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Match Report – Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

Wednesday 30th August

  My 1st midweek game of the season a trip down into Essex to watch a game another game from the ERWFL this time in the new Division One South and the opening fixture for both sides as Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies host Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies.

With 5 new sides joining the ERWFL this season Division One once again is split into 2 leagues a North and a South. The South containing 7 sides has only seen the one game played to date with newcomers Bishops Stortford Ladies leading the way with a 3-0 win away to Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. The V Festival and player unavailability delaying the start of the season.

 Two sides beginning their season tonight under the lights an 8pm kick-off. A new home for Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies this season playing at Bowers & Pitsea FC. Will be hoping for a better finish this time around having finished in 10th place in the single 11 strong Division One last season albeit on goal difference with 2 points separating the sides from 7th to 10th. Retain much of last seasons squad a young side. Charlotte Stephens joining after a spell studying abroad in America. Ebony Moore returning to the club after being with Hutton Ladies last season.

One of the few sides I haven’t seen play in the ERWFL to date, Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies struggled last season finishing bottom of the table. Much change at the club then with their previous manager Reece Buck leaving to take on a coaching role at FAWPL side Stevenage Ladies taking a good number of experienced 1st team regulars with him. Meant new joint managers Matthew Norton and Fraser Wood fielding a lot of younger players a steep learning curve results didn’t come but by all accounts the side improved strongly as the season grew. Have new signings ahead of the season with both Kristina O’Connell and Leah Dunnage returning from Stevenage. Chloe Makepeace and Sian Owens making their debuts tonight.

Bowers & Pitsea FC, Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies new home this season the non-league club investing in their pitch over the summer improving drainage and reseeding the grass it looks in great condition soft underfoot is a very large and wide pitch. A small covered seated stand on one side with covered standing behind one goal. Outside the pitch a large clubhouse and function room a wedding party in full swing. Car parking and plans in place to continue the improvements. A wet and miserable day the steady rain starting to die away remained dull and over cast however the pitch wasn’t affected at all. 

 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies starting XI – Atlanta Fuwa, Courtney Fraser, Elysia King, Taylor Parrish, Taylor Adcock, Abbie Simmonds (C) Sydney Killick, Eloise Ives, Natalie Strange, Ebony Moore & Georgia Fraser. Subs – Danielle Styles, Kerri Thomas, Rhianne Holmes & Sophie Dowman.

 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies starting XI – Shannon Daly, Katie Kendle, Leah Dunnage,  Charley Handley, Faye Holder, Chloe Makepeace, Robyn Jones, Kristina O’Connell, Charlotte Grogan, Sian Owens & Natasha Crick (C). Subs – Megan Davies, Stephanie Iaonnou, Summer Muir, Rachel Daltrey & Courtney Smart.

(Roll on roll off substitutes)

    It’s Hoddesdon to get the game underway kicking off 1st half are wearing their regular colours red and navy vertical striped shirts, with navy shorts and socks. Little Thurrock wearing orange shirts with black across the chest and sleeves, black shorts and socks. Hoddesdon attack straight from the off Kristina O’Connell in the centre passing to fellow midfielder Robyn Jones she sends the ball forwards for captain and striker Natasha Crick to go after, a touch but closed down by Little Thurrock’s Taylor Adcock the ball is won outside the box. A rapid counter attack the ball with right back Elle King taking it forwards has her captain Abbie Simmonds making a determined run forwards into the box King rolls the ball into her path taking it to the byline she cuts the cross back across the six yard box racing across the face of goal no one coming in far post to turn home.

GOAL! 3 minutes on the clock and Little Thurrock take an early lead the tempo high at the start the full width of the pitch being exploited by both sides Little Thurrock pressing the ball Hoddesdon can’t get it away won back inside their half the home side’s attackers look to turn in behind the through ball picks out Georgia Fraser left side in the box strikes the ball in low and hard towards the near post beats goalkeeper Shannon Daly over the line for 1-0.

  End to end at the start both sides expanding alot of energy early on keen to get the competitve action started at last. Little Thurrock attacker Ebony Moore is presented with a shooting opportunity as Daly’s goalkick comes straight to her 30 yards out from goal pushing the ball forwards looks to open up her body curl her shot around the keeper from 25 yards out sends her effort wide of goal. Georgia Fraser getting possession of the ball 25 yards out left of goal carries it into the area in a similar position to where she scored has another go this time Daly going to ground is right behind the strike makes the save.

 Hoddesdon get players forwards pressuring the Little Thurrock midfield inside their half Chloe Makepeace wins the ball knocking it inside for Charlotte Grogan in space centrally 35 yards out lines up a shot lacks the pace to trouble Fuwa in the Little Thurrock goal. Little Thurrock are prepared to push more players on when they have the ball their defence coming to the half way line they keep Hoddesdon penned back enjoying more of the ball doubling up on the right Georgia Fraser on the ball in the corner sends a cross back towards the top of the area, Moore’s there good control back to goal lays it off for the advancing Sydney Killick she takes on the shot puts the ball over the crossbar. 

 Charley Handley moves out of centre back to deal with the threat posed by Natalie Strange on the right for Little Thurrock the defender sliding in to tackle preventing the attacker getting a run into the box. Little Thurrock keep up the pressure in the final 3rd winning a corner kick on the right. King to take the set piece a good delivery long towards the far post Georgia Fraser up to head the ball knocking it down bounces wide.

 Hoddesdon come forwards Jones knocking the ball on for Sian Owens attacking on the left wing making ground has support from Crick outside the box 25 yards out receives the pass plays in on for O’Connell who in turn plays it back to Grogan, twisting and turning the no 10 comes on before rolling the ball into Owens moving into position outside the D, she strikes the ball goalwards, Fuwa is behind it all the way claims comfortably.

  Handley reacts quickly getting across to tackle Strange once again on the right as Georgia Fraser skillfully flicks on King’s 25 yard pass. Coming on again down the right a Little Thurrock win a free-kick outside the Hoddesdon box, players come forwards from the back as King sets the ball. The delivery towards the far post falls to the ground, Adcock is there for Little Thurrock 8 yards out latches onto the ball puts it wide across the goal. Up front on her own Crick is constantly looking to peel off the last defender get in behind whenever Hoddesdon mount an attack, does so as O’Connell threads the pass along the ground into her path moving right into the area pulls the trigger puts her shot straight into the keepers gloves.

A change for Little Thurrock with Danielle Styles entering the game midway through the 1st half. Little Thurrock are having more of the attack win a corner right another well delivered ball from King drops into the six yard box central Georgia Fraser lunges out to connect with the ball scoops it up over the crossbar. A change for Hoddesdon with Stephanie Iaonnou coming on for Jones. Iaonnou links up with Owens on the left side as Hoddesdon attack the pass inside for Makepeace she tries to feed Crick the ball as the striker enters the box from the right she is quickly closed down and crowded off the ball by 3 Little Thurrock defenders.

GOAL! Little Thurrock have had the better chances 1st half but with 40 minutes played Hoddesdon get themselves back on level terms. O’Connell with a great run on the ball driving through the centre plays it on for Crick making a run left to get into the box in behind, can she reach the ball before the keeper, Fuwa goes to ground, Crick gets a toe on the ball knocks it past her goes after it the angle going away from her gets the shot in with defenders rushing back the ball turned towards goal finds its way into the back of the net to make it 1-1. 

The game restarts with Styles and Strange switching sides, Styles right now plays the ball on for Moore through the middle a race for the ball with Handley the central defender sticking out a leg to take the ball away from the Little Thurrock attacker. Daly with a good claim under pressure from Moore minutes later as Styles whips a high diagonal ball into the area.

GOAL! A goal out of nothing sees Little Thurrock restore their lead in the closing minute of the 1st half the ball is kicked out of the box by Daly into midfield won by Little Thurrock the pass picking out Styles on the right in space a long way out but aware the goalkeeper is out of position strikes the ball high towards goal on target backpedalling Daly can’t reach it as it flies over her and bounces into the goal 2-1.

Styles causing Hoddesdon a few problems since coming on. On the left side Strange puts the cross into the box Iaonnou inside the six yard box blocks a shot the ball rebounding out towards Abbie Simmonds 25 yards out central the Little Thurrock captain goes for goal the ball fired back in over the bar. Into stoppage time in the 1st half Little Thurrock are finishing strongly Simmonds bringing the ball on puts it into Styles ahead of her King seeing space to run into goes beyond her receiving the pass fires a cross into the area players from both sides attack the ball Handley winning it initially isn’t clear on the floor Little Thurrock’s Moore gets a shot away, Daly making the save at pointblank range the ball going away for a corner kick. Dealt with. 

Half-time Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies 2-1 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

  A narrow lead for Little Thurrock at the break taking an early lead and creating further chances to extend their lead Hoddesdon have defended stoutly their defence kept busy. Both sides enjoying the space the pitch offers have put alot into the 1st half may tell 2nd half as legs tire. Hoddesdon with fewer chances and these shots from outside the box. Crick offering a threat up top with O’Connell making some useful runs in the middle getting it back to 1-1 only to concede soon after. 

With roll on roll off substitutes in play and the dugouts being on the opposite side of the pitch to where I’m watching a good distance hard to keep track of all the comings and goings. 2 changes for Little Thurrock as they kick-off the 2nd half Moore and Killick are off with Kerri Thomas and Sophie Dowman on. Hoddesdon win possession Grogan playing the ball long for Crick the ball bouncing over Parrish, Fuwa is quickly out to jump and claim the ball before the striker can capitalise. Both sides counter attack, Hoddesdon with Crick after the ball Parrish clears, then up the other end Handley dives in to make a challenge gets hurt and the trainer is immediately called for. A lengthy pause in play however Handley somewhat gingerly is back to her feet and going off the field is soon allowed back on.

   Courtney Fraser is called into action at the back for Little Thurrock as Hoddesdon’s O’Connell makes a run with the ball centrally plays the pass on into the box with Grogan the furthest forwards the full back coming across on the cover to put the challenge in win the ball. 

GOAL! Little Thurrock like they did in the 1st half score early to open up a 2 goal cushion. Georgia Fraser on the ball left side into the Hoddesdon half moves infield rolls it a across for Thomas, Styles is on the move right side looking for the ball to be passed into her run inside the area Thomas obliges Styles takes it on right of goal a tight angle drills a shot in near post Daly drops to make the save the ball squirms away from her and into the back of the net beyond 3-1. 

Hoddesdon win their 1st corner of the game 10 minutes into the 2nd half the delivery inviting just over the head of Handley jumping in the centre of the six yard box. Simmonds heads the ball out towards the top of the area a shot is taken the ball sent wide of goal. Katie Kendle gets across to tackle Dowman as Georgia Fraser looks to send her clear on the left wing. Fraser comes off then with Eloise Ives rejoining the action. The energy levels remain high space is opening up here and their Hoddesdon break up a Little Thurrock attack Holder on for Kendle bringing it on right has Grogan ahead of her she turns with the ball and releases O’Connell grass in front of her tries an ambitious cross towards the far post with Crick trying to get on the end of it throws herself at the dropping ball but doesn’t connect. 

Megan Davies is on for Hoddesdon in at left back Dunnage more central. Simmonds is off for Little Thurrock, Killick back on. The ball is moving up and down the pitch Adcock clears as Crick looks to chase a ball played through from Grogan. Dowman through the middle for Little Thurrock looks to attack the box looking to plough her way through Dunnage and Handley converge to close the door in front of her. Dowman isn’t put off though and with the ball at her feet again right of the D lets fly from 20 yards coming in fast and skipping off the surface Daly makes a great save knocking the ball up and over the ball as she falls forwards. 

  Handley clears the corner from the right at the near post. Summer Muir is sent into the game for Hoddesdon replacing Grogan moving into a central striking position Crick moving left. Kendle too is taken off with Rachel Daltrey taking up the right back position. Styles on the run with the ball for Little Thurrock right side sends the pass on for Dowman inside the box she turns and shoots Daly saving with the block a close range neither aware the offside flag was up against Dowman. Georgia Fraser comes back on for Little Thurrock. 

Daltrey clears the ball off the goal line for Hoddesdon as a cross is whipped in from the right, Daly can only get her fingertips to the ball not enough to stop it flying goalwards the defender back on the cover. Play is stretched late on Jones returns to the field in place of Iaonnou for Hoddesdon. 

GOAL! Little Thurrock strengthen their grip on their 1st 3 point haul of the season as they score a 4th goal. The build up right side a high ball in towards the near side of goal Daly parries the ball away the clearance played out falls straight to Georgia Fraser time to pick her spot takes on the shot sending the ball high into the far top corner of the net Daly unable to get back across her goal in time 4-1. 

Changes thick and fast now for Little Thurrock Rhianne Holmes introduced with Moore also back on. Holmes at right back for Little Thurrock clearing an O’Connell cross flashed across the face of goal as Muir rolls her in inside the box. Not long left now Muir has given Hoddesdon’s attack a little more impetus late on Crick and O’Connell pushed on Little Thurrock with a 3 goal cushion dropping off a little.

GOAL! Possession with Hoddesdon outside the Little Thurrock area on the left side Muir linking up with Crick 30 yards out takes on the shot is a great strike flying across Fuwa’s six yard box the keeper turning to see the ball land in the back of the net as Crick becomes the 3rd player of the night to complete a brace 4-2. 

One final attack with Little Thurrock and they almost steal in to score a 5th goal the ball sent long up into the area the bounce deceiving the keeper skipping up over her looks to be going on to creep inside the far post Dowman after it, so too is the Hoddesdon defence the ball hooked off the goal line once again. 

Full time Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies 4-2 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

   Little Thurrock win the game 4-2 to begin their season with a win the 3 points putting them straight into 2nd behind Bishops Stortford on goal difference. A winning start at their new home played well for the win an early goal setting them on their way. Creating chances have plenty of attack minded players. Hoddesdon getting back into the game only to concede again. The visitors with fewer chances did well but were always on the back foot after conceding early goals in both halves 4-2 a fair reflection of the game and despite the the loss Hoddesdon should be encouraged by the performance, both the North & South Division One’s in the ERWFL will be competitve this season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

    Tonight’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match goes to Little Thurrock Dynamos, Georgia Fraser. Good movement on and off the ball, timing her runs into the box and always available for the ball with two well taken goals.

A two hour trip home hence a later than normal match report but good to be on the road again. An enjoyable game under the floodlights tonight. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team line-ups.

 

Match Report – Acle United Ladies v AFC Sudbury Ladies

Sunday 27th August

  A hot and sunny August Bank Holiday weekend, headed east along the A47 to watch a game from the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday afternoon into its 2nd weekend a game between two sides that had opened their season scoring 5 goals apiece to claim the 3 points Acle United Ladies at home to AFC Sudbury Ladies.

12 sides contesting the ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) Premier Division this season, Cambridge City Ladies and Colney Heath Ladies promoted from Division One.

  Acle United Ladies came within ONE win of winning the ERWFL Premier Division title last season and clinching promotion to the FAWPL took it to the final game of the season with a strong winning run late on to set up a winner takes all game away to Haringey Borough Women. Lost in the end Haringey Borough celebrating becoming champions going on to complete a double with the League Cup. So close Acle United begin the new season with a determination to go one better and win the Premier Division this season start as favourites although there will be a few challengers in the league.

   Have made several new signings over the close season bringing in Erin Wilson from Norwich City Ladies along with Ceira Flatt from Lowestoft Town Ladies. Kirstie Kindred and Olivia Mungham-Gray both join from Norfolk Division One Champions, Thorpe United Ladies. A new goalkeeper too with Cyan Fullbrook joining from North Walsham Angels Ladies. Started the season with an away trip to AFC Dunstable who pushed the top three hard last season winning the game 5-1. 

  AFC Sudbury have established themselves in the ERWFL Premier Division, the Suffolk side having a solid campaign last season constantly in the top half pushing the top sides well before clinching 5th spot. An experienced squad have retained most of last season’s players bringing in a couple of new faces, defender Laura Wheeler from Brentwood and Semma Halil who was with Silver End United Ladies.

A new home ground for Acle United Ladies this season playing at the FDC (Football Development Centre) Flegg situated at Flegg High School on the outskirts of the village of Martham. Has been and still is Acle United Ladies training ground and they played a couple of cup matches there last season. An all weather 3G pay and play facility means Acle United Ladies can play home fixtures in August and regularly throughout the season with less chance of postponements. Hot and cold drinks are available not so much room for spectators is a small pitch with coloured markings denoting various sized pitches. A beautiful day hot and sunny best enjoy them whilst they last.

Acle United Ladies starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Anna Larkins, Erin Wilson, Kate Pasque, Chloe Shields, Broghan Scully, Amber Rowland, Ciera Flatt, Lauren Bullard, Rebecca Burton (C) & Megan Todd. Subs – Joanne Hooper & Kirstie Kindred.

AFC Sudbury starting XI – Penny Everett, Holly Harrison, Rebekah Henderson, Marie Seabrook (C), Rebecca Chandler, Charley Roach, Megan Partridge, Sophie Jeffery, Semma Halil, Mia Etheridge & Stacey Teager. Subs – Laura Wheeler, Georgia Lindon, Phoebe Scott, Natalie Golding & Harriett Young.

(Roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s Acle to get the game underway kicking off 1st half wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and black and white hooped socks with Sudbury lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue across the left side of the upper chest, Blue shorts with a yellow band round the left leg and yellow socks. Acle look to put the ball long to Megan Todd moving down the right wing, Sudbury defender Rebekah Henderson wins the ball then once again as she clears and Acle regain the ball. 

A small pitch the midfield is congested and early on is shaping up to be a competitive battleground players on both sides quick to close the ball down Sudbury win it play the diagonal ball out to Semma Halil on the right running clear is tackled bringing 1st a throw then a corner kick. The ball goes long across the six yard box cleared Acle try to launch a counter attack the ball long for Lauren Bullard left side into the area is muscled off the ball by Rebecca Chandler. Todd is a player who likes to get forwards covers the ground quickly and will drift inside as much as stick to the wing, looks to get onto the end of a central ball flighted up towards the area into the D, Sudbury captain Marie Seabrook stands her ground coming together with Todd both grounded appeals for the foul the referee waves play on.

AFC Sudbury Ladies captain, Marie Seabrook

Acle come again Erin Wilson on for Bullard on the left side getting ahead of play cuts the ball back inside the area with Ciera Flatt arriving leans into the shot sending it goalwards Sudbury goalkeeper Penny Everett dives to her right, the ball skims wide off the outside of the post. A busy start to the game injuries for both sides requiring on pitch treatment giving everyone a chance to catch their breath.

   Play resumes Sudbury look to attack down the left Sophie Jeffery is quickly closed down by Acle’s Anna Larkins, support from midfielder Amber Rowland the ball sent on for Todd on the right plays a long diagonal pass for Bullard trying to get into the area on the left, manages to win the home side a corner kick.An in swinging corner the ball lands in the six yard box a scramble ensues as Todd tries to latch onto it Sudbury get the ball out of the area falls straight to Acle centre back Chloe Shields takes on the shot from 25 yards out getting it on target puts the ball straight into Everett’s gloves. 

GOAL! A little over 15 minutes on the clock Acle have started brightly and take the lead coming forwards Todd gets in behind on the right as the ball is played through to her taking it to the byline inside the area cuts the cross back across the face of goal with pace, Everett throws herself forwards in an attempt to stop it evades her and finds Bullard timing her arrival perfectly at the far post to connect with the ball and send it into the back of the net 1-0.

Acle United’s, Lauren Bullard

 Todd puts the ball in the back of the net in the very next attack however it doesn’t count as it’s the wrong goal as she is slid through on goal by a beautifully weighted pass from Acle captain Rebecca Burton right side into the box Todd pulls her strike sending it wide of the near post and into one of the five a side goals stored behind the goal.

GOAL! Sudbury respond well to going a goal down pushing forwards draw level as Halil wins the ball right side drives on before crossing along the top of the area for Mia Etheridge central spots Jeffery on the move up the left wing sends the ball on the winger takes the ball on challenged the ball pops in behind favourably for her to go on sends the cross into the six yard box missed by Acle at the ear post Stacey Teager is clear beyond to raise her boot and turn the ball home to equalise 1-1.

Stacey Teager with the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies

Some crunching challenges out there going to be a few bruises in the morning but these two sides have met regularly over the past few seasons know what to expect from each other and are getting on with it. Megan Partridge is down for Sudbury needing treatment a drinks break is called very hot out there. Partridge is okay play resumes with 25 minutes played. Breaking up a Sudbury attack play is turned around quickly Todd running through the middle after the all has half a yard on Chandler gets a shot away from the top of the area dips late on Everett but flies narrowly over the crossbar.

A free kick wide right over halfway to Acle players go up as Larkins sends it long to the far post Bullard up headers it down into the centre Burton and Seabrook challenging for the ball end up on the ground the striker getting a shot away sends the ball wide. Wilson wins the ball at left back for Acle on for Bullard left side plays the pass inside to Broghan Scully has Rowland to her right puts the ball into her moving forwards Rowland’s strike from 25 yards is blocked by Chandler. Acle regain possession out on the right with Todd the ball is sent high into the area, Everett claiming well on the bounce as the ball is attacked.

GOAL! Acle double their lead as the game moves past the half hour with Jeffery looking a threat on the left side for Sudbury, Acle move in quickly to get players around her before she can break squeezed off the ball on half way by Todd, Larkins is already on the move down the wing the right back receiving the ball is a good way out around 35 yards as she whips the ball into the air sending it towards high looping towards the top corner far post has Everett backpedalling can’t get to it as it flies over her into the goal beyond 2-1.

Anna Larkins restores the lead for Acle United Ladies

  Tough tackling from Partridge after the restart sends the ball on for Etheridge central closing in on the top of the area can’t connect with the shot. Jeffery taking players on on the left wing is getting plenty of Acle attention getting a cross away the ball is claimed by Fullbrook. 

  GOAL! Acle get up the other end with 5 minutes left of the 1st half and score a 3rd goal another great through ball from Burton with Sudbury high up the pitch Todd central is after it Everett comes rushing out of her goal sliding in looks to block Todd as she shapes to shoot does so but an unfortunate rebound off the attacker takes the ball beyond Everett, Todd stays on it and puts the ball into the empty goal beyond 3-1. 

Acle United’s, Megan Todd

Rowland goes down with n injury is substituted with Acle sending on Kirstie Kindred. A fantastic turn from Halil attacking left side Sudbury as the ball is rolling into her by Roach in behind gets past Pasque clear heads for the area, Shields gets across lunging in to win the ball take it away from Halil for the throw in. Sudbury push late on in the half Teager battling in the middle 30 yards out gets the ball through for Etheridge for a moment clear on goal Larkins does well to get across and put the challenge in. 

Half-time Acle United Ladies 3-1 AFC Sudbury Ladies

  An entertaining 1st half no shortage of action a few injuries disrupting play but despite the heat the players on both sides putting plenty into the game. Acle have been on top getting in behind the Sudbury defence have had the better chances. The visitors when they can get the ball wide themselves trying to create an opening. Acle with the 2 goal cushion going into the 2nd half.

A change for Sudbury at the start of the 2nd half Laura Wheeler on for Halil, the defender going in at centreback alongside Chandler, Seabrook moving forwards to bolster the midfield. The visitors the kick off the 2nd half. Straight away Sudbury are looking to get the ball have Acle pinned back in their half without making any in roads into their box. From a counter the ball is laid on for Todd right shapes to shoot early reaching the top of the area sends the strike wide. 

Charley Roach on the attack for AFC Sudbury Ladies

Roach and Partridge with support from Seabrook are winning the ball for Sudbury looking to carry it forwards Acle a little sluggish at the start of the 2nd half start to gather Flatt moving well finding pockets of space wanting the short pass into her. Todd peeling away right gets clear as the ball finds her running on squares the cross along the top of the area a vital interception from Chandler with Burton ready to throw herself at the ball beyond. 

GOAL! Despite a good start to the 2nd half from Sudbury it’s Acle who score the next goal to further extend their lead. Have possession on the right the ball carried forwards by Kindred the cross is fired in with pace into the six yard box Harrison attempts to send it clear covering the far post the ball falls straight to Burton central the striker turning the ball from the top of the six yard box into the back of the net 4-1.

Acle United Ladies captain, Rebecca Burton

Todd sets up a chance for Burton moment after the restart as the ball is won back in the middle on for Todd drives at the Sudbury area before laying it on to Burton peeling away to the right inside the area pulls the trigger sends her shot up over the bar. Rowland returns to the action replacing Scully in midfield. Larkins is over a free kick inside left a long way from goal nevertheless takes on the shot puts it wide of Everett’s goal.

GOAL! Sudbury pull a goal back 4 minutes after going 4-1 down. Winning a corner kick on the right is a fantastic delivery high angling in towards the far post two Acle defenders jump or it can’t reach it falls to Etheridge beyond adjusts well the get a foot on the ball leaning back and send it high into the net to make it 4-2.

