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Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 14th December

ERWFL Division One North

One last game to finish 2025, with a short trip to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on newly promoted Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in ERWFL Division One North.

 The Division One North table taking a clear shape as we move into the final weekends fixtures of 2025, Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies looking unstoppable at the top of the table, with a 100% record so far recording 12 wins from 12. Runners-up spot looks to be between Stevenage FC Women Development and Real Bedford Women Reserves, a pack looking to chase down a top half finish, the rest including Fulbourn in a relegation battle a tough league format with 3 of the 12 sides going down at the end of the season. Not easy to build stability nor consolidate your place in the league.

 Thetford Town Ladies have done that, promoted from the Norfolk county league has achieved both to become an established side within the Division now up to it’s full compliment of 12 sides. The ERWFL ever competitive and getting stronger season, upon season. Amber Browne now in charge of the side having been joint manager previously looking to push Thetford on get them into a position to be amongst those pushing for the title and promotion. 

  Building a strong squad with a good blend of youth and experience has been an up and down first half to the season currently 8th with as many wins as losses, well placed to push on into the top half in the new year, but nervously looking over their shoulder keen to pull further clear of the bottom 4 as they all start to claw in some points. Have recently signed, Becky Russell previously with Wroxham Women, returning to the game following the birth of her 2nd child. One of the best midfielders in the county for over a decade will be a huge asset to the club. Hannah Claughton currently top scorer with 5 goals 1 ahead of Gabrielle Cobb.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds the longest established club in Cambridgeshire, winning the Cambs Division One title last season and having been at the top end of the league pushing for a few seasons, make the step up into regional football for the 1st time. Renowned for having a strong attack, attackers Ellie Woodley and Marie Stubbings alone scored 65 goals between them last season on their way to the title. 

 Have found life at tier 6 alot tougher but wanted to test themselves at this level, find themselves in the bottom 3 however in a scrap to avoid relegation, everyone around them battling for points, is close with Biggleswade United Women just outside a point clear, knowing they are being hunted, by Fulbourn, Cambridge City Women and Colney Heath Ladies. The goals not so easy to come by a side used to outscoring their opponents have had to adapt this season. Captain Marie Stubbings top scorer with 9 goals to her name, with Grace Muffett on 4 and Amber may with 3. Ellie Woodley having been away travelling is now back with the club and adds a potent threat to their attack as they press for points going into the new year. 6 points behind Thetford a win possibly lifting them out of the bottom 3 while pulling their opponents closer to the drop zone than they would like.

 Thetford Town FC’s., Mundford Road Stadium the venue for this afternoon’s match, the compact ground featuring a sloping grass pitch. The clubhouse and bar serving hot and cold drinks open the main seated stand beside the changing rooms beneath. In the stands this afternoon as a pose to my usual spot on the opposite side of the ground with the sun low behind the stand making photography tricky, decidedly chilly in the shade however, otherwise dry.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Mya Parker, Shannon Chandler, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling (C), Sausha Levy-Twoney, Hannah Rogers, Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Emily Birt, Megan Chandler & Gabrielle Cobb. Subs – Jess Queimado, Jess Marriott, Liv Dunne, Megan Haynes & Ruby Lakey.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Adams, Alex Milner, Jasmine Fox, Jess Anderson, Caragh Dangerfield, Nat Wells, Katie Chaudhry, Marie Stubbings (C), Ebony Crook & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Hollie Colling & Amber May.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Fran Peeling and Marie Stubbings with today’s match official, Christian Grove.

  Thetford naming 5 on their bench, have some good attacking options to bring on. Wearing their home colours, an all claret coloured kit. Don’t think I’ve seen Fulbourn in any other colours than their sky blue and claret, but have a new away kit today, testing it out for the 1st time an all navy strip with white trim on the sleeves and shorts. Have a few absent naming just the 2 on their bench. The visitors to kick-off the first half, the sun behind the stand casting a shadow across half the pitch may cause a few issues during the contest. The ball played back to Jasmine Fox in defence, played to the right, Thetford moving in quickly to close the ball down a rushed pass up the wing Ellie Woodley the target, dealt with by Zoe Klimcke for the hosts.

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling

  Thetford captain, Fran Peeling on the ball at the back sends a clipped pass long into Emily Birt on the right wing her touch taking her inside plays it across the top of the Fulbourn area into Gabrielle Cobb, 25 yards out, to the left of the D, takes on the shot, rising in at goal but a straight forward catch for goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy. Fulbourn build from the back getting on up the right, Ebony Crook lifting the ball on for Woodley on the right flank, Klimcke coming across her path the see the ball out of play for the goal kick.

Thetford full back, Zoe Klimcke

  A little tentative from both sides early on no one keeping hold of the ball for long. Peeling lining up another pass into Birt on halfway, looks to turn run off her marker as she brings the ball down, Alex Milner pushed up with her for Fulbourn the full back, getting in a timely challenge to halt her advance the ball out for a throw. From the throw Thetford get the ball infield into Cobb, looking to make a run into the box, Fox going with her sticking out a leg to take the ball off her feet.

Jess Adams clearing the ball for Fulbourn

  Thetford forcing a corner as they look to make ground off the earlier throw in. On the right the delivery flashed in across the face of goal attacked low at the far post, Fulbourn with a player on the post blocking on the line scrambling the ball clear. Peeling’s long balls out from the back, posing a threat, looknig for Birt as she comes into the right channel, Milner throwing out a leg with a vital interception. 

Thetford’s Emily Birt

 Winning the ball in midfield, Nat Wells sends the ball on for Woodley threads it into the right channel for Stubbings running in behind the Thetford defence, a defender getting back on her shoulder as she enters the box, pulls the trigger getting a strike away. Mya Parker scrambling across her goal seeing it race wide of the near post. Thetford pressing high getting their midfielders up on the visiting defence force an error the ball put straight into Russell to the right of the D, lays it out wide to Birt who stands a high ball up into the area, Cobb looking to attack it jumping up with Jess Anderson, the defender getting her head on the ball first to get it away.

 Both sides wanting to get the ball up the pitch quickly Fulbourn with Katie Chaudhry on the ball picks out Crook then Woodley on the right, forcing a throw off Klimcke, Fulbourn win their first corner kick of the match. Played into the near post area from the right, Peeling heading it clear for Thetford. The hosts look for a quick break the ball into Hannah Claughton on the left sends it on for Cobb, just a little too much on it, giving Jess Adams time to close her down.

 Crook plays the ball on for Woodley right channel inside form 20 yards out pulls the trigger, her angled shot, into Parker’s mid-riff. Russell getting on from midfielder cutting down the options for the Fulbourn defence putting them under pressure rushing passes, grabbing hold of the loose ball drives on towards the box, Fox diving in to tackle for Fulbourn upending Cobb as she makes a run across her. 

 Little time for anyone to dwell on the ball, Fulbourn looking to release runners into the channels, Crook looks to pick out Chaudhry as she makes a move into the left channel the threaded pass on into the box, Parker with a good starting position sliding in to claim the ball before Chaudhry can get there. A few risky balls at the back from Fulbourn penned back squeezed by the Thetford midfielder, Megan Chandler up with Russell, Anderson getting a blocking tackle in the ball on for Wells into Stubbings launched on for Woodley in attack right side of the D, in behind turning the defence, Parker again with a good starting position out to the edge of her area getting down to scoop up the ball.

Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

  Thetford winning a free-kick out wide on the right as Birt is fouled, Peeling on it sending a ball long into the area, Fox clearing it for the visitors. Both sides fairly even in the opening 20 minutes, Thetford applying more pressure pushing Fulbourn deeper, the visitors looknig to use the space this creates. Thetford turning a throw deep on the left into a corner, the delivery put behind at the near post. Wells getting hold of the ball in the middle for Fulbourn played up to Stubbings who hooks it out too Woodley racing on down the right, her cross on the run driven in behind at the near post.

  Birt turning on the ball getting a half yard on the right cutting a cross in along the top of the D, Anderson, lunging in to stop it, just about getting it clear with Cobb looking to take advantage. Wells linking up with Chaudhry in midfield for Fulbourn the ball sent on into the left channel for Stubbings to chase, looks a little too strong but the Fulbourn captain, does well to play the ball off a defender to win a corner kick. Take quickly short curled into the far post defender by Levy-Twoney out for a corner on the right. This one lifted in near post cleared by Peeling. Thetford look for the counter the ball into Birt, head down drives on, Fox back on her defending well for the visitors. 

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

The low sun causing a few issues, although Shannon Chandler has her eyes balls on a different setting from everyone else

 Thetford’s Hannah Rogers winning the ball in midfield sending it out to the left, Claughton drawing the free-kick. From a deep position the ball played long into the near post, Caragh Dangerfield getting up to head the ball away for Fulbourn. Shannon Chandler bringing the ball on from right back for Thetford into space sends an angled ball in central, Cobb going up to try and head it inside the area can’t quite get hold of it. Megan Chandler coming left with the ball has support with Claughton and Cobb passes exchanged outside the box, Fulbourn’s Adams and Dangerfield with a couple of blocks.

 Thetford growing into the game as Rogers sends the ball to the left into Klimcke played on for Claughton up the line, her cross lifted into the box cut out by Fox. Attacking down the left Thetford open Fulbourn up with a good diagonal ball into Birt, controls to take it on into the area wide of goal, Milner getting back at her, diving in with a risky challenge throwing herself across Birt to take the ball away from her, Birt quick to retrieve it with a 2nd bite, Milner up to block turn it behind for a corner kick.

Fulbourn’s Alex Milner

  The corners just not clicking for Thetford at the moment another played in behind at the near post. Thetford making a change Birt picking up a knock coming off on the right, Megan Haynes coming on over to that side of the pitch. Fulbourn caught short at the back at the right as Russell steals in to take the ball between Fox and Milner, pushing on into the box, releasing her angled shot before anyone can get back at her sends the ball into the side netting. 

Ellie Woodley with Thetford’s Becky Russell

 Woodley closes Klimcke down on the ball on the right, takes it in behind the full back flashing a cross into the top of the area catching, Peeling flat footed can’t get to it, Megan Chandler is around well on the cover however to intercept and clear before Stubbings racing on from the middle can get after the ball. Wells with a shot off of a throw on Fulbourn’s right from all of 25 yards out, dips into the keepers gloves. 

Haynes picking up where Birt left off on the right for Thetford seeing the ball into her feet turning infield to play a ball into the top of the area, cut out by Dangerfield, the rebound dropping to a Thetford attacker 20 yards out the strike rifled in on goal to the left side, Duhy diving at full stretch to make the save turning the ball wide. Claughton looking to put it back in the defence back to get it away from danger.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

 The hosts applying good pressure as the first half moves into the final 10 minutes, Rogers on for Russell through the middle, tries to pick out Cobb pulling off Anderson, Fox diving in to get a leg on the ball turn it on for Duhy to clear. Thetford with a free-kick won in a central position 30 yards out, driven in on target, Duhy with bodies in front of her saving cleanly the shot straight at her.  

 GOAL! From defence Thetford get on the attack the ball played up to Haynes running into space on the right taking the ball on down the line fires a vicious ball in across the face of the Fulbourn goal, Claughton running in far side getting to it first to turn home from close range to open the scoring. 1-0.

Hannah Claughton congratulated by her teammates as she puts Thetford into the lead.

 GOAL! Thetford getting their noses in front in the 36th minute, quickly race into a 2 goal lead, a diagonal ball landing at Haynes feet out to the right turns inside to release a low pass into the box for Cobb central, rolls her marker to take the ball across her and turn to shoot sending the ball back across the keeper before she can set herself 2-0.

Gabrielle Cobb getting in behind to fire Thetford into a 2 goal lead

 Barely 2 minutes between the goals Thetford with a strong finish to the first half a hammer blow to Fulbourn. Thetford with their tails up confident pressing players on, Rogers linking up with Megan Chandler in midfield the ball out to Claughton on the left wins a throw as she is closed down by Dangerfield. Angled into a crowded near post area, Fulbourn clear behind for a 2nd corner. Taken short this time the new angle seeing a similar effort driven into the near post, turned behind again, the 3rd effort also short charged down before the ball can be launched into the box.

Thetford’s Megan Haynes

 Megan Chandler with the ball at her feet allowed to travel for Thetford deep into the opposition half central plays it on for Cobb top of the area she lets it run on for Haynes breaking on to the by-line, unfortunately can’t keep her cross in. Russell plays the ball on from midfield into Claughton running away down the left, squares her cross low into the box, is slightly behind Cobb as she closes in at the near post, tries to dig the ball out from under her feet, sends it wide of the mark. 

Shannon Chandler

 Closing in on the end of the first half Fulbourn with a throw in the right, Levy-Twoney defending to see the ball behind for a corner. Played up high into the box headed clear to the top of the area Stubbings onto it putting it back out to the right, Woodley crossing, Peeling winning the header sending the ball back out to the right, lifts back in Parker comes running out of her six yard box to grab hold of the ball. Dangerfield defending for Fulbourn as Haynes looks to pick out Cobb through the middle with a diagonal pass inside from the right.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 2-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

  Two goals late in the first half seeing Thetford getting a grip on the contest as they head into the changing rooms for the half-time interval. Took awhile to get into full flow but got players on well down the flanks and through the middle to support the attack pushed their opponents back line deep and closed them down to force errors. Fulbourn using the space created well created a few opportunities of their own but nothing clear cut know they have work to do if they are to get back into the game 2nd half, both sides merging from the tunnel early keen to get the 2nd half underway.

  Fulbourn making a couple of changes at the break with Hollie Colling and Amber May on the field in place of Chaudhry and Fox. Thetford unchanged to kick off the 2nd period leading 2-0 the ball played back to Peeling in defence, back into the middle for Russell turns it on up top for Cobb to attack, Adams cutting out the pass for Fulbourn. Thetford press get hold of the ball on their right winning a high throw. 

 Haynes with the ball on Thetford’s right her cross cut back into the box, cut out by Adams as she lunges for the ball, recovering quickly to charge down the shot from outside the box as Russell latches onto it. Shannon Chandler on the move again from the back on the right pressing on into the final third sends the ball on into the box for Cobb, Adams there again throwing out a leg to intercept the ball. Fulbourn on the back foot at the start of the 2nd half, Rogers angling a ball into the channel for Claughton, Adams moving in to close her down the ball out for a throw on the right. From that Thetford win a corner kick. 

 GOAL! Fair to say most of Thetford’s corners weren’t on the mark in the first half, but this one is perfect, lifted up into the near post area, to be met by the rising Russell who turns her headed effort in on goal under the bar to extend Thetford’s lead. 3-0. Russell’s first goal for her new club too. 

Becky Russell heading home Thetford’s 3rd goal.

 Thetford powering their way into a 3 goal lead early in the 2nd half to take control of the game, press on from the restart winning the ball back and pouring players on in attack, Megan Chandler out to Haynes on the right, whips an early cross into the area, Colling tracking back for the visitors cutting the ball out. The hosts lively Rogers winning it central sending a cross-field ball into Haynes on the right she looks to play Cobb onto the ball inside the box, Adams defending on her for Fulbourn.

  Shannon Chandler taking the ball forwards from the back into the right channel looking to play in Claughton as she bursts on from the left into a central position, Adams getting across to block as she tries to get hold of the ball. Claughton coming off soon after as Thetford make a double change, Russell giving way too, on come Ruby Lakey and Liv Dunne to join the attack. Dunne straight into the action onto the ball central on for Haynes right side lifts it into the top of the D looking for Cobb, Colling back to get the tackle in for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn’s Hollie Colling

  Amber May seeing the ball into her feet on Fulbourn’s right holds it up well wriggling inside to send the ball on for Crook who looks to sweep it back out to the right as Stubbings tries to run in behind, the Thetford defence standing up well to catch her offside. Thetford making another double switch with Klimcke and Rogers giving way this time, Jess Marriott and Jess Queimado coming on. From a throw on the left Dunne looks to turn inside lay a cross into the D, cut out by Dangerfield, the ball is presented to Queimado 25 yards out, slices her effort away from the right post.

Gabrielle Cobb and Nat Wells fighting for the ball

  Another vital stop at the back from Anderson as Dunne looks to send the ball on for Cobb up top. Fulbourn on the back foot battle to regain the ball Wells lunging in out to the left Woodley up with Stubbings Thetford charging down a couple of efforts through Shannon Chandler and Peeling before the ball falls to Colling 25 yards out her strike driven in wide of the left post. Stubbings seeing the ball into her body hooks it over her shoulder 30 yards out to drop into the box, Woodley the target coming in off the left, the bounce favouring the goal keeper however as Parker takes it cleanly into her gloves. 

  Dunne pro-active on the ball racing on towards the Fulbourn box right side 20 yards out unleashing a shot her effort over onto the roof of the net. Thetford coming on at will, Megan Chandler turning on the ball laying it into the path of Cobb on the right her shot turned wide across the six yard box. Marriott up against May comes away with the ball left side into Queimado central makes a run towards the box tackled by Wells inside the D, the ball coming to Megan Chandler close on Queimado’s left her low shot straight at the keeper, Duhy down to claim it.

Thetford’s Liv Dunne

 Fulbourn get the ball up the pitch Colling on for Woodley up with Crook to the left of the area 20 yards out a powerful strike unleashed, Parker diving at full stretch to push the ball away behind to the left for the corner with an excellent save. The delivery into the near post defended by Peeling. Lakey coming in central looking to get the ball in from Haynes on the right under control inside the D to shoot, Wells in well to close her down. 

 Shannon Chandler winning the ball back on Thetford’s right playing it on for Haynes taking a run up the wing flashes a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, no one there, skipping up off the turf beyond the far post Lakey tries to get her foot up over the ball turn it back in can only find the side netting. Milner moves in to close Haynes down as she advances on the right the deflection off the attacker though sees her escape in behind to get a cross into the area, Dangerfield getting there just before Cobb to clear.

  Stubbings breaking clear up top for Fulbourn looking to chase down a long clearance from the back, Peeling coming across to close her down inside the area turn the ball away for a throw. Anderson defending on Dunne top of the area as Cobb links up with Haynes on the right. Parker with another top draw save for Thetford as Fulbourn get May onto the ball central coming in from the left to get into the box looking to sent a low shot back across the keeper, Parker gets down sharply to get a strong right hand on the ball divert it behind for a corner kick.

Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker with another excellent save to keep Fulbourn out

The corner lifted into the crowd at the near post defended out behind for a 2nd corner, the result the same in near post only cleared upfield this time. Closing in on the final 15 minutes of the half, Thetford making another change sending Russel back on to replace Megan Chandler. Wells working hard covering the ground in midfield for Fulbourn more often back to defend gets the ball out to Woodley on the right combining with Crook the ball fired in across the top of the Thetford area, Marriott getting it clear before May can arrive. 

Jess Marriot

 Woodley played in central as she drifts in from the left, lining up a strike from 20 yards out. frustrated as Parker again produces a top class save diving low to her right to push the ball wide past her goal for the corner kick. The delivery clipped into the near post, Dangerfield rises to get her head on the ball but sees it drop wide of the left post. The light starting to fade as the sun drops behind the main stand. Parker out to the top of her area to claim as Stubbings look to run onto the ball sent on from the left, Fulbourn unhappy they didn’t get a free kick in the build-up. Cobb coming off for Thetford late in the game.   

 GOAL! Thetford’s substitutes seeing the hosts energy levels remain high throughout, Dunne seeing the ball into her feet top of the D, wriggles her way in past the defence into the box to release a shot sending the ball low past the keeper into the bottom right corner to guarantee the 3 points, 4-0.

Liv Dunne fires Thetford into a 4 goal lead

 Fulbourn deflated keep trying getting the ball on for Woodley in attack as she carries the ball out to the right side, taking a run at the defence, Marriott getting a foot in to tackle take the ball for Thetford. Queimado winning the ball in midfield for Thetford plying it on for Dunne who has Haynes positioned ahead of her top of the area sending the ball on Haynes lets it run through to Lakey breaking clear on the right, the angle against her gets a looping shot in on target, Duhy back on her line making a comfortable save.

 Chaudhry coming back on for Woodley late in the contest for Fulbourn. Thetford relentless Lakey seeing the ball into her feet left of the D puts it back in central looking for Dunne, the challenge from Wells seeing the ball deflected through to the keeper. Haynes pushed up top with Lakey now inside the box as the cross comes into her from the left slightly behind her races onto Lakey at the far post, can’t get hold of it before being tackled by Dangerfield.

