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Match Report – AFC Sudbury Ladies v Acle United Ladies

The women’s football action at the weekend came from the ERWFL Premier Division on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog a trip to the Wardale Williams Stadium to watch AFC Sudbury Ladies play Acle United Ladies.

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Ladies v Acle United Ladies

The women’s football action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday comes from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division a trip to Suffolk to watch AFC Sudbury Ladies play Acle United Ladies.

The ERWFL season kicked off last Sunday and both sides got off to a great start recording opening day wins. Suffolk side, AFC Sudbury Ladies enter their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division finished 3rd in their debut season at this level a position they held for most of the campaign. Will be hoping to push on challenge for the top 2 this time around have added to their squad bringing in Penny Everett and Megan Partridge who were with the now folded Long Melford Ladies last season. Started the season with an opening day victory at home, Sasha Diston scoring the goal as Sudbury beat newly promoted Royston Town Ladies 1-0.

Acle United Ladies are beginning their 3rd season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division and the side from Norfolk having been at the wrong end of the table for the past two seasons are confident of better things this time around. The club has seen a change of coach and several new players joining the club during last seasons campaign coupled with fixture pile up due to early season postponements that never let the club gain any momentum on the field. The close season has seen a few more additions to the squad which got the season off to a great start last weekend winning 5-2 on the road against AFC Dunstable Ladies.

Although AFC Sudbury Ladies have featured in match reports on the SWF Blog before this is the 1st time I’ve seen them play at home. Are very much an integral part of the men’s club, play at the Wardale Williams Stadium on the outskirts of Sudbury. A state of the art 3G pitch with a large newly built clubhouse and stand on one side of the ground, refreshments hot and cold available. A covered terraced stand between the dugouts on the opposite side of the pitch with covered standing areas behind both goals. Still warm and sunny as we near the end of August, several dark clouds around with the chance of a heavy shower during the match.

AFC Sudbury Ladies starting XI – Penny Everett, Holly Harrison, Charlotte Churchman, Rebecca Thrower, Sasha Diston (C), Phoebe Guiver, Hayley Turner, Charlene Roach, Sophie Jeffery, Mia Etheridge & Megan Partridge.
subs – Stacey Teager, Georgia Lindon & Natalie Golding

Acle United Ladies starting XI – Joanne Hooper, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodchild, Chloe Shields, Kate Pasque, Alice Ladbrooke, Amber Rowland, Rose Glendinning, Shannon Dade, Rebecca Burton (C) & Jody Wells.
subs – Leah McGuire.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Sudbury kick off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts were without a few 1st team regulars unavailable for the game. Joanne Hooper, Acle’s player/assistant coach can and has played in a number of positions for the side, today was in between the sticks keeping goal. Acle were wearing their new away kit red and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts with red and white hooped socks.

Straight from the kick off, Sudbury play the ball up the right channel with Hayley Turner giving chase to the ball, Acle’s, Chloe Shields comes across to tackle and win the ball on the edge of the box putting the ball out for a throw. Receiving the ball from the throw in, Sudbury’s Holly Harrison sweeps a high ball up into the Acle six yard box, Hooper sees it safely into her gloves. Playing the ball out quickly from the back, Anna Larkins on the right passes the ball on for Shannon Dade ahead of her attacking down the wing takes on the shot as she reaches to top of the box, hits the ball hard and low towards the near post, Penny Everett in goal for Sudbury has the angle covered, gathers the ball into her body.

AFC Sudbury Ladies, Holly Harrison

Early pressure from the visiting side, winning the ball at the back get it up top through the middle quickly, Alice Ladbrooke playing the ball into striker, Jody Wells feet, back to goal 25 yards out looks to flick it over the top of the Sudbury defence with Dade making a run in behind to the right, Everett has seen the threat and coming off her line early clears the ball as it enters the area. Acle regain the ball and coming forwards win a free kick 30 yards from goal, Amber Rowland over the ball sends it long into the box towards the far post. Rebecca Thrower defending for Sudbury does well to stop Acle midfielder, Rose Glendinning get in round behind her concedes the corner. The set-piece goes long beyond the far post Ladbrooke gets up to head the ball, turns her effort behind for a goal kick.

Defender, Rebecca Thrower clears the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies

AFC Sudbury Ladies captain
Sasha Diston

An end to end start to the game both sides looking to break quickly on the counter attack, Glendinning carries the ball with her through the middle of the park looks to put, Rebecca Burton the Acle captain through on goal, a good run, Sudbury’s Charlotte Churchman gets across her path just in time to push the ball wide and clear. Sudbury attack up the left side of the pitch the ball played into Sophie Jeffery her diagonal pass through the middle almost has Turner clear to attack the Acle goal, with Hooper rushing out it’s Kate Pasque who nips in ahead of Turner to intercept. Phoebe Guiver comes on for Sudbury.

There are a few fouls being committed both sides getting a little physical, Sudbury in particular not happy with some of the refereeing decisions. Free kicks being given away, Sudbury are awarded one in the middle of the Acle half a chance for Charlene Roach to test out Hooper in goal gets the shot on target but not enough height to trouble the keeper. Another free kick to Sudbury on the left top of the area is played in towards the far post plenty of bodies there to attack it, it’s an Acle head that gets it cleared out of the box.

GOAL! 22 minutes played and the visitors take the lead. With possession on the right bringing the ball into the Sudbury half, Acle win a throw in the ball is put into Glendinning who plays a great ball forwards for Wells to turn onto and run at the Sudbury box, Everett comes racing out to slide in at the strikers feet, spills the ball escaping her rolling to the right, Wells having kept her feet goes after it and turns the ball into the empty net beyond 0-1.

Acle United Ladies, Jody Wells

Sudbury are awarded another free kick inside the Acle half with no advantage coming as they press bodies forwards. To the right of the box 30 yards out defenders come up from the back as Roach plays the ball diagonally to the far post, Acle head the initial ball clear out to the left Sudbury close it down and regain possession an early cross into the box, Diston is still forwards in the area connects with her head 12 yards out places the ball wide of the near post. Sudbury continue to put the Acle back line under pressure keeping possession around their 18 yard box, Megan Partridge unable to find a way through with the ball left side plays it across to the right with Harrison having gotten forwards looking to hit it 1st time, can’t keep her strike down.

GOAL! Acle are attacking down the right the ball is flung into the area, Thrower gets across Wells to clear the ball, Ladbrooke reacts sharply coming forwards to intercept the ball fired into the box, Wells turns the ball across the six yard box an awkward ball for the defence to deal with facing their own goal, Everett comes for it with Burton closing her down doesn’t gather cleanly as Burton challenges and manages to turn the ball over the line 0-2.

Rebecca Burton scores Acle
United Ladies 2nd goal

Dade bringing the ball on down the right wing for Acle takes on the early shot, angling in low towards the near post, Everett is across and in place to make the save. The foul count is clocking up against Rowland as she gets a final warning from the referee. Hooper commits early to coming out to the edge of her area sliding in to claim the ball as Partridge tries to play Turner in over the top. A free kick for Acle inside the Sudbury half Larkins plays the ball long to the far post from the right, Everett jumping up amongst the players around her to lay claim to the ball. Acle make a change Leah McGuire coming on for Rowland.

Mia Etheridge steals in to win the ball off the Acle defence and run in behind down the right squares a good ball along the six yard box, no one attacking the near post, Hooper is able to throw herself forwards and get hold of the ball. Time running out 1st half to get themselves back into the match Partridge is flagged offside in the Acle box as she squeezes a shot past the on rushing Hooper. Luka Goodchild is left hurt on the floor as she loses the ball inside the Sudbury half, Etheridge dispossessing her races forwards down the right wing, Pasque covers the ground to get across to challenge plays the ball out for the corner kick.

GOAL! Little time left to play in the 1st half the corner on the right is sent long towards the far post area goes over everyone, the referee blows his whistle and points to the penalty spot having spotted a push. Acle protest and Pasque gets yellow carded for dissent. Up steps Roach to take the penalty kick for Sudbury, puts plenty of power behind the ball Hooper guesses right, diving to her left the ball is wide of her and nestles into the corner of the goal 1-2.

Charlene Roach scores from the penalty spot late in the 1st half for AFC Sudbury Ladies

Half-time AFC Sudbury Ladies 1-2 Acle United Ladies

A goal right on the stroke of half-time has gotten Sudbury back into the game having gone 2-0 down. Acle having the better of the attacking play for a good percentage of the half going ahead midway through the 1st half then doubling their lead looking comfortable at the back until conceding the late penalty, Sudbury haven’t been at their best the goal back giving them a much needed lift.

Acle to get the 2nd half under way as Sudbury start the 2nd half with striker Stacey Teager who scored 16 goals last season on the pitch replacing Turner. Georgia Lindon is also on for Jeffery. McGuire has dropped into the defence for Acle with Pasque taking on a midfield role. Sudbury look to get Teager in on the action right from the start winning the ball the pass is played out to her making a run to the right of the box, Shields comes across and tackles well inside the box to win the ball.

Charlene Roach and Kate Pasque battle for control of the ball

Goodchild carries the ball out from the back for Acle on the left plays the pass up to Ladbrooke her crossfield pass looks to pick out Dade breaking forwards down the right trying to get into the box, Churchman staying on her shoulder puts in a well timed tackle to win the ball her clearance from the back is intercepted by Acle, Larkins having come forwards on the right to offer support for Dade takes the ball down the line sends a low cross racing along the top of the six yard box, Everett gets down quickly to smother the ball before it can reach Burton at the far post.

Acle United Ladies, Luka Goodchild

Everett is well placed in her goal with Acle counter attacking the ball up the left is lifted up into the middle with Wells running into the area right of goal strikes the ball 1st time angling it in towards goal, Everett makes the save confidently taking the ball into her body. A busy spell for the Sudbury keeper with Acle stretching play, Dade finding space to run into on the right her cross is towards the near post, Everett is 1st to the ball. Burton controls a long pass sent up through the middle 20 yards out back to goal lays it back into the path of Wells, running onto the ball looks to curl her shot back in is straight into Everett’s gloves.

GOAL! Having been under a little pressure at the start of the 2nd half Sudbury get themselves back on level terms. Attacking the ball is lifted up into the Acle area, Teager goes after it as the ball runs to the byline on the left, has support from Guiver lays the ball back to her, is clipped just outside the box, staying on her feet gets inside sees her shot blocked at close range, the referee blows up and awards the home side the free kick outside the area. Roach is over the set piece goes for goal getting plenty of lift on the ball on target drops late an awkward one for Hooper to try and deal with on her line, can’t keep it out and Sudbury equalise2-2 Roach with her 2nd of the match.

Charlene Roach sends her perfectly weighted free-kick in towards goal to score her 2nd of the game

Acle have good possession of the ball on the right, Larkins able to support Dade on the wing, both get the opportunity to cross into the box, both times the ball is sent in near post with Everett 1st to the ball. Sudbury are getting some joy out wide themselves as the game starts to get stretched players tiring, Etheridge is played in on the wing running with the ball into space fires a low cross into the box with Partridge making a run into the area connecting with the ball sends her shot wide across goal.

Etheridge runs onto the ball put out to the right again and taking it forwards lifts her cross up into the six yard box with Teager attacking the near post, lifting her leg can’t quite bring the ball down for a shot but improvises well preventing the defender behind her heading it clear hooks it over her with the outside of her boot looping up is straight into Hooper who catches the ball.

Alice Ladbrooke wins the ball back for Acle United Ladies

Pressing forwards with the ball Glendinning has Ladbrooke ahead of her in front of the Sudbury box links up with Larkins and Dade the trio in front of the D, crosses to Dade right with Larkins in between the pair, giving Larkins the ball she looks to pass back to Ladbrooke goes for the shot is blocked at close quarters by Diston the rebound back with Larkins she takes it on into the area, Thrower gets back on her to put in the challenge as Larkins shoots pulls the ball wide across the goal face. Pasque is off for Acle with Rowland returning to the action.

GOAL! Wells sees a shot blocked the ball spinning behind for a corner kick on the right. It’s Wells to take the set-piece the delivery long to the far post. A Sudbury head gets the ball away sent high up towards the edge of the area dropping, is an awkward ball to get under control even as Sudbury look to push up out of their area, Acle win the ball back push it out to Wells over on the right from a higher position sends the ball back into the box far post area again, Burton turns and spinning back in gets her foot over the ball and scores her 2nd of the match 2-3.

A brace for Acle United Ladies captain, Rebecca Burton

Dade comes off for Acle with Pasque coming back on. Sudbury press forwards looking to get back into the match a powerful run on the right wing from Etheridge getting down the line squares the ball into the middle, running back the ball strikes the 1st defender inside the box, taking alot of pace of the ball deflects through to Teager beyond running onto the ball strikes it 1st time drills the shot wide.

Acle United Ladies, Rose Glendinning looks to get away from
Sudbury pair Megan Partridge & Charlene Roach

Glendinning tries her luck from distance running with the ball before pulling the trigger 25 yards out, the ball bouncing through into Everett. A double change for Sudbury with Jeffery and Turner returning to the action replacing Lindon and Roach. Partridge lines up a shot from 35 yards out a powerful drive is blocked by McGuire on the edge of her area. Players are tiring on both sides as the game moves into the final stages.

GOAL! Wells is in space some 30 yards or so out from goal as the ball is rolled into her, has time and space to line up a shot gets plenty of pace behind the ball as she fires it across the diving Everett into the back of the net to score her 2nd goal of the game and put Acle 4-2 up.

Acle get the ball up into Burton, Pasque looks to get ahead of everyone gt into the box to receive the pass, Burton tries to play her in Everett coming out can get hold of the ball 1st set up a counter attack the ball up the field quickly played into Etheridge bursting clear to attack the Acle box shoots from outside the area as she sees Hooper rushing out to close her down fires a fierce shot past the keeper across the area, strikes the base of the far post cannoning back out across the six yard box, the Acle defence are 1st to it launch the ball clear.

Mia Etheridge running onto the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies

Into added time, Sudbury push players on looking to put the Acle back line under pressure Partridge gets the ball in behind with Teager running onto it clear of the defence taking it to the edge of the box Hooper is charging out to meet her sliding in Teager shoots, Hooper gets something on the ball takes the sting out of the shot as it gets past her by then her defence has got back round on the cover to clear the ball as the referee blows the final whistle.

Full-time AFC Sudbury Ladies 2-4 Acle United Ladies

A 4-2 victory for Acle sees them start the season with 2 wins out of 2 3rd in the table behind leaders Bedford Ladies and Haringey Borough Women who have started the season in similar fashion. A solid team performance getting themselves into a 2-0 lead. A physical match both sides battling hard to win the ball, some decisions baffling both sides, Sudbury will be the 1st to admit they weren’t at their best today, did well to get themselves back into the game however, tiring towards the end Acle retook the lead with Wells securing victory late on. Long way to go yet but already the ERWFL Premier Division is shaping up nicely and both Acle and Sudbury will be hoping they can be in the title race come the end of the season.r

My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today, best of luck to both for the rest of the season.

Match Report – Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

1st match of the new season from the Supporting Women’s Football Blog

New Season – Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

The new season is here! The FA Women’s Premier League campaign get’s underway this Sunday and the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is starting with a trip south to watch newly promoted Crystal Palace Ladies as they welcome Coventry United Ladies to Bromley FC.

Crystal Palace Ladies are the ‘Invincibles’ having won promotion from the FAWPL South East Division One last season with an unbeaten record, winning 20 of there 22 matches in the league. Enjoy a strong relationship with the men’s club and are looking to make progress. Have done well to keep hold of players that brought them success last season and manager Dean Davenport has added players too, some with WSL experience, Megan Goss and Ciara Sherwood joining from Millwall Lionesses. Ellie Bailes joins from Charlton Athletic Women. Ex-Fulham goalkeeper, Lauren Allen has also signed for the club. Will be looking to make an immediate impact upon the league.