Mia Etheridge pulls a goal back for AFC Sudbury Ladies

Sudbury come very close to making it 4-3 as the game restarts winning the ball strong from Teager to close Acle down left side wrestle possession back take the ball inside pushes it on into the path of Partridge breaking forwards 30 yards out lets fly with a venomous strike comes straight at Fullbrook the keeper reacting instinctively gloves up deflects the ball up over her head onto the crossbar it bounces once, twice on the woodwork before falling back into play pressure behind her Fullbrook is distracted watching the ball grabs it into her body saving on her goal line. 

AFC Sudbury’s Megan Partridge with Acle’s Kate Pasque

 Another much needed drinks break in the 2nd half. Acle bring Scully back on for Flatt in the middle. Sudbury win a corner after the game resumes left side the ball into the box Teager chests down and on the turn hits a shot the ball straight at Fullbrook well positioned in the goal beyond. Acle break quickly the ball up top for Kindred central drags her strike wide as Everett diving across smothers the ball. Wilson winning the ball left side plays a good diagonal ball long for Todd running clear on the right sends the cross inside for Scully in a central position outside the box the midfielder connects with the ball sends her shot high over the Sudbury goal.

Acle make a goalkeeper change with Fullbrook coming off to be replaced by Joanne Hooper who can and has played everywhere on the pitch for Acle over the seasons. Seabrook comes off for Sudbury, Georgia Lindon comes on goes into right back with Harrison moving inside, Candler pushed into midfield. Rowland on the ball in the middle pushes on attacking the Sudbury defence sends the pass to Bullard coming inside from the left outside the area plays her shot wide of goal. An injury concern for Sudbury as Wheeler stays down after the attack her ankle strapped before the game looks to have injured it again a long break in play as she receives treatment. Gingerly gets back to her feet and is able to limp off the pitch.

Acle’s Amber Rowland with AFC Sudbury’s, Sophie Jeffery

An enforced change Seabrook comes back on for Wheeler, Chandler too comes off Halil returning to the field. A strong run from Partridge through the midfield before playing the ball into Teager outside the box back to goal good control before getting a shot away wide of the far post. Bullard takes the ball on down the left looks to get past Lindon the defender going to ground times her challenge well conceding the corner kick from the left side the ball comes into the area a touch sends t towards goal lacks pace Everett going to ground it able to claim the ball. 

Jeffery in a central position breaks with the ball for Sudbury plays the pass over the top with Acle holding a high line Teager is in behind after the ball. Hooper with a good starting position inside the box is out quickly to clear the danger. 

GOAL! With the game stretched both sides looking to attack Acle grab a 5th goal the ball with Todd on half way she runs forwards, Scully is the player furthest forwards inside the box Todd’s diagonal pass picks her out Scully opening up her body connects with the ball sending it wide of Everett and into the goal to make it 5-2 .

The injuries 2nd half have extended the game by several minutes kicking off at 3:02 the 45 minutes are up but there is quite alot of stoppage time to be played. Sudbury make a change Teager coming off up top to be replaced by Phoebe Scott. Flatt is back on for Acle replacing Bullard. Everett palms down a strike sent goalwards from Burton on the edge of the area. Hooper is a long way out of her area to kick clear as Sudbury look to counter quickly. Roach to take a free-kick wide right on halfway for Sudbury delivers the ball to the top of the area the header comes in knocked down towards goal Hooper throwing herself forwards can claim the ball.

 Tensions have been building throughout the 2nd half and they come to a head with Henderson shown a straight red card in the closing moments for saying something she shouldn’t have to the referee Sudbury reduced to 10. Acle attack in the final seconds the ball with Rowland outside the box takes it across the top of the area before seeing her shot blocked by Harrison the final action of the match.

Full time Acle United Ladies 5-2 AFC Sudbury Ladies

  Another 5 goals scored by Acle as they open their campaign with 2 league wins taking maximum points with a 5-2 victory at home. Deserved winners starting well taking the lead Sudbury responded straight away before going 3-1 down at half-time as Acle got in behind their defence to score. Sudbury started brightly 2nd half before falling a further goal behind again responded well getting a goal back almost a 3rd Acle going on to wrap up the win late on.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  A few contenders for today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match some fine attacking play from Acle today moving the ball with pace have chosen their captain Rebecca Burton with some fine passing dropping deeper to receive the ball from the midfielders her forward passes setting up chances and goals along with also getting her name on the scoresheet. 

   With two sides both scoring 5 goals in their opening league game I might have been setting myself up for a 0-0 but knowing these two sides didn’t expect anything but a committed competitive contest, plenty of energy and goals an entertaining match played in hot temperatures very enjoyable to watch.

 

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Leyton Orient WFC

Sunday 20th August

 The new season is here! The 2017/18 season gets underway in the FAWPL and looks like it is going to be as competitve as ever. Starting the season with a game from FAWPL South East Division One at Mildenhall Town FC to watch Cambridge United WFC who finished 4th in the league last season host newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC.

The past two seasons the league has been won by a runaway leaders Gillingham FC Ladies last season and Crystal Palace Ladies going unbeaten the season before. With no side coming down from the FAWPL Southern Division, South East Division One looks tighter this year. Milton Keynes Dons Ladies slight favourites to finish top there are a host of sides below them who could mount a strong challenge and most sides on their day are capable of beating anyone else. It’s what makes the league so exciting.

  Is a much changed Cambridge United WFC side going into the start of the 2017/18 campaign a few players moving to rivals in the league or taking a break from the game. Goalkeeper Verity Crook hanging up her boots. Are without defender Chloe Bennett for the start of the season as she is still recovering from the dislocated elbow she suffered at the end of last season as well as attacker Becky Taylor who was impressive for the club last season scooping most of the end of year awards out long term with an ACL injury.

  Have brought in goalkeeper Chloe Crook on loan from Tottenham Hotspur Ladies however injury sees her out of today’s league opener. Striker Nuala Wayne returns to the club as does Nettie Stillinger after a spell with Lowestoft Town Ladies. Charlotte Crisp also returns after university having been briefly with the club before. Creative midfielder Amber Cantwell steps up to the FAWPL after constantly impressing for Wymondham Town Ladies. Emma Whitter also joins the striker bringing a wealth of experience with her after spells with FAWSL 2 sides London Bees and Millwall Lionesses. Another new addition with plenty of FAWPL experience is Amy Howlett having played for Charlton Athletic Women aswell as two spells with Ipswich Town Ladies. Lastly joining the club after impressing on trial is Ruth Fox who was with Hitchin Belles last season. A new look side manager Steve Edwards hasn’t set any targets for this season a squad with plenty of potential to develop.

Leyton Orient WFC step up the the FAWPL after winning the London & South East Regional Premier Division title last season finishing 8 points clear at the top winning 16 of their 18 league games with only the one defeat. Have retained pretty much all of the squad that won promotion last season including top scorer Sophie Le Marchand who scored 39 goals during the 2016/17 season. One new addition with Hannah Porter joining from FAWPL Southern Division side C&K Basildon Ladies. Face a stern test as they play their football at a higher level with 3 successive away games against the sides that finished 4th, 5th and 6th.

Cambridge United WFC return to Mildenhall Town FC after playing their home matches their last season taking advantage of an excellent playing surface, the pitch looks as good as ever, Mildenhall Town FC winning promotion to the Bostik North Division. A sloping pitch from one goal mouth to the other some ground improvements made following promotion addition toilet facilities and turnstiles. A good sized clubhouse and hot drinks and refreshments available. A warm August afternoon to start the season a few dark clouds above but no rain forecast.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – MacKenzie McGranor, Emma Jenkins, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Nettie Stillinger, Laura Bright (C), Charlotte Crisp, Amber Cantwell, Laura Mills, Amy Howlett, Emma Whitter & Lauren Gibson. Subs – Nuala Wayne & Ruth Fox.

Leyton Orient WFC starting XI – Naomi Ogunde, Francesca Cagetti, Hannah Porter, Danielle Griffiths (C), Connie Montiel-McCann, Egle Trezzi, Vanessa Wilson, Hayley Barton, Leyre Bastyr, Ella Meadowcroft & Jasmine Campbell. Subs – Olympia Diamond, Belen Ripoll-Douton, Natalie Colangelo & Chanel Richards.

 Both sides are have players unavailable at the start of the season Leyton Orient are with striker Le Marchand away on her honeymoon aswell as last seasons player of the year Ellie Davies. Cambridge have MacKenzie McGranor keeping goal in the absence of Crook and with their Reserves side making their bow in the ERWFL Division One North today can only pull a limited number from that squad with just the two subs on the bench. 

It’s Leyton Orient to get the 1st half underway wearing an all blue kit with Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical stripped shirts, black shorts and socks. Leyton Orient attacking down the slope look to thread a ball through the middle of the Cambridge defence who are playing 3 at the back the ball is won by Nettie Stillinger for Cambridge plays a good ball out to Laura Mills operating on the  left over half way carries the ball in field towards the area before dinking it up over the Leyton Orient defence with Amber Cantwell breaking forwards from midfield getting onto the end of it shoots early firing the ball back across the keeper runs wide of the far post.

Amber Cantwell attacking for Cambridge United WFC

Leyton Orient are awarded a free kick wide on the right around half way the ball played up towards striker Jasmine Campbell 30 yards from goal looks to turn and hit a shot, Stillinger closes her down putting in the blocking tackle to deny the strike. A good temp at the start Leyton Orient pressing Cambridge on the ball win a series of throws in their opponents half without finding a telling ball into the area.

Cambridge captain Laura Bright playing in front of her defence plays a great ball forwards for the strikers to chase, Lauren Gibson who had a great season with the Reserves last season stepping up to the 1st team gives chase left of goal into the area, Connie Montiel-McCann lunges into the challenge to win the ball take it away from the attacker before she can latch onto it. Off the resulting throw in on the left the ball is back with Gibson tries her luck from distance a dipping ball on target goalkeeper Naomi Ogunde parries it behind for a corner kick at her near post.

  The corner taken from the left comes in high far post area Gibson jumps up to try and win the header, Hannah Porter up with her the ball goes behind the final touch off the defender a corner awarded this time from the right, Laura Mills across to take it the ball comes into the area half cleared Kayleigh-Anne Burt up from the back for Cambridge retrieves and gets it back to Mills who drives on towards the by line cutting the cross square in towards the near post Bright closest goes to attack it a Leyton Orient defender slides in to make the challenge Bright goes down another corner is signalled this one cleared by Leyton Orient.

Good build up play from Cambridge on the right the ball played into Emma Whitter holds it up as Cantwell gets forwards centrally the pass played into her crosses it out to the left with Amy Howlett available inside the box gets her head to the ball but can only place the ball straight into Ogunde’s gloves. Hayley Barton takes the ball on down the right wing into the corner crosses it in towards the near post Burt defending wins it for Cambridge. Vanessa Wilson out to Leyre Bastyr finding a little space on the left for Leyton Orient fires the pass into the feet of Campbell outside the box tries to turn but is closely marked by Cambridge’s Emma Jenkins who wins the ball back. 

  Cambridge a temporarily down to 10 with Mills off receiving treatment. Leyton Orient press the advantage Bastyr onto the ball left looks to play Campbell in behind the ball is won back but Leyton Orient don’t left Cambridge get far closing down win a free kick outside the box right of goal 25 yards out Barton to take gets the ball around the wall on target but lacking enough pace as McGranor moves across to safely collect. 

Leyton Orient’s, Jasmine Campbell

  Building some momentum Leyton Orient regain possession in the middle the ball is played in behind into the area seeing Ella Meadowcroft one on one with the keeper right of goal McGranor comes out sliding in to block does enough to put the striker off the ball isn’t clear however Meadowcroft goes after it, Stillinger getting back to win and clear for Cambridge. The action is from one end to the other Leyton Orient attacking right Barton crossing into the box, Cambridge launch clear turns into an excellent ball for Mills giving chase into space on the right looks to curl a cross into the area sees the ball come back into play off as it strikes the near post. Leyton Orient get it up field as Mills stays down after the attack needing further treatment is able to continue.

Egle Trezzi finds the pitch open up in front of her as she brings the ball on time to play the ball she puts in in over the top of the Cambridge defence for Barton moving inside from the right into the area she hits it across the box for Bastyr coming in from the left connects with the header, McGranor scrambles across her goal but can see the ball drop safely a foot wide of the post. Cantwell brings the ball forwards for Cambridge before checking her run and playing the pass to Howlett on the left puts the ball into the area from a deep position, Ogunde claims the ball well as Gibson comes leaping in looking to get onto the end of it. Leyton Orient launch a rapid counter attack Porter on for Bastyr her ball played across the top of the area Barton right of the D launches onto it sends her shot high over the bar.

Cambridge’s Amy Howlett

Cambridge are awarded a free kick on half way right side the ball fired up towards the top of the box, Leyton Orient captain Danielle Griffiths gets a foot on the ball but can only push it out of the area Cantwell is onto it under challenge shifts the ball to her right gets a shot away the ball racing wide of the post from 22 yards. Is shaping up to be a physical encounter both sides prepared to stand their ground Gibson turns and plays the ball out wide right Mills gives chase getting it crosses early low comes in central Howlett tries to get onto it, Griffiths is their 1st to win the tackle and cancel the threat. 

Leyton Orient WFC captain, Danielle Griffiths

A corner on the right for Leyton Orient as the 1st half moves into the last 5 minutes comes in near post put behind looks a goal-kick however another corner is awarded this one comes in deeper is cleared out of the area falls to Porter 30 yards out central looks to strike the ball in towards goal a Leyton Orient attacker is offside as the ball bounces through obscures McGranor’s view for a moment but seeing it late gets across to make the save palming the ball initially before gathering.

Meadowcroft brings down Burt as the defender looks to carry the ball out from the back from the resulting free kick the ball is played long up to Gibson back to goal who helps it on with her head for Whitter to her right the striker peeling away finds some space driving into the area shapes to shoot back across the keeper gets it to close to Ogunde who drops low to make the save.

Cambridge’s, Emma Whitter with Leyton Orient’s, Francesca Cagetti

Into 1st half stoppage time a corner for Leyton Orient on the left played in long is attacked far post Campbell up gets hurt as she knocks the ball down into the six yard box, for a second it looks like Bastyr can latch onto it before Mills stabs the ball away to safety. A break as Campbell receives treatment is okay however and shows it as the game resumes retrieving the ball from the top of the Cambridge area bringing it under control and hitting a shot straight into McGranor.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Leyton Orient WFC

 A competitive 1st half to start the season defences have been busy on both sides and for most of the 45 minutes doing well chances limited both defending deep chances to run in behind few. Mills getting some joy from Cambridge on the right. Competitive and physical newly promoted to the higher level Leyton Orient will have gained alot of confidence as both sides head into the dressing rooms.

Cambridge attacking down the slope get the 2nd half underway. The sun blazing high in the sky. Leyton Orient press right from the start preventing Cambridge getting the ball out of their half. Play broken up little attacking in the opening exchanges. The visitors are given a free kick wide left is a great delivery into the area McGranor comes leaping into the crowd in front of her looking to punch the ball away misses it as it flies over everyone and bounces wide at the far post. 

Leyton Orient’s high tempo and pressing taking advantage of a sluggish start to the 2nd half from Cambridge. Barton playing the ball into the box from the right Stillinger in to win it from Meadowcroft. Winning a corner on the left Griffiths to take for Leyton Orient plays it down the line for Porter to cross in, Bright winning the ball launches it clear turns into a good ball as the counter attack is on Mills furthest forwards picks it up goes on a dribbling run pulling the trigger from outside the box her shot held well by Ogunde. 

Leyton Orient’s Hayley Barton

The Leyton Orient defence are keeping a good shape Whitter is closely marked by Cagetti not giving her room to turn in behind when the ball is played into her feet. Campbell heads the ball on for Barton who in turn puts it into the box for Meadowcroft can’t get her shot away, Stillinger regain possession but fails to get rid of it as Leyton Orient continue to press. Crisp is forwards for Cambridge in position central outside the D as the ball is rolled into her from the right, Wilson goes to ground tackling to win the ball before a shot can be lined up.

  Whitter comes deeper to win the ball strong on the ball slides it into Cantwell going forwards looks to pick out Gibson ahead of her, Cagetti is quick to close her down win the ball. The ball played forwards both Cambridge strikers get their heads to the ball a one two with the ball in the air moving towards the box before Gibson takes on the shot top of the box in low but without pace gathered by Ogunde. Cantwell surges forwards into space with the ball through the middle plays it forwards for Whitter to chase ahead of her has half a yard on Cagetti into the box left of goal looks to poke it across the keeper towards the far post succeeds but sees her effort run narrowly wide.

Whitter is getting frustrated she and Cagetti are talked to by the referee. Burt bringing the ball out from the back wide left sends t on for Howlett her diagonal ball into the D needs to be kicked clear by the onrushing keeper as Whitter threatens to get onto the end of it. Leyton Orient make the first substitution of the match Meadowcroft coming off up top to be replaced by Belen Ripoll-Douton. 

Cambridge’s Kayleigh-Anne Burt

Crisp wins the ball on for Cantwell who drives forwards plays the pass up to Whitter has Gibson to her right headers the ball down into her taking it on Gibson crosses into the box far side Cagetti wins the header before Howlett. Leyton Orient don’t get the ball away however Cantwell gets it back and shoots from 25 yards her low shot put straight at the keeper. Another change for Leyton Orient, Olympia Diamond coming on for Wilson. Cambridge make a change too Nuala Wayne coming on for Gibson in attack. 

Cambridge’s Nuala Wayne with Leyton Orient’s Egle Trezzi

A few tired legs out there and a few tired challenges remains a physical contest the referee having a word with a few players without yet brandishing a yellow card. That changes when Diamond new to the action dives in somewhat rashly on Howlett in the middle of the park over competitive it didn’t look pretty but Howlett just dusted herself down and it’s a yellow card for Diamond. Bastyr drives towards the box with the ball left side is marshalled wide by Jenkins, wriggles free and fires a cross in no one attacking far post as the ball runs wide.

Bright with a good pass picks out Howlett free on the left gets forwards rolls the ball into Whitter top of the area left side the striker turns intending to push through the Leyton Orient defence towards goal is closed down by 3 defenders no way through the ball deflected clear of the area drops to Crisp bursting forwards she shots wide from 25 yards. The midfielders last act of the game as Cambridge bring her off and send Ruth Fox on. 

Cambridge United WFC captain, Laura Bright

Late into the game Leyton Orient with a free kick inside the Cambridge half on the right as Whitter tangles with Barton. Griffiths on the ball plays it up towards the far post misses by McGranor falls to Campbell closed down quickly inside the six yard box Burt is clattered goes down play stopped so she can receive treatment is okay. McGranor is floored as she and Campbell come together in the box following a late corner for Leyton Orient the foul given the goalkeeper is okay to continue. 

  Leyton Orient make their final change as the game moves into the closing minutes bringing Trezzi off in midfield send on Natalie Colangelo. Cambridge switch to a back four in an attempt to find a late winner push forwards without getting in behind the visitors defence the final whistle blows and both sides share the points in their opening game.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Leyton Orient WFC

  Overall probably a fair result a good start to the game from Cambridge creating openings, Leyton Orient were solid and grew into the game started the 2nd half the better pressed hard and both sides might well have claimed the win but the longer it remained 0-0 it looked the most likely result. A point on the board for both sides. Cambridge with alot of new faces in their side looked comfortable enough a few thing’s to work on but a solid defensive performance overall. Leyton Orient will be happy with the point always important for any newly promoted side to put in a competitive performance early on to settle them down build confidence were like Cambridge solid defensively giving little away and their pressing game brought opportunities up the other end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  A tough one today for Women’s Football East, Player of the Match defensive on top so it has to be a defender Stillinger made some good tackles for Cambridge, Bright ahead of the back three was influential on the ball too. For Leyton Orient, their captain Griffiths put in a good performance but I have to pick one so today’s Player of the Match goes to Francesca Cagetti good positioning and some clever defending on show too.

Good to get back in the groove feels odd writing the match reports here instead of on the SWF Blog but I’ll get used to it the season has started a competitive game if no goals I’ve missed it.

Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

Sunday 6th August

A new beginning on Women’s Football East the first match report published straight to the website as it becomes the new home for the SWF Blog my other women’s football adventure moving here after 3 and a half season’s to better streamline my coverage of the game. Still as it is a continuation of the SWF Blog, (same writer) just a different platform this is match report 291.

  A new season will soon be upon us pre season well under way for some clubs the FAWPL season beginning in less than 2 weeks. Still plenty to do on the website. Have had a good break over the summer after completing 102 matches in 2016 then pushing straight on into 2017. Needed the rest did me the power of good. Would have been back sooner covering a few more friendlies only family matters took a turn for the worse and needed my whole attention. Settled down now and time to get back into it.

  Enough about me however onto the football. Began my season with a trip up the A47 to King’s Lynn the venue The Walks stadium to watch King’s Lynn Town Ladies beginning their 2nd season under the King’s Lynn Town FC banner hosting Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who ply their trade 2 leagues higher in FAWPL South East Division One. 

 A good test for King’s Lynn Town Ladies as they get to host another showpiece game at The Walks following on from taking on a West Ham United Ladies XI last season. A club on the move beginning 3 seasons ago as Lynn Ladies winning promotion from Norfolk Women’s Division Two in their 1st season establishing themselves in Division One the following season. Merged with King’s Lynn Town FC last season as the club sort to build better community spirit and relations. The move bringing about more progress as the ladies side challenged for the Division One title and won their 1st ever piece of silverware the Ladies League Plate. Finishing 3rd in the end applied for promotion to the regional league and accepted won a place in ERWFL Division One North. The squad preparing for their 4th season playing at a higher level.

  Milton Keynes Dons Ladies will be amongst the favourites for the FAWPL South East Division One title this coming season having clinched runners up spot last time around. Bring a squad of both 1st team and development squad players up to Norfolk for today’s pre season friendly including new recruits Alice Hughes a recent signing from Nottingham Forest Ladies and striker Sarah Payne back to full fitness after recovering from a long injury lay off making the move from Stevenage Ladies.

The playing surface at The Walks looked immaculate a great pitch to play on will see alot of action over the coming season with King’s Lynn Town FC having 6 teams, 1st’s, Reserves and U18s using it on a regular basis. King’s Lynn Town Ladies playing any home ties they receive in this season’s County and FA Women’s Cup here. A good sized stadium a large seated main stand, bar and refreshments. The weather was perfect bright and sunny another great opportunity to showcase women’s football at the ground. 

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies squad – Bryony Russell-Smith, Millie Wilson, Winnie Lee, Shanice Burch, Albany Hodgson, Bethan Jones, Jade Kelly, Becky Russell, Shelley Woods (C), Josie Turner & Elle Bocking, Vikki Burkauskaite, Tegan Wheeler, Lisa Wilson & Louise Coggles.

 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies squad – Sophie Shults, Khakr, Taylor Shields, Zoe Lander, Abbey Roberts (C), Sarah Harrison, Charley Aldridge, Molly Corbett, Taylor Duffy, Charlotte Murphy, Sarah Payne. Jemma Brittain & Alice Hughes.

Kick-off

   It’s the visitors to get the game underway Milton Keynes wearing an all red strip with a black and white vertical band upon the sides of the shirts and shorts along with a black ad white hoop upon the socks. King’s Lynn are wearing their new kit for the season sponsored by Adrian Flux Insurance, blue shirts with a yellow collar and sleeves, yellow shorts and blue socks. Milton Keynes start on the attack the ball played out to Taylor Duffy on the left wing runs inside taking the ball into the box, King’s Lynn centre back Albany Hodgson closes her down pushing her away from goal before tackling putting the ball behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! The last thing you want to do when facing higher league opposition is concede an early goal, Milton Keynes have several tall players in their side those fill the box for the set piece flighted in towards the far post by Duffy, Sarah Harrison is there connects knocking the ball into the ground on target one bounce taking it past goalkeeper Bryony Russell-Smith into the back of the net 0-1. 2 minutes played.

A positive start from the visitors, King’s Lynn yet to settle pushed back as Milton Keynes push players forwards win another corner on the left played in near side towards the top of the box, Charley Aldridge locks onto the  ball her shot is deflected wide of goal by a King’s Lynn leg to concede another corner. The ball comes in central is cleared by Hodgson for King’s Lynn the home side attempt to break the ball played long for Elle Bocking to chase threatening to get in behind is tackled by Zoe Lander for Milton Keynes.

 Charlotte Murphy gets hold of the ball in the middle for Milton Keynes attempts to play the ball in behind for striker Sarah Payne to chase taking her to the right of goal attempts to lift the ball over the defence into the middle of the six yard box the ball cut out is turned behind for the corner. Plenty of bodies in the six yard box the referee spots a foul as the ball is turned in towards goal a nervous start from the hosts. 