  Fulbourn with a free-kick in the middle sent long for Stubbings on the right, whips a cross into the box, just over may in a central position half cleared, Colling looks to take it on, just can’t get a shot away before being closed down. Thetford counter winning a corner on the right, taken short the ball is stood up before the near post, Duhy claiming it well as Lakey rushes in to try and close her down.

  The clock almost up Wells back to defend on Dunne top of the box as the hosts pile players on. Woodley back on with Wells giving way for the visitors, May fouled out wide on the right, Crook over the set-piece fired in near side headed on across the six yard box Thetford get it out of their box, Stubbings looking to hook the ball back into the mix the ball drifting wide of the left post.

Fulbourn’s Amber May

 One last attack from Thetford the game stretched at the death alot of tired legs out there, the ball fired into the six yard box from the right, Haynes in to meet it from close range throwing herself at the ball, her effort cannoning down off the cross bar dropping to Dunne at the left post looks to scoop a shot in back across goal Duhy instinctively parrying it away falls back to Haynes whose 2nd attempt also kisses the bar before being scrambled clear, the final whistle blowing straight after.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 4-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 Thetford from a slow start in the 1st half growing into the game as it progressed pressed well in the final third forcing errors, going onto to score 2 late goals to hold the advantage at the break. Those goals a blow for Fulbourn who never really recovered, conceding a 3rd goal from a corner early in the 2nd half Thetford were in control able to ring the changes their substitutes keeping the energy levels and intensity high creating chances, Fulbourn had to work hard at the back, nevertheless found themselves with good opportunities to pull a goal back forcing 3 excellent saves out of Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker before Liv Dunne broke through on goal late in the game to score Thetford’s 4th. The win seeing Thetford climb up to 6th with other results seeing Fulbourn slip to the bottom on goal difference, the gap to safety still just 2 points however and with 6 home games to come in the new year will fight till the end. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As usual it’s a tough decision but I think I have a clear winner. the notes are vital in some cases. Several performances of note, firstly for Fulbourn was a tough day the defence under pressure throughout but worked tirelessly, Jess Anderson, Jasmine Fox, Caragh Dangerfield and Alex Milner all with vital interceptions and tackles. Nat Wells in front of the defence covering the ground to get back to win the ball too. Not an easy one picking out one from Thetford the whole squad playing their part, no doubt pleasing for the management to see all the substitutes come on and keep Thetford pushing on. That said, they have Mya Parker to thank with 3 brilliant saves to maintain the clean sheet. Fran Peeling used the ball well from the back, Shannon Chandler got forwards with the ball overloading the attack. Hannah Rogers winning it central, Hannah Claughton with some great runs on the left opening the scoring, Becky Russell getting on to support the attackers pressure the Fulbourn defence. Gabrielle Cobb keeping the back line occupied. The substitutes all lively Liv Dunne especially, the award goes to another, Megan Haynes, took over from Emily Birt who herself was excellent on the right, used the ball well turning the defence creating a number of openings came close to scoring a goal herself at the death.

 A enjoyable final game of 2025, struggled to get the games in towards the end of the year but glad to finish with a flourish. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams great to catch up with both. Wishing everyone all the best for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Newmarket Town Women Development v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 27th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

April drawing to a close, well into the business end of the season, lots still to play for, however I thought I’d go for something a little different this Sunday, visit two club in a celebratory mood having both claimed silverware already this season, from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football league a trip to Newmarket, their women’s Development side lifting the League Cup hosting the new Division One Champions, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds.

 Just a handful of games left to play in Cambridgeshire Division One, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds under new manager Shane Lebbon wrapping up the Division One title with games to spare, today their final match of the season. Newmarket Town Women Development lifting the League Cup just over two weeks ago with 3 games left, in third amongst a cluster of sides vying for that position in the table.

Newmarket Town Women Development fishing the campaign on a high, considering they lost their 3 opening matches of the season, have rallied well picking up points and going all the way in the League Cup. At the heart of a club built very much on youth with players in the current development side having played for Newmarket at various age groups and some of this side featuring for the first team itself this season. Losing 4-3 at Fulbourn on the opening day of the season, were to play them again in the semi-finals of the League Cup 2-0 down at the break came roaring back 2nd half to win the game 5-2 to reach the final. Goals throughout the side, Amber May just ahead as top scorer with 14 so far from her 14 matches with Cerys Bithell one behind on 13 from her 18 games, Alex Shelford and Ailie Rennie on 6 goals apiece.

Shane Lebbon enjoying a long coaching spell with Newmarket prior to taking a break from coaching, persuaded to come back to coach Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Celebrating their 20th season. I saw them play in their very first game of the season eventually going out on penalties in the FA Women’s Cup prior to the new Division One campaign starting, on paper looked the favourites it was just a case of seeing who would emerge as a likely challenger, as it was Fulbourn would only lose one game and draw one other on their way to clinching the title. Have one of the most potent attacks in Cambridgeshire, scoring 105 between them last season finishing runners-up in both the league and league cup. Ellie Woodley scoring 41 of those goals, she’s been on fire again this season rattling in another 39 goals in just 19 matches. Captain, Marie Stubbings is no slouch in front of goal either 21 last season, has fired home 25 this campaign. Well backed up by Ebony Crook and Megan Chandler who both have 12 each.

Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristel Stadium the venue for this afternoon encounter. The cork based artificial playing surface a good size, well used throughout the season. Over looked by a seated covered stand beside the changing rooms and clubhouse, the bar open to serve cold drinks, needed today with the weather very warm for the end of April with a mini heat wave on the horizon. Bright and sunny a little cloud around but no rain any time soon.

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Linger (C), Eden Kirby-Cook, Rebecca Reynolds, Jazmine Sarpong, Sophie Carter, Caranta Peyton, Amelia Thompson, Alex Shelford, Cerys Bithell & Amber May. Subs – Holly Corley, Niamh Bridgeman, Cerys Compton, Abi Gibson & Ruby Lakey.

Newmarket Town Women Development

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Emily Facerova, Seema Grewal, Alex Milner, Jess Adams, Jess Anderson, Hollie Turner, Nat Wells, Ebony Crook, Marie Stubbings (C), Megan Chandler & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Amy Smith, Grace Muffett, Caragh Dangerfield & Eve Seyf.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Newmarket to get the game started kicking off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. The ball lifted into Jazmine Sarpong in the Newmarket defence, clipped long into the right channel for Cerys Bithell to attack, Alex Milner getting it under control for Fulbourn the visitors work the ball into the middle, Hollie Turner sending it out to right wing, Eden Kirby-Cook winning it back for the hosts.

A tentative start both sides playing probing balls forwards easily cut out neither making any head way. Megan Chandler coming inside with the ball from the left for Fulbourn looknig to send Ellie Woodley in behind the Newmarket defence with a diagonal ball in to the right of the area, Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy out quickly to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball.

Amelia Thompson getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Newmarket getting on the drive coming right sends the pass on for Bithell making the run ahead of her coming inside into the box taking the ball on pushing hard on goal the angle closing at the near post strikes the ball, rising, Fulbourn goalkeeper, Emily Facerova coming to close the angle getting her gloves up above her head to beat the ball down into the turf get hold of the ball.

Amelia Thompson bringing Newmarket forwards

Newmarket lively pushing players on as they gain possession of the ball inside the Fulbourn half, Sophie Carter on for Thompson threaded through the defence into Amber May’s feet left of the D, Facerova rushing out to close her down slides in making the blocking save at May’s feet the ball deflected away to the left, Alex Shelford getting forwards to lift a cross back into the six yard box, Facerova back on her feet, recovering to grab hold of the ball.

Alex Shelford coming forwards with the ball for Newmarket

Fulbourn look to advance on the right, Crook taking the ball on, Kirby-Cook tackling to win the ball back, Newmarket counter attack the ball into the middle Thompson driving on into the left channel closed down by Fulbourn’s, Jess Adams. Caranta Peyton stealing in to win the ball central for Newmarket forwards into Thompson, shifts it between her feet taking the ball right fed into Bithell right of goal 20 yards out, spins off, Milner to break into the box blazes her strike over the crossbar.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings gathers the ball into her feet on half way turns to lead the charge forwards through the middle, running into traffic as the Newmarket defence look to close the door, Payton lunging in to get hold of the ball outside the D. Nat Wells coming away with the ball central for Fulbourn clipping it into the left wing for Woodley to chase down pushing for the area cuts inside looks to cross, Newmarket captain, Jess linger throwing out a leg to cut out the cross.

Newmarket captain, Jess Linger.

Linger bringing the ball on from the back right side lifted into Thompson in the middle, making a determined run not letting go of the ball feeds it into the right wing for Bithell bursting forwards wrapping her foot around the cross hoists it into the six yard box, Facerova there to claim the ball. Turner with Wells in the centre for Fulbourn the ball rolled forwards into Stubbings has Woodley two her left the pair exchanging passes as they look to find a way in behind the Newmarket defence, Woodley succeeding, Stubbings clear into the area, Duhy rushing out to close her down making herself big as she goes to ground, saving Stubbings shot against her outstretched leg the ball deflected behind to the right for a corner kick.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

Flung into the near post, Turner rising looking to knock the ball on towards goal doesn’t get a solid connection with her head the ball loose in the six yard box, Newmarket scramble it clear. Kirby-Cook bringing the ball on left side exchanging passes with Alex Shelford before playing a long ball on through the channel for May to attack in behind, Facerova breaking out from her goal to the top of her area winning the race.

Despite the heat there is a high tempo to the match both sides keen to get the ball into their attackers, Wells cutting a pass out in the middle for Fulbourn the ball sent out to Woodley on the left flank darts forwards turning inside getting into the box on the angle looks to put the ball across the keeper, with Crook making a run far post, Duhy getting down smartly too grab hold of the ball.

Peyton tries to thread the ball into May’s run as she goes in behind to the left of the D, Facerova alert out sharply to the top of her area to get her gloves around the ball. Fulbourn see the ball into Turner’s feet central lifts the diagonal pass out to Crook wide right taking the ball on sends a cross angling into the near post, Rebecca Reynolds getting there ahead of Woodley to turn ball off the attacker for a goal kick.

Caranta Peyton

May lively in attack for Newmarket looking to get into the channels run in behind the Fulbourn defence, Thompson looking to pick her out, Facerova racing out of her area to kick the ball clear. Newmarket winning a throw high on the right, May combining with Bithell the pair forcing a corner kick. The hosts asking a few questions Thompson getting forwards linking up with May, Adams in to tackle, out to Shelford on the left comes inside May wanting the ball Newmarket winning a foul 35 yards out to the left of goal. Linger, Newmarket’s dead ball specialist, lines up the strike an ambitious effort drives it wide of the far post.

Players into each other contesting the ball, Fulbourn up on the right winning a throw a high ball into the box headed behind by Crook. Bithell having caught a elbow in the face earlier bleeding, needs to come off, 20 played an opportunity for players to take on fluids. Niamh Bridgeman coming on taking up Bithell’s attacking berth on the left. Shelford looking to get hold of the ball on the left driving on Seema Grewal going with her the full back challenging playing the ball off the winger to see it behind for a goal kick.

Alex Shelford with Fulbourn’s Seema Grewal

Fulbourn move the ball forwards with pace lifted on for Woodley moving right 30 yards out sweeps a cross into the six yard box slightly behind Stubbings making the central run stretches to get onto the ball blasting her shot against the keeper at close range rebounds to Crook top of the area he first time strike rifled back in cannoning down off the crossbar, Sarpong for Newmarket clearing hooking the loose ball away to the right.

Newmarket undeterred as Carter carries the ball on through the middle linking up with Thompson moves it quickly forwards into Bridgeman looking to get in behind wide right racing to the by-line looking to cut her cross back into the area, Milner going with her stretching out a leg to put in the block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired in central from the right, Reynold’s Newmarket’s tallest player leaping up can’t quite get her head on the ball as it drops beyond the far post, Fulbourn getting it away to safety.

Amelia Thompson

Half an hour played despite the heat both sides moving the ball forwards with pace, Newmarket looking to play some intricate passes as they work the ball on, Carter on with Thompson central fed into may 20 yards out top of the D, turns to shoot, Turner charging the ball down for Fulbourn. Stubbings turn to get on the move through the middle with the ball at her feet, Chandler ahead of her ready to receive the ball, Woodley coming in from the left looking for the pass, Chandler sending it on, Sarpong throwing out a leg for Newmarket to intercept the ball.

Newmarket defender, Jazmine Sarpong

Going away to the left for a throw in Fulbourn look to get on with in dropped into Stubbings played across the top of the Newmarket box running on for Woodley outside the D, looks to strike it first time, Reynolds moving in to close her down, doesn’t get hold it it, the ball running harmlessly through to Duhy.

Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

Newmarket bring the ball on with Thompson on possession rolls it forwards into May right of the D, her touch seeing her spin of Anderson to get into the area turn in towards goal, Facerova out to close the angle, May shoots, hits the goalkeepers leg taking the sting off the shot, nevertheless running in beyond her towards goal, Anderson back beyond Facerova on the cover to lash the ball behind for a corner kick at the near post.

Newmarket striker, Amber May

Newmarket making another change, Abi Gibson coming on into midfield, replacing Peyton. The corner from the right curled in across the face of the Fulbourn goal, May throwing herself at the ball can only get a glancing header the ball going away to the left. May is hurt soon after as she is played through into the box, coming together with the onrushing keeper as Facerova slides in at the strikers feet. The ball going away to the left, May after receiving treatment is up back on her feet.

Crook advancing down the right for Fulbourn winning a corner off Kirby-Cook, taking it herself fired in high to the near post, Woodley getting up to attack it turning her header into the middle, Duhy in to grab it up off the deck as it skips up before her. An intriguing contest a little edgy with 5 minutes left to play in the first half Stubbings seeing the ball down into her feet off of a throw high on the left whips a cross low into the Newmarket box, Woodley looking t attack it, Sarpong defending well for the hosts.

Newmarket midfielder, Sophie Carter

Gibson tracking back to defend does well up against Stubbings through the middle winning the ball back top of the D, as Woodley from the left looks to play the ball into her captain’s feet. Anderson frustrated as she gives away a free-kick against May outside the D, Linger forwards to take it 25 yards out central, goes to strike it sending the ball wide of the top right corner.

Into the final minute of the first half both sides still probing looking for an opening Bridgeman right has May ahead of her on the overlap sliding the ball on down the wing, May takes it into the corner before sending a low cross into the near post, Facerova untroubled called for it claiming without incident.

Half-time Newmarket Town Women Development 0-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

An intriguing first half comes to an end with the sides goalless at the break, both creating good opportunities, the goalkeepers too called into action. Probing each other out to a degree. Using the wings looking to get on with the ball, trying to keep it down on the 3G pitch, undeterred by the heat playing at a good tempo. Newmarket full of youthful energy, Fulbourn with the experience will be interesting to see which can emerge on top in the 2nd half.

Fulbourn to get the 2nd half underway have made a couple of changes, bringing Amy Smith on at right back with Grewal coming off. grace Muffett on to replacing Turner in midfield. Newmarket unchanged, the visitors looking to get straight on the attack, Woodley on for Stubbings through the middle, drifting right, Kirby-Cook closing the ball down for Newmarket, gets the hosts moving the other way sending the ball long up the left for Shelford, sweeping a cross into the box, Anderson defending up against May, the ball stopped top of the area, May after it cutting a ball out the right  Gibson getting on down the wing sending a low strike on the angle into the near post, Facerova down low to save.

Kirby-Cook pushing on with the ball left flank played on for Shelford, checks inside to put a cross into the Fulbourn box, Adams cutting it out this time seeing it back to her keeper. Stubbings gathering the ball into her feet, charging on through the middle looking to get into the box, Reynolds out to put in the tackle halting Stubbings run, the advantage played as Woodley takes the ball up lifting a cross into the area left side the ball hooked away for a throw in.

Jess Adams winning the ball back for Fulbourn

Fulbourn looking to make some thrusting runs through the middle, Chandler sending the ball in behind for Stubbings bursting into the box left of goal, Duhy coming out to close the angle making the blocking save with her legs the ball spinning away to the left, Stubbings retrieving it chipping a cross back into the area, Sarpong winning the ball for Newmarket.

Referee Theresa Robichaux giving a free-kick to Fulbourn outside the box left corner of the area after spotting a handball. Crook over it fires a pacy ball into the near post, Duhy right behind it coming to make a confident claim.

Smith sending the ball on up Fulbourn’s right, Stubbings and Chandler up with Woodley in the corner as the trio look to get inside the box, Kirby-Cook seeing it behind for a corner kick. Fired in across the six yard box goes throughout everyone before being turned back into the mix beyond the far post, Reynolds hooking it clear for Newmarket.

Newmarket defender, Rebecca Reynolds

Newmarket making a change with Kirby-Cook coming off, Peyton back on coming over to the left of the pitch. Fulbourn looking in impose themselves on the game 2nd half commit players forwards. Newmarket find May up top in a central position 25 yards out, holds the ball up well allowing Thompson to break on from the middle to the right of the box, May laying the pass into her feet, Thompson goes to shoot angling the ball in across the keeper, Facerova with an excellent save diving down to push the ball away to the left.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Emily Facerova.

Newmarket bringing players up from the back as they win a corner on the left, the delivery long through the six yard box, just over Reynolds getting up central dropping to Shelford far post but can’t get a telling touch. Thompson getting the ball out into the left wing for Shelford for Newmarket, Smith lunging in to tackle her to prevent the cross. Lively as Wells gets the ball into Stubbings driving on through the middle has Chandler going with her, putting the pass into her feet clips the ball into the right wing for Woodley to attack, her cross into the area taken by Duhy.

Niamh Bridgeman

Coming up to an hour played Newmarket making another change bringing Bithell back on to replace, Shelford on the left wing. Straight into the action as Peyton slides the ball down the line into her feet, holding off her marker outside the box, spins away into the area, bearing down on goal, shoots, Facerova throwing herself down to get behind the ball to make the save.

Thompson on the ball brings it inside across the top of the Fulbourn box looking for half a yard to get a shot away, pulls her attempt wide of the left post. Sarpong closing the ball down well for the hosts bringing in into the middle before sending a through ball into Thompson as she makes the run ahead of her, Anderson winning it back for Fulbourn. Lively as Fulbourn counter Woodley played in behind running into the box, Duhy rushing out to make the blocking save.

Fulbourn’s Jess Anderson

Newmarket are immediately on the counter attack the ball fed forwards through the middle quickly as Bithell is put through on goal, bearing down on the keeper shoots from close range, Facerova stays big making the blocking save gloving the ball down loose to her left, Bithell looking to steal onto it, Facerova falling stretching out an arm to snatch the ball into her body.

GOAL! Into the 65th minute, the game stretched as both sides look to get on the attack, Stubbings looking to pull into the area left of the D, the through ball rolled into her path, Duhy comes rushing out looking to close her down, Stubbings getting there first knocking the ball against the on rushing keeper, seeing it spin away wide left, the attacker after the ball as defenders rush back to try and cover the exposed goal, Stubbings composed picks her spot firing the ball from the angle into the back of the net to put Fulbourn into the lead 0-1.

Captain, Marie Stubbings bursting into the box to beat the keeper and open the scoring for Fulbourn

Fulbourn making a couple of changes with Milner and Chandler coming off, Caragh Dangerfield and Eve Seyf coming on. Crook eyeing up a shot 20 yards out outside the D fires wide. Newmarket bringing off Thompson, send on Cerys Compton. Fulbourn press through the middle Muffett winning the ball into Woodley drives forwards Stubbings ahead of her, sends the ball through into the box for Seyf, Duhy rushing in to try and close her down Seyf prods the ball wide of the keeper, but the wrong side of the right post.

 

Grace Muffett challenging Jazmine Sarpong for the ball

 

20 minutes left on the clock remains hot out there both sides putting alot of energy into the game, Peyton stealing in to win the ball on the left for Newmarket sending it on for Bithell, Seyf tracking back to defend for Fulbourn sending the ball out of play for a throw in. Reynolds at the back for Newmarket chipping the ball into the right channel looking for Bridgeman, Facerova comes racing out of her box to get to the ball first. A double change for the hosts with May and Carter coming off for Newmarket, Holly Corley and Ruby Lakey coming on.

