The ERWFL was again hit by the weather games falling foul of water logged pitches in both the Premier Division & Division One. Two games in the Premier Division although one of those was abandoned due to a head injury. Bedford Ladies were leading 2-1 away to Haringey Borough when striker Julia Carruthers suffered the injury and was admitted to hospital has since thankfully been given the all clear, the time of abandonment differing between clubs it has been listed as A-A on the full-time website will update if that changes.
One game going the distance then Wymondham Town Ladies fifth in the table at home to fellow promoted side Harlow Town Ladies. The Norfolk side taking a 10th minute lead with striker Hannah Waters strong on the ball sending the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring. The Essex side responding well getting back level on the half hour then going on to take the lead, Chelsea Clarke lobbing the keeper from distance to level the scores back up late in the first half to see it all square at 2-2. Harlow getting the better of the 2nd half scoring twice more to come to make the long journey home with the 3 points the 4-2 victory seeing them climb into the top half of the table. Poppy Binding scoring twice for Harlow now has 13 for the season with Tayla Handscombe also on target along with a 1st goal for the season for Ellie Wallace. Not all bad for Wymondham either as they actually climb a place up to 4th now awarded the home win against Dunstable Ladies back in December.
ERWFL Cup
One outstanding tie left to be played in the ERWFL Cup 3rd Round, Division One side Lawford Ladies making the trip to Hertfordshire to player Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies. A first half brace for Rianne Townsend-Brown securing a 2-0 advantage for Colney Heath. A 3rd goal securing the win for the Premier Division side in the 2nd half Charlene Moreton scoring to send Colney Heath through the quarter finals of the competition.
Colney Heath Ladies, Charlene Moreton
ERWFL Division One
A switch to 3G saw one game beat the weather in ERWFL Division One on Sunday, King’s Lynn Town Ladies finally back in league action playing host to new league leaders St Ives Town Ladies. Unbeaten in the league and knowing 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies game had been called off the visitors from Cambridgeshire had an opportunity to open a 4 point lead up at the top of the table. An own goal giving St Ives an early lead, Kira Markwell making a great save to deny King’s Lynn an equaliser as they grew into the game. St Ives defending well doubled their lead through top scorer Tierney Coulson. 2-0 to St Ives at half-time. A strong start to the 2nd half from King’s Lynn it was St Ives who were to extend their lead on the hour Coulson lobbing the keeper for her 2nd of the game and 21st goal of the season to make it 3-0. Hannah Seymour-Shove extending St Ives lead 5 minutes later. 4-0 the final score harsh on King’s Lynn who although not finding the break through with a goal themselves made St Ives work for the win.
One match taking place in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday and it saw league leaders Cambridge City Ladies extend their lead at the top of the table as they won their 13th game of the season at home against Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies. 14 played now with just 2 points dropped in a strong position now with 2 thirds of their games played. Have a potent strike force with goal scorers all over the pitch. Shannon Shaw hitting a brace this weekend to take her to 12 for the season with Bella Simmons also getting her name of the scoresheet with her 14th goal of the season in a 3-0 win.
ERWFL Division One
The weather and outstanding cup fixtures affecting the league programme in ERWFL Division One this Sunday, two games featuring the top two in the league and their is a new side leading the way, St Ives Town Ladies going top. Unbeaten since joining the ERWFL this season 14 played with this weekend bringing up their 10th win of the campaign. Were at home hosting Essex side Hutton Ladies. The visitors carrying a potent goal threat themselves Vicky Kinsman adding another goal to her impressive goal scoring record. St Ives, Georgia Stancombe claiming the match ball as she netted a hat-trick up the other end, has 12 to her name now. Tierney Coulson St Ives top scorer adding a goal her 19th of the season as St Ives ran out 4-1 winners.
St Ives Town Ladies, Georgia Stancombe
That win for St Ives coupled with dropped points fro previous leaders Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. The Essex side at home to a rejuvenated Hertford Town Ladies coming into the match off their 1st league win of the season last weekend against Bishops Stortford Ladies, have strengthened their squad, a point well earned against unbeaten St Ives a fortnight ago, Hertford followed that up with another creditable 0-0 against the league leaders to take their unbeaten run to 3 matches.
Taking over the lead in the ERWFL Premier Division last weekend Cambridge City Ladies are now 3 points clear form 2nd placed Acle United Women after coming through a tough encounter at home to Colney Heath Ladies. The visitors coming back to level the scores twice before Cambridge City eventually. ran out 3-2 winners. U16s goalkeeper Sally Phelps making her debut for the Cambridge City 1st team. The hosts opening the scoring in the 1st half, Rianne Townsend-Brown putting Colney Heath back on level terms, Cambridge City coming back to take the retake the lead on the stroke of half-time. One of Colney Heath’s best performances of the season they drew level for a 2nd time in the match from the penalty spot with Lucy Hancock stepping up to make it 2-2. Cambridge City getting the lead for a 3rd time in the match and were able to hold on this time to maintain their unbeaten league for to 13 matches, Hannah Bodily, Bella Simmons and Shannon Shaw the goal scorers.
