The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March

FAWNL Plate

A much delayed quarter final tie for Watford Ladies the club finally playing their game against Chichester City Ladies after a month. Winning through to the semi-finals Watford faced another long journey this time to the North West to play Northern Premier Division side Middlesborough Women in the semi-final. That game suffering from postponement last Sunday the Southern Premier Division side haven’t played a league match since the final weekend of January. At last this Sunday the game was on better weather finally. Few chances created on the first period a close contest the pair going in all square at the break 0-0.

  The 2nd half starting in the same vein, Watford going down to 10 on the hour with goalkeeper Nina Wilson sent off for handling outside the area. 2nd half substitute Hattie Kettle going in between the posts. Watford with a good response after going down to 10, Alysha Stojko-Down shooting wide. The game into the final 20 minutes Watford get their noses in front a good ball to see Anne Meiwald through on goal her initial strike hitting the post is closing in on the follow-up to tuck away the rebound. Both sides down to 10 with 10 minutes left Middlesborough’s Rebekah Bass red carded for an off the ball incident. Watford push on in the final minutes a god chance on 87 minutes the game sealed in the 90th minute Megan Chandler in to win the ball outside the box with a fantastic strike to make it 2-0.

Watford will play West Bromwich Albion Women in this season’s Plate final the game taking place on Sunday 22nd March at Stafford FC.

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Wet weather was to affect the FAWNL Southern Premier Division elsewhere with the games between Chichester City Ladies and Gillingham Ladies and Crawley Wasps Ladies v Keynsham Town Ladies called off. Two matches surviving. A mid-week victory for Oxford United Women 2-1 at home to Milton Keynes Dons Women saw them climb up above Plymouth Argyle Ladies into 3rd spot on goal difference, were back at home this Sunday taking on Portsmouth FC Women. Oxford opening the scoring in the 23rd minute pressure from the hosts around the penalty box the ball put into Kayleigh Hines 25 yards out an impressive strike clipping the woodwork in its way in to the top corner. Portsmouth coming on well both sides creating chances a gritty game at times the visitors back on level terms just past the half hour getting forwards the ball flashed in across the face of goal Hayley Bridge arriving at the far post to make it 1-1. Oxford with good chances to retake the lead however it was  level at half-time Oxford had to dig in at times as Portsmouth came on 2nd half both sides with opportunities in front of goal, the winner coming in the 75th minute ex-Portsmouth player Daisy McLachlan lashing the ball home after coming in at the far post. 2-1 to Oxford close the gap to 2nd placed Watford to a point albeit Watford have 3 games in hand.

Plymouth Argyle Ladies too closing the point to Watford to a point on 14 games the same as Oxford United Women, at home this Sunday hosting 2nd bottom side Hounslow Women. Plymouth getting forwards well chances coming opened the scoring just past the half hour winning a corner kick a low ball played in by Helen Bleazard, Ebony Dover laying it on for Lydia Huntley to slot past the keeper for her first goal of the season. The advantage doubled 2 minutes before the half-time whistle Bleazard playing Dover through to put her shot past the keeper. A 2-0 lead for Plymouth, a quickly reply from Hounslow Women at the start of the 2nd half getting it back to 2-1 straight away. Plymouth settling after that coming on in search of a third goal Hounslow battling well to keep them out keeping the scoreline tight but not able to find an equalising goal Plymouth finishing 2-1 winners.

FAWNL South East Division One

Battles shaping up at both ends of the FAWNL South East Division One table. The top half of the table competitive right from the start the tussle at the bottom livening up in recent weeks as sides attempt to get themselves out of trouble. A host of international call-ups seeing Ipswich Town Women leading the table not played another opportunity for AFC Wimbledon Ladies to return to within a point of the leaders, wouldn’t be easy though away to 6th placed Enfield Town Ladies at the weekend. Sarah Wentworth with her first goal of the season firing Wimbledon into the lead inside 5 minutes getting into box sending her strike up high into the net to make it 1-0. Enfield with a quick reply back on level terms just 6 minutes later captain Nuala McKevitt on the scoresheet from a corner. Chances coming for both sides Enfield hitting the crossbar. A cracking strike from Elizabeth Berkeley putting Wimbledon back into the lead in the 33rd minute. The visitors 2-1 up at the break. A bright start to the 2nd half Enfield awarded a penalty on 54 minutes, Beth Lumsden stepping up to put Enfield level at 2-2. Wimbledon straight up the other end to retake the lead Rosie Russell smashing the ball home from inside the box to make it 3-2 with her first strike of the season. The game into the final 15 minutes a fantastic run from Georgia Heasman before setting up substitute Helen Ogle to find the back of the net and put Wimbledon 4-2 up. The gap to Ipswich back to a point wit both having played 14.