Amy Smith defending for Fulbourn

 GOAL! Muffett wins the ball well in the middle playing it onto Crook out on the left, slides the ball into Seyf moving in behind into the box central, spins away from the advancing keeper taking the ball away to the by-line to the left of goal, comes back inside then to fire the ball into the goal before the Newmarket defence can recover 0-2.

Eve Seyf off the bench to double Fulbourn’s lead

 

Newmarket doubling their lead in the 73rd minute, Fulbourn threatening to get on top of Newmarket pressing bodies on, Seyf picking out Woodley chasing into the right corner her cross lifted into the six yard box, taken cleanly by Duhy. Wells and Crook coming off for Newmarket, with Chandler and Turner back into the action. Muffett busy in the middle of the park playing the ball out too the right, this time Seyf chasing down the ball in the corner on the by-line her cross cut out turned behind by Reynolds.

 GOAL! The corner flung in to the box, Turner left of goal getting her head on the ball powering it goal wards, pace on the ball straight at the keeper, Duhy saves beating the ball back out into the mix, Woodley nudging it into Seyf’s path, smashes the goal past the keeper into the bottom left corner to make it 0-3.

Turner’s header saved, Eve Seyf on the follow up scoring her 2nd for Fulbourn

Woodley putting the ball into Muffett as the visitors win a throw high on the right, working the ball to the by-line Muffett sees her cross intercepted by Sarpong. Fulbourn pressing the ball well regaining possession getting on the offensive with less than 15 minutes to play having raced into a 3 goal lead.

 GOAL! Fulbourn winning the ball back on halfway Muffett into Woodley, las the ball into the right channel for Seyf, beating the offside flag races into the box bearing down on goal, is on a hat-trick, but sees a better option as instead she unselfishly puts the ball across the face of goal for Chandler to run onto unmarked at the far post to score 0-4.

Megan Chandler scoring Fulbourn’s 4th goal

A 3 goal burst in 6 minutes taking the game away from Newmarket as we move into the final 10 minutes. Fulbourn in control, Corley getting hold of the ball for Newmarket laying it long out to the right for Bridgeman, whips a cross in low to the near post, Facerova going down to collect it as Bithell looks to run in on the ball the pair coming together, Facerova getting a blow to the head, a pause in play but is back up on her feet.

Newmarket’s Holly Corley

Corley timing her tackle well as Woodley looks to find Chandler pulling to the left. Seyf lively for Fulbourn having come into the attack breaking right, Reynolds with a strong tackle going in to close her down. Fulbourn bringing players on well now, Turner moving right to send a cross into the box, dropping amongst bodies, Corley is back to hook it away for the hosts.

Bithell breaking forwards on Newmarket’s left surging on with the ball in behind to fire a cross in along the face of goal, Bridgeman running in far post, Facerova getting down to wrap her gloves around the ball. Stubbings bringing substituted for Fulbourn, Crook back on.

Caranta Peyton with Megan Chandler

Crook attacking moving in central is clipped, but an advantage is played as the ball runs into Woodley right of goal inside the box closing in on goal puts her foot through the ball sending it flying over the keeper to smash down off the crossbar to the left turned behind for a corner kick. The corner in from the left to the near post, Woodley looking to turn her header goal wards can only play it behind for a goal kick.

Ellie Woodley frustrated as she sees her shot smash down off the bar

Facerova has gone down off the ball for Newmarket, feeling the effects of her earlier knock, no chances taken the keeper coming off, Dangerfield donning the gloves with Milner sent back on. Peyton defending for Newmarket as Woodley looks to get on down the right with the ball the full back across her seeing the ball out of play getting a shove for her efforts.

Moving into stoppage time at the end of the match Newmarket making on last push to get the ball forwards, Bithell fed the ball on the left stealing in behind to charge on towards the area fires her angled shot in towards goal, Milner tracking back for Fulbourn getting there to block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner fired in long across across the six yard box from the left, cleared at the far post.

Alex Milner getting the block in to deny Cerys Bithell in the closing stages

Full time Newmarket Town Women Development 0-4 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 Fulbourn with a flurry of goals taking the game away from Newmarket with less than 20 minutes to play. The visitors with a strong 2nd half performance after a cagey opening 45 minutes where both sides created some great chances. Marie Stubbings bursting through to open the scoring in the 65th minute. Newmarket continued to look a threat going forwards then came a burst of 3 goals in 6 minutes to see the game won. Fulbourn winning their final game of the season to end on a high. Newmarket can be rightly proud of their season too and with two big league games left to play 3rd place is still very much there for the taking… on top of their League Cup success.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders for this one on both sides a lively game fought in the heat. A few performances to mention firstly for Newmarket, Amelia Thompson got hold of the ball well centrally driving the attack forwards. Amber may running into the channels looking to get into the box. Cerys Bithell lively on the left flank unlucky not to get a goal. Caranta Peyton put herself about in both midfield and defence looking to get hold of the ball. Charlotte Duhy making some impressive saves despite the final score. For Fulbourn, Grace Muffett made an impact coming into midfield 2nd half getting hold of the ball keeping Fulbourn on the front foot. Goalkeeper, Emily Facerova made a number of vital saves to keep a clean sheet. Ellie Woodley with good movement up top running into the channels came close to making it 40 goals for a 3rd successive season! Captain Marie Stubbings took the game to Newmarket especially 2nd half leading the attack getting into the box to score the opening goal. The award goes to Eve Seyf was fantastic coming off the bench to add more potency to the attack scoring 2 goals and an assist for the 3rd.

The Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One trophy

 Just the not so small matter of a trophy presentation after the game, Fulbourn collecting their trophy for becoming Division One Champions. Cue the celebrations and champagne! Most of it sprayed over the team. Congratulations to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds on winning the league.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Champion’s

 My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details as always much appreciated, a busy week of cup finals lays ahead. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Aylsham FC Women v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 1st September

 Women’s FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying

The road to Wembley begins this Sunday with this season’s Women’s FA Cup getting underway with a whopping 145 ties in 1st Round Qualifying. For many sides making their debut in the competition, it’s to one of those I head today to Youngs Park to watch Aylsham FC Women as they take on Cambridgeshire side, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds.

The first competitive game of the season for both with their respective county leagues getting underway next Sunday. A prestigious competition that has seen the prize money increase over the past couple of season’s, the winner today receiving £1800, with a run in the competition helping to make a significant impact on a grassroot clubs finances.

Aylsham FC Women winning promotion to Norfolk Women’s Division One last season after winning the Division Two title in their debut season. Consolidated their place in Norfolk’s top flight in what was an injury hit season where the club struggled for players early on. Grew stronger as the season progressed eventually finishing in 5th place. Preparing for the new season have seen a few experienced players leaving but in turn have clawed that experience back with an influx of new players most notably from Fakenham Town Ladies who spent the previous two season’s in the ERWFL. Twins, Sophie and Vicky Lubbock, dual signed with Fakenham last season commit to Aylsham this campaign as does Olivia Baker, joined by attackers, Rochelle and Shelley Woods and defenders, Jemma Riches and Sophie Buckley. Other new additions include young players, Jess Greengrass and Elisha Nobbs. Kiara Wright comes to the club via Horsford. Young goalkeeper Mya Parker joins from King’s Lynn.

A new era for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds under a new coach with Shane Lebbon returning to the game after a two year break. Vastly experienced in women’s football having been at Newmarket Town Women for a long spell, specializing in the development of young players and bringing them on into the 1st team set up. Joined Fulbourn towards the end of last season, helping the previous coaching set-up as Fulbourn finished runners-up in both the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership and League Cup.

Fulbourn boast a formidable attack with, Ebony Crook, Marie Stubbings and Eleanor Woodley firing in 80 goals between them last season. Woodley with 41 of those. All 3 amongst those retained by the club this season. An experienced squad will be amongst the sides competing for the league this time around. Have see a few players depart but retain a strong core whilst adding a few new additions, defender Alex Milner having previously been with Newmarket. Grace Muffett returns to the game after spell at university has again experience playing for Newmarket. Megan Chandler too has played for Newmarket plus spells at Norwich and Cambridge. Emily Facerova the newest addition to the squad, a young player stepping up to women’s football.

  Youngs Park the venue for today’s Women’s FA Cup tie the new facility home to all of Aylsham adult and youth teams, boasting a new 3G pitch beyond the main pitch itself the grass looking a picture one of the best in the county. Standing viewing all round beside the large clubhouse, the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drinks with a barbeque going outside. The ground a hive of activity the woman’s game the showpiece event of the day. Glorious sunshine at the start of September, hot and still, best enjoy it while it lasts, will put the fitness levels under test both sides getting their season underway.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mya Parker, Cayla Brown, Elisha Nobbs, Sophie Buckley, Jordan Arnoup (C), Jess Greengrass, Shelley Woods, Vicki Lubbock, Olivia Baker, Christina Papadopoulou & Sophie Lubbock. Subs – Chelsea Crowley, Ellie Snowling & Kiara Wright.

Aylsham FC Women

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Rachel Fallow, Amy Smith, Alex Milner, Jessica Adams, Jess Anderson, Daniella Quinn, Hollie Turner, Eve Seyf, Marie Stubbings (C), Ebony Crook & Eleanor Woodley. Subs – Megan Chandler, Grace Muffett & Emily Facerova.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Captains’ Marie Stubbings and Jordan Arnoup with today’s match officials

It’s Aylsham to get this afternoon’s Women’s FC Cup tie underway with the kick off 1st half wearing orange coloured shirts with royal blue short and socks. With Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue coloured shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. Played back into the middle the ball fed out to the left channel dealt with by Jess Adams for Fulbourn. Won back by Aylsham as they press the ball played across to the right with Christina Papadopoulou bursting in behind the defence, Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow out smartly to the top of her box to see the ball roll safely into her gloves.

  Aylsham starting brightly on the front foot winning the ball high forcing a throw on the right, Alex Milner clearing for Fulbourn, Shelley Woods winning the ball back for Aylsham in the middle lifted on for Sophie Lubbock up top back to goal, hooks it over to the right side with Papadopoulou breaking in behind once more, Fallow has to get on the move reaching it just in time to kick clear. The ball away to the right for a throw high up the pitch, Aylsham work the ball on down the line Papadopoulou putting a cross into the area, Farrow claiming it safely inside her six yard box.

  Fulbourn build on the left Daniella Quinn out to Ebony Crook has captain Marie Stubbings bursting on with her played inside the ball laid forwards into a central position for Eve Seyf to attack, Aylsham goalkeeper, Mya Parker thinks about coming for the ball, hesitates as Seyf latches onto it and quickly back pedals into her area as Seyf takes the ball away to the right across the D before attempting to play her shot back across the keeper into the far corner, Parker though right behind her effort to collect the ball up into her gloves. 

Eve Seyf lining up a shot for Fulbourn

  Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup with a fantastic ball from the back to take out the Fulbourn defence sees Papadopoulou race in behind from the right channel, attacking the area, Anderson recovers brilliantly for Fulbourn getting back at the attacker, sliding in to charge her down as she goes to pull the trigger the ball angling behind off the defender for a corner kick. The corner floated in near side, Vicki Lubbock getting up well to turn the ball on into the mix falling to Woods top of the six yard box on the volley her effort is blocked at close range, Fulbourn clearing.

  Papadopoulou lively in attack for Aylsham in the opening exchanges making a number of penetrating runs, up top with Sophie Lubbock as Olivia Baker sends the ball on Lubbock cushioning it down for Papadopoulou to the left of the D, knocks it into the box, Adams getting across her the defender shielding the ball as Fallow comes to gather. Hollie Turner clipping the ball forwards for Fulbourn as they push forwards looking for Seyf making a move towards the right of the D, Parker is out quickly to snatch up the ball at the top of her area. 

  Fulbourn attacking down the right, Eleanor Woodley challenged by Sophie Buckley the ball out for a throw in, Cushioned down off the wing by Stubbings, looks to spin in behind, Woods lunging in gets her foot on the ball to send it away for another throw. Fulbourn pressing the cross fired in along the top of the area Turner, diverting it forwards into the path of Crook right of the D, sends her strike angling across goal, cut out by Cayla Brown at the far post, cleared.

Aylsham’s Cayla Brown

   Fulbourn having rode out the early assault by Aylsham have settled into the game competing for the ball Quinn in to win it back in the final third as Aylsham look to play it out from the back. Stubbings combining with Quinn through the middle, driving on, Vicki Lubbock stepping in to make the tackle for Aylsham. Competitive Quinn and Woods fighting for the ball Woods sends it up field Baker advanced on the left clipping it in behind, Papadopoulou looks to have strayed offside as she bursts in behind but no flag races clear striking early from 25 yards out sending her attempt over. 

Olivia Baker

  An intriguing tie unfolding Fulbourn coming back into the game well getting players forwards Quinn breaking up play keeping the momentum with her side, Elisha Nobbs losing the ball down at the back fired up to Woods along side Vicki Lubbock in the middle clips it on for Papadopoulou running in behind the Fulbourn defence, Milner goes with her though the full back timing her tackle well inside the D. 

  Crook getting hold of the ball central for Fulbourn has Woodley pulling away ahead of her right side of the D looks to pick her out a vital interception from Nobbs to deny the Cambridgeshire side a shooting chance. Quinn stealing in on the ball presses forwards Woodley out to the left sees the pass into her feet, angles a cross into the box, cleared by Arnoup at the back for Aylsham

Fulbourn midfielder, Daniella Quinn

  Woodley over on the right for Fulbourn as Seyf over on that sight gets the ball under control driving on finds Woodley ahead of her, screws her cross back in towards Stubbings running in towards goal right of the D, taking the ball on into the box, fires her shot across goal wide of the far post. Aylsham under pressure at the back Woodley into the area right side placing it into Stubbings top of the area, lays it out wide to Seyf to flash a cross in from the right wing, Crook racing in central on Nobbs can’t get a telling touch six yards out. Nobbs down injured after the attack, the referee calling a drinks break. Is very hot out there.

  Nobbs is back to her feet after lengthy treatment allowed back on, Stubbings off a throw in on the right lays it into Woodley driving in towards the top of the area right side, Parker rushing out getting her gloves on the ball before Woodley can pounce. Vicki Lubbock giving away a set-piece on halfway the ball played down the line a cross fired low into the near post, Parker positioned well dropping forwards onto the ball.

Aylsham’s Christina Papadopoulou

  Aylsham attack through the middle Papadopoulou carrying the ball on forwards into Baker to the left 20 yards out hooks it inside with Vicki Lubbock advancing right channel looking to bring it down in her stride, Milner putting in the challenge as she arrives in the box to sent clear. Fulbourn launching a fast paced counter on the left Woodley with Stubbings and Crook the ball sent on up towards Seyf in a central position 25 yards out, turns to attack, Buckley getting across her to hold her off allow Parker to come for the ball.

  Aylsham get bodies forwards from midfield to join the attack, Woods going along with Vicki Lubbock put into Papadopoulou drifting out to the left sends it back inside for Lubbock before turning into the box looking for the return ball, Lubbock playing it into her feet six yards out on the angle goes to shoot, Fallow coming to close her down having well with her legs.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow.

  Nobbs is down again, struggling with her earlier knock, can’t continue as is helped to the side-lines by her teammates. Aylsham forced into a change bringing Kiara Wright on. Remains a lively contest both side putting a lot of effort in despite the heat. The ball fired up to Sophie Lubbock up top for Aylsham 20 yards out sees one then 2 efforts blocks before laying the ball to her right with her twin sister racing forwards, Vicki met with a clumsy blocking tackle goes over inside the box, half hearted appeals but nothing doing as Fulbourn get the ball away to safety.

Sophie Lubbock

  Fulbourn get up the other end Seyf winning a throw on the right high level with the penalty box played inside to Stubbings top of the area right side, Parker racing out to close her down sliding in, Stubbings almost succeeds in taking the ball wide of the grounded keeper, however Parker dives at full stretch to snatch the ball away from Stubbings boot. 

 A fascinating game two sides giving it their all, evenly matched Fulbourn getting forwards well looking to find an opening, need to remain wary up the other end as Aylsham release the ball up to their attacking players Baker to the left clipping it across the top of the area for Sophie Lubbock on the right, runs straight into Milner. Parker in the right place to save as Seyf sees the ball into her feet central off a throw from the right, her low strike straight at the keeper.

  Aylsham on the move left side Woods getting on with the ball with Papadopoulou out wide the ball fired into the D for Sophie Lubbock moves to her right looking for an opening her shot blocked by Anderson comes straight back to Lubbock pulls the trigger a 2nd time, Woods in the way this time striking her inside the box and away for a goal kick. Sophie Lubbock getting onto the end of a ball hooked clear from the back turns to shoot all of 30 yards out put straight at Fallow in the Fulbourn goal.

  GOAL! – Quinn up with the attack putting the ball to the left Crook on for Stubbings down the line squares a cross into the box, intercepted by Arnoup back out to the left side, Stubbings with another opportunity to fire in the cross, this time finds Woodley central drifting in unmarked, one on one with the keeper, picks her spot to drill the ball low past Parker before she can react 0-1.

Eleanor Woodley with the opening goal for Fulbourn

  Fulbourn with the lead the deadlock broken in the 38th minute. Farrow kicking the ball out of her hands helped on through the middle, comes through to Seyf in attack up top through the middle looks to control and turn top of the D, Greengrass putting in the tackle the ball running behind wide for a corner kick. Swung in near side Aylsham clear. Smith advancing up the field on the right for Fulbourn finishing the first half strong, plays a one two with Woodley who races down the line before angling a cross along the face of goal the ball cleared by Greengrass at the far post with Crook closing in. 

Parker fouled as she gets up to try and catch a high ball flung into the box from Fulbourn’s right. Papadopoulou gathering the ball into her feet looks to get on the move down the right, Crook tracking back to challenge for Fulbourn. Aylsham press forwards the ball lifted into Baker inside the box right of goal knocks it down for Papadopoulou on the move right side, cuts her cross back for Vicki Lubbock running in 25 yards out smashes her shot wide beyond the far post.

  End to end and Fulbourn turn play around Turner on for Quinn up on the right with Seyf and Woodley moving into the corner her cross intercepted turned wide for a throw, into Woodley 25 yards out fires it in central for Seyf to hit the shot, angled in on goal comes at Parker with pace but right behind it gets her gloves behind the ball palming it down then claiming. 

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 0-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 A thoroughly entertaining 1st half between to competitive evenly matched sides. A bright start from Aylsham getting on the front foot pushing on took Fulbourn a little time to settle figure things out but once they did the game became much more even the visitors getting forwards well, breaking up a number of Aylsham attacks, the hosts carrying a threat in behind forcing a save from the keeper. Fulbourn creating opportunities of their own taking a one on one with the keeper to open the scoring late in the first half. Both sides putting alot of effort into the game will be interesting to see if they can keep it up. Fulbourn with the slender lead will be looking to extend the advantage 2nd half, Aylsham needing to find a goal, if it’s all square after 90 minutes the game goes straight to penalties. 

 Aylsham with an enforced change in the first half making another at the start of the 2nd half, having lost one defender, lose another with Buckley coming off, Ellie Snowling entering the game. A positional change with Woods usually an attack minded player joining Arnoup at centre back. Fulbourn unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball back into Stubbings in midfield played across the back line before being played forwards into Woodley looks for Crook on the left, Brown seeing it out for a throw for Aylsham.

   Woodley pressing the ball on the left steals on on Brown to run past the full back, Brown back to her feet to get after Woodley and tackle to play the ball out for a throw. Fulbourn on the attack early on 2nd half pressing the ball high, out to Seyf wide right angles her diagonal ball inside into Woodley top of the D, turns to take the shot, Arnoup close in to put in the block. 

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup winning the ball

 Fulbourn winning a corner on the right side, the ball curled in near post high over Turner comes to Woodley catching the attacker off guard six yards out gets her head to the ball looping up in towards goal, Parker though sees it all the way claims unchallenged.

 Fulbourn turning the screw Seyf on the right winning her side a corner kick, the ball swung in near side Parker up well to take it into her gloves. Parker busy at the start of the 2nd half Crook firing the ball on from the right for Woodley steal off the defence into attack the box, Parker out sliding in doesn’t quite get there but throwing herself across the attackers run does enough to see Woodley fire her shot wide of the right post however it comes at a cost, Parker down hurt.

