The 4th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup this Sunday featuring 16 ties the last 32 in the competition with the sides from both FAWSL 1 & 2 entering at this stage. 8 ties featuring sides within the East or the leagues covered. FAWSL 2 sides Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were drawn at home against fellow FAWSL opposition. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies taking on 6 times FA Women’s Cup winners Doncaster Rovers Belles currently leading FAWSL 2 a 3-0 win for the visitors seeing Doncaster through to the 5th Round.
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were hosting the current FA Women’s Cup holders Manchester City Women a big test for Hope Powell’s side, a useful one too even though they exited the competition going out defeated 2-0. Watford Ladies from FAWSL 2 had also been handed a tough away tie in the FA Women’s Cup taking on Liverpool Ladies from FAWSL 1. A 5-0 win for the Merseyside club seeing Liverpool safely into the 5th Round.
Elsewhere their were 5 sides from the FAWPL Southern Division competing in the FA Women’s Cup 4th Round. Cardiff City Ladies producing the upset of the round by knocking out FAWSL opposition. At home to Oxford United Women on Sunday. Held their higher league opponents to a goalless draw taking the tie into extra-time still neither side could break the stalemate the tie going all the way to a penalty shootout. Cardiff celebrating an historic victory taking the shootout 5-4 to reach the 5th Round.
It wasn’t the only tie to go all the way to penalties as Southern Division side, Chichester City Ladies were away in the 4th Round up against, The New Saints Ladies, enjoying a good season so far 2nd in FAWPL Midlands Division One. Was a tight game between the two sides, The New Saints Ladies leading 1-0 at the break through an own goal from Chichester in the 32nd minute. Chichester City responded early in the 2nd half to level the scores, Cherelle Khassel putting the ball into the back of the net. That the way the score remained on 90 minutes the tie moving into extra-time no more goals seeing it head to penalties Chichester City the one’s celebrating as they went through to the 5th Round taking it 5-4.
A tricky away trip too or Lewes FC Women on Sunday too in the 4th Round of the FA Women’s Cup taking on Keynsham Town Ladies from FAWPL South West Division One, in good form. Lewes playing a league higher are enjoying a good season themselves however and safely negotiated this potential banana skin. Amy Taylor giving the visitors the lead late in the 1st half. Georgia Bridges doubling the lead in the 2nd half as the game closed on the hour mark her strike quickly followed up by a goal from Sarah Kempson. Lewes into the 5th Round with a 3-0 win.
For the 3rd successive cup match Charlton Athletic Women progressed with a win in extra-time. A long trip away in the FA Women’s Cup for the Southern Division leaders up against Northern Division side, Blackburn Rovers Ladies. A close match between the pair it was goalless after the 1st 45 minutes. Charlton taking the lead early in the 2nd half courtesy of an own goal. The lead didn’t last long as Natasha Flint equalised for Blackburn Rovers. Mid-way through the 2nd half Charlton once again took the lead Charlotte Gurr making it 2-1 in the 73rd minute. Again Blackburn Rovers pulled it level, Flint with her 2nd of the game 9 minutes from time. 2-2 the final score after 90 minutes the tie heading in extra-time for the 3rd time in the game Charlton took the lead, Georgia Griffin scoring in the 1st period of extra-time, this time Charlton held on to claim the win and reach the last 16 of the FA Women’s Cup.
Coventry United Ladies were drawn away in the FA Women’s Cup, against FAWSL 2 opposition, Millwall Lionesses. Nothing new for the Southern Division side have claimed FAWSL scalps in the FA Women’s Cup in previous seasons. Were up against a Millwall Lionesses side in good form this time around however the hosts leading 2-0 at half-time. An early goal in the 2nd half putting Millwall in full control of the tie led 4-0 with 20 minutes left. Coventry were awarded a penalty with around 5 minutes left, Helen Dermody stepping up to score, Coventry exited the cup with a 4-1 defeat.
The draw for the last 16 of the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday with at least one FAWPL side guaranteed at place in the quarter finals with Cardiff City draw at home to Charlton. A couple of mouth watering home ties too for both Chichester City and Lewes as they meet Merseyside giants, Liverpool Ladies & Everton Ladies from FAWSL 1 respectfully.
The FA Women’s Cup 5th Round draw, ties to be played Sunday 18th February.
Arsenal Women v Millwall Lionesses
Cardiff City Ladies v Charlton Athletic Women
Lewes FC Women v Everton Ladies
Sunderland AFC Ladies v Aston Villa Ladies
Chichester City Ladies v Liverpool Ladies
Birmingham City Ladies v Manchester City Women
Chelsea Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles
Durham Women FC v Plymouth Argyle Ladies or Leicester City Women
FAWPL Southern Division
Three games in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday and with leaders Charlton involved in the FA Women’s Cup it was an opportunity for the sides placed 2nd and 3rd to close the gap at the top. Crystal Palace Ladies in 2nd level on points with 3rd placed C&K Basildon Ladies who defeated them 1-0 last time out. Looking to get back to winning ways Crystal Palace Ladies were on home soil taking on West Ham United Ladies the visitors buoyed by a 6-2 win away to Cardiff City Ladies last weekend. A tough game for both sides it was a frustrating afternoon for Crystal Palace, West Ham United picking up another valuable point as the sides drew 0-0. A further blow for Crystal Palace as they lost Nikita Whinnett to injury having to be stretched off early in the game. Women’s Football East wishes her all the best for a full and speedy recovery.
C&K Basildon weren’t taking anything for granted as they headed west on Sunday to play bottom side Swindon Town Ladies still without a single point on the board after 14 games. A tough season for Swindon so far are battling hard took the lead in the game Mia Mugford making it 1-0 in the 17th minute. C&K Basildon responded well coming back quickly to not only level the score but take a 2-1 lead into the half-time break, Angela Addison with both goals. Captain Zoe Rushen adding a 3rd goal in the 2nd half seeing Basildon to a 3-1 win that takes them up to 2nd in the Southern Division table 2 points behind leaders Charlton.
Queens Park Rangers Ladies were on home soil on Sunday hosting Portsmouth FC Ladies. 4 points from there last 2 matches Queens Park Rangers were looking to build to two good away performances with a result at home against mid-table Portsmouth, the sides drawing 0-0 at the half-time whistle. A single goal was enough to claim all 3 points in the 2nd half coming 15 minutes from time, it was the visitors celebrating as Katie James netting the winning goal for Portsmouth the win taking them above Chichester City into 6th spot.
FAWPL South East Division One
The FAWPL South East Division One fixture list was hit by the weather 3 of the 5 scheduled games being postponed. Leyton Orient WFC 2nd in the table were looking to close a 5 point gap on leaders AFC Wimbledon Ladies as they played host to 5th placed Luton Town Ladies. There title ambitions taking a big dent however as Luton came away with a very good result. Stephanie Gale giving the visitors a 1-0 half-time lead. Natasha Fensome making it 2-0 in the 2nd half before a screamer from Lisa Nixon made it 3-0. Joanne Rutherford then missed a penalty hitting the bar as Leyton Orient were reduced to 10. Fensome with her 2nd securing a 4-0 win, that moves Luton right onto the tails of the sides above them.
Ipswich Town Ladies saw their own title hopes take a dent last weekend away to Leyton Orient. This weekend they were back on home soil taking on Denham United Ladies. The home side 4th in the table going 1-0 up in the 12th minute, an own goal conceded by Denham. The visitors responded straight away getting level 3 minutes later Kayleigh Currivan on target with the goal. 7 minutes left in the 1st half and Ipswich regained the lead Miagh Downey getting the goal to make it 2-1. Denham were back level within 4 minutes of the 2nd half kicking off, Sophie Cheadle with the goal to make it 2-2. An hour on the clock and Ipswich were awarded a penalty, captain Amanda Crump stepping up to the spot put the ball home to make it 3-2. Ipswich kept it this time and went on to get a 2 goal cushion in the last 15 minutes, Zoe Cossey getting on the scoresheet. Just 6 point separating the sides positioned 2 to 5th in the South East Division One table now.
A New Year has begun and there’s plenty of exciting action to bring you over the coming months right across the East. A weather affected end to 2017 saw alot of postponements thankfully 2018 started better weather wise with only a handful of games being called off. Let’s begin proceedings with the weekends action from the FAWPL and 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.
FA Women’s Cup
There were 6 ties in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup featuring sides from the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One. It was a big tie at home for South East Division One side Ipswich Town Ladies who over came fellow league side Stevenage Ladies in the previous round hosting Southern Division leaders, Charlton Athletic Women the lower league side pushing Charlton all the way taking the game into extra-time before eventually bowing out. Goalless at half-time it was Ipswich who took an early lead in the 2nd half a strike form Cassie Craddock putting the Suffolk side 1-0 in the 47th minute. Charlton came back to level it at 1-1 with 20 minutes left to play Charlotte Gurr with the goal then just 4 minutes later the visitors were leading Kit Graham sending the ball into the back of the net. Ipswich responded positively coming back to level it at 2-2 just 2 minutes later Craddock with her 2nd of the match to take the tie into extra-time. 2 goals in the 1st period of extra-time saw Charlton in control of the tie Graham with her 2nd of the game followed with a goal a minute later from Samantha Pittuck, then late into the 2nd period of extra-time Charlton made the score 5-2 with Charlotte Lee on target to send the Southern Division side into the 4th Round.
Cardiff City Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division were at home in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup hosting lower league side Burnley Ladies. Cori Williams giving Cardiff the early lead netting in the 7th minute that the advantage at half-time Ella Powell scored to make it 2-0 to the Welsh side 7 minutes into the 2nd half. The tie was far from settled however as Burnley came back into the game pulling it back to 2-1 in the 63rd minute drawing level in the 81st minute. Cardiff responded and Williams was on hand to score her 2nd of the game with 5 minutes left to send Cardiff through to the 4th Round with a 3-2 victory.
Crystal Palace Ladies 2nd in the FAWPL Southern Division were hosting 5th placed Coventry United Ladies in the 3rd Round Proper. It was the visitors who took an early lead in the match with Helen Dermody scoring from the penalty spot in the 7th minute. The players returning to the dressing room on 40 minutes due to an injury to Coventry United’s Keeley Davies a lengthy delay followed before the players returned to the pitch Coventry leading 1-0 at the half-time whistle. Chances for both sides in the 2nd half Coventry failing to extend their lead Crystal Place found an equaliser Nikita Whinnett sending the ball in from close range. The game heading into extra-time neither side able to find a winner it went to penalties to decide who would progress in the FA Women’s Cup, Coventry United winning the shootout 3-2 to reach the 4th Round.
A long trip up the country into Lancashire from the South Coast for Portsmouth FC Ladies to take on FAWPL Northern Division side, Blackburn Rovers Ladies. A disappointing result for Portsmouth as they were knocked out of the competition soundly beaten 7-0 by their hosts.
Another FAWPL Southern Division side making the long trip up the country were Lewes FC Women travelling the day before were taking on Huddersfield Town Ladies whom they beat in the FAWPL Plate final last season. Both sides are enjoying good season’s in the league, in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup it was a goalless 1st half. Into the 2nd half closing in on an hour played the deadlock was broken the visitors taking the lead Rebecca Carter scoring for Lewes, their lead lasted just 2 minutes before Huddersfield levelled thing’s back up Britanny Sanderson with the goal. The winning goal coming with 10 minutes left to play Lewes captain Katie McIntyre finding the back of the net to send Lewes into the 4th Round of the competition.
Chichester City Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division were at home in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup taking on Luton Town Ladies from the division below. The lower league side pushing Chichester all the way the hosts leaving it very late to get the win to take them through Alex Collinghan scoring in the 86th minute was quickly followed by a 2nd goal from Cherelle Khassel to put them into the 4th Round draw.
The 4th Round Proper draw for the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday and for the 1st time it will see the sides from both FAWSL 1 and 2 enter at this stage with 32 sides left the 12 sides from the FAWPL getting the opportunity to maybe test themselves against the top women’s sides in the country the draw is listed below.
Durham Women FC v Sheffield FC Ladies
Aston Villa Ladies v Middlesborough
Sunderland AFC Ladies v Derby County Ladies or Brighouse Town Ladies
Keynsham Town Ladies v Lewes FC Women
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles
Liverpool Ladies v Watford Ladies
Cardiff City Ladies v Oxford United Women
The New Saints v Chichester City Ladies
Millwall Lionesses v Coventry United Ladies
Reading FC Women v Birmingham City Ladies
Plymouth Argyle Ladies v Leicester City Women
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC v Manchester City Women
Blackburn Rovers Ladies v Charlton Athletic Women
Yeovil Town Ladies v Arsenal Women
London Bees v Chelsea Ladies
Everton Ladies v Bristol City Ladies
The 4th Round ties are scheduled to be played Sunday 4th February with the winners receiving £2000.
FAWPL Plate
The FAWPL Cup and Plate competitions were heavily affected by the weather in December with a number of ties yet to be played with the FA Women’s Cup taking priority this Sunday several remain outstanding. One tie was settled in the Plate competition this weekend with Norwich City Ladies hosting Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Norwich City with some news to searching for a new 1st team manager, Grant Palmer joining the club after an extremely successful time with Essex side Harlow Town Ladies. Also coming in to join the coaching staff is Carla Dickinson.
On the pitch however Norwich couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start as they found themselves 2-0 inside 5 minutes. Heather McDonnell and Sasha Newsome scoring for Milton Keynes. Pulled a goal back late in the 1st half with Chelsea Garrett scoring. 2-1 at half-time Norwich got it back to 2-2 early in the 2nd half with Jodie Drake on target. Milton Keynes finished the stronger going on to the 2nd Round tie 4-2 to reach the next round of the FAWPL Plate, Amelia Hazard and Charly Wright getting the goals.
FAWPL Southern Division
Two games played in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday featuring the 4 sides at the bottom of the table. A frustrating afternoon at home for West Ham United Ladies as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Gillingham FC Ladies.
Queens Park Rangers Ladies travelled to play bottom side Swindon Town Ladies on Sunday Two goals in the 1st half from new signing Helen Ogle her first for the club saw the visitors leading 2-0 at half-time. Ogle going on to complete her hat-trick early in the second half. Kasha Petit also scoring just past the hour to see QPR leading 4-0. Mia Mugford pulling a goal back for Swindon Town in injury are still looking for their 1st league point as QPR winning 4-1 win their 2nd league game of the season moving onto 7 points 3 points behind the sides in 8th, 9th and 10th an have plenty of games in hand on all.