Acle United Women were at home on Sunday taking on Norfolk rivals Wymondham Town Ladies, the two sides drawn together in the County Cup semi-finals. Always a hard fought contest, Carolyn Sarafian playing her final game for Wymondham before leaving for America, has been a pleasure watching her play for various sides during her time in England and wish her all the best for the future. The visitors taking an early lead in the game with defender Betty Fretwell heading home from a corner in the 6th minute. Goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan making some important saves to keep Acle from finding a reply including saving from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute to preserve Wymondham’s narrow lead, winning 1-0 the 3 points taking them up to 5th position in the Premier Division.
Royston Town Ladies came back from 2-1 down at home to win the 3 points a close the gap on 2nd placed Acle United Women to just two points. Came out on top in a tough home game against Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday. The hosts taking an early lead through Sammy Tinsley scoring her 10th goal of the season. Brentwood coming back into it to level the scores and then take the lead themselves with Georgia Holdaway and Cerys Adams scoring. Royston finding their equaliser through a Teonie Peyton goal before Hayley Elderd struck with her 10th of the season to win the game 3-2 for Royston, just the one defeat in the league have 3 games in hand on Acle.
Harlow Town Ladies also picking up 3 points at the weekend were at home to Haringey Borough Women. The two sides meeting a fortnight ago in the reverse fixture in the League Cup, Harlow’s Poppy Binding scoring a hat-trick in their 4-0 win. Binding repeated the feat in the league as she added 3 more goals to her tally moving her onto 11 for the season. There were goals to for Harlow’s Abbey Dell, Olivia Steele, Kirsty Woodacre and a goal on her 1st start for Bethany Chambers in a 7-0 victory.
ERWFL Division One
Bowers & Pitsea Ladies continue to lead the way in ERWFL Division One remain a point clear of St Ives Town Ladies with 8 games left to play. The Essex side away to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies this Sunday. Bowers & Pitsea taking an early lead with Courtney Fraser hitting the ball form all of 30 yards to score in the 9th minute. Chances for Bowers & Pitsea to add to their lead in the 1st half but it remained 1-0 at half-time. Abbie Simmonds doubling Bowers & Pitsea’s lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Hannah Kelly pulling it back to 2-1 for Hoddesdon in the last 10 minutes, Bowers & Pitsea held out to win the 3 points.
A tough afternoon in tough conditions for 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies as they travelled to play Essex side Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday. Georgia Stancombe’s penalty the difference between the sides in the finish, as Hatfield Peverel battled hard, the wind a huge factor like so many games elsewhere. St Ives Town holding their advantage despite being down to 10 with Elle Jefferson red carded in the match. St Ives remain unbeaten a point behind and a game in hand on Bowers & Pitsea.
Testament to this Sunday’s bitterly cold and windy conditions I witnessed them myself in my chosen fixture at the weekend and to be honest Women’s Football Caribbean has a better ring to it… only joking I love what I do, must be mad though a trip down to Hertfordshire to watch the Division One clash between Hertford Town Ladies at their new Wodson Park home against Bishops Stortford Ladies. A good point for Hertford last weekend their 1st of the season against unbeaten St Ives Town. A host of new signing a large squad available. The opposite for Bishops Stortford struggling for numbers starting with just 8 would be joined by a 9th a tough ask but the windy conditions a true leveller, getting the ball down a playing just not easy for Hertford who had the majority of the attack, Bishops Stortford working hard doing well Hertford eventually getting the lead Chloe Ring capitalising as Donna Watts committed the keeper to send the ball back in across goal. Carly Snell lashing the ball home from a corner to make it 2-0 to Hertford at half-time.
Hertford Town Ladies, Carly Snell
The wind blowing from one end of the pitch to the other Hertford playing into it 2nd half rode out a spell of pressure from Bishops Stortford early in the 2nd half Olivia Worsfold finding space and opportunities all game combining well with Dempsey Favell one of Hertford’s new additions to score their 3rd goal. The wind at their backs shots from range were worth a punt and from one of these Rebecca Bull pulled it back to 3-1 from 40 yards with assistance from Brogan McHale keeping the ball still to send the ball over the keeper. Hertford adding a 4th goal late in the game through Karen Staples to see them win their first league game of the season 4-1 to climb off the foot of the Division One table.
A convincing win at home on Sunday sees Newmarket Town Ladies climb up a place into 3rd in the ERWFL Division One table were taking on Histon Ladies. Have always had goalscorers in their side, that firepower added to with the addition of 16-year-old Annabel Cuthbert who has 10 goals now from 8 appearances. The youngster opening the scoring for Newmarket in the 24th minute. Antonia Smith doubling the hosts advantage in the 32nd minute. 2-0 the lead at half-time Newmarket struck early in the 2nd half to extend the lead Abbi Griffin scoring her 5th goal since returning to the club. That the score heading into the closing minutes, Cuthbert ending the game celebrating a hat-trick scoring a quickfire double at the end to see Newmarket win the game 5-0.
Like the FAWNL the ERWFL fixture lists were severely reduced due to sides contesting their various County Cup competitions and the overnight freezing conditions. Just the two games played in the Premier Division with contrasting scorelines, the outcome the same 3 more points on the board.
Cambridge City Ladies climb back to the top of the league making it 12 unbeaten in the league, scoring 12 goals without reply in the process. Were at home on Sunday taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies, struggling at the other end of the table, their cause not helped on Sunday with another injury blow seeing them reduced to 10. The Cambridge City attack a handful at the best of times have goalscorers throughout the side now have 5 players within the squad into double figures. Erin Davies top scorer with 18 collecting a brace on Sunday, so too did Charlotte Gillies, Carla Penny and Shannon Shaw. With Bella Simmons, Laura Mills, Anna Goggin and Hannah Bodily all celebrating a goal.
