Sunday 10th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Onto the 2nd game of this season’s ERWFL Finals day, the League Cup showpiece itself, featuring another all Premier Division clash and a repeat of this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup final with Harpenden Town Women taking on the new league champions and 6 times county cup winners, Stevenage FC Women who are aiming to end a magnificent season with an historic treble.

Won’t be taking their opponents lightly however having been run close in the county cup final, Harpenden reaching their first final getting it back to 2-2 at the death only for Stevenage to get straight up the other end and score the winning goal. Another debut final for Harpenden reaching the last two of the ERWFL League Cup. Stevenage despite their long history in the ERWFL yet to lift the League Cup losing to Luton Town in last season’s final.

Winning the county cup for the 6th time, Stevenage went on to become invisibles in the league, not losing any of their 22 league matches, winning 20. Sarah Wiltshire scoring her 50th goal in her debut season for Stevenage in that game going on to become the ERWFL Premier Division’s leading goal-scorer. An incredible return from the striker named captain at the start of the season, one of a host of new signings, with proven records to lead Stevenage’s charge to winning the ERWFL Premier Division title and returning to the FAWNL. 

  Ex-Arsenal and England player, Sian Lingham (formerly Williams) taking charge of Stevenage as they set the chief goal of winning the league as a priority, that achieved in style an unbeaten season top from the start, the momentum carrying through to the cup competitions, back to win the county cup and now aiming for the treble, Wiltshire top scorer with 53 goals. Amy Makewell and Gemma Croucher also into double figures with 11 and 10 respectfully. By far the meanest defence in the league too shipping in just 13 goals, Elly Wade brought in from Luton playing a huge role in that. 

  Harpenden Town Women a rapidly growing force in Hertfordshire rising up the pyramid there debut season in the Beds & Herts Premier Division in 2022 to join the ERWFL, narrowly missing out on promotion to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women in their 1st season in regional football, roared back the following year to win the ERWFL Division One North title convincingly to earn promotion to the Premier Division. Have found their 1st season at tier five tougher but have assembled a talented group with good experience finishing solidly in 8th spot, saving there best form for the cup competitions. 

 Reaching both the county and league cup finals for the first time. Going toe to toe with Stevenage in both, proved a few wrong in the county cup showpiece coming back late on to make it 2-2 only to concede straight away losing it 3-2 at the death. Stevenage won’t be taking them lightly. Sophia Amanor has been the talisman up front for Harpenden and is so once again this season the leading goal scorer netting 35 goals and 3rd highest scorer in the Premier Division this season. 

Road to the Final

  All the ERWFL clubs entering the league Cup with those knocked out before the 3rd Round going on to compete for the Plate. Both Harpenden and Stevenage receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Harpenden progressing to the 3rd Round without kicking a ball due to the withdrawal from the league of She Can Play Panthers. Stevenage on the road taking on ERWFL Division One South side, Cambridge City Women, Amy Makewell netting a hat-trick for the away side with goals too for Sarah Wiltshire and Gemma Croucher seeing the game won 3-1.

 Into the 3rd round of the League Cup Harpenden at home taking on Division One South side, Needham Market Women, coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller, 4-3 with goals from Jaime Curtain, Nancy Tucker, Belle Shannon and Chloe Dinsey. Stevenage away to Premier Division newcomers, Hutton Ladies, a comfortable win against the Essex side with goals from Elly Wade, Croucher, Wiltshire and Rosy Wodhams, 4 without reply to advance to the last 8.

  Harpenden at home once again taking on Premier Division strugglers Enfield Town Ladies, top scorer Sophia Amanor amongst the goal netting a hat-trick along with one each for Seryan Kabongo and Belle Shannon to secure a 5-1 win. Stevenage at home too the Premier Division title chasers, hosting Division One South title contenders, Hashtag United Women Reserves who had already beaten Premier Division sides, Wroxham and Atletico London in the League Cup. A good test, Stevenage having the fire power to come out on top winning 4-2 with Wiltshire bagging a hat-trick, along with a goal for Croucher. 

