Sunday 10th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three

Well in to the business end of the season now with the leagues and title challengers well placed. Some huge games coming over the next few weeks to determine the cause, taking in a top of the table clash from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three this Sunday afternoon, with leaders Isleham United Ladies taking on 2nd placed Ely City Women.

  Isleham 4 points clear of Ely at the top with 5 matches to play. Well positioned to battle for top spot, that not quite in their hands with 3rd placed South Lincolnshire Swifts having 5 games in hand 8 points back, will need a few favours from the opposition, but can only look after their on house some bug matches to come.

  Isleham United Ladies looking to bounce back at the first attempt after suffering relegation from Division Two last season enduring a tough campaign winning just 3 of their 18 games. One of the longest established clubs within the Cambridgeshire Women’s set-up, have returned with a vengeance this season after initially drawing their opening two matches went on a run of 5 straight wins to power there way up the Division Three standings back to back defeats either side of the New Year stalling that charge slightly got back to winning ways taking maximum points from their last 4 to go top. Young players joining an established crop of experienced players have all been amongst the goals, Kaitlin Elsey top scorer netting 23v goals from 15 matches with Evie jakes and Georgia Blackaby on 9 a piece while Amelia Thompson has found the back of the net for 8 goals. 

  Ely City FC have been supporting women’s football in Cambridgeshire for a number of years their Demcom Stadium the home ground for both of Cambridge’s big guns, United and City’s woman’s sides, before the club’s natural progression to form it’s own senior women’s football side last season. No doubt a tough opening campaign struggling for results finishing 2nd bottom but got through it with a much healthier 2nd campaign in the league. Despite starting with a loss 3 straight wins got them going in the right direction new faces joining the squad. Has been a change of management, was player Natasha Lane stepping up from assistant to lead the management team working along side experienced coaches within club. A run of 5 straight wins seeing Ely climb into 2nd spot definitely in the title mix, will need a lot to go there way to claim top spot but will certainly help to decide in which direction it heads. Goal throughout the side, Danni Youngs top scorer with 11 goals, Kelly Docwra joining from Willingham Wolves on target for 9 goals so far with Bella Pillow scoring 6 from 6.

  Isleham United Ladies playing today’s match at nearby Mildenhall and The Hub a new build leisure complex on the outskirts of the town. Making use of there 3G pitch, probably just as well with the rain that I hadn’t planned on lasting so long into the afternoon continuing unabated. There usual home the Isleham Recreation Ground likely to be water-logged as were several games in the finish, some even abandoned at half-time. A caged £g with viewing on one side a useful facility for clubs to have access too. Viewing for spectators on one side no cover though. Rain pouring going to be a challenge writing a report, thankfully no wind so the umbrella can be tucked down the coat leaving the hands free for the notepad and camera. 

Isleham United Ladies starting XI – Rebecca Finch, Michela Edwards, Jodie Copping, Kayleigh Pearson, Evie Luker, Shona Kelly, Laura McAllister (C), Erin Clarke, Chloe Dunn, Georgia Blackaby & Amelia Thompson. Subs – Evie Jakes, Kaitlin Elsey, Laura Todd Zoe Middleton.

 Ely City Women starting XI – Tiff Toynton, Anna Petrova, Kerry Dyer, Vicky Bailey, Kaci Gibson, Amy Lloyd (C), Sammi Miles, Natasha Lane, Danni Youngs, Kelly Docwra & Bella Pillow. Subs – Harriet Ford, Christina King, Alice Creswick, Amanda Beavis & Carlene Bunton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s the way side Ely to get the match underway kicking off the first half wearing, red shirts with maroon sleeves, black shorts and red socks with Isleham lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Danni Youngs who send it into her defence, Isleham quick out of the blocks rushing to close down the ball, Amelia Thompson causing the Ely backline to hastily clear out to the right the ball out of play for a throw.

   Ely win the ball in the middle Sammi Miles for Kelly Docwra in the right channel lays it out wide for Youngs on the move down the wing squares a cross low into the Isleham area, cut out and cleared by Jodie Copping. Almost a mistake at the back for Ely as Anna Petrova under pressure from Thompson with goalkeeper Tiff Toynton coming to the top of her area, too close the ball taken wide into the box, scrambled away before Thompson can stretch to snatch it. A lively start the rain falling steadily the ball pinging about players getting drawn over to the ball play compact on the left space to exploit if the wingers are prepared to pull into it. 

