Tag Archives: Match Report

Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Costessey Sports Ladies

Sunday 18th January

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 14th December

ERWFL Division One North

One last game to finish 2025, with a short trip to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on newly promoted Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in ERWFL Division One North.

The Division One North table taking a clear shape as we move into the final weekends fixtures of 2025, Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies looking unstoppable at the top of the table, with a 100% record so far recording 12 wins from 12. Runners-up spot looks to be between Stevenage FC Women Development and Real Bedford Women Reserves, a pack looking to chase down a top half finish, the rest including Fulbourn in a relegation battle a tough league format with 3 of the 12 sides going down at the end of the season. Not easy to build stability nor consolidate your place in the league.

Thetford Town Ladies have done that, promoted from the Norfolk county league has achieved both to become an established side within the Division now up to it’s full compliment of 12 sides. The ERWFL ever competitive and getting stronger season, upon season. Amber Browne now in charge of the side having been joint manager previously looking to push Thetford on get them into a position to be amongst those pushing for the title and promotion.

Building a strong squad with a good blend of youth and experience has been an up and down first half to the season currently 8th with as many wins as losses, well placed to push on into the top half in the new year, but nervously looking over their shoulder keen to pull further clear of the bottom 4 as they all start to claw in some points. Have recently signed, Becky Russell previously with Wroxham Women, returning to the game following the birth of her 2nd child. One of the best midfielders in the county for over a decade will be a huge asset to the club. Hannah Claughton currently top scorer with 5 goals 1 ahead of Gabrielle Cobb.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds the longest established club in Cambridgeshire, winning the Cambs Division One title last season and having been at the top end of the league pushing for a few seasons, make the step up into regional football for the 1st time. Renowned for having a strong attack, attackers Ellie Woodley and Marie Stubbings alone scored 65 goals between them last season on their way to the title.

Have found life at tier 6 alot tougher but wanted to test themselves at this level, find themselves in the bottom 3 however in a scrap to avoid relegation, everyone around them battling for points, is close with Biggleswade United Women just outside a point clear, knowing they are being hunted, by Fulbourn, Cambridge City Women and Colney Heath Ladies. The goals not so easy to come by a side used to outscoring their opponents have had to adapt this season. Captain Marie Stubbings top scorer with 9 goals to her name, with Grace Muffett on 4 and Amber may with 3. Ellie Woodley having been away travelling is now back with the club and adds a potent threat to their attack as they press for points going into the new year. 6 points behind Thetford a win possibly lifting them out of the bottom 3 while pulling their opponents closer to the drop zone than they would like.

Thetford Town FC’s., Mundford Road Stadium the venue for this afternoon’s match, the compact ground featuring a sloping grass pitch. The clubhouse and bar serving hot and cold drinks open the main seated stand beside the changing rooms beneath. In the stands this afternoon as a pose to my usual spot on the opposite side of the ground with the sun low behind the stand making photography tricky, decidedly chilly in the shade however, otherwise dry.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Mya Parker, Shannon Chandler, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling (C), Sausha Levy-Twoney, Hannah Rogers, Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Emily Birt, Megan Chandler & Gabrielle Cobb. Subs – Jess Queimado, Jess Marriott, Liv Dunne, Megan Haynes & Ruby Lakey.

Thetford Town Ladies

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Adams, Alex Milner, Jasmine Fox, Jess Anderson, Caragh Dangerfield, Nat Wells, Katie Chaudhry, Marie Stubbings (C), Ebony Crook & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Hollie Colling & Amber May.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Fran Peeling and Marie Stubbings with today’s match official, Christian Grove.

Thetford naming 5 on their bench, have some good attacking options to bring on. Wearing their home colours, an all claret coloured kit. Don’t think I’ve seen Fulbourn in any other colours than their sky blue and claret, but have a new away kit today, testing it out for the 1st time an all navy strip with white trim on the sleeves and shorts. Have a few absent naming just the 2 on their bench. The visitors to kick-off the first half, the sun behind the stand casting a shadow across half the pitch may cause a few issues during the contest. The ball played back to Jasmine Fox in defence, played to the right, Thetford moving in quickly to close the ball down a rushed pass up the wing Ellie Woodley the target, dealt with by Zoe Klimcke for the hosts.

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling on the ball at the back sends a clipped pass long into Emily Birt on the right wing her touch taking her inside plays it across the top of the Fulbourn area into Gabrielle Cobb, 25 yards out, to the left of the D, takes on the shot, rising in at goal but a straight forward catch for goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy. Fulbourn build from the back getting on up the right, Ebony Crook lifting the ball on for Woodley on the right flank, Klimcke coming across her path the see the ball out of play for the goal kick.

Thetford full back, Zoe Klimcke

A little tentative from both sides early on no one keeping hold of the ball for long. Peeling lining up another pass into Birt on halfway, looks to turn run off her marker as she brings the ball down, Alex Milner pushed up with her for Fulbourn the full back, getting in a timely challenge to halt her advance the ball out for a throw. From the throw Thetford get the ball infield into Cobb, looking to make a run into the box, Fox going with her sticking out a leg to take the ball off her feet.

Jess Adams clearing the ball for Fulbourn

Thetford forcing a corner as they look to make ground off the earlier throw in. On the right the delivery flashed in across the face of goal attacked low at the far post, Fulbourn with a player on the post blocking on the line scrambling the ball clear. Peeling’s long balls out from the back, posing a threat, looknig for Birt as she comes into the right channel, Milner throwing out a leg with a vital interception.

Thetford’s Emily Birt

Winning the ball in midfield, Nat Wells sends the ball on for Woodley threads it into the right channel for Stubbings running in behind the Thetford defence, a defender getting back on her shoulder as she enters the box, pulls the trigger getting a strike away. Mya Parker scrambling across her goal seeing it race wide of the near post. Thetford pressing high getting their midfielders up on the visiting defence force an error the ball put straight into Russell to the right of the D, lays it out wide to Birt who stands a high ball up into the area, Cobb looking to attack it jumping up with Jess Anderson, the defender getting her head on the ball first to get it away.

Both sides wanting to get the ball up the pitch quickly Fulbourn with Katie Chaudhry on the ball picks out Crook then Woodley on the right, forcing a throw off Klimcke, Fulbourn win their first corner kick of the match. Played into the near post area from the right, Peeling heading it clear for Thetford. The hosts look for a quick break the ball into Hannah Claughton on the left sends it on for Cobb, just a little too much on it, giving Jess Adams time to close her down.

Crook plays the ball on for Woodley right channel inside form 20 yards out pulls the trigger, her angled shot, into Parker’s mid-riff. Russell getting on from midfielder cutting down the options for the Fulbourn defence putting them under pressure rushing passes, grabbing hold of the loose ball drives on towards the box, Fox diving in to tackle for Fulbourn upending Cobb as she makes a run across her.

Little time for anyone to dwell on the ball, Fulbourn looking to release runners into the channels, Crook looks to pick out Chaudhry as she makes a move into the left channel the threaded pass on into the box, Parker with a good starting position sliding in to claim the ball before Chaudhry can get there. A few risky balls at the back from Fulbourn penned back squeezed by the Thetford midfielder, Megan Chandler up with Russell, Anderson getting a blocking tackle in the ball on for Wells into Stubbings launched on for Woodley in attack right side of the D, in behind turning the defence, Parker again with a good starting position out to the edge of her area getting down to scoop up the ball.

Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

Thetford winning a free-kick out wide on the right as Birt is fouled, Peeling on it sending a ball long into the area, Fox clearing it for the visitors. Both sides fairly even in the opening 20 minutes, Thetford applying more pressure pushing Fulbourn deeper, the visitors looknig to use the space this creates. Thetford turning a throw deep on the left into a corner, the delivery put behind at the near post. Wells getting hold of the ball in the middle for Fulbourn played up to Stubbings who hooks it out too Woodley racing on down the right, her cross on the run driven in behind at the near post.

Birt turning on the ball getting a half yard on the right cutting a cross in along the top of the D, Anderson, lunging in to stop it, just about getting it clear with Cobb looking to take advantage. Wells linking up with Chaudhry in midfield for Fulbourn the ball sent on into the left channel for Stubbings to chase, looks a little too strong but the Fulbourn captain, does well to play the ball off a defender to win a corner kick. Take quickly short curled into the far post defender by Levy-Twoney out for a corner on the right. This one lifted in near post cleared by Peeling. Thetford look for the counter the ball into Birt, head down drives on, Fox back on her defending well for the visitors.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

The low sun causing a few issues, although Shannon Chandler has her eyes balls on a different setting from everyone else

Thetford’s Hannah Rogers winning the ball in midfield sending it out to the left, Claughton drawing the free-kick. From a deep position the ball played long into the near post, Caragh Dangerfield getting up to head the ball away for Fulbourn. Shannon Chandler bringing the ball on from right back for Thetford into space sends an angled ball in central, Cobb going up to try and head it inside the area can’t quite get hold of it. Megan Chandler coming left with the ball has support with Claughton and Cobb passes exchanged outside the box, Fulbourn’s Adams and Dangerfield with a couple of blocks.

Thetford growing into the game as Rogers sends the ball to the left into Klimcke played on for Claughton up the line, her cross lifted into the box cut out by Fox. Attacking down the left Thetford open Fulbourn up with a good diagonal ball into Birt, controls to take it on into the area wide of goal, Milner getting back at her, diving in with a risky challenge throwing herself across Birt to take the ball away from her, Birt quick to retrieve it with a 2nd bite, Milner up to block turn it behind for a corner kick.

Fulbourn’s Alex Milner

The corners just not clicking for Thetford at the moment another played in behind at the near post. Thetford making a change Birt picking up a knock coming off on the right, Megan Haynes coming on over to that side of the pitch. Fulbourn caught short at the back at the right as Russell steals in to take the ball between Fox and Milner, pushing on into the box, releasing her angled shot before anyone can get back at her sends the ball into the side netting.

Ellie Woodley with Thetford’s Becky Russell

Woodley closes Klimcke down on the ball on the right, takes it in behind the full back flashing a cross into the top of the area catching, Peeling flat footed can’t get to it, Megan Chandler is around well on the cover however to intercept and clear before Stubbings racing on from the middle can get after the ball. Wells with a shot off of a throw on Fulbourn’s right from all of 25 yards out, dips into the keepers gloves.

Haynes picking up where Birt left off on the right for Thetford seeing the ball into her feet turning infield to play a ball into the top of the area, cut out by Dangerfield, the rebound dropping to a Thetford attacker 20 yards out the strike rifled in on goal to the left side, Duhy diving at full stretch to make the save turning the ball wide. Claughton looking to put it back in the defence back to get it away from danger.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

The hosts applying good pressure as the first half moves into the final 10 minutes, Rogers on for Russell through the middle, tries to pick out Cobb pulling off Anderson, Fox diving in to get a leg on the ball turn it on for Duhy to clear. Thetford with a free-kick won in a central position 30 yards out, driven in on target, Duhy with bodies in front of her saving cleanly the shot straight at her.

GOAL! From defence Thetford get on the attack the ball played up to Haynes running into space on the right taking the ball on down the line fires a vicious ball in across the face of the Fulbourn goal, Claughton running in far side getting to it first to turn home from close range to open the scoring. 1-0.

Hannah Claughton congratulated by her teammates as she puts Thetford into the lead.

GOAL! Thetford getting their noses in front in the 36th minute, quickly race into a 2 goal lead, a diagonal ball landing at Haynes feet out to the right turns inside to release a low pass into the box for Cobb central, rolls her marker to take the ball across her and turn to shoot sending the ball back across the keeper before she can set herself 2-0.

Gabrielle Cobb getting in behind to fire Thetford into a 2 goal lead

Barely 2 minutes between the goals Thetford with a strong finish to the first half a hammer blow to Fulbourn. Thetford with their tails up confident pressing players on, Rogers linking up with Megan Chandler in midfield the ball out to Claughton on the left wins a throw as she is closed down by Dangerfield. Angled into a crowded near post area, Fulbourn clear behind for a 2nd corner. Taken short this time the new angle seeing a similar effort driven into the near post, turned behind again, the 3rd effort also short charged down before the ball can be launched into the box.

Thetford’s Megan Haynes

Megan Chandler with the ball at her feet allowed to travel for Thetford deep into the opposition half central plays it on for Cobb top of the area she lets it run on for Haynes breaking on to the by-line, unfortunately can’t keep her cross in. Russell plays the ball on from midfield into Claughton running away down the left, squares her cross low into the box, is slightly behind Cobb as she closes in at the near post, tries to dig the ball out from under her feet, sends it wide of the mark.

Shannon Chandler

Closing in on the end of the first half Fulbourn with a throw in the right, Levy-Twoney defending to see the ball behind for a corner. Played up high into the box headed clear to the top of the area Stubbings onto it putting it back out to the right, Woodley crossing, Peeling winning the header sending the ball back out to the right, lifts back in Parker comes running out of her six yard box to grab hold of the ball. Dangerfield defending for Fulbourn as Haynes looks to pick out Cobb through the middle with a diagonal pass inside from the right.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 2-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Two goals late in the first half seeing Thetford getting a grip on the contest as they head into the changing rooms for the half-time interval. Took awhile to get into full flow but got players on well down the flanks and through the middle to support the attack pushed their opponents back line deep and closed them down to force errors. Fulbourn using the space created well created a few opportunities of their own but nothing clear cut know they have work to do if they are to get back into the game 2nd half, both sides merging from the tunnel early keen to get the 2nd half underway.

Fulbourn making a couple of changes at the break with Hollie Colling and Amber May on the field in place of Chaudhry and Fox. Thetford unchanged to kick off the 2nd period leading 2-0 the ball played back to Peeling in defence, back into the middle for Russell turns it on up top for Cobb to attack, Adams cutting out the pass for Fulbourn. Thetford press get hold of the ball on their right winning a high throw.

Haynes with the ball on Thetford’s right her cross cut back into the box, cut out by Adams as she lunges for the ball, recovering quickly to charge down the shot from outside the box as Russell latches onto it. Shannon Chandler on the move again from the back on the right pressing on into the final third sends the ball on into the box for Cobb, Adams there again throwing out a leg to intercept the ball. Fulbourn on the back foot at the start of the 2nd half, Rogers angling a ball into the channel for Claughton, Adams moving in to close her down the ball out for a throw on the right. From that Thetford win a corner kick.

GOAL! Fair to say most of Thetford’s corners weren’t on the mark in the first half, but this one is perfect, lifted up into the near post area, to be met by the rising Russell who turns her headed effort in on goal under the bar to extend Thetford’s lead. 3-0. Russell’s first goal for her new club too.

Becky Russell heading home Thetford’s 3rd goal.

Thetford powering their way into a 3 goal lead early in the 2nd half to take control of the game, press on from the restart winning the ball back and pouring players on in attack, Megan Chandler out to Haynes on the right, whips an early cross into the area, Colling tracking back for the visitors cutting the ball out. The hosts lively Rogers winning it central sending a cross-field ball into Haynes on the right she looks to play Cobb onto the ball inside the box, Adams defending on her for Fulbourn.

Shannon Chandler taking the ball forwards from the back into the right channel looking to play in Claughton as she bursts on from the left into a central position, Adams getting across to block as she tries to get hold of the ball. Claughton coming off soon after as Thetford make a double change, Russell giving way too, on come Ruby Lakey and Liv Dunne to join the attack. Dunne straight into the action onto the ball central on for Haynes right side lifts it into the top of the D looking for Cobb, Colling back to get the tackle in for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn’s Hollie Colling

Amber May seeing the ball into her feet on Fulbourn’s right holds it up well wriggling inside to send the ball on for Crook who looks to sweep it back out to the right as Stubbings tries to run in behind, the Thetford defence standing up well to catch her offside. Thetford making another double switch with Klimcke and Rogers giving way this time, Jess Marriott and Jess Queimado coming on. From a throw on the left Dunne looks to turn inside lay a cross into the D, cut out by Dangerfield, the ball is presented to Queimado 25 yards out, slices her effort away from the right post.

Gabrielle Cobb and Nat Wells fighting for the ball

Another vital stop at the back from Anderson as Dunne looks to send the ball on for Cobb up top. Fulbourn on the back foot battle to regain the ball Wells lunging in out to the left Woodley up with Stubbings Thetford charging down a couple of efforts through Shannon Chandler and Peeling before the ball falls to Colling 25 yards out her strike driven in wide of the left post. Stubbings seeing the ball into her body hooks it over her shoulder 30 yards out to drop into the box, Woodley the target coming in off the left, the bounce favouring the goal keeper however as Parker takes it cleanly into her gloves.

Dunne pro-active on the ball racing on towards the Fulbourn box right side 20 yards out unleashing a shot her effort over onto the roof of the net. Thetford coming on at will, Megan Chandler turning on the ball laying it into the path of Cobb on the right her shot turned wide across the six yard box. Marriott up against May comes away with the ball left side into Queimado central makes a run towards the box tackled by Wells inside the D, the ball coming to Megan Chandler close on Queimado’s left her low shot straight at the keeper, Duhy down to claim it.

Thetford’s Liv Dunne

Fulbourn get the ball up the pitch Colling on for Woodley up with Crook to the left of the area 20 yards out a powerful strike unleashed, Parker diving at full stretch to push the ball away behind to the left for the corner with an excellent save. The delivery into the near post defended by Peeling. Lakey coming in central looking to get the ball in from Haynes on the right under control inside the D to shoot, Wells in well to close her down.

Shannon Chandler winning the ball back on Thetford’s right playing it on for Haynes taking a run up the wing flashes a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, no one there, skipping up off the turf beyond the far post Lakey tries to get her foot up over the ball turn it back in can only find the side netting. Milner moves in to close Haynes down as she advances on the right the deflection off the attacker though sees her escape in behind to get a cross into the area, Dangerfield getting there just before Cobb to clear.

Stubbings breaking clear up top for Fulbourn looking to chase down a long clearance from the back, Peeling coming across to close her down inside the area turn the ball away for a throw. Anderson defending on Dunne top of the area as Cobb links up with Haynes on the right. Parker with another top draw save for Thetford as Fulbourn get May onto the ball central coming in from the left to get into the box looking to sent a low shot back across the keeper, Parker gets down sharply to get a strong right hand on the ball divert it behind for a corner kick.

Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker with another excellent save to keep Fulbourn out

The corner lifted into the crowd at the near post defended out behind for a 2nd corner, the result the same in near post only cleared upfield this time. Closing in on the final 15 minutes of the half, Thetford making another change sending Russel back on to replace Megan Chandler. Wells working hard covering the ground in midfield for Fulbourn more often back to defend gets the ball out to Woodley on the right combining with Crook the ball fired in across the top of the Thetford area, Marriott getting it clear before May can arrive.

Jess Marriot

Woodley played in central as she drifts in from the left, lining up a strike from 20 yards out. frustrated as Parker again produces a top class save diving low to her right to push the ball wide past her goal for the corner kick. The delivery clipped into the near post, Dangerfield rises to get her head on the ball but sees it drop wide of the left post. The light starting to fade as the sun drops behind the main stand. Parker out to the top of her area to claim as Stubbings look to run onto the ball sent on from the left, Fulbourn unhappy they didn’t get a free kick in the build-up. Cobb coming off for Thetford late in the game.

GOAL! Thetford’s substitutes seeing the hosts energy levels remain high throughout, Dunne seeing the ball into her feet top of the D, wriggles her way in past the defence into the box to release a shot sending the ball low past the keeper into the bottom right corner to guarantee the 3 points, 4-0.

Liv Dunne fires Thetford into a 4 goal lead

Fulbourn deflated keep trying getting the ball on for Woodley in attack as she carries the ball out to the right side, taking a run at the defence, Marriott getting a foot in to tackle take the ball for Thetford. Queimado winning the ball in midfield for Thetford plying it on for Dunne who has Haynes positioned ahead of her top of the area sending the ball on Haynes lets it run through to Lakey breaking clear on the right, the angle against her gets a looping shot in on target, Duhy back on her line making a comfortable save.

Chaudhry coming back on for Woodley late in the contest for Fulbourn. Thetford relentless Lakey seeing the ball into her feet left of the D puts it back in central looking for Dunne, the challenge from Wells seeing the ball deflected through to the keeper. Haynes pushed up top with Lakey now inside the box as the cross comes into her from the left slightly behind her races onto Lakey at the far post, can’t get hold of it before being tackled by Dangerfield.

Fulbourn with a free-kick in the middle sent long for Stubbings on the right, whips a cross into the box, just over may in a central position half cleared, Colling looks to take it on, just can’t get a shot away before being closed down. Thetford counter winning a corner on the right, taken short the ball is stood up before the near post, Duhy claiming it well as Lakey rushes in to try and close her down.

The clock almost up Wells back to defend on Dunne top of the box as the hosts pile players on. Woodley back on with Wells giving way for the visitors, May fouled out wide on the right, Crook over the set-piece fired in near side headed on across the six yard box Thetford get it out of their box, Stubbings looking to hook the ball back into the mix the ball drifting wide of the left post.

Fulbourn’s Amber May

One last attack from Thetford the game stretched at the death alot of tired legs out there, the ball fired into the six yard box from the right, Haynes in to meet it from close range throwing herself at the ball, her effort cannoning down off the cross bar dropping to Dunne at the left post looks to scoop a shot in back across goal Duhy instinctively parrying it away falls back to Haynes whose 2nd attempt also kisses the bar before being scrambled clear, the final whistle blowing straight after.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 4-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Thetford from a slow start in the 1st half growing into the game as it progressed pressed well in the final third forcing errors, going onto to score 2 late goals to hold the advantage at the break. Those goals a blow for Fulbourn who never really recovered, conceding a 3rd goal from a corner early in the 2nd half Thetford were in control able to ring the changes their substitutes keeping the energy levels and intensity high creating chances, Fulbourn had to work hard at the back, nevertheless found themselves with good opportunities to pull a goal back forcing 3 excellent saves out of Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker before Liv Dunne broke through on goal late in the game to score Thetford’s 4th. The win seeing Thetford climb up to 6th with other results seeing Fulbourn slip to the bottom on goal difference, the gap to safety still just 2 points however and with 6 home games to come in the new year will fight till the end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As usual it’s a tough decision but I think I have a clear winner. the notes are vital in some cases. Several performances of note, firstly for Fulbourn was a tough day the defence under pressure throughout but worked tirelessly, Jess Anderson, Jasmine Fox, Caragh Dangerfield and Alex Milner all with vital interceptions and tackles. Nat Wells in front of the defence covering the ground to get back to win the ball too. Not an easy one picking out one from Thetford the whole squad playing their part, no doubt pleasing for the management to see all the substitutes come on and keep Thetford pushing on. That said, they have Mya Parker to thank with 3 brilliant saves to maintain the clean sheet. Fran Peeling used the ball well from the back, Shannon Chandler got forwards with the ball overloading the attack. Hannah Rogers winning it central, Hannah Claughton with some great runs on the left opening the scoring, Becky Russell getting on to support the attackers pressure the Fulbourn defence. Gabrielle Cobb keeping the back line occupied. The substitutes all lively Liv Dunne especially, the award goes to another, Megan Haynes, took over from Emily Birt who herself was excellent on the right, used the ball well turning the defence creating a number of openings came close to scoring a goal herself at the death.