18 goals for Cambridge City Ladies, Erin Davies
Less goalmouth action in the other game played in the Premier Division on Sunday in Hertfordshire with Colney Heath Ladies hosting Royston Town Ladies. Samantha Edgar’s strike in the 1st half the difference as the visitors won the game by a single goal the 3 points taking them up a place into 3rd spot in the table.
ERWFL Division One
League tables and final scores tell one side of a story but those snapshots can’t tell the whole picture the hard work and effort teams put in on the pitch and in training. Hertford Town Ladies are bottom of the ERWFL Division One table without a point on the board, that changed on Sunday when they earned themselves a very good 1st point of the campaign at home to title chasing St Ives Town Ladies, themselves putting in the work getting the rewards unbeaten since joining the ERWFL, a point earned for the visitors coming back to level after Chloe Ring had put Hertford into the lead. St Ives levelling the score through new signing Ruth Fox marking her return to the game after 9 months with a goal and player of the match on her St Ives debut. St Ives closing the gap to leaders Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to just a point with a game in hand.
The same could be said of the two sides featuring in the other Division One game at the weekend, Bishops Stortford Ladies have had a tough time of it since joining the ERWFL at the wrong end of the table, keep fighting an injury blow late on saw them travel to 5th placed Newmarket Town Ladies with just 10. Despite that the visitors got themselves into an early lead Lucia Sanchez Miguel scoring her 1st goal for Bishops Stortford. Made Newmarket work the hosts eventually drawing level with 8 minutes to go in the 1st half Abbi Griffin finding the back of the net. Just before the stroke of half-time Newmarket took the lead Jess Linger firing the ball home from a free-kick on the edge of the box. A great start to the 2nd half saw Newmarket 3-1 up straight away Laura Bailey on target. Annabel Cuthbert securing a 4-1 win for Newmarket in the 66th minute that lifts them up into 4th spot in the Division One table.
A busy start to the New Year in the ERWFL with 11 games taking place across both the Premier & Division One at the weekend. Both leagues exciting with the race for the title for both growing ever more intriguing as 2018 wore on, more of the same in 2019 please.
Acle United Women ending the year top of the pile leading the Premier Division began 2019 at home, AFC Dunstable Ladies making the long trip up from Bedfordshire with just the 9 available. Acle’s attack firing on all cylinders. Naomi Cooper opening the scoring for the Norfolk side on 12 minutes celebrated a 2nd goal just 6 minutes later. Lauren Bullard putting Acle 3 up on the half hour. Top scorer Grace Birchall with a headed goal making it 4-0 just before the break. Kate Pasque making it 5-0 to Acle soon after the restart. Birchall added two to complete her hat-trick and with Dunstable now down to 8 through injury added more goals, Pasque then Bullard with their 2nd goals each, double figures coming in injury time Birchall getting it her 25th of the season Acle winning 10-0.
An equally large scoreline too for 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies to start the year away to bottom side Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. Carla Penny and Bella Simmons both celebrating a hat-trick a piece there were goals too for Erin Davies, Charlotte Gillies, Lauren Tomlinson and Anna Goggin along with captain Becca Fay who scored her 1st goal of the season on an 11-1 victory. Cambridge City unbeaten still with just 2 points dropped and 4 games in hand on the leaders the gap 3 points. Sandeep Tak with the goal for Haringey her 1st for the club.
Cambridge City Ladies, Becca Fay
Plenty of goals, you only need to beat the opposition by 1 to get the 3 points and that was enough for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies at the Harlow Arena to beat Harlow Ladies and travel home from Essex with the win under their belts. Katie Steward with her 11th goal of the season clinching the win for the 3rd placed side who themselves have been beaten just the once this season are 6 points off top spot but like Cambridge City have 4 games in hand on Acle.
4th placed Royston Town Ladies are themselves in a good position in the Premier Division table going into 2019, losing just the once this season themselves played 11 now like Cambridge and Peterborough Northern Star have 26 points. Were at home this Sunday against AFC Sudbury Ladies. Goals from Danielle Carty, Joanne Rutherford, Charlotte South and Georgia Gannaway seeing the Hertfordshire side win the game 4-0.
It was a good point at home for Colney Heath Ladies to start the year as they managed to hold the Wymondham Town Ladies attacking force to a goalless draw to earn a point against the 5th placed side. A much better result than the 7-0 loss Colney Heath suffered in the reverse fixture back in October.
ERWFL Division One
Like the Premier Division in the ERWFL the title race in Division One is proving just as exciting. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies the team to beat as 2019 begins top of the table the Essex side were at home to Norfolk’s King’s Lynn Town Ladies this Sunday. A solitary goal the difference at half-time advantage to Bowers & Pitsea, Sophie Dowman with the goal. A cracking strike from 30 yards seeing King’s Lynn level the scores on the hour. Bowers & Pitsea retaking the lead midway through the 2nd half Eloise Ives finding the back of the net, Georgia Fraser on target extending the lead to 3-1 with 15 minutes left. Into the final 10 minutes and King’s Lynn pulled it back to 3-2, Danielle Styles with the quick reply for Bowers & Pitsea adding a goal 5 minutes from time enough to secure the win 4-2. Tiffany Forshaw and Olivia Baker with the goals for King’s Lynn.
