Tag Archives: Histon Ladies

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 29th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

Heading into Cambridgeshire this Wednesday evening for the first game of a cup final double bill, starting with the Women’s Invitation Cup Final, the counties senior women’s competition, followed by the Junior Invitation Cup Final on Thursday between Newmarket Town Women Development and Soham Town Rangers Ladies. This evening it’s the main event the Invitation Cup final a repeat of last season’s final too as holders Cambridge United WFC taking on Histon Ladies.

This evening’s prize

The venue the same too being played at Cambridge City FC’s new stadium at Sawston, the on going building work to the main stand due to be completed over the summer. This season’s finals played between two sides with very contrasting season’s under their belts.

Dare I say it but in the end a season to forget for Cambridge United WFC, what started as a promising new era, under newly installed manager Sean Greygoose with changes behind the scenes and new players brought in the FAWNL South East Division One side long established in tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid, were up to 4th in the table early on with 4 straight wins, a few changes to the squad senior players let go and young talent recruited a poor run followed this lead to the unexpected departure of the manager just when the squad bringing in new faces needed to settle rebuild momentum looking very much to the future a baptism of fire for interim manager Sam Carrington, Cambridge picking up just a single point from their final 10 matches finishing 10th in the table.

Cambridge United WFC for a long period the leading forces for women’s football in Cambridgeshire now fully integrated with the men’s club, have long dominated the county cup in Cambridge, along with Cambridge City a healthy rivalry, have mixed thing’s up in recent season’s playing their U18’s and last season a mixture of both U18’s and 1st team, this season 5 first team players can be played along with any not having played 50% of first team games and with so many new faces added to the squad can field a strong side as they look to end a tough season on a high. The future bright, will be playing in Cambridge itself for the first time I can remember having followed them at Ely, the Mildenhall and St Neots, always knowing they needed to be in Cambridge itself build themselves a concrete supporting base.

Histon Ladies are most definitely on a high saw them at the weekend complete a remarkable achievement going a whole season without dropping a single point in the league, 22 wins from 22 to become champions of ERWFL Division One North and clinch promotion back to the 5th tier of women’s football. The foundations laid by Matt Payne bringing his Great Shelford side to Histon in 2017, took a few season’s to get the club back into the ERWFL but have been on the rise ever since, Kevin Jacklin brought to the club with a wealth of experience in the women’s game leading them to runners-up spot last season took the opportunity to further strengthen the coaching set-up bringing in Darren Marjoram let go by Cambridge United WFC despite leading them to another county cup success joined by Cambridge United legend, Liz Pamplin, to lead the club to a memorable campaign.

Sophie Hopkin with over 100 appearances for the club, only one of two players left from the Great Shelford era, the other Abi Davies returning to the club after a spell at United herself. Evie Nicholls rattling in the goals for Histon out in front as the leagues top goal scorer with 37 goals, have the tightest defence in the league too, conceding just 15 goals a title winning combination for sure, fancy their chances of causing an upset this evening but Cambridge United won’t give up the trophy lightly beating Histon 2-0 last time around to lift the cup.

Road to the Final

Byes for both sides in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup, into the 2nd Round, Cambridge United away to Cambridge Rangers WFC from Cambs, Division One, goals from Bella Simmons, Jade Bell, Millie Docking and Lauren Cullum seeing United 4-0 up at the break, Emilia Reinhardt and a 2nd for Cullum in the 2nd half seeing the game won 6-0. Histon away to Cambs Division Three newcomers, Linton Granta Women, a huge gap between the sides, Histon wracking up a double figure score with Evie Nicholls scoring 4 goals, Molly Banks and Sophie Hopkin netting a brace each and goals to for Ella Marden and Hannah Seymour-Shove. Final score 10-0.

Into the quarter finals, Cambridge United progressing without a ball with opponents Wimblington Ladies plagued by injuries having to pull out. Histon at home taking on fellow Division one North side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, Nicholls again amongst the goals smashing home a hat-trick to see the game won 3-1.

The semi-finals seeing the 4 strongest sides in the county go toe to toe, Cambridge United away to Cambridge City Women slowly beginning fortunes around after a difficult couple of season’s, Drawing 0-0 until the final quarter hour Mollie Coupar firing United into the lead from the penalty spot, Reinhardt charging down the keeper to add a 2nd then another in stoppage time to secure a 3-0 through to another final. Histon at home taking on Newmarket Town Women also playing in Division one North, a single goal settling this one scored by Abi Davies to send Histon into their 2nd successive final.

Cambridge City FC’s new stadium in Sawston hosting the Invitation Cup final for the 2nd successive season, the large grass pitch overlooked by an impressive stand with elevated seating, work still on going on the interior but making progress, plenty of food and drink on offer, been good this year haven’t had a cheeseburger yet but the one’s at the ground are too good to resist so indulged myself. The weather pleasant a warm day a bit of power in the sun starting to set behind the main stand creating a shadow across the pitch could pose a few issues.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Isabelle Beeson, Lauren Rouse (C) Beatrice Rogers, Eleanor Townsend, Ellie Curson, Tally Miles, Sammy Edgar, Mollie Coupar, Matilda Thomas O’Keefe & Emilia Reinhardt. Subs – Daisey Jeckell, Katie Hayes, Millie Docking, Hannah Mitchell & Annabel Ferguson.

Cambridge United WFC

Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Eloise Page, Abi Davies, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Krueger, Jess McCrae, Molly Banks, Tash Collins, Ella Marden, Sophie Hopkin & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Mollie Childerley, Gabriella Giussani, Sabrina Ghosh, Hannah Seymour-Shove & Summer Taylor.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be settled by a penalty shootout.

Captains Laura Leyland and Lauren Rouse pictured with this evenings math referee Jordan Blunt, assisted by Jaroslaw Olczak and Will Fulcher ( Anouskha Williamson the 4th assistant)

A change of ends at the start of the game with Cambridge putting the sun at their backs, Histon to have kick-off, wearing their all blue away strip, Cambridge in wearing amber shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played into Molly Banks in the middle lifts a long ball out to the right wing as Tash Collins races forwards, Isabelle Beeson dealing with it for Cambridge. A large pitch both sides comfortable using the width offered a competitive start a little unsettled both sides into the other Cambridge getting a free-kick for a foul on midfielder Sammy Edgar.

Histon pressing in the final 3rd Sophie Hopkin getting in to close the ball down hoked high up into the box with Ella Marden coming in off the left to attack it, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb with the comfortable catch. Eloise Page getting in the challenge as Mollie Coupar finds Ellie Curson on the left. Cambridge attempting to get players on quickly mount an attack left Eleanor Townsend linking up with Matilda Thomas O’Keefe, Abi Davies with support from Collins getting the ball out for a throw.

Marden breaking forwards on the left flank for Histon as Hopkin hooks the ball on stretching to get her leg up to deliver the cross on the by-line, the ball is claimed by Webb high at the far post.

Histon pressing well getting bodies up Banks onto Hopkin who is pro active getting after the ball forcing a throw the ball down the line giving attacker Evie Nicholls something to attack her cross blocked by Cambridge captain, Lauren Rouse back off Nicholls for the goal kick. Hopkin coming left on for Nicholls wide cuts inside before delivering a cross into the top of the area, Jess McCrae making the central one not quite able to get to it, Beatrice Rogers clears for Cambridge.

Cambridge defender, Beatrice Rogers

Cambridge break on the left forcing a corner kick, the delivery low into the near post defended knocked back out to the left the corner taker sending the ball back into the box, Histon get it out to the right a blistering shot fired in on the angle from 25 yards, Histon keeper, Keeley Robinson down sharply to he left to parry it away across the six yard by Emilia Reinhardt snatching at the rebound sending the ball narrowly wide of the post.

Histon’s McCrae taking a blow inside the box as Histon sought to clear their lines, holding her nose, needing to come off for better treatment an early change a straight swap with Hannah Seymour-Shove taking her place in midfield. 10 minutes played looks to have settled into an even contest both sides with combative players on the middle the ball hotly contested. Both sides using the wings Cambridge from a throw high on the right wining a corner fired in central attacked turned onto the far post lifted back in across goal, plucked down into her gloves by the rising keeper.

Banks battling for the ball for Histon linking up well with Hopkin to Marden left taking it to the by-line her cross cut back into the top of the six yard box behind Nicholls central, Collins rushing in far side can’t quite get a touch Cambridge getting it out of their box to the right Davies up with Seymour-Shove the strike sent it from the angle races wide past the far post.

Histon’s Ella Marden

Histon getting after the ball Hopkin imposing herself finding Marden again on the left taking the ball to the by-line her cross swerving behind. Cambridge win the ball central Tally Miles to Coupar on for Reinhardt the young attacker getting on the move knocking the ball on moving right, one touch too many however giving Page the opportunity to get hold of the ball turn it forwards for Histon.

Histon’s Eloise Page with Cambridge’s Ellie Curson

Cambridge with a throw on the right helped on into the middle Edgar taking it into her stride shooting from distance a little swerve on the ball Robinson right behind it however with the blocking save at her feet. Collins combining with Hopkin top of the Cambridge are, Beeson getting the challenge in the ball knocked out wide, an angled shot driven it towards goal, Webb with the smart save down well to her left to push the ball to the left, Histon with players up rush to close it down Marden has it from the angle goes for goal 25 yards out her effort looping up and over the keeper but onto the roof of the net.

Miles sending a great ball into the right channel for Curson, Claire Krueger getting back on her shoulder strong to see the ball back to her keeper to clear. Histon captain stepping out to close down Reinhardt before she can get the past out to Thomas O’Keefe to the left, Banks and Edgar two midfielders who like to get stuck in going toe to toe the latter drawing the foul on halfway. Hopkin getting forwards into right channel fed wide the cross lifted up into the near post, Nicholls rising to attack it twisting in the air can’t get enough of the ball her attempt dropping wide.

Webb needing to stay alert her defence pressed back at times Histon attacking right Davies to Collins an angled ball lofted on towards goal the Cambridge keeper grabbing it down on her line.

Seymour-Shove on through the middle to Collins looks to pick out Nicholls ahead of her the pass intercepted by Rogers. Midway through the 1st half shaping up to be a close game Histon looking strong confident, Cambridge with players who can hurt you however get on down the left to win a corner, swung into the near post behind off the keeper for another corner. A dangerous ball in across goal attacked but a foul spotted by the referee Histon have the free-kick.

Robinson out to get down to claim the ball into her body as Coupar coming right with the ball attempts to pick out Curson ahead of her. Histon counter through the middle Hopkin sending Nicholls in behind the centre backs, Webb seeing it racing out to the top of her area to pressure the striker the ball goes beyond her to keeper’s left, Collins trying to win the race to the loose ball, Webb having not gone to ground, able to recover get back to slide onto the ball.

Webb the busier of the two goalkeepers, taking a cross/shot as her near post as Histon attack a throw on the left. Hopkins running in to close the ball down, is loose for Banks to get hold of outside the area drags her shot from range wide. Rouse onto the ball for Cambridge played on for Coupar pulling into the right channel, Krueger closing her down tackling for Histon.

Seymour-Shove putting the ball on for Marden left wing driving to the by-line her cross turned behind by Rouse for the corner. Fired in low to the near post Cambridge don’t clear a little scrappy at the back as Hopkins and Collins she snatched shots blocked, space looks to open up a Nicholls gets hold of it inside the D, but her touch a fraction heavy sees Rogers stabbing it away to safety.

Tash Collins putting the ball on for Histon

Cambridge making a change with 10 minutes left in the first half, Curson coming off, Annabel Ferguson sent on. Collins right side tees up Banks 25 yards out her strike flashing over the crossbar. Miles putting the ball into Townsend left side her cross inside cut out by Leyland, back with Cambridge on the left the angled shot straight at the keeper. Histon pressing on the right getting a throw, Collins surging on to the by-line, Townsend back to defend conceding the throw in the corner.

Couper seeing the ball into her feet on halfway with a good turn on the ball to release it into space on the left for Thomas O’Keefe to attack, Davies though getting there first to defend for Histon. Cambridge a little disjointed at times, up against an experienced back line who keep a disciplined shape the final ball not finding its mark. Leyland intercepting as Miles attempts to send Reinhardt in behind.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Histon Ladies

The sides heading back to the changing rooms level at the break, both keepers making saves but on the whole has been a competitive tussle Histon working hard to press the ball get players on feeling the more confident having gone toe to toe with a side playing two leagues above. Will they be able to keep those energy levels up for the 2nd half is the question, Cambridge not as settled disjointed on occasion no less competitive haven’t got the numbers on in the final 3rd as their defence is pushed back. Lively should the scores stay level it’ll be decided on penalties.

The lights starting to take effect as the sun drops low on the horizon, no changes for either side as Cambridge get the 2nd half underway. A long ball into the left wing seen out for an early Histon throw. Townsend linking up with O’Keefe on the left for Cambridge her cross cleared by Leyland. Is a feisty edge to the game, Histon putting themselves about Cambridge frustrated, Nicholls fouling her marker as Collins looks to pick her out with the pass on the right.

Histon striker, Evie Nicholls

Hopkin turns on the ball 25 yards out scooping it forwards for Nicholls, Rogers winning the header for Cambridge. Davies in to close Reinhardt down as the pacy attacker looks to get after the ball fed into the left flank. Robinson comes rushing out to the top of her box to clear the ball, falls invitingly to Thomas O’Keefe 25 yards out her shot just wide of the left post.

Krueger getting in the way to block as strike from Reinhardt top of the Histon area as she steals onto a slack goal kick. The attacker forced wide getting another bite at her her shot low claimed by the keeper. Histon with a free-kick deep on the left up to the top of the area Townsend blocks a shot. Nicholls picking up the first yellow card of the game as it grows more tense. Both sides making a change on the hour mark, Firstly Thomas O’Keefe is taken off by Cambridge, on comes Katie Hayes. Davies giving way for Histon on comes Gabriella Giussani. Krueger fouled Cambridge presented with a free-kick 30 plus yards from goal. Banks on it, her ball into the box lacking the pace to trouble the keeper.

Cambridge captain, Lauren Rouse

Histon making another change Collins coming off, Sabrina Ghosh entering the action. Nicholls looking to get after the Cambridge back line up with Rogers to try and win the ball as Webb comes out to top of the area, Nicholls seeing a snap shot blocked by Rouse, Ghosh after it as it spins into the box, Webb getting back to grab hold of the ball. The game opening up as the clock moves into the final 20 minutes, Edgar with the pass into Coupar going left, Giussani in to block for Histon. The ball spinning central Reinhardt coming off the worse as she looks to win a 50/50 ball with Leyland.

Cambridge’s Isabelle Beeson

The substitutes looking to add energy to the game getting a little stretched as others tire a couple of Histon players down with cramp. Reinhardt almost steals through central as Coupar cuts the early cross inside from the left, only a good starting position from Robinson denies her a chance to shoot the keeper out to the top of her box to claim first. Townsend tackling to win the ball well as Nicholls looks to link up with Ghosh out on the left.

Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson

Banks over a free-kick out wide on the right angled in across goal no one getting a touch until it passes the far post out for a goal kick. Collins coming back on to replace Marden. The spectre of penalties looming neither side wanting to concede now. Nicholls keeps running at the Cambridge defence driving left Townsend back defending. Leyland winning the ball up the other end for Histon as Miles looks to feed it on through the middle for Couper.

Cambridge midfielder Sammy Edgar with Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

Histon firing a dangerous cross in along the face of the Cambridge goal out for a corner on the left. The ball swung in cleared back out to the left sent back into the middle headed away to the right a high ball struck from the right of the D taken by the keeper. Hopkin coming off for Histon, McCrae back on. Histon getting the ball on right side Ghosh to Nicholls pressing to get into the box left side, seeing the ball drop over her shoulder, Webb stands up well to grab it low before the striker can attack it.

Mollie Coupar with Histon captain, Laura Leyland

Into the final quarter hour, Reinhardt with a late tackle on Krueger no foul given. Couper up central pressing the ball out to Hayes left flank down the line for Reinhardt, driving on checks inside to turn into the box moving across the top of the six yard box, strikes the ball rising, Robinson with a great catch taking the ball firmly above her head. Histon starting to tire the game stretched Nicholls still full of running up to but not getting the players up with her. Reinhardt up the other end looking to put herself about get after the ball. Banks picking out Collins on the flank her ball into the near post cut out by Rouse.

Page coming off for Histon, Mollie Childerley coming on. A heavy tackle late on McCrae central but up on her feet okay. Coupar taking on the ball as it evades Giussani at the back to the left comes back inside to find room for a shot top of the D, Giussani in the way to put in the block. Krueger cutting a threaded ball out at the back for Histon. The clock ticking down a little edgy now, Cambridge with some urgency in their game. Ferguson taken off replaced by Curson. Giussani cutting out a cross-field pass from Miles to the left.

Claire Krueger

Coupar taking the ball left on for Townsend racing on up the wing her cross close to the by-line turned behind by the rising Leyland, gets a shove in the back from Reinhardt hardly necessary, Leyland landing hard down needing treatment, no action taken. The corner swept long into the area, a foul spotted Histon getting the free-kick this time. Curson for Cambridge sends the ball on for Coupar coming right, Childerley in to close her down. Hayes down off the ball after a late challenge from Banks, play stopped so she can receive treatment a painful blow needs to come off, Millie Docking coming on.

Not long left moving into stoppage time Nicholls digging a shot away on the angle from the left, Webb behind it all the way. Nicholls given the ball by Ghosh taking it left to the by-line cutting the cross back in to the area across goal, Collins stretching for it the ball wide past the post. Collins pulling up with cramp, comes off Hopkin returning to the pitch with penalties in mind. Ghosh lobbing the ball forwards Webb out to the top of her area to claim. Miles back to win the ball in defence as Histon press late into the game. The ball away for a throw high on the right seconds left taken quickly a dangerous ball flashed into the six yard box Nicholls attacking it with her head at the back post strikes the upright with the very last touch of the game as the final whistle blows the Invitation Cup final going to penalties.

Full Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Histon Ladies

Good chances for both sides in the 2nd half of a hard fought contest but as the clock ticked down penalties looked the more likely outcome Histon working hard all game to keep Cambridge out getting on themselves well the game stretched as players tired a penalty shootout a lottery.

Penalties

Histon to open the penalty shootout going first, Nicholls stepping up to place the ball on the spot a confident strike low to the keepers left to open the scoring 1-0.

Edgar up first for Cambridge hit with power rising high into the back of the net before the diving keeper can reach it 1-1.

Hopkin is up next for Histon a well struck ball high past the keeper before she could react 2-1.

Miles taking Cambridge’s 2nd penalty, cool sends the keeper the wrong way to strike it in low to the left of goal 2-2.

Seymour-Shove up next for Histon a low strike racing over the line makes it 3-2.

The pressure building as Coupar walks up to take Cambridge’s 3rd penalty hit hard powered past the keeper before she can react 3-3.

McCrae up next for Histon gets lift on her penalty rising creeps in under the bar to make it 4-3.

Thomas O’Keefe up next for Cambridge runs up and turns in despair as she sends the ball high over the cross bar 4-3.

Histon can win it with their 5th penalty, up comes captain, Leyland, the centre back putting her foot through the ball buries it to seal the win 5-3.

Histon Ladies winning on penalties to win this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup and cap a history making season with a double. Working hard from the off to compete with Cambridge taking them all the way to a shootout and emerging victorious. Cambridge gutted no doubt it might feel great to win on penalties but being on the losing side is a tough. Ends a tough season one to forget, a new look squad is being shaped and with a new home to look forward to next season have plenty to look forwards too.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as usual not an easy call although a couple of candidates put themselves to the forefront early on and stayed there, a few performances to mention first. For Cambridge, Mollie Coupar looked to get forwards use the ball with some good balls to try and release teammates, Sammy Edgar strong in the middle looked to give Cambridge some drive, Lauren Webb reading the game her defence pushed back at time took control of the ball. For Histon as they were on Sunday the whole side worked hard to close the ball down got on well and kept the pressure off there defence. Claire Krueger winning her tackles at the back, Hannah Seymour-Shove getting after the ball in the middle. Tash Collins making several good runs on the right and through the middle. Evie Nicholls was a constant threat making runs into the channel, pulling off the defence. Molly Banks with a strong midfield performance getting after the ball pushing Histon on. Narrowly misses out the award going to Sophie Hopkin put herself about early on to close the ball down high link up the attack and keep Histon up the pitch.

Congratulations to Histon Ladies on winning the 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup and for your historic double.

Histon Ladies 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

Another entertaining cup final from Cambridgeshire, a good crowd anticipating a close final on the whole and got one. Good to catch up with so many familiar faces my thanks to those who helped with the team details a quick turn around heading back to Cambridgeshire this evening for the Junior Invitation Final between Soham Town Rangers Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development at Soham, the pair drawing 3-3 at the weekend in Division One.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Dunstable Town Lionesses Women

Sunday 26th April

ERWFL Division One North

Heading into Cambridgeshire today for the final day of the ERWFL League campaign, as Histon Ladies champions of Division One North look to make it a 100% winning season with Dunstable Town Lionesses Women the only side left that can stop that from happening.

Would be a wonderful achievement and rarely done to go an entire season not dropping a single point in the league. The ERWFL typically a highly competitive. Premier Division champions Stevenage FC Women the only other side to not loose a league game this season ending with a trip to Norfolk to play 3rd placed Wroxham Women.

21 wins from 21 league games sees Histon 11 points clear at the top of the ERWFL Division One North table, carrying on the momentum built in the previous season with a runners-up finish and county cup final appearance, brought in ex-Cambridge United WFC manager Darren Marjoram along with United stalwart Liz Pamplin as his assistant, haven’t looked back one more win to complete a 100% wining season, and are once again into the county cup final this coming Wednesday once again facing Cambridge United WFC.

In striker, Evie Nicholls, Histon have the league’s top goal-scorer running away with it win 37 goals from her 37 games, with good contributions throughout the squad, Ella Marden, Laura Leyland, Sophie Hopkin and Sabrina Ghosh all bagging 5 goals each. Have had to grind results out at times but as well as being the 2nd highest goal scorers in the league, have by far the meanest defence conceding just the 14 times throughout their 21 games so far, that combination more often than not seeing you at the top of the table.

Dunstable Town Lionesses Women the last side that can prevent that from happening will provide a stern test, the Bedfordshire side, finishing 4th in the Division One North table will be aiming to end on a high. The women’s football scene in Bedfordshire seeing a healthy growth in the past few years, Dunstable more established one on the leading sides in the county playing in the ERWFL have undergone a few changes and recently the squad with a number of young players looking push on fight for promotion back to the ERWFL Premier Division.

A solid 4th placed finish a good platform to build on, Luke Molloy managing the side has a wealth of experience in the women’s game. A strong run in March securing their league place winning 4 out of their 5 matches. Grace-Monet Wille their top scorer netting 11 goals from her 19 appearances. Cerys Rees has 9 for the season with Bailey Plumbridge on 7 scored. The social media brought under one umbrella at Dunstable the women getting good coverage.

Histon FC’s, Bridge Road Stadium the venue for this afternoon’s game, features a large grass pitch, fairly dry with a puff of dust on the surface with not alot of rain falling recently (can’t complain on that front). Just off the A14 north of Cambridge itself. A bright sunny day with little cloud in the sky pleasantly warm. The bar at the back of the main stand open serving hot and cold drinks. Viewing all round with a covered seated stand running the length of the pitch on the opposite side. The Dunstable players and coaching team forming a guard of honour to welcome champions Histon as they walk out onto the pitch with their mascots from Histon Hornets girls.

Dunstable forming a guard of honour to welcome champions Histon out onto the pitch

Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Gabriella Giussani, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Eloise Page, Molly Banks, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Belle Howard, Sabrina Ghosh, Ella Marden & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Abi Davies, Tash Collins, Sophie Hopkin, Jess McCrae & Claire Krueger.