A enjoyable final game of 2025, struggled to get the games in towards the end of the year but glad to finish with a flourish. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams great to catch up with both. Wishing everyone all the best for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v Milton Keynes Dons Women

Sunday 7th December

FAWNL South East Division One

Heading down into Suffolk this Sunday to catch some action from FAWNL South East Division One with AFC Sudbury Women hosting Milton Keynes Dons Women.

Two clubs that unfortunately find themselves at the wrong end of the table a scrapping for points. AFC Sudbury Women in the bottom two with just the the single win and draw looking to finish the year on a positive note as they fight to retain their status in tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid. Milton Keynes Dons Women (MK Dons) just a place above Sudbury in 10th dropping back down into FAWNL Division One South East looking stabilise the ship avoid back to back relegations.

AFC Sudbury Women going places in Suffolk joining forces with the men’s club with an academy building back up to become one of the leading women’s football clubs in the county, a rapid rise for their young guns winning back to back promotions in tier 6 and tier 5 to win promotion into the FAWNL. This their 3rd season playing tier 4 football surviving their debut season recruited some added experience to bolster the squad to enjoy their 2nd season recording a 7th spot finish last time out.

Have found thing’s much tougher going this time around, the league is ever strengthening and Sudbury are no fools know this are in some ways punching above their weight but with healthy crop of young talent being developed with a Reserves and Development squad both playing in the Suffolk County leagues are fighting to retain their league status. Injuries haven’t helped, some long term, with key players missing at times, a single point on the board looks to be between themselves, Chesham United and MK Dons to avoid the drop but others could get pulled into the mix a vital win at home to Dulwich Hamlet giving them their 1st 3 points of the season 2 weeks ago. Faith Harrison and Amy-Leigh Abrehart the joint top scorers with 7 goals each, Harrison has now moved on to join Norwich City Women.

MK Dons Women put alot of work into wining promotion to the FAWNL Southern Premier Division back in 2018, held their own finishing 9th in the seasons either side of the Covid pandemic. Built on that to achieve a 5th place finish in tier 3 in 2023, their highest league finish, backed that up with a 6th placed finish the year after. Thing’s turning sour however the club losing much of their 1st team and management staff to ambitious Real Bedford Women a dispute with the club in which direction they were going partly to blame.

That saw the development squad having too step in to fill the void a tough ask and a tough season followed with the club picking up just a single point last time around to be relegated from the Southern Premier Division. A tough beginning this time around too, but positive signs the club is back behind the women’s team are playing their home games at Stadium MK, and within a great catchment area for footballing talent have brought in new players to bolster the squad, experienced goalkeeper, Jamie-Lee Bamford amongst the new recruits, have continued to be busy in that front throughout, Sophie Birkett, Paige Ridley, Afrika De Villiers and ex-Sudbury captain, Ronni Harrison all coming through the door, Bianca Luttman and Erika Lempek two more useful additions to recently come in. Goals scattered amongst the squad no one has more than 2 to their name so far 7-0 home win to bottom side and local rival Chesham United pulling the club out of the bottom 3 know there’s alot of work to do to stay out of the bottom 2.

The Elite Travel Stadium the venue to this afternoon’s match, knew it was going to be a wet one so had this fixture pencilled in, both teams finding a little form has become a 6 pointer based on the season so far. The ground building a new 3g pitch beside the carpark leading into the main stadium itself the bar open with the kitchen open inside serving hot food and drink. Plenty of cover before the clubhouse itself with the main seated stand beside, a terraced stand opposite with covered areas behind each goal the rain becoming heavy during the warm-up pre-match dull and overcast above with the sun fighting a lost cause the light poor as the teams walk out onto the pitch.

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Megan Frary, Alex Penny, Sophie Jeffery, Sheryce Slater, Beatrice Rogers, Leonnie Bezant, Maisie Goodwin, Georgie Morton, Eva Frazzoni (C), Jessica Allen & Lucy Loomes. Subs – Amy-Leigh Abrehart, Megan Edwards, Kelsey Smith, Jade Barrett, Evie-Mai Harding & Isabella Peachy.

AFC Sudbury Women

Milton Keynes Dons Women starting XI – Jamie-Lee Bamford, Favour Omenazu (C), Alex O’Neill, Bianca Luttman, Paige Ridley, Afrika de Villiers, Amanda Chimbima, Giuseppina Carnevale, Molly Lemon, Erika Lempek & Maddie Pollard. Subs – Amber Tayler, Sophie Birkett, Amelie Sarll, Ruby Bishop-Jones, Sydney Wootton & Ronni Harrison.

MK Dons Women

The rain easing slightly as the two sides walk out onto the pitch, but isn’t going to stay that way, Sudbury wearing their home colours, yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts to get the game underway kicking off first half, MK Dons lined up opposite in their away colours pink coloured shirts and socks with White shorts, white numbers on the back of the shirts too, not at all easy to read especially under the gloomy conditions, a challenge for sure! Sudbury send the ball forwards probing the MK Dons back line the visitors bringing it away getting straight on the move pushing players forwards.

MK Dons bright at the start of the contest a diagonal ball into Erika Lempek on the right side as she looks to break forwards, Sophie Jeffery moving in to close her down for the hosts. The visitors closing the ball down in the middle, Arika De Villiers on for Amanda Chimbima carries the ball to the left before being brought down awarded the free-kick. From a deep position on the left the set-piece is fired on into the area through the crowd bouncing on towards goalkeeper, Megan Frary, MK Dons players racing in to chase it down, even as the keeper goes to claim it an outstretched foot prodding the ball past her on into the back of the net but even before the visitors can celebrate the goal is ruled out for a foul on the keeper!

MK Dons lively in the opening exchanges Sudbury exposed a little at the back Lempek seeing the ball into her feet wide right, drawing the foul from Jessica Allen seeing the visitors winning another free-kick out in a similar position only on the opposite side of the pitch to the previous delivery. Paige Ridley over the ball puts her foot through it lifting a hanging ball into the mix top of the area, rising to head the ball goal wards looming in over the keeper, MK Dons are frustrated yet again as a another goal is disallowed an infringement in the build up to the goal.

Sudbury finding themselves on the back foot the ball in the back of their net twice in the opening 6 minutes, saved by the referees whistle. Giuseppina Carnevale on the ball for MK Dons coming inside from the left lifting a cross field ball into Lempek bursting down the right wing, Jeffery diving in to make the tackle send the ball out of pay for a throw. Lempek finding space on the right flagged offside as MK Dons regain possession in the middle. Carnevale inside from the left whipping a cross into towards Maddie Pollard central, Maisie Goodwin cutting the pass out for Sudbury the ball loose running into the path of Chimbima 25 yards out, goes to strike the ball, loops up and over, a nick off a Sudbury player spotted a corner kick awarded.

Sudbury midfielder, Maisie Goodwin

The corner dealt with Sudbury look to try and get a foothold in the game Jeffery on the left bringing the ball on from the back lifting it on for Allen ahead of her giving chase, MK Dons’ captain, Favour Omenazu at full back getting across her to defend for the visitors. The rain falling heavily now. Alex Penny on the right putting the ball on for Lucy Loomes in attack for Sudbury turns the pass on for Allen inside the box, Omenazu tracking across her box with her, getting her body in the way to see the ball out safely for a goal kick.

Amanda Chimbima

Allen and Omenazu enjoying a good tussle as Sudbury look to get the ball into Allen’s feet on the left, she in turn trying to turn in behind. Molly Lemon passing the ball to Chimbima as MK Dons push on through the middle the probing ball sent out into the right flank for Lempek to attack, Jeffery diving in to see the ball out of play. The hosts not pleased with some of the decisions on the pitch players holding onto each other as Leonnie Bezant and Georgie Morton look to spur Sudbury on through the middle, the free-kick going their way, from halfway the ball lifted up to the top of the area, Chimbima heading clear for the visitors.

Beatrice Rogers intercepting a diagonal ball at the back for Sudbury carries it forwards into the left wing sending it on for Allen in attack, holds off the challenge from Omenazu as Jeffery bombs on past her on the overlap taking the ball on into the corner wrapping her leg around it to flash a cross into the six yard box, Jamie-Lee Bamford alert first to it grabbing hold of the ball confidently even as Sudbury captain Eva Frazzoni makes a central run to attack.

MK Dons goalkeeper, Jamie-Lee Bamford

Chimbima driving on through the middle with the ball sends in to Lempek on the right with space to run into checks back inside as Jeffery closes her down firing a cross into the box, Pollard, Lemon and Carnevale far side all racing on towards goal, the cross dissects all three, Sudbury get it away to safety. Midway through the first half and the game has settled down, Sudbury under the cosh early on more even now allowed more time on the ball, Allen seeing the ball into her feet on the left squaring it inside for Loomes, tries to see it onto Frazzoni, Bianca Luttman stretching out a leg to cut the pass out for the visitors.

Molly Lemon

Lemon seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out back to goal for MK Dons lays it back to Chimbima who plays it to Carnevale on the left inside 30 yards out goes for the strike her effort whistling wide of the near post. Sudbury regaining the ball centrally looking to turn play around quickly Bezant into Frazzoni launches it forwards, Looms her target, Luttman stooping into the header to clear for MK Dons. MK Dons attack with Lemon through the middle has Chimbima up with her, Goodwin snapping in to challenge Lemon. Chimbima getting hold of the loose ball releasing it to the right on for Lempek, a little too long Jeffery can get hold of it for Sudbury, given away however, Lempek racing onto the ball firing a a cross to Pollard at the near post, Rogers their first to clear for the hosts.

Beatrice Rogers

Sudbury press players on looking to push the MK Dons defence back Morton out to Frazzoni crossed back inside the Loomes outside the box, Luttman in to clear for MK Dons drops to Jeffery unmarked outside the area central goes to hit it on the volley doesn’t get the connection she was looking for. Jeffery racing up on the left to support Allen gets in a tangle with Omenazu as she looks to get inside her the free-kick awarded as both players go down, the Sudbury bench incensed as the decision goes against them.

Lucy Loomes

Sudbury build an attack Bezant on for Goodwin central, has Jeffery up on the left picks her out the ball turned back in central Frazzoni’s touch sending it into Loomes inside the area goes to shoot he target the top right corner, the ball just swerving away from the target wide. Sudbury pressing on over commit as the ball is lost in the middle De Villiers sending it forward for Pollard in attack, Jeffery getting back on her to get a foot on the ball divert it back to her keeper to kick clear.

Sophie Jeffery

Omenazu getting there ahead of Allen to win the ball out wide as Morton links up with Frazzoni through the middle for Sudbury. Goodwin lunging down to cut the ball out top of the area for Sudbury as Lemon attempts to put Pollard in on goal. MK Dons turn to show their frustration with the officials as Lempek is flagged offside on the right claiming the ball deflected off a defenders leg into her path. Omenazu and Allen continuing their battle the defender pressed up high on Allen nicks the ball to send a hanging cross into the box, claimed well by Frary.

GOAL! The visitors break the dead lock with 7 minutes left on the clock in the first half attacking down the left, Carnevale up with Lemon and Chimbima exchanging passes before a pass is driven low into Pollard’s feet positioned left of the D, a good touch to turn her marker break into the box giving her a half yard to sent in a strike on the angle past the on rushing keeper before she can set herself on on into the bottom corner 0-1.

Maddie Pollard opens the scoring for MK Dons

A blow for Sudbury late in the half, look to mount an attack through the middle on for Morton, has Loomes up with her the pass cut out by Luttman for MK Dons turns the ball back to her keeper for Bamford to clear. Goodwin angles a pass into Frazzoni on the right, O’Neill lunging in with the challenge to deny her the cross for the visitors. Sudbury gaining a free-kick wide on the left, Jeffery to send the ball into the area, plenty back for MK Dons, De Villiers heading the ball clear.

Certainly no quarter given by either side some robust challenges out there. Loomes giving Ridley a hard time as she goes up to head the ball to safety, Morton tussling with Chimbima, for the most part both sides getting on with it however. Decisions continue to wind both side up the weather remaining awful. Penny taking the ball on right side for Sudbury, Frazzoni ahead of her, Luttman stepping out from the back to halt her run. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the half, Slater dealing with an awkward high ball clipped in from the left by Carnevale.

A throw high on the left for the visitors sees a dangerous cross fired in across goal, Chimbima rushing in far post going to attack it can’t get a telling touch the ball wide. Allen left side getting the ball into Jeffery as she rushes on to provide the overlap, Omenazu going with her as they both close down on the left side of the box, fighting each other to get to the ball, Bamford not waiting to see who the winner is comes racing out sliding in to get the ball away from danger. A last gaps free-kick awarded to Sudbury as Lempek fouls Frazzoni on the left the ball crossed into the area long cleared by O’Neill.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 0-1 Milton Keynes Dons Women

MK Dons head into the changing rooms a goal to the good at the break, Maddie Pollard scoring late into the first half with a well worked finish to put her side ahead. The visitors making a fast start seeing two goals chalked off in the opening 6 minutes. Both sides feeling aggrieved with some decisions but Sudbury weren’t firing on all cylinders can count themselves lucky to only be a goal down and have work to doo if they are to get back into the game 2nd half. Tense as you’d expect with a game between two of the bottom sides looking for every point they can. Still very much all to play for in the 2nd half.

Sudbury making a double change at the start of the 2nd half bringing off, Beatrice Rogers at the back and Lucy Loomes up top to be replaced by Jade Barrett and Amy-Leigh Abrehart.

Jade Barrett and Amy-Leigh Abrehart coming on for Sudbury at the start of the 2nd half.

MK Dons unchanged as they line up to kick-off the 2nd half clearly determined to press the ball right from the off…

MK Dons lined up to attack in the 2nd half

The ball launched forwards into the ball lifted into the left channel, Penny under it to clear for Sudbury the hosts look to get on the attack the ball on up to Morton finds Allen wide her looping cross into the six yard both plucked down well by Bamford rising at her far post. A few positional changes for Sudbury too who like their players to be adept in a number of roles, Abrehart dispossessing the defence on the right, frustrated as the decision goes against her. Undeterred however she intercepts the ball again as a pass into Allen up top almost sees her send Frazzoni through on goal but for a timely tackle from Ridley.

MK Dons defender, Paige Ridley

Luttman cutting out a diagonal ball intended for Allen, plays it forwards into Chimbima who launches a counter attack the ball fed on for Lemon, deflected on through to the keeper. Omenazu is fouled centrally as she looks to carry the ball forwards for MK Dons. Sudbury performing better in the 2nd half taking the game to MK Dons a free-kick won Bezant playing it up to Allen on the right making a run into the box Bamford across diving but can let it go out of play for the goal kick.

GOAL! 5 minutes gone in the 2nd period Sudbury winning the ball higher getting players further on, Bezant with the ball at her feet central feeding in on for Goodwin before racing past her to get into the box, Goodwin picking out Frazzoni right of the D 20 yards out has Morton ahead of her the ball played into her feet lays it on into the box picking out Bezant who steals in behind the defence to shoot low across the keeper and score 1-1.

Leonnie Bezant equalising for Sudbury

Sudbury back on level terms early in the 2nd half. Great build up play leading to their equaliser. Omenazu putting in a robust challenge on Abrehart top of the D as Morton feeds the ball into her feet. MK Dons come right, De Villiers picking out Lempek her early delivery into the box headed clear by Barrett. Luttman lifting a long ball on into Chimbima breaking into space on the left the angle against her the cross/shot swerving into the side netting, Sudbury amazed as a corner is awarded against them.

Captains, Favour Omenazu and Eva Frazzoni

The corner swung into the box from the left across the six yard box headed firmly away by Barrett, helped on up the left flank Abrehart looks to race on with the ball, Bamford comes racing out of her box to try and get there first doesn’t do enough as Abrehart pulls away wide looking to get a shot away even as Bamford looks to recover her attempt fired wide at the near post.

Jade Barrett

Frazzoni pressing the ball forcing a throw deep in the corner on the right, Morton linking up with Penny off the throw forcing a 2nd, applying good pressure looking to stretch the game. Omenazu winning the ball on the right for MK Dons carries it forwards into space driving on no challenge is encouraged to shoot on the run from outside the area her attempt over wide across goal. O’Neill cutting a long pass up too Allen on the right out as Barrett clears at the back for the hosts.

Afrika De Villiers

Both sides playing some probing passes forwards the space the MK Dons midfielders had in the first half gone as they are pushed back with Sudbury pushing players on, Bezant and Goodwin winning it well looking for Morton who can turn on the ball has options ahead of her with Abrehart, Frazzoni and Allen. Luttman throwing out a leg to deny Allen the ball. Bezant playing the ball on through the left channel for Abrehart looking to get into the area the pass a little too strong allowing Bamford to claim.

When you’re at the bottom of the table it certainly fees like every decision is against you and Sudbury are certainly frustrated. Omenazu is unyielding in defence and a hard player to get past, Abrehart looking to test her. O’Neill sweeping a cross into the area from deep on the left for MK Dons, Barrett up again to win the header for the hosts. Allen going down off the ball after feeling the effects of a coming together as pause in play, the trainer on doesn’t look good needs to come off, Sudbury sending on Megan Edwards.

Sudbury looking the more likely to score as MK Dons struggle to get the ball up into their attackers 2nd half, Barrett winning the ball flung into the area, getting dark with the overcast sky, good job the floodlights are on. Morton seeing the ball into her feet rolling her marker to send the ball into Bezant wide right her cross put behind.

Georgie Morton

Morton bringing the ball on in the final 3rd for the hosts laying it on for Abrehart to the right, De Villiers getting back at her to close the ball down for MK Dons. Frazzoni getting a shot away from the left of the D, squeezed through on goal however straight at Bamford who sees it all the way. Lemon getting on with the ball for MK Dons linking up with Pollard she shot intercepted by Slater deflected off the defenders head wide of goal.

Bianca Luttman

Chimbima hasn’t seen as much of the ball in the 2nd half for MK Dons getting a chance to run at the area, has Lemon up with her, Bezant snapping in with a challenge, backed up by Goodwin the ball cleared. The game stretched Sudbury launch a counter the ball fired on through the middle into Edwards up top, Ridley getting a foot in before she can turn, Abrehart running onto the loose ball shooting from range drops wide of the left post.

Chimbima coming on with the ball on MK Dons left has De Villiers up with her sending the ball on for her teammate her cross his cleared inside the box by Sudbury’s Slater. De Villiers with a nice drag back on the ball 30 yards out to give herself space to pick a pass has Omenazu pushing on right side the ball rolled into her path 25 yards out sends her strike wide of the right post.

A free-kick to Sudbury awarded outside the box as Ridley hauled down Abrehart. The attacker picking herself up to take it 20 out goes for goal gets under the ball scooping it high over the target. MK Dons making a change bringing De Villiers off, on comes Amelie Sarll. Sudbury frustrated with thing’s decisions going against them MK Dons scrapping for the ball. Another switch for the visitors with Chimbima giving way for Sophie Birkett in midfield. Goodwin looking to release Frazzoni deep on the right, Luttman lunging in to send the ball out for a throw. From that position the cross is worked into the area the ball knocked down back across goal, dropping for Frazzoni at the near post, before she can get her shot away,, a defender runs across her to snatch the ball clear.

Goodwin shown a yellow card play brought back after no advantage for MK Dons another frustrating decision for Sudbury an opportunity for MK Dons to push players up into an attacking position as the ball comes into the area from deep on the left curled across to the far post an MK Dons attacker running onto the ball shoots, Frary with an instinctive save with her leg as she goes to ground the ball loose rolling to her right dives throwing out an arm to claim it even as Omenazu races in to strike it goal wards, the referee blowing up it won’t count the keeper had enough of the ball, hurt in the process play stopped so she can receive treatment.

Is up on her feet okay as the game moves into the final 5 minutes Morton taking the ball on for Sudbury fed on for Edwards up top pressing the centre back to play the ball back to her keeper the clearance falling straight to Abrehart 30 yards out lining up the shot her attempt narrowly wide of the right post. Sudbury pushing a late goal themselves Edwards upended b Omenazu. The free-kick cleared by Lemon. Omenazu bringing the ball on right her diagonal pass won by Slater inside her D, tries to get it up to Abrehart quickly as she looks to turn the defence, Ridley keeping her off the ball.

Sudbury goalkeeper, Megan Frary

MK Dons defence under pressure late in the game. Luttman with a good interception as Edwards looks for Frazzoni on the right. Morton tries to pick out Edwards left channel run, Omenazu stretching out a leg to win the ball back. Sudbury winning a corner out on the right curled into the six yard box, Omenazu up to head the ball away for the visitors. MK Dons counter, up to Lempek through the middle tries too send the ball on for Pollard running in behind, Frary out of her area to clear the ball.

Erika Lempek

Lempek out on the left lifting a ball in central, the shot blocked by a defender rebounding up to strike Barrett on the back off the head, goes down, the loose ball sliced wide before player is stopped so she can receive treatment. 3 minutes left little tie for either side to try and claim a winning goal, scrappy both sides complaining Morton gets hold of the ball on the right for Sudbury sent on up the line for Abrehart controls on the by-line looks to jink her way past Luttman into the box the defender stays big blocks the attacker, the free-kick awarded just outside the area. The dead ball flashed in across goal, Bamford up amongst bodies to punch it out of her area retrieved high on the left, floated back into the box, threatening to drop under the bar awkward for Bamford stretching for it doesn’t get hold of it as it bounces down in front of goal but is quick to snatch it back into her gloves before another can pounce.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 1-1 Milton Keynes Dons Women

The final whistle blows and both sides have to settle for a share of the points, Sudbury remain in the bottom 2, 3 points off safety, not closing the gap on MK Dons but other results keep others in range. A tale of two halves, the first belonging to MK Dons got on the front foot with some strong midfield runs seeing two early goals disallowed, before taking the lead late in the half. Sudbury needing to change things didn’t perform in the first 45 lucky to only be a goal down, the changes worked the hosts much improved 2nd half a well worked goal to equalise pushed hard for a 2nd while MK Dons too came close to snatching it at the end, both will feel frustrated with decisions but on the balance of play a point each a fair outcome. 4 points from their last 3 league games to end 2025 is something positive to build on for Sudbury going into the new year. MK Dons have one more game to play in 2025 a difficult game away to QPR but after a difficult period for the club they may at last be turning a corner.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, is another tough one a few contenders on both sides. A few performances to mention. Firstly for MK Dons, Amanda Chimbima made several driving runs on the ball especially first half to keep her side on the front foot bringing others onto play. Bianca Luttman made some vital interceptions at the back, Erika Lempek provided a good option out wide in attack, captain, Favour Omenazu was strong in her tackling hard to shake off and frustrated her opponents. For Sudbury, Leonnie Bezant won the ball well and got on well to score the crucial equaliser. Maisie Goodwin too with some vital tackling in front of the defence. Captain Eva Frazzoni covered the ground getting into some useful positions used the ball well. Jade Barrett came into the back line and won everything launched into the box, Amy-Leigh Abrehart took the game to her opponents keeping Sudbury on the front foot. The award goes to Georgie Morton found some good pockets of space throughout linking up with the attack coming into her own 2nd half winning the ball high keeping it and releasing those ahead of her.