Their 1st opponents in the FAWPL Southern Division, are Coventry United Ladies have won the league as recently as 2014 no play-off game for the FAWSL that year, switched to the Northern Division the following season finishing runners-up behind Sheffield FC Ladies. Back in the Southern Division last campaign were amongst the chasing pack that could do nothing to stop Brighton & Hove Albion WFC’s charge to the title. Finishing 4th they did have success last season winning the FAWPL League Plate. Will be amongst the favorites to challenge for the title again this season.

Bromley Arena is the venue for today’s FAWPL season opener, home of Bromley FC, the non-league ground is a mixture of old and new look stands with the main one seated and covered down one side of the pitch housing the clubhouse and bar plus food facilities. The older stands surrounding the other 3 sides of the ground are a mixture off classic terracing and some seating behind one goal a good sized stadium surrounding a large pitch which looked as it should perfect at the start of the season, good grass cover and flat. Great weather to start the season too very warm and sunny, some dark clouds about that might hint at a spot of rain or two but a strong breeze was helping to blow them through.

Crystal Palace Ladies starting XI – Chanelle Yardley, Pamela McRoberts, Katy Morris, Freya Holdaway (C), Leesa Haydock, Ciara Sherwood, Ellie Bailes, Megan Goss, Alma Donohoe, Rochelle Shakes & Gemma Bryan.
subs – Lauren Allen, Leanne Bell, Abigail Igbavboa, Francesca Ali & Tia Foreman.

Coventry United Ladies starting XI – Susan Wood, Gina Burton, Nikki Miles, Natasha Lynch (C) Alexandra Buck, Laura Cooper, Jade Brook, Stephanie Smith, Amber Hughes, Marie Gauntlett & Alison Hall
subs – Helen Dermody, Sami Ryder, Olivia Dougherty, Ellie White, Kathryn Pagan & Christina Torkildsen.

It’s the visitors, Coventry to get the game underway, wearing an all green away kit with Crystal Palace lined up opposite wearing red and blue shirts, with blue shorts and socks with a red vertical stripe down the sides. The home side close down the ball right from the start winning it push towards the Coventry area, defender Alex Buck steps up to tackle and play the ball out for a throw on the right. From the right the ball is lifted up towards the area this time Coventry captain Natasha Lynch headers clear, Nikki Miles looks to break from the back up the left but running out of room can’t turn her cross back into the six yard box.

Getting forwards from the back too, Crystal Palace’s Pamela McRoberts on the right brings the ball on before playing a high ball across the top of the area, looking for striker Gemma Bryan comes at her quickly trying to adjust leaning back to get power on her header turns it towards goal the looping ball drops into the gloves of goalkeeper, Susan Wood. Is a pacy start to the game from both sides working hard to quickly close their opponents down on the ball.

Rochelle Shakes holding the ball up in attack for Crystal Place Ladies

Stephanie Smith brings the ball forwards for Coventry drifting towards the right plays the pass up the line into the area for Alison Hall to go after. Crystal Palace captain, Freya Holdaway gets across in front of her does well to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal-kick. Megan Goss receiving the ball turns well and plays the pass forwards into Bryan with room to run into on the left only a good tackle from Buck putting the ball out for a throw steps her breaking into the area. Bryan has the ball at her feet again on the left soon after charging towards the byline cuts back inside the area superbly to deceive her marker and takes on the shot from an acute angle sending the ball wide across the face of goal.

10 minutes played and the early pressure is with Crystal Palace, have Coventry pushed back defending the top of their area, closing down the ball the midfielders looking to win it create an opportunity, Ciara Sherwood almost does just that as she latches onto the ball just outside the box left of the D hitting it sweetly on the volley, Wood shifts across to try and get to it does need to as it flashes just past the post striking the advertising boards behind the goal.

Crystal Palace Ladies, Ciara Sherwood

Coventry’s Miles is getting some joy on the left side providing and outlet when the visitors and get the ball released from the back, taking it on up to the top of the area squares the ball into the middle, Leesa Haydock heads the ball clear, Coventry’s Smith looks to lift it over the defence into the area for Hall, goalkeeper Chanelle Yardley gets to it 1st. Miles comes again this time Hall looks to break out early providing a passing option, Holdaway reading it just about gets her foot on the ball to intercept. For a 3rd time Miles is available for the ball in quick succession as Jade Brook passes from the centre of midfield to send her away up the left wing into the box cuts the cross back towards goal too close to the near post Yardley has the angle covered and goes down to gather the ball.

GOAL! Crystal Palace take the lead as the game closes in on the 20 minute mark. It comes from a Coventry throw deep in their half on the right side, Rochelle Shakes is quick to put pressure on the receiver winning the ball and fires the ball along the ground into the area with Bryan free just inside the box, good control hits the shot on the turn sending it flying across the diving keeper and into the back of the net 1-0.

Gemma Bryan scorer of the opening goal for Crystal Palace Ladies

Bryan is causing the Coventry defence all sorts of problems attacking down the left looks to get onto the end of a long ball from the back, Gina Burton gets to it first to put the ball out for a corner kick. Coming to nothing, Crystal Palace appeal for a penalty as Bryan ends up on the deck as she charges into the box, nothing given by the referee. Up the other end Holdaway and Haydock are clearing up thing’s with the Coventry attack having little opportunity to get in behind them.

A chance for Coventry to get players forwards as Ellie Bailes brings brook down as she closes down on the area on the left the free kick just outside the box, Laura Cooper over it. sends a great delivery on towards the far post players running in to attack it Hall amongst those gets a touch the ball strikes the post before Crystal Palace scramble it clear. Better from Coventry after conceding the goal go forwards with more pace and purpose, Hall forces Crystal Palace into conceding a corner kick on the left. A great ball sent invitingly into the six yard box is headed down into the ground by Lynch unmarked in the centre bouncing through bodies is blocked on the line saved by Yardley pushed out, Lynch gets another chance to go for goal puts the ball over the crossbar.

Coventry United Ladies captain, Natasha Lynch sees her header cleared on the line

Marie Gauntlett and Amber Hughes link up as they attack down the left flank exchanging passes as they try the work the ball into position for a cross win Coventry another corner kick. The set-piece is almost spilt by Yardley as she comes to claim it near post but reaching out behind her as she falls somehow keeps hold of it as Gauntlett closes in. Alma Donohoe on the left plays a great ball into the area for Goss who has got herself into a central position, good control to bring it down on her 1st touch, Miles gets back to defend nudging Goss off the ball and getting it away from the area.

GOAL! A contrasting game since Crystal Place took the lead on top during the opening 25 minutes have been forced back in the last 10 minutes as Coventry look to fight their way back onto level terms, do so on the 37th minute Comes from a well worked move good build up the ball played across the midfield before being passed on to the advancing Burton on the right sends the ball into the area along the six yard box, Smith jumps up to meet the ball with her head knocking it down back across the keeper and in 1-1.

Crystal Palace go on the offensive straight from the restart the ball into the Coventry half with urgency, played on the diagonal from the left with Shakes making a run into the area goes to strike it on the volley, connects but under challenge smashes the shot into the side netting. Coventry go forwards themselves Miles getting the better of McRoberts as she goes on the move on the left takes the ball on Hughes comes towards her to offer the close passing option gets it on the corner of the box goes for goal the strike over the bar at the near post.

Coventry United Ladies, Marie Gauntlett with Pamela McRoberts

Late into the 1st half Bryan reacts sharply to a lazy Coventry back pass to the goalkeeper getting in behind looking to take a touch as she closes in on the box, Lynch gets back to put in a well timed tackle to take the ball away from her. Into injury time Crystal Palace with one last attack Donohoe on the left sweeps a cross into the box with Shakes the target running in on goal looks to hit it on the volley turn it wide across the keeper, is also wide of the goal.

Half-time Crystal Palace Ladies 1-1 Coventry United Ladies

An entertaining and lively start to the FAWPL season at Bromley FC, newly promoted Crystal Palace starting the far better of the two sides capitalising by getting the goal. Coventry had to ride out a storm at the start improving late in the half after going a goal down pushing the host back and creating a few chances of their own bringing the scores level. The game very much evenly poised for the 2nd half.

A half-time substitution for Crystal Place as they kick off the 2nd half with Leanne Bell on the field replacing Goss. An early foray up the field for McRoberts making a move to get into the box as Bryan comes out wide right holds the ball up attempts to lay the ball into the full-back inside the box, Hughes has tracked back with her and tackling gets her foot on the ball. Substitute, Bell on the right side herself is allowed to travel a long way with the ball reaching the top corner of the area takes on the strike, plenty of pace on the ball, Wood covering her post is right behind it.

Leesa Haydock takes control of the ball at the back for Crystal Palace Ladies

A good start to the 2nd half from Crystal Palace, Bryan runs at the Coventry defence winning the ball high up the pitch goes forwards has support with her from Shakes as she enters the box looks to set her up, her 1st time strike is blocked, the rebound falls to Sherwood deeper who also sees her effort blocked the ball eventually running out behind for a corner kick on the left. A good delivery played along the six yard box, Holdaway heads the ball into the back of the net, but not before the referee spots an infringement blows up for the foul.

Penalty! Crystal Palace’s bright start to the 2nd half is almost undone as they concede a penalty. Attacking down the right wing the ball is played forwards for Hall to chase down is just inside the area wide right as goalkeeper Yardley comes racing out to kick clear and despite getting to the ball 1st her follow through brings down Hall the referee points to the spot. Gauntlett steps up to take looking to lift the ball up to the keepers left, Yardley guesses the right way and throwing herself across gets two big hands on the ball to make the save.

Chanelle Yardley saves Marie Gauntlett’s penalty kick

Pressurising the Coventry back-line, Bryan gets hold of the ball and stealing in behind has a run at goal pulls the trigger from inside the D the strike off target. Coventry win a corner on the right Hughes makes a run from the top of the area to receive the ball from the taker playing it back to her, receives the return pass inside the box right corner turns and shoots the shot flying over the crossbar.

1st change for Coventry as Hall is replaced by Helen Dermody. The visitors win a free kick inside the Crystal Place half a chance for Cooper to play the ball long up into the box sends it out towards the far post, Yardley comes to clear it, misses clattering into her own defender as Miles connects with her head drills the effort wide. 2nd change for Coventry with Christina Torkildsen coming on to replace Burton with a little over 20 minutes left to play. Good spell from the visitors, Smith bringing the ball on holds up well outside the Crystal Place box left side as Miles makes a run down the line, Smith with the pass plays her into the area, Yardley rushing out to meet her saves well at her feet.

GOAL! Crystal Palace retake the lead as Bryan scores her 2nd of the match, latching onto a Shakes flick on as the ball is played long from the back, Bryan is in behind played through on goal, shoots from outside the box right of the D power and pace on the ball to drill is past Wood, strikes the base of the far post back spin seeing it roll over the goal-line 2-1.

An opening day brace for Crystal Palace Ladies, Gemma Bryan

Crystal Palace make a 2nd change straight after the goal bringing on Abigail Igbavboa for Bailes. Coventry look to respond attacking down the right Hughes drives forwards whips the ball into the box, Dermody coming towards it looks to hit it 1st time but under challenge can’t get enough on the ball. End to end, Bell has the ball wide right for Crystal Place pushing forwards turns inside is tackled well by Buck. A heavy challenge on Shakes by Lynch as she powers her way forwards sees a free-kick given away right on the edge of the area a balls width outside right of the D it’s Igbavboa over the ball, goes for goal the strike over the top.

GOAL! Once again Coventry come back from a goal down to equalise, a goal out of nothing and like Bryan from Crystal Palace it’s a 2nd goal of the match for Smith. Has possession of the ball some 30 yards out left side in front of the area a snap shot goes for goal sends the ball flying into the top corner, little chance of Yardley diving at it can do stop it as it brushes her fingertips and goes in 2-2.

Stephanie Smith controlling the ball with 2 goals for Coventry United Ladies

Sets up an intriguing final 10 minutes of play. Torkildsen bursts forwards down the right for Coventry puts a good crossfield pass out to Smith on the left in front of the box, looks to play in Dermody ahead of her, she is unfortunate to slip as she goes to strike the ball on the edge of the area the attempt rolling tamely through to Yardley. 3rd change for Crystal Palace, Fran Ali coming on to replace Haydock.

Attacking down the left side for Coventry as the game moves into the final minutes of normal time, Gauntlett rolls the ball into Dermody inside the box, she plays it across with Hughes behind her, sees her attempt at goal closed down the ball is won back as Crystal Place look to counter attack, Brook takes on the shot from distance looks to be heading top corner once again this time though Yardley has time to get across and pluck it down.

Coventry’s Jade Brook and Crystal Palace’s Ellie Bailes battle for the ball

Into injury time Holdaway picks up a yellow card after fouling Hughes, a chance for Cooper to put the ball into the box, Smith is there to attack it far post sends her header wide of goal. Coventry very nearly win it at the death as rare moment of carelessness at the back sees Brook steal in to take the ball charging in behind left of goal shoots hitting the ball along the ground, Yardley dives to her right makes a great save turning the ball behind for the corner kick. Claims the set-piece as it comes in the referee blows the final whistle.

Full time Crystal Palace Ladies 2-2 Coventry United Ladies

The points shared on the opening day fixture an entertaining match to watch from a neutrals perspective. A positive start to life at a higher level for Crystal Palace dominated the game for a good portion of both halves, scoring when they were on top too. Coventry were a little slow to get going 1st half but fought their way back into the game equalising twice after going behind.

A good day out at Bromley, my thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Cup Final Report – Northampton Town Ladies v Peterborough United Ladies

One more League Cup Final for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog to cover before the end of the season and a trip over to Raunds Town FC in Northamptonshire to watch Northampton Town Ladies play Peterborough United Ladies just one goal extra scored saw Northampton Town Ladies pip their rivals to the league title as they finished level on points and goal difference, could they make it a league and cup double or would Peterborough United Ladies win their 1st piece of silverware to end their 1st season together on a high.

Cup Final Report – Northampton Town Ladies v Peterborough United Ladies

The 2015/16 women’s football season is almost over the league games are all complete, just a couple of games left to watch, the 1st in Northamptonshire a trip to Raunds Town FC to watch the League Cup Final between Northampton Town Ladies & Peterborough United Ladies.

A league and cup double is on for Northampton Town Ladies as they pipped Peterborough United Ladies to the Northamptonshire Women’s Division One title by the narrowest of margins after the two sides finished level on points (27) and matched each others goal difference (26) it came down to goals scored and with 37 scored over 36, Northampton Town Ladies were crowned Champions. A small league with just 5 sides competing the two sides faced each other 3 times over the season Northampton Town Ladies winning 2 both at home and Peterborough United Ladies winning their home fixture.

Road to the Final

Northampton Town Ladies started the competition with an away game in the 1st Round playing 2nd Division side, Rothwell Corinthians Ladies Reserves won through to the quarter finals with a comfortable 5-0 win and progressed to the semi-finals without kicking a ball as they were awarded a home win against Kettering Town Ladies. Faced 2nd Division leaders Corby Town Ladies in the semi-final at Corby, Northampton Town Ladies won the game 4-0 to reach the League Cup Final.

Formed this season, Peterborough United Ladies were awarded a home win in the 1st Round of the competition against 2nd Division side Thorplands Ladies. Won big in the quarter final on the road playing 2nd Division, Earls Barton Ladies scoring 7 goals without reply to reach the semi-finals and a home tie against fellow 1st Division side Thrapston Town Ladies last seasons beaten finalists. edged the game with a 2-1 to reach the League Cup Final. Come into the final off the back of a special night for the team last Saturday getting to play at the ABAX Stadium home of Peterborough United FC in a friendly match against West Ham United Ladies

The venue for today’s game Raunds Town FC, hosting the Northamptonshire Women’s & Girls Football League (NWaGFL) Finals day, 5 finals in total starting at 9:30am U12s, U14s U16s plus 2 Ladies Finals the League Plate and Cup. The ground itself is easy to find on the outskirts of Raunds, plenty of parking a clubhouse and bar, refreshments available, a small seated stand on one side of the pitch which considering where we are in the football calender was in excellent condition, one of the best playing surfaces I’ve see in a good while. Been craving an ice-cream for a few days now too, so to see an ice-cream van in the carpark I was happy. The weather was fantastic, bright and sunny, not too hot, ideal for a game of football.

