Tag Archives: Histon Ladies

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

sponsored by the Alan Boswell Group

A trip over to St Neots this Wednesday evening for the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, to be contested by the two sides vying for the title in Division One, Cardea FC Ladies and Histon Ladies. 

  The pair battling for the title in the Cambridgeshire Women’s league top division. Histon Ladies on top for much of the campaign with Cardea FC Ladies behind with their fixtures, have caught their rivals up now and after drawing 1-1 at Histon back in February. Cardea FC Ladies winning 4-2 at home against Histon 10 days ago are now 3 points clear at the top with both having 2 matches left to play.

This evening’s prize

  Cardea FC Ladies reaching their 2nd cup final of the season aiming to repeat the success of their first ever cup final a month ago in the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup a wonderful strike from captain Laura Rudd after just 50 seconds the difference as they turned in a strong performance against St Ives Town Ladies to win the trophy in 2nd season. A league and cup treble on the cards have been steadily improving rising to challenge at the top of the Cambridgeshire County Women’s league with ambitions to move up into regional football next season. Building a strong squad bringing in some experienced players including Emma Pollard with vast experience playing at a higher level with Peterborough Northern Star Ladies has been prolific in front of goal for Cardea, scoring an incredible 54 goals so far this season from just 19 appearances. 

 Histon Ladies have endured a couple of tough season’s since dropping out of the ERWFL, but have very much turned thing’s around this season with the appointment of Keven Jacklin as 1st team manager. A wealth of experience working with Cambridge City Ladies, chairman at one time as has brought in a few ex-Cambridge City players to bolster the strong core of players already within the club. Hit the ground running with straight wins to top the league a position held until recently after being overhauled by Cardea FC Ladies and will now need their opponents to drop points in their final 2 fixtures to have any chance of regaining top spot. Carla Penny one of the ex-Cambridge City contingent joining Kevin Jacklin at Histon, scoring alot of goals in City colours has continued that form in the red of Histon, scoring 22 in 18 appearances. Amie Fullwood another ex-City player weighing in with 12 goals with Sophie Hopkin also getting to double figures. Like Cardea are keen to get back playing regional football.

Road to the Final  

  Byes into the 2nd Round for both sides, Cardea FC Ladies entered the competition away to Division Three side Manea Sirens LFC. Cardea racking up a massive score line winning 18-0! With Emma Pollard netting 5 goals, captain Laura Rudd hitting 4 into the back of the net. With Georgie Elsom and Courtney Coles scoring 3 and 2 respectfully with a goal apiece for Charlotte Moffat, Brooke Ware, Sofia Aragosa and Olivia Smith. Histon Ladies too drawn at home to Division Three opposition getting the home win over Deeping United Ladies. 

  Into the 3rd Round, Cardea FC Ladies facing tough opposition in Division Two newcomers Peterborough Sports Ladies who would go on to win the league. Cardea though win plenty of goal scorers in their ranks as Pollard netted herself a brace with Aragosa, Rudd, Ware and Elsom all on target for a goal each in a 6-1 win. Histon at home to fellow Division One side, Leverington Sports Ladies and although it would prove a different story in the league a month later Histon with a dominant display to win through to the quarter finals with an 8-1 victory. Carla Penny scoring 4 goals, with a goal each for Sophie Hopkin, Katie Levitt, Kirsty Geal and Amie Fullwood.

  The quarter finals saw Cardea draw away to Eaton Socon Ladies making a strong showing in their debut season in Division One pushing hard in 3rd spot. It was Pollard inflicting the damage once again as she scored a hat-trick to secure a 3-1 win for her side. Histon progressing to the last 4 without kicking a ball as they were once again awarded the home win this time against Cambridge City Ladies Development 

  Cardea away from home in the semi-finals taking on another Division One side Fulbourn Bluebirds Institute. Fulbourn possessing a strong goal threat themselves were to get on the scoresheet twice, but as before Pollard was amongst the goals netting another hat-trick with Moffat also scoring to see Cardea into the final with a 4-2 win. Histon at home playing Division Two side Huntingdon Town Ladies in the last 4. goals from Penny, Levitt, Hopkin and Fullwood seeing them into the final winning 4-0.

 St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium hosting this evening’s League Cup final, no stranger to women’s football as it also serves as the home for Cambridge United WFC and their Development side in the FAWNL. The main grass pitched stadium with a 3G facility beside. The bar and clubhouse beside the main seated stand on on side with covered viewing behind both goals. The grass pitch looking good as it has all season. Several heavy down pours across the region in the hours leading up to this evenings game, the pitch passing a 5pm inspection. Standing water in places would be a slick surface, favouring the sliding challenge, with hopefully no more rain falling. 

Cardea FC Ladies

Cardea FC Ladies starting XI – Poppy Halstead, Laura Ramsaran, Fiona Plumb, Sofia Aragosa, Brooke Ware, Maisie Homden, Laura Rudd (C), Olivia Smith, Georgie Elsom, Courtney Coles & Emma Pollard. Subs – Titch Abraham, Leah Barnes, Mia Newman & Charlotte Moffat.

Histon Ladies

Histon Ladies starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Abi Laughlin, Katie Levitt, Ellie Churchill, Laura Leyland, Rachel Pearce, Sophie Hopkin, Emma Todd, Kirsty Geal, Carla Penny (C) & Amie Fullwood. Subs – Freya Goddard, Esther McTrusty, Shannon Chandler, Ellie Laughlin & Shannon Shaw.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

    Carla Penny captaining Histon, lining up with Cardea captain Laura Rudd with this evening’s referee Nicoleta Bria who is amongst growing list of female officials within the county to go on to officiate in the Women’s Championship and beyond. Histon to get the League Cup final underway kicking-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Cardea lined up opposite wearing navy coloured shirts with blue sleeves, navy shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence put out to the right for Emma Todd to attack, Maisie Homden seeing it out for a throw for Cardea.

  Cardea get after the ball on their right pushed forwards into Brooke Ware looks to send it up the line for Emma Pollard, racing forwards sees her cross blocked by Histon’s Katie Levitt the ball out for the throw to Cardea in the corner. From the throw Pollard sees the ball into her feet and turning to attack strikes the ball goalwards from a tight angle, Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard getting down sharply at her near post the save beating the ball wide across her six yard box before being cleared behind for the corner kick. The inswinging delivery flying into the side netting.

Cardea’s Brooke Ware with Histon’s Kirsty Geal

  Histon surge forwards the ball fed on through the middle, Rachel Pearce laying the ball into Amie Fullwood attacking the right channel, Todd showing a rapid turn of pace to take herself in behind the Cardea defence as Fullwood rolls the ball into her path right of the D, Cardea goalkeeper, Poppy Halstead getting out to the edge of her area rapidly sliding in to claim the ball at Todd’s feet. 

Histon striker, Amie Fullwood

 Both sides looking to get after the ball in the opening exchanges, Cardea captain Laura Rudd sending the ball on for Pollard looking to pull off the defence left of goal, Laura Leyland getting her foot in to intercept the pass, clear for Histon in defence. Histon on the move left side Levitt on for Kirsty Geal out wide, pace taking the ball forwards fires a stinging drive in towards Cardea’s near post from outside the box, Halstead down sharply stretching to claim the ball with Todd closing in.

