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Cup Final Special – Leverington Sports Ladies v Newmarket Town Women Development

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Wednesday 9th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

 Heading over to Ely this Wednesday evening for another slice of Cup Final action, this time from Cambridgeshire the Women’s League Cup, being contested by Leverington Sports Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development.

 The Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One title clinched by Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds with 2 games to spare, celebrating becoming league Champions in their 20th season! The League Cup Final and all Division One clash with both sides picking off notable scalps along the way. Leverington Sports Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development in good positions to push for a 4 four finish with a handful of matches left.

This evenings prize

 Tonight though it’s all about the cup, Leverington Sports Ladies reaching the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup last season, making it to the League Cup final this time around. Haven’t had the consistency they would like though out the season winning as many as they’ve lost, injuries to key players have certainly not helped in that regards, nevertheless have picked up some good results along the way.

Sophie Swinden no captaining the side one of the leading strikers in the county prolific for Leverington going all the way back to they time as Wisbech. Once again leading goal scorer for the club this season with 22 goals from her 17 appearances. Caitlin Burdett has 6 from her 17 games and Paulina Potoplak with 5 goals. Goals throughout the side too with 14 out of the 24 players used so far this season getting on the scoresheet.

 Newmarket Town Women Development currently 4th in Division One bouncing back well from a tough opening to the season losing their 3 opening matches, the young squad going on to lose just the once in 8 league games since, winning 7 of those. Newmarket very much a club built on youth with youth teams at most age groups players progressing through those sides into their U18’s and Development side then ultimately the 1st team as several of this season’s development squad have featured this campaign. 

  A strong women’s section backing up the first team in the ERWFL, the Development squad strong with 30 players used this season, Amber May the top scorer with 13 goals from her 12 matches, close behind Cerys Bithell who has 11 to her name rom 16 games. Alex Shelford has 6 goals with Ailie Rennie on 5. Won 3-2 away to Leverington earlier in the season.

Road to the Final

  Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st round of the competition. Leverington were drawn away in the 2nd round to play Division Two side, St Ives Town Ladies, ran out comfortable winners racking up the goals with Sophie Swinden netting herself a hat-trick along with goals for Nicole Butler, Ellie Curson, Rhianna Butler, Caitlin Burdett and Samantha Bignall in a 9-2 victory. Plenty of goals too in Newmarket’s 2nd round tie as they were drawn away to fellow Division One side, Wimblington Ladies. The hosts themselves scoring 3 goals the game back and forth Newmarket coming out on top to win the game 5-3 with Cerys Bithell scoring a brace, along with goals for Niamh Bridgeman, Alex Shelford and Hannah Marsh.

 Onto round 3, Leverington drawn at home taking on fellow Division One side, Godmanchester Town Ladies who at the time were mounting a strong challenge with Fulbourn for the title itself. Leverington though fought hard with Godmanchester finding the back of the net for 2 goals, so too did the hosts with Swinden and Samantha Davis scoring to 2nd the tie to a dramatic penalty shootout, going all the way to sudden death Leverington coming out on top to win 7-6 to advance to the quarter finals. Plenty of goals in Newmarket’s 3rd round tie having been drawn away to Division Two side, Willingham Wolves Women, Cerys Bithell scoring 5 goals in the match, half the final tally with Newmarket coming away 10-3 victors, Amber May netting a brace too with a goal each for Cara Moon, Milly Charles and Shelford.

  Into the last 8 with Leverington making the trip over to Rutland to play fellow Division One side, Ketton Ladies. Lacey Metcalfe opening the scoring early in the game to see Leverington 1-0 up at the break with Ellena Sequerah-Salmon, Swinden and Burdett all getting a goal in the 2nd half to see the job done with a 4-0 result to march into the semi-finals. Newmarket away too, taking on Division Two high flyers, Soham Town Rangers Women. A potential banana skin, the hosts pushed Newmarket all the way, the game finishing 2-2 after 90 minutes going on to be decided from the penalty spot. Newmarket comfortable in the shootout scoring their penalties to win 4-1 to advance to the last 4, Marsh and Sophie Carter with the goals for the visitors in regular play.

  An all Division One line-up in the semi-finals, Leverington hosting Cambridge Rangers WFC, who have reached this season, Cambs FA Women’s Junior Invitation Cup final. Swinden scoring for Leverington, Rangers were to come back to level the scores and with no more goals forthcoming in regular play we were to see another penalty shootout, Leverington cool from the spot to win 3-1 to win through to the League cup final. Newmarket were definitely the underdog as they were taking on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds away from home in there semi-final. The champions elect with a 2-0 lead at the break looking in good shape to go on to reach the final however Newmarket had other idea coming back well in the 2nd half with both Amber May and Ailie Rennie scoring a brace each plus an own goal to turn the game on it’s head and see Newmarket through to the League Cup final courtesy of a 5-2 win. 

 Ely City Fc’s, Demcom Stadium the venue for this evenings final. Has hosted many Cambs finals, the clubs Women’s side going from strength to strength too, pushing hard for the title in Division Three and reaching the final of the Junior Invitation Cup Final to be held a Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium on May the 1st. The ground situated behind Ely’s Leisure Village with other sporting facilities. The large grass pitch overlooked by a seated stand above the changing rooms with the clubhouse and kitchen open beside serving hot food and drink. The pitch itself seeing alot of action looking good from a distance certainly patchy in places close up and with the recent lack of decent rainfall a little firm underfoot as with several pitches I’ve visited recently. Still offers good width and a good test of fitness too. The weather as mentioned dry of late another sunny day the sun setting over the trees behind one goal the lights coming on for kick-off as referee Theresa Robichaux leads the two sides out onto the pitch. 

 Leverington Sports Ladies starting XI – Holly Bantoft, Libbie Wykes, Samantha Davis, Jade Court, Olivia Holden, Katie Garner, Ellie Curson, Paulina Potoplak, Caitlin Burdett, Rhianna Butler & Sophie Swinden (C). Subs – Ebonie Goode, Lacey Metcalfe, Abigail Sommerville, Ellena Sequerah-Salmon & Tianna Schunmann.