Northampton Town Ladies starting XI – Joanna Daniels, Megan Rayment, Isla Fleury, Claire Stancliffe, Eden Brown (C), Georgia Tear, Steph Knight, Amy Marshall, Zoe Boote, Cloe Woodward & Cesca Partridge.
subs – Aimee Smith

Peterborough United Ladies starting XI – Amy Martin, Sephania Chaudhuri, Fiona Plumb, Kathryn Lusk, Laura Tonkin, D’lacy Phillips (C), Emily Smith, Amy Challis, Tash Applegate, Eleanor Boothman & Bryony Fox.
subs – Courtney Edwards, Jenna Lusk, Georgie Elsom, Emma Stevenson & Jessica Harvey.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Peterborough to get the Cup Final underway 1st half wearing blue shirts and shorts with white socks with Northampton lined up opposite wearing claret shirts and socks with white shorts. Northampton get the ball off Peterborough straight away, Georgia Tear getting stuck in, the ball being played down the right wing for Amy Marshall to go after, keeping it in looks to turn inside Laura Tonkin closes her down the ball comes off her for a throw to Peterborough.

Peterborough bring the ball up the left side attacking the ball played into Eleanor Boothman in attack with Bryony Fox, a throw deep in the half brings the 1st corner of the match, is delivered long to the far post Northampton get a head on it and the break is on the ball sent long, ends up all the way back into the gloves of Peterborough goalkeeper, Amy Martin.

In goal for Northampton, Joanna Daniels is called into action racing off her line to slide in and stop the ball as Fox is played in behind the defence by Amy Challis bringing the ball down the right side of the attack for Peterborough. Clear to see these are to closely matched sides early on a competitive opening exchange no one afforded any time on the ball in the middle of the park the ball is popped back by Peterborough to defender, Fiona Plumb the centre back sends a great ball long out to the left with Tash Applegate looking to move forwards, Northampton captain, Eden Brown comes across to challenge for the ball leaves Applegate on the ground as the ball is blocked runs harmlessly into the box. Applegate receives treatment on the pitch and is okay to continue.

Brown along with centre back partner Claire Stancliffe are dealing well with the Peterborough attack in the opening 20 minutes as they try to play the diagonal ball into the centre for the strikers to run onto whenever they get the ball in the wide positions, Fox more than willing to try and force her way through the middle to get into the area.

Northampton Town Ladies captain, Eden Brown

Northampton’s Marshall coming inside plays the ball long out to the right side, Cloe Woodward goes after it, looks to be a lost cause but she manages to keep it in knocking it down the line, goes after it, Tonkin has come across with her and turns the ball behind for a corner kick as Woodward looks to cross the ball into the box. The ball is send high into the Peterborough area, in the centre, Brown jumps high trying to get something on it doesn’t as it drops far side to Cesca Partridge 12 yards out lashes the ball in towards goal the shot is cleared by the defender covering the near post.

Northampton keep the ball in the Peterborough half, are awarded a free kick 20 yards out to the left of goal Woodward is over the set piece lines up the shot gets it on target coming in Tonkin is in it’s path and sends in clear of her area. Boothman steals in on the ball just over the halfway line pulling out to the left takes it forwards before attempting to release Fox into the box (I was going to type it at some point wasn’t I?) too much weight on the ball allows Daniels to come and gather before Fox can reach it. A fast paced game no sooner is the ball up one end then it’s up the other, Northampton have a throw halfway inside the Peterborough half on the right side finds its way inside to Woodward drifting into the area right corner, looks to head the ball on with Partridge ahead of her near post, Partridge looks to head it on, Martin moving across has the post covered and claims the ball low however the flag is already raised as Partridge was offside.

Cloe Woodward heads the ball in for Cesca Partridge

Emily Smith getting hold of the ball for Peterborough in the middle carries it out towards the right with Challis down the right making the run for her, given the ball she looks to come inside knock the ball on it is cut out put behind for a corner kick. A good delivery played in at a good height, Fox rises to meet it in the middle of the goal heading the ball down on target, Martin is well placed to get her gloves on the dropping ball make the save.

Bryony Fox gets her head on the ball from the corner for Peterborough United Ladies

Challis has the ball wide right for Peterborough tries to thread the pass forwards for Fox to get after, trying to get into the area, the foul goes against as she bundles Brown to the ground. A change for Peterborough, captain D’lacy Phillips comes off the armband handed to Plumb as assistant player manager Jenna Lusk comes on. A free kick for Peterborough wide on the left just over the halfway line as Brown fouls Applegate, the ball is delivered long into the Northampton area, Boothman jumps a back header sends the ball towards the goal, Daniels gathers, the offside flag is up against the attacker.

Northampton make a substitution Aimee Smith coming on for Isla Fleury. Boothman peels out to the left as Smith picks up the ball in the middle sends the pass out to her, Fox comes across looking to spin in behind the Northampton defence as the ball is played forwards into the area, Daniels seeing the threat comes off her line and sliding in claims the ball. Marshall and Boote have switched sides for Northampton now on the left Marshall on the ball comes central plays the ball out to Boote on the right driving on with it down the line stands the cross up into the box, jumping Tonkin gets a glancing header on the ball sending it on across the six yard box falls to Partridge at the far post, gets the shot away, Martin has gotten across her goal and holds onto the ball.

Northampton Town Ladies, Georgia Tear

Applegate wins Peterborough a corner on the left, the ball is whipped in central under the bar, Daniels with a strong punch clears the ball sending it out to the left another corner is won this one played up the line with Smith getting hold of the ball taking it inside is 25 yards out fires in the shot, Daniels is behind the ball and has the ball in her gloves.

Smith fouls Tear in the centre circle inside the Peterborough half, Brown plays the ball up into the area, Jenna Lusk gets her head on the ball clearing it, Northampton soon have it back Steph Knight playing the ball out to Boote wide right, sends her cross in dissecting the six yard box, Partridge is racing in to meet it, Martin gets it into her gloves first. Late Northampton pressure in and around the Peterborough penalty box brings them a corner kick on the left a fantastic ball played in finds Woodward on the penalty spot, drills a shot back across to the near post area, the defender covering the post blocks getting it clear

Applegate having come over to the right has the ball with support from Challis the pass is send forwards for Fox to attack the Northampton area, Brown gets back on her makes the tackle the ball out for a throw is taken quickly put into Fox right side of the area, Daniels comes racing out to the edge of the area to close her down, Fox gets the shot away past the keeper, but off target.

Half-time Northampton Town Ladies 0-0 Peterborough United Ladies

Easy to see why these to sides finished so closely in the league, a competitive match, played at a fast tempo on a good surface, both creating chances without overly testing the goalkeepers. 0-0 at half-time it looks like it’ll be an odd goal to 2 that settle it, just a question of which side will score. Peterborough have more options available on the bench that could tell as the 2 sides start to tire 2nd half. If not then the game goes straight to penalties no extra-time being played today.

Northampton get the 2nd half underway. Fleury is back on for Knight. Peterborough have made a double change at half time, Fox and Challis off Georgie Elsom and Emma Stevenson on both in midfield, Applegate is now further forwards in attack. They start brightly winning a throw deep on the left the ball is sent into the area, Stancliffe clears. Northampton come forwards with the ball Marshall has it on the right plays the pass inside to Partridge 25 yards out lines up the strike hits the ball low and hard, rolls wide across the goal face.

Georgie Elsom on for the 2nd half for Peterborough United Ladies brings the ball under control

Another free kick for Northampton inside the centre circle a chance for Brown to play the ball long into the area, a great delivery, Partridge is the player looking to connect as it bounces, close just evades her as it runs out for a goal kick. A free kick for Peterborough closer to the target, 25 yards out to the right side of the box as Stancliffe fouls Stevenson. Applegate is over it takes it quickly whipping the ball in towards the near post, Daniels moves quickly getting across to palm the ball down into the ground and claims.

A surging run from Peterborough’s Smith through the middle, looks to thread the ball through the centre backs for Applegate, she has strayed offside however and the move breaks down. Moments later the same thing happens only this time the flag doesn’t go up Applegate is clear after the ball, Daniels comes running out to kick clear inside the D, mis-kicks the ball it is sliced to her left, she reacts quickest throws herself on the loose ball looked mighty close to being handled outside the area as her roll takes her inside, the officials don’t give anything play continues. Knight returns to the field for Northampton with Woodward off.

Northampton Town Ladies, Isla Fleury looking to go past Peterborough United Ladies, Emma Stevenson

Stevenson links up with Applegate on the right side as Peterborough attack, the ball rolled down the line for Applegate gets it and plays it inside to Stevenson who takes the ball into the box, her touch is a little heavy the ball getting away from her, Applegate is chasing in to the area, gets onto the ball, scuffs the shot, which sees it run safely into the keepers gloves.

The game continues to be played at a furious pace the ball travelling from one end of the pitch to the other then back again, Northampton’s Rayment brings the ball forwards plays it forwards for Marshall they win a corner kick the ball is sent in near side flashes all the way through to Partridge once more standing free far side outside the area this time, unleashes a shot too many bodies to get through the shot is blocked, deflected up into the air and cleared. Both sides make a change, Partridge coming off for Northampton, Woodward comes back on. Boothman off for Peterborough, Jessica Harvey comes on to join Applegate in attack.

Northampton Town Ladies, Megan Rayment

Northampton gets powerful shot in from 30 yards out, didn’t see who hit it the ball comes flying in towards Martin above her head she doesn’t have much time to react, is straight at her throws her gloves up, gets contact with the ball has done enough to kill it as it drops behind her, for a second it looks like it might creep over the line but turning Martin snatches the ball into her gloves.

Harvey looks to get herself in behind the Northampton defence, her forward ball is deflected behind for a corner on the left. Is a great ball flung in across the six yard box drops to Applegate 3 yards out unmarked at the far post, meets the ball on the volley looking to turn it home, sends the attempt over the crossbar.

Meeting the corner kick at the far post Tash Applegate volleys over

Peterborough are starting to build momentum seeing a little more of the ball, Smith plays the ball through the centre with Harvey giving chase, Brown getting back on her to win the tackle before she gets into the box. Coming again on the right Peterborough win another corner kick this one is played into the middle of the six yard box dropping for Harvey she gets a glancing header on the ball turning it on target, Daniels flings out an arm knocking the ball down into the ground and taking it on the bounce.

GOAL! The deadlock is broken with a little over 10 minutes left on the clock. Harvey busy since joining the action closes down Stancliffe at the back challenges and comes away with the ball breaking in behind into the box is one on one with the keeper, keeps her composure right of target to send the ball across Daniels and into the back of the net 0-1.

Jessica Harvey scores the opening goal of the
Northamptonshire Ladies League Cup Final

Northampton go on the attack from the restart get a corner kick on the right the ball whipped in central close to goal is claimed comfortably by Martin. Chaudhuri bringing the ball on plays it on for Smith coming across to the right who plays it on down the right for Harvey coming inside as she comes level with the top of the area squares the ball into Applegate inside the D, back to goal she controls the ball well flicking it up and looking to hit on the turn sends her shot over the crossbar.

Northampton send Partridge back on with Rayment coming off as they go to 3 at the back needing a goal with 5 minutes of normal time left. The action continues either end late on in the game, Applegate on the left stays up as she is clipped going beyond squeezes a cross into the box, Daniels comes and claims near post the ball launched up field. Knight attempts to play Woodward into the area, Kathryn Lusk cuts intercepts. The game moves into injury time, Northampton have another corner on the right played into Woodward coming to the ball she tries to hook the ball on ends up lifting it over the goal. Again the ball is at Woodwards feet as Northampton push bodies forwards 25 yards out shoots pulls the ball wide of goal. Little time left Tonkin plays the ball into Smith 30 yards out takes on the shot a viscous strike on the half volley flies in towards goal, Daniels with a fantastic save throws herself at the ball tipping it over her crossbar

GOAL! From the resulting corner kick Peterborough put the result beyond doubt as they score again the ball from the right is fired in to the face of the area with Applegate free beyond the D, connects with the ball hitting it back in on the volley smashing it across the box it finds its way into the far corner of the net 0-2 Applegate wheels away in celebration performing a double somersault as her team mates rush over to celebrate virtually no time left the final whistle blows and Peterborough United Ladies win the Northamptonshire Ladies League Cup Final.

Tash Applegate scores in the closing seconds to make it 2-0 to Peterborough United Ladies

Have seen several finals this season and this one is right up there with the best, a good competitive contest between two evenly matches sides who know each other well, might well have gone either way right up until the final 10 minutes and Northampton kept trying until the end.

Peterborough United Ladies 2015/16 Northamptonshire Ladies League Plate Winners

Congratulations to Peterborough United Ladies on winning the Northamptonshire Ladies League Cup.

There were 4 other finals that took place earlier in the day starting at 9;30am the U12s final was won by AFC Rushden & Diamonds who beat Earls Barton 4-0. That was followed by a 2-1 victory for Welland Valley over Parklands Tigers in the u14s final.

In the U16s final Gregory Celtic ran out 6-1 winners against Welland Valley, then in the Ladies Plate Final, Woodford United beat Rothwell Corinthians Ladies Reserves 4-0 to lift the trophy. Congratulations to all the winners.

They may have lost out on the cup and making it a double celebration but Northampton Town Ladies are league Champions and were presented with their trophies after the final.

Northampton Town Ladies, Northamptonshire Women’s Division One Champions

Another enjoyable final, my thanks to both sides for giving me their assistance with the team line-ups today always appreciated.

Match Report – Colchester Town Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

The 2nd Final of the day at the County Ground featured Colchester Town Ladies v Silver End United Ladies in the ERWFL League Cup. A 3pm kick-off the whole match report as featured on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog can be viewed below.

Cup Final Report – Colchester Town Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

On to the 2nd of today’s ERWFL Cup Finals a 3 o’clock kick-off between Colchester Town Ladies and Silver End United Ladies as they contest this season’s League Cup.

The ERWFL League Cup will belong to an Essex side after today’s final with both finalists travelling west to the County Ground to contest the cup. Colchester Town Ladies the only ERWFL Premier Division representative on Finals day with Silver End United Ladies playing in just their 1st season at this level reaching the final.

Road to the Final

A straight knock-out competition open to all the clubs playing in the 3 ERWFL leagues the Division One sides in the East & West league contest the opening two rounds. Colchester Town Ladies entered the competition at the 3rd Round stage an away trip to the the ERWFL Premier Division leaders, Billericay Town Ladies. Won the game 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals drawn at home this time to face fellow Premier Division side, Haringey Borough Women. A single goal scored by Chelsea Forde seeing them into the semi-finals and another home tie against AFC Sudbury Ladies enjoying a good 1st season in the Premier Division. I went along to this game was a classic cup tie a 7 goal thriller Sudbury taking the lead only for Colchester to come back and lead twice themselves before eventually going on to win 4-3 to reach the ERWFL League Cup Final.

Silver End United Ladies started the competition in the 1st Round away to Division One West side Sawbridgeworth Town WFC, won the game 3-2 in extra-time. Were on the road again in the 2nd Round a tough away trip to another Division One West side, Offley & Stopsley Ladies won the game 4-1 to set up a home tie against Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies in the 3rd Round. Emerged 2-1 winners to reach the quarter-finals and play fellow Division One East side West Billericay Ladies at home another 4-1 victory setting up a semi-final clash at home to Stevenage Ladies who would go on to be crowned ERWFL Premier Division Champions, Silver End United Ladies the underdogs found themselves a goal down battling hard going into the closing minutes of the game, Rebecca Hollocks scored 2 goals to see them win and reach the ERWFL League Cup Final.

Again played at the County Ground a 2 hour break between matches, allowed me the chance to destroy a sausage, egg and bacon bap, refuelled to the 2nd Final of the day, still bright and sunny as the two sides were led out onto the pitch.