  Is competitive in the middle, Courtney Coles for Cardea battling for possession with Histon’s Sophie Hopkin. The ball put on down the line right side for Todd presses forwards, Maisie Homden getting back at her well for Cardea to defend in the corner prevent the cross coming in. Pearce getting free in the middle taking the ball forwards a clever pass into Carla Penny as she makes a run across the top of the D moving to the right, chipping the ball over the top of the defence into the area, Halstead rushing out the first to the ball.

Cardea defender, Maisie Homden

  Histon looking lively winning the ball in midfield Pearce with options left and right in Geal and Todd with Penny drifting across the defence. Leyland winning the ball at the back for Histon as Cardea attempt to release Pollard up top her clear needing to be intercepted by Homden stretching with Todd running on. Patches of standing water on the pitch, one found by Abi Laughlin as she throws herself into a sliding challenge. 

Abi Laughlin

Rudd turning on the ball on for Georgie Elsom on the left forwards into Pollard up the wing her crossfield ball, cut out and cleared by Leyland for the throw in. Histon pressing players on well a throw won high on the left into Penny plays the ball inside of Pearce who in turn lays it out to the left for Levitt bursting forwards has Geal ahead of her looking to break into the box, receiving the pass, Sofia Aragosa, closing her down challenging to win the ball. 

Laughlin sending the ball on right side for Todd hurtling forwards on the right her cross from deep swept into the area cut out by Laura Ramsaran cleared out of the area, the shot struck from distance charged down by Elsom. Histon winning the ball looking to take the game to Cardea, Laughlin going past Todd on the overlap right side, Olivia Smith tracking back on her to defend for Cardea the ball put out of play for the corner on the right. The delivery whipped in across goal threating to creep under the crossbar Halstead up well to glove it away to the far post dropping Histon lash a shot in towards goal rising central, Halstead with an excellent reactive save getting her arm up to knock the ball up over the bar.

  Pressure building from Histon the corner played in from the left inswinging central Rudd up before the keeper heading it down towards the top of the area Hopkin latching onto the shot inside the box for Histon, smashed over the bar! 

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

  Halstead the busier of the two keepers out quickly to the right corner of her box to slide in and claim as Levitt looks to put Geal in behind on the wing after Elie Churchill wins the ball at the back. Todd moving into a central position looking to put Fullwood in to attack right of the D, taking the ball on into the box wide of goal fires a low cross into Penny outside the near post, turns as she shoots the ball struck over. 

Histon captain, Carla Penny

  Histon applying the pressure looking a threat on the right Homden exposed as Todd is played in down the line the Cardea defender doing well getting back on her nevertheless as Smith gets back to help her out the ball cleared for a throw. Pearce into Hopkin central finds Todd with the pass on the right her early cross into the box won by Cardea’s Aragosa. Pearce with time on the ball for Histon central putting the ball into Levitt’s path on the left storming forwards looks to play in Geal, Brooke Ware challenging to prevent the cross for Cardea.

Histon’s Emma Todd with Cardea’s Maisie Homden

  Pushing Cardea back, making it difficult for their opponent to get the ball into Pollard up top Histon continue to press, Hopkin into Fullwood, Penny moving across her wanting the ball, Fiona Plumb tackling for Cardea. Pollard coming into midfield for the ball taking it on central a driving run forwards, Pearce back on her lunging in to tackle get the ball for Histon who quickly turn play around the ball out to Todd right side squared inside for Fullwood 25 yards out rolls it central for Pearce to strike the ball, her shot straight at Halstead the keeper holding onto the ball.

Cardea captain, Laura Rudd

 

  Midway through the first half Cardea looking to up the tempo, Plumb out to Rudd left side, has been closely marked by Histon, Laughlin preventing her turning on the ball, payed inside for Coles attempts to lift the ball over the defence for Pollard bursting in behind, Leyland the tallest of the defends in the way getting her head onto the ball to clear. Histon having the better of the first half coming on with the ball. The pitch slick the challenges coming in the ball cleared out of the ground on several occasions. Penny up with Todd on the right, Rudd getting back to tackle, finds Coles up the left wing sends the ball on for Pollard, again Leyland intercepts. 

Histon defender, Laura Leyland

  Todd with the ball on the right 30 yards out stabs it into Hopkin inside the area right of goal, fires the ball across the six yard box with Geal racing in far post, hit goalwards, Halstead with a great low save across her goal mouth quickly. Aragosa fouling Geal out wide left the free-kick awarded. Cardea making a change before it’s taken Leah Barnes on for Coles. Pearce to lift the ball into the box central headed clear by Ramsaran. Histon with a short corner on the left put into the area by Geal, won by Aragosa for Cardea headed out to the left, the ball returned claimed by Halstead.

Plenty of water laying on the pitch, Sofia Aragosa wringing out her shorts

  Aragosa fouled outside the box as she attempts to keep in at her feet under pressure from Penny, the Cardea defence under the most pressure Pollard looking to provide the relief when she can take the ball on out on the right up with Ware the ball struck in viciously on the angle, Blanchard reacting well saving with her feet knocking the ball out towards the top of the area very nearly into the path of Barnes storming into the box.

Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard

  Histon making their first change bringing on Shannon Shaw for Geal in attack. Histon launching a rapid counter attack Todd on the ball full of pace down the right, Fullwood and Shaw bursting into the box as Todd sends her cross in behind the two attackers comes to Penny inside the D, digs the ball out of her feet hit towards goal lacks the power to trouble Halstead as she catches the ball. Homden getting back on Todd as she threatens to get away on the right support from Shaw before the free-kick is given away. Wide right from a deep position Pearce to curl a high ball in central, Halstead keeping her eyes on the dropping ball not distracted by the runner jumping across her takes the ball down cleanly.

  Barnes fouling Penny inside the Cardea half, top of the circle. Players up into the box as Pearce delivers the ball in high, Plumb getting her head on the ball knocked down off Penny challenging the attacker striking the ball wide of the left post. Histon with another change bringing Hopkin off on comes, Freya Goddard. Elsom attempting to pick out Pollard on the right, Levitt sliding in to put the ball away for the throw. 

Histon’s Katie Levitt

 Homden caught by Saw as she slides in to challenge of the ball on the right. Half-time fast approaching Cardea opt to bring the defender off for further assessment send on Mia Newman at the back. Penny up on the right slides the ball into the box for Shaw to attack right side pushed to the by-line no room for the cross lands in the side netting. Into stoppage time Plumb finding a bit of room central for Cardea lifting the pass out for Smith to attack out left, Goddard closing her down to clear the ball out of play. 

Half-time Cardea FC Ladies 0-0 Histon Ladies

  Goalless at the break, Histon with a strong first half performance getting in to win the ball high put the Cardea defence under pressure forced back, using the width well, Geal and Todd getting on down the line creating a number chances, Poppy Halstead with some great saves to keep the stalemate. Frustrated not to be in the lead. Chances for Cardea limited up top losing the ball in the middle haven’t been able to link up with Pollard up top at all this in turn allowing Histon’s full backs to come on alot to think about as the teams head into the changing rooms at half-time.