Leverington Sports Ladies

 Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Linger (C), Peyton Caranta, Becca Reynolds, Jazmine Sarpong, Alex Shelford, Ailie Rennie, Sophie Carter, Cerys Bithell, Amber May & Amelia Thompson. Suds – Niamh Bridgeman, Eden Kirby-Cook, Fliss Payne, Cara Moon & Alice Nicholson.

Newmarket Town Women (plus mascots) before kick-off

Captains Sophie Swinden and jess Linger with this evenings match officials (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Both sides missing players though injury for the League Cup final, it’s Leverington to take the kick-off 1st half wearing orange coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into the defence shifted to the right, Newmarket racing forwards looknig to close the ball down quickly pressure the back line, Jade Court sending the ball long into the right channel looking for Sophie Swinden in attack, Jazmine Sarpong stepping up from centre back to head the ball back into the opposition half.

Newmarket defender, Jazmine Sarpong (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Leverington battling to get hold of the ball in the centre Ellie Curson sending it out to the right, Paulina Potoplak getting forwards with Swinden coming over to support, takes the ball on down the line firing a shot in low on the angle, Charlotte Duhy in goal for Newmarket has the angle covered down low at her near post to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Newmarket moving the ball out to the right the diagonal ball finding Cerys Bithell on the attack charging forwards looknig to get into the box, Leverington’s Samantha Davies going with her getting across the attacker to push the ball on into the area for her goal keeper, Hannah Bantoft to clear.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

A lively opening both sides looking to move the ball forwards quickly, tackles in midfield the ball popping out to Bithell on the right, going forwards looking to link up with Amber May, Davies again getting a foot in to break up the move. Leverington break wide right, Swindon with the ball looking to hold of Sarpong as the defender forces her to the by-line, the striker winning her side a corner kick. Curled in towards the near post, attacked by Curson for Leverington but behind for a goal kick.

Leverington’s Ellie Curson (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Already looks to be a good contest forming between Bithell out on the right attacking for Newmarket and Davies defending at full back for Leverington, Davies looking to hold Bithell up on the wing as she attempts to get the ball down the line checks back to give herself half a yard to whip a pacy cross low into the six yard box, May in front of goal looking to get it down and turn to shoot, is quickly closed down by three Leverington players the blocking tackle seeing the ball cleared away for a throw on the right.

Leverington winning the ball back in defence send it clear up the left flank for Rhianna Butler to attack, Newmarket captain, Jess Linger moving up to get her head on the ball sending it out of play before Butler can attempt to get in behind. Newmarket looking to get the ball into the wings, Ailie Rennie in midfield clipping a diagonal ball into Alex Shelford out on the right moving into the corner, a push in the back from Davies seeing a free-kick awarded. Linger is a dead ball specialist over the set-piece fires it with power low into the packed six yard box, the ball won by a Leverington boot, cleared.

Newmarket captain, jess Linger (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket pressing the ball quick to get it back, Rennie with Sophie Carter played out to Bithell on the right side looks to surge forwards, Davies lunging in across her to see the ball back in Leverington possession. Katie Garner sending the pass out to Potoplak right side has Swinden on the move ahead of her, sending it into her path, Swinden winning a corner on the by-line as Peyton Caranta steps in to make the challenge. Another near post delivery plenty of bodies there Newmarket defending to successfully clear the ball.

Newmarket’s Peyton Caranta with Leverington’s Caitlin Burdett (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Is shaping up to be a physical contest, Leverington pressing the ball in the final 3rd, Curson 25 yards out central moving right prodded on for Caitlin Burdett then Swinden wide of goal her shot from the edge of the area charged down spinning away for a throw in the right. Leverington keeping the ball in the final 3rd Garner to Curson central swept out to Swinden in the right channel from the angle lets fly a powerful strike rising in on goal, Duhy making a good save getting her gloves up to tip the ball wide for a corner kick.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

Leverington sending the right sided corner in high to the near post, Rennie getting up amongst bodies to get her head on the ball to clear, but taking a knock on the head in the process going down. Play stopped so she can be seen to, but the midfielder is back up on her feet ready to play on. Leverington winning the ball well in midfield Curson getting about the park feeding a pass into the left channel for Butler to attack, pressing on, Linger coming to close her down getting her foot on the ball to send it out of play.

Play stopped outside the Newmarket box, 30 yards out to the left of goal, Leverington with the drop ball,  Curson hooking it on into the box towards the far post, the Newmarket defence clearing it back to the top of the area, fizzed back in toward Swinden 8 yards out to the right of goal, strikes it in low, Duhy down quickly making the blocking save beating the ball away to safety.

Newmarket’s Becca Reynolds (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket lively on the flanks press Left, Shelford into May racing forwards, Libbie Wykes diving in to make the tackle for Leverington. Off the resulting throw, May gets the ball to the by-line turning into the area, little room to work with as Wykes and Court converge on her, the ball squeezed out for a goal-kick. Newmarket finding a bit of momentum going forwards Carter looking to put a diagonal ball on for Bithell looking to make a right channel run inside Davies, the pass instead intercepted by Holden for Leverington.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

Bithell providing a good outlet for Newmarket on the right n the move the instant the defence wins the ball, Becca Reynolds into Rennie in the middle, clipped on for Bithell, nearly gets away from Davies however the full back with a burst of pace getting back across her as they run into the box to shield the ball back to Bantoft. Bithell breaking again right side looking to get onto the end of a cross field pass into the box from Shelford, Bantoft quick off her line to get to the ball first.

Curson winning the ball in front of her defence bringing it forwards, Butler on the move left side, helping the ball on looks to play Swinden in with the through ball, instead cut out by Reynolds. End to end the ball rarely still fed out to Bithell right side for Newmarket, Davies  in with a robust tackle to win the ball back, Curson coming over to the left to take it on lifting it on for Butler up the line, Linger putting her foot in to halt the advance.

Coming up to half an hour played, Leverington working the ball left Curson up with Butler a high ball looped up into the middle of the six yard box won’t fall kindly before Burdett to get a stab at goal before Sarpong gets her take in to get the ball away, falls to Potoplak left of the D, 20 yards out shifts it left before striking in in low to the near post, behind it so can see the keepers view is obscured, nevertheless Duhy reacts well getting down sharply to get her gloves on the ball, deflecting it onto the post and snatches hold of it on the rebound.