Histon Ladies

Dunstable Town Lionesses Women starting XI – Abbey Pursey Weedon, Amiyah Christie, Hayley Smith, Lola Cook, Emily Foster, Eleanor-Rose Rothwell (C), Megan Molloy, Ellie Sargeant, Kiera-Mae Fitzgerald-Larch, Lexxie Burton & Cerys Rees. Subs – Gemma Darvill & Poppy Surridge.

Dunstable Town Lionesses Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Laura Leyland and Eleanor-Rose Rothwell with today’s match referee, Jordan Blunt

Kick-off slightly delayed with a crash on route seeing the Dunstable side arriving at the ground later than they would have liked to get their prep in. The visitors with a few absent including leading goal scorer Wille naming just the two on the bench. Histon with 5 available to call upon. It’s Dunstable to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half wearing blue shirts with white across the shoulders and sleeves, blue shorts and socks. Histon lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence, sent long out to the right, Ellie Sargeant, Histon left back Mollie Childerley can see it safely out of play.

Both sides into each other at the start looking to chase the ball down Dunstable bringing the ball right Amiyah Christie on for Sargeant, won back by Histon captain Laura Leyland bringing the ball right using the width of the pitch to play Gabriella Giussani onto the ball as the full back runs into space ahead of her sending it on for Sabrina Ghosh up the wing to attack the weight a little too strong, Hayley Smith defending against Ghosh able to see the ball out for a goal kick.

Histon winning the ball back attack on the left Childerley up the line into Ella Marden taking the ball to the by-line her cross cut back into the area, Lola Cook defending for Dunstable heading the ball out for a corner on the left. A dangerous ball curled in a across goal helped on, Smith covering the far post for the visitors blocking the ball on the line, the ball cleared Dunstable attempt to launch a rapid counter the ball up to attacker Cerys Rees on the left is quickly closed down.

Dunstable’s Megan Molloy

Is a big pitch, Histon used to it confident in their shape keeping their defence well spaced out Megan Molloy on the ball for Dunstable linking up with her captain, Eleanor-Rose Rothwell through the middle the pass up to Rees back to goal looks to spin it on for Lexxie Burton to her left, Eloise Page dropping off in defence as the ball comes into her reading it their to intercept the ball. Rees strong holding up the ball well succeeds in finding Burton this time who in turn sends the ball out onto the right wing for Christie to take on but ball knocked forwards the tackle late referee Jordan Blunt bringing play back for the free-kick. Launched up into the area from inside the Histon half, Childerley heading it clear.

Leyland putting in the tackle to win the ball at the back for Histon, played out to Giussani on the right plays it forwards into Belle Howard making a run out to the right, Emily Foster tracking her for Dunstable lunging in to send the ball out of play for the throw. Histon settling quicker moving the ball well across the pitch, Giussani getting on well to support Ghosh on the right. Molly Banks putting the ball on for Hannah Seymour-Shove in the middle for Histon the ball hooked forwards, out to Marden attacking left wing, Christie winning it back for Dunstable.

Banks playing the ball into Evie Nicholls as the Histon striker looks to burst in behind in the left channel, Cook getting a timely foot onto the ball. The hosts sharp the ball out to Giussani pressed up right side feeds the ball onto into the box with Howard looking to make the run, Rothwell getting on her shoulder strong to see the ball out of play for the goal kick.

Histon’s belle Howard with Dunstable captain, Eleanor-Rose Rothwell

GOAL! An error from the kick seeing the ball presented straight to Ghosh pushed up with play to the top of the D, knocks the ball into the box moving right and cuts her shot back in across the keeper to find the back of the net and open the scoring for the hosts 1-0.

Sabrina Ghosh turning in celebration as she fires Histon into the lead

The ideal start for Histon getting an early goal as they look to see out a 100% winning season. Sargeant seeing the ball on for Dunstable inside for Rees, looking to pick out Burton, Leyland putting the challenge in at the back for Histon. Histon come left Marden inside to Nicholls seeing the ball into her feet turning inside 25 yards out unleashing the shot, the ball skipping safely through to goalkeeper Abbey Pursey Weedon. Dunstable keen to press the ball disrupt Histon’s build up play, Kiera-Mae Fitzgerald-Larch, adjudged to handle the ball as she goes to charge down Giussani as the visitors look to push on left side.

Ghosh causing Dunstable a few issues on the right getting support from Giussani the latter whipping a cross into the top of the D. Marden looking to connect with the header knock it down for Nicholls can’t quite get to it. Fitzgerald-Larch plays a diagonal ball into the top of the area from the left for Dunstable, Rees the target, Childerley in well to close her down for Histon, clearing the ball. Up to Banks turns on the ball sliding it on for Nicholls, Howard pushing on in attack with her the short pass cut out by Foster.

Giussani pushed up combining with Ghosh on the right for Histon the cross whipped in early, Cook getting her head on the ball drops to Marden inside the box to the left of goal shoots the ball wide past the far post across goal. Histon getting the ball across the pitch stretching play Leyland from the back putting the ball into Ghosh on the right her cross turned behind for the corner kick. Marden to lift a high ball into the box, Leyland attacking it at the back stick driving her header wide.

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

Molloy picking out Rees over in the right sends the ball into the middle Rothwell breaking on 25 yards out can’t quite take the ball in her stride as Page gets the tackle in, Histon over on the right Giussani links up with Seymour-Shove her high diagonal ball into the box claimed well by Pursey Weedon. Rothwell winning the ball back for Dunstable in the middle out to Sargeant on the right looking to link up with Burton, Page snapping in for Histon, forcing the visitors back, the deep cross curled into the top of the area collected by Leyland. A bit of power in the sun a drinks break called midway through the 1st half.

Dunstable’s Lexxie Burton

Dunstable not overly committing players forwards the defence tight deep looking to limit Histon’s threat in behind, Histon settled moving the ball about the pitch probing for a opening the full backs getting on in support well, Nicholls bringing the ball on down the left her cross flashed into the box, Smith in ahead of Ghosh to clear for Dunstable. Cook winning the ball in the box for the visitors playing a good ball up to Burton back to goal, controls it well down off her body to spin of Leyland marking her but again Page has dropped up ready to get her challenge in as the attacker prepares to drive into the box.

Histon defender, Elouise Page

A throw high on the left for Histon worked into the box towards Howard at the near post. Cook turning it behind for the corner, another inviting ball in over the crowd attacking it near post drops to Leyland central stabs out a shot pulling the ball wide of the far post. Rothwell pushing up as Dunstable press right side combining passes with Sargeant her cross cut out at the near post. Banks picking out Ghosh on the right, bursting forwards, Foster getting over to tackle for Dunstable.

Nicholls racing forwards in the left channel looking to get onto the end of and over the top ball from Banks strikes the shot 20 yards out dragging it wide. Rothwell back to defend for Dunstable getting a touch on the ball to turn it behind for the corner as Ghosh gets on well right side. The delivery deep to the top of the area, Nicholls looking to get it down into her feet can’t dig out the shot before being closed down. Giussani bringing the ball on right side playing the diagonal ball into the box, Nicholls getting up to meet it turns her header wide at the far post.

Histon keeping the ball moving using the pitch Nicholls pushing on into the left channel, Howard pushing on central in support, Dunstable getting numbers back to squeeze possession inside the box. Fitzgerald-Larch coming left with the ball inside for Rees turn it on for Sargeant right side, play stopped as she ends up fouling Childerley. Histon lively Ghosh right skipping inside, Smith staying on her slowing the winger down but gets support from Giussani and Howard snapping back to regain the ball Howard to Giussani too whip an angled cross into the top of the area, Nicholls bringing the ball down pops up, giving Cook the opportunity to get her foot in to clear.

Dunstable’s Kiera-Mae Fitzgerald-Larch

Histon goalkeeper Keeley Robinson alert to the threat as Burton seeing the ball into her feet on the right turns it on for Sargeant surging past her on the wing the keeper out of her area to get the ball clear. The first half moving into stoppage time. Dunstable have been working hard in defence to limit Histon’s opportunities in the final 3rd, Ghosh linking up with Howard over on the right, the ball fed into the box, Nicholls attempting to steal in on it, cleared by Foster. Giussani putting the ball on for Ghosh on the right, Smith lunging in too play the ball out for the throw. Banks with a punt from range as the ball pops back into her skipping off the turf Nicholls can’t quite get a touch as it runs wide, a nick of a Dunstable boot however sees a corner awarded.

Half-time Histon Ladies 1-0 Dunstable Town Lionesses Women

Sabrina Ghosh’s early goal the difference between the two sides as they head back into the changing rooms for the half-time interval. The hosts moving the ball about the pitch using the space getting players on down the wings. Dunstable working hard at the back to limit space has made it difficult to get players out quickly to support the attackers limit their own opportunities in attack. Histon’s goal coming from an error have had 3 or 4 more good opportunities to extend the lead but have nevertheless looked composed at the back comfortable defending their narrow advantage.

Changes for both sides at the break, Poppy Surridge and Gemma Darvill on for Dunstable the latter over on the right Fitzgerald-Larch and Burton off seeing a adjustment to the back line. Histon with a triple switch with half an eye on Wednesday’s cup final, Ghosh, Giussani and Seymour-Shove off replaced by Tash Collins, Abi Davies and Jess McCrae. Histon with the kick-off, the ball rolled back to Banks central looks to put it long up to Nicholls, Cook intercepting to clear for the visitors.

A lively start competitive as both go after the ball Banks drawing the foul, Davies putting the ball on up the line for Collins racing on with the ball her cross collected by Pursey Weedon. Darvill getting stuck in after the ball right side on for Rees turned on for Surridge looking to break in behind challenged by Childerley out for a throw. The Dunstable substitutes making an early impact at the start of the 2nd half Darvill up with Surridge on the right to win a corner kick. An in swinger a firm header from Leyland to clear the ball for the hosts.

Nicholls chasing the ball down as it’s played into the left flank, Cook tracking back with her as she drives for the by-line sliding in to send the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired in from the left Cook turning it away to the top of the area. a snap shot from 25 yards out blazed over the bar. Molloy into Darvill right side had Surridge ahead of her the diagonal ball into the top of the area looking for Rees, Robinson coming for it getting hold of the ball first. Histon continue to push players on into the wings, Marden left side, Collins on the right her cross turned behind of Christie to win another corner.

Dunstable’s Amiyah Christie

The corner delivery cleared by Rothwell, regained by Banks central lifts the ball back into the box looking for Nicholls making a run at the left post. the striker stretching out a leg to try and turn in on goal not quite getting there behind for the goal kick. Histon pressing looking to turn the Dunstable defence Cook tracking back on Nicholls shoulder as she powers on into the box right of goal dives in to put the ball out for a throw, that leads to a corner being won.

GOAL! The corner curled into the six yard box turned on across the face of goal, Dunstable defending at the far post the ball cleared out of the box to the right, Marden latching onto it clipping a looping ball back in towards goal up over the keeper dipping under the bar beyond her to see Histon double the lead 11 minutes into the 2nd half, 2-0.

Ella Marden doubling Histon’s lead

Histon making a change then with Childerley having picked up a couple of knocks coming off replaced by Claire Krueger.

GOAL! Dunstable with a immediate response a goal out of nothing to keep them right in the game, the ball over with Sargeant out wide on the left striking the ball in towards goal over Robinson before she can react to nestle in the back of the net 2-1!

Ellie Sargeant celebrates with her teammates as she pulls a goal back straight away for Dunstable

Banks into Nicholls up top wriggles clear to break for the box, Foster charging down her strike. Howard seeing the ball into her feet top of the D, shifts it to her left turning into the shot, curling her effort wide of the right post. Histon looking to be spurred on by conceding pressing players on, Davies sending Collins away on the right, Smith with a foot in to turn the ball out of play. Christie cutting the ball out as Nicholls moves to the right to support the advancing Collins. Dunstable with the counter the ball threaded on for Surridge moving into the wing left side, Krueger coming across diving in to put the ball behind for a corner.

Histon with another change Howard to player off, Sophie Hopkin on taking up an advanced position. Another drinks break called soon after. The game still close, Histon carrying the threat, Dunstable haven’t let them run away with things. Darvill off the restart wining a throw high on the right, Rees looking to get the cross in from the by-line, pressured the ball off her for a goal kick. Cook enjoying a good battle in defence with Nicholls keeping on her as she breaks into the left channel as Banks sends the pass into her, the tackle coming in the ball away to safety. Hopkin coming on up the right wing taking the ball on form Collins winning a corner kick.

GOAL! The corner put into the near post defended by Rothwell cleared out into the middle comes to Banks all of 30 yards out not closed down you can see the opportunity to take on the strike and so does Banks putting her foot through the ball hits it sweetly powered in with pace flashing over the keeper to strike the back of the net fire Histon into a 3-1 lead.

A screamer from Molly Banks to put Histon 3-1 up

Histon restoring their 2 goal cushion with a little over 20 minutes to play, the hosts energised Collins central closing the ball down picks out Marden on the move left side, flashes a cross into the near post, Cook running back with Hopkin, defending. Pursey Weedon moving out to the top of her area to claim the ball well even as Nicholls and Collins bare down on her.

More changes for Histon, rotating players, Nicholls and Marden giving way, Giussani and Ghosh back into the action. Rothwell taking the ball on for Dunstable attempts to find Surridge pulling away right side, Krueger quickly into her to turn the ball out for a throw. Histon on the counter attack from the throw the diagonal ball into Collins away on the right her cross into the box intercepted by Foster. Darvill getting back to defend for Dunstable as Ghosh looks to get on down the left.

Dunstable’s Gemma Darvill

Histon winning a free-kick deep on the right flung up into the box defended by Cook out to the right, Collins getting it back for the hosts pushing on up the line winning a corner kick. The corner cleared comes out to Banks central again, less time this time snatching a the shot clips it up over the bar. Christie sliding in to stop, Ghosh’s cross from the right out off her for a goal-kick.

Tash Collins on the move for Histon

GOAL! Histon keeping players up the pitch, Collins charging down the ball right side cutting it back up to the top of the area right of goal from the by-line, Giussani latching onto it 20 yards out striking the ball in on the angle rising over the keeper, smashes down off the crossbar, down across the line Ghosh in at the far post on the follow up adjusting her body to turn it in from close range, initially awarded the goal but it was confirmed to have crossed the line before the goal given to Giussani 4-1.

Gabriella Giussani’s shot in of the underside of the bar to make it 4-1 to Histon

Histon building a 3 goal cushion to make thing’s more comfortable with a little over 5 minutes plus stoppages to be added. The hosts looking strong having rotated players, Banks coming off, Seymour-Shove back on in the middle. The game stretched now, Darvill onto a ball over the top knocked on into the box, Robinson across her goal out to the left to get down smother the ball. Histon counter Hopkin right side getting her side another corner.

GOAL! Players up from the back for the corner launched into the near post attacked inside the six yard box by Krueger knocked down, blocked by the keeper, players in to attack the ball turned over the line, Page celebrating as she scores her first goal of the season to wrap up the win 5-1.

Eloise Page scores her first goal of the season for Histon

Molloy off for Dunstable with Fitzgerald-Larch back on the game into stoppage time the visitors with a free-kick inside the Histon half played in from the left over Darvill attacking the right channel taken cleanly by Robinson. Histon on top late on Giussani right putting the ball into the box, Pursey Weedon coming out well to lay claim to it with Collins looking to attack. Robinson up the other end out to the top of her area to make the blocking save as Rothwell steals through the middle. The final whistle blows Histon celebrate as they complete a marvellous season a 100% success in the league 22 wins from 22 to finish 14 points clear at the top of the Division One North table.

Histon celebrate their 100% league success

Full time Histon Ladies 5-1 Dunstable Town Lionesses Women

A remarkable achievement form Histon to go all season long without dropping a single point. Got the early lead to settle the nerves in the first half by Dunstable working hard in defence kept that narrow score into the 2nd half. Histon doubling the lead were immediately pegged back to 2-1 but able to ring the changes kept their energy levels up getting players on creating further chances, Banks long range screamer restoring the 2 goal cushion the hosts on top from then on in adding a 4th and 5th goal to win the 3 points.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several strong performances out there and another difficult one to choose, Performances of note firstly for Dunstable, Lola Cook won the ball well at the back, tracked well and didn’t let anyone get away from her. Eleanor-Rose Rothwell, covered the ground getting back to help in defence and tried to get things going up the other end. Substitutes Gemma Darvill and Poppy Sturridge made an impact coming on at the break. For Histon a strong display across the park, Laura Leyland winning the ball at the back using it well. Gabriella Giussani got on well from the back and coming on 2nd half in an advanced position extended the lead, Sabrina Ghosh carried a threat on the right getting on with the ball opening the scoring. Evie Nicholls with some good runs into the channels causing problems. The award going to Molly Banks good positional play throughout won the ball well kept Histon on the front and her goa wasn’t half bad either.

Histon presented with the ERWFL Division one North trophy and league winners medals after the match. Champions out front from the start 22 wins out of 22, 100% Invincibles many congratulations.

Histon Ladies 2025/26 ERWFL Division One North Champions

One more game for Histon on Wednesday at Cambridge City facing Cambridge United for the 2nd successive season in the Invitation Cup final. Another enjoyable contest from the ERWFL, my thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Stevenage FC Women Development

Sunday 26th October

ERWFL Division One North

Into the last weekend of October, the clocks go back and the temperature most certainly drops, however the football is hotting up nicely, leagues taking shape and the likely title contenders have emerged, the action this Sunday from ERWFL Division One North, leaders, Histon Ladies with a 100% record, hosting 2nd placed, Stevenage FC Women Development also unbeaten in the league.

One promotion place guaranteed for clinching the title, the winning side moving up to join the ERWFL Premier Division, representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid across the East. The ERWFL reaching it’s full compliment of 36 sides across 3 Divisions in recent seasons. A 12 strong Premier Division with a Division One North and South, tier 6 in the pyramid.

Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies, returning to the ERWFL a couple of seasons ago, making strides on and off the pitch to become one of the leading women’s football clubs in the county, Matt Payne bringing Kevin Jacklin to the club as manager, now stepping up to oversee the women’s development has a wealth of experience in the women’s game, Darren Marjoram joining the club this season to take on the managers role, after a spell in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC, Liz Pamplin joining him from Cambridge, making for a strong team to take the cub forwards.

Histon have hit the ground running this season too, with a 100% win rate in the league so far to top the table with 8 wins from 8. Building upon a 2nd placed finished last season, have an experienced squad, with some promising young talent coming through. Evie Nicholls runaway top scorer for Histon scoring 13 from her 11 appearances so far with 10 of her teammates sharing another 11 goals between them. Winning several of their games by a single goal margin are proving hard to break down conceding the fewest goals in the league with 6 against them so far. Ella Marden the latest signing for the club, coming too Histon on a dual registration from Cambridge United WFC, adds an attacking threat on the wing.

Stevenage FC Women Development have emerged as Histon’s main challengers making a fantastic start to the season unbeaten in their opening 8 league games dropping just the two points along the way, manager Chad Foster, like his counter part at Histon seeing their strong starts recognised in the ERWFL’s new manager of the month feature. Stevenage FC taking over from the foundation in looking after the development girls and women’s section transitioning into an Academy, the 1st team also riding high in the ERWFL Premier Division, top of the table gunning for promotion this season.

Stevenage FC Women Development are the top scorers in ERWFL Division One North, finding the back of the net for 27 goals so far. Unlike Histon however their goals are scattered throughout the squad with with 13 different goal scorers, Kelsey Millen now with Wormley Rovers Ladies joint top scorer on 4 goals along with Sophie Hendy. Looking to produce players for the 1st team are packed with young talent becoming firmly established within the ERWFL themselves.

Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium the venue for today’s league encounter. The weather blowing in form the North earlier ibn the week has seen a marked change in the temperature with it feeling decidedly chilly, overcast too with the likelihood of rain at some point during the match. The large grass pitch looking in great shape, having already featured an U18s match earlier that day. Offering good width covered viewing all round, the main stand housing the bar at the back serving hot and cold drinks.

Histon Ladies starting XI – Kelley Robinson, Abi Davies, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Kreuger, Molly Banks, Sabrina Ghosh, Ella Marden, Gabriella Giussani, Sophie Hopkin & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Tash Collins, Eloise Page, Poppy McCleod, Emily Hope & Bella Howard.

Histon Ladies

Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Tegan Gibbs, Katie Boyle, Jess Preston, Chase Bembridge, Abigail Hunt, Isobel Matfield, Tegan Wilson, Chloe Gregory, Frankie Tilbury, Sophie Hendy (C) & Lilly Kelly. Subs – Charlotte English, Sophie Wade, Isla Martin, Olivia Thornton & Poppy Young.

Stevenage FC Women Development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Stevenage to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing an all navy kit with red and white trim. Histon lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence played up through the middle into Tegan Wilson she looks to send in on through the centre into Chloe Gregory making an attacking run at the Histon defence, the pass cut out by Histon captain and centre back, Laura Leyland.

Stevenage making a bright start looking to shift the ball between them short passes keeping the ball moving, Isobel Matfield getting hold of the ball taking it on through the middle, clipped out to Lilly Kelly making a run on the right flank, controls the ball, checking back inside to play the ball in central, Sabrina Ghosh back to intercept it for the hosts.

The visitors winning the ball back inside the Histon half Gregory feeding it into the left channel for Frankie Tilbury to attack, knocks it on, full back Abi Davies thrusting a leg out to cut the ball out divert it out of play for a throw in. The hosts send the ball on up through the middle looking to break in behind the Stevenage defence, Sophie Hopkin with the run, Abigail Hunt getting to it first to put it out for a throw high on the left.

The throw dropped into Hopkin outside the box left corner, looks to see it down into her feet and turn to release a shot, slips as she goes to pull the trigger seeing her effort screw wide of the left post for a goal kick. Histon coming back at Stevenage to press the ball inside their opponents half, Gabrielle Giussani charging the ball down on the right, can’t pick the pass through for Evie Nicholls up top, cut out by Stevenage’s Jess Preston out for a throw. Lively from both sides rushing in to close the other down. Gregory bringing the ball away to the right on for Kelly has Katie Boyle racing past her on the overlap, Mollie Childerley challenging to prevent the cross.

Gregory linking up with Wilson through the middle for Stevenage gaining ground the pass threaded out to Kelly on the right driving up the line swings in a cross to the near post grabbed up by Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson. Histon winning another throw high on the left Childerley combining well with Ella Marden to get the ball down into the corner to whip a cross into the near post, goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs down to snatch it up into her gloves not distracted by Nicholls racing in to try and get hold of the ball herself.

Stevenage’s Chloe Gregory

The visitors working the ball up the pitch quickly Tilbury out to the left, has plenty of support the cross swung in from a deep position, Childerley to clear for Histon central, Stevenage making an appeal for handball but nothing doing. Another Stevenage foray up on the left captain Sophie Hendy on the ball ball left on for Tilbury the ball crossed in to Gregory top of the area, fouls Leyland as the defender goes in to try and clear the foul given even as Boyle right of goal snatches a shot wide of the right post.

Stevenage captain, Sophie Hendy with Histon defender, Claire Kreuger

Giussani pressing forwards on the right for Histon winning a throw, sees Nicholls turn it into the first corner of the match. Played in long across the six yard box, Stevenage get hold of the ball break forwards Kelly taking the ball on lifting it long into Tilbury charging up the left, slowed up by the Histon defence, playing it back to Hendy her shot from outside the box, deflected through to the keeper.

A long ball splitting the Stevenage defence sees, attacker Nicholls racing through in on goal, central pulls the trigger, Gibbs advancing reacting well with a sharp save getting down to block with her leg, the ball looping up lose in the area, no one up with Nicholls who can’t reach it before Stevenage hook the ball clear.

Goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs preparing to save Evie Nicholls strike

A lively contest with both sides aiming to get the ball forwards quickly snapping into their tackles, Histon with another probing long pass through the middle from Ghosh sees Hopkin this time stealing away to the right of the D, Chase Bembridge lunging in with the tackle to take the ball away from her for the visitors.

Chase Bembridge winning the ball back for Stevenage

Tilbury linking up with Hendy in attack a high ball into the box cleared by Histon who counter the ball forwards into Hopkin, up with Nicholls played down the left wing for Marden to attack, Boyle getting back on her to tackle the ball off her out for a corner kick. Players up from the back for Histon, Claire Kreuger looking to pull of her marker near post make a run to the far side as the corner is swung in towards her, gets a glancing head on the ball, not enough to divert it goal wards as it runs wide past the far post.

Claire Kreuger intercepts the ball for Histon

Players from both sides lunging in to try and win the ball some hotly contested 50/50’s, Molly Banks getting stuck in for Histon well backed up by Ghosh as they look to break play up in the middle keep Histon on the front foot. Kelly with some smart footwork to come away with the ball on the right for Stevenage powering forwards has Gregory ahead of her up the line her ball into the box too close to the keeper, Robinson launching it clear.

Leyland intercepting an attempted through ball from Wilson as Hendy looks to pull in behind. Histon pressuring the ball, closing it down well to get it forward into their attacking players, Hopkin up with Nicholls getting a throw on the left down the line for Marden to wrap her foot around the ball in the corner send a cross into the near post top of the six yard box, Hopkin momentarily free, knocking it down in front of her, Hunt recovering superbly to get back at her deny the shot.

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

Kelly picking up a yellow card as she brings Childerley down on the right as she looks to get inside to delivery a cross into the box. Marden coming into the middle sending the cross-field pass into Giussani on the right attempts to play it over the top into the box for Nicholls, too much on it however allowing Gibbs to claim. Midway through the 1st half, a lively contest all action the ball rarely still, Histon beginning to see more of the ball winning it in the middle pushing players on.

Banks bringing the ball on well for the hosts playing it on for Marden pushing on down the left the angle against her as she attempts to cross the ball back into the Stevenage area, hits the side netting. Marden played in again on the left to the by-line squares the ball back into the six yard box, missed by Hunt as she goes to clear, however runs on safely for Gibbs to pounce upon it before Histon can capitalise.

Hendy fouled as she takes the ball on from Matfield through the middle for Stevenage. Histon strong in defence leaving no room to run in behind cut out by Kreuger, the ball played forwards quickly into Marden breaking on down the left, cuts inside 30 yards out, a miscued attempt to drop the ball into Nicholls path inside the box instead goes out for a goal-kick.

Stevenage’s Isobel Matfield

A few niggly free-kicks given away but such is the nature of the game the ball being moved so rapidly tackles are bound to be mis-timed, no malice though. Hendy carrying the ball on for Stevenage sends it on for Kelly right side, wide on the angle takes the shot on her effort over the crossbar.

Kelly with a late challenge on Childerley, the referee telling her to calm things down, Childerley picking herself up ready to get on with things, the free-kick into the top of the area half cleared, Ghosh onto it firing it on, Nicholls in behind turning to shoot wide of the left post however the flag is up against her. Hunt with good piece of defending at the back for Stevenage dropping off well on Nicholls to give herself room to tackle as Hopkin attempts to feed the ball into her feet top of the D.

Stevenage defender, Abigail Hunt

Tilbury lining up as strike from all of 30 yards out for Stevenage central, charged down by Kreuger.

GOAL! The clock ticking down in the first half, Nicholls closely marked by the Stevenage defence determined to find a way through, pulls away to the right as Ghosh plays her in from the middle takes the ball into her stride holding off players as she bursts into the box, striking the ball on the angle to blast a vicious strike low past the keeper before she can get down to block 1-0.

Evie Nicholls opening the scoring for Histon

Stevenage falling behind late in the 1st half, Histon with a long range effort fired into the box, catching Gibbs unawares she lurches forwards palming the ball away, goes down in agony immediately after appearing to get her feet caught in the turf jarring both her ankle and knee, only recently recovered from an ankle injury play is stopped some concern amongst the Stevenage players, needs treatment play paused. The visitors with no recognised goalkeeper on their bench discussing their options, Bembridge putting herself forwards for the role the change delayed however as Gibbs slowly rises to her feet prepared to go on see how she feels for now.

Not risking kicking the ball, play resumes with Histon quickly in to win the ball back in the middle, Hopkin with a long range tester for the injured keeper, Gibbs back in her six yard box untroubled the ball straight at her gathered. Hendy onto the ball left side in the box shoots low, Robinson down to save it covering the near post.

Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson

Histon attack down their right, Davies on for Giussani, her cross into the top of the area brought under control by Marden left of goal her initial shot blocked by Hunt, gets another bite at it hooking the loose ball up in towards goal, Gibbs back on her line getting her gloves up above her head to grab hold of the ball.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs

Into stoppage time in the 1st half, Stevenage dropping deep looking to protect their injured keeper, Nicholls full of attacking intent looking to chase Gibbs down winning her side a late corner. Swung into the box cleared by Boyle. Childerley with another throw on the left high inside the Stevenage half sends Marden in down the line, Boyle back on her to defend the ball out for a corner. Defended successfully out for a 2nd corner no time to take it as the referee blows up for half-time.

Half-time Histon Ladies 1-0 Stevenage FC Women Development

A lively 1st half drawing to a close Histon heading into the changing rooms with a narrow one goal lead. Made to work hard for it the ball closed down throughout by both sides, Stevenage with a bright start looking to get the ball forwards, Kelly a threat out to the right keeping the defence busy, the midfield hotly contested, Histon getting on top to press the ball create chances, Nicholls closely marked working hard to find an opening put trough to score late in the half. Goalkeeper Gibbs picking up a nasty looking injury a blow to the visitors.

As suspected Stevenage are not risking Gibbs in the 2nd half making a change, Bembridge donning the spare goalkeepers kit coming out early to get warmed up for her new role. The visitors making double change, Wilson also off with Charlotte English and Isla Martin coming on.

Chase Bembridge warming up going into goal in the 2nd half for Stevenage

Histon unchanged as they get the 2nd half underway the rain arriving now retreated into the stand to watch the game. The ball from the middle clipped out to Marden on the left knocked forwards, Boyle out to close her down sending the ball out for a corner kick.

Taken short played up the line, the cross coming in from deep falling to Leyland unmarked top of the area tries to guide her header into the left of the Stevenage goal, Bembridge across her goal face to grab hold of the ball. Histon making a positive start to the 2nd half pressing on with the ball, Banks finding Nicholls breaking into the left channel wins a corner off a defensive challenge.

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

From the left swung in central knocked down central to the left of goal, Bembridge alert down quickly to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Histon’s defence pushed up as Stevenage look to counter, Matfield playing the ball on through the middle, Leyland with a vital interception at the ball or Gregory would have been free with the ball to make a run on goal.

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

Davies combining with Giussani on Histon’s right, the latter sending a cross deep into the far post Marden arriving to get her head on the ball drives it wide back across the face of goal. Stevenage frustrated as Kelly is flagged offside attempting to get after a diagonal pass into her on the left. Stevenage defending deeper 2nd half, inviting pressure from Histon, Davies and Childerley able to get forwards to help support the attack. Gregory picking up a knock for Stevenage back helping out in defence but back up on her feet able to play on.

Childerley with a strong challenge on Martin as the wing cuts inside from the right, play brought back for the free-kick with no advantage. Right of the D 25 yards out, Tilbury over it strikes the ball well past the wall but not troubling Robinson has she holds up her gloves seeing it race wide of her left post.

Banks continues to get stuck into the action for Histon making some strong challenges to win the ball back keep her side on the front foot. A free kick won inside the visitors half played out to the left the cross turned behind by English for a corner kick. Curled into the top of the six yard box attacked by Kreuger central her header seeing the ball turned out wide past the far post.

The rain falling steadily Histon attack on the right Davies going past Giussani to take the ball on slipping as she goes to play the cross. Is still high up the pitch as Giussani lunges in to regain possession put it back on for her wide, this time sends her cross into the box, snatched up by Bembridge at the near post. Giussani given the ball by Ghosh angling a cross into the area from the right, headed clear by Hunt for Stevenage. Marden taking the ball on from Childerley on the left feeding in on into the box for Hopkin sends the ball from the angle up over the bar.

Histon winger, Ella Marden

Histon making a double switch past the hour mark, Tash Collins and Belle Howard coming on, Giussani and Hopkin coming off. Nicholls seeing the ball into her feet central top of the D, moves right, getting a shot away under challenge, angled back in across goal, Bembridge getting down behind it to make the save. The Stevenage defence riding out a spell of pressure, Preston breaking away with the ball on the left angling a cross into the area, cleared by Childerley far side as Martin looks to run in on the ball.

Histon’s defence looking solid not leaving many gaps pushed up at time Banks and Ghosh supporting the ball won back Davies and Childerley getting on to support on the flanks. Howard busy after the ball providing good link up play with Nicholls in attack. English cutting a pass out inside the D as the pair combine. Marden flashing a cross into the near post coming at Bembridge quickly makes a grab for it pops up out of her gloves for a split second but recovers quickly to get hold of it before it can evade her trickle over the line.

Histon full back Abi Davies

Howard hooking the ball forwards on for Nicholls pulling into the right channel bringing the ball down, comes back inside shaping to shoot, Boyle in to close her down the ball off the defender behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! Players up from the back for the corner initially defended by Stevenage cleared to the left outside the area Histon closing the ball down en masse the shot struck on with plenty of pace from the angle, head height, on Bembridge quickly makes a grab for it but doesn’t stick in her gloves popping out and agonisingly beyond her over the line to see Histon double their lead with a little over 15 minutes left on the clock 2-0. Leyland the player with the strike congratulated by her teammates scoring her 2nd goal of the season.

Captain Laura Leyland firing Histon into a 2 goal lead

Niggle as Stevenage want to make a change before the restart, retaken so it can be made Olivia Thornton coming on replacing Kelly. Stevenage picking out Martin wide on the right she wins her side a throw, the ball level with the top of the area helped on into the box headed away by Leyland. Preston pushing on up the left looking to link up with Thornton, Collins getting back to help in defence winning the ball back.

Jess Preston winning the ball back for Stevenage

Gregory picking the ball up in the middle for the visitors pushing on towards the box, right of the D, is no way through forced out of the area by Kreuger the centre back lunges in to give away the free-kick and earn herself a yellow card. Similar to her earlier attempt, Tilbury over the ball again gets it on target this time but straight forward for Robinson right behind it in goal.

Stevenage’s Frankie Tilbury

Histon look to launch a rapid counter attack the ball on for Ghosh through the middle lifts it on into the area for Nicholls but too strong out for a goal kick. Thornton taking the ball on to the by-line for Stevenage left flank, Davies back with her challenging to see the ball off the attacker for a goal kick. Into the final 10 minutes Stevenage with a double change, Gregory and Preston coming off, Sophie Wade and Poppy Young sent on. Histon also making a change, Marden coming off to be replaced by Emily Howe.

Martin getting the better of Childerley attacking on the right inside to delivery a cross into the area, Kreuger though under it to clear for Histon. Leyland on hand at the back for Histon to clear the ball as Thornton stands a ball up into the box from the left. Ghosh firing the ball into Howard she knocks it into Nicholls central, Hunt snaps in to take the ball off her for Stevenage. Collins attacking with the ball out on the right for Histon sees her cross deflected behind off a defender for a corner kick.

Histon’s Sabrina Ghosh

The light beginning to fade rapidly as we move into the final 5 minutes of the game, Collins pushing on into the box from the right flashing a cross into the six yard box, Nicholls central looking to get it under control release a shot, Boyle in to close her down the ball away for a corner kick. Histon on top in the closing stages of the game winning a free-kick as they look to hold the ball up in the corner, played into the area cleared to the top of the area Ghosh latching onto it strikes the ball in on goal from 20 yards out swerving to the left, Bembridge gets down well to save.

Eloise Page coming on in the closing moments for Histon replacing Ghosh. Collins using her experience to keep the ball in the corner on the right for Histon run down the clock, the final whistle blowing up to see the hosts collect the 3 points extending their 100% record to 9 straight wins to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Full time Histon Ladies 2-0 Stevenage FC Women Development

Histon with a goal in both halves ensuring victory, on top overall with a strong 2nd half performance to dominate the ball wining their challenges, getting players up the pitch to keep the pressure on while staying solid at the back giving very little away in the 2nd period. An entertaining contest between the two sides at the top of the table, easy to see why both are where they are, Stevenage losing their unbeaten record, will have a chance to get back at Histon straight away as the two sides meet again next weekend in the reverse fixture, sure to be as hotly contested as the first.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As usual another tough on, although I was fairly certain before the final whistle. Small margins however and both sides with a strong all round team performance. Several to mention, firstly doe Stevenage, Abigail Hunt with some vital interceptions and tackles in defence. Chase Bembridge too stepping up to replace the injured keeper 2nd half. Chloe Gregory with some strong midfield runs. Lilly Kelly a threat on the ball on the flanks looked dangerous throughout. For Histon, Laura Leyland and Claire Kreuger were strong in the centre of defence limited opportunities keeping it tight won the ball well both offering a threat from set-pieces up the other end, backed up well by full backs, Mollie Childerley and Abi Davies. Sabrina Ghosh with some useful tackling played the ball forwards well. Evie Nicholls lively in attack, closely marked but worked hard to find an opening opening the scoring. The award goes to midfielder Molly Banks got stuck in from the start closing the ball down, wining her fair share of tackles and kept her side on the front foot throughout.

October’s been a lean month for myself football wise, other priorities taking hold but good to be back at it today with an entertaining contest from the top of ERWFL Division One North, thanks to both sides for their help this afternoon always appreciated. Best wishes too to Stevenage goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs hoping the injury isn’t too serious and she can make a swift recovery.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Newmarket Town Women v Histon Ladies

Sunday 17th August

ERWFL Division One North

Well that was another very successful summer for women’s football in this country with England’s Lionesses, winning the Women’s Euro’s to retain their hold on the trophy for another 4 years, simply fantastic even if they did put us through it a times. Have enjoyed a good break myself with a long than planned rest but here we go again entering my 12th season of covering women’s football in the East and it looks to be another competitive season right across the board.

Beginning the season with a game from ERWFL Division One North, with Newmarket Town Women taking o Histon Ladies. Finishing 3rd and 2nd respectfully last time around, both have bolstered their squads as they both look to be amongst the sides vying for promotion to the Premier Division.

The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England. 36 sides spread across 3 divisions a 12 strong Premier Division with 2 12 strong divisions split loosely into North and South with the winner of each winning promotion to tier 5. Concentrating on Division One North today, Histon and Newmarket finishing 2nd and 3rd last season will be amongst the favourites this time around but others will be in the mix too, Dunstable Town Lionesses, Colney Heath Ladies move from the southern section into the north. Cambridge City Women, relegated last season with a young squad looking to rebuild will be looking to make a positive impact. Hertfordshire side, Hitchin Belles Women, and Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, from Cambridgeshire are newly promoted to the 6th tier. Other sides have recruited well and only after the first half dozen games have been played will a better picture of the title contenders emerge.

Newmarket Town Women are one of the longest established clubs in the league which has expanded to it’s full capacity of 12 sides in recent seasons and has certainly been turbulent in the past. Harpenden Town Women to runaway leaders in the league last season, Newmarket along with Histon and Dunstable battling all the way to end behind them. Newmarket eventually clinching 3rd place and will be keen to build on that finish push for promotion this time around. A club very much built on youth and bringing players on through the age groups. Have retained their Development side for the coming season providing a vital link to the 1st team with several coming through last campaign to feature for the 1st team.

Millie Docking top scorer for Newmarket last season with 15 goals returns for a 2nd season dual signed from Cambridge United Women. Also joining Docking from Cambridge is fellow attacker Emilia Reinhardt adding pace will trouble any defence with her strong runs will the ball as Newmarket themselves found out last season. Another striker adding another dynamic to Newmarket’s attack is Ella Burnley joining the club this season. Defender, Sydney Daniels too, joining the 1st team squad this season.

Histon Ladies are still in the process of rebuilding their women’s setup after regaining promotion to the ERWFL 2 season’s ago. A strong campaign seeing them finish as runners-up in the league as well as reaching the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final, coach Matt Payne bringing in Kevin Jacklin to help manage the 1st team, will a wealth of experience in the women’s game in Cambridgeshire. More changes to the coaching team this season with Jacklin moving on to oversee all women’s football and a new 1st team coach with Darren Marjoram coming to Histon after leading FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC for four years leading them to their 1st national final along the way. Joining Marjoram form Cambridge is Liz Pamplin, a shock to see her depart Cambridge after 25 years service as player, coach and everything else, does still retain a place on the women’s board at Cambridge however while excited to get back in the dugout with a coaching role at Histon.

Histon Ladies finishing runners-up in ERWFL Division One North last season losing just the 2 matches both against champions Harpenden Town Women. Had a prolific attack with Evie Nicholls top scoring with 19 goals. Poppy Smith along side her netting 16 along with club legend Sophie Hopkin. Smith making the move to play her football in the USA this season. Histon looking to build on last season’s success have added with experienced full back Abi Davies returning to football after a short spell away. Have also brought in a handful of youthful talent with Holly Plummer, and Gwen Davis-Jones coming to the club from Cambridge United WFC’s U18’s along with Evie McCulloch. Poppy McCleod and Summer Taylor joining from Cambridge City’s U18s.

The Tristel Stadium home of several of Newmarket Town FC’s sides the venue for today’s season opener. The artificial playing surface well used offering good width standing viewing on all sides with a covered seated stand next to the changing rooms and clubhouse the bar and kitchen open serving hot and cold drinks. A hotter than expected day too temperatures in the mid twenties with the cloud burnt off early a bright sunny afternoon. Histon winning 2-1 in the respective fixture last season, the points shared in a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Ellie Sturgess, Sydney Daniels, Abi Gibson, Katie Walker (C), Millie O’Dwyer, Abbie Corbyn, Abbi Griffin & Emelia Reinhardt. Subs – Toni Smith, Niamh Bridgeman, Ella Burnley, Eden Kirby-Cook & Evonne Yerrell.

Newmarket Town Women

Histon Ladies starting XI – Mollie Childerley, Eloise Page, Abi Davies, Claire Krueger, Laura Leyland (C), Jess MaCrae, Molly Banks, Belle Howard, Tash Collins, Holly Plummer & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Gwen Davis-Jones, Sophie Hopkin, Summer Taylor, Poppy MacLeod & Evie MaCulloch.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Laura Leyland and Katie Walker with today’s referee Theresa Robichaux

Kicking off in August can pose a problem with player availability and both sides are without key players for todays game, Histon most notably with no recognised goalkeeper through work commitments with right back Mollie Childerley donning the gloves to todays league opener. Defender, Claire Krueger literally getting off a plane to attend today’s game. It’s Histon to get the match underway with the kick-off first half wearing red shirts with black vertical stripes on the front, with black shorts and socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball rolled back into Molly Banks in midfield clips a pass long out to the left for Holly Plummer to attack, Holly Dryland seeing it safely out of play for the hosts.

Histon’s Molly Banks with Newmarket’s Millie O’Dwyer

Newmarket looking to play the ball out from the back moving it across the pitch before sending it into the left channel for striker Emilia Reinhardt to chase, a little too much on it on this occasion. Abbie Corbyn pushing up in attack for Newmarket coming in off the left top of the area charges the ball down as Histon look to clear their lines takes the ball left into the box reaching the by-line before cutting a low ball into the six yard box, scooped up cleanly by Childerley in the Histon goal.

Mollie Childerley donning the goalkeeping gloves for Histon this afternoon

Histon captain sends a free-kick on the right up the line Histon forcing a throw in high up the pitch, full back Eloise Page getting good distance with her throw launching it into the top corner of the Newmarket area, Ellie Sturgess closely marking striker Evie Nicholls, prevents her from spinning off her with the ball to try and get inside the box. Newmarket looking to get the ball moving forwards quickly trying to pick out Reinhardt as she bursts away down the right, Abi Davies keeping her eye on the ball to cut it out for the visitors.

Histon’s Abi Davies

Sturgess bringing the ball out from the back unopposed for Newmarket has left back Kara Wayman racing on down the flank, sends the ball into her path, Leyland moving out from the centre of defence to get across her shield the ball out for a goal kick. Both sides a little tentative probing each other out both with one up top a little congested in the centre. Belle Howard snapping in to win the ball well centrally for Histon puts a diagonal pass out to Plummer coming inside from the left, she attempts to play it over the top for Nicholls breaking through the Newmarket defence, but they have stepped up well catching her off-side.

Newmarket press players forwards captain Katie Walker sending a through ball into Reinhardt to the right of the D, Jess McCrae putting in the blocking tackle, Newmarket retrieving the loose ball on the by-line flashed across the six yard box to the right of goal force a corner kick. Abbi Griffin lifting a curling ball into the near side the defensive header missed the ball dropping at the far post, Sturgess getting hold of it back to goal, looks to turn is quickly closed down.

Histon counter McCrae with the forwards pass to send Nicholls in behind to the right off goal, Szary quickly out to close her down Nicholls taking on the early lob getting it over her but not on target as Newmarket get hold of the ball far post to turn play around. Competitive through the middle, Banks releasing Tash Collins out on the right wing getting forwards looks to square the ball in central for Nicholls, Sturgess running back with her getting in the way to intercept.

Newmarket defender, Ellie Sturgess

Page getting up the right taking the throw in’s for Histon look a threat, Howard pushing up with banks outside the Newmarket box right of goal, Abi Gibson closing Banks down putting in the blocking tackle the loose ball spinning right into Page on the overlap hooking a cross in central to Nicholls in front of goal, leaping up to get her head on the ball knocks it down into the turf bouncing wide of the far post.

Newmarket aiming to get the ball up into Reinhardt as quick as they can a high ball awkward for the Histon defence over them but not close enough for Childerley to claim top of her area has to wait to see it safely into her area even as Reinhardt looks to steal in, dropping on the ball getting clattered by the attacker in the process. Childerley making a timely call soon after to burst out of her box to clear the ball as Newmarket get it forwards from a throw deep in their half.

Walker with a very good pass on her given time on the ball in the middle to play a great diagonal ball into Griffin on the right of attack, running onto the pass driving forwards shoots from 25 yards out on the angle her effort driven wide of the near post. Histon getting a little ragged with their passing a loose goal kick won straight back on the right the cross from deep collected by Childerley at her near post.

A pretty even contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Corbyn seeing the ball into her feet left side turning to attack down the line checks back to cross, the ball into the middle cleared by Krueger in defence. Nicholls winning Histon a corner up the other end on the right, Fired in to the far post the ball headed up in towards goal claimed smartly by Szary in the Newmarket goal.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

Szary getting the ball upfield quickly the Histon defence dropping off a throw conceded on the left, Sturgess getting forwards on the left firing a deep cross into the area, Krueger heading clear for the visitors. Newmarket beginning to find some momentum getting players on to link up with Reinhardt in attack, Corbyn working the ball inside from the left Howard getting a foot in to stop her advance, just as the referee blows up for a drinks break.

Play resumes with Newmarket getting themselves a throw out on the right O’Dwyer playing it inside for Gibson squares it to Walker central 30 yards plus out takes on the strike, through the defence but not troubling Childerley beyond as she moves across her goal to gather up the ball. Leyland moving in to put a tackle in on Reinhardt as she looks to control and turn to shoot 25 yards out.