 Histon bringing on Esther McTrusty at the start of the 2nd half replacing Laughlin. Cardea unchanged from the side that finished the first half as they get the 2nd half underway the floodlights taking full effect now the ball rolled back into the defence played back to the keeper, launches it forwards with Pollard on the move into the right channel, Churchill winning the ball for Histon. 

Histon’s Esther McTrusty

 Cardea snapping at the ball in midfield, Smith into Pollard taking the ball on right channel pace letting fly from all of 35 yards out dipping in front of Blanchard at her near post the keeper with a good save diving to push the ball behind for the corner on the right. Cardea looking to get on the front foot at the start of the 2nd half the corner defended at the near post falls to Barnes at the top of the area struck first time riding back in towards goal Blanchard behind with a confident save.

Cardea’s Leah Barnes

   Cardea with a different approach to the 2nd half looking to get into the ball high in the middle feed it into Pollard in attack to run at the defence. Histon though ready to spring the counter the diagonal ball finding Todd wide right driving on, tackled by Newman. Blanchard comes rushing out to the corner of her area to close Pollard down as the is sent on by Elsom into her path left channel, the keeper just about getting there getting something on the ball to prevent Pollard racing in on goal, cleared for a throw on the left.

Histon midfielder, Rachel Pearce

  McTrusty on with Pearce in the middle for Histon out to Penny drifting left played forwards for Shaw to attack, Ramsaran winning the challenge for Cardea. The game more open now Elsom winning the ball well for Cardea a little deeper now out to Ware on the right breaking on looking to put Pollard through, the pass not quite finding it’s mark. A throw won out on the left for Cardea high up the pitch. played into Pollard left outside the box, turns inside the move across the D, McTrusty staying on her, Pollard getting the few inches she needs to turn and strike the ball 25 yards out, flashed in towards goal Blanchard beaten the ball cannoning off the cross bar and over. 

Georgie Elsom

  Certainly competitive both sides giving fouls away, McTrusty with a clumsy challenge on Rudd. The free-kick inside the Histon half played long to the far post area by Elsom, Blanchard getting up to punch the ball away. Geal coming back on for Histon as Cardea win a corner on the right the ball played in towards, Barnes top of the area, closed down quickly by Histon the ball won back look to get on the break put forwards into Todd, Ramsaran getting in a timely tackle to prevent her stealing in behind.

   Ware picking up a yellow card as she commits the foul wide on the left as Histon attack. Pearce to send the ball in cleared by Ramsaran at the near post. Pollard looking to put the ball on for Elsom as Cardea attack, McTrusty winning the tackle for Histon launching a counter attack out for Shaw attacking the left channel wins her side a corner kick. Put in low near side turned behind for a 2nd corner on the hour.

 GOAL! Blocking a shot from the top of the area as they defend the corner Cardea hit Histon on the break the ball sent forwards into Pollard making a central run bursting towards the area clear of the defence, Blanchard comes rushing out to the top of her area to close the angle, Pollard shooting early firing the ball past the keeper to find the empty goal beyond 1-0.

Emma Pollard firing home the opening goal for Cardea on the hour

  Cardea taking the lead capitalising on their positive start to the 2nd half, Pollard mobbed by her celebrating teammates. A blow for Histon look for a quick response the ball fired into Penny’s feet holding it up right of the D lays it wide for Todd to left a curling cross in towards the far post, Shaw stooping to head the ball powers it back across the six yard box narrowly wide of the right post. Titch Abraham on for Cardea taking up a position on the left. 

  McTrusty up on the right for Histon with Todd played infield to Penny who in turn clips the ball out to Shaw wide left, knocking it forwards, Ramsaran defending for Cardea. The game open now Histon keeping players up forcing the Cardea defence to defend deep however there are spaces at the back for Pollard to exploit, Elsom finding her with the pass on the right, Leyland getting out to her to tackle send the ball out for the throw. 

Laura Leyland

Abraham with a long throw in her locker out left lifted in towards the area, Leyland winning the header to clear for Histon. Out left for another throw Abraham dropping the ball into Elsom, puts it back into Abraham moving inside, stabs the ball into the area, no one gambling, Blanchard claiming it unchallenged. Abraham winning a corner of her next long throw on the left the ball curled into the six yard box won by Churchill for Histon. Headed behind for a 2nd corner. Whipped in high beyond the far post headed wide. 

Cardea’s Titch Abraham

  Histon come on with the ball McTrusty sending the pass into Fullwood up top laid back for Pearce advancing, prods it on looking for Shaw cutting in from the left, the pass cut out by Aragosa. Midway through the 2nd half Cardea continue to defend their box inviting pressure but ready to spring the counter Pollard lurking with intent. McTrusty brought down by Rudd as she takes the ball on wide right. Pearce over the dead ball players forwards from the back the ball dropped in central scrambled clear to the top of the of the D the pass fed low into the right side Leyland shooting on the angle six yards out, Halstead down sharply at her near post saving the ball.

Cardea goalkeeper, Poppy Halstead

  Elsom putting the ball on for Pollard out on the right from distance attempts to lob the keeper, doesn’t get her angles right the ball over. Shannon Chandler coming on at right back for Histon.  Cardea making another change too bringing on Charlotte Moffat for Smith. Cardea winning a throw high on the right

 GOAL! An immediate impact for the substitute as the ball is played into Moffat wide of goal, on the angle sends her shot in looping up over the keeper to drop into the goal beyond 2-0.

Charlotte Moffat making am immediate impact from the substitutes bench to make it 2-0

  A further blow for Histon as they press the ball high out to Shaw left the ball fizzed into the area, beat down by Halstead the Cardea defence working hard to keep their opponents at bay. Cardea straight on the counter the ball into midfield put on for Pollard moving to the left, Chandler tracking back with her defending inside the box as Todd gets back to clear the ball. The game end to end as Histon send players on to attack, Pearce finding Shaw on the left her angled shot in low Halstead down smartly to save pushing the ball wide across her goal. 

Histon attacker, Shannon Shaw

  Halstead coming in amongst a crowd at the near post from a Histon corner to knock the ball behind for a 2nd corner on the right. An inswinging ball the six yard box loaded, Cardea knock the ball down out towards the top of the area the shot flashed back in Halstead somehow behind it saving on the line. Histon bringing Hopkin back on with the clock ticking down. Pressing late on Cardea back defending their box determined in defence bodies in to block. 

Cardea’s Fiona Plumb

  A free-kick won wide on the right with 5 minutes left to play Rudd shown a card. Played in near post knocked down towards the top of the area, Cardea look to clear the six yard box the ball played back in wide right of goal, Halstead out to clear the ball on the by-line. Leyland putting the ball forwards into Hopkin back to goal top of the D, marked by Abraham can’t turn to release the ball. Cardea break right side Ware on the move with the ball up ended by Leyland eating up time winning the free-kick, Homden comes back on replacing Elsom. The game moving into stoppage time.