FAWPL South East Division One
AFC Wimbledon Ladies enjoyed a great 1st half of the season leading the FAWPL South East Division One table with a 5 point lead. Started the year at home to Cambridge United WFC. Katie Stanley giving the hosts an early lead netting in the 2nd minute. That was how the score remained for the next 83 minutes AFC Wimbledon only securing the 3 points with 5 minutes left to play in the 2nd half Jenny Banfield making it 2-0.
Leyton Orient WFC are enjoying a great debut year in the FAWPL too going into 2018 in 2nd place in South East Division One. Pulling 3 points away from 3rd placed Milton Keynes Dons at the weekend with a home win over Denham United Ladies . Top scorer Sophie Le Marchand giving Leyton Orient the lead in the 12th minute. Rebecca Hirst with her 1st goal for the club making it 2-0 on 21 minutes. Sophie Cheadle pulled it back to 2-1 for Denham United with 7 minutes left to play in the 1st half. No more goals added 2nd half the 2-1 sealing the 3 points for Leyton Orient WFC
Enfield Town Ladies came back form being a goal down at home to Actonians Ladies on Sunday to secure a point in South East Division One. Catherine Murphy scoring for Actonians to see them lead 1-0 at half-time conceded an own goal 20 minutes into the 2nd half to see the sides share the points.
This weekend saw the FA Women’s Cup reach the 2nd Round Proper when the sides from the FAWPL Northern and Southern Division enter the competition, 24 ties played up and down the country 11 of those ties featuring sides playing in the leagues covered by Women’s Football East, and it’s those ties that feature in this edition of The Round-Up.
Harlow Town Ladies were the only ERWFL side left in the FA Women’s Cup a tremendous achievement already by the Division One South newcomers making history to get this far were drawn away in the 2nd Round to FAWPL South East Division One side Luton Town Ladies in good form themselves with one defeat in their last 9 matches. It was the underdogs who took the lead in the game Chloe Bassett putting Harlow Town Ladies 1-0 up in the 15th minute. Held onto the narrow advantage going into half-time. Luton Town coming back to level the scores early in the 2nd half Jess McKay finding the back of the net the FAWPL side then went on to take the lead Kim Farrow making it 2-1 with 15 minutes left to play. Harlow kept battling and Bassett scored again with 2 minutes left on the clock to make it 2-2 and take the tie into extra-time. Neither side looking like it was going to find a winning goal in the extra 30 minutes penalties looming McKay scoring a worldie late on to send Luton Town through to the 3rd Round Proper and break Harlow Town hearts. A fantastic run by the lower league side running Luton so close.
Extra-time was going to be a feature of the day with several times needing to be settled in the extra 30 minutes. FAWPL South West Division One side Brislington Ladies were one of those as they hosted higher league opponents Swindon Town Ladies in the 2nd Round Proper. Goals from Polly Wardle and Jodie Arkell in the 2nd half seeing Brislington drawing with Swindon Town 2-2 after 90 minutes of play. Another late goal in extra-time settling the tie Arkell scoring her 2nd of the game deep into extra-time to send Brislington into the 3rd Round Proper with a 3-2 win.
FAWPL Southern Division side Gillingham FC Ladies were hosting Plymouth Argyle Ladies from South West Division One in the 2nd Round Proper on Sunday. Zoe Cunningham getting the visitors off to a prefect start putting Plymouth 1-0 inside 2 minutes. Gillingham found a levelling goal in the 20th minute Jade Keogh scoring from a corner. 1-1 that was how the scores remained for the rest of the 90 minutes the tie going to extra-time. Natasha Knapman scoring to put Plymouth into the lead in the 12th minute of extra-time, Ezme Wells made it 3-1 in the 2nd period of extra play to ensure Plymouth a happy journey on the long journey home as they booked their place in the 3rd Round Proper.
Another 2nd Round Proper tie going all the way to extra-time was the all FAWPL Southern Division clash between Chichester City Ladies and C&K Basildon Ladies the Essex side in great form 2nd in the league as they made the journey south on Sunday. Chichester taking an early lead Jess Lewry putting the home side 1-0 up on 7 minutes. Thing’s got worse for C&K Basildon 4 minutes later when they were reduced to 10, Amy Nash shown a straight red card. Despite this the visitors got back on level terms midway through the 2nd half awarded a penalty kick, captain Zoe Rushen sending the ball home to make it 1-1. The visitors going on to take the lead Therese Addison with the goal to see C&K Basildon lead 2-1 at half-time. Jade Widdows got it back to 2-2 for Chichester early in the 2nd half. With neither able to find a winning goal in the 90 at 2-2 the game went into extra-time. Late in the 1st period Chichester took the lead captain Emma Alexandre scoring to make it 3-2. Time left in the 1st period of extra-time and the hosts doubled their lead Cherelle Khassel with the goal sealing a 4-2 win for Chichester.
Women’s Football East headed down to Hertfordshire at the weekend to watch the all FAWPL South East Division One, FA Women’s Cup 2nd Round Proper tie between Stevenage Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies. History already made for Stevenage Ladies reaching the 2nd Round Proper were hosting a in form Ipswich Town Ladies side unbeaten in 8 going into the match. A competitive game Stevenage starting well opening the scoring in the 20th minute striker Amy Makewell inside the box turning a right wing cross home. Both sides giving it their all in an all action tie Stevenage leading 1-0 at half-time.
Sophie Welton bringing the ball forwards for Ipswich Town Ladies
Ipswich Town had threatened from corners earlier in the game coming close on two occasions eventually scoring the equaliser from a 3rd midway through the 2nd half Natasha Thomas rising highest at the near post to make it 1-1. That the score after 90 minutes the tie heading into extra-time both goalkeepers making saves to keep the scores level two excellent save from Ipswich Town’s Sian Fagg to deny Stevenage both sides trying to find a winning goal neither managing the tie to be settled with penalties, a lottery it was Stevenage to take the 1st, missed they saw their next saved before a 2nd miss, Ipswich scoring both their opening penalties it was Gemma Moore a late introduction to the pitch in extra-time to take the visitors 3rd penalty she scored to see Ipswich Town Ladies advance to the 3rd Round Proper.
New London Lionesses were the lowest ranked side left in the FA Women’s Cup playing in the 7th tier were hosting FAWPL Southern Division side, Crystal Palace Ladies in the 2nd Round Proper of the competition. Their run coming to an end as Crystal Palace booked their place in the 3rd Round Proper with a 3-0 win, Megan Chandler, Stefanie Simmons and Gemma Bryan scoring the goals.
A late winning goal scored 5 minutes from time saw FAWPL Southern Division side, Cardiff City Ladies go through to the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup as they faced a possible upset away to South East Division One high flyers Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. The sides goalless up until the 85th minute Jasmine Turner introduced to the game in the 2nd half popping up with the winning goal for Cardiff City Ladies.
FAWPL South East Division One leaders, AFC Wimbledon Ladies were hosting Southern Division side Portsmouth FC Ladies in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday. Ingrid Asplund putting the lower league side into an early 7th minute lead Wimbledon held onto the advantage going into half-time. Portsmouth levelling the tie with 7 minutes played in the 2nd half Samantha Quayle making it 1-1 the visitors going on to win the tie 2-1 to reach the 3rd Round Proper with Amelia Southgate scoring the winner.
FAWPL Southern Division side Lewes FC Women were hosting Enfield Town Ladies from South East Division One in the 2nd Round Proper on Sunday reached the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with a comfortable result helped by an early goal Danielle Lane scoring in the 4th minute, Rebecca Carter putting Lewes 2-0 up inside the opening quarter hour. Lane adding her 2nd of the game late in the 1st half the lead 4-0 at the break with Charlotte Owens scoring in stoppage time. Two quickfire goals on 51 and 53 minutes put Lewes 6-0 up early in the 2nd half with Lane going on to complete her hat-trick on the hour mark to see Lewes win 7-0.
Coventry United Ladies were drawn at home in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup to fellow Southern Division side West Ham United Ladies, close 2-1 wins home and away to Coventry recently in the league the home side won for a 3rd time on Sunday. Marie Gauntlett’s 16th minute goal seeing Coventry leading 1-0 at half-time. West Ham United getting back on level terms early in the 2nd half Chenise Austin scoring in the 52nd minute. It didn’t take Coventry long to restore their lead Keeley Davies making it 2-1 2 minutes later. The hosts then went on to secure the win with 4 more goals Alison Hall, Anna Wilcox, Helen Dermody and Laura Cooper all on target in a 6-1 win.
In the other all FAWPL Southern Division tie played in the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup league leaders Charlton Athletic Women were at home in an London derby with Queen’s Park Rangers Ladies on Sunday. An own goal scored with 41 minutes played giving Charlton the lead Charlotte Gurr scored to make it 2-0 just before the half-time break. Gurr added a 2nd goal early in the 2nd half before going on to score a hat-trick with captain Kimberley Dixson adding a 5th goal with 20 minutes left to play to see Charlton into the 3rd Round Proper draw.
Made on Monday the 3rd Round Proper draw for the FA Women’s Cup sees 12 ties to be played in the New Year on the 7th of January all 12 listed below. The winners receiving £1000.
Cardiff City Ladies v Burnley Ladies
Fylde Ladies v Plymouth Argyle Ladies
Keynsham Town Ladies v Brislington Ladies
Huddersfield Town Ladies v Lewes FC Women
Leicester City Women v Bradford City Women
Newcastle United Women v The New Saints Ladies
Blackburn Rovers Ladies v Portsmouth FC Ladies
Derby County Ladies v Brighouse Town Ladies or Wolverhampton Wanderers Ladies
Ipswich Town Ladies v Charlton Athletic Women
Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies
Middlesborough Women v Liverpool Marshalls Feds Ladies
Action from the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup this Sunday afternoon a trip to Hertfordshire to watch the all FAWPL South East Division One tie between Stevenage Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies.
History for Stevenage Ladies has already been made reaching the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup for the 1st time. Progressing well as a club overall supported well by Stevenage FC themselves the 1st team gaining promotion to the FAWPL the season before last, are building well on the pitch after their 1st season playing at this level in 8th position one point short of last season’s tally already. Manager Reece Buck recruiting over the close season bringing in Paige Logie, Ashleigh Deacon and the returning Nicole Emming’s all with Cambridge United WFC last season.
The 1st team at Stevenage being pushed hard by their Reserves side leading the ERWFL Division One South winning all 9 of their opening league games scoring 52 goals along the way and yet to concede, keeping the 1st team on it’s toes. Stevenage entering the FA Women’s Cup in 3rd Round Qualifying a comfortable 8-0 win away to Hassocks LFC to reach the 1st Round Proper. At home to former ERWFL Premier Division rivals Acle United Ladies, Stevenage won 4-1 to reach the 2nd Round Proper.
Ipswich Town Ladies are currently 5th in FAWPL South East Division One actually their lowest position so far this season having been in the top four for a long period very much amongst those hoping to challenge for the title this season are unbeaten in 8 games in league and cup. Like Stevenage, Ipswich have a 2nd side a new Development side that won the Suffolk Women’s Division title in it’s 1st season now promoted to the ERWFL Division One North players from that side going on to appear for the 1st team. Have brought in Gemma Moore and Cassie Craddock previously with Lowestoft Town Ladies and Jordan Arnoup good to see her back on the pitch after a long period out of the game with injury. Speaking of injury however have unfortunately lost goalkeeper Leanne Smith to a long term injury, Sian Fagg usually playing outfield taking on the role between the sticks.
Ipswich Town Ladies entered the FA Women’s Cup in 3rd Round Qualifying away to Cambridge City Ladies beating the ERWFL Premier Division side 5-1. At home in the 1st Round Proper taking on Leyton Orient WFC newly promoted to FAWPL South East Division One and up their in the top 4 with Ipswich the game finishing 2-2 in normal time Ipswich went on to win in extra-time 4-2 to progress to the 2nd Round Proper.
Stevenage play their home games at Hertingfordbury Park, home of Hertford Town FC. A good sized non league ground, a small seated stand on one side housing the changing rooms, a small clubhouse too serving hot and cold drinks. The pitch looking a little worn has seen alot of football looked a little boggy in places, at the start of December a reasonably cold day, gloomy and dull overhead but little chance of rain.
Ipswich Town Ladies starting XI – Sian Fagg, Jac Ball, Jordan Arnoup, Lindsey Cooper, Harriet Petley, Cassie Craddock, Amanda Crump (C), Zoe Cossey, Sophie Welton, Natasha Thomas & Jade Henry. Subs – Miagh Downey, Tori Campbell, Nicole Pannifer, Florence Cage& Gemma Moore.
It’s Stevenage to kick off the match wearing white and red vertical striped shirts with red shorts and socks with Ipswich lined up opposite wearing blue shirts and socks with white shorts. The home side look to move the ball across the pitch forwards down the right side the ball played into the area with Amy Makewell giving chase, Ipswich’s Lindsey Cooper gets across to slide in to challenge, Makewell squeezes the ball in towards the near post goalkeeper Sian Fagg is across covering the angle gathers the ball.
Ipswich win the ball in the middle of the park the pass out to Zoe Cossey left wing looks to attack sends the cross into the area cut out by Dominique Godbeer the middle of Stevenage’s 3 at the back the clearance falls to Ipswich captain midfielder Amanda Crump tries to lift the ball back into the Stevenage area the ball is cleared. Cossey with another run left side, Natasha Thomas and Jade Henry up front for Ipswich in the area her cross is over both retrieved by right back Jac Ball getting up the pitch on the right her cross is blocked by Stevenage’s Tanya Blacksley. The home side look to counter attack Ellie Searle on the ball carries it forwards is stopped by Cooper.
Stevenage Ladies, Ellie Searle
Room on the left wing for Leah Littlechild for Stevenage whips a cross into the box too close to the near post is collected by Fagg. Ipswich launch a rapid counter move the ball through the middle into Henry up top good control takes on the shot from 25 yards out is straight at goalkeeper Katherine Long who makes the comfortable save. Stevenage win their 1st corner of the game delivered left side Ipswich defend at the near post.