AFC Basildon Women have won 6 in a row to climb up to 3rd spot in the South East Division One table were hosting 5th placed Leyton Orient WFC at the weekend looking to make it 7 straight league wins. Their opponents the last side to beat them in the league back in September a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture. Basildon on top in the first half unable to break the deadlock the pair going into the changing rooms goalless at half-time. A goal ruled out for offside for Basildon right at the start of the 2nd half. Basildon finally getting their noses in front midway through the 2nd half, awarded a free-kick, Poppy Binding’s strike getting a touch of the Leyton Orient defence on it’s way through to goal. Kelly Wealthall and Holly Turner both coming close to doubling the lead. The game into the final 15 minutes, Courtney Clarke down the left putting the ball into Turner inside the box for a composed finish to make it 2-0. Leyton Orient pressing but unable to find a reply as Basildon extend their winning run. 

Holly Turner finishing at the near post to put Basildon 2-0 up (photo credit Jason Clogg)

Billericay Town Ladies stay a point behind Basildon fourth in the South East Division One table with two games in hand as they won at ‘home’ to Actonians Ladies on Sunday, enjoyed an exciting match in the Women’s FA Cup at the start of the year. Postponed from last week rearranged for this Billericay winning more comfortably this weekend the game a Malden, Therese Addison sending the ball past the advancing keeper to open the scoring would go on to miss a penalty. Ellie Nicholls opening her Billericay account with her first senior goal. Hannah Smith also on target with her 6th of the season. Zoe Rushen celebrating a 2nd half brace going clear as top scorer once again on 13 goals. Billericay winning 5-0.

Crucial games to come at the bottom of the South East Division One table too, Cambridge United WFC winning 1-0 away to bottom side Kent Football United climbing above Stevenage FC Women and Norwich City Women into 8 position as they began a run of 4 games playing the sides down around them including the pair mentioned above a local rivals Cambridge City Ladies. At home this Sunday at St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium were hosting Stevenage FC Women. The featured game on Women’s Football East this Sunday the full match report can be found below this post. Amy Butler making her debut in goal for Cambridge United. Both sides looking to exploit width get up the flanks Stevenage making a good start a couple of chances Ashleigh Deacon causing problems with her pace out on the right getting on with the ball her cross in cut out straight to midfielder Amy Josland at the top of the area hit it back in to open the scoring put Stevenage 1-0 on 19 minutes. Cam close again the woodwork struck, Cambridge United building momentum as the 1st half wore on getting at their opponents with good opportunities before the half-time whistle.

Cambridge’s Charlotte Crisp getting a leg up to block Stevenage’s Nicole Emmings strike on goal.

A narrow advantage for Stevenage at half-time, Cambridge United began the 2nd half well getting forwards quickly an early goal from Amy Howlett ruled out for offside. The hosts winning a corner a good delivery in from the left clearing the keeper near post Faith Hewitt meeting it beyond to nod in from close range. Cambridge United doing well, Stevenage frustrated 2nd half Cambridge United going on to take the lead with 20 minutes left getting forwards well with pace Hewitt on for Kelly Blanchflower to pick out Emma Jenkins left side her cross put into the box saved by Grace Brooks the ball pushed out towards the top of the area Blanchflower quickest to it latching onto the shot firing the ball home to score her 7th goal of the season. Stevenage looking for a reply pushed on but Cambridge United defended well to make it back to back wins and pull further clear from the 4 sides below.

A massive 3 points too for Cambridge City Ladies at the weekend as they won at home to Norwich City Women the 2nd bottom side moving to within two points of the Norfolk side as a result and just one behind Stevenage. Confidence high as Cambridge City beat Histon Ladies 6-0 in mid-week to win this season Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final. Norwich though getting off to a good start taking an early lead winning the ball high from a goal kick a diagonal ball finding top scorer Chelsea Garrett free in the box right of goal shot across the keeper to put the visitors 1-0 up, Cambridge responding well Charlotte Gillies with a good opportunity. Norwich coming close as Aimee Durrant almost broke free into the box stopped by goalkeeper Dominika Szary. The hosts getting back on level terms midway through the 1st half Gillies pace causing problems right side was played in central running on lobbing the keeper to score. Karly Tolentino with a good chance to put Cambridge City in front, got the goal minutes later as she scrambled the ball in at the near post from a corner on the half hour. Cambridge City leading 2-1 at half-time Laura Mills clear firing a shot over early in the 2nd half for the hosts Gillies on the move making it 3-1 on the hour shooting into the bottom corner from the top of the box. Norwich unable to create a clear opportunity up the other end Cambridge City now breathing down their necks have games in hand on both Norwich and Stevenage.