St Ives Town Ladies are 2nd in Division One the only unbeaten side in the league since joining the regional league this season. Their great start extended into 2019 with a home win against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Their previous meeting a 0-0 in the league and a 5-4 with away from home for St Ives in the League Cup, it was another positive result this Sunday, a goal for Emily Smith along with one for top scorer Tierney Coulson seeing St Ives win the game 2-0. Two points behind Bowers & Pitsea with 2 games in hand.
Stevenage Ladies Reserves are the defending champions were the early pacesetters results towards the end of 2018 going against them nevertheless remain firmly in contention in 3rd spot just 3 points separating the top 3 started the new year well with a comfortable home win over bottom side Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. Emily Schofield leading the goal scoring charts now hitting a brace in the match with Faith Greene also scoring on her first start for the side. Stevenage winning 3-0.
Another side performing well at the top end of ERWFL Division One are Hutton Ladies, having strengthened their squad the Essex side have gained a prolific goalscorer in Vicky Kinsman was on target again at the weekend away to Hatfield Peverel Ladies. 4th placed Hutton though had to settle for a point as they were held to a draw by Hatfield Peverel struggling for numbers since joining the ERWFL. A good point earned for Hatfield Peverel their goalscorer Jasmine Cox on her debut, a proven goalscorer something the Essex side has been lacking.
Newmarket Town Ladies are another newcomer to the ERWFL were away from home on Sunday against Essex side Lawford Ladies, both starting life at the higher level with a defeat have since gone on to flourish developing into a competitive force more than a match for anyone on their day. Currently 5th & 6th in the table shared 6 goals on Sunday, Tess Ryan and Stacey Teager on target for Lawford, it was Newmarket who came out on top to win the 3 points thanks largely to a 2nd half hat-trick from Annabel Cuthbert the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time Brooke Wickens with the visitors goal. 16-year old Cuthbert putting Newmarket 2-1 up on 55 minutes added a 2nd just 2 minutes later her hat-trick coming in the 70th minute.
2018 overall a tough one for Bishops Stortford Ladies, started 2019 on a positive note earning a point at home to Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies on Sunday. Histon getting themselves into the lead in the 35th minute Charlotte Westrope turning the ball in the back of the net. A complete turn around though late in the 1st half with Bishops Stortford firing in two goals inside 3 minutes to lead 2-1 at the whistle Brooke White with her 1st of the season and Poppy Kelly the goalscorers. Into the final 10 minutes and Bishops Stortford held the lead, Histon with a corner, Alison Wright rescuing a point levelling the scores in the 82nd minute.
The ERWFL fixture list suffering like most leagues across the country thanks to Storm Deirdre blowing in on Saturday affecting half the fixtures in Division One whilst County Cup action saw a reduced schedule in the Premier Division on Sunday.
Acle United Women will end the year top of the pile in the ERWFL Premier Division. Ended 2018 with a trip to Suffolk up against 2nd bottom AFC Sudbury. The visitors taking a little while to get going gradually building momentum creating opportunities, finally took the lead late in the first half with Grace Birchall’s shot blocked Ciera Flatt putting in the rebound. 1-0 up at the break Acle quickly added to the score early in the 2nd half defender Anna Larkins getting forwards to make it 2-0. Acle creating plenty of chances pushing forwards Lauren Bullard getting a 3rd for the visitors. Birchall scoring a brace late on to secure a 5-0 win for Acle moves her onto 21 goals for the season.
Cambridge City Ladies have had an excellent start to the season 9 wins from 9 they were looking to round that perfect record to 10 at home on Sunday as they welcomed Royston Town ladies to the Trinity Playing Fields. The hosts getting themselves into a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes played. Danielle Carty pulling it back to 2-1 for Royston from a free-kick. Striker Jo Rutherford putting the visitors back on level terms. Cambridge City coming back to restore their lead going 3-2 up, Teonie Peyton scored to see Royston equalise for the 2nd time in the game then Rutherford with her 11th goal of the season scored her 2nd of the match to put Royston 4-3 up. Erin Davies, Shannon Shaw and Charlotte Giles scoring Cambridge City’s 3 goal were down to 10 with Laura Mills shown a 2nd yellow. heading into injury time were in danger of losing for the 1st time in the league this season, very deep into stoppage time and the hosts found an equalising goal themselves to rescue a point with Giles scoring for the 2nd time in the match. Their 100% record gone Cambridge City nevertheless remain unbeaten in all a very successive 2018 for the club.
Cambridge City Ladies, Charlotte Gillies
Also enjoying a fantastic 2018 are Wymondham Town Ladies, making their debut at this level end the year in their highest position of the campaign up into 5th ending the year with a home win against one of the early pacesetters, Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies. Laura Nicholls enjoying a great year in front of goal leading the way in the scoring charts put Wymondham into the lead in the 21st minute of the game. Brentwood coming back to level 15 minutes later Leah Cowan first to a loose ball to fire in the equaliser. Wymondham restoring the lead late in the first half with Hannah Waters firing in her 19th goal of the season to make it 2-1. 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Chelsea Clarke fired in a shot across the keeper to make it 3-1 to the hosts. Wymondham enjoying a got run to end the year 6 unbeaten in a great position now to kick on in 2019.