Ipswich’s Jade Henry, marked by Stevenage’s Tanya Blacksley
A lively start to the game both sides competitive and looking to move the ball quickly little break in the action. Searle with another positive forwards run through the middle holding the ball up 25 yards out lays the pass back to captain Chloe Gunn she finds Littlechild free on the left going forwards her cross into the box is cleared comes back to the advancing Gunn now 20 yards out left shifts the ball then shoots the ball zipping in towards goal Fagg makes a great save getting low to her right to push the ball away from goal.
Ashleigh Deacon bringing the ball on down the right wing for Stevenage sees her cross into the area headed clear by Ipswich’s Harriet Petley. A free kick to Ipswich wide left on the halfway line Crump plays the ball long into the box to be attacked Jordan Arnoup gets her head on the ball sends her shot wide across the Stevenage goal however play is stopped by an offside flag. Henry and Thomas link up on the right wing as Ipswich launch a counter attack, Thomas sending a high ball in towards goal is collected at head height by Long at her near post.
GOAL! 20 minutes into the game and the home side open the scoring attacking down the right side from a throw in the ball is with Deacon played into the area Makewell has made a fantastic run getting away from her marker, great control and shoots to send the ball in at the near post 1-0.
Amy Makewell opens the scoring for Stevenage Ladies
Ipswich look for a quick response from the restart the ball with Cossey left side good footwork to get up the pitch the ball squared into the middle the shot is taken from distance doesn’t trouble Long in the Stevenage goal. A fantastic defensive tackle from Paige Logie to deny Cossey an opportunity to skip in behind with the ball as Craddock does well in the middle for Ipswich. Up the other end Gunn taking the ball forwards tries to play the through ball in for Makewell peeling off the centre backs, Ball is round on the cover for Ipswich to win the ball.
The wide players for both sides are seeing plenty of the ball, Cossey breaking forwards with purpose again left side sees Sophie Welton on the opposite flank looking to get into the box sends her cross long, Blacksley is aware of the threat to the Stevenage defender winning the ball at the top of her area. Littlechild has a clear field ahead of her on the left as the ball is won in the middle fired out to her driving forwards into the box strikes the shot the low ball racing wide across the face of goal. A throw in left side 25 yards out played in Makewell a turn and strike sweeps the shot wide across the goal.
The goal has swelled Stevenage’s confidence are getting players forwards and pressurising the ball when out of possession. Welton brings down Gunn in a central position. Is Gunn to take the free kick 30 yards out goes for goal the ball over the wall straight at Fagg the keeper gathering the shot. All action Ball looks to go beyond Henry off an Ipswich throw inside the Stevenage half right side up ended by Gunn the visitors with a free kick outside the top corner of the area Crump plays the ball towards the far post, Stevenage regain he ball counter attack the ball up the field Makewell giving chase Fagg out to the edge of her area kicks the ball clear.
Cossey with the ball left side her cross over Crump arriving in the box making a run from midfield, Blacksley beyond half clears the ball 20 yards out is dropping for Welton closed down can’t get the shot under control as she strikes the ball slicing it wide of the target. Ball makes a good run infield with the ball from the right on for Henry up front into the box, Godbeer does well getting across the attacker to get her head on the ball first, Long able to collect. Welton wins Ipswich a corner on the right players come forwards from the back one of those is Cooper, Crump’s delivery is perfect Cooper gets up 8 yards out headers the ball just over the crossbar.
Lindsey Cooper header flies over the bar for Ipswich Town Ladies
More good defending from Godbeer to deny Henry a chance inside the box as the attacker looks to receive the ball from Welton’s good right wing run. Cossey on the opposite side whips a low cross in towards the near post Thomas there to try and attack it under challenge sends her attempt wide of goal. Fagg sliding in claims the ball before Searle can latch onto it inside the area following good control from Emmings to see the ball into her body centrally and send the pass into the box.
Half-time Stevenage Ladies 1-0 Ipswich Town Ladies
That 45 minutes flew by all action both sides constantly looking to get forwards no one getting much time on the ball. A lively contest both sides creating chances, Stevenage with the narrow advantage competing well, right now the tie looks like it could go either way cup football at its best.
No changes for either side at the start of the 2nd half Ipswich to get the 2nd 45 underway. A little bit of hesitancy at the back from Stevenage as they break up an Ipswich attack however the visitors don’t capitalise the ball regained and cleared. Ipswich win a corner on the right following good work from Ball getting forwards receiving the lay off from Henry putting the ball in towards the top of the area. A great chance from a corner in the 1st half for Cooper, she is close again as the delivery is played in near post gets her head on the ball drills the attempt wide of the near post.
Sophie Welton bringing the ball forwards for Ipswich Town Ladies
Stevenage get the ball forwards Breckenridge on for Makewell moving left her early cross into the area is over Emmings head central and evades Littlechild beyond out of play a corner is signalled. Taken from the right towards the top of the Ipswich area the ball is cleared back out to Emmings on the right sends the ball back into the area, Godbeer gets her head on the ball drops safely for Fagg to collect.
Cossey bringing the ball on down the left for Ipswich sends a pass forwards through the middle, Blacksley misses her clearance comes onto Henry 25 yards out the ball doesn’t sit the striker not catching it cleanly the shot bounces safely on for Long to gather. Searle is brought down by Cooper as she comes forwards through the middle with the ball for Stevenage. The free kick 25 yards out central Gunn over it goes for goal on target but straight into Fagg’s gloves.
Ipswich Town Ladies, Zoe Cossey
Getting a little more physical out there the referee needing to have a word with a few players from both sides, Ipswich half a free kick just inside their own half is played long into the area dipping on Long the keeper looks to have it inside her six yard box but spills it out to her right Crump racing in blasts her shot over from a tight angle. Another free kick on halfway this time Crump on the ball play it forwards into the area gets through the crowd is claimed by Long in goal beyond.
The energy levels remain high from both sides, Ipswich looking to get forwards Stevenage nipping at the ball winning it and looking to counter, Searle and Gunn ahead of Breckenridge. Crump gives away the free kick inside the centre circle the ball played high into the area his headed clear by Thomas for Ipswich.
Cara Breckenridge on the ball for Stevenage Ladies
Ipswich come forwards Welton on the ball right inside to Craddock on for Cossey going up the left wing tackled by Logie the corner conceded. The ball is delivered near post drops to the floor Cooper tries to deflect it goalwards cleared back out to the taker put back into the area again Henry central sees her downwards header cleared off the line. Good defending from Petley for Ipswich as Searle plays the ball in behind for Emmings to chase Petley cutting out her cross. The visitors make the 1st change of the game Nicole Pannifer coming on for Henry. The substitute going to left back Arnoup moving into midfield.
Stevenage Ladies, Nicole Emmings
Direct play from Stevenage almost puts Gunn through on goal the ball kicked long by Long is flicked on with Gunn breaking in behind trying to get into the area, Fagg quick off her line slides in gathering the ball momentum seeing Gunn collide with her. Both are okay.
GOAL! Good work from Cossey on the right side the ball on for Thomas she is tackled by Godbeer inside the area to concede the corner kick. Ipswich already proving they are a threat from corners score the equalising goal the ball whipped in near post Thomas get’s up well to get her head on the ball powers it across goal and in off a defender who has no time at all to react 1-1.
Searle is fouled coming forwards for Stevenage on the left side half way out Gunn plays the ball long into the area appears to go through everyone and out of play however a corner is signalled. Played in towards Logie at the top of the area right of the D gets her foot over the ball her shot on target Fagg is prevented from gathering it on her line as a Stevenage player gets across her deflected out to the right a shot from close range is blocked a 2nd corner given this one successfully defended.
The game is stretched a little moving into the last 15 minutes both sides still looking for a goal both believing the game is there to be won. Long makes a great save on her line as Thomas looks to sweep the shot home at the near post following Welton’s right wing cross. Stevenage make their 1st change of the match, Deacon coming off to be replaced by Kristi Burling. The referee has been reluctant to show any cards but the fouls are mounting up Crump is the 1st player booked sliding in from behind.
A penalty shout for Stevenage as Makewell goes down under challenge inside the box from a throw in on the left, the referee waves play on. Makewell is presented with a goal scoring chance at close range as Ipswich attempt to header the ball back to Fagg dropping late on the keeper the ball is spilt Makewell racing in pokes the ball wide of the left post. Ipswich work the ball down the right Crump inside for Craddock her shot from 25 yards out is charged down spins away to the right the cross drilled back in rebounds back off the near post then the follow up strike is blasted wide across the six yard box.Cossey with a run through the middle shoots wide from 25 yards out for Ipswich . The score remains 1-1 as the 90 minutes are up the tie heading into extra-time.
Full time Stevenage Ladies 1-1 Ipswich Town Ladies
A really good match to watch, the action non stop either side could yet still win in Ipswich getting the equaliser 2nd half the energy levels from both sides remaining high throughout more fouls creeping in 2nd half.
Extra-time
Ipswich to kick off the 1st period of extra-time. A great chance straight away for the visitors as Craddock steals possession from Burling at the back and plays the ball into the area right side with Ball providing the run a blasts her shot wide across the Stevenage goal. Makewell up the other end bursts forwards with the ball taking it into the right corner flashes a cross along the face of the Ipswich goal.
Stevenage with a free kick wide on the left played into the top of the box Burling with the header sends the ball looping up into the air Ipswich head clear comes back to Searle plays the ball back into the area the 2nd clearance falling to Emming’s outside the area right of the D sends her shot wide. Stevenage press forwards Littlechild on the move left side her cross squared in along the top of the Ipswich area Makewell arriving sends her 1st time strike up over the bar.
Fagg with an easy save as the shot is put straight at her from distance by Emming’s following good work from Gunn winning the ball and playing her in. Gunn then shoots wide from distance following a run with the ball at her feet through the middle. Stevenage make a 2nd change Rebecca Scola coming on for Searle. A corner late in the 1st period of extra-time for Ipswich Thomas with the header on near post Arnoup central headers the ball down towards goal Stevenage clear.
A substitution for Ipswich at the start of the 2nd period of extra-time, Miagh Downey on for Welton as Stevenage get thing’s started. Gunn with more good work on the ball for Stevenage is brought down by Thomas wide left. The ball cleared Ipswich attack the ball into Cossey through the middle no advance as she is tugged back by Burling the free kick awarded 30 yards out. The shot is attempted a yard wide of the top right corner.
Both sides still going for it no one is shutting up shop a quick free kick taken by Stevenage has Emmings away down the left into the corner her cross in cleared by Cooper comes back to her, another cross put in lands in the side netting. Gunn brings the ball on plays it through for Emmings trying to get into the area from the left cut out by Petley the corner conceded, Stevenage make their final change before it is taken Danielle Maloney coming on for Makewell. From the left the corner is taken short rolled into Gunn coming and calling for it turns inside 25 yards out connects with the shot wall flying towards the top corner Fagg with a top class save to tip the ball up over her crossbar.
Ipswich Town Ladies goalkeeper, Sian Fagg
Thomas is shown a yellow after mounting up the warnings a free kick for Stevenage wide right Emmings over it goes for the shot angling in near post another excellent save from Fagg to tip the ball over once again. The corner taken from the left cleared into Gunn outside the box central blazes her shot over the crossbar. Stevenage pressing hard late on Ipswich make a late change Gemma Moore their final substitution coming on for Cossey. The final whistle and this tie will be settled from the penalty spot.
Penalties
I might have mentioned I hate penalty shootouts before so moving on it’s a lottery now both sides have put so much into the game a late winner for either side would have been tough to take. A shootout then for a place in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.
The sides gather on halfway to watch the penalty shootout
Stevenage to take the opening penalty kick. Breckenridge puts the ball down on the spot and takes it, Fagg dives to her left guessing right the ball misses running wide of the post 0-0.
Arnoup to take Ipswich’s first penalty kick, a confident strike through the middle high into the back of the net to give the visitors the advantage 0-1.
Jordan Arnoup scores Ipswich Town Ladies first penalty
Up comes Logie to take Stevenage’s 2nd penalty sends the ball low towards the bottom left corner Fagg guesses right getting down to make the save 0-1.
Thomas walks forwards to take Ipswich’s 2nd penalty no messing straight down the middle to double the advantage 0-2.
Emming’s comes forwards to take Stevenage’s third penalty goes the opposite side to the previous two wrong footing Fagg however sending the ball high, too high it goes over the crossbar 0-2.
Up comes Moore to take Ipswich’s 3rd penalty only just introduced to the action no doubt not expecting her penalty to be the one that would send Ipswich through to the 3rd Round, a low and confident strike through the middle she turns to celebrate and is mobbed by her on rushing team mates Ipswich win on penalties 3-0.
It’s a cruel way to end a match but it has to be settled one way or anther Ipswich go through to the 3rd Round Proper extend their unbeaten run to 9 games too. A great game to watch a good sized crowd in attendance too, witnessed a good contest between two committed sides end to end and rarely stopping to draw breath. Stevenage’s run comes to an end but shouldn’t be disappointed too much a great effort today.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
I do make it hard for myself at times since deciding to name a Women’s Football East – Playerof the Match another tough call today good performances from players on both sides all over the pitch the back 3 for Stevenage, Fagg with some excellent saves in extra-time, Cossey on the wing for Ipswich. Overall however for today’s Player of the Match I have gone with Stevenage’s captain, Chloe Gunn, a tremendous work rate in the middle of the park good timing of passes and runs forwards a threat from a set-piece too.
Enjoyed today got to love a cup tie, a great game to watch, tough to end on penalties. My thanks to both sides for their help today. Best of luck to Ipswich Town Ladies in the 3rd Round Draw.
This Sunday saw the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup take place with 8 ties featuring sides across the East looking for a place in the next round of the competition when the sides from the FAWPL Southern & Northern Division league enter.
FAWPL South East Division One leaders, AFC Wimbledon Ladies were at home in the 1st Round Proper taking on Godalming Town Ladies who knocked out fellow South East Division One side Haringey Borough Women in the previous round a tougher test against the side leading the division this time around. Abbie Measures giving Wimbledon an early lead scoring in the 5th minute. Rebecca Sargent making it 2-0 closing in on the half hour. Kelly-Jade Whelan with a 3rd goal late in the 1st half. Georgia Heasman extending Wimbledon’s lead to 4-0 early in the 2nd half added another 5 minutes from time to see Wimbledon safely through.