Histon captain, Laura Leyland tackling Newmarket attacker, Emilia Reinhardt

Reinhardt lively up top looking to get hold of the ball run at the defence, Leyland and Krueger giving her little room through the middle. Newmarket the livelier of the two sides since the drinks break taking the game to Histon, Walker pushed up beyond Reinhardt with Corbyn inside the D as the attacker threads the ball into her attempts to play Corbyn in, the Histon defence quick to get numbers on her to close down the space wrestle the ball away to safety.

Griffin taking the ball on right side lifting a high cross into the near post, plucked down safely by Childerley. Szary up the other end almost a sweeper keeper at times marshalling the top of her area well alert to the threat posed by Nicholls breaks in behind clearing it to Sturgess to her left she sends it on for Wayman breaking up the wing looks to combine passes with Corbyn going on the overlap but the return ball is a little too strong.

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman

Walker’s passing giving Newmarket an extra edge as they look to get players on down the wings, Walker herself making a un into the D as Dryland sends a cross in from deep on the right on the run Walker can’t quite get hold of it as Leyland clears the ball back out to the right, Griffin sending it back into the six yard box, Corbyn central looking to bring it down off her body to strike on the volley fires her shot over the bar.

Page playing the ball in across the top of the Newmarket box from the right looking for Nicholls, Daniels moving in to close her down win the ball for the hosts at the back. A few mis-timed tackles coming in from both sides as Newmarket press the ball looking to get forwards. Banks with McCrae central for Histon forwards into Collins on the right in the clear to square the ball in along the top of the area, Nicholls racing in far side, Dryland tracking back on her to slide in and win the ball well for Newmarket.

Newmarket quickly on the counter with Wayman once again breaking on the left down the line her initial cross blocked by Page, the loose ball spinning to Corbyn on the touchline 20 out plays it inside for Gibson outside the box, Banks with the blocking tackle the ball spinning loose into Dryland central strikes it from range the driven strike screwing wide of the left upright.

Histon livening up late in the 1st half as Nicholls charges down the defence to steal in behind moving to the right of the area, bearing down on goal Szary out to close her down stays big arms out wide to save the shot knock the ball out to the right, Histon push up to get hold of the ball forcing a corner. An in swinging delivery put under the bar, Szary getting a fist on the ball to divert it behind to the left of her goal for another corner.

GOAL! The delivery fired into the middle of the box with pace, attacked by Krueger her head down in front of goal blocked scrambled clear but straight into Nicholls beyond the near post smashes it back in towards goal through everyone to hit the back of the net to see Histon take the lead in the 36th minute 0-1.

Evie Nicholls celebrates as she opens the scoring for Histon

Newmarket going a goal behind counter well the ball put into Walker pushing upfield 25 yards out slides it through into the box for Reinhardt bursting inside left of goal, from the angle six yards out smashes a rising shot into the side netting.

Nicholls impatient to get back onto the pitch having come off after receiving treatment for a knock, in doing so, Banks finds her unmarked on the right wing to break on with the ball at her feet, Szary rushing out to close her down, Nicholls looks to drag the ball inside her get in central her touch a little strong giving Daniels the split second she needs to slide in win the ball back inside the D.

Histon making a change bringing Plumer off on the left sending on Gwen Davis-Jones. O’Dwyer playing the ball to Wayman on the move left side squares it in central for Walker, Banks moving in to close the Newmarket captain down before she can pick her pass. Corbyn drifting inside with the ball from the left playing an angled ball across the pitch into Corbyn on the right she puts another high cross into the near post, Childerley getting her angles right to keep it out.

Newmarket winning a corner on their right, Griffin with a fine ball in across the six yard box through bodies falls to Sturgess at the far post stabs her shot narrowly wide. Leyland moving into to block, Wayman’s cross on the left as Corbyn sends the ball on, out for a corner kick. Another delivery to the far post from Griffin, Leyland on Sturgess this time as they both jump for the ball Leyland seeing it away to safety.

Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn

Howard with a strong tackle in the middle looking to get forwards with the ball left channel, Daniels back at her with an equally strong challenge to regain possession for Newmarket. Wayman advancing on the left with the ball for the hosts puts it into the D for Reinhardt, Krueger quickly in to close her down tackling to prevent her unleashing a strike.

Half-time Newmarket Town Women 0-1 Histon Ladies

Both sides looking to finish strong as the first half comes to a close. Newmarket heading back to the changing room, Histon seeking out the little spot of shade behind the goal they were defending. Neither side on top for a sustained period Histon becoming a little ragged midway through the half as Newmarket pushed players on but defended well on the whole good chances created, Got themselves out of that hole to open the scoring late in the half holding onto their narrow advantage as Newmarket pressed for a quick reply.

The result still wide open as we go into the 2nd period things for both to improve on too, Reinhardt and Nicholls both working hard up top to create an opening. Neither side making a change at the start of the 2nd half the sun still blazing high in the sky, Histon bringing Davis-Jones on late in the 1st half as Newmarket get the 2nd half underway. Rolled into Walker she turns it out to Wayman on the left the ball clipped up into Reinhardt central, Leyland winning the header for Histon, the loose ball cleared by Krueger.

Histon defender, Claire Krueger

Histon defending the deeper of the two sides, keen to protect Childerley in goal had done a good job so far. O’Dwyer playing the ball on for Corbyn left side looks to travel coming inside, tackled by Davis-Jones. Nicholls receiving the ball out wide on Histon’s right flank driving on squaring it into the top of the area for Davis-Jones getting forwards, Dryland closing her down defending for Newmarket.

Newmarket midfielder, Abi Gibson

Krueger winning the ball at the back for Histon hooking it away as Walker attempts to drop it over the top for Reinhardt. Griffin sends the ball down the right flank for Reinhardt to chase, Krueger moving to get across her try and shield the ball out, Reinhardt gets a foot in to knock the ball into the six yard box, but Leyland is there to clear for Histon. O’Dwyer in to defend for Newmarket clearing the ball for a throw as Howard and Banks look to combine coming on down the right.

Both sides giving niggly fouls away, a good battle out there, MaCrae looking to get on more for Histon coming right enjoying a lively contest with Dryland. Leyland playing the ball long into the top of the Newmarket area, Sturgess winning the header for the hosts. No advantage played as Davies gets clipped looking to get into the box attacking down the left for Histon the ball loose coming to MaCrae, little room to work with 20 yards out the ball blocked. Histon applying a bit of pressure however with the full backs getting on better to push numbers on.

GOAL! Newmarket get the ball on down their right Dryland finding Walker coming out to receive the ball angles it into the box for Corbyn central, is fouled as a defender dives in to try and get the ball the referee pointing to the spot, penalty! Griffin to take it placing the ball on the spot no messing around, drives it low to the keepers left into the back of the net to level the scores 1-1.

Abbi Griffin firing Newmarket level from the penalty spot

Abbi Griffin

Newmarket back on level terms 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Newmarket’s full backs getting on with the ball too, Dryland on the right attempting to play a diagonal ball into Corbyn as she provides a good run inside from the left, close but can’t quite get hold of it to take it on into the area have a chance on goal.

McCrae does well to roll off Dryland on the left channel and turn in behind drive for the area, left of goal, Dryland recovers well getting back at her diving in to tackle even as Daniels has the same idea McCrae unscathed as the ball runs out for a corner kick. A high delivery into the far post knocked out to Leyland at the top of the area, her shot stabbed in blocked the rebound volleyed over, even as Histon make a half hearted appeal for handball.

Holly Dryland and Jess McCrae

Walker charges down a shot from distance resulting in a corner kick for Histon, Banks to take it curled in from the left, Szary misses her punch however the ball sails out beyond the far post. Newmarket looking to push players on still get up with Reinhardt, Dryland with space to move into puts an angled cross in from deep, Leyland getting her head onto it for Histon. The hosts pressing on the right sweep a ball into the box, Corbyn central looking to get it under control, won’t sit as it instead pops up for O’Dwyer to strike sends it over the bar.

Walker with a powerful strike from distance 40 yards out rifles the ball past the right post. Newmarket make their first change, with Reinhardt coming off to see Ella Burnley make her first competitive start for the club. Histon too with a change bringing off Howard in the middle to be replaced by Sophie Hopkin. The drinks break called soon after. Play resumes with a crunching 50/50 tackle between banks and Sturgess with the Newmarket defender coming off 2nd best. Up okay after on pitch treatment and keen to get back into the action.

Gibson getting hold of the ball 30 yards out driving towards the box for the hosts, runs into Krueger however the Histon defender winning the ball. Dryland taking the ball on for Newmarket right side pushed inside central for Burnley looks to push through the defence get into the box, Krueger getting a foot on the ball to clear. Histon attempt to counter the ball helped on by McCrae into Hopkin left channel, Nicholls ahead of her however Wayman is across to intercept the pass for the hosts.

Newmarket captain, Katie Walker

Krueger not giving away anything at the back for Histon reading the game well. Dryland on for Griffin right side, Davies cutting out her cross. Histon coming back into the game with McCrae influencing things going forwards puts the ball on down the left flank for Nicholls as the striker races clear her low cross squared into the six yard box scooped up into her gloves by Szary even as Hopkin closes her down.

The clock ticking down, no telling which way this game might go, certainly both are trying to win it, Dryland comes back to slide in to clear the ball for a corner kick on Hopkin as she is put in the clear on the left. Fired in long beyond the far post Krueger attacking it heads the ball over the crossbar. Newmarket making a double switch bringing off Gibson and Sturgess with Toni Smith and Eden Kirby-Cook coming on. Sees Newmarket making a few adjustments at the back.

GOAL! closing in on the final 10 minutes Histon get on the attack banks playing the ball on for Hopkin left side sends the ball down the line for Nicholls pulling wide taking it on to the by-line cuts the ball back in across the face of goal, Szary sticking a leg out to try and divert it away only plays it straight to Collins coming in beyond the far post she doesn’t miss her opportunity drives the ball back in at the near post to put Histon back into the lead 1-2.

Tash Collins on hand at the far post to fire Histon back into the lead

GOAL! No sooner have Newmarket fallen behind again they have no time to regroup as they concede again a long pass seeing Nicholls beat the offside flag on the right flank, driving for the box has been one on one with Szary on a couple of occasions doesn’t let the keeper get too close this time shoots early lifting the ball over her to loop into the goal beyond to see Histon extend the lead 1-3.

Evie Nicholls breaking clear to fire Histon into a 3-1 lead

I was in the process of changing the batteries in my camera at this precise moment so didn’t capture the celebrations, sure someone else did. Histon getting into a 2 goal lead late in the game to put themselves in a healthy position to claim the 3 points. Histon with renewed energy getting bodies forwards now, the ball fed inside to Nicholls inside the D, sees it into her feet before prodding it to her left to turn and unleash a low shot, Szary down sharply to save getting her body behind the ball.

Abbi Griffin and Abi Davies

Banks winning the ball well in the middle of the park for Histon, Newmarket struggling to find any momentum late on the visitors break Collins right on for Nicholls forwards into Hopkin at the near post her shot lacking power stopped by Szary. Newmarket with another double change, Dryland and Griffin off with, Niamh Bridgeman and Reinhardt coming on. Nicholls picking up a knock off too for Histon with Summer Taylor, Plummer back on too for the closing stages.

Collins moving right with the ball for Histon sending it forwards into Taylor her cut back across the top of the D struck first time by Plummer, sent over. Davis-Jones winning the ball in the middle for Histon pushing forwards, Daniels out well from the back to tackle for Newmarket. Bridgeman putting a diagonal ball into the top of the area from the right for Newmarket looking for Burnley cut out by Davies turned behind for a corner kick. Into the closing moments of the game the corner into the top of the area Reinhardt putting it back out to Bridgeman on the right, her cross blocked for a 2nd corner.

Played into the top of the area Walker connecting on the half volley the dipping ball straight at the keeper. Histon eating up the clock with a late substitution, Collins brought off to be replaced by Evie MaCulloch. Histon aiming to keep the ball in the corner late on seeing out the game to clinch the 3 points on the opening day of the season.

Full time Newmarket Town Women 1-3 Histon Ladies

Histon scoring twice late in the 2nd half to secure 3 points on the opening day of the season and get their ERWFL Division One North campaign off to a winning start. Holding a narrow advantage at the break, Newmarket came back well to find an equalising goal from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Both sides enjoying good spells throughout the game whilst never getting the upper hand creating chances it looked an even contest throughout well fought. Histon dropping off becoming ragged at times responded well however figuring it out to get back on top. Newmarket will be disappointed but know where they can improve the game was there for the taking Histon scoring at timely intervals edging it. Division One North looks to be very interesting already looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season and as is so often the case it’s another hard decision, well sort of. Several performances of note to mention too. Firstly for Newmarket, Sydney Daniels was outstanding at the back putting in a number of crucial tackles, covered the ground well. Both full backs Holly Dryland and Kara Wayman defended well and got forwards too, Wayman in particular with some great runs. Ellie Sturgess was no slouch either won her share of tackles too allowed space used the ball well. Katie Walker’s passing gave Newmarket an extra dynamic in the middle, Emilia Reinhardt worked tirelessly up top. For Histon, Evie Nicholls was lively in attack finding space and making runs all game always available for a pass. Molly Banks with some strong tackles in the middle of the park linked up play well throughout, Jess McCrae got forwards well battling for possession especially 2nd half. Again the Histon defence was strong especially through the middle, captain Laura Leyland reading the game well winning her fair share of the ball, edging it though her defensive partner, Claire Krueger, the pair leaving no room to exploit through the middle, won her tackles well focused throughout, might well be jet legged by now but can be pleased with that performance.

Good to be back! Had little prep time feared I might be a little rusty coming into this game but the hand writing is still as bad and I have written 615 of these so I didn’t need much warming up. Plenty of exciting games to come started with the ERWFL because it rarely disappoints. Thanks to both clubs for their help today, never taken for granted and always appreciated. The new season has begin.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 30th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

A cup final double bill from Cambridgeshire this week, with back to back games this Wednesday and Thursday evening. First up the Cambs FA Women’s Invitation Cup Final, being held at Cambridge City FC’s newly built stadium in Sawston, between Cambridge United WFC and Histon Ladies. With the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup being held the following evening at Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium featuring Cambridge Rangers WFC and Ely City Women.

The Women’s Invitation Cup

This evening featuring the women’s senior county cup competition final. Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Women the leading sides in Cambridgeshire for nearly the past decade dominating the competition, neither 1st team featuring in last season’s competition won by Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Both back in the competition this season however Cambridge United WFC having to field a side made up of their U18’s and 1st team players.

Turned in a good performance at The Abbey Stadium on Sunday in their final game of the FAWNL season, drawing 1-1 with Chatham Town Women. Finishing 9th has been another frustrating season missing key players through injury not picking up as many points as they would have wanted, nevertheless into another cup final and a chance to end things on a high. Their U18s making it to the final of the Invitation Cup last season this time around it’s a mixed squad mostly U18s again with up to 5 regular 1st team players, players who have played less than 50% 1st team fixtures or been out injured for a sustained period making their return also available. Thus getting the balance right for a mixed squad is a tricky task for manager Darren Marjoram, a good opportunity for the youngsters to impress however.

Histon Ladies having rebuilt somewhat and returned to the ERWFL are enjoying a strong campaign in Division One North currently in 4th spot with three league games left to play, 2 points off 2nd spot with AFC Dunstable the current occupants having played out their fixtures a fantastic opportunity to clinch runners-up spot themselves. Have only lost two league games all season, and both of those against new league champions, Harpenden Town Women. Sophie Hopkin presented with a shirt celebrating 100 appearances for Histon before the game joint top scorer so far this season along with Evie Nicholls on 16. Poppy Smith has 12 goals to her name with Jessica McCrae netting 8 and midfielder, Rachel Pearce on 6.

Sophie Hopkin congratulated by her teammates having made 100 appearances for Histon

Road to the Final

Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the Women’s Invitation Cup, were drawn away in the 2nd Round where both racked up double figure wins to progress to the last 8. Cambridge away to Division Two side, Chatteris Town Lillies Ladies, Sarah Wiltshire firing Cambridge into a 2 goal lead with Millie Docking, Rosy Wodhams and Serina Cobb all finding the back of the net to see Cambridge lead 5-0 at the break, Lauren Rouse from the penalty spot extending the lead in the 2nd half before Wiltshire went on to add two more to the tally, 4 for herself with a double from Emelia Reinhardt making it 10-0. Histon away to another Division Two side, March Town United Ladies the goals flying in there too with Poppy Smith on the scoresheet for 5, Evie Nicholls and Sophie Hopkin firing home 4 apiece with Rachel Pearce also scoring in a crushing 14-0 result.

Onto the quarter finals, Cambridge drawn at home to the side that beat the u18s in the final last season Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, now promoted to the ERWFL, Cambridge securing a 1 goal lead at the break, new signing Becca Stephenson grabbing her 1st goal for Cambridge in the 2nd period to help secure a 2-0 win see Cambridge progress to the semi-finals. Histon also at home in the quarter finals taking on newly crowned Cambridgeshire Division One Champions, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Evie Nicholls on target for a brace with a goal each for Rachel Pearce, Hannah Seymour-Shove and Katie Levitt sealing a 5-0 to see the club advance to the last 4.

An intriguing line up in the semi-finals Histon and Newmarket both riding high in ERWFL Division One North along side Cambridge City Women and Cambridge United WFC. United away to Newmarket in their semi-final. Becca Stephenson picking up where she left off in the quarter final scoring twice in the 1st half to see Cambridge 2-0 up at the break, Emelia Reinhardt coming on in the 2nd half bursting forwards to put Cambridge into a 3-0 lead and see the club into the final. Histon hosting Cambridge City Women now playing in the ERWFL Premier Division. Jessica McCrae bagging herself a brace along with goals for Rachel Pearce and Poppy Smith seeing Histon clinch a 4-1 victory to book the place in the final.

The new main stand at the Cambridge City FC Community Stadium

The final this season being played at Cambridge City FC’s brand new Community Stadium in Sawston, long planned and finally becoming a reality. An impressive main stand running alongside a large grass pitch with smaller terraced stands on the other 3 sides of the ground. Ample carparking around the stadium. A 3G pitch beside the main pitch. Work still to be completed on the interior but fantastic to see it becoming a reality after so much waiting. Hosting this evenings final April ending with a mini heat wave unusually warm up to 26 degrees today the heat retained into the evening. A food truck and stall offering some delicious looking cakes leading into the ground. The bar beyond open too. A good sized grass pitch offering plenty of width.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner, Olivia Welham, Gisela Otten (C), Lauren Rouse, Sammy Edgar, Serena Cobb, Rosy Wodhams, Charlotte Gillies, Becca Stephenson & Emelia Reinhardt. Subs – Katie Walter, Sydney Daniels, Millie Docking, Natasha Coe & Erika Lempek.

Cambridge United WFC

Histon Ladies starting XI – Tara Fitzjohn, Freya Goddard, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Rachel Pearce, Sophie Hopkin, Poppy Smith & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Belle Howard, Eloise Page, Evie McCulloch, Claire Krueger & Katie Levitt.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the score be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

Captain’s Laura Leyland and Gisela Otten with this evenings match officials referee, Austin Robichaux and assistants Dominic Cameron and Theresa Robichaux. Carlton Joseph the 4th official.

Histon taking Cambridge back-up keeper, Sophie Shults on loan for the past 7 matches to help see out the season, are without her this evening as she is in goal for the opposition, with long serving player, Tara Fitzjohn donning the gloves for this evenings final. Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten is playing her last game for Cambridge retiring at the end of the season, having played over 100 games for the club a good portion of those wearing the captains armband. The sun setting behind the main stand may cause a few issues to the players, Histon having it at their backs as Cambridge get the first half underway wearing light blue floral patterned shirts with light blue shorts and socks. Histon wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into Lauren Rouse in defence sent long up to the right for Charlotte Gillies to chase, Mollie Childerley getting across her path to shield the ball out for a goal kick.

Cambridge pushing up to press the ball inside the Histon half early on, Serena Cobb sending the ball into Gillies on the right fired into the top of the area with Emelia Reinhardt looking to take it inside right of goal, Jess McCrae in to defend seeing it out of play for Histon. Rosy Wodhams snapping in to win the ball for Cambridge fed out to Becca Stephenson wide right her attempted cross cut out by Rachel Pearce. Stephenson quick to get the ball back pushing down the line, Freya Goddard putting in the tackle to see the ball out for a throw in the corner.

Cambridge getting players up around the area the throw coming into Wodhams inside the box top left corner seeing in down into her feet, turns to strike the ball, Histon captain, Laura Leyland charging the ball down. Cambridge appealing for a hand ball but get no where. Cambridge winning the ball eager to get forwards use the width Gillies picked out on the right wins a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box, claimed by Fitzjohn.

Histon look to get the ball up field into Poppy Smith on the left flank, taking the ball on, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner diving in with the challenge, the full back then fouled as she attempts to get the ball moving the other way. Wodhams onto the ball making a run across the top of the D, moving left 25 yards out feds it into Stephenson wide left she in turn lays it back to Olivia Welham advancing from left back takes on the shot from range, her shot flying straight into the keepers gloves.

Evie Nicholls seeing the ball into her from Sophie Hopkin breaks away on the right channel for Histon looking to get into the area, racing forwards Shults going to ground getting hold of the ball as the ball is over hit.

Wodhams driving on with the ball at her feet for Cambridge across the top of the area cut back to the right, Childerley cutting the pass out for Histon, Cambridge though are quick to regain possession keep the pressure on, Sammy Edgar up with Serena Cobb central played wide to Stephenson left her cross swept into the area, cleared by McCrae. Wodhams with another strong run from midfield sees another shot charged down the ball out to the left, Goddard in to challenge Stephenson as she looks to get in behind to cross.

GOAL! The pressure building from Cambridge at the start of the game the Histon defence pushed back busy building from midfield the ball in rolled forwards into Wodhams moving into the left channel, Stephenson makes a run across her going central Wodhams laying the ball into her path, Stephenson 25 yards out wraps her right foot around the ball catching it sweetly to send a superb strike up and over the keeper to nestle into the back of the net to put Cambridge into the lead. 1-0.

Becca Stephenson firing Cambridge into the lead

Cambridge on top early on taking the lead on 9 minutes competing well for the 2nd ball, Edgar central spotting Stephenson’s left channel run as she attempts to get in behind, Goddard stretching out a leg intercepting the ball for Histon. Smith left and Nicholls right needing to be patient up top be ready to receive the ball, Leyland’s clearance from the ball coming to Nicholls on the right, looks to take it in behind, Cambridge captain, Otten across to close her down put in the tackle.

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten tackling Histon’s Evie Nicholls

Cobb on for Wodhams bursting forwards left channel played on for Reinhardt ahead of her outside the box sees her shot charged down the rebound coming to Wodhams central hits it first time 20 yards out drags the ball wide of the target. Is a big pitch Cambridge with time on the ball looking to exploit it as Lauren Rouse on halfway lifting it forwards towards the top of the area, Leyland winning the header for Histon.

Reinhardt getting hold of the ball looking to charge across the D get into the box, Histon’s Hannah Seymour-Shove looking to go with her pulls up suddenly appearing to jar her knee as her foot catches in the turf. Play continues as Reinhardt finds Stephenson wide left her cross defended by Leyland as play is stopped for Seymour-Shove to receive treatment. Unfortunately doesn’t look good the stretcher called for needs to come off, Histon forced into a change send on Claire Krueger going into the defence along side Leyland with McCrae pushed forwards.

Freya Goddard moving in to tackle Becca Stephenson

Wodhams latching onto the ball high up the pitch from a goal-kick lays it to the right for Hjaltun-Rayner pushing forwards from full back her early cross into the area dealt with by Leyland. Out of no where Histon spring the counter attack, Cambridge pushed up the ball given to Hopkin in midfield slides it through for Smith in the left channel, races forwards Shults racing out to the top of her area to try and get to the ball, Smith just getting there first taking it around the keeper on into the box left of goal, looks to slot it home, however, Welham racing round on the cover gets in the way to block and turn it behind for a corner kick.