Leverington captain, Sophie Swinden

 The ball hotly contested in midfield, back and forth, Curson getting stuck in after the ball, Rennie getting it out to the right, Bithell knocking it forwards trying to get a yard on Davies, the full back recovering to lunge in take the ball out for a throw in, Newmarket working it down the line from the throw in to win a corner on the right. Players up from the back as the delivery in curled into the six yard box at an inviting height, Rennie central rising to meet it with her head, knocking the ball down, straight at Bantoft who produces a good save from close range.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Burdett on the right for Leverington plays it inside for Potoplak travelling infield with the ball feeds it into Swinden 20 yards out right of the D, back to goal looks to spin inside to get a shot away can’t shake off Sarpong however the defender challenging to win the ball back. Caranta left on for May on the left, Thompson up with her Court moving over to support Wykes putting in the tackle to win the ball. May then winning a corner on the left as Court comes to close her down on the by-line.

  A teasing delivery whipped in to the six yard box from the corner on the left, bouncing out beyond the far post no one getting a touch. Another Newmarket player shoved off the ball, needing treatment. Play resuming with a corner to Newmarket, Linger sending in into the six yard box another good delivery, Bantoft rising to throw her arm up to punch the ball away to the left. Leverington build through the middle, Garner on for Curson attempting to slid the pass in behind for Swinden pulling off, Sarpong’s shoulder right of goal, Duhy though seeing the threat quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. 

Newmarket’s Cerys Bithell (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Leverington push players on from midfield, Garner out to Potoplak right, shifting the ball between her feet drops her shoulder moving inside to send the ball in across the top of the area to Butler, left side 20 yards out, Linger in to close her down the ball out for a throw that side. Taken quickly Curson up with Butler the ball crossed into the box cleared by Sarpong, drops to Garner still up field after the earlier attack, strikes the ball from range, wide of the mark.

 Sarpong pushing up to halfway winning a long ball clearing it on the volley forwards into the path off Bithell on the right channel, 20 yards out takes on the early shot, struck low, Bantoft getting down to make the save. Sarpong intercepting at the back for Newmarket as Curson attempt to find Potoplak moving into the right channel. Newmarket press high the ball won back by Carter inside the Leverington half put diagonally into May moving from centre to right into the box fining space to attack closing down on the six yard box goes to send her shot across the keeper. Bantoft diving throwing out an outstretched arm saving to turn the ball on across goal, running on to Thompson running in beyond the far past. Court rushing in to try and win the ball the shot is clipped narrowly wide of the upright.

GOAL! The deadlock is broken, as Leverington exploit an error at the back from Newmarket, Sarpong seeing a clearance down into her feet carries the ball forwards into midfield, running into Garner who regains possession and sends it forwards into the channel vacated by the defender, knowing that’s exactly where the experienced Swinden is going to exploit, bearing down on the box, shoots before Duhy rushing out to close her down can reach her, sending the ball racing past the keeper into the back of the vacant net 1-0.

Sophie Swinden congratulated by her teammates as she fires Leverington into the lead (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Leverington having to work hard at the back to keep things tight, Court winning the ball well, bringing it out from the back, attempts to go long with Swinden making a run central to the right, Reynolds cutting the ball out. Game remains physical as the ball is hotly contested. Bithell down picking up a knock as the 1st half enters the final 5 minutes. Back and forth, Court cutting the ball out at the back for Leverington, Sarpong in turn winning it at the other end as Swinden looks to steal in behind.

 A cross field ball from Newmarket sees Shelford break forwards into the box to the left of goal, Bantoft rushing out to close down the angle making the blocking save, the rebound outside the area, Thompson looking to get on the end of it, Court sliding in to nick clear for Leverington. Newmarket pushing hard for a goal late in the half, Carter taking the ball forwards moving left sends it on for May pushing into the, Court timing her tackle to win the ball for Leverington away for a corner kick.

 it long from the left across goal headed back across the face at the far post, defended at the opposite post seen safely into the keepers gloves. Davies looks to bring the ball on left side for Leverington on for Butler, shakes off Linger the ball inside for Curson, Reynolds in close to prevent her turning on the ball. May brought down as she attacks on the right for Newmarket. Linger over the set-piece from deep launched into the box, Curson back to deal with it for Leverington. 

  Curson bringing it forwards trying to slide Butler in on the left, Duhy out to to the top of her area getting there first. Court in strong to win it again at the back for Leverington cleared up to Swinden on the right wing, Caranta moving in to close her down for Newmarket, looks to find Thompson in attack, Garner getting her head on the ball to turn it out for a throw in.

Half-time Leverington Sports Ladies 1-0 Newmarket Town Women Development

  A fast paced first half draws to a close with Leverington holding a slender advantage over Newmarket with Swinden put through on goal to break the dead lock late in the first half. Has been a physical game with Leverington getting stuck into Newmarket using their experience to get on with the ball with Swinden up top moving across the back line constantly looking for an opening. Newmarket looking to look move the ball quickly get it out into the flanks drive forwards both sides forcing excellent saves from their respective keepers the final remains delicately poised for the 2nd half. 

  A good sized crowd here to support the teams, Newmarket with a number of their youth teams in attendance shouting encouragement to the team. Newmarket making two changes at the break with Thompson and Shelford coming off in attack, Fliss Payne and Niamh Bridgeman coming on once all nose studs have been removed, the change of personal seeing Bithell taking up an attacking berth on the left. No changes at the break for Leverington as Newmarket get the 2nd period under way. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be decided on penalties.

  Put back into Rennie, Leverington straight in to close her down, Swinden coming away with the ball, taking a punt on the keeper being out of position tries her luck from range, the ball bouncing harmlessly wide. May coming trough the middle in attack with Bithell as Rennie slides the ball through to her in the right channel, Holden cutting the pass out in defence for Leverington. 