 King’s Lynn look to make progress down the right side the ball into Becky Russell helped on for Josie Turner up front again Lander gets across her to slide the ball into goalkeeper Sophie Shults to clear up field a counter attack on the pass from midfield finds Duffy running clear on the left carrying the ball into the box King’s Lynn’s Shanice Burch times her tackle perfectly going to ground to take the ball away from Duffy and behind for the corner. 

King’s Lynn need someone to get hold of the ball in the middle of the park. Coming forwards Bethan Jones gets the ball up the pitch Russell 25 yards out headers the ball on in towards the top of the area, Turner makes the run in behind, Lander goes with her however and gets her head on the ball to play it into her keepers gloves.

GOAL! Just over 15 minutes played and King’s Lynn get themselves back on level terms with some good build up play the ball with midfielder Jade Kelly 30 yards out she has possession drives forwards fires the pass into Bocking left of the D good hold up play from the attacker sees Russell making a central run rolls the ball into her path 25 yards out central she lets fly straight at the keeper it dips late Shults goes to block with her gloves doesn’t get a good connection the ball slipping beyond her and to her dismay into the back of the net 1-1.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies – Becky Russell

Play is stretched Milton Keynes prepared to play a high line at times, King’s Lynn try to counter get their strikers in behind, Lander isn’t letting anything past her, last player on a couple of occasions times her tackles well. With Kelly finding a little more room to exploit King’s Lynn a posing a few problems going forwards. Risk being hit on the counter Milton Keynes quickly turning things around players going forwards Payne up front ready to break clear of the last defender a good tempo to the game. A shot wide from outside the box by Milton Keynes, Molly Corbett as she receives the lay off from Payne dribbling inside from the left.

King’s Lynn captain Shelley Woods playing on the left fires the ball in towards Turner inside the box her snap shot is wide of the near post. Harrison carries the ball forwards for Milton Keynes play in on for Murphy ahead of her, she in turn sends it on into the box with Payne breaking, Burch goes with her tackling to put the ball behind for a corner kick on the right. Players go forwards a high ball into the six yard box central is met by Milton Keynes, Abbey Roberts who sends her header up over the crossbar.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies – Shanice Burch

GOAL! Milton Keynes score soon after to retake the lead the ball won up field is lifted forwards picked up by Harrison central drives forwards his challenged by Russell outside the area, charged down the ball pops back to Harrison she hits it first time a sweet strike that flies like a bullet past the keeper before she can react into the back of the net 1-2.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies – Sarah Harrison

Milton Keynes make a change bringing right back Khakr off for Jemma Brittain. An injury blow for King’s Lynn, Kelly hurt as she goes in to tackle Duffy on the attack down the left side, the free kick awarded to the visitors Kelly can’t continue is carried off the pitch, Lisa Wilson coming on to join the action. Harrison to take the free kick the ball long towards the far post a touch but sent wide. Murphy wins Milton Keynes a corner on the right another good delivery into the box a point blank header from Harrison straight at Russell-Smith gloves it up into the air but claims as it falls. The referee plays an advantage as Duffy is brought down again on the left Taylor Shields on the overlap picking up the ball fires the diagonal ball inside to Murphy tees up a shot 20 yards out is wide of target.

Payne has been threatening to do it all through the 1st half, this time succeeds in beating the offside trap clear bearing down on the box, Russell-Smith comes rushing in to close her down, Payne shoots too close to the keeper takes a deflection off her putting it wide for the corner.

GOAL! The set-piece is played in from the left played up the line then fired into the area missed by the King’s Lynn defender attempting to clear runs through to Murphy beyond 8 yards from goal stabs her shot to the right of the keeper to score 1-3.

Up the other end Shults produces a fine save to deny Turner tipping her 20 yards strike over the bar, However both she and fellow striker Bocking had moved to soon as King’s Lynn looked to break as Jones and Russell break up another Milton Keynes attack. Penalty! A hand ball is spotted by the referee inside the King’s Lynn box as Milton Keynes attack down the left Duffy on the ball firing a ball into the area. It’s Duffy to take the spot kick fires her low drive narrowly wide of the left post the chance to extend their lead gone.

Payne finds herself in the clear again chasing another ball over the top 30 yards out closing in on the top of the area Russell-Smith comes out to close her down the pair collide as Payne squeezes her shot past the keeper the ball rolls wide across goal. Payne stays down a moment of concern as she clutches her ankle but it’s short lived as she gets back to her feet as the 1st half moves into stoppage time.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies – Sarah Payne

GOAL! Milton Keynes go on to grab a 4th goal in the closing seconds play stretched King’s Lynn over committing to an attack lose possession the ball is played long for Murphy as she moves out to the right attacking down the line beats the full back taking the ball inside the area closing in on the six yard box has Payne free in a central position picks her out a simple stroke into the back of the net 1-4.

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-4 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

  Changes for both sides at the beginning of the 2nd half a switch of goalkeepers for Milton Keynes, along with Khakr coming back on for Roberts. King’s Lynn make a change bringing on Vikki Burkauskaite for Wilson going into the left back position, sees Millie Wilson move inside to centre back with Hodgson pushed up into a midfield role. King’s Lynn to kick-off the 2nd half. 

The home side win an early free-kick on half-way Wilson to play the ball forwards left side into Woods combines with Turner the ball lifted in centrally into the box, Bocking getting onto the ball has just strayed offside. Hodgson wins the ball in the middle the pass on for Bocking up top good hold up play before shifting it out to Jones on the right shoots from the angle the 25 yard drive wide of the near post. A positive start to the 1st half from King’s Lynn. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies – Albany Hodgson

GOAL! 6 minutes into the 2nd half ad King’s Lynn pull a goal back a well timed run from Turner attacking left into the box as the ball is lifted forwards composure as she opens up her body to curl her shot wide of the keeper to score 2-4.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies – Josie Turner

GOAL! A sluggish start to the 2nd half from Milton Keynes the King’s Lynn goal waking them up the ball won in midfield played out to Duffy on the left side takes her the full back getting inside carries the ball on into the area before shooting firing a low strike across the keeper and into the far corner of the goal 2-5.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies – Taylor Duffy

Another chance for Duffy moments later as the ball is played into Payne central back to goal outside the D, works it wide into Duffy’s run as she charges into the box pulls the trigger shooting across goal this time the ball races wide of the far post. both sides make a change with Roberts back on for Milton Keynes replacing Harrison, Wilson back on for Jones. Good work from Russell on the right for King’s Lynn the ball rolled on for Bocking to attack inside the box sliding in at her feet the keeper can claim 1st. 

 Duffy plays an inviting cross in from the left Payne leaps inside the box a glancing header puts the ball wide of the far post from 10 yards out. What happened next I didn’t think was possible but even a 50+ goals a season striker can blaze over from 3 yards! King’s Lynn are attacking down the right good build up into Turner inside the box to the by line right of goal turns inside gets the ball past the keeper at the near post Woods is there unmarked looks certain to score but doesn’t the ball deflecting up off her boot over. 

GOAL! Moments from pulling it back to 3-5 Milton Keynes go up the other end and extend their lead, a swift counter move the ball turned around played wide to Duffy on the left an early diagonal cross into the box players free running in at the far post Payne and Murphy one of then turns the ball into the back of the net think it was Murphy but either way Milton Keynes lead 3-6.

A dominant spell from Milton Keynes follows King’s Lynn pushed back, Lee does well to keep Duffy getting inside the box before sliding in to challenge for the ball. Jones returns to the field for King’s Lynn replacing Hodgson. Milton Keynes press Payne picking up the ball centrally screws left then right before passing the ball forwards into the box for Roberts making the run, left of goal she shapes to shoot Russell-Smith dives in to save at her feet before Burch clears the ball. Harrison returns to the pitch for Milton Keynes as Duffy pushes inside from the left plays the pass across the top of the area into her inside the D, Harrison picks out Payne inside the box she drives her strike wide across goal.

Late into the game King’s Lynn have expanded alot of energy but break late on Russell finding space on the right cuts inside towards the area sees the keeper moving towards her opts for the early lob getting the ball over her, sees her effort bounce off the far post before Khakr gets back to clear. 

GOAL! Into the closing minutes and Milton Keynes score a 7th goal, Harrison has made several attacking runs throughout the game finding space tired legs in front of her now drives in right side into the area closing in on the by line cuts the cross back along the face of goal beating the keeper Payne running in with a defender far post both sliding in the ball ends up in the back of the net as Payne claims her 2nd of the game 2-7.

King’s Lynn push on late on in stoppage time Burkauskaite goes forwards getting in behind looks to turn inside get into the box closed down by Khakr the ball put behind for the corner left side Russell with the inswinging ball teasing bounces at the far post inside the six yard box but no one can connect as it goes out for the goal-kick.

Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 2-7 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

   The final whistle blows and Milton Keynes wrap up a 7-2 win as they prepare for the new season. Played well with some good individual performances and some well taken goals. A pre season friendly ultimately is about getting minutes in the legs, bedding in players and finding match sharpness in that regards a useful exercise for both sides. King’s Lynn recovering after a nervy start looked to be building momentum after equalising after Kelly started to find time on the ball, her injury a loss. Milton Keynes 1st team players having the experience to find the space and exploit it with Payne a good foil up front. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Today’s Women’s Football East (as a pose to the SWF Blog) – Player of the Match goes to Milton Keynes Done Ladies, Sarah Harrison good work on and off the ball always available for the pass and looking to make something happen carrying it forwards.

  The 1st match report of the new season, have missed it now rested up and ready to go with a new home can’t wait for the competitive action to begin so check back soon.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 07/05/17

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – Sunday 7th May

It was the final day of the season in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League and with the leagues all done and dusted last Sunday the venue was AFC Kempston Rovers FC for this season’s Cup Finals. Two competitions this year the League Cup which was to be contested by Watton Ladies & Houghton Athletic Ladies along with the newly named secondary cup competition The Chris Renshaw Trophy. The 1st final to be contested by Sandy Ladies & Sharnbrook WFC. Both games were covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the match report from both finals can be read below.

Beds & Herts – The Chris Renshaw Trophy

Cup Final Report – Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC

 
  The end of the season in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League this Sunday the league all done and dusted ends with a cup final double at AFC Kempston Rovers FC, the League Cup Final to come but 1st off a new competition, The Chris Renshaw Trophy. The final two Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC.

  Named in memory of Chris Renshaw a former member of the Beds & Herts Women’s Football Committee and the ERWFL beyond who gave so much to support the game before his passing this competition named in his honour, a secondary competition with the sides knocked out of the League Cup itself before the quarter final stage being entered.

  It’s a while ago now in the history of the blog but Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC was my 1st experience of women’s football in the county leagues. Not that they were the clubs I had intended seeing that Sunday, stuck in traffic and no chance of getting to my game I rolled past the sign for Sandy and determined I was going to get a match in turned left. Arrived 15 minutes before kick-off and the 2 sides couldn’t have been any more helpful to me. Nice to see them once again and give them a little more respect as they contest the 1st ever final for The Chris Renshaw Trophy.

  A change of management for both since that game, Sandy Ladies have had a very strong season in what was a highly competitve Division One this season have led the table for most of the campaign entering the final weekend were 3 points clear of both 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies and 3rd placed Bishops Stortford Ladies who they faced just a week ago. Heart ache in the end as Sandy Ladies were beaten 4-2 ending up in 3rd on goal difference, Bishops Stortford Ladies pipping Sherrardswood Ladies to the title by a single goal! The Chris Renshaw Trophy an opportunity for Sandy Ladies to end the season with some silverware.

   Sharnbrook WFC were relegated that season, but under new management bounced back at the 1st attempt winning the Division Two title. Had a strong start to the season upon their return to Division One getting games in where others didn’t, injuries took a toll and lack of action saw them drop down the table as others got into their stride. Eventually finishing 7th, like Sandy have a great opportunity to end the season lifting a piece of silverware.

  Road to the Final
 
   Sandy Ladies were handed a Bye in the 1st Round of the competition progressing to the quarter-finals where they were drawn at home to fellow Division One side Letchworth Garden City Eagles won the match 2-1 to reach the semi-finals with an away trip to St Albans Ladies also from Division One both in title contention at the time it was a close game chances for both sides a single goal winning the game Chloe Reeves scoring it for Sandy Ladies to see them into the final. 
  Sharnbrook WFC were at home in the 1st Round taking on Division Two side Garston Ladies FC 96 progressed to the quarter finals with a comfortable 7-1 win. An away trip to Division Three side Evergreen Eagles, Sharnbrook WFC booked their place in the semi-finals with a 5-2 win. Away again took on Division Two side Flitwick Ladies winning the game to reach the final of the competition.
  The venue for today’s Finals, AFC Kempston Rovers FC in Bedfordshire, south west of Bedford itself. A large clubhouse with bar and refreshments booth on one side of the ground housing the changing rooms. A seated area along with terracing beside a wide pitch fairly firm and dry as are most pitches in the region after an unusually dry April. All weather training pitches on the opposite side. A hot and sunny afternoon little cloud around the breeze warm a good start to May.

  Sandy Ladies starting XI – Amie Fage, Alicia Cobb, Meghan Roles, Pearl Houghton, Faye Prout, Kayleigh Bennett, Harriet Ford, Claire Ashwell, Katie Seldon (C), Kirstie Gavin & Chloe Reeves.
  subs – Kirsty Bates, Grace Lavelle, Lauren Bullen, Abigail Stock & Kerrie Knight.

  Sharnbrook WFC starting XI – Summer Ronayne, Sarah Fuller, Mel Harradine, Gemma Franklin, Laura Strange (C), Tracy Hutchinson, Claire Smith, Emily Clark, Charlie Mullins, Sian Cunningham & Emma Butler.
  subs – Becky Dadd Scarlett Betts, Haley Traette-Reynolds, Chantelle Harris, Jackie Dadd & Helen Spalding.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 An injury blow for Sandy before today’s final with top scorer Amber Williams out injured on 13 for the season she is one ahead of Chloe Reeves leading the line today. It’s Sharnbrook to get the 1st half underway wearing their away colours, yellow shirts with blue shorts and socks with Sandy lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white across the chest and sleeves, red shorts and socks. An early chance for Sharnbrook the ball played out to Charlie Mullins on the left side plays the ball inside looking to thread the ball in behind as Mullins runs forwards takes a favourable slice in behind off a defender Mullins latches onto it on the edge of the area doesn’t get a firm connection the ball runs straight along the ground into goalkeeper Amie Fage’s gloves.
  Sandy press forwards on the left the ball played inside  helped on to Claire Ashwell on the left wins Sandy a throw in, Sharnbrook win the ball send it up field, Pearl Houghton collects at the back for Sandy plays it on for Ashwell on the right side she sends a long diagonal ball up into the area with striker Chloe Reeves looking to get on the end of the pass, does so but is halted in her attack by the offside flag. 

  Sian Cunningham is finding some space on the right for Sharnbrook, captain Katie Seldon picks her out taking the ball up the line her cross is easily gathered by Fage at her near post. Kirstie Gavin links up with Ashwell on the right side from a throw in moving forwards Gavin cuts the ball back for Ashwell to send forwards up towards Reeves centrally positioned back to goal outside the box looks to head the ball on and get in behind the Sharnbrook defence, marking her captain Laura Strange has backed off reading the strikers intention giving her the room she needs to reach the ball 1st and clear. 
 An early change for Sharnbrook an injury to Cunningham, she comes off, Chantelle Harris comes on. From a free-kick on halfway Sharnbrook’s Emma Butler chases the ball up the left has support from Mullins knocks the ball on as she goes past her closely marked by Sandy’s Alicia Cobb, Mullins turned back as she reached the top of the area plays the ball back into Butler taking it inside looks to pull the trigger, her shot from outside the box is charged down by Sandy’s Faye Prout. 

Emma Butler on the attack for Sharnbrook WFC
  Off a throw in on the left Butler and Mullins combine again this time Mullins playing the ball up the line for Butler squares the ball across the six yard box, Prout is there to cut the cross out. Attacking up the right for Sharnbrook, Tracy Hutchinson sees her cross claimed by Fage at her near post. Sharnbrook give away a free-kick inside their own half wide right, Kayleigh Bennett to take her ball up towards the area is deflected into Gavin’s path strikes it early looping up into the box right of goal, Sharnbrook keeper, Summer Ronayne comes for it doesn’t take her eye of the ball despite runners from Sandy closing in takes the catch cleanly.

Kirstie Gavin bringing the ball down for Sandy Ladies
  Harriet Ford coming on for Sandy plays the ball into Gavin moving left side outside the Sharnbrook box shifting the ball between her feet takes a shot the strike closed down and blocked by Sharnbrook’s Mel Harradine. Sandy retaining possession inside the Sharnbrook half as the game moves into the 20th minute. Butler latches onto a miscued goalkick from Fage, takes it on into the box, Prout on her shoulder, Fage recovers well slides in to save the ball at the strikers feet. 
  Attacking down the left Sandy fire the ball into Reeves 25 yards out back to goal brings it down superbly rolling her marker and getting a shot away, comes in quickly towards the near post, Ronayne has it covered gloves the head height ball down and gathers. Sharnbrook make a 2nd change taking of Richardson bring on Haley Traette-Reynolds. Reeves pressuring the ball up top wins Sandy a corner kick taken short up to Reeves outside the box on the right plays it in for Gavin inside the D, goes to barge her way through into the box 2 defenders all converge on her no way past.

Sharnbrook WFC’s Gemma Franklin with Sandy’s Harriet Ford
  Ford does well in the middle seeing the ball into her body turns and sends Gavin away down the left, taking the ball into the box looks to stab it past Ronayne as she starts to come the Sharnbrook keeper makes a great save with her foot. Sandy make a change Ashwell comes off, Kirsty Bates enters the game. Moving into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half a hot afternoon a wide pitch Sandy are seeing more of the ball win a corner on the left the ball an in swinger comes in centrally, Ronayne calls for it the ball pops out of her gloves she recovers smartly to claim the ball at the 2nd attempt. 
 GOAL! Sandy take the lead late in the 1st half the ball form the left rolled into Reeves 30 yards out controls well holding of her marker, Gavin furthest forwards moves to her right top of the D, Reeves turning picks her out, Gavin has room in behind, Ronayne comes rushing out to the edge of the area in an attempt to stop her shot, Gavin’s strike is almost stopped by the keeper but instead is deflected on behind into the goal beyond 1-0. 

Kirstie Gavin with the opening goal in the final
  Harris defends well from a corner kick heading the ball clear of her area for Sharnbrook. Harris getting up field wins a corner for Sharnbrook as the 1st half moves into the final minute. A good delivery Houghton heads it away from the six yard box falling for Strange back peddling at the top of the area she lift her leg attempting to wrap her foot around the ball connects her effort is charged down by the onrushing Sandy defence. Sharnbrook push forwards for one last attack in the 1st half Mullins on the ball left side sends a diagonal ball up towards the penalty spot but Gemma Franklin furthest forwards for Sharnbrook can’t get her head on the ball before Fage can claim it.
Half-time Sandy Ladies 1-0 Sharnbrook WFC

  A narrow advantage for Sandy Ladies as the 2 sides leave the field for half-time a 1st half of few chances, Sandy have had more of the ball particularly at the end of the half pushing on Reeves always on to receive the ball, well supported by Gavin up top. Neither goalkeeper overly worked Sharnbrook defending well the ball not sticking further forwards. 1 goal in it however all to play for 2nd half. Sandy to get it under way. Sharnbrook move in on the ball quickly turn play around, Butler is flagged offside as she gets in behind into the area from the left. 

  Traette-Reynolds gets hold of the ball for Sharnbrook left side outside the box, twists and turns looking for a way in, Butler makes a run inside through the middle, Traette-Reynolds tries to pick her out goalkeeper Fage coming off her goal line can get to it first. Sandy get forwards up the right Ford sending the ball up the line getting a throw in players moving up the pitch level with the top of the area the ball is played into the feet of Seldon right corner sends a shot in towards goal dipping Ronayne getting down to meet it makes the save.

Haley Traette-Reynolds getting the ball under her control. 

  Fuller defends for Sharnbrook as the ball is played up the line Gavin looking to get hold of it on the left winning the ball the defender clears up into the centre of midfield the ball helped on to Traette-Reynolds breaking down the left side a powerful to take her into the box her shot is blocked by Cobb deflected beyond her runs straight into her keepers gloves. A fast start to the 2nd half Bennett in the middle for Sandy has the ball cleared from her defence into her sends it long with Reeves looking to get in behind is away, Ronayne is on the move too gets the the ball just outside her area to kick clear before the striker reach it. 

Chloe Reeves looks to get away from Sharnbrook WFC captain Laura Strange

  Sharnbrook get the ball up the other end slotted through the middle into Butler plays an early pass out to Mullins peeling in behind on the left into the box with the ball takes on the shot, Fage across to cover her near post takes the ball into her body dropping low. Sandy make a change bringing off Seldon, Grace Lavelle coming on. Traette-Reynolds wins Sharnbrook a corner kick on the right the ball is swung in near post Sandy’s Meghan Roles gets her head on the ball to clear, Emily Clark getting hold of the ball outside the box looks to send it back in her volley flies wide. Sharnbrook make a change up top Butler comes off with Cunningham coming back on. 

Sarah Fuller with the defensive header for Sharnbrook WFC

  Sandy break getting the ball into space on the left for Lavelle to run into drives all the way into the box closing in on the six yard box looks to use the outside of her boot to square the ball into the centre for Reeves, Sharnbrook’s Harradine cuts the ball out runs back to Lavelle strikes it 1st time the rising ball striking the side netting. Good running from Traette-Reynolds down the right wing getting in behind the Sandy defence sends a cross into the middle too close to the keeper Fage catches before Mullins coming in from the left can reach it. 

Grace Lavelle brings the ball forwards for Sandy Ladies

 Bates gets on the ball for Sandy taking it forwards has Lavelle aiming to get into the area lifts the ball over the top, lands of Lavelle’s shoulder as she is tracked into the box dropping to her right loses sight of it momentarily giving the Sharnbrook defence a chance to recover it and clear. A free-kick for Sharnbrook as Traette-Reynolds is brought down on the right inside the Sandy half the ball is send long up to her inside the bo, ducking under the ball, Cunningham has made the run in behind the angle against her strikes the ball on the half volley a good effort however the ball screws away from goal.

  Changes for both sides Lauren Bullen on for Sandy replacing Gavin. Jackie Dadd on for Sharnbrook in place of Betts. Sandy are finding a little bit more energy getting forwards now Bullen with a central run is stopped by Clark. Reeves picks up the ball from the right time and space 30 yards out sends her shot over the bar. Roles comes off for Sandy, Kerrie Knight coming on as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. Traette-Reynolds is substituted for Sharnbrook, Smith going back on soon after Helen Spalding comes on to replace Strange. 

  GOAL! Sandy double their lead the ball from Ford into Bullen sees her drive on towards the area 25 yards out hits a powerful shot in towards goal, Ronayne saves it with her foot deflecting the all away to her right, retrieved on the byline by Reeves is sent back in towards the near post area inside the six yard box Bullen is their following up and turned the ball past the keeper blasting the ball into the back of the net 2-0 her 1st goal for the club too.

Lauren Bullen scores to makes it 2-0 for Sandy Ladies

  Bates comes off for Sandy Abigail Stock coming on with less than 10 minutes left. Ashwell returns to the action after Houghton takes a knock at the back. Ford and Reeves are rested too, Gavin and Seldon back on Seldon blocking a strike from outside the box by Mullins as Cunningham gets the ball into her from the right. Sharnbrook push forwards late on Mullins putting a shot wide across the face of goal a she is slide in left side into the box. 

  Sandy have dropped deep late on despite the 2-0 lead inviting Sharnbrook onto then, Prout intercepting a ball played forwards by Franklin. Pushing up are caught on the counter as trying to clear the ball it in deflected in behind Cunningham after it clear to run at goal, Fage racing out to the top of her area saves well with her legs. Despite the late pressure from Sharnbrook, Sandy hold on and celebrate winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy at the final whistle.

Full time Sandy Ladies 2-0 Sharnbrook WFC

  Hot out there a great effort from both sides Sandy claiming the win leading by a single goal at the break created the better chances not making the result safe until the latter stages of the match end their season on a high with a 3rd place finish and silverware. Sharnbrook had their opportunities but not clinical didn’t convert them.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

 
A solid defensive display from Sandy Ladies in today’s final and Faye Prout is narrowly beaten to the SWF Blog – Player of the Match by fellow centreback Pearl Houghton good positioning making some important interceptions and cutting out through balls winning more than her fair share of tackles too.
  Congratulations to Sandy Ladies on winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy Final.
The Chris Renshaw Trophy Winners, Sandy Ladies
  My thanks to both clubs for helping me out with the teams today very much appreciated.

Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final

Cup Final Report – Watton Ladies v Houghton Athletic Ladies

 
 Onto the 2nd of today’s Beds & Herts Finals game, the Women’s League Cup with Watton Ladies or Houghton Athletic Ladies looking to win the trophy for the 1st time this afternoon.

  For Watton Ladies based at Watton at Stone in Hertfordshire this is an opportunity to win a league and cup double having already won the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two title to earn promotion back to Division One after a two season absence finishing 8 points clear of what was proving to be a competitive league. Have scored plenty of goals this season with Frankie Smithers way out in front as top scorer netting 32 goals so far.

  Joining the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League in the 2014/15 season Houghton Athletic Ladies based in Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire have been on the rise since 2 successive promotions to reach Division One finishing 6th in the table have reached their 1st ever final. Emma Hawkes and Ciara Craig are the clubs top scorers this season with 10 goals each. Most of the players have come through the youth side progressing into women’s football.

Road to the Final
 
Watton Ladies began their league cup campaign away to fellow Division Two side Flitwick Ladies in the 1st Round winning the tie 3-1 to advance to the 2nd Round where again they were drawn away to another Division Two side Hitchin Belles plenty of goals scored in this one Hitchin Belles scoring 4, Watton going on to win the game 7-4. Another away trip in the quarter finals and again it was Division Two opposition, Evergreen Ladies. Watton Ladies winning 3-1 to reach the semi-finals were they were on the road for the 4th successive tie this time up against Division One side Hitchin Town Ladies coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller winning the game 4-3 to reach the final of the League Cup.
  Houghton Athletic Ladies started their league cup campaign at home in the 1st Round taking on Division Three newcomers Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues a 3-0 victory seeing them safely into the 2nd Round. At home against Sharnbrook WFC who had come up with them to Division One this season a good result winning 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals. Drawn away to Division Two side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets it was a close game a narrow win for Houghton Athletic Ladies going through to the semi-finals with a 4-3 win. A tough test in the semi-finals drawn away to fellow Division One side Bishops Stortford Ladies who would go on to win the title. The game going all the way to extra-time 0-0 after 90 minutes. Shakeela Hussain scoring the goal that sent Houghton Athletic Ladies into today’s League Cup Final.
  Refuelled with a fish finger bap during the break between matches. If anything it’s gotten warmer as the afternoon moves on difficult conditions for both sides to play in hot and dusty out on the pitch. A good crowd building for the game. 

  Watton Ladies starting XI – Dionne Batchelor, Zoe Hammick, Zoe Garvey, Heidi Nash (C) Kerry-Anne Paul, Beth Willing, Lizzie Dowton, Emma Carter, Sammy Edgar, Chloe Jones & Frankie Smithers.
  subs – Codie Page, Kirsty Richardson, Mollie Rouse, Chloe Hazelwood, Heather Dean, Bethan Love & Gemma Penny. 

  Houghton Athletic Ladies starting XI – Sophie Wicks, Jodie Patterson, Georgia Casey, Emily Peat, Emily Fearn (C), Rachel Spendelow, Sinead Borsah, Shakeela Hussain, Ciara Craig, Holly Thompson & Charlotte Ross.
  subs –  Kelly Rees, Charlotte Cook, Louise Spendelow, Victoria Peck. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s Watton to get the League Cup Final started taking kick-off wearing yellow shirts with black shorts and socks. Houghton lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves and across the top of the chest, blue shorts and socks. Houghton are straight out of the blocks pressing Watton on the ball in the centre of midfield, Rachel Spendelow getting the ball out to the right Houghton have a free-kick the ball send long up into the box runners peeling in behind goalkeeper Dionne Batchelor is well placed to catch the ball. 
  Holly Thompson taking the ball out to the right for Houghton wins her side a corner kick and inswinging delivery, Kerry-Anne Paul heads the ball away for Watton, Sammy Edgar on for Frankie Smithers up top looking to find space on the right is tackled the ball away for a throw-in. Zoe Garvey comes forwards from right back to take it for Watton has a big throw n her tries to pick out Chloe Jones positioned just inside the area on the right, jumps the ball over her Smithers trying to get there, Spendelow falling back as the ball drops to her kicks it away. 
  Launching a quick counter attack the ball put up through the middle Ciara Craig is away getting onto the ball, Batchelor comes charging out of her area to meet her blocks the ball with her hands as Craig tries to lift it beyond her, the referee blows up a decision to be made a clear goal scoring chance denied? Batchelor is well out of her area, defenders were recovering both sides, early in the game the goalkeeper is shown a yellow card an indirect free kick for Houghton. The set-piece rolled into Shakeela Hussain shoots high on target, Batchelor gets her gloves up to make the save the ball dropping down into the six yard box is cleared off the line a nervous start from Watton.
   Watton’s Beth Willing pressuring the ball high up the field on the right gets in behind Houghton’s Jodie Patterson looking to run on with the ball the defender gets back on her to tackle and put the ball out for the throw. Houghton win the ball put into the box on for Sinead Borsah passes it out to Thompson moving out to the right wing the ball is cut back in towards the corner of the area with Craig on the move Emma Carter intercepts and clears for Watton. 
  Smithers taking the ball out to the left channel as Jones heads it on for her cutting back inside crosses from the edge of the box just beyond Carter inside the area, retrieves it back to goal forced the other way, Jones tries to support they try the give and go doesn’t quite come off. A frustrating start for Watton a few arguments between players. Houghton come on through the middle, Borsah inside the box getting the ball played into her from the right by Thompson lays it back out to Hussain all of 25 yards out strikes the ball early her effort sailing over the crossbar.
 
Houghton Athletic Ladies, Sinead Borsah
  Edgar looks to get on the ball for Watton in the middle bringing it on looks to play it over the top for Willing ahead of her, Emily Fearn Houghton’s captain gets her head on the ball to stop the attack. Garvey carries the ball down the right for Watton fires a diagonal ball low in towards the box, Fearn cuts it out deflected in behind goalkeeper Sophie Wicks comes across diving to claim the ball stopping it going behind for the corner as Smithers closes her down. Houghton make a change bringing off Ross sending on Louise Spendelow, Rachel’s twin sister.
Watton Ladies, Frankie Smithers with Houghton’s Louise Spendelow
  Houghton maintain their great start to the game pressing forwards Craig puts the ball into Hussain left of the D outside the box sends a low shot in towards goal runs narrowly wide of the near post. Willing charges down the ball for Watton inside the Houghton half moving left down the line cuts inside looks to fire the ball across the 18 yard box with Jones coming in, Borsah tracking back wins it for Houghton launches a counter attack the ball up into Hussain making the run through the middle, Zoe Hammick gets back on the attacker tackling to win the ball. Half an hour of the 1st half played the referee calls for a drinks break is very hot out there and dusty. 
 

Sammy Edgar

Houghton win a throw deep on the right from the restart played inside to Rachel Spendelow she sends a high ball looping up into the box far post with Hussain closing in Batchelor keeps her eye on the ball makes a good claim. Edgar comes out with the ball from a 50/50 challenge bringing it on rolls the pass on for Smithers strikes the ball from outside the area along the ground, Wicks gets down to her left makes a good stop even as the ball bobbles up before her.

A free-kick for Watton won on the left inside the Houghton half the ball lofted up into the area, Fearn headers it clear unchallenged. 38 minutes of the 1st half played. Garvey with the throw in on the right for Watton puts it into Edgar right corner of the box, tries to lay it off for Jones who in return looks to put it in behind with Edgar spinning off her marker the ball is cut out cleared back to Garvey on the right her cross goes long towards the far post, Lizzie Dowton can’t bring it down under her control quick enough before being closed down.
    GOAL! As with the earlier final the opening goal comes late in the 1st half, Houghton having been the better side take the lead the ball cleared at the back up to Craig breaking in behind over the halfway line knocking the ball on Batchelor has come rushing out of her area whenever Houghton play the ball in behind her defence. Comes running out to close Craig down, getting her shot away early Craig lobs the advancing keeper the ball bouncing its way into the empty net beyond 0-1.

Ciara Craig gives Houghton Athletic
Ladies the lead




 A double switch for Houghton, Hussain and Thompson off, Ross comes back on along with Charlotte Cook. Smithers closing the ball down for Watton pressures Houghton into giving away a corner kick, a good delivery into the far post Jones gets up to head the up, looping into the air, Wicks catches it cleanly as it falls. Edgar latches onto a defensive clearance 30 yards out splitting the Houghton centrebacks puts the ball into Smithers moving to the right inside the area is falling as the ball runs across her gets a shot away but not in control of the ball it swerves away from the near post behind for the goal kick. 

  Into stoppage time in the 1st half Houghton have a corner kick as Dowton cuts out a cross, taken from the right, Edgar near side headers the ball over for another corner, this one cleared Watton try to break the ball is won back by Houghton, Emily Peat with Craig link up the ball sent on up into the area, Batchelor gets down to smother the ball.

Half-time Watton Ladies 0-1 Houghton Athletic Ladies

 The second final of the day sees one side leading the other by a single goal the advantage to Houghton after a strong 1st half performance pressing Watton early taking advantage of their nervous start without finding an early goal creating chances and getting players forwards. Craig getting the break through late in the half. Watton have had a few half chances but for the larger part of the 1st half have found themselves on the back foot passes going astray but with just a single goal in it are far from out of the final.
  Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half Gemma Penny on for Watton, Fearn off for Houghton, Houghton get the 2nd half underway getting forwards the ball into Hussain outside the area left side rolls it across for Rachel Spendelow running onto the ball 20 yards out blasts a shot in towards goal, Batchelor with a good save getting her gloves up to deflect the ball away to her right Cook running onto it blazes her strike over the bar.
 Houghton attack the ball with Craig left side takes it into the box before firing a cross in towards Rachel Spendelow can’t quite get there, Peat beyond her brings the ball down puts her foot trough the shot deflects off Dowton spinning away for a corner kick. Louise Spendelow to put into the area, Paul gets it away for Watton. Getting up field for Houghton, Louise Spendelow wins a corner the ball played in towards the near post Watton captain Heidi Nash heads the ball clear from danger. Just wide from Craig shooting from outside the box left side a Peat plays the ball into her, with the keeper rushing out to meet her gets the ball past her rolls narrowly wide of the far post. 
Watton Ladies captain Heidi Nash
  Another opportunity for Craig a minute later as she latches onto a defensive clearance 30 yards out shifts the ball onto her right foot puts her strike over the crossbar. Houghton make a change Fearn going back on with Rachel Spendelow coming off. 
 GOAL! Houghton double their lead capitalising on their good start to the 2nd half attacking down the left wing the shot/cross is fired into the six yard box Batchelor gets down to it makes the stop hasn’t got the ball however pushing it across the face of goal Craig is the nearest and buries the ball into the back of the net 0-2. 23 minutes left on the clock.

Ciara Craig with her 2nd of the game for Houghton Athletic Ladies

  Has been all Houghton 2nd have dominating the ball Watton can’t find their attackers. Edgar has been fired up all game for Watton winning the ball surges forwards through the middle, Borsah goes with her putting in a good tackle to win the ball just as Edgar thinks about shooting. Peat pulls up holding the top of her leg as she looks to run in behind on the right, the referee calls the trainer on and signals a drinks break. Play resumes a double switch for Houghton Peat and Borsah off, Cook and Rachel Spendelow return to the pitch.

  Ross brings the ball out from the back for Houghton no one comes to challenge so she carries it over half way riding the tackle when it does finally come in goes on getting closed down let’s loose a shot from 25 yards out the ball curling away from goal. A triple change for Watton, Garvey, Nash and Penny coming off, Kirsty Richardson, Chloe Hazelwood and Heather Dean on.

  A throw for Watton on the left inside the Houghton half, into Edgar falls under challenge but spinning  gets the ball into Smithers plays it on for Dowton moving centrally to the top of the area, Cook gets across her to take the ball off her toes out to the right Watton in it fire a high ball in towards the far post Wicks takes it down confidently. Wicks is hurt moments later sliding in to deny Smithers as the striker is played in from the right wing. Treatment needed by Wicks is up and okay to play on as Kelly Rees is sent out to get warmed up just in case. 

  Borsah does come back on replacing Thompson with less than 10 minutes of the game left. The substitute gets hold of the ball going forwards plays it on for Cook on the left sends a cross in high near post, Batchelor plucks it down out of the air. Borsah on the ball again passes to Craig running ahead of her moving right of goal shoots from outside the area her strike running wide of the far post. Mollie Rouse comes on for Watton Ladies replacing Jones. 

Houghton’s Sinead Borsah holding off Watton’s Edgar

  A good effort from Rachel Spendelow from outside the box right of the D 20 yards out as the ball is deflected into her path from a Borsah cross on the right leaning back into her shot the rising ball looks to be heading for the top corner veers sharply late on taking it wide of goal. Good work from Rachel Spendelow in the middle getting hold of the ball takes it out to the right Cook in space on the right Spendelow plays it on for her to go after getting hold of it fires the ball into Craig inside the area near post strikes it 1st time Dowton throwing herself at it making the block taking the ball behind for the corner kick. 

 
 GOAL! The corner kick is played in high, Rouse getting up for Watton can only head the ball on towards the far post, dropping into the keepers gloves Batchelor under pressure from Rachel Spendelow spills it, the Houghton midfielder reacting quickest stabs the ball past the keeper and into the goal beyond to extend Houghton’s lead in the 90th minute 0-3.

Rachel Spendelow scores Houghton’s 3rd goal late on

  A bit of injury time to be played Houghton maintain their dominance, Watton can’t get hold of the ball Cook plays the ball into Craig outside the box, Making room for a strike, Hazelwood gets across to put in the challenge. The ball played up to Watton’s Smithers by Dean the striker shoots from outside the box Wicks saving at her near post. Dean is down and has to come off Carter going back on. Another powerful run wide right from Smithers drives her shot into the side netting.

 Houghton get hold of the ball Rachel Spendelow on for Victoria Peck central has Cook cutting into the area from the right playing the ball into her feet lays it inside for Thompson 8 yards out turns and shoots placing her attempt wide of the far post. One final chance for Watton to pull a goal back a great ball from Edgar up into Smithers right inside the area fires a shot across the goal, Richardson racing in far post can’t quite reach it as it runs wide. The final whistle blows and Houghton Athletic Ladies celebrate winning their 1st final.

Full time Watton Ladies 0-3 Houghton Athletic Ladies

   In the end a dominant display from Houghton Athletic Ladies, pressing from the start maintained that energy throughout moving the ball quickly, rotating their substitutes regularly on a hit afternoon. Frustrated Watton early on and they never found their rhythm throughout the game had little opportunity to attack 2nd half Houghton adding to the goal they scored in the 1st half going on to win 3-0.  
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final goes to Houghton Athletic Ladies midfielder Rachel Spendelow a superb all round performance, working hard to win the ball in the middle disrupt and frustrate Watton get others into the attack getting forwards herself and capping it all off with a goal.
Houghton Athletic Ladies celebrate winning the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup
 Congratulations to Houghton Athletic Ladies upon winning today’s Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final.
  Commiserations to Watton Ladies but they still had something to celebrate as they collected their awards for winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two League title. Congratulation’s to Watton on becoming league Champions.
Watton Ladies celebrating winning the Division Two title
 A great day out at AFC Kempston Rovers FC, my thanks again to both clubs with the team details and to all the BHWGFL committee members today for their assistance.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 30/04/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 30th April

A slightly different Round-Up for Norfolk this week, just the 3 games played over the weekend all of them Cup Finals! Starting with the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final on Friday night with defending cup holders, Thorpe United Ladies up against Wymondham Town Ladies appearing in their 1st ever County Cup Final. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog was there to cover that game then onto Sunday for the Leagues own finals day at Plantation Park 3 finals played in total the SWF Blog covering 2 the Ladies League Plate Final between King’s Lynn Town Ladies & Sprowston Ladies followed by the League Cup Final with Bungay Town Ladies taking on Thorpe United Ladies playing again less than 48 hours after their County Cup game. As all 3 finals will be published here anyway I figured I’d make it a Round-Up special.

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

First published Friday 28th April

Cup Final Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

 

  For the 2nd Friday in row the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is covering another final under the lights, this time at The FDC Field of Dreams to watch the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final between Wymondham Town Ladies and Thorpe United Ladies the current holders of the trophy.

  Two sides that have featured regularly on the SWF Blog since it began featuring on the post match reports after it’s launch in 2013. In that time Thorpe United have always been a force in the women’s game in Norfolk. Regular visitors to The FDC too having appeared in 4 of the last 5 finals, finally winning the trophy after 3 losses the last in the 2014/15 season losing on penalties to Acle United Ladies. Last season it was an all Norfolk Women’s Division One clash with Thorpe United playing Aylsham FC Ladies a 2-0 victory final seeing them collect winners medals and lift the trophy. 

  Ahead in the Norfolk Division One table this season, have the possibility of claiming a treble this season as not only have Thorpe United reached the final of the County Cup but also the League Cup, a good test for Martin Francis’ squad however as the finals are less than 48 hours apart with the League Cup on Sunday afternoon. 

  Wymondham Town Ladies have come a long way to in that time, progressing each season, Manager Alex Guy seeing them to League Cup success in 2015, went on to win the Norfolk Division One title the next season and take promotion to the Eastern Regional Women’s Football League (ERWFL) building a squad to compete at a higher level a successful campaign saw Wymondham Town clinch 3rd spot in Division One aswell as reach the semi-finals of the League Cup where they were knocked out by Haringey Borough Women who would go onto become the ERWFL Premier Division Champions. Have reached the final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history, looking to end the season with silverware.

Road to the Final

   Both sides with a bye in the 1st Round of the County Cup this season. neither was to kick a ball in the 2nd Round either as both were awarded the away win against lower league opponents. Thorpe have  seen an unusual amount of games called off against them this season and as it was progressed all the way to the semi-finals without kicking a ball awarded the win in the quarter finals with their opponents unable to field a team. 
  Wymondham were drawn at home to Norfolk Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies breezed into the semi-finals with a 7-1 victory. Onto the semi-finals a repeat of last season’s final for Thorpe as they were drawn at home to Aylsham FC Ladies the score the same as in that final a 2-0 win for Thorpe making it a 5th County Cup final appearance. A clash between the two ERWFL sides in the other semi-final with Wymondham away to Acle United Ladies playing in the league above them challenging for the Premier Division title. 1-0 down at half-time, Wymondham came back with a strong 2nd half performance to get themselves into a 4-1 lead before Acle United found a goal late on 4-2 the final score Wymondham reaching the final of the County Cup for the 1st time in their history.
  The Football Development Centre (FDC) in Bowthorpe on the outskirts of Norwich the venue for tonight’s final the sun setting over the pitch opposite the small mainstand as the teams warmed up. A good sized pitch in good condition plenty of people coming in to watch what should be an intriguing final. Changeable weather all week was nice and dry after a warm today for the match. Modern technology being embraced by Norfolk FA as a flying drone buzzed over head as the two sides walked out for the opening presentations.
Buzzing above the pitch, Norfolk FA’s drone capturing the opening presentation from a new angle
  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Chelsea Clarke, Gemma Sanders, Rachel Cossey (C), Amber Cantwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Nicholls, Alice Collins & Laura Wiseman.

  subs – Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Lily Ray & Ella Swift.

Wymondham Town Ladies

  Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Bethan Sommerfield, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Lisa-Marie Riches, Lauren Kett, Alice Ford, Jade Powell, Shanice Sutton, Vivian Moyo, Laura Hedtke & Rebekah Lake (C)
  subs – Nicole Read, Chelsea Clark & Edie Wright.

 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Thorpe United Ladies
    Wymondham to take the kick-off 1st half wearing red shirts and black shorts with black and red hooped socks with Thorpe lined up opposite in their away colours luminous green shirts with black across the top of the chest and sleeves. Black shorts and socks. Wymondham play the ball out to the right as they attack right from the off, Laura Nicholls that side taking the all down the line before firing a cross into the box, too close to the goalkeeper, Cara Anderson claims for Thorpe.
  Building from the back Thorpe play the ball into Alice Ford in the middle on for Shanice Sutton on the left the ball at her feet looks to run at the Wymondham defence coming inside is tackled by Leah Newcombe before she can fashion a shot outside the box. Wymondham waste no time in getting the ball forwards targeting ex-Thorpe striker, Laura Wiseman who is Wymondham’s top scorer with 20 goals this season making a run through the centre, Lauren Kett steps up from the defence to intercept the ball. 
  A positive start from both sides, Thorpe in particular looking to close the ball down early on squeeze the Wymondham defence. Playing up front for Thorpe Laura Hedtke sees the ball into her feet from the midfield holding it up well outside the box left of goal, tries to turn inside, closely marked by Newcombe the defence puts her foot in to win the ball. Another opportunity for Hedtke as Thorpe are awarded a free-kick on halfway the ball fired up into the box, the striker brings down well looks to turn and shot finds the room top of the area putting it low, Wymondham goalkeeper, Ashleigh O’Callaghan gets down to her right to make the save.
Wymondham’s Leah Newcombe headers the ball clear before Thorpe’s
Laura Hedtke can get in behind.
  Thorpe are building momentum, Lisa-Marie Riches wins the ball at the back as Wiseman looks to knock the ball in behind played up to Sutton halfway has Rebekah Lake, Thorpe’s captain available for the ball ahead of her plays the pass, Lake has Hedtke to her left threads the ball into her run as she comes into the box from the left channel shoots on the angle Anderson hols onto the ball at her near post. 
  Another free-kick for Thorpe sent up into the area, players attack the ball, Bethany Fretwell heading it out of the area for Wymondham, Vivian Moyo closing down outside the box for Thorpe 25 yards out plays it out to Sutton left side top corner of the area puts the cross in finds Lake near post puts the ball straight into Anderson from close range the keeper holding onto the ball. Just wide from Lake as the striker gets in behind the ball dropping over her shoulder as she enters the box, won’t drop quick enough as O’Callaghan comes to close her down, Fretwell on her shoulder Lake manages to connect with the ball knocking it past the keeper but also wide of goal.
  Wymondham have for the most part been looking to get the ball into Wiseman in the early stages up top, the striker finds a space in behind on the right into the box one on one with the keeper as Anderson starts to come shoots, the keeper palming the ball behind making the save. Playing into towards the near post the flick on catches a Thorpe defender in the face and the referee stops play so she can receive treatment. 
  Thorpe get the ball up the other end quickly as play resumes Moyo linking up with Lake moving into space on the right winning a corner kick on that side the high ball into the box is headed clear by Fretwell. Wymondham are struggling to get their attacking players on the ball, Amber Cantwell coming back to help the defence win the ball has it outside her own area looks to carry it forwards, Thorpe move in quickly to stop her, Jade Powell winning the ball. 20 minutes played and Thorpe are looking the most likely to open the scoring.
  Powell with a shot from 30 yards for Thorpe as she receives it from Hedtke after more good hold up play inside the box back to goal sees the midfielder free rolls the ball back out to her Powell hitting the ball 1st time her effort has the pace but isn’t on target. A great ball from Kett at the back for Sutton off the shoulder of the last defender left side for Thorpe shoots from outside the box her effort wide of the near post. Thorpe have identified Cantwell as Wymondham’s main threat and she fouled inside her own half.
 GOAL! 25 minutes played and the deadlock is broken. The ball from the free-kick is cleared and Thorpe play it up field quickly, Lake is an extremely difficult player to mark, diminutive and pacey always looking for space whenever her side win the ball, central as the ball comes to her 25 yards out peels off her marker moving right taking the ball on a touch turns back inside and curls a 20 yard shot across the keeper and into the back of the net 0-1.
 
Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake opening the scoring
  Wymondham look for an immediate response from the restart the ball by captain Rachel Cossey out to Gemma Sanders on the right driving on her cross/shot flies into the side netting. A couple of refereeing decisions leave the Thorpe supporters bemused as they go against their side. Wiseman brings the ball down onto her chest has Kayleigh Holloway looking to go on the left side gets the ball into her feet taking it on, Thorpe right back Bethan Sommerfield gets back on her sliding in to put the ball out for the throw. 
   Over the top from Thorpe, Lake after it, O’Callaghan out quickly to the edge of her box to win the race scoop the ball out, then gives the ball away with a misplaced ball out of her area straight at Lake, right side knocks in on into the box, shaping to shoot Fretwell covers the ground throwing herself into the challenge to take the ball away from the striker for the corner kick. Fretwell is on hand from the corner to clear as Hedtke looks to knock it on.
  Wiseman almost in behind as Cossey puts the ball into her feet, top of the area, between Kett and the on rushing Anderson the striker is squeezed of the ball. Moyo doing well on the right for Thorpe finds room is played in behind taking the ball down the channel fires a cross into the area just evades Hedtke on the penalty spot.
  Sanders with the ball 20 yards out right has Alice Collins on the overlap sends the ball into her run taking the ball on squares it across the six yard box evading Anderson at her near post is cleared by Summerfield. Wymondham keep possession in the final 3rd win a free-kick wide right players come forwards from the back a great ball into the box Fretwell rising centrally sees her head directed across goal run narrowly wide. A change for Wymondham as they bring off Nicholls send on Lily Ray.
  Moyo and Lake look to combine down the left, Chelsea Clarke closes Lake down tackling  the ball out for a throw, played back to Summerfield the defender plays the ball up into the box long Sutton attempts to bring it down manages to knock it forwards trying to put it across the six yard box is charged down spinning away for the corner. Ford gets up near post to try and reach it doesn’t connect the ball bouncing safely across the six yard box. 
  Lake forces a great save from O’Callaghan as she rolls her marker top of the box pulls the trigger the keeper down smartly. Powell is booked as she up ends Cantwell trying to carry the ball away from her area. Into 1st half stoppage time Wymondham come forwards Wiseman making a run centre to left the ball dropped into her run has space charging into the box unleashes a shot the ball rising Anderson takes it well at head height. Holloway takes the ball on down the left getting inside Summerfield the defender recovering makes the challenge as Holloway enters the box the ball back to Anderson.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-1 Thorpe United Ladies

  Thorpe good value for their lead at half-time have pressed the ball well and created more chances Lake putting them ahead midway through the 1st half. A below par 1st half from Wymondham haven’t been able to find any rhythm. At 1-0 down they are far from out of the game, need a much improved 2nd half however more than capable of turning thing’s around.
  A change for Wymondham at half-time Collins taken off Nicholls back on as Thorpe get the 2nd half underway. The ball is won in the middle by Wymondham passes out to Wiseman carrying it down the right wing, squares a pacey cross in towards the near post inside the six yard box missed by a defender comes at Nicholls quickly behind her, gets her foot on the ball leaning back sends her shot up over the bar.
Wymondham’s Chelsea Clarke getting up to
challenge Lake for the ball
  A good start to the 2nd half from Wymondham, Sanders right getting forwards linking with Nicholls the cross is long to the far side of the area, Holloway can’t get it under her control before Summerfield closes her down. Sanders on the move down the right looks to get in behind, Olivia Mungham-Gray up well to head the ball to safety. Cantwell is brought down in a dangerous position outside the box right of the D, with Holloway who runs over the ball Cantwell strikes the ball wide across goal, has to be retaken however as the wall moved before the ball was struck albeit because of Holloway’s dummy. Cantwell clips the 2nd delivery up in towards the far post runners closing in but no one can reach it.

 

Wymondham Town Ladies captain
Rachel Cossey

 Cantwell charges down Hedtke 25 yards out up the other end as she looks to shoot having been played in by Powell. Mungham-Gray wins the race with Sanders for the ball down the right as the ball is put down the line diving in the defender gives away the corner. A good delivery to the far post Cossey gets her head on the ball places the ball wide of the post. Holloway wide on the left puts a high ball into the Thorpe area a good jump from Wiseman her attempt goes wide of the goal.

  Midway through the 2nd half Wymondham creating a few chances but the Thorpe defence holding firm, few opportunities up the other end but always ready to counter. Sutton is struggling a bit with a knock needs treatment but carries on. A great tackle from inside the box from Kett to deny Sanders as she gets inside from the right. Cantwell takes the resulting corner, Fretwell doesn’t get the connection with her head coming for the ball cleared back out to Cantwell right looks to meet the ball on the volley puts the ball behind goal.
  The ball is pinging around between feet outside the Thorpe box as sides try to get possession a fortunate deflection sends the ball through in behind Sanders quickest to react knocks the ball on towards the area, Anderson comes rushing out, just gets there 1st to kick the ball away, is caught by Sanders throwing herself at the ball in a desperate attempt to reach it 1st. A painful knock but Anderson is okay to continue. Wymondham keep the ball inside the Thorpe half a throw in right played into the box Powell challenges Cantwell for the ball in the area runs outside towards Fretwell 20 yards out opens her body for the shot can’t get it on target.
   Half an hour of the 2nd half gone 15 more minutes plus stoppage time for Wymondham to find a leveller. A corner from the right for Thorpe the initial delivery poor comes back to the taker lifted high into the six yard box 3 green shirts attack the ball, Kett gets her head on the ball knocking the ball down a superb close range save from O’Callaghan goes out wide left fired back in a scramble in front of the six yard box the referee spots an infringement Thorpe get the free-kick.
 Holloway was tries away down the left, has be well attended to by Summerfield all game the defender stopping her getting inside with support from Moyo who clears the ball up the pitch. The game entering the final 5 minutes of regular time Thorpe make their 1st change, Sutton brought off Edie Wright coming on. Soon after another change is made Lake off, on comes Chelsea Clark as they look to keep hold of their narrow advantage in the closing stages. The substitutes link up well either side of Moyo now playing through the middle, Wright left outside the area across to Moyo helps it on for Clark right side she shoots puts the ball wide. 6 minutes of added on time to play.
 GOAL! Encouraged by the extra few minutes Wymondham push on trying to get the ball forwards is lost and sent forwards Moyo running onto the ball 30 yards out takes it around the last defender getting in behind shifts it before sending the ball past the advancing keeper into the back of the net to double Thorpe’s lead with minutes left 0-2.
 
  Wymondham pile everyone forwards as the game restarts a painful blow to the ankle for defender Ray she limps off the pitch Wymondham send Ella Swift on, clearing the ball from the area Powell onto it looks to bring the ball away for Thorpe, Cantwell with the strong challenge wins the ball plays it out to Holloway shoots puts her strike wide across the goal. No time left for another attack the final whistle blows and Thorpe United Ladies celebrate defending the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-2 Thorpe United Ladies

   A competitive final played in front of 272 spectators, Thorpe by far the better side in the 1st half getting the lead just the one goal however the game was far from over, Wymondham improved 2nd half just couldn’t put that all important chance away, hit on the counter late in injury time Moyo securing the result the Thorpe defence particularly strong. 
  

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  She was the Norfolk FA’s player of the match too the SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Thorpe United defender Lauren Kett a fantastic effort Wymondham finding no room through the middle made some vital challenges and interceptions almost scored up the other end too.
Thorpe United Ladies 2016/17 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners
  Congratulations to Thorpe United Ladies on retaining the County Cup. One final down one to go Sunday afternoon at Plantation Park playing Bungay Town Ladies for the Norfolk Ladies League Cup 3pm kick-off little time to recover but much easier when you’ve got the win under your belt.
  My thanks to Norfolk FA and The FDC staff for their help tonight.

Norfolk Ladies League Plate

First published Sunday 30th April

Cup Final Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Sprowston Ladies

 

  The cup finals keep coming in Norfolk this weekend with a double this Sunday, form the Norfolk Women’s & Girls Football League (NWGFL) hosting their senior finals day at Norwich United FC’s Plantation Park. The first of those finals the Ladies Plate Final this year being contested by King’s Lynn Town Ladies & Sprowston Ladies.

  The Ladies Plate is a new competition introduced by the NWGFL last season the sides entering that didn’t reach the last eight of the League Cup. North Walsham Angels Ladies beating Red Rose Ladies 4-0 to win their 1st ever trophy in last season’s final.

  An all Division Two final back then, it’s Division One versus Division Two this time around with King’s Lynn Town Ladies improving year on year since joining the NWGFL 3 seasons ago the previous 2 as Lynn Ladies a merger with King’s Lynn Town FC in the summer are currently 2nd in the Division One table challenging leaders Thorpe United Ladies for the title. This is the first final the club has reached since joining the league.

  A good run of form for Sprowston Ladies going into today’s Plate Final currently 2nd in Division Two after a 5 game unbeaten run in league and cup 4 wins from 5 played. A strong youth setup at the club many of the players involved today have come through the clubs youth sides to play for the 1st team 

Road to the Final
 
 Both sides playing in the 1st Round of the competition, King’s Lynn Town were away to Division Three side, Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves a resounding 8-0 win seeing King’s Lynn Town through to the quarter-finals. Made headlines in the next round as they scored a whopping 31 goals at home against Cromer Town Ladies also from Division Three top of the table the with Cromer bottom of Division Three. Were awarded an away win in the semi-finals after opponents Briston Wanderers Ladies fell foul of the rule that all players must have played 5 league games before competing in a semi-final with just 8 league games played the club had to withdraw.
  
   Sprowston started their run to the Plate final with an all Division Two clash in the 1st Round at home to Long Stratton Ladies, the away side finding the back of the net for 3 goals, Sprowston hot double that up the other ended winning 6-3 to advance to the quarter-finals where they were at home once again taking on higher league opposition, Fakenham Town Ladies from Division One a narrow 2-1 putting them through to the semi-finals where they face a tricky looking tie away to Division Three side Tavern Ladies amongst the title challengers in that league. This game was right at the start of Sprowston’s 5 game unbeaten run and a 4-0 result saw them into the final.
  Plantation Park the venue for all 3 of today’s finals the Plate and Cup both on the main pitch, the Ladies 7’s Final between Morley Ladies & Costessey Sports FC being played in the practise pitch behind the mainstand. The clubhouse and bar overlooking the pitch refreshments available too. A large pitch plenty of width does slope a little, can be prone to being waterlogged but with a lack of the wet stuff lately was surprisingly firm underfoot dusty on patches. A dry day unless you happened to be behind the dugouts where the framer next door had positioned his water irrigator a little to close. Warm but with a strong breeze blowing from one goalmouth to the other which might have an influence in both games.  
 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Louise Coggles, Viktorija Burkauskaite, Amy Gillon, Albany Hodgson, Emma Woods, Millie Hopkisson, Jade Kelly, Oksana Imanalijeva, Becky Russell, Shelley Woods (C) & Josie Turner.
 subs – Millie Wilson, Winona Lee & Natalie Bunton
 
 Sprowston Ladies starting XI – Eloise Leach, Paige Barnard, Calista Tink, Abby Hutchin, Georgia Potter, Lois Irving (C), Rebecca Kirby, Nicole Smith, Kerry Mortlock, Rebecca Russell & Victoria Leyer.
 subs – Laura Jenkins, Rosie Wickenden & Ria Drake. 
 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Sprowston to kick-off the Plate Final 1st half wearing orange shirts with black sleeves, black shorts with orange stripes either side and black socks with King’s Lynn wearing red shirts for today’s final along with black shorts and red socks. King’s Lynn press the ball straight away getting hold of it spreading play out to the right win a corner the ball lifted high into the box, Sprowston’s Rebecca Kirby gets her head on the ball knocking it up into the air, goalkeeper Eloise Leach comes and claims the ball. 
  Paige Barnard looks to carry the ball out from right back for Sprowston sends it on down the wing for Kirby to go after taking it down the line King’s Lynn left back Viktorija Burkauskaite gets back on her initially tackling and taking the ball from Kirby she get’s back on it to put a cross into the area, the ball won and cleared by Albany Hodgson. A fairly open start to the game neither side able to fashion a shooting chance in the opening 5 minutes.
Sprowston Ladies, Paige Barnard
  Josie Turner up front for King’s Lynn presses the ball as it is played out wide into the right corner wins a corner kick, takes it herself the ball put in towards the top of the area is met by Lithuanian International, Oksana Imanalijeva right of goal hits the shot as the ball comes into her feet puts the strike wide of goal. Imanalijeva with a powerful run coming inside from the right as the ball is rolled into her path by Millie Hopkisson dives towards the box getting closed down gets a shot away from outside the box, doesn’t have the pace on it to trouble Leach in the Sprowston goal.
  King’s Lynn are beginning to build a little momentum Becky Russell coming on with the ball moves out to the right puts a cross in, Sprowston’s Calista Tink stretched her leg to intercept turn behind for the corner. Cleared at the near post, Imanalijeva retrieves looks to go down the wing gets a throw, Sprowston captain Lois Irving wins the ball as it is lifted up into the top of the area.
  GOAL! Penalty! In the 15th minute Imanalijeva links up with Jade Kelly as the ball moves over the halfway line on the right exchanging passes Imanalijeva looks to get into the box, Sprowston’s Nicole Smith slides in attempting to win the ball catches the attack the foul just inside the box referee Paul Gibson points to the penalty spot. Turner to take it a powerful hit rising to the keepers right past her and into the back of the net 1-0.
 
Josie Turner puts King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-0 up from the penalty spot.
 
 A free-kick for King’s Lynn just inside their own half Hodgson to sent the ball up towards the top of the area, inside the D, Sprowston get the ball away King’s Lynn so have it back spread play to the left Imanalijeva taking it on fires a vicious cross along the top of the six yard line, King’s Lynn captain Shelley Woods it there far post turns the ball goalwards, Leach makes a fantastic save with her legs reacting sharply.
  GOAL! King’s Lynn don’t take long to double their lead writing notes from the previous move look up to see Imanalijeva move in on the ball right side top of the area as Sprowston lose it, the ball is sent it across the box past the stranded keeper with Turner giving chase it finds the bottom corner 2-0 the goal goes to Imanalijeva.
  Scoring 2 quickfire goals the Division One side are threatening to overwhelm their lower league opponents. Russell with Imanalijeva bring the ball in the slide rule ball picking out Turner making a run through the middle, reaching the top of the area, Barnard gets across her in the nick of time to put the the block deflect Turner’s shot away for a corner kick.
Becky Russell playing the ball on for King’s Lynn Town Ladies
   Kirby gets forwards for Sprowston on the right getting a throw deep in King’s Lynn territory put into the feet of Rebecca Russell on the edge of the area good footwork to hold off her marker turns inside on the byline fires a ball into the centre cleared by Amy Gillon her clearance is picked up by Barnard outside the area right corner looks to play the ball back in this time it is claimed by goalkeeper Louise Coggles.
  GOAL! 22 minutes played and King’s Lynn have a 3rd goal a great run from Becky Russell on the ball pushing towards the right corner of the Sprowston box squares the ball along the front of the area into Shelley Woods left of the D, sees the ball into her feet shifts it a yard to evade her marker open up the opportunity for a shot puts her foot through the ball sending it sailing past the keeper into the goal beyond 3-0. 
 
  A change for Sprowston Ria Drake on for Georgia Potter. Sprowston get the ball up field Smith on for with a great ball on for Rebecca Russell left side support from Victoria Leyer, Russell is brought down just outside the box, gets up to take the free-kick, floating the ball in towards the near post with runners coming in Coggles has the post covered gathers the ball as it pops out of her gloves. 
 
  Burkauskaite wins the ball from Kirby plays it up the line with Shelley Woods already on the move, left side she is squeezed off the ball 25 yards out the deflection taking it infield is picked up by Turner has Becky Russell to her right getting forwards lays the ball into her run shoots as it comes on to her Leach can see it wide of her left post. Russell get’s fouled wide on the right for King’s Lynn the ball is fired into the area players forwards cleared the ball comes back to the taker sent back in again, Leach dives low to her right to push the ball away before being cleared by her defence. 
Abby Hutchin looking to get forwards for Sprowston Ladies
  Sprowston with an opportunity to break the ball send on for Leyer on the left side getting in behind the King’s Lynn defence, Coggles starts to come then back pedals as Leyer shifts the ball inside rather than shooting getting more central the striker shoots puts the ball straight at Coggles who scooped the ball up into her gloves. Hutchin over on the right for Sprowston now gets hold of the ball takes it down the wing no cross on keeps possession turning back has Barnard up with play ready to receive the ball curls the cross into the box, King’s Lynn can’t clear comes to Smith arriving late stretching for the ball on the edge of the six yard box lifts the ball up over the bar. 
  Potter returns to the action for Sprowston replacing Mortlock at the back. Irving steps across Kelly to win the ball 20 yards out as the midfielder tries to drive on with it through the middle. The last action of the 1st half King’s Lynn returning to the dressing room with a comfortable lead.
  

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 0-0 Sprowston Ladies

    3-0 the lead for King’s Lynn Town Ladies at the break, getting an early penalty soon doubling the advantage before getting 3rd, and have yet to fire on all cylinders. The last thing Sprowston wanted was to concede early the 2nd ad 3rd goals putting them on the back foot have defended well on the whole Leach with 2 important saves. Have alot to do to get back into the match, can they keep King’s Lynn from extending their lead 2nd half.
  King’s Lynn to kick-off the 2nd half the strong breeze picking up despite the bright sunshine. Natalie Bunton on for King’s Lynn replacing Turner at the start of the 2nd half. Leach comes racing out of her area as Irving tries to shield the ball back into her to kick clear knocking it along the ground instead the keeper ends up halfway in her half before getting it away before rapidly getting back into her area. King’s Lynn don’t capitalise. 
 A spell of possession for King’s Lynn in the final 3rd ball lifted forwards dealt with by Tink and then Irving at the back. Eventually break the ball up the middle for Rebecca Russell to run onto goes for the shot all of 30 yards out her effort drifting wide of goal. Drake intercepts the ball at the back for Sprowston as Kelly looks to carry it on after being played in through the middle. King’s Lynn make a change with Winona Lee coming on for Becky Russell going into the right back position. 
 King’s Lynn work the ball up the left Shelley Woods pushing on with the ball to get into the box has Hopkisson inside her puts the ball into her feet near the penalty spot is crowded off the ball before she can gets it back out of the area Kelly tries to head the ball back in on target is long way out the ball bounces wide. 
King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Jade Kelly
  A good move from Sprowston down the right wing brings a corner players up from the back the delivery put into a central position at the top of the area, a scramble for the ball on the deck, 1st Tink then Kirby see shots blocked a close quarters before Tink squeezes a ball through the bodies rolls onto the base of the post cleared out to the left put back into the top of the box Leyer onto it 20 yards out screws her shot wide.
   
  Open game 2nd half Sprowston willing to go for it not defend for their lives, are keeping the ball better 2nd half. Play is brought back on the right as Sprowston have no advantage Barnard over the ball sends in up into the area, Shelley Woods heads it clear coming back to Barnard sends another high ball into the area Coggles under it claims without being challenged. Russell and Turner return the the action for King’s Lynn, Turner is quickly on the ball springing into action as Sprowston hesitate at the back running in behind, she is caught by both Tink and Drake, the 3 come together the ball rebounding back out to Imanalijeva outside the box right of goal fires a low drive in, Leach is behind it all the way.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Beck Russell
  Irving in the right play to clear Imanalijeva’s ball into the box from the right, comes right back at the attacker slices her 1st time hit away from the top corner. A powerful run from Hutchin inside from the right for Sprowston has Leyer on the move ahead of her rolls the ball into her striking it from the top of the area puts the ball wide. Another top draw save from Leach in the Sprowston goal, King’s Lynn play the ball central up into the box Turner controls well back to goal bringing the ball into her body then turning to shot, Leach palms the rising ball up over her goal to land on the roof of the net.
Sprowston Ladies, Victoria Leyer
  Sprowston are getting some confidence they can pull a go back are going for it play left squared across the face of the area, Leyer inside the D strikes the shot early the ball racing wide across goal. Millie Wilson comes on for King’s Lynn replacing Gillon. Another shot from distance for Leyer the ball, taking a deflection pushing it wide of goal for a corner on the right a poor one Sprowston have the goal kick.
 GOAL! Pushing on Kelly closes Barnard down on the ball winning it is in behind, left of the area plays the pass through to Turner in behind, the ball running onto her strokes it on under the diving Leach into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game.
Eloise Leach, Sprowston Ladies
goalkeeper with some excellent saves
in the Plate Final
  Sprowston almost hit back with an instant response winning a free-kick after a high foot halfway inside the half to the left, Rebecca Russell looks to go for goal a little bit of wind assistance the ball comes straight in threatening to dip late Coggles gets her gloves up knocking the ball on to crossbar it spins away for a corner kick. Sprowston make a change before the corner is taken Irving coming off, Rosie Wickenden coming on the no 10 runs to join her team mates inside the box, the corner is taken the substitute comes towards the ball dropping near post 10 yards out looks to hit the ball on the volley her effort turned 90 degrees isn’t far wide. 
  Into the final 5 minutes King’s Lynn work to keep possession inside the Sprowston half the ball finds Hopkisson inside the D, shifting it to her right whistles over the crossbar. Leach has performed excellently in goal for Sprowston today a natural shot stopper makes a great double save in the closing minute, Hopkisson playing the ball into Imanalijeva right side the attacker turns inside into the area shoots across goal aiming far post, Leach diving to her left stops the ball isn’t clear Turner running in on the follow up looks to smash the ball home Leach grounded throws herself into the block the ball away for a corner. Cleared King’s Lynn celebrate winning the Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final their 1st piece of silverware. 

Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 0-0 Sprowston Ladies

  Not their best performance but King’s Lynn did enough had the movement to keep possession, Russell and Imanalijeva working the ball well. Took the early lead followed it up with 2 more goals, Sprowston on the back foot did well to not fold dug in and gave a good account of themselves 2nd half might have found a goal, King’s Lynn getting a 4th late on to win the final and take home the Plate trophy.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final is King’s Lynn Town Ladies Becky Russell, a good performance making good runs on and off the ball, drifting wide an excellent range of passing.
Captain Shelley Woods holding aloft the Plate trophy for her joyous team mates
  Congratulations to King’s Lynn Town Ladies on winning their 1st ever trophy. Saw the celebrations were well underway in King’s Lynn tonight, no shopping trolley is safe. 
  Thanks to both clubs for there help with today’s teams.

Norfolk Ladies League Cup

First published Sunday 30th April

Cup Final Report – Bungay Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

 

  On to the 2nd Final of the day at Plantation Park the Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final with Thorpe United Ladies who successfully defended the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final on Friday night back in action looking to make it a cup double taking on Bungay Town Ladies.

   This season’s League Cup Final contested by the sides 1st and 3rd in the league both in great form in 2017. Bungay Town Ladies after a slow start hit the ground running after the New Year, winning 8 straight league games to leap up the table get onto the tails of the leading pair, beating Thorpe United Ladies 4-1 at home to end their 100% winning start to the season in that spell, 10 games unbeaten in all before the run was ended with a 1-0 loss away to Aylsham FC Ladies, who won the League Cup last season. This is Bungay Town Ladies 1st appearance in a Cup Final.

  Thorpe United Ladies started the season very well under new manager Martin Francis won their opening 12 games in both league and cup, nine straight wins in the league the coming to an end as mentioned above in February when they were beaten by Bungay Town Ladies. Looking strong in the league despite a couple of losses have a 7 point lead at the top from King’s Lynn Town Ladies. 

  A possible treble on the cards, claimed the 1st silverware of the season successfully retaining the Norfolk Women’s County Cup beating Wymondham Town Ladies 2-0. That final as you will know was just two nights ago on Friday, unfortunate scheduling, a quick turn around and recovery for Thorpe United however with one trophy successfully defended they will be in confident mood of claiming another. 

Road to the Final

 Bungay Town Ladies were at home in the 1st Round of the League Cup hosting Sprowston Ladies back in October a comfortable 6-0 win over the Division Two side seeing them progress into the 2nd Round where they were away to another Division Two side, Bohemians Ladies. A 5-1 win putting them into the quarter-finals, after that Bungay Town didn’t kick a ball, despite wanting to as they were awarded a home win against East Coast Ladies before advancing through to the final as opponents Brandon Town Ladies fell foul to the same rule that had seen Briston Wanderers Ladies withdraw from the semi-finals of the Plate. Having beaten Thorpe United once this season Bungay Town will be hoping to so do again this afternoon to win the League Cup.
  Was also 6 goals at home to Division Two opposition in the 1st Round for Thorpe United in the League Cup as they dispatched Long Stratton Ladies 6-1 to reach the 2nd Round. There they faced a tough test away to fellow Division One side King’s Lynn Town Ladies went on to win the match 5-1 to reach the quarter finals. Another fellow Division One side to play another tricky tie drawn at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies, Thorpe won the game 4-1 to progress into the semi-finals. At home to runaway Division Two Champions Gorleston FC Ladies. A single goal in the 1st half saw Thorpe United set up their 2nd final date of the season. 
  An hours turnaround between games had to dash off find a new memory card for the camera the one in place flashing up as corrupt just what I didn’t need but made it back just in time for kick-off. The strong breeze still in place, plenty of people there to watch the final as the 2 sides walked out onto the pitch.
 
 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Ruth Smart, Kelly Collins (C), Hannah Jones, Charlotte Power, Jessica Keeling, Teodora Ilie, Ella Hindley, Laura Holden, Lauren Purling, Nicky Hazell & Lacey Andrews.
 subs – Emily leach, Beccy Goffin & Stefanie Cool.
 
 Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Bethan Sommerfield, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Lisa-Marie Riches, Lauren Kett, Alice Ford, Jade Powell, Vivian Moyo, Edie Wright, Laura Hedtke & Rebekah Lake (C).
 subs – Nicole Read, Chelsea Clark & Shanice Sutton.
 