  Bella Pillow leading the attack for Ely getting the ball into her feet and drives towards the Isleham area, tracking back wit her defender Evie Luker who puts in a well timed challenge inside the D to regain possession. Georgia Blackaby keeping wide on the left for Isleham the ball played into her by Shona Kelly carries it forwards with pace sweeping a low cross into the Ely box, intercepted by Vicky Bailey. Isleham pressing in the final third numbers on the left the ball coming through to the centre sees a shot struck over the bar.

  Blackaby a threat on the left getting free of her marker driving for the by-line Toynton has come rushing out to close her down as Blackaby plays the ball back up to Thompson positioned right corner with the keeper out of position looks for the early strike smashes her shot wide at the near post.

  Play mostly confined to the far side of the pitch Isleham pressing the attack down the left flank, Ely competing for the ball looking to find Youngs attacking the other way on the right. Chloe Dunn over on Isleham’s right has been patient not getting drawn in too close ready when the ball comes springing out to her on the right to knock it forwards and power her way forwards, Petrova pushing hard to catch up with her making the blocking tackle as they reach the box the ball deflected off hr behind for the 1st corner of the game. 

 Whipped into the box from the right knocked down into the mix, Pillow down as Docwra scrambles the ball clear. A pause in play Pillow up okay to play on. Michela Edwards and Copping combining in defence to thwart an Ely attack on the right the ball lifted on for Thompson up to looking to get the ball under control 20 yards out won’t drop for her before the Ely defence converge to close her down.

   A drop ball for the referee as the ball hits the wire running across the centre of the pitch carrying the netting to divide the 3G pitch into two smaller ones. Captain Laura McAllister putting her foot in to win the ball for Isleham in the middle the ball clipped diagonal out to the right for Dunn, a vital interception from Petrova or she would have been free to run in behind.

 A loose goal-kick going straight to Ely on the right the ball swung back into the area, Luker needing to deal with it screws her volley wide for a throw for Ely deep on the left Ely pressing players on the ball comes back to Kaci Gibson to cross in central 25 yards out, Ely’s player manager Natasha Lane striking the ball on her right foot from outside the D angling low for the inside of the right post, Isleham goalkeeper Rebecca Finch down sharply getting something on it to deflect the ball behind for the corner kick. 

  The corner played in from the right, captain Amy Lloyd jumping near side just under it as it drops central, Kayleigh Pearson launching it clear. Ely encouraged getting some joy now play has opened up and both sides are starting to use the entire width of the pitch. Pillow with Youngs through the middle placing the Isleham defence under pressure, Pearson back to goal 20 out can’t risk playing it back to her keeper, slides it inside for Copping who turns well to evade Youngs and send the ball out to the left.

  Pouring down, and not likely to let up anytime soon Youngs with the ball attacking on the right for Ely, squares it inside for Miles 20 yards out right of the D, lays it off for Lloyd running on her 25 yard strike whistling over the bar. The wire ropes at it again another drop ball as an attack is halted. Docwra playing the ball into Lane to hit from range her effort fired straight at the keeper.

  GOAL! 27 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken. Blackaby remains Isleham’s chief threat out on the left the ball fed into her feet knocks the ball on, Toynton again comes rushing out to the edge of her area looking to reach the ball, Blackaby getting to it first however stabbing the ball past the keeper the ball on it’s way towards goal will it have the pace to get their before the back tracking Ely defence can clear, Thompson through running in towards goal to making sure they don’t get the chance as she smashes it home to put Isleham into the lead. 1-0.

  Ely behind Lloyd playing the ball out to Docwra pulling right has support with Miles coming forwards the inside ball played Miles whipping a cross into the area, Luker behind it to clear for Isleham. Despite the weather (or maybe because of it) both sides playing at a good tempo the ball not settling for long Lloyd opening up her body to thread a pass into Pillow up top, Copping getting hold of it for Isleham instead. Miles with a high hooked ball in towards goal as it comes into her from the right top of the D, dropping his Finch concerned bounces down and for a second no ones sure if it crept under the crossbar or over but the goal-kick is signalled, who have been a few hearts in mouths there.

