Tag Archives: Match Report

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Norwich City Women

Sunday 4th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Cambridge Rangers WFC v Ely City Women

Thursday 1st May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final

Hot on the heels from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final on Wednesday evening, comes the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup final, this time a trip over to Histon FC’s, Bridge Road Stadium, being contested this season by Cambridgeshire Division One side, Cambridge Rangers WFC and Division Three side, Ely City Women.

The Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridgeshire’s 2nd county cup competition, like most county FA’s giving sides knocked out in the early rounds of the senior competition an opportunity to compete for silverware.

The Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

Cambridge Rangers WFC are one of the longest established clubs within the Cambridgeshire Women’s County leagues having had mixed fortunes in that time the club very much on a upward curve at the moment expanding in numbers enough to form a Reserves side last season, played in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three. The 1st team playing a Division One currently 9th in the table but despite having mixed results in the league have saved their best performances for the cup competitions, reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup, but going one better in the Junior Invitation Cup. Ali Smethurst the leading goal scorer with 8 goals to her name with Daniela Lewis and Ellen Ferguson on 5 each.

Ely City Women are another side enjoying an upward curve closing in on completing their 3rd season have grown over that period a tough debut campaign near the bottom of the Division Three table a change of management bringing a change of form and results, Ely City FC as a club itself having long supported women’s football in Cambridgeshire now with a women’s side itself, finishing 3rd in the table last season Ely have been at the top or in and around it all season, in a title battle with Cardea Ladies Reserves and Saffron Walden Community Women, with 2 games left to play. Bringing new players into the club have scored plenty of goals this season. Kelly Docwra closing in on 30 goals for the season has 29 from her 18 appearances. Danni Youngs has scored 19 times and Poppy Green on target for 18, with goals scattered throughout the side.

Division One against Division Three not likely to be a walk over although Cambridge Rangers WFC did get the better of Ely in the League Cup early in the season winning 5-2. Still a chance to win silverware both sides will fancy their chances this evening.

Road to the Final

Cambridge Rangers WFC drawn away to Willingham Wolves Women in the 1st round of the Junior Invitation Cup, newly promoted to Division Two, the sides contested an 8 goal thriller with Kirsty Wicks netting a hat-trick for Willingham, the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time Daniela Lewis with the early goal for Cambridge, would add her 2nd early in the first half with manager, Judith Dartnell also bagging a goal. Ali Smethurst with a goal plus and OG securing a 5-3 win. Ely in comparison with a home walkover in the first round against Burwell Ladies.

Into the last 8, Cambridge drawn at home against fellow Division One side and new League Cup winners, Newmarket Town Women Development. A tough draw Cambridge coming out on top to win the game 2-0 to advance to the last 4. Ely at home to in the quarter finals drawn against fellow Division Two side Manea Sirens LFC A team, goals from Kelly Docwra and Danni Youngs sealing a 2-0 win to put them into the semi-finals.

Cambridge away to Division Two side Histon Ladies Development in their semi-final, Katie Grigg getting a goal for Cambridge in the first half the, game won 2-1 with Daniela Lewis firing in a goal inside the final 10 minutes. Ely at home with a tough opponent in their semi-final Soham Town Rangers Women pushing the top two in Division Two in the end a single goal settling the game, Docwra the player on target to see Ely into their first final.

Another glorious day, hotter than the previous evenings final the mini heatwave set to last for another 24 hours, great weather for both finals especially when you recall last season’s planned cup finals day was a wash out due to the rain. Histon FC’s, bridge Road Stadium the venue for this evenings final, another club with a good backing for their 2 senior women’s sides. The grass pitch a good size getting plenty of wear and tear, overlooked by a main raised stand over the changing rooms the bar situated at the back. A smaller seated stand running the length of the opposite side with covered viewing behind both goals. The kitchen hatch open too serving hot food and drink.

Cambridge Rangers WFC starting XI – Sam Chapman, Erika Rasijeff, Laura Baldwin, Ellie Tod (C), Gina Ghensi, Bethan Jones, Laura Baldwin, Daniella Lewis, Leanne Yip Heung Win, Ali Smethurst & Laura Bird. Subs – Nicola Brewin, Yee Hoi Tefer-Ng, Claire Kyndt, Katie Grigg & Hannah Mardell.

Cambridge Rangers WFC

Ely City Women starting XI – Tiff Toynton, Kerry Dyer, Natasha Lane, Ellie Cooper, Christine Cullen, Amy Lloyd, Louisa Harwood, Kelly Docwra (C), Beth Horsfield, Danni Youngs & Poppy Green. Subs – Bella Pillow, Kaci Gibson, Vicki Bailey, Charlotte Upson & Emma Cooper.

Ely City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

Captains, Kelly Docwra and Ellie Tod with this evenings match officials

Carlton Joseph refereeing this evenings final having been 4th official for last evenings Invitation Cup Final, Robin Robichaux having refereed that final the 4th official this evening with Duncan Turned and Rob Smith running the lines. It’s Cambridge to take the kick-off first have wearing yellow shirts with dark blue sleeves dark blue shorts and yellow socks, with Ely lined up opposite in their all red kit. The ball rolled into Bethan Jones in midfield played out to Laura Baldwin on the left of defence, Ely rushing on to try and close the ball down, battling for possession in the middle captain Kelly Docwra lifts a diagonal ball on into the top of the area for Beth Horsfield making the run on the right, Baldwin closing her down to hook the ball away for a corner kick on the right.

Ely curling the corner in towards the near post, Cambridge assistant manager, Gina Ghensi defending getting her head onto the ball to clear the threat.

Assistant manager, Gina Ghensi heading Ely’s corner clear

Ely looking to get busy in the early stages come for the ball look to apply a little pressure, Cambridge a little unsettled, needing to keep an eye on the attempted through balls with Poppy Green looking to pull off the defence. Docwra getting hold of the ball centrally lifting another diagonal ball out to Horsfield on the right, Daniella Lewis tracking back to put in the tackle for Cambridge.

Christine Cullen winning the header for Ely

Cambridge getting the ball down the left Lewis exchanging passes with Ali Smethurst in attack a throw won in the corner leading to a corner kick, players up into the area the ball swung in across the face of goal high, goalkeeper Tiff Toynton fouled as the ball flies over her dropping at the far post, the free-kick awarded.

Lewis looking to get on with the ball on the left for Ely, Kerry Dyer moving in to challenge her see the ball out for a throw. A cross from the angle launched high into the Ely box. Toynton getting her gloves up to claim the ball, launching it up field, helped on through the middle, Green looking to get after it, Laura Bird intercepting for Cambridge.

Ely goalkeeper, Tiff Toynton

Is a big pitch but both sides are tending to get into a tight cluster more to Cambridge’s attacking right than anywhere else, space to be exploited for sure as the ball is hotly contested, Erika Rasijeff sending it on for Jones right side, Louisa Harwood getting a foot in to take it out for a throw. Cambridge press getting a cross into the box, Ellie Cooper heading it clear at the back for Ely.

Cambridge Rangers, Erika Rasijeff

Ely look to launch a counter attack Harwood with the layout sending the ball on for Horsfield on the right racing on, Baldwin coming back to close her down for Cambridge preventing the cross. Docwra over an Ely free-kick just inside the Cambridge half to the right sends it in long high to the far post, goalkeeper Sam Chapman catching the ball high for Cambridge.

Cambridge starting to find a rhythm getting the ball moving through the middle fed on for Ellen Ferguson, sends it out to the left with Lewis storming forwards, Dyer moving in to close her down on the by-line conceding a corner kick. The corner swept in over the keeper at the near post half cleared beyond comes straight to Smethurst inside the area to the right of goal fires her strike over the crossbar.

Cambridge Rangers, Ali Smethurst

Play condensed the ball popping back and forth between the sides as both attempt to find a telling through ball. Ferguson with the ball at her feet for Cambridge carrying it infield from the left shooting from 20 yards out her low strike rolling through to the keeper. Cambridge pressing in the final third Smethurst on through the middle with Ferguson to her right outside the D, held up by Ely’s Christine Cullen, Ferguson has Smethurst moving around her on the overlap to the right putting the ball into her feet as she moves further right strikes the ball on low to the near post, Toynton getting down sharply to make the save turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

Another teasing delivery from a corner kick on the right flashed in across the face of goal, Smethurst central not quite able to get a touch as it flies through everyone. Ely riding out a spell of pressure at the back looking to counter, Amy Lloyd on for Docwra through the middle spots Horsfield in space on the right lifting the ball into her path, it’s Cambridge captain, Ellie Tod coming across the close her down the ball out for a throw as her side regroups.

Lively as Cambridge hit Ely on the counter the ball lifted on through the middle into Lewis, pace as she gets on with the ball lining up a strike on the run from 20 yards out, Toynton down to make the save turning the ball to the left for a corner kick. Swung into the six yard box, it’s Ely’s player manager, Natasha Lane who gets her head on the ball to defend sending it over the bar for another corner. Another dangerous ball in from the left goes long bouncing up beyond the far post, Smethurst looking to get her foot up over the ball to strike it back towards goal puts it straight into the keepers gloves.

Ferguson, Smethurst and Lewis all busy in the final 3rd for Cambridge looking to find a way through, Cooper defending for Ely. Baldwin defending at the back for Cambridge as Green and Horsfield look to get on down the right for Ely, brings the ball out from the back put on up the left for Lewis, spins off Dyer to run in behind the full back, Cooper comes sliding in to take the ball away from her.

Daniella Lewis

Cambridge pushing Ely back the defence up on halfway, risk the counter as Docwra looks to send Green in behind, a vital interception by Tod, Jones right for Cambridge playing in inside for Leanne Yip Heung Win on for Jones sends it on into the box for Smethurst to clip in towards goal, lacking the pace to trouble Toynton in goal. Cambridge getting bodies up around the Ely box.

Ely attacker, Poppy Green

Cooper cutting the ball out in defence for Ely as Ferguson looks to play Smethurst in through the middle, cleared out to the left for Danni Youngs to get on the move taking the ball on into the corner sending a cross in low to the near post, Chapman having to put up with the Ely drum behind her goal getting down to gather the ball into her gloves.

Cambridge Rangers goalkeeper, Sam Chapman

Ely looknig to get players up the pitch Green over to the right as Horsfield and Docwra battle to get it forwards, the former sending the latter down the line, Docwra cutting a cross into the six yard box, Chapman taking it untroubled no one getting into the area. Up the other end Toynton needs to come racing out of her box and Yip Heung Win sets Smethurst clear in the right channel, the keeper getting to the ball first.

Laura Baldwin getting to the ball before Ely’s Beth Horsfield

Horsfield getting back to help Dyer in defence for Ely doubling up on Lewis as she looks to get on down the flank with the ball. Cambridge pushing players on, the ball rolled inside to Ferguson central her strike from outside the box scuffed running safely through to the keeper. An intriguing opening 25 minutes as referee Carlton Joseph signals a drinks break, with the temperature still high as the sun starts to set.

The ball back out on Cambridge’s right, Ely get the ball clear Lloyd on for Youngs wide left bringing the ball on squared in across the top of the area, Green looking to move across the D, strike the ball, charged down by Ghensi, spinning away to the right, Horsfield looking to keep it alive taking it into the corner but can’t keep her cross in play.

Bird coming on with the ball right channel for Cambridge has Yip Heung Win moving out wide down the wing into the corner giving her the ball, she cuts it back inside to Bird who angles the ball into the keeper covering her near post. Toynton the busier of the two keepers called into action as Cambridge clips a diagonal ball in from the right to Lewis charging in towards the top of the area right of the D, Ely’s goalkeeper, rushing out to the top of her box sliding in to make the blocking save with her legs as Lewis pulls the trigger.

Cambridge making the first changes of the game, a double switch with Ferguson and Rasijeff coming off, Katie Grigg and Claire Kyndt coming on. Harwood winning the ball for Ely in the middle linking up with Lloyd, fed on into the left channel for Green in attack, Tod tackling for Cambridge. Little time allowed on the ball. Lewis marauding down the left for Cambridge her cross swept into the area headed away by Cooper.

Ely’s Beth Horsfield and Kerry Dyer

Ely getting the ball on through the middle as Green looks to see it down into her feet shift it on for Docwra to take on past her going left, Grigg in to close the ball down play it out for a throw. Cambridge getting players out to defend the flanks as Ely win throws high up the pitch, Grigg in twice in quick succession to block an attempted cross into the box. Harwood getting into the air to turn a clearance on with her head down into Green charging on towards the top of the Cambridge area, Lewis back to defended getting the blocking tackle in the ball launched out to the right Kyndt looking to get after it angling a shot in towards the near post, Toynton saving with her legs turning the ball behind for a corner kick.

Louisa Harwood moving in to tackle Bethan Jones

Ghensi winning the ball back in defence for Ely coming left lifting it forwards for Lewis up the wing to attack, Dyer getting the lunging tackle in to see the ball out for a throw down in the corner. Cambridge getting a low cross into the six yard box, Cooper intercepting it at the near post. The game remains a tight affair with players from both sides condensing to make getting the ball on for either a tricky task. Ely come away left as the game moves into first half stoppage time the diagonal ball coming to Horsfield on the right, players pushing to get into the box as she lifts a cross into the six yard box, lane attacking it in front of the keeper, Chapman getting hold of the ball.

Ely looking to finish the half on the front foot Lloyd on for Green racing on with Horsfield in attack, Chapman out to the top of her area to clear the ball comes right Docwra taking it on crossing into the middle, Ghensi heading it away, falls to Harwood outside the area top of the D, hooks it back into the box on the volley looping up dropping on target, Chapman has to keep her eye on it, and takes it cleanly into her midriff.

Half-time Cambridge Rangers WFC 0-0 Ely City Women

The first half ends goalless. Cambridge are a slightly nervous start coming into the game creating chances getting players up and around the 18 yard box forcing Ely goalkeeper into a number of saves. The game condensed Ely looking to release their attackers probing for openings has been tense an intriguing contest you feel it’s not likely to be a high scoring game but both have a full squad and have options on the bench, no telling which way it might go in the 2nd 45.

The sun nearly gone the floodlights starting to take effect, 177 in attendance both sides with good support the Ely fans encouraging their side. Neither side making a change as Ely get the 2nd half underway. Played forwards through the middle with green looking to get on, Ghensi snapping in to win the ball back for Cambridge. Docwra getting it back quickly for Ely clipping it out to the left for Green moving down the line, Grigg in to close her down the ball out for a throw.

The game more open at the start of the 2nd half as both sides look to use the pitch better, Cambridge shifting the ball on through the middle with pace lifted up to Kyndt moving in behind left of the area, Toynton starts to come, realises she can’t hesitates Kyndt using the indecision to make up her mind lifting the ball over the stranded keeper from 25 yards out, Toynton turns to see the ball bounce wide of the far post.

Claire Kyndt

Grigg looking to get on up the right playing inside to Smethurst, lays the return pass on for Grigg getting into the box, Cullen getting on her shoulder pressuring her as she goes to shoot, Grigg putting her stabbed effort wide of the near post. Cambridge winning the ball at the back on for Smethurst has Lewis out wide sends the ball on into her run her low cross fired in at the near post blocked by Toynton.

Chances coming at both ends as Lane wins the ball well for Ely on the left put on for Green to take on into the corner her cross flashed in central Youngs looking to slide in to meet it as the keeper comes to close her down the ball turned goal wards rising past the keeper to smash down into the ground off the crossbar!

Danni Youngs sliding effort lifted up onto the crossbar

Ely eager to get the ball up the pitch Lloyd with Docwra central working it out to Youngs on the left, Docwra running on to try and get into the box to support Green in attack, Youngs dropping her cross into the far post, Tod winning it well for Cambridge with both attackers closing her down.

Cambridge Rangers captain, Ellie Tod

Ghensi over to the left of defence to challenge Horsfield as Dyer sends the ball on down Ely’s right wing. Yip Heung Win bringing the ball on through the middle for Cambridge into the left channel, Cooper stepping out of Ely’s back line moving in to close her down before she can slide the ball on for Kyndt. The game certainly more open now, Cambridge readying another double switch with Lewis and Yip Heung Win coming off to be replaced by Ferguson and Yee Hoi Tefer-Hg

Closing in on an hours play Ely find Horsfield out wide on the right her early cross into the box turned away to the top of the area by Jones, Lane latching onto it for Ely top of the D, her shot charged down. Cooper picking up an injury as she lands awkwardly challenging for the ball outside her box. Cambridge using the pause to make a change Tod coming off to be replaced by Hannah Mardell. A blow for Ely as Cooper needs to come off, send Emma Cooper on to replace her in defence.

Ely player manager, Natasha Lane

Smethurst flagged offside as she looks to spin off the Ely defence as Griggs clears the ball long up to her in attack. Smethurst back inside her box to help defend as Ely pile players forwards for a free-kick won on halfway. Hoi Tefer-Ng working the ball on down the left channel for Cambridge with Kyndt the cross angled into the box, cleared by Cooper. Mardell coming across to the right with the ball at her feet playing it into Grigg, Cullen into defend for Ely picking up a knock in the process.

Cambridge introducing players to the game looking to up the tempo move players on. Docwra getting hold of the ball for Ely looking to turn play around attempts to slide Youngs in behind, Ghensi intercepting well for Cambridge top of her area. Both sides fancy their chances Cambridge coming right the cross lifted into the box, headed behind for a corner kick by Cooper.

Closing in on 20 minutes of regular play, Cambridge bring Lewis back on replaces Kyndt in attack. Ely coming right Cambridge under pressure in defence a high back pass looped into the box posing Chapman problems with Green closing her down heads the ball clear at her near post dropping to Docwra top of the D, shifts the ball right to get into the box looking for an opening Bird throwing herself forwards to slide in front of her make the block for Cambridge as Docwra pulls the trigger.

Ely captain, Kelly Docwra

Time for another drinks bring a chance for both management teams to get some instructions into their players try to find the key to unlocking a goal, which this late on may well win the game.

Cambridge moving the ball left a speculative ball angled in from deep, towards the near post skipping up before the keeper, Toynton unable to keep hold of it as it pops out of her gloves for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the near post from the left, defended by Docwra. Ely bringing off Youngs, with Bella Pillow coming on. Lewis getting the ball out to Ferguson moving left her cross squared into the top of the Ely area defended by Cooper.

Lewis chests down a high ball lifted into her 25 yards out then turns to run at the Ely box striking the ball on the half volley falls wide of the near post. Ely move forwards on the counter bringing the ball through the middle, Lloyd helping it on for Docwra breaking in behind outside the box her half volleyed strike driven wide of Chapman’s left post.

Docwra rushing back to close the ball down to stop a potential Cambridge counter the ball loose in the middle, Cullen hurt in a challenge as she gives away a free-kick with less than 10 minutes left.

GOAL! Just as I thought the final was likely to go all the way penalties with neither side finding the break through the dead lock is broken, the free-kick inside the Cambridge half launched forwards players surging forwards to get into the Ely box, Docwra initially blocking it, comes out to Lewis top of the D, she latches onto the ball and putting her left foot through it sends a superb hit up and over the keeper, to drop under the crossbar into the back of the net and runs away in celebration 1-0!

Daniella Lewis celebrates as she fires Cambridge Rangers into the lead

A blow for Ely conceding in the final 10 minutes gets worse as Cullen hurt in the earlier challenge has to come off, with Vicki Bailey coming on. Cooper defending at the back for Ely as Ferguson looks to run onto a through ball from Smethurst. Lane coming off for Ely as they send on Charlotte Upson. Cambridge getting their noses in front need to calm themselves down need some ball management now, Ely will have to take risks now to get back into the game.

Cambridge Rangers, Hoi Yee Tefer-Ng

Hoi Tefer-Ng getting the ball on for Lewis left played into Ferguson her cross flashed into the box in high on the keeper, Toynton reacting getting her gloves up knocking it down inside the six yard box, Pillow getting it clear. Harwood coming off for Ely with Kaci Gibson on with the game moving into stoppage time.