Dawn Mallett was the star of the show for Milton Keynes Dons Ladies netting 4 goals for the visitors in their victory over Ashford Middlesex LFC. Alice Hughes and Amelia Hazard also both getting a goal each in a 6-0 win to take Milton Keynes Dons through to the 2nd Round.
An all Bedfordshire affair in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies hosting FAWPL South East Division One side Luton Town Ladies. A comfortable win for the higher league side pushing Dunstable for a goal Jess McKay eventually making the break through. Nicola Henman adding a 2nd goal for Luton before McKay netting her 2nd of the match to see the visitors leading 3-0 at half-time. Dionne Manning getting on the scoresheet in the 2nd half to seal a 4-0 win.
It was and all FAWPL Division One clash in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup at Mildenhall Town FC with Cambridge United WFC, from the South East taking on Midlands side, Long Eaton United Ladies. The visitors working hard in windy conditions to press their opponents for the ball creating the opening to score midway through the 2nd half working the ball from a corner back into the box to pick out the unmarked, Jade Arber to head the ball home from close range. A narrow advantage Long Eaton defended well from the rest of the game as Cambridge pressed from an equalising goal, Long Eaton goalkeeper Lia Kellogg with some vital saves to maintain the visiting sides lead, Arber goal enough to take them through to the 2nd Round.
Jade Arber on the ball for Long Eaton United Ladies
Another all FAWPL Division One tie saw South East high flyers Ipswich Town Ladies & Leyton Orient Women meet on Sunday the 4th & 3rd placed sides both in great form. Ipswich with he narrow advantage scoring just before the half-time interval Sophie Welton putting the ball in following a goalmouth scramble from a corner kick. Ipswich doubling their lead midway through the 2nd half with Cassie Craddock scoring the goal. Into the last 5 minutes of normal time and a frantic finish with Leyton Orient pulling it back to 2-1 Kayleigh Xidhas sending the ball home, the visitors forcing the tie into extra-time with an unfortunate own goal from Ipswich. Into extra-time, Sian Fagg keeping goal for Ipswich making a fine save to deny Leyton Orient before Ipswich restored their lead substitute Gemma Moore getting the goal. The visitors are then awarded a penalty a chance to level the scores once more Fagg makes the save. Into the 2nd period of extra-time 3 minutes left and Ipswich get a 2 goal cushion Zoe Cossey sending the ball into the back of the net to make it 4-2 and send Ipswich through to the 2nd Round.
Stevenage Ladies were at home in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup taking on ERWFL Premier Division side, Acle United Ladies. Chances for the FAWPL South East Division One side however they were to fall behind in the tie, Lauren Bullard capitalising in hesitation at the back to nip in and score for Acle in 23 minutes. Stevenage coming back into the tie late in the 1st half Leah Littlechild levelling it up at 1-1 before Nicole Emmings scored to see Stevenage 2-1 up at half-time. Donna McGuigan on hand to make it 3-1 to the hosts 2nd half. Amy Makewell scoring too to secure a 4-1 and see Stevenage progress.
ERWFL Division One North side Wymondham Town Ladies have enjoyed the FA Women’s Cup in recent seasons this time around reaching the 1st Round Proper of the competition for the 1st time in their history. A trip down to the Queen Elizabeth II stadium to play FAWPL South East Division One side, Enfield Town Ladies. two leagues between the sides lower league Wymondham gave their hosts a run for their money, Laura Nicholls in fine goal scoring form putting the visitors into the lead in the 18th minute. Nadine Basson making it 2-0 to Wymondham with 6 minutes of the 1st half left. Enfield mounted a 2nd half comeback however, Nuala McKevitt scoring from a corner early in the 2nd half to make it 2-1. Lisa Kline levelling it at 2-2 with 20 minutes left then 5 minutes from time Stavroulla Panayiotou broke Wymondham hearts by netting the winning goal to see Enfield take the tie 3-2 to reach the 2nd Round.
Two sides making history in the FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Proper in an all ERWFL tie with Division One South side Harlow Ladies hosting Premier Division counterparts, Royston Town Ladies in front of a record crowd at the Harlow Arena on Sunday. The sides contesting a goalless 1st 45 minutes, Harlow broke the stalemate early in the 2nd half Lily Bruno scoring the goal. Royston came back to level the scores Becky Shephard making it 1-1. 3 minutes from time Harlow found the winning goal, Tayla Handscombe the play to score and send Harlow Town Ladies into the 2nd Round Proper.
The draw for the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup was made this Monday, ties scheduled to be played Sun 3rd December with the winners receiving £900. Selected ties featuring sides from the East.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies v Cardiff City Ladies
Lewes FC Women v Enfield Town Ladies
Charlton Athletic Women v Queens Park Ranger Ladies
Gillingham FC Ladies v Plymouth Argyle Ladies or Basingstoke Ladies
Returning to the football after a well needed rest the action this Sunday from the FA Women’s Cup the qualifying rounds on to the 1st Round Proper of the competition at Mildenhall Town FC today to watch Cambridge United WFC v Long Eaton United Ladies.
FAWPL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC enjoyed a fantastic run in the FA Women’s Cup last season making it all the way to the 3rd Round Proper where they were eventually knocked out by FAWSL 2 side Aston Villa Ladies. Will be hoping for another good run this time around. 5th in the league have a much changed squad from last season several new faces in the side haven’t achieved the consistency of results from last season that saw them amongst the title challengers.
My 1st look at Derbyshire side, Long Eaton United Ladies now into their 2nd season in FAWPL Midlands Division One. Currently searching for a new 1st team manager struggled in the league early on losing 5 of their opening 6 games however have recovered recently finding form winning their last 3 matches in league and cup.
Both sides entering the competition in the last round, 3rd Round Qualifying faced fellow sides from their respective leagues, Cambridge United WFC hosting Norwich City Ladies winning 4-0. Long Eaton United Ladies were also at home beat Leicester City Ladies 3-1 to advance into the 1st Round Proper.
The venue for today’s game, Mildenhall Town FC the pitch as ever looking in fantastic condition, sloping from one goal to the other. A chilly day with a strong breeze blowing down the pitch, cloudy but no rain forecast.
Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Chloe Crook, Nettie Stillinger, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Carolyn Sarafian, Laura Bright (C), Laura Baker, Charlotte Crisp, Emma Jenkins Amy Howlett, Nuala Wayne & Lauren Gibson. Subs – Gabrielle Whitehurst, Lauren Cartwright & Amber Cantwell.
Long Eaton United starting XI – Lia Kellogg, Laura Robinson, Lucie Johnstone, Cala Thornton, Katherine Clarice (C), Amy Pashley, Chloe Dixon, Laura Sears, Jade Arber, Viki Adam & Cara Newton. Subs – Elle Rowson, Suzanne Hart, Jamie Kingham.
A minutes silence observed before kick-off like all matches across the country to mark Remembrance Sunday. It’s the visitors Long Eaton to kick off the 1st half with the wind in their favour. Wear an all navy blue kit. Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black shirts, black shorts and socks. A scrappy opening to the game Cambridge pressing Long Eaton in possession. A ball threaded through the midfield by Long Eaton’s Amy Pashley almost has striker Viki Adams through on the Cambridge goal, a great tackle from captain, Laura Bright playing in midfield she’s the home side regain possession Bright out to Amy Howlett right side her crossfield ball picking out Emma Jenkins on the opposite flank, knocks the ball forwards is stopped by Long Eaton’s captain, Katherine Clarice at the top of the area.
Jade Arber on the ball for Long Eaton United Ladies
The pressing from both sides sees a lack of goalmouth action in the opening minutes. Long Eaton closing Cambridge down in some cases a little to strongly a push in the back on Cambridge striker Lauren Gibson bringing the home side a free kick, a good way out wide right the ball up towards the box standing up in the wind Long Eaton head clear, attack down the other end Pashley running forwards the ball rolled into her uses the momentum to try a shot from distance with the strong wind behind her 35 yards out the effort sails over the Cambridge goal.
A free kick awarded to Long Eaton wide left in a good position as Jade Arber is fouled. An attempt at goal sees Cambridge goalkeeper Chloe Crook on loan from Tottenham Hotspur Ladies produce a great save the ball tipped onto the bar, bounces down back into play inside the six yard box right of goal a 2nd shot comes in Nettie Stillinger covering the post rushing out makes the block the rebound hit back in towards goal finds the side netting.
A clever turn from Gibson as the pass is played into her by Charlotte Crisp the striker’s progress is then halted as she is clipped on the back of the ankle by Pashley the referee awarding the free kick. 35 yards out to the right Bright sends the ball up towards the area another wind affected delivery giving the Long Eaton defence time to get under the ball the visitors counter attack the ball put on for Adams running through the middle 30 yards out pulls the trigger her effort rolling wide across the goal.
Excellent hold up play from Jenkins keeping possession on the left side support from Carolyn Sarafain coming forwards to receive the cross a good delivery into the area Long Eaton goalkeeper Lia Kellogg coming confidently through bodies to claim the ball on the penalty spot. Up the other end Long Eaton build Chloe Dixon on for Cara Newton in attack, Arber has space to run into Newton picks her out her cross in sliced is angling towards Crook’s near post the keeper taking the ball high with Adam coming in.
Emma Jenkins bring the ball on for Cambridge United WFC
The pressing game from Long Eaton along with the final ball not finding it’s target sees Cambridge getting a little frustrated, Baker receives a talking to by the referee committing another foul soon after results in her receiving a yellow card. Midway through the 1st half little goalmouth action. No one getting much time on the ball. A free kick for the visitors wide left quite away out with with the advantage of the wind the ball is put in towards the box Crook going for it gets a fist on the ball taking out one of her own players in the process at the far post the ball spins behind for the 1st corner of the game.
GOAL! A good delivery from the corner finds Clarice central top of the area the ball at her feet not allowed to turn gets the ball back to the corner taker sent back in Cambridge defend near post the ball back out the the right side Long Eaton keep hold of it the cross whipped back in finds Arber unmarked inside the six yard box puts her head onto the ball knocking at down into the back of the net 0-1.
Jade Arber scores the headed goal to put Long Eaton United Ladies 1-0 up
Howlett finding some space on the right gets up to the corner her attempted cross charged down by Long Eaton left back Lucie Johnstone brings the home side their 1st corner of the game, Baker to play in a good ball in central Nuala Wayne gets her head on the ball knocking it in towards goal too many bodies in the way the ball is launched clear. Long Eaton ready to break whenever Cambridge commit players forwards Arber left and Laura Sears right on the move to support the top two, Adam and Newton. A corner won on the right side. Delivered near post with Sears coming to meet the ball her header deflecting the ball towards goal is straight in to Crook’s gloves.
Cambridge United WFC’s, Amy Howlett
Long Eaton winning the physical battle are just getting there before Cambridge to most things adding to the home sides frustration. Arber with a great touch as the ball is played into her on the left side, for a moment looks like she might be away, Kayleigh-Anne Burt playing in the centre of Cambridge’s back three across on the cover quickly sliding in with a fantastic tackle to stop the winger. More good link up play between Long Eaton’s Adam and Newton out to Arber left the return ball to Newton looking to get into the box doesn’t quite come off. Keeping the pressure on a throw left side his worked in field to Dixon 25 yards out her shot screws away from target.
Long Eaton United Ladies, Chloe Dixon with Cambridge’s Laura Baker
5 minutes left to play in the 1st half, Long Eaton working hard to prevent Cambridge any time on the ball win another corner, An inswinging ball, Crook punches well to get it away near post but is fouled doing so. Sarafian bringing the ball on for Cambridge into Jenkins, tacked by Laura Robinson the throw to the home side high up the pitch inside to Wayne allowed a bit of space 25 yards out left of the goal takes on the shot her strike running wide across the goal.
Pashley is fouled on the halfway line, with the wind goes for goal the ball over the bar. Cambridge push on late in the half Baker with the run on the ball into Gibson top of the area no room to turn Thornton sending the ball forwards for Long Eaton the break is on Newton with the ball right side two at the back for Cambridge, she takes on the shot from 30 yards out, not seeing Arber in acres of space to the left her strike racing along the ground wide across the Cambridge goal.
Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Long Eaton United Ladies
Long Eaton go into the dressing room at half-time with a narrow 1-0 lead. A scrappy 1st half a proper cup tie, the visitors working hard to press Cambridge and with the wind to their advantage have exploited the conditions well. Chances have been few and far between Crook the busier of the 2 keepers, Cambridge yet to test Kellogg up the other end frustrated the final ball just not finding it’s mark. At 1-0 the tie is very much alive with another 45 minutes to come and the rest if needed.
A change in the weather 2nd half the strong wind that has been present throughout the 1st half no longer present as the clouds break up the sun making an appearance doing nothing to warm things up however. Cambridge attacking down the slope 2nd half to kick off the 2nd half no changes for either side. Newton gets hold of the ball for Long Eaton inside the opponents half driving forwards with the ball at her feet looking to get into the box is tackled well by Baker. Cambridge get the ball forwards on the right Howlett putting the ball in early to the middle Jenkins drifting inside with the 1st time strike 25 yards out puts the ball well over the bar.
Cambridge starting the 2nd half better getting more bodies forwards, Bright working hard in the middle to keep possession with the home side. Jenkins a hard player to get off the ball when she has it at her feet winning Cambridge a throw left side the ball played into he middle Sarafian with the shot from a long way out over the bar. Cambridge with a corner right side the ball put into the box, Burt closest tries to muscle her way through the Long Eaton defence they scramble it clear. Long Eaton soaking up the Cambridge pressure counter attack Sears getting free on the right wing inside for Pashley 25 yards out lifts her shot wide of the Cambridge goal.
Long Eaton United Ladies, Laura Sears
The sun setting low over one corner of the ground not helping Cambridge’s cause the home side with more of the ball in the Long Eaton half. Sears goes down after a challenge needing to come off close to the dug out does so but play goes on the sub not ready. Cambridge are attacking the ball swept in from the right Gibson going for it doesn’t get a touch through to Kellogg. Elle Rowson comes on for Long Eaton to replace Sears.
Cambridge make a double substitution, Crisp and Wayne coming off for Lauren Cartwright and Amber Cantwell. Cantwell is fouled out wide left Cambridge awarded the free kick. The shot is taken the ball hit over the crossbar. Jenkins spins in behind turning her marker on the left taking the ball in field an unorthodox piece of defending from Long Eaton’s captain Clarice as she falls over before Jenkins gets to her grounded the attacker runs straight into her the ball deflected away to be cleared.