Colchester Town Ladies starting XI – Nikita Runnacles, Elizabeth Blacklock, Zoe Smith, Ellen Powles, Lucy Jones, Charlotte Bryant, Alex Brewis-Shepard, Paige Wakefield, Megan Bamber, Georgia Box & Chelsea Forde.

subs – Kira Fitzpatrick, Stacey Roper & Laura Guyon.

Silver End United Ladies starting XI – Hannah Streetley, Abi Head, Georgia Raby, Lindsey Cowell, Roxanne Gardener, Jodie Osborne, Dani Warnes, Alex Bailess, Rebecca Hollocks (C) Lynsey Bowman & Rebekah Henderson.

subs – Nikita Walker, Helen Alder, Paula Drane, Amy Evans & Michelle Taylor

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Colchester wearing red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks to kick off the 1st half in the ERWFL League Cup Final against Silver End who are lined up wearing sly blue coloured shirts with navy shorts and socks. The ball goes long to the left side early towards Megan Bamber on the left, wins a couple of throws as she makes progress down the wing before the ball eventually played into the area is headed clear.

A quiet start to the game the ball spending alot time being exchanged between the midfield players as they look impose themselves on the ball. Charlotte Bryant plays the ball out to Bamber making a run on the left wing again, lifts the cross in towards the Silver End goal rising towards the near post goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley is well placed to claim the ball. Paige Wakefield brings the ball forwards for Colchester has Georgia Box on her right rolls the ball out to her taking it further down the wing cuts back inside as she reaches the top of the box playing it back to Wakefield who then looks to play it into captain Alex Brewis-Shephard in a central position outside the box, misses her shot the ball running on to Bamber far side, left drives forwards lifting the ball into the area, Streetley calls for it and gathers.

Wakefield gets herself on the ball for Colchester again coming forwards has Zoe Smith ahead of her in the centre, playing the ball to her she looks to hit the shot, Silver End defender, Abi Head gets her body in the way to make the block. Box gets in behind the Silver End defence on the right makes a run towards goal into the area, Jodie Osborne comes across to win the tackle put the ball behind for a corner kick.

Silver End United Ladies, Georgia Raby looking to get ahead of Colchester’s Georgia Box

Silver End look to get the ball forwards themselves Alex Bailess plying it up to Silver End captain, Rebecca Hollocks, strong on the ball, holds it up well outside the Colchester area, turns back inside looking for an opening to send n a shot, none available plays the pass across to Rebekah Henderson free to the right, goes for the shot fires the ball straight at Colchester’s goalkeeper, Nikita Runnacles.

Lynsey Bowman out wide right for Silver End brings the ball forwards, Hollocks looks to provide a run ahead of her moving into the channel, can’t get past Colchester’s Lucy Jones the ball out for a throw, ending up back with Runnacles, Colchester hit Silver End with a quick counter attack the ball played long to Bamber on the left the early cross is fired in with pace, Wakefield furthest forwards in the middle improvises as the ball runs behind her run looks to deflect it towards goal with her heel, doesn’t get enough contact with the ball runs wide for a goal kick. Running with the ball on the right Box looks to come inside Wakefield is in the area looks to play her in, she slips as she goes to shot the ball rolls harmlessly in towards Streetley who gets down to see it into her gloves.

An early change for Colchester as they bring Bamber off, Kira Fitzpatrick coming on to the wide left attacking position. Having rode out the opening 15 minutes of sustained Colchester possession Silver End are starting to find a little more time on the ball. The ball is put long into Bowman on the right 20 yards out meets it on the volley slicing the effort wide of goal. A free kick is won on halfway, Roxanne Gardner to play the ball up towards the Colchester area, Hollocks gets up highest to header the all across to Henderson to the left of goal takes on the strike smashes the ball against Colchester defender, Elizabeth Blacklock.

Silver End United Ladies, Lynsey Bowman

Bowman finds some space to run into on the left as Hollocks central holds the ball up before laying out out into space for her to chase down, getting hold of it driving into the box let’s fly her shot hits the side netting. Runnacles is out quickly to block Bowman as she is played in behind on the left again, blocking the ball it goes out for a throw on the left. Box and Fitzpatrick have switched flanks, Box is over on the left reaching the top of the area plays the ball inside into Bryant who hits the 1st time shot in towards goal lifts the attempt over the crossbar.

Silver End get caught with numbers up the pitch as they lose the ball in attack Ellen Powles playing the ball through the middle Box is in clear to run at the Silver End penalty area, Head comes across and tackles well getting the ball away from Box out to the right side, Fitzpatrick looks to get to the ball smash it back into the area ends up smashing it into the Head’s face leaves the defender pole-axed on the ground. Fear she might be knocked out but after a few moments is up albeit holding the right side of her jaw a painful one.

Bryant passes the ball to Powles looks to go long hit the ball on the diagonal with Smith looking for it central making a run to get into the area, very nearly succeeds the pass just needs a touch and Smith is clear on goal, just evades her boot. Colchester get themselves a corner on the right fired in the ball is headed in towards goal, Streetley punches it away falls to the edge of the area , Osborne puts in the block as the shot is fired in.

GOAL! Colchester have been pressing for a goal and in the dying moments of the 1st half get themselves the lead the ball is played out to Box on the left side gets down the line before whipping a cross into the box, Brewis-Shephard has made the run from midfield and is unmarked on the six yard line the cross falling to her she heads it down towards the far post the ball rolling over the line 1-0.

Colchester Town Ladies captain, Alex Brewis-Shephard opens the scoring

Half-time Colchester Town Ladies 1-0 Silver End United Ladies

Colchester have had the bulk of the attack 1st half, but for all of their possession Silver End have defended will, pressing the ball and putting in the blocks, haven’t had much in the way of attacks themselves holding out before conceding so late in the 1st half.

Silver End get the 2nd half underway, Colchester get hold of it right from the start putting it out to Box on the left looks to play in Brewis-Shephard through the middle, Osborne closes in to tackle the ball sent out of play for a throw left.

GOAL! Colchester keep Silver End pegged back from the throw get players into the left corner, the ball is laid back to the edge of the area before being sent in to Box inside the six yard box left of goal, going to ground gets she shot away the ball going across the goal face past the keeper and in 2-0. An early goal 2nd half just what Colchester wanted.

Silver End respond with a substitution, Helen Alder coming on for Henderson. Colchester are on the attack again Chelsea Forde playing the ball out to Fitzpatrick on the right side arriving with pace meets the ball on the corner of the area fires the shot it smashes into the boarding behind the Silver End goal. Colchester a pressing hard at the start of the 2nd half Box moving out to the right takes the ball into the area squares it along the face of the area with Brewis-Shephard, before she can get the shot away, Head gets back on her blocking the ball spinning into the gloves of Streetley. Colchester make another change sending on Stacey Roper for Forde who has picked up a knock.

Osborne matches up the bruises on team mate Head’s face as her defensive clearance smashes her in the face again, another stinging blow needs a few seconds to recover holding her nose this time, but checking she’s okay Head is happy to continue. Ducks out of the way of a third blow to the face as the ball is put out for a throw. Colchester work the ball across the box from the throw deep on the left comes through to Wakefield sends in a low shot towards goal, Streetley is down quickly to hold onto the ball.

Silver End United Ladies captain, Rebecca Hollocks

Silver End with a free kick inside the Colchester half, Hollocks smashes a fierce drive into the wall the ball coming back to her is played out to the left, Bowmen gets onto it takes the ball on into the area wins her side a corner kick, Wakefield back defending the set-piece gets it clear drops outside the area Head looks to hit it on the half volley slices the shot wide. Silver End make a change taking off Lindsey Cowell and bringing Amy Evans on.

GOAL! Brewis-Shephard picks up the ball in the middle makes a crossfield run right to left, full back Jones is already on the move bombing forwards the ball is played into her path taking it on down the flank crosses the ball in towards the near post with Box coming to meet it, hits the ball hard rising towards goal, a great save from Streetley throwing herself up getting her gloves to the ball doesn’t get it away unfortunately as it falls to Wakefield at the far post to head the ball over the line 3-0. 60 minutes played Colchester with a strong start to the 2nd half have a 3 goal lead.

Paige Wakefield heads home to make it 3-0 to Colchester

Laura Guyon is introduced to the action for Colchester. The Silver End defence is busy Colchester keep coming forwards, Fitzpatrick plays the ball into the area from the right side, Osborne defends well up against Box the ball pops free Brewis-Shephard is interested, Head goes up against her the close range effort blocked.

GOAL! A 4th goal for Colchester, Jones the scorer the ball with her on the left side high up the pitch sends in a high looping cross into the area, a difficult one for the keeper to deal with dropping down right under her crossbar dips late can’t get anything on it as it hits the ground and bounces over the goal line at the far stick.4-0.

Changes for both sides, Paula Drane and Nikita Walker come on for Silver End. Bamber comes back on for Colchester in place of Box. Silver End have had little of the attack 2nd half Hollocks wants to get the ball forwards, Walker looks to provide a run get into the box from the right side, the ball is sent up into the box, bounces through to Runnacles before Walker can get to it.

Amy Evans looks to get the ball forwards for Silver End United Ladies

Wakefield picks up an injury after a challenge in the middle limps off for Colchester, Box sent back on. Bamber has the ball on the left, Box inside her is played in taking the ball into the area Evans tracking back does well to defend ease her off the ball. Hollocks knicks the ball off the Colchester defence on the left side looks to carry the ball into the area, Smith now in defence gets across to block her strike deflects the ball behind for a corner. The corner comes in central Runnacles calls for it and claims unchallenged.

Michelle Taylor comes on for Silver End, Bailess going off. The Silver End defence has battled hard 2nd half putting in alot of effort to try and stop the Colchester advance the game beyond them as it moves into the final minutes the back 4, Head, Osborne, Gardener and Raby come off, Bowman, Henderson, Bailess and Cowell come back on look to have a go late on Hollocks playing it long out to Bowman on the right her 1st time cross whipped into the box is cleared by Blacklock. Bowman has an opportunity to strike from distance the ball doesn’t trouble Runnacles.

The final whistle blows and Colchester Town Ladies win the ERWFL League Cup beating Silver End United Ladies 4-0. A strong 2nd half performance seeing them add 3 more goals to their half-time lead, gave the Division One East side little opportunity up the other end. A spirited performance from Silver End United just couldn’t match Colchester 2nd half.

Colchester Town Ladies, 2015/16 ERWFL League Cup Winners

Congratulations to Colchester Town Ladies on winning the 2015/16 ERWFL League Cup and once again my thanks to the both sides for helping me out with the team details today. An busy but enjoyable day attending the ERWFL Cup Finals day.

Cup Final Report – Harlow Ladies v Runwell Hospital Ladies

The Supporting Women’s Football Blog was in Essex on Sunday to watch the Women’s League Cup Final played between Harlow Ladies, newly crowned Champions of Division One and looking to achieve a quadruple taking on Premier Division side Runwell Hospital Ladies who had reached their 1st final in the clubs history. The whole game report from the blog can be found below.

Cup Final Report – Harlow Ladies v Runwell Hospital Ladies

Herongate Athletic FC is the destination for today’s women’s football action, another Cup Final this on from Essex, the Women’s League Cup, Harlow Ladies v Runwell Hospital Ladies.

Two sides contested the Essex Women’s League Cup Final for the 1st time.

Harlow Ladies have taken the women’s football scene in Essex by storm this season their 1st season together under the Harlow banner and are aiming for a quadruple. Have won the Essex Women’s Division One title with a 100% win record. Have also won the Essex Women’s Trophy and Tiptree & District Women’s Charity Cup and will be hoping to add the League Cup too. A young side have an U18s side hot on their heels too.

Runwell Hospital FC have run a women’s football team on and off for a number of years now, the current Ladies side have been together for 2 seasons now achieved promotion from Division One to the Essex Women’s Premier Division in their 1st season together and have held their own in the top division this season amongst the title contenders early on suffered a few injury set backs mid-season which saw them fall away from the leaders have secured a comfortable 5th placed finish. Today’s League Cup Final is the 1st final any Runwell Hospital Ladies side has reached.

Road to the Final

Both sides received a Bye in the 1st Round of the competition. A tough challenge for Harlow Ladies in the 2nd Round drawn at home to face the leaders of the Essex Women’s Premier Division at that time, Chelmsford City Ladies, won the game 3-2. Were drawn at home to face fellow Division One side Chigwell Ladies in the quarter finals the fixture wasn’t played a home win awarded Harlow Ladies advanced to the semi-finals and an away day at Premier Division side Eastern Avenue who were the holders of the League Cup. Edged the game 2-1 to book their 3rd final appearance of the season.

Runwell Hospital Ladies were also up against a Chelmsford City Ladies side in the 2nd Round of the League Cup at home against their Reserves from Division One, won the game 2-1 to reach the quarter finals and another away trip taking on fellow Premier Division side Walden Ladies, a 3-1 victory saw them through to the semi-finals and a home tie against another Premier Division side Collier Row Tigers, a 2-1 win saw the club reach their 1st ever Cup Final.

The venue for today’s Essex Women’s League Cup Final, Herongate Athletic FC, situated in the village of Herongate a large clubhouse with bar and function hall overlooks the main pitch and playing fields beyond. A large pitch freshly mowed with a good covering of grass a few dips hidden here and there. A picturesque setting for a final on a bright and sunny day, few clouds dotted about but no chance of rain as the two sides walked out onto the pitch.

Harlow Ladies starting XI – Sarah Walker, Megan Sende, Christie Seakens, Imogen Palmer (C), Phoebe McMurray, Riley Bennett, Eliza Weeks, Victoria Hill, Philippa Stephens, Abbie Bensted & Nene McInerney.
subs – Catherine Kelly, Tia Dye & Chloe Ring.

Runwell Hospital Ladies starting XI – Hayley Johnson, Gemma Vine, Rebecca Pope, Sophie Olley, Ashleigh Harvey, Lisa Harris (C), Rachael Selfe, Sammie Delves, Lauren Wooley, Emma Slater & Vicky Martin
subs – Danni Caton, Grace Nightingale, Jessica Light & Nik Chapman.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Runwell to get the Essex Women’s League Cup Final underway wearing yellow shirts with blue vertical stripes down the front, blue shorts and socks with Harlow lined up in red shirts with white across the shoulders, red shorts and red socks with a white band at the top. Play is congested in the middle in the opening minute both sides wanting to get it out into the channels defences cutting out the ball. Harlow work the ball from right to left across the Runwell box, Philippa Stephens attacking on the left looks to carry the ball on is stopped by Runwell’s Ashleigh Harvey sets up a counter attack the ball carries up the right side a throw in won deep in Harlow territory.

GOAL! Runwell take an early led in the final the goal coming from the throw is played into Sammie Delves and rolled across the face of the Harlow box with Rachael Selfe left unmarked in front of the D, turns the ball goalwards as it comes into her, goes past Harlow keeper Sarah Walker, rolls inside the post put Runwell in front 0-1.

Harlow go straight on the offensive from the restart get the ball out to the left side Stephens playing the ball into Abbie Bensted making a run ahead of her breaking into the area wide of goal pulls the trigger puts her shot straight at Runwell keeper, Hayley Johnson covering the angle. In the next move Stephens is the player getting onto the end of a long diagonal past sprayed out to her from the right carries the ball into the Runwell area looks to knock the ball on is deflected behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! Harlow get themselves back on level terms from the corner kick taken from the left the ball is swept in towards the near post, Johnson makes the decision to come for it comes along way and doesn’t get anything on it, flies on into the six yard box, Nene McInerney is free in the middle, so to is Eliza Weeks in front of her and she turns the ball into the back of the net from close range to make it 1-1 and barely 5 minutes of the game has been played.

Harlow Ladies, Eliza Weeks

Another corner won by Harlow on the right this time the ball is sent in with pace towards Christie McMurray coming from the edge of the area to meet it near side gets a glancing header on the ball looking to knock it on, Runwell’s Selfe is right behind her the ball comes at her quickly her header sends the ball looping up towards her own goal, sees it cleared by the defender covering the far post. Bensted picks up the ball for Harlow has Victoria Hill sprinting free into space on the right closing on the byline squares the cross into the box is intercepted and cleared by Vicky Martin at the near post. Emma Slater gets hold of the ball in the middle sending it long for Selfe up the left flank tries to turn inside is stopped by Weeks.