 Into the last 4 of the League Cup, 2 all Premier Division clashes, Harpenden away top Hertfordshire rivals Royston Town Women, who might have seen themselves as favourites, Harpenden though blowing them away with a rapid 3 goal salvo in the first half to lead 3-0 at the break, Amanor, Ella mercer and Amana Oguntuga all scoring. Royston fought to get back into it 2nd half pulling it back to 3-2 late on but Harpenden had enough about them to see the game won and reach their 2nd final of the season. Stevenage making the trip to Essex to play, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies a close game this a single goal winning it 3 minutes from time, Eva Delaney finding the back of the net to send Stevenage into the final.

 The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC hosting today’s ERWFL finals day, The large clubhouse with bar and kitchen serving hot and cold food and drinks open, leading out to the pitch itself, a 3g playing surface than sees plenty of action. Well looked after the main seated stand opposite the dugouts with covered standing about the ground. The sun trying it’s best to make an appearance, warm when it breaks through the clouds but very much stick or twist when it comes to keeping the coat on or not.

Both sides seeing players injured in the county cup final, Amana Oguntuga for Harpenden and defender Rebecca Edge for Stevenage both not featuring since. The teams and mascots led out onto the pitch by this afternoon’s match referee Jordan Blunt.

Harpenden Town Women starting XI – Daisy Strouts, Kacee Warren, Rebecca Dowdall (C), Lucy Ford, Erin Dinsey, Belle Shannon, Zoe Allen-Thomas, Ellie Deville, Leah Shellard & Sophia Amanor. Subs – Rebecca McShane, Erin Shacklock, Nancy Tucker, Issy Hughes & Seryan Kabongo.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Faye Hazelton, Lucy Webster, Hannah Savage, Elly Wade, Hayley Carr, Rosy Wodhams, Alysha Stojko-Down, Eva Delaney, Amber Pearson, Gemma Croucher & Sarah Wiltshire (C). Subs – Katie Boyle, Amy Makewell, Ashleigh Goddard, Lilly Kelly & Mia Barnett.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes extra time will follow then if required a penalty shoot-out.

  It’s Harpenden to get the League Cup final underway with the kick-off 1st half wearing amber and green vertical striped shirts, green shorts and socks. Stevenage lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts with red shoulders and sleeves, red shorts and white socks. The ball hit long into the left channel, Lucy Webster at the back dealing with it for Stevenage. Harpenden looking to make a positive start the ball fed on down the left into the feet of Ellie Deville takes it to the by-line cutting her cross back into the near post, goalkeeper Faye Hazelton down smartly to turn it behind for a corner kick. 

 The delivery flung into the mix the Stevenage defence dealing up to head the ball away to the right. Harpenden, captain, Rebecca Dowdell across to deal with the ball as Amber Pearson gives chase to a high ball played on through the middle for Stevenage. Chloe Dinsey breaking up play for Harpenden the ball into the right wing for Leah Shellard to take forwards pushing down the line sends a cross into the area Deville looking to get on the end of it, Hayley Carr blocking for Stevenage off Deville behind for the goal-kick.

 A lively start from Harpenden, ex-Stevenage midfielder, Ella Mercer playing to pass into Shellard on the right driving on sends it inside to Sophia Amanor top corner of the box, quickly surrounded, Rosy Wodhams back to put the tackle in bring the ball away for Stevenage. Mercer snapping in to regain possession central on for Dinsey who looks to play Deville in on the left flank, Eva Delaney tracking back to challenge for Stevenage. Attempts to get on up the right taking the ball on Sarah Wiltshire coming for the ball, Kacee Warren closing Delaney down before she can release it.