Lewis coming off for Cambridge as Kyndt is sent back onto the pitch. Docwra sending the ball on for Upson getting on down the left for Ely, her early cross into the top of the area won by Ghensi. Upson turning provider for Docwra moments later as she hits it on the spin left of the D outside the box her effort put straight into the keeper. Time almost up one last push form Ely to get the ball into the area Green almost escaping away in the left channel, but Ghensi out well stretching to block the ball. That’s it time up the final whistle blows and Cambridge Rangers WFC celebrate as they win the Junior Invitation Cup.

Full time Cambridge Rangers WFC 1-0 Ely City Women

Cambridge Rangers celebrate their cup win

A much closer game than some might have thought, both sides keeping it tight first half with Cambridge creating the best chances. Ely coming on better 2nd half the game opened up the pitch used better, Youngs seeing their best chance cannon against the bar. Further chances coming and going then just as you thought it might go to penalties, Daniela Lewis latched onto the ball outside the box to send her strike in under the bar to put Cambridge into the lead with less than 10 minutes to play, the Division One side using their experience to see out the game and clinch the trophy. A fine effort from Ely, pushed Cambridge all the way well supported by their fans who showed their appreciation at the end of the game. Still have a league title to play for very much a club on the rise.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. More or less the same as yesterdays Invitation Cup Final, Several fantastic performances but one player standing out. A well contested cup final, Ely playing their part, Ellie Cooper superb in defence winning the ball on a number of occasions a blow when she had to come off, Christine Cullen too getting her tackles in. Kelly Docwra winning the ball in the middle looking to get forwards link up with the attack created a number of opportunities. For Cambridge Rangers, Gina Ghensi won her fair share of the ball in defence. Along with captain Ellie Tod. Ellen Ferguson used the ball well making some good attacking runs, Ali Smethurst with good movement and positioning up top. She was a contender without the goal is that basically clinched it the award going to Daniella Lewis was bust throughout getting forwards with purpose on the ball with several powerful runs looking to keep her side on the front foot.

Congratulations to Cambridge Rangers WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire FA Women’s Junior Invitation Cup.

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

Still plenty of finals to go but that’s a wrap for the women’s finals in Cambridgeshire, all three an enjoyable watch. My thanks to everyone for helping me with the team details always appreciated. Good to catch up with both sides, haven’t had a chance to see Ely this season, until now good luck in your title hunt. Has been a good while since I last saw Cambridge Rangers good to see their players lift a trophy. Onto Carrow Road on Sunday for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Histon Ladies

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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 – Newmarket Town Women Development v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

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Sunday 27th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

April drawing to a close, well into the business end of the season, lots still to play for, however I thought I’d go for something a little different this Sunday, visit two club in a celebratory mood having both claimed silverware already this season, from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football league a trip to Newmarket, their women’s Development side lifting the League Cup hosting the new Division One Champions, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds.

Just a handful of games left to play in Cambridgeshire Division One, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds under new manager Shane Lebbon wrapping up the Division One title with games to spare, today their final match of the season. Newmarket Town Women Development lifting the League Cup just over two weeks ago with 3 games left, in third amongst a cluster of sides vying for that position in the table.

Newmarket Town Women Development fishing the campaign on a high, considering they lost their 3 opening matches of the season, have rallied well picking up points and going all the way in the League Cup. At the heart of a club built very much on youth with players in the current development side having played for Newmarket at various age groups and some of this side featuring for the first team itself this season. Losing 4-3 at Fulbourn on the opening day of the season, were to play them again in the semi-finals of the League Cup 2-0 down at the break came roaring back 2nd half to win the game 5-2 to reach the final. Goals throughout the side, Amber May just ahead as top scorer with 14 so far from her 14 matches with Cerys Bithell one behind on 13 from her 18 games, Alex Shelford and Ailie Rennie on 6 goals apiece.

Shane Lebbon enjoying a long coaching spell with Newmarket prior to taking a break from coaching, persuaded to come back to coach Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Celebrating their 20th season. I saw them play in their very first game of the season eventually going out on penalties in the FA Women’s Cup prior to the new Division One campaign starting, on paper looked the favourites it was just a case of seeing who would emerge as a likely challenger, as it was Fulbourn would only lose one game and draw one other on their way to clinching the title. Have one of the most potent attacks in Cambridgeshire, scoring 105 between them last season finishing runners-up in both the league and league cup. Ellie Woodley scoring 41 of those goals, she’s been on fire again this season rattling in another 39 goals in just 19 matches. Captain, Marie Stubbings is no slouch in front of goal either 21 last season, has fired home 25 this campaign. Well backed up by Ebony Crook and Megan Chandler who both have 12 each.

Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristel Stadium the venue for this afternoon encounter. The cork based artificial playing surface a good size, well used throughout the season. Over looked by a seated covered stand beside the changing rooms and clubhouse, the bar open to serve cold drinks, needed today with the weather very warm for the end of April with a mini heat wave on the horizon. Bright and sunny a little cloud around but no rain any time soon.

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Linger (C), Eden Kirby-Cook, Rebecca Reynolds, Jazmine Sarpong, Sophie Carter, Caranta Peyton, Amelia Thompson, Alex Shelford, Cerys Bithell & Amber May. Subs – Holly Corley, Niamh Bridgeman, Cerys Compton, Abi Gibson & Ruby Lakey.

Newmarket Town Women Development

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Emily Facerova, Seema Grewal, Alex Milner, Jess Adams, Jess Anderson, Hollie Turner, Nat Wells, Ebony Crook, Marie Stubbings (C), Megan Chandler & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Amy Smith, Grace Muffett, Caragh Dangerfield & Eve Seyf.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Newmarket to get the game started kicking off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. The ball lifted into Jazmine Sarpong in the Newmarket defence, clipped long into the right channel for Cerys Bithell to attack, Alex Milner getting it under control for Fulbourn the visitors work the ball into the middle, Hollie Turner sending it out to right wing, Eden Kirby-Cook winning it back for the hosts.

A tentative start both sides playing probing balls forwards easily cut out neither making any head way. Megan Chandler coming inside with the ball from the left for Fulbourn looknig to send Ellie Woodley in behind the Newmarket defence with a diagonal ball in to the right of the area, Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy out quickly to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball.

Amelia Thompson getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Newmarket getting on the drive coming right sends the pass on for Bithell making the run ahead of her coming inside into the box taking the ball on pushing hard on goal the angle closing at the near post strikes the ball, rising, Fulbourn goalkeeper, Emily Facerova coming to close the angle getting her gloves up above her head to beat the ball down into the turf get hold of the ball.

Amelia Thompson bringing Newmarket forwards

Newmarket lively pushing players on as they gain possession of the ball inside the Fulbourn half, Sophie Carter on for Thompson threaded through the defence into Amber May’s feet left of the D, Facerova rushing out to close her down slides in making the blocking save at May’s feet the ball deflected away to the left, Alex Shelford getting forwards to lift a cross back into the six yard box, Facerova back on her feet, recovering to grab hold of the ball.

Alex Shelford coming forwards with the ball for Newmarket

Fulbourn look to advance on the right, Crook taking the ball on, Kirby-Cook tackling to win the ball back, Newmarket counter attack the ball into the middle Thompson driving on into the left channel closed down by Fulbourn’s, Jess Adams. Caranta Peyton stealing in to win the ball central for Newmarket forwards into Thompson, shifts it between her feet taking the ball right fed into Bithell right of goal 20 yards out, spins off, Milner to break into the box blazes her strike over the crossbar.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings gathers the ball into her feet on half way turns to lead the charge forwards through the middle, running into traffic as the Newmarket defence look to close the door, Payton lunging in to get hold of the ball outside the D. Nat Wells coming away with the ball central for Fulbourn clipping it into the left wing for Woodley to chase down pushing for the area cuts inside looks to cross, Newmarket captain, Jess linger throwing out a leg to cut out the cross.

Newmarket captain, Jess Linger.

Linger bringing the ball on from the back right side lifted into Thompson in the middle, making a determined run not letting go of the ball feeds it into the right wing for Bithell bursting forwards wrapping her foot around the cross hoists it into the six yard box, Facerova there to claim the ball. Turner with Wells in the centre for Fulbourn the ball rolled forwards into Stubbings has Woodley two her left the pair exchanging passes as they look to find a way in behind the Newmarket defence, Woodley succeeding, Stubbings clear into the area, Duhy rushing out to close her down making herself big as she goes to ground, saving Stubbings shot against her outstretched leg the ball deflected behind to the right for a corner kick.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

Flung into the near post, Turner rising looking to knock the ball on towards goal doesn’t get a solid connection with her head the ball loose in the six yard box, Newmarket scramble it clear. Kirby-Cook bringing the ball on left side exchanging passes with Alex Shelford before playing a long ball on through the channel for May to attack in behind, Facerova breaking out from her goal to the top of her area winning the race.

Despite the heat there is a high tempo to the match both sides keen to get the ball into their attackers, Wells cutting a pass out in the middle for Fulbourn the ball sent out to Woodley on the left flank darts forwards turning inside getting into the box on the angle looks to put the ball across the keeper, with Crook making a run far post, Duhy getting down smartly too grab hold of the ball.

Peyton tries to thread the ball into May’s run as she goes in behind to the left of the D, Facerova alert out sharply to the top of her area to get her gloves around the ball. Fulbourn see the ball into Turner’s feet central lifts the diagonal pass out to Crook wide right taking the ball on sends a cross angling into the near post, Rebecca Reynolds getting there ahead of Woodley to turn ball off the attacker for a goal kick.

Caranta Peyton

May lively in attack for Newmarket looking to get into the channels run in behind the Fulbourn defence, Thompson looking to pick her out, Facerova racing out of her area to kick the ball clear. Newmarket winning a throw high on the right, May combining with Bithell the pair forcing a corner kick. The hosts asking a few questions Thompson getting forwards linking up with May, Adams in to tackle, out to Shelford on the left comes inside May wanting the ball Newmarket winning a foul 35 yards out to the left of goal. Linger, Newmarket’s dead ball specialist, lines up the strike an ambitious effort drives it wide of the far post.

Players into each other contesting the ball, Fulbourn up on the right winning a throw a high ball into the box headed behind by Crook. Bithell having caught a elbow in the face earlier bleeding, needs to come off, 20 played an opportunity for players to take on fluids. Niamh Bridgeman coming on taking up Bithell’s attacking berth on the left. Shelford looking to get hold of the ball on the left driving on Seema Grewal going with her the full back challenging playing the ball off the winger to see it behind for a goal kick.

Alex Shelford with Fulbourn’s Seema Grewal

Fulbourn move the ball forwards with pace lifted on for Woodley moving right 30 yards out sweeps a cross into the six yard box slightly behind Stubbings making the central run stretches to get onto the ball blasting her shot against the keeper at close range rebounds to Crook top of the area he first time strike rifled back in cannoning down off the crossbar, Sarpong for Newmarket clearing hooking the loose ball away to the right.

Newmarket undeterred as Carter carries the ball on through the middle linking up with Thompson moves it quickly forwards into Bridgeman looking to get in behind wide right racing to the by-line looking to cut her cross back into the area, Milner going with her stretching out a leg to put in the block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired in central from the right, Reynold’s Newmarket’s tallest player leaping up can’t quite get her head on the ball as it drops beyond the far post, Fulbourn getting it away to safety.

Amelia Thompson

Half an hour played despite the heat both sides moving the ball forwards with pace, Newmarket looking to play some intricate passes as they work the ball on, Carter on with Thompson central fed into may 20 yards out top of the D, turns to shoot, Turner charging the ball down for Fulbourn. Stubbings turn to get on the move through the middle with the ball at her feet, Chandler ahead of her ready to receive the ball, Woodley coming in from the left looking for the pass, Chandler sending it on, Sarpong throwing out a leg for Newmarket to intercept the ball.

Newmarket defender, Jazmine Sarpong

Going away to the left for a throw in Fulbourn look to get on with in dropped into Stubbings played across the top of the Newmarket box running on for Woodley outside the D, looks to strike it first time, Reynolds moving in to close her down, doesn’t get hold it it, the ball running harmlessly through to Duhy.

Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

Newmarket bring the ball on with Thompson on possession rolls it forwards into May right of the D, her touch seeing her spin of Anderson to get into the area turn in towards goal, Facerova out to close the angle, May shoots, hits the goalkeepers leg taking the sting off the shot, nevertheless running in beyond her towards goal, Anderson back beyond Facerova on the cover to lash the ball behind for a corner kick at the near post.

Newmarket striker, Amber May

Newmarket making another change, Abi Gibson coming on into midfield, replacing Peyton. The corner from the right curled in across the face of the Fulbourn goal, May throwing herself at the ball can only get a glancing header the ball going away to the left. May is hurt soon after as she is played through into the box, coming together with the onrushing keeper as Facerova slides in at the strikers feet. The ball going away to the left, May after receiving treatment is up back on her feet.

Crook advancing down the right for Fulbourn winning a corner off Kirby-Cook, taking it herself fired in high to the near post, Woodley getting up to attack it turning her header into the middle, Duhy in to grab it up off the deck as it skips up before her. An intriguing contest a little edgy with 5 minutes left to play in the first half Stubbings seeing the ball down into her feet off of a throw high on the left whips a cross low into the Newmarket box, Woodley looking t attack it, Sarpong defending well for the hosts.

Newmarket midfielder, Sophie Carter

Gibson tracking back to defend does well up against Stubbings through the middle winning the ball back top of the D, as Woodley from the left looks to play the ball into her captain’s feet. Anderson frustrated as she gives away a free-kick against May outside the D, Linger forwards to take it 25 yards out central, goes to strike it sending the ball wide of the top right corner.

Into the final minute of the first half both sides still probing looking for an opening Bridgeman right has May ahead of her on the overlap sliding the ball on down the wing, May takes it into the corner before sending a low cross into the near post, Facerova untroubled called for it claiming without incident.

Half-time Newmarket Town Women Development 0-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

An intriguing first half comes to an end with the sides goalless at the break, both creating good opportunities, the goalkeepers too called into action. Probing each other out to a degree. Using the wings looking to get on with the ball, trying to keep it down on the 3G pitch, undeterred by the heat playing at a good tempo. Newmarket full of youthful energy, Fulbourn with the experience will be interesting to see which can emerge on top in the 2nd half.

Fulbourn to get the 2nd half underway have made a couple of changes, bringing Amy Smith on at right back with Grewal coming off. grace Muffett on to replacing Turner in midfield. Newmarket unchanged, the visitors looking to get straight on the attack, Woodley on for Stubbings through the middle, drifting right, Kirby-Cook closing the ball down for Newmarket, gets the hosts moving the other way sending the ball long up the left for Shelford, sweeping a cross into the box, Anderson defending up against May, the ball stopped top of the area, May after it cutting a ball out the right Gibson getting on down the wing sending a low strike on the angle into the near post, Facerova down low to save.

Kirby-Cook pushing on with the ball left flank played on for Shelford, checks inside to put a cross into the Fulbourn box, Adams cutting it out this time seeing it back to her keeper. Stubbings gathering the ball into her feet, charging on through the middle looking to get into the box, Reynolds out to put in the tackle halting Stubbings run, the advantage played as Woodley takes the ball up lifting a cross into the area left side the ball hooked away for a throw in.

Jess Adams winning the ball back for Fulbourn

Fulbourn looking to make some thrusting runs through the middle, Chandler sending the ball in behind for Stubbings bursting into the box left of goal, Duhy coming out to close the angle making the blocking save with her legs the ball spinning away to the left, Stubbings retrieving it chipping a cross back into the area, Sarpong winning the ball for Newmarket.

Referee Theresa Robichaux giving a free-kick to Fulbourn outside the box left corner of the area after spotting a handball. Crook over it fires a pacy ball into the near post, Duhy right behind it coming to make a confident claim.

Smith sending the ball on up Fulbourn’s right, Stubbings and Chandler up with Woodley in the corner as the trio look to get inside the box, Kirby-Cook seeing it behind for a corner kick. Fired in across the six yard box goes throughout everyone before being turned back into the mix beyond the far post, Reynolds hooking it clear for Newmarket.

Newmarket defender, Rebecca Reynolds

Newmarket making a change with Kirby-Cook coming off, Peyton back on coming over to the left of the pitch. Fulbourn looking in impose themselves on the game 2nd half commit players forwards. Newmarket find May up top in a central position 25 yards out, holds the ball up well allowing Thompson to break on from the middle to the right of the box, May laying the pass into her feet, Thompson goes to shoot angling the ball in across the keeper, Facerova with an excellent save diving down to push the ball away to the left.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Emily Facerova.

Newmarket bringing players up from the back as they win a corner on the left, the delivery long through the six yard box, just over Reynolds getting up central dropping to Shelford far post but can’t get a telling touch. Thompson getting the ball out into the left wing for Shelford for Newmarket, Smith lunging in to tackle her to prevent the cross. Lively as Wells gets the ball into Stubbings driving on through the middle has Chandler going with her, putting the pass into her feet clips the ball into the right wing for Woodley to attack, her cross into the area taken by Duhy.

Niamh Bridgeman

Coming up to an hour played Newmarket making another change bringing Bithell back on to replace, Shelford on the left wing. Straight into the action as Peyton slides the ball down the line into her feet, holding off her marker outside the box, spins away into the area, bearing down on goal, shoots, Facerova throwing herself down to get behind the ball to make the save.

Thompson on the ball brings it inside across the top of the Fulbourn box looking for half a yard to get a shot away, pulls her attempt wide of the left post. Sarpong closing the ball down well for the hosts bringing in into the middle before sending a through ball into Thompson as she makes the run ahead of her, Anderson winning it back for Fulbourn. Lively as Fulbourn counter Woodley played in behind running into the box, Duhy rushing out to make the blocking save.

Fulbourn’s Jess Anderson

Newmarket are immediately on the counter attack the ball fed forwards through the middle quickly as Bithell is put through on goal, bearing down on the keeper shoots from close range, Facerova stays big making the blocking save gloving the ball down loose to her left, Bithell looking to steal onto it, Facerova falling stretching out an arm to snatch the ball into her body.

GOAL! Into the 65th minute, the game stretched as both sides look to get on the attack, Stubbings looking to pull into the area left of the D, the through ball rolled into her path, Duhy comes rushing out looking to close her down, Stubbings getting there first knocking the ball against the on rushing keeper, seeing it spin away wide left, the attacker after the ball as defenders rush back to try and cover the exposed goal, Stubbings composed picks her spot firing the ball from the angle into the back of the net to put Fulbourn into the lead 0-1.

Captain, Marie Stubbings bursting into the box to beat the keeper and open the scoring for Fulbourn

Fulbourn making a couple of changes with Milner and Chandler coming off, Caragh Dangerfield and Eve Seyf coming on. Crook eyeing up a shot 20 yards out outside the D fires wide. Newmarket bringing off Thompson, send on Cerys Compton. Fulbourn press through the middle Muffett winning the ball into Woodley drives forwards Stubbings ahead of her, sends the ball through into the box for Seyf, Duhy rushing in to try and close her down Seyf prods the ball wide of the keeper, but the wrong side of the right post.

Grace Muffett challenging Jazmine Sarpong for the ball

20 minutes left on the clock remains hot out there both sides putting alot of energy into the game, Peyton stealing in to win the ball on the left for Newmarket sending it on for Bithell, Seyf tracking back to defend for Fulbourn sending the ball out of play for a throw in. Reynolds at the back for Newmarket chipping the ball into the right channel looking for Bridgeman, Facerova comes racing out of her box to get to the ball first. A double change for the hosts with May and Carter coming off for Newmarket, Holly Corley and Ruby Lakey coming on.

Amy Smith defending for Fulbourn

GOAL! Muffett wins the ball well in the middle playing it onto Crook out on the left, slides the ball into Seyf moving in behind into the box central, spins away from the advancing keeper taking the ball away to the by-line to the left of goal, comes back inside then to fire the ball into the goal before the Newmarket defence can recover 0-2.

Eve Seyf off the bench to double Fulbourn’s lead

Newmarket doubling their lead in the 73rd minute, Fulbourn threatening to get on top of Newmarket pressing bodies on, Seyf picking out Woodley chasing into the right corner her cross lifted into the six yard box, taken cleanly by Duhy. Wells and Crook coming off for Newmarket, with Chandler and Turner back into the action. Muffett busy in the middle of the park playing the ball out too the right, this time Seyf chasing down the ball in the corner on the by-line her cross cut out turned behind by Reynolds.