Emma Slater on the ball for Runwell Hospital Ladies

Runwell threaten to break on the counter a fantastic ball from Sophie Olley up towards the right side of the Harlow area has Delves after the ball, racing out of her six yard box Walker arrives just in the knick of time just inside her area to slide in put the ball out for a throw as Delves goes over her. Runwell keep possession around Harlow’s area looking to thread the ball into the box, Harlow captain Imogen Palmer puts the ball behind for the corner kick.

Harlow win the ball from the corner and try to break McInerney has it on the left side, attempts to put Bensted away through the middle the ball is cut out but not cleared finds its way to Hill on the right side her cross is long towards the far post Stephens has made up the ground, brings the ball down well great control shown to turn and hit on the volley, the attempt at goal is sent over the bar.

Harlow come again the ball held up on the right side top of the area by McInerney, rolls it back to Hill who one again looks for Stephens at the far post, gets he head to the ball this time knocking it down across goal, Johnson gets down sharply for a moment it looks as though the ball has squirmed under the keeper will roll over the line, but Johnson reacts quickly gets to it stopping it before it rolls all the way.

Runwell Hospital Ladies, Gemma Vine

Harlow are creating chances but risk getting caught on the counter, Gemma Vine brings the ball out from left back up the line for Selfe, gets the throw deep on the left, links up with Vine again who launches the ball into the Harlow area, Delves the target, too much on the ball allows Walker to gather. Harlow are pushing forwards when Runwell play the ball back to Johnson the goalkeepers kick is good going long over halfway, Selfe steals in behind the defence races for the area, Christie Seakens recovers well the centre back getting back to tackle Selfe on the edge of the area. Changes for Harlow, Riley Bennett coming off with Catherine Kelly coming on. Tia Dye is on to in place of McInerney.

Rachael Selfe looking to get the ball in behind the Harlow defence

The substitute has an early opportunity to make an impact is over a free kick won on the right side 22 yards from goal, goes for the shot takes it past the 2 player wall on the near side little to aim at the shot is wide. Harlow with the ball come again the ball played by McMurray out to Hill on the right cuts the cross back towards Bensted inside the D, brings the ball down on her chest and hits the shot on the volley sending it out towards the far post, rolls a foot wide of target.

Harlow Ladies, Phoebe McMurray bringing the ball under control

Double change for Runwell, Rebecca Pope and Martin coming off for Grace Nightingale and Nik Chapman. Nightingale brings down Dye as she tries to make a run through into the area drifting right, is yellow carded the free kick to the right of goal is taken by Bensted looks to go for goal puts the effort well over the top of the crossbar.

GOAL! 10 minutes before half time Harlow take the lead, pushing down the left side Stephens on the ball looks to force her way into the area plenty of yellow shirts ahead of her get their foot on the ball trying to clear hits a body and stays a threat 3 occasions cannot get the ball away Stephens trying to get to it hustling the defence the ball inside the six yard area is deflected into the path of Dye front of goal opens up her body and turns the ball in across goal 2-1.

GOAL! The lead doesn’t last long, am still trying to finish my notes from Harlow’s goal as Runwell attack right from the restart the ball played out to the left carried up the pitch an advantage is played the ball fired inside early across the front of the Harlow area, Runwell have plenty of players breaking from midfield, one of those is Chapman meets the ball 20 yards out right of the D a brilliant strike the shot arrows into the top corner 2-2.

Nik Chapman, closest to the ball with a brilliant strike to make it 2-2 for Runwell Hospital Ladies

Nightingale defends well up against Dye as they pair go for the ball as it enters the Runwell area left side. Slater is hurt outside her area as she comes back to help defend clear the ball looks to have hurt her knee, a lengthy spell of treatment she is up walking albeit gingerly is taken off with Pope returning to the field. Change for Harlow Seakens off for Bennett the move seeing Kelly drop into defence. The Runwell defence is turned Dye goes after the ball stealing it from Harvey as she struggles to control carries the ball on into the ball taking it right side lifts her shot over.

Runwell Hospital Ladies, Rebecca Pope battles with Harlow’s
Phoebe McMurray for control of the ball

Harvey then cuts a ball from Bennett in the middle intended for Stephens on the left conceding the corner. Taken short on the left the ball is fired in low and with pace towards the near post, an unorthodox but effective save by Johnson superb reflexes to stop it with her feet and get plenty of distance on the clearance, gathered out on the left by Harlow a high ball is sent back into the area dropping late Johnson back on her line has it covered the ball drops just over the bar.

Half-time Harlow Ladies 2-2 Runwell Hospital Ladies

A scrappy 1st half both sides competitive not letting the other settle on the ball, both have had the lead and lost it almost straight away. Harlow have created more chances but the score tells you it’s not about how many you have it’s how many you take. Runwell have been on the back foot defending well enough but not getting hold of the ball for any sustained period, taken both their chances well.

Harlow kick off the 2nd half press the ball high on the left side early on Wooley gets winded getting in the way of a cross fired into the area. Possession is retained on the left side Hill tries to bring the ball inside Runwell captain Lisa Harris comes to tackle win the ball back. Played on into Pope forwards for Chapman who sends the pass out to Delves on the right has Olley ahead of her taking the ball down the line wins a corner.

GOAL! A Runwell corner on the right side but it’s Harlow who score up the other end, the ball is sent into the area by Runwell is intercepted by Bennett who brings it out of her area coming left plays it wide for Bensted as they counter attack rapidly, bringing the ball up to half way sends in on for Dye ahead of her giving chase gets hold of it 20 yards out taking it on into the Runwell area has a defender trying to get back on her with the keeper coming trying to stay big Dye puts the shot through her legs and scores 3-2 to give Harlow the lead again 5 minutes into the start of the 2nd half.

Two goals in the Essex Women’s League Cup Final for Tia Dye

Bensted wins the ball in midfield 25 yards out drives a shot in towards goal, Johnson is well positioned in her goal gets her gloves firmly around the ball. Runwell get the ball up the pitch quickly Nightingale up to Selfe on the left the ball is fired into the Harlow area Delves has peeled away to the right is free the ball dropping to her hits the volley on the run sends the strike over the crossbar from 10 yards out. Tempo has clearly been lifted at the start of the 2nd half Harlow come back up the other end Hill seeing a strike from the edge of the box blocked at close range.

Double change for Runwell, Harris and Harvey come off, Danni Caton and Martin come on. Harlow are pushing players forwards whenever they have the ball getting bodies in and around the area attacking up the right the ball is squared across the face of the area rolling into Hill inside the D turns the ball in towards goal Johnson throws herself across her goal to the left the ball just wide of the post. Stephens returns to the action for Harlow, Bennett off.

Runwell Hospital Ladies
Sophie Olley

Despite her error early on Johnson has been confident coming for the ball from the corner and even though she has been clattered into a couple of times has more often than not won the ball punching clear or making the claim, this time from a corner put in from the right she comes and collects sets up a quick attack the ball played into midfield helped on to find Delves drifting away to the right as she enters the area, her shot is blocked deflected behind for a corner kick. A fantastic save from Walker in the Harlow goal from the set piece the ball fired in from the right is headed on by Harlow as they attempt to clear the area runs on towards the edge of the box, Olley is making a run from a deeper position latches onto the ball hitting it hard and low back into towards goal, Walker is down sharply to get her body behind the ball stops the shot the ball is cleared.

Weeks is given a rest for Harlow with Seakens returning to the field. Runwell getting a little bit of joy played the all forwards through the centre, Olley going after a long all is held up by the Harlow defence allowing Walker to come to the edge of her area claim the ball. Megan Sende rings the ball up the field on the left for Harlow, winning a throw high up the pitch links up with Dye who knocks the all on into the area centre rolls to Bensted scuffs her effort allowing Runwell chance to get it away.

GOAL! Harlow retain possession of the ball from the clearance played out to the right side of the pitch the ball is sent back into the Runwell box lofted high into the air falls to Bensted who has made a move towards the left side to attack the far post area, good connection with the ball to lift the shot high into the top corner and see Harlow gain a 2 goal advantage 4-2.

McInerney comes back on for Harlow, Dye off. Bensted plays the pass into Hill inside the Runwell area right side of the six yard box has a defender on her shoulder, Johnson comes to close down throws herself at Hill’s feet making the save the all blocked turned behind for a corner, Johnson is hurt in the challenge needs treatment. Okay to continue comes for the ball from the resulting corner gets enough on it to push it back out wide to the taker Bensted, she looks to lift the ball long to the far post area with Stephens coming in, the ball bounces through Stephens not quite able to get there. Change for Runwell Jessica Light coming on going up top for Selfe.

Harlow Ladies, Victoria Hill

Stephens gets hold of the ball drives up the left for Harlow, closing down to the byline cuts the ball back in towards the front of the six yard box comes to McInerney, hits the shot 1st time, Johnson dives full stretch to her right pushes the ball from goal, still in play Stephens squeezes the ball back in towards McInerney tries to open up her body turn the ball the opposite side with Johnson still grounded, doesn’t get any pace on the ball as the keeper scrambling up lunges for the ball laying claim to it.

Runwell need a goal and are pushing a few extra bodies forwards Caton winning the ball at the back sends it into the middle, Pope puts it out to the right, Delves plays it back into the middle, Harris latches onto it 25 yards out, going for goal puts the strike over the crossbar.

GOAL! Have a goal shortly after working the ball up the left, Vine links with Wooley a throw is won inside the Harlow half taken quickly the ball is sent long into the area, again Delves has peeled off the defence and is in space, unmarked has time to get her foot over the ball and lash it home 4-3. 10 minutes left to play still very much game on.

Great piece of skill shown by Stephens once again to control the all as it is flighted up to her inside the area left side from a free kick in front of the centre circle, bringing the ball down, and turning inside past her marker in one move, screws her shot away from goal.

GOAL! 40 minutes of the 2nd half played and Harlow extend the lead, Runwell are looking for an opening up the other end the ball is won back by Harlow, fed through the middle with urgency comes all the way up to McInerney 20 yards out getting hold of the ball, Stephens is up with her makes the run to get into the area right side this time, McInerney rolls the ball into her run, Stephens powers her shot high past the keeper and into the back of the net 5-3.

More chances for Harlow later on Dye and Chloe Ring onto the pitch, Hill and Bensted off. Harlow keep attacking late on the game moving into injury time McInerney stealing into the box longing to get onto the end of a long high ball gets to it just before the advancing Johnson, but lifts her attempted lob high and wide. Dye fires a ball from wide in towards goal Johnson pushes it wide. Runwell can’t get hold of the ball in the closing minutes Harlow defend a free kick put up to the edge of their area, Dye has a shot 25 yards out central looking to curl it into the top corner places it too close to Johnson. The final whistle blows and Harlow Ladies celebrate.

Harlow Town Ladies celebrate at the final whistle

Harlow Ladies win the Essex Women’s League Cup beating Runwell Hospital Ladies 5-3 and complete an incredible quadruple in just their 1st season. Created far more goal scoring opportunities in the game had the lead 2nd half were never assured of victory right till the end Runwell Hospital Ladies always looking a threat when they did get forwards just didn’t do it enough. A good final to watch my 5th League Cup across the Eastern Counties have all been good adverts for women’s football, one more to look forwards too.

Harlow Ladies, Essex Women’s League Cup Winners

Congratulations to Harlow Ladies on winning the Essex Women’s League Cup and on doing the quadruple. For a few in the Harlow Ladies side this is their final game for the club for now as they move onto university a great way to end a season. Thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today and the staff from both the Essex FA and Herongate Athletic FC for their help too.

Cup Final – Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC Reserves

3 nights 3 Cup Finals on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, Tuesday saw the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final being played at Histon FC with Cambridge City Ladies newly crowned Champions of the Women’s Premiership with the opportunity to do the double taking on Cambridge United WFC Reserves defeated finalists last season. A cracker of a match a 7 goal thriller.

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

The busy start to the week continues with a 3rd Cup Final in 3 days a return trip to Histon FC to watch the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s S-Tech Insurance League Cup, and it’s a local derby too with Cambridge City Ladies playing Cambridge United WFC Reserves.

Cambridge City Ladies will be hoping to make it a league and cup double tonight, having clinched the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership title in their debut season playing women’s football having progressed as a side through the Cambridgeshire youth leagues together. Cambridge United WFC Reserves have their sights set on the League Cup too, beaten finalists last season have retained the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup already and want to add this trophy too having wrapping up the league season with a 3rd place finish.

Road to the Final

Cambridge City Ladies were at home in the 1st Round of the League Cup playing fellow Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side Cambridge University Women, Grace Stanley scored 4 goals as they racked up an 8-0 victory. A trip to another Premiership side followed in the 2nd Round at Netherton United Ladies a match I covered on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, Stanley was on target again along with Carla Penny as Cambridge City won 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals a some what delayed tie away to Bar Hill Ladies another Premiership side, Stanley and Penny the scorers once again winning 3-0. Reached the Final without kicking a ball in the semi-final after Huntingdon Town Ladies the current holders of the League Cup called time on a troubled season in the Premiership.

A Bye for Cambridge United WFC Reserves in the 1st Round of the League Cup. At home in the 2nd Round playing Deeping Diamonds Ladies newly promoted to the Premiership although they would later fold. Catherine Hanley, Hayley Turner and Monique Christian scoring in a 3-0 win. Christian was also on the scoresheet along with Gemma Clark and Sarah Mosley in the quarter-finals at home playing Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies winning 3-2 setting up a semi-final again on home soil against fellow Premiership side Fulbourn Bluebirds, Emily Ingle amongst the goals with a hat-trick a 6-1 win putting them through to their 2nd successive League Cup Final.

The venue for the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final once again Histon FC, was put back to accommodate other finals and with heavy rain falling for much of the day was a concern the game could be in jeopardy again however the Histon FC pitch looked in fairly good shape had absorbed the water the rain stopped by the time the two sides stepped out on the grass to warm up, seen alot of action of late a little worn. An overcast and gloomy sky above thankfully the rain would stay away for the match.

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Emily Bevens, Lauren Ambrose, Olivia Fraser, Lauren Tomlinson, Izzy Broadbent, Anna Wilson, Emma Littlewood, Grace Stanley, Bronte Rapley (C), Carla Penny & Philippa Witherspoon.

subs – Ellie Geoghan, Saskia Capetti, Miriam Amrani, Jade Drain & India Duffy

Cambridge United WFC Reserves starting XI – Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Sarah Carroll, Robin Phillips, Becca Fay (C), Emma Roberts, Emily Reed, Liz Pamplin, Emily Ingle, Gemma Clark, Laura Mills & Hayley Turner.

subs – Catherine Hanley, Monique Christian, Kelly Docrwa & Clara Greed.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

A note takers nightmare with two Cambridge’s out there so to save typing it over and over it’s City v United from here on in. It’s City to kick off the 1st half wearing white shirts and socks with black shorts with United lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. City are on the offensive right from the off the ball sent long for Philippa Witherspoon leading the line up front to attack.

Laura Mills is up top along side Hayley Turner for United the ball is sent up towards her, City defender Anna Wilson heads clear. The ball is played out to the right with City’s Emma Littlewood getting onto the ball and driving down the line squares the cross into the United area with Witherspoon coming towards the near post, United captain Becca Fay gets to it first.

A fast paced start to the final the ball is being moved quickly by both sides coming to Emily Ingle attacking on the right side for United her attempted through ball is cleared behind to give away the first corner of the match. On the right the ball is fed into the area near side with midfielder Liz Pamplin coming to meet it, connects on the half volley 12 yards out turning the ball in towards goal but over the crossbar.