A good run and pass from Cartwright to put Jenkins away on the left wing, Thornton coming across on the cover to put the ball behind for the corner kick. The delivery fired in with pace finds Cartwright 10 yards out the ball headed down towards goal cleared off the line, play is stopped however as the referee spots a foul on the keeper. Into the last 20 minutes of the game. Jenkins moving into a central position the ball rolled into her from the left flank 25 yards out strikes the ball sweetly angling towards the far post an excellent save from Kellogg diving to her right to push the ball away.
Long Eaton United Ladies goalkeeper Lia Kellogg
Long Eaton play the ball out from the back Adam into Rowson central into the Cambridge half her threaded pass finding Newton central at the top of the area puts her shot narrowly wide of the post with Burt closing her down. Pashley goes into the book for a foul on Cartwright. 35 yards out Baker over the ball goes for goal her curling strike safely taken by Kellogg. Both sides are showing frustration a difficult game with on one getting any time on the ball. Jenkins is yellow carded as she lets her emotion out. Cambridge make their final change Gabrielle Whitehurst coming on to replace Gibson. The cloud cover starting to return the wind is beginning to pick up once again.
Cambridge United WFC’s Kayleigh-Anne Burt
Arber left side 25 yards out has a shot for Long Eaton her effort over but not by much. Bright pushed forwards now working with Howlett on the right wing the ball fired back into Bright inside the box six yards out right side of goal hits the 1st time shot another fantastic save from Kellogg down low to her right the ball deflected back into Bright to Howlett on the byline hits it back towards her but the flag is up for offside. Into the final 10 minutes of the game Cambridge pushing hard for an equaliser. Cantwell with a strike from distance another good save from Kellogg.
Cambridge United WFC captain, Laura Bright
A card is shown to both Bright and Johnstone a free kick to Cambridge wide left Cantwell on the ball. Not much of the 90 left. Cambridge flood the box Cantwell’s delivery on the spot falls for Sarafain her header over the bar. Into stoppage time 4 minutes to be played. Cambridge break from a Long Eaton free kick the ball with Bright onto Howlett right the crossfield pass finding Jenkins left side taking the ball into the corner works free of her marker to send a testing ball in towards the near post Kellogg making another fine save under pressure with Cartwright coming in the corner conceded. The final whistle blows and Long Eaton go through to the 2nd Round Proper thanks to Arber’s 1st half goal.
Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Long Eaton United Ladies
A scrappy cup tie, Long Eaton working hard all over the pitch to win the ball a little stronger than Cambridge especially 1st half. Getting the goal and defending well on the whole 2nd half soaking up the pressure Cambridge tried to assert. Some fine saves from Kellogg keeping their narrow lead intact. A frustrating day for Cambridge one of those days where it looks like you’re never going to score their FA Cup run comes to an end this season.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Games like this it’s hard to pick a single stand out performer a gritty hard working team effort from Long Eaton United Ladies everybody played their part from front to back line to press the ball the centrebacks giving nothing away through the middle, but although she had nothing to do in the 1st half her saves were crucial to keeping that 1-0 lead intact late in the 2nd half as Cambridge pressed on so this afternoons Women’s Football East – Player of the Match goes to Lia Kellogg.
My thanks as always to both sides for their help today. Best of luck to Long Eaton United Ladies for the next round the draw to take place on Monday.
A busy fixture list for the FA Women’s Cup this weekend, 3rd Round Qualifying a place in the 1st Round Proper of the famous competition up for grabs and a few sides looking to make history. 14 ties in 3rd Round Qualifying featuring sides playing in the East the sides from FAWPL Division One entering at this stage.
Women’s Football East was at one of those ties where both sides were looking to make the 1st Round Proper for the 1st time. Newmarket Town Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership one of the last few county league sides left in the competition had never been beyond 1st Round Qualifying before now had been higher league opponents in the previous 2 rounds to set up an away match against another higher league opponent Wymondham Town Ladies who themselves have enjoyed runs in the FA Women’s Cup before yet never reaching the 1st Round Proper.
A even start to the game early chances for Newmarket, Wymondham starting to make chance of their own went ahead 20 minutes into the game Laura Wiseman scoring the goal. 1-0 the lead at half-time. Wymondham had chances to extend their lead but weren’t taken. A push in the box spotted by the referee saw Newmarket given a chance to equalise Jess Linger on her 18th birthday sending the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1. Newmarket then went on to take the lead Linger again from a free-kick sending the ball over the wall to make it 2-1. Changes made by both sides it was Wymondham substitute Laura Nicholls who pounced on to a back header to nod the ball past the goalkeeper and in to make it 2-2. Wymondham finished the game strongly but couldn’t find a winning goal the tie moving into extra-time.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Cindy Ponder tackling Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls
What followed next was sheer ruthlessness from Wymondham taking advantage of a tiring Newmarket side Wymondham pushing players forwards the ball coming to 16 year old Mollie O’Callaghan she shoots from outside the box top corner the ball rolling across the face of goal and going in off the far post. That was quickly followed by another Nicholls beating the offside trap and sending the ball past the advancing keeper to score. More goals came Wiseman netting 2 in quick succession to get her hat-trick. Brooke Moreno another 2nd half change heading home to make it 7-2. Nicholls completing her own hat-trick scoring from the penalty spot. A devastating 15 minutes from Wymondham as they power their way into the 1st Round Proper. Nicholls slotting home her 4th goal in the 2nd period of extra-time to seal a 9-2 win seeing Wymondham into the 1st Round Proper for the 1st time.
Also through to the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup for the 1st time are ERWFL Division One South side Harlow Town Ladies after they caused one of the upsets of the round defeating FAWPL South East Division One side Denham United Ladies at home on Sunday a single goal scored in the 1st half by Tayla Handscombe sending them through.
ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies were at home in 3rd Round Qualifying playing Eastbourne Town Ladies goals from Bethany Stanton and Charlotte South saw them win the game 2-0 to reach the 1st Round Proper.
Acle United Ladies also reach the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup the ERWFL Premier Division side away to EMWFL counterparts Peterborough Norther Star Ladies. Kirstie Kindred putting Acle into the lead in the 18th minute. Midfielder Amber Rowland doubling the visitors lead 10 minutes later. A 2-0 advantage at half-time, Peterborough pushing for a reply 2nd half managed to breach the Acle defence on 67 minutes however Acle attacking replied with a 3rd goal with 15 minutes left Megan Todd on target to see Acle win 3-1.
Was an all ERWFL Premier Division 3rd Round Qualifying tie between Bedford Ladies and Royston Town Ladies. The sides level at the break 1-1 Becky Shephard scoring for Royston. Bedford regained the lead 2nd half Royston coming back to level it at 2-2 Sammy Tinsley scoring. The winning goal coming deep in injury time, Frankie Smithers sending the ball into the back of the net to send Royston Town Ladies into the 1st Round Proper.
Elsewhere it wasn’t such good news for the ERWFL Premier Division sides still left in the FA Women’s Cup. Although it was a close run thing for AFC Sudbury Ladies away to FAWPL South East Division One side Enfield Town Ladies the tie won by a single goal, Stavroulla Panayiotou scoring to send Enfield Town into the 1st Round Proper.
A special occasion for Leyton Orient Women the FAWPL South East Division One side having gone top of the table with a midweek win over Haringey Borough Women getting to play their FA Women’s Cup game at Matchroom Stadium home of Leyton Orient FC were taking on ERWFL Premier Division leaders Billericay Town Ladies. Goals from Sophie Le Marchand and Chloe McNee saw Leyton Orient 2-0 inside the opening 10 minutes. Le Marchand adding her 2nd on 33 minutes to see the home side leading 3-0 at half-time. Vanessa Wilson making it 4-0 to Leyton Orient 5 minutes into the 2nd half was quickly followed by Le Marchand scoring to complete her hat-trick then adding a 4th goal on 60 minutes Egle Trezzi making the final score 7-0 with 20 minutes left to play.
ERWFL Premier Division side Cambridge City Ladies were at home to Ipswich Town Ladies in 3rd Round Qualifying the FAWPL South East Division One side taking an early lead new signing Jordan Arnoup scoring her 1st goal for the club. Natasha Thomas making it 2-0 to the visitors at half-time with a goal on 23 minutes. Lauren Tomlinson pulled it back to 2-1 early in the 2nd half. Ipswich extending the lead on 66 minutes Thomas with her 2nd of the game. Lindsey Cooper making it 4-1 a few minutes later. The final score 5-1 to Ipswich substitute Roxanne Small scoring from an overhead kick her 1st touch of the game.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies hit double figures on their way to a comfortable home win in 3rd Round Qualifying against lower league opponents Woodley United Ladies. Both Caroline Basson and Isi Asplund netting hat-tricks. Their were goals too for Georgia Heasman, Rebecca Sargent Hannah Billingham, Laura Quinn-Low and Katie Stanley the last 2 with a brace each along with an own goal in a 14-1 win.
Another big scoreline away from home for FAWPL South East Division One side Stevenage Ladies taking on lower league side Hassocks Ladies. A brace from substitute Amy Josland along with goals for Cara Breckenridge, Nicole Emmings, Katherine Long, Amy Makewell and Rebecca Scola in an 8-0 win.
A single goal from in form Jess McKay saw Luton Town Ladies through to the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup beating South West Division One side Maidenhead United Ladies her 5th goal in 3 games.
Not such good news for FAWPL South East Division One side Haringey Borough Women in the FA Women’s Cup struggling in the league exited the competition beaten by lower league opponents Godalming Town Ladies away from home 5-0.
Two all FAWPL South East Division One 3rd Round Qualifying ties on Sunday. Cambridge United Women enjoyed a good run in the cup last season eventually beaten by FAWSL 2 side Aston Villa Ladies will be looking for another run this time around got off to a great start at home to Norwich City Ladies. Lauren Gibson giving Cambridge a half-time lead. Gibson scoring another in the 2nd half to see Cambridge into a 2-0 lead. Carolyn Sarafian making it 3-0 before a late goal from striker Nuala Wayne secured a 4-0 win.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies also reach the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup beating fellow FAWPL South East Division One side Actonians Ladies 2-0 on Sunday. New signing Laura Mills scoring along with Charly Wright.
The draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday the sides featured above knowing who they will be facing on Sunday 12th November the ties listed below.
Today’s match report features another game from this season’s FA Women’s Cup, 3rd Round Qualifying with Wymondham Town Ladies hosting Newmarket Town Ladies this Sunday afternoon. A personal milestone too with this being the 300th match report I’ve written since beginning the SWF Blog back in 2013, loved every minute of it so far and looking forwards to today’s action.
A place in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup up for grabs today history will be made for which ever side achieves it. Newmarket Town Ladies having got as far in the competition as they ever have before in a great vein of form. So too are Wymondham Town Ladies and they have enjoyed the FA Women’s Cup in previous seasons too beating FAWPL opposition along the way a chance to reach the 1st Round Proper this time around.
Wymondham Town Ladies are plying their trade in the ERWFL Division One North his season as the regional leagues 2nd tier has split into 2 divisions. Finished 3rd in the one league Division One last season after winning promotion as Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions. Will be aiming to top the table this time around achieve promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division. Manager Alex Guy is assisted by Luke Worley this season and will know plenty about today’s opponents having been Newmarket Town Ladies 1st team coach last season. Joining him from Newmarket are midfielder Kristin Hummel and striker Nadine Basson. Alice Ladbrooke joins the club having been with Acle United Ladies. Brooke Moreno is another new signing along with defender Lauren Kett, who impressed a number of opposition coaches with her performances for Thorpe United Ladies last season.
Wymondham Town Ladies began their FA Women’s Cup campaign with a 4-0 away win against Norfolk Women’s Division One side Sprowston Ladies. Onto 2nd Round Qualifying were drawn at home to play Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies won through comfortable 7-1 to reach 3rd Round Qualifying drawn at home to face Newmarket Town Ladies who they knocked out of the competition in 1st Round Qualifying last season winning 7-2 away from home.
Have followed Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side, Newmarket Town Ladies progress in the competition in the previous 2 qualifying rounds making history as they won their 1st ever game in the FA Women’s Cup being Histon Ladies in 1st Round Qualifying 4-2, then making more history in 2nd Round Qualifying at home coming back from 3-0 with 15 minutes left to win the tie 4-3 in extra-time and progress. Having twice beaten sides in the ERWFL Division One North they were drawn away to a 3rd in 3rd Round Qualifying. A tough contest but come into the game unbeaten in league and cup. Have a new signing of their own Millie Bales who starts up front for them this afternoon.
King’s Head Meadow the venue for today’s FA Women’s Cup tie. The bar and clubhouse overlooking to pitch on entry a Sunday Carvery on offer before the game. Newmarket bringing plenty of support to the game a good atmosphere building. A good sized pitch a little bobbly always looks a heavy pitch but is deceivingly well drained. Overcast but quite mild no rain forecast a light breeze. After missing last weekend due to illness I was keen to get some action in.
Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Lauren Kett, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Brook Cheal-Ferris, Rachel Cossey (C), Kristin Hummel, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kayleigh Holloway, Nadine Basson & Laura Wiseman. Subs – Laura Watson, Alice Collins, Laura Nicholls, Brooke Moreno & Alice Ladbrooke.
Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Eloise Hope, Jess Linger, Jennifer Gray, Yasmin Woodfield, Beth Woodfield (C), Antonia Smith, Chloe Slater, Laura Bailey, Abbi Griffin, Brooke Wickens & Millie Bales. Subs – Dominika Szary, Cindy Ponder, Ellie Marshall, Sarah O’Rourke & Lauren Deller.
It’s Newmarket to get this afternoon’s FA Women’s Cup tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. Wymondham lined up opposite wearing red shirts and black shorts with red and black hooped socks. Wymondham look to press Newmarket on the ball inside their own half, the visitors break the ball played up the left wing new signing Millie Bales running onto the ball down to the byline cuts the ball back sending it into the crowd gathered at the top of the area, Chloe Slater connects sending a low drive in towards goal, goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan diving to her left pushing the ball around the post to concede the corner. The corner comes in central Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey gets her head on the ball clearing it towards the top of the area dropping to Newmarket’s, Laura Bailey she strikes a shot over the crossbar.