Newmarket’s Sophie Carter

  Caranta pushing up from left back sending the ball up the line for Bithell, Court rushing in to slide in to take the ball from her. Newmarket keep on the left Payne up with Bithell to win Newmarket a corner kick, the delivery swung in to the near post, Curson there to defend head the ball clear for Leverington. Wykes playing Burdett on up the right wing moves inside to feed the ball into Swinden positioned top of the area back to goal holding off Sarpong as she looks to turn into the area, the defender keeping tight on her to stab a foot in to take the ball away from her. 

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Rennie winning the ball well in the middle for Newmarket getting her side on the front foot, played forwards, May winning a corner, again it’s Curson who meets it to clear for Leverington. A little bit of frustration creeping into the game, Caranta looking to shield the ball out of play for a Newmarket throw opposite the Leverington dugout gets a cynical shove in the back from Burdett that sends the full back tumbling onto the packed earth bashing her head on the seats in the process. 

 Hardly any need, tempers for treatment the senior players for Leverington quick to clam things down, Burdett shown a yellow card. Caranta eventually back up on her feet and keen to return to the pitch. The incident stirring both sides up Newmarket increasing their intensity as she push for the ball inside the Leverington half, Rennie sending a diagonal ball into, May’s path right of goal, Davies diving in to make the tackle.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Burdett with the ball on the right dropping her shoulder to skip infield 25 yards out rolls the ball in central Curson charging forwards, Rennie though tracking back to intercept the ball. May charging down Holden as she goes to clear the ball at the back for Leverington, 30 yards out right of the D, May in behind going for the early strike dropping wide of Bantoft’s left post, Bithell interested as she goes to retrieve on the by-line, Wykes with her the full back seeing it out for a goal kick. 

  Garner taking a throw on the right for Leverington knocked back towards her as she moves forwards, lunging forwards to try and keep it in play Bithell runs into her receiving a painful blow to the stomach colliding with the midfielders arm. Heavily winded in some discomfort an accidental collision struggling to get her breath the decision is made quickly to take her off bring on Eden Kirby-Cook.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

 An hour played, Caranta pushing up on the left trying to get it forwards to Payne, Garner in the way to turn the ball out for a throw. A combative game Newmarket giving s good a they get in the 2nd half, limiting balls through to Swinden in attack. That said, Swinden is always alert to an opportunity as Leverington come inside from the left Butler into Potoplak central feed it into the box for Swinden right of goal does well to shake off Sarpong turning to shot but gets an unkind bounce as she looks to strike it on the half volley slicing her effort wide.

Jade Court sliding in to win the ball for Leverington (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Kirby-Cook seeing the ball rolled into her path by Payne coming inside from the left drives on towards the box, opting to shoot early the ball racing in to the near post, Bantoft getting down to see the ball up into her gloves. Leverington making their first change with Garner the player coming off, Ebonie Goode coming on. Court all action in defence putting in a number of crucial tackle, hurting herself in the process. Slides in to deny May as she looks to link up with Kirby-Cook.

GOAL! Payne taking the resulting throw launches it towards the top corner of the box, knocked up into the air by a Leverington defender, Bridgeman getting something on it beyond to put it on into the top of the D, for Rennie running onto the ball, gets her foot under the ball to hook it goal wards looping over the keeper and under the crossbar to level the scores 1-1. 

Ailie Rennie scoring the equaliser for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket back on level terms 25 minutes into the 2nd half. Leverington looking to build an attack on the left, Goode working the ball forwards with Butler, Linger challenging to get the ball into the middle, Carter looking to get it forwards. Caranta pushing further up 2nd half driving inside, Court intercepting her attempted through ball for Bridgeman. Court hurt in some pain needing treatment appears to be cramp is up but not moving as freely. Leverington bringing on Lacey Metcalfe in place of Butler

 GOAL! The game turned on it’s head with Newmarket taking the lead just 4 minutes after finding the equaliser, a goal kick falling to Payne to the left 30 plus yards out, knocks it forwards straight into the path of Bridgeman in behind the defence right of the D, racing on pulls the trigger, smashing her shot past Bantoft, inside the right post! 1-2.

Niamh Bridgeman fires Newmarket into the lead (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Newmarket’s young side full of energy, energized further as they take the lead in this evenings final. Caranta storming into midfield with the ball, feeding another through ball into Bridgeman , this time though Bantoft is rapidly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Newmarket lively Rennie out to May on the right driving into the box, on the angle Bantoft rushing out to close the angle May shoots into the side netting. 

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Court clearing for Leverington at the top of her area as may attempts to get onto a ball lifted over the top. Leverington starting to tire, winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half lifted forwards towards Potoplak outside the box left of the D, her shot deflected behind for a corner kick on the left. In short cleared for a 2nd corner. Aimed higher this time angled into the near post, Sarpong up to head the ball clear.

  Leverington winning another free-kick on the left, dropping into the D, Rennie trying to get it clear giving away the free-kick. Sent into the box, bouncing at the near post, Duhy needs to keep her eye on the ball even as she is closed down and does taking it well above her head. The game stretched moving into the last 10 minutes, May racing forwards looking to get onto the end of a long clearance, Bantoft racing out of her area needs to get there first and does.

Hannah Bantoft claiming the ball for Leverington (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Caranta fouled out on the left, inside the Leverington half, Linger coming over to take the set-piece, swung in on target, easy for Bantoft, who looks to get the ball up field quickly into Swinden on halfway back to goal sees it down for Wykes looking to get on right side, Kirby-Cook making the challenge to halt the advance. Court has gone down again and looks in trouble a lengthy pause as she’s seen too on the pitch, can’t continue and needs to be carried to the side lines as Leverington are forced into another change. 

 Newmarket pushing up winning a corner on the left, fired into the six yard box with runners coming in turned behind for a 2nd corner. Whipped in from the left into the near post a Kirby-Cook taking a swing at it from close range, hitting Bantoft beyond diving forwards to get her gloves around the ball. Leverington look to break quickly with the clock ticking down on for Burdett right, looks to drive on, Caranta coming back at her to nip in to turn the ball out for a throw in.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Wykes bringing the ball on right for Newmarket into Burdett inside the right channel 25 yards out looks to drive in central looking for an opening, Caranta, going with her getting a touch on the ball, falls loose in the box with the ever alert Swinden about to latch onto it right side of goal, Reynolds across on the cover to make the blocking tackle get the ball away from danger. 