The Round-Up

Sunday 3rd March

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

The weather once again playing it’s part with heavy overnight rain in places to end one of the wettest February’s on record fixture affected across all leagues a couple of games called off once again in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division to surviving however and at last Portsmouth had a game! Star first though with Yeovil Town Women who made the trip east to Kent to play Gillingham Ladies this Sunday, few clear cut chances early on the visitors taking the lead in the 1st half breaking well Chloe Lloyd playing in Sarah Wiltshire to score her 20th goal of the season. The game a little scrappy Gillingham coming close to a reply a strike put over the bar, Yeovil goalkeeper Beth Howard with a fine save the hosts getting themselves back on level terms ending the 1st half well. All square at the break Yeovil with a couple of great chances in the 2nd half getting themselves back into the lead, Chloe Lloyd’s free-kick sailing into the top of the net. Gillingham batting in defence as Yeovil sought to find a 3rd goal eventually grinding out the win 2-1 to lift them up to 3rd place in the Southern Premier Division table.

 Portsmouth FC Women were finally back in league action this Sunday having endured a terrible run of postponed fixtures playing catch up now last played a league match in the Southern Premier Division back towards the end of November last year. A frustrating period were on the road this Sunday away to Milton Keynes Dons Women who had climbed above them into 7th spot off the back of a 4-0 win away to Hounslow Women last weekend. Portsmouth rearing to go getting forwards well Milton Keynes goalkeeper Kiya Webb with a couple of saves in the first half the visitors scoring late in the first half with Jade Widdows intercepting the ball and the back and running in to strike home.

  Portsmouth 1-0 up going into the 2nd period doubling their lead just past the hour a strike from distance saved by Webb gloving the ball away to her left Widdows after it getting a shot away from close range the ball cleared off the line still alive in the six yard box Katie James on hand to smash the ball into the back of the net. A 3rd goal coming quickly after that 2 minutes later Portsmouth with good build-up play Hayley Bridge on the right with a great crossfield ball to pick out Rosie McDonnell’s run into the box to score. Webb with another fine save to prevent Portsmouth going further into the lead. Milton Keynes, Jade Bell denied up the other end by Hannah Haughton in goal. Portsmouth going on to add a 4th goal in the final 10 minutes with Widdows getting her 2nd of the game good work in the box firing her shot into the roof of the net fro a cross on the left. Portsmouth going back up to 7th in the table.

FAWNL Plate

Plymouth Argyle Ladies were hosting West Bromwich Albion Women this Sunday in the semi-finals of the FAWNL Plate. West Brom the current Plate holders. Plymouth enjoying a strong season in the Southern Premier Division 5th in the table, went into today’s clash with 7 players out through injury and a further blow on the day with goalkeeper Ben Kyle going down with flu, captain Katie Middleton donning the gloves the depth of the squad tested, despite that Plymouth started well getting on the front foot chances coming Helen Bleazard twice hitting the woodwork, the visitors taking the lead Natalie Murray bringing the ball on down the right swinging in a cross looping beyond Middleton into the far corner. Plymouth awarded a penalty late in the first half Bleazard seeing her effort saved made amends moments late scoring in injury time to see the sides level at 1-1 at the break. The 2nd half very much end to end as both sides sought to find a winning goal Middleton with a good save to deny West Brom the game heading into extra-time. Jade Arber striking the Plymouth crossbar for West Brom as both sides desperately sought a goal, late heartbreak for Plymouth 5 minutes from a penalty shootout West Brom rattling the crossbar again, Nicole Nymoen sharpest to react onto the ball to score and send West Brom through to the final.

  West Brom now await the result of the other semi-final with Watford Ladies game away to Middlesborough called off due to the weather.