Good to catch up with both clubs, especially MK Dons haven’t seen them since the loss of their previous side and good to see them recovering and in a healthy shape. The league is as competitive as any be it top or bottom. My thanks for all the assistance today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – KLSC FC Women v Aylsham FC Women

Sunday 30th November

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Well I certainly hadn’t intended to miss 3 weeks of the season, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Various reasons, but back at it now and keen to get back into the action as we head into the final few weekends of 2025. The football coming from Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday with a trip to King’s Lynn to watch KLSC FC Women take on Aylsham FC Women.

A strong line up once again in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Bungay Town Ladies doing the double last season, will again be the team to beat this season, albeit under a different name as the women’s squad move to reform, Lowestoft Town Ladies. Making a 100% start to their league campaign with 5 wins from 5 so far. Cup competitions and poor weather affecting the first half of the season seeing several clubs playing just 4 or 5 matches so far in the league, teams still jostling for position, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves leading the pack with Costessey Sports Ladies hot on their heels in 2nd.

Aylsham FC Women with a strong end to last season, powering their way up the table to clinch runners-up spot behind Bungay. Narrowly beaten by Bungay too in the League Cup final, aiming to use that to establish themselves as one of the leading sides in the county. A good start to the league this time around too, 3 wins from 3 to start the season collecting 36 points from a possible 36 in their last 12 games over both seasons that run coming to an end with a 3-1 home loss to Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves last weekend.

Aylsham are also through the last eight of both the League and County Cups. Taking on UEA FC Women in their county cup quarter final will guarantee an NWGFL side into the last 4 of the competition. A few changes within the squad to deal with losing some experience, bringing in some youthful talent. Have lost goalkeeper, Mya Parker to RWFL side Thetford Town Ladies, new recruit Fawnee Ansbro doing well in goal, with another new signing Tegan Lusher returning from an injury also a goalkeeper. Attacker, Marseilles Will joining Aylsham from Bungay. Sophie George (formerly Lubbock) joint top scorer along side Shelley Woods still going strong on 5 goals each.

KLSC (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) FC Women, now the only women’s side featuring for the town with the sad demise of King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Have established themselves firmly within the women’s football scene in their short history. Reaching the League Plate final last season losing out to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves. Are like Aylsham through to the last eight of this season’s League Cup. Just missing out on a spot in the last eight of the county cup however beating by UEA FC Women on penalties after drawing 2-2.

A club with a strong youth section the women’s side seeing the benefits of that with players such as midfielders Lana Sturgeon and Bonnie Parsons bursting onto the scene last season recording some impressive displays. Continue to bring youth players into the women’s squad with a god balance of youth and experience within the group. Will look to build on last season’s strong mid-table finish, have found results tough so far in the league this campaign however with 1 win from 4 played so far but know they are capable of beating anyone on their day as they have proven on several occasions. 3 players currently sharing the top scorer position with Viktorija Burkauskaite, Tayla Miles and Lana Sturgeon all on 4 each.

The playing fields at Kings Way on Edward Benefer Road the venue for today’s match home to all KLSC’s matches, situated to the northern end of King’s Lynn, boasting several grass pitches, beyond the changing rooms and carpark. A youth game taking place on an adjoining pitch the women’s match on the furthest pitch, holding up well despite another day of heavy rain on the Saturday. None overnight however and with a little power left in the sun as we end November the game on. The sun setting behind the supporters on one side of the pitch with the dugouts opposite. Dry if a little muddy underfoot, good to get the camera and notepad back out.

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Stella Astle, Rhian Ellis, Geovanna Salles, Elizabet Puckova (C), Amy Cropley, Lana Sturgeon, Bonnie Parsons, Lucy Clarke, Trinity Tokaji, Holly Pitcher & Lauren Moyse. Subs – Viktorija Burkauskaite & Skye Ironside.

KLSC FC Women

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Fawnee Ansbro, Cayla Brow, Ellie Snowling, Sophie Buckley, Charlotte Crane, Carly Allum, Rachel Bussey, Olivia Baker, Marseilles Will, Shelley Woods (C) & Sophie George. Subs – Billie Myall.

Aylsham FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both sides a little short of players today due to work and other commitments, KLSC with 2 on the bench, Aylsham with just the one. Shelley Woods captaining Aylsham this afternoon with Sophie-Jayne O’Connor absent. Elizabet Puckova captaining KLSC.

Captains, Elizabet Puckova and Shelley Woods with today’s match official Christian Grove.

A switch of ends at the start the low sun across the pitch as too directly affecting one end still likely to pose some issues with high diagonal balls. KLSC to get the match underway kicking off the 1st half wearing red and black vertical stripped shirts with black shorts and red socks with black piping. Aylsham lined up opposite wearing orange coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball played back to the defence, Aylsham push up right from the start condensing play a hastily cleared ball out to the right for Trinity Tokaji, headed clear by Aylsham full back, Ellie Snowling.

The ball toing and froing between the midfield in the early moments of the contest KLSC moving in to close Aylsham down, Bonnie Parsons squeezing the ball out to the right, flashed back in central top of the area intercepted by Charlotte Crane at the back for the visitors. Lively as Rachel Bussey takes the ball down Aylsham’s right tackled by Rhian Ellis the ball out for a throw, Cayla Brown up from full back to take it dropped into Marseilles Will edge of the box, challenged by KLSC’s Lucy Clarke, Brown latching onto the cross, firing a ball in central inside the six yard box, Sophie George running into meet it from the left side stabbing her attempt narrowly wide of the right post.

Lana Sturgeon running onto a Parsons pass on the right driving up the wing, Snowling stretching out a leg to take the ball away for a throw in. The hosts getting players on well, Geovanna Salles up with Tokaji and Lauren Moyse on the right flank, looking to force their way in behind the visiting defence, Sophie Buckley and Carly Allum both with blocking tackles to halt their progress. Amy Cropley intercepting the ball at the back for KLSC, her long pass into the right channel just a little too strong for attacker, Holly Pitcher to run onto.

KLSC continue to apply pressure to Aylsham inside their opponents half making it difficult for the visitors to find a way out, Pitcher stealing onto the ball 30 yards out powering on into the right channel, Snowling getting back to close her down. Parsons upended as she takes hold of the ball in the middle, captain Elizabet Puckova over the set-piece 35 yards out doesn’t get the connection she wanted on the ball pulling it wide past the near post. Parsons proving a handful for Aylsham snatching hold of the ball, looking constantly to feed the ball into the channels.

Aylsham’s Ellie Snowling with KLSC’s, Amy Cropley

The hosts with a throw high on the left, Clarke crossing the ball in central, headed clear by Crane for Aylsham who look to counter on the left, George taking it on Salles slowing her progress before Olivia Baker looks to take over for the visitors closed down by Cropley. George given the ball for Aylsham out again on the left wing driving forwards her cross cut out diverted away for a throw in. Lifted on into the top of the area cleared by Puckova, KLSC’s attempted counter attack, snuffed out by Buckley as Moyse drives on with the ball at her feet.

Aylsham struggling to get the final pass right KLSC risking a high line at times allowing their midfield to close the ball down. KLSC turn play around the ball given to Moyse’s feet as she powers her way n up the right cutting a shot in across goal, Brown back for Aylsham clearing it back out to the right, Moyse latching onto it laying it into Parsons running in top of the area her low shot in on target claimed low by goalkeeper, Fawnee Ansbro.

Aylsham’s Cayla Brown

Bussey taking the ball on from Baker on the right for Aylsham whipping an early cross into the top of the D, George slightly behind the ball, getting hold of it looking to turn and shoot, Salles snapping in with the tackle to take away the opportunity for KLSC. Tokaji playing the ball on for Pitcher right flank for the hosts pushing forwards is stopped by Aylsham’s Buckley.

Aylsham’s Sophie George

Marseilles Will on the attack for Aylsham

GOAL! KLSC play the ball out for a throw at the back out on the right, dropped into the middle, Will does well to get hold of the ball keep possession, closed down the ball pops up off her over the top with captain Shelley Woods bursting in behind the KLSC defence caught static half expecting a flag doesn’t come Woods in the clear breaking into the box, using her experience to commit the keeper, Astle diving, Woods taking the ball around her the angle acute six yards out makes no mistake rolling the ball into the empty net to fire the visitors into the lead 0-1.

Aylsham captain, Shelley Woods breaking through into the box to round the keeper and opening the scoring for Aylsham

Aylsham with the lead just over 20 minutes into the match. KLSC attack looking for an immediate response Moyse attacking on the ball into the right wing shooting from the angle her effort over the bar. Salles combining with Tokaji on the right for KLSC the cross into the box cleared by Crane for the visitors. Clarke seeing a cross field pass from Sturgeon down well out on the left to get inside Brown push forwards, Crane quick to get across on the cover to snap in clear the ball for a throw.

Aylsham centre back, Charlotte Crane

George taking the ball on down the left for Aylsham, pushing into the box holding off Salles the defender getting back at her to deflect her shot away behind for a corner kick. Curled into a tightly packed six yard box, George with a glancing header taking a deflection off a defender on it’s way over for another corner kick. Again curled in central George again with the header knocking the ball down across goal to the far post KLSC getting it clear to the right, Allum moving in quickly to regain possession edge of the area from the angle lifting her cross/shot over the bar. Viktorija Burkauskaite coming on for KLSC to replace Pitcher.

GOAL! KLSC get themselves back on level terms pressing the ball high winning a throw on the right the ball helped on into the box by Salles Moyse rushing in to attack it near post getting a foot up to lift the ball past the keeper to score the equalising goal 1-1.

Lauren Moyes celebrates as she gets KLSC back on level terms

Aylsham start an attack on the left Snowling sending the ball on for George up the wing, Burkauskaite closing her down to force the ball out for a throw in. Snowling’s throw’s on the left causing the KLSC back line a few issues as Aylsham push players on the ball dropped into the top of the area left of the D, Woods, Baker and Bussey all clustered together the latter unleashing a shot on the angle driven in low to the near post, Astle with an acrobatic dive to her right down well to save pushed the ball wide for a corner kick.

KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle

Another vicious delivery from the Aylsham corner into the six yard box Astle attempting to come through bodies to claim it near post, doesn’t get hold of it drops to the floor, George with the poke out with her boot to deflect the ball across goal, cleared at the far post by Ellis. A lively contest both sides getting on with thing’s the game rarely paused. Clarke tracking back to defend for KLSC as Bussey gets onto a diagonal ball from Baker on the right.

KLSC’s, Lucy Clarke

George is brought down on the left presenting Aylsham with the free-kick, launched long into the area, Astle is fouled as she comes to collect the ball. Aylsham making a change bringing Baker off up top, Australian, Billie Myall coming on to lead the attack. Salles pushing up on the right linking up with Moyse for KLSC, the ball inside to her, Buckley going in to make the challenge Moyse’s shot deflected off the defender on for Ansbro to claim.

Burkauskaite the last defender with a vital tackle on Myall as she looks to break into the box off of a throw on the left. Moyse with some strong running on the ball whenever KLSC launch a counter taking the ball on right side smashes a shot in on the angle striking the base of the near post. Parsons on the move with the ball through the middle for KLSC Sturgeon up with her the ball into into clipped out to the left for Clarke, Brown nipping back at her to defend for Aylsham.

Viktorija Burkauskaite

Allum launching a diagonal ball forwards for Aylsham intended for Myall pulling away to the left inside the area, Burkauskaite winning it instead for KLSC out for a corner kick. Another dangerous corner form the left for Aylsham swung into the middle, Woods on the penalty spot with the drilled header in on goal dropping low cleared off the line by Ellis. KLSC straight on the counter.

KLSC’s, Rhian Ellis

Winning a throw up on the left, KLSC do everything but score in their next attack the ball lifted into the area not cleared by Aylsham, Moyse grabbing hold of it on the left into the six yard box cutting her shot past the advancing keeper across goal, her effort coming back off the far post, Tokaji closing down on the follow-up at the far post sees the ball come at her quickly tries to adjust divert the ball back inside the post but throws her arms up in dismay as the ball instead runs wide for the goal-kick.

GOAL! KLSC keeping Aylsham pushed back winning a throw high on the right, lifted on for Moyse to turn take a run into the box, tries to ride the tackle as a defender throws out a leg but can’t stay on her feet, referee Christian Grove pointing to the spot Penalty! Sturgeon placing the ball on the spot to take the spot kick for KLSC, steps up before driving the ball low into the bottom left corner across the keeper to fire the hosts into the lead 2-1.

Lana Sturgeon firing KLSC into the lead from the penalty spot

Last into the 1st half, Aylsham their own worst enemy at times giving the ball away, KLSC straight on the attack right side a shot driven in low across goal on the angle on Ansbro quickly does well o make the sharp save with her legs. The hosts lively Sturgeon out to Salles right on for Moyse her angled strike has plenty of pace behind it racing wide of the far post. Aylsham winning a free-kick on halfway in the closing moments o the half the delivery into the top of the area not dealt with by the KLSC defence sees George latch onto it inside the area left of goa her low shot lacking power held by Astle low at her near post.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 2-1 Aylsham FC Women

An intriguing 1st half’s play, non stop action both sides snapping in to win the ball in the middle, KLSC getting the ball into their attackers well putting the Aylsham back line under pressure, the visitors not helping themselves giving the ball away inviting the counter both side looking to use the flanks, Aylsham finding the break through midway through the 2nd half captain Shelley Woods breaking clear in behind from midfield to open the scoring. KLSC came back well creating chances Lauren Moyse getting the equalising goal before winning the penalty to see Lana Sturgeon fire her side into the lead. Both keepers called into action. Aylsham looking a threat from corners seeing one effort cleared off the line. The game beautifully poised for the 2nd half could go either way.

A short turn around with both sides staying out on the pitch for their half time team talks. Aylsham unchanged for the 2nd half, KLSC making a change with Skye Ironside on replacing Tokaji. The sun dropping fast now low casting long shadows across the pitch. Decidedly colder too! Aylsham to get the 2nd half underway the ball back into Buckley in defence lifted on up into the middle, Sturgeon pro-active rushing in to intercept it for KLSC.

Ironside taking the ball on from Cropley carrying it forwards into the right channel, attempts to pick out Salles inside the box, Buckley heading it clear for Aylsham. Parsons nipping in to snatch the ball for the hosts finds Ironside free on the right, Snowling coming to close her down the ball deflected off Ironside for the throw.

KLSC’s, Skye Ironside

Both teams busy at the start of the half, Aylsham looking to press the ball higher get after the KLSC defence, Buckley intercepting a clearance launching the ball on into the area, Myall looking to chase it down can’t get there before the keeper snatches it up into her gloves. Aylsham closing the ball down 2nd half Allum out to Bussey right her cross in to Myall running in near post turns her shot wide across goal, George under challenge looking to attack it far post turned away instead for a throw in.

GOAL! Chaos inside the box from the throw in sent on into the six yard box Woods in front of the keeper diving in Astle blocking, looking to get back on her feet as George looks to dive in on the loose ball somewhere in the melee the referee sees an infringement and points to the spot Aylsham’s turn to win the Penalty. Woods to take the penalty a chance for fire Aylsham back on level terms early in the 2nd half makes no mistake drilling the ball hard and straight to the keepers left 2-2.

Shelley Woods running in to strike the penalty to make it 2-2 for Aylsham

Moyse collides with Buckley as she looks to break in behind on the left channel, the defender getting the decision. Moyse taking a knock but slowly back to her feet. Crane clearing at the back for Aylsham as Sturgeon looks to play a threaded pass on from midfield. Sturgeon with several powerful midfield runs for KLSC taking the ball on through the middle lays it forwards for Salles breaking into the box, Buckley with her though under pressure to close to dive in with the challenge gets her foot around the ball in an attempt to clear instead strikes it against Salles the rebound taking it wide past the right post.

Geovanna Salles with Sophie George

Parsons on for Moyse in attack into the box right of goal cuts it back central for Salles, Crane in to close her down, Buckley clears. Myall seeing the ball into her feet off Woods turning to send the ball long into the right wing for Bussey getting forwards. Ellis closing her down to regain possession for KLSC. The game opening up as both sides look to commit players forwards a big pitch players keeping wide, Puckova cutting a diagonal ball out at the back for the hosts as Brown fires it in from the right.

Aylsham’s Billie Myall

KLSC winning their first corner of the 2nd half on the right side, a teasing ball lifted into the near post, Burkauskaite rising under challenge to get her head on the ball, Ansbro throwing up a hand to try and save the ball over no touch however as a goal-kick as given.

Lana Sturgeon

Parsons can’t quite get the ball down under control to of the D as KLSC launch it into her from the left. Buckley snatching out a foot to steal it back. KLSC making a change up top, Moyse coming off, Pitcher back into the action. An intense game you can’t help feel the next goal wins the contest and there’s still half an hour to play. Crane steps in to halt the run of Clarke as she turns inside with the ball from the left 20 yards out.

Scrappy in the middle the ball seeing no respite, Parsons fouled a free-kick to KLSC on halfway, launched up to the top of the area half cleared falls to Parsons free in space 25 yards out lines up the shot her effort through on goal but straight at the keeper, Ansbro holding onto the ball. KLSC looking to get after the visitors now after Aylsham’s positive start to the 2nd half. Pitcher onside as the ball comes into her inside the box from the left, Snowling just getting there ahead of her caught in two minds the keeper too close for the back pass snatches it away in the nick of time.

Myall looking to hold the ball up in attack for Aylsham fouled on the halfway line. Crane over the set-piece launched out to the right with Bussey looking to get forwards Ellis defending for the hosts. The visitors pressing on the right again winning the free-kick inside the KLSC half.

Aylsham’s Carly Allum

GOAL! Midway through the 2nd half, Crane over the set-piece once again sends a fearsome cross into the box striking a defender on it’s way through to Myall central but before she can get a shot away the referee blows up once again pointing to the spot, the ball handled by the defender, Penalty! Aylsham with another spot-kick, Woods to take on a hat-trick now. Goes for power again going the opposite side this time Astle getting down but can’t reach it as it is rammed home into the bottom left corner 2-3!

Shelley Woods with her 2nd penalty of the game completing her hat-trick firing Aylsham back into the lead

Aylsham coming back from a 2-1 deficit at the break to take a 3-2 lead in the 68th minute. The sun really low now dropping behind the tree line with the river Ouse beyond. KLSC’s Sturgeon nipping in to knick the ball 25 yards out running at the box, Buckley in well to close her down the ball out for a throw.

The sun setting low behind the supporters watching the match

A change for KLSC falling behind bring Ironside off on the right with Tokaji coming back on. The hosts winning a free-kick on halfway launched up to the top of the area, headed clear by Aylsham’s Crane. KLSC with a strong reply to falling behind Sturgeon gathering the ball into her feet outside the box taking the ball left forced on to the by-line cuts the ball back superbly into the top of the six yard box nearly picking out Salles, but for the outstretched leg of Buckley diverting the ball away behind for a corner kick.

Aylsham defender, Sophie Buckley

Moyse back into the action for KLSC as they put 3 in attack the game is wide open Woods has it into her feet as the visitors look to turn play around plays the ball forwards into the box for Will to attack left of goal, Cropley tracking back with her preventing the shot getting a vital touch to get the ball into her keeper to clear. George out on the left brings a cross-field past down well with a deft touch off her foot, looks to break forwards, Burkauskaite’s touch not so deft as she dives in to dispossess her the ball out for a throw.

KLFC defender, Amy Cropley

The throw into the top of the area, more appeals for hand ball, against Burkauskaite, the referee giving the decision, outside the box however left of the D. Woods over the free-kick loops a shot in on goal aiming for the top right corner, Astle getting up well to tip the ball over to save for a corner kick. Attacked at the near post Astle up beyond to punch the ball away to safety.

Moving into the final 10 minutes of the 2nd half, Aylsham sending Baker back on to replace Myall in attack. Moyse getting onto the ball left side driving on for KLSC, Brown staying with staying on her shoulder doing enough the ball played off Moyse behind for a goal-kick. Salles racing clear with the ball out on the wing her cross cut back into Pitcher top of the D her strike charged down by Buckley for Aylsham.

Snowling coming off for Aylsham late on, Myall back into the action going into the vacant left back role. Parsons in to take the ball on halfway threads it through to Moyse breaking in behind the assistant flag going up overruled by the referee, Moyse bearing down on the box, Buckley diving in with the last ditch tackle excellent to deny Moyse the shot the ball away to the right.

KLSC midfielder, Bonnie Parsons

KLSC pushing players on late on looking for an equaliser, Aylsham clear at the back Allum up to Baker sends it on into the box for George left of goal can’t get the ball out from under her feet charging in to get a clean shot away Astle going to ground claiming the ball low inside her six yard box.

Aylsham having taken the lead struggling to take control of the game in the closing minutes, Sturgeon a bane rushing in on the ball is fouled by Allum on the left not sure if a card is shown, the free-kick awarded either way, the delivery knocked on into the box from the top of the area claimed low by Ansbro at her near post. KLSC pressing hard late on Parsons intercepting inside the Aylsham half knocked on for Sturgeon, Crane fouling her the free-kick awarded in a dangerous position 30 yards out. Cropley over the ball clipped in long on goal, Ansbro right behind it catching it into her mid-riff.

Astle on hand with a vital double save to deny Aylsham a 4th goal as we move into stoppage time Baker on the turn sending the ball into George in the box coming in from the left bearing down on the six yard box sliding in on the ball, Astle down low to make the blocking save, the rebound popping back to George on the ground tries to adjust throwing a leg out to try and stab it wide of the keeper. Astle lunging to her left to get her arm behind the ball pulling it into her body.

End to end action the Aylsham defence under pressure late in the game pushed back Buckley lunging in to deny Moyse inside the box, quick to recover as Salles tries to keep the attack alive. Myall bringing the ball clear left for Aylsham with a long diagonal ball up to Bussey right side, tackled by Ellis. Time almost up the light almost gone Parsons gets on the move with the ball central pushing for the box, Crane stepping out of the back line to close her down.