GOAL! The corner flung in to the box, Turner left of goal getting her head on the ball powering it goal wards, pace on the ball straight at the keeper, Duhy saves beating the ball back out into the mix, Woodley nudging it into Seyf’s path, smashes the goal past the keeper into the bottom left corner to make it 0-3.

Turner’s header saved, Eve Seyf on the follow up scoring her 2nd for Fulbourn

Woodley putting the ball into Muffett as the visitors win a throw high on the right, working the ball to the by-line Muffett sees her cross intercepted by Sarpong. Fulbourn pressing the ball well regaining possession getting on the offensive with less than 15 minutes to play having raced into a 3 goal lead.

GOAL! Fulbourn winning the ball back on halfway Muffett into Woodley, las the ball into the right channel for Seyf, beating the offside flag races into the box bearing down on goal, is on a hat-trick, but sees a better option as instead she unselfishly puts the ball across the face of goal for Chandler to run onto unmarked at the far post to score 0-4.

Megan Chandler scoring Fulbourn’s 4th goal

A 3 goal burst in 6 minutes taking the game away from Newmarket as we move into the final 10 minutes. Fulbourn in control, Corley getting hold of the ball for Newmarket laying it long out to the right for Bridgeman, whips a cross in low to the near post, Facerova going down to collect it as Bithell looks to run in on the ball the pair coming together, Facerova getting a blow to the head, a pause in play but is back up on her feet.

Newmarket’s Holly Corley

Corley timing her tackle well as Woodley looks to find Chandler pulling to the left. Seyf lively for Fulbourn having come into the attack breaking right, Reynolds with a strong tackle going in to close her down. Fulbourn bringing players on well now, Turner moving right to send a cross into the box, dropping amongst bodies, Corley is back to hook it away for the hosts.

Bithell breaking forwards on Newmarket’s left surging on with the ball in behind to fire a cross in along the face of goal, Bridgeman running in far post, Facerova getting down to wrap her gloves around the ball. Stubbings bringing substituted for Fulbourn, Crook back on.

Caranta Peyton with Megan Chandler

Crook attacking moving in central is clipped, but an advantage is played as the ball runs into Woodley right of goal inside the box closing in on goal puts her foot through the ball sending it flying over the keeper to smash down off the crossbar to the left turned behind for a corner kick. The corner in from the left to the near post, Woodley looking to turn her header goal wards can only play it behind for a goal kick.

Ellie Woodley frustrated as she sees her shot smash down off the bar

Facerova has gone down off the ball for Newmarket, feeling the effects of her earlier knock, no chances taken the keeper coming off, Dangerfield donning the gloves with Milner sent back on. Peyton defending for Newmarket as Woodley looks to get on down the right with the ball the full back across her seeing the ball out of play getting a shove for her efforts.

Moving into stoppage time at the end of the match Newmarket making on last push to get the ball forwards, Bithell fed the ball on the left stealing in behind to charge on towards the area fires her angled shot in towards goal, Milner tracking back for Fulbourn getting there to block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner fired in long across across the six yard box from the left, cleared at the far post.

Alex Milner getting the block in to deny Cerys Bithell in the closing stages

Full time Newmarket Town Women Development 0-4 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Fulbourn with a flurry of goals taking the game away from Newmarket with less than 20 minutes to play. The visitors with a strong 2nd half performance after a cagey opening 45 minutes where both sides created some great chances. Marie Stubbings bursting through to open the scoring in the 65th minute. Newmarket continued to look a threat going forwards then came a burst of 3 goals in 6 minutes to see the game won. Fulbourn winning their final game of the season to end on a high. Newmarket can be rightly proud of their season too and with two big league games left to play 3rd place is still very much there for the taking… on top of their League Cup success.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders for this one on both sides a lively game fought in the heat. A few performances to mention firstly for Newmarket, Amelia Thompson got hold of the ball well centrally driving the attack forwards. Amber may running into the channels looking to get into the box. Cerys Bithell lively on the left flank unlucky not to get a goal. Caranta Peyton put herself about in both midfield and defence looking to get hold of the ball. Charlotte Duhy making some impressive saves despite the final score. For Fulbourn, Grace Muffett made an impact coming into midfield 2nd half getting hold of the ball keeping Fulbourn on the front foot. Goalkeeper, Emily Facerova made a number of vital saves to keep a clean sheet. Ellie Woodley with good movement up top running into the channels came close to making it 40 goals for a 3rd successive season! Captain Marie Stubbings took the game to Newmarket especially 2nd half leading the attack getting into the box to score the opening goal. The award goes to Eve Seyf was fantastic coming off the bench to add more potency to the attack scoring 2 goals and an assist for the 3rd.

The Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One trophy

Just the not so small matter of a trophy presentation after the game, Fulbourn collecting their trophy for becoming Division One Champions. Cue the celebrations and champagne! Most of it sprayed over the team. Congratulations to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds on winning the league.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Champion’s

My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details as always much appreciated, a busy week of cup finals lays ahead.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

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Wednesday 23rd April

ERWFL Division One North

Heading down the A1065 this Wednesday evening for a spot of midweek football action from ERWFL Division One North, to Mundford Road to watch Thetford Town Ladies versus Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies.

The football season rapidly drawing to a close with just a handful of matches left in the ERWFL, final positions to jostle for, Mulbarton moving above Thetford at the weekend up to 6th in the Division One North table with 4 league games left to play, Thetford with just 2 more to go, having beaten Mulbarton earlier in the season in the reverse fixture, the pair meeting just a fortnight ago in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, Mulbarton securing a 3-0 win in the 2nd half to make it to their 4th county cup final in 5 season’s.

Thetford Town Ladies near to completing their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL, looking to build on a 6th placed finish in their debut season in regional, have established themselves in the league without finding the consistency they would have liked a mixed bag of results a run of 4 straight defeats putting a dent in what looked a good push for a top 5 finish. A strong squad with a healthy bland of experience and youth haven’t always had the full compliment to pick from, Mollie O’Callaghan coming to the club this season the top scorer with 7 goals so far, Alice Collins captaining the side now, next highest scorer with 6 goals. Megan Haynes has 5 to her name while, Melissa Boulton, Olivia Dunne and Caitlin Skipper all have 4 each.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies joining the ERWFL along side Thetford last season having won the Norfolk Women’s Division One title the previous two seasons. Finishing 3rd in the table in their 1st season in regional football, have had a more difficult 2nd season, Seeing several games called off earlier in the season, players not getting the run of matches to aid both fitness and development, the 1st team bringing in several younger player to the squad this season, a mixed bag of results early in the season, injuries playing a part too, have turned things around in recent weeks losing just 1 of their last 8 league games to climb away from the bottom end of the table and move past Thetford into 5th position having been awarded a home win with the recent withdrawal of Whittlesey Athletic Ladies from the league. Rebekah Lake as ever the leading scorer for Mulbarton, out injured for a spell earlier in the campaign still has 14 goals from her 17 appearances. Midfielder, Alanta Griffith with 6 goals to her name.

Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road Stadium the venue for this evenings match, the clubhouse open leading into the ground, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. Out into the stadium itself a covered seated stand over the changing rooms beside, with standing viewing all round the grass pitch, slightly sloped. A sunny end to the day the sun setting behind one end of the ground, no rain forecast.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Keileigh Dixon, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Mollie O’Callaghan, Fran Peeling, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler, Olivia Dunne, Alice Collins (C), Hannah Rogers, Megan Haynes & Caitlin Skipper. Subs – Zoe Klimcke, Ella Swift, Dayna Howard & Niamh Underhill.

Thetford Town Ladies

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Meg Gowing, Holly Farrow, Leah Brown, Lucy Lincoln, Melissa Belsey, Victoria McNorton, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Alanta Griffith, Sophie Jermy & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Laura Goodfield, Tallie Chillystone, Scarlett Derrett, Izzy Noakes & Molly Stevenson.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Rebekah Lake and Alice Collins with this evenings referee Michael Clark

Both sides with a long trip to Bedfordshire on Sunday with contrasting results, Thetford travelling with just 10, battled hard but came home empty handed losing 2-0 to AFC Dunstable, while Mulbarton ran in 6 goals without reply at Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses. Both sides nevertheless with good sized squads for this evenings game, Mulbarton choosing to have the low sun at their backs with Thetford kicking off the first half wearing their claret coloured kit with blue trim on the shirts. Mulbarton in their away colours wearing aquamarine coloured shirts with grey shorts and socks. The ball played back into defence, Mollie O’Callaghan sending a probing ball into the left channel for Caitlin Skipper up front to attack, Melissa Belsey cutting it out to clear at the back for Mulbarton the ball helped on in midfield lifted into the left channel for Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake, Fran Peeling intercepts in defence for the hosts.

Mulbarton quick to close the ball down central Laura Hedtke with a wild lash at the ball, sending a shot flying over the Thetford goal from range. Thetford goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon retrieving the ball, announcing it has picked up a puncture and is going flat, referee Michael Clark calling for a replacement, play continues. Thetford moving in to close the ball down central Olivia Dunne with captain, Alice Collins the ball sent forwards, Mulbarton goalkeeper Megan Gowing quickly out of her area to reach the ball first as Skipper races in behind the defence.

Play turned around Mulbarton seeing the ball into Alanta Griffith in the midfield controls and turns to clip a pass out into the left flank with Sophie Jermy on the move, looks to have times her run perfectly to get away in behind, the Thetford defence just holding their line however the flag going up against her. Thetford pushing up as a team, Mulbarton winning the ball back outside there area looking to set up a quick counter the ball from Hedtke fed on for Griffith, looks to lift it on for Lake up top, Sausha Levy-Twomey getting her head on the bouncing ball to clear for Thetford.

Thetford pressing on the left Hannah Claughton getting up to win the ball back on for Hannah Rogers taking it on plays a pacy diagonal ball into the top of the area for Skipper to attack, Belsey closing her down timing her tackle to get hold of the ball top of her area. Rolled into Victoria McNorton in midfield for Mulbarton looks immediately for the run from Lake up front the ball clipped on through the middle, just a little too much on it as Dixon comes out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball.

Thetford goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon

A tentative start to the game both sides testing out the other with probing balls, Thetford pushing up as a unit, Peeling cutting out an attempted ball from Griffith central out to Jermy left side. Frustration for Mulbarton again as Ellie Hunter nips in to regain possession off of a Thetford throw opening up her body to slide the ball on for Jermy on the move left side, as again the flag goes up against her.

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

Skipper lively in attack for Thetford making some good runs into the channels, the diagonal ball comes into her on the right side, taking it on, Lucy Lincoln moving in on her to tackle for Mulbarton. Thetford pressing the ball in the final 3rd Skipper with Megan Haynes out on the right, Collins getting forwards to offer support, Hunter attempting to get to her as the pass from Haynes comes into her 20 yards out, the pair coming together, Hunter looking to have gone down awkwardly, in some discomfort play stopped not looking good can’t continue walking gingerly as she is helped off the pitch Scarlett Derrett coming on.

The resulting free-kick played on by Lincoln into the middle Griffith looking to turn the ball out to Jermy on the left, Peeling cutting the pass out for Thetford. Claughton bringing the ball on left side for Thetford fed forwards into Dunne looking to get forwards, Leah Brown in to close her down putting the ball out for a throw in. Thetford battling for possession putting in the tackles in the middle, Haynes light with a good turn on the ball to send the ball racing up the channel for Skipper to chase down, Belsey coming across to make the challenge inside the ball turning the ball behind for a corner kick.

The delivery from the right flashed on through the six yard box to the far post before being struck back over the crossbar. Lively Thetford pressing Mulbarton looking to turn play around quickly the host defence having to be alert to the ball being helped on through the middle, Griffith trying to find Lake in attack, Levy-Twomey getting her head on the ball for Thetford to keep the ball inside the opposition half.

Thetford’s Mollie O’Callaghan

O’Callaghan stepping forwards in defence for Thetford playing a high line to charge the ball down the rebound coming to Collins central lifts it into the box with Haynes breaking forwards on the right, Gowing composed keeping her eye on the bouncing ball to see it safely into her gloves. The game a little heated at times Thetford working hard to disrupt Mulbarton get hold of the ball, Haynes in particular providing a good outlet on the right, Holly Farrow getting across to close her down for Mulbarton as she looks to drive on off off a cross-field ball from Dunne.

Skipper releasing Haynes out on the right to take the ball on in behind whips an inviting cross into the box, Gowing laying claim to the ball. Play drawn over the the left as Thetford fight to get the ball forwards, Haynes free in space to the right the diagonal pass coming into her path surges forwards up the wing cutting a cross back into the area, just behind Skipper racing in central runs onto Collins beyond outside the box, meeting it first time sends her strike crashing over off the crossbar!

Mulbarton’s Holly Farrow in to tackle Thetford’s Megan Haynes

Mulbarton work the ball on well through the middle McNorton into Griffith linking up with Jermy the ball lifted on sees Lake burst in behind Thetford, looks to be away timing her perfectly, but no, the flag is up against her. Griffith getting the ball into her feet for Mulbarton on the turn lays it into the path of Jermy looking to break clear in behind wide left taking the ball on clips a cross into the top of the area, Lake racing onto the ball turns it goal wards the ball rolling agonisingly wide of the left post.

Griffith trying her luck from range for the visitors the ball held onto by Dixon back in the Thetford goal. Mulbarton looking to up things Griffith looking to push on further forwards coming left strong on the ball attempting to lift it over the defence for Jermy, Chandler getting her head to the ball to cut out the ball for Thetford.

Thetford attack through the middle, Collins on with Haynes the ball rolled onto Skipper left corner of the area held up by Belsey, laid back to Collins to run onto the ball 20 yards out, strikes the ball wide of the near post. Thetford getting a corner out on the left the ball sent into the top of the area, the Mulbarton defence rushing out making a series of blocks to prevent a shot, attempt to break out themselves left side Chandler in to close the ball down keep Thetford in the front foot.

Hedtke playing the ball up to Griffith back to goal on halfway, turns well to lift it over the top play Lake in behind racing clear, Dixon though comes racing out of her area getting there in the nick of time to clear for Thetford. Peeling busy in the Thetford defence coming across on the cover as Mulbarton build on the right to challenge Lake turn the ball out for a throw in. Skipper full of pace up top for Thetford looking to get onto the end of a Rogers pass, strikes the ball wide of the left post from all of 25 yards out. Lively competitive through the middle, McNorton on for Griffith, Lake looking to moving inside from the right, Peeling intercepting the through ball for Thetford.

GOAL! Thetford bringing the ball on through the middle with pace, Skipper taking it on left of the D, bearing down on the box, Belsey stepping in to make the blocking tackle the ball spinning across the top of the area out to the right, Haynes latching onto the ball whipping a cross back into the mix, Collins running onto the ball to meet it 10 yards out smashing the ball past the keeper and on into the back of the net to open the scoring 1-0.

Thetford captain, Alice Collins firing Thetford into the lead

Thetford in front with almost half an hour played in the first half, Mulbarton look for a quick response Griffith on for Hedtke linking up with Derrett through the middle, Levy-Twoney getting the challenge in to win the ball back for Thetford. Derrett inside for Lake coming in field from the right 25 yards out sends it on for Griffith to turn onto the shot, does get a clean connection as she falls back the ball in low easily gathered by the keeper.

Chandler under pressure at the back for Jermy as she attacks left side does well to get the ball back, then Jermy comes off worst as she and Collins go in on a 50/50 ball outside the area. Thetford getting the ball on up the right Skipper over to combine passes with Haynes who wins her side a corner. Curled in across the six yard back cleared back out to the corner taker on the right, curled into the near post Hedtke getting her foot on the ball to launch clear for Mulbarton.

Thetford’s defence pushed up at times so they have to be alert to the counter attack the ball put on through the middle with lake never still looking to make a run off a defender nip in behind, Levy-Twomey with another vital interception to head the ball back for the hosts. Peeling breaking up a Mulbarton attack sending the ball on up the right channel for Rogers, Farrow lunging in to halt her advance for Mulbarton.

Mulbarton play the ball on through the middle McNorton working well with Griffith pushing the ball into her moving forwards to take on the return pass laying it out to Derrett wide right she takes the shot on from the angle low driving into the near post, Dixon down at her near post to gather the ball into her gloves.

Mulbarton push on down their right Derrett charging to the by-line her cross deflected behind by Claughton. Lifted into the near side, Peeling getting her head on the ball to send behind for another corner. Clipped in near side again knocked down to the top of the area, Griffith onto the ball looks to hold up turn to release a shot, charged down by Chandler, comes back to Griffith already falling tries to get hold off it but can’t keep it down over for a goal kick.

Mulbarton making a double change with McNorton and Jermy coming off, on come Luka Goodfield and Izzy Noakes coming on. O’Callaghan in defence for Thetford stepping in to win the ball, comes to Haynes central feeds it across to Skipper left of the D, moves forwards, Belsey in to close her down, the ball rebounding back to Collins to hit from range, strikes the ball over the crossbar.

Dixon needing to race out of her box to win the clearance as Lake threatens to out pace the defence as Mulbarton turn play around in the middle. Mulbarton pushing players on late in the first half lake to Griffith right of the D, looks to lift a deft ball back into the box, Peeling cutting it out for Thetford.

GOAL! Mulbarton looking to get the ball on rapidly through the middle, Griffith racing forwards breaking in behind the defence in the clear, no flag raised, Dixon comes racing out to try and close her down but can’t get there as Griffith lobs the ball over the keeper to see it bounce on through to the goal beyond to level up the scores 1-1.

Alanta Griffith sending the ball over the advancing keeper to equalise for Mulbarton

Mulbarton with their tails up equalising late in the first half press the ball through the middle Noakes on for Griffith strong on the ball looks for Lake up top, Peeling getting to the ball first to clear for Thetford. Collins fouling Derrett, Mulbarton with the free-kick the ball put into Lake back to goal top of the area, given no room to turn by O’Callaghan, Thetford look to counter the ball lifted on for Skipper in the left channel, Belsey cutting it out for the visitors.

Claughton closing down Lake as the striker looks to shift the ball down the line on the right. Griffith taking the ball on from Goodfield, stabbed forwards, O’Callaghan getting her foot in to win the ball off Lake, looks to send it on for Skipper up top pace running with the ball bearing down on the ball, Belsey getting back at her easing her off the ball.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-1 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

The half-time whistle blows the sides all square at the break, Thetford working hard for their lead getting in amongst Mulbarton looking to disrupt play and get it forwards quickly Skipper running at the defence creating chances, captain Alice Collins firing the hosts into the lead on the half hour. Mulbarton frustrated not finding a rhythm, losing Hunter to injury, some decisions going against them fought back well to level the scores up late in the half. All set for the 2nd half, Thetford looking good value for their lead, no doubt frustrated to concede so late in the half.

No changes at the break for either side with the floodlights taking full effect, it’s Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball fed up the left wing with Lake pressing the attack, Chandler across to deal with the ball forced out for a throw in the corner, Mulbarton getting bodies up around the ball forcing a corner kick. The delivery swept in low to the near post, Thetford clearing the danger.

Thetford look to break away down the left the ball rolled on for Skipper, Brown cutting it out for Mulbarton sending in infield into Griffith’s feet plays it forwards over the defence into the box with Lake bursting into the area left of the D, Dixon coming out to claim the ball catching it on the bounce. The hosts building on the left, Claughton carrying the ball forwards cuts inside to play the ball in central, Skipper looking to take it on Lincoln sliding in to defend for Mulbarton.

O’Callaghan going down for Thetford picking up an ankle knock, a pause in play but needs to come of, Zoe Klimcke being readied to come on the defender going over to the right side with Chandler switching to an attacking role left side. A quite start to the 2nd half with both sides cancelling each other out in the middle, defences first to any attempted through balls. Claughton surging forwards with the ball on the left sending a diagonal ball into Skipper outside the box looks to spin of Belsey break into the box the defender getting a challenge in the ball deflected to the right, Skipper lining up a strike, Lincoln going in to block the ball deflecting off the defender for a corner kick.