ERWFL Division One
Every week the title battle at the top of ERWFL Division One takes a new twist remains as exciting as it has been with no clues yet as to who might emerge on top come the end of the season. Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies with a strong run of results at the end of the year unbeaten in 8 matches now moving to the top of the table.
Were at home this Sunday taking on Bishops Stortford Ladies. The hosts getting off to a fantastic start taking the lead inside the first minute Sophie Dowman scoring the goal. Bowers & Pitsea pressing forwards creating plenty of opportunities it wasn’t until the 39th minute that they doubled the lead, Danielle Styles finding the back of the net to make it 2-0. Georgia Fraser scoring Bowers & Pitsea’s 3rd goal with the game moving into the final 20 minutes. Dowman on target with goals in the 76th & 81st minute to complete a hat-trick and take her onto 9 goals for the season Bowers & Pitsea winning the game 5-0 to see them stay top going into 2019.
If current form continues then the side in the strongest position to challenge for the ERWFL Division One title are newly promoted St Ives Town Ladies the Cambridgeshire side 2nd going into the New Year are unbeaten from 10 played two points behind Bowers & Pitsea with two games in hand. Ended the year with an away trip to fellow promoted side Newmarket Town Ladies on Sunday. The two sides enjoying some good encounters whilst playing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership together. Both starting life at the higher level well, Newmarket in 5th spot. St Ives edging the first half leading 1-0. Kira Markwell making an excellent save denying Newmarket, who saw a goal ruled out. The 2nd half seeing both sides score Laura Bailey’s goal not enough for Newmarket with St Ives winning 2-1. Top scorer Tierney Coulson scoring from the penalty spot with Hannah Seymour-Shove also scoring. A whole calendar year unbeaten in the league for St Ives.
Stevenage Ladies Reserves long time leaders of Division One slipping to 3rd in the table late on dropping points for the 3rd successive match in the league. Were away this Sunday taking on Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. The hosts leading the game at half-time, Kristina O’Connell’s strike from outside the box finding it’s way into the back of the net in the 33rd minute. Stevenage getting back on level terms 7 minutes into the 2nd period with Gemma Biggadike scoring her first of the campaign to make it 1-1. Melody Jones making just her 2nd appearance for Stevenage shooting from outside the area in the 77th minute getting her first goal in the process to make it 2-1 to the visitors. The game deep into stoppage time and Hoddesdon found an equalising goal themselves to see the game end 2-2 and the sides take home a share of the points.
The lead changes at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division once again, Peterborough Northern Star Ladies going top last Sunday weren’t in action this time around, Acle United Women travelling down to White Hart Lane to play bottom side Haringey Borough Women on Sunday a repeat of the fixture that settled the title on the final day 2 season’s ago. Much has changed since then Haringey with a much changed squad struggling, Acle getting the better of them despite a lacklustre performance winning by a single goal to take the 3 points back to Norfolk with them. The winning goal coming in the 34th minute moments after Haringey had almost opened the scoring themselves, defender Grace Parker rising inside the box to score from a Broghan Scully free-kick. Acle go top and would have regardless of the result of this game as they have been awarded the 3 points for 2 fixtures in October their opponents unable to field a side on both occasion’s giving Acle a 6 point lead at the top.
Acle United Women’s, Grace Parker
It was a below par performance last Sunday away to Acle that saw Hertfordshire side, Royston Town Ladies loose for the 1st time this season. Bounced back with a win on home soil this Sunday to climb up into 2nd spot in the Premier Division. Were hosting Colney Heath Ladies despite a slow start to the game Royston opened the scoring with Hayley Elderd setting up Joanne Rutherford to score. Rutherford with the assist as Charlotte South put the ball into the back of the net for a 2-0 half-time lead. Elderd getting a goal for Royston in the 2nd half to secure a 3-0 victory.
Bedford Ladies were at home in the Premier Division on Sunday taking on Suffolk’s AFC Sudbury Ladies. The hosts results a mixed bag this season so far, secure victory this weekend after 2 successive defeats to sides challenging for the title. Goals from Carissa Kaczorowski, Michelle Byrne, Maya Sidhu & Paige Abraham seeing Bedford win the game 4-0.
An interesting title battle emerging Acle on top for now have played (well more shown as played) than anyone else, Cambridge City Ladies distracted by cup matches have been frustrated observers now 4th but still with a 100% record, a few more twists and turns yet this season I’m sure.
ERWFL Division One
There is an equally intriguing title battle emerging in ERWFL Division One, a host of sides chasing early pacesetters, Stevenage Ladies Reserves their lead having been eroded down to 2 points last Sunday in a 6-5 defeat away to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, their home game this Sunday against Histon Ladies falling foul to the weather, the gap is now down to just a point!
Bowers & Pitsea Ladies in confident mood were at home again this Sunday facing a tough challenge against league newcomers St Ives Town Ladies who themselves in 3rd spot have enjoyed a great start to life at the higher level the Cambridgeshire side, unbeaten from 7 played. Two sides full of attacking potential it was a tighter affair at the back for the Essex side this time around, Kira Markwell in top form in the St Ives goal keeping them form scoring. Equally the St Ives attack was unable to breach the Bowers & Pitsea defence at the other end the game ending 0-0 both sides moving one point closer to Stevenage.
