of the area Forshaw bringing it away King’s Lynn with a swift counter attack Forshaw clipping a diagonal ball forwards for Magnus on the right takes the ball into the box shooting on the angle the ball driven in with pace, Pearce across well placed to bat the ball away at her near post. 

Wymondham’s Francesca Catchpole

  Both sides giving fouls away Catchpole catching Hopkins as she attempts to launch a counter attack for King’s Lynn. The free-kick coming to nothing as Wymondham launch a quick counter of their own through Newcombe on the right the pass inside looking for Catchpole 20 yards out back to goal, Shanice Burch close on her defending for King’s Lynn. Pearce is down taking a blow after a coming together with Magnus after clearing the ball. A moment of concern however Pearce is back up on her feet and able to continue. 

Jodie Hopkins with the ball for King’s Lynn

  Wymondham with a great passage of play as Natasha Youngs is picked out by Russell moving up the right wing cuts the ball inside for Waters good close control plays it back to Cossey in midfield square to Russell fired forwards into Clarke coming side from the left lines up a shot 20 yards out left of the D low along the ground, Ellie Prentice in goal for King’s Lynn quickly across her goal mouth to claim the ball. 

Wymondham captain, Rachel Cossey

  Youngs getting in behind on the right again for Wymondham is brought down by Fran Peeling the hosts awarded a free-kick. Russell over the set-piece the angle against the shot plays the ball in to be attacked at the far post no one gets there the ball running out of play.

Laura Nicholls with the back heel for Rebecca Russell to take the ball on

 Nicholls back heeling the ball into Russell’s path on the left the midfielder coming forwards, plays the pass out to Clarke on the left, the cross flung into the box across the top of the six yard line, Prentice calls for it, has to get there with both Waters and Youngs closing in… and does.

  Hunter catches Newcombe bringing her down on the right presenting the hosts with another free-kick wide of the box. Russell over it plays the ball in across the penalty spot Waters lunging for it can’t quite reach it, Cossey diving in beyond her at the far post turning her header goalwards, Prentice down smartly to save on her line turning the ball over the line for a corner. The resulting corner taken short, Wymondham looking to work the ball inside, Chloe Burch comes sliding in with a strong tackle giving away another free-kick an ending up in the book with a yellow card. Russell across to take it and inswinging ball flung across the face of gaol evading everyone out far side. 

King’s Lynn’s Samantha Davis

  Samantha Davis taking the ball down the left looking for Gavaghan between them a corner is won. The delivery fired long beyond the far post Wymondham clearing into midfield the ball retrieved by King’s Lynn rolled on for Magnus right side the ball struck on the angle rising narrowly over the crossbar.

GOAL! 27 minutes played and the deadlock is broken. Wymondham’s Newcombe winning the ball back centrally quick to play it forwards for Waters peeling away into space behind on the right, getting the ball under control turning into the box evading a challenge the ball ahead of her moving across the top of the six yard box the attacker after it. A mistimed challenge now and the likely result is a penalty, as it is Waters knows exactly where she wants to put the ball turning onto it with her left foot to stab in low past the keeper to make it 1-0.

Hannah Waters with Wymondham’s first goal of 2022

Wymondham matching King’s Lynn’s pressing game now is competitive in the middle, both sides giving fouls away little being given away. Peeling intercepting a pass from Cossey in the middle intended for Youngs on the right. Catchpole with an ambitious effort on gaol from all of 35 yards out clipped wide of the right post. Hunter with a strong but far tackle on Cossey, Hopkins is dragged back as she looks to capitalise, Russell goes into the book. 

Alexa Hunter

 King’s Lynn forwards on the right winning a corner, taken short into Magnus inside the box swivels into the shot low on the angle blocked by Clarke defending the near post. Davis with the ball left side for King’s Lynn attacking the cross in near side Forshaw helping it on for Magnus right of the D closed down but gets her shot away. Pearce back on her line right behind it saves. Peeling left inside for Hopkins allowed to travel opens up her body to send the pass wide of Stretch for Gavaghan peeling off her shoulder right of goal moved a fraction too early the flag up against her.

Leah Newcombe coming forwards for Wymondham

 Youngs right up for Waters taking the ball up the wing, Shanice Burch collecting another 3G burn as she slides in to deny her a shooting opportunity. Wymondham building momentum through the middle Cossey into Waters back to goal 30 out turns quickly to thread the pass through for Nicholls in behind taking the ball into the box looks to place her shot around the advancing Prentice, throws her head back in frustration as her effort runs narrowly wide of the right post.

  GOAL! One opportunity gone another soon follows as Wymondham double their lead with a little over five minutes left in the first half. Russell with the ball on the left playing it on support from Clarke and Nicholls the ball wide of area back with Russell on the angle curls in a shot over the keeper and into the net beyond 2-0.

Rebecca Russell doubles Wymondham’s lead

  Wymondham looking strong pile forwards to win a corner on the right, Russell with a inswinging delivery to the far post Nicholls attacking it her header cleared by the King’s Lynn defence. 

  GOAL! King’s Lynn finding themselves on the back foot towards the end of the first half have have the ball on the left Peeling on for Davis takes it on has support with Forshaw the pair combining before the cross is fired long on the angle into the box Gavaghan there at the far post to attack it getting her head on the ball to power it past Pearce and score 2-1.

Ella Gavaghan pulling a goal back for King’s Lynn

  A quick reply from King’s Lynn after falling 2 goals behind getting one back straight away. Wymondham have been guilty of letting Hopkins pick the ball up in the middle and travel with it unopposed taking it on once again takes on the shot from all of 30 yards out connecting with the ball well, a powerful strike swerving through the air, much to Hopkin’s disappointment this taking it away from goal but not by much. 

  The half drawing to a close Youngs attacking with the ball on the right for Wymondham whips a cross in near side for Waters doesn’t get a firm enough touch with Shanice Burch close on her, the ball won by Hunter is won back by Nicholls inside the area put back to Catchpole inside the D her strike blasted over the bar.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 2-1 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  An enthralling 1st half comes to a close with Wymondham holding a narrow 2-1 lead over King’s Lynn. The visitors starting brightly closing Wymondham down high up the pitch creating opportunities. Both sides giving fouls away. Wymondham growing into the match getting players forwards on the flanks. Waters firing them into the lead midway through the first half, looked strong after that finding a 2nd goal. King’s Lynn quickly getting a goal back to set up an intriguing 2nd half.

  Wymondham ringing the changes at the start of the 2nd half using all four of their substitutes with Hayley Kindred, Katie Knights, Kyla Love and Jenifer Codman all on for Youngs, Catchpole, Russell and Cossey. King’s Lynn to get the 2nd half underway a large dark cloud now obscuring the sun the heat it gave gone the hat deployed. Wymondham getting the ball back quickly turning play around out to Kindred out on the right her early cross into the area cleared by Shanice Burch.

King’s Lynn defender Fran Peeling

  Wymondham essentially changing their midfield, Love taking the ball on the advantage played as Codman is fouled moving out to the left her cross squared along the top of the area coming to Knights right of the d her shot angled in low held by Prentice back on her line. Hunter collecting a yellow card for King’s Lynn. The competitve contest continues the ball rarely still for long Hopkins brought down in the middle. The set piece flicked up towards Gavaghan who attempts to head it on in behind read by, Croft the defender clearing for Wymondham. 

  Pearce with a superb save to deny King’s Lynn an equalising goal. Hopkins on the ball in the middle travelling lifting it in behind for Gavaghan into the box on the right striking the shot on the angle the ball rising Pearce back on her line reacting well getting her arm up to glove the ball away. 

Wymondham goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce

  Chances at both ends as Wymondham work the ball quickly through the middle into Love right of the D her shot isn’t far over the bar. Hunter getting hold of the ball central for King’s Lynn her pass on for Gavaghan on the right intercepted well by Clarke. Forshaw controlling the ball well on the left playing in inside for Gavaghan in the box looking to get in between Stretch and Croft, the ball bouncing down between the pair out to the right, Gavaghan going for it a Pearce slides in to claim the ball at her feet. 

  GOAL! 10 minutes into the 2nd half chances for both sides, it’s Wymondham who go on to extend their lead. Attacking on the left Newcombe the pitch into the ox for Knights helped on to Love right side takes the ball past the advancing keeper and beats the defenders trying to get back on her to put the ball over the line to score 3-1.

Kyla Love extending Wymondham’s lead

Clarke blasts a shot back in blocked by Chloe Burch from 20 yards out as the ball is cleared back to her following an attack on the right from Kindred. Nicholls down in the box a pause in play a chance for both groups of players to regroup Nicholls back on her feet. Prentice out quickly to the top pf her area to slide in and claim the ball as Clarke’s clearance looks opens up an opportunity for Waters in attack. 

  Magnus deeper in midfield winning the ball on for Forshaw 25 yards out turns and strikes a shot goalwards a dipping effort dropping short however straight into Pearce’s gloves. Nicholls drifting right with a deft flick on looking to drop the ball in behind for Waters to chase, too much to do however as Prentice comes out to the top of the area to get hold of the ball. Love making some strong runs from midfield moving left on for Waters her cross into the box looking for Nicholls doesn’t get it under control out for a goal kick.

  Fresh legs in the middle, Wymondham are seeing more of the ball have willing runners left and right in Love and Kindred. Clarke left on for Nicholls in behind through the middle, Prentice just about getting there first. 

Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls

  GOAL! Wymondham extend their lead midway through the 2nd half the ball with Knights in the middle her pass on for Kindred to take on down the right flank angles her cross low into the box on a plate for Waters running onto the ball takes in past an attempted challenge before drilling a low strike into the bottom corner. 4-1.

  King’s Lynn look for a quick response with Hunter forwards on the ball her effort charged down by Croft outside the box. The hosts look to break the ball cleared up to Kindred on the right goes to cross early with Waters once again the target this time though Waters is thwarted by the offside flag. Getting gloomy out there the floodlights beginning to take full effect. Wymondham with more of the ball King’s Lynn tiring dropping deeper, Nicholls turning down the line on the right smashing a shot into the side netting from the angle. Her last action of the match as she comes off with Catchpole back on up front.

Hayley Kindred attacking for Wymondham

   Kindred’s turn to strike a shot over the bar as she attacks down the right for Wymondham. Catchpole off a throw on the right taking on an effort at goal from 30 yards out sent over the bar. Knights coming back to defend tackling Forshaw as King’s Lynn’s captain takes the ball on through the middle looking to carves her way through the defence. Burch with a last ditch tackle central sliding on to deny Waters as Codman puts her though central.

Jenifer Codman and Chloe Burch challenge for the ball

   Wymondham on top pushing players on Codman winning the ball central her pass picking out Clarke on the left squares her cross inside for Waters outside the area looks to help it across the top of the D to Love right side, hits it goalwards first time bac across goal running wide of the far post. Another change for Wymondham, Russell back on replacing Clarke. Wymondham pressing numbers on Codman into Kindred inside the D turns into her shot blocked at close range knocked down to Waters in six yard box, defended, a player down. Chloe Burch is shown a yellow card and sinbinned by the referee, more is said however and this turns into a straight red, Burch sent off, King’s Lynn down to 10 with a little over five minutes left to play.

   Cossey back on for Newcombe. Catchpole drifting out to the right her cross into the box headed clear by Shanice Burch. Catchpole with another go from long distance the shot see all the way by Prentice. Prentice with a superb save at her near post moments later as Kindred driving down the right lets fly on the angle. King’s Lynn with little chance to attack get forwards on the left the ball crossed in Russell defends up to Waters on the left checks inside running for the box her shot charged down. Waters off now for Youngs with he clock ticking down.

King’s Lynn’s Ella Gavaghan

  Hunter coming forwards with the ball through the middle lifted onto Gavaghan in attack moving right strikes the ball early angling in high on goal Pearce back on her line untroubled plucking the ball down safely. 