FAWNL South East Division One

A couple of matches falling to the weather too in FAWNL South East Division One both in Essex with the games at Billericay and AFC Basildon Women called off. League leader Ipswich Town Women switching to a different venue early on in the week to ensure their match against Enfield Town Ladies was on. Ipswich’s young side starting on the front foot seeing early chances blocked and held by the goalkeeper Sophy Stonehouse. Ipswich with more chances pressing on a shot sliced over, Stonehouse making a couple more good saves the visitors taking the lead in first half injury time with their first shot on target Tyra Mills finding the back of the net to make it 1-0 with her 5th goal of the season. Very tight in the top half of the table Enfield amongst those fighting for a top 3 finish Ipswich striking the crossbar early in the 2nd half came out firing again chances coming and going Stonehouse with more great saves in goal Enfield getting a 2nd goal with 11 minutes left on the clock Beth Lumsden firing in her 11th goal of the season. Wasn’t to be Ipswich’s day a goal wouldn’t come as they lose for the 2nd time this season to keep the title battle close. Better news despite the result for Ipswich as they see 6 players called up for England’s young lionesses.

Action from Ipswich v Enfield on Sunday (photo credit @MikeyTheTowner)

Leyton Orient WFC another of the sides involved in the battle for a top 3 finish in FAWNL South East Division One were hosting Stevenage FC Women. 5th in the table looking to close the gap to Billericay and Basildon above, Leyton Orient took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes Otesha Charles winning the ball high up the pitch finding Sophie Le Marchand in the box to shoot a score low past the keeper with her 17th goal of the season. An entertaining match both sides creating chances Stevenage captain Amy Makewell firing the visitors level netting for the 14th time this season. The scores level at the break. Ashleigh Deacon firing Stevenage into the lead early in the 2nd period Leyton Orient responding well coming on coming close before Charles brought them back level midway through the 2nd half beating a defender and rounding the keeper to put the ball into the empty net with her 16th goal of the season, the hosts retaking the lead 5 minutes later Danielle Griffiths striking the crossbar from a free-kick, Francesca Ali in on the follow up to score what would prove to be the winning goal 3-2.

A big game for both sides as Cambridge United WFC 3rd from bottom going into the weekend travelled to Kent to play bottom side Kent Football United in FAWNL South East Division One. A season defining period coming up for both sides struggling at the wrong end of the table Cambridge looking to pull away from danger. The visitors getting in front early on Emma Jenkins with the goal to put them 1-0 up. Kent came on well looking for a reply chances coming but none taken as Cambridge worked hard to ensure they kept a clean sheet 1-0 up at the break more of the same in the 2nd period Cambridge coming away with an important 3 points as they begin a run of 4 straight home fixtures 3 against sides around them in the table as they move up 2 places into 8th.

Emma Jenkins with the only goal of the match to win the 3 points for Cambridge United WFC

The Round-Up

Sunday 23rd February

At last some games played across the country this weekend after the previous weekend’s were disrupted by Storm’s Ciara and Dennis respectfully. Another band of heavy rain threatened this weekend to seeing 11 matches in the East fall by the wayside, several clubs having alternative plans in place in order to get matches played.

FAWNL Plate

Beginning this weekend’s action with the FAWNL, and the quarter final tie in the Plate between Chichester City Ladies and Watford Ladies, postponed twice already the game this Sunday moved to the Front Lawn, Recreation Hub in Havant with a later kick-off of 5:15pm. Watford on the front foot from the start a header put wide inside the opening 5 minutes, at the other end Chichester denied by goalkeeper Nina Wilson. The early pressure from Watford seeing them take the lead in the 9th minute, Emma Beckett scoring as a corner ball falls to her and she strikes home. Captain Helen Ward rounding the keeper to put the ball into the empty net making in 2-0 a minute later. Watford dominant in the first half going further ahead on 25 minutes with Megan Chandler striking the ball from 25 yards out. A 3-0 lead to Watford at half-time. Watford still coming forwards 2nd half Chichester improving chances denied before Danielle Scanlon’s dangerous ball in deceived the keeper to put the visitors 4-0 ahead in the 63rd minute. Watford winning comfortably booking their spot in the last 4 of the Plate competition were they face another long trip this coming weekend in the opposite direction this time up to the North East to played Northern Premier Division side Middlesborough Women for a place in the final itself.

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Two games falling by the wayside in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, Oxford United Women’s trip to Gillingham Ladies and more bed news for Portsmouth FC Women with yet another call off just 7 games played in the league so far has been a highly frustrating spell for the club not able to get any momentum going and facing a fixture pile up later on.