St Ives Town Ladies goalkeeper, Kira Markwell
Another Essex side capitalising on that result are Hutton Ladies as they pick up the 3 points away from home on Sunday to move into 2nd spot a point behind the leaders themselves now. Were on the road taking on Hertfordshire’s Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. 30 goals for the season now for Vicky Kinsman what an inspiring signing she has been for Hutton, hitting another two goals into the back of the net those 30 coming from 13 appearances. Laura Allen also getting in on the goals as Hutton ran out 3-0 winners, 3 point separating the top 4 sides now.
Newmarket Town Ladies are also in the hunt as they win big at the weekend to move into 5th 4 points from the top. At home on Sunday were taking on Hatfield Peverel Ladies. Newmarket’s squad now starting to grow after a few departures during the close season. Leading comfortably 3-0 at the break were ruthless in the 2nd half going on to record a double figure win. Lauren Deller marking her 50th appearance for Newmarket with a brace, also a brace for Jess Linger, Sarah O’Rourke on the scoresheet too with a goal. Newmarket’s other 5 goals all 1st’s for their new signings, Abbi Griffin of course a familiar making a welcome return to the club getting her 1st goal. Katie Webb with her first goal since rejoining having been with Newmarket at youth level, and there was a hat-trick for Annabel Cuthbert on her home debut. A welcome return to winning ways after a run of 3 straight defeats in league and cup.
Lawford Ladies make up the top 6 in Division One and are just a point further back in the table 6 behind Stevenage. An away trip for the Essex side on Sunday taking on Bishops Stortford Ladies. Tess Ryan getting a hat-trick for Lawford, captain Daisy Canny hitting another brace moves her onto 12 goals for the season, Tyler Christou also getting a goal in a 6-2 win. Jemma Good and Poppy Kelly with the goals for Bishops Stortford.
As with the previous Round-Up the ERWFL fixture list like the the FAWNL was severely reduced due to clubs scattering to take part on their various County Cup competitions at the weekend with just the two games taking place across the 2 divisions.
In the Premier Division, Harlow Town Ladies were playing host to AFC Dunstable Ladies, Goals from Abbey Dell, Olivia Steele and Tayla Handscombe seeing Harlow score 3, but a battling display from AFC Dunstable saw them earn a 5th point of the season as they drew 3-3 thanks to 2 goals from Storm Sherry Burrows and a 1st goal for defender Tanya Blacksley. The point seeing both move up a place Harlow Town back into the top half of the table.
ERWFL Division One
All very tight in the top half of the ERWFL Division One table and with just the one fixture taking place this Sunday 2nd spot was up for grabs as Bowers & Pitsea Ladies hosted fellow Essex side Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday. Sluggish in the first half, Hatfield Peverel were holding Bowers & Pitsea to a goalless draw at the half-time interval. A better start to the 2nd half for Bowers & Pitsea however as they broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, Danielle Styles scoring to fire them into the lead. The advantage doubled just 6 minutes later with Sophie Dowman scoring to make it 2-0. Into the final 15 minutes as Abbie Simmonds found the back of the net to make it 3-0 an secure the win for Bowers & Pitsea a put them 2nd in the table. Undefeated in 4 league games now including 3 wins. A couple of big games coming up, 1st up in midweek this Thursday are at home to Charlton Athletic Women in the quarter finals of the Bostik Women’s Cup. Followed on Sunday with a home game against the league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves.
With Premier Division leaders, Cambridge City Ladies flying the flag for the ERWFL in the FA Women’s Cup this Sunday it was an opportunity for the chasing sides to try and close the gap at the top of the table. 2nd placed Royston Town Ladies were on the road taking on Bedford Ladies. The visitors dropping points for the first time this season in a 4-4 draw against Wymondham Town Ladies last time out, took the lead against Bedford, Danielle Carty striking the ball in from a free-kick. Hayley Elderd doubling the advantage for Royston with a volley into the top corner. Bedford fought their way back into the game coming back to level the score with Michelle Byrne and Sophie Mulvihill on target to make it 2-2. Royston’s getting back into the lead with a strike from Rebecca Scott, her 4th goal of the season winning the game for Royston who move to within 2 points of Cambridge City Ladies.
Also joining Royston on 19 points, moving into 3rd on goal difference are Peterborough Northern Star Ladies. An 88th winning goal from Emma Pollard seeing them fight back from being 3-1 against fellow title hopefuls, Acle United Women on Sunday. Acle travelling to Peterborough 4th versus 5th in the Premier Division. Grace Birchall putting the Norfolk side into the lead 11 minutes into the game. Peterborough’s Katie Steward getting the scores back on level terms before Acle restored their 1st half lead from the penalty spot, Birchall with her 2nd of the game. Acle 2-1 up at half-time extended the lead early in the 2nd half with a goal scored by Kate Pasque. Peterborough again finding a quick reply to get it back to 3-2, Steward with her 2nd of the game. Into the final 10 minutes, Peterborough awarded a free-kick, Steward taking it scoring from 30 yards out to complete her hat-trick taking her onto 8 for the season, briefly level with top scorer Emma Pollard who bagged the winning goal 2 minutes from time running onto a through ball beating the keeper and scoring the 4-3 win moving Peterborough up to 3rd.
Wymondham Town Ladies won at the weekend to take them up into the top half of the Premier Division table. Hosting bottom side Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. Mollie O’Callaghan opening the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute. Top scorer Laura Nicholls putting Wymondham 2 nil up 5 minutes later added another in the 36th. 3-0 up and deep into 1st half stoppage time Wymondham were awarded a penalty, vice-captain Leah Newcombe sending the ball home from the spot to put Wymondham 4-0 up. Further chances created but no more goals until the final minute, Hannah Waters finding the back of the net for 5-0, time for another in the 90th minute Nicholls completing another hat-trick to secure a 6-0 win.