 Histon regain possession through the middle into Shaw, plays the ball out to Hopkin wide left her inswinging cross defended at the back by Newman for Cardea. Leyland shown a yellow card bringing down Pollard as she looks to burst forwards late on, right of the circle the ball lifted in towards the top of the area, defended as the final whistle blows Cardea cheer in jubilation as they come together to celebrate winning a cup double.

Full time Cardea FC Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

  Cardea winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final to go with the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final won last month. Making adjustments in the 2nd half to better get hold of the ball higher up the pitch 2nd half began the 2nd period strongly winning the ball and getting it on into Pollard up top, hitting the cross bar before being put through central on the hour to put the ball past the on rushing keeper to score. With Histon pushing on looking for a reply the game opened up Charlotte Moffat making an immediate impact from the bench to score Cardea’s 2nd goal. Histon continued to create chances and were frustrated by Halstead in goal on a number of occasions. Arguably the better side, certainly first half however Cardea played to their strengths working extremely hard in defence, determined and tenacious to defend their box. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A good contest between the top two sides in the league. Several strong contenders to mention for both sides. Histon will be frustrated they couldn’t find a goal. Emma Todd playing well out on the right in attack getting forwards into some good positions putting the Cardea defence on the back foot. Carla Penny with some good movement in the final 3rd getting into some great positions to shoot. Rachel Pearce with some great passing in midfield spreading play across the pitch. Laura Leyland winning the ball at the back. For Cardea the whole defence as in the Hunts final was superb working hard to defend win the ball and block soaking up alot of pressure from Histon. Georgie Elsom playing a little deeper 2nd half winning the ball finding Emma Pollard in attack, took her goal well making some forceful runs and looking to be available for the pass throughout. The award goes as it did in the Hunts final to goalkeeper Poppy Halstead, hard to believe she’s only 16 years old, commands her area well making a number of quality saves to thwart Histon keeping it goalless at the break pulled off a number of crucial saves in the 2nd half too.

Cardea FC Ladies , 2022/23 Cambridgeshire Women’s league Cup winners

Congratulations to Cardea FC Ladies on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

  Another entertaining final from Cambridgeshire this evening, well contested between to two strongest teams in the league. My thanks go to Chris Abbott and his team and Cambs FA for all their help and too both sides for their assistance in providing me with the team line ups.

by Darren Gilham

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. 

 

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Hutton Ladies

Sunday 3rd November

ERWFL League Cup

 Another milestone reached today, this Sunday’s game being my 400th match report since I started covering the sport back in 2012, originally as the Supporting Women’s Football blog now Women’s Football East have covered games at all levels across the country and enjoyed every minute of it. Today’s match action comes from the group stage of the ERWFL League Cup, Histon Ladies v Hutton Ladies.

  The Division One side usually contest the early round of the league cup in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) with the Premier Division sides entering later on. This season a different format in the early stages, the Division One sides split into a North & South Division this season starting off with 8 in each drawn into 4 groups, 2 from the North & 2 South in each play each other once with the group winners progressing to the knock out stages of the competition with the 12 Premier Division sides. The remaining Division One sides going on to contest for the ERWFL Plate. Histon and Hutton Ladies drawn into Group D along side, King’s Lynn Town Ladies and Leigh Ramblers Ladies. King’s Lynn Town Ladies in pole position to top the group with 2 wins from 2, avoid defeat today away to Leigh Ramblers Ladies in Essex and they will finish top.

  A win and a defeat for both Histon and Hutton to date will need Leigh Ramblers to do them a favour if they hope to nick top spot. Histon Ladies come into today’s game in good form with 3 straight wins in league and cup. A 3-2 away victory to Leigh Ramblers getting them off the mark in the League Cup followed by back to back wins in the league to see them climb up to 3rd in the Division One North table. The Cambridgeshire side bringing in several new youngsters to bolster the squad over the close season, 3 in today’s starting line-up, Abby Laughlin, Poppy Kelly & Sydney Graham. 

  A perfect start to the season for Hutton Ladies, the Essex side topping the ERWFL Division One South table with a 100% record 4 wins from 4. 6 wins in all competitions that record hitting the buffers last time out travelling up to Norfolk to play King’s Lynn in the League Cup defeated for the first time this season the first time they had failed to score in a game too. That aside Hutton are scoring plenty of goals this season averaging over 8 goals a game so far helped in the main by the goals scoring form of striker Vicky Kinsman. Joining Hutton last season scored an incredible 49 goals in 27 appearances. Has 21 already this campaign. One of several experienced players to join last season with the likes of Hayley Piggott and Abigail Fry who have both played higher coming in. The squad bolstered again this season, have been amongst the silverware in recent seasons including back to back wins in the ERWFL Plate two seasons ago. 

 The Glassworld Stadium the venue for today’s match home to Histon FC and Histon Ladies. The heavy rain due the day before a threat to the match, it just about held out with no fresh rainfall on Sunday the game on. Wet would cut up and make for heavy going is a large pitch offering plenty of width. Plenty of cover too though for supporters a large seated stand over looking the pitch the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. Light rain before the match as the sides warmed up, would thankfully fizzle out at kick-off and keep away, remained overcast.

Histon Ladies starting XI- Keeley Robinson, Abby Laughlin, Georgina Huse, Alison Wright, Tessa Shaw, Lauren Martin, Sophie Lanham (C) Sophie Hopkin, Sydney Graham, Siobhan White & Poppy Kelly. Subs – Rebekah Finch, Molly Blair, Casey Miller, Tara Fitzjohn.

Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Kayleigh Franklin, Rianne Dimmock, Kristy Knight, Kelly Roberts, Hannah Page, Abigail Fry (C), Clare Edmonson, Kate Lowen, Lauren Knight & Vicky Kinsman. Subs – Hayley Piggott, Hayley Critchell & Sally Appleton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Onto the match action, Hutton to kick-off the first half wearing navy blue shirts with red shorts and socks with Histon lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Histon force Hutton to play it back to their defence the long kick forwards setting Lauren Knight away her ball forwards pushed on looking for Vicky Kinsman making a central run through towards the box intercepted and turned out for a throw. Hutton come on right side off a throw deep Clare Edmonson looks to take the ball on into the Histon box to the byline cuts it back inside the ball cleared at the near post.

   Hutton settling quicker getting players forwards to the right another throw in conceded Kate Lowen to fire in the cross cut out by Alison Wright the ball loose top of the area Edmonson after it, so too Lauren Martin lunging in to get her foot on the ball first get it away for Histon. Histon make ground on the right side a throw in Sydney Graham combining well with Abby Laughlin, Graham cutting the ball back down the line to release Laughlin in behind, clipped rides the challenge recovering her footing to take the ball on her cross/shot taking a defection behind, play brought back however for the earlier foul. Siobhan White coming a cross to take it outside the box fired in towards the six yard box taken cleanly by Hutton goalkeeper Krissie Glover. 