Wymondham’s Rachel Cossey with King’s Lynn’s Jodie Hopkins

Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 4-1 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  A strong 2nd half performance from Wymondham to see them extend their lead at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with a 4-1 win over King’s Lynn. A whole sale change to their midfield proving advantageous with their opponents having the bare 11 outfield today. Fresh legs the substitutes all making their mark with Kyla Love extending their lead before Waters added her 2nd and Wymondham’s 4th goal. King’s Lynn getting off to a strong start putting the hosts under pressure closing down the ball, unsettling Wymondham they eventually found their form to take the lead midway through the first half looking good as they made it 2 nil. King’s Lynn with a quick reply to ensure it remained all to play for at the break numbers telling in the finish as King’s Lynn tired in the 2nd half. For both sides the attention turns to the County Cup with both in quarter final action. Wymondham travelling to Norfolk Division One side Thetford Town Ladies next Sunday with King’s Lynn away to Norfolk Division Two leaders Caister Ladies.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. No surprise it’s as tough a pick at the start of 2022 as it was for much of 2021. Plenty of good performances to mention first. For King’s Lynn, Jodie Hopkins was strong in the middle of the park through out getting up and down the pitch making so useful attacking runs. At the back Shanice Burch was strong in the middle off defence with a number of crucial tackles. For Wymondham there were a few contenders a strong team performance, Rachel Cossey strong in midfield getting about the pitch making challenge in the first half. Kyla Love equally as strong in the 2nd half making some good runs on and off the ball getting a goal. Hannah Waters in attack getting into some good positions scoring twice. Mary Croft and Leah Newcombe great at the back. The 1st Player of the Match award of the new Year though goes to Chelsea Clarke making some good tackles at the back getting up and down the left flank and putting some dangerous balls into the box.

  A great game to get 2022 underway (shame I won’t get another one for a fortnight) many more to come no doubt plenty of action to look forwards too! My thanks to both sides for the team details much appreciated looking forwards to the next one.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 29th August

ERWFL Premier Division

  Attention switches to the ERWFL this Sunday with my 1st look at a game from the Premier Division this season, a Norfolk derby too as early pace setters Wroxham Women host newly promoted King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

  The 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid the ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) has always been highly competitive with a good standard of talent on show. Promotion to the FAWNL the prize for the title winners. A full compliment of 12 sides competing again this season with a host of new sides joining the Division One set-up below as the ERWFL pushes on towards it’s goal of having 36 past two playing season’s declared null & void it has hampered the development of the game, hopefully we are turning a corner now and clubs can have more optimism as they build for the future. The FA doing some adjustments to the pyramid in terms of upward movement during the close season see’s Essex side Harlow Town Ladies promoted to the FAWNL, into the Premier Division in their place are King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

 That sees 3 Norfolk sides represented at this level in the 12 strong division. Plenty of derby’s to look forwards too. Wymondham Town Ladies the other Norfolk side leading the way with 2 wins from 2 to start the season and they will be there or there about come the end of the season.

  Wroxham Women’s ambitions are just as clear as the club is aiming to win the title and clinch promotion to the FAWNL themselves. A backed strongly by the men’s club with whom they share a ground. Wroxham Women formerly Acle United long established in the ERWFL Premier Division coming close to winning the title on occasion. Acle moving to become part of the Wroxham FC family in 2019, have moved quickly to establish the women’s side as an integral part of the club. Playing their home matches at Trafford Park where they have been embraced warmly by the fanbase. Now after two disrupted season’s Wroxham Women will be looking to challenge for the title.

  Have gotten off to a great start winning their opening 2 fixtures, joint leaders behind Norfolk rivals Wymondham who have made a similar start. Player recruitment is never easy in Norfolk but the talent pool is growing and clubs ambitions growing with it some shrewd signings have been made. Wroxham adding three players to their squad close season with Hope Strauss coming in having had good experience playing for Billericay Town Ladies. Alice Parker comes to Wroxham, the young defender having FAWNL experience playing for Norwich City Women previously, as does attacker Holly Walker. Also in midfield/attack the club have signed Amber Cantwell the playmaker having spent the past 4 season’s in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC. Grace Birchall captaining the side this season their talisman up front scoring a host of goals for the club already has 4 to her name this season including an opening day hat-trick in the 4-2 home win over Luton Town Ladies.

 Promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division, King’s Lynn Town Ladies have ambitions to go further up the women’s football pyramid themselves. The 5th tier of the game providing a consistent challenging test for players. It can take a while to get to grips with. Joe Simpson now in charge of the women’s side having had a brief spell coaching at Wroxham Women. A new era of sorts for the club as this season they will be playing all their home games at The Walks home of King’s Lynn Town FC playing in the National League now coincidentally also at tier 5 in the men’s football pyramid. The club has come along way in a relatively short space of time. Narrowly missing out to Haringey Borough Women on the opening day losing 3-2.

  The club have made several new signings to bolster the squad as they step up to the 5th tier. Already have a few in the squad with Premier Division experience playing for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies with more making to journey up the A47 to join King’s Lynn, Alexa Hunter and Ella Gavaghan both scoring on her debuts against Haringey, Sam Davis and Amy Magnus also come in from PNS. Goalkeeper Ellie Prentice re-joins after a spell at Wroxham also coming to the club from Wroxham is attacker, Maryanne Hoy. Came back from a goal down away to Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to earn their first point last weekend, Alexa Hunter on the scoresheet for a 2nd successive match.

  Trafford Park the venue for today’s fixture, a good sized grass pitch offering plenty of width, a clubhouse and bar serving hot food and drinks on one side a terraced stand behind one goal where the Wroxham fans were in good voice supporting the team throughout the match. A small seated stand to the other side. The pitch sloping slightly from one goal mouth to the other. Another below par Sunday for August with cloud cover around for much of the day the sun trying it’s best to make an appearance as the players walked out onto the pitch.

  Wroxham Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Hope Strauss, Alice Parker, Jess Horn, Harriet Meers, Becky Russell, Amber Long, Kayleigh Holloway, Amber Cantwell, Grace Birchall (C) & Holly Walker. Subs – Laura Beevor, Gracie Squires, Rhianne Brister, Broghan Scully & Lauren Bullard.

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Christina Vivas, Shanice Burch, Samantha Davis, Frances Peeling, Oksana Imanalijeva, Amy Magnus, Zara O’Neill, Jodie Hopkins, Rachel Skinner, Tiffany Forshaw (C) & Jade Kelly. Subs – Amy Bell, Kimberley Fairweather, Amy Cropley & Katie Ward.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Hunter missing for King’s Lynn today as the visitors kick off the 1st half wearing their away strip of green shirts and shirts with black trim with black and green socks. Wroxham opposite in their home colours blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shirts and socks. King’s Lynn sending the ball out to the left with Oksana Imanalijeva breaking forwards bringing the ball under control checks her run before swinging in a cross to the near post, the Wroxham defence slicing it behind giving away an early corner. Lifted in from the left to the near post goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook amongst bodies going up for it gets deflected behind for another corner. Flung in deep this time King’s Lynn captain Tiffany Forshaw making a far post run strikes her back rebounds out of the area to be picked up by midfielder Zara O’Neill looks to drive on into the box, Jess Horn charging down her shot.

  A bright start from King’s Lynn, Jodie Hopkins tackling 25 yards out to regain possession looks for Imanalijeva on the left, the pass cut out by Hope Strauss for Wroxham. A throw to the visitors high on the right, Forshaw turning it into the box, Jade Kelly central can’t quite reach it but play stays with King’s Lynn as Imanalijeva bringing it under control wide left looping a ball back into the six yard box, Fullbrook back on her line taking a low catch. King’s Lynn on the front foot keeping Wroxham penned back in the final 3rd closing the defence down quickly not letting the hosts break out. 

Jodie Hopkins winning the ball in midfield for King’s Lynn

 Wroxham full back Alice Parker with a chance to relieve the pressure as she brings the ball out from the left firing a long diagonal pass out to the right looking for the advancing Kayleigh Holloway, controlling well the winger jinks infield before sending in a dangerous ball near post, Frances Peeling in ahead of Holly Walker to clear the threat. Jade Kelly moving to the right in attack for King’s Lynn runs onto the ball looking to go on get into the area, Parker gets back on her well to lunge in put the ball out for a throw. 

Alice Parker clearing the ball for Wroxham (not about to deliver a Kung Fu kick to back of Amy Magnus’ head)

  Outnumbered at left back as Hopkins and Rachel Skinner get upfield to support Kelly, Parker does well to scramble the ball upfield, turns into a good ball for Wroxham captain, Grace Birchall to latch onto halfway, takes the ball on is sent tumbling to the ground as she releases the ball with Amber Cantwell furthest forwards play stopped however by a raised flag for offside. A free-kick awarded to King’s Lynn for a push in the back 35 yards out central. Forshaw over it hits the wall with her strike. 

  Birchall coming deep to get onto the ball spins sending a long pass out to Holloway deep on the right quickly closed down in the corner plays it back up the line for Strauss to clip a high ball into the area, goalkeeper Christina Vivas able to claim it unchallenged. King’s Lynn setting a high tempo closing down the ball has unsettled Wroxham who are struggling to find their rhythm. The midfield pushing on to support their attackers.

Zara O’Neill playing the ball forwards for King’s Lynn

  GOAL! 11 minutes played and King’s Lynn capitalise from their good start to the game by taking the lead. Rachel Skinner with the strike from distance all of 35 yards out as the ball deflected in midfield runs into her sees the keeper off her line and connects with the ball perfectly to send it angling into the back of the net 0-1.

A long distance strike from Rachel Skinner putting King’s Lynn ahead

  Wroxham go on the attack from the restart working the ball out to the right winning a free-kick inside the King’s Lynn half. Strauss to delivery, sends it looping up into the top of the area the King’s Lynn defence heading it away. Going on the offensive themselves are awarded a free-kick in virtually the same position as Skinner took her shot from. Players up into the area a Peeling places the ball, clips it into the box invitingly at the far post a knock sending it goalwards, Fullbrook reacting quickly off her goal line to lunge forwards and claim the ball.

King’s Lynn’s Frances Peeling

  Imanalijeva showing good pace on the left enjoying a good contest with Strauss squares a cross into the near post area, headed away by Horn, drops to Hopkins 25 yards out left of the D takes on the volleyed effort her attempt angling wide of the near post. Wroxham are letting their frustration show giving away several niggly fouls which aren’t helping the hosts gain any momentum. 

  Cantwell moving right with the ball at her feet pushed on down the line for Holloway whips a cross in along the six yard box, Walker closing in can’t make contact, King’s Lynn bring it away up the left Skinner driving forwards playing in Forshaw right channel, Parker diving in to put the ball out for a throw. King’s Lynn come close to doubling their lead with another punt from distance deep on the right this time hit hard by Shanice Burch her looping ball his Fullbrook beaten the goalkeeper turning to see the ball drop onto the post and deflect away across the face off her goal rolling all the way out for a throw in. 

King’s Lynn defender Shanice Burch sliding in on Wroxham’s Holly Walker

  King’s Lynn winning the ball in the middle Amy Magnus into Forshaw, turns tries to thread it through a needle for Kelly, Harriet Meers cutting it out for Wroxham. A throw for Wroxham left side inside the King’s Lynn half dropped into Birchall’s feet turns drives on a powerful run with the ball looking to get into the box, Peeling forcing her back out into the D, Birchall strong nevertheless turns sharply getting a shot away angled in low Vivas down low to her left making a comfortable save. A change for Wroxham has seen Long replaced by Broghan Scully in midfield. 

Wroxham goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook

  Skinner is finding space to run into with the ball for King’s Lynn on the right central plays a through ball intended to put Kelly in on goal, Meers once again making a vital interception. Birchall is putting herself about the pitch looking to get things going for Wroxham, the hosts winning a throw on the right the ball put onto Birchall’s feet turns towards goal driving on, Forshaw coming back to tackle as Peeling closes her down before Birchall can line up a shot. Birchall moments later from a throw on the left dragging a speculative attempt wide of the near post.