 Into stoppage time several minutes to come with the pauses for injury in the 2nd half, Leverington looknig for one last effort to try and find a goal to at least force the final to a penalty shootout. Newmarket in turn still looknig for a 3rd goal to kill off the game break right may powering on into the box, Potoplak rushing back to defend for Leverington sliding in to make the tackle risky but times it well the referee quickly to wave away any appeals. 

Paulina Potoplak sliding in to tackle (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Leverington with a free-kick top of the circle barely any time left the ball hooked up to the top of the area, Newmarket winning the header, look to break out with pace. Comes all the way back to Bantoft the keeper launching it up to halfway Swinden turning it out to the right for Curson looking to break forwards, Caranta in on her to cut e pass out as the referee blows up for full-time and Newmarket rush together to celebrate as they win the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup.

Full time Leverington Sports Ladies 1-2 Newmarket Town Women Development

  Newmarket turning the game around having been trailing at the end of the first half, coming out with a positive plan 2nd half getting players forwards well to find the equalising goal midway through the 2nd half and with the momentum firmly on their side going on to take the lead just 4 minutes later. A physical contest two contrasting sides playing out a good battle, Newmarket coping better in the 2nd half, limiting the balls through to Swinden up top nevertheless despite picking up more injuries Leverington fought hard throughout, just could find that one golden chance to get themselves back on level terms in the final 20 minutes. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Plenty of contenders for this one no doubt about in performances of note on both sides. Firstly for Leverington, Ellie Curson had a great game in midfield, getting about the pitch to win the ball and link up with the forward players, getting her tackles in throughout. Hannah Bantoft producing some excellent saves to keep the score low. Sophie Swinden moving about the Newmarket back line constantly looking for an opening firing her side in front. Samantha Davies winning her fair share of tackles, Jade Court putting her body on the line winning the ball well with some crunching tackles busy at the back picking up an injury hoping it’s not too serious. For Newmarket a collective effort to get the ball forwards build momentum in the 2nd half. Jazmine Sarpong with a number of tackles and interceptions at the back. Peyton Caranta at full back fired up using that energy to positive effect. Cerys Bithell too providing a great outlet on the right first half, creating chances for herself and others. Amber May with some positive attacking runs. On the night the award went to midfielder, Ailie Rennie and I have to agree strong in the middle of the park, read the game well and got involved throughout whether tracking back to defend or getting forwards to join the attack getting Newmarket back on level terms.

Newmarket Town Women Development 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Congratulations to Newmarket Town Women Development on winning this evenings Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

An enjoyable evening coming back to Ely City FC for another final, this just happens to be my 600th match report too. Can hardly believe it! These things are a joy to write because no tow matches are ever the same (and I rarely get a 0-0). My thanks to both clubs for their help tonight, along with the staff at Cambs FA. My thanks to too Sean Doyle for the use of his pictures throughout the report. Plenty more games to cup, several of those finals busy right up to the end of May. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Leverington Sports Ladies v Godmanchester Town Ladies

Sunday 17th November

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 Back to it after a much needed break. Has been a busy spell the rest has done me the power of good, ready to go again a plenty of exciting football to look forward to. Heading into Cambridgeshire this Sunday to watch a game from Division One with two of the potential title contenders going head to head with 4th placed Leverington Sports Ladies taking on Godmanchester Town Ladies currently 2nd.

The pair meeting in the League Cup just 7 days ago at Leverington, playing out a 2-2 draw the game settled on penalties, Leverington edging the shootout 7-6 to progress in the competition.

Both clubs originally forming under another name progressing to where they are today. Leverington Sports Ladies as they have been now for several season’s originally Wisbech Town Ladies. Moving to Leverington a small village in the outskirts of Wisbech itself, are still very much part of the town and now established in the top tier within the Cambridgeshire Women’s football leagues, getting to the final of the Junior Invitation Cup last season as well as the semi-finals in the League Cup. Sophie Swinden now captaining the side, the long time top scorer over many seasons for the club has 15 to her name already this season from 9 appearances. 

  Godmanchester Town Ladies have had a successful start to life, having come into being last season, having been Huntingdon Town Ladies previous to that, then having been formed with what was largely the old St Ives Town Ladies squad. The core of that side remains, as Godmanchester went on to win the Division Two title last season, earning promotion and reaching the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup in their debut season. Will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition this season. Making some new additions to the squad, a couple from Eaton Socon Ladies, Gemma Cooksley and Hannah Hutchison , the latter top scorer so far with 8 from 8. Also added to the squad the vastly experienced Leah Cudone, returning to the game having performed at a higher level for a number of years, has 3 goals already from 3 appearances. That experience balancing with a number of promising young players coming to the club too. 

  Leverington Sports & Social Club the venue for today’s game. A hold up on the A47 meant I had to turn around and come in from the A10 getting there later than I’d have liked no time for a cup of tea! The social club with large carpark leading out to the pitches, grass and 3G. Over on the grass pitch the clouds gathering an overcast day with the temperatures starting to drop. Hoping the rain would hold off till late in the 2nd half but wasn’t to be.

Leverington Sports Ladies starting XI – Holly Bantoft, Jade Court, Sam Davis, Olivia Holden, Tianna Schunmann, Albany Hodgson, Paulina Potoplak, Ebonie Goode, Shushannah Feast, Caitlin Burdett & Sophie Swinden (C). Subs – Libbie Wykes Katie Garner, Rhianna Butler & Lacey Metcalfe.

Leverington Sports Ladies

Godmanchester Town Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leah Culpin, Leia Wheeler, Em Stephenson, Cherish Sibanda (C), Natasha Hochen, Sophie Crook, Leah Cudone, Holly Thompson, Kendal O’Connor & Ellie Harvey. Subs – Fran Worrell, Erica Zimmerman, Megan Stow & Georgie Astley.