Into the near post area the ball attacked, Dunne turning the ball wide of the upright. Thetford lively working hard to press the ball, Collins out to Haynes right side breaks forwards with the ball before attempting to slid it on for Skipper coming across for the pass, Farrow getting hold of the ball for Mulbarton. Lake constantly on the prowl looking to steal into space between the Thetford defence, Griffith looking for those runs trying to put her through on goal, Peeling sticking out a leg this time to prevent the opportunity. Dixon clearing the ball for Thetford at the back as Mulbarton attempt to play Lake in behind, launched up field, Skipper looking to make a nuisance of herself, Lincoln, then Brown putting in blocking tackles before the ball runs out for a goal kick.

GOAL! Thetford quick to get bodies up around the area pressing the ball of the goal kick, Haynes and Chandler with Skipper outside the area, the ball popping about as Collins races on from midfield to latch onto the ball top of the D and send a strike rifling past the keeper into the back of the net. 2-1.

Alice Collins running onto the ball to fire Thetford back into the lead

Thetford retaking the lead 11 minutes into the 2nd half. Mulbarton look to get on up the right Lake over with Noakes, Claughton winning the ball back for Thetford breaking on down the left firing it forwards into Chandler on the wing squares the cross into Skipper in attack her touch a little to strong, allowing Goodfield to nip in take possession back for the visitors. Having retaken the lead, Thetford are in need of settling things down, play a little frantic attacks breaking down.

Griffith holding onto the ball for Mulbarton coming left sends it on for Lake who fires it across the area into Noakes, Peeling moving in to put in the block the ball rebounding out to the right, Derrett crossing the ball in along the face of the Thetford goal Lake running in beyond the far post stretching out a leg can’t quite get there to turn the ball back over the line. Hedtke coming off for Mulbarton, on comes Tallie Chillystone.

Thetford defender, Fran Peeling

Mulbarton pushing Griffith on more now coming left as they look to find a reply, Klimcke closing her down. Skipper full of running in attack for Thetford, keeping the defence occupied, Brown cutting out a pass left side as she tries to knock it beyond her. Griffith through the middle for Mulbarton on for Noakes, who in turn attempts to put Lake through on goal, Levy-Twomey getting her leg out to intercept the ball.

20 minutes played in the 2nd half Thetford working hard to disrupt Mulbarton’s play close the ball down, Lake bringing the ball down off of a throw high on the right, corner of the angle, turns into the strike smashing her effort across goal wide past the far post. Chillystone needing to come off for Mulbarton, Molly Stevenson introduced to the game. Skipper bringing the ball down turning to send it to Chandler on the move down the left, Brown going with her blocking her cross to turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

Mulbarton’s Leah Brown

The delivery from the corner played on to the far post knocked back across goal, Mulbarton scrambling it away to the top of the area, Skipper central getting hold of it putting her foot through the ball, smashes her shot wide of the left post.

GOAL! Mulbarton working the ball up the left wing win a free-kick just outside the box. Griffith over the set-piece asking to be hit in towards the far post, instead the midfielder takes on the shot, hitting the ball sweetly sending in up and over the keeper to find the back of the net to level things up for the 2nd time in the match. 2-2. Griffith never takes free-kicks apparently, on this evidence she shouldn’t be afraid to step up more often.

20 minutes to gone Mulbarton back level. Thetford restart the game the ball clipped long to Skipper pulling wide left, plays a high ball in across the top of the Mulbarton area with Haynes coming on from the right looknig to meet it on the volley 25 yards out, blasts her strike wide of the right post. Thetford winning the ball central Collins with Dunne the ball fed on for Chandler left, Brown sliding in to play the ball out for a throw.

Gowing needs to break out of her area quickly to close down Skipper as she is played through central by Dunne, the keeper with the block to see the ball deflected away from danger. Griffith attempts to play the threaded ball on for Lake up top as she pulls left, Peeling cutting the pass out hooking the ball clear. Mulbarton bringing players up for a corner on the left chipped in near post Thetford clear.

GOAL! The break on Thetford sending the ball long into the right channel, Skipper racing after it knocking the ball on into the area wide of goal, Gowing comes racing out to dive forwards onto the ball, gets her gloves around the ball as she and Skipper come together, hurting her ankle, the ball is loose as Skipper is quickly back on her feet, an advantage played, close to the line hasn’t much of an angle to shoot from but strikes the ball, getting a good curl on it to see it creep inside the near post even as Brown racing back in attempts to clear it 3-2!

Caitlin Skipper puts Thetford 3-2 up

Thetford retaking the lead in somewhat controversial circumstances, Mulbarton incensed claiming their keeper had hold of the ball, but the decision stands, even as Gowing is down receiving lengthy treatment on her damaged ankle, cannot continue and with no substitute goalkeeper on the bench, it’s midfielder Hedtke back on to don the gloves. Mulbarton break forwards from the restart Griffith powering forwards left side on the ball striking a shot in towards goal narrowly over the crossbar. Thetford counter Dunne central sending the ball into Chandler left side clips in back in central for Skipper making the run up top, Hedtke out though to gather the ball top of the area.

GOAL! Thetford win the ball back in the final third players pressing up to the box, Collins central lifting the ball into Chandler inside the area left of goal, Mulbarton claiming offside as she puts her foot through the ball, to smash the ball back across goal, Hedtke throwing herself down in an attempt to stop it gets her fingertips to it but not enough to prevent it finding the bottom corner to see Thetford double their lead 4-2.

Shannon Chandler through on goal to fire in Thetford’s 4th

Thetford with their tails up late in the game gaining a two goal cushion, Mulbarton aggrieved seeing two decisions going against them leading to the goals. Thetford keen to hammer home the advantage though Haynes running onto the ball right side flashing a cross into the box wide past the far post. Belsey coming off for Mulbarton with McNorton back on. Dunne pushing up into the box left side with Chandler as Brown goes to put the block in, the ball running past her into Dunne’s feet rushing her strike sends the ball up over the bar.

The clock rapidly ticking down Thetford keeping their energy levels up pressing the ball, lose possession on the right as Farrow moves in to close the ball down carries it up the wing sending a cross into the top of the area for Lake bearing down on the box, Dixon rushing out to close her down making the blocking save the ball angling away to her right cleared by Levy-Twomey.

Victoria McNorton

Levy-Twomey in again to defend as Griffiths puts the ball into Noakes central 25 yards out. Mulbarton pushing players on looking to force an opening Thetford ready to counter Claughton left side launching in forwards for Dunne making a left channel run, Brown out to meet her lunging in to prevent her skipping in behind. With Mulbarton pushed up in the closing seconds of the contest Collins wins the ball outside her box lifts it on for Skipper up top Dunne looking to cover the ground get up with her, McNorton getting her tackle in to stop Skipper getting the pass into her.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 4-2 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

The final whistle blows and Thetford celebrate getting back to winning ways and doing a league double over Mulbarton to move back above them into 5th place in the Division One North table. Worked hard for the three points pressing the ball as a unit defending high at times to keep the ball up the pitch the defence needing to remain alert throughout. Took the lead twice only to be pegged back, before getting their noses in front for a 3rd time, going on to add a 4th. Mulbarton frustrated creating some good chances never really got going to put their stamp on the game far from happy with the 3rd goal. Thetford kept their energy levels up throughout and with one game left to play will at home to Biggleswade will aim to finish on a high.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to chose this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, and although their are plenty of performances to mention, there is one clear winners. Firstly for Mulbarton, Alanta Griffith was strong throughout getting hold of the ball and making several positive forwards runs scoring both the visitors goals. Leah Brown at the back with a number of vital tackles to stop Thetford getting in behind. Mel Belsey had her work cut out with Caitlin Skipper but won more than her fair share of challenges. For Thetford the aforementioned Skipper was a handful all game, running into the channels a ready outlet for the midfield, her pace and movement causing problems getting on the scoresheet. The Thetford defence as a unit strong, Fran Peeling, Mollie O’Callaghan and Sausha Levy-Twomey all making vital interceptions and tackles. Shannon Chandler and Hannah Claughton bringing the on up the flanks. Olivia Dunne winning the ball in the middle of the park. The award goes to the captain, Alice Collins got about the pitch well winning the ball and linking up with the attack, marshalling her team along with scoring twice and setting up the 4th goal.

An enjoyable evening of ERWFL football, always competitive my thanks to both teams for their help with the teams, I know, I know most of the players but it always pays to check. Hoping the injuries to goalkeeper Megan Gowing and midfield engine Ellie Hunter aren’t as serious as first appeared and both with be ok for the upcoming county cup final.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – KLSC FC Women v UEA FC Women

Sunday 20th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Easter Sunday and not too many fixtures around with people off enjoying the extended bank holiday weekend, a busy program in Norfolk however so it’s back to Division One this Sunday to catch up with two sides I missed out on seeing earlier in the season with KLSC FC Women taking on UEA FC Women.

As mentioned last time out Norfolk Women’s Division One looks to be defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies to lose having lost just the one league game so far this season. Behind them however it remains incredibly tight with clubs all the way through the table proving they are capable of putting a good run together and climbing up the table, including both of today’s opponents.

KLSC (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) FC Women certainly looking to climb the table having fallen into the bottom 2 in the table due to a lack of matches from call-offs and cup competitions. That said have games in hand with a busy end to the season ahead including a cup final appearance having reached the final of the Women’s Plate where they will face Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves on Sunday 18th May (presumably not at five to midnight as currently listed). The club entering a new chapter winning promotion back to Division One last season have since their formation relied on the goal scoring prowess of Josie Turner, often amongst the leafing scorers in the league her goals will be missed.

The club moves forwards however in a strong position with a good youth section with teams from U7 through to U16s in the girls section to compliment the women’s side. Winning just 2 and drawing 1 of their opening 9 matches a lack of games seeing them fall down the table, were to bring an end to Bungay’s unbeaten run at the top of the league in March, another win against Bure Valley seeing the club push up on the sides competing in the middle of the pack. Lucy Clarke the leading scorer so far this season with 6 goals with Katie Ward on 5 and Leeanne Smith on 4.

UEA (University of East Anglia) FC Women won the Norfolk Women’s League Cup last season, beating Bungay 2-0 to lift the cup. A new ear for the club at the beginning of this season with players moving on and a new manager with, Rebecca Burton formerly coach at ERWFL side, Wroxham Women returning to the game. UEA with an extensive sports program with multiple sides across many sports the women’s football side competing in the BCUS league as well and Norfolk Women’s Division One usually with a good pool of talent to call upon with several players dual signed with other clubs across the county.

35 players called upon so far this season after and somewhat up and down start the club finally found it’s feet in the league towards the beginning of December going on an 8 games unbeaten run winning 5 and drawing 3 to climb all the way to 2nd in the Division One table. A narrow defeat and home draw against Bungay since leaves UEA well placed 4th in the table with a top 3 finish more than achievable. Goals scattered throughout the side, Evie Bloom and Nyanzobe Fundikira joint top scorers with 4 apiece. Melly Bungay and Shay Moses have 3 each.

The King’s Way Playing Fields the venue for today’s match. Situated in the northern part of King’s Lynn. The playing fields with a number of grass pitches available. The KLSC players setting up the goals and pitch prior to kick-off. The grass pitch well covered and firm with the recent dry weather, a roped off area for spectators opposite the dugouts. A pleasant sunny afternoon, with no chance of rain, a slight breeze blowing but for a bank holiday weekend, excellent.

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Stella Astle, Rhian Ellis, Elizabet Puckova (C), Tilly Sands, Taeya Mayes, Bonnie Parsons, Lana Sturgeon, Lucy Clarke, Lauren Moyse, Trinity Tokaji & Holly Pitcher. Subs – Leeanne Smith & Ellie Panks.

KLSC FC Women

UEA FC Women starting XI – Alex Azotova, Leah Edwards, Kara Wayman, Tash Harvey, Avery Lyon, Freya Standing, Tia Jackson, Jess Cunliffe, Leilah Gooding (C), Shay Moses & Izzy O’Connor. Subs – Evie Bloom, Keira George & Abby Crawley-Trice.

UEA FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Being a bank holiday weekend a few players for both sides unavailable, but nevertheless have strong starting line-ups. Rebecca Burton too unavailable for today’s game, Chris Munday looking after managerial duties this afternoon. The referee too delayed for today’s game but kick-off on time with a replacement to get the ball rolling stepping in, Elizabet Puckova captaining KLSC. Leilah Gooding wearing the armband for UEA. It’s UEA to get the 1st half under way wearing an all navy kit with yellow trim on the shirts. KLSC lined up opposite wearing red shirts with vertical black stripes, with black shorts and red socks with black hoops. Played back into traffic early on KLSC moving in to close the ball down, Freya Standing fouled as she attempts to drive on with the ball for UEA the visitors winning a free-kick.

Inside the centre circle the ball fired up towards the top of the area, Taeya Moses looking to get her head on it to clear of KLSC instead deflects it on behind her the ball firm on firm ground bouncing up threatening to escape over goalkeeper Stella Astle a trouble the goal beyond but drops narrowly over a corner given. Fired into the box from the right, Mayes again meeting it with her head driving the ball back clear out to the right. Leilah Gooding playing the ball out to the right for UEA, Rhian Ellis intercepting for KLSC launching it forwards for Lucy Clarke attempts to put it over the top for Holly Pitcher in attack, Avery Lyon closing her down at the back for UEA.

UEA captain, Leilah Gooding

UEA looking to press the ball high find an opening in between the KLSC defence, the hosts counter cleared up through the middle, Lauren Moyse getting hold of it pushing on into the right channel before cutting it across the top of the area looknig for Clarke breaking up with her on the left, Kara Wayman stretching out a leg to cut the ball out for UEA and clear upfield.

UEA busy on the ball, Standing in the middle looking for Jess Cunliffe wide left, pushing up, KLSC captain, Elizabet Puckova sliding in to send the ball out for a throw in. KLSC come left Moyse carrying the ball forwards with purpose inside for Trinity Tokaji she lays it into Pitcher 25 yards out right of the D, she is upended seeing the hosts awarded the free-kick. Mayes over the set-piece driven in low with pace into the centre of the box, Lyon behind it to clear for UEA.

UEA defender, Tash Harvey

Tash Harvey at the back for UEA rolling the ball into Standing central brings the ball left before firing it forwards into the left channel for Shay Moses to attack, Tilly Sands going with her the defender on her shoulder lunging in to tackle to send the ball away for a corner kick on the left. A vicious delivery flashed in right across the face of the KLSC goal begging for a touch comes all the way through the the far post cleared by Ellis.

GOAL! KLSC having been under a little pressure from UEA mount a direct attack moving the ball through the middle Bonnie Parsons out to Clarke coming inside from the left 25 plus yards out not closed down tries her luck, catching her shot sweetly, drilling it in on target the keeper having started to go the wrong way can’t adjust the ball flying past her into the back of the net to see KLSC take the lead inside the opening 10 minutes 1-0.

Lucy Clarke striking the ball home to put KLSC into the lead

Both sides getting stuck into their tackles Moses fouled on half way as she attempts to turn with the ball out on the left. UEA press the ball high Gooding on the right feeding it forwards for Moses to turn in behind charge towards the KLSC box, Puckova getting back on her to get a foot on the ball deflect it behind for a corner kick. Swept into the six yard box long beyond the far post Harvey stooping to head the ball back down across goal to the far post, KLSC blocking it on the line scrambling it clear. The match referee ready for action the transition smooth the game continues.

Moyse set loose on the counter attack driving on for KLSC left channel pushing towards the box before she is eventually outnumbered by the UEA defence. Tokaji lively in attack for KLSC on the right combining with Moyse, getting to the by-line the ball cut out by Standing turned behind for a corner kick out on the left. The corner curled into the area, cleared by Standing with Gooding helping it on up field to Moses left channel, bursting on out muscles her marker to steal into the area, taking on the attempted lob with the outside of her boot, dips in towards Astle, keeping her composure to claim it low even as Izzy O’Connor rushes in to close her down.

Cunliffe on the left for UEA getting a throw high up the pitch dropped into Tia Jackson 20 yards out to the left of the box, drags her effort wide low past the near post. Gooding with a good range of passes looking to play the diagonal ball out to the flanks for UEA as they press the KLSC defence, Moses looking to break in behind. A high ball played across the top of the KLSC area drops to Wayman 25 yards out to the right, strikes the ball goal wards a looping effort threatening to drop into the far top corner, Astle no taking any chances touching it behind for a corner kick.

UEA looking dangerous from their corners whipped in central attacked in front of goal headed down knocked back out to the left, the ball crossed back in the header turned over. UEA with a free-kick out on the right Gooding firing it up into the area, initially defended the ball put back out to the right, Jackson latching onto it striking the ball on the angle drives it against the crossbar. UEA pressing for an equaliser.

UEA’s Tia Jackson

KLSC look a threat getting hold of the ball and driving at the UEA defence Moyse linking up well with Tokaji, goes to put a through ball on for Pitcher, Harvey intercepting for the visitors. Puckova doing the same at the back for KLSC as Standing looks to put Cunliffe away in the left.

UEA’s Freya Standing

Standing picking up her fair share of knocks as KLSC foul her as she attempts to carry the ball forwards through the middle. A little testy, Mayes having given away the foul defending the resulting free-kick. Lana Sturgeon moving left for KLSC linking up with Clarke driving down the line her cross cleared in the box by Harvey.

Freya Standing battling for possession with Taeya Mayes

KLSC with a throw on the right, Moyse to Mayes inside for Tokaji, takes the ball inside across the top of the UEA D before prodding it on for Clarke left side 20 yards out, her strike on target low goalkeeper, Alex Azotova down low to make the save.

UEA goalkeeper, Alex Azotova

A vital challenge at the back form Sands for KLSC as UEA send the ball up through the middle for Moses the attacker looking to break clear, the defender getting in close to take the ball out of her path. Parsons carrying the ball forwards for KLSC through the middle, clipped tries to go on the referee playing the advance the ball diagonal into the D, Clarke the target not reaching her play brought back for the set-piece, Sands over it goes it hit it long to the far post, over cooks it the ball flashing wide.

The game evening up now highly competitive, both sides looking to get the ball on quickly driving at the opposing defence. The ball bouncing high has wrong footed more than one player. Moses getting hold of the ball on the left cutting inside 25 yards out to smash a low strike into the side netting. KLSC press on the counter, Parsons up with Clarke and Tokaji, left side, Wayman closing the ball down. Tokaji with good control the ball at her feet skipping away down the right a burst of pace before clipping a cross into the box, only no one is inside to attack it.

UEA push up on the left Jackson into Cunliffe inside for Moses cuts infield getting inside the box left of goal blasts the ball in across goal, Astle diving down to her left making a great save to push the ball away to the right, O’Connor rushing in to meet it sending her strike over the bar!

KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle

UEA coming close again Standing on the ball on through the middle for Moses combines with O’Connor as the attackers push up to the box exchanging passes, O’Connor fouling Ellis in the process however. KLSC quick to get the ball up the other end fed through the middle into Moyse powerful on the ball looking to battle her way into the box, Harvey into tackle the ball skipping up for Tokaji beside Moyse to carry on into the box, free for a moment running onto the loose ball to strike it narrowly over the UEA crossbar.

KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

Pitcher seeing the ball into her feet back to goal 25 yards out Clarke looking to make an over lapping run on the left, Jackson closing Pitcher down to regain possession. End to end action Cunliffe on the left trying to pick out the inside run from Moses in attack, Sands instead intercepting for KLSC.

KLSC captain, Elizabet Packova

Moyse continuing her marauding runs through the middle for KLSC, looking to take on the entire defence at times, almost finding a way through, Azotova comes rushing out to the top of the area to slide in attempt the blocking save, the ball cannoning off her rebounding favourably to Moyes in to the box behind her right of goal, defenders rushing back to cover the open goal snatches at her shot pulling the ball wide past the far post.

KLSC’s Lauren Moyse

Into the closing seconds of the 1st half KLSC regain possession central Parsons with Clarke out to Moyes right side cuts her cross back into the top of the area, not quite able to pick out Pitcher who has make the right channel run.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 1-0 UEA FC Women

The changing rooms a food hike from the pitch so both sides staying out on the field for the half-time interval, no doubt keen to keep going continue what was a fast paced and lively first half. KLSC having rode out a little pressure from UEA early on breaking to fire themselves into the lead. Lucy Clarke’s 9th minute strike proving to be the difference so far, KLSC coming close to adding a 2nd. UEA wondering how they are no leading themselves having created a number of chances coming close striking the wood work and forcing an excellent save from the keeper. Beautifully poised for the 2nd half.