Lauren Martin on the ball for Histon Ladies

  Glover setting Hutton on their way quickly a good kick up field over half way trapped beautifully at her feet by Edmonson killing the ball, flicks it on for Kinsman ahead of her, Hutton captain Abigail Fry bursting forwards to her right Kinsman rolls the ball into her path 25 yards out strikes it first time the shot over the bar. The resulting goalkick putting the Histon back line in trouble a slippy surface Kinsman latching onto it 30 yards out spins into a shoot left side the ball dipping late on goalkeeper Keeley Robinson right behind it down to stop it grabbing hold at the 2nd attempt. Kinsman showing good strength on the ball getting hold of it and turning to attack the Histon area, a cross in from the left dangerous, no one gambling through the middle. 

 GOAL! Closing in on 15 minutes played and Hutton take the lead, the goalkick straight to Kinsman, she passes it on to Edmonson ahead of her driving on plays it out to the left the ball crossed into the ox cut out deflected to the top of the area Edmonson there unmarked throws a leg out her first time attempt looping up over the defence and under the cross bar Robinson back on her line throws up a glove but can’t keep it out, 0-1. Edmonson’s first goal for Hutton.

Clare Edmonson opens the scoring for Hutton Ladies

  Hutton capitalising on a good start winning the ball in the middle Hannah Page into Kinsman sending Lauren Knight clear in behind on the left down the line looking to get into the area, Wright getting across well to slide in and make the tackle taking the ball away from Knight’s toes. The defender up to play the ball up field doesn’t stick on the middle Kinsman rolled in again 35 yards out wide takes on the strike, on target but straight at Robinson.

Histon’s Alison Wright sliding in to win the ball back

Kate Lowen getting on the ball right side for Hutton drives forwards in behind into the area flashes a cross in, blocked by Wright, back to Lowen for a 2nd go on close to the near post, Robinson forwards down to smother the ball. The ball brought forwards from the back for Hutton played up to Kinsman up to head the ball on finds Lauren Knight out left bringing the ball on uses the outside of her boot to lift a diagonal ball into the area, Fry making a central run, Robinson can safely gather.

Hutton continue to have the lions share of the attack the ball not sticking up top for Histon the midfield having to track back often to help the defence as Hutton get players forwards. Edmonson with a great pass to find Lauren Knight on the left takes the ball on before squaring a cross into the area, Tessa Shaw doing well in central defence to keep in front of Kinsman to make sure she can’t get a touch the defender clearing. Hutton press the ball high keep Histon inside their final third, Page to Lauren Knight on the left crosses early an inviting ball along the six yard box, Kinsman throwing and outstretched leg forwards getting a tough, can only divert the ball wide out the far side.

Hutton striker Vicky Kinsman closely marked by Histon’s Tessa Shaw & Sophie Lanham

  Shaw attempting to shield the ball back to her keeper is fouled by Kinsman gets the free kick. Histon get forwards White with the ball over the top on the left running on cuts inside looking for a shooting opportunity top of the area lets fly from 20 yards out her strike over the crossbar. Graham showing great close ball control bringing the ball inside on halfway looks to put it forwards almost succeeds in releasing Poppy Kelly through the middle but for an outstretched leg from Hutton defender Kristy Knight doing enough to take the ball out of Kelly’s path allowing Kelly Roberts to clear.

Abby Laughlin bringing the ball away for Histon Ladies

Signs Histon are starting to get a foothold in the game took a while to settle on the back foot. Captain Sophie Lanham back to clear the ball from her own box for Histon. White away on the left side comes inside for Histon, this time runs into Roberts neutralising the danger. Hutton remain a threat on the counter a throw right into Kinsman holds the ball up well turning to shoot on the angle, coming in near post Robinson sees it late gets a glove onto the ball knocking it behind for the corner.

Histon captain, Sophie Lanham clearing the ball

 Hutton make the first change of the match, Lauren Knight coming off for Hayley Critchell. The substitute with an early opportunity to take the ball on left side carrying it towards the area, Laughlin with a superb tackle right on the line to take the ball. Hutton with another change as Sally Appleton enters the game replacing, Edmonson. Kristy Knight with a good tackle at the back to deny Graham as shot as she carries the ball forwards into the area from the right. 

  Histon build through the middle Graham right inside for Lanham her pass forwards releasing Kelly right takes defenders on cutting back into the box running square of goal. Pushes the ball on for White on the penalty spot she back heels it on as Kelly’s run takes her past her the attacker taking on the shot, Glover saving with her legs. Histon win a free-kick inside the Hutton half players forwards into the box as White sets the ball down knocked down by the defence Kelly intercepts looks to bring under control and turn and shot her attempt blocked spins behind for a corner. Histon ending the first half well. 

Sydney Graham looking to play the ball forwards for Histon

  White coming left crossing in Kelly running  in with a defender shooting, Glover hands up to make the blocking save. Hutton attack late on Kinsman putting the ball on for Critchell left tackled by Laughlin top of the area, the ball skipping up and behind Laughlin losing sight of it Critchell in to lift a cross into the middle, drops far side no one can reach it. Late in the half a throw right fro Histon, Graham receiving firing in a dangerous cross, Franklin getting a touch to take it away from Kelly attacking the far post.

Half-time Histon Ladies 0-1 Hutton Ladies

  Hutton leading the match 1-0 at half-time have been the dominant side making a good start creating opportunities, getting players in behind, several dangerous crosses not finding anyone. Good hold up play and runs from midfield particularly from Fry. Histon took a while to settle starting to come into the match late on creating some good opportunities themselves, trailing by the single goal are far from out of it yet.

A change fro both sides at half-time by the looks of it, Rebekah Finch on for Histon replacing White, Hopkin now over on the left. Hayley Piggott on in defence for Hutton replacing Franklin. The sun doing it’s best to break through setting into the the end of the ground into the faces of the Hutton defence. Histon to get the 2nd half underway. An early chance for Histon coming close to equalising Hopkin off a throw left driving on to the byline a vicious cross put across the face of goal, Glover throwing herself at it palming it on straight to Finch central coming at her quickly tries to adjusted her body get a foot up to meet the ball minimal contact Hutton close in to clear.

 GOAL! A golden chance to level the scores at one end Histon are hit on the counter the ball sent long up to Critchell left the defence don’t deal inside the box Critchell retrieving on the byline playing the ball back up to the top of the box Kinsman latching onto it left of the D to shoot place the ball wide of the keeper 0-2.

  Histon bring the ball on Graham over half way passing to Lanham making a move on the right wing a cross lifted up into the area near side into Kelly’s path lays it on to Finch ahead of her Kristy Knight going with her run near post successfully defending for Hutton.

  GOAL! Histon get a goal back straight away after conceding early in the 2nd half, Hutton looking to get the ball forwards quickly won at the back by Georgina Huse lifted forwards up the left to put Hopkin away into space, rolls it infield to Kelly 20 yards out left of goal head down looks to take on the Hutton defence, pushes right then shifts it left creating space to take on the shot a smash a shot high across the keeper 1-2.

Poppy Kelly central with the goal for Histon

  Finch with a shot from 25 yards out for Histon brushes the top of the net on its way over. 