  Warren then fouls Wodhams in the middle as she carries the ball forwards Stevenage with the free-kick. Pearson over it top of the circle goes for goal sending a looping ball in dropping low before the keeper, Daisy Strouts right behind it seeing the ball safely into her gloves. Wiltshire steals through on goal left side in the box as Hannah Savage slips the ball into her path, evading the diving keeper to get behind her, the flag up for offside even as she turns the ball into the back of the net.

  Dinsey winning the ball back at the back for Harpenden sends the clearance long out to the right, Shellard racing after it does well to keep it on her momentum taking her down the line stabs the angled ball in towards goal her attempt brushing the top of the near post and over for a goal kick. The game beginning to settle down, Harpenden starting brightly beginning to drop off a little as Stevenage see more of the ball, Wodhams getting about the middle of the park snapping in to win the ball back. 

 Stevenage push p[layers on getting in inside from the right Delaney into Gemma Croucher across the top of the area finding Pearson left of the D, 25 out shifts the ball inside before curling a shot wide of the right post. Croucher getting hold of the ball for Stevenage central forwards for Wiltshire back top goal she looks to find Pearson making a run on the left, Dowdell stretching out a leg intercepting the ball for Harpenden.

  Dowdell covering the ground at the back getting across to close Pearson down as Wodhams bringing the ball on looks to send her in, the ball out for a throw. Mercer taking the ball forwards tackled by Elly Wade, the ball still active inside the D, Mercer stretching to get hold of it, Wodhams back to help in defence. Dowdell stepping up to close Wodhams down as the pro-active midfielder carries the ball forwards with intent. Out for a Harpenden throw on the right dropped into Amanor corner of the area marked well by Wodhams, the ball not clear however finds it way back to Amanor inside the area, digs a shot out curling it wide of the near post. 

 Stevenage keeping Dowdell busy at the back as Wiltshire takes the ball forwards into the left channel sending it on for Pearson out a corner on the left, an in swinging ball turned over the bar for by Strouts for a 2nd corner.

 GOAL! The 2nd delivery from the right curled in at an inviting height flashing across the six yard box, collected beyond the far post turned back into the middle, Wiltshire free around the top of the area, there to put her foot through the ball and smash it home to fire Stevenage into the lead 0-1.

 Stevenage opening to scoring after 16 minutes, undoing Harpenden’s bright start to the match, they look to get after Stevenage from the restart the ball played on by Belle Shannon into Mercer left of the D, connects on the half volley sending in a shot on target, Hazelton right behind it, lacking the pace to trouble the keeper. 

 GOAL! The game end to end released quickly up the right Delaney into Wiltshire, send it inside for Pearson up with her breaking into the box, central, Strouts closing her down diving in at her feet, Pearson getting the ball past her taking it right and going beyond her to cut the shot back in across goal running away in celebration as she doubles Stevenage’s lead in the 18th minute 0-2.

  Stevenage with their tails up pressing players forwards Croucher up to Wiltshire powering on towards the box, Lucy Ford stepping in to tackle for Harpenden the ball pushed away to the right. Stevenage winning it back the ball cut back inside coming to Croucher central 20 yards out shifting the ball between her feet to open up the angle for a shot curls her attempt wide past the right post. 

 Stevenage on top since the goals Wiltshire racing in clear central not offside as Strouts comes racing out to the top of her box to try and close her down, the striker lobbing the ball up over the keeper but so too the crossbar beyond. Dinsey coming off for Harpenden, Nancy Tucker coming on. The offside flag raised halting another Stevenage attack. Webster bringing the ball on for Stevenage right side looking to find Wiltshire with the pass as she makes the run down the line, cut out by Ford for Harpenden.

  Savage tackling for Stevenage at the back taking the ball from Shellard, on for Wodhams, looks to put in through for Wiltshire in attack, Shannon intercepting the ball for Harpenden, plays it out to Zoe Allen-Thomas on the left knocked forwards for Deville, Webster challenging for Stevenage cleared into Stojko-Down her pass forwards cut out by Shannon. Pearson bringing the ball inside from the left wing prodded on for Wiltshire central clips the rising shot in on goal, Strouts with the high catch.