Wroxham defender, Harriet Meers

  GOAL! King’s Lynn go on to double their advantage and the goal comes from another strike from distance. Attacking on the right side, Kelly with Skinner, Meers in to tackle as Fullbrook is drawn towards the ball right of the box, the clearance falling to Forshaw sends a high ball up into the air from 30 yards out, coming down it’s difficult to tell where it’s going to fall has Fullbrook worried but the goalkeeper can’t get into a position to deflect it away as it bounces in front of goal and up into the roof of the net 0-2.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain, Tiffany Forshaw doubling the visitors advantage

  The visitors taking a 2 goal lead midway through the first half continue to press the advantage closing the ball down in the middle Skinner on for Hopkins turns looking to play Kelly in behind, the flag however going up against the attacker. Sharper to the ball King’s Lynn are working hard, Wroxham clearly rattled are looking for a spark to get them going in attack, Birchall looking the most likely to make that happen as she comes for the ball turning to take on defenders, both Burch and Peeling with strong tackles to halt her runs. 

  Forshaw with another crack at goal from distance sees her effort bounce wide of the right post. Skinner too with a strike from distance, Fullbrook seeing it all the way takes into her midriff. The challenges getting a bit stronger now a little heated the referee needing to have a word with a couple of players calm things down. Magnus brings the ball on down the left for King’s Lynn on for Kelly in the box puts her shot wide.

  GOAL! The 1st half entering the final 5 minutes and Wroxham pull a goal back. Attacking down the right, Holloway his fouled by Peeling right on the by-line a free-kick awarded. Strauss with the set-piece more or less a corner whips it in with pace inswinging towards the near post Birchall comes charging in jumping to plant a bullet header past the keeper into the back of the goal 1-2.

Grace Birchall heading the ball in for Wroxham

  Wroxham straight on the attack as they win possession back at the restart Scully out to Holloway right pace down the line, Sam Davis sliding into challenge the ball out for a throw. Wroxham work the ball into the box near side Walker closed down will by Skinner who comes out on top to clear the danger for King’s Lynn. The goal has given Wroxham a much needed boost as they look to finish the 1st half on the front foot. On the ball in the final 3rd right off the area flashed out to Birchall left hand corner 18 yards out back to goal closely marked squirms inside the turn and angle a shot over the crossbar. 

Amy Magnus coming forwards with the ball for King’s Lynn

  Birchall gathering the ball in the middle ploughs forwards spotting Cantwell moving free into the right channel attempts to slide her in, Burch doing well sliding in to take the ball away from Cantwell’s feet the half-time whistle blowing up a second later.

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-2 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  A strong start to the game from King’s Lynn on the front foot right from the off closing the ball down in their opponents half preventing Wroxham’s defence from getting the ball up to their attackers. A high tempo performance the midfield up with the attackers, the bright start rewarded with a goal. Found themselves 2 goals to the good midway through the half with Wroxham rattled frustrated. The foul count rising nothing you wouldn’t expect in a derby match. The hosts looking for a spark to get them going a goal pulled back with 5 minutes left in the first half just what they needed. Birchall heading it home to see them trailing 2-1 at the break. 

  The Bure Valley Wildcats providing the half-time entertainment playing a game out in the middle. No changes for either side at the break with Wroxham getting the 2nd half underway. Move the ball up the left sung into the box, King’s Lynn defend. Wroxham with intent at the start of the 2nd period looking to turn play around the ball played forwards into the right channel, Birchall getting inside Peeling scooping a shot up over the crossbar. 

  Wroxham’s turn to snap into the tackles competitive in the middle of the park, Cantwell , then Russell pushing the ball through the centre for Birchall peeling off the defence to attack inside the box Vivas out quickly to close her down sliding in isn’t put of, claiming the ball well as Birchall dives in on the ball. The hosts winning a corner left side King’s Lynn defending it well at the near post. Sloppy at the back from Wroxham left side see Magnus run in to take the ball flashes a snap shot wide across the six yard box.  

King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Christina Vivas

  Birchall looking determined sees the ball into her feet inside the opponents D, holding off her marker turns unleashing a shot, leaning back though she places it wide of the right post. King’s Lynn make a change bring on Katie Ward for Kelly up top. Wroxham too with a change, switching keepers bringing on Laura Beevor for Fullbrook. Scully battling in the middle of the park to win the ball puts it forwards for Birchall to attack taking it into the box, Peeling stays on her well to tackle put the ball out for a throw. Wroxham with a strong start to the 2nd half press the advantage Walker running with the ball left of goal strikes it hard on the angle blasting it into the side netting. The hosts coming on right side put up to Cantwell on the touchline looks to flick it on skip past Imanalijeva who throws out a leg sending Cantwell sprawling, a free-kick awarded and a card shown to Imanalijeva.

Wroxham’s Amber Cantwell

 GOAL! It’s from the set-piece that Wroxham find the equalising goal. Now I have a  picture of the build up of this that gives me a clearer indication of what happened, Strauss placing the ball down angles a pacy delivery in towards the top of the area, Birchall near side leaps either gets a glancing touch or misses entirely either way has unsighted Forshaw rising beyond her the ball hitting her square in the face knocking her to the ground, drops forwards toward the six yard box right side, Birchall reacting with Magnus both sliding in on the loose ball Birchall’s boot sending the ball flying up to beat the diving Vivas into the top corner! 2-2.

Grace Birchall with the equaliser for Wroxham

  A long pause after the equalising goal as King’s Lynn have two players down, Forshaw and Magnus hurt in the collision with Birchall. Both trainers called onto the pitch to assist. Both needing to take their time. Magnus eventually able to continue. Forshaw needing to come off to access her injury. Amy Cropley coming onto the field. 

  A more positive approach 2nd half has seen Wroxham pull the scores level and looking the sharper now, with Russell and Scully linking up better with the attacking players. Play resumes Wroxham quickly get the ball onto Cantwell central has space, takes the ball on pushing for the area, O’Neill coming on to charge her down 20 yards from goal. Both sides continuing to give away free-kicks one for King’s Lynn wide right angled high into the box, Beevor though can catch comfortably inside her six yard box. Lauren Bullard has come on for Wroxham replacing Walker in attack. 

  Is a good contest King’s Lynn have put a lot into the first hour Wroxham strong in the 2nd period. Skinner in a more advanced role for King’s Lynn picks up the ball central driving on Horn coming in to go shoulder to shoulder with the attacker, tangling they both end up on the floor Skinner stays down with cramp. Wroxham winning the free-kick. Burch defending against Birchall inside the box left side as the attacker bursts towards goal close in Burch tackles the ball loose the angle almost gone a falling Birchall turns to lift a shot over the goal. 

  Space opening up in midfield Russell playing it up the left for Birchall wide wraps her foot around the ball sending it in towards Bullard near the penalty spot just behind her Bullard does well to help it on to Cantwell at the far post, shifting it inside to avoid a tackle shots back across goal lacks pace as Vivas gets down to hold onto it. Forshaw is back on for King’s Lynn. Fewer opportunities for King’s Lynn in the 2nd half the defence the busier of the two now, Davis defending superbly against Holloway as she attempts to cut inside from the right. 

 GOAL! And the turnaround is complete as Wroxham comeback from 2-0 down to take the lead. Holloway with the ball at her feet on the right taking on her marker up the wing checking back to skip inside top of the area to fizz a diagonal ball into the near post Cantwell racing in throwing herself at it sliding in on the ball to turn home from inside the six yard box 3-2 with a little over 10 minutes to play.

Amber Cantwell slides in to gives Wroxham the lead

  King’s Lynn on the backfoot for most of the 2nd period now behind get forwards on the right winning a free-kick right on the touchline as good as a corner. Bring players forwards whipped into the area Wroxham hook it upfield to Birchall to break quickly shoots from outside the area, Vivas down low good hands to make the save. The game opening up space for both sides Forshaw central on the ball flinging a good diagonal ball out to Imanalijeva left side squares a ball in along the top of the area, Scully back to defend hurt as she clears the ball. O’Neill gets back to help Davis out on the left of defence as she has Cantwell and Bullard advancing to support Holloway, the ball cleared.

GOAL! Birchall a threat up top all game scores her 2nd hat-trick in 3 matches to make an excellent goal scoring start to the season. The ball won in the middle fired into her feet back to goal left side 20 out turns inside powerful bursting into the area pace behind the shot driven in low Vivas down to her left smartly pushing it away, her momentum seeing her there for a 2nd bite at the cherry Birchall shows composure to lift it up over the keeper to find the goal beyond 4-2. 

A hat-trick for Grace Brichall

A blow for King’s Lynn with just a couple of minutes of regular time left to play. Taking the ball forwards from the restart O’Neill sends it through to Ward left side getting in behind lifts a cross into the box looking for Skinner central, Meers getting in front of her to win the ball back and clear. Birchall comes very close to adding a 4th goal to her name late on but for a brilliant save from Vivas. Recieving the ball outside the box left of the D turns clipping a rising shot in aiming for the top corner Vivas jumping well throwing up an arm tipping the shot over the bar. 

The corner given on the left fed up the line before being delivered near side attacked by Russell can’t direct it on target. King’s Lynn bringing on Kimberly Fairweather late in the game. Cantwell goes into the box for a clumsy challenge. 

 GOAL! Harsh on King’s Lynn but joy for Wroxham in the closing moments of the match as they further extend their lead. Pushing players forwards looking for a foal of their own Wroxham break lifting the ball up beyond halfway Birchall and Bullard together beating the offside trap, Birchall taking the ball on Bullard inside her on into the area, Vivas outnumbered has to go towards Birchall who unselfishly squares it to Bullard to put into the empty net 5-2.

Lauren Bullard on the scoresheet for Wroxham

 A complete turnaround for Wroxham as they make a late double substitution bringing of Cantwell and Holloway with Walker returning to the action alongside Gracie Squires. Not much time left for either to make an impact as Wroxham see out the game to make it 3 wins from 3 to start the season stay neck and neck at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with Wymondham who also made it 3 wins from 3 this afternoon. 

Full time Wroxham Women 5-2 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  A good contest and certainly a match of two halves, a brilliant start from King’s Lynn getting on the front foot early in the 1st half playing at a high tempo to close down the ball prevent Wroxham bringing it out of defence taking a deserved lead. Wroxham rattled further as they feel 2 goals down midway through the half. A much needed goal pulled back at the end of the first half and a chance to set a few things right for the 2nd half. Starting the 2nd half strong Birchall setting the example the ball closed down better chances at the other end limited severely for King’s Lynn. The host getting back on level terms before Cantwell slid in to put them in the lead. Birchall sealing her 2nd hat-trick of the season late in the game a goal from Bullard in stoppage time the icing on the cake as King’s Lynn pressed forwards looking for a reply.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A good contest this a clear winner but a few performances of note to mention first. For King’s Lynn, Rachel Skinner was impressive especially first half putting in challenges and getting forwards to support the attacking players. In defence Frances Peeling making a number of vital tackles. Christina Vivas despite being on the losing side making some great saves. For Wroxham both full backs did well Hope Strauss on the right Alice Parker on the left. Kayleigh Holloway a willing runner on the right of attack throughout. The award though  has to go to Wroxham’s Grace Birchall things not going for her side in the 1st half rolled up her sleeves and took the game to King’s Lynn. Powerful with the ball at her feet travelling forwards and an instinctive finisher scoring her 2nd hat-trick of the season… which is only 3 game old.

A great first game of the season from the ERWFL for Women’s Football East to showcase. A game of two halves entertaining between two committed sides entertaining. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams details good to catch up with both will no doubt see them in action again this season.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Peterborough Northern Star Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women

Sunday 13th December

ERWFL Premier Division

  Finally back on the football trail this Sunday after five Sunday’s off. Lockdown 2.0 halting the playing season for a month, several sides returning to action last weekend albeit I was again unavailable having to wait another week so glad to be back this weekend, making a trip over to the Branch Brothers Stadium in Peterborough to watch Peterborough Norther Star Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women in the ERWFL Premier Division.

The Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division always a highly competitive league and this season proving to be no less the case. As Christmas fast approaches the 12 strong league is breaking into two clear halves with 6 sides looking strong challenging for top spot, Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies leading the way by 3 points. With their match called off away to Royston Town Women due to a water logged pitch it presents a great opportunity for 2nd placed Peterborough Norther Star Ladies.