Wymondham Town Ladies captain, Rachel Cossey
An even start to the game both sides want to use the width the pitch offers. A throw in inside the Newmarket half for Wymondham on the right, Laura Wiseman 25 yards out flicks the ball on into the path of strike partner Nadine Basson her tough takes the ball on into the area right of goal shapes to shoot, Newmarket captain, Beth Woodfield throws out a leg to take the ball away from the striker, Basson retains possession turning puts the ball into Wiseman as she makes a run into the box connecting 1st time sends her shot over.
Wymondham make ground on the right wing, Kristin Hummel linking with Kayleigh Holloway between them they work a cross along the face of the Newmarket area, an instinctive strike from 16 year old Mollie O’Callaghan younger sister to goalkeeper Ashleigh to turn the ball towards goal from inside the D, racing along the ground the ball swerves away from the far post wide. Basson is looking lively for Wymondham in the early stages peeling away to the right is almost away clear as Hummel plays her in, good recovering from Newmarket left back Jennifer Gray to slide in and win the ball.
On the opposite flank Brooke Cheal-Ferris getting forwards for Wymondham sees her cross deflected up onto the roof of the Newmarket net a corner to the home side taken short up the line for Cheal-Ferris her driven shot from 25 yards is deflected behind for another corner, this time the inswinging ball is headed clear by Yasmin Woodfield. Bales looks to have plenty of pace in attack for Newmarket as she gives chase to a long cleared ball closing with Kett the defender looking to shield the ball as O’Callaghan advances from her area, right corner, Bales steals in between them both taking the ball wide tries to send a shot in towards the empty net beyond sees her attempt run wide at the near post.
The match is being played at a good tempo the ball rarely still, Mollie O’Callaghan left into Basson top of the area left of the D her snap shot is split by Newmarket goalkeeper Eloise Hope but thankfully for her runs narrowly wide of her near post the corner given. Newmarket defend and get the ball moving forwards quickly winning a throw in left side the ball is played into Laura Bailey in a central position, drives forwards looking to get into the box, 4 Wymondham players converge on her no way through.
Abbi Griffin looking to hold the ball up for Newmarket Town Ladies
Newmarket working hard are disrupting Wymondham’s flow their final touch a little wayward giving the visitors defence time to recover. Getting forwards on the left Bales getting in behind squares the ball along the top of the area into Bailey she in turn helps in on for Abbi Griffin coming inside from the right strikes the ball from outside the area, she shot racing wide across the face of goal.
GOAL! 19 minutes played and Wymondham take the lead the game end to end in the opening period a chance is taken building from the back Cheal-Ferris left on for Mollie O’Callaghan her pass forwards finds Wiseman breaking into the area left of goal, latching onto the ball Hope comes sliding out to meet her Wiseman takes the ball around the keeper and turns it into the empty net beyond to open the scoring 1-0.
Laura Wiseman opens the scoring for Wymondham Town Ladies
Wymondham regain possession of the ball from the restart full back Leah Newcombe getting her foot wrapped around the ball on the touchline to send it up the right wing for Holloway her cross driven into the box is defended the cleared ball running straight back to her, Holloway tries again this time into Hummel outside the area she strikes the ball 1st time centrally the driven shot runs low and wide across goal. A great ball from Cossey from the right side sees Wiseman clear through the middle, her 1st touch far too heavy she rashly slides in to try and win the ball as goalkeeper Hope gets down low to claim. Hope is okay to continue after receiving treatment.
Wiseman with another opportunity to have a strike on goal making a left channel run into the area is played in from the wing wins the race to the ball with Beth Woodfield squeezing a shot away from the top of the six yard box, Hope makes a great save with her legs the ball deflected into the air just about cleared by Linger. Basson with a spin and shot from 25 yards out straight down Hope’s throat the goalkeeper palms the ball down safely as the game reaches the half hour mark. A good spell for Wymondham Holloway getting free on the right fires a cross along the face of goal Mollie O’Callaghan arriving far post tries to turn it back in towards goal, Both Beth Woodfield and Hope throw themselves at the ball between defender and goalkeeper one of them makes the save the ball behind for a corner. Another corner played up the line the ball into the box slices up off a defenders boot however Hope is well positioned to prevent the own goal.
Good hold up play by Newcombe on the left touchline rolls the ball back to Betty Fretwell her long ball forwards rights Basson free on the right strikes the ball early the shot narrowly over. Newmarket send players forwards as they are awarded a free-kick inside the Wymondham half, Linger to take sends the ball in towards the top of the area cleared to the right possession is regained by Slater she lifts the ball in towards goal threatening to loop in over the keeper, O’Callaghan throws herself up and getting a glove on the ball diverts it wide of her far post. Linger has another opportunity to play a set-piece inside the Wymondham half 40 yards out as Griffin is upended. This time goes for goal a good delivery looping up and down destined for the top corner if only it was half a yard to the right.
Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 1-0 Newmarket Town Ladies
An enthralling 1st half in this FA Women’s Cup tie, a narrow lead for Wymondham Town Ladies could have been 3 or 4 had they taken their chances however Newmarket have had their chances too and could have taken an early lead a competitive and even contest Wymondham getting more of the ball later on. One goal in it the tie is still wide open.
No changes for either side at half-time as Wymondham get the 2nd 45 minutes underway. The home side on the attack straight away Mollie O’Callaghan putting the ball forwards for Wiseman looking to break into the area, is a great tackle from Beth Woodfield to deny her a shooting opportunity. Mollie O’Callaghan with a chance to go for goal herself as she catches Linger in possession on the left side winning the ball pushing on comes inside finding room outside the area to shoot the ball racing in towards goal, Hope dives full stretch to her left, the ball turns away from goal and evades both the keeper and her goal beyond.
Newmarket Town Ladies captain, Beth Woodfield
Holloway with a powerful run on the ball right side squares the cross into the area Wiseman near side 10 yards out turns the ball in towards goal, putting it straight into Hope’s gloves. Pressure from Wymondham with the ball right side worked into the middle, Cossey sees 2 shots blocked in quick succession. Play is getting a little frantic rushed passes going astray. A corner for Wymondham as Basson’s clever flick on plays Mollie O’Callaghan to her right into the box, Beth Woodfield tackling gives away the corner. The cross eventually comes in from deep long Fretwell jumping can’t control her header.
Closing in on the hour mark Newmarket make a double substitution bringing of Smith and Bales send on Cindy Ponder and Lauren Deller. Newmarket get players forwards the ball with Wickens on the left she plays the ball into Bailey making a central run into the area, stretching for the ball she stabs it goalwards, rising the ball is played straight at O’Callaghan the goalkeeper claiming the ball.
GOAL! Newmarket level the scores, getting players forwards attacking the ball is played into the box from the right the referee spots an infringement and points to the spot awarding the visitors a penalty kick. Up steps Linger to take opts for power and placement sending the rising ball to the left of the diving O’Callaghan 1-1.
Wymondham respond by making a substitution bringing off Basson up front send on Laura Nicholls to join Wiseman in the attack.
GOAL! Newmarket turn the game around on it head 6 minutes after getting back on level terms go on to take the lead. Ponder is fouled inside the Wymondham half 30 yards out as she looks to bring the ball forwards. The free-kick awarded Newmarket’s set-piece specialist Linger comes forwards to take. A great connection sends the ball up over the wall and dipping late flies in over the keeper to land in the back of the net 1-2.
Jess Linger sees her set-piece go in to give Newmarket Town Ladies the lead
A great run on the ball from Griffin right side moments later getting past two Wymondham players making it into the box is stopped by the challenge from Kett putting the ball away for the corner. Wymondham make their 2nd change bringing on Alice Ladbrooke for Hummel in the middle of the park. Nicholls hasn’t quite got her bearings since entering the game flagged offside on a couple of occasions as Wymondham threaten to break. Gets a shot away from inside the box right side as Wiseman goes on a run with the ball down the right puts the cross into her path lunging at the ball forces a good save from Hope with her legs at the near post.
GOAL! Wymondham have been on the attack since going behind seeing crosses flashed across the box they capitalise on a piece of lax defending from Newmarket trying to control the ball inside their box the headers between two defenders then back to to keeper sees Nicholls pounce closing all three down steals in between defender and ball to get her head on it and put it past Hope into the back of the net beyond 2-2.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Cindy Ponder tackling Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls
Newmarket make their 3rd and final change bringing off Gray at left back and sending on Ellie Marshall. A vital interception from Yasmin Woodfield at the back with play stretched she cuts out Holloway’s diagonal ball with Wiseman ready to run in on goal behind her. Griffin finding room to cross on the right her ball into the six yard box clawed down by O’Callaghan with Deller ready to pounce beyond her. Cossey struggling comes off for Wymondham, Brooke Moreno their final substitution.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Kayleigh Holloway
The substitute making an immediate impact as she gets clear on the right driving for the corner wraps her foot around the ball sending a cross into the six yard box, falling for Nicholls she opts to go with the outside of her right boot ends up stabbing the ball directly into the keepers welcoming gloves. Up the other end Deller sends a shot wide across goal from 25 yards out as Ponder wins the challenge in the middle. Play continues to be stretched Newmarket starting to tire Wymondham win a corner on the left the ball in headed clear by Marshall, Mollie O’Callaghan gathers it outside the box puts her foot through the shot the strike deflected through to the keeper. Into the final 5 minutes of the match.
Wymondham finding space up front with Nicholls playing through the middle Wiseman drifting right late on. Mollie O’Callaghan plays the ball on for Nicholls 20 yards out right of goal shoots the ball racing wide of the near post. Attacking down the right Wymondham looking strong as the game moves into stoppage time Moreno with the cross in Linger inside her box gets her head on the ball sending it back out to the near post area, Nicholls is there for Wymondham, Hope realising the danger goes to close her down, Nicholls gets her header over the keeper, dropping Linger on the cover clears the ball off the line.
Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 2-2 Newmarket Town Ladies
All square at 2-2 after the 90 minutes are up the tie heads into extra-time. Sometimes you can live to eat your words and this is one of those times predicted it could go either way and certainly in the 299 match reports I’ve written before nothing like what was to follow has happened before, but then Wymondham looked to have more energy left as the game drew to a close. Onto extra-time.
Extra-time
All the substitutes have been used by both sides as Newmarket get the 1st 15 minute period of extra-time underway. Wymondham have possession get forwards down the right Moreno with an early cross the ball running across the area Holloway trying to close in from the left Hope can see the ball run wide.
Mollie O’Callaghan gives Wymondham Town Ladies the lead in extra-time
GOAL! Wymondham get the early break through in extra-time the pushing players forwards the ball is played into Mollie O’Callaghan left side outside the box she gets a shot away the ball running across the six yard box strikes the far post and is turned into the back of the net 3-2.
GOAL! A hammer blow for Newmarket as they concede again in quick succession the ball regained by Wymondham played through the middle early Nicholls in behind is onside after the ball, Hope comes racing out to close her down, the Wymondham attacker winning the race for the ball stabs the ball past the advancing keeper inside the D and sees it roll into the back of the empty net beyond 4-2.
Newmarket suddenly look very tired, Wymondham on the other hand are re-energised snapping for the ball win it back from their opponents Wiseman with a drive from outside the area her shot held by Hope. A great ball forwards by Ladbrooke finds Nicholls her touch drags the ball out to the right firing a cross back in the ball looking for Holloway the winger is flagged offside.
GOAL! Wymondham extend their lead further as Wiseman is played in behind from another great ball from Ladbrooke. Has the extra pace to take her beyond the Newmarket defence into the box right of goal sends her strike across the keeper and into the back of the net 5-2.
GOAL! Moments later Wiseman scores again to claim her hat-trick the ball from Ladbrooke sending her through in behind again into the box keeps her composure to take the ball around the advancing keeper and slot it home for 6-2.
GOAL! A devastating spell from Wymondham as they go further ahead breaking from a Newmarket free-kick up to the top of their area the ball carried up the left players getting forwards, Cheal-Ferris fires the cross in going long across the face of goal Moreno is there far post to direct her header back across goal and in 7-2.
It’s all Wymondham, Ladbrooke winning everything in the middle. Holloway sees a shot from inside the box left side saved by Hope. Nicholls over runs the ball as she is sent clear through the middle.
GOAL! Wymondham have time in the 1st period of extra-time for one more goal cruel on a tired Newmarket defence as they give away a penalty the ball send diagonally across the park to Moreno arriving in the box from the right she looks to slide in on the ball, Marshall lunging into the challenge attempts to block her shot succeeds but in doing so her arm makes contact with the ball the referee points to the spot an opportunity for Nicholls to complete her own hat-trick in the game she makes no mistake sending her low shot to the keepers left 8-2. The 1st period of extra-time is over and Wymondham it’s fair to say are in full control.
Wymondham kick off the 2nd period of extra-time, Newmarket having put so much into the game are totally deflated.
GOAL! It’s another goal to the home side early in the 2nd period of extra-time. Nicholls claims her 4th of the match as she is fed through the middle has the energy to beat Woodfield to the ball as the defender does her best to hold her up Hope comes out to the edge of the area to close the pair down, Nicholls gets the ball past her to make it 9-2.
Griffin with possession of the ball finds the energy to have a run at the Wymondham defence left side too many bodies to beat is stopped by Fretwell. Nicholls moving out to the right has the ball at her feet cuts it back towards the top of the area O’Callaghan racing in sends her 1st time strike over the bar.
Hope makes the save as Wiseman gets clear running into the box right side looks to put the ball across the keeper, Hope gets down to grab hold of the ball. Ponder is has been struggling for a few minutes going down unwell, dizzy needs to come off Newmarket go down to 10 can’t be helped.
Holloway beats Hope on the left side of the box as the keeper comes out to try and stop her, putting the cross in to O’Callaghan she has an open goal to shoot at looks to place the ball, Woodfield recovers the ground to block the shot inside the six yard box.
Extra-time is over and Wymondham scoring a stunning 7 goals in the extra half hour win 9-2 to make history and advance to the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup for the 1st time.