 GOAL! Hutton with a quickfire reply to score a 3rd goal attack quickly through the middle the ball put on for Fry racing trough left channel, Robinson coming out of her goal to meet her Fry knocking the ball past her on towards left open for the shot, sees Kinsman storming through unmarked inside her unselfish squared the ball into her path the striker with the simple finish to make it 1-3. 

Hutton striker, Vicky Kinsman

  A busy start to the 2nd half 3 goals scored an open game Histon looking more of a threat scoring but hit for 2 up the other end. Appleton brings Hopkin down on the left outside the box giving Histon the free Kick. Lanham over it fired in low towards the near post a combination of defence and keeper getting it away for Hutton. the visitors break Kinsman on halfway playing it on for Lowen right support from Appleton a high ball into the box dealt with by the Histon defence. 

Krissie Glover keeping the ball out for Hutton Ladies

Hutton break miss a great opportunity to go 4-1 ahead as Critchell bombs on left side crossing from a tight angle the ball across the keeper missed by Lowen close in at the far post. Histon come forwards Martin up for Kelly to attack brings the ball on towards the Hutton box, tackled well by Kristy Knight. Hutton are giving away alot of free kicks, Histon so far not making the most of them but it is a concern for Hutton’s bench, Dimmock receiving a talking too by the referee. Lanham on a set-piece right of the centre circle a good delivery in long to the far post Wright the runners catching it first time can’t get the ball down on target.

Hutton Ladies, Kate Lowen with Histon’s Georgina Huse

   Histon winning a corner left side in towards the near post defended, Kelly putting the ball back to the corner taker crossed in again this time Fry and Page combine top of the box to get the threat away for Hutton. Histon do well to press the ball high regain possession Lanham lifting the ball on almost finding Wright stealing in behind. Histon make a change with 23 minutes left to play, Hopkin coming off on comes summer signing Molly Blair. 

 Kinsman getting hold of the ball for Hutton left side 30 yards out drives on towards the box a powerful run, tackled by Wright the ball pushed wide to the left gathered by the advancing Critchell puts it back to Kinsman backing away from the area 25 yards out puts her foot throw the ball blasts a shot towards goal, Robinson with a full stretch dive to her left lands to hear the ball thump into the boarding behind goal the shot narrowly wide.

 Chances falling to both side prepared to shoot outside the box, Kelly smashes a shot from all of 30 yards out central that stings the keepers gloves rebounding out to the right picked up by Graham racing forwards she blasts over on the angle. Hutton make a change Lauren Knight returning to the game replacing Roberts. Another silly free kick given away by Hutton left side a chance for Histon to bring players up from the back Lanham on the ball sent in towards the top of the area a Hutton head on the ball looping high into the air and towards goal, Glover eyes on nothing else back on her line with the confident take.

Histon Ladies, Alison Wright

   Graham brought down inside the Hutton half, the free kick met by Finch heading it in top of the area off target Glover coming across to claim. Histon capitalise from a bit of ping ball on halfway the ball deflected in behind for Graham right side to bring on plays in early for Kelly racing on through the middle shoots first time as it runs across her path a poor connection lacking power on target but Glover can shuffled across her goal to gather at the right post. 

 Lowen in an advanced position on the right for Hutton shifts the ball left the right before shooting from outside the area the ball held cleanly by Robinson in goal. Histon bring off Lanham with around 10 minutes left to play bringing on another summer signing Casey Miller. Hutton come on right side Lowen sending a cross into the box just behind the run of Lauren Knight central the ball cleared back out to the right Appleton up the pitch shooting across goal, Lauren Knight sliding in far post but Robinson down bravely has the ball safely into her body. Piggott fouls Kelly outside the area Wright on the free kick 20 yards out goes for goal on target by straight at the keeper.

  GOAL! 7 minutes of normal play left the game stretched now players getting tired Hutton extend their lead making the game safe. Lauren Knight away on the left side putting in a dangerous cross into the six yard box a defender there first ahead of Kinsman throws a leg up to meet the ball is an unfortunate own goal the ball turned into the back of the net 1-4.

  Changes for both sides now, Edmonson and Franklin back on for Hutton replacing, Lowen and Kristy Knight. Tara Fitzjohn on for Laughlin for Histon. Kinsman on the attack central for Hutton lays it on for Lauren Knight the ball cut out inside the box comes out to Appleton up on the right drives a shot in towards goal, Robinson getting her gloves up to save the ball cleared only to come straight back in headed away by Shaw.

  Hutton win a rare free kick of their own outside the Histon box on the right Piggott up to take goes for goal a well struck effort that flies wide past the par post. Blair flicking the ball on Finch controlling and turning to shoot on the volley top of the area straight into the keepers gloves. 

 GOAL! Into the closing minutes and Kinsman central played in battles her way through in towards the top of the area Wright on her shoulder to beat the defender and get a shot away past the advancing keeper to complete her hat-trick 1-5.

Full time Histon Ladies 1-5 Hutton Ladies

  Hutton with two late goals win the match 5-1, a better 2nd half from Histon came out strong at the start of the 2nd half only to concede a 2nd goal. Kelly with a superb strike to bring it back to 2-1 Hutton were quick to restore their two goal lead. Chances for both as the match opened up Hutton giving away free kicks Histon not able to find a 2nd goal apply some pressure Hutton going on to win comfortably. All for nothing in the end as they finish 2nd in Group D behind King’s Lynn Town Ladies who made it 3 wins from 3 away to Leigh Ramblers to advance to the knockout stages. Both Hutton and Histon who reached the final of the competition last season will fancy their chances in the Plate.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Notable performances from Poppy Kelly in attack and Alison Wright in defence for Histon. For Hutton it’s a close call in the finish, excellent work in midfield from captain Abigail Fry with several fantastic runs forwards during the match. Have chosen Vicky Kinsman scoring a hat-trick of course but more than that her presence up front general hold up play and strength on the ball, drawing defenders towards her giving space for others to exploit.

  400 match reports written and the thing I love about doing them is no two are the same get a buzz every time. The content comes solely from the players out there on the pitch and I merely try and put it into words. Plenty more left in the tank, need those team details as always and much appreciated… on to the next one.

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

Sunday 26th May

ERWFL Division One

One more game to end the season a long campaign finally drawing to a close 99% of teams already finished for the season today’s game the only competitive fixture left in the East of England as King’s Lynn Town Ladies and Histon Ladies meet for their final game of the season in ERWFL Division One.

  Far from a meaningless game for both as they can both gain a position with a positive result, Histon Ladies up into 7th spot and King’s Lynn Town Ladies can achieve a 3 placed finish with a win.

  ERWFL Division One highly competitive this season, newcomers St Ives Town Ladies winning the title in their debut season nearly a faultless campaign too, King’s Lynn Town Ladies the side ending their long standing unbeaten league record standing since 2017 with a 4-3 win last weekend to set up a shot at clinching 3rd in the league. A strong 2nd half to the season with 6 straight league wins before today seeing the Norfolk side climb up from 8th in the Division One.