 Todays hosts laying 2nd in the Premier Division table going into today’s game just 3 points behind the leaders and with one goal between them on goal difference too a win would see them go top for the first time this season. An established side at this level Peterborough Northern Star lost a few senior squad players in the close season but in return have brought in some good younger players used to playing with one another at Leicester aswell as securing the signature of Jessica Driscoll who was with FAWNL Southern Premier Division side MK Dons Women last season along with fans favourite Cassie Steward who is back playing after giving birth. Staring the season with a narrow 2-3defeat to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies then went on a 3 game winning streak before again suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to Wymondham. Returned from this latest lockdown with a 3-1 win away to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Steward and Driscoll between them have scored 16 goals so far this season (8 each)

AFC Dunstable Women came close to folding at the start of last season struggling for players it was touch and go for a while before bringing enough new faces in to begin the rebuilding process under manger Ashley Pead. Gaining promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division in 2014/15 season were pushing hard to catch up with Bedfordshire’s other to leading female sides Luton Town Ladies and Bedford Ladies. Now having to rebuild find themselves towards to bottom of the Premier Division however with 2 win from their 7 games so far are leading the pack in the bottom half and gaining confidence all the while. During pre-season Dunstable were mentioned more than once as a side that looked vastly improved. Have added to the squad recently bringing in experienced player Mollie Burgess from MK Dons Women, she makes her debut today. Has been quite a while since I’ve seen Dunstable play were still known as AFC Dunstable Ladies in fact. Chelsea Jeffery their top scorer so far with 5 goals in 8 games.

  The Branch Bros Stadium the venue for todays game. Knew it would be a wet one rain forecast and with a few games around them getting called off did wonder if this one would survive the pitch however seeing no standing water would be slick but playable. The food hut open to get a cup of tea much needed. Heavy rain before kick-off making for a wet warm up a little cover to be found around the ground. Dull and gloomy, a heavy shower prior to kick off the rain stilling as the teams came out risked heading into the open albeit donning my furry hat which I have finally managed to relocate to keep the ears warm all set.

Peterborough Northern Star Ladies starting XI – Molly Bull, Samantha Davies, Larissa Frederick, Tilly Fantom, Chanade Henderson (C), Faith Horner, Jessica Driscoll, Katie Steward, Megan Breakwell, Jessica Price & Evie Driscoll-King. subs – Alexa Hunter, Amy Magnus, April Pearson & Olivia Smith.

AFC Dunstable Women starting XI – Nicole Raffermati, Louisa Sexton, Chloe Esposito, Mollie Burgess, Carrie Mancini, Gemma Darvill, Rachael Mumford, Louise McCay, Jodi McClelland, Lori Wilson-Phillips & Darcy Collins. subs – Hannah Ring, Shauna Smith, Rebecca Devereux & Chelsea Jeffrey.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Somehow I always manage to turn up at the Branch Bros Stadium when Cassie Steward isn’t playing and today is no less different, a chance for someone else up to. Peterborough to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half, wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts, along with black socks with white trim. Dunstable opposite lined up in an all blue kit. The ball played out to the right, knocked back inside for Jessica Driscoll she gets her head down and drives on with the ball three Dunstable players all converging on her to regain possession 25 yards out. Faith Horner quickly winning the ball in the midfield for Peterborough plays it right, Katie Stewards whipping in an early diagonal ball for Jessica Price to attack, Louise Sexton in well for Dunstable at the back to close her down and win the tackle 20 yards out. 

The hosts starting well getting hold of the ball inside the Dunstable half putting their opponents under pressure working the ball up the left side before Megan Breakwell’s cross angled in is seen safely into the side netting by Dunstable goalkeeper Nicole Raffermati who had her near post covered. A free kick given away in the middle of the park gives Dunstable a chance to relieve the early pressure they’ve been under played forwards down the right channel for Louise McCay to chase down does well to forces Peterborough into conceding a throw deep in their territory the visitors can’t capitalise however and Peterborough break quickly the ball fizzed forwards a good ball into the feet of Evie Driscoll-King controls it well before turning spotting Driscoll racing on plays the ball into her path sliding into the shot outside of the area the low ball runs on straight into Raffermati who drops onto the ball. 

  Peterborough are making good use of their wide players Breakwell left and Steward right offering got options. Breakwell this time out wide left angling a cross into the box defended well by Burgess her interception seeing the ball come left picked up by Chloe Esposito who sends it down the line for McCay bombing forwards into space, Peterborough captain Chanade Henderson at centre back getting across on the cover to charge in and clear the ball for a throw. Dunstable keep the ball inside their opponents half winning a corner on the left. A inswinging delivery the ball is dealt with by Henderson heading clear at the near post. The hosts break Steward away on the right wing into space, Burgess coming across sliding in with a no nonsense tackle to nullify the threat.

GOAL! 10 minutes on the clock and Peterborough open the scoring the hosts awarded a free kick wide on the left 30 yards out. Steward on the ball strikes it well going for goal the ball angling in has a great arc on it just enough to beat the keeper as she jumps for it dipping late to creep under the bar at the far post a nestle into the side netting 1-0.

Katie Steward’s fee-kick loops over the keeper to see the hosts take the lead

Conditions aren’t great very muddy out on the field passing difficult the ball bobbling the rain now returning Dunstable look to thread a ball through the middle the Peterborough defence passing it back to the keeper, Molly Bull spooning her clearance up into the air headed back to her by a defender, Bull almost loses it with Darcy Collins putting her under pressure for Dunstable top of the area, her catch not clean the keeper is able to pounce on the loose ball. Horner is busy in the middle of the park for Peterborough often the first to intercept as Dunstable look to feed it through the centre into heir attackers. 

  Steward advancing with the ball up the right wing flashes a squared cross into the six yard box cut out by Burgess to concede the corner kick. The delivery going long is reclaimed far side and fired back into the mix scrambled away Dunstable have a chance to counter attack the ball put on up top for Lori Wilson-Phillips to chase has plenty of pace, Larissa Frederick close enough to get to the ball first send it on into her area for her keeper to clear up field. 

Chloe Esposito gets in ahead of Katie Steward to defend for AFC Dunstable Women

Price I think with a shot clipped over from the top of the box as a clearance falls to her taking a nick off a Dunstable player a corner awarded. Steward playing the ball in from the right cleared back to her from inside the six yard box her 2nd attempt headed clear by Burgess. 

 GOAL! Peterborough extend their lead the ball kept in play on the left played on for Driscoll getting into an advanced position inside the box on the angle Raffermati coming to close her down gets her shot past the advancing keeper Driscoll-King sliding in unmarked centrally setting the ball over the line from close range to score 2-0.

  Dunstable look to get straight on the attack from the restart, captain Jodi McClelland in space on the left hitting the ball early her cross/shot angled dangerously across the top of the six yard box no one can get a touch on it to divert it towards goal. The visitors keep it in play Peterborough defence regrouping conceding a throw before preventing a cross coming in. 

 GOAL! Dunstable having committed numbers forwards are caught out at the back as Peterborough break quickly the ball fed into Driscoll-King racing clear on the left pace taking her on with the ball sends a diagonal ball into the area Steward having raced up the pitch from the right getting into the box free to met it inside the six yard box and send over the line for her 2nd of the game 3-0.

  2 goals in 2 minutes seeing Peterborough race into a 3-0 lead with less than 20 minutes gone. A free-kick for Dunstable inside the Peterborough half players forwards into the box as the delivery from the right is put into the area, Collins up well to get her head on the ball knocks it down from inside the six yard box to drop wide of the far post, the angle tight Sexton nevertheless attempts to square it back into the near post, Bull with an acrobatic safe diving to push the ball behind for a corner. Is a vicious delivery in from the left racing across the face of goal, frustration shown from Rachael Mumford at the far post as she comes close to getting a telling touch. 

  Peterborough continue to gain ground on the flanks winning a series of corner kicks left then right. Dunstable defending but unable to get it clear the pressure stays on Steward on the right sees another corner cleared back to her the ball played into the congested crowd inside the D, Driscoll gets hold of it bringing it down shifting it half a yard to her right opening up room for a shot gets her foot up over the ball to send it in towards goal, an excellent save from Raffermati is shifting across her line readjusts well getting a glove down to knock the ball down and smother it. 

  Tilly Fantom getting forwards with the ball for Peterborough sees her cross into the box go behind for a corner kick off Burgess. Pressure inside the six yard box as Steward plays it in cleared back to her a high ball in Raffermati up but spills it stabbed wide for another corner this time Mumford defends to send it clear for the visitors near post. Dunstable can’t retain the ball however and are getting a little disorganised at the back as Peterborough press the advantage. Alexa Hunter comes on for Peterborough. Esposito forwards as Dunstable win a throw on halfway left side plays it on into the box, Wilson-Phillips inside the area attacking it Frederick slides in strongly to put the ball out of play.

  Hunter fresh into the action has the ball at her feet on the right spins inside 20 yards out before lifting a dipping cross into the area for Peterborough, Driscoll meeting it centrally six yards out lifts her first time strike up onto the crossbar the rebound falling at the far post headed wide.

 GOAL! Isn’t long before Peterborough add another goal catching their opponents on the break once more the ball won at the ball played forwards with pace through the middle for Steward to chase in behind is clear to attack with Raffermati racing out to close her down Steward getting there just ahead of the keeper to stab it past her to score a 1st half hat-trick 4-0.

 37 minutes played Peterborough dominant for a large portion of the 1st period having control of the score line attacking with purpose stretching Dunstable at the back. The visitors on the back foot still prepared to commit players forwards Gemma Darvill spinning inside on the right playing a ball into Mumford who lays it forwards for Wilson-Phillips, who is quickly closed down by Fantom. Steward in particular causing problems out wide for Peterborough, Dunstable haven’t been able to get their wide players into the game at all. 

  Wilson-Phillips pace is the one thing troubling the Peterborough defence getting joy as she moves right her touch knocking it in behind the advancing keeper has Bull stranded at the top of her box as she attempts to get hold of the ball before it can run out of play wide of the near post sends it flashing across the face of an open goal, collected far side is fired back in , short of wearing a cape Bull flying in appears out of nowhere to send it behind for a corner kick.

 GOAL! From the set piece unstable pull a goal back have offered a threat from corners the initial ball cleared is collected by Esposito to launch a cross in from the top corner a great delivery into the six yard box comes perfectly for Mumford free at the far post to nod into the back of the net 4-1.

  Steward advances with the ball right side for Peterborough late on in the 1st half gets her side a corner. Plays in the ball is cleared by McClelland for Dunstable, can’t get the counter attack going conceding a free-kick on halfway, taken shot to Horner 40 yards out nevertheless goes for a audacious strike on goal lifting the ball in on target is collected safely by Raffermati. Devereux plays the ball on right side for Wilson-Phillips her pace taking her in behind the Peterborough defence flashes a cross in Bull at her near post making no mistake bringing it down safely, Collins closing in behind her ready to capitalise if she hadn’t.

  A good triangle inside the final third played between Wilson-Phillips, Devereux and finally Sexton as the visitors look to find a way into the box the attack broken up by Peterborough’s Fantom. Peterborough come forwards left side Driscoll on for Driscoll-King who sends it on further for Price breaking into the box her shot blocked by Burgess goes bend for another corner kick the ball headed long wide across the six yard box as the whistle blows.

Half-time Peterborough |Northern Star Ladies 4-1 AFC Dunstable Women

  A strong 1st half from Peterborough sees them leading 4-1 at the break, starting well opening the scoring inside 10 minutes 2 quickfire goals seeing the hosts 3-0 up inside 18 looked strong in attack particuarly on the flanks creating chances as Dunstable struggled to get a foothold in the game. The visitors kept pushing players on however and were always looking to score before Peterborough added a 4th late in the half. Dunstable grabbing a lifeline from a corner in the closing minutes giving them something to take into the 2nd period. You would think they would need an early goal to give them something if they wish to take anything from the game.

Chanade Henderson brings the ball away for Peterborough Northern Star

 The weather very dull and gloomy pictures on the camera unlikely in the 2nd half the rain clearing but getting decidedly chilly as the players return. Dunstable to get the 2nd half underway. Win a free-kick wide on the right early on as Darvill is shoved in the back trying to hold up the ball from a throw. Sexton not capitalising from the set-piece as Bull sees it safely wide. A scrappy start to the game has gotten a little physical, Wilson-Phillips through the middle now looks to get onto the end of a great pass through the middle from Mumford, Fathom across to put in the challenge send the ball away for a throw in. 