Mills steals in behind the City defence for a clear run at goal carrying the ball forwards entering the box unleashes a shot the ball fired on runs low, coming quickly at goalkeeper Emily Bevens is straight at her saves well with her feet, deflecting the ball away from her goal. United come again the ball is retrieved out on the right Ingle powers her way forwards turning inside as she reaches the City area rolls the ball into the area, making the run from midfield, Emily Reed doesn’t need to make any adjustment to her run meeting the ball goes for the strike again the attempt flies over the crossbar.

GOAL! 10 minutes played and City get themselves the opening goal the ball played though the middle coming to Grace Stanley in an advance position on the right 20 yards out, is getting closed down but manages to get a shot away the ball gathering pace as it is sent in towards the near post, goalkeeper Tafadzwa Mhunduru is a fraction late to react diving to her right the ball is past her and over the line 1-0

GOAL! United don’t take long to find a response right from the restart they try to get Mills in behind through the middle again, this time the ball is a little too heavy allows Bevens to gather. 2 minutes after conceding United draw level the ball picked up by Ingle on the right from the goal kick pushing forwards the ball is rolled into the area with Mills the player making the run to get onto the end of it this time, running onto the ball blasts the ball home 1-1.

Laura Mills scores for Cambridge United to make it 1-1

Bringing the ball out from left back United’s Emma Roberts plays it forwards to Gemma Clark she lifts the ball into the centre of the City half with Mills jumping to head the ball forwards, Turner making a run in front of her coming in from the left side of the area to try and get on the ball, City defenders Wilson and Izzy Broadbent shield the ball allowing Bevens to come between them and claim it.

Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Emma Roberts

GOAL! It’s raining goals at the start of the match 5 minutes ago United were a goal down now they get themselves in front. Have the ball on the right side players that side in number the ball from Ingle is sent into the box Turner over on that side 10 yards out turns with the ball and pulls the trigger smashing the ball into the back of the net 1-2.

United have the City defence under a little pressure conceding a corner on the right the ball put in drops into the six yard box right Reed almost steals in on it however Bevens throws herself forwards and drops onto the ball. Pressure is relieved at the back by City captain Bronte Rapley in central midfield a seemingly innocuous long range punt from 30 yards out rolling wide is mis-controlled b Mhunduru giving away a corner. The set-piece causes panic in the United area as it pops out of Mhunduru’s gloves and players from both sides scramble to get a toe on the ball, eventually ends up put wide for the goal kick.

Getting hold of the ball on halfway Stanley goes on a mazy run carrying the ball forwards before letting fly with the shot from 20 yards out the ball bouncing through towards the United goal, Mhunduru gets down to stop it. United counter attack the ball into Pamplin played wide to Ingle who plays the ball along the face of the City area with Clark meeting it left side of the D, turns the ball 90 degrees towards goal, Bevens scrambling across her goal sees it roll a half yard wide of the post.

Rapley has Witherspoon available on the right having found a little space to run into the ball is played out to her, Fay goes across to make the challenge gets the ball away for the throw. Pamplin is fouled on halfway a chance for United to launch the ball up towards the City penalty area, Fay on the dead ball plays it forwards City get to the ball but fail to clear it drops to Ingle who shoots from outside the box the ball flying straight into Bevens gloves. Substitute for City as they bring Carla Penny off on the left side bring on India Duffy.

Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Liz Pamplin fouled by Cambridge City’s Philippa Witherspoon

GOAL! City’s Stanley picks up the ball inside the centre circle plays it forwards early with Witherspoon making a move on the left side to get in behind chasing the ball into the area, Mhunduru comes racing out of her goal and sliding in tries to get something on the ball Witherspoon tries to stay on her feet as her run is impeded get on the ball, the referee blows his whistle and points to the penalty spot. Rapley to step up to take it, fires it in high to the keepers left she doesn’t move the ball put into the top corner and in 2-2 with 35 minutes played.

Cambridge City captain Bronte Rapley makes it 2-2 from the penalty spot

United make a change bringing off Clark and sending on Monique Christian. The attacker wins a free kick almost immediately 25 yards out to the left side in front of the area, Ingle over it sends it through into the six yard box with runners ready to attack it one bounce in the six yard box and Bevens gathers the low ball into her body.

Wilson defends well against Turner as United build an attack, backing up as they play the ball long through the middle giving herself the room to get her head on the ball outaide the area. City have a free kick just inside the United half on the left the ball is sent long into the box running long towards the far stick, Stanley briefly has a sight on goal Fay gets back on her quickly to put in the block turning the shot away for a corner kick. Comes into the area central bouncing Olivia Fraser lifts up a boot to turn it towards goal plays it straight at Mhunduru who holds onto the shot. A late injury to Rapley in the 1st haf sees her come off to be replaced by Jade Drain.

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

A cracking contest a lively 1st 45 minutes to the Cambridgeshire Women’s S-Tech Insurance League Cup Final. Both sides creating scoring opportunities United on top early on City getting back into the game has been fairly even offensive minded players on both side wanting to get on with the game. Beautifully poised at2-2 it could go either way.

A change for United at the start of the 2nd half, Sarah Carroll off with Kelly Docrwa on the substitution seeing Ingle move into the back line on the right. United kick off the 2nd half.

GOAL! United attack right from the whistle the ball played out to the left side they win a throw in a deep position, the ball is put into the feet of Christian on that side top of the area stands the cross up into the box heading in towards goal, coming at Bevens quickly the keeper going down spills it Mills is right on her coming in capitalises to turn the ball over the line 2-3.

City have a free kick wide on the right side 20 yards out the ball fired into the area pops out of the advancing Mhunduru’s gloves, running out towards the edge of her area the keeper races after it collecting City can pounce. Another awkward ball for the United keeper to deal with back on her goal line as Stanley lets fly from 25 yards out the ball is going to drop shot with no one closing in Mhunduru does well to make sure she kills the ball with her legs before getting her gloves around the ball.

Reed plays the ball on through the middle for Mills making the run left side closing in on the City area fires in the shot plenty of venom behind it flies past Bevens before she can react turns sees it strike the base of the far post then bounce across her six yard box before being cleared. Mills on the right attacking with the ball at her feet again squares the ball into the area Lauren Tomlinson gets to the ball before Turner can latch onto it putting it behind for a corner on the right side. Clara Greed is on for United with Roberts coming off.

Emily Ingle on the ball for Cambridge United WFC Reserves

United are pressing City back early on trying to extend their lead, keep them on the back foot, looking for Stanley up top more often than not when they do break she is fouled just outside the box in a dangerous position left of goal. Over the free kick curls the shot in past the wall towards goal Mhunduru is well position behind and claims the shot.

GOAL! Another penalty for City as Stanley is brought down coming inside from the left with the ball her run taking her just inside the top corner of the area, the foul inside the box the referee pointing to the spot for the 2nd time. No Rapley on the pitch to take this one so up steps Stanley, discussion in the crowd as to whether they’ve seen her take one before, cool as you like she strokes the ball along the ground past the immobile keepers left to level it all back up midway through the 2nd half 3-3.

Good piece of defending from Ambrose as Pamplin plays a good long range ball up to Christian on the left the right back getting the tackle in. A local derby there are a few robust challenges starting to creep into the game, both sides putting alot into it. Turner getting hold of the ball 30 yards out goes on a surging drive through the middle looking to power her way through the City defence into the box is stopped inside the D the ball taken from her boot runs back to Docrwa who has raced forwards to join her meets it 1st time turning the ball back into the area runs wide of goal. Changes for both sides Rapley comes back on for City with Clark returning to the action for United.

A long throw on the left side puts Stanley through on goal inside the United box goes to put the shot across the keeper Mhunduru gets down sharply to make the save. City send on Ellie Geoghan with Duffy coming off 15 minutes left on the clock.

GOAL! Stanley picks up the ball central and goes on another mazy run can travel quickly with the ball taking on players in front of her the slightest of touches takes her clear in behind to run at the United goal, Mhunduru is coming out to meet her has Witherspoon free on her left, there’s only one thing on her mind as she enters the area sending the ball past the keeper and into the goal to complete a Cup Final hat-trick giving City the lead 4-3.

Penny returns to the field for City with Witherspoon coming off. United push forwards on the back foot late on Mills stealing into space with the ball on the right side squares the cross into the area, is a little behind Turner nudged to the face of the area she goes after it looks to swivel and hit the shot just as Mills arrives to meet it pulls the trigger the shot is block, Mills is down hurt having clipped Turner on her follow through. City get the ball up the other end win a free kick wide left. United want to make a change delay whilst Mills is assessed needs extended treatment comes off with Ingle going back on.

The free kick from City is fired in towards the far post, Reed jumps and heads the ball clear of danger. Mills is ready to return and United bring off Turner with 5 minutes left to find at a goal to level things up. Reed is fouled in the middle of the City half by Broadbent. Ingle over the ball looks to send it into the six yard box, bouncing straight at Bevens as she goes down to collect, it pops out of her gloves briefly reclaims before Mills can get on to it. Closing in on stoppage time Saskia Capetti comes on for City replacing Littlewood.

A strike at goal from distance by Christian for United 25 yards out, Bevens dives to her right the ball runs wide of goal, must have been a City touch somewhere as the corner is awarded. The ball from the right is sent long City get to it 1st the ball headed high into the air, drops for Pamplin who gets her head to the ball, doesn’t get it on target out for the goal kick. Miriam Amrani on as Rapley is hurt again with the 5 minutes of added on time almost up. United can’t get hold of the ball late on finding the energy Stanley is back on the edge of her own box late on blocks a Christian strike. The final whistle blows and City celebrate as they win to end the season their season with a league and cup double beating United 4-3 to win the League Cup.

A 4-3 defeat United are left floored at the end both sides having put so much into the match, a highly entertaining final and great advert for women’s football in Cambridgeshire.

A double celebration for Cambridge City Ladies as they collect there league winners awards

and are the 2015/16 Cambridgeshire S-Tech Insurance League Cup Winners

Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies on their League Cup win and doing the double Premiership Champions in their 1st season playing women’s football. A tinge of sadness to the occasion as for a few of the squad it’ll be their final game for the club.. for now at least as they go off to attend university. A great way to end things though.

Thanks to Cambridgeshire FA’s Chris Abbott once again for his help a busy time for himself and the rest of the staff within the County FA, 31 Finals in total in recent weeks and Chris has been at 29 of them, is ready for a rest so on behalf of everyone who plays and supports the game thanks for all that happens to get these finals on is greatly appreciated.

Cup Final – Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies v Ipswich Town Ladies

Monday 9th May and onto the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final being played at Portman Road home of Ipswich Town FC a special night and occasion for the two finalists Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies & Ipswich Town Ladies continue below to read the whole match report from the Supporting Women’s Football Blog.

Cup Final Report – Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies v Ipswich Town Ladies

The Cup Finals keep on coming on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. A Monday night final this time around the Suffolk Women’s County Cup between Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies. A special night for both sides too as the Final is being played at Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road Ground.

A huge league difference between the 2 sides Ipswich Town Ladies playing in the FAWPL South East Division One whilst Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies play 5 leagues below in Norfolk Women’s Division Two. Both sides have enjoyed a positive season.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies won’t be playing in Norfolk Division Two next season, have achieved promotion to Division One. Winning the Division Two Title going undefeated in the league all season this just there 2nd season as a club the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final is their 1st final. A special occasion one the whole squad will relish and live long in the memories playing at such a prestigious venue.

Ipswich Town Ladies have been buzzing since the announcement the final was going to be played at Portman Road, an opportunity to wear the clubs colours and play on their famous pitch. A positive end to a season that started off with a little trepidation manager Ralph Pruden seeing several of his squad depart or become unavailable to play for the season. A rebuilding job to a degree has gone to the opposite end of the scale with players coming in in high numbers, 2016 has seen Ipswich Town Ladies league from improve dramatically and are likely to seal a top half finish in the league. Plans are in place to start a Development team to support the 1st team next season.

Road to the Final

Both sides received a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. In the 2nd Round Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies were at home playing Suffolk Women’s Division sides Leiston St Margarets Ladies won comfortably 14-1 to advance to the quarter finals. Drawn at home again were to face Suffolk Women’s Division side again, Brantham Athletic Ladies only they never showed up Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies awarded the home walk over. Played at a neutral venue Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies took on ERWFL Division One East side, bury Town Ladies for the right to play at Portman Road. Played at Walsham Le Willows the game ended all square at 1-1 after 90 minutes and 30 minutes of extra-time followed, Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies scoring the goal to take them through to the final to face a tough challenge in Ipswich Town Ladies.

No seeding in the competition, current Suffolk Women’s County Cup holders, Ipswich Town Ladies found themselves with a very difficult opponent in the 2nd Round drawn at home to fellow FAWPL South east Division One side, Lowestoft Town Ladies. Came away from the game with a 4-2 win to progress to the quarter finals and a short away trip to eventual Suffolk Women’s Division Champions, Copleston Ladies. Racked up a double figure scoreline beating them 12-1 to advance through to the semi-finals taking on ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Sudbury in a repeat of the previous seasons final. The semi-final between the 2 sides ended goalless after 90 minutes and headed into extra-time. Roxanne Small scoring the all important goal that would see Ipswich Town Ladies win and get the opportunity to play at Portman Road.

An impressive venue in the centre of Ipswich itself Portman Road is a good sized stadium one of the most famous football grounds around. Over 30,000 capacity the Cobbold Stand running along one side of the ground was open to fans tonight it’s 2nd tier overlooking the large pitch looking in extremely good condition despite the advanced stage in the season. A mini heatwave had descended over the weekend and it was still bright and warm as the 2 sides warmed up on the pitch, a few clouds around the threat of rain later. Referee Mary Harmer had recently been in the middle for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final the 1st female official to do so, now she was leading the 2 sides out officiating in the middle for the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final, assistant referee Emily Heaslip from Bury St Edmunds combines her refereeing career with a playing career was on the field for Millwall Lionesses in FAWSL 2 at the match I attended on Sunday.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies starting XI – Shauna Brunton-O’Neill, Kylie Butler, Maria Palmer, Sue-Lyn King, Sam Brown, Nikki Wigg (C), Jodie Fewkes, Gemma Farman, Sophie Martin, Jody Wells & Selina Rowland.
subs – Sianne Davies, Sarah Meades, Jordan Harris, Peta Belson & Lisa Sissens

Ipswich Town Ladies starting XI – Leanne Smith, Jaz Ball, Coral Young, Sian Fagg, Aimee Harrison, Lindsey Smith, Amanda Crump (C), Roxanne Small, Hollie Clement, Libby Dixon & Molly Hall.
subs – Jo Fox, Sophie Welton, Jade Henry & Cassie Craddock.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Ipswich had added a few players from Lowestoft Town Ladies to their squad earlier in the season, prominent members of the squad during the latter part of the season, defender Marcie Prettyman plus attackers Zoe Cossey and Natasha Thomas were all cup ties for the game and ineligible for the Final. Was a clash of kits in their semi-final at Walsham Le Willows both sides playing in blue, Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies to don the red shirts from the host mens side. Onto the final and again both sides usually play in blue. Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies didn’t need a change of colours this time around playing in their all blue kit with a white collar and right shoulder. Ipswich wearing their away colours white shirts and socks with red trim and black shorts. Kirkley & Pakefield get the final underway.

Ipswich win the ball right from the off and send it long into space on the left channel the ball running through into the Kirkley & Pakefield area gives goalkeeper Shauna Brunton O’Neill an early feel of the ball. Striker Selina Rowland is fouled inside the centre circle inside the Ipswich half the free kick to be take by Gemma Farman is put up towards the Ipswich penalty area, defender Lindsey Smith gets the ball clear. Ipswich look to get the ball on the move quickly spreading play long out to the left side Hollie Clement getting onto the ball looks to push on with the ball drive towards the area is tackled by Kirkley & Pakefield’s centre back Sue-Lyn King.

Molly Hall leading the line for Ipswich comes deeper to get onto the ball nodding it on with her head to Clement racing away on the left carrying the ball on lifts it in towards the area, Brunton O’Neill gets her gloves firmly around the ball. Roxanne Small playing wide on the right for Ipswich in tonight’s final wins her side a corner on the right. Brunton O’Neill comes for and misses the inswinging ball dropping far side for Clement she look to link up with Small the ball is send back out to the right to corner taker Ipswich captain Amanda Crump lifts a high bll in towards goal dropping under the crossbar, Brunton O’Neill is back in position to call for and claim the ball.