    Youngs pressing on the left enjoying a good tussle with Edwards, the ball lifted into the box, Youngs stealing in to attack it as Finch moves to the ball the pair with a heavy collision the keeper coming off worse. Concern for a minute as she receives treatment but thankfully up okay the game resuming with a corner kick to Ely. Another delivery swung into the mix, Isleham’s defence standing firm the ball headed clear.

  Kelly bringing the ball on for Isleham lifting it on for Blackaby racing on left side all the way to the by-line, Dyer catching up with her for Ely does well to get a tackle in send the ball out for a throw. Isleham pushing up Erin Clarke laying the ball into Thompson 20 yards out, Lloyd lunging in to knock it away from her the visitors looking to counter, Miles up with Youngs on her inside on the right puts it into her, Youngs’ shot charged down.

  Dunn and Blackaby switching flanks for Isleham looking to run at Petrova. Play with Ely however as they win a free-kick outside the Isleham area on the right, Docwra sending a curling delivery in across the top of the six yard box, Finch with an unorthodox save with her legs hooking the ball away, effective nonetheless. Ely win the ball back quickly fired up to the attackers Pillow and Youngs make the same run right channel impeded each other giving Copping  the opportunity to win the ball.

   Play switched instantly Isleham sending it on up to Blackaby and Thompson attacking through the middle, Toynton has comes all the way to the top of the area looking to reach the ball first can’t and is in trouble back peddling as Thompson lays it into Blackaby to strike right inside the D, low, Toynton recovers with a fantastic save getting a glove on the ball doing enough to deflect it wide past her left post for the corner. Some good corner deliveries from both sides Isleham’s this time whipped into the six yard box Ely struggle to scramble clear before a shot from the top of the area is fired wide. 

  The game open at times Ely rushing forwards Youngs right channel has Docwra running into the left channel slides the ball into he path takes it on, Copping getting back at her tangling with Docwra the ball deflecting off the defender running behind for the corner. Docwra takes a quick corner with miles coming for the short one on the left sweeps a curling cross in towards goal, Finch having little time to react beating it down as she falls back the ball loose, Pillow looking to latching onto it but has to round Pearson to do that and the defenders not having it as Finch snatches the ball into her gloves.

  The first half drawing to a close Isleham getting up on the left winning a corner kick. The set-piece whipped into the crowd at the near post turned wide a goal-kick signalled. Dunn with the ball wide on Isleham’s  left squares a cross into the box, cut out by Bailey rebounds back to Dunn who blasts a show over from the angle. Isleham finishing the half strong getting bodies up the pitch keeping possession on the left before the ball comes in central to Luker 25 yards out, seeing an opportunity to shoot, her attempt is charged down. 

  Dunn looking to race on down the left get past Dyer the full back though sticking a foot out to send it behind for the corner. Again swung in near post this time though Toynton is free unopposed to catch it into her mid-riff. One last attack for Ely a corner won on the right Docwra playing it into Pillow right side knocks it goal wards, Luker coming off the back post there to intercept and clear.

Half-time Isleham United Ladies 1-0 Ely City Women

  Amelia Thompson’s first half strike the difference between the sides as the half-time whistle blows, didn’t think the teams would want to head back to the changing rooms being drenched already and bot stay out on the pitch for a shorter interval, keen to get going again. can’t say I blame them. No let up in the rain. Both sides making good attacking runs down the flanks, Blackaby on the left effective for Isleham, Youngs on the right for Ely both keeper forced into making a save. Played at a good tempo chances created very much all to play for in the 2nd period. 

  Play resumes with Isleham getting the 2nd half started. Ely making a change at the start of the 2nd half with Harriet ford coming on replacing Pillow. Miles moving left with Youngs pushed up with Docwra in attack. The ball played immediately into traffic as Ely move to close it down, Kelly getting hold of it for Isleham putting it out to Blackaby back on the left flank drives on Dyer close on her challenging the ball going out for a corner kick. Swung into the mix bailey clearance goes to Edwards top left of the area inside for Kelly central top of the D, her shot taking a nick to deflect it over the crossbar.

  Ely counter on the right Lane lifting the ball on for Docwra pulling wide right, crosses early sending the ball in behind the Isleham defence into the box just beyond Youngs making a far post run, looks to retrieve it with Finch also giving chase the keeper diving onto the ball. Kelly has threatened to unlock the Ely defence with a killer pass or two in the game and nearly succeeds again as she spots Thompson pulling into the right channel, through but for a vital interception from Gibson. 