Out of no where Dunstable have a penalty!  A cross from the left put into the top of the area referee Andy Phillips spotting a handball everyone caught unaware it seems Dunstable surprised. Words have been exchanged a pause before the penalty is taken. The referee having words with Darvill. Wilson-Phillips to take goes for height looking to send it into the top corner, is agonisingly wide of the post missed.

  Despite all the attacking play offsides have be surprisingly rare this afternoon but one goes against Dunstable as Mumford’s long range past looks to send Wilson-Phillips in behind. It’s pretty muddy out there and it’s a great opportunity for a sliding challenge as a few players can’t resist on both sides, wouldn’t want to be the one washing that kit tomorrow. Dunstable have came out intent on attacking 2nd half Mumford backed up by McCay winning the ball centrally.

 GOAL! The visitors strong attacking start paying off as they pull a goal back get forwards well on the left players overloaded through the middle on of those Darvill clear into the box left side as the ball is rolled into her by Esposito, slides in on the keeper attempting to get to the ball as Bull advances trying to close down the angle the pair collide the ball loose past her players in blue shirts racing in McCay there to pounce and put the ball over the line 4-2.

   Dunstable pull a goal back 12 minutes into the 2nd half having committed players forwards, Bull is down injured and needs treatment however after a short spell the goalkeeper is able to continue. Peterborough having sat back a little at the start of the 2nd half are still a threat Steward put clear on the right dinks a ball into the box Price coming in can’t get a telling touch as Burgess gets close in on her. 

 Darvill with an ambitious effort at goal for Dunstable clips a ball goalwards as it falls to her a long way out Bull scrambling a cross her goal is forced to knock it wide for a corner. The visitors come forwards winning a corner on the right, Henderson defending near post her clearance across the area falling to Burgess far side 8 yards out swings a leg at it the shot screwed wide of the far post. Price comes off in attack for Peterborough.

  Davis with a ball in diagonally from the left for Driscoll is fouled 25 yards out central the free-kick given. Driscoll over it a low ball fired into the mix blocked before being scrambled away comes back to Driscoll who then sends her strike wide of the target. Collins goes down after a challenge is in some pain her ankle I think can’t continue for Dunstable needs to come off Chelsea Jeffrey on. Breakwell getting clear in behind on the left for Peterborough flashes a cross into the six yards box Raffermati down spills it Steward racing in from the right centrally arrives to smash it goalwards over the faintest of touches by the keeper as a corner is awarded. In from the left Henderson with the stooping header turning it goalwards near post, blocked the hosts appealing for handball, nothing given as Dunstable clear their lines. 

 Very dark now cloudy the floodlights coming on Mancini tackling to deny Driscoll as she goes beyond Driscoll-King in the middle for Peterborough. Mumford with another great pass forwards but frustration from the visitors shown as no one is able to get onto the end of it Henderson bringing it on for Peterborough. Steward in central into the box cant get a telling touch as a high cross is lifted in from the right. Rebecca Devereux comes on for Dunstable replacing Mancini with 20 minutes left to play.

 Raffermati getting up well to glove down a high ball from the right the ball loose inside the box however, Burgess puts in the block the ball spinning away for McClelland to clear high. Peterborough make another change April Pearson on for Breakwell. 

 GOAL! Out of nothing the goal of the game is scored. A beauty of a strike from Driscoll-King to extend Peterborough’s lead. The ball into her feet all of 30 yards out right of the D isn’t closed down she takes her chance striking the ball perfectly arrowing it in across the static keeper to make it 5-2.

  Dunstable respond with a double change McClelland and Esposito off with Sexton back on along with Shauna Smith. 

 GOAL! As soon as they’ve conceded a 5th goal however Dunstable a hit with a further hammer blow as Peterborough add another quickfire goal a superb ball from the middle out to Steward peeling away to the right side getting on into the area to send a shot low across the ground past the diving keeper into the bottom corner of the net 6-2.

  Frustration from Dunstable thier confidence taking a hit continue to battle Horner breaking up play in the middle before giving away a free-kick. McCay with the ball forwards defended by Frederick at the back. The hosts able to break Steward on the ball centrally carrying in forwards options to ahead of her and to the left opts to go for goal 30 yards out her effort drops wide of goal. 

 GOAL! Peterborough take the game totally by the scruff of the neck late on as they add a 3rd quick goal to hammer home the score line. The ball contested strongly in the middle, Steward now central in attack in moving into space taking advantage of a tiring defence as the ball is fed into her path left channel taking it on into the box shots on the angle Raffermati down looks to have it covered but to her agony the ball squirms under her to roll on into the goal beyond 7-2.

5 goals in the match for Peterborough Northern Star’s, Katie Steward

Despite being clearly frustrated at conceding three goals so late on Dunstable are still willing to give it a go getting on well on their left a diagonal ball fired into the area Bull drops well to hold onto the ball. Devereux on the right sends her pass on for Wilson-Phillips right side in the closing moments Horner coming across sliding in to play the ball out for a throw. Dunstable with on last effort attempt to get a cross into the box goes long as the final whistle blows.

Full Time Peterborough Norther Star Ladies 7-2 AFC Dunstable Women

  A 7-2 win for Peterborough Norther Star sees them go top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Started the game well on the attack taking an early lead creating chances and adding a further 2 goals in quick succession. Going 4-0 up Dunstable had few chances of their own but kept going and pulling a goal back late in the 1st half gave them something to take into the 2nd period. The Bedfordshire side starting well chances created getting bodies forwards, a missed penalty before getting it back to 4-2. Had it been 4-3 what then we’ll never now. Peterborough looked good going forwards and attacking created opportunities all game confident in her finishing after a first half hat-trick Steward fired in two more late goals to give her 5 for the match along with a superb strike from Driscoll-King to wrap up the 3 points a tough game at home to Luton Town Ladies to end 2020 next Sunday, whilst Dunstable head to Hertfordshire rivals Royston Town Women. A tough afternoon for the visitors in the finish no doubt a talented squad but early goals cost them leaving a mountain to climb still they fought back well and created chances off their own.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East  Player of the Match. A few performances to mention although the final decision is an easy one for a change. For Dunstable Mollie Burgess had a solid debut at the back making a number of important tackles  and blocks. In attack Lori Wilson-Phillips looked a threat her pace testing the Peterborough defence. For Peterborough Faith Horner was strong in the middle of the park. Jessica Driscoll making some great runs too. Molly Bull in goal with some vital saves. But with 5 goals in the match their and a fantastic 90 minutes all round the award this Sunday goes to Katie Steward took her chances well and created plenty.

  Good to be back at it if I was a little more rusty than I expected, enjoyed the game the ERWFL rarely disappoints. Have to say and I suspect it’s the same for alot of use spectators and players too those 90 minutes are about as normal as it gets in 2020, been a tough year nice to forget about those woes for a while. My thanks as always to both sides for the team details.

Match Report – St Ives Town Ladies v Haringey Borough Women

Sunday 13th September

ERWFL Premier Division

 A new season begins in the ERWFL and it promises to be the most competitive yet. Begin this season with the match I had pencilled in next in the previous season before it was brought to an end by the ongoing COVID outbreak, St Ives Town Ladies at home to Haringey Borough Women. 

  With the 2019/20 season being declared null & void, it is the same 12 sides competing in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division this time around. A bitter pill to swallow for leaders Harlow Town Ladies unbeaten at the top of the league. Luton emerging as their closest rivals 3 points behind with a game in hand. That said it was a hard fought campaign with as many as 9 sides all pushing for a top 4 finish at one point. A new season begins and some big signings have been made by a number of clubs as they look to win the title and achieve promotion to the FAWNL above with it. Will be highly competitive once again.

  St Ives Town Ladies entering their second season at this level having achieved promotion at the first attempt after joining the ERWFL. On a highly successful run since forming earning back to back promotions the young squad used to winning games the ERWFL Premier Division would pose big jump in terms of player performance and was a test right from the off for St Ives, missing a few key players with injury that season to such as goalkeeper Kira Markwell and attacker Tierney Coulson for a good spell. The squad had to adapt every game a battle at the wrong end of the table although well clear of the bottom two signs of progress were being made before the season was brought to an abrupt end. All the better for the experience adding the likes of Abbi Griffin and Ruth Fox to the squad during the season, 2 more Georgina Parrett and Hannah Johnson from Netherton have joined in the close season to add competition for places. 

  Haringey Borough Women are a long established side in the ERWFL, the North London club which cherishes and celebrates the diversity of its teams, had an inspiring season in 2016/17 under the guidance of manager Steve Browne who very sadly passed away from cancer before its conclusion, Haringey nevertheless pushing on together to win the ERWFL Premier Division and achieve promotion to the FAWNL in the process. Proved to be a difficult season at that level with several of that title winning squad departing, coming straight back down Haringey regrouped, finding themselves battling at the bottom of the table for the past two seasons adding a few new faces to the squad will be aiming to make there mark this campaign.

The venue today St Ives Town FC’s Westwood Road stadium, the pitch itself looking superb, lush and green, does have a distinct slope in one corner, but that could be used to your advantage if you can play a good ball down the flank. COVID measures in place as they are in all sporting venues now. Hot and cold drinks available. A bright sunny day, quite muggy although no chance of rain. 

St Ives Town Ladies starting XI – Kira Markwell, Caitlin McGeown, Anna Hicks, Mollie Flack (C), Abbi Griffin, Ruth Fox, Ella Burnley, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Georgia Stancombe & Katie Stancombe. Subs – Tierney Coulson, Tia Everdell, Elisabeth Manuel & Sophie Majoram.

Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Kassandra Rukat, Shanice Nourrice, Charlee Vaz, Shernelle Francois, Valeria Hurtado Duran, Jaidene Browne (C), Lauren Duggan, Aaliyah Boyea, Angie Hernandez, Julia Carruthers & Beatriz Kretteis. Subs – Brooke Hills, Victoria Campbell & Nadine Franklin.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Haringey to kick-off the season opener, wearing yellow shirts with blue sleeves, blue shirts and yellow socks, St Ives in their home colours, black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. The visitors straight on the attack direct through the middle carve St Ives open Aaliyah Boyea seeing the ball into her feet top of the box looks to turn and shoot, St Ives captain Mollie Flack stabbing out a foot to take the ball away from her deflect the ball behind for a corner on the left. 

Haringey captain Jaidene Browne taking the corner whipped in towards the near post St Ives smuggling it behind for a 2nd corner. Browne with another inswinging ball this time landing in the side netting. Haringey with a strong start push players on through the middle, striker Beatrix Kretteis almost powering her way through into the box. Julia Carruthers moving right as the ball in returned to her is fouled by St Ives Sasha Smith as she attempted to skip past her. The free-kick defended it’s Smith’s turn to be fouled on halfway her shirt tugged as she looks to mount an attack.

Haringey forward Julia Carruthers fouled as she looks to get in behind the St Ives defence

GOAL! Players go up as Smith places the ball down to deliver for St Ives her diagonal ball long picking out Ella Burnley who has made a good run to get in behind the Haringey defence, the angle against her the on rushing goalkeeper makes up her mind as she lobs the ball up over her and into the back of the empty net 1-0. 3 minutes played.

St Ives Town Ladies, Ella Burnley with the opening goal.

  Haringey continue to look strong in the middle good link up play between Browne and Lauren Duggan playing a one two before Browne spotting Boyea peeling away to the right attempts to play her in, Smith able to get across her to play the ball back. St Ives build from the back the ball into midfield out to the right Georgia Stancombe to Burnley the ball cross in central towards the top of the box, midfielder Ruth Fox arriving hits it first time the back blocked at close range deflected away Haringey breaking getting away left side, Caitlin McGeown in to tackle break up the move.

Defender Charlee Vaz winning possession back for Haringey Borough Women

Duggan getting away on the left breaking towards the area gets upended the visiting side awarded a free-kick in  a dangerous position 20 yards out. Browne over it goes for goal, not a bad attempt, close but Markwell can watch it safely over her crossbar. McGeown charges on with the ball right side pushes it on into the path of Burnley, Shernelle Francois comes across well putting in the challenge to send the ball out for a throw in. 