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Thorpe to take the kick-off 1st half in the League Cup Final, back to wearing their usual home colours dark pink shirts with black shorts and socks. Bungay wearing light blue shirts with black shorts and socks. Goalkeeper Ruth Smart with an early touch of the ball as she claims it inside her area for Bungay as Thorpe captain Rebekah Lake looks to work her way into the box straight from kick-off. A slow start to the game both sides looking to get the ball out wide defences dealing with it.
  An opportunity for Thorpe to bring players forwards as they are awarded a free-kick outside the box on the right as Laura Hedtke is fouled. The ball played in near side centre back Lauren Kett gets her head on the ball directs her effort wide of the Bungay goal. Alice Ford with a good tackle wins the ball for Thorpe in the centre of midfield moving forwards attempts to side the ball through the middle for Lake, Bungay’s Jessica Keeling cuts out the ball outside her area. The ball is launched up field Bungay striker Lacey Andrews is away in behind for a moment as goalkeeper Cara Anderson starts to come, Kett recovers the ground and gets across her prevents any meaningful shot coming in. 
  Ford closing the ball down on halfway plays the pass out to Edie Wright on the left wing back to goal 25 yard out rolls her marker turning inside sends a looping ball high into the area Smart keeps her eye on the ball but sees it land safely on the roof of her net. Bungay are working hard at the back to keep someone on Lake prevent her making the runs into gaps to receive the ball. Laura Holden breaks from midfield for Bungay moving right, Olivia Mungham-Gray getting back on her does enough to put her off as she shoots the ball safely into Anderson’s gloves.
  Hedtke and Lake getting hold of the ball link up in the right corner before the ball is played long across the area met by Wright inside the D, looks to open up her body curl the ball into the top corner, bends sharply flying straight into Smart the keeper claiming the ball. An intriguing contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree little opportunity to get in behind. Andrews flagged offside on a couple of occasions for Bungay. Ford and Jade Powell combine winning ball in the middle, Powell trying her luck with the strong breeze at her back 30 yards out her pacey dipping effort doesn’t drop far wide of goal.
   Ford also has a go from distance shortly area not the same pace on her shot as Powell,s bounces through to the keeper. A free-kick for Thorpe on half-way Kett over it flights the ball into the middle of the area, Moyo has made the run, doesn’t get the touch as it runs through to Smart. Moyo with a chance as Thorpe break their clearance finding Hedtke turns plays the ball into Moyo making the run on the right knocks the ball on towards the box, Smart comes rushing out Moyo gets the ball past the advancing keeper sees her attempt run narrowly wide of goal. 
Thorpe United Ladies, Alice Ford with Bungay’s Lacey Andrews
  A change for Thorpe, Wright coming off, Shanice Sutton coming on. Bungay also make a change Stefanie Cool coming on for Nicky Hazell. Bethan Sommerfield gets up the field for Thorpe on the right supporting Lake the ball given back to her sent into the area, headed away by Keeling. Thorpe with more of the ball 1st half chances limited Bungay deep not alot of room in behind shots coming in from distance.
  Bungay launch a counter attack the ball with Lauren Purling as she gets forwards with support from Holden as Andrews plays it on, left side coming into the area the shot is past the onrushing Anderson running along the ground the ball goes out wide at the far post. Bungay make another change Teodora Ilie coming off Emily Leach coming on. Ella Hindley lifts the ball over the top of the Thorpe, Andrews after it, Kett recovers well getting back on the striker forcing her out wide left concedes the corner kick. The high ball into the box cleared by Lisa-Marie Riches away for a throw opposite side. 
Bungay Town Ladies, Lauren Purling
  From the throw in the ball from Holden is played into Leach central, tries to power her way through the middle of the Thorpe defence 20 yards out the ball is lost, looking to get Sutton away on the left she is fouled on halfway, the set-piece sent up towards the top of the area is cleared by Bungay’s Charlotte Power.  
 GOAL! 2 minutes of normal time left in the 1st half and the deadlock is broken, Bungay have worked hard all game to limit Lake’s movement in  front of goal she finds away through however to score. The ball played up field into Moyo brings it don on her chest well Lake making her move to get into the area, Moyo sends the ball on up into the area, Lake brings it down with a glance off her shoulder taking it away to the right evading the Bungay defence fires her shot across the keeper and into the far corner 0-1.

Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake

  A strong end to the half for Thorpe, Hedtke bringing the ball into her body turning inside 25 yards out from the left shifts it between her feet to get room for a strike a tame effort in the ed runs through to Smart. Sutton looks to get in behind on the left wing, Hannah Jones back n her slides in to win the ball.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 0-1 Thorpe United Ladies

 As with the County Cup Final on Friday, Thorpe hold a narrow 1-0 lead going into the dressing room at half-time. A different game however have put a lot of energy into the 1st half without getting in behind so much as Bungay are prepared to sit invite them on. Have stifled Lake to a degree although she found a way through to score. Haven’t had much luck up the other end against the breeze stay out on the pitch during the break.
  Having been in the mainstand 3 the Plate Final and 1st half of the League Cup Final decide to head round to the opposite side of the pitch to get a better feel for the breeze that blowing across the pitch is strong and clearly having an influence on play aiding the ball one way, sapping energy the other. It’s Bungay to kick-ff the 2nd half. Thorpe win the ball Ford on for Sutton breaking on the left coming inside evades Keeling, but is stopped by Power beyond as she tries to enter the box.
  GOAL! The scores are levelled Bungay getting the equaliser early in the 2nd half the ball is played into Leach inside the Thorpe half top of the centre circle, goes for goal looks a dangerous ball the moment it leaves her foot up into the area caught by the breeze Anderson back on her line is in trouble as it drops dipping late sneaking under the crossbar and in 1-1.
 
A long range strike from Emily
Leach puts Bungay Town Ladies
back on level terms
 
 
  Lake comes to receive the ball 30 yards out helps it on to her left with Moyo on the move up the right wing carries the ball into the area pulls the trigger her strike taking a deflection off Power turned wide of goal for the corner kick. A high ball in from the right Kett gets up headers the ball on across goal, Purling is able to clear it far side. Riches does well at the back sliding in to intercept the ball in front of Andrews as Holden attempts to thread the ball into her in a central position inside the D. 
  Lake onto the ball inside the box right plays it back outside to Powell looks to play in in high for Sutton coming in far post, Leach back for Bungay gets her head on the ball to clear. Cool looks to get onto the diagonal ball send right to left, reaching it 1st sends it on into the area, Purling has covered a lot of ground on the right to get into the box, can’t get to the ball before Anderson claims it.

 GOAL! Good work from Purling on the right closing the ball down winning it and in behind whipping a low ball in across the top of the area left of the D, Andrews doesn’t quite take it in her stride however it hits the defender tracking back with her comes back into her feet a s the goalkeeper starts to come, Kett lunging in to try and take the ball away from the strikers feet Andrews ends up on the floor the ball squeezing past Anderson rolls into the back of the empty net beyond. 2-1 Bungay take the lead with a little over 15 minutes played in the 2nd half.

 

Bungay Town Ladies,
Lacey Andrews

Thorpe look to freshen things up make an immediate change, Powell comes off, Chelsea Clark on goes out to the right Hedtke coming more central. Purling is left in a heap on the floor as she and Ford clash heads in the centre of the pitch, both are okay after a spell of treatment. Andrews with space on the right to run into sends a high ball into the box, Ford is back to head clear for Thorpe. Sommerfield clears the ball as Holden looks to pick out Cool with a long diagonal ball as she comes inside from the left. 

  Holden brings the ball on for Bungay looks to put the ball into Andrews moving into the right channel, Mungham-Gray closing her down to tackle and clear the ball. A little ragged from Thorpe now their energy levels dropping Collins comes off for Bungay with Beccy Goffin entering the field. Cool peeling off the Thorpe defence runs onto Andrews diagonal ball closing in on the area shoots a comfortable gather for Anderson at her near post. 

 A free-kick for Bungay wide on the right inside the Thorpe half each over the ball looks to put it on target another difficult ball for Anderson to deal with back on her line gets her gloves up does well to bring it down safely. Wright comes back on for Thorpe replacing Hedtke as they look to find a goal to get them back into the match. Lake on the ball gets her head down drives forwards has Sutton left looking to get in behind the Bungay defence into the box Lake tries to pick her out, too close to Smart the goalkeeper can get there first.

Shanice Sutton challenges Lauren Purling for the ball

  Moyo with a good take down on the right side plays the ball on for Lake charging up towards the top of the area, Smart comes racing out to meet her as she enters the area Lake getting the ball past the keeper but not on target, Power back on the ball to launch it clear. A double change for Bungay Cool and Holden the players coming off, Hazell and Ilie back on. Ford with a determined run forwards shoots from all of 30 yards out no pace on the ball Smart able to claim.

 

  Another clash of heads between Moyo and Hindley this time, the Bungay midfielder coming off the worse comes off holding her bleeding nose. Holden barely rested coming back on. Purling collects a ball in the guts leaving her grounded again. A fair bit of injury time to come. Good work from Holden taking the ball from a central position out to the right before turning back inside an firing a cross along the top of the Thorpe area runs into Ilie looks to curl a shot into the top corner instead puts it into Anderson. 

  Thorpe are throwing players forwards going for broke as the game moves into stoppage time risk the counter Bungay break the ball from Jones into Holden on for Hazell coming in towards the box from the left Anderson comes racing out to the edge of her area gets her gloves up to block the ball as Hazell looks to lift it past her contact outside the box Anderson goes down holding her face, another few minutes to be added. One last throw of the dice for Thorpe everyone up as they win a free-kick wide right Kett up into the area landing inside the area Jones can see it out shielding it from Ford as the final whistle blows and Bungay Town Ladies win the Norfolk Ladies League Cup.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 0-0 Thorpe United Ladies

 A game too far for Thorpe in the end 2 finals in the space of 48 hours the joy off winning the County Cup tempered by defeat in the League Cup Final. A fantastic achievement none the less to reach both finals. Bungay doing well to keep Thorpe’s chances limited 1st half conceding a goal late on found an immediate response 2nd half working hard to close the ball found another on the counter attack wasn’t a pretty goal but Andrews did enough to put the ball over the line Bungay holding on to the lead to claim the victory.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final goes to Lauren Purling an energetic display working hard to close the ball down especially 2nd half getting back to help defend when needed set up the winning goal.
  Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning this season’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup Winners, Bungay Town Ladies
  Also congratulations to Costessey Sports who won the Ladies 7’s League Cup Final beating Morley Ladies 2-0.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams and to the committee members of the NWGFL for all their assistance and putting on a great finals day

Match Report – Haringey Borough Women v Acle United Ladies

 A dramatic final day to the league season in the ERWFL Premier Division with the top two going head to head in a title showdown. Haringey Borough Women have been in the top two all season, starting the season strongly tussling the top position between themselves and Bedford Ladies. Bedford played out their fixtures on 40 points Haringey with games in hand could catch them. So to could Acle United Ladies who with games in hand on everyone were as far down the table as 8th just 6 weeks ago a remarkable run of 8 straight wins seeing them go a point clear of Haringey going into this weekends fixture the final league match for both as Acle travelled down to play Haringey at Coles Park… winner takes all.

Match Report – Haringey Borough Women v Acle United Ladies

 
  A huge game this Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division a final day title showdown with the top 2 meeting in their last fixture a point between them as 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women host Acle United Ladies.

  For both the ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) Premier Division title would see them promoted to the FAWPL for the 1st time. The scenario for a final day title decider has been on the cards for a few weeks and followers of my other women’s football venture Women’s Football East will have read the possibilities on the weekly Round-Up’s. As it took shape the scenario said if either side were to win all of their remaining matches then they would be crowned champions.

  Haringey Borough Women have been in the top two in the Premier Division, along side Bedford Ladies the two sides got off to a flyer, Haringey winning their 1st 4 opening league games, Bedford went 8 unbeaten winning 7 before Haringey ended that run. Since then the pair have shared the lead at the top of the table. When Bedford played out their fixtures ending top on 40 points, Haringey knew they could catch them with 2 games left back on 37 points winning against Histon Ladies last weekend took them top on goal difference.

  An established side in the ERWFL, Steve Browne took on the ladies side bringing in several new faces to rejuvenate the side, very sadly he passed away over the New Year losing his battle with cancer. The team he had left behind in very good shape vowing to go and win the league for their former manager. Only met Steve Brown once back in 2015 when I saw Haringey play for the 1st time away to Brentwood Town Ladies. Was only too happy to help me out asking about his side, he told me they were young but full of talent once they settled as a team would do well in the league. As well as a potential league title it may yet be a double having also reached the final of the League Cup where they will face Division One Champions, Cambridge City Ladies.

  A remarkable run from Norfolk side, Acle United Ladies at the end of the season as low as 8th place just 6 weeks ago! A good start to the season were right behind the leading pair of Bedford and Haringey, falling victim to a few postponements along with cup matches were getting behind in their league games falling down the Premier Division table as a result, in 8th place that was when as other games were played the potential title decider was on the cards. 

  A big day for both sides. No doubt alot of excitement mixed up with alot of nerves… and that’s just me!

  Easy on paper have to deliver on the pitch more often than not the side with games in hand on the leaders slips up, easy to have your eyes on the game at the end of the road drop points as a result before hand. Acle United didn’t however each game won seeing them climb up the table moving into 2nd at the weekend 2 points behind Haringey, a midweek 3-1 away to Histon Ladies saw them lead the Premier Division table for the 1st time this season and Acle wanted to stay there.

  The venue for today’s game Coles Park home to both Haringey Borough FC aswell as the women’s side. North London parking was at a premium outside the ground the carpark inside home to a bustling market. Doesn’t clear until 2pm. Risked parking in a permit holders area but told wardens were on patrol I returned to retrieve the car quicker than the traffic warden I spotted about to cross the road. Was allowed into the ground, the market traders only to helpful to assist me find a space. Their is a clubhouse with bar and refreshment booth situated beside the stadium itself. The changing rooms under the large mainstand offered covered seating with a good view over the pitch a good sized artificial surface recently put in. A nice sunny day a few clouds but the suncream was applied with the coat left in the boot of the car.

 Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Cherkish Young, Brooke Hills, Shaydean Gorman, Roisin Cormack (C), Robyn Reardon, Shernelle Francois, Morgan Lundberg, Anele Komani, Shanice Nourrice, Klesha Darroux & Julia Carruthers
 subs – Roxanne Eshun, Stephanie Cooper, Karen Nicholls & Karla Parker

 Acle United Ladies starting XI – Jody Wells, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodfield, Leah McGuire, Chloe Shields, Kate Pasque, Amber Rowland, Broghan Scully, Alice Ladbrooke, Meagan Todd & Rebecca Burton (C).
 subs – Jade Copeman, Bryony Knights & Lauren Bullard.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A blow for Acle on the eve of the biggest game in the clubs history with Joanne Hooper, player coach, playing anywhere she’s needed most recently in goal damaging her MCL on crutches. Jody Wells normally a striker donning the gloves to today’s match. It’s the home side Haringey to kick-off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue trim and blue shorts. Acle lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts with black and white hooped socks. 

  Acle press Haringey on the ball right from kick-off the ball closed down and won by Broghan Scully on the right side pushes on with it before playing a diagonal ball up towards the top of the area with Megan Todd making the forward run, Haringey captain, Roisin Cormack gets across the attacker puts the ball out for a throw-in on the right. From the throw level with the top of the area Scully brings the ball inside again her target is Todd inside the box rolls the ball into her striking it first time sends the ball up over the crossbar. 

  A strong start from the visitors win a free-kick in the Haringey half as Kate Pasque is brought down as she makes a powerful run through the middle of the park. Right back Anna Larkins over the ball a couple of yards in front of the centre circle looks to send a shot in towards goal her flighted ball dipping late but doesn’t trouble Haringey goalkeeper, Cherkish Young as it flies over her crossbar.

Kate Pasque takes the ball forwards for Acle United Ladies

  Haringey have a potent attack with strikers, Klesha Darroux and Julia Carruthers scoring 19 goals each so far this season. Darroux moves out into the left channel to receive the ball bursting forwards, Larkins gets back on her sliding in to put the ball out for a throw. Taken quickly played into Carruthers she looks to get into the box knocking the ball past Leah McGuire as she goes into challenge can’t catch up with the ball before it runs out of play. 

  Bringing the ball forwards Acle have captain Rebecca Burton available on the left side in space 25 yards out receiving the ball she is caught with a late challenge as she releases the ball, the referee plays the advantage as Todd latches onto the ball drives into the box, cuts it back towards the top of the area, doesn’t quite reach Alice Ladbrooke having made a good run as Haringey’s Robyn Reardon throws out a leg to intercept the ball and knock it out of her path. Burton feeling the challenge is up back on her feet after treatment.

  Returns to the field left side just a Scully picks up the ball on halfway pushing infield passes the ball into Burton who lays it into the box for Todd making a central to left run, Young reacts smartly getting forwards to claim the ball before it can be knocked past her. Is a physical battle Haringey committing a few fouls early on giving away free-kicks. A frustrating start for the home side passes not finding their targets Acle benefiting. 

  GOAL! Acle capitalise upon their good start to the game scoring the opening goal in the 15th minute. The build up on the right side pressuring the ball winning it back played on by Scully, Todd moving into the box that side gets to the ball first sending it across the advancing Young into the back of the net 0-1.

Megan Todd opens the scoring for Acle United Ladies

  GOAL! The lead is short-lived however as Haringey find an immediate response looking to get the ball forwards from the restart Shanice Nourrice played in on the right is fouled 30 yards out by Pasque. Brooke Hills comes forwards from the back to take the free-kick sends a high ball in towards goal, coming in near post on target a difficult on for Wells goes to palm it over, slips through her gloves and despite a desperate lunge can’t keep it out 1-1.

Defender Brooke Hills scores from a free-kick to make it
1-1 an immediate response for Haringey

  The physical contest continues strong challenges coming in keeping the referee busy, so far letting things go. Acle press Ladbrooke 30 yards out latches onto a defensive clearance hits the ball on the half volley, Young quickly across to her left post can see the shot bounce wide. Nourrice on the attack with the ball on the right for Haringey, plays the diagonal pass forwards into Komani, collides with the onrushing Wells at the top of the box, the ball rolling into the net beyond, doesn’t stand however as the striker had moved too soon flagged offside a blow to the back for Wells needs treatment before she can continue.

  Ready to take the resulting free-kick for the offside Wells’ ball find Burton on the move up top 25 yards out looks to drive forwards, Hills gets back on her just as she is about to pull the trigger the ball out for a throw deep on the left. Luka Goodfield comes forwards to take gets the ball given back to her going to the byline whips a high cross into the six yard box the ball is plucked down safely by Young. 

  Hills sends the ball into the path of Nourrice breaking down the right wing turning inside moving into the fires looks to fire the ball across the face of goal, McGuire cuts the cross out conceding the corner right side. A good delivery from the set-piece Wells does well in the middle of her six yard box gloving the ball away from a throw on the opposite side. Haringey make a change Shernelle Francois giving way for Roxanne Eshun.

  Cormack is late with the challenge again bringing down Todd on the left as she is put in down the line by Burton giving away the free-kick outside the corner of the box it’s Burton to take sends it long towards the far post Todd is under the ball as she goes to jump, knocked back in by the defender beyond her however Pasque inside six yards out before the post gets her head on the ball nodding it down puts it straight into the goalkeepers gloves. Acle have a player down on the far side, it’s Scully looks in a lot of pain after a challenge can’t continue is replaced by Bryony Knights who joins Todd in attack up front.

  Darroux seeing the ball across her body 25 yard out skips in behind evading Shields tackle as she enters the box left of goal gets a shot away as the angle closes against her a good glove on the ball from Wells diving to her right to save the ball behind for the corner kick. Haringey finish the 1st half strongly, Anele Komani getting the ball out to Gorman on the right a handball spotted by the referee gives the home side a free-kick as the winger looks to play the ball inside. Hills to put the ball into the area Pasque heads clear for Acle. Keeping the ball in the final 3rd moving it right a deflection sees Carruthers in behind into the area on the right Wells comes rushing towards her blocks the strikers shot. 

 GOAL! Haringey push players forwards Carruthers on the ball right side is fouled by McGuire, the referee plays the advantage as Gorman has the ball goes on into the area the shot fired across goal goes long retrieved by Darroux on the opposite side she carries it towards the top of the area before turning back around and firing the ball back across goal into the bottom corner 2-1 to give Haringey the lead inside the final 5 minute of the 1st half. 

  Haringey end the 1st half with a free-kick just outside the box on the right, Darroux to play the ball into the six yard box Wells makes the save getting her gloves on the ball palming it down then claims it as it is headed back towards her. 

Half-time Haringey Borough Women 2-1 Acle United Ladies

  A strong start from Acle saw them take the lead, Haringey finding an immediate response to level. Has been an open game a physical contest, and although both sides have tried using the width there’s been so much energy put into closing players down it has looked small at times. A narrow advantage to Haringey scoring late in the 1st half the game remains delicately balanced.
  Acle to get the 2nd half started. Haringey have Francois back on in place of Lundberg. Burton plays the ball on for Todd drifting over to the right is fouled trying to knock the ball in behind. From the wide position Burton puts the ball long towards the far post area, it’s Reardon who gets her head on the ball to clear for Haringey.
  Francois brings the ball forwards for Haringey through the middle before playing it up towards Darroux inside the box left of goal controls the ball well turning in behind with the keeper coming to meet her tries to lob her gets the ball over her, her effort dropping wide into the side netting. Larkins winning the ball inside the Haringey half on the right drives forwards squared the ball into the box Todd central, Cormack gets across her to win the ball. 
Haringey Borough Women’s captain, Roisin Cormack
  Another opportunity for Larkins to skip in behind from a throw in on the right, puts a high ball into the box this time, Cormack is there once more to head the ball away, Haringey look to counter, Pasque breaks the attack up. A high temp start to the 2nd half both sides wanting the next goal. Haringey break forwards, Komani into Carruthers goes on through the middle, Darroux moving right into the box, Carruthers picks her out taking on the shot, Darroux’s strike whistles over the crossbar.
Anele Komani on the ball for Haringey Borough
  Komani is making so good runs with the ball in the 2nd half bringing the ball on committing players. Driving on looks to power her way into the area is brought down just outside left of the D. Steps up to take the resulting free-kick, gets her strike past the wall isn’t too far away as it flashes wide of the near post. Acle make a change Knights coming off for Lauren Bullard. Komani breaking forwards with the ball makes a run across the top of the Acle area looking for room to turn inside and take a shot, Pasque gets back on her to win the ball knocking it towards Larkins who sends it clear.
  Burton holds the ball up well shielding it 20 yards from goal turns inside finding a yard of room to strike the ball her low drive skipping off the surface is gathered cleanly by Young. Both sides are putting alot of energy into the game. Good defending from McGuire inside the box as Carruthers gets hold of the ball on the left fires her cross into the middle looking to pick out Darroux, the Acle defending getting in front of her to win the ball. Carruthers attacking with the ball right side lets fly from outside the box puts her effort into the side netting.
Haringey’s Klesha Darroux with Acle’s Anna Larkins
 Pasque wins the ball for Acle rolls it on for Rowland ahead of her tries to lift it over the top of the Haringey defence with Burton getting in behind, Young coming towards the ball can claim it first. Larkins pushing on more 2nd half as Acle look to equalise sends a ball into the area, Todd goes up for it with Cormack the defender putting the ball out for a corner on the left. 
  The game moves into the least 20 minutes Haringey still with the narrow 2-1 advantage. Coming forwards for Haringey Hills wins her side a corner kick. The inswinging ball drops over Wells falling into the six yard box beyond is cleared by the Acle defence, Carruthers latches onto it 20 yards out blasts the ball back in is blocked runs back to Francois, she shoots the ball through everyone on target, Wells has started to go to her right adjusts fantastically to get her foot on the ball to save, knocking the ball wide Larkins sends it up field.
  GOAL! Penalty! Komani with a strong run on the ball going down the left turns inside to get into the area is fouled by McGuire, brought down the referee pointing to the spot. Down after the challenge with a little cramp, it’s Komani herself who is to take the spot kick. Runs up strikes the ball straight down the middle, Wells gets everything behind the ball makes the save pushing the ball back out Komani is quickest to react hitting the ball hard past the grounded Wells to make it 3-1
 
Wells saves Anele Komani’s initial strike but is unable to stop the followup going in
 
  A hammer blow for Acle as the game moves into the last 10 minutes, make a change Scully back on replacing Burton. Todd is clattered on the right, Larkins over the free-kick from a wide position looks to float it into the box near post for runners to attack, too close to Young the goalkeeper claims without challenge. Larkins finds herself the furthest forwards as Ladbrooke gets the ball up into the box the Acle full back getting in between Reardon and the advancing Young as they look to deal with the ball, gets a touch deflecting the ball wide, Bullard is their the ball just won’t fall for her to get a shot away before being closed down by Hills.
  From a throw in from a deep position on the right, Larkins works the ball inside lifts a cross in towards the near post Todd gets up for the header places the ball wide of target. Eshun comes of for Lundberg late on for Haringey. Acle needing 2 goals in the last 8 minutes push forwards risk leaving space in behind. Todd fires a low cross in along the top of the area, Ladbrooke meets it first time her strike taking a deflection on it’s way through to the goalkeeper. Pasque has a go from 25 yards out drives her shot wide across the goal. 
 Bullard gets possession plays the ball out to Larkins on the move down the right cuts the ball back along the six yard box, Todd rushing in far post throws herself at the ball can’t connect. Komani on for Francois on the left going forwards plays the ball on for Carruthers, heading for the box, Wells comes sliding out to meet her, the striker getting the ball beyond the goalkeeper cuts it back towards the top of the box trying to pick out Darroux, Goodfield closes her down wins the tackle. 
  Acle get the ball up into Todd, driving on through the middle, Gorman gets across to challenge her as she enters the box. Eshun returns to the action in the closing stages for Francois. Komani still has pace to burn as the game moves into the final minute getting down the left plays it on for Darroux inside the box, Wells comes sliding in does enough to put the striker off as she knocks the ball forwards but can’t catch it before it runs out of play.