 Play stopped a long pause drinks taken, some concern a change of goalkeeper considered, Arnoup the option to don the gloves has been an emergency goalie in the past. Time taken however and Parker is slowly back up on her feet and able to continue. Play resumes Vicki Lubbock up to Snowling on the left a forceful run sends the pass infield for Wright, held up by Anderson, looks to take it right before lifting a high ball into the box, caught high back on her line by Fallow at her near post. 

Fulbourn defender, Jess Anderson

 Anderson strong at the back for Fulbourn brings the ball out of defence sending it forwards for Crook running on down the left side whips a cross in behind the defence Seyf just a fraction away from making contact 20 yards out, the flag though is raised against her, close. A good contest as Baker hooks the ball on from the middle up to Wright who drags the ball to the right looking to get down the line, Anderson racing across to snuff out the chance sending the ball away for a throw.

  Aylsham coming back into the game having soaked up some pressure from Fulbourn at the start of the 2nd half, Snowling and Vicki Lubbock looking to link up on the left side, Adams sliding in to halt proceedings for Fulbourn. The game stretched now with Fulbourn turning defence into attack well Quinn up to Woodley central lays it to Seyf to the right looking for the return ball as she races on into the box gets it, chasing it down Vicki Lubbock tracking back the pair come together Woodley’s heels clipped the visitors want the foul instead get a corner as the ball is deflected behind. Swung into the box Turner meeting it 10 yards out drills her headed effort over the cross bar.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

  Anderson surges away on the left getting forwards pressures Brown in possession forcing the error, taking the ball on in behind to cross into the area out to the right for Crook inside the box attempts to play it back across goal as Anderson steals in far post turns her first time attempt over! Fulbourn pushing hard for a 2nd goal Quinn with Stubbings into Crook right side 30 yard out pulls the trigger her strike angling wide past the far post. 

Eve Seyf with Kiara Wright

 Wright fouled by Stubbings on the right on halfway, Arnoup ever dangerous on a set-piece to take angling a diagonal ball up towards Sophie Lubbock inside the D, knocks it down into the path of Baker 30 yards out takes on the shot her effort bouncing up sharply in front of the keeper, but Fallow unfazed to claim. 

Shelley Woods winning the ball for Aylsham

 Fulbourn break away the ball floated on down the left Woodley on the move no flag running in behind to curl a cross in across the top of the area to Crook on the opposite side on the run as she strikes the ball, wasn’t settled as the ball left her foot, the shot taken by Parker positioned well on her penalty spot. Wright and Milner enjoying a good tussle on the right of Aylsham’s attack the attacker slipping inside to send a cross into the box too close to Farrow covering her near post. 

Vicki Lubbock

Aylsham with a third change bringing of Baker, replacing her with Chelsea Crowley. Papadopoulou’s chances limited so far in the 2nd half, links up with Wright on the right to get away to send a cross into the Fulbourn box, intercepted by Quinn. Aylsham keep the momentum Papadopoulou knocking the ball on central for Vicki Lubbock outside the box can’t quite take it in her stride, Papadopoulou running onto the loose ball 20 out pulls her shot wide.

Ellie Snowling

  Fulbourn lively on the counter attack Stubbins breaking on with the ball laid forwards into Woodley, Woods sticking a foot out to stab the ball away for a throw. Fulbourn from the throw press the attack Stubbings controlling to send the ball down the line for Woodley cutting the cross back to Seyf arriving top of the area, turns inside to shoot, her effort lacking pace Parker can snatch it up cleanly into her gloves. Fulbourn storming on with the ball Stubbings on for Woodley through the middle looks to drive into the box, Woods struggling to catch her brings her down with a cynical foul outside the D, a free kick to Fulbourn, Arnoup was around on the cover preventing it from being a straight red card, yellow shown. Crook on the set-piece s annoyed with herself as she flashes her strike over the bar.

Ebony Crook

  The visitors pressing for a goal, Crook breaking on up the right the cross-field ball into her path bursts into the box, Greengrass in to pressure the shot as Crook lets fly fires the shot wide at the near post. A single goal between the sides Aylsham under the cosh at the back as Fulbourn push players on release the ball through the middle into Vicki Lubbock 25 yards out to the left of the D, pulls the trigger a powerful hit taking a wicked deflection of a defender lopping up in front of Fallow, Papadopoulou running in on the keeper on the follow up getting something on the ball but can only turn in frustration and the ball spins wide of goal. 

  Players getting tired out their the heat sapping, Sophie Lubbock has fresher legs to her left as she sends Snowling away down the left, Smith closing her down to put the ball out for a throw. Woodley on for Crook plays the ball over the top looking for Seyf in behind, the attacker hesitates for a moment expecting a flag, gives Parker the vital second she needs to race out of her area to put in the blocking clearance, however the flag is up. A double change for Fulbourn, Quinn and Seyf coming off to be replaced by Chandler and Muffett.

 Aylsham warded a free-kick on halfway. the clock ticking down as Aylsham search for an equaliser, Arnoup has a crack on goal, skipping through on target Fallow is forced into the save diving to her right full stretch to push the ball wide out of her box. Stubbings is finding the energy to keep up the attack running away with the ball on the left flashes a cross into the six yard box, Parker down low to knock the ball away from danger ahead of Woodley. 

  GOAL! 10 minutes of regular play left Aylsham find Wright central controls to lay the ball on for Vicki Lubbock 20 out left of the D, drives forwards evading a wild challenge to run on into the box and slot the ball past the advancing keeper to level the match 1-1.

Vicki Lubbock celebrates with her teammates

  Game on with less than 10 minutes to play Aylsham back in the tie. Players pulling up on both side with fatigue. A break in play a chance for both to regroup for the closing stages. Aylsham with their tails up attack through the middle Papadopoulou with Vicki Lubbock has Woods making a run to the left finds her the ball slid into the box, cut out and cleared by Anderson for Fulbourn. 

Alex Milner with Chelsea Crowley

  The visitors set Crook away on the right forwards for Woodley into Chandler out on the wing, Crowley slides in to put the ball out for a throw in. This time the in swinging corner flung over Turner at the near post doesn’t catch Woodley unawares, meets it six yards out with a bullet header flashed straight at the keeper, parker reacting instinctively batting the ball up into the air and plucking it down safely into her chest.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mya Parker.

  Milner with a rare foray forwards for Fulbourn on the left swings a cross into the box looking for Woodley central, Parker has read the game well throughout there to claim the cross. Into the last five minutes Fulbourn finding the energy to launch a swift attack the ball clipped on by Stubbings to Woodley bursting through the defence, Greengrass finds the legs to get back on her pressure the attacker into the early strike from 25 yards out lacks the power to trouble Parker.

 The game stretched in the closing stages Aylsham tired pushed up trying to keep momentum in the Fulbourn half a risk but a goal now for either side surely wins the tie. Fulbourn dangerous on the counter Stubbings away with Woodley through the middle the latter sending Stubbings into the box right side, Woods going with her with a well timed tackle inside the box to turn the ball of Stubbings for a goal kick. Players down have given it their all, Milner struggling for Fulbourn nevertheless digs deep to deny Wright a crossing opportunity late on. 

 Woodley left side bringing the ball under control from a throw turning inside to lift a diagonal ball into the top of the area for Crook right of goal meeting it on the half volley sends her effort over the bar. Vicki Lubbock with a tired challenge to bring Woodley down central 30 yards out with the game deep into injury time. One last chance for Fulbourn outside the D, Crook with the deception to play the ball low out to the right for Woodley to attack inside the box on the angle smashes the shot in at the near post, Parker with the acrobatic save throwing herself to the left to glove the ball wide off the post… the final whistle comes straight after he tie going to a penalty shootout!

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 A thrilling game Fulbourn nearly winning it with the final kick of the ball. Created a host o chances 2nd half but couldn’t take one to extend their lead, needed a little more composure in front of goal but credit to Aylsham had to dig deep 2nd period deal with players in unfamiliar positions getting forwards got an opportunity to score and took it well holding on to send the game into a penalty shootout. In a contest that could have gone either way. 

Penalties

  Don’t like penalties as you know but the game has to be settled on the day, 5 each then if still level goes to sudden death.

  Aylsham up first, and it’s their captain placing the ball on the spot, Arnoup hitting the ball hard and low to her left, Fallow guessing the right way diving down to make the save deflect the ball up over the bar! 0-0

Rachel Fallow saves the opening penalty

 Crook walking up to the spot to take Fulbourn’s first penalty, a powerful hit angling arrow like to the right corner of the goal Parker going the right way has no chance 0-1.

  Vicki Lubbock to take Aylsham’s 2nd spot kick, no mistake blasts it down the middle to level things up 1-1.

  Woodley to take Fulbourn’s 2nd spot kick fires it in hard and low to the right, Parker throws herself across her goal to save getting her gloves behind the ball 1-1.

  Woods coming up to take Aylsham’s 3rd spot kick with an opportunity to fire her side into the lead, coolly taken to send the keeper the wrong way and score. 2-1.

  Turner to takes Fulbourn’s 3rd spot kick. struck to the right of goal, Parker agile moves crab like across her goal to get behind the shot and make the save. 2-1.

Mya Parker saving twice in the shootout.

  Sophie Lubbock up next for Aylsham, runs up a powerful hit angling to the left of goal at a saveable height Fallow dives gets her fingertips to the ball but the pace beats her to see Aylsham go 3-1 up.

  Chandler up next for Fulbourn has to score to keep her side in the shootout blasts her penalty into the top corner, well struck. 3-2.

  Papadopoulou walking up to take Aylsham’s 5th penalty scores and she sends her side into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup, runs in strikes the ball the keeper goes the right way but can’t get there the ball smashing down over the line off the crossbar to secure the win 4-2.

Aylsham celebrate as they advance to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A clear winner this time around. Nevertheless several performances to mention. A thrilling cup tie both sides gave it their all and could have gone either way. Firstly for Fulbourn a tough call to single anyone out was a great team effort once they got into the game. The attackers all playing their part making some great runs and constant outlets for the ball. Marie Stubbings got about the park winning the ball setting her team forwards. Jess Anderson with a number of vital tackles at the back winning her fair share of challenges. Daniella Quinn strong in the middle too particularly first half getting forwards to break up Aylsham’s play kept the momentum with her side. For Aylsham, Christina Papadopoulou asked Fulbourn plenty of questions with some great attacking runs, Vicki Lubbock strong in the middle getting forwards to support the attack to her chance well. The award though goes to young goalkeeper, Mya Parker, a fantastic competitive debut for Aylsham her positional play was fantastic throughout, read the game well and made a number of vital saves, most notably in the final seconds and two in the shootout.

  Aylsham will face Essex side Stanway Pegasus Women  in 2nd Round Qualifying after they scored a 94th minute winner to beat Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 3-2. A cracking cup tie more often than not there is a tie that calls to me in the draw and this was it a great contest between the sides a proper cup tie and both can be proud of their performance their opening game of the season sets them up nicely for the league campaign ahead. Could have gone either way. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details, good to catch up with a few familiar faces and look forward to the next round.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Friday 17th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

Beginning another long weekend of cup final football action this Friday evening with a trip to Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristal Stadium to watch the final of this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, between the top two in the Women’s Premiership, runners-up Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds play league winners, Whittlesey Athletic Ladies going for an impressive treble having won the Women’s Invitation Final just over a week ago.

The Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup contested by the sides playing across all three divisions in the county, this time around the final featuring the two sides who have proved to be strongest in the top flight within that set-up. The competition proudly sponsored by The Alan Boswell Group that has been involved with the league in Cambridgeshire in various guises for close to 20 years now.

This evenings prize.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds one of the longest established sides within the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership under the leadership of Ashley Hunt and Ryan Lee have grown throughout the season finishing strongly with 7 wins in a row to pull 12 points clear of the pack to secure 2nd spot behind winners, Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Both are to step back from the dugout after this evenings final with the club bringing in Shane Lebbon to manage the side, has a wealth of experience coaching within the woman’s game in Cambridgeshire having previously been with Newmarket Town Women, coaching at all levels, developing and bringing youth players into the 1st team. 

Fulbourn with a strong attacking quartet, scoring plenty of goals between them this campaign, Ellie Woodley on target to score 41 goals so far this season in 21 games. Captain, Marie Stubbings, often amongst the goals has 21 to her name while Ebony Crook and Eve Seyf has scored 18 and 14 respectfully. Face a tough test in this evenings final having lost heavily to Whittlesey in both there matches this season.

They aren’t the only club to lose heavily to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies this season however, with the club reforming it’s women’s side this season, pulling in players from a strong talent pool in the Peterborough area, easily equipped for tier 6. Can’t enter at that level however and have to be promoted from a county league, going straight into the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, hit the ground running and never looked back a 100% record on their way to the league title after 16 of there 18 league matches, strong in the cup competitions too as they proved in the final of the Women’s Invitation Cup final last Thursday, beating Cambridge United WFC’s U18s 2-1 to make it a league and cup double.

Emma Pollard opening the scoring for Whittlesey back then has enjoyed another 50 plus goals season in front of goal, 58 last season as she helped Cardea FC Ladies to a league and cup double too, has 52 this season in just 15 matches. Tara Parker with 15 goals and Taylor dean also into double figures on 10. A cup hangover (maybe) saw them lose their 100% record last Sunday, a 1-0 defeat away to Cambridge University Women. Tonight though a chance to complete the treble.

 Road to the Final

 Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st round of the League Cup. The goals flowing for both in the 2nd road. Fulbourn especially as thy were at home taking on Division Three side Cambridge Rangers WFC Reserves. Ellie Woodley alone firing home 7 goals. Ebony Crook and Marie Stubbings getting 4 apiece. with a brace each for Eve Seyf and Katie Luddy in a 19-0 romp. Whittlesey at home against fellow Premiership side Cambridge University Women, Emma Pollard smashing home 4 goals, Jenna Nairn was to net a brace with Hannah Murphy, Taylor Dean and captain, Leah Barnes all getting a goal each in a 9-0 win.

Fulbourn continuing their goal scoring form in the League Cup as they took on Chatteris Town Lillie Ladies, from Division Two in the 3rd Round of the competition. Woodley and Crook both scoring a hat-trick, surpassed by Stubbings who grabbed another 4 goal haul with Hollie Turner also on target in an 11-0 win. Whittlesey handed the away win having been drawn against Division Three side, Willingham Wolves Women.

Into the last 8 of the League Cup, Fulbourn on the road this time taking on Division Two side, Waterbeach Colts WFC. Their attackers continuing their strong form in front of goal, Crook getting herself a hat-trick with Seyf firing in a brace, Woodley scoring too in a 6-1 victory. Whittlesey away to in the quarter finals up against Division Two title chasing Godmanchester Town Ladies, a rare game where Pollard didn’t score, they progressed into the semi-finals courtesy to a 2-0 win, Taylor Dean and Jenna Nairn with the goals.

Into the semi-finals an all Premiership line-up, Fulbourn at home taking on Newmarket Town Women Development, Woodley’s goals seeing them into the final, scoring a hat-trick to advance with a 3-1 win. Whittlesey at home too taking on Leverington Sports Ladies, who had improved over the 2nd half of the season pulling away from the bottom of the table. Goalless at the break, Whittlesey would break the deadlock in the 2nd half to into win the game 3-0 with goals from Murphy, Pollard and Megan Strickland.

Newmarket Town FC’s Tristal Stadium hosting some big matches this weekend, not only this evening’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final, but a huge game for the men’s first team on Saturday as they take on Mulbarton Wanderers in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Play-off final. Onto Sunday the ground hosting this season’s ERWFL Finals Day. The ground featuring a state of the art cork based artificial playing surface. A seated stand on one side beside the clubhouse and changing rooms with the bar and kitchen hatch open. A warm evening, dry with a few clouds around but no rain likely.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Julie Brown, Nat Wells, Seema Grewal, Jess Anderson, Jess Adams, Mollie Turner, Dani Quinn, Marie Stubbings, Ebony Crook, Eve Seyf & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Rachel Fallow, Sarah Bodger, Gaby Gallegos Garrido & Amy Smith.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies starting XI – Zoe Shepherd, Megan Strickland, Maisie Homden, Hannah Johnson, Alice MacNicol (C), Hannah Murphy, Jenna Nairn, Taylor Dean, Mia Wilson, Tara Parker & Emma Pollard. Subs – Grace Spencer, Katie Barber, Jorja Badcock & Olivia Smith.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An injury blow for Whittlesey with captain, Leah Barnes out on crutches. Played a big part in there Invitation Cup success, however they do welcome back Hannah Murphy and Hannah Johnson to the starting line up with Jorja Badcock on the bench. Alice MacNicol captaining the side as they get the League Cup final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing an all blue kit. Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue coloured shirts with claret trim and sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. The ball rolled back to Hannah Johnson in defence, fed up to Jenna Nairn looks to pick out Emma Pollard in attack pulling into the left channel, Jess Adams intercepting the ball for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn looking to press the ball win a series of throw ins on there left looknig to get forwards. Playing the ball into midfield, Hollie Turner into Eve Seyf looks to play Ellie Woodley in behind, MacNicol closing her down to tackle regain possession for Whittlesey. Fulbourn positive pushing on up the right, Seyf combining with Woodley out wide, her cross clipped into the area, cleared by Hannah Johnson for Whittlesey.

Fulbourn’s Eve Seyf with Ellie Woodley

Seyf making a nuisance of herself on the right in attack looking to see the ball into her feet, skip past her marker, turning inside is brought down, winning Fulbourn a free-kick in an inviting position 25 yards out. Ebony Crook over the set-piece, floated the ball in towards the far post, runners closing in however Whittlesey goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd takes the ball cleanly above her head.

Fulbourn have Whittlesey penned back in their own half as Seema Grewal plays the ball into the middle helped on up to Seyf in attack as captain Marie Stubbings making a move to race in between the centre backs threads the pass on for her to attack, Shephard quickly out of her area gets there in the nick of time to kick the ball clear the ball out for a throw on the right.

For all there forward play at the start of the game Fulbourn have to be wary of the counter attack, Emma Pollard ready and waiting up top for the ball to be cleared into her path, Nairn lifting it into the left channel Pollard, clips it across to the right for Hannah Murphy into the right channel attempts to send, Tara Parker into the box, Adams close on the attacker getting her foot in to stop the ball reaching its target.

Fulbourn quick to turn play around launch the counter attack, Dani Quinn playing the ball forwards Crook left helping it on for Seyf racing in behind the Whittlesey defence into the box the keeper coming to close the angle, Seyf shoots, the ball racing wide of the right post, a corner given the keeper with the merest of touches keeping it out. The corner whipped into the six yard box by Crook, over Quinn jumping central, cleared back out to Crook on the right, sends her cross over.

Whittlesey’s Maisie Homden after Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

Parker loosing her boot as she is fouled trying to break clear wide on the left on halfway. Whittlesey bringing players up as the ball is lifted into the top of the Fulbourn box, Quinn heading the ball away. Fulbourn move the ball right Crook over on that side putting it on for Woodley central, in turn playing it forwards into Seyf, close control wriggles her way through the defence into the area, one on one with the keeper as Shephard comes to close her down, stays big as Seyf looks to place her shot past her, the keeper getting her left glove on the ball making a superb save to concede the corner. Curled in near post defended by Maisie Homden. A pause in play with MacNicol down inside the box with a knock, but okay to play on.

Whittlesey goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd

GOAL! The deadlock is broken, Whittlesey having had to work hard at the back in the opening 10 minutes to keep a lively Fulbourn out hit their opponents on the counter, Nairn playing a great ball into Pollard left channel combines well with Parker in attack the pair playing the ball back and forth making their way forwards Pollard inside to Parker getting the return pass slipping the ball into the box behind the Fulbourn defence for Parker bursting into the area, before smashing her shot into past the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

Tara Parker celebrates after scoring Whittlesey’s opening goal

Two good chances for Fulbourn not taken, Whittlesey clinical in their first meaningful attack open the scoring. Energised now get forwards Nairn combining with Pollard in the middle spots Homden on the move left wing breaking down the wing in behind with the ball, pushed to the by-line, can’t keep her cross in play. Murphy playing the ball onto Taylor Dean, who is fouled inside the Fulbourn half beside the centre circle on the right. Nairn to send the ball long towards the far post, MacNicol up from the back tries to get her head on the ball but can’t quite reach it as it runs behind for the goal kick.