Full time KLSC FC Women 2-3 Aylsham FC Women

The final whistle blows and Aylsham hold on to claim the 3 points. I did say the next goal wins it at 2-2 but I certainly didn’t expect as intense a finish to the match. Aylsham not taking their chance to get control of the game having gotten back into the lead midway through the 2nd half. Struggled to keep hold of the ball as KLSC pushed them hard for a reply, but for some crucial last ditch defending may well have been a different story but sometimes you have to win ugly back to winning ways keeping them 5th pushing the sides above. KLSC can feel hard done by a 3-2 win in their favour could just a easily been the result however they leave empty handed, but if anyone thinks they’re coming to the Kings Way playing fields for an easy game they’re in for a rude awakening.

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 and certainly hard to pick out a single individual, with two neck and neck throughout the notes. But pick one I will a few to mention first of course. For KLSC, Lana Sturgeon was outstanding in the middle closing the ball down, lively pro-active throughout with several strong runs on the ball, clos behind, Bonnie Parsons the pair linked up well kept KLSC on the front foot for much of the contest nipping in fast to win the ball getting it up to the attackers. Lauren Moyse strong up top powerful on the ball hard to shake off scoring and winning the penalty. Stella Astle win a couple of vital saves to keep her side in it till the end. For Aylsham, Shelley Woods was composed throughout using the ball well, opening the scoring going on to score her hat-trick from the spot. Piking a defender after a game like this might be controversial but nevertheless and despite some of the pressure being of their own making the contribution to the game can’t be ignored, Charlotte Crane was well paced to make some crucial interceptions throughout the contest and read the game well stepping up when needed. The award however goes to Sophie Buckley, KLSC were nearly through on goal on a few occasions late in the 2nd half and without her well timed and composed defending in a pressure situation the score-line might have been very different.

It feels good to be back after a 3 weekend hiatus, a lively contest from Norfolk to rekindle things. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today too as always is much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Watford Ladies Development

Sunday 2nd November

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip to Hertfordshire this Sunday to take in a game from the ERWFL Premier Division. Incredibly tight in the league with just 6 points separating the top 10 sides, Royston Town Women currently 5th play host to 2nd placed Watford Ladies Development.

The ERWFL Premier Division always highly competitive representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. 12 sides competing for promotion to the FAWNL above. Stevenage FC Women having made a strong investment in their squad this season leading the way currently unbeaten gunning for the title, but can’t afford to let their foot of the pedal with the chasing park right on their tail, tight just 6 points between them and current 10th placed side Wroxham Women.

Royston Town Women themselves have added to their squad this season following a strong campaign last time out that saw the Hertfordshire side, leading the way for much of the season, eventually overhauled by Luton Town Ladies, finished 3rd while retaining the Hertfordshire County Cup following their 1st ever win the competition the season before. Have been busy recruiting new faces to add to the squad while re-establishing their Development side, playing in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One.

Kiaya Payne, Hannah Bodily and Bella Simmons the latest trio to join Royston. Payne joining from today’s opponents Watford Ladies Development. Hannah Bodily joining from local rivals Stevenage after a couple of season’s was regularly a top performer playing in midfield. Bella Simmons joins on a dual registration from FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC and has 4 goals already from her 5 appearances. Emma Slater always amongst the goals for Royston leading the way this time around too, finding the back of the net for 11 goals. With Jordanne Sillitoe and Laura Mills both on 8 goals apiece.

Watford Ladies Development making the move across to the ERWFL a couple of season’s ago as the league pushed to reach it’s full potential of having 36 clubs playing across it’s 3 Division’s, won the Division One South title in their debut season in the East to win promotion to the Premier Division, retaining that status last season. Ali Abdulkadir taking over as first team manager this season a strong start seeing them win 3 out of their 4 opening matches propelling them into 2nd spot in the table a mixed bag of results since seeing them firmly in the cluster of side sides chasing leaders Stevenage.

An independent women’s football club have recently joined forces with Watford FC Women playing in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, seeing the two leading women’s football clubs in Watford combine to provide a strong pathway for girls and women’s football in the Watford area, with close to 30 youth teams, have a Development side playing in the Beds and Herts women’s football league. Jada Deane top scorer with 6 goals to her name. Rebecca Lovelace and Olivia Oshodi both on 5 goals. With Madeleine Pollard and Kaya Bamber on 4 each.

Royston Town FC’s Garden Walk stadium the venue for todays match, the sloping grass pitch situated in a residential area tucked away behind houses. Royston work hard to promote their women’s team an enhance the matchday experience. The clubhouse and bar open along with a food van serving hot and cold drinks. Have a merchandise stand too, selling amongst other thing’s some very stylish trading cards featuring the women’s team’s players and staff. Into November still relatively mild with the sun bright over the stadium, a potential problem at the lower end of the ground, decidedly chilly in the shade however, with a variety of stands seated and terraced dotted about the ground.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Dilly Haslehurst, Kiaya Payne, Jodie Donley, Amy Houghton (C). Hannah Bodily, Sofia Castiglione, Ri Badal, Amy Reed, Laura Mills & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Tilly Want, Emma Slater, Stacey Roper, Eloise Cattini & Ailsa Heal.

Royston Town Women

Watford Ladies Development starting XI – Shannon Swallow, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads, Georgia Elmer-Roads, Amelie Elliott, Aliyah Cristal Anderson, Phoebe Brown, Ella Parker, Jessica Wright, Rebecca Lovelace (C), Isla Bellamy & Jada-Chey’ah Graham. Subs – Sophie Adamou & Sofia Jones-Ghartouchent.

Watford Ladies Development

A late change in the starting line-up for Royston with, Dilly Haslehurst coming in for Emma Slater who drops to the bench. 5 on the bench for Royston, Watford naming just the two substitute’s, it’s the visitors to have the kick-off in the 1st half attacking down the slope, wearing red and yellow vertical striped shirts with red shorts and red and yellow socks. Royston wearing their home strip, white shirts and socks with black shorts.

Captains, Rebecca Lovelace and Amy Houghton with today’s match officials

The ball played back into midfield lifted long through the middle comfortably dealt with by the Royston defence, coming to Sofia Castiglione in midfield looks to thread a ball through into the right channel for Ri Badal to attack, Watford goalkeeper, Shannon Swallow sharp out to the edge of her box to grab the ball up into her gloves. Watford build on the left the ball fed on for Jada Chey’ah Graham, pushes down wing the ball played into the box, Kyana Payne across on the cover from left back to intercept and clear for the hosts.

Both sides probing in the early exchanges snapping in to try and steal the ball in midfield a few free-kicks given away as a result. Royston with a set-piece on halfway the ball launched up to the top of the area, Amelie Elliott defending for Watford, fouled in the process winning the free-kick. Amy Reed showing attacking intent for Royston pushed up on the left comes inside linking up with Castiglione, bombing on looking for the return pass into the channel, Swallow is again alert to the threat rushing out to the top of her box to claim the ball.

Shannon Swallow coming to collect the ball for Watford

The visitors look to mount a rapid counter attack, captain, Rebecca Lovelace carrying the ball on through the middle, Jodie Donley closing her down at the back to clear the ball out for a throw. Both sides keen to get the ball into the channels, Royston winning the ball back in the middle, Hannah Bodily combining with Castiglione taking the ball on threaded on for Reed left side, Elliott getting in between her and the ball to see it back to her keeper to clear.

Royston snapping in to win the ball pushing players on Reed and Badal looking to join Jordanne Sillitoe and Laura Mills in attack. Bodily with Castiglione through the middle again advancing with the ball slid into Reed high on the left, cuts it back into Castiglione 25 yards out left side outside the box, lines up a shot on goal, curled wide past the far post.

The visitors looking to get the ball into their attackers quickly, Graham and Isla Bellamy right side pushing on with Lovelace making some surging runs through the middle, Amy Houghton captaining Royston with a vital interception at the back as her defence pushes up. Graham bringing the ball on through the middle sending it out to the right for Bellamy, does well to keep it in play before taking it down the wing Payne getting back at her, Bellamy charging down her attempt to clear the ball and delivers a cross into the top of the D, met by Phoebe Brown leaning into her shot strikes the ball over the bar.

Watford’s Jada-Chey’ah Graham

Swallow out again to the corner of her area, getting to the ball first before Reed can race onto it for Royston. Watford aiming to get the ball on rapidly through the middle, Royston’s defence pushed up at times a mis-up sees the ball bounce on clear for Bellamy too latch onto right of the D, blasts a powerful strike in on goal, coming at Carter quickly the goalkeeper, saves well beating the ball down to bounce away to her right post, her defence seeing the ball away to safety.

Watford’s Isla Bellamy

GOAL! A lively opening 12 minutes with Royston keen to get the ball forwards, Swallow so far coming to the top of her area ready to get hold of the ball, is undo this time however as Mills on the shoulder of defender, Aliyah Cristal Anderson nips in to get her foot onto the ball before the advancing keeper can get hold of it to knock it on past her an chase the rolling ball on into the back of the net 1-0.

Laura Mills opens the scoring for Royston

Watford behind in the opening quarter hour drive on with the ball left clipped inside, Payne clearing the ball for a corner before Bellamy can steal through on goal. Curled in from the left to the far post the ball cleared to the top of the area, to Brown left of the D, her shot charged down the ball looping up into the area dropping towards goal, Millie Carter bringing it down safely into her gloves for Royston.

Reed played in on the left for Royston cutting the ball back in across the top of the area looking for Sillitoe, Swallow getting their first to snatch the ball up into her gloves. Mills picking out Reed again on the left, challenged by Watford full back, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads, manages to squeeze a cross into the six yard box, Swallow diving down to get behind the ball. Royston pressing on the right, Badal with Mills winning a throw, lifted on into the area, Elliott heading it behind for a corner kick. Swung into the crowded six yard box, headed away to the left, play stopped with a Watford player down with a head injury.

A pause in play but all is OK. The hosts pushing on using the flanks, Reed strong forcing a throw, the ball played in across the top of the area, Anderson back to defend tackling Badal right side as she looks to drive into the box. Jessica Wright winning the ball for Watford putting it on for Graham driving forwards plays the ball out to Brown on the left side for Watford strong looking to push her way into the box, Dilly Haselhurst staying on her well to get a challenge in take the ball off her feet before she can wriggle free to shoot.

Royston’s Amy Reed with Watford’s Kayleigh Elmer-Roads

A competitive tussle in the middle of the park, Ella Parker knocking the ball on through the middle for Watford, Lovelace making some strong runs to get up with the attackers, Donley, and then Houghton called into action to cut the ball out as the visitors press to find a way in behind. Bodily feeding the ball into the left flank for Reed, surging up the line, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads tracking her to challenge deny the cross.

Royston captain Amy Houghton clearing the ball

Bodily closing the ball down for Royston as Graham and Bellamy combine looking to make inroads on the right. Sillitoe on the ball linking up with Mills and Badal on the right for Royston the ball turned back inside for Sillitoe inside the box, Anderson tackling her the ball going away for a corner kick. Sillitoe hurt in the attack, brought off with Royston sending on Emma Slater to join the attack. Swung in dangerously across the six yard box, Slater leaping almost gets to it but Watford can see it out far side.

Donley stands up well to close Lovelace down as she takes control of the ball through the middle drives forwards. The ball popping about in the middle, no quarter given rarely still, Bodily dropping the ball into the right channel for Slater, Georgia Elmer-Roads closing her down to see the ball out for a throw. Slater off the throw hooking the ball back up over her shoulder into the Watford area, Elliott getting her head on it to put behind for a corner kick at the near post.

Royston looking a threat from corners the ball curled into the near post defended knocked down back to the right, Reed onto the ball snatches a shot in back on goal, on the angle, Swallow right behind down quickly to save. The hosts press well on the right Badal linking up with Slater and Mills the latter shooting from distance from the angle her effort wide across the face of goal.

Watford captain, Rebecca Lovelace

Swallow the busier of the two goal keepers, saving with her legs and she comes out to close the angle on Reed as she is played in on the left. Moments later makes a great one arm save as Slater is played in on goal left inside the box, sending her shot in across goal, Swallow throwing out her left arm to turn the ball away to the right. Royston keeping it alive fired back in from the right, Swallow down behind it to get hold of the ball.

Castiglione slides the ball on into the right channel, Anderson dives in to deny Slater. Moving into added time at the end of the 1st half, Royston winning a corner, from the right headed on across goal at the near post on target but straight at the keeper as Swallow claims.

GOAL! Watford have carried the threat all through the 1st half the ball knocked on up through the middle, Lovelace attacking it, gets the better of the Royston defence caught high too run on in behind central to bear down on the area, Carter racing out to try and close her down, Lovelace releasing her shot early sending the ball low past the keeper and on into the back of the net to equalise 1-1.

Rebecca Lovelace breaking clear to equalise for Watford

Half-time Royston Town Women 1-1 Watford Ladies Development

Watford with an equalising goal on the stroke of half-time to change the complexion of the game. Royston with more of the ball pressing players on well opening the scoring in the 12th minute through Laura Mills. That after Watford had a couple of good opportunities themselves to take the lead. Carter called into action to deny Bellamy. Shannon Swallow has been the busier of the two keepers however patrolling the top of the box too claim the ball and make some vital stops.

Decidedly more chilly at the start of the 2nd half as the sun drops lower still remains a problem with Watford now defending that end. Sofia Jones-Ghartouchent on for Watford replacing Brown. Royston unchanged to get the 2nd period underway, play a long hopeful ball forwards into the Watford box, Swallow can see it bounce wide of her goal. Castiglione taking the ball on for the hosts right side played into Badal squared into the top of the area, Slater fouled the free-kick given away in a dangerous position 25 yards out.

GOAL! Mills over the set-piece as Watford set up to defend, the sun low the ball placed to the right of the D. Mills runs up puts her foot through the ball striking it past over the wall, Swallow wrong footed unable to get across to the right of her goal to stop the ball sailing in right side to see the hosts restore their lead right at the start of the 2nd half 2-1.

Laura Mills scores from the early 2nd half free-kick to restore Royston’s lead

Mills moving into double figures for the season with her 2nd of the game. Royston full of attacking intent at the start of the 2nd half pushing on with the ball, Slater lively played in on the right, knocking the ball on down the wing cuts it back inside to Badal top of the area right of the D, her touch sending it on into the area for Reed ahead of her, drills her snap shot wide of the right post.

Slater busy, on the right and on the left, coming in from the wing left side lines up a 20 yard strike, Wright lunging in to charge the ball down for Watford. Bodily and Castiglione chasing the ball down in the middle, keeping Watford pinned back, Badal put in on the right surging on with the ball, Anderson closing her down for the visitors. Watford breaking out from the back winning a free-kick inside the Royston half. Left side a long way out, Parker over it an ambitious effort on goal, Carter coming across her goal can see it bounce wide of her left post.

Badal taking the ball on right side for Royston turning infield pushing it into the middle for Slater, has Reed ahead of her top of the D, she in turn plays it into the box as Badal continues her run looking to steal in on goal, Georgia Elmer-Roads with a timely tackle for the visitors. Royston on top early in the 2nd half Watford unable to get the ball out of their half to get their attackers on the ball.

Watford’s Jessica Wright

Slater played in as she makes a run down into the right getting after the ball on the by-line cuts it back into the area into the path of the advancing Mills, leaning back to strike the ball in across goal, rising her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. A brief pause the ball striking a child behind the goal, everyone ensuring all is well, Mills herself checking on the wellbeing to the unfortunate victim.

Haselhurst racing past Badal on the overlap on the right her cross blocked by Georgia Elmer-Roads turned behind for a corner kick. From the right the ball sung in across a packed six yard box, Swallow coming in amongst the melee to try and claim the ball taking a blow to the head. Down play stopped as she receives treatment. Up okay for now, another corner awarded out on the left. Swung into the near post, Swallow comes for it undeterred diving forwards onto the ball appearing to aggravate her injury.

Watford’s defence on the back foot pushed back into their box, Elliott, getting her foot in to tackle Slater as she cuts inside from the left. Elliott again called into action diving in to deny Slater the cross as she is played on by Castiglione on the left. Slater turning provider for Castiglione as she plays the ball inside from the left. the midfielder striking from 20 yards out her attempt close over the bar.

Watford defender, Amelie Elliott

Royston on top Haselhurst breaking on with the ball right into the corner to sweep a cross into the six yard box, too close to the keeper claimed low by Swallow. A rare opportunity for Watford to break as Lovelace gets onto the ball centrally running forwards attempts to thread it through to Jones-Ghartouchent in the left channel, Donley getting back on her to block her shot, play brought back however with the flag raised for offside.

Bodily on for Mills bringing the ball on right side on for Badal down the wing her cross turned behind for a corner kick by Anderson. Royston to make a double change before the corner with Payne and Badal coming off to be replaced by Eloise Cattini and Ailsa Heal making her debut for the 1st team.

GOAL! Royston’s corner kicks causing problems as the host push players into the six yard box as the delivery is curled in from the right, swallow going for it near side unable to get a firm touch as it drops down into ground at the far post, stabbed over the line, Royston open up a 2 goal lead, Slater credited with the goal 3-1.

Emma Slater scores Royston’s 3rd

Midway through the 2nd half Royston taking charge of the contest 2nd half, keeping the ball inside the Watford half throwing players forwards. Bodily threading the ball into the box for Slater stealing in clear left of goal, Swallow out well diving in to save at her feet. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads cutting out a diagonal ball flung into the Watford area from the left by Heal.

Kayleigh Elmer-Roads

Elliott comes to close Heal down as Royston push on up the left. The hosts awarded a free-kick deep on the left, lifted high into the top of the area, Elliott under it to head clear for the visitors. Some good attacking moves from Royston, Mills taking the ball on down the right inside for Slater top of the area, sends it on into the area for Heal breaking into the box from the left, her snap shot beat away by Swallow as she drops to make the save.

Ailsa Heal

A corner for Royston out on the left, defended at the near post, no break for the visitors Royston quick to win the ball back, Cattini into Reed shoots wide from range. Watford making a change, Swallow having picked up a knock early in the 2nd half coming off, Watford do have a replacement keeper on the bench as Sophie Adamou enters the action. Royston also making a change, Slater having made an impact since coming on late in the first half coming off, Stacey Roper coming on.

Watford’s Aliyah Cristal Anderson

Kayleigh Elmer-Roads tackling Heal as she looks to make ground on the left for the hosts. Reed nipping in to grab hold of the ball left side puts it inside for Cattini to have a wild strike on goal from range, over the bar. Adamou called into action to deny Mills her hat-trick as the attacker is played in on goal left side her shot angled into the near post Adamou down low to push the ball wide for a corner kick.

Watford goalkeeper, Sophie Adamou

Curled on into the six yard box from the left Adamou getting a glove on the ball turning it on across the six yard box, retrieved by Heal on the right her left foot cross angled back into the far post turned behind for another corner. Adamou getting a stronger hand on this delivery to turn it wide across her goal. Watford’s attacks limited 2nd half haven’t been able to get Bellamy or Graham onto the ball, the latter picking up possession in the middle has support form Georgia Elmer-Road racing on up the left wing, picking her out, her cross into the area is collected cleanly by Carter.

Mills into Heal on the left, Georgia Elmer-Roads lunging in to put the ball out for a throw. Reed into the box knocking it down for Mills, looks to set up Cattini top of the area, her strike charged down deflected behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! Heal on the corner from the right clipping the ball into the near post, Elliott tracking in to cut the ball out for Watford deflected back out to the right, Heal gathering up the line looking to get the ball onto her left for, lifts the ball back in over everyone to land inside the far post to score on her debut to make it 4-1.

Amelie Elliott rising initially clearing Ailsa Heal’s corner

Ailsa Heal celebrates as she sends the ball back in to score on her debut

Royston extending their lead in the 85th minute in firm control of the game, Cattini slides in on Anderson to give the foul away. Lovelace with the ball at her feet for Watford going left has support from Parker who helps the ball on for Lovelace to take on the shot from 20 yards out, on target but straight at Carter in the Royston goal. Watford with free-kick inside the Royston half the ball played on by Parker into the top of the area, Anderson top of the D knocking it on in towards goal, Carter untroubled though gathering the ball up into her gloves.

Cattini mistiming her tackle on Aliyah Cristal Anderson

A counter up the other end Mills fed onto the ball left channel powering her way into the box, Anderson on her shoulder, Mills wide of goal looking to lift her shot over the keeper, Adamou getting an arm up to save tip the ball down dropping to the advancing Cattini top of the area, her strike clipped up over the crossbar.

Royston’s Eloise Cattini

The clock ticking down Royston dropping back a little allowing Watford some relieve, Graham on for Jones-Ghartouchent right side, Roper closing her down for the hosts. Anderson defending on Mills as she takes the ball on down the right. Haselhurst off the throw into Cattini her cross into the box cleared by Elliott. The final whistle blows up and Royston with a dominant 2nd half performance claim the 3 points lifting them up to 2nd in the Premier Division table.

Full time Royston Town Women 4-1 Watford Ladies Development

Royston with a league double over Watford, continue their recent good form to climb above them into 2nd in the table. Remains incredibly tight with sides jockeying for position, Stevenage 3 points clear at the top Royston heading a pack behind with just 3 points separating 2nd to 8th in the table. Sure to remain competitive all season. Royston taking control of the game 2nd half after conceding a last gasp equaliser in the 1st half. Winning the ball well in midfield stifling Watford’s attempts to get forwards kept the visitors pinned back scoring early on. Adding a 2nd midway through the 2nd half created numerous chances forcing saves from both Watford keepers before adding a 4th goal late in the contest.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As often the case a few contenders but one emerging on top I think. Good performances from both sides, firstly for Watford, Shannon Swallow was proactive in goal, making numerous interceptions and saves getting hurt for her efforts eventually forced off. Aliyah Cristal Anderson with some great tackles in defence got across to win the ball. Jada-Chey’ah Graham with some powerful runs on the ball in the 1st half, Royston did well to keep her off the ball 2nd half. Rebecca Lovelace a threat attacking through the middle caused the hosts defence problems. Royston with a strong 2nd half performance, midfielders, Hannah Bodily and Sofia Castiglione winning the ball well keeping the momentum with their side. Amy Reed offering a potent outlet on the left, Ri Badal equally as effective on the right. Emma Slater had a half hour cameo and was impressive getting hold of the ball driving Royston on getting the 3nd goal. The award goes to Laura Mills broke through to open the scoring, made good runs throughout linked up play adding her 2nd early in the 2nd half from a set-piece, unlucky not to go on and claim her hat-trick.