St Ives Abbi Griffin with Haringey’s Lauren Duggan

 Haringey are looking dangerous on the break especially through the middle, direct at times but effective, Kretteis getting into some good positions. Anna Hicks coming out to close her down this time for St Ives. Markwell called into action in the St Ives goal, as Haringey get the ball on through the centre with pace players forwards Duggan to the right of the D, her knock on blocked the ball deflected straight back to her strikes it hard, low racing on towards goal, Markwell down smartly to her left to push the ball to safety.

  Coming through the middle Haringey, Browne sends the ball up to Kretteis who has Boyea close to her looking to get in behind, flicks the ball on looking to pick her out, Flack quickly closing Boyea down the chance gone. Kretteis is causing problems for the St Ives defence pace and power taking the ball on into the box Flack backing off sticking out a boot to take the ball away from her, Duggan racing on to support Kretteis tries to play it back to Kretteis only for Flack to intercept and clear the danger.

Beatriz Kretteis on the attack for Haringey Borough Women

 It’s a good contest St Ives being tested at the back whilst making good use of the wide areas when bringing the ball out themselves. Kretteis is hard to shake off the ball running on takes it into the box held up turns to lay it back for the arriving Boyea she strikes it first time from 20 yards the shot swerving wide of the left post. Backing of from Kretteis 35 yards out she sees an opportunity to let loose a shot the diagonal ball running harmlessly wide across Markwell’s goal. 

  Georgia Stancombe moves away clear on the right for St Ives the ball fed up the line she takes it on well before squaring a cross into the box, Duggan tracking back into the box for Haringey get’s something on it deflecting it high into the air dropping before goal, Fox closing in challenging goalkeeper Kassandra Rukat for the ball, is loose the keeper down Fox can’t get control of it the ball put over for a goal kick. It’s hot out there and with 23 minutes played it’s time for a drinks break.

Haringey’s Aaliyah Boyea with St Ives fullback Sasha Smith

  St Ives get straight on the attack from the restart Griffin playing a good ball out to Burnley on the right wing has another go from the angle this shot narrowly over the crossbar. St Ives beginning to exert some pressure in the final third winning a corner on the left inswinging near post Haringey get it behind for a 2nd corner. The ball into the six yard box this time controlled well by the defence and carried to safety by Boyea. Georgia Stancombe taking the ball on into the right channel gets a shot away the ball blocked deflected away for a corner. Fox isn’t being tracked by the Haringey midfield has made several good runs into the area ready to attack any ball floated in. 

Haringey’s Aaliyah Boyea with St Ives Ruth Fox

  Boyea recieves the first yellow card of the game after a strong challenge on Hannah Seymour-Shove. The 1st half moving into the final 5 minutes St Ives make a change, Katie Stancombe coming off in attack for Elisabeth Manuel. Smith plays the ball up into the left channel as Fox breaks from the middle, Shanice Nourrice getting tight into her ensuring no way past. Boyea seeing the ball well into her body breaks it down turning to play the pass down the line as Kretteis breaks in behind chasing it to the byline crosses the ball landing in the side netting. 

Haringey Borough Women’s Shanice Nourrice

  Fox getting the ball from Griffin turns sees Georgia Stancombe going on the right sends the ball up to her first touch a little heavy giving Vaz the chance to lunge in take it away from her. Georgia Stancombe in the closing seconds with a turn and hit from all of 30 yards out Rukat can watch it over her crossbar.

Half-time St Ives Town Ladies 1-0 Haringey Borough Women

  Ella Burnley’s 3rd minute lob for St Ives the difference between the sides, the hosts leading 1-0. Has been a very competitive and enjoyable first half. Not too many clear cut chances but some good build up play to different styles. Haringey certainly more direct, but that doesn’t mean long balls have got it into feet well, Kretteis in particular a threat looking to take on defenders. St Ives using the width of the pitch better, especially the right, the final ball not finding its mark just yet. 

Hannah Seymour-Shove looking to put the ball on for St Ives

  St Ives enjoying the shade behind one goal during the half-time interval to kick off the 2nd half get straight on the attack Georgia Stancombe inside to Fox 20 yards out to hit on the turn her strike charged down and cleared. Stancombe plays the ball on down the right wing for Mandel to chase, holds it up in the corner as Stancombe gets up with her to offer support, manage to fire a low cross into the box, Duggan intercepting top of the six yard box her clearance almost presents it to the on rushing Fox but deflected back to Duggan she gets it away to safety. 

  Burnley brings the ball down well on the right wing before sending it on for Stancombe up the line she crosses early flashes in Vaz tracking back with Mandel central making a superb trap with her legs falling to nullify the attack. A bright start to the 2nd half from St Ives, Fox on the ball playing it left to Seymour-Shove her knock on cut out by Nourrice. Haringey manage to squeeze the ball through to Kretteis 25 out she turns well right of the area strikes it cleanly races wide across the six yard box.  Burnley getting down the right wins her side a corner kick a good delivery swept into the area attacked by Fox her header sending it away from goal wide. 

 GOAL! 55 minutes played and St Ives capitalise on their good start to the 2nd half to take the lead. The ball pressured well in the middle of the park Seymour-Shove and Fox link up well to carry the ball on Seymour-Shove playing it on into Fox’s path closing in on the box left of the D strokes the ball low and fast wide of the static keeper to score 2-0.

Ruth Fox doubling St Ives lead in the 2nd half

  Fox regaining possession passes it to Manuel on her left as St Ives come forwards, she spots Stancombe racing into the box from the right the cross lofted in towards her, Hurtado Duran with a great last ditch tackle taking the ball away from her conceding a corner kick. Smith with the delivery from the right, again into the run of Fox jumps well but can’t direct it on target. St Ives make a 2nd change Burnley coming off on comes Tia Everdell. 

Anna Hicks defending for St Ives Town Ladies

 Haringey have been on the back foot for a large spell early in the 2nd half St Ives getting control of the middle of the park the visitors still pose a threat however and a snap shot from distance from Kretteis reminds the St Ives defence to stay alert. Carruthers 25 yards out through the middle has support from Boyea look in for a moment as Markwell comes racing out to the top of the area Boyea stabbing the ball past her but can’t direct it on target. Another drinks break called is hot out there, mustn’t complain however.

Beatriz Kretteis looking to flick the ball on for Haringey

  As play resumes Mandel finds herself played through in attack has Fox getting up the park to support the pass towards her cut out, Fox is quickly back to catch and tackle Boyea as she threatens to break for Haringey. Haringey keep possession in the St Ives half winning a corner, is a good delivery in from the left flashing over heads invitingly in the six yard box…

 GOAL! From that corner St Ives break the corner long to their left gathered and played on quickly the home side race on Seymour-Shove on the ball down the wing has support inside from Fox and Mandel to her left. Seymour-Shove and Fox combine exchanging passes before breaking into the area left side the ball blocked skips loose for Manuel to latch onto take a touch and fire cross the keeper low into the bottom corner to score her first goal for the club 3-0.

 St Ives are full of confidence now as McGeown races forwards right side to fire a low cross into the box, Hurtado Duran cutting it out well. Seymour-Shove comes off for St Ives with Katie Stancombe returning to the pitch. The hosts winning a corner on the right an inswinging ball threatening the Haringey goal keeper Rukat gets up well to punch it away behind for a 2nd corner this on taken long is cleared at the far post. For all their attacking, St Ives must stay on the guard at the back as Kretteis let’s a shot fly from distance left of the box shooting for the top corner Markwell must see it late but produces a superb diving save to her left to glove the ball away from a throw. 

Haringey defender Valeria Hurtado Duran

 Fox with the ball at her feet central plays a fantastic ball out to the advancing McGeown on the right side, Hurtado Duran coming out quickly to meet her with a good tackle to win the ball back for Haringey. Haringey get up high on the left side a, Carruthers into Duggan to strike central outside the box the shot blocked by Hicks for St Ives. Markwell sees a ball safely into her midriff moments later as Kretteis has a strike from distance. Burnley returning to the action for St Ives as Georgia Stancombe comes off. Moments after her introduction Burnley wins a penalty as she is brought down clumsily inside the box by Duggan after the Haringey midfielder is caught in possession by the winger at the top of her box.

GOAL! Burnley setting the ball down on the spot hits it low to the keepers right, Rukat goes the right way down sharply makes the save getting her glove on the ball pushed back out into the box St Ives are quickest to react another shot blasted in put across goal Rukat is up quickly making a superb blocking save with her feet but is desperately unlucky then as the ball is put straight into the path of the penalty taker Burnley who makes no mistake this time blasting it high into the roof of the net to score her 2nd of the game less than 10 minutes to play 4-0.

  Haringey look to get on St Ives backing off Hurtado Duran carries the ball into opposition territory, not closed down takes aim from 35 yards out on target the ball not troubling Markwell. The St Ives keeper sharply down at her near post to deny Kretteis from close range soon after as Nourrice wins it on the right for the visitors. The ball sent behind for a corner. Markwell getting a fist on the delivery before her defence send it clear. 

  Flack defending well against Kretteis as the Haringey forward holds the ball up well aiming to turn inside the box looking for power in her strike, Flack getting her leg in to block. Fox coming off in the closing stages replaced by Seymour-Shove. Boyea striking from a long way out for Haringey top of the centre circle Markwell watching it wide of her left post. One last attack for St Ives as Everdell bringing the ball down central puts it into the path of Mandel who strikes it hard Rukat down smartly to push it wide of her goal. 

Full time St Ives Town Ladies 4-0 Haringey Borough Women

 The final whistle blows and it’s St Ives who start their league campaign with a win 4-0 against Haringey. That result coupled with the only clean sheet kept on the opening day puts them top of the ERWFL Premier Division table. A strong 2nd half performance getting hold of the midfield and making good attacking runs seeing the hosts score a further 3 goals. A result that will give them plenty of confidence going forwards. Didn’t have it all their own way Haringey matching them 1st half mounting so good attacks of their own, the 2nd goal early on in the 2nd period seeing St Ives gain more confidence and push on for further goals the clean sheet up the other end just as important. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this weekends Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, these thing’s are rarely easy you know and today is no exception but I do have the benefit of a raft of notes collected to help me out. A few contenders to mention, firstly for Haringey, Beatriz Kretteis fantastic leading the line causing a threat pace and power, good ball control was perhaps unlucky not to have a goal to her name. For St Ives had it down to three, although it was a good all round team performance. Ella Burnley with two goals making some great attacking runs down the right. Georgia Stancombe really shone in the 2nd period edging them out though the award goes to Ruth Fox scored a great goal making a good run through the middle, did so throughout the game and gave her teammates a passing option whenever the hosts were in possession.

  Good to finally see both sides at last has been a while for both enforced or otherwise, an enjoyable game the ERWFL Premier Division is going to be a great watch this season no doubt. My thanks to both sides for the team details much appreciated as always.

 

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 01/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 1st March

ERWFL Premier Division

Four games beating the weather in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday. Luton Town Ladies 3rd in the table going into the weekend hosting 3rd fro bottom St Ives Town Ladies. Luton with a fantastic gesture offering all gate money plus more to a charity of choice in memory of St Ives player Charlene Martin who was laid to rest earlier in the week after losing her battle with bowel cancer. An emotional period for St Ives. 

Luton with an opportunity to climb above Peterborough Northern Star into 2nd spot in the table starting well taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes Funmi Babalola on target to score her 10th goal of the season. St Ives goalkeeper Kira Markwell with a couple of fine saves to keep Luton from adding to their tally, the host though getting a 2nd goal at the close of the first half Jess McKay on the end of a Zara Carroll free-kick to put the ball away for her 17th goal of the season. St Ives coming out 2nd half looking to pull a goal back neither side with any clear cut chances the game heading into the final 15 minutes, Markwell again saving well. Luton with a corner kick on 79 minutes the ball put into the area by Erica Byron, Leyah Maddix getting onto the end of it to score her first goal and see Luton win the game 3-0. Move up to 2nd six points behind leaders Harlow with a game in hand and a game at home to Harlow to come.