 GOAL! 25 minutes played Stevenage building a head of steam getting players on well, the ball from Croucher onto Delaney on the right turns it on for Wiltshire pulling off the defence to get into the box right of goal and strikes it on the angle under the diving keeper to make it 3-0 with her 2nd of the game.

  Harpenden on the back foot conceding a 3rd goal look to get the ball into the channels, Mercer on for Deville pulling right cutting the ball back into the area, no one their to attack it as Hazelton claims it untroubled. Amanor carrying the biggest threat for Harpenden, Stevenage keeping a close eye on her, the striker having to move about the back line to keep herself available for the pass from the middle receiving it into her feet left of the area, Wade moving across quickly to close her down the blocking tackle turning the ball out for the throw.

 Stojko-Down carrying the ball on through the middle has Wiltshire peeling away into the right channel ahead of her just a little too much weight on the pass sees Strouts able to rush out to lay claim to the ball. Amanor holding up the ball left corner of the area stabs it past Carr with Shellard coming across the back line, Wade getting the foot in to divert the ball away to safety out for a throw. The Harpenden attackers looking to combine on the right Amanor up with Shellard and Deville, exchanging passes, Wodhams back in amongst them for Stevenage to defend, no way through. 

  Wiltshire played in again on the right wide of goal the keeper beat the shot wide across the face of goal cleared by Dowdell. Dinsey back on for Harpenden as they play the ball on into Amanor right side 25 out passed into Shellard, Wade too close the attacker lobbing the ball up past her into the box, but Savage is round on the cover to win the ball back for Stevenage. Wade in to charge the ball down as Amanor tries to play Shellard in on the left. Dowdell with the challenge on Pearson to break up a Stevenage attack up the other end.

 A competitive final Stevenage with the 3 goal advantage however, a pop from range straight into Hazelton’s gloves. Both sides stepping in to close the other down in the middle off the park the game open both defences backing themselves in a one on one situation, Shannon and Dinsey pushed back to help defend for Harpenden, Wodhams all over the place back to win the ball, carrying it back up the pitch for Stevenage. Stevenage making a change Amy Makewell coming on in place of Delaney.

 A good turn on the ball from Pearson on the left receiving the ball off a throw to deliver it into the box, looking for Wiltshire, the keeper just there clear. Wade keeping a close watch on Amanor won’t let the attacker turn on the ball as she sees it into her feet off Dinsey, getting hold of the ball wade plays it forwards into Croucher making the left channel run, Dowdell across her shielding the ball out for a goal kick.

  Wodhams up with Stojko-Down through the middle for Stevenage pushed into Wiltshire 25 yards out finds Croucher left of the D 20 out plays it across the D into Pearson looking to break into the box for the return pass, cut out well by Dowdell for Harpenden. Savage getting on up Stevenage’s left tangling with Dowdell getting the ball beyond her to her cross not stopped by Strouts near side runs on through to Croucher who volleys the ball wide past the right post.

 Not long left in the first half Wiltshire snatching hold of the ball central out out Pearson free on the left sends the diagonal ball in across the penalty area just too much on it for Croucher and Makewell both running in on goal. 

Half-time Harpenden Town Women 0-3 Stevenage FC Women

  Stevenage heading back to the changing rooms at the half-time interval with a comfortable 3 goal lead. Riding out a bit of early pressure from Harpenden looking to make a positive start, Wiltshire lively up top opening the scoring on 16 minutes, Amber Pearson quickly doubling the lead. Wiltshire adding a third on 26 minutes to put Stevenage into a strong position. The game has been fairly open and competitive Harpenden looking for an opening needing a goal early in the 2nd half to get themselves back into the contest, Stevenage in sights of a historic treble can afford to be patient take the opportunity to add a further goal to make the result certain.