Ipswich come again Clement seeing alot of the ball early on races free of everyone squares the cross into the Kirkley & Pakefield area with the outside of her boot, rolls along the six yard line just beyond Libby Dixon making the central run. Ipswich have a corner on the right the inswinging ball aimed towards the far post is cleared off the line and Kirkley & Pakefield counter attack, Jodie Fewkes bringing the ball up the field right sends the pass long looking for Jody Wells making the run through the middle, Ipswich goalkeeper Leanne Smith comes racing out to the edge of her box and making the blocking save just as Wells connects with the ball.

Hollie Clement opens the scoring for
Ipswich Town Ladies in the Suffolk
Women’s County Cup Final

GOAL! 10 minutes on the clock and Ipswich get the 1st goal of the final. The ball is played out to the left side once again with Clement getting support from Small the two linking up the ball is played inside to Clement who turns in to the area coming across the face from the left side curls her shot over Brunton O’Neill to see it into the back of the net 0-1.

More joy for Ipswich down the left side the ball fed out to Dixon peeling away into the channel, taking on players cuts back inside running along the face of the Kirkley & Pakefield area gets a shot away drags it wide of the near post.

GOAL! any pre match nerves as dispelled for Ipswich as they add another goal just 3 minutes after taking the lead. The build up is down the right side the cross is played in early from deep curling in towards the near post area, Hall making the run to get into the six yard box gets a firm header on the ball sending it home 0-2.

Hall with a chance moments later to double her goals tally, the cross whipped in from the left by Clement cutting along the face of the box drops to her inside the area looks to stab the ball up into the roof of the net, Brunton O’Neill moving along her goal line saves at close range, well placed snatches the ball down and claims it. The play is all with Ipswich, Kirkley & Pakefield having conceded 2 goals inside the opening 15 minutes are battling hard not to concede again, Clement left side again takes the ball on into the area looks to fire it across the six yard box to pick out Crump far side, King defends against the ball coming to the edge of the area 1st Dixon then Hall see efforts blocked.

Few chances are coming for Rowland and Jody Wells up top for Kirkley & Pakefield. Rowland tries to hold the ball up when she can. 20 yards out back to goal the ball is played long into her feet, has Wells in close proximity lays the ball into her path, takes on the early shot the ball spins away from goal. A light drizzle has started to fall with 20 minutes played. Wells takes on a long range shot from wide left coming in near post Smith has the shot covered.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies, Jody Wells

Clement on the ball on the left side for Ipswich drives forwards before cutting back inside and taking on the shot, Brunton O’Neill diving forwards pushes the ball away, comes to the feet of Hall who sees her shot blocked runs back to Dixon who goes for goal the shot lifted over the bar, must have took a knick on the way through as a corner kick is signalled. Goes long to the far post area attacked the ball is turned behind for a goal kick.

Coral Young is fouled by Kirkley and Pakefield’s Kylie Butler wide on the left halfway inside the half, Crump over the ball plays it high into the area, Sian Fagg with the crowd moving into the area to meet it gets her head on the ball puts the attempt straight at Brunton O’Neill who gets hold of the ball. Change for Kirkley & Pakefield Sam brown coming off with Jordan Harris coming on.

Amanda Crump sends her free kick up into the Kirkley & Pakefield area

GOAL! Closing in on the half hour mark Ipswich add a 3rd goal, Dixon the scorer. Kirkley & Pakefield have enjoyed a brief spell of possession inside the Ipswich half when the offside trap is sprung, Dixon getting clear on the right with Kirkley & Pakefield having pushed up is clear hesitates fro a moment half expecting to be pulled up no flag no whistle on she goes, Brunton O’Neill comes rushing out of her area, stays on her feet no risking the foul, Dixon cleverly nudges the ball to evade her leaving her clear to send the ball rolling into an empty net 0-3.

Clement free on the left comes again sends the cross in along the six yard box again with Dixon in the middle just evades her again runs through to Hall beyond close range lifts her shot up over the crossbar. Young takes a throw on the left down the line for Dixon the cross fired into Hall in the middle of the area, no room to turn towards goal lays it back out the opposite way rolling into the path of Crump coming to meet it outside the box connects well the shot loops up and is narrowly over the crossbar.

GOAL! A brilliant individual goal scored by the captain as Crump picks up the ball from Clement in the centre inside the Kirkley & Pakefield half carries it forwards taking it around two players, shifting it left then right closing on the edge of the area lifts the shot in sending the ball into the right corner of the goal to score0-4.

A little over 5 minutes of the 1st half left to play and the heavens open heavy rain driving across the pitch.

GOAL! 3 minutes left of the 1st half and Ipswich score a 5th goal another brilliant solo run from Crump as she gets hold of the ball on the left side, in behind carries it all the way to the edge of the area before unleashing a shot left of the D sending the ball across goal into the opposite side to score her 2nd of the game and Ipswich’s 5th 0-5.

Amanda Crump races clear in the pouring rain to score her 2nd goal of the game

Late in the 1st half Ipswich continue to press forwards Dixon with a shot from 25 yards out sends the attempt over the crossbar, ha another go closer in this time outside the box a low drive through bodies towards goal, Brunton O’Neill dives to her right pushing the ball wide, the whistle blows bringing the 1st half to a close.

Half-time Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 0-5 Ipswich Town Ladies

A tough 1st half for Kirkley & Pakefield as Ipswich Town Ladies have been the dominant side for much of the half, getting players in behind and driving through the middle, their movement too much to handle at times, any early nerves settled with 2 early goals gone on to add 3 more to be fully in control of the final at Portman Road.

Change for Kirkley & Pakefield at the start of the 2nd half Butler off, Peta Belson on. Ipswich get the 2nd half underway. A repeat of the start of the 1st half the ball going long an early claim for Brunton O’Neill. Dixon goes on a driving run with the ball on the left for Ipswich before whipping the shot across the area runs wide across goal.King concedes the corner kick as she deals with a cross sent in from the left by Clement looking to pick out Dixon. The corner left is taken short moved up to the top of the area is squared into the feet of Clement shoots sending the ball through a crowd of bodies, Brunton O’Neill can see it and gets down at her post to save.

GOAL! 5 minutes into the 2nd half and Crump gets her hat-trick the build up on the left side Fagg out to Clement onto Crump moving forwards to receive the ball travels with it into the box closing in on the six yard box isn’t challenged and drill the shot across goal and in. 0-6.

A Cup Final hat-trick for Ipswich Town Ladies captain Amanda Crump

Despite the rain now falling their is a good atmosphere inside the stadium 375 in attendance both sets of fans vocal, Kirkley & Pakefield’s younger supporters enjoying themselves have been giving their side encouragement all game. A rare chance for the Norfolk Division Two Champions as the ball is sent long Rowland getting clear has half a yard on the Ipswich defence, looks to hit the shot on the half volley lifts it in towards goal caught off her line, the ball isn’t high enough to loop over Smith, still she needs to make sure it stays off target throwing herself to her right pushes it out for a corner kick. Hall back to defend for the corner heads the ball clear onto Clement who carries it on.

Double switch for Ipswich with Lindsey Smith and Dixon coming off, Cassie Craddock and Jade Henry coming on to join the action. Bringing the ball out from right back Jaz Ball plays it up the line for Henry, inside the Kirkley & Pakefield half turns inside with the ball before squaring it to Craddock left of the D sends a low shot in towards goal lacs the pace to trouble Brunton O’Neill who gets down to claim.

Ipswich build up another attack right side, Henry bringing the ball on fired into Crump furthest forwards attacking the near post area plays it on for Hall who plays the ball back to Craddock running from the centre of midfield to meet it 25 yards out gets too much on the shot lifts it high over the bar. Harris puts the ball out for the corner preventing Hall getting onto the end of a Small cross put in from the left. Nikki Wigg rises to head the ball away from the six yard box for Kirkley & Pakefield falls to Clement outside the box goes for the shot a fierce drive that smashes down off the crossbar before Kirkley & Pakefield scramble it away.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies
captain Nikki Wigg

Kirkley & Pakefield bring on Lisa Sissen for Martin, Ipswich bring on Sophie Welton and Jo Fox for Ball and Small. The Ipswich substitutes getting into the action straight away, Fox at the back right side up to Welton ahead of her plays it up the line for Henry, puts the early cross into the box with Crump coming towards the all looks to turn the ball across the keeper and in, Brunton O’Neill gets down and holds onto it.

Moments later the ball is with Welton in the centre of midfield drives forwards towards the area, Brunton O’Neill rushes out to close her down makes the block/save edge of her area, the ball is loose, Henry racing onto it 20 yards out drills the shot in is narrowly wide of the post. King makes an important intercept cutting out a Clement through ball from the left side intended for Henry making a central run to get inside the area.

Is all Ipswich, despite their best efforts and the encouragement from their fans Kirkley & Pakefield just can’t get any meaningful possession, Wells and Rowland are staying up top always ready to attack if they can get the ball. Henry in the middle 25 yards out lays the ball out to Welton moving into space on the right side the cross comes in going long beyond the far post Hall coming in jumps to head the ball off target.

Clement on the left puts the ball inside for Hall running onto the ball outside the box the shot is sent in back peddling Sissen clears the ball off her goal line. Free kick wide left Crump over the ball a good way out but hits it hard the ball smacking down off the crossbar once more down into the area Kirkley & Pakefield battle to defend the shot eventually hit wide by Henry right side.Hall comes off for Ipswich with Dixon returning to the field. A double switch for Kirkley & Pakefield Farman and Belson off Brown back on along with Sarah Meades.

Once more Ipswich strike the woodwork the ball is sent in from the left by Clement plenty of power behind it from the top of the area flies across the face of goal smashing off the far post back into the six yard area the ball is nodded over the line, the goal won’t stand as the linesman on this side Bradley Fisher has his flag raised.

GOAL! The Ipswich bombardment eventually tells as they find the back of the net for a 7th goal. Attacking on the left the ball is played into the area for Welton finding herself in space on the edge of the six yard box shoots, Brunton O’Neill does well to get across her goal line and get something on the ball, but not enough as it squeezes past her and rolls over the line 0-7.

Brown does well under pressure inside her area to deal with a high ball stood up into the area with Dixon closing her down. Young and Clement come off for Ipswich with Lindsey Smith and Ball returning, the latter in a more advanced role on the left. The cross bar is struck again this time as Henry lets loose from 30 yards out the ball clipping the goal frame and going out for a goal kick.

GOAL! The game moves into the 89th minute having been under siege for much of the half Kirkley & Pakefield have put in a defensive shift concede one more time as Welton attacks on the left breaking the ball inside towards the area hits the shot across goal lifting the ball up over the keeper and in 0-8.

Sianne Davies comes on for Kirkley & Pakefield late on replacing Rowland. Ipswich put the ball into the back of the net again doesn’t count as the offside flag is raised. King gets in the way to block a viscous strike from Henry in injury time, the rain finally stops falling and with it the final whistle blows and Ipswich Town Ladies celebrate winning 8-0 to retain the Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

Scoring 8 goals Ipswich Town Ladies could have had more on the night the goal frame hit on several occasions too, dominated a tough ask for Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies plying their trade 5 Division’s lower. A fantastic achievement to get through to the Final and play at Portman Road an experience they will never forget, clap their fans at the end who never stopped encouraging them were in good spirits at the end despite the heavy loss.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies piling on goalkeeper Shauna Brunton O’Neill in
good spirits at the end of the Final.

An experience too that Ipswich Town Ladies will never forget playing at and winning the Suffolk Women’s County Cup, sure they’d love to do it again. Fantastic from all involved at the Suffolk FA who worked to get the game played here.

Ipswich Town Ladies celebrate lifting the trophy.

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Winners 2015/16 Ipswich Town Ladies

A great night out for everyone, thanks to Suffolk FA and the stewards at Portman Road for their help tonight.

Cup Final – Garston Ladies v Sherrardswood Ladies

The 1st of 3 successive Cup Finals on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog on Sunday 8th May an evening kick-off for the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final a repeat of last season final with Garston Ladies (the current holders) taking on Sherrardswood Ladies.

Cup Final Report – Garston Ladies v Sherrardswood Ladies FC

On to my 2nd match of the day an evening kick-off for the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Women’s League Cup Final, a repeat of last years final too, Garston Ladies v Sherrardswood Ladies.

My 1st look at a women’s League Cup Final in the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Women’s Football League (BHWFL). 28 teams competing across 3 divisions entered this years League Cup.

Road to the Final

Garston Ladies were awarded an away win in the 1st Round against Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three side Bedmond Ladies. An interesting pair up in the 2nd Round as they were at home once again playing their Reserve side playing in Division Two, Garston Ladies FC 96, the 1st team ran out 7-0 winners on the day to set up a quarter final tie away to fellow Division One side Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Edged the tie beating them 3-2 to reach the semi-finals of the competition and another away tie against the side that would eventually go on to win the Beds & Herts Women’s Division One title, Hertford Town Ladies. Garston Ladies won the game 4-2 to reach their second successive League Cup Final. Garston Ladies were in contention for the league themselves for much of the season but a fixture pile up at the end and unable to play the games eventually finished 6th. Garston Ladies run a large number of youth sides over 340 registered players across all age groups.

Sherrardswood Ladies were on the road in the early rounds of the League Cup facing tough opponents starting in the 1st Round with fellow Division One side Bishops Stortford Ladies, a narrow 2-1 win saw them into the 2nd Round away again to the then league leaders Harvesters FC the match went all the way ending 2-2 after extra time onto the penalty shootout Sherrardswood Ladies winning through to the quarter finals the shootout ending in their favour 5-3. At home in the quarter finals, new side Hitchin Belles riding high in Division Three. Sherrardswood Ladies won the game 3-0 to set up a home semi-final against Division Two side Watton Ladies. For the 2nd time in the competition Sherrardswood Ladies faced a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. Beat Watton Ladies 4-3 on penalties to reach the final for the second successive season and face Garston Ladies once again. Differed to Garston Ladies in terms of the league getting all their matches played before everyone else ended top of the table but could only watch as others caught up and overtook them eventually finishing in 3rd spot.

Last years Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final was a close affair with Garston Ladies beating Sherrardswood 1-0, Vikki Duffy with the goal.

The venue for today’s game AFC Kempston Rovers FC, hosting a day of girls & women’s finals across the Beds & Herts Leagues 6 finals in all starting with the U12s at 9:00am then U13s, U14s, U15s & U18s. I arrived an hour before the Women’s Open Age Final was due to kick off searched out the two sides warming up. A decent sized car park beside the ground with a large modern clubhouse and changing room block down one side with a seated stand and some terracing overlooking a large sized pitch that looked in good shape considering how much action it has seen of late. Lovely weather one of the hottest days of the year to date, bright abd sunny perhaps a little too hot for a finals day but with a scheduled 6:15pm KO it was starting to cool as the 2 sides walked out onto the pitch.

Garston Ladies starting XI – Jade Cook, Samantha Roads, Janine Rodgers, Stephanie Roads, Lauren Pinder, Gemma Curtis, Jane Hales, Emma Trill, Lucy Zecchin, Vikki Duffy & Jo Sharp.
subs – Linda Watt

Sherrardswood Ladies starting XI – Jennifer Mansfield, Ellen Jackson, Katie Rist, Abby Cardall, Kristie Donovan, Jade Ryan, Melissa Wright, Katy Jones (C), Frankie Novelli, Laura Cousins & Laurie Marris
subs – Jules Briars, Rhia Rose, Emily Gaskin, Natasha Little & Manjinder Atwal

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Sherrardswood to get the Cup Final underway 1st half wearing an all blue kit with white across the top of the shirt sleeves with Garston lined up opposite wearing purple shirts, black shorts and socks. Sherrardswood go down the left channel early on with Laura Cousins playing the ball on down the line with captain Katy Jones making the run getting the corner kick as she attempts to turn the ball into the area.