Two matches played though in the division on Sunday, Yeovil Town Women hosting 4th placed Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Both goalkeepers called into action early on Yeovil creating good opportunities taking the lead late in the first half captain Annie Heatherson put through on goal to lob the keeper to make it 1-0. A narrow lead at the break Yeovil starting the 2nd half well penning Plymouth back  doubling their lead on the hour top scorer Sarah Wiltshire racing through on goal to lift the ball into the back of the net. Yeovil pressing for a 3rd goal the game heading into the final 5 minutes it finally came Jenna Markham coming on in the 73rd minute to make her first appearance for the senior side poking in the goal to ensure the 3 points. Yeovil up to 5th in the table close the gap to Plymouth to a point. Bunching up at the top of the Southern Premier Division again.

  A clear gap between the top 6 sides in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division and those in the bottom half of the table. Milton Keynes Dons Women moving up to 7th in the table above Gillingham and Portsmouth as they returned to league action this Sunday away to Hounslow Women after 3 successive cup matches. Taking on the 2nd bottom side Milton Keynes bouncing back from last weeks defeat in the FAWNL Cup semi-finals. Leah Littlechild set up by Jade Bell to put the visitors into a 10th minute lead. Jessica Driscoll heading in from a Jade Bell corner to double Milton Keynes lad in the 22nd minute the pair repeated the feat 6 minutes later to put Milton Keynes 3-0 up at half-time. Further chances created in the 2nd half Hounslow managing to keep Milton Keynes from adding to their tally up until the 90th minute, Bell with her fourth assist of the game Mollie Coupar scoring her first senior goal for the club.

FAWNL South East Division One

  A momentous past 7 days for Ipswich Town Women their memorable run in the Women’s FA Cup coming to an end away to FAWSL leaders Manchester City Women on Sunday. A history making run getting through to the 5th Round the 4th tier side suffering a 10-0 defeat a harsh scoreline, little time to dwell upon it however as they were back in action last Wednesday evening back to league action a game of no less importance the East Anglian derby away to Norwich City Women. Leading the FAWNL South East Division One table Ipswich having twice beaten Norwich this season starting well starting well remained dominant through out Norwich put to the sword Ipswich losing 10-0 three days earlier coming back to win 10-0 against their Norfolk rivals. 

Ipswich were at home to Stevenage FC Women this Sunday looking to pull 4 points clear of AFC Wimbledon Ladies at the top of the table. Ipswich starting well taking the lead in the 11th minute captain Amanda Crump threading the ball into the path of Eloise King inside the box the striker jinking and twisting on the ball getting free of the defence to smash the ball high into the back of the net. A 2nd goal coming just 6 minutes later Paige Wakefield smashing the ball in from 20 yards out the keeper parrying it away to the left Amy-Leigh Abrehart coming in on the follow up to fire home. Ipswich 2-0 up at the break creating chances lively. The hosts coming out of the blocks firing in the 2nd half a string of chances, one tipped over the bar, Stevenage blocking a 3rd goal coming on the hour Crump crossing to set up Abrehart once again inside the box her touch taking her inside to strike the ball past the keeper. Defender Lindsey Cooper putting Ipswich 4-0 2 minutes later a corner dropping into her feet inside the six yard box central digging it out to score. Natasha Thomas and Molly Sutherland introduced to the action for Ipswich the former playing in Abrehart her shot striking the post out across goal Sutherland arriving to score her first senior goal. Into the last 5 minutes of the match King with her 2nd of the match making it 6-0. Abrehart heading in from a corner kick in stoppage time to complete her hat-trick and secure a 7-0 win for Ipswich.

Amy-Leigh Abrehart scoring a hat-trick for Ipswich at the weekend (photo credit Ross Media UK)

A good week for AFC Basildon Women the Essex side beating their local rivals Billericay Town Ladies last Sunday to reach the final of this season’s County Cup competition faced them again on Wednesday evening in the league recording a 2nd successive win this time 4-1 with Kelly Wealthall scoring a brace to move up above them into 3rd spot in the FAWNL South East Division One table. Were looking to maintain that position as they hosted bottom side Kent Football United this weekend. Gemma Adela striking from outside the box to put Basildon in front inside the opening 15 minutes. Kent coming on a fairly even match Charlie Bolland with a fine save for Basildon inside the final 5 minutes of the first half, Kelly Wealthall set up by Courtney Clarke to make it 2-0 in the 44th minute a further blow for Kent with Basildon adding a 3rd goal before the half-time whistle Sophie Kelly with the through ball for Holly Turner to score.

Kent with good response at the start of the 2nd half pulling a goal back on 50 minutes. Basildon restoring their 3 goal advantage midway through the 2nd half Turner scoring her 2nd of the game. Kent again coming back to score 4-2 with 20 minutes left on the clock. Basildon coming back to go 5-2 ahead in the 75th minute Cerys Adams beating the offside trap firing in past the keeper. Turner getting her hat-trick in the 81st minute intercepting a back pass and rounding the keeper scoring from a tight angle. 6-2 the final score.