Olivia Welham getting back to clear the ball for Cambridge

The corner lifted in to the near side, Krueger up from the back for Histon getting her head on the ball sending the ball over the crossbar. A warning for Cambridge not to get complacent at the back.

Edgar into Wodhams for Cambridge attacking through the middle moves left laying the ball back inside for Welham as the full back bombs forwards, looking to get into the box, Goddard closing her down winning the ball back for Histon. McCrae defending for Histon as Stephenson looks to spin in behind on the left the ball hooked upfield by Leyland. Histon absorbing alot of pressure battling for the ball pushed back in defence but determined.

Wodhams too determined with the ball at her feet for Cambridge on the drive going all the way into the box right of goal closing in on the six yards box, closed down squeezes in on for Gillies to her right inside the six yard box, the angle acute takes on the shot flashing the ball wide across the face of goal past the far post.

Rosy Wodhams driving forwards for Cambridge

Leyland making the decision to step out of the back line to deal with Wodhams next marauding run getting the tackle in before the midfield can set Reinhardt loose on goal. The clearance straight back with Cambridge, Cobb lifting the diagonal ball into the area, Krueger heading clear for Histon.

Rachel Pearce looking to get hold of the ball for Histon

Play mostly in the Histon half the defence pressed back continue to work hard to stop Cambridge finding a way through, Hopkin finding Pearce on the right tries to get it on for Nicholls in attack, Otten moving in to close the attacker down. Edgar snapping in to regain possession for Cambridge in the middle tries to thread the ball in behind for Reinhardt pulling off the defence, Fitzjohn moving forward to grab hold of the ball.

Emelia Reinhardt

Pearce is fouled deep on the right picking up a knock in the process the free-kick awarded. Histon with an opportunity to get players forwards. Hopkin over the ball launches it in towards the crowd at the top of the area left of the D, the ball knocked down across the D to the right, Pearce free, moving in to strike the ball first time with her left foot, pulls her strike wide of the right post, had more time than she realised but a great chance for Histon nonetheless.

Cambridge lively Cobb breaking on with the ball rolled on for Gillie right, Childerley lunging in to take the ball away from her for a throw. Histon forced into another change, Pearce having picked up a knock coming off, with Evie McCulloch. Reinhardt with little room to work with as Histon defend their area, driving on with the ball looks to fight her way through on goal, Molly Banks getting a foot in to slow her down, allowing Childerley to bring the ball away from danger.

Stephenson moving across the top of the area up top for Cambridge sees the ball rolled into her right channel by Hjaltun-Rayner shoots from distance the ball straight at Fitzjohn. Cambridge getting players forwards at will, Wodhams and Stephenson exchanging passes in front of the D, laid back to Cobb to clip a diagonal ball into Welham advancing on the left wing the full back whipping a cross into the area just behind Reinhardt making a near post run, Krueger cutting it out beyond to clear.

Shults is almost on the halfway line herself such is the pressure Cambridge are being allowed to exert, Smith and Nicholls patient ready to attack should the opportunity fall to them still have alot to do. Otten into Reinhardt going left closing in on the corner with Goddard the air clashing as the ball is seen out of play by the defender, the referee talking to both, the yellow card coming out too.

Hopkin getting the ball back for Histon central looks to send Nicholls away up top, Cambridge hold their high line however catching her offside. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the first half, for all their dominance Cambridge still leading by just a single goal, Histon backs against the wall determined to keep it that way. Pushed up through the middle, Stephenson inside with Wodhams cross runs the ball on into Cobb inside the D shifts it right for Stephenson to strike, fires wide of the right post. A nick on the way through however a corner signalled.

Put in to the near post Krueger winning it for Histon cleared out of the box and launched up field for Nicholls to chase, Shults out of her box needs to win the clearance with the attacker bearing down on her and gets her foot up over the ball to see it away safely. Smith getting her tackle in on Reinhardt as she looks to turn in the middle the ball poked out to Stephenson wide left pushes on with the ball her cross into the box intercepted by Krueger.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Histon Ladies

Cambridge go into the changing rooms at the break leading the final by a single goal, Stephenson’s superb strike on 9 minutes over the keeper from 25 yards out putting them in front. Have applied plenty of pressure seeing more of the ball getting players on, Histon in contrast defending deep inside their box getting bodies back allowing no space through on goal, that in turn limiting their attacking opportunities up the other end but have created two good chances themselves will be pleased to have gotten to this stage with the score as it is. Have lost two key midfielders to injury in the process however. Cambridge winning the 2nd balls keeping play in their opponents half. Could be a question of can Histon keep up their determination in defence 2nd half or will the continued pressure take it’s toll, one goal in it the longer they can keep it that way the better but can they find a goal up the other end?

No changes at the break it’s as you were at the end of the 1st half the floodlights taking full effect now, remains mild, the burgers, chips and cakes going down well with the gathered supporters, 285 in attendance. Histon to get the 2nd half underway, Cambridge rushing on to immediately close down the ball, get it out to Gillies on the right takes on the early cross squaring it into Reinhardt top of the D, her 1st time strike racing wide of the far post.

Rosy Wodhams constantly taking the ball on for Cambridge

McCulloch snapping in to win the ball for Histon central forwards into Nicholls, Rouse tackling for Cambridge. Histon getting the ball out to the right McCulloch playing the ball into the near post six yards out, Nicholls and Smith closing in to try and get a touch the ball knocked wide of the post for a goal kick.

Histon attacker, Evie Nicholls

Lively in the middle, Edgar into get hold of the ball fed on for Gillies down the right wing, Childerley back onto her shoulder challenging to put it out for a throw. Cambridge busy players making runs to try and open up space, Histon stay deep in defence protecting the box, Wodhams winning it off Hopkin in midfield, out to Gillies right, running into the corner with Childerley the defender conceding a corner. Stephenson with a vicious delivery flashed in through the six yard box at an inviting height through everyone however cleared beyond the far post.

Wodhams influential for Cambridge making some strong midfield runs Gillies and Stephenson looking for provide outlets right and left. Pushing up as they are sometimes leaves Cambridge exposed at the back as Histon snatch the ball back left side the ball threaded into Nicholls in the channel breaks in behind Rouse charging towards the area, the rest of the Cambridge defence looking to recover, Otten sliding in top of the area brings Nicholls down, the free-kick awarded a decision to be made, both full backs were round on the cover the referee showing Otten a yellow card. Hopkin over the free-kick left of the D, gets the ball in past the wall through on goal, but Shults moving across her goal can claim it into her mid-riff.

Cambridge for all their dominance need to be careful they don’t get caught out at the back, another goal puts them in a much stronger position probing Histon are not making it easy for them to find a way through. Cambridge making a chance bringing off Gillies on the right send on Natasha Coe who had a spell with Histon before coming to Cambridge, goes over to the left with Stephenson moving across the pitch.

10 minutes played in the 2nd half, Edgar up with Wodhams in midfield, plays it left for Welham advancing on the left plays in on for Coe to take on down the line, Goddard diving in to put it out of play for Histon. Off the throw dropped into Wodhams outside the box on the angle sends a shot in on target, Fitzjohn has the angled covered getting hold of the ball.

Cambridge’s Sammy Edgar

A double change for Histon with Belle Howard and Katie Levitt introduced to the game, Nicholls and Hopkin coming off. Hjaltun-Rayner looking to get the ball on right side for Cambridge, Wodhams coming across to receive the ball, Banks diving in to challenge to get hold of the ball for Histon looks for Levitt on the left, Rouse cutting out the pass for Cambridge. Cambridge making another switch, Erika Lempek coming on to replace Reinhardt in attack.

Histon’s Katie Levitt

Coe played on down Cambridge’s left wing curling a cross into the box, Leyland getting under it to head clear for Histon. The game starting to open up a little as Histon look to commit a little more in attack fresh legs on the pitch. Cobb getting the ball into Lempek’s feet out on the right, Levitt in to win it back for Histon comes away with the ball, Hjaltun-Rayner sliding in with a heavy tackle taking her out, shown the yellow as Levitt is quickly back on her feet.

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

Otten putting the ball on for Cobb left channel shifted to Coe left played back inside to Cobb up with Stephenson outside the box left of the D, the ball played across to the right for Wodhams in space, shots, a nick off a defenders leg on it’s way through to the keeper taking the sting off the ball, Fitzjohn grabbing it up for the large part despite the pressure in front of her untroubled in terms of needing to throw herself into a save.

Welham and Coe doubling up on the left as they build an attack for Cambridge, Coe shifting the ball inside looking to get into the box Leyland coming to close her down. Rouse called into action at the back for Cambridge as Histon attempt to put a long ball into Smith in attack, the defender bringing it down well.

Histon’s Poppy Smith

Cambridge getting a corner on the right Stephenson curling the ball into the six yard box knocked in towards goal at the far post Histon have players on the line to block cleared out to the top of the area, Cobb putting it back out to Stephenson top right corner of the box, her low cross smashed back in, blocked by Howard. The flag going up against Stephenson as she makes a run in behind right to left across the D, as Lempek seeing the ball into her feet right channel attempts to play her in. Stephenson from all of 30 yards out central firing a strike wide of the left post. Cambridge pressing as the game enters the final 15 minutes.

GOAL! Cambridge winning a corner out on the right, players up from the back the six yard box packed as Stephenson drops the delivery right into the mix, down amongst feet an orange boot stabbing it towards goal, fired past the keeper, belongs to Hjaltun-Rayner as she is mobbed by her joyous teammates having doubled Cambridge’s lead. 2-0.

Flo Hjaltun-Raynor with the touch to double Cambridge’s lead from the corner

Histon making a double change with Eloise Page coming on along with Nicholls replacing, Goddard and Childerley. Much needed breathing room for Cambridge the 2nd goal coming at last. Press right Stephenson on for Lempek back inside for Cobb lifted forwards into Wodhams looking to turn top of the area, Leyland closing her down for Histon.

Serina Cobb

Welham forwards for Coe on the left her cross blocked by Page going away for a corner kick. Another vicious delivery put in across the face of goal, no one getting a touch scrambled clear beyond the far post. Hopkin coming back onto the pitch late on replacing Banks. Cambridge getting on down the right Stephenson’s cross turned behind for another corner. Taken short rolled back into Stephenson the corner taker her cross lifted into the area, won and cleared by Hopkin.

Sophie Hopkin

Histon looking to try and get on with the ball fed into Howard on the left looks to release Nicholls in behind through the middle, Welham running around on the cover spotting the threat lunging in to win the ball back. Lempek seeing the ball into her feet putting it on for Wodhams moving right finds Stephenson on the move down the wing her cross into the box blocked by Krueger behind for a corner. Curled into the six yard box headed over the crossbar.

Claire Krueger

Sydney Daniels and Millie Docking coming on for Cambridge with Edgar and Welham coming off with 6 minutes left of regular time. Cobb picking out Stephenson on the right for Cambridge has Hjaltun-Rayner racing past her on the overlap down the line fires her cross in on the angle takes a nick off a Histon boot as it crashes into the side netting a corner given. Another short on rolled into Coe coming to the ball near post back to Stephenson to cross from the top of area, hooked clear by Leyland.

Goddard back on for Histon with McCulloch coming off. Into the last 5 minutes. Daniels defending at the back for Cambridge as Smith looks to take the ball on. The ball played back to Shults her clearance doesn’t get any height goes between Nicholls and Smith as they look to close her down, comes onto Goddard in midfield tries to hit it first time knowing the keeper is off her line but doesn’t catch it clean the ball put wide right of goal.

Lempek with a good touch to see the ball down turns to play it forwards almost sending Docking through on goal, the flag though halting her advance. McCrae lining up a strike from range, Otten putting in the block away for a throw on the right, Histon looking to press crossing into the box, defended near side, Shults bringing it down safely into her gloves. Katie Walter coming on to see out the closing stages of the final for Cambridge replacing Hjaltun-Rayner.

Docking played in down Cambridge’s left, gets on the move driving forwards all the way into the box eventually stopped by Krueger. Into stoppage time, Cambridge winning a throw in the left Coe crossing the ball into the top of the area, Leyland getting her head on the ball, Cobb pushing on win the ball back played back to the left, the cross dropped into the six yard box, hooked clear.

Lempek on for Cobb through the middle send away to Stephenson right her cross low into the area cut out by Leyland. Cambridge keep coming late on Histon tiring winning a corner on the right, Whipped in with pace past Coe at the near post on for Rouse central lifts the ball up over the crossbar. Docking on the dribble with the ball looking to get into the box from the left sends a cross into the area, Goddard clearing for Histon. The final whistle blows and Cambridge are victorious winning this season’s Invitation Cup.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 2-0 Histon Ladies

A dominant attacking display from Cambridge who were made to work hard for the win taking an early lead it wasn’t until they had entered the final 15 minutes of the game before they found a way through to double their lead. Got forwards well winning the 2nd balls and using the pitch. Histon with a battling defensive display made Cambridge work for the win defending deep leaving little room to exploit inside the area, at 1-0 were never out of the game although they had few chances to find a goal themselves eventually tiring can be proud of their effort. Have 3 big league games left to play 2nd spot in the league very much the goal. Cambridge’s season done now, ending with silverware time to enjoy the rest, be ready for next season, FAWNL South East Division One will be more competitive than ever.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, plenty of fine performances but one clear winner for me. Credit goes to the entire Histon squad for their battling defensive display had to keep it tight as a unit to keep Cambridge at bay, captain Laura Leyland and Claire Krueger in particular putting in a number of blocks and crucial tackles. Molly Banks and Jessica McCrae pushed back on the defence winning the ball. Mollie Childerley and Freya Goddard out on the flanks having alot to do throughout but kept at it. For Cambridge, Serina Cobb and Sammy Edgar get stuck in in midfield to win the ball back keep the pressure on continuously. Charlotte Gillies linking up well with Hjaltun-Rayner on the right, likewise Olivia Welham on the left pushing on to support Becca Stephenson whose movement on the left and coming central caused problems throughout made some fantastic runs opening the scoring with a superb strike. The award goes to midfielder, Rosy Wodhams was a threat throughout the game taking the ball on with numerous marauding runs linking up with the attack and getting into some great positions.

Cambridge United WFC 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

Gisela Otten’s final game for Cambridge has been fantastic for the club since her arrival a pleasure to have sponsored her for one of those seasons. Sophie Hopkin a legend in her own right for Histon making 100 appearances for the club, congratulations. my thanks to both clubs for their help with the starting line-ups this evening. One final down straight back at it with the Junior Invitation Cup at last the finals are here in abundance but I’ve still get maybe 10 games to go before I can rest…

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Needham Market Women v Histon Ladies

Sunday 22nd September

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

In a change to the advertised game had a good plan B 11 minutes down the road having travelled down to Suffolk this Sunday to watch a game from this weekends Women’s FC Cup fixtures headed to Bloomfield’s, home of Needham Market Women to watch them take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying.

A record number of entrants to this season’s competition, with a whopping 136 ties happening this weekend across the country. The prize fund seeing a huge increase too with today’s winners receiving £3,000. A significant amount for any grass roots club. The FA Cup holding a special place for many bringing home the true magic of the cup.

Needham Market Women enjoying a rapid rise though the leagues since their inception becoming one of the leading female clubs in Suffolk. Rising up to the ERWFL Premier Division, tier 5 of the woman’s football pyramid. A strong female section within the club, Needham Market have assembled a strong squad trying to compete at that level, finishing 3rd in their debut season. Now entering their 3rd season in the Premier Division have seen a few key players move on with some joining Suffolk rivals, AFC Sudbury Women. Nevertheless retain a strong core of experienced players and have brought in a host of young talent to bolster both their squads.

14 players in all coming to the club with 6 featuring today. Ash Newley comes into the club having previously been at Sudbury. Cate Jackson joins having top scored for Lawford Ladies last campaign. Becca Stephenson a promising young talent thrown into the deep end for Cambridge City Women in the FAWNL, responded superbly to the challenge, regularly impressing despite the clubs struggles. All three starting today with Chelsea Brett, Alyssa Barrett and Millie Baggott also new to the club starting on the bench. Has been a difficult start to the new season as they set up with a new look side with just one win from their opening 4 league matches.

Histon Ladies like Needham Market with a Development side playing in the county league below, the Cambridgeshire side into their 2nd season since returning to the ERWFL. Have made a strong start to the campaign unbeaten after 4 matches to lay 3rd in the Division One North table, with 3 wins and a draw. A victory too in the 1st Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup winning 6-2 away to Thetford Town Ladies. Scoring 18 goals in their opening 5 matches come into today’s tie in confident form.

Histon have brought in a number of new faces to join the squad over the summer as they look to push on challenge at the top of the league, amongst those American, Claire Krueger. Belle Howard joins having been with Cambridge City. Jess McCrae playing for Bowers & Pitsea at youth level. With a quartet joining from Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners, Eaton Socon Ladies. Goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson, attacker Shannah Anico, midfielder Gemma Cooksley and wide player Mollie Childerley. Sophie Hopkin the leading goal scorer with 8 to her name at this early stage of the season.

Bloomfield’s the venue to today’s Women’s FA Cup tie, the stadium boasting two pitches, the main grass pitch, along side the 3G facility where the women play. In between, The Hub café situated upstairs above the changing rooms with balconies on both sides over looking both pitches. Serving hot and cold food and drink. A threat of thunderstorms in the area clearing over night to leave a bright and sunny afternoon as we approach late September, a little cloud around but otherwise ideal conditions.

Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Ash Newly, Niamh Thomas, Laura Bloomfield, Sheryce Slater, Lois Balfour (C), Chloe Brame, Lucy Loomes, Cate Jackson, Becca Stephenson & Annie Posnett. Subs – Chelsea Brett, Charlotte McGrath, Alyssia Barrett, Olivia Dunne & Millie Baggott.

Needham Market Women

Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abi Laughlin, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Krueger, Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Rachel Pearce, Freya Goddard, Kirsty Geal & Sophie Hopkin. Subs – Shannah Anico, Belle Howard & Katie Levitt.

Histon Ladies

It’s Histon wearing their all blue away kit to get the FA Cup tie underway, kicking off the first half, with Needham Market lined up opposite in their home colours red shirts and socks with black coloured shorts. Jess McCrae playing the ball back to her defence the ball clipped long out to the left wing by Claire Krueger with Kirsty Geal on the move down the wing, Ash Newley heading the ball clear for Needham Market at the back.

Jess McCrae gets the game underway for Histon

Newley then getting up the right on the ball for Needham Market looking to play a give and go with Cate Jackson up on the right wing, the ball knocked on into the box for Jackson to chase, Krueger coming across to defend for Histon shielding the ball out for a goal kick. Histon attack down the right the ball swept on for Rachel Pearce getting forwards to whip a cross into the area from deep, caught safely by Needham Market goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke.

Cate Jackson for Needham Market with Histon’s Mollie Childerley

Both sides showing attacking intent from the off, Laura Bloomfield allowed to carry the ball out from the back for Needham Market attempting to thread a pass through the right channel into the box for Jackson to attack, Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson out smartly to the top of her area to claim the ball. Jackson lively out on the right for Histon knocking the ball forwards before hooking a cross into the middle, looping over Becca Stephenson bursting in through the middle, Abi Laughlin getting it away for Histon.

Chloe Brame regaining possession for Needham Market gets the ball on for Lucy Loomes to pass into Annie Posnett, looking to attack top of the D, Krueger sliding a foot out to halt the attackers progress. Newly up to support Jackson on Needham Market’s right the winger turning infield is pushed over giving the hosts a free-kick in an inviting position right corner of the area 25 yards out. Captain, Lois Balfour to play the ball into the area, flighting in towards the far post, Krueger up highest heading the ball behind for a corner kick.

Histon defender, Claire Krueger

Histon build on the right McCrae linking up with Pearce receiving the ball 25 yards lout looks to drive forwards get into the box, Sheryce Slater in to defence for Needham Market the ball out for a throw in. Needham Market get the ball forwards, the midfield pressing well in the final third looknig to squeeze Histon on the ball.

GOAL! That press brings a goal attacking to top of the area the ball pressed the defence rushed into a hasty clearance the ball deflected runs out to the left straight to Loomes outside the area, latches onto the ball and puts her foot through it driving her shot in at the near pass giving the diving keeper no chance 1-0.

Lucy Loomes opening the scoring for Needham Market

Needham Market with the lead inside the opening 8 minutes. Histon suffering an early blow attack from the restart the ball out to Geal on their left, wins a corner kick. Swung in high towards the far post, dealt with by Slater for Needham Market. The hosts threaten a rapid counter attack, Geal does superbly in defence to prevent attack. McCrae seeing the ball into her feet as she finds herself in the left spins in behind Newly looking to race on towards the Needham market box, Slater has other ideas as she comes across to put in a strong sliding tackle to turn the ball out for a throw.

Sheryce Slater moving in to tackle Jess McCrae

Both sides looking to exploit the flanks as they turn play around, Molly Banks on the ball for Histon central plays a great diagonal pass on down the left for Geal to attack, getting hold of the ball and carrying it to the by-line Geal fires the cross in towards the near post, Slater tracking back cutting it out for Needham Market. Histon pushing forwards, McCrae with Banks out to Pearce n the right fed into the top of the area for Sophie Hopkin in attack, right of the D, back heels the ball on for Freya Goddard central, she controls and lays the ball on into the area for Hopkin making the near post run, Clarke rushing out makes the blocking save at the strikers feet

Histon’s Rachel Pearce

Balfour with Brame central the ball fired forwards for Posnett, intercepted by Krueger, lifts the ball out to the left for Geal to bring down and race on towards the Needham Market area, shooting on the angle from outside the box, her effort saved comfortably by Clarke.

GOAL! A couple of promising attacks from Histon yet the find themselves falling further behind as Needham Market press the final third getting bodies up to support the attack, the ball fed out to Stephenson left inside the area one on one with the keeper before rasping a shot past her into the top corner 2-0.

Becca Stephenson fires home Needham Market’s 2nd goal

Needham Market pressing the advantage the ball from Loomes into Posnett driving into the left channel unleashes a powerful strike, Robinson getting down behind the ball to beat the near post strike away across her goal.

GOAL! Brame doing well in the middle for Needham Market winning the ball high up the pitch bringing it on looks to combine with Loomes as the pair drive on up the pitch exchanging passes the Histon defence moves to intervene a sliced clearance spinning out to the left latched onto by Stephenson top of the area and smashes her shot in under the crossbar 3-0.

A quickfire brace for Becca Stephenson

Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Histon on the back foot get the ball out to the right McCrae with Pearce inside for Hopkin sees her shot charged down as Needham market struggle to clear the ball. Posnett taking the ball out to the right for Needham Market 25 yards out lays it infield for Jackson who clips a cross in towards Stephenson running in at the far post, Laughlin going with her for Histon does well to control the ball down off her chest for her keeper to claim.

Abi Laughlin

Their full backs pushed up Needham Market are leaving space in behind on the flanks, Geal in particular looking to exploit the opportunity racing into the area with the ball down to the by-line flashes a cross in along the face of goal, McCrae running in far post can’t quite reach it, Thomas clearing for Needham Market, won back by Pearce swung back inside towards Hopkin inside the D looks to meet the ball on the volley, fires over.

Needham market’s Niamh Thomas

Freya Goddard getting up to press Bloomfield at the back steals the ball nipping past her, doesn’t get far with Slater coming round on the cover. Mollie Childerley winning the ball from Jackson on her left sends it forwards for Geal racing on down the wing, whips her cross into the six yard box, cut out by Slater. Newley bringing the ball into the middle for Needham Market chips the pass on for Stephenson racing in left side lunging at the ball inside the box her attempt is narrowly wide brushing off the post.