No changes at the break, KLSC to get the 2nd half underway the ball back into Mayes out to Puckova on the right, put back into the middle, congested as both sides compete for the ball. Standing pulled down as she looks to get on with the ball a familiar picture. Taken quickly the ball on down the right crossed into the D, Sands there to cut it out for KLSC. Wayman defends on Clarke as the KLSC winger looks to take the ball on from Sturgeon.

Remains feisty both sides competitive looking to get hold of the ball, Gooding for UEA out to O’Connor right, Ellis in to make the tackle for KLSC. Standing linking up with Gooding through the middle, Gooding rolling it on for Moses up top, looking to drag it in behind the defence and quite evade Sands. Parsons picking up the ball for KLSC central making some useful runs forwards attempts to pick out Clarke on the left, she sends it forwards into Pitcher coming for the ball, Wayman closing her down to prevent the turn for UEA.

KLSC midfielder, Bonnie Parsons

KLSC get the ball forwards into Sturgeon on the right, jinks left then right on the ball shifting it into the wing for Tokaji to attack racing to the by-line with Edwards, plays the ball off the full back for a corner kick. Fires into the top of the six yard box with pace met first time by Moyse turns her attempt over the bar. No let up the ball with UEA on for O’Connor middle puts it on for Moses racing on left channel strikes the ball from 20 yards out low on target but Astle is right behind it down low to make the save.

Mayes with the ball gives it to Parsons to take on for KLSC right channel feeds the pass into the box for Pitcher back to goal right side, turns on the ball her shot in low straight at the keeper, Azotova holding onto the ball. End to end UEA the ones hitting KLSC on the counter looking to open gaps in the defence, clipped out to Cunliffe left side plays it on for Moses left channel turning the host defence, her touch taking the ball into the area a little heavy giving Ellis the chance to get around to clear the ball.

UEA winning a throw high in the corner comes to Moses inside the box right of goal strikes the ball on the turn pulling it across the six yard box wide past the far post. UEA making a double change with Edwards and Jackson coming off, Evie Bloom and Keira George coming on. Sturgeon off a long throw hooking the ball up top for Pitcher, Lyon getting in ahead of her right side to see back to her keeper to deal with.

KLSC’s Holly Pitcher

Lyon in again to defend in on Moyse inside the D as the attacker looks to drag the ball in behind inside the D off a cross from the right. Cunliffe coming off for UEA, Abby Crawley-Trice coming on goes into the right back role with Wayman coming over to an attacking role on the left as UEA look to go 4-3-3. The visitors with a corner on the left, whipped in low into the six yard box, Moses meeting it stabbing a foot out, Astle sharp snatching it up off the floor into her gloves.

KLSC making a double change with Moyse and Pitcher coming off up top, Leeanne Smith and Ellie Panks coming on. Goodling sending the ball out to the left for Wayman to attack her cross lifted into the area across goal, Astle can see it safely out of play. UEA pressing for a goal looking to level up the game Moses coming right, tackled by Ellis, O’Connor pushing up in support trying to find Moses again but the ball goes away for a throw in the corner. Moses seeing the ball down off the throw on the turn crossing into the top of the D, Bloom looking to meet it on the volley strikes her effort over the KLSC crossbar.

UEA’s Evie Bloom

UEA bring the ball on through the middle George on for Gooding into Moses lays it off to George pushing on left channel inside to Gooding her shot outside the box taking a deflection off a defenders boot to take it wide of the right post for a corner kick. Played in high, Sands defending for KLSC turning it out to the left out for a goal kick. 20 minutes left to play.

Parsons battling to get the ball back for KLSC central bringing it out to the left fed up to Smith in attack turns it out to Sturgeon bombing on left wing clips a cross up into the area, claimed by Azotova. Gooding winning the ball for UEA lifting it on for Moses in attack, coming inside from the left, Sands sticking out a leg at the back to win it back for KLSC. No sign of energy levels dropping Moses onto the ball for UEA coming right with O’Connor taking over her cross lofted into the area caught by Astle.

Lana Sturgeon

The clock ticking down KLSC still holding onto their 1 goal lead looking to try and slow things down, UEA keen to get on with it, Astle coming out to the top of her area to collect the ball as Gooding looks to play Wayman on down the left. UEA get players forwards into the box Moses in possession on the right cuts her cross back to the top of the area Standing going to put her foot through it can’t connect.

Keira George with Bonnie Parsons

Tokaji breaking away on the right for KLSC squares a cross into the area, looking for Panks cut out by Crawley-Trice deflected into the path of a KLSC player the rebound turned back straight into the keepers gloves. Standing has been in the wars throughout the contest coming off for UEA, Edwards comes back on at left back. Ellis cutting out a cross from Wayman on the left.

Tilly Sands moving in to stop Shay Moses

Smith fouling Harvey UEA with the free-kick the ball put into the top of the area, Moses seeing it down into the path of O’Connor stretching to connect with the ball gets it in on target but bounces safely up into Astle’s gloves. Into the final 7 minutes, the game stretched the ball on the right with KLSC hit long up into the box, Smith going to attack it, Azotova rushing in arms raised to try and claim the ball, doesn’t the pair colliding, half hearted appeals as the loose ball is cleared by Lyon beyond.

Gooding winning a corner of Mayes on the right, time running out for UEA to find an equaliser, swept in by Gooding into the six yard box, Astle up well amongst bodies to try and get hold of the ball. into the ground beyond her knocked back into the mix scrambled away for another corner on the right.

The 2nd corner fired in long to the far post area O’Connor stooping to head it down back across goal to the opposite post Bloom racing in to met it sending the ball looping up over the cross bar from close range.

UEA frustrated the equaliser just won’t come. KLSC defending for their lives battling hard at the back. Ellis and Sands winning the ball. The hosts look to find a goal at the other end to surely clinch the 3 points Parsons into Clarke left her deep cross plucked down by Azotova. Bloom attacking for UEA down the left getting into the box stabbing a cross up central, turned onto the bar by Mayes as she goes to try to clear the ball with her head the ball spinning away for a corner on the left.

Izzy O’Connor

A high ball curled into the box, O’Connor going to attack it with Mayes jumping in front of her the ball headed onto Mayes rebounding back to strike O’Connor the attacker down in need of treatment. Standing coming back on to replace her with barely a minute left on the clock. Sturgeon getting hold of the ball for KLSC cutting inside from the left across the top of the area looking for a opening, Crawley-Trice diving in to make the tackle for UEA. Sands clearing the ball for a corner to UEA as Gooding look to link up with Moses in the left channel.

Edwards in the box hooking the corner on into the far post, Ellis defending on the line for KLSC. Mayes dives in on Standing presenting UEA with a free-kick in a dangerous position to the right of goal. Standing to fire a low ball into the box angling into the far post runners closing in looking to attack it, Astle getting a faint touch to see the ball away for a corner on the left. Everybody bar the keeper up one last throw of the dice for UEA a high ball into the box, Mayes defends for KLSC.

Full time KLSC FC Women 1-0 UEA FC Women

No time left for a further attack, KLSC hold on to claim all three points and push themselves up onto the pack in the middle of the table. A battling display at the back from KLSC successfully defending their 1 goal lead to win the points. Had to dig deep at times UEA asking the questions but couldn’t find the break through. How UEA will probably wonder created numerous chances saw the woodwork struck but some days it just isn’t meant to be, and when you’re at the bottom end of the table you need things to go your way too. KLSC not out of danger yet but this result will boost the confidence no end and will plenty of points and cup final places to play for it’ll stand them in good stead for the run in. Lucy Clarke’s superb first half strike sealing the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match for this Easter Sunday. Several contenders no doubt and narrowing it down to one isn’t easy. A few performances to mention although I must say it was a fine effort from everyone. For UEA, Freya Standing working hard on the ball taking it forwards looking to link up play collecting a few bruises for her efforts. Leilah Gooding looking to distribute the ball across the pitch getting forwards well too. Kara Wayman winning the ball well at the back, playing some good forward passes lively in attack. Shay Moses a ready outlet trying to pull off the defence create an opening for herself and her teammates. For KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle pulled off a number of great saves to keep her side in the game. Bonnie Parsons used the ball well in midfield getting forwards with some useful runs. Lana Sturgeon with good control and footwork moving the ball forwards getting into some inviting positions. Lauren Moyse driving forwards on the ball pressing the attack throughout. Trinity Tokaji too getting hold of the ball in the final third coming close to getting a goal herself. The defence had to put in a shift and performed well, Elizabeth Puckova along with Rhian Ellis making some vital interceptions and tackles as UEA worked the ball into the channels, Ellis too defending on the line. The award though goes to Tilly Sands composed at the back read the game well giving herself time and space to deal with the ball timed her tackles well.

Good to catch up with both sides having tried to earlier in the season, a lively contest that could have gone either way. Sums up Division One to a degree, have seen every side in it now bar Bungay and certainly anyone can beat anyone on their day, how it’ll all pan out is anyone’s guess, look forward to finding out. My thanks to both for the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Bure Valley Women

Sunday 13th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Fresh from covering my 600th game for Women’s Football East, it’s back to league action this Sunday and a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One, A trip to The Daly Group Stadium in Fakenham to watch Fakenham Town Ladies versus Bure Valley Women.

Still plenty of football to be played in Norfolk Women’s Division One, defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies looking on good shape to defend their title, the battle behind intense with a cluster of sides all putting together a run of results to push for a top three finish, very tight in the middle of the table too and things getting interesting at the other end with the sides seemingly becoming adrift at the bottom getting players back and picking up valuable points. Certainly any side can feel they can beat the other on their day.

Bure Valley Women reforming a woman’s side last season and clinching the Division Two title to win promotion to Division One, a club with a strong youth section the first team now backed up by a new Development side entering Division Three as the league expands with a new influx of sides. Bure Valley’s 1st team currently 5th in the table. Having gotten off to a flyer winning 3 and drawing 1 in their opening 4 league matches. Picking up some good wins along the way, along with reaching the last 4 of the League Cup.

Added to their attacking threat over the summer with Lauren Goulder and Rhiannon Dack joining the squad. Unfortunately have been without both through injury for a large chunk of the season. Dack returning in February, however their young squad has performed well regardless. Captain, Emma MacMillan top scorer for Bury Valley with 10 goals from her 15 matches with Maisie Redgrave and Megan Swain both on 5 each.

Fakenham Town Ladies were in danger of folding over the summer having just been relegated from the ERWFL after a 2 year stint and losing all most all of their squad. Only new captain, Gina Pooley and Hayley Marjoram from today’s squad still with the club. Fortunately the new management team had a group of young players ready to step up into the squad along with recruiting a few from Dussindale & Hellesdon’s U16s. Started the season well losing just one of their opening 4 league matches. Have won just 2 since with 4 draws that leaves them down in 8th position, now looking nervously over their shoulders with the sides below finding some form.

Have a proven goal scorer in their ranks however with Maddie Green banging in the goals this season, joint 2nd scorer in Division One with 17 goals from her 16 games. Sister, Katie and Holly Williams have 3 goals apiece. With players coming of age to join the squad during the season the woman’s side looks to be back in good shape.

The Daly Group Stadium the venue for this afternoons league encounter. The main pitch being rested no doubt in need of a good watering with the lack of rainfall so far this month. The club having two full size pitches opposite the carpark. Both well used, firm under foot in need of some rain, a little possible later in the day. The clubhouse open the bar serving hot and cold drinks. The main pitch is one of the largest around the pitch being used today much more compact, standing viewing all round the trees around the pitch white with blossom. The warm when able to poke through the grey clouds.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Karina Townsend, Francesca Wood, Sophia Price, Marcie McCullagh, Ella Ballett, Gina Pooley (C), Tayla Ewles-Belton, Holly Williams, Katie Green, Faith Fox & Maddie Green. Subs – Isabel Dallas Smith, Bethany Seymour, Sydney Smith & Hayley Marjoram.

Bury Valley Women

Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Lucy Searcey, Willow Nye, Lucy Staff, Jasmin Snelling, Lily Norman, Eva Heald, Emma MacMillan (C) Rhiannon Dack, Emily Addison & Maisie Redgrave. Subs – Mariana Teixeira.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Gina Pooley and Emma MacMillan with today’s match referee William Lai.

Bure Valley a little light on numbers naming just the one player on the bench, Fakenham with four substitutes to call upon, a injury concern in the warm-up sees Isabel Dallas Smith drop to the bench as a precaution with Sophia Price coming on at right back. It’s Bure Valley to get the first half underway wearing navy coloured shirts with red sleeves, navy shorts and red socks. Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to captain Emma MacMillan she plays it back to Lucy Staff in defence, played up the left wing for Emily Addison to attack sends it on to Maisie Redgrave coming over to the left corner, the ball put back into Addison to turn a cross into the top of the area Holly Williams there to clear for Fakenham.

Bure Valley’s Lucy Staff

Bure Valley with a throw out on the left, Williams busy for Fakenham early doors getting stuck in to challenge for the ball as the visitors try to link up their passes in the final 3rd. MacMillan onto the ball central for Bure Valley strokes it out to the right wing for Redgrave to chase down, held up by Francesca Wood checks back inside to lay the in central to Addison some 25 yards out goes to hit it first time curling her attempt over the crossbar.

Wooded areas behind one goal and the side opposite the dug outs, players having to go on forays to retrieve it. A lively start both sides nipping in to try and close the ball down popping about in the middle, Eva Heald getting it out to the left for Bure Valley, Addison looking to attack in driving on, turning into the box, Price lunging in to deny the cross the ball out for a corner.

Fakenham look to break out from the back, Katie Green on the ball left side clipping it into the middle for Maddie Green in attack, back to goal top of the D, held up by Jasmin Snelling lays it back into Williams to send a diagonal ball out to the right for Katie Green looking to get down the line, Staff closing her down the ball off the defender for a corner kick. Curled in long across the six yard box falling beyond the far post for Katie Green, knocked it down back into the mix, Bure Valley scramble it clear.

Ella Ballett breaking up a Bure Valley attack top of her box for Fakenham getting the ball forwards into midfield, Williams helping it on for Maddie Green, attempts to play it in behind the defence for Faith Fox, however the flag goes up against her for offside. The ball hooked long upfield by Bure Valley for Addison in the left channel, running into the box, Price going with her for Fakenham sees it back to goalkeeper, Karina Townsend.

Bure Valley bright in attack looking to play some neat passes just not coming off as they run into a congested centre, Ballett intercepting for Fakenham to clear. Williams battling for possession central for Fakenham wriggles free with the ball at her feet to send it on down the left with Wood breaking forwards beyond captain, Gina Pooley the ball crossed into the middle, cut out by Lily Norman for Bure Valley.

Fakenham working the ball down the left getting a throw played into Maddie Green 30 yards out to the left of goal hits the shot on the turn, her effort wide past the far post. Fakenham winning the ball well in the middle played out to Pooley on the left with Maddie Green the cross lifted in on goal, Danielle Barnes up to claim it at her near post. Pooley left playing the pass into Maddie Green back to goal 25 yards out left of the D, looks to turn into the area, Snelling putting in the tackle the ball running off her behind for a corner kick.

Jasmine Snelling about to clear for Bure Valley

Played on long across the top of the area from the right, Bure Valley get hold of the ball look for the counter attack, Nye sending it up to Redgrave wide, has MacMillan looking to get up with her into the box the pass into her snubbed out, Addison racing to catch up with play trying to link up with Redgrave to her left in the box, but Fakenham have regrouped gotten numbers back, no shot on, Addison looks to dink a cross into the six yard box Townsend and get hold of the ball for Fakenham.

A even contest both sides looking to get the ball forwards with pace, MacMillan driving on with the ball through the middle sending it on for Redgrave in the box left side, Ballett going with her looking to see the ball out of play for a goal kick, Redgrave managing to play it off the defender for a corner instead. Swung in to the middle of the six yard box Williams coming in to defend the ball heading it behind for another corner on the left. This delivery long across goal to the far post knocked back across goal, Fakenham with plenty back to defend getting it away to safety.

Francesca Wood defending on Maisie Redgrave

GOAL! Fakenham send the ball into the middle for Katie Green plays it out to the left with Maddie Green on the move down the wing taking the ball down into the corner cuts a cross back in towards the top of the area, Nye getting a slight touch the ball runs on to Katie Green top of the D and she strikes the ball in low past the keeper into the bottom left corner to give Fakenham the lead 1-0.

Katie Green fires Fakenham into the lead

Just past the opening quarter hour, Fakenham take the lead, Bure Valley looking to attack from the restart the ball played out to Redgrave racing on down the right strikes it early on the angle her shot arrowing behind at the near post. Fakenham break through the middle, Williams playing it forwards early for Maddie Green looking to run in behind the defence, Barnes needing to come out of her area just about wins the race, her clearance uncertain however as Fakenham pour forwards Katie Green looking to lift it into the area for Fox to attack, Barnes recovering to get her arms up to pull the ball down into her body.

Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes

Bure Valley build through the middle MacMillan and Heald exchanging passes, before Heald attempts to pick out Addison on the left, Ballett though stretching out a leg to intercept the pass for Fakenham. Norman coming across to challenge Pooley on the left as she exchanges passes with Maddie Green in attack. slowing her progress, Annie Searcey getting up with Norman to see the ball out for a throw in.

Bure Valley’s Annie Searcey

Fakenham making a change in attack, Fox coming off, Bethany Seymour coming on. Snelling bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley sending the pass into Heald moving left plays it on up the line for Addison looking to get in behind, again it’s Ballett moving across from the centre of defence to close her down play the ball out. Katie Green latching onto a loose Bure Valley ball at the back 25 yards out from goal shifts it to her right before pulling her foot through the ball, doesn’t get it cleanly the shot screwing wide.

Williams snapping in to win the ball back for Fakenham playing it out to Katie Green wide on the left on half way looks for Maddie Green up top with the diagonal ball into her left of goal, taking it down to the by-line whips a ball in on the angle, Barnes down into it low at her near post.

Bure Valley if anything over complicating the final ball one too many passes Fakenham’s defence as a collective unit keeping it tight through the middle, Searcey sending it on up the right for Redgrave, Wood can see it out of play for a goal kick. Bure Valley attack on the left Nye pushing on to get up with Addison the pair exchanging passes, Nye turning in inside, Rhiannon Dack closed down central before she can work space for a shot out to Searcey right forwards into MacMillan, dinks it into the box for Redgrave to attack, Townsend though coming to meet it getting hold of the ball before Redgrave can make contact.

End to end, Fakenham looking for Katie Green on the right her passing up to Maddie Green in attack stretching the Bure Valley defence. Marcie McCullagh cutting MacMillan’s through ball out for Fakenham the hosts looking to attack Williams through the middle on for Maddie Green, Snelling intercepting for Bure Valley. The ball continues to be hotly contested in the middle of the park, Price and Addison fighting for the ball as Nye rolls it on for her left side, squirms away to lift the ball on for Redgrave up top, Ballett going with her winning the tackle for Fakenham.

Fakenham defender, Ella Ballett

Fakenham counter Tayla Ewles-Belton on for Maddie Green in attack left channel looks to burst through the defence to get into the area, Snelling getting back at her slowing her progress, instead clips the ball out to the right for Katie Green to hit the cross on the run, flashed in across the face of goal no one can get a touch cleared beyond the far post. Fakenham making a 2nd change, Wood coming of Hayley Marjoram coming on. Bure Valley making a change to with Mariana Teixeira coming on to replace Nye.

The visitors bursting on through the middle, Dack to MacMillan lifted on for Redgrave up top, the ball not falling kindly for her as she tries to take on the early shot from outside the box, cleared to the right Price sending it on for Maddie Green pulling wide left, Barnes starts to come Green taking on the early shot rushed a little, Barnes twisting awkwardly as she tries to get down to the ball but can see it roll wide of the far post. The keeper stays down in need of some attention but is up ready to play on.