  Histon Ladies likewise with a strong 2nd half to the season just 2 losses in their last 11 games, several battling draws in that run too level on points with 7th place Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies travelling to King’s Lynn in their final fixture of the season. Postponements and a cup run for both sides seeing their season’s go the distance.

  Both sides reaching a cup final in that period too. King’s Lynn Town Ladies reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final played at Carrow Road for the first time. Despite losing to Wymondham Town Ladies a day to remember for the club. Histon Ladies reaching the ERWFL Plate Final where they were narrowly beaten by Newmarket Town Ladies.

  Riverlane Playing Fields the venue for today’s match, boasting several pitches the grass cover still good for the time of year a lack of rain… well before this afternoon making the ground hard underfoot. Clouds overheard the wind picking up rain forecast for Sunday afternoon it had arrived early raining when I arrived at the ground the wind picking up too would cause issues during the game, not the weather you want to see on the final day of the season.

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Ellie Prentice, Lisa Wilson, Chloe Burch, Albany Hodgson, Georgia Freeman, Becky Russell (C), Annie Rooks, Oksana Imanalijeva, Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse, Tiffany Forshaw & Olivia Baker. Subs – Chloe Witt, Natalie Wright & Emma Corbyn.

Histon Ladies starting XI – Jennifer Jamieson, Lucy Julian, Kaya Haq, Georgina Huse, Tessa Shaw, Alison Wright, Georgia Day, Katie Seagrave, Annalisa Player, Rebekah Finch & Sophie Lanham (C). Subs – Amanda Binge & Bethany Fisher.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A bank holiday weekend and the start of half-term both sides missing a few players, Histon in particular travelling with a small squad a few reserves amongst them. King’s Lynn to get the 1st half underway kicking-off wearing blue shirts with yellow shorts and socks. Histon opposite wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. The visitors press the ball for the off forcing King’s Lynn to play it all the way back to goalkeeper Ellie Prentice to clear up field. That presents an opportunity for Oksana Imanalijeva to break down the left side for King’s Lynn squares a across in along the top of the Histon box, defender Tessa Shaw getting her head on it sending it on, Rebekah Finch too ball put into the path of Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse coming on from the right for King’s Lynn she shoots from 20 yards out her strike over the bar.

Lucy Julian at right back for Histon does well defensively as King’s Lynn striker Tiffany Forshaw receiving the ball into her feet 25 yards out looks to turn get in behind. King’s Lynn press the attack a corner won on the left the delivery inswinging central punched on by Histon goalkeeper Jennifer Jamieson her defence clearing at the far post. The rain falling at kick-off beginning to fade a swirling wind taking it’s place dark clouds all around. Finch getting on the ball inside the King’s Lynn half looks to drive forwards through the middle eventually stopped by Georgia Freeman.

King’s Lynn’s Annie Rooks looking to get the ball, challenged by Histon’s Rebekah Finch and Alison Wright

Alison Wright strong as she gets hold of the ball on the right holding off King’s Lynn’s Annie Rooks wins a throw high up the pitch, Julian up puts in a cross towards the near post a runner for Histon looking to get there, Freeman wins the race for King’s Lynn. Histon enjoying a spell of possession inside the King’s Lynn half attack right Julian up with play getting a cross in along the top of the area, met by Finch central first time her attempt racing wide of the near post.

Imanalijeva with plenty of pace bursts forwards left bringing the ball over halfway for King’s Lynn an early diagonal ball into the top of the area looking for Olivia Baker central, Jamieson out well off her line to close Baker down doing enough to put her off getting the ball away to the left. Kaya Haq at left back for Histon doing well as Hopkins-Duckhouse sends the ball on for Chloe Burch heading past her on the overlap.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Oksana Imanalijeva

Hopkins-Duckhouse attacking right the ball crossed inside to Forshaw outside the box she looks to tee up captain Becky Russell whose shot from 25 yards out is over the crossbar. Histon doing well in the early part of the game to close the ball down high up the pitch and disrupt King’s Lynn as they look to play it out through the middle. Julian with a vital interception a Forshaw attempts to play Imanalijeva in behind on the left. Katie Seagrave taking the ball on down the right wing fouled on the corner of the box a free kick awarded. Haq forwards to take it. Goes for goal her attempt skimming the top of the King’s Lynn crossbar on it’s way over.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies defender, Albany Hodgson

Histon launch a rapid counter attack the ball won back as King’s Lynn attack left numbers committed forwards the ball fired up central into the run of captain Sophie Lanham strikes it on the run early outside the area before she can be challenged the ball racing wide of the right post a touch off a King’s Lynn player spotted somewhere a corner given. Haq to take it a great ball in inswinging evades everyone at the near post, Hodgson beyond not expecting it low clearing the ball off her goal line for another corner, this one long Wright getting her head to it a good distance out the ball dropping wide of goal.

Katie Seagrave attacking for Histon Ladies

Lisa Wilson bringing the ball on for King’s Lynn plays it forwards for Imanalijeva her pace taking her in behind to cross the ball cut out by Seagrave, back with Imanalijeva she wins a throw deep in the corner. Histon regain possession the ball at the back a mis-kick form Julian presents the ball to Imanalijeva to steal in behind on the left and fire a cross into the six yard box, Haq in to close Baker down as she looks to attack it the ball running onto Hopkins-Duckhouse free beyond she shoots wide a nick off a Histon body spotted a corner awarded. Georgia Day central for Histon sliding in to win the ball as Russell attempts to play Baker in through the middle.

GOAL! The game moving past the opening half hour and the dead lock is broken, King’s Lynn attacking Forshaw making a run to the left receiving the ball taking it into the box closing in on goal fires a shot in near post, Jamieson instinctively putting a leg out to block can’t keep it out 1-0.

King’s Lynn push forwards Hopkins-Duckhouse on for Baker central lays the ball off for Forshaw left as she turns in behind, Forshaw putting the cross back in along the top of the area cleared by Shaw. The rain falling heavily once more the umbrella up the notes in even more disarray than usual. King’s Lynn on the left Russell forwards to support Imanalijeva the cross in from deep over Hopkins-Duckhouse central falls to Baker beyond she shoots wide back across goal.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Olivia Baker

Wright with a good ball on up the right for Seagrave to take on, Wilson sliding in to tackle the ball out for the throw. Wright tries her luck from a long way out just in front of the centre circle the Histon midfielders shot bouncing wide of goal.

GOAL! Late in the first half and a blow for Histon as they concede a 2nd goal. Comes from a free-kick, King’s Lynn’s Rooks fouled in front of the centre circle players forwards to line up along the top of the area as Russell stands over the ball, flighted in the ball attacked the header sending it on past the keeper into the back of the net, Chloe Burch the player running away in celebration scoring, her first of the season 2-0.

Chloe Burch with the goal to put King’s Lynn into a 2-0 lead

King’s Lynn with a strong end to the first half Russell getting ahead of Forshaw who heads the ball on throw the middle, the shot sent over from 20 yards out. Forshaw then peeling away to the left into space as Imanalijeva plays the ball into her feet strikes on the angle the shot running wide across the face of goal. Prentice has to get there rushing out of her area to get to the ball as Seagraves takes off after it played forwards on the right a throw bringing a corner. Freeman up to head it away to the left, fired back in central Hodgson this time heading the ball over her crossbar for another corner.