Fourth placed Bedford Ladies made the short journey to play Bedfordshire rivals AFC Dunstable Women at the weekend. Bottom of the table Dunstable rebuilding their side looking to give it a go as they attempt to avoid relegation just 2 points on the board so far this season, Bedford in good form recently getting off to a fantastic start Maya Sidhu putting them into the lead inside 2 minutes. Bex Cray with a couple of early chances too for Bedford one striking the post, Dunstable coming back to level early though 1-1 inside 10 minutes a shot striking the crossbar put away on the follow-up. The hosts going on to take the lead in the 18th minute Nina Regolo with a fine save conceding a corner Dunstable capitalising on the set-piece making it 2-1. Bedford’s turn to come back into it midway through the half, defender Gemma Franklin with the pass out to Sidhu on the right she in turn putting it across for Natasha Fensome to send home 2-2.

  Bedford retaking the lead with 5 minutes left to play in the 1st half Fensome playing in Setor Acolatse with the header saved but pouncing on the loose ball to score 3-2 up Dunstable with a quick response the scores levelled for the 3rd time in the match again from a corner. The scores all square at the break the game played in windy conditions. Both keepers called into action saving in the 2nd half as both sides pushed on looking for another goal Dunstable fighting getting their noses back in front with 15 minutes left, Regolo saving with her legs as cross put in from the flanks, the ball loose Dunstable quickest to it the shot deflected and in. Dunstable coming so close to recording their first league win of the season the game deep into stoppage time Bedford finding an equaliser in the 95th minute, good work on the ball by captain Priya Bhatti on the left the ball put on for Fensome to strike of the volley to see it finish 4-4! The point enough to take Dunstable off the foot of the Premier Division table their goals scored by Sasha Manders, Jodi McClelland, Danielle Snowden and Chelsea Jeffery.

Haringey Borough Women themselves without a win this season now bottom on goal difference as they missed out on their first win of the season after a late fight back and last gasp winner from hosts Colney Heath Ladies on Sunday. Travelling with the bare 11 Haringey fought well getting themselves into the lead. 15 minutes to go and Colney Heath drew level Charlene Moreton scoring on the volley. Christina Freestone scoring the winning goal with a fine strike with what proved to be the last kick of the game.

Another high scoring encounter at the weekend between Bowers & Pitsea Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies. Wymondham making the long journey down Essex, neither side with any clear cut chances in the opening 15 minutes. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies taking the lead in the 21st minute awarded a free-kick put away by Megan Harley, her 13th goal of the season. Wymondham coming straight back to level the scores Mollie O’Callaghan lobbing the keeper to make it 1-1. Chances for both after that Georgia Fraser striking the bar, Wymondham straight up the other end to take the lead Hannah Water setting up Freya Symonds to round the defence and score. Wymondham leading 2-1 at the break.

Wymondham Town Ladies midfielder, Mollie O’Callaghan

 A great start to the 2nd half by Wymondham, extending their lead in the 57th minute Chelsea Clarke with the pass for Waters to shoot past the keeper. 3 minutes later Wymondham were 4-1 ahead Waters with her 2nd of the match O’Callaghan with the assist. Bowers & Pitsea pulling it back to 4-2 with a little over 15 minutes to play, Courtney Fraser with a great strike from outside the box to find the top corner. Wymondham straight back to restore their 3 goal cushion Symonds away on the right a dangerous ball into the six yard box turned into their own net by the Bowers & Pitsea defence. The game moving into stoppage time O’Callaghan with the free-kick, Mia Etheridge rising to head the ball in to make it 6-2. Georgia Fraser getting a goal in the closing moments for Bowers & Pitsea to see it end 6-3.

ERWFL Plate

A County Cup final appearance for Histon Ladies in midweek, they were in Cup action too at the weekend in the last of the ERWFL Plate quarter finals away to East Bergholt United Ladies. Not much between the sides in the first half going in at 0-0 Histon with the better chances. The 2nd period following a similar pattern Histon eventually getting their noses in front with 20 minutes left to play Alison Wright with the header at the near post initially blocked finding it’s way over the line. The win sealed in added time with captain Sophie Lanham chipping the keeper to see Histon take it 2-0.

Histon Ladies v Hutton Ladies

Leigh Ramblers Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies Development

North ERWFL Division One North

Two games played in ERWFL Division One North at the weekend whilst a three games were lost in Division One South on Sunday, it was to one of these Women’s Football East headed too, 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies making the switch to 3G to avoid a 3rd weekend without a game were taking on bottom side Gorleston Ladies. The visitor finding life tough having made the step up to regional football this season without a point on the board and new it would be a tough ask today against a full strength King’s Lynn side as they travelled with the bare 11 several players missing, players carrying knocks and out of position. King’s Lynn were straight on the front foot creating chances Brianne Dyer busy in the Gorleston goal, Rachel Skinner from a tight angle wide on the right opening the scoring her ball in across goal finding the far corner. Nikita Morris doubling the lead after captain Becky Russell’s shot from the top of the box was blocked latching onto the ball near post to turn and smash high into the net. Emma Corbyn seeing King’s Lynn into a 3 goal lead putting in a Russell cross at the near post. Gorleston with little opportunity to get forwards in attack player manager Sophie Gillett with a tremendous strike on the half volley from 25 yards out getting it back to 3-1. King’s Lynn straight back up the other end to make it 4-1 before half-time a double save from Dyer in vain as Millie Hopkisson closing it scores from close range at the near post. 

King’s Lynn always looking to get forwards against Gorleston on Sunday

  4-1 up at half-time King’s Lynn ran riot in the 2nd period racking up the goals as they closed to gap at the top to a point on leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development. Getting off t a fantastic start a hammer blow for Gorleston scoring two quickfire goals Hopkisson and then Corbyn with their 2nd goals each. Corbyn with another effort ruled out for offside. The goals kept on coming Zara O’Neill on in the 2nd half to make her King’s Lynn debut with a great run into the box to get her first goal. A frustrating game for attacker Tiffany Forshaw a host of missed chances 1st half got off the mark to fire King’s Lynn into an 8-1 lead. Both she and O’Neill would go in to score 4 goals each as Gorleston tired, Becky Russell also on the score sheet scoring from a corner kick to see the game finish 15-1. The full match report available further down the page.

Tiffany Forshaw on the scoresheet for King’s Lynn early in the 2nd half going on to score 4.

Zara O’Neill with 4 goals on her debut for King’s Lynn

  Also in ERWFL Division One North this Sunday it was another Suffolk derby match with Needham Market Women up to 3rd in the league away to AFC Sudbury Women. This game a tale of two halves Sudbury with some excellent play in the first half Needham Market not at their best the hosts though unable to breach their opponents defence both keepers making crucial saves saw it goalless at the break. Needham Market dug deep improving in the 2nd period the break through coming in the 70th minute Amber Sparkes setting up Nia Evans controlling the ball before smashing it into the top corner. The 3 points sealed 2 minutes from time with Sparkes striking to find the top corner. Needham Market winning 2-0 are now 6 points behind leaders Cambridge City with a game in hand and have yet to play them 2 potentially huge matches back to back coming up at the end of the month, King’s Lynn will certainly be an interested observer.

 

 

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.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 02/02/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 2nd February

ERWFL Premier Division

Harlow Town Ladies back to league action this weekend travelling away to St Ives Town Ladies, the Essex side leading the ERWFL Premier Division unbeaten dropping just 2 points this season. St Ives Town promoted to the league this season finding life in the league tough but working hard week in week out to improve. A good performance at the weekend seeing them earn a point against Harlow, St Ives taking the lead in the first half Ruth Fox with a great first touch bringing a pass from halfway down taking it away from the defence running on from 30 yards out into the box the angle against her lifted a superb shot up across the keeper into the far side of the goal to make it 1-0. Harlow coming back to level late in the first period captain Kaydee King always a danger from set-pieces heading the ball on to equalise. Harlow taking the lead in the 2nd half from a free-kick put into the box by Amy Nash, King getting her head on the ball finding it’s way into the back of the net. St Ives Town giving it there all coming back to level the scores and take a share of the point Caitlin McGeown with her first goal of the season. Harlow dropping their first points since the opening day of the season remain unbeaten still.

Ruth Fox with a superb goal to put St Ives Town Ladies into the lead on Sunday (photo credit Gary Reed)

Second placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies close the gap on leaders Harlow to 4 points winning at home to Royston Town Women on Sunday. A good first half from the host side Leah Cudone racing through to beat the offside trap beating the keeper to make it 1-0 in the 18th minute. Peterborough doubling their lead late in the first half Evie Driscoll-King scoring for the 2nd successive match the defender with 5 for the season now. Royston improving 2nd half as they fought to get back into the game Peterborough goalkeeper Sarah Hudson with a number of vital saves keeping the clean sheet in tack. Cudone firing in her 18th goal of the season towards the end of the match the seal the victory.

Luton Town Ladies hot on Peterborough’s heels in 3rd spot in the ERWFL Premier Division two points behind with a game in hand were hosting Hertfordshire side Colney Heath Ladies at the weekend. Luton with a number of chances in the first half frustrated by Colney Heath goalkeeper Amy Butler making several fine saves. The hosts taking the lead late in the first half awarded a penalty, Charlene Moreton finishing from the spot to see the visitors 1-0 up at half-time. Luton getting back onto level terms early in the 2nd half. Finding a way past Butler to take the lead went onto score a further 2 goals, strikers Rebecca Kane and Jess McKay remaining neck and neck on the goal scoring charts both on 16 for the season now McKay with a goal, Kane netting a brace. Luton winning the game 4-1 their was also a first goal of the season for Olivia Abraham.

Bedford Ladies 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division are currently in a rich vein of form themselves making it 6 straight wins in league and cup on Sunday away to 2nd bottom Haringey Borough Women. This their fifth straight league win the 3 points coming courtesy of a 4-1 victory the goals spread amongst their squad 4 different scorers at the weekend Natasha Fensome putting away her 8th goal of the season, Lauren Murray her 5th and Setor Acolatse scoring her 4th of the campaign. Bex Cray the other goalscorer with her 2nd of the season. 

ERWFL Division One North

King’s Lynn Town Ladies were aiming to close the gap to ERWFL Division One North leader Cambridge City Ladies Development to 4 points as they travelled down to Suffolk to face AFC Sudbury Ladies on Sunday. A close game between the sides back in November King’s Lynn winning 2-1 at home, this Sunday’s game proving a similar case Sudbury’s young side hard to break down at times both sides creating chances scoring a goal each in the first half the scores level King’s Lynn improving in the 2nd period scoring again with what would prove to be the winning goal the result 2-1 yet again, Emma Corbyn with her 8th goal of the season and Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse on the scoresheet.

Three successive league wins sees Needham Market Women climb up into 3rd spot in the ERWFL Division One North table finding their feet in the league now following promotion last season. Were away to Newmarket Town Women on Sunday. Came out on top of a 7 goal thriller to win 4-3 in the reverse fixture between the sides in November. Another high scoring game between the sides this time around Needham Market starting well have goalscorers throughout their side, taking the lead inside the opening quarter hour Francesca Rainbird putting the ball over the top for Annie Northwood to close in on goal drive a shot home. A strong opening period from the visitors restricting Newmarket’s chances doubled the lead in the 34th minute a 30 yard free-kick from Amber Sparks parried onto the post by the keeper Lois Balfour rushing in on the follow up to make it 2-0. Balfour in to score her 10th goal for the 1st team this season making it 3-0 set up by Northwood in the 40th minute. Needham Market 3-0 up at the break. 

 

A great first half from Needham Market on Sunday seeing them leading 3-0 (photo credit Ben Pooley)

Newmarket goalkeeper Ellie Quinn-Nicholls denying Balfour her hat-trick early in the 2nd half. Newmarket capitalising on a mistake in the 65th minute lobbing the keeper from 35 yards out to make it 3-1. Northwood putting Needham Market 4-1 up with the game into the final 15 minutes, her 13th goal of the season a superb half volley. Newmarket fighting to get back into it scoring a 2nd goal following a scramble from a corner in the 85th minute, Bethany Woodfield and Chloe Slater with their goals, Needham Market defending to see them climb into 3rd spot with a 4-2 victory.