Stubbings putting Woodley in on the right plays the ball down the line for Seyf to attack a race for the ball with Homden the defender seeing the ball out for a corner kick. Crook lifting an in swinging ball in high central, Shephard up well to make a comfortable claim. Fulbourn getting the ball moving in the final 3rd, Seyf feeding the ball out to Woodley wide right this time, looking to take the ball on, Homden with her the full back challenging to win the ball back.

 GOAL! Whittlesey always looking for Pollard up top whenever they regain position and the attacker is always looking to make herself available pulls left as Nairn wins the ball in the middle, picks her out with the past, Pollard racing away down the win, pace to cut back into the area before flashing a ball in across the face of goal, Julie Brown in goal looking to get something on it, the ball deflected into the onrushing Parker for her to turn the ball home for her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Tara parker doubling Whittlesey’s lead

Nairn comes close to putting Pollard through to score Whittlesey’s 3rd moments later lifting the ball into the left channel, Pollard seeing it drop over her shoulder top of the area, ready to latch onto her shot, Brown reacting sharply out to the top of her area, making the blocking save with her legs to deflect the ball away from danger.

GOAL! Whittlesey upping their game midway through the first half winning a corner on the right, players up rom the back, the initial corner lifted into the near post defended cleared out to the right lands at Dean’s feet, blasts the ball back into the box, blocked coming back out to the right a measured cross curled in across the goal the the far post with MacNicol in position to nod the ball down into the back of the net. 0-3.

Alice MacNicol heads Whittlesey into a 3 goal lead

A huge blow to Fulbourn with 2 good chances to take the lead, find themselves 3 goals down in the opening 23 minutes. Whittlesey lively as Murphy finds Dean out wide on the right her cross in towards the top of the area intercepted by Fulbourn’s Jess Anderson. Woodley central threads the ball on for Stubbings looking to break in behind, Johnson having dropped off, having a crucial half yard head start on the attacker getting to the ball first to put out for a throw in the corner. Fulbourn press well to bring themselves a corner.

Played into the near side helped on across the six yard dropping far post, Homden covering the post sees it out for another corner on the right. Crook’s delivery knocked down into the area, Seyf looking to latch onto it central, Murphy charging the ball down for Whittlesey.

Parker fouled on halfway as she looks to break away with the ball. Nairn to play the ball from right to left in towards the far post, Murphy jumping but over the attacker, nevertheless retrieves the ball on the by-line to spin back inside and flash the ball in across the face of the Fulbourn goal. Pollard with the ball at her feet right, Nat Wells sliding in slows her down by Pollard stays on her feet to cut the ball back into the area from the by-line, Parker looking to hit it first time, fires her strike wide.

Stubbings 30 yard out central with Crook to her left the pass into her played forwards with Woodley looking to surge into the box, MacNicol getting in close to prevent the shot, Woodley’s attempt deflected off her legs up over the crossbar.

Nairn winning the ball for Whittlesey central attempts to pick out Pollard pulling into the left channel once again, her touch a little too heavy this time allowing Adams the opportunity to get her foot through the ball before she can take it on. Woodley fouled outside the box on the left for Fulbourn the free kick fired in towards goal, Shepherd reacting late saving the ball with her legs, Whittlesey looing to mobilise a counter attack, Quinn stopping the advance for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn undeterred by falling 3 goals behind still going forwards looking to create something, win a throw high on the right, put into Seyf’s feet turns well to put a cross into the top of the area, Stubbings running in making contact with her knee places the ball wide of the near post. MacNicol just about gets there to tackle Woodley top of the area as Crook looks to play her in on goal.

Nairn strong to win the ball turns to pick out Pollard going left, has Homden on the sprint to get ahead of her on the overlap, Brown has to come racing out of her area to kick the ball clear. Whittlesey press on the right Dean with Wilson a corner kick won, Lifted in near side defended knocked out to the right, Murphy latching onto the shot, the ball fired into the crowded near post area, blocked turned behind for another corner, again defended at the near post back to the corner taker the cross turned over the bar.

Whittlesey bringing of Wilson, send on Katie Barber. Woodley left on for Seyf ahead of her, Johnson on her shoulder to pressure the shot, put straight at the keeper. Seyf getting about the pitch in the final 3rd stealing into the box on the right as the diagonal ball comes into her, can’t dig the shot out of her feet however instead putting the ball in central for Woodley, Whittlesey quickly into her to close the ball down.

Quinn getting up the pitch to win the ball for Fulbourn central plays it forwards into Woodley before making a run to the right, Woodley linking up with Seyf beside her who in turn picks out Quinn wide inside the box, her shot curled in across goal wide at the far post. Fulbourn pressing for a goal late in the first half, Crook on to Woodley left forwards into Seyf looking to race into the box Johnson looking to stay on her shoulder, Seyf gets her shot away looking to go across goal into the bottom corner, Shephard diving down to her left making another fine save getting her gloves on the ball.

Grewal getting forwards on the right picking out Woodley ahead of her turns to release Seyf down the right wing before making a run into the D, Seyf looking to find her with the cross, MacNicol in to close her down the shot blocked taking the sting out of it runs safely through to the keeper.

Pollard’s pace attacking down the right wins Whittlesey a corner, an in swinging delivery across the six yard, MacNicol nodding in down into the mix at the far post, the ball scrambled over the bar. Fulbourn get on the move left Grewal inside for Woodley, running in behind, Johnson looking to stay on her into the box, Shepherd coming the other way to block the ball deflected out to the left, Stubbings looking to race onto it, Strickland sliding in to get to it first clear the threat.

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 0-3 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  The sides head into the changing rooms at the break with Whittlesey holding a 3-0 advantage. Could have been a very different score line had Fulbourn put away their early chances, the difference between the sides in the first period Whittlesey clinical when they’ve had their chances, making them counter looking a threat on the break. Fulbourn undeterred have kept getting forwards looking for an opportunity to score and have forced goalkeeper, Zoe Shepherd into making some excellent saves. Still a lot of work to do if they are to get themselves into the game 2nd half, will have to come forwards and Whittlesey with the advantage an be patient with Pollard up top ready to spring into action.

The floodlights taking full effect as the sides emerge for the 2nd half. Fulbourn to get the 2nd half underway have changed their keeper, with Rachel Fallow in in place of Brown, Whittlesey immediately into hustle the ball, nick possession to lift the cross field pass out to Pollard on the right, sends it across the top of the area for Homden getting on down the wing, Grewal challenging to get the ball away from danger for Fulbourn.

Homden needing to defend up the other end putting the ball out for a throw as Seyf looking to march on down the wing. The ball taken to the by-line fired in central, Woodley looking to attack it, Strickland clears back to the right for Whittlesey, lifted into the near side right of goal Johnson defending the ball back out wide before the cross is flashed in wide across the face of goal.

Whittlesey’s Hannah Johnson

Fulbourn prepared to push on take on the Whittlesey defence, Stubbings with room in the middle picking out Seyf with her pass on the right, knocking it on down the line, Homden getting across her body to shield the ball out of play for a goal kick. Fulbourn pushed up the ball coming into Wells deep on the left lifts the ball high into the box at the near post, Shepherd up well to take with Seyf closing in.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

Stubbings across to put in the challenge on Dean as the Whittlesey forward looks to advance on the right. Again Fulbourn press the ball well in the final 3rd without finding a way through then Whittlesey with a couple of passes forwards spring the counter, Pollard looking to race on with the ball into the left channel, however Anderson gets out to close her down tackles to win the ball back.

Whittlesey’s Taylor Dean

Dean on for Pollard on the right travels with the ball squaring a dangerous ball into the top of the six yard box, a vital touch from Fallow getting her gloves on the ball knocking it down to claim, especially with Barber running in behind the keeper ready to turn the ball home.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow

MacNicol down again for Whittlesey, having pulled up a couple of times in the first half, needs to come off this time, Whittlesey sending on Jorja Badcock. Fulbourn pushing on looking to cause problems for the Whittlesey defence winning a throw high on the left the ball flighted into the area, headed away by Johnson. Nairn getting the ball into her feet playing it into Murphy on for parker outside the box right of the D, moves inside looking for room to shoot, Anderson staying on her as Adams closes ranks the moment lost. 

Jess Adams

 Seyf getting on with the ball right side for Fulbourn sends the cross into the box turned behind by Strickland for a corner kick. Flung in near post players up to attack it, knocked on across goal out beyond the far post. Whittlesey dropping back inviting Fulbourn on allowing Quinn and Turner to press higher. Parker back on the cover to clear a Fulbourn free-kick launched up field for Pollard to chase down on the right, her initial cross into the box blocked comes back out to her Wells moving in to close her down Pollard playing the ball off the defender for a corner. Curled into the six yard box from the right, Pollard the player under it at the far post turns her header wide.   

  GOAL! Whittlesey powerful on the counter attack, Nairn seeing what’s ahead of her s she wins the ball back in the middle, lifting her pass up towards the right of the D for Pollard to attack, in a race with Wells, the defender trying to play it back to her keeper, but rushing out the other way they get too close, Fallow slicing the ball inside towards the penalty spot, Pollard reacting faster ducking inside to get onto the ball and side foot it into the empty net 0-4.

Emma Pollard extending Whittlesey’s lead in the 2nd half

  Whittlesey extending their lead midway through the 2nd half, Pollard getting herself on the score sheet. nip in to regain possession high Parker on the ball feeding it up to Pollard, Anderson lunging in to make the tackle. Barber advancing on the right as Whittlesey look to up the tempo comes inside heading for the box, Wells closing her down as Anderson makes the blocking tackle. Dean with Homden up on the left the ball played into the box headed away for a throw in the corner.

 GOAL! The throw in played into Pollard who turns on the ball and breaks into the box, left corner, angles her powerfully hit strike across the keeper into the corner of the net to make it 5. 0-5

 Whittlesey with two quick fire goals from Pollard pulling into a 5 goal lead. Making a change with 20 minutes to play as Dean comes off, Olivia smith on. Fulbourn having pushed on don’t let their heads drop, continue to attack looking for a goal of their own, Quinn letting fly from 20 yards out right of the D sees her shot come back of the post, Fulbourn pushing up winning a corner on the left. Knocked on across goal to the far post running out to Quinn on the angle her shot blasted in blocked by the Whittlesey defence. 

Hannah Murphy

  Turner playing the ball on for Stubbings central in attack looks to twist and turn find a way through the Whittlesey defence, Johnson closing her down. Wells putting the challenge in to put the ball out for a throw on the right as Barber drives down the right wing for Whittlesey. Badcock seeing the ball into her feet in attack central has Barber running past her rolls the ball into her path her 20 yard shot blocked at close range by Anderson. Badcock up with Pollard the ball played into the attacker 20 yards out, puts her shot straight at the keeper. 

  GOAL! Fulbourn awarded a free-kick inside the Whittlesey half to the right of the centre circle the ball floated into the area headed out to the right drops straight to Quinn beyond the far post, puts her foot through the ball and blasts her shot from an acute angle into the back of the net, their endeavour getting them a deserved goal 1-5.

Dani Quinn pulling a goal back for Fulbourn

 10 minutes left on the clock, Fulbourn pulling one goal back scoring against Whittlesey at last but their opponents still have a commanding lead. Wells firing the ball inside to Turner in the middle on for Quinn linking up with Stubbings through the middle, Murphy back to defend for Whittlesey. Nairn’s balls forwards up to Pollard so dangerous, the striker getting on the move, Anderson quick to close her down, nick the ball for Fulbourn. 

Eve Seyf

  Wells coming forwards has Seyf up ahead of her, the ball played on Seyf feeding it to Woodley left of the D, turns playing it across to Crook on the right, Homden cutting out the cross, back with Crook her 2nd attempt behind for a corner kick, the ball dropping in near post headed on across the six yard falling before Seyf, can’t get it out from under her feet before Whittlesey close her down.

 Fulbourn keep going Wells playing the ball up to Seyf left level with the box fires an inviting cross in along the face of the Whittlesey goal, Woodley racing in far post can’t quite get there. For a moment it looked as if Fulbourn had won a penalty, as they attack right t left Stubbings playing the ball into Seyf central is brought down, the foul however right on the line a free-kick awarded nevertheless. The set-piece struck low hitting the wall deflected behind for a corner on the right The delivery teasing flashing in  through the six yard box no one can get a touch.

Megan Strickland

  Seyf, cleaned out by Johnson out wide on the left another free-kick awarded. Fulbourn with the late pressure the ball in to the near post cleared by Strickland for a throw out on the left. The ball put across the top of the area Fulbourn pushing up the wing to get a corner on the right as the game moves into stoppage time, curled in near side, a turn on the ball and shot, the ball blocked on the line back out to the right then fired back in across the face of goal. 

 Whittlesey adsorbing a late Fulbourn push make a double change, Pollard and Nairn coming off, Wilson and Grace Spencer on. Woodley letting the ball roll cross her 30 yards out, sends a shot arrowing in straight at the keeper. Seyf sending a cross into the box from the left attacked at the far post, Homden with the block on the post. The final whistle blows and Whittlesey have done it won a league and cup treble with their newly reformed team.

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 1-5 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  An impressive achievement for Whittlesey to win the league and two cup finals. Were clinical on the night putting away their chances. Counter attacking well and working hard at the back pushed back at times. A great effort from Fulbourn never gave up two great chances to take the lead themselves were hit on the counter to concede the opener, Whittlesey upping their game to put two further chances away before the break with goal keeper, Zoe Shephard called into action to keep the clean sheet on a couple of occasions. Fulbourn not prepared to settle back 2nd half gave it a go to try and find away back into the match, Whittlesey could bid their time however wait for the right moment to pounce get up the other end and Pollard was on hand with a quickfire double to put the game beyond doubt Fulbourn remained positive getting the goal their attacking play deserved and never let Whittlesey settle.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, again it’s a fairly straight forward one and too a player that has won a few of these before. A few performances to mention first, for Fulbourn they worked hard up top t find a way through no one more than Eve Seyf who got about the flanks looking to take the ball down create openings unlucky not to score,. Marie Stubbings too covering a good amount of ground to make herself available for the ball and help out in midfield. Dini Quinn making some great runs forwards took her chance well, also tracking back the other way to help the defence. For Whittlesey, Tara Parker was lively up top looking to get into the box on hand to score the opening goals. Zoe Shephard made some vital saves in the first half to keep the Fulbourn out. Jenna Nairn winning the ball played some fantastic passes forwards. The award winner once again Emma Pollard, played a part in all the goals assists and putting two away in the 2nd half. Running into the channels made herself a read outlet throughout.

Emma Pollard with this season’s haul

 Congratulations to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies on winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup and for claiming an impressive treble, there aren’t many sides that can claim that.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies 2023/24v Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners

  A good evening out at Newmarket, an entertaining final. Whittlesey strong all season finishing in style one game left to play. Fulbourn with a spirited performance can be proud, gave it there all. Ashley and Ryan leave the team in great shape, improved ready to challenge for honours next season. My thanks to both teams and referee Carlton Joseph for the help with the teams this evening. Back to Newmarket on Sunday for the ERWFL Finals Day, into the final run 5 games to go… 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Eaton Socon Ladies

Sunday 8th October

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

 A return to county league action this Sunday on Women’s Football East with a trip into Cambridgeshire to watch a game from the Women’s Premiership with Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds taking on Eaton Socon Ladies.

 Cambridgeshire like the other county leagues across the East seeing a rise in the number of sides playing as the women’s game continues to grow across the country. The county now featuring 3 divisions with a total of 33 sides. 10 sides competing in the Premiership.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds one of the longest established clubs within Cambridge competing in the counties top division. Of course can’t go past this without mentioning the heartfelt loss of Sam Issacson losing her battle with bowel cancer a well loved member of the Fulbourn team, taking part in the Kick Cancer Cup along with her Fulbourn teammates raising money for charity before final succumbing to the decease. A bench erected by the pitches at the Recreation Ground in her honour and the new coaching team of Ashley Hunt and Ryan Lee adding a tribute to the with the words Sam 10 on the shirt sleeves the number 10 shirt retired in her name. 

Sam’s bench, erected in memory of much missed Fulbourn player Samantha Issacson.

 A side that was often amongst the goals last season where they averaged 6.44 goals per game they featured in unfortunately not winning as many as they lost though, to record a 7th place finish. Ebony Crook and Marie Stubbings scoring 40 goals between them last season with Crook getting 18, Stubbings 22. Neither coming close to Ellie Woodley who found the back of the net for 40 goals during the campaign. Just two league matches played so far this season, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Cambridge Rangers WFC before bouncing back well away to Cambridge University Women last time out winning 5-0 with Marie Stubbings netting a hat-trick, Eleanor Woodley and Natalie Wells also on the score sheet.

 Eaton Socon Ladies joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s football league back ii the 2019 season, initially affected by the Covid pandemic season’s have progressed up the league’s winning Division One North in 2021. Promoted to the Premiership last season enjoyed a strong debut season at that level unbeaten in their first 6 matches, only losing 5 matches along the way with 4 of those being against the two sides vying for the title finishing 4th overall.  Sasha Tristram now out in the US to enjoy her football top scoring during that campaign with 12 goals. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances Eaton Socon Ladies having to bringing in a new manager just a few weeks before the season was due to start with Dan Dodson taking charge of the squad. Looking to bring in a different style of play it has been a tougher start to the campaign with 3 consecutive losses beginning with a 1-0 home defeat against Real Bedford Reserves then back to back losses on the road 2-0 and 6-0 away to Cambridge Rangers WFC and Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Will be hoping to turn their fortunes around with their 3rd successive away trip.

Having not been to the Fulbourn Recreation Ground for a while I was still sure I knew the way, but I didn’t as I turned right at the pub bringing me out behind the pitch so a quick turn around and I sorted thing’s out. A large community facility with numerous sports activities on offer the grass pitches over looked by a large pavilion and cricket square. Today’s game on the pitch furthest from the changing rooms the whole area surrounded by trees. At first appearances the pitch appearing to be covered in dew in places but was in fact a carpet of spiders webs…  

Part of the pitch covered in a carpet of spiders webs

…with numerous little arachnids scuttling about getting disturbed by the arrival of the players and supporters alike. The weather remains beautiful for the time of year with it again over 20 degrees, dry and the sun high in a relatively blue sky.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Rachel Fallow, Seema Grewal, Julie Brown, Sarah Bodger, Jess Anderson, Dani Quinn, Hollie Turner, Ebony Crook, Katie Luddy, Marie Stubbings (C) & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Jody Hoenink & Gabby Gallegos.

Eaton Socon Ladies

 Eaton Socon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abby Jones, Faye Prout, Gemma Cooksley (C), Georgia Bickley, Kelly Bingham, Hannah Hutchinson, Shannah Anico, Charlotte Crisp, Chloe Parncutt & Lily Horsler. Subs – Kayleigh Clarke, Hollie Radford-Dare, Cara Howell, Rebecca Jones & Leah Falzarano. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Gemma Cooksley and Marie Stubbings with Richard May

The spiders might have enjoyed their Sunday so far, but now 22 football players are about to descend upon them. Eaton Socon doing the league double over Fulbourn last season will be hoping for a victory today to kick start the new campaign the sun moving around the pitch with the tree line leaving one goalmouth in shade with Fulbourn winning the kick-off attacking that end first half wearing sky blue shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. Eaton Socon themselves usually playing in claret colours wearing a white away shirt with red on the sleeves, white shorts and claret socks. The ball rolled back to captain Marie Stubbings to clip long out to the right as Katie Luddy breaks forwards on the wing, Faye Prout clearing the danger for Eaton Socon.

 The visitors hustling in midfield the ball played out to the right for Shannah Anico to attack up the line whipping a dangerous cross into the Fulbourn six yard box players running no one can get a touch as it bounces on at the far post. Retrieved on the left the cross back in taking a deflection straight into goalkeeper Rachel Fallow’s gloves. Hannah Hutchinson battling for the ball in midfield for Eaton Socon picking out Anico with the diagonal pass out to the right, Fulbourn full back Julie Brown getting across her to take the ball out for a throw.