Another entertaining contest from the ERWFL Premier Division, the league highly competitive this season will be exciting to see how it unfolds. Good to see Watford Ladies Development at last. My thanks to Royston for their help in getting the details for both teams as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Stevenage FC Women Development

Sunday 26th October

ERWFL Division One North

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Histon Ladies

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

Stevenage FC Women Development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

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

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

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

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

Stevenage’s Chloe Gregory

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

Stevenage captain, Sophie Hendy with Histon defender, Claire Kreuger

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

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

Goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs preparing to save Evie Nicholls strike

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

Chase Bembridge winning the ball back for Stevenage

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

Claire Kreuger intercepts the ball for Histon

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

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

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

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

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

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

Stevenage’s Isobel Matfield

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

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

Stevenage defender, Abigail Hunt

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

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

Evie Nicholls opening the scoring for Histon

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

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

Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson

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

Stevenage goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

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

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

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

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

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

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

Histon winger, Ella Marden

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

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

Histon full back Abi Davies

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

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

Captain Laura Leyland firing Histon into a 2 goal lead

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

Jess Preston winning the ball back for Stevenage

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

Stevenage’s Frankie Tilbury

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

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

Histon’s Sabrina Ghosh

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

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

Full time Histon Ladies 2-0 Stevenage FC Women Development

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Hashtag United Women Reserves

Sunday 12th October

ERWFL League Cup

Back at it this Sunday with a game from the ERWFL League Cup, the competition into the 2nd Round, Hashtag United Women Reserves, newly promoted to the ERWFL, 2nd in Division One South travelling to Norfolk to face Premier Division side, Wroxham Women.

The clubs knocked out in the opening 2 rounds of the ERWFL League Cup going on to contest the League Plate.

Wroxham Women, seeing Joe Simpson return to take on the managers role this season following the departure of Adam Race, the Norfolk club doing well in the League Cup in recent season’s since making the switch from Acle to join Wroxham, finalists in 2022 & 2024. Simpson very busy on the coaching front at the moment also interim manager at King’s Lynn Town FC. The club having something of a rebuild with a few senior players moving on, such as former captain Becky Russell. Tigi Robson formerly vice captain stepping up to the role. Currently 9th in the Premier Division table will be looking to push on into the top half challenge the leading pack.

A host of new faces joining the side this season, a younger squad full of players with great potential to go on grow in the game. Some experience added too, Kathryn Stanley formerly playing for FAWNL side, Norwich City Women joining this season. Alice Collins another with a wealth of experience playing for Wymondham, King’s Lynn and most recently Thetford in the ERWFL. Sister’s Katie and Maddie Green made a name for themselves in Norfolk starring for Fakenham Town Ladies last season. Lucy Bradford re-joining the squad this season. Holly Farrow comes to Wroxham having been at Mulbarton last season with Milly Weddle joining having played for Ipswich Academy. Rachel Skinner the most recent recruit previously with King’s Lynn Town. Hannah Fuller always amongst the goals for Wroxham still leading the line has 3 to her name so far this season, Hayley Kindred one ahead netting 4.

Hashtag United football club bursting onto the football scene in Essex, a new concept showing lots of ambition, on the women’s side taking over the C&K Basildon Women’s side that had reached the 3rd tier of the women’s football pyramid, pushing hard for promotion too from the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, becoming the leading force for women’s football in the county. First saw their Reserves side in the final of the Essex Women’s County Cup back in 2023, played well suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Billericay Town Women. Reserves sides within the FAWNL struggling to find a settled path in recent season’s.

Led by Declan Murphy, Hashtag United Women Reserves joined the Essex Women’s Premier Division last season, were a strong outfit emerging out on top to clinch both the league title and lift the league cup making the progression up into the ERWFL and regional football, joining Division One South, with a already strong Essex presence. Performing best amongst the newly promoted sides. winning 4 of their opening 6 league matches with just the one loss to sit 2nd in the table amongst the sides looking to chase down leaders Chelmsford City Women. The highest scorers in the league too finding the back of the net for 29 goals in those 6 matches including 15 in their last 2 matches. Chelise Fleming top scorer so far with 13 goals from 6 matches. Sophia Mylona with 7 from the 2 games she has featured in.

The Ginger Pickle Arena at Trafford Park the venue for today’s league cup encounter, home to Yachtsmen and Yachtswomen, Wroxham one of a number of clubs that gives great promotion and support to their women’s side. The large grass pitch sloping from one goal to the other, a small covered stand with seating on one side with standing viewing all-round the clubhouse and bar open serving both hot and cold drinks and food. The weather somewhat overcast today but settled and still mild for the time of year.

Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Katie Green, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Jordan Arnoup, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Jorja Palmer, Lauren Bullard, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Kathryn Stanley, Milly Weddle, Hayley Kindred, Holly Farrow & Rachel Skinner.

Wroxham Women

Hashtag United Women Reserves starting XI – Aulona Xhema, Macey Rothon (C), Emma Clark, Emily Galea, Sarah Finch, Raissa Taborda, Charis Howell, Leonnie Telford, Motunrayo Ojobaro, Chelise Fleming & Sophia Mylona. Subs – Emily Hamlin, Leyla Priest, Erin Radburn, Mimi Ouacel & Gracie Oxby.

Hashtag United Women Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Wroxham having played 4 successive away fixtures, glad to be back on home turf, giving a few players a rest have a few missing through injury, new signing Collins and defender Ella Gambell who recently suffered a broken collar bone amongst them. Defender Albany Hodgson, recently announcing her pregnancy, sending her my congratulations. Hashtag themselves a young side, just captain, Macey Rothon and defender Chloe Galea remain from the squad that played in the County Cup final.

Wroxham to kick-off the first half attacking down the slope, wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks, Hashtag lined up opposite in their away colours, red and blue patterned halved shirts, red shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Katie Knights in midfield lifts it forwards into the right channel for Lauren Bullard rushing forwards the ball cleared by captain, Macey Rothon for Hashtag, the hosts looking to press forwards early on get after the ball inside the Hashtag half, Wroxham forcing it on into the left channel, Hannah Fuller, bursting through into the box looking to get onto the ball, goalkeeper, Aulona Xhema rushing forwards to put her foot through the ball to launch clear.

Looking highly competitive in the middle, Charis Howell getting hold of the ball for Hashtag lifting in on into the right wing for Motunrayo Ojobaro to attack breaking forwards with pace, Poppy Loveland moving across to defend for Wroxham sliding in to tackle the ball out for a throw. Lily Alexander battling for the ball in the middle for Wroxham pushed up along side Katie Knights the latter clipping the diagonal pass on for Bullard attacking down the right flank, stands a cross up to the near post, taken cleanly above her head by Xhema.

Physical too both sides getting stuck in Alexander and Chelise Fleming tussling for the ball. Wroxham winning throws on either flank inside their opponents half. Jorja Palmer on the left for Wroxham getting help from her captain Tigi Robson the ball squared into the middle for Alexander, send on to the right Katie Green latching onto it sending a high ball into the area claimed by Xhema.

Wroxham’s Jorja Palmer

Hashtag under pressure, break away with pace the ball from Raissa Taborda in the centre forced on into the path of Leonie Telford charging forwards on the left, takes on the strike early her angled shot from all of 25 yards out racing wide past the far post.

Ojobaro back to help in defence as Wroxham build on the left Knights linking up with Palmer and Fuller, Ojobaro snapping in to regain possession for the visitors.

GOAL! Hashtag look dangerous on the counter and so proves the case as the ball is cleared out of defence, up to halfway the bounce misread by the defence, sees Fleming break clear with the ball at her feet storming on through the middle pulls the trigger from 20 yards out fiercely struck the ball flies past goalkeeper, Bryony Williams into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Chelise Fleming breaking away to open the scoring for Hashtag.

Hashtag into the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Wroxham look to regroup the ball into Maddie Green played on for Fuller in attack, working hard to close the ball down in the final 3rd comes left, her cross cut back to the top of the area, cleared by Hashtag’s Chloe Galea. The hosts pressing the ball in the final 3rd Palmer squared to Knights left corner turns, looks to play the ball on for Fuller attacking through the middle, cut out by Galea who sets her side away on the counter the ball launched forwards through the middle for Fleming to try and chase down, Williams starts to come, but stays inside her box as she realises the ball has just about enough on it for her to gather safely.

Wroxham winning a throw on the right Katie Green putting the pass into Knights inside right 25 yards out looks to line up a strike, Fleming back in the way to charge the ball down for Hashtag. The visitors come away with the ball on the right, Emma Clark taking the ball on from the back launching a diagonal ball into the box, Sophia Mylona the target racing in on goal, Loveland with her even as Williams comes to get hold of the high ball, does well, her momentum however seeing her collide with her own defender, Loveland floored and in need of treatment. A pause in play but she is okay to play on.

Wroxham come down the left Palmer sending the deep cross into the middle, taken down by Alexander she looks to push on towards the area appears to have her shirt pulled, play goes one however, Sarah Finch in to make the challenge the ball deflected away to the left Palmer latching onto it shooting on the angle low into the near post. Xhema across to cover the angle scooping up the ball.

Hashtag defender, Sarah Finch

GOAL! Pushing for a reply get the ball forwards into Palmer out on the left she cuts it back into Maddie Green who plays it in central for Alexander, Hashtag quick to move in close her down, she still gets the ball back out to Palmer left outside the box her cross back in central latched onto by Knights inside the D who makes good contact with the ball smashing her shot past the keeper before she can react to level the scores. 1-1.

Katie Knights fires in the equaliser for Wroxham

Wroxham back on level terms with 20 minutes on the clock. Shaping up to be a lively cup contest. Loveland with a crucial interception stretching a leg out to cut the ball from Fleming out as she looks to send it on for Mylona through the middle. Rothon sliding in to challenge, Bullard and Katie Green sends the ball on for her down Wroxham’s right wing.

Fleming with an over zealous challenge on Loveland getting a stern talking too from the referee, Wroxham awarded the free-kick. A loose goal-kick form Hashtag presenting the ball straight to Maddie Green 25 yards out sweeps the ball out to the left for Palmer, looks to take the ball inside, Clark closing her down well tackling to see the ball out for another Wroxham throw.

Jorja Palmer with Hashtag’s Emma Clark

Katie and Maddie Green combine on the right as Wroxham attack the deep cross into the near post dealt with well by Hashtag’s Finch. Wroxham sending a shot over from range as they move in rapidly to regain possession. Hashtag with pace to burn in attack, Ojobaro getting hold of the ball on the right surging forwards driving into the box right of goal close to the by-line cuts it back into the middle, just behind the on rushing Mylona. Multiple shots from the top of the area blocked by the Wroxham defence one taking a wicked deflection wide of the right post for a corner kick.

Hashtag’s Motunrayo Ojobaro

The corner played into the near post from the right, good pace on the ball, Fleming stretching out a leg looking to strike it on the volley. Alexander close in on her in the way to block the ball. Fleming a real handful to deal with when she gets hold of the ball looking to push on through the middle, strong, Robson does well to stay on her getting a block in as she pulls the trigger top of the area the sting taken off the ball runs on for her keeper to snatch up.

Arnoup in defence for Wroxham cutting the ball out as Taborda and Fleming combine through the middle the latter’s pass forwards not reaching Mylona bursting in behind. Loveland sends the ball long for Wroxham into the left channel, Fuller moving across to link up with Palmer in attack. Clark snapping on to win the ball back for Hashtag launching a rapid counter…

Emma Clark

GOAL! … Clark’s ball rolled forwards into Ojobaro with the ball at her feet drives on up the wing before squaring a dangerous ball into the six yard box, Mylona the first to arrive getting onto the end of it to coolly turn the ball past the keeper from close range to put Hashtag back into the lead 1-2.

Sophia Mylona scoring to put Hashtag back into the lead

The visitors back into the lead as the first half closes in on the half hour mark. Wroxham frustrated several free-kicks being given away, Fleming with another robust challenge gets another warning from the referee. Fuller taking the ball on from Maddie Green in the right channel looks for force her way through into the Hashtag box, 4 players closing her down, there’s no way through.

Wroxham’s Hannah Fuller

Finch getting her head on the ball to defend a Bullard cross from the right gives away the corner kick. Wroxham look to mix things up with a short corner but mess it up losing possession on the left Taborda coming away with the ball for Hashtag pressing forwards, Katie Green across to get back at her defend for Wroxham. Some bruising battles out there, the ball contested strongly through the middle, Arnoup getting there first as Fleming looks to knock the ball on for Ojobaro on the right.

Jordan Arnoup

Bullard receiving the ball into her feet on the left plays it on for Palmer, gets inside Clark, but not Finch as the centre back comes round on the cover. Loveland doing the defending for Wroxham at the back as Taborda looks to send Ojobaro clear on the right. Rothon intercepting the ball on the left for Hashtag looks to send Telford away on the wing, Katie Green closing her down to put the ball out for a throw.

All action a lively cup contest, Loveland with another good tackle to deny Fleming this time as the attacker looks to plough her way into the left channel. Wroxham with the ball on the right Maddie Green playing it on for Fuller to race onto inside the box right of goal, Finch going with her even as Xhema comes rushing out to slide in try and claim the ball, instead collides with her own defender the ball loose beyond them both Fuller trying to get to it, Rothon back on the cover winning the race instead to clear the ball across the face of goal out to the left.

Xhema stays down after the collision in need of treatment, have a replacement keeper in Emily Hamlin on the bench, time taken however and is up and ready to continue. Moving into the final 5 minutes of the first half. Hashtag breaking clear to attack on the right Fleming storming on with the ball her cross into the area deflected by Knights, allowing Robson to clear, only as far as Ojobaro on the right, shifts the ball inside getting into the box to shoot on the angle her low strike saved by Williams as she drops getting her body behind the ball.

Lily Alexander with Raissa Taborda

Fleming making a nuisance of herself, a coming together with Arnoup on the left, sees the Wroxham defender penalised shown a yellow card, the visitors presented with the free-kick. Telford over the ball, goes for goal getting her shot on target at the near post, lacks the height though to trouble Williams who has the angle covered.

Mylona seeing the ball from Howell into her feet turns to play the ball on for Telford on the left, Katie Green lunging in for Wroxham to see the ball out for a throw. The throw finding its way on through to Taborda central 25 yards out has a swing at the ball her shot over the bar. Taborda getting stuck in to her tackles in the middle for Hashtag breaking play up getting her side back on the front foot.

Wroxham continue to win throws high on both flanks, Finch making a couple of interceptions inside the box as Wroxham press players on around the box. Fleming passing the ball out to Telford left side squares it back into Taborda in the middle 30 yard out goes for another strike on goal, Robson charging it down for Wroxham.

Fleming strong holding the ball up well on the right for Hashtag turns to cross into the box, Robson sticking a leg out to cut it out turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Once again flashed into the near post, Fleming the target trying on connect on the volley, evades Knights close on her this time, but not Arnoup covering the post sees the ball wide for another corner kick.

Telford to clip another corner into the box from the right, defended by Wroxham’s Bullard, cleared back out to Telford on the right, strikes the ball back into the area on the angle her effort dropping wide past the far post. Loveland sends the ball on from the back for Wroxham into Fuller in the left channel plays it central for Knights is chopped down the free-kick awarded the hosts furious a card hasn’t been shown. Alexander over the set-piece 25 yards out her strike hitting the wall away for a corner on the right. Flung into the near post Hashtag successfully defend as the whistle blows up for half-time.

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-2 Hashtag United Women Reserves

A hard fought cup tie sees the visitors from Essex leading 2-1 at the break. Wroxham making a strong stat looking to get after the ball inside their opponents half, fiercely contested in the middle Hashtag looked dangerous on the counter attack with plenty of pace in the final 3rd, took advantage to open the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, Wroxham coming back to level the scores midway through the half, another counter saw Hashtag retake the lead. Created further chances, both sides look a threat going forwards, just a single goal in it still all to play for in the 2nd half.

Hashtag making a change at the break, captain, Macey Rothon picking up a knock in the first half replaced at left back by Mimi Ouacel. Wroxham unchanged the visitors out early wanting to get back underway. The ball played on into the left channel, Katie Green getting hold of it for Wroxham coming forwards played into Knights right of the D to cross in central looking to pick out Fuller, Finch intercepts well for Hashtag.

The hosts looking to get on with the ball at the start of the 2nd half Maddie Green into Fuller ahead of her on the right, Galea lunging in to defend win the ball back for Hashtag. Galea winning the ball at the back soon after for Hashtag looking to get Ouacel away on the left, Katie Green closing her down well for Wroxham.

Hashtag’s Chloe Galea

Maddie Green taking the ball on up the right for Wroxham squaring a cross into the top of the area for Bullard looks to play it into Fuller ahead of her closely marked by Galea the ball stabbed clear out to the left, Robson getting hold of it striking in a shot on the angle from outside the box her effort over the bar.

Fleming making a run into the right wing sees the ball into her feet drives down the line before flashing a shot in at the near post, Williams with a sharp save getting a glove on the ball to turn it into the side netting for a corner kick. The corner defended by Wroxham the hosts break quickly the ball with Maddie Green on the right sends it on for Fuller pressing on into the box his held up by Clark, lays it back for Green to clip in towards goal on the angle, not enough on it as Xhema can see it down into her gloves.

Maddie Green

Williams comes racing out of her area to slide in and clear the ball away for a throw as Ojobaro threatens to burst clear attacking on the right for Hashtag. Wroxham quick to advance as they play the ball long into Maddie Green right wing pushing on her cross low into the box taking a deflection coming into Bullard top of the area, leaning back as she shoots her effort over the crossbar.

Lauren Bullard

Hashtag working hard in defence to keep Wroxham out as the hosts look to push up the flanks, Ojobaro back to defend on Palmer as she takes the ball on from Alexander up the left. Hashtag remain a constant threat on the counter attack, Howell getting the ball on for Mylona lifts it into Fleming drifting right her cross into the opposition area, too strong for Telford charging on from the left.

Charis Howell after the ball for Hashtag

Knights threading the ball on for Fuller positioned top of the area, Finch stabbing a foot out to take it away from her for Hashtag. Katie Green up with sister, Maddie on the right the cross into the box too close to the keeper, Xhema taking the catch. Wroxham ringing the changes 15 minutes into the 2nd half making a quadruple switch, Robson, Palmer, Arnoup and Bullard coming off, on come Kathryn Stanley, Holly Farrow, Milly Weddle and Rachel Skinner. Fuller now wearing the armband.

Knights doesn’t get the connection she wants on her strike from 20 yards out left of the D as the ball bounces up off the turf into the keepers gloves. Taborda fouls Skinner on half way the set-piece leading to a corner being conceded. Played in goes through everyone inside the six yard box. Cleared the ball forwards won by Katie Green into the right flank, Fuller after it as Ouacel turns to defend, looking to get around the defender onto the ball Fuller, accidentally clips her heels bringing her down for the free-kick.

Katie Green

Ojobaro with the ball at her feet on the right attacking for Hashtag squares it in central for Taborda, Weddle quickly across her path the deny her the strike from 25 yards out. Wroxham with fresh legs on the pitch looking to press the advantage good link up play between Katie Green, Maddie Green and Skinner on the right the ball crossed into the box for Knights she rolls it outside back to Maddie Green who strikes over from 20 yards out.

Taborda picking up a blow for Hashtag comes off to be replaced by Leyla Priest. Fuller fouled in the left corner as she is played onto the ball by Knights. Alexander over the free-kick, curls the ball in on the keeper, Xhema throwing an arm up to turn the ball over for a corner kick. Delivered into the area from the right is cut out for a 2nd corner. Taken short to Katie Green looks to exchange passes with Alexander, Hashtag’s Ouacel moving in to close them down the cross angled high into the box taken cleanly by Xhema.

Mimi Ouacel

Williams rushing out of her box to slide in try and win the ball before Mylona can reach it as Hashtag counter through the middle, the pair coming together the goalkeeper coming off worse. Hashtag’s turn to complain to the referee. A long pause in play so the keeper can receive treatment but is up and okay to continue. Into the final 20 minutes, the clock ticking down as Wroxham look to level the game.

Howell giving away a free-kick inside her half, Wroxham play it back for Knights to clip a long ball into the right channel for Skinner bursting forwards just a little too much on it Skinner can’t keep it in play. Wroxham winning a throw high on the right, Maddie Green linking up with Skinner a teasing cross flung into the six yard box, Knights jumping for it central can only get a glancing touch with her header not enough to turn it past the keeper travels on out to the left cleared by Clark.

Rachel Skinner up to head the ball for Wroxham

Wroxham making another switch, Fuller the player coming off, Hayley Kindred coming on. Finch defends for Hashtag as Skinner tries to pick out Stanley drifting into the box from the left. Ojobaro coming off for Hashtag, Erin Radburn sent into the action.

Poppy Loveland

GOAL! Wroxham have been pressing all 2nd half looking for a 2nd goal, find it as they build on the right, Katie Green on for Maddie Green her lay off seeing Kindred race on up the flank with the ball at her feet digging a cross out dropping into the six yard box for Stanley at the far post to nod down past the keeper and into the goal beyond 2-2.

Kathryn Stanley makes it 2-2 for Wroxham

Wroxham equalising with a little over 5 minutes of regular play left. Hashtag get straight on the attack from the restart the pass finding Fleming pulling away on the right to strike the ball in on the angle, Williams down sharply at her near post to make the save. Fleming out on the right again, evading a challenge from Loveland to shoot her effort wide across goal past the far post.

Fleming down with a knock after the attack but back on her feet seeing more stoppage time added. A tense finish to the game. Skinner charging on with the ball right side for Wroxham taking on the early cross into the top of the area cut out by the Hashtag defence, comes back to Alexander, striking it on the volley, over the bar.

Lily Alexander

Loveland defending well at the back for Wroxham, with the challenge on Fleming as the attacker looks to see the ball into her feet spin away to the right. Skinner carries the ball on up the right for Wroxham playing it on for Kindred, she turns it back into Skinners feet as she checks inside to shoot from the top of the area her looping shot dipping onto the roof of the net.

GOAL! The 90 minutes almost up Wroxham having fought their way back into the game are undone chasing a winning goal the ball cleared by Xhema at the back finding its way through to Mylona stealing into space in the left channel, getting hold of the ball drives on into the box before striking a rising shot on past the keeper to strike the back of the net and fire the Essex side back into the lead 2-3!

Sophia Mylona fires Hashtag back into the lead late in the game

A hammer blow for Wroxham late in the contest get back on the attack the ball from Alexander into Stanley out side the area top of the D, puts her foot through it the ball taking a couple of deflections off the Hashtag defence on its way through out wide for a corner kick. Fuller sent back into the action for Wroxham. Maddie Green right has Skinner ahead of her, plays her in, Ouacel dives in to see the ball out for a throw in.