   A double change for Harpenden at the start of the 2nd half, Rebecca McShane and Erin Shacklock on replacing, Shellard and Deville. Stevenage unchanged to get the 2nd 45 minute underway, the ball played back into defence lifted on to the right with Wodhams getting forwards closed down nut keeps hold of the ball sending it inside towards Croucher looking to push her way on into the box Ford defending. Wiltshire breaking away with the ball wide on the right attacking the by-line her cross long towards Makewell making the far post run turns her header wide of the mark. 

 Stevenage pressing early in the 2nd half the ball hooked into the box from the left lifted clear by Ford. Stojko-Down on the ball for Stevenage on for Croucher linking up with Wiltshire in attack, Dowdell closing the striker down the ball sent up field won back by Webster to chip over the top of the Harpenden defence but the flag is up against Wiltshire. Shannon working the ball on with Dinsey for Harpenden on the right side Wade coming across to deal with the threat.

  Makewell sending the ball into Pearson’s run as the winger bombs on up the left flank in behind to hit the cross on the move a dangerous ball through the corridor but neither Wiltshire nor Wodhams running in on goal can reach it. Shannon still down from the earlier attack in need of treatment for Harpenden, up slowly but ok to continue. Mercer linking up with Ford through the middle for Harpenden the ball played out to Amanor on the right flank takes the ball inside before striking it on the angle from 20 yards out her effort wide at the near post.

  Amanor seeing the ball into her feet well for Harpenden in attack holding it up looking to use her strength to turn on the ball get a shot released, Mercer playing her in top of the D holds of Carr to chip a shot over the bar. 

Shacklock in to make the tackle on Wiltshire as the Stevenage attack looks to drive on with the ball though the middle. Mercer has pulled up for Harpenden the midfielder looking in some discomfort needs to come off, helped to the side of the pitch a blow as Seryan Kabongo comes on in her place. Moving past the hour mark the ball clipped into Wiltshire right side a neat touch to bring the ball down and races away down the line before whipping a cross in long across the six yard box, Wodhams meeting it on the run at the far post turning her attempt wide back across the face of goal.

  Harpenden get the ball up the left into Tucker inside the box Wade across her to defend, Harpenden’s bench appealing the referee waving it away no foul. Stays down treatment required but back on her feet. Stevenage’s turn, well certainly the crowds to appeal as Wiltshire, Wodhams and Stojko-Down combine it attack on the right the cross blocked by the rising Dowdell striking her hand, yes, intentional I don’t think so the referee again waving play on. 

 Dowdell heading the ball clear as Stojko-Down bringing the ball on looks for Wiltshire pulling wide on the right. Allen-Thomas lunging in to win the ball back for Harpenden as Stevenage continue to advance with the ball. Amanor remains the outlet for Harpenden but has a lot of work to do as Allen-Thomas sends it long into her path on the right, strong taking it on, gets the cross into the box but can’t pick anyone out.

  Stevenage’s attackers interchanging positions Ford intercepting with the header as Makewell looks to link up with Pearson on the right. Ford getting her foot in to intercept the ball once again for Harpenden hit long through the middle for Amanor to attack, Wade getting across her path to see the ball back to her keeper to clear. The game not having the intensity of the first half Stevenage with a comfortable lead determined not too concede, Harpenden with more hopeful balls forwards than penetrating passes the game closing in on the final 20 minutes.

GOAL! Stevenage add a 4th goal as Stojko-Down runs onto the ball central top of the D to lift it up over the keeper to score 0-4. 

  Stevenage in total control now 4 goals to the good with 20 minutes left, make a change the goal scorer coming off, Stojko-Down replaced by Ashleigh Goddard. 

 GOAL! Pressing down the left the cross in cleared back up to Croucher putting the diagonal ball up into the box from deep on the left the keeper going for it not getting enough the ball striking the post and rebounding back across goal, Goddard latching onto it to turn it home from close range making an instant impact from the bench to extend Stevenage’s lead 0-5.