Loomes fouled on halfway, players going up into the box as the ball in floated into the area, cleared by Histon captain, Laura Leyland comes to Jackson out on the right, exchanges passes with Newley before racing down the line to win a corner kick. Swung into the box from the right Histon see it clear.

GOAL! Needham Market extend their lead from a wonderfully hit strike. The ball fired up the middle towards Loomes, tangling with a defender coming to clear emerges on her feet with the ball at her feet 25 plus yards up and time to line up her shot, struck beautifully rifles the ball past the keeper into the top corner to make it 4-0.

Lucy Loomes lining up her strike to claim her brace

A further set-back for Histon they mount an attack form the restart Pearce on the right forwards for McCrae down the right, lays it inside for Hopkin making a run into the box, Clarke reads it though and is quickly out to close the angle and grab hold of the ball.

GOAL! Needham Market ruthless going forwards overwhelm the middle the ball fed into Stephenson out on the left outside the area seeing the ball into her feet turns to attack, holding off her marker before turning to send her strike across the keeper and into the bottom corner to claim her first hat-trick for Needham Market 5-0.

A first half hat-trick for Needham Market’s Becca Stephenson

Needham Market fully in control of the tie with just half an hour played and in doing so double their goals scored tally from their opening 5 matches. Histon shell shocked battle to regain possession high up the pitch Goddard in well to nick the ball unleashing a shot from 30 yards out isn’t too far wide of the left upright.

GOAL! Histon build an attack on the left the diagonal ball fired in towards the top of the area over Hopkin in the middle runs into to McCrae at the far post brings the ball under control and shifts inside to open up the angle to strike the ball and sends her shot past the keeper pull a goal back for the visitors 5-1.

Jess McCrae pulling a goal back for Histon

Jackson flicks the ball off her boot taking it inside for Needham market from the right, space opening up in front of her to strike the ball lets fly, doesn’t get enough purchase on the ball seeing Robinson save comfortably for Histon. Loomes on a hat-trick too for Needham Market linking up with Brame through the middle strikes the ball over from 30 yards out.

Needham Market midfielder, Chloe Brame

Needham Market just that little bit sharper to the ball, using their first tough well to get lay moving forwards looking to get on the front foot 5 goals giving them some much needed confidence. Childerley forced into conceding a corner as she deals with a surging run forwards from Newley on the right. Swept into the six yard box, Krueger up to head the ball away to the left. Stephenson looking to play the ball back into the box, Geal on the penalty spot clearing out to the left the ball not away Slater is taken out with the follow through as the ball is finally launched up field.

A pause in play however Slater is okay to play on. Needham Market win the ball back on the middle Balfour up to Posnett she controls and lays it back for Brame bombing forwards attempts to put Jackson away into the right channel, Robinson out smartly to meet the path of the ball collect top of her area. Robinson with a brave save as she comes to close down Posnett as the Needham Market attacker is put through left of goal, the pair coming together the ball spilt, however, Childerley is on hand to clear for the visitors.

Half-time Needham Market Women 5-1 Histon Ladies

A strong first half from Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes, pressing the ball high and getting the rewards. The positive opening giving them some much needed confidence going on to add a further two goals to hold a commanding lead at the break. Histon firmly on the back foot, the early goals a blow have kept going looking to create openings up the other end and eventually made one count pulling a goal back, know they have alot of work to do to get themselves back into the tie, need goals however Needham Market can sit back in they choose and wait for the right opportunity to go forwards add to their advantage.

No changes for either side at the break. Needham Market to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back to Bloomfield in defence she goes long looking for Jackson bursting on up the right, plays the pass inside for Loomes, Krueger in to tackle her for Histon clears the ball up the pitch.

Needham Market defender, Laura Bloomfield

Banks coming over to the right with the ball feeds it up the line looking for Pearce as she breaks forwards behind Thomas, Slater comes across to deal with the threat, shielding the ball from Pearce out for a goal kick. Promising build up play from Histon as they come right with the ball McCrae with Banks into Pearce who chips the ball in towards the top of the box for Hopkin, Clarke out smartly to get hold of the ball. A change early in the 2nd half for Histon with Hopkin coming off up top and Shannah Anico coming on.

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

GOAL! Histon looking for a positive start to the 2nd half lose possession on the left the ball played up to Posnett in the right channel she takes the ball on with purpose before feeding it into Stephenson pulling off the defence right of the D, a good ball into her feet Stephenson composed with her finish to slot the ball under the advancing keeper into the back of the net to score her 4th of the match 6-1

Becca Stephenson firing home her 4th & Needham Market’s 5th early in the 2nd half

Histon firmly on the back foot look to regroup, Goddard out to Banks for McCrae on the right, forwards for Pearce beats her marker before firing a cross into the area the ball intercepted by Bloomfield. Another change for Histon as they bring on Katie Levitt for Goddard, with the substitute going out to the right, Pearce moving to the left. Levitt given the ball puts it into the box for McCrae as she makes a move to the by-line on the right her cross chipped into the near post caught well by Clarke as she drops forwards onto the ball.

Posnett turns on the ball and hits a strike from 25 yards out inside the right channel sees her attempt fly over the crossbar. McCrae getting hold of the ball for Histon in the final third looks to fight her way forwards into the box, Needham Market struggling to get the ball away, escapes through to the left side with Geal latching onto the ball shooting from the angle, blasting her effort wide at the near post.

Annie Posnett driving forwards for Needham Market

Laughlin bringing the ball on for Histon from the right looking for a forward pass, Anico calling as she makes a run off her marker to move right across the D, Laughlin lays the ball on, Clarke though has seen the threat and is out rapidly to deal with it. Needham Market press the ball high Jackson inside for Stephenson central plays it on to the right for Posnett breaking into the area, blasts her strike wide of the near post.

Goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke

Banks with a dipping strike from distance for Histon in a central position, Clarke right behind it falls forwards to grab the ball into her body. A quick counter from Needham Market the ball played through for Jackson breaking away behind, Robinson out of her area stooping to head the ball clear, Jackson’s momentum seeing her crash into the prone goalkeeper, no malice, play stopped immediately Robinson assessed a pause in play but thankfully is alright to play on.

A nasty collision for Keeley Robinson coming to clear the ball, thankfully back up on her feet ready to play on

Leyland getting hold of the ball at the back for Histon sets Levitt away on the right, no offside flag she is in the clear on the wing surging on a players rush into the box from both sides the cross swung in, it’s Thomas who gets the touch to take the ball behind for a corner. Curled into the near side from the left by Histon, it’s Thomas again who deals with the threat for Needham Market.

Balfour goes down in some discomfort on halfway as she goes to win the ball, Brame taking it on finds McGrath to her right her cross from deep, claimed by Robinson as Posnett steals into the six yard box. Balfour looks to have turned her ankle a long pause while she is treated but walks over to the side lines waiting to be called back on. While she was receiving treatment Needham Market made a change bringing off Stephenson sending on Olivia Dunne. Histon too with a change Belle Howard on to replace Pearce.

Histon get on the attack, temporarily with the player advantage Levitt on the attack up the right crossed into the area for McCrae near side strokes her half volley over the crossbar. Histon have Howard on the ball left side plays it down the line for Anico to put a cross into the box, McCrae in to attack near side, tackled by Bloomfield the ball cleared out to the top of the area met by Banks 25 yards out smashes her strike up over the bar.

Shannah Anico looking to get onto the ball

Histon counter up the right Anico pulling left taking Slater with her, puts the ball inside for McCrae, spins looking for the return pass played down the channel, Slater holds her ground well catching the attacker offside. Needham Market continue to push their full backs on, Slater doing alot of covering across the back line as Histon look to turn play around, coming across to deal with Levitt as the substitute carries the ball on down the right wing. Slater given the armband as Balfour heads off the field, Charlotte McGrath coming on into the middle.

Sheryce Slater

Needham Market get a free-kick on halfway, Slater over it launching the ball in towards the top of the area, Krueger under it to head clear for the visitors. Anico lively up top for Histon since coming on steals in behind the centre backs as Histon press down the right the ball looking to attack the ball at the near post snatches at her chance sending the ball wide of the near post.

Belle Howard holding of Charlotte McGrath

Jackson getting hold of the ball out on the right for Needham Market striking the ball on the angle from all of 30 yards her effort racing narrowly wide of the far post. Loomes coming off for the hosts with Millie Baggott coming on.

GOAL! Histon pull a goal back, one Clarke will want to forget in a hurry, the visitors feeding the ball on for Anico up top central driving into the box Slater on her shoulder the pair closing in on goal, Anico stabs the ball forwards, straight at Clarke but to her dismay the ball escapes through her fingers between her legs and rolls on over the line 6-2.

Shannah Anico pulls a goal back for Histon her first for her new club

The game opening up with players tiring Needham Market guilty of a few sloppy passes as Histon look to get the ball forwards try to find another opening. The hosts struggling to get the ball clear with Anico in to press lays it back for McCrae 20 yards out to lash a shot over the bar. A free-kick for Histon top of the centre circle inside the Needham Market half, Leyland over it plays the ball in to the penalty spot, dipping late in front of Clarke the keeper adjusting smartly to get behind the ball, pops out of her gloves to her right, Anico throwing a leg at the ball, Clarke reacts well to snatch the ball down and pull into her body.

Olivia Dunne looking to spin in behind

Brame up to Dunne left of the D puts the pass across the area for Baggott who in turn lays it on to the right for Jackson to attack down the line, Childerley charging her cross down for Histon. Needham Market winning a corner on the left off a throw in, Posnett short to Jackson the return back back into Posnett as she drags the ball between her feet looking to drive into the box Leyland getting in to close her down put in the blocking tackle.

The hosts press forward keeping Histon pinned back inside their box, McGrath on for Baggott her shot charged down by Krueger. Krueger defending again as Posnett looks to spin in behind her marker off a throw on the left. Childerley gives away a foul on the right as Jackson looks to get inside from the wing. An inviting angle out wide the set-piece flashed in with pace, missed by Robinson as she tries to come through bodies, the ball cleared off the line by Childerley.

Histon’s Kirsty Geal

Histon break the ball up to Geal on the left as the visitors pour players on through the middle the cross swung into the area, Howard looking to bring it down central, drags her shot wide. Geal in to attack on the left once again taking the ball to the by-line lifting her cross in to the near post, Clarke down to claim the ball confidently with Anico closing in. Into the dying seconds Needham Market counter attack the ball fired through to Dunne in attack, 25 yards out to the left of the D, her shot tame through to the keeper.

Full time Needham Market Women 6-2 Histon Ladies

Needham Market with the 6-2 victory advance in the Women’s FA Cup. A confidence boosting win. The damage done in the opening 15 minutes as they raced into a 3 goal lead always had their opponents on the back foot after that, got forwards well sharper with the first touch. Loomes with a wonder strike getting her 2nd of the game and Stephenson with a 1st half hat-trick saw them in control of the tie despite Histon pulling a goal back through McCrae. Histon fought well in the 2nd half looking for a reply, the game open chances for both sides. Needham Market with an early strike to open up a 6-1 lead. Anico coming on looking lively pulling it back to 6-2 late on. The tier 6 sides cup run over, will look to return to winning ways in the league capitalise on their good start to the season. Needham Market in turn hoping this result will kick-start their own league campaign.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A couple of strong contenders. Some performances of note to mention first. For Histon, Kirsty Geal looked to provide an outlet on the left throughout the game getting forwards well. Jess McCrae linking up play well getting into some great attacking positions, Rachel Pearce too on the right getting hold of the ball looking to set up attacks. Shannah Anico sharp up top coming off the bench making so good runs. For Needham Market, Sheryce Slater was solid at the back reading the game well getting across to nullify threats, and clear the ball. Chloe Brame winning the ball high kept Needham market on the front foot throughout the game. Cate Jackson a strong outlet on the right, whether taking the ball down the line or cutting inside. Lucy Loomes got forwards well opening the scoring and firing in a wonderful 2nd. The award goes to Becca Stephenson finding the back of the net for 4 goals including a 1st half hat-trick. Tenacious on the ball looking to take players on, coming in from the left side of attack took the game to Histon.

A late call after the original game was called off late, was nevertheless great to catch up with both sides early in the season. My thanks to both for the help with the team details. Once I’ve got that info I’m set for the game. Looking forward to the draw for the next round of the cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Histon Ladies

Sunday 26th November

ERWFL Division One North

A short journey this Sunday to catch some football action from ERWFL Division One North staying in Norfolk to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies both new additions to the league.

The regional league seeing an increase in numbers in recent season’s getting to it’s full potential of 36 sides playing across three divisions, representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid. Both of today’s opponents amongst 6 new sides successfully applying to join the ERWFL in Division One North, now sadly reduced to 10 sides with the unfortunate withdrawals of St Ives Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Development.

Thetford Town Ladies a late entrant to the league having initially lost out on the promotion pool, but with one of the new entrants having to pull out, Thetford were pleased to be invited to join and make the big step up into regional football for the first time in the clubs history. Manager Luke Pickford busy in the summer bringing in players to help the squad compete at a higher level. Amongst those, experienced defender, Fran Peeling having previously been with King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the league above joining Peeling from King’s Lynn is Alice Collins another player with a high level of experience playing in the league above. Katie Fray and Kate Morris joining Thetford having had a very successful season with Taverham FC Women’s 7-aside team scoring 102 goals between them, Fray netting an incredible 78 goals in just 18 appearances. Attacker, Mary-Anne Hoy has experience playing at a higher level with Wroxham FC Women, while ex-Norwich City player Hannah Claughton joins after a successful season playing for Aylsham FC Women last campaign. Megan Gowing the latest recruit, the young talented goalkeeper joining Thetford having begun the season playing for Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Hit the ground running in the league, with an opening day win away to St Ives Town Ladies, Women’s Football East there as Kamile Omeleviciute hit the back of the net for 4 goals in a 6-0 win to see the newcomers sit top of the league. That result and Omeleviciute’s goals from that game chalked off however as St Ives Town Ladies struggling for numbers and injuries pulled out of the league. Thetford now sitting in 9th having played just 5 league matches winning 2, drawing another and 2 losses. Cup competitions affecting any momentum in the league typical at this level their last league game back on the 15th October a positive result this afternoon could see Thetford climb up into the top half of the table. Despite having 4 goals chalked off, Omelevicuite is still the leading goal scorer with 9 officially to her name so far this season, with Katie Fray having scored 6.

Histon Ladies returning the the ERWFL this season after a strong season in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, finishing 2nd and reaching the League Cup final. Having previously been an established side within the ERWFL. Managed by ex-Cambridge City Women’s chairman, Kevin Jacklin. A club which has always strived to bring on youth players through it’s ranks, several ex-City players following Jacklin to Histon to bolster an experienced squad of players with the likes of Bella Ely, Eloise Page and Natasha Coe joining this season along with Jorja Badcock who was part of the Cambridge United WFC Development team that won the Junior Invitation Cup last a season and Molly Banks another talented youngster from Girls United FC. Also added to the squad midfielder Hannah Seymour-Shove who was vital player for St Ives Town Ladies over several seasons.

Histon’s return to the ERWFL has been a story on inconsistency so far this season, winning as many as they have lost, with 12 points from 8 played are still handily placed in 3rd spot in the table and a positive run of results could well see them consolidate that position and press the top two as the season progresses. Natasha Coe and Rachel Pearce currently leading the goal scoring charts with 3 goals each.

Thetford Town FC’s Mundford Road stadium the venue for today’s league encounter, entry through the clubhouse leading into the ground itself, a burst pipe in the kitchen seeing a clean up operation in progress with no hot drinks available the bar still open however. leading out to the main stand beside the grass pitch with a slope across it to the dugouts on the opposite side. A dull, gloomy day heavy cloud darkening the sky, cold and damp to boot, need some football action to warm thing’s up…

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Browne, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Zoe Kimcke, Fran Peeling, Alice Collins, Mia Bambury, Kamile Omeleviciute, Katie Fray, Melissa Boulton (C), Hannah Claughton & Laura Martins. Subs – Megan Gowing, Elizabeth Moore, Erin Lloyd, Amber May & Pola Pasik.

Histon Ladies

Histon Ladies starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Jorja Badcock, Abi Laughlin, Katie Levitt, Amy Ozakpinar, Eloise Page, Rachel Pearce, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Bella Ely, Sophie Hopkin & Carla Penny (C). Subs – Molly Banks, Natasha Coe, Kirsty Geal & Tara Fitzjohn.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Carla Penny and Melissa Boulton with today’s match official Anoushka Williamson

It’s Histon in their all blue away strip to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half with Thetford lined up opposite wearing their home colours, an all claret kit with sky blue trim. The ball played back to Eloise Page in defence, launched out to the right for captain Carla Penny to attack, Zoe Klimcke seeing the ball out for a thrown in for Thetford. Pressure from the throw high on the right seeing Histon win an early corner.

The delivery into the Thetford box deflected outside to Histon’s Rachel Pearce some 25 yards out, clips a high ball back in towards goal, Amber Browne, Thetford’s goalkeeper and assistant manager seeing the ball land safely onto the roof of her net. Histon making a strong start getting after Thetford inside their own half, Penny in particular putting herself about chasing and closing the ball down. Klimcke tackling her as she presses on the right brings the ball out from left back looking to play Hannah Claughton in down the line, Abi Laughlin stretching out a leg cutting the pass out for the visitors.

Penny powering her way to the by-line on the right, using her strength on the ball as she checks inside towards the box, challenged the ball behind for another corner, Jorja Badcock to lift the ball into the area headed clear by Thetford’s Katie Fray. Thetford finding themselves on the back foot haven’t settled into the game at all, Sausha Levy-Twomey getting a tackle in to break up a Histon attack through the middle the hosts look to counter the ball forwards into Claughton has options either side with Martins though the middle, Fray pulling wide to the left, playing the pass inside to Martins she in turn releases Fray out wide to whip a cross in towards the top of the Histon area, Amy Ozakpinar intercepting the ball and clearing for Histon.

Histon defender, Amy Ozakpinar

Penny is pushed in the back as she looks to hold the ball up wide on the right giving Histon a free-kick some 30 yards out, Pearce to lift the ball in towards goal a dangerous delivery with Sophie Hopkin and Ely bearing down on goal the ball dropping inside the six yard box threatening to creep in at the far post, Browne makes a fantastic save dropping down to her right arm outstretched to glove the ball away to the left.

Thetford goalkeeper and assistant manager, Amber Browne

Histon quick to regain possession, Page allowed to travel into space on the right from the back lifting a looping ball into the area for Ely positioned to the left of goal, attempting to get the ball down off her chest to shoot is closed down by Fran Peeling the ball scrambled out of the area, Hopkin looing to latch onto the ball 20 yards out her shot is charged down. Pearce and Hannah Seymour-Shove closing the ball down for Histon inside the Thetford half keeping the hosts unsettled Penny providing a useful outlet picking the ball up driving into the channels is upended out wide on the right.

Histon captain, Carla Penny

Pearce to play the set-piece flighted in under the bar, Browne getting up to knock the ball out to the left conceding a corner. Histon sending players up into the area Thetford defending getting it out falling straight to Hopkin 25 yards out on the turn lifts a shot over the bar. Thetford getting frustrated passes not finding their mark the ball coming straight back.

Sophie Hopkin

Penny carrying the ball forwards through the middle played on for Hopkin up top with Ely in support the pair exchanging passes 25 yards out before Ely slides the ball into the path of Laughlin getting into the box from the right, Klimcke across her with a well timed tackle to clear the ball for a throw out on the right. Klimcke winning Thetford a free kick on halfway a chance to relieve some pressure as Mia Bambury launches the ball up into the box, Martins right of goal looking to see it down onto her foot to shoot, is closely marked by Katie Levitt

Ely taking the ball forwards on the left for Histon checks inside looking to thread a pass inside for Hopkin in the middle, Collins stretching to cut it out for Thetford. The hosts playing some loose ball forwards gifting Histon possession back as the visitors launch a swift counter attack Pearce on the ball central looking to pick put Penny as she breaks into the box to the right of goal. Klimcke with the tackle once again lunging out a leg to take the ball behind for a corner kick.

Thetford’s Zoe Klimcke tackling Histon’s Carla Penny

Thetford fighting for the ball inside the Histon half, Bambury to Omeleviciute fed on for Martins bursting down the right, Badcock getting back on her to challenge concede the corner, taken short the move breaking down as flag is raised. Histon breaking down the left Ely getting the throw put inside to Penny who turns left corner of the area, shifting the ball as she evades one challenge, lining up the strike, Claughton rushing in to charge the ball down.

Histon making a change, bringing off Hopkin on comes Molly Banks with 24 minutes gone. Klimcke busy at the back defending for Thetford bringing the ball out sends it up the line for Martins pulling out to the left channel, Page coming out to close her down winning the ball back for Histon. The visitors setting the questions Thetford remain unsettled unable to find any rhythm, captain Melissa Boulton linking up with Omeleviciute through the middle, Ozakpinar cutting out the pass intended for martins as she makes a run towards the right of the D. Histon winning another corner on the right, curled in towards the near post, Omeleviciute defending heading the ball away for Thetford.

Thetford pushing on well through the middle, played forwards into Omeleviciute racing into the right channel, Martins with her the ball rolled into her path inside the box, the challenge clumsy, Martins upended the ball though away for a corner on the right. Histon defending there box well the ball lifted forwards, the threat of a counter attack halted by Peeling on halfway as she gets across to smother the ball.

Thetford in need of a lift attack on the left Claughton taking the ball on with Omelevicuite providing a good run into space ahead of her picking her out Omeleviciute turning into the area, rides a tackle staying n her feet to send a dangerous ball in across the top of the six yard box, Boulton central throwing herself at the ball can’t get any contact coming through to Martins beyond the far post, looks to check back inside before the Histon defence regroup and close her down.

Thetford’s Laura Martins

Penny shooting over the crossbar from inside the D, as the ball comes into her feet of a rebound in midfield. Thetford pulling players out right and left looking to find some joy going forwards, Fray playing the ball into the area from the left, Badcock clearing for Histon. Signs Thetford are getting back into the game having absorbed a lot of pressure as Histon pressed the ball well.

Histon’s Jorja Badcock

GOAL! The game turned completely on it’s head as Omeleviciute steals in to win the ball on halfway and drives forwards bearing down on the area moving to the left before angling her shot back across the keeper to send the ball into the bottom corner to rattle in her 10th goal of the season and open the scoring for Thetford 1-0.

Kamile Omeleviciute steals in on the ball to race forwards and score for Thetford

Thetford into the lead, fair to say against the run of play, but goals bring confidence and straight from the restart Thetford look a different side after the ball, Collins on for fray peeling out to the left, taking the ball into space, Page across to close her down the ball put out for a throw in. Omeleviciute playing the ball in across the top of the area, Seymour-Shove clearing for Histon.

Rachel Pearce clearing the ball for Histon

Thetford winning a corner on the left played in long knocked down at the far post, Kayleigh Blanchard down smartly to claim the loose ball. Blanchard hurt then as she goes across to slide in claim a ball whipped in from wide on the right diving in as Martins races in looking to attack the ball, the goalkeeper gets the ball but comes off the worst as she and Martins accidentally collide. A lengthy pause as Blanchard is down in some distress needing treatment. Coming off holding her nose can’t continue, Tara Fitzjohn, on the bench, the physio too, needing to don the goalkeeping gloves coming on to see out the remaining minutes of the 1st half.