Godmanchester Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Sophie Swinden & Cherish Sibanda with today’s referee and club line assistants

 A few players missing for both sides, Hutchinson in attack for Godmanchester amongst those. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse picking up an injury early in the season, missing for Leverington. Do have a player making her comeback from a long injury lay off, Albany Hodgson dual signed with ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham, starting this afternoon. It’s the hosts to kick-off the first half wearing orange shirts with black trim, black shorts and socks with Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with navy across the top of the chest and shoulder, navy shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle, Godmanchester rush on to close the ball down forcing Leverington to lay the ball out to the right, put up the line, Leah Culpin winning the ball for the visitors.

 A lively midfield contest right from the off both sides squeezing the play on the half way line, Paulina Potoplak attempting to lift it through for captain, Sophie Swinden making a move to pull off the centre backs, won instead by Godmanchester captain, Cherish Sibanda the ball played out to the left wing setting, Holly Thompson on her way pace closing down the area, Leah Cudone making a good run near post side Thompson attempting to slide her, Cudone after the ball under challenge from Tianna Schunmann for Leverington can’t quite get it under control, out of play for a goal kick.

Hodgson getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Leverington passing it on for Caitlin Burdett getting on the move down the right inside Culpin, Thompson racing back getting across the winger to see the ball back to her goalkeeper, Sophie Marjoram. Thompson looking to take the ball on the other way for Godmanchester out wide on the left is fouled on halfway. Culpin over the set-piece strikes the ball in towards the pack gathered inside the D, Hodgson winning the header to clear for the hosts. 

 Certainly competitive both sides getting stuck in, physical a few free-kicks given away, both wanting to get the ball into their attackers quickly, Swinden sending the ball out to Shushannah Feast on Leverington’s left the pair looking to combine, Leia Wheeler getting a foot in to deflect the ball out for a throw slow the advance. Cudone getting hold of the ball on half way taking it on with a forceful run towards the Leverington defence looking to plough her way through, Schunmann and Olivia Holden closing her down to challenge.

 Kendal O’Connor surging on with the ball right side for Godmanchester, hooks the ball into the middle Cudone inside the D looking to attack it, Schunmann getting a touch to knock it away from her, Sam Davis too before goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft calls for it and steps in to claim. Feast providing a good outlet for Leverington on the left receiving the ball high bringing it down powering her way into the box, Wheeler with her, Em Stephenson backing her up the pair forcing Feast to run the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

Leverington’s Shushannah Feast

  End to end, Godmanchester turning play around Natasha Houchen finding Ellie Harvey pulling into the left channel 25 yards out sees the ball down and attempts to lay it into the path of Cudone making a run to try and get in behind, a vital interception from Jade Court to deny her a run on goal. Leverington’s turn to have a free-kick on half way out on the right launched into the top of the Godmanchester area headed clear the visitors get it up the pick rapidly one touch, Cudone after it, Bantoft out of her box quickly to kick the ball clear.

  Hodgson passing to Ebonie Goode in the middle lifted forwards into Swinden back to goal 30 out turns looking to thread it into the box for Feast coming inside from the left, a little too much on it giving Marjoram the edge as she comes to lay claim to the ball. A few spots of rain in the air, wielding a notepad and camera getting tricky with an umbrella to operate too! Swindon seeing the ball down from all of 30 yards out, letting lose a shot, her effort arrowing in straight at the keeper a comfortable height for Marjoram.

  Godmanchester with a set-piece out on the right fired in across goal, comes out to Thompson beyond the far post, sending it back into the mix, play it too close to the near post, Bantoft shifting across her goal, dropping down onto the ball. Leverington get the ball into Burdett on the right racing to the by-line fires a cross into the six yard box, cleared back out to the right, a corner conceded. The delivery played into the mix top of the area squirms through to Swinden free left of the D, can’t get the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away before the challenge comes in the ball deflected to the top of the D, comes to Court, leaning back into her strike, sends her shot over the crossbar.

Leverington’s Sam Davis

  A wet conditions adding to the scrappy nature of the game both sides tussling for possession the middle seeing alot of pinging back and forth with players on both sides capable of springing into action should one favour a run in behind. Feats winning Leverington a corner out on the left. Flung into the near post defended the ball knocked up into the air across the goal face where will it drop, spins behind the right side of the far post for a corner on the right. Hodgson to send it in a fantastic in swinging ball across the six yard box over the keeper Leverington attack it far post, Feast and Swinden up together, the final touch seeing the ball put narrowly over the bar!

Leverington coming close to opening the scoring

  Leverington enjoying a good spell getting n with the ball pushing Godmanchester back, Davis on the ball coming inside form the left encouraged to shoot from 30 yards out, her effort put straight at Marjoram. Lively as Houchen plays Thompson in on the left, pacy taking the ball on, Schunmann across from the centre of defence sliding in to win the ball. Potoplak with Hodgson in the middle, picking out Burdett on the right as Court going beyond her plays her in down the line closing in on the by-line slips as she goes to cross the ball seeing it claimed by Marjoram.

  Crook with a purposeful run on the ball driving on through the centre for Godmanchester plays it on for Cudone who looks to do the same, closed down by three Leverington defenders, can’t find a way through the ball running on into the box, gathered by Bantoft. Some hefty challenges out there but not too much aggro both sides picking themselves up getting on with it. 

 Potoplak tries to thread the ball on for Swinden pulling away into the left channel up top, Stephenson holds her ground, making the crucial interception for the visitors. Harvey attempting to find room to unleash a shot from outside the D, sees the chance gone as Court sides in on her to take the ball as she is about to put her foot through it. 

Godmanchester’s Ellie Harvey

  Leverington commit too many players forwards as they lose possession on the left, Godmanchester launching a rapid counter on their right the ball lifted in central seeing 3 players running clear, Cudone amongst them bringing the ball down right channel closing in on the box, unleashes a shot on the half volley, coming at Bantoft quickly the keeper having little time to react, gloving the ball down to the right as she goes down getting enough on it to see it evade Cudone as she steams in on the follow up. 

Holly Bantoft with the save to deny Cudone

 Leverington with a throw high on the left working the ball inside Feast from the angle driving a shot in low to the near post. Marjoram down to save the ball off her for a corner kick. Swung in low to the near post, Sibanda clearing the ball for a throw in. The end to end nature of the game meaning defender have to win the ball put over the top, Schunmann doing just that with a vital header for Leverington as Harvey looks to send Cudone in behind. Godmanchester with the pace to get in behind, Leverington taking a few chances risk getting caught out. 