A devastating spell in the 1st period of extra-time to totally dominate the tie after an entertaining 90 minutes before. Clinical in their finishing where they weren’t during regular play. Had plenty of chances but weren’t taken. In the end had the energy levels to maintain their momentum going into the closing stages of the game and into extra-time. Another great comeback from Newmarket 1-0 down at half-time to go on to lead 2-1 in the 2nd half couldn’t hold on to the lead Wymondham came back and finishing the game stronger had the extra energy to overcome a rapidly tiring Newmarket whose own valiant run in this season’s FA Women’s Cup comes to an end. A very harsh scoreline in the finish but they can be inspired by their performances all against higher league opposition can carry that into their league campaign their aim to win the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
This never gets any easier picking the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match is another tough one, leaving the ground I still hadn’t picked one and sometimes it’s only when I go through my notes whilst preparing a match report do I come to a decision and in this case one player did stand out, so today’s Player of the Match goes to Wymondham Town Ladies, Laura Wiseman. A hat-trick in the end could well have claimed it in the 1st half of the game alone good runs and positioning to get herself into those scoring chances throughout the match.
300 match reports written and this one is as different as the 1st such an exciting game and so hard to predict that’s why I love it so much… think I’ve got a few more in me. My thanks to both clubs for their help today as always very much appreciated. The draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup will be made on Monday.
*UPDATE* The draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup has been made and Wymondham Town Ladies face an away tie against FAWPL South East Division One side Enfield Town Ladies who narrowly over came ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Sudbury Ladies 1-0 in 3rd Round Qualifying. Tie scheduled to be played Sun 12th November with a 1pm kick-off.
20 sides from the East won through to 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup. 11 ties featuring those sides scheduled to be played this Sunday. Acle United Ladies saw their home tie against Riverside Ladies postponed the visitors unable to raise a side. Awarded a home win Acle United progress into 3rd Round Qualifying where the side from FAWPL Division One enter the competition. Who would be joining them?
Ten ties to bring you. Women’s Football East returned to The Ridgeon’s Stadium to watch Newmarket Town Ladies who beat Histon Ladies from ERWFL Division One North 4-2 in 1st Round Qualifying take on King’s Lynn Town Ladies from the same Division who were making their FA Women’s Cup debut this season starting with a 3-1 win away to Oadby & Wigston Dynamo Ladies. History to be make for both side never before playing in this round, fancied this game and I wasn’t disappointed, the match report can be found 2 posts down.
It was a fairly even contest for the opening 40 minutes or so before an error of judgement from Newmarket goalkeeper Dominika Szary handling outside her area saw her sent off Newmarket reduced to 10. King’s Lynn going on to capitalise captain Bethan Jones firing home right on the stroke of half-time. A player advantage King’s Lynn looked to be in control of the match as goals from Tiffany Forshaw and 16 year old Olivia Baker put them 3-0 up. Cue a fantastic come back from Newmarket.
15 minutes left to play Abbi Griffin back outfield after stepping in to keep goal after the sending off with an ambitious strike from 40 yards out the ball flying over the keeper into the back of the net this was followed by a 2nd quickfire goal Jordanne Sillitoe blasting the ball in from the top of the box. Game on King’s Lynn struggle to find a response Newmarket fired up minutes left the ball fired in from the right is flicked on by Sillitoe into Brooke Wickens she sends her shot across the keeper to level it at 3-3. The tie heads into extra-time. Newmarket going on to take the lead Wickens with her 2nd a strike from outside the box. The home side see out the remaining minutes with just 9 as Sillitoe is shown a red for foolishly aiming a spit at an opponent, Newmarket hold on defending deep and celebrate a fantastic result to progress into the next round.
Newmarket’s opponents in the next round of the FA Women’s Cup will be another ERWFL Division One North side, Wymondham Town Ladies who knocked them out of the competition last season. They were at home in 2nd Round Qualifying taking on FA Women’s Cup debutants St Ives Town Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. The higher league side have gotten a fondness for the FA Women’s Cup in recent seasons and proved too strong on the day with Laura Wiseman scoring a hat-trick. Goals too for Betty Fretwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Mollie O’Callaghan and substitute Laura Nicholls for Wymondham as they ran out 7-1 winners.
Norfolk Division One side Bungay Town Ladies had progressed to 2nd Round Qualifying for the 2nd successive season. Were on the road down into Essex once again in the FA Women’s Cup to play Harlow Town Ladies reaching this round for the 1st time. Playing in ERWFL Division One South they were ran close by Bungay who gave it a good go Emily Leach scoring twice for them. Harlow Town emerging 3-2 winners however thanks to a brace from Chloe Bassett and a goal for Nicole Learner. A home tie awaits in 3rd Round Qualifying a good test taking on FAWPL opposition with Denham United Ladies the visitors.
Bishops Stortford Ladies in ERWFL Division One South this season were through to 2nd Round Qualifying for the 1st time after beating fellow league side Hertford Town Ladies in the previous round now they were away to ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies. Danielle Carty scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes to put Dunstable 2-0 up Charlene Moreton making it 3-0 before half-time. It was all Moreton 2nd half as she scored 4 more goals in the 2nd half to send Dunstable through 7-1 into the next round where they will be at home to Eastbourne Town Ladies.
A bye for Frontiers Ladies in the opening round of the FA Women’s Cup they ad a home tie against ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Sudbury Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying the higher league placed side too strong for their opponents from the Essex Women’s Premier Division. Semma Halil scoring a hat-trick for Sudbury. Both Mia Etheridge and Megan Partridge getting a brace each along with a goal for Stacey Teager seeing them through with an 8-1 victory. An away trip to Enfield Town Ladies awaits in the next round.
A big win away from home for ERWFL Premier Division side Bedford Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying to set up a home tie against fellow Premier Division side Royston Town Ladies in the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. Taking on Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies. There was a hat-trick for both Natasha Fensome and Eden Kibron. Maya Sidhu and Michelle Byrne both netting 2 goals each. Jasmine Ajayi and Olivia-Rose Cunningham also both on target in a whopping 12-0 win.
It was an all ERWFL Premier Division clash in 2nd Round Qualifying between Colney Heath Ladies and Royston Town Ladies. The away side struggling for results in the league progressing in the FA Women’s Cup winning 4-0, Becky Shephard and Erin Davies both scoring twice to send Royston Town into the next round away to Bedford Ladies.
Cambridge City Ladies progress to the next round of the FA Women’s Cup winning at home on Sunday against Kettering Town Ladies. Goals from, Stacey Fullicks, Charlotte Gillies, Emily Reed, Lauren Tomlinson and Sarah Mosley securing a 5-2 victory. At home again in 3rd Round Qualifying having been on their travels regularly in the competition last season have a decent looking tie against Ipswich Town Ladies from FAWPL South East Division One.
A local derby and another all ERWFL Premier Division tie between Brentwood Town Ladies at home to Billericay Town Ladies as usual saw a competitive tussle between the two sides with the visitors ultimately claiming victory to progress into the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. Leah Cowan scoring two goals for Brentwood they were knocked out of the cup with Billericay winning 3-2 a brace for captain Lindsey Morgan along with a goal for Kirsty Knight seeing Billericay into the next round a tough game away t FAWPL South East Division One newcomers Leyton Orient WFC awaits.
Lastly a tie between two sides not featured in The Round-Up very often as they don’t play in the leagues I regularly cover plying their game in the East Midlands regional leagues I do give the Peterborough based sides coverage however via social media was a Peterborough derby in 2nd Round Qualifying between EMWFL Premier Division side Peterborough Northern Star Ladies at home to Division One South side Peterborough United Ladies. A hat-trick from Cassie Steward along with a goal for Emma Pollard seeing Star Ladies win the game 4-2. Will be at home in 3rd Round Qualifying hosting Acle United Ladies.
The draw for 3rd Round Qualifying featuring those sides from the region is listed below.
FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying draw – ties to be played Sun 8th Oct
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies v Actonians Ladies
Cambridge City Ladies v Ipswich Town Ladies
Maidenhead United Ladies v Luton Town Ladies
Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Ladies
Peterborough Norther Star Ladies v Acle United Ladies
Harlow Town Ladies v Denham United Ladies
Wymondham Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Ladies
Enfield Town Ladies a AFC Sudbury Ladies
Godalming Town Ladies v Haringey Borough Women
AFC Dunstable Ladies v Eastbourne Town Ladies
Leyton Orient WFC v Billericay Town Ladies
Hassocks LFC v Stevenage Ladies
Bedford Ladies v Royston Town Ladies
AFC Wimbledon Ladies v Woodley United Ladies or Alton Ladies
Back to The Ridgeon’s Stadium in Newmarket for more action from the FA Women’s Cup, 2nd Round Qualifying this Sunday. Watching 2 sides in this round for the 1st time history will continue to be made for one or the other as Newmarket Town Ladies host King’s Lynn Town Ladies.
Here a fortnight ago for 1st Round Qualifying Newmarket Town Ladies facing a tough test drawn at home to Histon Ladies from ERWFL Division One South a league above. Played well to win 4-2 and progress to the next round of the FA Women’s Cup for the 1st time. Face a team from the same league above them once again another tough test.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies also made history in the FA Women’s Cup entering for the 1st time were drawn away to Leicestershire side Oadby & Wigston Dymano Ladies in 1st Round Qualifying won the game 3-1 to advance to the next round. Are testing themselves at a higher level this season promoted to the ERWFL in Division One North have started well in the league too winning both their opening games. A blend of experience and youth, younger players ready to stake their claim for a place in the side.
For both sides history has already been made in the FA Women’s Cup this season for one the journey will go on. The tie having to be settled on the day extra-time and penalties if required. Both sides have recruited players from Brandon Town Ladies who sadly folded before the season started situated between the two sides a few former teammates against one another today. Both are with out a few players today Newmarket without goalkeeper Eloise Hope, Dominika Szary normally an outfield player taking on the role between the sticks. King’s Lynn without a few big hitters, captain Shelley Woods and striker Josie Turner unavailable, Becky Russell often influential in midfield or attack sidelined through injury.
The Ridgeon’s Stadium the venue for today’s FA Women’s Cup tie, a state of the art artificial playing surface one of the best around. The bar open a seated stand covered beside. Normally I prefer to stand on the opposite side of the pitch to watch the game but so far today it had been bright then overcast with the odd torrential downpour and with dark clouds looming 5 minutes before kick-off I made a hasty retreat to the stands… just in time too!
King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Bryony Russell-Smith, Vikttorija Burkauskaite, Lisa Wilson, Shanice Burch, Albany Hodgson, Charlotte Griffith, Bethan Jones (C), Jade Kelly, Oksana Imanalijeva, Elle Bocking & Tiffany Forshaw. Subs – Louise Coggles, Michelle Stewart-Sheen, Georgia Reardon & Olivia Baker.
Heavy rain falling at the start of the game
The teams emerge from the changing rooms just as the heavens open a torrential downpour at kick-off. It’s King’s Lynn in their away colours of red shirts with white collar, sleeves and vertical piping, red shorts and socks to get the match underway 1st half. Newmarket in their home colours yellow shirts with blue shoulders, blue shorts and yellow socks. With the rain lashing down play is restricted to the middle 3rd the ball hotly contested in midfield, Newmarket winning the ball send it long to the left Abbey Marshall with the run fires the ball into the box a clean gather for King’s Lynn goalkeeper Bryony Russell-Smith at her near post. Space for Abbi Griffin to run into on the right as Chloe Slater picks her out taking the ball into the area right side flashes a cross along the six yard box Jordanne Sillitoe arriving far post can’t get anything on the ball.
Jess Linger playing at right back today comes on with the ball support from Slater ahead of her the ball on for Griffin breaking in behind right side once again going on Shanice Burch comes across to put in the tackle deny the cross. As quick as the rain came it abruptly ends. A positive start from Newmarket taking the game to King’s Lynn both sides are looking to use the width King’s Lynn break as Vikttorija Burkauskaite brings it on from right back up the line for Jade Kelly a well timed ball beating the offside trap Kelly burst down the line flashes a cross square along the top of the six yard box Tiffany Forshaw newly joined from after spending most of last season with Lowestoft Town Ladies along with being dual signed with Brandon tries to get their central throws herself forwards in a attempt gets something on the ball but not enough to deflect it into the back of the net wide.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Jess Linger
Cindy Ponder with a well timed run from midfield receives the ball outside the box top left for Newmarket her shot charged down by Burch. The rain ha started to fall again the pitch a little slick, Abbey Marshall with a diagonal ball from the left into the box finds Sillitoe she attempts to drive in towards goal, Burch is on her shoulder, the striker loosing her footing as she shapes to strike the ball.
Kelly charging forwards with the ball cuts a cross into the box deflected back out towards Burkauskaite arriving top of the area her 1st time strike is deflected wide for a corner on the right. A high ball into the six yard box Dominika Szary jumping through the crowd gets a glove on the ball knocking it wide to the opposite side in the area picked up by King’s Lynn’s Lithuanian International, Oksana Imanalijeva fires the ball back into the players lined up along the top of the area is knocked back towards goal Szary out to claim as a red shirt bears down on her, play is stopped by the offside flag.
A free-kick for Newmarket wide on the right 30 yards out as Sillitoe is brought down. Linger forwards to take a good delivery into the six yard box dropping far post Albany Hodgson’s clearance goes straight to Griffin positioned central top of the six yard box an instinctive stab of the foot to turn it goalwards plants the ball straight into Russell-Smith’s gloves. Bethan Jones wearing the captain’s armband for King’s Lynn today is doing well in the middle of the park finding pockets of space to receive the ball and looking to pick out her wide players, Kelly and Imanalijeva.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain Bethan Jones
Russell-Smith comes rushing out of her area to challenge Sillitoe for the ball as the striker races clear in the left side, the deflected ball off her from the keeper runs straight to Griffin central doesn’t try to go for goal with Russell-Smith out of position instead lays it on to Laura Bailey up with her, by then King’s Lynn have the numbers back to nullify the threat. Launch a counter attack the ball through the middle on for Forshaw 20 yards out an early shot puts the ball wide of goal. Forshaw with a shot from further out moments later the ball through the middle she has half a yard on her marker 35 yards out takes on the strike her effort rising over the bar. A fast paced game fairly even so far without either keeper being tested as we close in on the half hour mark.
The deadlock is very nearly broke by Newmarket, Griffin combining with Bailey in the middle the latter passing the ball forwards to the left picking out Abbey Marshall on the move the ball at her feet pushing into the box doesn’t rush her shot fires the ball across goal past Russell-Smith who turns the see the ball strike the base of her far post still in play King’s Lynn send the ball long. On for Kelly right side head down charges on coming inside looks to strike a shot in towards the near post coming at Szary fast she claims well at head height. King’s Lynn starting to build some momentum going forwards. Elle Bocking receiving the ball from Charlotte Griffith central turns to force her way into the area is stopped by Ellie Marshall.