Kelly Bingham on the ball for Eaton Socon

  Eaton Socon looking to make a positive start pushing up into the Fulbourn half to press and win the ball, Anico providing an outlet on the right looking to take on Brown a good contest looming between the pair, Brown throwing a leg out to take the ball away from Anico. A high line from the visitors Fulbourn looking to expose the defence as Hollie Turner gets hold of the ball inside the centre circle attempts to thread it in behind into Stubbings as she pulls into the left channel, Abbey Jones with a timely interception for Eaton Socon.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

  The Eaton Socon defence back peddling as Fulbourn turn play around with a high clearance from the back players rushing forwards, Georgia Bickley getting her boot up well to hook the ball away to safety. 

  GOAL! The ball contested hotly in the middle Fulbourn bring it on the attackers combining Woodley on for Stubbings breaking into the area left of the D, goalkeeper Keeley Robinson coming to close her down, saves with her foot as Stubbings shoots the rebound gathered by Stubbings who lays the ball in central for Woodley to turn unmarked and open up her body to slot the ball into the bottom corner 1-0. 

Ellie Woodley opening the scoring for Fulbourn

  A goal inside the opening 5 minutes from Fulbourn, a blow for Eaton Socon having made a positive start winning a free-kick on half way the ball floated in to the top of the area the header won by Fulbourn’s Sarah Bodger.

  GOAL! Fulbourn’s attackers carve open the Eaton Socon defence to double their lead as Stubbins picking the ball up on halfway travels on well before threading it through the middle for Woodley to race clear into the box and shoot low wide of the keeper for her 2nd goal in 3 minutes 2-0. 

Two quick fire goals for Ellie Woodley

  Eaton Socon well and truly on the back foot now, looking for a response as Hutchinson takes the ball on into the right corner before whipping a dangerous back in across the face of goal, no one there to turn it home however. The visitors getting a throw high on the right, Anico and Jess Horsler combining as another teasing ball is flashed across the six yard box, Seema Grewal able to clear for Fulbourn beyond the far post. 

  Fulbourn winning a free-kick on the left 35 yards out as Crook bringing the ball on is bundled to the ground. Over the set-piece herself strikes the ball in towards goal a curling ball that crashes down off the crossbar, Dani Quinn racing in on the follow up as the ball drops wide of the right post, Robinson on the ground having dived attempting to get to Crook’s effort scrambling up to make the blocking save, Quinn able to get hold of the ball for a 2nd bite looking to drag it round the keeper can’t believe it as she rakes her shot wide past the far post. 

Ebony Crook’s free-kick comes down off the bar

Dani Quinn, frustrated to see her shot race wide

  The visitors on the ropes coming close to conceding a 3rd scrapping for possession in the middle, Kelly Bingham on for Horsler, turns Bodger in to close her down. Turner and Quinn working together in the middle for Fulbourn the ball lifted forwards, cleared by Eaton Socon captain, Gemma Cooksley as she backs up towards her area, Stubbings racing in to steal the ball finding its way into Crook inside the D, turns inside looking to strike the ball sends her effort wide of the top corner. 

Fulbourn’s Ebony Crook

  Eaton Socon riding their look still aiming to get forwards with Hutchinson carrying the ball out to the right linking up well with Anico on the line to deliver a cross in along the top of the area, Horsler getting up to head the ball down towards goal, drops straight into Farrow back on her line. Hutchinson making some powerful runs on the ball again on the right winning a throw the ball down for Anico to cross, Charlotte Crisp looking to get it under control outside the box, turns into Jess Anderson as she closes her down.

   Bickley clearing at the back for Eaton Socon as she drops back on Woodley as Stubbings attempts to play the ball up to her. Brown lunging in to deny Anico getting in behind on the right. Eaton Socon pressing on the right with Bingham the latest player to take the ball on force her way through into the box, running into traffic. Crisp brought down presenting Eaton Socon with a free-kick 25 yards out to the right of goal. Takes on the shot the Fulbourn wall doing it’s job the ball deflected out to the left as the referee stops proceedings for a drinks break.

  25 minutes played a chance for Eaton Socon to regroup. Play resuming with an Eaton Socon throw on the right, Chloe Parnett crossing the ball in high headed clear by Bodger. Bodger then clearing as she closes down Hutchinson looking to drive on with the ball on the left side. Hutchinson sending a ball over the top into the area for Horsler and Crisp to attack, Anderson holding them off to see the ball safely back to her keeper.

Eaton Socon’s, Hannah Hutchinson

 Stubbings getting the ball down inside the Eaton Socon half off of their own goal kick knocks it forwards into Woodley inside the D, looking to turn inside to shoot Bickley stretching out a leg for Eaton Socon deflects the ball away. The visitors get on up the left winning a throw high leading to a looping cross dropping into the six yard box, Crisp under challenge trying to get something on it unable to connect as Fallow lays claim to it. 

  Eaton Socon winning the first corner of the game taken from the right a great delivery curled in across the face of goal over everyone, no one able to connect as it bounces past the far post. Fulbourn happy to drop invite Eaton Socon on defend around their box knowing the counter is always on the ball cleared out to the left with Crook looking to turn the defence, Jones just about staying on her stretching her leg to knock it against Crook to deflect it away to the left corner, then as Crook goes to retrieve it Jones prevents the cross coming in the ball off Crook for the goal kick.

  Turner and Quinn putting in a shift to win the ball in the middle for Fulbourn the ball forwards releasing Woodley away through the middle off Cooksley last man she can’t risk bringing her down as Woodley break into the box a chance to net her hat-trick shoots early a tame effort in the finish not troubling Robinson. 

  Stubbings pulling out to the right wide receiving the ball, held up lays it back up the line for Luddy her cross/shot from deep dropping over the Eaton Socon goal. Woodley put in the clear on the right wing sees the keeper way off her line attempts the chip sending the ball over her to bounce inside the six yard box, up onto the crossbar and behind!

Fulbourn’s Hollie Turner

 The chances mounting for Fulbourn to extend their lead. Eaton Socon still pushing for a reply however getting another corner on the right, swung into the near post, Farrow punching it behind for a 2nd corner, this one cleared out of the area, no break on as Eaton Socon put a diagonal ball into Horsley who hits the shot on the turn 30 yards out a good effort, but once again straight into Farrow.

 The visitors winning the ball central on for Horsley, right going in to challenge with Brown the defender grounded the ball deflected forwards, Bingham racing onto it striking the ball on the angle, Farrow scrambling across her goal seeing it crash into the side netting. Leah Falzarano on for Eaton Socon for Anico, up on the right with Hutchinson cut back inside for Horsler her shot blocked by Bodger. 

Eaton Socon’s Lily Horsler

  Eaton Socon overloading the right side getting up the pitch well delivering a dangerous ball into the box bouncing awkwardly at the far post with Parncutt closing down the keeper, Fallow composed taking it high on the bounce. Brown picking up a head injury for Fulbourn in the latter stages of the first half comes off with Jody Hoenink coming on. The game getting a little testy in patches Eaton Socon a little frustrated. The visitors with the opportunity to play the ball into the area off a free-kick on the right Bingham to deliver, Crisp up central can’t get strong contact the ball flicked out to the left gathered by Parncutt who rifles a shot over on the angle. 

  Cooksley winning the ball as she tackles Stubbings inside the D as she attempt to bring down a cross put in from Luddy on the right. Eaton Socon flabbergasted as they fail to win a corner in the dying seconds of the first half with Bingham and Anderson battling for the ball delivered into the box from the right, Bingham adamant it came off the defender.

   Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-0 Eaton Socon Ladies

  Fulbourn in control of the first half, despite Eaton Socon looking to make a positive start the hosts capitalising on errors at the back to break away to score two early goals. Woodley on target for both, could well have added a couple more having created some golden chances and hitting the woodwork. Eaton Socon regrouping well after the drinks break to try and pressure the Fulbourn defence getting after the ball getting into some good positions but not testing the keeper. Still at just 2-0 are far from out of the game and as is often the case the next goal is critical. With the pavilion housing the changing rooms a good distance away both teams staying out in the shade for the half-time break. Spiders everywhere one crawling across my notepad and having left my bag open goodness knows how many I’ll be bringing home with me. 

Just one of thousands of spiders descend on Fulbourn Recreation ground this Sunday.

No fresh changes for either side with Jody Hoenink for Fulbourn and Leah Falzarano for Eaton Socon coming on late in the first half. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway. The ball launched forwards out to the right, Hoenink doing the defending for Fulbourn. The hosts straight on the counter with Turner in the centre helping the ball on for Stubbings to race forwards lay the pass out to Woodley on the right her strike on the angle saved low at the near post by Robinson. 

Seema Grewal defending for Fulbourn

 Fulbourn pressing the ball outside the box deflected back into the box, Robinson rushed into the clearance as Woodley closes her down. Quinn tackling in the centre playing the pass forwards into Stubbings sprays the ball out to the right for Luddy, her cross swept in towards goal put behind. 

Eaton Socon getting up on the right winning a corner the ball sent into Horsley top of the area plays it back to the taker driven in towards the near post cleared by Hoenink, Crisp getting back onto the ball from distance striking a shot wide. Bingham putting herself about to try and win the ball back for Eaton Socon get them on the attack driving a pass into Horsler 25 yards out back to goal controls on the turn striking a shot goal wards, Fallow must have a script for this game because the goalkeepers right behind it again to catch. 

Fulbourn’s Jody Hoenink

 Bodger defending as Bingham drives at her getting the ball off Parncutt on the left. Winning a throw on the left level with the top of the area Bingham sees the ball into her before tracking inside to strike the ball, falling back as she does so screws the ball wide of the far post. 

Kelly Bingham slipping as she unleashes the shot

 Eaton Socon remaining competitive looking to take the game to Fulbourn who allow sitting back remain comfortable in defence. The ball lifted into the six yard box off a throw on the left drops in front of Falzarano, the attacker can’t get a telling touch though before Fallow snatches up the ball. Fulbourn patient in attack ready to hit Eaton Socon on the counter Turner out to Stubbings left plays it forwards early into the channel looking to release Woodley, Robinson racing out to the edge of her box able to gather first.

Horsley controlling the ball 30 yards out putting into the path of Hutchinson bursting away into the left channel striking the ball in towards goal on the angle plenty of power behind it Farrow gets down low to save top of her six yard box the ball split running out to the left, Grewal back to hook the ball away from a throw before Parncutt can pounce. Eaton Socon with a double change the fullbacks Prout and Jones coming off Rebecca Jones and Cara Howell coming on. Brown back on for Fulbourn replacing Luddy.

Eaton Socon’s Chloe Parncutt

 Fallow down to stop a shot driven in on the angle by Crisp for Eaton Socon. Crook up on the right for Fulbourn whipping a cross in near post, Woodley closing in on the keeper, Robinson staying big making the blocking save holding onto the ball.

  Quinn tracking back well from the midfield to put the challenge in on Hutchinson top of the area as she drives on through the middle with the ball. Bickley defending for Eaton Socon at the back as Woodley takes the ball into the box a corner conceded on the right. Played in deep across the six yard box Quinn meeting it heads over. Bingham determined to get forwards on the right winning Eaton Socon a corner kick, this time Quinn is up to win the defensive header, Stubbings bringing the ball away to safety. Midway through the 2nd half. Fulbourn breaking away in attack Crook up with Woodley through the middle the latter running through into the area, Robinson coming to close her down saving the ball beat away to the right…

Eaton Socon’s Kelly Bingham

  GOAL! The ball deflected out to the right Crook racing after it the Eaton Socon defence stretched the cross fired in along the face of goal, Robinson can’t get down to it, with Woodley waiting at the far post for a simple tap in to secure her first hat-trick of the season. 3-0.

A hat-trick for Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

 A drinks break called immediately after the goal remains warm out there. The game restarted from the spot Eaton Socon sloppy in possession giving it away the diagonal ball out to Crook on the right wing hooks a high ball in towards the far post, has Robinson back peddling can’t get to it, close but lands on the roof of the net. 

  Woodley lining up a strike from 25 yards out as the ball deflects into her feet, races wide of the right post. Eaton Socon with another double switch bringing on Hollie Radford-Dare and Kayleigh Clarke for Horsley and Parncutt off. Crisp curls the ball forwards looking to drop it into the path of Falzarano racing towards the box, Farrow quickly forwards to claim. 

Eaton Socon’s Charlotte Crisp

 Hutchinson upended as she drives forwards with the ball the free kick awarded 20 yards right of the D. Crisp over it her shot deflected up off the wall falling to Hutchinson beyond the right post can’t sort out her feet before she is closed down snatches the ball wide. 

 Grewal winning the ball at the back for Fulbourn hooking it into the middle for Stubbings to who in turn feeds the ball up the left channel into Woodley in space the keeper off her line takes on the shot early slotting it past Robinson but too past the outside of the far post. Fulbourn gaining momentum as Eaton Socon tire Turner into Stubbings she and Woodley combine through the middle bringing the ball on played wide to Crook breaking away on the right fires a pacy ball low into the six yard box, Robinson down well to grab with a smart save with Woodley rushing to close her down.

  Fulbourn making a change at left back bringing on Gabby Gallegos for Grewal with a little over 10 minutes left to play. The hosts in control as Quinn is fouled on halfway. Bodger to send the ball on up into the area, Cooksley clearing for Eaton Socon. Anderson can’t help but collide with her keeper as Fallow makes the decision to come and claim the ball low off an Eaton Socon free-kick from halfway. Down for a moment is okay to continue. Howell picking up a knock on her knee (I know what they feel like) is taken off with Anico back on for the visitors.

  Fulbourn working hard towards the latter stages of the game to keep their clean sheet intact. Hutchinson pushing on with the ball right side winning a corner off Anderson. Into the last 5 minutes, Hoenink out to Quinn on for Stubbings through the middle on for Woodley left of the area 25 yards out her shot wide of the far post taking a nick off a defender the corner awarded. Swept in across the face of goal claimed confidently by Robinson. Crook taking the ball into the corner with the clock ticking down.

  Radford-Dare took out by Anderson a heavy challenge, the free-kick awarded, Bingham getting a warning from the referee after voicing her complaints. Crisp over the ball to the left swept in central one bounce and claimed by the keeper. Crook taking the ball away to the corner getting a late corner deep in stoppage time, the shot from the edge of the box held by the keeper. 

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 3-0 Eaton Socon Ladies

Eaton Socon’s Abbey Jones with Fulbourn’s Ebony Crook

Full time and Fulbourn come away with the 3 points and a 2nd successive clean sheet, Ellie Woodley with all three of their goals. Breaking away to get in behind the Eaton Socon defence to score two early goals in the first half. Creating more good opportunities to extend their lead. Eaton Socon competing for the ball looking to press high making mistakes at the back letting their opponents in. Enjoyed good spells without really testing the keeper. At 2-0 however weren’t out of the game by any stretch and came out strong at the start of the 2nd half looking for a reply, Fulbourn happy to sit back defending comfortably waiting for the right moment to attack getting the crucial 3rd goal to seal the result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Once again not a straight forwards decision a few contenders and some performances of note to mention. First up for Eaton Socon. Hannah Hutchinson looked to be the driving force through the middle getting hold of the ball and making several good runs. Shannah Anico providing a great outlet on the right in the first half, while Kelly Bingham got about well covering the ground looking to win possession and take her team forwards. For Fulbourn Dani Quinn and Hollie Turner with a composed display in the middle of the park. The front 3 outstanding 80 goals between them last season, Marie Stubbings getting onto the ball carrying it forwards well with two assists. Ebony Crook out on the flanks offering some great runs and getting the ball into the attackers well with the other assist. The award though goes to the hat-trick scorer herself Ellie Woodley clinical in her finishes pulling into the channels well and reading the game developing behind her.

  Great to be back at Fulbourn again, has been a while but I can say that about several places, good to catch up though and pleased to finally see Eaton Socon even if they didn’t get a positive result stick together and the results will come. Appreciate the help given by both teams today. I dare say we’ve all taken a spider home with us but they don’t mean us any harm. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cup Final Special

Thursday 11th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup 

Cambridge City Ladies Development v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

A trip to Cambridgeshire this evening for a Cup Final double, first up this Thursday the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridge City Ladies Development taking on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at Histon FC’s Glassworld Stadium.

An all Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership Final, Cambridge City Ladies Development with the chance to win a treble, beginning with a shot at silverware this evening have also reached this season’s League Cup Final to come in May. They are currently top of the league and in a strong position with 4 games left to play to win the title and with their 1st team winning the ERWFL Premier Division title this season their 3rd league title in 4 seasons the club is enjoying a prolific spell with a strong youth section being the bedrock of the club. Megan Tonks top scorer for the Development side has 28 goals to her name so far this season.

A Cup Final appearance for the second season running for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Reached the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup last season on their way to winning promotion back to the Premiership. Currently leading the pack in the cluster of sides below the top 3 with 3 points between the sides placed 4th to 7th a top half finish a real possibility with a handful of games left. Marie Stubbings once again leading Fulbourn’s goal scoring charts with 17 goals to her name so far this season.

Road to the Final

    Fulbourn receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition, Cambridge City awarded a home win the action moves on to the quarter finals. Cambridge City at home taking on Histon Ladies Reserves, Megan Tonks netting a hat-trick along with a goal for Hannah Lock seeing them win the game 4-1. Fulbourn were at home too in the quarter finals taking on Championship South side Cambridge Ranger WFC, goals from Amy Smith, Yasmine Upson, Sharon Pinner & Marie Stubbings putting them through to the semi-finals with a 4-0 win.

Onto the semi-finals Cambridge City at home to fellow Premiership side March Town United Ladies. Another hat-trick this time from 16-year-old Freya Standing, along with an own goal plus one from Rachel Pearce seeing them comfortably through to the junior Invitation Cup Final winning 5-0. Fulbourn were taking on another Championship South side in the last 4, Burwell Tigers Ladies. A brace each from Stubbings & Pinner aswell as a goal by Katie Luddy securing a 5-1 win to send them through to the final.

Histon FC’s Glassworld Stadium the venue for this evenings Junior Invitation Cup Final, it’s a large pitch offering plenty of width seen alot of action over the season. The bar open a large seated stand overlooking the pitch. The food hut open too, only went to get a cup of tea but the burgers did look good and temptation got the better of me, have been good though this believe it or not my first cheeseburger of the season and it was very nice too. The evenings pulling out the light not yet gone at kick-off a warm day beginning to cool, dry with a little cloud cover.

Cambridge City Ladies Development starting XI – Hannah Lock, Becky Langthorpe, Lucy Hurst, Anna Kanz, Jade Powell, Emily Reed, Rachel Pearce, Ellie Cullum (C), Yaz Crow, Freya Standing & Megan Tonks. Subs – Jess Struthers, Amy Ozakpinar & Bronte Rapley.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Samantha Isaacson (C), Seema Grewal, Krissie Taylor, Sarah Bodger, Abi Molloy, Katrina Cloherty, Emma Clark, Sarah Gee, Stacey Kemp, Sharon Pinner & Marie Stubbings. Subs – Amy Smith, Gabby Gallegos, Abi Dowell McGrillan, Nikki Cowan & Katie Luddy.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Pre match handshakes

It’s Fulbourn to get the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup underway wearing claret shirts and socks with navy blue shorts. Cambridge opposite wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Cambridge closing down the ball in the middle quickly get position switch play down the right wing Freya Standing taking the ball on, Krissie Taylor defending for Fulbourn seeing the ball out for a goalkick.

   Fulbourn look to get away on their right the ball won on halfway Yaz Crow playing it on high into the area, Fulbourn’s Sarah Bodger getting her head on the ball nodding it behind for a corner. Played in from the left into bodies at the near post pushed out towards the top of the area met by a Cambridge shirt a low shot driven back in towards goal, Samantha Isaacson captain and goalkeeper getting down on her line to stop the ball.

   Cambridge captain Ellie Cullum looks to combine with Standing on the right as they press forwards Fulbourn defending Taylor backed up by Abi Molloy another corner conceded. Cambridge with a bright start closing the ball down. Standing attacks with the ball at her feet, Taylor up against her does well to nick the ball her clearance straight to Cullum her return ball back over the top for Standing sees her flagged offside. Standing seeing alot of the ball early on squares a cross to Cullum central 25 yards out she helps it on to the left Crow getting forwards takes the shot on early her strike racing wide across goal. 