Fakenham’s Maddie Green

Redgrave up on the left with Teixeira the attackers looking to exchange passes work the ball into the box, Price getting in the challenge to take the ball out of play. Maddie Green a constant threat up top for Fakenham looking to pull into the left channel, Williams trying to pick out her run this time, Snelling reading it for Bure Valley.

MacMillan on the ball central for Bure Valley getting forwards pushed into Teixeira outside the box turns it on into the area with Redgrave making the run in behind, Townsend making the call, coming on to lay claim to the ball. Bure Valley getting the ball on well enough just finding that final ball elusive, Ballett and McCullagh keeping it tight through the middle backed up by Ewles-Belton and Williams.

Marcie McCullagh

The sun shinning bright the first half being played at a furious pace, into the final 5 minutes MacMillan inside for Heald looks to drive forwards 25 yards out, McCullagh stepping out of the back line to put in the challenge. Fakenham break the ball into Maddie Green central turns it on up top to Williams bursting forwards right channel 20 yards out takes on the strike hit on the half volley coming at Barnes two feet of the ground the keeper, behind it making the catch look easy.

Fakenham’s Tayla Ewles-Belton

The hosts finishing the 1st half strong, Ewles-Belton on for Maddie Green central Williams making to move to go beyond her left channel Green rolling the ball into her path the shot from outside the box straight at the keeper. Katie Green surging on down the right with the ball at her feet for Fakenham firing a cross into the area long past the far post, Norman defending as Maddie Green looks to attack it. Maddie Green pulling left to see the ball rolled into her feet from Pooley, turns to strike on the angle Barnes down smartly at her near post getting a touch the ball diverted into the side netting for a corner kick. In from the left high across the six yard box knocked back across to the left post coming into Katie Green at an awkward height can’t get it down under control before being closed down.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-0 Bure Valley Women

A fast paced first half coming to an end, both sides staying on the pitch for the half-time interval. Bure Valley starting brightly looking to get the ball forwards, Fakenham battling to win it back coming into the game themselves looking to do the same, contrasting attacks Fakenham keeping it tight through the middle dangerous on the counter looking to stretch the Bure Valley back line without overly committing players into the box. Katie green firing them into the lead on 16 minutes. Bure Valley getting players up into the final 3rd but so far unable to find the final ball to unlock the hosts defence. Still all poised for the 2nd half.

Both sides making changes at the break, Nye back on for Bure Valley replacing Heald. Marjoram and Seymour off for Fakenham, Fox back on along with Sydney Smith. It’s Fakenham to get the 2nd half underway, the ball played back into the defence, Bure Valley moving in to press, no head way, Fakenham feeding it on up the right the ball out for a throw in.

Bure Valley feed the ball out to Dack drifting out to the left, helps ball on into the box with Teixeira peeling off the defence, but the attacker can’t quite get onto the end of it as Townsend sees it out for a goal kick. Pooley getting the ball into her feet left side sending it on up the line for Smith, Snelling getting across to tackle see the ball out for a throw. Both sides continue to race in close the ball down Bure Valley attack right Redgrave inside for Dack has Searcey moving down the wing plays the ball into her path, Searcey in turn putting it inside to Redgrave top of the box, Pooley their to nip in to steal the ball back for Fakenham. Bure Valley get a throw high on the right that leads to a corner kick.

GOAL! The ball fired into the box low central players racing to meet it turned back out to the corner taker on the right lifted back in towards the top of the D, half cleared MacMillan onto it 25 yards out teeing up Dack to strike angled in on goal flies past Townsend to sneak in at the left post 1-1. Dack’s first goal for Bure Valley too.

Rhiannon Dack’s shot from outside the box sneaking in at the left post

Rhiannon Dack scores the equaliser for Bure Valley

Bure Valley back on level terms early in the 2nd half. Fakenham getting the down on for Maddie green in attack some 30 yards out attempting to swing at it on the turn, doesn’t get hold of it the ball drifting wide of the mark. Katie Green on the attack right side for Fakenham sees her cross turned behind for a corner kick. Curling in on the keeper, Barnes getting a hand on the ball to knock it on past the far post dropping for Katie Green to lift a cross back into the middle, Williams leaping central can’t get anything on the ball as Bure Valley get it cleared to safety.

The ball is rarely still only the odd trip into the woods to retrieve it. The pitch hard a few spots of rain in the air, the umbrella needed to keep the notepad dry, can’t put it my pocket too much happening. Nye getting the ball into MacMillan top of the area 20 yards out has Redgrave beside her the short pass into her helped out to Addison on the left takes on the shot the ball powered straight in on the keeper, Townsend comfortable in the save.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

Dack moving in to press the keeper on a back pass Townsend rushed plays it straight to Addison left outside the box rolls it inside for Teixeira left of the D, goes to shoot, McCullagh going to charge it down takes the sting off the shot as it rolls safely through for Townsend to gather up inti her gloves. The rain adding a little slickness to the pitch both sides intent on scoring.

Annie Searcey with Maddie Green

Katie Green getting hold of the ball out on the right firing a low shot in on the angle, Barnes diving forwards to get a glove on it at her near post turning it behind for a corner kick. Fakenham pushing players up for the corner, curled in central Dack getting a touch to take it away to the left, Fakenham quick to get it back the ball hooked back in to the far post area, Barnes trying to reach it stretching hurt as she goes to ground. The referee stopping play so she can receive treatment.

The rain stopped for now the sun back out, 20 minutes gone in the 2nd half play resuming with a drop ball much to Fakenham’s displeasure as they had possession when play was stopped. Nevertheless the hosts win it back through Price on the right sends it on for Katie Green on the wing, sends a high ball into the area looking for Smith running in far post, Snelling getting a touch to knock it out to the right, Norman sending it upfield.

Fakenham winning a free-kick in the middle, Katie Green sending it long for Maddie Green to control bring down the left cutting a cross back into the top of the area, MacMillan there in cut the ball out for the visitors. Maddie Green snapping in to steal the ball back 25 yards out for Fakenham central sends it right into the path of Williams who goes to hit it first time 30 yards out the shot dipping straight into the keepers midriff.

Holly Williams

Fakenham pushing up Williams looking to join the attack, on for Maddie Green going down the left to the by-line, Norman holding her up comes back up the line passing to Pooley to try and drill the ball into Williams inside the D, MacMillan in there with her close putting in the challenge to win the ball back. Wood coming back on with 20 minutes left on the clock replacing Smith for the hosts. The game end to end, you feel it could go either way without neither side getting on top of the other for long.

Maddie Green seeing the ball into her turning it out to the right for Katie Green, Nye back on her to win the ball back infield to MacMillan of for Dack tries to thread it through the defence for Redgrave running into the box, but Townsend can gather it first. Bure Valley press the attack win the ball high MacMillan central lifting it to Addison left bursting into the box, Townsend rushing out to try and close her down, Addison squeezing the ball past her bouncing through on goal, Price running around on the cover clearing the ball off the line!

Sophia Price clearing off the line for Fakenham

Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, whipped in with pace through the six yard box Price trying to defend at the far post knocking in down into the box Teixeira latching into it 10 yards out pulls her foot through the ball, everyone turns to see it race narrowly wide of the left upright.

Bure Valley’s Mariana Teixeira

Dack bringing the ball on through the middle for Bure valley MacMillan up with her the ball fed out to Addison on the move left side, Price stretching out a leg to cut the ball out for the hosts. Pooley seeing the ball into her feet out wide left for Fakenham sends in on looking for Maddie Green up top, Norman closing her down for Bure Valley. MacMillan on the ball central for Bure Valley on the move lays it to Addison in the left channel she in turn turns it into Teixeira running through the middle, McCullagh getting across her path the shield the ball back to her keeper.

Bure Valley captain, Emma MacMillan

MacMillan taking the ball down the left wing off a throw in lifting a cross into the area, Townsend being closed down by Teixeira getting a glove up to knock the ball down into the area, Ewles-Belton hooking it clear for the hosts. Continues to be a fast paced match Bure Valley getting the ball into Addison left side driving forwards, price in to play it out for a throw. Dropped into MacMillan to strike goal wards on the angle, rising, Townsend getting her gloves up to beat the ball down into the deck and claim.

Fakenham break through the middle, Ewles-Belton with Williams to Pooley left up to Maddie Green looks to play it central for Williams, Snelling stepping in to intercept for Bure Valley. End to end Bure Valley straight on the attack curled out to Addison wide left cut back into the area for Nye, closed down manages to get it out to Redgrave wide right put back up the line for Searcey to attempt the cross, Pooley winning it back for Fakenham.

Feel it could go either way as Fakenham make another change Fox coming off with Isabel Dallas Smith entering the game. Fakenham with a corner left side into the box cleared out to Pooley 25 out right of the D, looking to hit it on the volley, has to stretch for it causing the ball to pull wide of the mark. Katie Green taking the ball on right down the line Nye up with her pressing the ball green putting her cross behind.

Dack laying the ball out to Addison for Bure Valley wide left, Ballett out to close her down, out for a throw high up the pitch. MacMillan getting a shot away on the angle put straight at the keeper. Searcey picking up the first yellow card of the game as she comes together with Pooley, The rain starting to fall again as the game moves into the final 5 minutes. Katie Green sending the resulting free-kick long up towards the area Snelling rushing in to charge down Maddie Green as she looks to see it down top of the D.

Emily Addison

Bure Valley winning a free-kick inside the Fakenham 35 yards out to the right, MacMillan to fire it with pace into the penalty spot, Dack taking a swing at it but making little contact deflects out to Addison left of goal, rushed into her shot blazes it over. Bure Valley push up late on Nye into Dack out to MacMillan left of the box hooks it back into the middle, Williams back to clear for Fakenham.

Pooley getting up on the left taking the ball on from Maddie Green to get to the by-line, Norman blocking her cross the ball behind for a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box, Addison coming to defend heading it behind for a 2nd corner out on the left. Whipped in cleared to the top of the area, Williams on it down for Maddie Green central to spin away to the right for Katie Green who strikes it on the angle over the bar. Seconds left Bure Valley attempt one last attack MacMillan hooking it forwards high for Redgrave, McCullagh intercepting for Fakenham to clear upfield.

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

The points are shared, no doubt could have gone either way 2nd half a fast paced game both sides looking to get forwards. Fakenham with the 1st half lead, Bure Valley with a better 2nd half performance getting back on level terms early in creating some good chances to try to get their noses in front, Fakenham remained a constant threat both keepers called into action. A draw perhaps the fair result although both will feel they could have gotten more. The point keeping Bure Valley on the tails of the sides in the top 4, Fakenham have 3 games left including the return fixture against Bure Valley late in May need a few more points yet to ensure safety.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, certainly a few contenders, although I was more or less certain of who the award was going too after the match. Still several performances of note to mention was a lively contest. Firstly for Bure Valley, Jasmine Snelling was composed at the back reading the game well intercepting the ball. Emily Addison providing a good outlet on the left side making some good runs. Rhiannon Dack finding some good positions especially 2nd half as Bure Valley looked to press the attack on hand to score the equaliser. Set up by Emma MacMillan who had a strong game in the middle of the park getting up and down the pitch to defend and link up with the attackers. For Fakenham, Ella Ballett and Marcie McCullagh kept it tight at the back making it tough for Bure valley to cut them open. Katie Green a constant outlet right side with a great range of passing opening the scoring. Maddie Green too getting into some good positions pulling players out of position to allow others to attack. The award today though goes to Holly Williams set the tone early on for Fakenham busy as she closed the ball down and took it forwards with determination making some good runs, covering the ground whether it be helping out in defence or getting up with the attack.

Another enjoyable encounter from Norfolk Women’s Division One shaping up to be a thrilling end to the season a still plenty of games left to play. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line up as is always the case much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

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

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 – Aylsham FC Women v Long Stratton Women

Sunday 6th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Back to league action this Sunday, with a trip to Youngs Park to take in a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One, as Aylsham FC Women take on Long Stratton Women.

Bungay Town Ladies the defending champions looking strong in their defence of the title, 5 points clear at the top with games in hand, although a surprise 1st league defeat of the season to 2nd bottom KLSC FC Women last time out raised a few eyebrows, have a busy run in too, having reached both the League and Suffolk Women’s County Cup finals. Behind Bungay the race for runners-up spot is incredibly tight and wide open with UEA FC Women climbing into 2nd, just 6 points between them and 8th placed Fakenham Town Ladies sure to be plenty of twists along the way. Anyone finding a run of results now could claim that spot and be ready to pounce should Bungay falter.

Aylsham FC Women, 9th in the Division One table looking to pull clear of the bottom two sides and get in amongst the pack in the middle of the table. Like nearly all the sides in the league getting a decent run of matches has been a challenge for various reasons this campaign, with weather and cup competitions playing there part, went deep into the County Cup and even better in the League Cup reaching their 1st final since reforming where they will take on Bungay Town Ladies on Sunday 18th May.

A tough start to Aylsham’s league campaign taking just 1 point from their opening 4 matches have since improved without finding consistency in the league winning as many as they’ve lost, get a run of results going and that will see them climb the table with a useful blend of experience and youth in the squad have the potential to finish the season strong. Christina Papadopoulou Aylsham’s top scorer so far this season netting 19 goals from her 15 matches. Vicky Lubbock too also into double figures scoring 12 goals in her 16 matches. Twin sister Sophie has 9 to her name along with Shelley Woods.

Long Stratton Women with an unbeaten streak of 4 matches through February through to March including 3 straight wins climbing up to 4th spot in the Division One table since than have suffered a couple of back to back defeats allowing others to overtake dropping to 7th but still well placed to push on. Like many sides in the Division have plenty of games to play, having completed just over half their league fixtures through a combination of postponements and cup games interrupting the league campaign with the majority of those games at home will be looking to finish strong. The club expanding it’s women’s section this season too creating a new Development side playing in Division Three.

Long Stratton Women’s recent good run coinciding with them bringing Luci Middleton out of retirement (again) having previously played for the club finishing highest scorer in the league too before following manager Adam Race to Wroxham Women, coming back to Long Stratton a proven goal scorer smashed home 11 goals in her 7 appearances. Has since signed for Wroxham, a miss for Long Stratton no doubt but have another striker in good form in front of goal with Caitlin Skipper the leading scorer with 14 so far from her 9 appearances. Daisy Stobbart on 5 goals Long Stratton are bringing through alot of young players at the moment building for the future.

A bit of toing and froing with this weekends fixture with the sides yet to meet this season, was earlier moved to Long Stratton’s Manor Road ground before Aylsham rearranged to play the fixture at home on their brand new 3g pitch at Youngs Park. The ground continuing to develop, with numerous grass pitches beside the clubhouse with large function room bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The 3G pitch bringing in new revenue for the club hosting a number of games, beside the main grass pitch being rested and watered today. A compact artificial pitch with standing viewing on one side. A bright sunny day albeit with a stiff and chilly breeze blowing from one goal end to the other the sun too bright behind one goal.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mia parker, Jess Greengrass, Ellie Snowling, Charlotte Crane, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor (C), Cayla Brown, Carly Allum, Shelley Woods, Jasmine Walford, Olivia Baker & Billie Myall. Subs – Sophie Lubbock, Vicky Lubbock & Elisha Nobbs.

Aylsham FC Women

Long Stratton Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Emily Coe, Summer Whiting, Jade Copeman, Esme Goodall, Megan Vincent (C), Ella Karkoska, Pip Giacomelli, Liv Charlton, Eloise Flack & Caitlin Skipper.

Long Stratton Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Aylsham without a number of key players, including top scorer, Christina Papadopoulou for this afternoon’s game, with twin sisters, Sophie and Vicky Lubbock arriving late on the bench. Welcome back Australian, Billie Myall recently returning for Aylsham after giving birth, having made a huge impact for the club signing on last season. Long Stratton too with several missing travel with the bare 11.

Captain’s Sophie-Jayne O’Connor and Megan Vincent with todays match official Elise Mileham-Carol

A last second switch with Elisha Nobbs coming on right on kick-off with Myall needing to feed her child, babies have no sense of timing but most certainly come first. It’s Aylsham to kick-off the first half wearing orange coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks with Long Stratton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball rolled back to the defence played right to Jess Greengrass, sends it up the wing for Jasmine Walford to attack, Emily Coe can see it safely out of play at the back for Long Stratton.

Probing balls forwards from both sides early on put into the channels, Long Stratton looking for Caitlin Skipper as she turns to attack on the right, Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor at the back getting across her run putting a foot in to divert the ball away from her allowing full back Ellie Snowling to clear. Long Stratton winning a free-kick in the middle inside the Aylsham half the ball launched up to the top of the area won by Charlotte Crane at the back for the hosts, then as the ball drops to a Long Stratton player outside the box, it’s Crane who gets the block in as the shot is fired in.

The ball being moved quickly between the sides congested in the middle not finding the nark up top, lifted forwards by Aylsham, Jade Copeman at the back penalised for a handball as she goes up to clear it. Shelley Woods over the free-kick top of the circle hit long to the left post area, too much on it runs out of play before anyone can run onto it. Snowling sending the ball up the left wing for Aylsham, Elisha Nobbs looking to get it under control as she turns into the area, Copeman in close attention managing to get her tackle in to knock the ball from under her feet before she can get a shot away.

Elisha Nobbs being tackled by Jade Copeman inside the box.

Long Stratton with energy in their attack looking to get players forwards, Skipper seeing the ball into her feet looking to spin off her marker and make runs into both channels. Eloise Flack with the ball at her feet on the right for the visitors aiming to play Skipper in behind the defence into the box right of goal, the pass intercepted by Aylsham’s Carly Allum.

Aylsham midfielder, Carly Allum

Aylsham press winning a throw high on the left, Olivia Baker up around the box on for Nobbs, challenged by Copeman inside the box, cleared straight to Woods, 25 yards out hits it first time sent over. Myall being subbed back on going into attack replacing Nobbs. Aylsham bring the ball on through the middle into Myall back to goal lays it off for Baker coming on spins to get into the area, Baker lifting the ball over the Long Stratton defence, goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook alert to the danger, out quickly to rush onto the bouncing back.

Long Stratton quick to launch the counter attack the ball wasting no time on its way out to Skipper pulling into the right channel, in behind the defence, looking to break into the area goalkeeper Mia Parker comes racing out to close her down sliding in to try and save the pair colliding as Skipper sees her hurried effort to evade her loop up to fall onto the crossbar and out of play. Both down for a moment, Skipper up first Parker needing a little more attention, Walford a good keeper in her own right should she be needed however, Parker is back on her feet and ready to continue.

Eloise Flack on the attack for Long Stratton

Aylsham win the ball back in the centre Cayla brown on for Allum, Woods ahead of her looking to get on up top with Myall the pair playing a one tow as they turn the Long Stratton defence, Woods looking for the return pass as she goes right, Coe intercepting well for the visitors.

GOAL! The break is one as Coe launches the ball forwards long out to the right helped on for Skipper with gets hold of it drives forwards with pace to burn outside the area 25 yards out with the keeper starting to advance she strikes it on the angle firing it with venom low past the keeper across goal into the bottom corner 0-1.

Caitlin Skipper driving forwards with the ball opening the scoring for Long Stratton

Long Stratton into the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, getting forwards with purpose, Skipper the ready outlet making some great runs into the right channel looking to get in behind the Aylsham defence the hosts put on the back foot. Skipper linking up with Flack out on the right the cross into the top of the area sliced clear by O’Connor going out for a throw in.

Allum sending the ball on through the middle for Aylsham up to Myall in attack carries it out to the right, Coe going with her putting in the challenge to put it out of play for a throw in level with the long Stratton box, the ball thrown in towards Myall positioned just inside the area right of goal, chests it down well turning towards goal hitting her strike on the angle sending it into the side netting.

Ella Karkoska winning the ball in the middle for Long Stratton laying it out to Flack to her right lifted on for Skipper in attack looking to surge into the box right of the D, O’Connor just getting a slight touch on the ball, enough to deflect it away from Skipper, on for parker to snatch up into her gloves. Aylsham counter with Baker finding Myall bursting into the left wing, looking to drive on to the by-line, Summer Whiting lunges in to tackle playing the ball out for a throw.