 Changes made, Harpenden bringing off, Tucker and Dinsey, send on , Deville and Issy Hughes. The latter looking to link up with Shannon get the ball forwards, play brought back for the free-kick, the referee having a word with Hughes. Stevenage making a double change too, Wiltshire and Webster coming off, Lilly Kelly and Mia Barnett. Shannon with a shot from range as Amanor brings the ball down into her feet the ball in low on goal Hazelton down low at her right post to save.

  Eva Delaney back on along with Katie Boyle with less than 10 minutes to play replacing Wodhams and Pearson. The game a little disjoined with so many changes late on but Stevenage in control need to keep hold of the ball, Croucher sending the ball on through the middle into Goddard inside the box left of the D, strikes the ball wide across goal. McShane linking up with Deville as Harpenden get the ball on left side played inside to Hughes, Goddard back to close her down for Stevenage. 

 Kelly bringing the ball on for Stevenage right into the box stabbed in towards Makewell inside the six yard box sees her shot charged down the rebound back to Goddard top of the area leaning back lifts her shot over the crossbar. Stevenage pushing on well in the closing stages of the game looking to add more goals, Makewell attacking on the left striking the ball in on the angle, Strouts getting her gloves up to beat the ball down into the ground and drop to pull it into her body before Goddard can pounce. The final whistle blowing and Stevenage have done it winning the ERWFL League Cup for the 1st time and with it completing a magnificent treble winning season.

Full time Harpenden Town Women 0-5 Stevenage FC Women

 A few lessons learnt from the county cup final Stevenage absorbing some early pressure from Harpenden before getting the ball forwards well into their attacking players using the space to get into some good positions Wiltshire firing them into the lead just past the quarter hour mark. Amber Pearson quickly adding a 2nd. Wiltshire making it 3-0 midway through the 2nd half. That the score-line at the break Stevenage with a comfortable lead to defend could afford to be patient in the 2nd half limiting the opposition chances, looking to add a 4th clinical goal, came through Alysha Stojko-Down, Ashleigh Goddard replacing her straight after on hand to score a quick 5th to put the final beyond any doubt. Stevenage capping off an unbeaten promotion winning season with the County and League Cup a wonderful achievement for the whole club, players, coaching staff and supporting volunteers that do a fantastic job promoting the club via social media. Disappointment for Harpenden in the end but should look back on the season with pride, if you’d have said you’d not only hold your own in your first season playing at tier 5 but reach two cup finals as well you would have taken it. Plenty to build on.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, this one pretty straight forwards, although a hat-trick from a certain 50 plus goal season striker might have changed things. A few performances to mention of course. For Harpenden, captain Rebecca Dowdell won the ball well at the back getting across to deal with threats and winning it through the middle. Ella Mercer looked good on the ball using it well finding pockets of space and linking up with the attackers. Sophia Amanor held the ball up well held of players looked to find a break through. For Stevenage, Elly Wade was composed at the back and did well to keep a check on Amanor, reading the threats. Amber Pearson providing a strong outlet on the left get forwards used the ball well. Gemma Croucher made some great runs finding space linked up play well. Sarah Wiltshire has had a fantastic season from start to finish has run defences ragged never still looking for the ball and given it will create chances scoring two more goals. The award though goes to Rosy Wodhams, she was everywhere early on getting back to win the ball and bring it forwards with purpose and intent never let up. 

 Many congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning the 2025/26 ERWFL League Cup and completing a magnificent treble.

 Congratulations too, to Stevenage FC Women’s development side, finishing runners-up in ERWFL Division One North.

 A great achievement for everyone involved at the club and good luck to Stevenage in the FAWNL, see you next season.

 Another long but entertaining finals day at Bedford, my thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the teams. My thanks too to the ERWFL committee for letting me cover another finals day and their help on the day and throughout the year. It’s a highly entertaining league rarely as dull game to watch.

by Darren Gilham