Norwich City Women put to the sword by their East Anglian rivals in midweek a heavy defeat hard to take taking the gloss of the club reaching the final of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup 3 days earlier an 8-1 win against Wroxham. Can only pick yourselves up and move onto the next one a trip down to Essex at the weekend to face Billericay Town Ladies themselves suffering two successive defeats in league and cup to rival AFC Basildon Women. A great start to the game for Norwich taking the lead inside the opening 6 minutes, captain Millie Daviss’ long ball forwards picking out the run of Aimee Durrant central striking the ball well from the top of the area to make it 1-0. The lead however lasting just 3 minutes Billericay with a quick response to level the scores Zoe Rushen left firing a diagonal ball into the area finding Therese Addison racing in at the far post shooting before the keeper can get across to her. Billericay leading just 2 minutes later Addison again on the ball top of the six yard box no opportunity to shoot producing a great back heel to put the ball in across the goal Karissa Rodney running in to slot the ball home. Billericay with further chances to extend their lead denied by some fantastic saves by Norwich goalkeeper, Hope Armstrong.

Billericay leading 2-1 at half-time putting Norwich on the back foot getting bodies forwards, Armstrong called into action again the pressure from the hosts telling on the hour Kerry Stimson away on the left crossing the ball into the box Rodney racing in right side latching onto the ball to net her 2nd of the match. Durrant played in on goal again seeing Billericay goalkeeper Amy Mullet making a good save. Lucy Jones wrapping up a 4-1 win in stoppage time putting the ball in at close range following good build up play on the right.

The Round-Up

Sunday 3rd November

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

 Two matches played in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division this Sunday featuring the bottom 3 sides. Chichester City Ladies young side at home to high flying Watford Ladies the visitors looking to return to the top of the table. Chichester with just the one point on board so far a difficult start to the season. Katie O’Leary getting Watford off to the perfect start opening the scoring with barely 3 minutes played. Chichester straight back on level terms Megan Fox scoring a screamer to make it 1-1. Isobelle Foster making a couple of important saves to keep Watford from retaking the lead the hosts scoring with half and hour played Gemma Simmonds chipping the keeper to make it 2-1. Captain Helen Ward bringing Watford back level for the 2nd time in the game 5 minutes before half-time pouncing on a poor back pass to slot the ball past the keeper for her 7th goal of the season. Watford pressing for a 3rd goal in the 2nd period chances coming eventually finding it as the game moved into the final 20 minutes O’Leary with her 5th strike of the season putting the ball into the top corner to see the game won and put Watford back on top of the table.

  The other game from the FAWNL Southern Premier Division this weekend saw Hounslow Town bottom with just a point on the board at home to Keynsham Town Ladies who after starting the season with 6 straight defeats following promotion got their first league win of the season at home to fellow strugglers Chichester last time out. Now away to Hounslow the first half saw few clear chances Hounslow getting their noses in front in the 15th minute Sue Kumaning with great footwork top of the area turning and looping a shot up beyond the keeper. Keynsham improving 2nd half an early opportunity to level the visitors equalised just past the hour Barbara Maros De Carvalho arriving unmarked in six yard box to meet a left wing cross to score her 1st of the season. 1-1 Keynsham pressed for a winner Caoimhe O’Reilly with a double save ensuring Hounslow didn’t concede again and see both sides take a point enough to lift Hounslow above Chichester at the bottom.

FAWNL South East Division One

 Ipswich Town Women move 3 points clear at the top of FAWNL South East Division One although they left it late scoring an injury time goal to beat Enfield Town Ladies away from home on Sunday. One of two matches played in the league this weekend, Ipswich travelling down to 5th placed Enfield Town Ladies looking to make it 7 straight wins on the league following an opening day draw. Ipswich striking the post in the 18th minute captain Amanda Crump striking from outside the box. Enfield taking the lead in the 36th minute awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position outside the Ipswich box the low struck shot taking a deflection off the wall taking it into the path of Tia Bailey moving in on the follow up reacted quickly to fire the ball home. Late chances in the half for Ipswich to level a goal disallowed Enfield with the slender lead. Ipswich getting the equaliser on the hour Natasha Thomas heading the ball across goal Maddie Biggs in position to poke the ball home 1-1. Ipswich knocking on the door late in the game chances coming Thomas getting the winning goal in the 94th minute a mix up at the back allowing her to steal in an tap the ball in score her 7th goal of the season and win the 3 points for Ipswich.