The ball cleared out to the right, Thetford latching onto it Boulton lifting it on into the area for Martins to chase, Fitzjohn out well to get hold of the ball. Thetford with numbers forwards on the right Omelevicuite driving down the line appears to be fouled, doesn’t get the decision however as the cross is curled into the near post claimed high by Fitzjohn. Thetford finishing the 1st half the stronger Bambury pushing the ball forwards into Boulton on the right, clips it back in towards the D, Martins the target, Seymour-Shove back to defend for Histon.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-0 Histon Ladies

The first half ends with Thetford going into the changing rooms leading 1-0. A brilliant individual goal from Kamile Omeleviciute turning the game on it’s head. Histon no doubt the team on top up until that point getting after the ball inside the Thetford half putting the defence under pressure and frustrating Thetford who didn’t settle into the match, having rode out that difficult start however, the signs were there things were on the swing then Omeleviciute drove forwards to score and put some much needed vigour into Thetford’s blood the goal bringing confidence the hosts finishing the first half strong. A single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

Bad news for Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard, with a suspected broken nose is heading off to hospital to get it looked at. A blow for Histon, who make two more changes at the break bringing on Natasha Coe and Kirsty Geal replacing, Ely and Levitt. Thetford unchanged, very gloomy out there now and the floodlights need to be turned on, now raining but the air heavy with moisture. Thetford to get the 2nd half underway the ball out to Claughton on the left launched high into the area, caught by Fitzjohn.

Geal racing on into space on the left for Histon whipping a cross into the six yard box flashed in across the face of goal, Klimcke down having gone in for a challenge at the near post the game stopped for her to receive treatment but is up and okay to continue. Boulton getting away onto the right for Thetford getting the ball under control lifting a cross into the area Martins looking to attack it near side has plenty of defenders for company can’t get a telling touch the ball knocked through for the keeper to safely gather.

Penny bringing the ball inside plays it into Banks central 25 yards out, knocks it wide for Badcock rushing forwards on the wing, Martins tracking back to defend challenging to win possession back for Thetford. Coe with the ball at her feet coming inside from the right to play the diagonal ball out to fellow 2nd half substitute Geal wide on the left, she in turn squares the cross into Banks 25 yards out top of the D, latching onto the shot she strikes the ball wide of the left post.

Thetford’s Hannah Claughton

Claughton on the attack on the left powering forwards with the ball sends it on for Martins attacking the channel, Page out to close her down for Histon before she can break into the area the ball safely through to the keeper. Peeling sending a long ball looping in towards goal from the right, Fitzjohn back on her line getting her gloves up to make the save spilling the ball however, recovering well throwing herself down on it bravely as Fray steaming in to attack it goes over her.

Fitzjohn the busier of the two goalkeepers at the start of the 2nd half Thetford getting the ball out to Claughton on the left fed forwards into Fray left inside the area, Fitzjohn out sharply to gather the ball. Boulton in a race to get to the ball before it runs out of play on the right, does well to keep it in play on the by-line before sending a cross high into the six yard box, too close to the keeper however Fitzjohn snatching it into her gloves

Thetford making a double switch bringing off Martins up top bringing Amber May on. Megan Gowing also coming on to make her Thetford debut in goal replacing Browne. Histon winning a free-kick on the left a chance to put the new goalkeeper under pressure, instead goes long to the far post, Thetford clearing the ball.

Boulton finding pockets of space to run into for Thetford in the 2nd half surging on through the middle, making her way into the area, Geal back to block her shot for Histon. May up top for Thetford putting herself about looking to press the defence on the ball, giving Boulton the opportunity to get beyond her looking to get the ball into the area. The pair linking up as May pulls wide right to lift a teasing ball into the near post, Fitzjohn well placed to snatch the ball into her chest with Boulton closing in looking to put her head on the ball.

Badcock with an attempt on goal from range, easily dealt with by Gowing. Histon attacking on the left with Badcock forwards to support Geal and Coe, Fray coming back to do the defending for Thetford lifting the ball up to May who looks to feed in Boulton on the right, her cross easy for Fitzjohn to pluck down. Thetford stronger in the 2nd half the game more open. Coe looking to combine with banks through the centre, Levy-Twomey tackling for Thetford.

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twomey

Coe strong on the ball coming inside from the right with Laughlin going past her on the overlap into the box, Klimcke tackling for Thetford. Histon gaining some momentum in the final 3rd with Coe getting hold of the ball pressing towards the box the visitors making a change ringing Hopkin back on to replace Pearce as they look to change formation press another player forwards.

Histon’s Eloise Page

Fray and Claughton forwards for Thetford 25 yards out left of the D playing the one two Claughton teeing up Fray inside the area to strike the ball, wide of the left post, a nick off a defender spotted the corner awarded. Taken short, the opportunity to cross wasted, however Histon can’t retain possession the ball rolled into the path of Omelevicuite central drives for the box but can’t find a way through on goal.

Peeling lifting the ball out long for Claughton on the left, knocking it forwards, in a race with Laughlin the defender sliding in t send the ball behind for a corner kick. The ball played short into Boulton coming towards the ball turns to drive into the area, tripped inside the white line, referee Anoushka Williamson pointing to the spot, PENALTY! Boulton herself to take it placing the ball on the spot gets too much on it turning in frustration as she balloons the ball over the crossbar, the opportunity to double the lead gone.

The game moving into the final 15 minutes Thetford up on the left the cross dipped into the D, May looking to bring it down under control, Badcock closing in to defend for Histon. The hosts working hard to win the ball back that in turn putting them on the front foot, are keen to score a 2nd try and put the game to bed, Histon far from out of it. Boulton striking the ball over on the half volley from inside the D.

Histon making another change bringing Ely back on for Badcock. Geal racing away in the left for the visitors sweeping a cross into the six yard box, Klimcke clearing for Thetford at the far post. Page with a crack from range for Histon her shot dropping wide of the left post. Thetford making a double switch late in the game bringing off Klimcke and May, Elizabeth Moore and Pola Pasik coming on.

Laughlin winning the ball on the right as Thetford attempt to counter keeping the pressure on inside the final 3rd. Seymour-Shove winning Histon a corner on the right. The ball in near post knocked out across goal to the left retrieved by Geal fired back in cleared by Omeleviciute for Thetford. Banks with a wild strike from distance over. The game opening up Omeleviciute breaking for Thetford, Geal tracking back to defend clearing the ball, Peeling charging down a 25 yard strike.

Histon on the counter attacking right Coe with Laughlin players drawn to the ball as the cross is swept into the top of the area Geal free left of the left striking the ball on the volley back across the keeper towards the right post, but agonisingly wide. Histon applying pressure late on winning a free-kick in the corner on the right. knocked on across the area out for a corner kick on the left. Put in long knocked down to Laughlin central her strike from outside the area deflected over the bar. A corner for Histon on the left played in towards the near post defended by Collins for Thetford back out to the left the return cross clipped over the bar.

Thetford’s Alice Collins

GOAL! Just as Histon looked to be turning the screw Thetford break away to double there lead, the ball played into Claughton left side races forwards powering her way into the left channel before unleashing a venomous strike, Fitzjohn down sharply at her near post getting her gloves on the ball but not claimed loose beyond her Boulton the fastest to react rushing in to blast the ball into the back of the net 2-0.

Melissa Boulton doubling Thetford’s lead late in the match

Thetford getting that all important 2nd goal as the game moves into stoppage time coming just as Histon were looking for push for a late goal themselves to salvage something from the game. Bambury down with a knock late on for Thetford, the hosts making a late change bringing of Fray sending defender Erin Lloyd on. The substitute straight into the actin intercepting a cross put in from Laughlin on the right.

Histon pushing players forwards looking to find a goal in the closing stages, Thetford back defending their area. Lloyd and Levy-Twomey both winning crosses. The job down the final whistle blows and Thetford celebrate the victory and the 3 points moving up a couple of places into 7th seeing the middle of Division One North bunch up closely with just 2 points between them and Newmarket Town Women who move into 3rd spot with a 2-1 win over leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. remains a highly competitive league will be intriguing to see who emerges out on top come the end of the season.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

Gaols change games and this was certainly the case today. Thetford finding themselves on the backfoot for much of the first half, unsettled as Histon pressed the ball well creating opportunities without taking advantage of their dominance. Thetford in need of a moment of inspiration and Kamile Omeleviciute delivered to steal the ball on halfway and break way to score a brilliant individual goal to give the hosts the lead, finished the half on the front foot and came out positive in the 2nd half taking the game to Histon who made changes riding out a strong Thetford spell themselves before threatening to pull the scores level late in the match, Thetford again breaking away to get that all crucial 2nd goal to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Most of the time it’s never an easy decision although today I did have someone in the forefront of my thoughts leaving the ground only for my notes (and I do write down a bit as you know) sending me in a different direction. A few performances of note to mention of course, for Histon, captain Carla Penny was exceptional, especially in the first half getting after the ball, taking the game to her opponents and creating opportunities for herself and others. Substitutes Kirsty Geal and Natasha Coe both making a positive impact coming on in the 2nd half while Abi Laughlin get forwards well on the right to support the attack while defending well at the back. For Thetford, Kamile Omelevicuite goal changed the course of the game giving Thetford a vital shot of confidence to carry them forwards for the rest of the match. Katie Fray working hard in midfield getting forwards to support the attackers. Hannah Claughton with some strong runs out on the left. captain Melissa Boulton making some excellent attacking runs in the 2nd half linking up well with the midfield and attack. Pipping her to today’s award though is defender Zoe Klimcke made a number of crucial tackles at the back, especially in the first half while Histon were on top preventing the ball getting into the box and denying shots to keep Thetford’s goal intact.

Great to catch up with both sides. Always a good contest in the ERWFL, hopefully for Thetford the result will count this time. Wishing Histon goalkeeper Kayleigh Blanchard all the best hoping for good news regarding her injury. My thanks to both sides for their assistance today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cardea FC Ladies v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 10th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Histon Ladies

Sunday 18th October

ERWFL Division One North

Back on the football trail this Sunday afternoon with a relatively short trip for me up the A47 to King’s Lynn to watch a game from ERWFL Division One North, King’s Lynn Town Ladies hosting Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies.

A game between two sides that have barely got their season’s started, in fact for Histon this is their first league game of the season, whilst King’s Lynn themselves have played just the one. ERWFL Division One North now with just 6 sides in it after the withdrawal of newcomer Thorpe St Andrew Women and with their Division One South counterparts also losing a side in Hoddesdon taking them down to just 7 it is frustrating for all sides as most express a preference for a larger single division. Of course ideally and the aim is to have the two divisions up to their full compliment of 12 each. The county leagues are growing that should become a reality in the near future.

Along side King’s Lynn Town Ladies and Histon Ladies. Cambridge City Ladies Development, Newmarket Town Women, Needham Market Women and newly joined Haverhill Rovers Ladies are six sides competing in Division One North. As thing’s look that is a strong line-up with all of those sides capable of mounting a title push to get themselves into the Premier Division. COVID-19 curtailing last season ending early declared null & void King’s Lynn Town Ladies had gotten themselves into a strong position to challenge Cambridge City Ladies Development at the top, whilst Histon were we placed with games in hand to mount a late push.

A new season and changes in management for both. Joe Simpson a former assistant coach returning after a spell at Wroxham Women to take the helm of the women’s team amongst his other roles at King’s Lynn Town. Taking over from Michelle Stewart whose hard work for the club over the previous 6 years has build a strong foundation for women’s football in King’s Lynn While at Histon, Matt Phillips moves up to take charge of the 1st team with Matt Payne who has put a great deal of work over the years into ensuring Histon has a great set-up to improve the women’s game.

A winning start to the season for King’s Lynn Town Ladies when they eventually got their league campaign underway two weeks ago. A good result 3-0 at home to Suffolk side Needham Market Women. That followed up last weekend with a 2-0 win at home to Wodson Park Ladies in the League Cup 1st Round. Have made a few signings over the summer to strengthen the squad, with Jade Kelly, Emma Bunton and Bryony Russell-Smith all returning to the club this season have also recruit 3 players who were with Peterborough Northern Star Ladies last season, Catherine Ray, Kim Fairweather and Fran Peeling. Also worth noting the club had a number of young players ready to push for a regular place prior to the previous season ending.

A frustrating start to the season for Histon… or rather no start at all as is the nature of the times with COVID there first game of the season at home against King’s Lynn amongst those called off. There only competitive match to date on the 20th September playing ST Ives Town Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup losing to the ERWFL Premier Division side 4-2. Another frustrating period with the squad needing to isolate. Finally getting their league campaign started today. During the summer there was some upheaval within the club with several on the Reserves side going with thier manager to form the new Histon Hornets WFC. However the club retained a healthy number of players and adding several new faces have enough to establish what is a new Histon Ladies Development side for the new season. amongst the new signings 4 feature in todays squad, Daisy Barns, Becky Charter, Ester Mctrusty and Abi Molloy.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies now playing their home fixtures at Lynnsport on their 3G pitch behind their old River Lane grass pitches. The leisure facility host to a number of clubs and sporting activities. The club keen to play here, will no doubt have a few more games at The Walks were times return to normal. The pitch caged can be viewed all round with a small area inside for standing spectators. A cloudy overcast day, shouldn’t be any rain, reasonably mild.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Bryony Robinson, Chloe Burch, Fran Peeling, Georgia Freeman, Shanice Burch, Kirstie Smith, Deva Rawlings, Rachael Skinner, Jodie Hopkins, Tiffany Forshaw (C) & Emma Corbyn. Subs – Amy Cropley, Kim Fairweather, Jade Kelly, Zara O’Neill & Oksana Imanalijeva.

Histon Ladies – Alison Wright, Amie Flack, Abby Laughlin, Brie Baker (C), Tessa Shaw, Lauren Martin, Sophie Lanham, Becky Charter, Daisy Barns, Kirsty Geal & Molly Blair. Subs – Abi Molloy & Ester Mctrusty.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Histon with the kick-off to get the 1st half underway wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. King’s Lynn opposite wearing blue shirts and shorts with yellow trim with blue and yellow socks. The hosts pressing their opponents from the start closing down their defence preventing the ball going forwards deflected centrally spins to Jodie Hopkins on the left her touch taking it in behind however racing for the ball can’t quite keep it in play to get a cross into the six yard box.

King’s Lynn fast to close on the Histon defence right from the off forcing passes to be rushed miss their mark the attack coming back, Tessa Shaw central clearing as a deflected ball central threatens to escape in behind with Emma Corbyn looking to go in attack for the hosts. Abby Laughlin defending at right back for Histon preventing King’s Lynn captain Tiffany Forshaw spinning in behind her she recieves a Kirstie Smith pass from midfield having drifted to the right.

Tessa Shaw clearing the ball for Histon Ladies

Histon get hold of the ball left a fantastic cross field pass picking out Kirsty Geal outside the right corner of the King’s Lynn penalty box she fires a ball into the box blocked King’s Lynn defence back to Geal has support out wide with Sophie Lanham head of her again the ball fired into the area is blocked then clear King’s Lynn look to break Hopkins on the ball down the left with ground to run into crosses the ball in but races wide across goal. Becky Charter gaining ground with the ball on the left her low ball into the air cut out by Shanice Burch the ball played up to Corbyn on halfway holds it up well as Rachael Skinner comes racing down the right wing attempt put it on for her Histon captain Brie Baker able to get to it first.

The hosts looking lively early on are quick to get numbers forwards when they regain at the back not let the Histon back line settle on the ball. Forshaw in the right channel 25 out puts it with for the advancing Skinner, plays the return ball to Forshaw top of the area, Hopkins making a superb run in from the left isn’t tracked as she runs into the D, Forshaw looking to roll the ball into the path the Histon defence just get there first to clear. Forshaw lines a shot up from all of 25 yards out her effort not troubling Alison Wright in the Histon goal.

Charter nips in to win the ball high on the left for Histon getting away from her marker into the ox strikes it low towards the near post Bryony Robinson in the King’s Lynn goal has her angles covered down to get behind it and save. Daisy Barns rolling it into the feet of Molly Blair in attack for Histon, has Geal on her right, Chloe Burch getting in on her to cut out the pass King’s Lynn getting straight on the attack the ball put into the middle with Skinner making a run does well to leap and get her head onto the bouncing ball knocking it on for Corbyn finding a gap in the left channel in behind into the area, Baker getting across her close her down defending well the see Corbyn concede a goal kick.

King’s Lynn’s Rachael Skinner up to head the ball on

Chloe Burch coming to close down on the flank gets the ball put straight into her funny bone as she goes to block (it’s not funny when you get struck with a ball at close range), a painful one an as the new handball rules go a free kick to the opposition. Burch okay to continue. Blair getting hold of the ball taking it into the area under challenge, off balance doing well to put a dangerous cross in for Histon the hosts clearing. King’s Lynn advance down the right draw another free kick a chance to float a ball into the area Peeling playing it in a good delivery landing centrally Skinner up to strike first time on the volley doesn’t get a clean connect bounces harmlessly in towards goal for Wright to catch.

Histon Ladies goalkeeper, Alison Wright

King’s Lynn keep up their pressing game Smith getting forwards this time form a central position up with Forshaw inside the D, Smith tackling getting hold of the ball nudges it to Forshaw going on looking for the return pass Forshaw quick to react opting the back heal, Shaw between the pair reading it getting her leg out to intercept the ball for Histon. The visitors getting the ball up the other end winning a corner on the left can’t make it count. Is being played at a fast pace King’s Lynn as working hard to close the ball proving hard to get through at the back. Forshaw recieving a pass from the right 30 yards out plays it ahead for Skinner on the move her low strike from the top of the D is straight at Wright.

Lauren Martin up the other end striking the ball first time from outside the box left of the D as Histon get bodies up on the left the ball spinning into her path directs it on target however Robinson is right behind it down low to save. The hosts making the first change of the game Corbyn coming off in attack with Oksana Imanalijeva. Histon though have a free-kick deep on the right more or less a corner a good delivery in across the face of goal players up to attack in far post, Robinson up well to glove it away from danger. Imanalijeva on the left has pace as she runs to get onto the end of a long pass , puts it cross the top of the area with Hopkins now on that flank closing it, Baker on top of her getting the better of the challenge bringing the ball out.

Histon Ladies, Lauren Martin

Deva Rawlings busy in the middle for King’s Lynn challenging for the ball and getting fouled too, the free-kick this time going against her 30 plus yards out left of the area. Sophie Lanham over it has got a good strike on her takes on the shot, not enough loop on it to trouble Robinson drifting cross to her right post to catch high. King’s Lynn winning a free-kick right side of the circle inside Histon’s half, Peeling playing it across to Imanalijeva on the left outside the area a good touch putting her away in behind turning towards the box to close the angle hits it hard more likely meant to be a shot than a cross nevertheless very nearly comes of as Forshaw lunges for it far post can’t deflect it inside the post wide.

Deva Rawlings bringing the ball on for King’s Lynn

Histon finding it a little frustrating are getting players in the flanks to cross the final ball not coming off. Charter with excellent work on the left riding a challenge takes the ball on up the line her diagonal cross into the area goes long. King’s Lynn looking the more likely to score Chloe Burch getting the ball at the back the left back on for Imanalijeva top of the area has Skinner in close support the two combining to get Imanalijeva away in behind to deliver a cross in dropping near side Wright stooping to claim, as Forshaw with Baker on her shoulder close her down the keeper does get there in grounded as Forshaw keeps the ball in on the by line the angle against her tries to chip Wright the ball looping up dropping beyond the far post.

Histon Ladies, Amie Flack

Histon coming close up the other end as Amie Flack wins it on the left sends a diagonal ball up towards the area, Lanham up pressuring the defence getting a shot away from inside the D across goal, Robinson diving at full stretch pushing it wide of a corner. All action King’s Lynn rushing forwards Imanalijeva left side crossing early bouncing in towards Forshaw right of the D, can’t get there before Shaw her slicing clearance pole axing her centre back partner Brie inside the box, Laughlin though round on the cover to put behind for a corner before the hosts can capitalise. From the resulting corner the ball worked short comes to Skinner 25 yards out left side her shot drilled back on runs wide of the near post. Hopkins with a shot over the crossbar from distance right side as Histon are not allowed any time to settle on the ball.

GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes of the first half and the deadlock is broken. Rawlings up to support on the right side has the ball at her feet strong to hold off her marker as she comes infield nudges it on before reversing the ball into the area laying it on a plate for Forshaw peeling clear into the area to slide the ball wide of Wright who doesn’t move 1-0.

Captain Tiffany Forshaw opens the scoring for King’s Lynn

The hosts with a strong spell at the end of the first half, Rawlings winning her tackles on for Skinner right is finding space well crosses the ball in Forshaw attacking the near post sends the ball across the face of goal. Rawlings central picks out Imanalijeva’s run on he left in behind has the pace, Wright though stepping up can get her gloves around it safely first. Imanalijeva injecting pace on the left crossing early late in the 1st half her ball dipping as it arrives at Hopkins strikes on the volley just inside the box, too many bodies to get through Histon block.

Half-time King’s Lynn Ladies 1-0 Histon Ladies

A good first half from King’s Lynn playing with a high tempo from the start closing the ball down creating chances eventually making it count scoring late in the half to lead the match. Have gotten forwards well perhaps not really making it count probably should have another 1 or 2. Haven’t let Histon settle on the ball and pressing high has made it difficult for the visitors to get their own attacks going have found some joy on the flanks with Lanham getting into some good positions central forcing a good save from Robinson so the visitors will know they are by no means out of the game and with just a single goal lead more than capable of turning it around in the 2nd period.

Two changes for Histon at half-time with Laughlin and Geal the players off, Abi Molloy coming on at right back whilst Ester Mctrusty takes up position on the left wing. King’s Lynn getting the 2nd half underway. Get straight on the offensive Rawlings up to Imanalijeva left side knocking it on races in behind to cross a high ball in close to goal claimed high by Wright.

King’s Lynn defender Georgia Freeman winning the ball

The ball rolled on into the feet of substitute Mctrusty left for Histon her first touch taking it beyond Burch looks to get on into the box Freeman coming across obstructing her the free-kick given. A dangerous position 25 yards out left side Flack over the ball her delivery towards the far post long, between them Charter and Lanham keeping the attack active, Charter firing a ball in on the angle, blocked comes back to Lanham she whips a vicious cross through the six yard box, Mctrusty throwing herself at it far post can’t get a touch.

Histon Ladies captain, Brie Baker

Up the other end Hopkins getting into the box with the ball left side checks back inside to shot leaning back sends it wide of the far post. Mctrusty giving Histon an option on the left taking the ball on jinks left then right, Shanice Burch standing her ground lunging in to nick the ball before the cross can be executed. Skinner off a throw high on the right turns inside on the angle lobs the ball onto the roof of the net. Baker prevents Hopkins getting in behind on the right giving away the free-kick. Forshaw on the delivery high into the air Wright with a confident take. The hosts with a strong start to the 2nd half half prevented Histon gaining any momentum with Hopkins, Skinner and Imanalijeva pressing the defence Forshaw coming back to regain possession.

Jodie Hopkins looking to get past Histon captain Brie Baker

Skinner from all of 30 yards with a strike fired wide of the target. Forshaw with a similar effort moments later. Hopkins leading the line now. A good contest shaping up between her and Baker, Histon’s captain has been busy in defence but winning her fair share of the ball prevents the King’s Lynn attacker spinning off her inside the D getting in behind with a lunging tackle. King’s Lynn quickly back on the ball winning a throw dropped into Imanalijeva inside the area right corner by the by line holds it up, knocking it back wide to Peeling to fire in the cross chest height near post Wright behind it but under pressure from Forshaw spills it, Flack clearing the danger.

Fran Peeling with Histon’s Sophie Lanham

Hopkins shrugging off her marker turning to get into the box right of goal prepares to line up a strike, Baker back on her superbly has to get her tackle right and does to see the ball deflected away. Skinner racing away with the ball at her feet right down the line swings a cross back in towards the top of the area Hopkins bringing it down with her left foot striking the shot, the effort once again finding Wright the Histon keeper saving. Histon making a change bringing Geal back on for Barns with 25 minutes gone in the 2nd half. King’s Lynn also making a change Chloe Burch having picked up an injury a few minutes earlier unable to continue on comes Amy Cropley going it at right back with Peeling switching to the left.