Newmarket make a substitution Abbey Marshall coming off to be replaced by Brooke Wickens. Hodgson plays a great ball forwards from the back for King’s Lynn picking out Kelly getting free on the right pushing forwards cuts the ball inside towards the near post Szary well positioned to claim with Forshaw coming in right behind her. The same is repeated in the next attack as Jones picks out Kelly this time. A ball through the middle has Wickens bearing down on goal for Newmarket has Sillitoe right on her shoulder not sure if the two exchange touches of the ball but it’s Wickens who has the final strike from outside the box the ball just inches over the crossbar.
Into the final 5 minutes of the 1st half and Newmarket are reduced to 10 as their goalkeeper is shown a straight red card. A cutting ball through the middle by King’s Lynn the Newmarket back line high up the pitch at times as they press forward as a unit. Forshaw running clear is after it does have it as Linger gets across to try and shield the ball, Szary coming out of her area goes down low to gather the ball into her gloves, a huge error on her part play stopped for the free-kick she his shown a straight red card. Griffin doesn’t hesitate she takes the goalkeepers jersey from Szary as she leaves the pitch heads for the goal as King’s Lynn set up for the free kick, Newmarket send players back to cover both posts. Kelly top of the D lays the ball to her right for Forshaw to strike sends it past Griffin, Ponder covering the far post is there to clear the ball.
Down to 10 Newmarket break up an King’s Lynn attack, Beth Woodfield playing it on through the middle Bailey to Ponder lines up a powerful drive from 30 yards out, skipping off the surface Russell-Smith going down to her right saves well pushing the ball away, Wickens racing in from the right the keeper scrambles across to smother the ball into her body at her feet.
GOAL! The stale-mate is broken with the very last attack of the half. Imanalijeva with a powerful run on the ball down the left wing getting into the box looks to fire a cross into the middle, Marshall gets a boot onto the ball trying to cut it out deflected out of the area it’s a race between the no 8’s as Newmarket’s Bailey and King’s Lynn’s Jones race forwards after the lose ball favours Jones slightly shots from 20 yards plenty of venom on shot it flies past Griffin into the back of the net 0-1.
Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-1 King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Inclement weather throughout the 1st half has been a tense affair evenly matched for a while Newmarket hitting the post before being reduced to 10 late in the half, King’s Lynn getting their noses in front on the stroke of the half with the rain returning. Have the edge in the 2nd half now they have a goal and a player advantage. Headed for the bar wanted a cheeseburger but the kitchen wasn’t open so had to settle for a bag of crisps. A quick turn around at half-time the sides back out, Little did I know what the 2nd half had in store so much so there wasn’t time to eat a bag of crisps! Here we go!
King’s Lynn with the kick-off 2nd half, Newmarket react positively with a strong start to the half winning possession of the ball. Having to abandon my crisps and get the notepad out in a hurry, Wickens with the ball left into the box Burkauskaite with her Russell-Smith rushing out towards the pair an infringement is spotted by referee Chris Abbott an indirect free as the ball is knocked back to Russell-Smith she handles the ball. Left of the box top corner Linger comes forwards the ball knocked into her she shoots plants the ball wide of the near post.
A free-kick on halfway for Newmarket as Jones handles the ball. Linger sends the ball up into the top of the area defended the ball comes out to Bailey shifts it between her feet then lets fly from 25 yards out the ball straight at Russell-Smith. King’s Lynn make their 1st change, Bocking coming off up top for 16 year old Olivia Baker. Newmarket push on the ball knocked across field into Bailey 30 yards out control and turn to fire a diagonal pass back to the left for Wickens racing forwards into the area closing in on goal no way past Hodgson the defender winning the challenge.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Tiffany Forshaw
GOAL! King’s Lynn double their lead 12 minutes into the 2nd half breaking forwards the ball fire forwards from the left to the right takes a nick of defender Yasmin Woodfield that sends it on for Kelly to burst in behind on the right space to run into carries the ball on time to assess her options sends the cross along the top of the six yard box picking out Forshaw timing her run to perfection to turn the ball into the goal 0-2.
A blow for Newmarket but their heads aren’t dropping quickly attack straight from the restart winning a throw on the left the ball played into Slater outside the area a good way out shapes to shot has the keeper beaten the ball smashes against the crossbar stays in play Burch beating Sillitoe to the ball clears. The rain has stopped for now but the pitch has trapped a fair bit of moisture, players like sliding about however if they get the chance.
Griffin makes a great stop with her foot as King’s Lynn press forwards Forshaw out left with the ball takes it on putting the ball into the six yard box for Kelly strikes the shot goalwards Griffin with the reactive save the ball knocked out to her right goes the more orthodox goalkeeping route throwing herself at the ball to claim before Baker can get a follow up shot in. Ponder and Sillitoe exchange passes through the middle the ball long out to the left for Wickens her shot blacked deflected back into the D straight at Sillitoe her strike charged down. Newmarket make a change Ponder looks to have taken a knock comes off a tactical switch Amanda Stacy named as substitute goalkeeper on the bench coming on she takes the shirt back from Griffin who returns to her more familiar midfield position.
A great ball forwards from Jones into Kelly on the right wing knocks it on before delivering a cross into the middle of the box Forshaw good control on her chest looks to drag the ball behind her and turn into the shot clever but both King’s Lynn centrebacks have read it and are on top of the striker even as her foot is raised back to strike the ball.
GOAL! King’s Lynn go on to extend their lead making it 3-0 putting them in control of the tie the ball worked with pace through the middle finds the feet of Baker outside the box in a bit of space, Stacy comes rushing out to the top of her area to close the angle Baker shows good footwork shifting the ball between her feet three times before slotting her shot past the keeper and on into the goal beyond 0-3.
Olivia Baker pictured with Newmarket’s Brooke Wickens scorer of King’s Lynn Town Ladies 3rd goal
A little under 75 minutes of the game played King’s Lynn make a double switch taking off both Kelly and Wilson. Manager Michelle Stewart-Sheen brings herself on going into left back, also coming on new signing Georgia Reardon another 16 year old like Baker formerly with Brandon Town Ladies. Newmarket make their last substitution too 3-0 down take off a defender Marshall bring on a striker Lauren Deller. Has been a competitive tussle between Sillitoe and Burch all game as Newmarket attack, King’s Lynn sitting off the ball the cross from the right by Griffin comes inside to Sillitoe right of the D flicks the ball over her shoulder and turns towards goal, Burch stays on her shoulder lunges forwards with a tackle to push the ball away from the striker.
GOAL! It’s a goal out of nothing for Newmarket but nevertheless and brilliant piece of skill from Griffin a throw on the right into her well over 40 yards out has King’s Lynn players around her but no challenge she sees the keeper off her line goes for goal good pace on her effort it is over Russell-Smith and into the far corner 1-3.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin
GOAL! Straight away from pulling one goal back Newmarket score another! Get the ball played forwards centrally into Sillitoe outside the box pulls the trigger a the ballscooped up and over the keeper to land in the back off the net the crowd in the stand leap to their feet as Sillitoe pumps her fists in the air 2-3 it’s game on! 10 minutes left to play.
Jordanne Sillitoe with the ball for Newmarket Town Ladies
Newmarket with renewed vigour press forwards Wickens a threat coming in from the right takes a shot on left of the D 20 yards out wraps her foot around the ball a low drive in towards goal Russell-Smith saves well getting down to the ball pushing it behind for a corner. A great delivery flies across the six yard box no one can get on the end of it however. For a comfortable 3-0 position King’s Lynn are defending a 3-2 lead the game has become stretched ed to end. Forshaw on the counter with a run left channel pulls the trigger from outside the box pulls the ball wide across goal.
Into the last 5 minutes a great save from Russell-Smith to deny Bailey as the Newmarket midfielder has a strike from inside the box right side as the ball is deflected into her path from a block after Deller has a blast from outside the box left side the ball fired into her the shot, heading for goal Russell-Smith tips the ball over onto the roof of the net. A corner on the right Newmarket load the six yard box a good delivery Russell-Smith climbing through them to punch the ball away towards the top of the area Griffin is there her low drive back in has too many bodies to go through deflected back to her leans back into another shot sends it over the bar.
GOAL! Newmarket come back from 3-0 down to level the scores in 2nd half stoppage time, attacking down the right players breaking forwards through the middle Sillitoe with Slater and Wickens beyond her. The diagonal ball inside coming straight for Sillitoe outside the area a brilliant piece of skill to flick the ball on runs through to Wickens taking it into her stride into the box left of goal opens up her body to send her shot back across goal wide of the keeper to nestle into the back of the net at the far post 3-3. The crowd goes wild in celebration.
Moment’s left King’s Lynn mount on last attack Imanalijeva getting forwards with the ball on the left fires a cross into the box Forshaw diving throws herself at the ball can’t direct it on target. The 90 minutes are up the game goes into extra-time.
Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 3-3 King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Extra-time
Just about enough time to get a few crisps into me before the extra period kicks off 15 minutes each way for either side to find a winning goal or the game goes to penalties. All the substitutions have been made two sides used to roll on roll off subs the FA Women’s Cup altogether different. Newmarket get the 1st half off extra-time underway. Bright sunshine now. The home side play the ball long looking for Wickens making a central run the ball claimed by Russell-Smith.
Both sides go for it Newmarket finding extra energy after their come back. King’s Lynn looking to regain their momentum the ball is fired into Forshaw outside the area 25 yards a good turn to move the ball to her left and turn into a strike curls the ball wide of the top right corner of the goal. A little frustration on the pitch now Newmarket are chasing the ball down all over the pitch, Beth Woodfield winning the header inside the box from a King’s Lynn attack on the right. A few mis-timed challenges on the field now.
Imanalijeva with a powerful run left side closing on the box Beth Woodfield on her shoulder, Stacy rushing out of goal all three come together the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Into the near post a head on the ball sends the ball across the face of goal everyone gambling near post the ball is cleared. A free-kick for Newmarket on half-way Linger playing it up into the box is knocked outside falling to Deller turns and strikes the ball runs wide a touch on the way through a corner kick, Russell-Smith again coming through bodies to punch the ball to safety.
A vital interception by Linger at the back sticking a boot out to take the ball away from Forshaw 20 yards out the long ball almost certainly putting her through on goal. Linger sending the ball on towards the King’s Lynn area the clearance is sliced the ball running wide right for Deller her sights on goal she slips at the vital moment the chance gone. Forshaw is almost through again only to be denied by a last ditch tackle from Linger. Again Forshaw receives the ball 25 yards out Stacy seeing the threat comes racing out to the edge of her area Forshaw lobs her the ball bounces wide of goal. The 1st half of extra-time is over.
King’s Lynn get the 2nd period of extra-time underway lose possession the ball fed up top to Sillitoe moving left side into the box sends her strike wide across the face of goal. Newmarket are going for it down to 10 you wouldn’t know finding space left and right. Wickens on particular on the left getting down the line puts her cross into the side netting. Bailey into Sillitoe left side drives for the area inside pushed wide by Burch manages to squeeze the pass back in towards Slater inside the D her snap shot put wide of goal.
GOAL!The come back is complete Newmarket having looked strong since getting it back to 3-2 and then 3-3 score to take the lead in the 2nd period of extra-time. Wickens with the goal as she picks up the ball in the middle turning 25 yards out takes on Hodgson head down gaining half a yard lets fly plenty of pace on the ball, Russell-Smith getting down to her right as the ball goes across her gets her gloves to the ball but can’t stop it going into the back of the net beyond 4-3.
Brooke Wickens scorer of the winning goal in extra-time for Newmarket
The tensions are rising Newmarket running on adrenaline, King’s Lynn frustrated. King’s Lynn press forwards have 10 minutes to pull a goal back Imanalijeva sees her cross claimed by Stacy at the near post. Newmarket are reduced to 9 a moment of stupidity from Sillitoe a couple of 50/50 challenges with Burch earlier the pair dive in for the same ball on the halfway line both hurt, play goes on Sillitoe to her feet first Burch says something causing the attacker to turn and spit at her, the linesman is no more than 10 feet away and flags for the offence in front of the mainstand too. Stopping play the referee consults with his linesman and a red card is shown.
Down to 9 Newmarket have there backs up against the wall as King’s Lynn press the attack numbers forwards the ball cut into the box for Forshaw left of goal six yards out stabs the shot wide at the near post before anyone sees she has been flagged offside. Beth Woodfield strong in her box gets her head to the ball as Reardon fires a cross in from the right. Late on Imanalijeva takes the ball on into the box from the right, Wickens with the challenge, Imanalijeva grounded protests the appeals waved away. A drawn out 2nd period of extra-time plenty of stoppages however King’s Lynn can’t find a goal to force penalties and Newmarket celebrate the win at the final whistle.
4-3 to Newmarket Town Ladies after extra-time a magnificent result to come back from 3-0 with just 10 players in the final 15 minutes of the game. To force extra-time and then score the winning goal. Reduced to 9 in the finish it could have cost them dearly, didn’t they are through to the next round when the clubs form FAWPL Division One enter the competition. Showed great character kept going scoring twice in quick succession to make it 3-2 was the turning point the energy they gained took away their player disadvantage. King’s Lynn comfortable at 3-0 couldn’t see out the game, never regained their dominance in midfield a tough defeat in the end lessons to be learned but no doubt they will and be better for it.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
It’s a really tough one today picking the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Got to pick one however those are the rules I’ve set myself. Bethan Jones was fantastic in the middle especially 1st half. Newmarket battled hard as a team down to 10 then 9 late on everyone doing their part but I have chosen Brooke Wickens was a real threat after coming on on the left and drifting inside to pick up the ball, tracking back to defend to scoring the goal to bring it into extra-time then getting the winning goal.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about the FA Women’s Cup over the years since I’ve been covering it is whatever the result is it puts a little more fire into a player and their team going forwards everyone loves the competition and there is something special about this one. Took me an hour and 15 minutes to eat a bag of crisps the football had me on the edge of my seat a thrilling match. My thanks to both clubs and Chris Abbott for their help with the teams today the draw for 3rd Round Qualifying will be made on Monday I can hardly wait.