Natasha Thomas celebrating with her Ipswich teammates (photo credit Ross Media UK)

 Actonians Ladies heading over to Kent this weekend to face bottom side Kent Football United, the newly promoted side without a point yet this season. Actonians beating Kent Football United 3-1 in the Women’s FA Cup earlier in the season. Kent Football United opening the scoring this Sunday Shannon Burden putting them 1-0 in the first half. Actonians coming back to level the scores on the stroke of half-time Alessandra Barreca with her 7th goal of the campaign. The visitors with 2 goals in the 2nd half to secure victory Barreca credited with one more in the 80th minute. Actonians with their 3rd league win of the season climbing a couple of places in the South East Division One table up to 7th.

FAWNL Plate

  Two 1st Round games to complete this Sunday from the FAWNL Plate, a tough test for Norwich City Women’s young squad as the South East Division One side travelled to play Southern Premier Division side Oxford United Women. The hosts getting off to a flyer taking the lead on the 7th minute Sophie Barker lining up a shot from distance squeezing underneath the goalkeeper and in. 5 minutes later Oxford were 2-0 up striker Cheryl Williams finishing at the back post. Norwich getting it back to 2-1 on 20 minutes, captain Millie Daviss firing home with a 30 yard strike. Oxford creating opportunities awarded a penalty on the half hour Carly Jones tripped inside the box, Williams stepping up to make it 3-1. Jones getting on the scoresheet herself late in the first half to see Oxford leading 4-1 at the break.

 Oxford continuing where they left off at the start of the 2nd half coming close with a couple of chances before Williams scooped the ball over the keeper to complete her hat-trick. Brogan Moore putting Oxford 6-1 up with the game entering the final 20 minutes. Georgia Timms only entering the game moments before getting a goal with her first touch of the ball making it 7-1 to Oxford. Immy Lancaster with her first Oxford goal wrapping up a comfortable 8-1 win in the final minute.

 AFC Wimbledon Ladies unbeaten in FAWNL South East Division One were on the road in the 1st Round of the FAWNL Plate taking on South West Division One side, Brislington Ladies. Few chances in the 1st half Wimbledon edging it with a goal in the 40th minute to lead at half-time, Georgia Heasman with the tap in following a good through ball from Sian Wylie. Wimbledon with a couple of opportunities to extend their lead at the start of the 2nd period, before Brislington came back to level in the 57th minute with Shannon Burden making it 1-1. Wimbledon introducing Katie Stanley and Sophie Manzi go the game on the hour. Stanley scoring what would prove to be the winning goal in the 78th minute a mazy run forwards passing to Heasman getting back the return ball and shooting to see Wimbledon lead 2-1.

 The draw for the 2nd Round of the FAWNL Plate listed below ties scheduled to be played Sunday 24th November:- 

Bolton Wanderers Ladies v Newcastle United Women

Nottingham Forest Women v Leeds United Ladies

West Bromich Albion Women v Leicester United WFC or Leafield Athletic Ladies

Stockport County Ladies v Middlesborough Women

Plymouth Argyle Ladies v AFC Wimbledon Ladies

Maidenhead United Women v Stevenage FC Women

Watford Ladies v Oxford United Women

Cheltenham Town Ladies v Chichester City Ladies

FAWNL Cup

The draw made to for the 2nd Round of the FAWNL Cup 8 ties scheduled for Sunday 24th November outstanding 1st Round games will see some ties played later:- 

Brighouse Town Ladies v Darby County Ladies

Huddersfield Town Ladies v Long Eaton United or Liverpool Feds Women

Chorley Women or Durham Cestria v AFC Sunderland Ladies

Stoke City Ladies v Wolverhampton Wanderers Women

Yeovil Town Women v Southampton FC Women

Crawley Wasps Ladies v Portsmouth FC Women

AFC Basildon Women v Milton Keynes Dons Women

Chesham United Ladies or Exeter City Ladies v Billericay Town Ladies

The Round-Up 

Sunday 27th October

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Crawley Wasps Ladies return to the top of the FAWNL Southern Premier Division scoring 2 goals late on their match on Sunday away to Milton Keynes Dons Women to win the 3 points. Late goals the theme of the week for Crawley both fore and against. A point collected in midweek as they took on Gillingham Ladies at home on Wednesday evening. Natasha Stephens seeing Crawley take the lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half lat drama saw 2 more goals come in the final moments of the game. Ellie Jeffkins getting Gillingham back on level terms in the 88th minute. Back came Crawley to retake the lead a minute later with captain Naomi Cole on target. Grace Harrison lobbing the keeper in stoppage time to see Gillingham take a point home with them.