Leverington defender, Tianna Schunmann

  Thompson with the pace on Godmanchester’s left side taking the ball on whipping a cross into the box, over Harvey leaping for it on the penalty spot, Schunmann doesn’t get it away at the far post, O’Connor in to press the ball that side winning her side a corner. Curled in from the right everyone’s gone in at the near post however the ball dropping far side, the goal was wide open had only someone been there to attack the ball. Miserable conditions the rain intermittent, the pitch slicking up a little bobbly too challenges flying in.  

 GOAL! Wheeler on for O’Connor on Godmanchester’s right driving on sends a great ball into the box dropping central, Cudone timing her run to perfection up to head the ball turn it over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1. 

Leah Cudone opening the scoring for Godmanchester

 The visitors taking the lead in the 35th minute, Leverington almost gifting them a 2nd goal as the keeper plays the ball out from the back moving out of goal to her right sending her kick straight into Cudone some 30 yards out, an open goal presented hasn’t time to bring it under control struck on the half volley doesn’t connect cleanly the ball screwing wide off target. 

Houchen through the middle for Godmanchester laying the ball on for Thompson to take on down the left flank, Court looking to get back on her the pair racing towards the box, Thompson can’t find a way round Court the ball eventually out for a goal kick. Holden winning the ball at the back for the hosts played into Court on halfway right side, as Leverington look to attack coming inside sends the pass into Potoplak top of the D, looking to squeeze it on for Swinden, marked by Stephenson, she Sibanda looks to close Potoplak down the ball skipping up of Stephenson, caught by Marjoram, Leverington appealing it was a back pass but nothing doing.

Albany Hodgson tackling for Leverington

  Late into the first half rain falling steadily Cudone playing Thompson into space on the left, Goode coming back to defend sliding in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. Houchen to play it into the near post from the left, defended by Burdett, headed back out to the left Houchen moving the ball up the line to put another ball into the box, her strike into the side netting.

  The visitors with a free-kick on half-way with seconds left to play, into the top of the area, cleared by Court, Leverington look to counter, Swinden making the run in behind, again Stephenson holds her position to intercept the ball.

Half-time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with the single goal advantage as the sides gather at their respective benches staying out on the field despite the crap weather for the half-time interval. Headed to the car myself to retrieve a bigger umbrella, the camera can only take so much. An entertaining first half a hotly contested affair, end to end at times, Godmanchester pressing the ball in the middle looking to get it out to their pacy players out wide. Cudone making some strong runs through the middle. Likewise Swinden up top for Leverington looking for space to steal in behind onto the ball. Both keepers called into action. Leverington with a good chance to open the scoring. Cudone timing her run perfectly to head home from O’Connor’s cross to see the visitors lead instead. All set up for the 2nd half the weather conditions likely to deteriorate getting very gloomy out there.

 One change at the break  for Leverington as both sides come onto the field early for the 2nd half keen to get the game restarted. Libbie Wykes replacing Court in the back line.  Godmanchester unchanged with the kick-off 2nd half. Played back to Wheeler on the right up the line into O’Connor, Davis defending for Leverington. The hosts looking to press the ball high early on, Goode moving into the right channel, Culpin across her to see the ball back for her keeper to clear.

Godmanchester’s Leah Culpin

  Harvey looking to steal in behind Leverington’s back line pushed up to half way, doesn’t quite time it as the flag goes up against her. Certainly niggly, but tempers not boiling over, the referee keeping a good eye on things. Feast brought down wide on the left. Swinden over the set-piece as Leverington push players up into the Godmanchester box, a great ball in dropping far post attacked by Potoplak into the keeper at point blank range Marjoram down sharply to make the save getting hurt in the process the ball knocked behind for a corner. Concern for the keeper for a moment, but thankfully Marjoram is up and okay to carry one. The in singer from Hodgson curled in onto the roof of the net.

 

Godmanchester goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram saving from the close range attempt.

The keeper seeing the resulting corner land on the roof of her net

Both sides giving away free-kicks, Leverington with one on halfway sent into the top of the opposition area by Hodgson, Sibanda with the winning header for the visitors. Goode on for Potoplak out to Feast on the left has Swinden making a run ahead of her the ball sent down the flank, Stephenson coming across to defend sliding in to take the ball off Swinden for a throw in. Burdett seeing the ball down into her feet off the throw turning inside 25 yards out moving across the top of the Godmanchester area looking to pull the trigger, Houchen moving in to put in the blocking tackle.

Leverington captain, Sophie Swinden

  Cudone playing the ball into Harvey up top back to goal lays it out to the left for Thompson to take on, her touch a little to heavy allowing Bantoft to come out and grab up the ball. Leverington turning play around threading the pass on for Swinden to burst onto central Stephenson pushing to get back on her shoulder pressure Swindon as she goes to strike the ball from 20 yards out her attempt running wide of the right post.

Holly Thompson

  Godmanchester inviting a little pressure caught in possession on the right Wykes with Burdett the shot took on the angle, Marjoram covering the near post behind the ball.

 The game opening up a Godmanchester get away down the left the early across sent in across the to of the D, Cudone latching onto it taking the ball on further to the right before angling a shot back in across the keeper, Bantoft diving right dropping onto the ball to get both gloves around it. 

Leverington goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft

  Leverington get on the attack the diagonal ball into Swinden left of the D, no room to turn, instead lays it back to Hodgson her shot dipping in on the keeper, parried away by Marjoram the right, Burdett looking to send a strike back in on the angle, saved turned over for a corner kick! Put into the top of the area from the left Hodgson looking to direct her header to the congested far post, Godmanchester scramble it away.

 

  The rain falling heavily now the wind picking up to very dark out there, O’Connor played in on the right by Godmanchester the game getting stretched takes on the early strike firing the ball in towards the near post, Bantoft getting down behind the ball to save. Leverington making a 2nd change bringing of Burdett on the right sending on Rhianna Butler. 