The wind is bitter in the shade, may be favouring Long Stratton too as they play the ball forwards with pace looking to get Skipper on the ball run at the Aylsham defence, Snowling being kept busy at left back, Flack looking to double up with Skipper with pip Giacomelli providing runs through the middle, Megan Vincent seeing the ball into her from Liv Charlton lifting it on over the top for Skipper, bursting into the box, Parker jumping up to claim it on the rise.

Aylsham winning a throw high on the right, put into the area for Walford back to goal hooks it on towards the far post, at an awkward height for Copeman to deal with especially with Woods closing her down but does well to get it away for a throw on the left. Aylsham getting players on better now, but that in turn leaves them vulnerable to the counter attack, Coe winning it well at the back for the visitors plays it on for Vincent, Brown moving in quickly to close her down before she can attempt to release Skipper already on the move into the right channel.

Aylsham’s Billie Myall

Aylsham find Walford out on the right drives on, Coe closing her down, Walford emerging with the ball after the 50/50 challenge inside looks for Myall inside the D, controls looks to turn left, Esme Goodall putting her foot in to win the ball back for Long Stratton. Charlton for Long Stratton into the centre for Vincent lifted out to Skipper right channel sees it down laying it on down the line for Flack to surge forwards, Snowling managing to get across her path to shield the ball play it back to her keeper to clear.

Long Stratton’s Liv Charlton

Long Stratton regain possession on the left Charlton playing in on for Flack coming to receive the ball with Giacomelli ahead of her the ball crossed into the top of the Aylsham area, Crane cutting it out for the hosts. Both sides intent on getting forwards Brown clearing for Aylsham, up to baker 20 yards out forwards into Myall inside the D right of goal looks to turn, Coe putting in the blocking tackle.

Long Stratton full back Emily Coe

Long Stratton waste no time getting the ball on through the middle, into the path of Skipper who shapes to go right before pulling the trigger some 35 yards out from goal, her low bouncing effort running straight into Parker’s gloves. Skipper getting a few knocks for her efforts to, fouled on a number of occasions as she threatens to get in behind the Aylsham defence. One of those attacks seeing the attacker break into the area from the right, then being pulled down, the referee pointing to the spot, Penalty!

GOAL! *Correction* It’s Karkoska to take the penalty. No messing goes for power hitting it on the ride before Parker can react into the right side of the goal to double Long Stratton’s lead. 0-2.

The visitors moving 2 goals ahead on the half hour, Aylsham rocked looking to get on the attack from the restart, baker finding Myall moving out to the right taking the ball on a drop of her shoulder to give herself a half yard of space to cross sends it in low to the near post, Fullbrook down onto it to make the save.

Woods playing the ball forwards into Walford coming in off the right 25 yards out, Charlton in to put in the blocking tackle just as she is about to pull the trigger. Long Stratton counter the ball into Skipper back to goal lays it on for Flack going on down the right wing, plays the ball back in across the top of the area with Giacomelli making a central run looking to get onto the end of the ball, O’Connor stretching forwards to get her foot out to cut out the pass.

Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor

Myall up top for Aylsham seeing the ball down into her feet from the left outside the D, Coe in to close her down getting a nick on the ball, but Myall still has it as she pulls left into the area with Fullbrook advancing looks to lob it over her, the ball bouncing wide at the far post. Reinforcements have arrived in the shape of the Lubbock twins as they are subbed into the game, with Walford and Baker the players coming off.

Sophie Lubbock moving up top with Myall straight into the action off a throw high in the right, comes into her inside the D, turns to shoots a low strike lacking the power to trouble Fullbrook at the far post. Aylsham pushing players on now Myall with players around her looks to go right, tackled well by Coe, the ball quickly won back however Aylsham with a punt from range on the angle dropping wide of the far post.

GOAL! The clock ticking down in the first half Aylsham getting players on Vicky Lubbock with Woods fed into Myall back to goal inside the box right of goal, strong taking it down to the by-line holding over Coe she manages to wriggle free to sweep a cross low into the six yard box straight into Sophie Lubbock’s feet controls well and stabs it goal wards wrong footing Fullbrook putting it across her to score 1-2.

Sophie Lubbock pulling a goal back for Aylsham

The substitutes with an immediate impact pulling a goal back for Aylsham late in the first half. The hosts coming no strong late in the half winning a corner on the right, swept in long across the six yard box, turned behind beyond the far post for another corner on the left. Played in high to the far post Woods up to head it back across goal, Long Stratton getting it clear.

Skipper brought down on the right on halfway, the referee having a word with Snowling, Long Stratton with the set-piece, fired long up into the box, Parker going up to claim it even as Giacomelli comes running in trying to attack it, the pair colliding the keeper coming off worse, however once again is alright to continue. Long Stratton look to counter the ball into Skipper back to goal tackled by Allum as she looks to turn right, Flack onto the loose ball surging on, Snowling in to close her down.

Charlton bringing the ball on down the left for Long Stratton squaring it into the middle for Karkoska, to strike from 30 yards out her effort finding the Parker back on her line to make a comfortable save.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mia Parker

The first half finishing at a furious pace as Aylsham press players on Long Stratton remaining a threat on the break, end to end before Mileham-Carol blows up to bring play to an end.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-2 Long Stratton Women

Both teams opting to stay out on the pitch during the half-time interval. Aylsham pulling a goal back late in the 1st half reducing the deficit to a single goal. Long Stratton starting the game well getting the ball forwards quickly Caitlin Skipper making some positive runs into the right channel looking to take the ball on find her way through the Aylsham defence scoring the opening goal inside 15 minutes, then brought down inside the box on the half hour to double the visitors lead from the penalty spot. Posing Aylsham a few questions the hosts tentative probing with their attacks early on gradually committing players further forwards, Billie Myall taking the ball into the channels looking for an opening, the introduction of the Lubbock twins seeing them press the attack get more bodies forwards Myall setting up Sophie Lubbock to score, late in the half giving Aylsham the momentum going into the 2nd half.

A quick turn around ready for the 2nd half, Long Stratton to get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back into the defence out to Whiting looking to push up on the right, clips a long diagonal ball up into the box looking for Skipper making the run through the middle, Parker though moving out of her six yard box coming to collect the ball.

Straight from the start Aylsham looking to push players on fight for the ball higher up the pitch, Myall now out to the right, Allum sending the ball into her, Coe tackling before she can get a cross into the box. Myall again with the ball at her feet on the right has support with Vicky Lubbock outnumbering Coe the cross into the box cleared by Goodall. Long Stratton look to get it forwards quickly a long punt up towards the top of the area for Skipper to try and chase down, travels through to the keeper.

Esme Goodall

GOAL! Parker releasing the ball quickly, Aylsham’s turn to get the ball forwards with speed played through to Myall making a run right channel, driving on towards the top of the box, unleashes her strike early sending in arrowing in on goal past the keeper and into the bottom corner to level the scores 2-2.

Billie Myall getting Aylsham back on level terms

Aylsham back on level terms 3 minutes into the 2nd half. Long Stratton’s Karkoska winning the ball putting it out to the right for Skipper to attack, Snowling going with her getting to the ball first no taking any chances playing it out for a throw in. Up the other end Aylsham attack right winning a throw high up the pitch. Dropped into Myall who turns to strike the ball on the angle flashed over the bar.

Eloise Flack

Vicky Lubbock pressing up with Myall out on the right winning her side a corner kick. Aylsham pushing the Long Stratton defence back. Players up from the back, the delivery coming in towards the near post, headed over the crossbar. Lively Aylsham pressing high Allum into Vicky Lubbock taking the ball right, squaring a cross along the top of the Long Stratton box, Goodall intercepting and clearing for Long Stratton.

Goodall winning the header inside the box as the cross comes inside from the right the clearance dropping straight into Vicky Lubbock’s feet 25 yards out central shifts it to her right before getting her shot away low angling in to the right post, Fullbrook diving down to make the save.

Long Stratton goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook

Long Stratton working hard at the back under pressure now chances to get the ball up field more limited, Skipper not getting the support up to her as quickly, the visitors nevertheless remain a threat on the counter attack, Flack moving right getting onto the end of a cross-field pass taking the ball on delivering an early cross in towards the top of the box, Crane cutting it out to clear for Aylsham.

Aylsham probing, the Lubbock twin’s linking up with Myall in attack, Woods pushing further forwards too, linking up with Myall given the return ball as they pair attack on the right Woods lifts it into the top of the area with Allum central the target, Whiting in to close her down bringing the ball clear for Long Stratton.

Brown operating in front of the defence for Aylsham cutting out a number of inviting balls forwards as Long Stratton look to counter, play turned around Woods pulling into the left channel breaks in behind the defence moving towards the area comes inside onto her right foot to curl in a shot from outside the box, her effort just wide of the far post.

Long Stratton bring the ball on right side Whiting getting up the pitch with Flack the diagonal ball into the area as Giacomelli bursts on through the middle, Parker quick off her line getting hold of the ball 1st. Myall straying offside as the Long Stratton defence hold their line with Allum on the turn looking to put the diagonal ball into her path.

Coe does well at the back for Long Stratton under pressure from Myall to deal with an awkward bouncing ball played over the top by Allum out to the right. The visitors working hard at the back forced back into their box at times as Aylsham push players on, that does occasionally leave them light at the back Skipper moving out into the wing to chase the ball down, keeping Snowling busy the full back closing the ball down turning it out for a throw. Long Stratton take it quickly Flack up with Skipper getting the ball into the box, Parker claiming it.

Aylsham full back Ellie Snowling

Giacomelli moving into the left wing taking the ball on from Charlton getting forwards to lift a high cross into the area, Flack the furthest forwards running in central, Parker though with a confident claim high at her near post. Aylsham turn play around Vicky Lubbock right channel bringing the ball on looking to set up sister Sophie inside the box, crossing the ball in low, Goodall intercepting for Long Stratton.

Midway through the 2nd half Aylsham winning a free-kick top of the circle, O’Connor to deliver into Woods’ feet top of the D, looking to turn find a half yard to shoot is closed down by Vincent the ball deflected away for a throw to the right. A spirited game by Long Stratton fighting for the ball with the bare 11, Vincent with Karkoska trying to get the ball on through the middle, Brown cutting it out as Skipper looks to break in behind, forwards for Allum her through ball seeing Sophie Lubbock caught offside.

Myall right putting a lopping cross in towards the top of the area, Sophie Lubbock trying to get it under control, Goodall on her shoulder, Woods up with play seeing it down into her feet inside the D, back to goal hits it on the spin, turning her strike over the bar. Aylsham making a change, Allum coming off in midfield, Baker coming back on.

GOAL! Baker onto the ball laying it out to the right for Myall as she bursts down the wing before lifting a cross into the box, Sophie Lubbock in central top of the six yard box, Woods too closing in on the ball attacking it ahead of her meeting it on the run to smash into the back of the net to fire Aylsham into the lead 3-2. Looked to have received a tug too so may well have been a penalty otherwise.

Shelley Woods fires Aylsham into the lead

Aylsham turning the game around coming back from 2 nil down to take the lead in the 65th minute. Aylsham getting players forwards keeping Long Stratton on the back foot, winning a free kick outside the box, 20 yards out left of the D, Woods over it goes for the strike, hits the shot over the bar. Coe getting a vital touch at the back to clear the ball for Long Stratton as Sophie Lubbock steals into the box from a Baker through ball.

Coe defending again out to the right as Aylsham attack Vicky Lubbock on for Myall, shielding the ball from the attacker allowing Fullbrook to come to claim the ball. Myall with the ball on Aylsham’s right squared into Woods top corner of the area cushions it back for Baker to run onto, her low strike angling in on goal straight at the keeper.

Whiting lunging in with the tackle to stop Sophie Lubbock getting away on the left. Aylsham over commit in attack pressing for a 4th goal Long Stratton get the ball up the pitch quickly Skipper on her own looking to race in behind the defence central, Parker comes rushing out of her box needing to get there to try and clear Skipper getting the touch just ahead of the keeper, trying to lob her the ball running wide of the left post.

Long Stratton doing there best to get players up to support Skipper, Giacomelli linking up with her to the left of goal, Greengrass into defend for Aylsham comes back to Karkoska who strikes it from distance not a bad effort landing on the roof of the net. Skipper continues to get fouled as her pace threatens the Aylsham defence picking up another knock.

Aylsham build on the right Baker into Vicky Lubbock on for Myall with speed the cross angled into the Long Stratton box coming to Sophie Lubbock six yards out to the left of goal, looking to set herself for the shot, the Long Stratton defence looking to recover, it’s Whiting who throws herself across Lubbock to block her shot deflect it away for a corner on the left.

Skipper seeing the ball into her feet from all of 35 yards out, back to goal turns well to strike the ball a speculative effort that doesn’t trouble Parker. The hosts getting on well down the left Sophie Lubbock inside the box laid back for Baker top of the area, into her feet look to turn get a strike away, her shot past the keeper off the base of the left post away for a corner.

Olivia Baker

Hit long beyond the far post cleared but so won back by Aylsham players up around the box, Brown into Sophie Lubbock top of the box central, Whiting in to make the blocking tackle, Goodall with her clearing the ball. Aylsham looking the more likely to add to their lead Long Stratton working hard at the back, Woods sending a free-kick into the box dealt with by Whiting. The hosts back on the ball laid out to the right, Woods with Myall bringing a throw that leads to a corner kick.

Long Stratton full back Summer Whiting

Players up from the ball as the delivery is curled in from the right, Baker trying to get a touch far post, not getting clean contact with O’Connor better placed behind her. Karkoska looking for Giacomelli moving to the left attempting to bring the ball on for Long Stratton, Crane across to tackle play it out for a throw in. A few niggly fouls creeping into the game Long Stratton tiring. Goodall dealing well with an awkward bouncing ball top of her area as Sophie Lubbock looks to try and bring it under control.

Greengrass playing Myall on with the ball on Aylsham’s right flank sends a looping cross in across the face of the Long Stratton goal. Vicky Lubbock with a shot from 25 yards out blazed wide past the near post as a deflection sees the ball come back at her. Walford coming back on for Aylsham replacing Myall.

Snowling getting a vital touch on the ball as Flack looks to try and send Skipper clear on the right, the ball out for a throw. Vincent getting back to defend on Vicky Lubbock inside the box as she drives on with the ball right of the goal the ball turned behind for a corner. Moving into the closing stages of the first half, Aylsham encouraged to keep the ball on the corner, work a cross low into the near post, Fullbrook down on it smartly to turn behind for another corner.

Flashed in from the right over Walford leaping up at the near post runs on for Baker to meet central turns over the bar, but a nick off a Long Stratton player spotted seeing another corner awarded. Curled into the near post Copeman down at the near post as Whiting gets the ball clear. The final whistle blowing to see Aylsham win the 3 points.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 3-2 Long Stratton Women

Aylsham coming back from 2 goals down to win the game 3-2 moves them onto 15 points and right onto the tails of the mid-table sides some of whom may be looking over their shoulders with KLSC FC Women also winning too. A valiant effort from the visitors playing with the bare 11 making a positive start Caitlin Skipper’s pace asking questions of the Aylsham defence, firing them into the lead and doubling it from the penalty spot. Aylsham making substitutions paying off straight away with the hosts pulling it back to 2-1 just before half-time. Came out strong at the start of the 2nd half pushing players on equalising early through Billie Myall. Chances created Shelley Woods going on to score what would be the winning goal. Long Stratton with the bare 11 worked hard through out opportunities to get forwards themselves limited as they battled to keep Aylsham out the other end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders once again a spirited display from both sides with depleted numbers. A few performances to mention. Caitlin Skipper for Long Stratton lively making many forceful runs on the ball a ready outlet up top throughout scoring and winning the penalty, always a threat. The defence putting in a shift, Emily Coe had her hands full but coped brilliantly winning her one on one tackles and round on the cover to intercept the ball. Esme Goodall winning the ball well inside her box. As a group worked tirelessly. For Aylsham Cayla Brown did a superb job in front of the defence reading the game and cutting out numerous balls setting her side going forwards. The introduction of the Lubbock twins giving Aylsham more thrust going forwards linked up play well. Shelley Woods with some strong runs from the middle to get into the box scoring the winning goal. Ellie Snowling like Coe was kept busy by Skipper but got more than her fair share of tackles in. The award goes to Billie Myall moved the ball well up top for Aylsham throughout taking it into the channels and looking for opening for herself and her teammates getting on the scoresheet too.

Good to catch up with both sides especially Long Stratton has been a challenge, a good contest from Norfolk Women’s Division One. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today much appreciated as always.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Royston Town Women v Stevenage FC Women

Sunday 30th March

Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final

Heading down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch my 2nd cup final of the season, this time it’s the Herts FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final with holders, Royston Town Women taking on Stevenage FC Women winners of the trophy on 5 occasions over the last decade.

Looks set to be a great contest between two sides bang in form currently top and 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division. Herts FA breaking their women’s county cup into two competitions last season, with a Senior Challenge Cup being contested by the sides representing tiers 3 to 6 in the women’s football pyramid and a new Trophy competition for those sides below. Watford FC Women beating Stevenage FC Women development last Sunday to lift the trophy. The Senior competition freeing up weekends earlier in the season and trying to eliminate the heavy score lines and one sided games that can occur. A better look all round.

Today’s prize

Royston Town Women beating Watford FC Women Development 3-1 last season to win the Challenge Cup for the 1st time in their history. Recruiting well over the past couple of season’s brining in some useful experience Royston have built on that cup success currently leading the ERWFL Premier Division, 10 points clear of 2nd placed Luton Town Ladies who have 4 games in hand. Winning 15 of their 17 league games to date with just the one defeat. Also the leading goal scorers in the Premier Division pushing hard to win the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL for the 1st time. Emma Slater top scorer not only for Royston but the league itself currently with 33 goals to her names from 24 games. With, Neve Mayes, Frankie Pim and Laura Mills all reaching double figures too.

Stevenage FC Women have been a dominant force in the Challenge Cup for the past decade, winning it on 5 occasions plus plus runners-up on 3 occasions. In that time enjoying a brief stint in the FAWNL before dropping back down to the ERWFL, players coming and going have rebuilt as they look to establish themselves as a promotion contender. A run of 9 straight league wins pushing Stevenage up to 3rd in the Premier Division, a 12 game unbeaten run in all. Played in front of a record crowd of 586 at The Lamex Stadium, home of their men’s club last weekend, sees both sides come into today’s final in confident mood. Gemma Croucher, Stevenage’s top scorer, netting 22 goals so far from 23 games. Amy Makewell with 13 goals too from her 20 matches. Hannah Nebbitt on course to make her 100th game for Stevenage in today’s final.

Road to the Final

Both sides with a bye in the 1st round of this season’s competition, going straight into the quarter finals. There Royston were away to fellow Premier Division side, St Albans City Women, a brace each for Laura Mills and Frankie Pim plus strikes from Emma Slater and Erin Davies seeing them progress with a comfortable 6-1 win. Stevenage on the road take on champions elect of ERWFL Division One North, Harpenden Town WFC, a potential banana skin, Stevenage emerging on top with a narrow 2-1 victory with Gemma Croucher and Amy Gooderham on the scoresheet.

Into the last 4 Royston drawn at home taking on, Colney Heath Ladies, newly promoted to the ERWFL, making a good start to life in Division One South, came up against a Royston side bang in form however, with Emma Slater, Frankie Pim, and Neve Mayes all netting a brace in an 8-1 win, Charlotte South and Katie Hayes also scoring. Stevenage at home in their semi-final taking on Watford Ladies development newly promoted to the Premier Division, like Royston were too strong on the day with Gemma Croucher netting a hat-trick, along with goals for Chloe Gunn, Amy Makewell, Amy Gooderham and Francesca Tilbury in a 7-2 victory.

The County ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s cup final, not only home to Hertfordshire FA headquarters, beside the stadium, but also Stevenage FC Women. The ground seeing some redevelopment over recent season, an artificial pitch overlooked by the main seated stand, with a small terraced stand opposite and viewing all round, the clubhouse and café under the main stand serving hot food and drink. A pleasant sunny day as the clocks go forwards at the end of March, a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch the sun bright high in one corner of the ground may cause a few issues ( but shouldn’t complain about the sun).

Royston Town Women starting XI – Tilly Want, Amy Reed Annie Georgiou, Tally Miles, Amy Houghton, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Ri Badal, Frankie Pim, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs – Stacey Roper, Jordanne Sillitoe, Jodie Donley, Lucy Ford & Katie Hayes.