Into stoppage time, plenty to be added, Fuller strong in possession wide left her shot into the near post held by the keeper. Katie Green with the block on Mylona as the visitors threaten another dangerous counter. Kindred on the left now for Wroxham driving up the wing her cut back cut out by Telford back in defence for the visitors. Wroxham throwing players on looking for a 3rd reply with time running out, Kindred on for Fuller left her cross intercepted by Finch.

Knights with a strike from distance straight at the keeper as Fuller’s cross from the left in cleared straight into her feet. The hosts winning a late corner on the right flung into the box near side, Howell clearing for Hashtag. Howell slides in soon after on Kindred as she attacks on the right the ball away for a throw. Fleming always ready to receive the ball off the counter as Hashtag break, Mylona looking to play her on right side, Loveland on her to tackle see the ball out for a throw.

Fuller attacking left flank sees her cross turned behind off a defender for a corner kick. Plenty up in the six yard box, players coming together, the referee needing to have words to calm things down the cross not finding its mark. Deep into injury time Hashtag working hard determined to keep Wroxham out get the ball forwards a run into the corner not a option for Fleming as she blasts a shot in on the angle from the right wide across goal. Hashtag with the ball up the right end with a corner turned behind at the near post from the left, no time for the 2nd corner as the final whistle blows and Hashtag beat higher league opposition to advance in this season’s League Cup.

Full time Wroxham Women 2-3 Hashtag United Women Reserves

A combative game, Wroxham working hard to find a reply in the 2nd half coming back to level the game as Hashtag worked just as hard to try and keep them out, counter attacks limited in the 2nd half but just as dangerous, Mylona breaking clear into the left channel to fire the visitors into the lead for the 3rd time in the match. Wroxham having fought so hard to get back on level terms suffering a hammer blow tried to level the match up for the 3rd time but to no avail as Hashtag worked hard as a unit to keep them out.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as is often the case another tough decision several contenders on both sides in both attack and defence. A few to mention, firstly for Wroxham, Poppy Loveland make several important tackles in defence covered the ground and stayed focused throughout, Katie Green too strong at the back with a number of vital tackles played some great balls forwards too. Lily Alexander got into some good positions centrally used the ball well and got stuck in was a lively midfield. Katie Knights too in the middle making some good runs on hand to score the first equaliser. For Hashtag was a strong team effort from back to front. Chelise Fleming a real handful all game strong on the ball, always available for the quick counter firing her side into the lead. Sophia Mylona with a brace with some good runs in attack too. Leonie Telford and Motunrayo Ojobaro with pace on the flanks get forwards well to join the attack, both doing their part to defend 2nd half. Raissa Taborda get stuck in closing the ball down in the middle, winning her fair share of tackles got the ball moving. Emma Clark with several well timed tackles on the right of defence. The award goes to central defender Sarah Finch, read the game well getting into the right positions to win the ball inside the box, closed down well and as Wroxham squeezed the defence and midfield together in the 2nd half didn’t let anything through.

An entertaining and heartily contested cup tie from the ERWFL League Cup, my first trip to the Ginger Pickle Arena this season, good to catch up with Wroxham, see Hashtag United Women Reserves in action too, will certainly be a threat for whoever they face in the next round. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 28th September

FAWNL League Cup

Heading to St Neots this Sunday to catch some action from the FAWNL League Cup, a new format for the competition this season with the Determining Round that traditionally opened the competition being replaced with a group stage, I’ll explain it all in short order. Today’s game group Group L with Cambridge United WFC taking on Norwich City Women, both flying high in South East Division One have it all to play for in the League Cup.

The Determining Round the opening round of fixtures in the FAWNL in previous seasons was a straight forward one of game with the sides drawn together, the winners progressing onto the League Cup itself the losing sides entering the League Plate. A new format this season with the sides across all 6 divisions cross tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid, the FAWNL along with sides from the WSL Academy’s drawn into 22 groups of 4, regionally to play each other once, the 22 group winners plus 10 best runners-up then going onto compete in the knock-out stages of the League Cup. The other 12 runners-up, plus 2 third placed sides going onto compete in the knock-out stages of the League Plate.

Cambridge United WFC and Norwich City Women drawn into Group L alongside Midlands Division One side, Peterborough United Women and Real Bedford Women newly promoted to the Southern Premier Division. Playing each other once Real Bedford Women have won both there matches to lead the group are are likely to progress to the Cup itself. Peterborough have lost their opening two fixtures and have it all to do against Real Bedford if they are to stay in the competition. That leaves Cambridge United WFC and Norwich City Women to fight it out for runners-up spot most likely, Cambridge edging that on goals scored both need to win to have the best chance of being one of the 10 best runners-up.

Group L

Pos	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Real Bedford Women	2	2	0	0	4	1	3	6
2	Cambridge United WFC	2	1	0	1	3	3	0	3
3	Norwich City Women	2	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
4	Peterborough United Women	2	0	0	2	1	4	-3	0

Cambridge United WFC reaching the final of the League Plate a couple of season’s ago changing their manager over the close season with Sean Greygoose stepping up from coaching the U18s to lead the 1st team. A few changes in playing personnel, the club have recruited well bringing on some useful experience to enhance the squad, most notably bringing in attacker Jade Bell from Northampton Town Women scoring 36 goals last season help Northampton finished runners-up in Midlands Division One, has hit the ground running at Cambridge scoring 7 goals in 7 matches. Kim Farrow and Mia Richards also recruited from Northampton bagging 3 goals each too. Starting the season with an opening day defeat to newly promoted Fulham followed by a narrow cup lost to Real Bedford have since won 5 on the bounce in league and cup climbing to 3rd in the table.

Norwich City Women’s main aim is to win the South East Division One title and clinch promotion to the 3rd tier. Know it isn’t an easy task and finishing runners-up for the past couple of season’s are doing all they can on and off the pitch to find that extra crucial yard. Victory at high flying London Bees last weekend saw them climb to 2nd in the table with an identical record to 3rd placed Cambridge setting both up nicely for this afternoon’s cup clash. Signing a number of players up to professional contracts for the 1st time in the clubs history. A strong group of talented young players with a few experienced heads have bolstered their numbers bringing in, the likes of attacker, Eloise Hall from Spurs Academy. Evie Williams played in defence for Ipswich, goalkeeper, Holly Mears comes form Notts Forest Academy. Grace Riglar with good Championship experience playing for Blackburn. And finally Eloise Page most recently with Billericay, used to terrorise Norwich during her time with Ipswich.

St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s encounter, the way into the town an ever changing construction site with major works going on redeveloping the area. The stadium itself in a built up area boasting a main grass pitch and 3G beside. Viewing all round with a covered seated stand beside the pitch beyond the clubhouse the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. Raining prior to kick-off not forecast to last the game to be played under bright sunny conditions.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Tally Milles, Lauren Tomlinson, Abbie Jackson, Zoe Wood (C), Mia Richards, Shannon Shaw, Jade Bell & Mollie Coupar. Subs – Sophie Shults, Brook Cheal-Ferris, Josephine Jarvis, Lauren Cullum, Becca Stephenson, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner & Alysia Stojko-Down.

Cambridge United WFC

Norwich City Women starting XI – Holly Mears, Ellie Bishop, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss (C), Evie Williams, Izzy Moore, Sienna Booty, Lauren Hailes, Lara Densley, Poppy Francis & Eloise Hall. Subs – Sarah Quantrill, Holly Kennard, Olivia Cook, Freya Symonds, Natasha Snelling & Drew Wilson.

Norwich City Women

Both sides with good competition on their squad naming strong benches to support the starting XI. Norwich bringing good numbers to support their side a good atmosphere at the ground. The sun emerging as the sides enter the pitch ready for kick-off.

Captain’s Hope Strauss and Zoe Wood with today’s match officials

Cambridge will kick-off the first 45 wearing their amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Norwich in their away colours pink patterned shirts with marron shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Sammy Edgar in midfield she sends it long into the left channel looking for Mollie Coupar in attack the ball dealt with by Norwich captain Hope Strauss heading the ball away to the left for a throw in.

Cambridge looking to press early on get after the Norwich defence in the final third winning a free-kick out on the left, angled in towards the area, Ceri Flye dealing with it for the visitors, the pressure stays on Cambridge no having the services of long throw specialist, Lauren Tomlinson, at Norwich prior to joining Cambridge they know all about the threat it can pose, the ball into Shannon Shaw inside the box left side hooks it out to the top of the area, Jade Bell looking to bring it down release a shot won’t sit for her before Norwich move in to close her down.

Cambridge continue to press high captain Zoe Wood getting the ball into Bell right channel out to Coupar on the flank, drives on, Ellie Bishop lunging to block her cross the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Swung into the near post cut out behind for a 2nd corner. This delivery sent long across the face of goal, defender Abbie Jackson rising at the far post can’t quite get her head on the ball to make an attempt on goal.

Abbie Jackson heads clear for Cambridge

Norwich having to work hard early on ride out some intense Cambridge pressure, Izzy Moore getting hold of the ball the visitors turn on the counter attack break forwards with pace the ball threaded into Poppy Francis’ path on the right takes the ball on, angling the cross in central, Jackson stretching out a leg to cut the ball out for Cambridge, however the flag is raised for an offside in the middle.

Izzy Moore

Sienna Booty getting hold of the ball for the visitors playing it on for Lara Densley left side has support from Lauren Hailes with Bishops surging on on the overlap to the by-line the cross lifted up to the near post, goalkeeper Lauren Webb claiming it high above her head for Cambridge. The cup tie has a derby feel about it both sides getting stuck in after the ball. Cambridge’s turn to break the ball on the right Mia Richards on for Bell taking it on to the by-line flashes a cross in along the face of the Norwich goal, Coupar throwing herself at the ball far post can’t get a telling touch.

Jackson up to defend a Norwich free-kick flung into the top of the area from the half way line. Both sides hounding the ball in the middle, often popping about skips forwards for Norwich an awkward ball for the Cambridge defence pushed up to try and dealt with Densley rushing in to dispossess, Lauren Rouse runs in behind, closing in on the box right side releases her shot early pulling it wide of the near post.

Lara Densley

Norwich winning a corner on the right as Hailes looks to take the ball on from Bishop. The referee delaying the kick to have a word with the melee of players gathering in a cluster looking to attack. Curled into the near post, Tally Milles turning it behind for a 2nd corner. Lifted high into the six yard box, defender Evie Williams pulling off her marker round the back rising to meet the ball with her head lifting her effort over the bar.

Norwich coming back at Cambridge strong getting the ball into Hailes and Densley making some good runs into the channels, Densley winning a corner on the right. Players up from the back the ball put into the mix top of the box falls to half clear comes out to Flye wide right to cross the ball back in from the top corner of the box, Moore meeting it in the middle her strike blocked by Jackson for Cambridge. Norwich keep players up in the final word press to regain the ball fed into the right wing Flye taking it on her cross cut out by Jackson inside the box.

GOAL! Cambridge are in trouble struggling to get the ball out of their area, Booty snatching hold of the ball for the visitors, lays it back into the area cut out is presented straight to Flye positioned inside the box left of the D, lines up her shot striking the ball back in from 18 yards low through legs, the diving keeper seeing it late past her into the bottom corner 0-1.

Norwich celebrate as Ceri Flye fires them into the lead

Norwich taking the lead inside the opening quarter hour, getting numbers forward to press and create the opportunity. Cambridge looking a little unsettled Edgar coming left as they look to regroup sends the ball on up the flank for Bell to take forwards cuts her cross square into the area left of goal, Coupar attacking it wrong footing her marker to give herself an opening to shoot, Norwich keeper, Holly Mears making a great save off of her legs as she comes to close the angle.

Norwich goalkeeper, Holly Mears

Hall on the attack driving on with the ball left side for Norwich angles a cross-field ball into Densley up top central holding it up attempts to play the cross into the far post with Hall powering on, Cambridge appealing for offside, Hall dragging her shot wide of the post. Both sides crunching in with some strong tackles free-kicks given away the game allowed to flow for the most part, Edgar picking up a heavy knock. Shaw seeing the ball into her feet inside the Norwich half hooking it on on the turn high into the area, Mears taking it down well into her gloves with Bell rushing in to close her down.

Norwich look a real threat from the counter break well as a unit, Hall given the ball from Booty surges down the right on for Francis, getting past one defender, but not the 2nd as Tomlinson on the cover behind Jackson cuts out her cross. Wood coming right with the ball for Cambridge launched up the wing into Bell her cross headed clear by Strauss inside the box. Hall with a strong challenge on Edgar little quarter being given.

Densley shifting the ball between her feet coming in off the left wing for Norwich into the top of the area letting loose a strike angled in low on goal Webb down sharply to save, gloves out to stop the ball does quite get hold of it, Tomlinson round on the cover well clearing off the line.

Cambridge captain, Zoe Wood

Lively as Moore finds Hall on the right pushing on for Norwich sending it one for Densley moving into the right channel her cross into the top of the area sees Hailes running onto the ball, Webb rushing out to close her down sliding in well to make the blocking save as she pulls the trigger.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Norwich fluid through the middle, Moore and Booty getting stuck in after the ball, players making good runs ahead of them. Densley taking it on looking for Hall up top through the middle, Webb out to the top of her area to deal with the threat for Cambridge. Densley’s shoots wide as she id flagged offside as Francis sends the ball into her from the right.

Norwich’s Sienna Booty

Miles putting the ball on for Richards on Cambridge’s right, wins a corner of Bishop as the defender lunges in to challenge. The delivery curled in on the keeper central, Norwich manage to get it clear to the top of the area, Bell collecting it moving it between her feet sending a shot in looking for the top left corner her attempt narrowly wide.

Edgar picking up another heavy knock, needing treatment, a chance for both benches to get their players over to the side-lines take on some fluids and instruction. Up on her feet feeling the knock Edgar is okay to play on. Moving into the final 10 minutes of a fast paced first half Norwich on the ball left side sending a cross into the area from deep, Hall throwing herself at it can’t get a touch as it flies across the face of goal. The visitors retrieve on the right the ball cut back to the top of the area Moore latching onto it her looping effort dipping just over the crossbar onto the roof of the net.

Miles sending a cross from a deep position on the right into the Norwich box, Coupar central can’t quite get her head onto it as Flye clears. Norwich remain a threat on the counter attack, Booty on for Francis right side level with the top of the area squares the ball inside to Hailes on the corner of the Cambridge area, release her shot angling in to the far post, inches wide, had Hall poked her foot at it she would surely have scored coming in behind the defence.

Lauren Hailes

Tomlinson with a throw high on the left for Cambridge into Bell at the near post, turned behind by the defence for a corner kick. A good delivery into the box from the left Shaw rising high centrally heading the ball back down towards goal aiming for the left post, Mears scrambling across her line snatching it up into her gloves before Rouse closing in can divert it home.

Into the closing stages of the first half both sides creating chances, Edgar into Shaw, looking for Bell right channel, Williams closing her down. Shaw given the ball in a central position puts it on for Bell has Coupar to her right, she angles the ball on for Richards wide right, drives on Bishop closing her down, wins the ball, Richards stays on her the pair tussling, Richards winning a corner kick.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

An intense first 45 minutes comes to an end with Norwich holding a narrow advantage, Ceri Flye’s 13th minute strike the difference between the sides. Very much has a derby feel about the cup tie, both sides putting in some robust challenges looking to keep the ball moving and press in numbers. Both keepers called into action with some vital tackles too, chances for both, all to play for 2nd half.

Neither side making any changes at the start of the 2nd half as Norwich get the game restarted. The ball played back into the middle, Cambridge move in fast to close the ball down put the visitors under pressure, looking to release it into the left channel, Strauss into defend for Norwich on Coupar heading the ball out for a throw in. Cambridge working the ball into the top of their opponents area, Flye clearing it for Norwich.

Norwich captain, Hope Strauss

Booty coming no with the ball combines with Densley on the left for Norwich getting up the pitch, Miles into close the ball down putting it out for a throw in. Strauss defending for Norwich getting the ball back to her keeper, as Bell hooks the ball on for Coupar up top. Norwich break the ball played out to the left Hall, up with Francis the shot drilled into the side netting.

Norwich’s Eloise Hall

Free-kicks continue to be given away, Cambridge awarded one on the half way line on the left, Tomlinson told to move the ball back as Norwich vocalise their objections to where it is being taken. Both sides are up for it, clipped long into the top of the area, Booty winning it to clear for Norwich. Some good individual battles all over the pitch, Richards and Hailes just one example the latter coming off 2nd best as both challenge for the ball, hurt play is stopped, but time is taken to recover she is up back on her feet.

Mia Richards battling for possession with Lauren Hailes

Cambridge looking to push players on better in the 2nd half looking to get at the Norwich back line a back pass, sliced by the keeper behind for a corner kick. Played into the near post Norwich don’t get it clear Cambridge with numbers up around the ball hooked out to the right, Jackson looking to hold it up does well to buy the free-kick off Bishop.

The set-piece driven into the box, defended turned behind for a corner kick.. Cambridge applying good pressure themselves now. Curled into the six yard box, defended, Mears getting hold of the ball. Densley with a late tackle on Miles. Bishop bringing the ball on left side with a long cross-field pass into Francis pushing on right side onto the by-line stands her cross up into the six yard box, Rouse launching it clear for Norwich.

Cambridge frustrated as they attack, play stopped for an injury Strauss with a blow to the head in the build up needs to be assessed, but thankfully is up okay and comes over to the side-lines to wait to be called back on. Cambridge with a drop ball in the centre circle Edgar into the left, Cambridge with a throw, Moore clearing for Norwich as the ball is helped on into the top of the area, comes out to the right Miles attacking it driving the ball low back into the mix, Norwich with plenty back to block.

Strauss into challenge Coupar as she shapes to shoot as she receives the ball of of a throw in on the left. Flye picking out Bishop moving forwards on the left sends the ball in central, Moore picking it up shaping to shoot from range, Wood charging the ball down for Cambridge.

Ceri Flye

Cambridge pushing hard for a goal to draw the tie level, the ball played into Shaw 25 yards out moves inside from the left and pulls the trigger a wonderful strike beating the diving keeper, cannons down off the crossbar into the six yard box, Bell closing in on the follow up seeing it land at her feet skipping up off the turf tries to direct the ball wide of the grounded keeper, throws her head into her hands as the ball runs wide of the left post!

Cambridge attacker, Jade Bell

Norwich mount an attack on the right Densley running with the ball shooting on the angle, Webb down behind it to save at her near post, beat the ball away, her defence launching it to safety. Cambridge making the first change of the match in the 63rd minute bringing on Alysia Stojko-Down to replace Shaw. Tomlinson powering forwards for Cambridge on the left playing the ball on for Coupar down the line her cross/shot wide at the near post.

Mollie Coupar

Bell getting hold of the ball for Cambridge left side 20 yards out does well to keep possession holding off a challenge to squeeze the ball into the area for Coupar pulling free at the back post goes to send her strike back across goal, Mears saving well beating the ball down and claiming it. Bishop winning the clearance for Norwich as Cambridge win yet another free-kick on half-way.

Norwich making a double change bringing off Moore and Hall on come Natasha Snelling and Drew Wilson. Cambridge hit Norwich with a counter, Stojko-Down into Coupar left plays in forwards for Bell, Williams getting across to defend for Norwich sending the ball out for a throw. The chances mounting for Cambridge, Tomlinson’s throw into the near post defended out to the top of the box Cambridge snapping in to keep it alive comes to Richards free to the right of the D, unleashes a shrike from outside the box in across the keeper, strikes the inside of the left post flies across the face of goal, somehow missing Mears and cannons off the right, straight into the gloves of the keeper, who falls smothering the ball, needing to catch her breath!

Mia Richards seeing her shot cannon off both posts before being claimed by the grateful keeper

Norwich are looking to slow the game down, Cambridge still snapping after the ball, free-kicks given away. Miles with a high ball into the area from the right caught by Mears central. Bell gathering the ball into her feet centrally for Cambridge on the move taking on Strauss, getting in behind, Flye is around well in support to tackle halt the attack. Both sides making a change, Freya Symonds into the action for Norwich replacing Hailes, Edgar off for Cambridge with Becca Stephenson as the game moves into the final 15 minutes.

Norwich well drilled absorbing alot of pressure from Cambridge, not overly committing going forwards. Symonds adding a new threat into the action straight away winning a corner kick. Swung in from the right, Stojko-Down doing the defending at the near post for Cambridge. Norwich with the ball Francis seeing her cross on the right deflected behind off Tomlinson for a corner kick. Lifted in deeper, Rouse defending it for Cambridge.

Cleared up to Bell, she is pulled down by Bishop the defender earning the first yellow card of the game. The free-kick coming to nothing, Norwich build through the middle Booty on for Snelling who is pulled down by Rouse midway inside the Cambridge half. Symonds over the set-piece goes for goal her effort well over.

The clock ticking down little time left for Cambridge to find a leveller, Norwich with fresh legs on the pitch looking to extend the lead. Both benches unhappy with the decisions, Wood the latest player to be hauled down, no card shown. On half way the ball up into the box turned behind for a corner kick. Played into the box from the left comes on to Richards at the far post rising looks to head the ball back in across goal, on target, Williams is there back on the line to head the ball away for the visitors.

Evie Williams on hand to head Mia Richards header off the line

Symonds clears the ball out of the ground all the way onto the railway tracks, a high speed train roared through 30 seconds later so Cambridge may never see it again. Into the final 5 minutes another switch for both sides Miles off for Cambridge Lauren Cullum coming on for her first team debut. Densley being replaced by Norwich with Olivia Cook coming on. A long throw from Norwich high on the right Symonds inside the box back for Francis to put the cross in Snelling nodding it down into Wilson top of the area she puts her foot through the ball striking over the bar.

Not long left and little stoppage time signalled much to Cambridge’s amazement, Norwich sending on Holly Kennard to replace Francis. Wood putting the ball on for Richards who has a pop from range her shot over the bar. Williams leaning into Bell, seeing Cambridge awarded a free-kick wide on the right one last chance to throw players forwards. Stephenson brings it down near side wins her side a throw in the corner, Richards heading it on at the near post Snelling snatching it clear, the ball fired back into the mix, Norwich clear their lines and celebrate as the final whistle blows.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

Cambridge pushing hard for a reply in the 2nd half seeing the woodwork struck three times, a draw a fair result however Ceri Flye’s first half strike was enough for Norwich to go on an clinch victory were made to work for it but put in a shift to get the result finish 2nd in their group, enough to progress to the Cup itself I haven’t time to analyse all 22 groups now to work it all out 6 points puts you in with a good shout however. Either way Cambridge finish third and won’t be that upset to go on and compete for the Plate this new format may well favour them. Both will fancy their chances of progress either way. An entertaining game felt like a derby all action robust but in good spirit both riding high in the league the improvement from both is there to see, Norwich now with professional players and you can see the difference.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, it’s another tough one but most of the time they usually are. Good performances from both sides a collective effort in both ranks. Several to mention firstly for Cambridge, Abbie Jackson was strong at the back winning a number of vital challenges got stuck in. Zoe Wood in the middle covered the ground trying to link up play get the ball into the attackers. Mollie Coupar with some good positioning getting into the channels ready for the ball. Mia Richards unlucky not to score worked hard to win the ball got forwards well. Jade Bell lively finding space taking the ball on always looking for an opportunity to score. Norwich with a disciplined performance. Evie Williams strong at the back winning the ball, Ceri Flye getting about the park to win the ball got forwards well to when needed scoring the all important winning goal. Lara Densley and Lauren Hailes moved the ball well creating openings kept Norwich on the front foot for good spells. Izzy Moore in midfield won the ball well back to defend and used it well coming forwards the award goes to Sienna Booty like Moore got about the midfield to win the ball helped drive Norwich forwards and played some great balls forward.