Godmanchester midfielder, Natasha Houchen

 

GOAL! Godmanchester winning the ball at the back as Leverington press the clearance launched up the field seeing Cudone running in clear onto the ball to close down the opposition box and keeping her composure picks her spot to send the ball past the keeper to double the score with nearly an hour played. 

Leah Cudone played through on goal to double Godmanchester’s lead

 Godmanchester press the ball winning a corner on the left. Played into the near post missed by Bantoft as she tries to come through the crowd the ball escaping to run all the way across the face of goal retrieved beyond the far post the cross flashed back in far side Sibanda looking to bring it down to get a shot away, is closed down the ball scrambled away to safety. 

  Leverington winning a free-kick on the right after a handball is spotted. Hodgson to play the ball into the box a dangerous cross, Swinden racing into attack it central turning her 1st time touch over the bar. Godmanchester making a change bringing off Harvey up top, sending on Fran Worrell on to the left with Thompson moving right, O’Connor central.

GOAL! Godmanchester with pace up top as Leverington push players on needing to find a goal the ball won back put into the middle sent on to the left flank quickly, picking it up O’Connor steals in behind the defence left side Bantoft coming to close her down, O’Connor waiting till the keeper goes down to try and block shifting the ball to her left taking into the box beyond her to slot the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 0-3.

Kendal O’Connor rounding the keeper to score Godmanchester’s 3rd & Her 1st of the season

  Leverington have brought on Lacey Metcalfe to replace Goode, the 2nd goal a blow the 3rd taking the sting out of the hosts, Godmanchester with a healthy advantage with 20 minutes left to play. Conditions awful too with the wind swirling the rain about. Katie Garner into the action too with Hodgson getting a rest after being out for so long. Thompson fed the ball on the right looking to drive, Potoplak sliding in to take the ball off her for a throw in.

Paulina Potoplak

  Cudone receiving a pretty firm shove in the back going down, getting the free-kick even as Thompson is upended landing hard on her back, picking herself up, Cudone on the set-piece halfway to the right, launched up to the top of the box dealt with by Schunmann. Georgie Astley entering the game for Godmanchester replacing Wheeler at the back. 

  Poor conditions now the rain coming down steadily Leverington trying to find Swinden puling away to the left, taking the ball inside looking to play in Butler, incepted by Sibanda. Megan Stow coming on for the visitors to replace Cudone.

GOAL! Godmanchester finishing the stronger with the pace down the flanks the ball fed to Worrell wide on the left take the ball inside driving towards the box unleashing an early strike, Bantoft can’t get down quick enough the ball under her racing on into the back of the net to make it 0-4.

  15 minutes left to play Godmanchester in full control now, Bantoft out to the edge of her area to slide in to claim the ball as Thompson looks to spring the offside trap on the right. Thompson’s last action of the game as she comes off with Harvey sent back into the fray. Goode moving out to the left looking to link up with Feast for Leverington sending the ball on, Astley putting the challenge in the ball out for a throw. 

  Godmanchester attack on the left Worrell checking inside to cross into the box, O’Connor top of the area looking to chip the keeper can only drop the ball into her gloves. Camera’s had enough conditions too poor, as Astley plays the ball long from the back up to O’Connor in attack, Holden getting in front of her defending well to see the ball safely back to her keeper. 

Olivia Holden

  Holden in to defend again moments later on O’Connor as the attacker looks to drive central, the ball cleared out to the right, O’Connor after it angling a cross back into the six yard box, Harvey looking to meet it on the volley turns the ball over the bar. Swinden still looking for the ball up top for Leverington moving right as the cross-field ball drops into her path taking it on has runners bursting into the area, tries to place her cross, too close to the keeper at her near post however, Marjoram adjusts well to snatch the ball into her body.

Conditions a challenge for reporting

  Houchen off for Godmanchester with Crook back on. One last attack for the visitors, the diagonal ball knocked up into the D from the left, Harvey up for it goes down claims for a shove even as O’Connor looks to get the ball untangled from her feet turn to shoot, Leverington defend, the final whistle blowing as the ball is cleared.

Full time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-4 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with a strong finish to the match coming away with the 3 points, coupled with a 1st defeat of the season ending Fulbourn Institute Bluebird’s 100% they join them on 18 points at the top of the table. A competitive game no quarter given, end to end often a hard fought battle in the middle, several free-kicks given away, a strongly as it was contested however tempers never over spilled. Good chances for both to take the lead in the 2nd half with Godmanchester taking one to hold the advantage. Leverington came at them hard at the start of the 2nd half but with their pace on the flanks, Godmanchester countered well patient, Cudone breaking clear to score her 2nd of the match, closely followed by a 3rd goal knocking the wind out of the hosts. As the game ticked down and the weather got worse Godmanchester emerged the dominant side adding a 4th goal to seal the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As more often than not it’s not a easy call, a trio of strong contenders, narrowing it down to one wasn’t easy. Few performances of note to mention, firstly for Leverington. Sophie Swinden working tirelessly up top ready to receive the ball looking to make runs into the channels bring others into play, unlucky not to score coming close with a couple of good opportunities. Tianna Schunmann with some vital interceptions at the back getting across to win the ball. Shushannah Feast providing a good outlet for the ball on the left flank. For Godmanchester. Em Stephenson read the game well at the back intercepting everything played too close to her. Natasha Houchen a powerhouse in the middle of the park getting hold of the ball and driving forwards getting the ball out to the pacey players on the flanks. Holly Thompson on the left with some great runs, getting in towards the box creating chances. On the opposite side Kendal O’Connor taking the ball on putting in some dangerous crosses assisting the opening goal and going to to score in the 2nd half. Scoring in both halves though the award today goes to Leah Cudone. Took her goals superbly the 2nd going along way to securing the win, not only that but made some fantastic runs from midfield looking to get onto the end of the ball and cut open the Leverington defence.

  An enjoyable return to football after a little break, could have done without the weather but there you go winter is coming. Love it no matter what. Great to see both sides in action. First trip to Leverington and won’t be the last hopefully have time for a drink next time. My thanks to both sides for the team details, I knew most of the players to be fair but those numbers make life so much easier. Will be interesting to see how it all unfolds in Division One this season.

by Darren Gilham