Royston Town Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Mistie Fox-Barker, Hannah Nebbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Kelsey Millen, Gemma Croucher & Amy Makewell. Subs – Chloe Gregory, Frankie Tilbury, Anaise Corrigan, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe & Lilia Dempsey.

Stevenage FC Women

All set for an exciting contest both sides in confident mood as they are lead out onto the pitch by referee Jacob Hamilton. Royston are the home team for todays final and wearing their traditional white shirts and socks with black shorts. Stevenage in their away colours and all purple kit. Royston losing goalkeeper, Millie Carter, on loan from Sudbury to injury leading up to the game, but have a more than capable replacement in Tilly Want to don the gloves. Hannah Nebbitt starting in her 100th game for Stevenage.

Captains, Charlotte South and Lucy Webster with today’s match officials

Stevenage with the kick-off first half the ball rolled back into the middle played forwards up the right wing, Amy Gooderham on the move, Annie Georgiou at left back for Royston out to close the ball down see it out for a throw in. Royston seeing the ball across the back line to Amy Reed on the right she sends in on up the line for Emma Slater, gets on the move driving forwards, Kelsey Millen getting back at her to make the challenge for Stevenage sends the ball out of play.

A lively start from both sides moving in to close the ball down, Stevenage looking to get forwards, Chloe Gunn winning the ball in the middle, Hannah Bodily taking it on playing a crisp threaded pass into the left channel looknig for Amy Makewell pulling off the centre backs, a vital interception from Amy Houghton for Royston to prevent her getting a chance to go one on one with the keeper.

Royston defender, Amy Houghton

Royston winning a free kick on the right inside the Stevenage half, players up into the box as Tally Miles floats a diagonal ball into the box, Millen winning it for Stevenage looks to break with the ball at her feet, tackles the ball back with Miles on the right slides it down the line for Slater, Hannah Nebbitt getting across her run can see the ball out safely for a goal kick. Stevenage get forwards quickly through the middle the ball from Gooderham into Gemma Croucher central 25 out looks to lay it into the box left side with Makewell providing the run Reed stretching to cut the pass out.

Royston’s Amy Reed

Stevenage press the advantage early looking to get at the Royston defence, Gooderham powering down the right inside for Croucher, looks for Makewell in close attendance, Miles stepping in to close the ball down for Royston. Neve Mayes up front for Royston coming to the right with the ball at her feet looknig to combine passes with Slater, Rebecca Edge moving out of the middle of defence getting hold of the ball, steers it back to goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves to clear.

Ri Badal bringing the ball on through the middle for Royston attempts to float the ball into the right channel for Slater to run onto, Reeves though quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Croucher turning on the ball 30 yards out for Stevenage laying it on down the right for Gooderham, then Makewell her cross into the box cut out by Miles, Stevenage pushed up regaining possession Nebbitt on the ball left sending the ball into the middle for Croucher 20 yards out lines up a strike, Royston captain, Charlotte South charging down the strike.

GOAL! Royston have the ball at the back Miles putting it on for Frankie Pim coming inside from the left, lifts a superb ball on through the middle for Slater to attack bearing down on the top of the box, Reeves comes to the top of her area to try and close her down, Slater, knocking the ball past the keeper, taking it on into the area left of goal and slotting it into the empty net beyond 1-0.

Emma Slater knocking the ball past the advancing keeper going on to score the opener for Royston

Royston in front inside 8 minutes. Stevenage frustrated having had a good opening to the match press on Nebbitt taking the ball on down the left off Millen sending her cross inside with Gooderham making a run right of the D, 25 yards out looking to hit her strike first time blasts the ball into the box, Miles in the way to block for Royston the ball deflected away to the right.

GOAL! Stevenage with the perfect response to falling a goal behind pressing the ball high getting it out to the right with Mistie Fox-Barker taking it on sending in on for Makewell out wide level with the area lays it into the middle of the box with Gooderham breaking forwards onto the ball to strike it low past the diving keeper, inside the near post 1-1.

Amy Gooderham equalising for Stevenage

Stevenage back on level terms inside 3 minutes of conceding the opening goal. South playing the ball out to Slater racing on down the right for Royston clips a cross into the area looking for Mayes running in central, Edge getting her head to the ball first to clear for Stevenage. The game being played at a frantic tempo both sides looking to move the ball quickly Slater seeing the ball into her feet outside the Stevenage area right side attempts the back heel to pick out Mayes inside the D, looks to charge into the box, stopped by Edge the ball cleared for a throw right side.

Nebbitt coming on with the ball at her feet on the left for Stevenage forwards into Millen, shifts inside firing a low diagonal ball into Makewell inside the D, looks to hit the ball on the turn, Miles in to close her down for Royston. Mayes and Edge enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to muscle her way into the area, going wide Edge shielding the ball out upended for her efforts.

Croucher nipping on to dispossess Mills in the middle plays the ball out to Gooderham on the right, the Stevenage winger looks to drop her shoulder power forwards, Georgiou getting a foot on the ball to take it away from her. Competitive in the middle, Gunn and Bodily in to win the ball for Stevenage, likewise, Mills, Badal and South for Stevenage the latter getting the ball forwards into Slater on the right wing breaking down the line lifts a cross into the area, Edge winning it with her head for Stevenage to clear.

Stevenage not afraid to go direct, captain Lucy Webster launching the ball up to Croucher in attack 25 yards out back to go can’t quite get it out from under her feet before Badal challenges the ball knocked forwards however, Gooderham and Makewell both attack it top of the Royston box, Badal back to defend along side Miles getting the ball away to safety. Webster playing another teasing ball from halfway up into Croucher top of the area central for Stevenage chests the ball down into the path of Makewell ahead of her, Reed needing to close her down quickly prevents the striker taking a shot.

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

Stevenage continue to ask the questions lively out on the flanks Millen moving into the centre the furthest forwards top of the D as Makewell sends the ball into her feet shapes to go right, Badal back to help her defence putting in the tackle to deny another shot on goal. South sweeping the ball out to the left for Mayes to take on down the line getting on the move, Fox-Barker lunging in taking the ball out for a throw in.

A good contest both sides getting stuck into it, South fouling Makewell on halfway, the ball launched into the far post area, Want up well taking the ball with Makewell looking to attack it. Slater fouling Millen as the pair battle for the ball on the left just over halfway. Nebbitt to play the ball long into the Royston area, Houghton dealing with it. All action Royston break forwards the angled cross from the left travelling deep to the far post Slater racing in to attack it placing her shot high into the side netting.

Stevenage’s Kelsey Millen

End to end Stevenage pressing right side the ball into Gooderham top of the area, goes down under challenge, a pause in play and unfortunately Gooderham can’t continue looks to be an ankle injury as she is helped down the tunnel Stevenage making a change, with Lilia Dempsey coming on she runs over to the left side with Millen moving to the right. Mayes looking to link up with Pim on Royston’s left flank, before sending a cross high into the box, Edge under it to clear for Stevenage.

Emma Slater on the attack for Royston

Miles playing the ball on through the middle for Royston into Mills lays it out to Slater right of the box some 25 yards out clips a high looping ball in on the Stevenage goal, Reeves back on her has the sun right behind the strike but keeps her eye on it well claiming it high back on her line. Webster able to travel with the ball for Stevenage tries her luck from range her shot racing in low narrowly wide of the left upright.

The game opening up at time as both sides over commit going forwards, Royston hitting Stevenage on the counter, Mills out to Georgiou getting on down the left wing sends it forwards into Pim, Edge coming across the box to put in the tackle see the ball away to safety. Webster sending her pass up to Croucher in attack back to goal 25 yards out sees it down off her chest into the path of the advancing Makewell who strikes it on the run seeing her effort fly over the Royston crossbar.

Amy Makewell

Houghton tackling Croucher inside the box as Millen sends the ball in from the right. Mills taking the ball forwards for Royston moving right has Slater with her sending the ball on, Dempsey back to help defend for Stevenage, the ball cleared but soon back with Royston as it is played in across the top of the area, Gunn tangling with Mills top of the D, giving away the free-kick. In a dangerous position it’s Mills over the ball taking on the shot gets it through everyone bearing down on goal Reeves diving to her left down to push the ball away, wide of the post behind for what is the first corner of the game…

Lauren Reeves saving Laura Mills free-kick

GOAL! Royston are quick to take the corner, Stevenage barely set players already up from the free-kick the delivery lifted in high close to goal, the keeper attempting to punch, knocks it down straight into the onrushing Neve Mayes to deflect the ball past her into the back of the net to see Royston retake the lead late in the first half 2-1.

Neve Mayes scoring from the corner to put Royston back into the lead.

GOAL! Stevenage were quick to respond to falling behind from the opening goal, even quicker this time as they get on the attack from the restart Nebbitt on the ball left side playing in infield to Makewell who in turn sends it on for Croucher charging onto space in the left corner, holding onto the ball well sends it back up the line into Nebbitt’s feet, some 30 yards out takes on the strike from the angle lifting the ball into the air, right behind it so know it could cause the keeper problems dropping at the far post, Want cant get a glove on the ball as it drops over her under the bar in the corner of the goal see Nebbitt celebrate her 100th appearance for Stevenage with a goal! 2-2.

Hannah Nebbitt congratulated by her teammates as she scores on her 100th appearance for the club

Into stoppage time at the end of the first half Stevenage winning a free-kick top of the circle as South brings down Makewell. The delivery high into the far post area knocked down into the six yard box, straight to Gunn, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to get a stab at goal before the blocking tackle comes it the ball played clear of the box. Both sides battling for possession some strong challenges coming in two committed sides, Maye picking up a blow late on but okay to continue as the first half draws to a close with the sides level.

Half-time Royston Town Women 2-2 Stevenage FC Women

Twice Royston took the lead, and twice Stevenage responded with a quick fire reply to see the sides going into the changing rooms all square at the break. A lively and entertaining first half filled with action, both sides committed getting after the ball wanting to get forwards. Stevenage with a positive start pushing on asking the early questions only to fall behind as Emma Slater knocked the ball past the onrushing keeper to score. Amy Gooderham firing Stevenage straight back onto level terms, chances for both sides some good battles out there, Royston retaking the lead from a corner only to concede straight away late in the half. Promised to be a cracker and has lived up to expectations all poised for the 2nd half.

No changes for the 2nd half, Royston to get the 2nd 45 underway, should the scores remain level after 90 minutes then the final goes straight to penalties. Royston playing the ball back to South central she launches it into the right channel with Reed bursting forwards hitting the ball first time on the move from 25 plus yards out, doesn’t catch it cleanly scuffing it through to the keeper for a simple gather.

Royston midfielder, Ri Badal

Royston looking to be more positive at the start of the 2nd half press the ball higher look to get it into the channels. Mayes rushing onto Webster, stealing the ball off the defender to charge in behind lay the ball on for Slater pulling away to the left, Edge going with her going to put in the block as she pulls the trigger, deflected off her, Fox-Barker unable to prevent it going for a corner kick. Swung in across the six yard box to a crowded far post the ball is knocked back down across goal with Fox-Barker covering the left post clearing the ball off the line.

Stevenage thread the ball on through the middle into Makewell in attack, does well to spin off Miles take the ball in behind the centre back however her defensive partner Houghton is around on the cover to getting to the ball ahead of Makewell to play it back to Want to kick clear.

Continues to be all action, South picking out Slater breaking down the right her cross swung into the area, cleared by Edge for Stevenage. Stevenage break from a Royston throw in the corner, Makewell in attack on for Croucher into Millen left side, Reed getting a tackle in the ball deflecting off her behind for a corner kick. Curled in at the near post knocked up into the air turned behind for a 2nd Stevenage corner on the left, this one taken short up the line the cross into the box from deep taken well by Want high at her far post.

Royston captain, Charlotte South

Royston getting hold of the ball better 2nd half Badal laying it on for Mayes breaking into the area left of goal, Webster going with her getting across the attacker well to shield the ball out of play. South controlling the ball in the middle for Royston dinking it on for Pim coming inside from the left 25 yards out attempts to play a looping shot up over the keeper, doesn’t get enough on the shot, Reeves collecting it cleanly.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves

Stevenage making a change, bringing off Millen, send on Anaise Corrigan to join the attack. Bodily stealing in to rob the ball high for Stevenage laying it off to Croucher left corner of the area her attempt from the angle blocked by Houghton the rebound comes to Bodily who takes on the shot her low effort straight at the keeper.

Gemma Croucher bringing the ball on for Stevenage

Free-kicks continue to be given away Stevenage winning on wide on the left, Makewell over it firing a vicious ball in wide of the far post. Royston hit Stevenage on the break Pim left inside for Slater central, Pim going past her on the overlap left sends a cross in along the top of the opposition area Mills rushing onto the ball right of the D, striking from 20 yards out the keeper dives as the ball races past her going out of play off the post.

Slater coming down the right knocking the ball inside Nebbitt as she goes to tackle, pushing the ball into the area, Mayes coming for it tangling with Edge the defender hurt as she gets the ball away but up okay to play on. Remains a good contest the ball never still both wanting to get on with it, Dempsey left crossing the ball into the six yard box Makewell at the near post looking to knock the lay off down central but no one has made the run.

Stevenage’s Mistie Fox-Barker

Mills and Gunn tangling again, Mills winning the decision top of the circle, Miles over the set-piece hit long to the left, Fox-Barker deals with the ball under pressure from the advancing Pim. Midway through the 2nd period Royston better 2nd half pressing the ball played out to Slater deep on the right, looks to fight her way into the box, is brought down by Gunn the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty!

GOAL! Slater picking herself up placing the ball on the spot taking the penalty kick, nothing fancy a short run up striking the ball low and hard to the keepers left, Reeves goes the right way gets a faint glove on the ball but not enough to keep it out as Slater fires Royston back into the lead for the 3rd time in the contest 3-2.

Emma Slater congratulated as she puts Royston back into the lead

Royston making a change straight after the goal bringing off Maye in attack, sending on Jordanne Sillitoe. Edge putting her body on the line diving in hurt again as she defends on Slater as Badal looks to play the ball into her feet. Corrigan and Dempsey taking the opportunity to switch flanks as Edge receives treatment. Is getting a little heated out there, Sillitoe picking up the first yellow off the game.

Stevenage’s Lilia Dempsey

Miles in to close Croucher down 20 yards out left of the D as she looks to cushion another ball down off her chest from the left. Forward quickly helped on to Slater bursting away down the right flank for Royston her cross, flung in towards the near post collected by Reeves.

Tally Miles

Reeves has to get there as she comes rushing out to the top of her area a Pim slides the ball on for Sillitoe to attack, gets there in the nick of time to clear the ball.

Goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves getting the the ball in the nick of time as Jordanne Sillitoe races in

Reed putting in the block for Royston inside the area as Corrigan drives forwards with the ball on the left for Stevenage breaking into the box shoots, turned off the full back for a corner kick. The delivery inviting curled in high at the far post, Edge getting up well to head the ball down towards goal blocked by the keeper and full back, deflected behind for a corner on the right…

GOAL! Players staying up as Stevenage play a short corner a player coming out towards the ball rolled back to the taker to send in a cross from the angle high towards the far post, Want jumping going up looking to get hold of the ball even as 3 Stevenage players attack the ball, not taken the ball bundled over the line, the keeper sent tumbling, a goal signalled Stevenage wheel away in celebration equalising for a 3rd time in the match, Edge with the telling touch to make it 3-3.

Rebecca Edge scoring Stevenage’s 3rd equaliser

Want stays down, concern for the goalkeeper as the trainers rush on to give treatment, the goal keepers union in full show too as Carter on crutches shows she can cover the ground quite effectively on one leg. A pause in play time taken, Royston have already lost one keeper don’t want to lose another but thankfully Want is okay to continue the game back all square with a little over 15 minutes left to play.

Royston making a change none the less bringing off Pim send Lucy Ford on to take up a position on the left. Stevenage fired up having gotten themselves back on level terms press forwards lose possession as Royston counter Bada sending the ball on for Slater on the right, Corrigan tracking back doing the defending for Stevenage.

Edge charges down Sillitoe as she goes to pull the trigger from the right of the D off a Slater cross from the right wing. The clock ticking down the threat off a penalty shootout looming, Corrigan with the ball at her feet left side driving forwards for Stevenage, pulled back by reed, the full back earning herself a yellow card. Badal coming off for Royston, Katie Hayes entering the game late on.

Makewell over the free-kick deep on the left side, another vicious ball in towards the far post strikes the upright, Want saving more by luck than anything else as the ball cannons off the post straight into her defected wide out to the right before being cleared. Royston look to get on down their left Ford with Sillitoe winning a free-kick.

GOAL! Miles over the ball looks to launch the ball in to the box, except she pulls it into the left channel instead, at least that was what I was about to write thinking Stevenage would see it safely out of play however, Sillitoe has other ideas as she races after the errand ball controlling on the by-line and turning back inside to send a dangerous ball in across the six yard box, coming to the far post where Mills has gotten herself free to meet the ball perfectly and send her header back in across the keeper to see Royston back in front for the 4th time in the match 4-3.

Laura Mills firing Royton into a 4-3 lead late in the game

3 minutes of regular play left, Stevenage send on Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe replacing Gunn, shortly followed by Chloe Gregory on for Nebbitt. Royston looking to attack a long throw out on the left, Ford up to challenge winning a corner off a defender. Defended at the near post deflected on across goal before being turned over the crossbar.

Sillitoe strong on the ball fighting for possession up front for Royston, into stoppage time. Mills defending as Makewell looks to get forwards. Croucher onto the loose ball her effort blocked from outside the box. Stevenage needing to get the ball forwards, Royston looknig to run the clock down, Sillitoe hauled down by Edge. Royston not making the most of the set-piece.

Jordanne Sillitoe

Reed recovering well at the back as Corrigan threatens to races past her as she takes the ball on into the box left side, Reed putting in the lunging block to see the ball turned behind for a corner kick. Everyone bar the keeper up for Stevenage into the box seconds left for find a goal force a penalty shootout, curled into the six yard box dropping down into the six yards box, scrambled clear back with Stevenage wide left the cross comes in under the bar, claimed well by Want as the final whistle blows and Royston celebrate as they successfully retain the county cup.

Full time Royston Town Women 4-3 Stevenage FC Women

Can’t beat a 7 goal thriller and in a cup final too! Great for the neutral, promised to be a cracking game and didn’t disappoint. All action, these two sides developing a healthy rivalry between themselves. A full on contest Royston leading the game on 3 separate occasions only for Stevenage to come back into it level the scores, the 4th goal late on one too far however Stevenage never gave up and the result was never in the bag right to the final whistle. Royston making it back to back county cups as they look to chase down the ERWFL Premier Division title. Stevenage missing out on one cup with a league cup final to look forwards too as well as playing a big part in the title race too.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few contenders for this one certainly and hard to make a final call. A few performances to mention, firstly for Stevenage, Rebecca Edge at the back with a strong game, winning the ball well, putting her body on the line and intercepting crosses. Hannah Bodily in the middle linking up play between defence and attack well throughout, Amy Makewell with some great positional runs in attack along with Gemma Croucher getting into space to receive the ball keep Stevenage on the front foot. For Royston, likewise, Tally Miles was solid at the back winning the ball well and getting it forwards early, several well timed tackles and interceptions. Charlotte South with some good midfield runs won the ball well, alongside Laura Mills who found some useful positions on hand to score the winning goal. Ri Badal with a strong midfield game too, getting about the pitch to help out in defence and get her side going forwards. The award goes to Emma Slater set the tone early on with her positive attacking runs driving at the Stevenage defence a ready outlet throughout scoring twice.

Congratulations to Royston Town Women on winning the Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup for a 2nd successive season.

Royston Town Women, Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup winners 2024/25

More often than not when a game on paper looks tasty it fails to deliver, but not today, this was a cracking contest, a 7 goal thriller action from start to finish a contest between two in form and confident sides, never done and dusted, Royston lifting the trophy for a 2nd time, but Stevenage are already focused on getting to the final again next season and getting their hands back on the trophy. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today and to the staff at Herts FA for their assistance, enjoyed that one!

by Darren Gilham

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

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