ERWFL Division One South

Leigh Ramblers Ladies continue to do well in ERWFL Division One South joining the league this season move joint top with Millwall Lionesses at the top of the table after the league leaders saw their match away to Hoddesdon called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Leigh Ramblers away to Stevenage FC Women Development on Sunday. A close game between the sides, Emily Schofield with her 11th strike of the season putting Stevenage in front in the 15th minute. Lucy Dalgarno pulling the scores level for Leigh Ramblers 5 minutes later. Goalkeeper Emily Mackler with a number of saves to deny Stevenage seeing the pair level at the break 1-1. Tea Oldroyd kept busy in the Stevenage goal too as Leigh Ramblers pushed forwards in the 2nd half Georgia Holdaway beating her in the 80th minute to score her 9th goal of the season to see Leigh Ramblers clinch the 3 points.

A new arrival can certainly make an impact upon any side and that can definitely be said for Kristina O’Connell at Wodson Park Ladies. A poor beginning to the season which saw them lose their first 6 league games Wodson Park got their first 3 point of the season in mid-December a 3-2 win away to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. O’Connell making the switch from Hoddesdon in the New Year. A narrow 2-1 defeat to high flying Leigh Ramblers in their first match of 2020. Wodson Park have now won 3 in a row in league and cup to move away from the bottom of the table. O’Connell scoring successive hat-tricks before this weekend on target for four more goals this weekend taking her to 10 already from just 4 appearances. Wodson Park at home to Lawford Ladies fielding the bare 11. Dempsey Favell also on the scoresheet for Wodson Park in a 5-1 win. Daisy Canny scoring late on in the game for Lawford has 15 for the season.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 05/01/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 5th January

ERWFL Premier Division

First Round-Up of the New Year beginning the league reviews with the latest action from the ERWFL all three divisions shaping up nicely before the festive break. A strong ERWFL Premier Division. Harlow Town Ladies six points clear of the rest at the top at the end of 2019, looking to push on and win the title. Some strong challengers below as all 12 sides were in action at the weekend. 

Harlow Town Ladies hosting 2nd placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies who have a game in hand. The visitors taking the lead in the game going 1-0 up early in the match. An eventful first half Harlow came back to level, scoring twice more to hold a 3-2 lead at the half-time interval. Harlow pulling further in front in the 2nd period went on to win the match 5-2 at extend their lead at the top of the table to 9 points with 10 left to play. Five different goal scorers for Harlow, Fran Gamble scoring her 7th of the season, a 5th goal of the season for both Abbey Dell and Georgia Box whilst Amy Nash and Hannah Porter were all on target with a 4th goal of the season each. Leah Cudone scoring her 15th of the campaign for Peterborough North Star with Stephanie Gale also celebrating her first goal for the club.

Georgia Box amongst the goal scorers for Harlow Town Ladies on Sunday (photo credit Proud of Harlow)

Remains very tight below Harlow, Luton Town Ladies climbing back up to 3rd in the table after a late goal secured all three points away to Wroxham Women on Sunday. A highly competitive match both sides testing the goalkeeper early on. Tight in midfield both sides battling to find the opening goal proving hard to break down. 0-0 at half-time Luton have the tightest defence in the league conceding just 11 goals so far this season and worked hard in defence to keep another clean sheet clearing the ball off the line late on bodies in to block. The visitors finding the winning goal in the 83rd minute Rebecca Kane joining top scorer Jess McKay on 11 goals for the season as she struck a shot across the keeper. Luton also hitting the post in the closing minutes.

Royston Town Women up there too in the cluster of sides in the top half of the ERWFL Premier Division going into their 1st game of 2020 on 20 points alongside Wroxham and Luton were making the trip across to Essex on Sunday to face Bowers & Pitsea Ladies who had enjoyed a solid start to life playing at this level for the first time. An even start to the match Bowers & Pitsea gaining some momentum putting pressure on the Royston defence chances created, Royston goalkeeper Ellie Pickard with two superb saves to keep it at 0-0 midway through the 2nd half the visitors going on to score the opening goal in the 34th minute Rebecca Vass with the through ball to send Emma Salter in on goal to make it 1-0.

  Royston leading at half-time. Bowers & Pitsea starting well in the 2nd period coming back to level the scores in the 53rd minute Yasmin Cowley with chances in the first half up highest to head Kiera Adcock’s cross into the bottom corner. two minutes later Bowers & Pitsea were in the lead Ebony Moore at the back post making it 2-1. Royston regrouping getting it back to 2-2 in the 65th minute Danielle Carty scoring from distance. 2-2 with 18 minutes left Courtney Fraser skipping a challenge on the wing sending the ball inside for Sophie Dowman to turn and score to put Bowers & Pitsea back into the lead. The 3 points secured in the final 15 minutes, Fraser and Dowman involved in the build up to see Moore score her 2nd of the game to win it 4-2. All very tight in the middle of the table now as Bowers & Pitsea 9th join Wymondham Town Ladies and Colney Heath Ladies on 18 points, two points behind a trio on 20, including Royston and Wroxham.

Joining Wroxham and Royston on 20 points in 6th place in the table are Bedford Ladies as they won at home against St Ives Town Ladies at the weekend. St Ives promoted as Division One Champions last season in their debut season in the ERWFL finding it tough playing at this level collecting 7 points from their opening 9 matches working hard a steep learning curve held Bedford to a goalless opening half the hosts finding the break through goal in the 2nd period going on to score a further 3 to win the match 4-0.

 Tight in the top half of the ERWFL Premier Division 5 points between 2nd and 6th a trio of sides queuing up below on 18 now. Bowers & Pitsea as already mentioned the other two met at the weekend with Hertfordshire side Colney Heath Ladies travelling up to Norfolk to play Wymondham Town Ladies. A host of injuries both long and short term for Wymondham to deal with this season are in a decent position coming into the New Year. Colney Heath themselves enjoying good form during the first half of the season both will fancy there chances of pushing into the top half towards the end of the season.  Wymondham opening the scoring in the 36th minute Chelsea Clarke setting up top scorer Hannah Waters to fire home her 16th of the season. Olivia Mari equalising for Colney Heath on the stroke of half-time pouncing on the rebound as a well struck free-kick hit the crossbar.

1-1 going into the 2nd half Wymondham retaking the lead early on Waters on target with her 2nd of the match scoring from an impossible angle. Wymondham pressing the attack Katie Knights setting up Laura Nicholls her shot hitting the bar coming back down into play Waters on the follow up blocked, Knights pouncing to put Wymondham 3-1 ahead. Laura Nicholls top scorer for Wymondham last season back amongst the goals after a spell out with injury Jennifer Grey playing her in to score her 9th of the season with 15 minutes left to play. Nicholls 10th of the season coming inside the final five minutes a great individual effort to make it 5-1. Colney Heath’s top scorer Samiara Khan pulling it back to 5-2 with 2 minutes left on the clock Wymondham beginning 2020 with a win.

2020 saw the 2nd battle of the season between the basement sides AFC Dunstable Women and Haringey Borough Women a tough 1st half of the season just 3 points between them both without a win on the board. A transitional period for both, AFC Dunstable a new look side rebuild over the summer after almost folding. Both battling week in week out as they look to improve. The points shared in a 1-1 draw when they met at Haringey earlier in the season. Hannah Ring with her 3rd goal of the season putting Dunstable into the lead on Sunday. A great strike from Rosie Missen for Haringey seeing the visitors come back to level the scores and the points shared for the 2nd time.

ERWFL Division One North

  A superb first half of the season for Cambridge City Ladies Development as the newly promoted side made their ERWFL debut in Division One North winning 5 of their opening 7 matches with just one loss. That result a 1-0 defeat away to AFC Sudbury Ladies. A vital first win of the season too for Sudbury relegated the season before and rebuilding with a new look young side. Pressure applied by King’s Lynn Town Ladies moving into 2nd a point behind to end 2019, Cambridge City played host to AFC Sudbury at the start of 2020. The visitors taking the lead in the 16th minute held onto their advantage late into the 2nd half. Cambridge City doing everything but score the first time they met at last finding a reply with 20 minutes to go Megan Stow tapping home at the far post to make it 1-1. 2 minutes later the hosts were in front Ellie Cullum poking home a Bella Simmons through ball. A quickfire double in the final 5 minutes securing the 3 points Yasmin Crow  and then Stow with her 2nd of the game seeing it end 4-1.

 A strong run of 5 straight wins seeing King’s Lynn Town Ladies recover from losing their opening two games to finish up 2nd in the Division One North table a point behind the leaders Cambridge City at the end of 2019. That form continued into the New Year as they extended their winning run away to bottom side Gorleston Ladies on Sunday. A tough introduction to the ERWFL for Gorleston finding themselves adrift at the bottom of the Division One North table without a point on the board with 5 games played. Started 2020 with a positive performance that will give them plenty of encouragement going forwards though as they were unlucky not to take anything away from the match at the weekend going down to a 2-1 defeat. Beth Turner getting off the mark for Gorleston levelling the scores in the first half after Katie Ward had put King’s Lynn in front. Emma Corbyn on target for the fourth match in a row scoring the winning goal for the visitors in the 2nd period her 7th of the season.

A local derby too in ERWFL Division One North at the weekend too as Suffolk sides Needham Market Women and East Bergholt United Ladies locked horns for the 2nd time time this season. Both promoted to the ERWFL for the first time this season were neck and neck in the race for the Suffolk Women’s Division title last season. East Bergholt United edging it to complete a 2nd successive league and cup double, began life at a higher level well leading early on 2nd for much of 2019 edged into 3rd by King’s Lynn, a 1-0 home win against Needham Market earlier in the season. Needham Market playing in just their 2nd season since forming taking time to find their feet at this level a great result against their local rivals at the weekend. Lois Balfour amongst the goals for both their new Reserves sides and now the first team opening the scoring early making it 1-0 with just 5 minutes played. Amber Sparkes sending Needham Market into a 2-0 midway through the 2nd half. Sparkes adding a 2nd just 4 minutes later chipping the keeper from 30 yards. Balfour adding her 2nd of the game 2 minutes later. Megan Partridge pulling a goal back for East Bergholt before Balfour completed her hat-trick on the stroke of half-time to send Needham Market into the dressing room 5-1 up at the break. A quieter 2nd half Needham Market creating further chances striking the woodwork Balfour on target for her fourth of the game midway through the 2nd half to see the match won 6-1.

Lois Balfour sending the ball into the back of the net for Needham market Women (photo credit Ben Pooley Photography)

ERWFL Division One South

Two matches played in ERWFL Division One South at the start of 2020. Millwall Lionesses ending 2019 top of the table after joining the league in the summer after the upheaval at the club. Rebuilding and regrouping a positive outlook and a hungry squad. Began the year away to Lawford Ladies who they had beaten heavily twice this season at home in league and cup. A tough end to 2019 for Lawford a much more positive start to 2020. A bright start from Millwall out of the blocks quickly Lawford though hit them against the run of play to open the scoring captain Daisy Canny pouncing on a goalkeeping error to make it 1-0. Millwall pushed on creating chances Molly Hawkins dancing through to make it 1-1 in the 20th minute. The host continued to dominate first half but it was Lawford who retook the lead on 40 minutes Canny with her 2nd of the game alert to capitalise on a mistake outside the 18 yard box. Lawford 2-1 up at half-time. Shannan Drewe amongst the goals for Millwall towards the back end of the year pulling the visitors level midway through the 2nd half latching onto a ball over the top to score. 5 minutes later Millwall were leading Samantha Middleton newly introduced to the action volleying home from a corner to make it 3-2 with 20 minutes left. Cansu Mentesh firing home from close range off a corner in the final minute. Millwall winning 4-2 to stay 3 points in front at the top of the table.

Shannan Drewe amongst the goalscorers for Millwall Lionesses at the start of 2020 (photo credit Millwall Lionesses)

Leigh Ramblers Ladies keeping the pressure on Millwall in 2nd beaten 4-1 by Millwall at the end of 2019 the Essex side newly promoted to the ERWFL bounced back with an away win against Wodson Park Ladies to begin 2020. Abbi Brown and Rhiana Castle both scoring their first goals of the season to secure the 3 points for Leigh Ramblers as they ran out 2-1 winners over Wodson Park who put in a much improved performance to begin the new year as they look to get themselves away from the bottom of the table. Olivia Worsfold scoring her 2nd goal of the season for the hosts.