  This Sunday Crawley Wasps headed to the Stadium MK. Milton Keynes having made a promising start to the season, falling down the table in a rut of poor results just one point won from their last 6 league matches. Have yet to win at home this season either. A first half that saw few chances the sides goalless at the break. Both coming on 2nd half coming close with shots Crawley hitting the crossbar from a corner with 87 minutes on the clock the visitors breaking the deadlock in the 89th minute. A superb strike from Hope Nash her first goal of the season firing Crawley into the lead. A free-kick won outside the box in stoppage time dispatched clinically by Rachel Palmer to secure the win for Crawley and see them back leading the table having set the early pace.

Cardiff City Ladies climb a place up to 4th in the Southern Premier Division table, getting back to winning ways  at home to Hounslow Women. Cardiff with a strong first half winning the game 6-1 to close the gap on the leaders. Grace Horrell scoring a brace, so too Nadia Lawrence scoring her first goals of the season. A first goal of the season too for Morgan Rogers. Kelly Issac also getting on the scoresheet with a goal for Cardiff. Hounslow improving 2nd half getting a goal through Sue Kumaning her first for the club. Other results going against them Hounslow slip to the foot of the table.

  That result being the clash between fellow strugglers Keynsham Town Ladies at home to Chichester City Ladies on Sunday. Keynsham bottom of the table without a point on the board after 6 played a tough start to the season following promotion as South West Division One champions last season. Chichester now faring much better having lost several players have just one point so far from 7 played. Sharna Capel Watson scoring her first goal for Chichester seeing them drawing with Keynsham 1-1 at the break. Ellie Curson getting on the scoresheet for Keynsham midway through the first half. The winning goal coming in the 70th minute, Curson striking with her 2nd of the match to see Keynsham win for the first time this season 2-1 the 3 points taking the off the bottom above both Hounslow and Chichester.

One more game played in the Southern Premier Division this Sunday although full time has it listed as postponed Oxford United Women were at home taking on Gillingham Ladies. Both with good results in midweek, 27 goals in 3 games now for Oxford including 5 without reply away to Milton Keynes on Wednesday. Gillingham with two late goals away to Crawley taking home a point. This Sunday Oxford dominating the chances in the first half were held to a 0-0 scoreline by Gillingham. The visitors taking the lead themselves 4 minutes into the 2nd half scoring from a 30 yard free-kick which looped over the keeper. Oxford pressing looking for a reply fell further behind just past the hour, Gillingham’s forward brought down inside the box, going 2-0 up from the resulting spot kick. Oxford creating more opportunities couldn’t find a goal, the woodwork struck won a penalty themselves at the death reducing the arrears Gillingham held on to win 2-1 to make it 4 points from the past 7 days.

FAWNL South East Division One

One league game played this Sunday in FAWNL South East Division One, an opportunity for Stevenage FC Women to pull away from the bottom sides as they played host to bottom side Kent Football United. Stevenage looking to build on last weekends great 3-2 cup win away to league leaders Ipswich Town Women. The hosts scoring 3 goals in the first half as Kent wasted opportunities in front of goal. 3-1 the half-time score with captain Amy Makewell on target and first goals for Lucy Webster and Chloe Gunn returning after a long injury lay off. Erin Pope scoring from a free-kick against Ipswich to win the match last time out, her first goal of the season scored for the 2nd successive game another set-piece strike to make it 2-1. Amy Makewell on the scoresheet again for her 10th goal of the season to see Stevenage in full control leading 5-1 with all the goals coming from outside the box. Kent Football United pulling a goal back to make it 5-2 are still bottom and without a point on the board after 6 played. Stevenage with their 3rd league win of the season up to 7th in the table.

10 goals for the season for Stevenage FC Women captain, Amy Makewell (photo credit Gary Reed)

FAWNL Plate

One cup tie played this Sunday from the 1st Round of the FAWNL Plate, and all Division One clash with South East side, Cambridge United WFC hosting South West counterparts, Maidenhead United Women. The visitors with an early goal to open the scoring Simone O’Brien scoring from a free-kick in the 6th minute. That the score heading into half-time. Maidenhead battling hard defensively to prevent Cambridge finding a reply keeping a clean sheet to win the game and advance to the next round of the competition.