Was all set up to be a thrilling game by two sides in good form and didn’t disappoint, the action rarely let up, two committed sides. Both going strong in the league will fancy their chances of going deep into the cup competitions too, the FA Cup up next, Norwich at home to ERWFL Premier Division side Hutton Women. Cambridge likewise taking on ERWFL Premier Division opposition too away to Atletico London, formerly London Seaward FC. For once I didn’t need to chase down a team sheet once out of 621 games.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Wormley Rovers Ladies

Sunday 21st Sept

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

As we enter autumn the women’s football season is finally in full swing with action right across the board, including 128 ties in this season’s Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying. It is to one of these contests I head this afternoon with Norfolk Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies hosting ERWFL Division One South side, Wormley Rovers Ladies.

A prestigious competition with a rich history, the prize fund increasing in recent seasons to better match the growth of the women’s game in the country, although still short of what their male counterparts can earn, £3000 going to the winning side today with the losers taking away £750. Teams from step 7 right up to the WSL itself competing in the competition with the teams from tier 5 entering at this stage.

Costessey Sports Ladies playing in just their 2nd Women’s FA Cup campaign, making it to 2nd Round Qualifying in their debut campaign last season knocked out by ERWFL Premier Division side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Beat an Essex side at home in 1st Round Qualifying coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller, 4-3 over Premier Division side, Brightlingsea Regent Ladies. Drawn at home once again in 2nd Round Qualifying, taking on ERWFL opposition with Hertfordshire side, Wormley Rovers Ladies.

Looking to build on a strong finish to last season’s campaign which saw them clinch 4th spot in Norfolk Women’s Division One losing just the one game to eventually champions, Bungay Town Ladies in final 10 games. Building a squad on a strong foundation of youthful talent bringing in useful experience to add to the ranks. Alisha Juby returning to the club after two seasons away, Holly Williams joins having played for both King’s Lynn and Fakenham Town. Phoebe Pierpoint coming to the club from Needham Market. Kyara Everett, joins from Blofield U16s, winning the golden boot for 3 successive seasons prior. Chloe Moulton another recruit from Blofield & Norwich Academy. Jenny Moore the most recent signing stepping up into adult football. Starting the season strong with a 12-0 opening day win over newly promoted FC Viking & Valkyries followed by FA cup success and another 12 goal haul against Division Three side Long Stratton in the League Cup 1st Round. Thea Hackney leading scorer so far with 5 goals.

Wormley Rovers Ladies burst onto the scene in 2022, and have enjoyed a successful start to life in women’s football, winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division in their debut season, promoted to the ERWFL, joining Division One South enjoyed further success winning the League Plate Final that year. Finishing 6th last season, had a decent run in the Women’s FA Cup eventually going out on penalties to then ERWFL Premier Division side, Cambridge City Ladies.

A club with a strong youth setup with teams competing at all levels from U9’s through to U18’s have also formed a new women’s Development side this season playing in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. Have brought in several experienced players to the squad while also promoting youth, Phoebe Ware, Ruby Ball and Jess Cooper all stepping up this season. Goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien recruited too having previously played for London Bees and Stevenage FC Women. Scoring plenty of goals too at the start of this campaign 30 so far from their opening 6 matches in all competitions, an unbeaten run of 5 games ended with a 7-3 loss at home to Colchester United Women last time out currently 3rd in the Division One South table. Won 11-0 against Lawford Ladies to reach 2nd Round Qualifying. Holly Fox top scorer so far netting 8 goals, With Summer Small scoring 7 and Ruby Hawksworth netting 5 times.

The FDC in Bowthorpe the venue for today’s FA Cup game, one of a number of Football Development Centre scattered around Norfolk, boasting a clubhouse with bar, and café serving hot and cold drinks. A number of practice/training 3G pitches leading to the main pitch itself a large 3G pitch with a small seated stand and standing viewing in 3 sides. Has the facilities to host high profile games and cup finals. Today the 1st official day of autumn, the temperature dropping quite a bit, however there’s still some power in the sun shining down, notice the chill when the clouds cover it though. High above one goal might pose a few issues as the game progresses.

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Kelly Fox, Paige Barnard (C), Alyssia Baldock, Layla Watts, Hannah Campbell, Abbi Nobbs, Holly Williams, Chelsea Brister, Alisha Juby, Thea hackney & Grace Wall. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Olivia Smith, Abbie Tate, Sydnie Brown, Phoebe Pierpoint, Kyara Everett & Chloe Moulton.

Costessey Sports Ladies

Wormley Rovers Ladies starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Malia Taylor, Gracie Manning, Aimee Burling, Leah Dunnage, Ciara Purdue (C), Emily Schofield, Summer Small, Ruby Hawksworth, Savannah Japal & Holly Fox.

Wormley Rovers Ladies

Both sides used to roll on roll off substitutes, the Women’s FA Cup rules seeing a fixed number of subs allowed, increased to 5 with sides able to name 7 on the bench, which Costessey have, Wormley with a late call off naming 6 on the bench from the squad travelling up to Norfolk.

Referee Elise Carroll Mileham leading the sides out onto the pitch. Paige Barnard captaining Costessey, Ciara Purdue wearing the armband for Wormley. It’s the visitors to kick-off the first half attacking into the sun, wearing light blue coloured shirts and socks with navy shorts. Costessey lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. The ball played back into midfield is lifted long into the right channel for Ruby Hawksworth to attack, Layla Watts dealing with the threat at full back for Costessey the hosts looking to get forwards cross the pitch into Grace Wall plays it up the right channel with Holly Williams providing the run, driving forwards is held up lays it back into Chelsea Brister coming across to support her angled cross dropped into the six yard box, Aimee Burling under it to head clear for Wormley.

A bright start from both sides, Costessey up against higher league opposition not looknig to sit back, press the ball high, back and forth around the Wormley penalty area, Emily Schofield getting hold of the ball bringing it out for the visitors feeding the pass into the left wing for Savannah Japal to chase down, seeps a cross-field ball out to the right side, looking for Hawksworth, Abbi Nobbs getting her leg out to intercept for Costessey.

Thea Hackney breaking in behind the Wormley defence looking to close goalkeeper Mia O’Brien down as she rushes out to the top of her area to clear the ball, rushed into her clearance goes away for a throw in the right. Costessey lively, Hackney, Williams and Alisha Juby up top all rushing in to try and close the ball down. Hannah Campbell taking the ball out to the left for Costessey linking up with Hackney the ball rolled into captain, Paige Barnard 25 yards out central she attempts to thread the pass on into the box for Hackney to run onto but it’s a little too strong, O’Brien can see it wide for the goal kick.

Costessey’s Thea Hackney

Hackney played onto the ball on the right, Wormley seeing her as a threat quick to get numbers around her, captain Ciara Purdue cutting the inside pass out, the visitors quick to launch a counter attack the ball fed on up their right, Hawksworth up with Holly Fox in attack, the ball racing on into the box, Watts gets across the attacker well to shield the ball back to goalkeeper, Kelly Fox.

Brister moving the ball into the middle, launching it into the right channel for Williams to attack, knocking the ball forwards looking to get in behind full back Gracie Manning the defender recovers quickly to get a foot in steal the ball away from the attacker. Costessey pushed up in defence at times see a ball lifted in behind for Japal to attack left side, Fox is quickly out of her area to win the race put her foot through the ball.

Wormley advance down the right winning a throw in the corner, turning it into a corner kick. Swung in tight to the near post, Costessey with bodies in the way to block, the ball deflected to the top of the area, Japal latching onto it blasts the ball back in towards goal, is blocked inside the six yard box, Costessey scrambling it away. Wormley having dealt with some strong pressing from Costessey early on starting to find their own rhythm.

Wormley’s Savannah Japal

Campbell sending the ball on for Watts pushing on up the left looknig to link up with Hackney the ball helped on Malia Taylor lunging in to send the ball out for a throw defending for Wormley. The hosts getting players up into the final third Campbell right side linking up with Hackney and Juby, the ball crossed into the area, Leah Dunnage clearing for the visitors. Wormley launch a counter trying to catch Costessey’s defence pressed high, Japal sending it on through the middle inside for Holly Fox 30 yards out, Kelly Fox again rushing out of her box to try and close her down, can’t get there as Holly Fox releases the ball sending it past her towards the empty net, not alot of pace on the ball but no one has a chance of reaching it as they look back relieved to see it roll wide of the left upright.

An energetic opening 15 minutes, both sides up for the tie. Wormley with another chance moments later as Summer Small is put through on goal inside the box right side, Fox saving with her legs from close range, the ball still alive top of the area, Purdue putting her foot through the ball, blocked turned behind for a corner kick on the right. Japal looking to hook it on across goal as it comes into be before the near post, Holly Fox in on the keeper, looking to nod the ball down over the line Costessey blocking hacked clear to the right, Wormley sending an angled shot back into the near post, Fox down sharply to save it.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

Purdue winning the ball well for Wormley in the middle combining passes with Schofield the ball rolled out to Hawksworth on the right Watts closing her down the ball out for a throw in taken quickly played on for Holly Fox making a right channel attack into the area, Nobbs coming to close her down seeing the ball safely into her keeper.

Dunnage winning the header at the back clearing for Wormley as Barnard plays a looping ball into the top of the area. Wormley awarded a free-kick out on the right on halfway the ball played up towards the top of the D, Purdue under it knocking it down to the right, a strike blasted in from distance, Fox down quickly to save to her right. Wall bringing the ball on for Costessey right side plays it up the line for Juby to attack, Manning staying on her, Juby wrestles possession back laying the ball back down the line for Williams who clips a fantastic cross in towards the far post, Dunnage with eyes on it all the way heading it clear for Wormley.

The ball rarely still, Campbell influencing play taking the ball left combining with Juby and Hackney to cross coming back in across the top of the D, Purdue missing her clearance the ball popping up for Barnard to strike from 25 yards out, sends her strike over the bar.

Costessey captain, Paige Barnard

Barnard snapping in to win the ball back in the middle of the park for Costessey trying to turn the Wormley defence around sends a diagonal ball out to the left with Hackney racing in behind, the flag going up immediately, neither she nor O’Brien see it as Hackney shoots, O’Brien dropping down beating the ball away. Play stopped then, brought back for the free-kick.

Williams taking the ball on from Campbell attacking on Costessey’s right, plays it on for Juby ahead of her, the cross delivered into the Wormley area cut out by Dunnage. Hawksworth and Japal switching flanks for Wormley, Schofield looking for Holly Fox moving left, Wall sticking out a leg cutting the pass out. An intriguing contest, feel Wormley might catch Costessey out as they press high, but the hosts are effective pressing the ball pushing the Wormley defence back, Burling and Dunnage reading the game well in the centre of defence though.

Costessey’s Grace Wall

Williams racing onto the ball, quick to deliver a cross into the area, Dunnage under it for Wormley. Williams taking the ball on from Juby right side has Barnard running past her looking for the ball up the line, Purdue has gone with her however, tracking back well to put in the tackle deny the crossing opportunity.

Thea Hackney with Wormley’s Gracie Manning

Wormley up on the right forcing a corner kick, the ball swung in across the six yard box, Juby doing the defending for Costessey. The hosts working the ball up the right winning a throw Hackney coming across to the right seeing the ball down off her chest pushed into Juby to strike from the angle corner of the area the ball curled in towards goal, O’Brien behind it all the way to save for Wormley.

Hawksworth brings the ball on down the left for Wormley, Wall lunging in halts her advance, Japal coming back at Wall to squeeze the ball past her, her cross intercepted by Baldock inside the Costessey area. Wormley playing the ball across the pitch into Japal on the right her cut back in towards the right of the D, met by Purdue looking to hit it first time, slices the ball wide of the near post.

Wormley captain, Ciara Purdue

Schofield with the ball right side angling it into the area for Holly Fox attacking near post, keeper Fox closing her down quickly to beat the ball away. Costessey break getting the ball into Hackney high on the right her cross swept into the six yard box, Juby closing in at the far post looking to throw her self at it, an awkward height can’t adjust her body to get significant contact.

Alisha Juby

Hackney getting onto the ball from Brister driving forwards into the area left of goal closed down sends it back out towards Brister to strike from 20 yards, blasted into the box Taylor getting something on it deflecting it up and on for O’Brien to catch cleanly. Costessey making a change, Williams coming off, Olivia Smith coming on sees a tactical switch with Smith going into the back line, Nobbs moving into the middle.

Hawksworth looking to chase the ball down on the left for Wormley as it is played on by Schofield, Wall defending well getting across the winger to see the ball out for a goal kick. Wormley awarded a free-kick on the right as watts fouled Japal. Schofield over the ball 25 yards out her strike hitting the wall. But as Costessey look to clear their lines they give away another free-kick in a more central position. Again the wall does it’s job.

Gracie Manning

Hackney with the ball high on the left angling a shot in across the keeper, O’Brien getting something on it sending the ball on across goal, Barnard rushing in at the far post can’t quite reach the ball as it runs out for a corner kick. The corner swept in across goal attacked by Brister at the far post knocked down Hackney has a swing at it, Wormley hooking the ball clear behind to the right for another corner. This delivery played into the top of the area coming to Nobbs in a central position drags her shot wide of the left post.

Holly Fox stealing in behind the Costessey defence right of goal, shooting early to send the ball on the angle over the advancing keeper, her strike hitting the far post. Baldock defending on Holly Fox moments later as she looks to get onto a Small pass into the box right of goal, the offside flag is raised however. Manning bringing the ball out from the back for Wormley into midfield into Schofield helps it on for Japal bursting down the right she wraps her foot around the ball angling the cross-field ball into Hawksworth on the left, Wall quick to close her down for Costessey.

Purdue bringing the ball down off of a throw on the left shooting from the angle 25 yards out her attempt straight at the Costessey keeper. Manning defending on Hackney inside the box right side as Costessey play the ball up to her the ball coming to Barnard high on the right puts the cross into the box cut out by Burling falls to Juby outside the area her lob back in over the bar.

Half-time Costessey Sports Ladies 0-0 Wormley Rovers Ladies

A lively first half ends with the sides heading back to the changing rooms all square, both goals intact. Good chances for both sides to score, set up nicely for the 2nd half. A bright start from Costessey didn’t look to sit back invite pressure from their higher league opponents, instead looked to apply pressure themselves get players up into the final 3rd. Wormley coming back at them looking for the passes to get in behind and create opportunities, defences on both sides with a number of vital tackles to keep it all square.

No changes at the break from either side, Smith coming on in the first half to replace Williams for Costessey as the hosts attacking into the sun get the 2nd half underway. The ball sent long into the channel for Hackney, Taylor defending for the visitors. Wormley looking sharp at the start of the 2nd half as Schofield finds Japal in space on the right whips a dangerous ball into the area, cut out by Wall turned behind for a corner kick.

The corner played in from the right cut out by Nobbs at the near post. Comes back out to the right lifted back into the mix, Holly Fox looking to get over the ball knocks it down, is blocked deflected away for another corner.

GOAL! The delivery from the corner angled in deep to the top of the area, Holly Fox meeting it unmarked to turn the ball goal-wards from her header, angling it towards the far post past the keeper, strikes the inside of the post to bounce back in across the goal 0-1. Wormley into the lead 2 minutes into the 2nd half.

Captain, Ciara Purdue the first to congratulate Holly Fox as she heads Wormley into the lead

A blow for Costessey early in the 2nd half press on the right Brister into Juby the ball into her run sends a cross angling in across goal, Hackney closing in centrally, O’Brien across her getting to the ball first scooping it up into her gloves. Dunnage defending for Wormley stepping out of the back line to intercept the ball as Wall looks to float an angled delivery into the top of the D.

Holly Fox coming across to the left for Wormley linking up with Hawksworth exchanging passes the latter stealing into the area, Brister getting in a timely tackle putting her foot in to push the ball on for her keeper to clear. Costessey on the ball Campbell bringing it on down the left inside to Juby on for Hackney, held up by Taylor, Campbell getting it back delivering a cross into the far post, Brister forwards looking to get it under control closed down by Dunnage. Comes back to Hackney outside the area central pulls her shot wide low past the right post.

Dunnage working hard in defence reading the game hooking the ball away to safety as Juby lifts her pass into the area. Hawksworth gets away with the ball at her feet on the left for Wormley rolled on into the area for Holly Fox, Smith gets her body in the way to defend shield the ball back to her keeper. Purdue charging on with the ball for the visitors looking to play it on for Hawksworth on the left, Wall winning it back well for Costessey.

Costessey’s Olivia Smith

GOAL! Wormley pushing getting after the ball high up the pitch Purdue proactive chasing the ball down comes out to the left played inside the box into Holly Fox closing down on the near post shoots under challenge, Kelly Fox getting something on it as she goes to ground making the blocking save, the ball deflected straight back at Fox rebound off the attacker to strike the base of the post, the ball coming back out to the left still with Wormley, Costessey switching off momentarily as the ball is played back into the area straight to an unmarked Small just inside to wrap her foot around the ball and blast it home to double the lead 0-2.

Summer Small scores Wormley’s 2nd

Wormley doubling their advantage in the 56th minute, to get control of the contest. Costessey making a change bringing of Watts and sending on Sydnie Brown a straight swap at full back. Juby also being replaced with Abbie Tate coming on to join the attack. Small having just scored for Wormley is taken off moments after being flagged offside, the visitors sending on Rebecca Evans. Campbell firing the ball into the left flank for Brown to attack, the substitute with pace to burn racing after the ball, Japal going with her holding up Brown on the by-line conceding a corner kick.

The corner curled in across goal met by the rising Hackney at the far post knocked down back across goal blocked on the line, comes out to Tate outside the D, central stretching as she shoots her effort wide past the right post. The game looking a bit stretched now Japal looking to get onto the end of an Evans pass out to the right, Brown back at her to defend for Costessey.

Costessey making another switch bringing off Campbell, sending on Phoebe Pierpoint. Wormley winning a corner on the right taken short into Purdue to sweep a cross into the far post, two attackers leaping for it neither can get a touch. Costessey’s turn to win themselves a corner out on the right another vicious delivery in across the face of goal, Pierpoint knocking it down towards goal at close range the ball once again blocked on the line, comes out towards the penalty spot flashed back in wide of the left post for a goal kick.

Holly Fox running through onto an over the top past, left of the area looks to try and lob the advancing keeper, the ball dropping wide past the far post. Rachel Daltrey coming on to join the defence for Wormley with Japal coming off. Pierpoint sending the ball on down the left wing for Brown to chase, Taylor coming back at her to challenge the ball off her for a corner kick. Curled in long past the far post no one getting a touch.

Wormley’s Malia Taylor

Barnard taking the ball on from Brister on the right firing the ball into Hackney central 25 yards out, sends the ball in on goal looking to get it up over the keeper, but not enough on it to trouble O’Brien. Wall is down for Costessey having injured her foot, needs to come off, Chloe Moulton coming on. Holly Fox coming off too for Wormley with Lily Hanlon coming on to join the action with less then 10 minutes left to play.

Wormley midfielder, Emily Schofield

Wormley managing the game well dropping back keeping it tight through the middle. Burling and Dunnage well protected by Schofield, Evans and Purdue in front of them. Purdue advancing with the ball threaded on for Hanlon, Fox out rapidly to the top of her area to close her down.

Wormley looking to take the ball into the corners see out the game, winning a throw high on the right, Evans turns on the ball to send a cross into the area, caught cleanly by Fox. Costessey get on the counter attack the ball lifted out to the right and early cross angled in across the six yard box to the far post Pierpoint closing in on goal sends the ball past the keeper and the left post.

Lily Hanlon

Into the final 5 minutes, players tiring on both sides, Tate taking the ball into her feet from the left turns towards the area driving forwards stopped by Burling, the ball nicked back even as Wormley attempt to counter, Hackney top of the D pulling her shot wide of the right post. Burling across to defend kicking the ball away for a throw as Brown looks to burst clear on Costessey’s left. Dropped into Hackney turns to play the ball into Nobbs outside the box central, sends a looping shot in on goal dipping on O’Brien the keeper beating it down, Moulton racing onto the loose ball to blast home right of goal but as she turns she can see the linesman with his flag raised, offside.

Tate charging the ball down outside the Wormley area deflects into Pierpoint 20 yards out right of goal sends it in on the keeper, bounces up off the turf grabbed by O’Brien. The clock ticking down Wormley break up the left winning a corner, look to play it close keep possession, Hanlon holding it up is chopped down from behind, the final whistle blows up, and Hanlon receives treatment even as Wormley celebrate the win advancing to the next round of the FC Cup.

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 0-2 Wormley Rovers Ladies

An entertaining cup tie in the finish, Costessey giving it their all, Wormley respecting their opponents doing their research. The game goalless at half-time both sides with good chances to score, Costessey taking the game to Wormley putting the back line under some pressure. Wormley just with that little bit extra experience coming out strong at the start of the 2nd half getting an early goal to settle things down and catching Costessey cold to add a 2nd get control of the tie. Costessey never gave up tried to find a reply get themselves back into the tie but Wormley could get players back behind the ball pick their moments to go forwards.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

These things are rarely easy but time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, honestly to single out a single individual from either side is tough today both put in a good shift. Some great performances out there, firstly for Costessey, Grace Wall played well at right back, won the ball well and offered some good passes going forwards. Goalkeeper, Kelly Fox covered her box well alert to the threat as her defence pushed up. Hannah Campbell with some great runs and passing in midfield. Paige Barnard solid linked up with the attackers well. Thea Hackney a threat throughout and rightly singled out by Wormley as the one to watch. For Wormley, Holly Fox was lively in attack made some great runs creating chances for herself and others. Savannah Japal got up well on the flanks ready to receive the ball and link up with her fellow attackers, Emily Schofield and Ciara Purdue strong in the middle getting after the ball making some positive runs and joining the attack. Aimee Burling winning several balls in defence, the award though goes to her fellow centre back Leah Dunnage read the game well throughout won her headers, closed down and stood out in a sometimes congested box.