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

  King’s Lynn head into the changing room at half-time leading the game 2-0 the goals coming late in the half, have created the better opportunities without being clinical. Histon though staying out will feel unlucky to be 2 goals down after a battling performance first half working hard to close King’s Lynn down, disrupting their build up play early and strong in the middle the defence making some important tackles. 

Histon’s Rebekah Finch with King’s Lynn’s Annie Rooks

  The rain has stopped for a while dark clouds remain, as the players gather for the 2nd half the wind still strong. A double change for King’s Lynn with both full backs off at the start of the 2nd half Wilson and Burch off, Chloe Witt on at right back, Natalie Wright on too taking up a midfield role in front of the defence with Rooks moving to left back. Histon to get the 2nd half underway. King’s Lynn press the ball won central on for Hopkins-Duckhouse she sends a diagonal ball long out to the left for Imanalijeva bringing it down well goes for the cross/shot the ball put over.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse

  King’s Lynn begin the 2nd half strong pushing forwards a corner won on the right Russell to play the ball in defended by Lanham. Histon look to get on through the middle Wright breaking up the attack on to Russell taking the ball on, Georgina Huse in to tackle for Histon. Wright winning the ball once more on for Hopkins-Duckhouse is brought down central caught in the back is in alot of pain needing treatment. Not at all comfortable as she comes off a change thought about before she is allowed back on to see if it can be run off. 

  GOAL! King’s Lynn’s positive start to the 2nd half brings them an early 3rd goal. Wright making in impact having come on getting hold of the ball in the middle playing it forwards to Baker she slides it on through to Forshaw peeling away in behind into the area left of goal she pulls her foot back to strike firing the ball across goal into the bottom corner 3-0. 

Tiffany Forshaw puts King’s Lynn into a 3 goal lead

   A change made Burch is back on for Hopkins-Duckhouse who can’t continue the substitution seeing Witt move further forwards on the right. Russell getting forwards more for King’s Lynn shoots from 20 yards out, caught by Jamieson as it dips in front of her. 

 GOAL! Forshaw like Russell getting forwards more at the start of the 2nd half finding space in behind having scored her 2nd of the game goes on to complete her hat-trick to put King’s Lynn into a 4 goal lead. The ball played on to her left side from a throw in up the line, she takes the ball in close to the area firing in a shot the ball across the face of goal striking the far post and deflected back in over the line 4-0. 33 goals for the season now for Forshaw. 

  A further blow to Histon who have been sluggish at the start of the 2nd half. The ball gathered by Seagrave she drives on coming inside, looking to play in Lanham, Hodgson in to make the challenge. The wind strong blowing the clouds over the ball standing up in the air. Forshaw almost has a 4th goal as she shes a shot central 20 yards out cannon back off the post as she is played in by Russell on the right.

Becky Russell looking to get past Histon defender Kaya Haq

  GOAL! Histon get forwards a promising attack bringing them a goal attacking with pace on the right Seagrave putting the ball in towards the top of the area Wright bursting forwards to receive, Russell back with her lunging in to tackle the ball loose carries on central Lanham there to meet it strikes the ball past the keeper into the back of the net 4-1. 

Sophie Lanham pulling a goal back for Histon Ladies

  King’s Lynn make a change bringing off Baker in attack on in her place Emma Corbyn. Finch central fouled by Hodgson a free-kick for Histon Julian to play the ball into the area sent out to the left post area a good delivery no one on the end of it however as it runs out for a goal-kick. Witt playing the ball into the area right for Corbyn looking to control with her head bring it down to shoot Huse coming to close her down doing well in defence for Histon. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Chloe Witt

  Amanda Binge comes on for Histon replacing Player on the left wing. Prentice saving well pushing the ball wide for a corner as Wright stealing in on the ball left side fires a shot in. The corner cleared, Histon regain possession in the middle looking better now Day combining with Finch, Wright played into the area right of goal sending a shot wide across goal. Forshaw looks to dink a ball over the top of the Histon defence for Corbyn, Jamieson can lay claim to it first. Jamieson saving with her legs moments later as Forshaw fires a shot in as Burch crosses from the right. 

Histon Ladies, Alison Wright

  Imanalijeva out wide left bringing the ball on for King’s Lynn fires a cross in central, Corbyn and Witt making the same run evades both, Huse in to launch clear. Jamieson out to the edge of her area claiming the ball well as she slides in at the feet of Witt as she gives chase to an over the top ball. Binge needs to come off for Histon having picked up a knocking going in for a 50/50 ball with Burch earlier, Bethany Fisher joining the game. 

Jennifer Jamieson out to claim the ball for Histon

  The game has an open feel to it Histon better now pressing on trying to find a further goal risking more space to run into at the back, Forshaw and Russell both looking to exploit it for King’s Lynn Russell with a fierce shot from 25 yards out held by Jamieson at the 2nd attempt as it stings her gloves. The Histon keeper then holding onto a long range pop form Corbyn. 

  Histon with a free-kick won 30 yards out central Lanham over the ball, strikes it well going for goal on target, Prentice moving across her goal face saving well pushing the ball wide for the corner. The corner defended the header putting it back wide to the taker crossed back into the six yard box gathered by Prentice. Black clouds ominous now a heavy shower arrives as the game enters the closing moments into stoppage time.  Play turned around quickly by Histon Lanham up to win the header on for Wright on behind central to run at goal, Prentice out at the top of her area puts her in a good starting position to close the angle as Wright opts to shoot early send the ball past her the keeper flashing put a glove making the save deflecting the ball wide of her goal. 

 Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 4-1 Histon Ladies

  A heavy shower at the end of the game the final whistle blows and King’s Lynn have the win that sees them secure a 3rd placed finish in the league as they make it 7 straight wins to end the season. Winning 4-1 score twice in the 1st half having finally breached a stubborn Histon defence late on, capitalised on that with a strong start to the 2nd half to race into a 4 goal lead. Histon doing well 1st half unlucky to find themselves 2 goals down paid for a sluggish start to the 2nd half before getting a goal back and getting back into the match. The season over now for both plenty of positives to take into the new season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

For the final time this season to choose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Although Oksana Imanalijeva and Becky Russell performed well along with Natalie Wright making an instant impact introduced 2nd half their was really only on contender today that being Tiffany Forshaw the King’s Lynn striker showing great running and movement through out setting up chances for other is more often than not clinical in front of goal when she is the one receiving the ball, scoring a hat-trick.

  That’s it then another season almost to a close the last game watched the last report written. Has been another enjoyable campaign albeit without a doubt the most challenging I’ve had to date. Not covered as many games as I would have liked, family issues, illnesses and my own health all playing a part. The football keeps me going however love it, a pleasure to do what I do. My thanks as ever to the clubs for the help with the teams today. We all need a rest. Enjoy.