  Pearson clearing for a corner kick with Youngs and Docwra looking to hunt the ball down in attack. Out on the left played in near side Copping dealing with it for the hosts. Miles into Youngs 25 yards out left of the D, turns on the ball and shoots over. Ely enjoying a strong spell getting hold of the ball high up the pitch stretching the Isleham backline the cross from the left running into Lane central 25 yards out putting her foot through the ball the keeper beaten as the ball smashes down off the crossbar. 

  Isleham making their first change bringing on Kaitlin Elsey to replace Dunn out on the right. That pesky rope wire across the centre of the pitch intercepts the ball once again another drop ball. Kelly long from Blackaby on the left is keeping Dyer busy the pair having a good contest the defender staying on her to see Blackaby’s pass go astray. 

  Coming through the middle Ford on for Youngs up to Docwra outside the D, can’t get the ball down to hit cleanly, Finch diving puts it wide for the corner kick. Ely’s corner’s causing a few issues whipped into the mix with pace, Copping clearing this time. The visitors winning a few kick wide 25 yards out right of goal driven in low Finch stopping it with her legs, Copping getting hold of the loose ball hacking it clear.

   The centre wire rope getting involved again, both sides finding it. Edwards coming on a bit more on the left to give Blackaby some support going forwards into an advanced position lays a diagonal ball into the far post with Thompson making a good run, Gibson though has time to see it and set herself to clear. Lloyd giving away a foul on Clarke who is knocked over, Edwards adding insult to injury by accident blasting the ball into her stricken teammate. Clarke’s a bit dazed but into prepared to let it slow her down. The set-piece cleared by Ely.

  GOAL! The pressure Youngs and Docwra have be applying on the Isleham back line paying dividends as Docwra puts Copping in possession of the ball the back pass to risky is hesitates lacking a save options as Docwra steals in to take the ball away from her right of goal skip to the by-line and fired a low dipping  ball in across the keeper with Youngs dropping to head the ball over the line beyond 1-1.

  Ely back on level terms with an hour played. Toynton not one to stay back on her line will come racing out off her box to clear if she can. Gets there ahead of Thompson and Blackaby on a couple of occasions. Almost caught out as her clearance is latched onto by Kelly, the Isleham midfielder having a go from range her effort dropping wide of the open goal. Kelly busy getting up the other end to slide in defend against Youngs as Docwra attempts to slide the ball on. 

  Isleham frustrated at conceding upping the ante the ball clipped into Thompson stealing into the box right of goal strikes the ball down towards goal, Toynton reacting smartly diving to beat it down towards the left post, loose, Blackaby’s eyes light up as she comes steaming in Dyer can’t get there she connects the ball mashed wide of the upright, Blackaby down throws her hands up in disbelief the opportunity missed.

 Lane on the left sends a high ball in towards Youngs attacking top left of the D, can’t quite get it down under control just evades her as Luker comes back at her to clear. Into midfield McAllister with Kelly looking to play Thompson in up to, Bailey doing the intercepting this time.

 You guessed it they’ve somehow managed to find that wire rope again another build up thwarted. Ford turning on the ball central into Lane up on the right, Docwra ahead of her played into her feet turns, Edwards close on her to tackle for Isleham.

  GOAL! Isleham mount an attack sending the ball on left side Thompson sending Blackaby clear on the left wing Toynton starts to come to close the angle the cross/shot put into the area a deflection off  the keeper sends the ball on though to the far post Elsey closing on to direct the ball into the back of the net to see, Isleham retake the lead… after a brief consultation with the linesman, the referee deciding the goal stands 2-1.

  Isleham ringing the changes, Dunn coming back on along with Zoe Middleton and Evie Jakes going up top to replace Thompson, Middleton into the back line for Luker, Clarke also off. Ely winning a corner cut out near side by Blackaby who looks to chase the ball out of the box launch a counter Gibson standing her ground to halt her progress. 

  Finch with a brave blocking save to deny Docwra as the attacker bursts into the box from the left channel, hits the shot into the keeper at close range as she makes herself big in front of her. Edwards carrying the ball out for Isleham, left sending the diagonal ball into Jakes central, caught a little flat footed, just gives Toynton the time to come out of her area to clear having committed to her action. 