  Fulbourn riding out the early pressure from their opponents break forwards Bodger playing the ball out from the back long for Marie Stubbings to chase into the right channel she pushes it out of her feet before sending a low diagonal ball in towards the top of the area looking for Sharon Pinner who has gotten into an advanced position, pressures the Cambridge defence into a rushed clearance the ball straight to midfielder Sarah Gee she catches it well from 25 yards out the strike the shot over goalkeeper Hannah Lock smashes against the crossbar.

  Cambridge get hold of the loose ball taking it forwards rapidly hitting Fulbourn on the counter the pass into striker Megan Tonks she is tackled 25 yards out the deflected ball running behind for a corner on the right. The delivery in near post Bodger is up well to defend for Fulbourn heading the ball on away past the far post a scramble for the ball sees it run wide of the post adjudged off a Cambridge foot a goalkick given. 

  GOAL! 15 minutes on the clock and Fulbourn take the lead possession on the left the ball is played forwards a great pass finding Stubbings central 30 yards out back to goal turns well pushing on has Stacey Kemp making a fantastic run to her right lay the ball into her path the winger hitting the ball from outside the box well struck to whistle past the keeper into the back of the net and put see Fulbourn lead 0-1. 

  Cambridge get straight on the attack a long distance strike from the right sent wide of goal, Seema Grewal defending at right back stops Crow taking the ball in behind.

  GOAL! Fulbourn’s lead doesn’t last long as Cambridge find an immediate response the ball kept on the left a throw in won inside the Fulbourn half players from both sides drifting across a pass slid forwards comes to Standing 20 yards out left of the D, not closed down takes a touch before taking on the shot the ball bouncing inside the six yard box managing to creep inside the post to see the scores level 1-1.

More good footwork from Standing attacking right a cross swung in looping into the six yard box taken well by Issacson. Grewal on for Kemp on the right getting forwards has support from Stubbing central, Anna Kanz though doing well in defence for Cambridge winning the ball back and playing it forwards into Emily Reed, onto Cullum she turns attempting to play Tonks in behind, Bodger with an important interception for Fulbourn, Cullum latching onto the loose back her shot from distance falling wide of the target. 

  Rachel Pearce plays a fantastic diagonal pass forwards into Standing right side taking the ball on Taylor standing up against her well preventing her getting in behind. Fulbourn make ground on their right a throw in won level with the area, put on into Stubbings inside the box, Kanz tackling wins the ball. Cambridge make a change Hurst coming off at left back on in her place Jess Struthers. Good combination play between Standing and Tonks getting forwards attempting a one two the ball inside the box claimed well by Issacson down at the attackers feet. 

  Play from one end to the other, Fulbourn winning a corner got work from Stubbings on the byline holding it up as Kemp plays it forwards. The delivery from the right defended at the near post Cambridge launching a counter attack, the ball out to the right Standing sending a cross racing into the area long  cleared past the far post along the ground it met well by the advancing Cullum struck back in low cut out inside the six yard box the ball popping up for Tonks central has a stab at it placing the ball wide of the left post. 

   GOAL! Cambridge come back from conceding the opening goal to take the lead a goal out of nothing possession high on the left the ball with Reed inside the area taking it to the byline not tackled looks for options corner of the six yard box, hooks a ball in towards goal the looping shot over Issacson drops over the line to see Cambridge go 2-1 up.

Cambridge City Ladies. Emily Reed

A Cambridge corner on the right dealt well again at the near post by Bodger. Cambridge enjoying more of the ball exerting pressure towards the end of the 1st half make a 2nd change, Kanz the player coming off on comes Amy Ozakpinar. Fulbourn’s Emma Clark playing the ball forwards on the left for Pinner to chase, Becky Langthorpe’s clearance catching her in the face. A stinging blast hitting her in the eye, no chances taken time needed to recover, she is substituted one comes Abi Dowell McGrillan. Stubbings seeing the ball into her feet 30 yards out looks to turn in behind Jade Powell getting in the tackle to regain possession.

Becky Langthorpe clearing the ball before Fulbourn’s Sharon Pinner can close her down

  Good hold-up play from Clark on the left for Fulbourn inside the Cambridge half plays it back to Taylor before turning in behind to get forwards in attack the full back with a great past up to Stubbings outside the box cushions it down well aiming to put it on for Clark not quite able to take it in her stride, Struthers clearing for Cambridge. Katrina Cloherty with the ball central for Fulbourn out to Dowell McGrillan left her crossfield ball finding Kemp attacking on the right puts it into the area for Stubbing right of goal she gets a shot away the ball blocked deflected wide. Kemp down with an injury after being fouled far side, a late change for Fulbourn, Amy Smith given her moment runs on the wind taken out of her sails as the whistle blows straight away for half-time.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies Development 2-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

   An entertaining first half Cambridge with the early pressure Fulbourn coping well in defence breaking well to open the first smash a shot against the ball then open the scoring from a well taken strike by Kemp. Switched off a little to see Cambridge draw level straight away and then go on to take the lead, not as fluid as Cambridge would like but the advantage is theirs at the half-time interval.

Pinner back on for Fulbourn at the start of the 2nd half, no changes for Cambridge as they get the 2nd 45 minutes underway. Up in the stand to watch the 2nd half. Pearce playing an over the top pass for Standing right side, Taylor getting across her and defending for Fulbourn. Standing with a strong run down the right again gets in behind this time bursting into the box hitting a shot goalwards, Issacson doing well at her near post down to push the ball wide across her six yard box, Grewal the first to it sends the clearance up field. 

  Cambridge on the front foot attacking with purpose at the start of the 2nd half Crow taking the ball on to the byline left does well to get her side a corner. Taken short the angle opened to put in the cross, Grewal is out to the ball jumping to block the ball. Standing with the ball right 30 yards out lays it back to Langthorpe the full back opening her boy to lift a long range diagonal pass into Tonks top of the D, chesting it down to her left tries to place it into the path of the advancing Pearce, the attack not quite coming off. 

  Tonks coming left sends the ball on for Cullum breaking in behind, Grewal with an important interception. Cambridge all attack get forwards left a cross sent in along the top of the area Tonks looking to latch onto it, Molloy gets their just in time to block the ball deflected wide for a corner. In low from the left flicked on into the six yard box, a touch goalwards, straight at Issacson pops out of the keepers gloves a scramble for the loose ball ensues, but Issacson grounded has the ball in her gloves on her goal line.

  Fulbourn make a change Pinner off on comes Katie Luddy, little in the way of attacks so far Cambridge on the front foot. Standing pulled back on the right corner a free-kick awarded, the ball played into the near post, Bodger continues to win it for Fulbourn. Cambridge make a double change Reed and Tonks the players off on come Bronte Rapley with Kanz returning to the action.. Crow away on the left sending the ball inside for Cullum bursting into the box a snap shot not caught cleanly the midfielder snatching it wide of her near post.

GOAL! Against the run of play Fulbourn break and get themselves back on level terms 20 minutes into the 2nd half. A fantastic run with the ball from Luddy on the right getting in behind to fire a cross into the box along the top of the six yard box knocked away at the near post the ball collected by Stubbings central just inside the area a great turn and hit the ball swerving past Lock curling into the back of the net 2-2 game on.

Fulbourn’s Marie Stubbings

   A goal can do wonders for confidence and suddenly Fulbourn are on the front foot themselves looking to attack once more Grewal winning the ball back higher up the pitch pushing it on for Luddy, Struthers tackling to prevent the cross. The Cambridge defence put under pressure Powell clearing. Cambridge make another double switch Reed and Hurst returning in place of Cullum and Langthorpe. Standing drifting over to the left picking up the ball turns well inside the box her shot blocked, a 2nd bite at the cherry for Standing knocked central a shot pushed towards goal Issacson down to push it behind for a corner.

  An injury for Cambridge before it can be taken, Crow can’t continue Tonks is back on. Mayhem from the corner but I’ll do my best the delivery perfect in central top of the six yard box a header downwards cleared off the line put out to the right wide of goal a shot blasted back in smashes against the crossbar dropping into the six yard box players dive in referee Dulcie Asher pointing to the spot Cambridge winning the penalty!

  GOAL! Bronte Rapley placing the ball down a short run up and composed finish, Issacson going the wrong way as she finds the bottom left corner to restore the lead 3-2 with a little under 15 minutes to play. 

  Luddy showing her frustration as she is adjudged to have fouled Struthers after Stubbings plays her in on the right with a good lay off. Standing on the left now gets clear to get her foot wrapped around the ball a drive a cross in across the six yard box, Molloy able to intercept and clear at the far post. Reed with a run from midfield the cross from the byline from Standing just evading her. Fulbourn making 3 changes in quick succession, Luddy first for Cloherty, Pinner return in in place of Gee with Gabby Gallegos for Pinner whose cameo was longer than this paragraph suggests. 

  Fulbourn win a free-kick in a dangerous area just in front of the D, Taylor over it gets her shot in on target past the wall, safely gathered by Lock back on her line, Time running out Cambridge are a young side and they don’t tend to run the ball into the corners attack on their minds. Bodger well placed tracking back to intercept with Tonks on her shoulder as Struthers threads a diagonal ball into her the ball out for a throw on the left. Time up the final whistle blows and Cambridge City Ladies Development celebrate winning the Junior Invitation Cup.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies Development 3-2 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

   The first part of their potential treble complete, Cambridge weren’t at their best but that only added to the excitement. A strong start but Fulbourn rode it out well hitting on the counter taking an early lead. Their back four playing really well all making some crucial tackles and breaking up Cambridge’s flow. Switched off for both the goals as Cambridge fought back to level straight away then take the lead. An onslaught at the start of the 2nd half from Cambridge without getting the break through of a 3rd goal. Fulbourn taking their chance well through Stubbings to make it 2-2. Cambridge getting the opportunity to restore their lead from the penalty spot Rapley with a composed finish. 

Women’s Football East – Payer of the Match

 On to this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. An entertaining game with some great moments of defending two well taken strikes from Fulbourn, the award goes to the scorer of Cambridge’s first goal Freya Standing easy to see why she has broken into the first team this season, lively on the wing always available as the ball is won back at the back taking players on and setting up attacks.

Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies Development on their trophy success this evening.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Winners, Cambridge City Ladies Development.

   One final down, back to Cambridgeshire again tomorrow (well it’s today as I write this) for the Division One Cup Final, St Ives Town Ladies Development up against Wisbech Town Ladies at Ely City FC. An enjoyable game under the lights at Histon, my thanks to both sides for the team details.

Cup Final Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Histon Ladies Reserves

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup

Thursday 3rd May

Another trip back to Ely City FC this Thursday evening for my 3rd final of the week. The Suffolk and Cambridgeshire League’s Cup Finals previously it’s the final of a new competition this time around the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup, with the top two in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South meeting in the final, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds versus Histon Ladies Reserves.

A new competition introduced by the Cambridgeshire FA this season. Featuring the clubs playing the the Championship North & South. The sides drawn into a groups of 3/4 teams 2 groups representing each league each playing the other once with the overall group winner progressing into the semi-finals. 

  Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds with 3 wins from 3 topping Group A above Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves, Isleham United Ladies and Burwell Tigers. Having a great season are leading the way in the Championship South by 6 points over 2nd placed Histon Ladies Reserves who have 2 games in hand. Losing just the one league game so far this season look well placed for a return to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. 

Histon Ladies Reserves are new to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South this season… well sort of… as their squad is largely made up of the former Milton Ladies. Now part of the women’s set-up at Histon as the club establishes a strong platform for it’s girls youth sides to progress into adult football. Histon’s 1st team playing in the ERWFL. The club overall looking to become a strong rival to the Cambridge sides City and United.

  Would have expected Milton if they had still been there to be challenging for the league title this season, and so it is the case as Histon Ladies Reserves. Lay 2nd in the Championship South 6 points behind Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds with 2 games in hand. Were drawn into Group B in the Division One Cup along side St Ives Town Ladies Development and Cambridge Rangers. A 1-1 draw with St Ives Town a 5-2 win over Cambridge Rangers seeing them top the Group and progress to the semi-finals.

Semi-finals

  Histon Ladies Reserves were involved in a 9 goal thriller at home to Riverside Ladies in the semi-final of the Division One Cup. A 4-1 lead to Histon in the 1st half, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks with a hat-trick, Riverside battled back to score 3 goals in the 2nd half Histon getting an all important 5th goal to reach the final with a 5-2 win.

I was at the 2nd semi-final to watch Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at home to Wisbech Town Ladies in the Division One Cup. The Championship North side taking the lead on 20 minutes through top scorer Sophie Gutteridge. Fulbourn battled back to lead 2-1 at the break with goals from Krissie Taylor and a volley from the edge of the box from top scorer Marie Stubbings. Sharon Pinner scoring in the 2nd half to put Fulbourn 3-1 up they held on to win despite Gutteridge pulling it back to 3-2 with 15 minutes left.

So it’s Ely City FC’s Ellgia Stadium for a 2nd night running. It hasn’t changed much in 24 hours. The weather still pleasant a little more cloud around tonight and more tractors on the road but I knew I couldn’t get away with it two nights running. 

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Samantha Issacson (C), Seema Grewal, Krissie Taylor, Sarah Bodger, Nikki Cowan, Jo Woods, Emma Clark, Sharron Pinner, Amy Smith, Katie Luddy & Marie Stubbings. Subs – Holly Hayes, Vicky Neal, Stacey Kemp, & Lucy Clarkson.

Histon Ladies Reserves starting XI – Danielle Busby, Lauren Threadgold, Kat Brown, Kirsty Smith, Sarah Freestone (C), Casey Kelly, Sam Cousins, Daniella Briggs, Abi Davies, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks & Philippa Hayden-Evans Subs – Kirsty Jenkinson, Emma Gillespie, Amanda Binge, Becca McNally & Carly Dawson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Three female officials for this evenings final with Stacey Fullicks fresh from helping Cambridge City Ladies secure runners-up spot in the ERWFL Premier Division in the middle assisted on the line by Dulcie Asher and Romana Bria. Andy Phillips the 4th official. Histon to kick off the Division One Cup Final wearing their blue away shirts with yellow trim, black shorts and socks. Fulbourn kitted out in pink shirts each with an individual message of motivation printed upon the back along with navy shorts and socks.

The Fulbourn players sporting motivational messages on their shirts, this from Marie Stubbings

 The ball played back and forth between the midfield’s Fulbourn spreading the play out to the right wing Amy Smith breaking forwards her cross gathered safely by Histon goalkeeper, Danielle Busby. 

A corner for Fulbourn right side the ball in near post defended a 2nd corner awarded. A higher ball in this time Sharron Pinner up to head the ball down into the six yard box, Philippa Hayden-Evans back defending for Histon shielding the ball before it is cleared out to the left. A good start to the match from Fulbourn pressing forwards Jo Woods winning the ball in the middle playing the ball on to Marie Stubbings moving into the left channel, Lauren Threadgold defending for Histon preventing the cross coming in.

Histon’s Casey Kelly with Fulbourn’s Jo Woods

Nikki Cowan cutting a ball out put in diagonally from the left as Histon’s Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks breaks forwards. Pinner linking up with Stubbings left side the cross played into the box the ball deflected gathered bu Busby. Histon get the ball forwards win a corner kick on the right the delivery long Seema Grewal dealing with it at the far post for Fulbourn launch a counter attack the ball played on for Smith on the right bursts forwards turning a cross in towards the box, Busby claims it at her near post. 

The ball regained in the middle of the park Fulbourn’s Emma Clark into Woods played forwards for Katie Luddy support from Stubbings, Luddy shots her effort from outside the area blocked. Histon make an early switch Sam Cousins coming off, Kirsty Jenkinson coming on. Krissie Taylor gets forwards from left back for Fulbourn, Woods making a good run inside her Taylor playing the ball in towards her a clever flick to control the ball on the run knocking it past her into the area six yards out left of the goal shoots her strike racing wide across the face of goal.

   Histon are beginning to settle, Daniella Briggs out on the left side bringing the ball forwards a wonderful ball sent into the area from deep travelling all the way to the far post Abi Davies running in clear on goal hits it first time her effort smashing against the base of the post spins back out into the six yard box a scramble for the ball Fulbourn manage to get it away. A high ball played on up the right a tricky one for Fulbourn’s Sarah Bodger gets her head on the ball only it lands behind her Davies alert for Histon darts around the defender and sends the cross back towards the top of the area for Hayden-Evans, her shot his charged down, the rebound coming to Briggs to her left she shoots wide.

Histon’s Philippa Hayden-Evans & Fulbourn’s Krissie Taylor challenging for the ball

No sooner have Histon rattled the woodwork at one end then Fulbourn get up the other end in a rapid fire attack and do the same, Luddy with the run in the centre onto the ball striking it from 20 yards out the ball rising as it flies in towards goal has Busby beaten cannons off the crossbar. The woodwork is struck for a 3rd time Histon on the attack the ball on the left the cross into the area Hayden-Evans central helps it on to Davies to her right her rising shot coming at Samantha Issacson in the Fulbourn goal fast gets a touch on the ball as it crashes against the bar, Fulbourn clear and go on the attack Stubbings playing the ball on for Smith on the right, Kat Brown dealing with the threat defends for Histon. 

   Fulbourn with possession Woods with an excellent tackle on for Stubbings, Luddy in support the ball played into her the shot skied over the bar. Grewal comes forwards for Fulbourn right side, Smith receiving the pass tries to turn inside Brown tackles regains possession. Clark gets the ball back for Fulbourn, Stubbings seeing the pass into her back to goal on the edge of the box, looks to turn a shoot, Histon’s captain Sarah Freestone has her closely marked. 

 Cousins returns to the pitch for Histon Casey Kelly coming off. Hayden-Evans breaks clear after the ball as Fulbourn are caught with a high line at the back running towards the box she shoots the ball saved confidently by Issacson. Stubbings is fouled by Freestone on the byline left of the area as she tries to force her way past the defender. The free-kick taken quickly Taylor forwards free top left corner of the area delivers a ball into the far post Pinner up and twisting as she heads the ball sends it goalwards, lacking pace Busby is well placed to claim the ball. 

Histon’s Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks looking to bring the ball under control

  Issacson with another good save off Lemmon-Sparks as the attacker latches onto a poor defensive clearance. The shot in low Issacson diving to her left pushing the ball away from goal. Issacson is hurt making another save soon after the ball fired across the area from the right comes to Hayden-Evans closing in the far post can’t get her shot over the keeper as she goes to ground the ball struck against the keeper. Issacson is okay to continue. Fulbourn do make a change Vicky Neal coming on for Pinner. Neal in the action straight away with the defensive tackle to deny Davies a run into the area cutting in from the right. 

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 0-0 Histon Ladies Reserves

  The first half ends goalless, has been lively and if the woodwork hadn’t been involved Histon would be leading 2-1 as it is honours even. Two evenly matched sides Fulbourn starting well have looked lively, Histon settling and posing a threat themselves both sides getting the ball out to their wide players. Issacson with a couple of important saves to Fulbourn. No telling as to who might come out on top 2nd half, extra-time and penalties haven’t been called for yet in any final I’ve been… yet.

A change for Fulbourn at the start of the 2nd half Stacey Kemp wearing the no 90 shirt on for Smith. It’s Fulbourn to kick off the 2nd period. Luddy out wide right wins Fulbourn an early corner kick the ball cut out and Histon look to counter attack through the middle Woods with the tackle to stop Histon getting beyond halfway. Woods with another strong tackle comes back to help on the right as Davies with Hayden-Evans, tries to play Kirsty Smith in as she makes a run towards the area, Woods coming with her. 

   Kemp bringing the ball on for Fulbourn central shifts it out to Luddy on the right her cross in to the area sees Taylor arriving strikes the shot 1st time, Busby with a good save parrying the ball away then is fouled as she moves in to claim it. Briggs with Lemmon-Sparks attacking left side for Histon the ball won back by Fulbourn played on through the middle, Kemp looking to get her head on it arriving in the box, Busby coming puts her fist through the ball punching it away as she goes over Kemp. 

  Fulbourn are getting crosses into the Histon area, almost all are bread and butter claims for Busby. Histon like the 1st half are a little slow to get going momentum starting to build, an attack is launched players breaking forwards left side play switched out to the right Davies 25 yards out from goal sent a shot back in wide across goal. Taylor gets forwards on the left a one two with Stubbings, Taylor goes on her cross along the top of the area Luddy with the shot charged down by Freestone. 