GOAL! The game is sealed in injury time, Wells’ goal kick falling sort goes straight to Eshun 25 yards out in a central area moves the ball to her right and with the keeper out of position places it into the back of the empty net. 4-1.

  A hammer blow for Acle they send everyone forwards nevertheless, Haringey defend, Cormack bringing the ball out plays it long for Carruthers arriving at the top of the box strikes the ball her powerful shot smashing against the crossbar, the last action of the match as Haringey celebrate at the final whistle. League Champions.
Full time Haringey Borough Women 4-1 Acle United Ladies

 Haringey Borough Women celebrate winning 4-1 to win the ERWFL Premier Division title coming out on top in a physical contest, played with plenty of energy a nervous start however going 1 nil down as Acle dominated the early exchanges. Pulled the scores back straight away before taking the lead themselves late in the 1st half. 2nd half Komani made alot of difference to the home sides her runs on the ball causing Acle problems as they pushed on looking to find a levelling goal conceding a penalty the late goal a making the scoreline a little harsh. Runner-up in the finish Acle United Ladies can be proud of the season they have had a great run to end the season and a highest ever league place finish.
Haringey in the top 2 all season clinch the title and promotion to the FAWPL a fantastic achievement with a cup final to come. 
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

 Today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match award goes to Haringey’s Anele Komani a great midfield performance, especially in the 2nd half driving forwards on the ball looking to take on players, winning the penalty and scoring to give Haringey a valuable 2 goal cushion in the latter stages of the game. 


Haringey Borough Women, 2016/17 ERWFL Premier Division Champions
 Congratulations to Haringey Borough Women on becoming ERWFL Premier Division Champions.
 My thanks to both clubs for all their help today have watched some great football in the ERWFL this season, a couple of cup finals left to come.

Match Report – Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

On to the 2nd cup final in two days was another trip to Cambridgeshire for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog to watch Cambridge City Ladies and Cambridge United WFC go head to head once again this time the senior sides in action in the Women’s Invitation Cup Final at Histon FC’s Glassworld Stadium.

Cup Final Report – Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

 
  The Cup Finals continue on Supporting Women’s Football as just 24 hours after watching the Junior Invitation Cup Final it’s back to Cambridgeshire to the Glassworld Stadium in Histon to watch the Women’s Invitation Cup Final once again featuring Cambridge City Ladies and Cambridge United WFC.
  
  This time round it’s the clubs senior sides going head to her in Cambridgeshire’s County Cup competition sponsored by S-Tech Insurance. I recent season’s Cambridge United WFC have dominated the competition along with familiar rivals Great Shelford Ladies having contested the Invitation Cup Final for 4 successive season, Cambridge United WFC coming out victorious each time, reaching a 5th final in a row have new opponents as, the rivalry no less intense however as Cambridge City Ladies reach the final for the 1st time.

  Both sides enjoying a good season in their respective leagues Cambridge United WFC playing two leagues higher in the FAWPL South East Division One were leading the table for a good portion of the season, cup runs seeing them overhauled are currently in 4th place in a good position to challenge for a higher finish come the end of the season.

  Cambridge City Ladies winning promotion as Cambridgeshire Premiership Champions last season recruited several players from Cambridge United WFC returning to the club they had started playing for at youth level as they began life in the next step of the women’s football pyramid the Regional leagues, have stormed to the title winning the league with 4 games to spare, earning promotion to the Premier Division as well as reaching the final of the League Cup. A strong youth set-up Cambridge City are ambitious and ultimately looking to challenge Cambridge United WFC as the dominant force in women’s football in Cambridgeshire which can only be good for the game in the county as a whole. 

Road to the Final
 
  Two in form sides they racked up the goals on their way to the final. Both receiving a Bye in the 1st Round. Cambridge City Ladies were at home to Championship South side Cambridge Rangers in the 2nd Round easing through with a 15-0 win. Double figures too for Cambridge United WFC away to Championship North leaders, March Town United Ladies winning 12-0.
  Into the quarter-finals a 9-0 victory over Premiership side Park Ladies seeing Cambridge City Ladies through to the semi-finals. Cambridge United WFC bettered that score by the odd goal in 10 breezing past Championship South side Milton Ladies. A tighter affair for Cambridge City Ladies playing Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies, edging the result 4-3 to reach their 1st ever County Cup Final. Familiar opponents then for Cambridge United WFC in the semi-finals albeit under a new name as Great Shelford Ladies are now Histon Ladies, play their home games at the Glassworld Stadium. Cambridge United WFC winning comfortably in the end 6-0 to make it to yet another Invitation Cup Final.
  The venue Histon FC’s, Glassworld Stadium home to a number of Cambridgeshire FA Finals this year once again. A big pitch with a main seated stand housing the changing rooms below and bar above, Covered terracing either at both goal ends with a smaller seated stand running the length of the pitch on the opposite side. A few dark clouds around by no rain forecast plenty of spectators coming in through the turnstiles.

  Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Tee Mhunduru, Amy Reed, Izzy Broadbent, Becca Fay (C), Robyn Phillips, Emily Reed, Bronte Rapley, Sarah Mosley, Charlotte Gillies, Stacey Fullicks & Philippa Witherspoon.
  subs – Saffron Henry, Emma Littlewood, Grace Stanley, Carla Penny & Bella Simmons.

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Carrie Bennett, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Laura Baker, Becky Taylor, Laura Mills, Ashleigh Deacon, Sarah Wiltshire & Paige Logie.
  subs – Carolyn Sarafian, Evie Gallop, Nicole Perschky & Liz Pamplin.

(roll on roll off substitutes)
The two sides line-up before tonight’s final
 As with last nights Junior Invitation Cup Final we have two Cambridge’s so to make life easier for us all it’s be City v United from now on. It’s City wearing white shirts and black shorts with black and white hooped socks to kick-off the 1st half. United lined up opposite in amber shirts and socks with black shorts. City get players forwards early to pressure the ball inside the United half, charged down centrally the deflection runs into the path of City’s, Stacey Fullicks sends it out to the right with Charlotte Gillies on the move taking the ball in behind cuts the ball inside to striker Philippa Witherspoon outside box right of the D, turns her shot in towards the near post lacking pace the ball is gathered by United goalkeeper, Verity Crook.
   United counter attack quickly the ball played on by right back Emma Jenkins up the right wing with Laura Mills ahead of her already on the move, with plenty of pace in her legs Mills takes the ball on down the line sending the ball into the box as she tries to turn, City goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru has to keep her eye on the ball on her goal line as it swerves through the air landing on the roof of the net. United press down the left awarded a free-kick, Sarah Wiltshire over it sends the ball in towards the centre goal, Mhunduru right behind the shot claims the ball without challenge.
   A few challenges coming in early on resulting in free-kicks being given away one on half-way for City, captain Becca Fay to play the ball up into the area, United captain Laura Bright gets her head on the ball to clear it wide right, Gillies looks to get hold of the ball but gives away a free-kick. A fast tempo at the start of the game both sides looking to use the width of the pitch.
 GOAL! 7 mins played and United take the lead in the Invitation Cup Final Paige Logie up front for Cambridge after a ball sent up field picks it up on the right of the box flashes a cross along the City box no one central is gathered by Ashleigh Deacon on the far side drives forwards getting past players into the box taking the ball to the line crosses low towards the near post, Logie is there to met it her touch taking the ball past the keeper up onto the crossbar the ball crashing down into the back of the net 0-1.
 
  GOAL! One goal is quickly followed by another a United press the ball in the middle the ball is with Becky Taylor bringing it forwards right of the pitch has Mills to her right making the run rolls the ball into her feet fires in a vicious ball across the goal face, Mhunduru can’t get anything on it as it runs through to the far post Deacon arriving on cue to send the ball in to score 0-2.
Paige Logie opens the scoring
in the Invitation Cup Final for
Cambridge United WFC
  Down by 2 quickfire goals inside the opening 10 minutes the last thing the lower league placed side needs as City find themselves on the back foot. look to get forwards for a immediate response Sarah Mosley playing the diagonal ball out to Gillies getting forwards on the right, lays the ball inside to Witherspoon her 1st time strike from outside the box is charged down by United’s Bennett. The loose ball retrieved by City is threaded through the middle Fullicks into the box a Taylor tackles they both go down, the referee waves away the penalty appeals, play stopped as Taylor still down requires treatment. 
  50/50 balls contested all over the pitch no one is afforded any time on the ball, Fullicks lines up a strike from distance her 30 yard effort straight at Crook. Wiltshire into the box with the ball on the right turns inside looks to curl a shot into the far corner, too central is taken high by Mhunduru. Attacking with the ball on the left the ball is squared into Mills coming central, outside the box turns the ball goalwards with the outside of her foot looping up drops safely int Mhunduru’s gloves. 
  Good running from Gillies on the right for City wins her side a corner kick, the ball floated into the area is knocked back out towards the right lifted back into the area long Mosley has it at her feet pulls the trigger her shot charged down by Jenkins spins behind for a corner on the left, the ball in towards the far post headed clear by Bright. Taylor gets forwards for United on the right side tussles with Izzy Broadbent for the ball gets control before sending a cross long towards the far post Wiltshire gets her head on the ball puts it wide. 
  A driving run from Wiltshire on the ball as she is given it from a throw-in closing in on the area strikes the ball her shot held by Mhunduru. Logie link up with Jenkins on the right a high ball lofted into the area, Mhunduru takes it high with runners closing in. Fullicks pushes forwards through the middle looking to power her way into the area, is tackled by Kayleigh-Anne Burt the ball going away for a throw right. Bronte Rapley plays the ball left into Fullicks pushing forwards her ball goes long into the box Gillies closing in Crook come and sliding in claims the ball at the attackers feet.
  Gillies breaking forwards down the right carries the ball on before crossing the ball skims off the crossbar back into play, Jenkins reaching it before City can put another ball in towards goal. City make a change Witherspoon coming off with Grace Stanley coming on taking up a forwards position. Logie is brought down in the middle players go forwards as Bright plays the ball up towards the near post, no one able to get a shot in nor clear the ball is turned wide of goal a corner awarded. From the right Taylor flicks the ball on across goal, Amy Reed winning it and clearing for City.
  Mosley on the move with the ball central on for Gillies to her right back inside for Stanley is closed down by Laura Baker, runs back to Emily Reed for City lifts the ball into the box with Fullicks looking to get in round the back, Crook makes the call claiming the ball high in the air. Half and hour played United press forwards Baker looking to roll the ball into the path of Wiltshire making a run towards the area, defender Robyn Phillips intercepts for City. 
  A double switch for City as they bring on Saffron Henry and Carla Penny for Amy Reed and Mosley. City have possession in the final 3rd Gillies on the right lays the ball into Fullicks on her inside, Baker comes sliding in to make the challenge Fullicks is caught on the ankle as she tries to evade the tackle. Left on the ground, Baker is yellow carded another referee might have shown a different colour. Fullicks in alot of pain can’t continue and is carried off the pitch on comes Bella Simmons, City’s top scorer this season so far with 21 goals. Fay over the free-kick 22 yards out goes for goal puts her shot over.
   Baker travelling with the ball has Wiltshire ahead of her lays the ball on Wiltshire has Mills out wide right passing her the ball looks to turn inside Broadbent challenges and winning the ball puts it out for a throw. United retain possession Baker central has Wiltshire ahead of her again closer to goal this time puts the threaded pass into the box, Mhunduru comes sliding in to gather the ball at Wiltshire’s feet. Wiltshire and Taylor play a one two outside the box looking for the return past inside the box, Phillips gets in front of the striker to win the ball back for City.  A strong end to te 1st half from United, Taylor pressing forwards with the ball lifts it up over the City defence into the box with Wiltshire after it, closed down under pressure puts her shot wide of the post.  
  GOAL! Deacon wins United a corner kick on the left as her cross from inside the box is charged down, players crowd the six yard box as Mills comes over to take the corner, with her right for is a fantastic inswinging ball flies past the goalkeeper at the near post the City defence desperately try to clear off the line but can’t keep te ball out of the back of the net hard to tell from where I was standing whether it was already over the line or not but Mills’ ball was on target sure she’ll claim it 0-3. 
 
Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 0-3 Cambridge United WFC
A third goal for United right on the stroke of half-time puts them in firm control of the Invitation Cup Final, another blow for City rocked early in the half by 2 quickfire goals took them a while to get back into the game, a competitve contest United not giving much away at 2-0 going into the break City would feel an early goal 2nd half puts them right back in it. 3-0 a tougher prospect to overcome against a United defence that doesn’t give too much away.
  A change for United at the start of the 2nd half striker Nicole Perschky on for Baker the change seeing Logie who can play in any position in the spine of the team taking up a deeper midfield role. It’s United to kick off the 2nd half on the attack early the ball put out to the right Perschky looks to play it in central to Wiltshire closed down the corner is conceded. Played in with pace towards the near post City defend putting the ball behind for a 2nd corner. The ball flicked on near side, City claim it and go on the counter attack getting the ball into Gillies up top head down tries to mow her way through the middle, too much traffic is tackled by Bennett. 
  Jenkins gets forwards on the right Mills ahead of her plays the ball in, Mills knocks it forwards in towards the area her touch to heavy gives Fay time to close her down win the ball. City knowing they need an early break through if they are to find anyway back into the Final pressure the United back line, Simmons has the pace to close down Bright as she tries the shield the ball the ball back to Crook the clearance down’t go far the ball with Stanley out right moves into the area lays the ball back towards the top of the box, Simmons is wrong footed can’t adjust quickly enough as the ball come at her to get a shot away. 
  GOAL! 12 minutes played in the 2nd half and City get the goal they needed is a brilliant individual goal too from Gillies is given the ball in a central position 30 yards from goal runs at the United defence looks to shift the ball left, then takes it right wrong footing Bennett ahead of her opening up a window to shoot lets fly the ball arrowing into the top corner, little Crook can do about it 1-3.
Cambridge City Ladies
Charlotte Gillies
 
  Taylor is covering plenty of ground in the midfield for United getting forwards with the ball shifts it left playing in Deacon on the run looks to fire the central pass into the box with Mills coming into the area from the right reaching the ball is denied a shot on goal flagged offside. City make a change Witherspoon coming back on for Simmons up front. Good control from Perschky bringing the ball down onto her chest in the top right corner of the box lays it into Taylor making the run to the top of the area, her low shot is scooped up of the floor by Mhunduru right behind the ball. 
  Emily Read comes off for City, Rapley coming back on as Stanley wins her side a corner kick on the right side played in towards the far post drops to the floor inside the six yard box a block sends the ball back out to the right picked up by the corner taker Rapley her attempted cross back in is blocked by Deacon another corner. Comes in towards the far post for a 2nd time knocked down centrally by Henry is cleared by Burt.
 GOAL! Pressing for another goal City concede a 4th goal in the 64th minute giving away a free-kick inside their half the ball is played high up into the area, Perschky running forwards the ball dropping over her shoulder, has Deacon with her stretches he right leg out meeting the ball on the bounce taking it up wide of the keeper and into the goal beyond to score her 2nd of the game 1-4.
 
Mills running onto the ball on the right plays the cross into the box Perschky looks to flick it on comes to Taylor 8 yards out meeting the ball sends her shot over the crossbar. Witherspoon makes room for a shot 25 yards out central, goes straight at Crook who collects as it bounces inside her six yard box. United have Wiltshire in possession plays the pass into the right channel for Mills drives a cross in near post Perschky making to run, Mhunduru gets hold of the ball. 
Logie comes forwards with the ball, Wiltshire ahead of her makes a move from left to right across the top of the City box, Logie rolling the ball into her path, Wiltshire turns the all in towards goal, straight at Mhunduru the goalkeeper drops forwards to gather. Stanley comes off for City, Mosley returning to the action. Gillies twisting and turning on the ball right side gets the ball inside to Mosley outside the box sees Penny making a far post run, lifts the ball into the area to close to Crook who sees the danger gets across Penny to win the ball. 
  The game moving into the final 20 minutes both sides still showing lots of energy City counter attack as Broadbent wins the ball at the back played on from Penny into Witherspoon 20 yards out left of the D she shots her strike flying wide of the post. Bright plays the ball long up towards the area, Perschky  can’t quite bring the ball down into her strike but carrying on into the area has it left of goal flashes the ball into the six yard box, Fay clearing with Mills coming on far side. 
  Witherspoon moves right to get the ball for City level with the top of the box plays in back into the middle for Rapley has Mosley inside the box right of goal plays the ball into her feet, back to goal Mosley holds off the United defence turning right looks to shot the ball deflected behind for a corner on the right. Into the middle of the box, Taylor clears for United. A double change for United, Logie and Deacon rested with Evie Gallops coming on along with Baker. 
  City come on again the ball central into Witherspoon has Bright on her shoulder as the two race for the box, Witherspoon is brought down by Bright inside the D the free-kick a foot outside the box. Rapley on the ball gets it up over the wall starts to dip as it heads towards the top corner but not by enough as it flies over the bar. United make a change at the back Burt coming off, Carolyn Sarafain comes on. Wiltshire with the ball running towards the City area lets fly from the edge of the box her strike smashing against the crossbar. Deacon returns to the field in place of Taylor for United, Stanley back on for City replacing Phillips. as the game moves into the closing stages 
 GOAL! Into stoppage time and United extend their lead Wiltshire pushing on with the ball is brought down 20 yards from goal a dangerous position she picks herself up to take the free-kick, is a great strike heading towards the top corner initially an excellent save from Mhunduru as diving across she takes off gets both gloves around the ball falling however she drops the ball and Deacon racing in is first the ball to bury it into the back of the corner and claim a Cup Final hat-trick 1-5. Not long after the final whistle blows and United celebrate having retained the Invitation Cup once again.
A Cup Final hat-trick for Cambridge United WFC’s Ashleigh Deacon
Full time Cambridge City Ladies 1-5 Cambridge United WFC
 An enjoyable final watched in front of a good numbered crowd. Two early goals for United putting them in total control of the game took City a little while to recover momentum only to concede a 3rd right on the stroke of half-time. Gillies gave then home with a superb goal to make it 3-1 before United went on to extend their lead. Deacon scoring in injury time to get her hat-trick the icing on the cake. Two Cup Final wins for United in the space of two days, two losses for City who shouldn’t be too downhearted real progress made this season.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match
 
 A few contenders for the SWF Blog – Player of the Match tonight. Charlotte Gillies with a great performance for Cambridge City, a Cup Final hat-trick for Ashleigh Deacon however tonight’s Player of the Match goes to Becky Taylor a strong all round midfield performance plenty of energy and vision helping out at the back when needed bringing other into play going forwards. 
Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Winners, Cambridge United WFC
Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup, two cups in two nights for the club.
 My thanks once again to Chris Abbott from from the Cambridgeshire FA for his help again tonight.

Match Report – Cambridge City Ladies Development v Cambridge United WFC Reserves

  Two cup finals in midweek covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog both in Cambridgeshire and both featuring Cambridge City Ladies and Cambridge United WFC. First up on Wednesday it was the sides Development and Reserves sides going head to head in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final.

Cup Final Report – Cambridge City Ladies Development v Cambridge United WFC Reserves

 

  The midweek football on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from Cambridgeshire, two Cup Finals this evening and Thursday. The action this evening from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final with new side Cambridge City Ladies Development in their 1st ever final taking on Cambridge United WFC Reserves the current holders of the trophy. 

 Tomorrow the senior sides from both clubs meet in the Women’s Invitation Cup Final both competitions sponsored by S-Tech Insurance who have supported women’s and girls football in Cambridgeshire for 12 years now.

  A potential league and cup double on the cards for Cambridge City Ladies Development a new side formed this season have won the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South undefeated so far this season with a game left to play. With a strong and growing youth section the Development side a natural progression with players aiming for the 1st team that itself is enjoying a very successful 1st season at regional level.

  A 4th successive Junior Invitation Cup Final appearance for Cambridge United WFC Reserves having won the final on the previous 3 occasions. Are also through to the League Cup Final as they were last season and are aiming to win both trophies this time around. Challenging for the title in the Women’s Premiership too.

  Road to the Final

  Both sides were handed a Bye in the 1st round of the Junior Invitation Cup. Into the quarter finals, Cambridge City Ladies Development advanced without kicking a ball handed a walkover against Riverside Rovers Reserves. Cambridge United WFC Reserves beat Fulbourn Bluebirds from the Championship South 4-1 to reach the semi-finals.
  
 Cambridge City Ladies Development played fellow Championship South side Cambridge Rangers in the semi-finals winning the match 7-1 to reach their 1st ever Cup Final. Was a repeat of last seasons final in the other semi-final with Cambridge United WFC Reserves playing Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies, won the game 3-1 to reach the final once again. 
  The venue for this evenings final, Ely City FC has been a year since I last visited the ground, just off the A10 a new business development is taking shape in the former entrance to the multi-sports facility housing not only the football club, but also rugby, squash and golfing facilities. Several food outlets as well as a cinema are proposed for the sight a new road leading to the football club already built. A dry start to April the pitch looked hard bobbly in places. A few dark clouds around with a brief shower before the match the temperature starting to drop as the floodlights took effect.

  Cambridge City Ladies Development starting XI – Josie Cambridge, Lucy Hurst, Tegan Wyman, Gemma Clare (C), Amy Ozakpinar, Rachel Pearce, Erin Fox, Grace Stanley, Ellie Geoghan, Megan Tonks & Anna Wilson.
  subs – Rachel Littlewood, Kayleigh Whitehead, Erin Walusimbi & Aniela Luxford

  Cambridge United WFC Reserves starting XI – Sarah Carroll, Emily Ingle (C), Holly Northfield, Liz Pamplin, Carolyn Sarafian, Tahnee Perfect, Gabrielle Whitehurst, Lucy Gateson, Teonie Peyton, Ebony Rule & Lauren Gibson.
   subs – Ellen Green, Kirsten Burt, Emma Roberts, Claire Kilmartin & MacKenzie McGregor

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Tonight’s prize
   Two Cambridge’s playing it’s a challenge writing notes and to make thing’s easier for those reading the report too I’ll refer to the sides as City and United from now on. It’s United to get the final underway kicking off 1st half wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts, City opposite wearing white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. United press early the ball won by Gabrielle Whitehurst in midfield played out to Teonie Payton making a run down the right wing taking the ball down the line wins a corner kick, the ball is delivered towards the top of the area City’s Rachel Pearce to it first sends the ball up field.
  An open start both sides looking to use the full width of the pitch, from a throw on the right inside the City half striker Lauren Gibson looks to drive inside towards the box, is tackled by Tegan Wyman at left back the ball played on City counter Ellie Geoghan up the left is stopped by United’s captain Emily Ingle the a ball rolled into midfield helped on as Gibson looks to get in behind the City defence, goalkeeper Josie Cambridge is out quickly to reach the ball first. Gibson is played through as she comes across to the right to receive the ball unleashing a low shot from just inside the box, Cambridge behind it makes the save.
City captain, Gemma Clare challenging United striker Lauren Gibson for the ball
  United are beginning to see a little more of the ball keeping City out of their area the defence winning any through balls, bringing the ball down the right Peyton’s long crossfield ball is gathered by Lucy Gateson looks to take it down the line, tackled by City’s Lucy Hurst the ball out for a throw in taken quickly United win their first corner of the match the delivery in towards the top of he area, up from the back Liz Pamplin gets a glancing header on the ball knocking it down into the six yard box, City win the scramble to launch it clear.
  City are left perplexed as they break forwards the ball from Pearce into attacker Megan Tonks 20 yards out is brought down by United’s Carolyn Sarafian with Geoghan in behind on the overlap stealing in on the ball the referee plays advantage it comes to nothing and City feels play should have been brought back for the free-kick. City build another attack the ball from left to right across midfield Grace Stanley running into space on the right takes the ball on into the box, United’s Holly Northfield gets back on her the pair tussle for the ball inside the box right corner, Stanley rolling the ball around the full back to get in behind is adjudged to have fouled Northfield.
  Gibson closes the ball down on the right from a throw in getting hold of the ball travels into the area hitting the shot on the run, plenty of pace on the ball, goalkeeper Cambridge saves instinctively with her feet. Keeping possession in the final 3rd United eventually win a corner kick. High into the middle of the area, Stanley heads the ball out of the area for City, falls to Peyton outside the box closed down quickly gets a snapshot away the ball flying wide of the near post. 
 