Forshaw spinning into a shot close range at the near post left sides sends it over the top as she makes the run for Imanalijeva coming down the left. A 2nd change for King’s Lynn sees Hopkins coming off in attack to be replaced by Zara O’Neill. The substitute almost with a immediate impact controlling the ball in space outside the box 20 yards out turning and striking the ball screws wide of the left post. King’s Lynn continuing their pressing in the final 3rd sees Skinner going for the lob 25 yards out, back peddling Wright knows she is beaten if it drops but to her relieve drops over the bar.

King’s Lynn’s Rachael Skinner

Forshaw attacking right into the area goes down under challenge with Baker wants a penalty the appeal waved away. Mctrusty taking on the King’s Lynn defence getting a deflected cross into the six yard box Robinson onto it before Charter can make up the ground. Forshaw comes deeper Rawlings picking her out lays it forwards for O’Neill to attack drifting right, Baker cutting the pass out.

GOAL! Looking the more likely to score King’s Lynn get a 2nd goal in the 75th minute a surging run on the ball from Imanalijeva wide on the left closing into the corner whipping a dangerous ball in across the face of over the keeper falling far post Forshaw racing in with the lunge to turn it over the line from close range 2-0.

Tiffany Forshaw doubles King’s Lynn’s lead

Histon respond with a change Blair coming off in attack, Laughlin coming on into an attacking role as the visitors look to find a way back into the match. Forshaw stealing in to win the ball back 25 yards out drives into the box left side Baker covering across to challenge sending the ball out for a corner. A dangerous inswinging delivery into the six yard box dealt with well by Shaw heading it away wide to the right.

O’Neill and Skinner combining for King’s Lynn in attack, the striker with the ball at her feet top of the D shifting left then right Skinner the option to her right on the flank sends the ball out wide Skinner looks to go alone her initial effort blocked rebounds to her sending a cross in along the top of the six yard box O’Neill arriving looks to turn it wide of Wright not enough to beat the keeper at close range. Kim Fairweather comes on for King’s Lynn.

Histon haven’t had much to feed on in attack 2nd half, winning a corner on the left through Mctrusty have a chance to put pressure on the hosts inside the box. The corner though goes long beyond the far post his kept alive well headed down to drop inside the six yard box, Laughlin is there lunging to get her foot on it deflected goalwards hasn’t the power behind it to carry it past the defence before the block comes in and it is cleared.

Histon’s Abby Laughlin with a late chance to score

King’s Lynn come on Smith forwards for Skinner on for Forshaw in the area left side cuts it back inside for Skinner running in to attack the near post Wright down smartly pulling the ball into her body. Lanham playing a long pass on for Mctrusty to attack through the middle, Burch closing her down to clear the ball. Forshaw blasting a shot behind on the angle from 25 yards out in the closing minutes . Jade Kelly coming on late in the game for King’s Lynn sending a shot wide from the right of the D outside the box as Forshaw coming on with the ball left side rolls a diagonal pass into her. Kim Fairweather and Corbyn back on to see out the final minutes ensure King’s Lynn keep a clean sheet replace Rawlings and Smith.

Full time King’s Lynn Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

King’s Lynn keep a clean sheet and secure the 3 points with a 2-0 victory. Playing a pressing game right from the off, kept Histon on the back foot for much of the game. Rarely letting the ball settle a good test of fitness. A deserved lead at half-time albeit only by a single goal would need another started the 2nd half strongly giving Histon no chance to gain momentum eventually scoring a 2nd. Had more chances so you could argue should have won by a higher score line. Histon can’t argue with the result found it hard to get a foothold in the match the ball coming back all too often keeping their defence busy still at 1 nil at half-time they were never really out of it the 2nd goal coming with 15 minutes to play had they found that all important goal the game might have been turned on it’s head.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a few contenders as always to mention. Brie Baker was kept busy in the Histon defence but did her best to rally her side and covered the ground to make some vital tackles. For King’s Lynn it was a solid team performance from back to front pressing high making life easier for the defence. Diva Rawlings putting herself about in midfield with some good runs and tackling. Oksana Imanalijeva made an immediate impact injecting pace on the left. Rachael Skinner was superb pushing the eventually winner all the way until she scored the 2nd goal, therefore today’s award goes to Tiffany Forshaw. Hard for any single player to mark as she moves well across the final third always ready to make a run into the box setting up several attacks too.

An enjoyable trip to King’s Lynn this afternoon getting back into it after a much needed week off. Still feel this is a league where anyone can take points off anyone else on their day… will that be the case will be interesting to see. My thanks as usual for the clubs for the team details much appreciated.

Match Report – Cup Final Special

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

Wednesday 4th March

Cambridge City Ladies v Histon Ladies

The first of this season’s Cup Finals this Wednesday night in the East, the Cambridgeshire Women’s S-Tech Insurance Invitation Cup this season being contested between Cambridge City Ladies & Histon Ladies.

The Invitation Cup Final being hosted for the 2nd season at The Abbey Stadium home of Cambridge United FC the counties leading club. Women’s football growing in Cambridgeshire the two county divisions the Premiership and Championship seeing a rapid growth this season. Women’s and girls football in Cambridgeshire supported by S-Tech Insurance along association now into it’s 13th year sponsoring tonight’s final.

The holders of the cup however not taking part this season, Cambridge United WFC dominating the competition on recent season’s moving to a new ground this season St Neots Town FC which falls under the Huntingdonshire FA umbrella they themselves launching an inaugural Women’s Cup this season, that final to be contested by Cambridge United WFC and St Ives Town Ladies. Unable to defend the trophy the opportunity to win silverware going to a new face?

Well not so new in Cambridge City Ladies case as they won the trophy two season’s back beating rivals Cambridge United WFC, the pair dominating the final recently as Cambridge City Ladies rose rapidly through the women’s football pyramid, reaching the FAWNL. Have an equally ambitious Development side new to regional football this season topping the table in ERWFL Division One North and new for this season too a third side Cambridge City Ladies A competing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. Reaching the final of the Invitation Cup yet again it is a distraction from their league woes Cambridge City struggling for points 2nd bottom of FAWNL South East Division One with some crucial games coming up, the chance of winning silverware tonight an excellent opportunity with the added incentive of possibly inspiring the team for tough games to come.

Histon Ladies reaching the Invitation Cup for the first time, although themselves were familiar opponents for Cambridge United… then Cambridge Women before Cambridge City came along. Back then were know as Great Shelford Ladies. That name consigned to history now as the club joined forces with Histon FC and getting good support playing at the club’s Glassworld Stadium are looking to grow become a strong force for women’s football in Cambridgeshire adding a youth section, the 1st team competing in ERWFL Division One North, a Reserves side coming in too to bolster the 1st team playing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership have made it a cup final double by reaching the Junior Invitation Cup Final, where it could yet be a copy of this evenings final with Cambridge City Ladies A meeting Newmarket Town Women Development in the other semi-final. As well as reaching the Invitation Cup Final, Histon are also into the last four of the ERWFL Plate competition.

Road the the Final

Both Cambridge City Ladies and Histon Ladies receiving a bye in the 1st Round of this season’s Invitation Cup progressing to the 2nd Round/Quarter Finals. Cambridge City Ladies were drawn away to Premiership side March Town United Ladies a gap of 4 leagues between the pair. Karly Tolentino joining Cambridge City this season netting a hat-trick as the FAWNL won through to the semi-finals 8-0. Histon Ladies were at home taking on Cambridge Women’s Premiership side and amongst the early table toppers Leverington Sports Ladies a potentially tricky tie, goals from Sydney Graham, Poppy Kelly, Siobhan White and Alison Wright saw Histon safely through winning 4-1.

Onto the semi-finals Cambridge City Ladies were drawn at home to ERWFL Division One North side, Newmarket Town Women. The tie hit by the recent storms eventually switched to Newmarket’s 3G playing surface to complete. Giving up home advantage not affecting Cambridge City, Tolentino on target for another goal along with one each for Charlotte Gillies, Freya Standing and Beatrice Fitzsimons returning from injury seeing them through 4-1 to this Wednesday’s final. Histon Ladies were away to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in the semi-finals of the competition. The Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side taking the lead from the penalty spot on 17 minutes. Histon coming back to level the scores through Poppy Kelly in the 44th minute went 2-1 up on the stroke of half-time as Kelly fired home her 2nd of the game. Fulbourn coming back to level it at 2-2 on the hour. Histon retaking the lead from a corner in the 69th minute Lauren Martin heading in at the near post. The cup final spot secured in the final minute Kelly clipped inside the box, Alison Wright putting the ball into the back of the net.

A special occasion for both sides this evening getting to play at The Abbey Stadium the main stand open. hot food and drink available. A good crowd building. The pitch in good shape offering plenty of width the surface slickened up as rain began to fall and hour of so before kick-off falling lightly under the floodlights as the two sides were lead out onto the pitch by referee Stacey Fullicks.

Cambridge City Ladies

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Dominika Szary, Amy Reed, Lauren Tomlinson, Ceri Flye, Becca Fay (C), Hannah Bodily, Sofia Castiglione, Charlotte Gillies, Freya Standing, Laura Mills & Karly Tolentino. Subs – Becky Langthorpe, Beatrice Fitzsimons & Shannon Shaw.

Histon Ladies

Histon Ladies starting XI – Eleanor Morgan Abby Laughlin, Georgia Huse, Amie Flack, Tessa Shaw, Sophie Lanham (C), Alison Wright, Lauren Martin, Abi Davies, Kirsty Geal & Poppy Kelly. Subs- Kaya Haq, Rebekah Fisk, Sophie Lanham, Tara Fitzjohn & Siobhan White.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Cambridge City to get this season’s Invitation Cup Final underway kicking of 1st half, wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Histon opposite lined up wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball played back to the defence captain Becca Fay sending it out to the right Charlotte Gillies on the flank bursting forwards, Georgie Huse in to defend for Histon the ball out for a throw. Cambridge quickly into their stride the ball out to the wings Gillies right and Freya Standing left looking to get on.

Cambridge come right a throw won high up the pitch working down the line the cross into the box cleared straight to Laura Mills positioned inside the D, free opts to thread the ball low into the six yard box rather than take a strike herself, Amie Flack cutting it out clearing for Histon. Cambridge win the ball back central out to Gillies right down the line pace a cross whipped in near post Mills with the run, Histon goalkeeper, Eleanor Morgan in ahead of her to gather.

Barely 3 minutes on the clock Histon on the back foot played the ball to their right, Lauren Tomlinson at left back winning it for Cambridge sending the ball on for Standing who has Karly Tolentino making a great run into the channel ahead of her, taking the ball on into the box Tolentino strikes it well from close range rising evades Morgan smashed into the top of the post beyond. Relentless from Cambridge as they win a corner left side the ball coming in low near post Morgan forwards taking it cleanly in her gloves despite a Cambridge attack lunging in in front of her.

Cambridge City Ladies, Freya Standing with Histon’s Abby Laughlin

Histon need to get hold of the ball in the middle, Alison Wright does just that the ball played high into the box, Cambridge goalkeeper Dominika Szary catching it high under pressure from her left. Cambridge with the ball in the net on 6 minutes as Mills comes away with it on the right side fires in a low cross for Tolentino breaking on to the near post sides foots in across the keeper, but won’t count the flag up against her for offside.

Cambridge moving the ball quickly Hannah Bodily to Sofia Castiglione in the middle of the park out to Standing on the left, jinks inside but is tackled by Histon’s Abby Laughlin. Played into the middle captain Sophie Lanham on for Wright looks to thread it between the Cambridge centre backs with Poppy Kelly breaking in behind, however Szary is quickly out of her area to sen the ball up field. A free-kick for Cambridge on the left Tomlinson to delivery sent in towards the top of the area, cleared by Histon looking to break sent out to the left wing Kirsty Geal looking to get hold of it take on the full back, Cambridge’s Amy Reed though with a good tackle to halt the advance.

Cambridge getting joy in the wings Gillies getting forwards on the right a corner kick won, players up from the back the ball sent in high near post Morgan getting a touch behind for a 2nd corner, this one short up the line to Bodily floats the ball into the six yard box, Morgan rising well to claim the ball. Lauren Martin onto the ball central for Histon releases Kelly in attack right channel in turn out to Abi Davies high on the wing, Histon getting a throw near the corner flag, Wright up towards the edge of the box to receive the ball down into her feet holding off her marker well turns to put in a cross near post Kelly in close meeting it sends her shot up over the bar.

Reed bringing the ball on right side for Cambridge, played on into Gillies takes on the first time strike on the angle, Morgan down throwing herself into the dive to push the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner taken short again the ball lifted in towards the far post Davies up well to defend for Histon. Play end to end suddenly Histon coming on the pass finding Davies racing on right side her diagonal ball aimed into Kelly’s path, Szary racing out to the edge of her area to launch up field turns into a fantastic ball with Gillies running in behind surges on with the ball into the box, Huse with a great last ditch challenge sliding in to take the ball away.

Tolentino making some fantastic runs up top in attack for Cambridge, not staying on any single Histon defender hard to track gets on the move left to right towards the near side as Gillies gets hold of the ball right wing sends her in on goal gets her shot off early beating Morgan coming to close the angle the shot though narrowly wide across goal. Tomlinson making a strong tackle for Cambridge getting hold of the ball put down the left a throw won high, Tomlinson forwards to take has a long throw in her armoury put onto Tolentino’s chest inside the area brought down well.

GOAL! 22 minutes played and Cambridge take the lead, Tolentino with a powerful run into the box left of goal half a yard clear, Tessa Shaw sliding in to make the challenge gets some of the ball but more of Tolentino as she attempts to close in on goal, the referee pointing to the spot. Shaw yellow carded. Tolentino picking herself up to take it struck well low and hard into the bottom left corner 1-0.

Karly Tolentino opening the scoring from the penalty spot for Cambridge City Ladies

Cambridge piling forwards Tolentino lively up top all over the place Morgan exposed as she runs out to the ball right side, can’t pick up edge of the box, Gillies closing in taking the ball past her, Huse getting back to make the challenge clear the threat for Histon. Tolentino moves away to the left Tomlinson on the ball forwards for Standing into Tolentino she goes on towards the area twisting and turning on the ball before getting a high cross away into the six yard box, Huse with a strong header the clear not perturbed by Gillies in close attention.

Cambridge very close to being awarded a 2nd penalty the foul mere inches from being inside the box, Tolentino clipped the set-piece left of the D, Castiglione on it a curling shot clearing the wall an excellent save from Morgan back on her goal line tipping it over the bar. Morgan saving well from the resulting corner.

Histon goalkeeper Eleanor Morgan tipping Sofia Castiglione’s free-kick over the bar

GOAL! Cambridge double their lead with the half hour fast approaching Histon trying to get on up the left the ball lost put down the line into Mills breaking in behind to fizz in a dangerous cross into the six yard box, Histon cut out but don’t clear, Tolentino latching onto the ball shifts it inside to give herself room and blasts it in from close range for her 2nd of the game 2-0.

Karly Tolentino with 2 goals in this evening’s Invitation Cup Final

Martin does well in midfield for Histon closing in well to take the ball on Davies available to her left squares it in field to Wright 25 yards out central closed down quickly by Castiglione who ends up being awarded the free-kick. Laughlin doing well at the back getting across Standing inside the box left to shield he ball back to Morgan. Playing the ball out from the back Shaw onto Lanham, Histon’s captain aims her pass for Kelly in attack moving left to right, Fay intercepting for Cambridge setting up a quick counter attack. Wright pushing on a bit now from midfield to support the attack for Histon plays it left to Geal is tackled well by Reed.

Cambridge quick to turn play around all through the first half get the ball on deep over the top for Tolentino clear left side her cross field ball into the box aimed towards Mills coming in far post, Huse defending for Histon. Davies on the ball right side for Histon travels up the wing cutting infield past Tomlinson towards the box runs onto Ceri Flye the Cambridge centre back winning the ball. Histon able to come on better in the latter stages of the first half Cambridge dealing well at the back won inside the D the ball sent forwards quickly Tolentino available for the pass moving left brings it under control races forwards comes inside travelling across the top of the Histon area, not challenged into the D strikes the shot the ball whipping up over the crossbar.

Histon’s Abi Davies with Cambridge’s Lauren Tomlinson

Histon chances rare can’t get the ball to stick up top Kelly making some good runs but Geal and Davies are being checked well by Tomlinson and Reed at the back for Cambridge. Wright coming from the middle looking the most likely to make something happen. Risk being hit on the counter Cambridge playing the ball on into Mills central out wide left to Standing gets to the by-line whipping in a cross rising near post Tolentino there attempts to flick it of her boot wide of the keeper but puts it straight into Morgan’s gloves.

Late into the 1st half and Szary is called into action to make a save for Cambridge Histon getting hold of the ball in the final 3rd from a goalkick, Wright getting a shot away from around 25 yards left of the D hit low with pace Szary down well to her left to get herself behind the ball. Cambridge bring the ball forwards creating another opportunity late in the half put on down the right into Mills sends it diagonally into the box for Standing forwards left side bearing forwards is closed down by Laughlin and Flack to block the shot.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

The half-time whistle blows and Cambridge head into the changing room’s under the mainstand leading the Invitation Cup Final 2-0. On top right from the start their pace a movement causing Histon problem’s especially down the wings Standing and Gillies getting forwards at will along with Tolentino through the middle has drifted left and right finding space to exploit. Numerous chances before opening the scoring could be out of sight but for Morgan making a couple of vital saves for Histon, their chances few and far between but at 2 nil are far from out of it need an improved performance 2nd half but the risk is as they search for a reply further gaps open at the back mustn’t concede early you feel.

Sophie Lanham heading the ball clear for Histon Ladies

A triple change for Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half, Becky Langthorpe on to replace Reed at the back, Beatrice Fitzsimons on for Castiglione along with Shannon Shaw going up to replacing Standing with Tolentino moving to the left. Histon to get the 2nd period underway go long straight from the off, the ball off target inside the box Szary out to get hold of the ball. A much quieter start to the 2nd half Histon looking to make progress right side the ball inside dealt with by Fay for Cambridge.

Cambridge City Ladies captain, Becca Fay

Cambridge break away on the left the ball rolled on for Mills to take into her stride carries it inside before firing a crossfield ball into the box picking out Gillies bursting forwards on the right hits her strike early the ball fizzing wide at the near post.

GOAL! A blow for Histon 5 minutes into the 2nd half as they are caught on the break by Cambridge. Initially winning a free-kick players forwards as Flack delivers the ball in towards the top of the area Cambridge defend and get straight on the offensive Gillies in the clear on the right the ball fired into her takes it on into the Histon box near post closing in on the keeper shoots low pass Morgan in at the near post 3-0.

Charlotte Gillies bearing down on the Histon goal.

Histon respond making a triple change of their own and a formation change too switching to 3 at the back off come Laughlin, Huse and Shaw on to the field enter Kaya Haq, Sophie Hopkin and Siobhan White. Wright into the defence along side Davies and Flack. A good response from Histon to going 3 down get forwards right side a throw won high up the pitch the ball crossed into the box, Kelly wriggling free inside the box gets a shot away puts it straight at Szary the keeper claiming. Kelly with another attempt moments later from 25 yards out as Histon quickly regain position in the middle the shot though finds Szary back on her line.

Histon’s Tessa Shaw tackling Cambridge’s Beatrice Fitzsimons

Davies keeping close tabs on Tolentino out wide she manages to squeeze the ball into Mills central, Shaw providing the run through the middle in behind, the pass put forwards too much on it Morgan able to advance off her line and collect. Martin lays it forwards for Hopkin has White to her right feeds the ball into her, Tomlinson in well to regain possession for Cambridge. Winning a corner on the left taken short up the line once more the cross sent in from deep, Morgan rising well at her near post to catch.

Histon getting forwards better now though the middle quickly players forwards to support Kelly in attack the striker put through into the box left of goal her shot charged down by Flye the deflection coming straight to Hopkin positioned top of the D lines up a shot fired in a deflection sending it wide of the post. Lanham in to win the ball in the centre circle pushes it into Hopkin 25 yards out goes to shoot Flye closing her down putting in the block. Histon looking sharper now but as they come forward risk being hit on the counter more.

Ceri Flye tackling to win the ball back for Cambridge City

Geal coming forwards left side finds some space as White plays the crossfield pass into her goes on down the line, Langthorpe recovering well to get back on her lung in to make the tackle. Haq defending against Gillies right side as she gathers the ball and charges on.

GOAL! The final 20 minutes fast approaching and Cambridge get on the scoresheet wit a 4th goal Mills onto the ball out right side playing it in across goal, Shaw closing in central can’t quite get it on the volley as she ends up off the pitch past the right post, wanders back on as Tolentino gathers left side does well to beat a couple of players wriggle free to fizz it back across goal Shaw there unmarked to put into the empty net as it evades Morgan covering the angle 4-0.

Histon come forwards Geal clear left side the pass into her feet plays it inside for Kelly 20 yards out takes aim her shot dropping wide of goal. Histon make another change Rebekah Fisk on for Lanham. Good work between Hopkin, Martin and Geal left side for Histon coming forwards the pass into Kelly, Cambridge defending top of the area. Geal coming off as Histon send on Tara Fitzjohn with 10 minutes to play.

GOAL! Cambridge win the ball in the middle rolled on for Gillies right holds it up her touch bringing her inside, Mills racing into the space vacated on the wing Gillies playing her in she puts in an early cross, Flack in to clear the ball taking an unfortunate deflection off Wright sending Shaw running clear into the area to place the ball wide of the keeper 5-0.

GOAL! A sixth goal coming soon after, Tolentino and Tomlinson combining out on the left Cambridge closing down the ball well, pushed up Flye onto it playing a fantastic through ball low along the ground for Mills central top of the area t break through onto goal and put her shot to the keeper right into the corner of the net 6-0.

Mills with plenty of pace late on plays the ball to Standing back on on the right for Gillies, Haq closing her down putting the ball out for a corner. Tolentino coming off Gillies back on. The corner headed up at the near post across the six yard box cleared far side straight to Castiglione top of the D strikes it back in finds it’s way through on target skipping up off the surface but Szary right behind it. Another corner for Cambridge left side taken short up the line before the cross is flung into the box, knocked down straight to a Cambridge player the shot fired wide.

Into added time Cambridge finishing strong Mills coming onto the ball left side 25 out turns inside her marker to get a shot away the ball racing wide out at the far post. The final whistle blows and Cambridge City Ladies win this season’s Invitation Cup Final.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies 6-0 Histon Ladies

Cambridge with a god start to the match on the front foot from the off chances created Standing and Gillies getting free on the flanks Tolentino through the middle leading the attack well. Histon not getting much joy in attack themselves finding themselves 2-0 down at the break. Cambridge getting into a 3-0 lead early in the 2nd half Histon made changes to personnel and formation bringing them more joy in the final third, Cambridge though a constant danger on the counter attack defending well. A 4th goal sealing the victory with 20 minutes left 2 late goals making the result comfortable.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A few to mention Cambridge featuring Charlotte Gillies getting on well right side always available. Laura Mills with some fantastic runs too. Lauren Tomlinson superb at the back with a fantastic performance, edging it for myself however is attacker Karly Tolentino played brilliantly especially in the first half her runs well timed a real threat Histon struggled to cope with winning and scoring the penalty and putting Cambridge into a 2 goal lead going a long way to securing the cup.

Cambridge City Ladies 2019/20 Invitation Cup Winners

Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

An enjoyable trip to The Abbey Stadium, a good atmosphere, an entertaining final, my thanks to Cambridgeshire FA for the hospitality in particular Chris Abbott and to both teams for getting those all important team details and to Gary Reed for to photo’s does a fantastic job helping to promote the game. One final down plenty more to come.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Tag Archives: Histon Ladies

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sponsored by the Alan Boswell Group

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