  Isleham having gotten ahead and made changes looking to add more energy to their game, Edwards coming inside laying the ball back out to Blackaby wide on the left from the angle 25 yards out looks to curl a shot into the top corner, fired wide of the upright. Lane out on the right clipping a looping ball into the area looking for Ford running in near side, can’t get it down under control before Copping can close her down to challenge and hook clear.

  The game ebbing and flowing Ely with a good spell at the start of the 2nd half to draw level, Isleham fighting back to retake the lead, pushing on, Jakes putting the ball out to Elsey on the right wing, Petrova seeing it out for a throw. Isleham working the ball inside back to Jakes, Gibson tackling to get Ely back in possession. 

  Ford pushing up to join the Ely attack central with Docwra play the one two, however cant find a way past Copping. Blackaby comes off for Isleham as they send on Laura Todd with the game moving into the final 10 minutes. Toynton coming out to the top of her area, makes a confident catch as the ball is launched forwards for Jakes to attack. Ely up on the left looking to put pressure on the ball Youngs with Docwra wide the ball worked into the area from the by-line, Ford attacking it near post sees her attempt blocked. Ely keep pressing the ball to win a corner on the right.

  GOAL! Have been some great deliveries from corners and this is one of the best swung in central from Docwra, met cleanly by Lloyd unmarked to drill her header into the back of the net put Ely back on level terms for the 2nd time in the game 2-2.

  Isleham pegged back for the 2nd time in the match attack on the right McAllister out to Elsey, cuts inside, tackled by Gibson. The game really open one minute Isleham are on the attack the next the momentum swings in Ely’s favour as the visitors come right Lane’s cross into the box sliced by the defender straight into Docwra’s path 10 yards out, fires her strike over the bar.

  Todd giving Dyer a new threat to deal with on the right, the full back getting in her tackle as Todd looks to get her head down power into the channel. Bailey stepping in to cut the ball out at the back for Ely. Into the closing moments of the match Ely on the attack the ball from lane into Lloyd played in central to Docwra 30 yards out goes for goal her shot put straight at the keeper. The final whistle blows the points are shared. The teams wasting no time in exiting the pitch and getting into the warm, dry changing rooms.   

Full time Isleham United Ladies 2-2 Ely City Women

  An entertaining contest despite the weather. As a neutral was an enjoyable watch played in a great spirit no tension between the sides. Lively, players soaked through, loving it or mad, you can decide. Isleham taking the lead in the first half. Both sides forcing the keeper into a save. Ely making a change at the break started the 2nd half well pressing the Isleham defence forcing an error to see them level the scores. Isleham came back well to retake the lead and making changes of their own had opportunities to extend the lead. Ely never gave in however and came back for a 2nd time to level the scores late on. Both might feel they could have gotten a better result but as a neutral observer I think the draw id the fair result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the match award. It’s a really tough one to single out one individual today, so the award is going to the wire rope instead, held a great line throughout the game and made plenty of interceptions… just kidding. A few performances of note, for Isleham the defence all made vital tackles, Jodie Copping and Michela Edwards in particular the latter also getting on well to help in attack in the 2nd half. Shona Kelly strong in the middle getting about the pitch making tackles winning the ball and showed a good range of passing that on another day would have seen one of her attackers through on goal. Kelly Docwra leading the line for Ely making some excellent runs putting the Isleham defence under pressure through setting up both goals. Again the Ely defence all made vital challenges, Kerry Dyer had her hands full with Blackaby for most of the game, stuck to her task well winning her fair share of the ball. Danni Youngs a real threat whether out on the right in the first half or more central in the 2nd driving on getting into the box, getting Ely back on level terms. She ran herself into the ground however and getting the award today is Isleham’s Georgia Blackaby carried the threat for Isleham in the 1st half, Dyer making her work for it no doubt always available, whether down the line or cutting inside to set up others unlucky not to score. 

  Despite a miserable afternoon weather wise it was still an enjoyable game from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three. Haven’t seen Isleham for a long long time so great to catch up and great to see Ely too. Will be an interesting title run in will certainly be an interested observer. My thanks to both sides for all their help today very much appreciated.  

by Darren Gilham