Also winning by 6 goals at the weekend were Essex side, Harlow Town Ladies as they to move up a place to 7th in the Premier Division table winning away to Suffolk’s AFC Sudbury Ladies. Lily Bruno scoring a hat-trick moves onto 8 goals for the season. Goals to for Abbey Dell, Tayla Handscombe and Chloe Bassett to seal a comfortable 6-0 away win.
Harlow Town Ladies, Lily Bruno
A win at last in the league for Colney Heath Ladies after a promising start taking 4 points from their opening two league games, haven’t got a point since then losing 5 in a row in the Premier Division. The bad run halted at home on Sunday as Colney Heath played host to AFC Dunstable Ladies who themselves were coming into the game off the back of their 1st win of the season. The hosts opening the scoring from a free-kick a 2nd goal coming through Nicola Hollick, Colney Heath 2-0 at the break.Kelly Glynn making it 3-0. Dunstable pulling a goal back Sophie Bailey with a long range shot to make it 3-1. Adrienne Milton firing in a goal late on to secure a 4-1 win for Colney Heath.
ERWFL Division One
In ERWFL Division One, leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves open up a 7 point lead at the top of the table coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller away to Lawford Ladies on Sunday. Emily Schofield putting Stevenage into the lead, Lawford coming back quickly to make it 1-1 had further chances in the 1st half, Stevenage though getting back in front Nicole Emmings scoring to make it 2-1. Lawford scoring a further two goals with Jasmine Cox, Daisy Canny and Ella Boyden all on the scoresheet a goal from Hannah Marshall plus a 2nd from Emmings seeing Stevenage clinch a 4-3 to pull away at the top.
That defeat for Lawford, coupled with no game for 3rd placed Newmarket Town Ladies and County cup action for 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies presented an opportunity for 5th and 6th placed Hutton Ladies and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to make ground in what is a very tight race behind the leaders. The Essex pair meeting at Bowers & Pitsea on Sunday. Sophie Dowman opening the scoring putting Bowers & Pitsea 1-0 up in the 1st half with her 5th goal of the season. Hutton came back to level the scores top scorer Vicky Kinsman finding the back of the net for her 23rd goal of the season. The score all square at 1-1 at half-time it was Hutton who took the lead early in the 2nd half, Kinsman with her 2nd of the match. Bowers & Pitsea’s turn to pull the scores level as 12 minutes later their top scorer Danielle Styles scored from an acute angle to make it 2-2 with her 7th of the season. Both pushing for a winning goal late on neither could having to settle for a share of the points, enough to move Hutton into 3rd position in the table whilst Bowers & Pitsea climb to 5th spot just a point behind the 3 sides above them.
Hoddesdon Town Ladies in 7th position are just 2 points of that group themselves won the 3 points at home on Sunday to win for the 3rd time in the league this season at home to Hertford Town Ladies. Rebecca Scola scoring her 1st goal since her return to Hoddesdon putting them into the lead in the 14th minute. 1-0 it remained until the final 22 minutes, Kristina O’Connell netting for the 6th time this season to double the lead and secure a 2-0 win for Hoddesdon.
At long last Bishops Stortford Ladies can celebrate a victory in the league, their last ERWFL Division One win coming at the very start of last season’s campaign. Has been a tough time for the club since the players and staff sticking together through those difficult times often short on numbers. 3 points on the board after more than 12 months. Were at home taking on Hatfield Peverel Ladies, themselves struggling in the league since promotion this season. A purple patch for Bishops Stortford with 5 goals scored in the space of 7 first half minutes doing the damage, Jemma Good scoring her 1st of the season in the 28th minute. Captain Brogan McHale scoring a minute later, Teigan McHale not long after with her 1st of the season. Broghan McHale getting a 2nd then Heather Martin making it 5-0 in the 35th minute. Broghan McHale going on to add her 3rd and complete a hat-trick on the hour to see Bishops Stortford win the game… and finally get a tag in The Round-Up.
The battle at the top of the ERWFL continues to intensify with the 4 of the top 5 all winning at the weekend. Leaders Cambridge City Ladies remain 3 points clear at the top as they recorded a 7th straight league win to maintain their 100%. A trip to The Harlow Arena on Sunday to play Harlow Ladies. Kaydee King and Lily Bruno on target with a goal each for Harlow not enough as Cambridge hit them for 5 up the other end, have goalscorers all over the pitch with Laura Mills, Erin Davies, Bella Simmons and Shannon Shaw all adding a goal to their accounts this season along with a 1st goal of the season for Lauren Tomlinson.
Royston Town Ladies were the other side in the ERWFL Premier Division defending a 100% start to the season going into Sunday’s game. The Hertfordshire side at home to Wymondham Town Ladies. The Norfolk side taking the lead on the half hour Kayleigh Holloway scoring the goal from a Betty Fretwell free-kick. Top scorer, Laura Nicholls scoring Wymondham’s 2nd just 5 minutes later her shot smashing in off the underside of the bar. Royston pulling a goal back with 3 minutes left in the 1st half Joanne Rutherford from the penalty spot. A 2-1 lead for Wymondham at the break.