 Cousins takes the ball on left side on for Hayden-Evans ahead of her, Neal with the challenge denying the attacker a run at goal. Play is stretched a good tempo, both sides moving the ball quickly. Hayden-Evans finds herself clear in on goal coming into the area from the right Issacson comes to close her down the ball past her into the side netting. Briggs with a driving run at the Fulbourn defence rides two challenges before being stopped by the 3rd. Grewal with a vital interception as Briggs looks to run onto a diagonal ball from Cousins in a central position. 

GOAL! The deadlock is broken at last and it’s Histon who get their noses in front a spell of sustained possession, Fulbourn can’t get it away on the left side close to the byline the ball pinging back and forth Hayden-Evans, Lemmon-Sparks and Davies all challenging for the ball before Davies gets hold of it and turning the angle acute fires a shot in across goal to bury the ball inside the far post. Histon celebrate a flag is raised after consulting the officials let the goal stand 0-1.

Abi Davies with the ball putting Histon into the lead

Issacson well placed inside her goal to save the ball as Lemmon-Sparks moves into a shooting position 20 yards out from the right after receiving the ball from Hayden-Evans. Woods claiming the ball drives forwards lays the ball on for Stubbings right her cross in hooked clear by Freestone. Hayden-Evans and Davies both finding space in attack as Fulbourn push on looking for a quick reply. Taylor pulling up has to come off Bodger comes back on. Brown winning the ball for Histon as Stubbings looks to twist inside her into the box. 

  Woods with Luddy  work the ball up the line for Stubbings her cross in cleared for a corner on the right. A short corner from Fulbourn the cross put in from a deep position, Clark running in to attack it near post Davies back defending does well for Histon. Lucy Clarkson intercepts for Fulbourn at the back as Lemmon-Sparkes sends a cross into the box from the left Davies closing in on the right. Carly Dawson comes on for Histon for Threadgold at right back with a little under 5 minutes left. 

   Fulbourn keep coming forwards risk leaving space in behind as they search for the equaliser. Davies bringing the ball on jinks left the right before striking the ball in towards goal her low drive gathered by Issacson. Lemmon-Sparks on for Davies as Histon break, Pinner blocking, Davies’ strike away for a corner. Bodger clearing the ball for Fulbourn, Kemp on it checks back inside Histon close her down scramble the ball away. Into the closing minutes of the match. Fulbourn are getting the ball into the area from wide positions Busby claiming it once again plucks a high delivery into the near post down into her body. 

  Luddy challenged on the right, a last gasp corner for Fulbourn everyone bar Issacson goes up for it the set-piece, the delivery in is played behind goal, the final whistle blows and Histon celebrate as they become the 1st ever winners of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup. 

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 0-1 Histon Ladies Reserves

   A single goal wins the final scored by Histon Ladies Reserves, Abi Davies in the 2nd half. An entertaining contest both sides lively, Fulbourn certainly had their chances. Good movement and competing well against a physical Histon side who themselves created opportunities finding space out wide. The woodwork struck 3 times in the 1st half, Histon looked to have the more direct threat in front of goal. Issacson denying a couple of strikes. Busby at the other end comfortable with anything Fulbourn played into the box from wide. Silverware for Histon Ladies Reserves in their debut season. The two sides are still competing for the league title a double still on however Fulbourn hold the advantage there.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  On to this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As the game wore on the number of potential candidates was slowly whittled down to just one. For Histon she posed a threat all game on the right getting forwards finding space, striking the woodwork twice in the st half and getting the all important winning goal in the 2nd half so the award goes to Abi Davies.

Histon Ladies Reserves, 2017/18 Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup Winners (changed to their regular colours for the presentation)

Congratulations to Histon Ladies Reserves on winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup.

That’s it 3 finals in 3 nights boy was I tired by the last one hence the later publishing I needed the sleep. Still I enjoyed it starting on Tuesday with the Suffolk Women’s League Cup then 2 finals in Cambridgeshire. a brief rest before the first one of two cup final doubles starting in Norfolk on Sunday. Back to Ely again tonight however not for football however but finally to get around to seeing Avengers Infinity War.. I very nearly avoided any spoilers but I’ve waited a week afterall and before you ask I’m not writing a report on that one. Thanks to everyone again for their help last evening.

Match Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Wisbech Town Ladies

Sunday 22nd April

  Semi-final action today on Women’s Football East a trip to Cambridgeshire to watch Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds take on Wisbech Town Ladies for a place in the Division One Cup Final.

  A new competition introduced by the Cambridgeshire FA this season. Featuring the clubs playing the the Championship North & South. The sides drawn into a groups of 3/4 teams 2 groups representing each league each playing the other once with the overall group winner progressing into the semi-finals. 

  Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds with 3 wins from 3 topping Group A above Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves, Isleham United Ladies and Burwell Tigers. Having a great season are leading the way in the Championship South by 6 points over 2nd placed Histon Ladies Reserves who have 2 games in hand. Losing just the one league game so far this season look well placed for a return to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. 

  Wisbech Town Ladies topped Group C also with 3 wins from 3 over Hungate Rovers Ladies, Wisbech St Mary Ladies an Orton Rangers Ladies. Are currently in 3rd spot in the Championship North a competitive tussle at the top of the table. Ketton Ladies currently enjoying a 10 point lead the sides below all have games in hand however. Wisbech Town with 3 games in hand are 12 points behind Ketton. A busy end to the season their squad pushed to the limit with players unavailable and out through injury.

  An opportunity to compete for silverware both Fulbourn and Wisbech Town have a prolific striker in their side this season. Scoring plenty of goals, Marie Stubbings has 38 goals so far this season from 16 appearances. Whilst for Sophie Gutteridge for Wisbech Town has 36 goals to her name from 17 appearances to date. Both are playing this afternoon.

Already through to the Division One Cup Final are Histon Ladies Reserves after the Championship South side won a nine goal thriller with Championship North side Riverside Ladies 5-4 last weekend.

  The venue for today’s match the Fulbourn Recreation Ground a playing field football and cricket with a range of other sports catered for along with the adjoining sports and social club.  Glorious weather for the 2nd Sunday running bright and sunny, possible showers later in the afternoon a breeze helping a little to cool things down. 

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Samantha Isaacson (C), Seema Grewal, Abigail Dowell, Sarah Bodger, Nikki Cowan, Amy Smith, Jo Woods, Katie Luddy, Emma Clark, Krissie Taylor & Marie Stubbings. Subs – Sharon Pinner, Vicky Neal, Yasmin Upson and Stacey Kemp. 

 Wisbech Town Ladies starting XI – Becky Milner, Leah Hall, Emily Stephenson (C) Amy Hepting, Katie Garner, Annie Rooks, Chloe Riches, Chelsea King, Josie Turner, Faye Kowalewsky & Sophie Gutteridge. Subs – Elizabeth Simpson & Rachael Simpson

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   The sun high over head it’s Fulbourn wearing dark red shirts and socks with navy shorts to get the 1st half underway with Wisbech lined up opposite in their away kit, green shirts with black shorts and socks. Wisbech looking to close the ball down right from the start in the middle the ball pops free releasing Krissie Taylor into space down the left a run with the ball shoots from 20 yards out her effort wide of the near post. A lively start from Fulbourn getting forwards down the left winning a throw deep the ball comes into Taylor crosses the ball into the area, Wisbech goalkeeper Becky Milner claiming the ball.

   Chloe Riches takes the ball on through the middle for Wisbech sends the pass on for Sophie Gutteridge the striker playing in Faye Kowalewsky on the right side getting in behind her cross in intercepted by Fulbourn’s Nikki Cowan inside her six yard box knocked up into the air, Wisbech pressure the ball winning the 1st corner kick of the game. The ball in from the right met by Riches on the volley top of the area central can’t keep the ball down the strike sails wide. Kowalewsky bringing the ball on up the right wing for Wisbech plays the pass inside for Riches breaking forwards from midfield looks to play the through ball in behind for Gutteridge to chase, Isaacson is well positioned getting to the edge of her area to slide in a claim the ball at the attackers feet. 

Wisbech Town Ladies, Chloe Riches

    Fulbourn launch a rapid counter attack the ball brought on by Katie Luddy she releases Taylor on the left her early diagonal ball back into the centre intercepted by Wisbech’s Katie Garner. A corner kick awarded to Wisbech left side players up into the area the delivery in low towards the near post Kowalewsky with the touch puts the ball wide of the post. Chelsea King with the tackle in the middle the ball pushed into Riches played high on for Gutteridge the striker losing sight of the ball for a moment allows Cowan to regain possession for Fulbourn. Josie Turner wide left for Wisbech as players are drawn across, her forwards pass central for Gutteridge, Seema Grewal with her wins the challenge for Fulbourn. 

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, Emma Clark

  Garner with a vital touch to take the ball away from Marie Stubbings attacking the ball on the right as it is helped on through the middle from a free-kick at the back. The game played at a good tempo both sides attacking Wisbech bringing the ball up the left Turner with the cross into the box for Gutteridge back to goal left side 10 yards out, seeing the ball into her feet a good touch to take it away from her marker and spin in behind closing in on the six yard box as she pulls the trigger Isaacson makes the save a close range the ball off her behind for the corner kick. Kowalewsky stabs the ball wide of the far post as Wisbech pressure the ball from their corner kick preventing Fulbourn getting the ball clear a high ball back into the area knocked on to Kowalewsky, the visitors causing problems for the Fulbourn defence in the opening 20 minutes. 

 GOAL! Wisbech open the scoring 20 minutes played, Gutteridge causing a few problems for the Fulbourn defence pressuring the ball high up the pitch the striker capitalising on some hesitant defending inside the area steals the ball on the penalty spot and shifting the ball to her left slides it wide of Isaacson to score 0-1.

Wisbech Town Ladies, Sophie Gutteridge pictured with Fulbourn’s Seema Grewal scores the opening goal of the tie.

Wisbech make a change Amy Hepting coming off at left back a straight swap for Elizabeth Simpson *(not Rachael as 1st listed apologies).  Fulbourn go straight on the attack from the restart Emma Clark with the ball out left to Taylor her cross it taken cleanly by Milner. Fulbourn get a corner out of nothing on the right the delivery in towards the near post knocked back to the taker crossed back in Luddy can’t bring it under control near post as Leah Hall comes in to clear for Wisbech. Taylor with another run down the left crosses from a deep position the ball striking the outside of the post.

GOAL!  The game closing in on the half hour Fulbourn level the scores Stubbings catching Wisbech in possession on the right steals the ball and burst forwards down the right channel closing in on the byline cuts a high cross back across the face of goal a awkward one to deal with defenders trying to get back Milner can’t reach it as Taylor close in stoops her head onto the falling ball an puts it over the line from close range 1-1.

Krissie Taylor with Wisbech Town’s Chelsea King

 A hot day a drinks break is called a chance for everyone to take on fluids. Play resumes Kowalewsky seeing a cross go wide as she runs clear from a Stephenson clearance at the back for Wisbech. Jo Woods with the tackle the ball on for Clark takes in on through the middle, shifts it into Taylor breaking away on the left then continues her run through the centre Taylor crossing the ball in Garner with a touch deflects the ball out of the area straight to Clark tries to adjust her body as she meets the ball on the volley can’t keep her attempt down. 

Wisbech Town Ladies, Leah Hall

  Fulbourn makes a change, Abigail Dowell coming off for Sharon Pinner. Stubbings alert through the middle nips in to rob the ball as Wisbech hesitate at the back neither defence or goalkeeper laying claim to the ball, Stubbings knocking it on past everyone moving left strikes the ball her her low drive narrowly wide of the near post. A second change for Fulbourn Cowan the player off, Stacey Kemp coming on. The substitute involved straight away the ball rolled into her inside the Wisbech area knocks it to Stubbings close by on her right, Stephenson with a good tackle to deny her a shot on goal. 

  Sarah Bodger defends well up against Turner as the Wisbech attacker tried to get into the box with the ball from the left. Fulbourn make a 3rd change bringing on Yasmin Upson for Luddy the home sides confidence up a notch since their equaliser. Gutteridge pressing the ball high up the pitch gets it out to Kowalewsky on the right her looping cross back in towards the top of the area Riches can’t bring it down under control help it on with Turner free to her left.  

Marie Stubbings

 GOAL! 5 minutes or so left in the 1st half Fulbourn are attacking the ball wide on the right Garner blocking Upson’s cross in the ball out for a throw-in. The ball played into Stubbings top of the area on the right catches the ball sweetly on the volley sending the ball arrowing over the goalkeeper into the top corner to make it 2-1.

 

 Wisbech make a change after the goal Hepting returning to the action Simpson off. Fulbourn push forwards in the closing minutes of the 1st half Kemp taken out as she comes forwards with the ball. The free-kick in a central position Bodger on it goes for goal straight at Milner the Wisbech keeper palming the ball away to the right of goal, Upson quickest to it her snap shot sent wide of the post. A late free-kick for Wisbech inside the Fulbourn half Stephenson to play the ball into the area Kowalewsky knocks it on across the goal, Isaacson gathers for Fulbourn right on the stroke of half-time. 

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

   A 2-1 lead for Fulbourn at the break an interesting at enjoyable first half. Wisbech starting the brighter, with Riches in the centre and Gutteridge up top causing problems Gutteridge capitalising to open the scoring. Fulbourn getting back on level terms grew in confidence with the goal and a superb strike on the volley from Stubbing seeing them turn things completely around. Another 45 minutes to go and the semi-final is along way from being settled.

  Wisbech to get the 2nd half started. Kowalewsky from a throw on the right putting an early cross into the area Isaacson can come off her line and claim it before Gutteridge can close it down. Simpson defends well stopping the ball getting beyond her as Fulbourn attack down the left a quick counter attack the pass from Rooks on for Turner breaking on the left for Wisbech, Grewal does enough against her to get the ball back to Isaacson. Turner further up the field central with Gutteridge the two pressure the Fulbourn defence the ball rolled back for Rooks to strike 25 yards out the ball doesn’t trouble Isaacson.

Wisbech Town Ladies, Annie Rooks with Fulbourn’s Emma Clark

  Riches with a strike at goal beats Isaacson however as she lets fly from 30 yards out the ball smashing against the crossbar drops back down into the area, no one attacking it Fulbourn launch it up field. Fulbourn’s turn to attack the ball on the left Upson driving forwards holding off Simpson. Milner coming to the edge of her area looking to gather the ball pulls up suddenly going down in alot of pain. Play goes on Upson pushed wide gets a shot away, Garner back on the cover throwing herself into the block. Play stopped, a Milner in clear discomfort needs treatment. A lengthy pause another injury blow for Wisbech as Milner can’t continue is carried off the pitch. Rachael Simpson getting kitted out ready to take over in goal. 

 Play resumes after a 6 minute delay. Stubbings with support from Kemp on the right the ball into the area cleared by Stephenson. Wisbech’s captain with another great tackle inside the area moments later as Woods plays the ball through to Kemp she picks out Stubbings inside the area right of goal Stephenson times her tackle well knocking the ball against Stubbings and away for the goal kick. Simpson puts her goal kick straight at Kemp, she sends it back in towards goal from 20 yards straight at Simpson as she stops it with her legs on the line.

 GOAL! Fulbourn extend their lead the ball picked up in the middle by Stubbings after Pinner keeps it alive on the left moving across the pitch carrying the ball over to the left side Stubbings covers alot of grass Pinner breaking forwards through the middle times her run perfectly as the Wisbech defence gets stretched Stubbings putting the ball into the area Pinner’s touch putting her clear on goal she sends her shot wide of the keeper to make it 3-1. 

Wisbech look for an immediate response Riches with Rooks through the middle out to Kowalewsky on the right her cross swung in towards the near post Isaacson forwards to claim it ahead of Gutteridge. A free-kick inside their own half as Kemp fouls Hall. Stephenson sends it long up towards Kowalewsky right side the ball evading the Fulbourn defence the winger in in through on goal into the area doesn’t shoot early the angle gone puts the ball straight at Isaacson as the keeper defending her near post goes to ground. 

Wisbech Town Ladies, Faye Kowalewsky

Woods is covering plenty of ground for Fulbourn in the middle of the park getting across to win possession back Kemp, Upson and Stubbings willing runners ahead of her. Bodger at the back with a vital interception as Turner looks to send a looping ball on for Gutteridge. The visitors with a corner kick on the right played in low towards the near post a scramble the ball half cleared comes to King inside the box her shot charged down. Wisbech revert to 3 at the back as they commit players to attacking roles.

 Fulbourn break the ball played into Upson left side she rides a tackle advantage played as she goes on puts the ball into Kemp central 20 yards out slide it into Stubbings on her right her strike hit on the run flashes wide of the post. The home side press the attack Woods coming on up the pitch right side crossed the ball into the middle of the area Stubbing knocking it goalwards the dropping ball cleared off the line away for a corner kick. A crude one from Stephenson as she clatters into the corner taker Stubbings as she looks to control the ball cleared out to her a final warning from the referee. 18 minutes left to play including a hefty portion of stoppage time.

Jo Woods on the ball for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

A flowing attacking move by Fulbourn started by Woods bringing the ball with her through the middle passed to Stubbings up with her her pass laid back to Clark put out to Smith on the right her cross into the box finding the head of Kemp the ball directed goalwards claimed by Simpson. A change for Fulbourn Smith taken off Dowell comes back on.

 GOAL! 15 minutes left on the clock and Wisbech pull a goal back a direct goal as the ball his sent on through the middle from a goal kick at the back Gutteridge lively onto it running clear right of goal Isaacson comes out to the edge of her area trying to close the angle down Gutteridge adjusting well to strike the ball high and lob it over the keeper and into the back of the empty net beyond 3-2.

Sophie Gutteridge pulls it back to 3-2 for Wisbech Town Ladies

Fulbourn make a change Luddy back on for Upson. Dowell with a shot from distance Simpson right behind it can bring down safely. Play drawn over to the right Turner with Gutteridge as Wisbech press in attack Kowalewsky taking it beyond them the cross fired in towards the near post Rooks trying to get there but not before Isaacson can gather. A free-kick inside the Fulbourn half for Wisbech. A long way from goal but Stephenson takes the shot on the ball past everyone flashes wide of the post players jumping for it a touch could have easily deflected it towards goal. Fulbourn with the substitutes available make another change at the back this time Kemp coming off up front Vicky Neal coming on to join the back line as Fulbourn look to see out the game. 

Fulbourn Institute Bluebird’s, Katie Luddy

Play stretched Woods winning the ball attacks on the left side her cross going long across the Wisbech area to Dowell on the right, puts a flighted ball back in towards the top of the area Luddy with the looping header forwards Clark ahead of her 8 yards out goes to strike the dropping ball, Rooks back to make the block for Wisbech. A corner given Hepting back on for Wisbech. Deep into stoppage time Isaacson with a low take diving to her left as Turner volleys the ball in towards goal from the top of the area receiving it from a throw on the left.

  Wisbech push on looking for a leveller late on to force the game into extra-time risk being hit on the counter attack. Woods breaking up play in the middle. Stubbings feels the full force of another rash Wisbech block as she attacks on the left a free-kick in a dangerous position outside the area Bodger comes forwards to take her shot bouncing wide across the six yard box and out the far side as the final whistle blows and Fulbourn celebrate as they reach the Division One Cup Final.

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 3-2 Wisbech Town Ladies

  An entertaining cup tie this afternoon, between two fairly even sides, Wisbech starting the better just didn’t have the legs to bring on to freshen thing’s up, Fulbourn did and grew in confidence once they got back on level terms in the 1st half going 2-1 at half time. Extending the lead 2nd half, Wisbech regaining a bit of momentum pulling a goal back with 15 minutes set up a tense finish Fulbourn certainly could let their foot off the gas, win 3-2 to set up a final with Championship counterparts Histon Ladies Reserves. That final scheduled to take place in Thursday May 3rd with a 7:30pm kick-off at Ely City FC I will hopefully be there.

  Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award was another close run thing a few contenders narrowed it down to 2 as the game wore on but there can only be one as always and overall I was impressed by Jo Woods in midfield for Fulbourn covering alot of ground to win the ball back break up play and set up others ahead of her.

  I enjoyed this cup tie an entertaining match could have gone either way, bright sunshine too. Good to see both sides in action has been a while. My thanks as always to both clubs for the help with the team details.