Cambridge City goalkeeper Josie Cambridge
warming up before the match
   Bringing the ball on through the centre of midfield Stanley threads a great pass into Tonks up top in behind takes the ball on into the area, looking to shift the ball onto her favoured foot to take a strike, gives Northfield the opportunity to nip in to get her toes on the ball nullify the threat for United. 
  GOAL! The opening goal of the Final comes midway through the 1st half, United pile players forwards as they attack with purpose with Gibson having come over to the right side the ball down to the touchline is cut back in towards strike partner Ebony Rule unmarked inside the box opens her body up taking the shot looking to put the ball across he goalkeeper, Cambridge gets a glove on the ball but pushing it away into the centre of the six yard box, Payton is quickest to react reaching the ball and smashing it home to give United the lead 0-1.

  Peyton winning the ball at the back for United sees her deflected clearance fly over the top with Gibson alert after it running clear of the City defence, heading for the box, Cambridge is out quickly sliding in to stop the ball getting beyond her. City make a change, Amy Ozakpinar coming off at the back, Anelia Luxford coming on. Soon after Erin Walusimbi comes on for City in place of Erin Fox.  

Cambridge City’s Rachel Pearce

Pearce rolls the ball on into striker Anna Wilson pressuring the United defence she squeezes the ball into Tonks to her right shooting from outside the area her strike is blocked the deflection coming to Walusimbi on the right pushes on into the box her cross turned behind for a corner. A good delivery in towards the penalty spot it’s United’s Pamplin who wins the header. Geoghan comes off for City, Rachel Littlewood coming on. Gateson bringing the ball on down the right flashes a cross along the face of the City area comes all the way through to Peyton who takes on the shot from distance, Cambridge is right behind it to hold comfortably.

  United very nearly double their lead a long ball played on through the middle, Gibson closes City captain Gemma Clare down as she looks to control, tries to head the ball back to her advancing keeper Cambridge gets too close Clare under pressure knocks the ball past her the ball heading towards goal the City defence win the race to clear the ball off the line. A corner on the left conceded City are down to 10 as Walusimbi is sent to the dugout to deal with a plaster on her nose. Kayleigh Whitehead being readied for a substitution comes on even as United take the corner, Clare dealing with the ball inside the box played out for a throw in. 

 
  GOAL! Moving into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half United double their advantage, Gibson having been a constant outlet for the ball in the game receives the ball played across from the left as United come forwards knocking it down into space in field, Whitehurst runs clear striking the ball from 25 yards out her shot whistling past the keeper into the back of the net 0-2. 

  The City bench aren’t happy the referee stops play to have a word. Walusimbi returns to the action replacing Hurst late on. City are very nearly undone for a 3rd goal as the defence looks to shield the ball played on by United as it trickles towards the edge of the box for Cambridge to pick up has her gloves on the ball just as Rule nips past the defence to take it from her, clear on goal play however is brought back by the officials.    A strong end to the 1st half from United breaking down the right the ball squared in towards Gibson outside the D hits the shot on the turn as the ball comes into her the strike looping up over the crossbar. Tahnee Perfect breaks with the ball through the middle rolling it on for Gibson peeling off the shoulder of the last defender shoots from the top of the box the ball sent wide of the near post.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies Development 0-2 Cambridge United WFC Reserves

  A good 1st half from United having the bulk of the attack, getting the ball forwards Gibson a threat through the middle, Peyton too on the wing firing herself up with a bit of banter with the crowd. Up the other end their defence as snubbed out any threat winning the final ball little for goalkeeper Sarah Carroll to deal with. 2-0 always an interesting score United good for it as is often the case the next goal will be crucial.
  It’s City to get the 2nd half underway looking for a positive start. Littlewood with a run on the ball into the left channel her cross into the area cleared by Sarafian. A diagonal ball played long up into the United area is headed clear falling to Pearce outside the area, won’t sit kindly as she looks to bring it under control adjust for a shot, is closed down the chance gone. Gibson goes after a heavy through ball running out to the left gathering on the line, Cambridge has come out to the edge of her box that side seeing the striker will reach the ball before it runs out of play, the angle is against Gibson as she tries to put the ball wide of the keeper runs wide behind the goal beyond.
  City have started the 2nd half well more energy getting extra bodies forwards to put pressure on the ball. Pearce plays the ball on through the centre for Tonks, closed down outside the box as she goes to strike the ball spins across to Littlewood on the left plays the ball back across the top of the area, Perfect wins the header knocking the ball outside the box comes at Wyman quickly tries to connect with the ball 1st time slices her effort away from goal. 
  Up top for United, Gibson and Rule combine well both pressuring the ball Gibson almost playing Rule in behind, Clare with the tackle to stop her running clear. Awarded a free-kick wide right City send the ball up into the area, again it’s Perfect who wins the header clearing for United. 
Cambridge United WFC Reserves striker
Lauren Gibson

 GOAL! Cit’s positive start to the 2nd half is undone as United extend their lead in the 5th minute. breaking up at attack through the middle from City the ball from defence is played long up into Rule 30 yards out back to goal controls well his close support from Gibson to her left rolls the ball into her Gibson’s first touch gives her a yard on her marker as they race for the area, Cambridge coming out to meet her Gibson knocks the ball to the right taking her by the keeper clear to shoot putting the ball home off the inside of the post from 10 yards 0-3.

  City attack from the restart the ball into Stanley moving left drives into the box looks to fire the ball across goal deflected off a defender the ball comes into Wilson at pace can’t adjust to turn it towards goal. Wyman plays the ball on for Littlewood to attack on the left side squares the ball along the top of the area looking to pick out Wilson, Whitehurst gets back to tackle the striker before see can line up a shot. 

 A throw for United on the right Gibson helping the ball in as Rule makes the run in behind takes the ball on into the area, Walusimbi trying to get across lunges in a wild attempt to win the ball, Rule caught could have gone to ground, doesn’t keeping control of the all sends her shot across the keeper, the ball striking the base of the far post, still in play cleared for a throw on the opposite side a long ball is swept in towards the near post, Cambridge coming towards it makes the claim.

  A knock for United’s Ingle as they defend a City corner comes off to be replaced by Claire Kilmartin. A good tackle from City’s Wyman as Gibson brings the ball under control and looks to spin in behind off the full back to get into the box. Peyton brings the ball inside as she attacks down the right side rolled into Gibson her touch helps the ball on with Rule stealing in behind the City defence into the box puts her strike wide of goal. Another change for United with Payton giving way for Kirsten Burt.

 

 

Cambridge United WFC Reserves
Ebony Rule

GOAL! 25 minutes played in the 2nd half and United go further in front. Possession on the left from a throw in inside the City half Gateson and Gibson link up the ball played long in towards the far post Rule times her run perfectly arriving to head the ball in at the near post inside the six yard box 0-4.

 Tonks sees a shot from 20 yards charged down the ball deflecting wide to the left Littlewood winning a corner kick the ball flashes in through bodies gathered at the near post a snap shot far side swoops up over the bar. Ingle returns to the action replacing Sarafian at the back for United. Fox comes back on for City in place of Wyman. McKenzie McGregor also on for United Gateson the player off. A high ball played in from the left is chested down by McGregor as she comes across the D left to right knocking it on into the area, shoots wide as she is closed down. 

More changes late on Ozakpinar back on for Clare for City, Ellen Green replacing Pamplin. Fox skips past two players in the middle sending the ball through for Tonks, Ingle gets across her run shields the ball back into the keepers gloves as the game moves into the last couple of minutes.

 

 GOAL! Pushing forwards looking to find themselves a goal late in the game City are hit on the counter the ball won back and sent up field by Perfect into Rule in space 25 yards out turns and sends her shot in up over the goalkeeper to score her 2nd of the game 0-5.

 GOAL! Another goal soon follows as Gibson capitalises on some hesitant play at the back from City the ball closed by Gibson as the keeper starts to come between goalkeeper and defender Gibson closes down the ball knocking it wide of both into space inside the box and sends the ball into the goal beyond to score her 2nd of the game 0-6. 

Full time Cambridge City Ladies Development 0-6 Cambridge United WFC Reserves

 It’s Cambridge United WFC Reserves who celebrate at the final whistle winning comfortably 6-0  with a good all round team performance that gave their opponents little opportunity to make an impact in the final 3rd. A harsh scoreline for Cambridge City Ladies Development conceding 2 late goals as they became a little ragged looking for something up the other end. Cup Final runners-up and league Champions is a fantastic achievement for a side in it’s first season.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  A good all round team performance from Cambridge United WFC Reserves the SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to striker Lauren Gibson, scoring 2 goals was a constant threat and outlet up front working the space in the channels well keeping the opposition defenders from bringing the ball out.
 Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC Reserves on another Junior Invitation Cup success.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Winners
Cambridge United WFC Reserves
  My thanks to Cambridgeshire FA’s Chris Abbott for his help tonight. A quick turnaround for all do it again tomorrow night.

Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

Not a coat or umbrella in sight the sun cream applied a trip across to the west of Norfolk this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from Norfolk Women’s Division One just a point between leaders Thorpe United Ladies & King’s Lynn Town Ladies in 2nd going into the game, the hottest day of the year and it’s only April, plenty of action in this one..

Match Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

 
  Hot and sunny! Haven’t said that to often at the start of a new match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. A top of the table clash in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday as leaders Thorpe United Ladies travel west across the county to play 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies just a point between the sides.

  8 teams in the Norfolk Women’s Division One this season playing each other 3 times most sides having completed 2 thirds of their games still alot of football to be played, nothing will be decided to day however it could give one side or the other a huge advantage along with next weekends reverse fixture. 3rd placed North Walsham Angels and 4th placed Bungay Town Ladies 5 and 6 points off top spot themselves aren’t out of the race yet and will be interested observers.

  King’s Lynn Town Ladies began their season at Thorpe United Ladies and won’t thank me for reminding them they suffered a heavy defeat. However since then King’s Lynn have gone unbeaten in the league, 6 straight wins followed, 10 in total now with 2 draws in their 13 games played have led the table themselves this season as their opponents suffered from postponements. Could yet be a league and cup double for King’s Lynn having reached the final of the Norfolk Ladies Plate. Captain, Shelley Woods is way out in front as the leagues top goalscorer closing in on 50 goals so far this season.

  Thorpe United Ladies looked like they were going to take some stopping at the start of the season leading the way winning 9 league games in a row before their run was halted away to Bungay Town Ladies. A win and 2nd loss followed, taking over at the top again last time out a point clear of King’s Lynn both having played 13 games in the league. A double on for King’s Lynn, it could be a treble for Thorpe United as they have reached both the finals of the Ladies League Cup and Norfolk Women’s County Cup where they are the defending cup holders. However the challenge will test the Thorpe United squad to the max as the finals have been scheduled to take place just 2 days apart!

   River Lane Playing Fields in Gaywood, King’s Lynn the venue for today’s match. A beautiful day, temperatures into the twenties, sun cream needed and not a coat or umbrella in sight. A good covering of grass on today’s pitch firm underfoot. Sunny skies however there is a strong breeze blowing across the pitch from one goal to the other.

  King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Christina Vivas, Vikttorija Burkauskaite, Lisa Wilson, Albany Hodgson, Millie Wilson, Millie Hopkisson, Becky Russell, Emma Woods Tegan Wheeler, Shelley Woods (C) & Josie Turner.
  subs – Natalie Bunton, Amy Gillon & Leanne Keeley-Smith

  Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Bethan Sommerfield, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Lisa-Marie Riches, Lauren Kett, Alice Ford, Sophie Jermy, Laura Hedtke, Vivian Moyo, Shanice Sutton & Rebekah Lake (C).
  subs – Nicole Read, Chelsea Clarke & Jade Powell.
  

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s Thorpe to get the 1st half underway wearing dark pink shirts with black across the top of the sleeves, black shorts and pick socks. King’s Lynn lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with a blue and white band across the front, blue shorts and socks have the breeze at their backs 1st half, new signing Tegan Wheeler recently joining King’s Lynn from Spalding United U18s Girls starting in midfield for the home side, Leanne Keeley-Smith on the bench looking to make her 1st appearance for King’s Lynn today.

  Getting hold of the ball early King’s Lynn look to play the ball out to Wheeler making a move into the right channel, looking to turn in field take the ball in towards the box, Thorpe full back, Olivia Mungham-Gray closes Wheeler down putting in a crunching tackle to win the ball back. The ball played up the pitch for Shanice Sutton comes together with King’s Lynn’s Emma Woods a bit of shoving as they regain their feet the referee quick to blow up call them over and issue a warning to both.

  The ball is rolled into the feet of King’s Lynn captain Shelley Woods as she looks to make a run down the left closing in on the area, Thorpe right back Bethan Sommerfield goes to ground stretching her leg to take the ball away from the striker concede the 1st corner of the game. The corner goes long bouncing out of play without a touch at the far post. A bright start form King’s Lynn, Becky Russell who used to play for Thorpe getting forwards linking up with Wheeler as the ball is brought out to the right another corner won the ball is fired in low towards the near post Thorpe have it covered launch the ball clear. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Becky Russell

  Russell is all over the pitch in the opening minutes left then right side on the ball from the left looks to thread a ball into the box for Josie Turner, is intercepted by Thorpe’s Lisa-Marie Riches her clearance lands at the feet of Wheeler 25 yards out sends a shot in towards goal, Cara Anderson keeping goal for Thorpe today is right behind it sees the ball safely into her gloves.

Tegan Wheeler looking to get forwards for King’s Lynn Town Ladies
 GOAL! Capitalising on their start, King’s Lynn preventing Thorpe from getting the ball beyond the midfield the ball closed down quickly and the inch rule ball through the middle has Turner running in behind on the shoulder of centre back Lauren Kett both racing towards the area, their is contact Kett ends up on the ground Thorpe want the foul, Turner keeps going into the box slides the ball past the static Anderson into the bottom corner to hand the home side the lead in the 8th minute 1-0.
 
 GOAL! No sooner have King’s Lynn taken the lead however Thorpe come right back at them with an almost immediate response winning the ball on the right side played into the feet of Vivian Moyo she slides the ball in towards the top corner of the area, Thorpe captain Rebekah Lake playing off the shoulder of the last defender makes the run in behind looking to get onto the end of the ball, King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Christina Vivas comes rushing out to close her down, Lake reaching the ball 1st sends the lob over the keeper and into the back of the net beyond 1-1.
 
 GOAL! A complete turn around 4 minutes after conceding Thorpe not only equalise but go on to take the lead! King’s Lynn are looking to push on up their right the ball is closed down with space in behind both Lake and Sutton make runs to the left as the ball is played forwards, Sutton gets there 1st taking the ball on into the box Vivas comes Sutton looks to send the ball low past her right into the near post, the goalkeeper diving to her right gets a glove on the ball pushing it away from goal but it is still alive Sutton goes after it the angle going away from her defenders rushing back sends the shot in on target, King’s Lynn defender, Millie Wilson almost gets there to clear the ball off the line but her effort is in vain 1-2.

Thorpe United Ladies, Shanice Sutton

  A vital header from Wilson moments to stop Thorpe getting through on goal for another shooting opportunity as midfielder Alice Ford drives forwards with the ball having won it out on the right coming inside 30 yards out looks to put the ball in towards the top of the box, Wilson gets her head on the ball if she hadn’t Lake drifting in behind would have be through on goal. A busy start to the match the breeze has gotten stronger a physical game developing on the pitch. 

  Shelley Woods is given the ball from midfield moving out wide left sends the diagonal ball into the near post area with Turner providing the run, Riches sliding in throws herself at the ball reaching it 1st clears the threat. Thorpe deal with the resulting corner kick. Attacking down the right King’s Lynn get the corner kick Turner plays the ball into Russell coming towards the ball near side, Ford on her won’t let Russell turn and shoot the ball is deflected back towards Emma Woods top of the area, her shot is closed down the deflected ball coming back out to Turner on the right plays it long across the face of goal Shelley Woods putting the ball over the line at the far post however the flag is raised against her for offside. 

  Sutton has taken a knock for Thorpe the visitors make a change bringing on Jade Powell. Not long after King’s Lynn make their 1st change Emma Woods making way for Natalie Bunton. Thorpe cut an opening through the middle of the park the ball over the top Lake shoots early Vivas diving low to her right pushes the ball away from her goal conceding the corner. An injury to Thorpe’s Sophie Jermy, she comes off to be replaced by Chelsea Clarke. Turner comes off for King’s Lynn up front Millie Hopkisson pushed further forwards as Leanne Keeley-Smith comes on for her 1st appearance for King’s Lynn.

  Clarke gets into the action straight away hassling King’s Lynn as they try to bring the ball out winning possession her diagonal ball putting the King’s Lynn centre backs under pressure struggling to get control, Lake is ready to pounce inside the D her snap shot whistling over the crossbar. Nobody is thinking about the guy trying to write notes on the side of the pitch the action is soon up the other end, the ball from Lisa Wilson into Russell ahead of her on the left played on for Shelley Woods making a charge for the Thorpe area, Kett lunges in to win the ball take it off her toes for a throw.

King’s Lynn’s Vikttorija Burkauskaite with Thorpe United’s Chelsea Clarke

  An action game, Vikttorija Burkauskaite closes the ball down and wins it for King’s Lynn at right back sends the threaded ball up the line for Bunton has Hopkisson in field plays the pass into her breaking forwards fires the ball up towards the D with Shelley Woods making the run from the left side chests the ball down into the area Riches goes with her gets fouled as Woods tries to get a shot away the ball running out of play.

Thorpe United Ladies captain Rebekah Lake looking to get a shot away

  Lake is a nightmare for defenders to deal with specialises in playing off the shoulder you just never know which one to look over. Small of stature but rapid from a standing start the ball is played over the top peeling away to the left Lake controlling the ball well looks to sends the ball across the face of goal towards the far post, Albany Hodgson throws herself into the path of the ball making the block deflects back to Clarke outside the box space to her right, has the vision to control and drill the ball in low towards the opposite post Vivas seeing it late does well diving to her right to save and pull the ball into her body.

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-2 Thorpe United Ladies

  A busy 1st half King’s Lynn starting on the front foot taking the early lead only for Thorpe to come straight back at them equalise then take the lead with 4 minutes. Has been a competitive contest, physical from both sides a bit of banter two which isn’t fazing either side both can give as good as they get. End to end no one getting any time on the ball Vivas with a couple of saves to keep the deficit down the a single goal for King’s Lynn all to play for 2nd half.
  King’s Lynn to get the 2nd half underway, Wilson also off at left back, Burkauskaite coming over to that side with Amy Gillon on at right back. A few testing balls put long at the start defences clearing the ball. King’s Lynn win a free-kick inside the centre circle, Hodgson on the ball sends t long up into the area Anderson not distracted by the on coming runners gathers the ball cleanly. Hopkisson makes a move to the right outside the box as Wheeler wins the ball slides her in, Anderson comes rushing out towards the attacker makes the block with her legs as she pulls the trigger the ball deflecting away for a throw.
 GOAL! The throw in level with the top of the box is taken quickly played into Wheeler the cross comes in going long towards the far post players over for the throw, Shelley Woods arrives unmarked to header the ball in from close range to put King’s Lynn back on level terms 2-2. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain, Shelley Woods

  A good start to the 2nd half from King’s Lynn, getting bodies forwards, Keeley-Smith playing the ball on for Russell, Hopkisson to her left looks to pick out Woods, Kett intercepts the pass. The physical contest continues the referee again calming thing’s down.

 GOAL! Just like the 1st half after conceding Thorpe aren’t long in finding a response pushing forwards the ball played into the feet of Laura Hedtke 25 yards out right of goal has Lake peeling into space on the wing that side rolls the ball into her path continues her run into the box, Lake cuts the ball back to Hedtke who leaning back hits it first tie sending her shot looping up and over Vivas into the back of the net 3-2.

 GOAL! What are the odds of the same thing happening in the space of 2 halves of football, well they do like the 1st half after conceding Thorpe respond with 2 quickfire goals. On the counter attack Thorpe go forwards the ball with Powell in the centre of midfield his lifted over the top for Lake breaking into the area on the right side seeing the ball across her body strikes it on the bounces her looping ball flying in towards goal, Vivas throws her gloves up reacting quickly but doesn’t get enough of the ball to stop it falling behind her into the back of the net as Lake scores her 2nd of the match making it 4-2.

Thorpe United Ladies captain Rebekah Lake (central) always looking to break forwards

  Straight from the restart King’s Lynn get the ball forwards into Woods moving right hits the shot early on the angle her effort sailing over the bar. Thorpe attack through the middle, Hedtke onto Powell long for Lake moving into the right channel, her ball squared into the area no one making a central run, Keeley-Smith able to clear far post. Lake wins Thorpe a corner on the right the ball high into the box headed clear by Millie Wilson falls outside the box Powell onto the ball 25 yards out fires a shot in towards goal, Vivas behind it collects on the bounce inside her six yard box. 

 Russell gets hold of possession in the middle of the park has Shelley Woods ahead of her making a run left to right across the face of the area, plays the ball forwards, in a race to reach it before Thorpe’s Kett hurdles over the defender as she goes to ground inside the D taking a blow to the back of her head off Woods’ knee play is stopped so she can receive treatment both sides taking the opportunity to take on fluids. Kett needs a moment to recover Nicole Read comes on albeit briefly this time around.

  Pushing forwards down the right players supporting Lake she wins her side a throw in taken quickly put into the path of Powell as she reaches the top right-hand corner of the box is falling back as she looks to turn and sends the ball goalwards slices her attempt wide. King’s Lynn bring Wheeler off send Lisa Wilson back on with a little over 15 minutes of the 2nd half left to play. Russell charging the ball down 30 yards out continues her run the ball now deflected into her path shoots from 25 yards out Anderson well placed in her goal to get her body behind the strike. Read comes on again this time to replace Hedtke in the centre of midfield. 

  Turner rejoins the action for King’s Lynn replacing Hodgson as both sides continue to press for a goal. King’s Lynn have upped the tempo pressing Thorpe inside their own half looking to pull a goal back Woods is fouled as she jumps for the ball outside the box Kett winning the header but adjudged to have taken the player too.

 GOAL! A dangerous position 25 yards out right of goal, Shelley Woods on the ball takes on the shot a great strike arrowing across the diving keeper to nestle into the back of the net to pull it back to 3-4.

  A nervy finish on the cards into the last five minutes King’s Lynn having regained momentum drive forwards, Hopkisson through the middle on for Woods inside the D lays it out to Lisa Wilson on her left, looks to fire the ball in across the face of the six yard box the ball is cleared by Thorpe out for a throw on the far side, King’s Lynn keep pressing are awarded a free-kick that side. Woods to take goes for goal again flashes inches wide of the far post. 

King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Lisa Wilson

  The game moves into stoppage time King’s Lynn have a corner kick on the right side players up into the box the ball played long Woods gets up highest far post to head the ball back across goal Thorpe do enough to prevent an attempt at goal before Kett is fouled trying to bring the ball out. Getting the ball up field into the run of Lake closing in on the box two King’s Lynn defenders slide in on her to win the ball as she reaches the top of the box the ball deflected back into the gloves of the goalkeeper. 

Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 3-4 Thorpe United Ladies

  The final whistle blows and despite late pressure from King’s Lynn, Thorpe United Ladies hold out to win the match 4-3 take the 3 points back to the capital with them go 4 points clear at the top of the Norfolk Women’s Division One table. A good win a few knocks to show for it however. An entertaining contest between two good sides they meet again next Sunday at Thorpe, a must win game for King’s Lynn you would think to prevent their rivals going 7 points clear still plenty of action to come in the league however a busy few weeks for both sides and still all to play for.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  Today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake, two well taken goals plus and assist, caused problems for the King’s Lynn defence all game some clever runs always looking for space and making herself available to receive the ball.  
  My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today will see both at the respective finals come the end of the month best of luck to both.