Rutherford with her 2nd of the match bringing Royston back to 2-2 in the 53rd minute, Wymondham responding straight away, Hannah Waters scoring to restore Wymondham’s lead. That only lasted a minute however as Hayley Elderd hit a screamer, scoring to make it 3-3. Past the hour and Wymondham edged themselves into the lead again Waters scoring her 2nd getting onto the end of another Fretwell set-piece. Royston coming back once again Georgia Gannaway with her 1st touch after coming on making it 4-4 with 25 minutes left. The points shared in the finish 4-4! Royston dropping points for the 1st time this season. Wymondham with a new signing, Jordan Arnoup recently with Ipswich Town Women a very strong addition to their squad.
Points dropped for Royston Town Ladies a bonus for Brentwood Town Ladies as the Essex side get back to winning ways after 2 straight defeats in the league to climb back into 2nd spot. Victory coming at home on Sunday as they entertained bottom side, Haringey Borough Women. Both Marie Barker and Leah Cowan netting a brace for Brentwood their were goals too for Danielle Butler, Sophie Lovell and top scorer Georgia Holdaway in a 7-0 success.
It was the ERWFL Premier Division were the football action on Women’s Football East came from a trip to the FDC Flegg to watch 4th placed Acle United Women play 6th placed Bedford Ladies. A fast paced game that was played at a high tempo, Acle with a confident start showed their attacking intent from the very start. It was Bedford though who would open the scoring a counter attack, Carissa Kaczorowski making a run into the channel left side bearing down on the box, goalkeeper Amy Bell rushing out to close her down, Kaczorowski lifting it over her to send the ball into the goal beyond. Acle weren’t too long in finding a reply a free-kick on the left lifted into the box, runners from the edge of the area the ball turned home by captain Megan Todd. The home side pressing Bedford back looking for further goals chances came and went into the last five minutes of the half Todd picking up the ball 25 yards out a run in field and shoots the ball rifled pass the keeper into the back of the net 2-1. Substitute Kate Pasque rising in the area meet a right wing cross, not connecting with the ball as she had intended but nevertheless effective knocked down back across the goal into the bottom corner for Acle’s 3rd. Todd completing a 1st half hat-trick right at the end of the half a free header inside the six yard box the ball played in from the right.
Acle leading 4-1 at half-time in control of the game started in the same vein 2nd half on the offensive, Bedford unable to get anything going in attack. A free-kick on the left played into the area near post Todd with the run to meet it scoring her 4th of the match Acle’s 5th. A dominant display from Acle, Bedford frustrated not their afternoon, backs to the wall they managed to pull a goal back winning a corner the ball headed out to the left retrieved, Priya Bhatti with Maya Sidhu the long range shot on finding it’s way in across the six yard box. A coming together in the box saw Acle’s Amy Bell injured needing to come off Rhianne Brister donning the gloves for the final 15 minutes. Acle continued to attack won a penalty off the frustrated Bedford back line, Ceira Flatt brought down in the box taking the spot kick scoring her 1st goal of the season high into the net. Into stoppage time and Bedford grabbed another goal a free-kick from Michelle Byrne fired high into the box the bounce taking the ball up over the keeper and in. Acle winning 6-3.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies, in 5th spot joining Acle United Women and Royston Town Ladies on 16 points with victory away to Colney Heath Ladies on Sunday. The visitors taking a first half lead through Chanade Henderson scoring from a free-kick, the lead doubled before Colney Heath pulled one back, Nicola Hollick scoring. Half-time 2-1 to Peterborough Northern Star they added a further goal in the 2nd period to win the game 3-1 to take the 3 points. Katie and Cassie Steward with the goals.
A first win of the season for AFC Dunstable Ladies who at one point had given notice to withdraw from the ERWFL before the season started a difficult start just a point on the board were at home to fellow strugglers AFC Sudbury Ladies on Sunday. move above them courtesy of goals from, Victoria Allen, Kerry Straton and a brace for Storm Sherry Burrows. 4-0 the winning margin.
ERWFL Division One
The table adjusted in ERWFL Division One following the sad withdrawal of Ipswich Wanderers Ladies sees the sides that gained points against them have them scrubbed off their tally, including league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves their lead now 4 points.
2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies also losing those points won them back on Sunday at home as they took on Essex side, Hatfield Peverel Ladies. Tierney Coulson scoring a goal to put her into double figures for the season after 7 appearances. A goal each too for Katie and Georgia Stancombe, whilst Harriet Ford netted her 1st goal of the season in a 4-0 win.
Hutton Ladies leap frog above their weekends opponents Lawford Ladies to move into 4th position in Division One. The Essex sides meeting at Lawford on Sunday. A brace from top scorer Vicky Kinsman has an incredible 22 goals already this season from 10 appearances, since joining the club over the close season, Rosi Webb also on the scoresheet for Hutton has 11 goals now from her 9 appearances this season. Hutton winning 3-1, Jasmine Cox with the goal for Lawford.
Histon Ladies were at home on Sunday taking on Hertford Town Ladies at the Glassworld Stadium. The home side holding a 2-0 advantage at half-time, Katie Webb scoring both goals. Involved in the build-up as Histon took a 3-0 lead early in the 2nd half Katie Seagrave scoring from close range. Georgia Day scoring soon after to secure a 4-0 win for Histon pulling them clear of the bottom 3.