An enjoyable first trip to The FDC of the season, an intriguing cup time well contested. Good to catch up with Wormley, will be hoping for a favourable draw in 3rd Round Qualifying, making a good start to their league campaign too. Early days in Norfolk Division One but it’s clear to see the progress Costessey have made since joining the league, played well against a higher league opponent, and look to have a good squad to compete at the top end of the league this season. My thanks to both sides for all their help today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Soham Town Rangers Ladies v Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

Sunday 14th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

My first slice of county league action this season, beginning with a game from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, with newly promoted, Soham Town Rangers Women hosting Godmanchester Rovers Ladies, who recorded a 3rd placed finish last time out in what was their debut at this level.

Cambridgeshire once again featuring 3 women’s divisions, expanding from 30 to 39 beginning this campaign with as host of new sides some new reserve and development sides, plus a few moving across from the boarding counties, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire. All 3 divisions looking highly competitive, Division One featuring 13 sides this time around, with 3 new sides joining, the newly Royston Town Women Development, and Cambridge City Women Development along with Spalding United Women, Deeping Rangers Ladies and Soham Town Rangers Women promoted was winners and runners-up last season. Looking at the league it will be interesting to see which sides emerge as title challengers there are several potential candidates.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies were formed last season, the core of the old Isleham United Ladies side one of the longest established sides within Cambridgeshire that won the Division Three title the season before, given the opportunity to become part of Soham Town Rangers FC football club just down the road they made the switch beginning a new era in Division Two, that seeing the club add to their squad bringing in the likes of goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Ester McTrusty and Carla Penny amongst others bringing useful experience at playing at a higher level. Pushed on to finish as runners-up to win promotion to Division One.

Carla Penny finishing her first season with Soham as the clubs top scorer netting 35 goals. Have grown further coming into the new season, recruiting more players, amongst them midfielder Rachel Pearce who was most recently at Histon Ladies a wealth of experience to deepen the squad. Soham Town Rangers Women forming a new Reserves side for this season competing in Division Three. Today is Soham’s first league game, will be looking to bounce out following last weekend lose to Suffolk side Ramsey & Mistley Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup.

A new era of sorts for Godmanchester Town Ladies too as they become Godmanchester Rovers Ladies this season, will be looking to build on a very successful debut season in Division One last time around clinching 3rd spot level on points with 2nd placed Newmarket Town Women Development, having been fighting near the top of the table all season. The core of the side formed from the old St Ives Town Ladies side, becoming Huntingdon Town Ladies for a couple of seasons before moving to Godmanchester. Have recruited strongly over the past few seasons forming a competitive squad.

Amongst those brought in last season top scorers, Leah Cudone and Hannah Hutchinson scoring 9 and 8 respectfully. As well a finishing 3rd in the league won the Hunts FA Senior Women’s Cup for the first time beating Eaton Socon Ladies 1-0 back in March. Got their league campaign off to a winning start at home on the opening day last Sunday beating new side Royston Town Ladies Development 6-2, Leah Cudone netting a hat-trick with Fran Worrell scoring a brace and a goal too for Molly Thompson.

Soham Town Rangers FC

My first visit to Soham Town Rangers FC’s home ground on Julius Martin Lane in Soham, the ground a hive of activity upon arrival the carpark full, but did manage to sneak into the one vacant spot. The large clubhouse leading into the stadium, the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink, beside that a elevated covered stand over looknig the pitch, with covered standing beside and at both goal ends. Needed if today’s weather forecast was anything to go by with rain likely at some point during the game. Busy with plenty of supporters around to watch the women’s side begin their league campaign.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies starting XI – Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Chloe Dunn, Amy Ozakpinar, Jodie Copping, Katie Levitt, Erin Clarke, Laura Mcallister, Carla Penny, Ester McTrusty, Rachel Pearce & Elsie Holroyd-Davison. Subs – Jessica Brand, Evie Luker, Lizzie Quigley, Kara Firek & Michela Edwards.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies

Godmanchester Rovers Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leni Stowers, Isabel Vincent, Gemma Cooksley (C), Leah Culpin, Erica Zimmerman, Ellie Harvey, Maisie Buckle, Molly Thompson, Fran Worrall & Shannah Anico. Subs – Nicolle Surtees & Hannah Hutchinson.

Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Laura Mcallister and Gemma Cooksley with referee Jordan Blunt

Overcast a few spots of rain beginning to fall as the teams are lead out by today’s match referee, Jordan Blunt. Soham to have the kick-off in the first half wearing green and white vertical stripes shirts with green shorts and socks. Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts and shorts with navy coloured socks. The ball rolled back into the hosts defence, Godmanchester are quick to break forwards press the ball, bouncing about in the middle of the park, Erica Zimmerman getting hold of the ball for Godmanchester looking to release attacker, Shannah Anico into the right, Amy Ozakpinar intercepting heading the ball out for a throw in.

From the throw Godmanchester keep the press up forcing an early corner kick out on the right. Curled into the near post, Soham with numbers back to block as the ball is turned goal wards, deflected away to the right a shot from distance comes back in on the angle looping high over goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls goal. The rain beginning to fall steadily the sky dark with cloud.

Play drawn over to the far side of the pitch with both sides making little headway, Carla Penny looking to get the ball free across the park into Rachel Pearce staying out wide to the right, Isabel Vincent cutting the ball out for the visitors. Godmanchester’s turn to feel the squeeze at the back as Soham push up, goal keeper, Sophie Marjoram playing the ball out of her box straight to Pearce she is quick to lift it back into the top of the area with Penny charging in, Godmanchester captain, Gemma Cooksley jumping well get her head on the ball drop in down into her advancing keepers gloves to stifle the threat.

Gemma Cooksley heading the ball down for goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram to collect

Soham getting the ball out to Penny on the right, has Pearce up with her on the wing the pass into her she turns to play the ball into Elsie Holroyd-Davison making a run into the right channel looking to get onto the end of it as she enters the box, Cooksley across quickly to slide in to challenge send the ball away to the right. Molly Thompson on the ball central for Godmanchester plays it on for Ellie Harvey moving right attempts to slide it through for Maisie Buckle, a little too much on it however, Soham’s defence can see it out for a goal kick.

Ellie Harvey on the attack for Godmanchester

Fran Worrall looking a threat for Godmanchester on the left whenever they counter making good runs into the left channel, Zimmerman competing for the ball in the middle played on, Erin Clarke with a timely intervention for the hosts.

GOAL! Worrall having broken a couple of times already, bursting away on the left as Godmanchester break up play in the middle, Harvey and Zimmerman closing the ball down the pass threaded into Worrall’s path she skips on into the box turning to shoot across the keeper getting plenty behind it as she strikes the ball into the bottom corner to open the scoring 0-1.

Fran Worrall breaking forwards to open the scoring for Godmanchester

Godmanchester a goal to the good inside the opening 10 minutes. Soham get straight on the attack form the restart Penny driving forwards with the ball central sending an angled ball out to the right into the feet of Holroyd-Davison strikes for goal her effort blasted wide of the near post.

Penny linking up with captain Laura Mcallister and Ester McTrusty on Soham’s left taking the ball on down the wing, Leni Stowers sliding in with a strong tackle to send the ball out for a throw in. Worrall played in on the left by Harvey in the middle for Godmanchester, wrong foots full back Dunn, checking inside preparing to cross, before she can, Jodie Copping is across from the middle of defence to put in the blocking tackle to deny her.

Competitive both sides moving in to close the ball a number of heartily contested 50/50 balls, Harvey and Thompson contesting on central in pops loose into the right channel for Holroyd-Davison to attack, Vincent getting back at her battling for the ball eases Holroyd-Davison off the ball, leaving her grounded as she clears the ball. The Soham attack feeling it a little, needing to come off to recover, Kara Firek sent on to join the attack.

The action end to end both sides intent on getting it forwards Worrall coming inside looking to pick out Anico right side as she breaks in behind intercepted by Ozakpinar turned back to her keeper, the kick out presented straight to Worrall she looks for Anico back coming back from an offside position the flag goes up against her.

McTrusty surging onto the by-line with the ball for Soham, cuts a cross back into the near post, Penny rushing in trying to meet it on the volley, Cooksley in the way blocking from close range. Dunn being kept on her toes by Worrall full back getting in close doing well to ease her opponent off the ball as she looks to spin round her. Pearce is keeping a good position out on the right providing a ready outlet for the ball when Soham look to get forwards, Penny looking for her plays the diagonal passed, Pearce on the turn looking to play it into the box for Firek moving into the right channel, just a little too much on it, Marjoram can come across see it out for a goal kick.

Very competitive in the middle, both sides guilty of playing blind passes forwards not picking anyone out. Penny scraping for possession feeding a good ball out to Pearce pushing on down the right her cross squared into the top of the Godmanchester area intercepted and cleared by Leah Culpin. Dunn getting up well on Soham’s right combining with Pearce the ball played across the park into Mcallister sends it down the line for McTrusty, Stowers getting across her path shielding the ball out for a goal kick.

Vincent tackling Pearce as she takes the ball on from Penny on the right, Soham getting players forwards well applying a bit of pressure to the Godmanchester back-line. However the visitors are a threat on the counter break from a Soham throw high on the left, the ball from Zimmerman into Harvey the Soham defence stretched the midfielder on the drive taking the ball on has options to her left in Worrall racing forwards and Anico to the right threads the ball on for the latter, Anico striking it on the angle, rising Quinn Nicholls at her near post getting her gloves up to palm the ball down into the turf and claim.

Soham goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls

The action from one end to the other, busy writing the notes from the Godmanchester attack even as Soham counter the ball on the left played inside to Penny racing into the area hitting the ball hard with her left foot, driving it across the diving keeper the ball smashing off the base of the far post bouncing back out and to Marjoram’s relieve straight at her, snatches it into her body.

Soham’s Carla Penny

Lively, Clarke in the middle for Soham wide to Mcallister played forwards into Penny the ball cut back across the top of the Godmanchester area met first time by Pearce central her shot angling wide of the left upright. Anico played in wide right again as Godmanchester counter attack, her angled strike beat down again by Quinn Nicholls who wastes no time it getting it up field into her attackers. Culpin sending in a free-kick deep on the left defended by Soham top of the area falls straight to Zimmerman but she does get clean contact as she looks to go for goal.

Erica Zimmerman

Marjoram out quickly to close down Pearce inside the box right side as Penny looks to pick her out with the cross-field pass. Marjoram getting the decision as she comes rushing out to deal with McTrusty as Mcallister plays the ball into her left side. Buckle with a piece of superb defending for Godmanchester challenging Penny on the penalty spot as sent in from Pearce on the right.

Soham lively break with pace the diagonal ball lifted into the path of Pearce coming in from the right 25 yards out strikes it on the volley from the top of the D, swerves wide of the right post. Godmanchester getting a free-kick central 35 yards out, Thompson to deliver plays a fast paced ball long into the left post area, players gathered inviting but no one can get a touch as it sails wide.

Dunn powering forwards on the right for Soham played on for Pearce her cross looping high into the area, Marjoram getting it away to safety for Godmanchester. Marjoram making another sharp save moments later getting down low to push the ball away to her left as Penny looks to bring a left side cross down inside the D and send goal wards.

Harvey making several good runs on the ball for Godmanchester linking up well with Zimmerman in the middle. Firek getting hold of the ball for Soham outside the area on the turn plays it left into McTrusty inside the box, Cooksley stretching cutting the pass out. Zimmerman lifting the ball on into the right channel as Anico bursts forwards, Quinn Nicholls out quickly to the edge of her box to lay claim to the ball.

Worrall taking on the ball left channel, held up by Dunn plays it inside to Zimmerman 30 plus yards out time to look up release a shot, her angled shot swung in across goal lacking to power to trouble Quinn Nicholls. Harvey drives with the ball as Godmanchester break sends it into Worrall in behind in to the box left of the D, shapes to shoot, Ozakpinar getting back well to make the block, the ball turned behind for a corner kick.

Zimmerman on the corner swung into the area knocked down Thompson moving to strike the loose back, Copping charging it down the ball still with Godmanchester outside the area, clipped back to the left the flag up however as Zimmerman is caught offside. Penny seeing the ball into her body bringing it down well on the turn plays it forwards on the right into Pearce has Firek ahead of her looking to get into the box, Cooksley tracking her reading the pass getting in the way to turn the ball back into her keeper.

Soham winning a free kick out deep on the right the ball played in across goal, Marjoram going up to claim is knocked to the ground, play stopped as the keeper is in need of treatment. A pause in play but is up and able to continue. Soham looking to push on late in the first half, Clarke and Penny combining through the middle the ball played on for Mcallister getting forwards, Culpin closing her down.

Good pressure from Soham, McTrusty quick to win it back left side bursting forwards whipping a ball into the six yard box, Worrall back cutting it out to clear for the visitors. Vincent stretching intercepting a diagonal ball aimed at Pearce on the right. Soham with a free-kick out on the left played n from deep not a great ball in but intercepted near side is turned behind for a corner kick. Godmanchester with bodies at the near post clearing Harvey looking for Anico on the counter, Ozakpinar defending for Soham.

Half-time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

The players heading back to the changing rooms with the worst of the rain having stayed away, Godmanchester with the slender lead Fran Worrall scoring in the opening 10 minutes. Soham have responded well creating chances hitting the post and forcing a save from the keeper, while Godmanchester have looked a threat on the counter, with some strong runs through the middle and channels, Quinn Nicholls making a couple of vital saves to keep the lead down to just the one goal. Has been a little frantic at times, certainly competitive in the middle, passes rushed as a result with neither side getting on top of the other. Very much all to play for 2nd half and a quick turnaround too with both sides keen to get on with it.

The rain falling a little bit stronger now, Godmanchester to get the 2nd period underway the ball played back into the defence, the visitors looking to keep possession, move it around at the back into the keeper, sloppy play as the forwards pass into a defender isn’t collected, presented straight to McTrusty in a central position 25 yards out is encouraged to shoot with the keeper off her line, drags her attempt wide of the left post.

Carla Penny with Erica Zimmerman

Play congested through the middle Penny into squeeze the ball lifted forwards for Firek, Cooksley intercepts for the visitors. Culpin moving into clear on the right of defence as McTrusty looks to take the ball on. Worrall gets away with the ball at her feet on Godmanchester’s right flashes a cross into the area, Copping deflecting it out of her box falls to Buckle who strikes it first time from all of 25 yards out her shot over the crossbar.

Leah Culpin clearing before Ester McTrusty can reach the ball

Godmanchester winning a free-kick 30 plus yards out in the middle, Harvey over the ball takes on the shot her effort over the bar. McTrusty fed the ball on Soham’s left taking it on into the box, Culpin recovering well to get back at her put her foot in to tackle, McTrusty scrapping to win it back plays it into Mcallister getting up in support out wide delivers an inviting ball in across the face of the Godmanchester goal, neither Penny, nor Pearce closing in on the far post can get a touch to turn it home.

Quill Nicholls with a good claim taking the ball down into her chest off of a Godmanchester free-kick on the left. Vincent lunging in to make the block on Firek as she takes the ball on down the right flank off Pearce a corner conceded. Taken short up the line the delivery into the area cleared by Harvey for Godmanchester.

GOAL! An end to end contest Godmanchester hit Soham on the counter the ball out on the left played on by Zimmerman into Worrall as she looks to get into the box, Quinn Nicholls alert to the threat rushing out to close her down sliding in at her feet making the blocking save, the ball deflected out of the area, the visitors quick to win it back, Zimmerman sending a shot in on the angle over Quinn Nicholls before she can get back into position a great hit to loop over her to find the back of the net to double the lead 0-2.

Erica Zimmerman doubles Godmanchester’s lead

Godmanchester doubling their advantage 20 minutes into the 2nd half. The visitors with an injury concern however as goalkeeper, Marjoram needs to come off, defender Leah Culpin given the gloves and a bib taking up the role between the sticks, Hannah Hutchinson coming on, with Harvey dropping into the backline. This is a busy game with the action never still a real blow for Soham as they were pushing for a goal themselves.

Leah Culpin now donning the gloves for Godmanchester

Thompson driving forwards for Godmanchester with the ball at her feet, fed through to Worrall on the left, Dunn getting back at her challenging on the by-line, Worrall managing to squeeze a cross in along the face of goal, Quinn Nicholls down smartly to smother the ball for Soham. Pearce on the right for Soham feeding a cross on the angle into the near post Penny providing the run, Harvey going with her reading the move turning the ball on for Culpin to clear.

A few free-kicks being given away yet the game remains in good spirits both sides competing, Soham winning a set-piece wide on the right swung into the six yard box, Culpin catching it cleanly. Cooksley cutting out a cross from Pearce on the right heading it behind for a corner kick. Taken short clipped into the near post on the angle attacked by Firek, deflects off a defender to the top of the area, Mcallister latching onto it fires a short in on goal, coming in low Culpin gets down to make the comfortable save.

Soham making a triple switch sending on, Lizzie Quigley, Evie Luker and Michela Edwards for Dunn and Ozakpinar and Mcallister. Stowers presented the ball on the right advancing with purpose up the wing tackled by Edwards the ball out for a throw. The changes seeing Stowers able to get forwards support the Godmanchester attack playing in inside to Zimmerman gets it back moving into the area Edwards with the blocking tackle the ball deflected of Stowers for a goal kick.

Quigley moving across to defend for Soham slides in on Stowers as she looks to get onto the end of a Zimmerman pass the ball out for a corner kick. Soham making two more changes with McTrusty and Penny coming off, Evie Luker into the action along with Holroyd-Davison. Luker straight into the action fed the ball right side sends it on to Pearce out wide bursting towards the box looking for the return pass, Harvey reads it well for Godmanchester going with her to intercept the pass.

Firek rushing forwards to charge down a defensive clearance rebounds kindly into Luker 25 yards out central lines up the strike, dropped in on the keeper, Culpin gets a glove up to make a fantastic save knocking the ball up onto her crossbar and collecting it as it bounces down in front of her.

Zimmerman taking the ball on well for the visitors moving to the right on for Anico, plays a diagonal ball into the Soham box looking for Worrall coming in far side, Quinn Nicholls moving forwards to snatch up the ball. Thompson moving with the ball into space on the right, Holroyd-Davison getting back at her to slide in play the ball behind for a corner kick. Zimmerman on the corner an in swinger in on the keeper, attacked blocked inside the six yard box, back out to Zimmerman on the right, her 2nd cross in cleared by Quigley, Firek looking to break right side, Vincent challenging.

Anico coming off for Godmanchester with Nicolle Surtees coming on up top. Holroyd-Davison clatters into Stowers taking the ball clear on the left her cross et by Pearce inside the area her shot pushed away to safety by Culpin. Penny back into the action for Soham, Anico too as Stowers needs to come off. Moving into the final 10 minutes of the contest, Luker is fouled 25 yards out to the left of the D. Pearce over the set-piece curls it in on goal, Culpin has to deal with it tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

GOAL! The corner fired low into the near post inside the six yard box, players from both sides snatching at it to try get meaningful contact, takes a couple of ricochets before Penny puts her foot through it to blast the ball past bodies on into the back of the net to see Soham reduce the deficit 1-2.

Carla Penny pulls one back for Soham

Game on as Soham get after the ball wanting to get on with the game Levitt playing the ball through the middle into Penny looks to send it on into Pearce pulling out to the right seeing the threat dropping back to intercept the ball for Godmanchester. The rain falling heavily now, Penny in position top of the area looking to see the ball down into her feet hit on the turn, doesn’t get the contact she wanted her shot rolling harmlessly through to the keeper.

Godmanchester launch a counter attack, Harvey to Zimmerman out to Thompson right side driving forwards looking to get into the area rides two challenges before firing the ball into the six yard box, Copping getting it away for Soham. Surtees fed into space on the left into the channel for Godmanchester, plays it inside for the advancing Zimmerman lines up a strike from 25 yards out threatening to dip under the bar, Quinn Nicholls with the superb save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

Curled in towards the near post Pearce defending for Soham, break up the other end to win a throw in the corner, Holroyd-Davison’s cross worked into the box taken down by Culpin. The game stretched a few tired legs out there Soham with the late goal finding a little more energy Clarke sending the ball on for Edwards advancing on the left taking the ball all the way into the box tries to get a shot away even as she is closed down her attempt over the bar.

GOAL! The clock ticking down Soham taking risks pushing players on get hold of the ball on the right Holroyd Davison up with Penny the ball fired into the box, comes straight into Pearce making a central run hitting it first time before she can be closed down on the turn strikes the ball wide past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner to score! 2-2! Pearce’s first goal for her new club.

Rachel Pearce congratulated as she equalises for Soham

Rachel Pearce scoring her first goal for Soham

Soham fighting back with a goal in stoppage time to get back on level terms with Godmanchester. A hammer blow for the visitors get straight back up the other end to win a corner kick, Soham need to settle the corner swung in to the near post from the right, Quinn Nicholls comes for it well to claim relieve the pressure. Penny with a long ball out to Holroyd-Davison on the right pushes forwards her cross into the top of the area cut out turned behind for a corner before Pearce can attack it, no time to take it the final whistle blows and the points are shared!

Full time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 2-2 Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

Soham showing good character to keep going and find a goal in the final 10 minutes after Godmanchester had doubled their lead 20 minutes into the 2nd half. Forced into a keeper change, seeing a few positional changes made looked good for their lead but Soham making changes themselves kept going finding a goal and coming back in stoppage time to equalise. A good contest between two competitive sides, Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One is going to be one to watch this season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. And this is a tough one, there are four players with a strong claim to the award and separating them isn’t easy, add onto that a strong teams performance from both sides and it tells you how competitive it was. Were to start, will go with Godmanchester, Ellie Harvey with a strong game in both midfield and dropping back into defence, with the some great passes and runs in the former role, reading the game well in the latter. Along side her in midfield, Erica Zimmerman won the ball well, played some excellent passes and scored from a brilliant strike to double the lead. Leah Culpin with some great tackles in defence did well in goal when called upon making some good saves. Gemma Cooksley too in defence with several vital interceptions and tackles. For Soham, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls produced some great saves to keep her side in contention. Jodie Copping covered the ground in defence to win the ball. Rachel Pearce provided a constant outlet on the right ready to receive the ball and link up with her fellow attackers in position composed to score the equaliser at the death. The award goes to Carla Penny her work rate throughout was phenomenal get about the park to link up play get it moving forwards, close to scoring in the first half, getting the goal to launch the Soham fightback late in the 2nd half.

That was an enjoyable first trip to Soham Town Rangers, and my first taste of county league action for the season didn’t disappoint, the weather maybe but I’ll have to get used to that, my thanks to both sides and referee Jordan Blunt for the help with the team details as ever much appreciated, the season’s in full swing at last and it’s going to be as exciting as ever.

by Darren Gilham

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Tag Archives: Match Report

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