The corner comes to nothing, Garston get the ball up the other end winning a throw deep in Sherrardswood territory a long throw Vikki Duffy sending the ball into the area, Jo Sharp coming near post tries to head it on can only put the ball into the gloves of advancing Sherrardswood goalkeeper, Jennifer Mansfield. A cagey opening few minutes with both sides testing the other down the flank, another throw deep on the right for Garston as Lucy Zecchin tries to carry the ball down the right side again Sharp is picked out right corner of the area turns and shoots the ball blocked at point blank range.

Garston are starting to press Zecchin on the right getting in behind puts two crosses into the Sherrardswood area both times it’s defender Kristie Donovan who gets her head on the ball to clear. Garston keep the pressure on possession in and around the Sherrardswood area lift the ball into the area from the left side trying to pick out Sharp in the centre the ball is cleared comes through to Garston captain Gemma Curtis 25 yards out meeting the ball on the run hits it goal wards arrowing in flies over Mansfield smashing against the crossbar, down still in play…

GOAL! … the ball isn’t cleared very far is out on the left a free kick is given away, taken quickly the ball is rolled inside along the face of the area, coming onto it is Duffy closing in on the D takes on the shot hitting it low and hard across the area and into the goal 1-0 giving Garston the early lead inside 12 minutes.

Vikki Duffy scores the opening goal for Garston Ladies

Sherrardswood regroup get some joy down the left themselves striker Laurie Marris getting her side a corner kick. The ball is whipped in towards the near post area attacked Garston only succeed in knocking it into Cousins 5 yards out smashes the ball back in sending it over the top of the crossbar. Up the other end Sharp is put through by Duffy, a race to the byline with Sherrardswood’s, Abby Cardall the central defender staying with her does enough to pressure Sharp into putting her cross behind the goal.

Marris is working hard across the front to make herself available for the ball coming to her right side of the area holds up well before turning and getting a ball into the six yards box near post area Cousins is in between 3 defenders the ball pinging around betwen them won;t fall favourably for the attacker as Garston get it clear of the area. Shouts for a penalty by Sherrardswood have a corner on the right the ball put in is headedc back out to taker Jade Ryan looks to carry the ball into the box, appears to be tripped but the protests are waved away.

Sherrardswood do get a penalty kick moments later as Marris breaking forwards right side closing on the area is with Garston defender Sam Roads on her shoulder, goalkeeper Jade Cook comes to close her down the pair colliding just inside the box the referee points to the spot. Up steps Cardall to take hits the penalty low through the middle, Cook gets down sharply with no adjustment needed to get behind the ball knocking it away to her right, Cardall is after the rebound trying to get her foot over the ball doesn’t lifting it over the bar.

Sherrardswood Ladies, Laurie Marris pointing to where she wants the ball delivered.

Donovan is busy at the back for Sherrardswood, namely because she is reading the ball well getting in the right place to head away the attempted crosses lifted into the area, Trill does manage to get the ball into the area for Sharp, she tries to turn inside from the left runs straight into Donovan who tackles and clears. Sharp is almost through on goal chasing through the centre as Curtis puts the ball up to the edge of the box for her has a half yard on the Sherrardswood defence entering the box stretching for the ball prods the shot goalwards comes straight at Mansfield well placed to get down and hold onto the ball.

Jane Hales gets up to head the ball for Garston Ladies

Has been a hot day and although it is now cooling the referee calls for a drinks break a chance for both sides to rest take on fluids. When play resumes Sherrardswood make a double change Frankie Novelli and Rhia Rose on the pitch to attack left and right. Right from the restart Rose looks a danger the ball played on for her by Jones rolling into the area right corner Rose lunges for it sends the ball wide across the six yard box.

A free kick for Sherrardswood out on the left side 25 yards out Rose is over the ball, takes on the shot and it causes a good deal of confusion amongst the watching spectators on that side including myself as the high ball in looks to dip late and sail into the back of the net, however the ball actually dropped onto the roof of the net narrowly over. Sherrardswood are finishing the half strongly as they look to get a goal back. Have another free kick on halfway Ryan to launch it in towards the edge of the area, the ball is knocked on into the area, Sam Roads coming across on the cover for Garston gets to the ball 1st sending it away for a throw on the left. Novelli comes off for Sherrardswood with Manjinder Atwal coming on.

Ryan plays the ball down the left for Atwal who getting in behind looks to chase it down at the byline, Zecchin covers alot of ground tracking back to challenge Atwal then shield the ball out for a goal kick. Rose plays the ball on into the left channel with Marris making the run late the the half Stephanie Roads closes her down on the byline prevents the cross getting through.

Half-time Garston Ladies 1-0 Sherrardswood Ladies

An interesting 1st half both sides fairly evenly matched Garston with the better start getting themselves in front have had good possession in the wide areas have gotten the ball into the box but rarely picking out a team mate. Defending well for the large part Sherrardswood have gotten stronger as the half has gone on especially after the break for drinks and the introduction of Rose to the action. Leading 1-0 all to play for 2nd half. Almost 7:30pm when Garston get the 2nd half underway.

Attacking down the right side early on the ball into Zecchin the shot is taken early put over the bar from distance. Sherrardswood get the ball into Atwal 25 yards out looks to drive with the ball towards the area is bundled over the referee thinks there’s an advantage the ball coming to Rose, looks to take players on Garston close the ball down edge of the box.Game is stretched early on 2nd half both sides going long for a spell both wanting the next goal but rushing the final ball defences on top.

Garston Ladies captain Gemma Curtis on the ball

Garston are starting to get more of the ball pressing Sherrardswood defence on the ball are turning play around attacking their box. A penalty shout for Garston this time goes begging as they put the ball through into the feet of Jane Hales looks to be nudged off the ball but again play is waived away. With more players available on the bench than Garston, Sherrardswood are ringing the changes Emily Gaskin, Natasha Little and Jules Briars are all on. Linda Watt is on for Curtis for Garston. Free kick wide right in a deep position, Rose to deliver aims for the far post area the ball bouncing in front of goal, runs through and out for a goal kick no one attacking it.

Hales on the drive through the middle for Garston hits the shot outside the box blocked at close range the ball is deflected behind for the corner, put in from the right side Sherrardswood head behind for a 2nd corner. Coming in again Sharp comes to meet it before the near post, connecting on the volley turns it back in across goal but to high over the crossbar. Play is stopped for another drinks break.

Garston attack straight from the resumption of play a powerful run on the ball by Trill on their left flank closing in on the byline cutting the cross back across the Sherrardswood area Duffy is on the penalty spot, can’t quite get anything on the ball to turn it back towards goal. Sherrardswood have ridden out a spell of pressure from Garston now bring the ball on put into Marris wide on the right in the corner beside the area holds the ball up well before bringing in on two yards and squaring it into the area, Rose lets the ball run across her before going for the shot, slips as she does so the ball runs tamely through to Cook in the Garston goal. Novelli returns to the action for Sherrardswood with a little over a quarter hour to find an equaliser force the Final into extra-time.

Laurie Marris holds up the ball for Sherrardswood

Sherrardswood have a corner kick on the right, the ball whipped into the six yard box by Rose is headed clear by Watts, the counter attack is on the ball played on with Zecchin stealing through clear inside the Sherrardswood half, Mansfield comes rushing out of her area has to get to the ball 1st, Zecchin has Duffy free on her left, the keeper just gets there 1st to kick the ball high and away from danger. Needing the goal Sherrardswood have intensified the temp have Garston pushed back all their attackers are on the pitch with Cousins back on as the game goes into the final 10 minutes.

Hales back in defence does well challenging Marris then Atwal as both try to get a shot away. A chance for Sherrardswood to deliver the ball into the box a free kick on the right. Is send in by Rose to the far post area, Hales rises highest to head the ball away for Garston. The ball coming into the area up the left side finds Rose inside the area, looks to take the ball past Stephanie Roads the defender puts the challenge in blocking the shot and brings the ball out of the area.

All Sherrardswood as the minutes tick down, Garston defending for their lives, a corner is conceded on the right the ball sent long to the edge of the area left of the D, Jones comes onto it meeting it with her head drills the ball wide. A rare break late on for Garston get the ball down the other end of the pitch, Watts playing it out into space for Janine Rodgers on the right puts it down the line for Zecchin who looks to hit the shot on the turn from outside the box runs straight into Mansfield across at her near post.

Lucy Zecchin after the ball for Garston Ladies

Garston a pinned back inside their box Sherrardswood have a throw deep on the right Novelli lifting the ball up to Marris she wins a corner kick. Another good delivery from Rose going long aiming for Cardall at the far post is put out for a corner kick on the opposite flank Rose runs across to take, Is put in long from the left this time, Hales gets her head on the ball sending the ball high into the air, Cardall attacks it trying to knock it down into the six yard box Garston rush it away…

GOAL! … the game is already in injury time as the cleared ball is retained by Sherrardswood played out to Rose still out on the left coming to the edge of the area left corner hits the shot hard sending it flying through the area burying it into the back of the net to cues wild celebrations as Sherrardswood get the equalising goal at the death and force extra-time. 1-1.

Extra Time

The floodlights come on as the extra half hour begins Sherrardswood to get us underway. Cardall defends well against Rodgers as Garston look to go long. Up the other end the ball is played over the top right of the area for Rose to attack running onto the ball hits it on the half volley the shot bouncing wide across goal.

Penalty! Sherrardswood win another penalty in extra-time attacking down the right Rose on the ball has Atwal making a run inside the area free on the left side, tries to pick her out, the ball doesn’t reach her, cries for hand ball and t’s given the foul committed Sherrardswood have a chance to take the lead from the spot. Cardall to step up again isn’t a great penalty hit through the middle again Cook doesn’t need to move gets down to claim it.

Hales is off for Garston with Curtis back on. Sharp is played through on the right by Zecchin taking the ball to the edge of the area pulls the trigger gets too much behind the ball the effort flies over the bar. The 1st period of extra-time ends with the score still 1-1

Garston get the 2nd period of extra-time underway will either side find a winning goal. Novelli with an early opportunity to have a strike on goal hits the ball on the half volley inside the Garston box fires her shot over.

GOAL! Thought Rose had scored from a free-kick in the 1st half. This time she does! A free kick is won pretty much in the middle of the Garston half. Rose over the ball takes on the shot hits the ball perfectly, plenty of power and pace behind it arrowing in on target dipping late as it flies over Cook and into the back of the net 1-2. Advantage Sherrardswood.

Rhia Rose after the ball with both goals for Sherrardswood Ladies

Garston’s Trill plays the ball on for Sharp stealing through into the Sherrardswood box right of goal shoots a low effort coming at pace towards Trill quick reactions saving with her foot at her near post. Free kick on halfway for Garston Roads to put in the ball is headed clear by Cardall. Hales returns to the pitch for Garston with Watts coming off as they push forwards to find a goal. Marris is off for Sherrardswood for Melissa Wright as they look to defend their advantage.

GOAL! Barely a minute left to play Garston pile forwards get themselves a corner everyone bar the goalkeeper rushes to get into the area the delivery whipped in at a good height is attacked by purple shirts, Sam Roads rising highest of them all near side to header the ball into the back of the net 2-2. Roads is buried under her team mates as their is barely anything time left to restart and the Final goes to penalties.

Penalties

For the 3rd time this season Sherrardswood see a League Cup game go to a penalty shootout. A lottery, keepers can do no wrong who will keep their composure longest.

Garston to take the 1st penalty kick, up steps Trill, lifts the ball high through the middle hits the crossbar, Mansfield stretching may have got a touch. MISS.

Sherrardswood’s 1st penalty taker is Rose no mistake as she smashes it low to the keepers right into the goals side netting. GOAL.

Sharp is up next for Garston to take their 2nd penalty again the ball is lifted high up onto the crossbar and goes away from target. MISS.

Cardall is up next for Sherrardswood having seen 2 penalties saved in normal and extra-time lifts this one high to the keepers right and into the back of the net GOAL.

2-0 down the pressure is on Duffy to score for Garston as she takes their 3rd spot kick, no messing hit hard and low through the middle the keeper diving away to her right. GOAL.

Jones up next for Sherrardswood taking their 3rd spot kick gets it all wrong ballooning the ball wide of goal. MISS.

Penalty taker no 4 for Garston is Zecchin composed hits it low with power into the bottom right corner of the goal to level it all up at 2-2. GOAL!

4th penalty taker for Sherrardswood is Ryan goes to put the ball through the middle getting height on the ball Cook jumps and makes the save. MISS.

Curtis comes forwards to take Garston’s 5th penalty plays the ball to the keepers right, Mansfield gets down sharply but the ball squirms under her and in giving Garston a 3-2 lead in the shootout. GOAL.

Wright up last for Sherrardswood, heartbreak as she sends her spot kick wide. MISS.

Garston Ladies race forwards towards Cook in celebration as they come back from 2-0 down in the penalty shootout to win it 3-2 and retain the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup. A Final that had it all late drama in the 90 minutes, even more in extra-time and a penalty shootout always a heartbreaking way to lose a Final, ecstasy if you win. Garston took the early lead but Sherrardswood came back strongly had them on the ropes, missed two penalties along the way an entertaining final.

Garston Ladies celebrate winning the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup

Congratulations to Garston Ladies on winning the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup today. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details and the BHWGFL staff for their help at the ground. Enjoyed my 1st trip to AFC Kempston Rovers.

Cambridgeshire Girls U18s League Cup Final

Netherton United Ladies U18s v Newmarket Town Ladies U18s

Midweek football on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog came from St Neots Town FC and the Final of the Cambridgeshire Girls U18s League Cup played between Netherton United Ladies & Newmarket Town Ladies, two side with a strong youth policy that has seen several of their U18s play for their senior teams already.

Cup Final Report – Netherton United Ladies U18s v Newmarket Town Ladies U18s

The Cup Finals keep coming on the Supporting Women’s Football. A midweek trip to St Neots Town FC to watch the final of the Cambridgeshire S-Tech Insurance Girls U18s League Cup, with Netherton United Ladies U18s playing Newmarket Town Ladies U18s.

Two sides that have a similar approach to the game running a number of youth sides with a clear path in place to achieve 1st team football with the senior women’s side and this season has seen a number of U18 players feature regularly for their 1st team both of which compete in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership.

The venue for this evenings final St Neots Town FC, a newly build stadium on the outskirts of the town, amongst a new housing development going up, is a bit of a rabbit warren to find amongst the new housing and the Sat Nav gave up, still I found it the floodlights visible it was a case of picking the right road. Is a very nice stadium, new a large seated stand along side the pitch with a clubhouse with bar and facilities for hot refreshments although not available tonight. Terraced covered stands at either end. The large pitch looked in fantastic condition. A bright and sunny evening warm and dry total contrast to the monsoon I’d stood in to watch Newmarket Town Ladies in their semi-final game.

Road to the Final

Just 7 sides contested the Cambridge Girls U18s League this season, Wisbech St Marys Ladies were the runaway winners playing and winning all 15 of their league matches whilst Newmarket Town Ladies finished as runners-up with Netherton United Ladies 3rd. Both sides entering in the quarter final stage.

Newmarket Tow Ladies were awarded an away win with Riverside Rovers pulling out. Into the hat 4 the semi-finals were drawn at home against league leaders Wisbech St Marys Ladies. A tough challenge seemingly I went along to watch this semi-final on a Saturday morning played on the Dullingham Polo Fields. On the day Newmarket Town Ladies were by far the better side winning the game 4-0 to reach the League Cup Final.

Netherton United Ladies were at home in the quarter finals showing no mercy as they romped though to the semi-finals beating Sawston 21-0. That result scaring their semi-final opponents Sawtry the game never took place and Netherton United Ladies were into the final.

Netherton United Ladies U18s starting XI – Katie Cooper, Stacie Boon, Courtney Coles, Olivia Bass, Georgia Clarke, Hazel Sterling (C), Eleanor Mitchell, Georgina Parrett, Savannah Evans, Lucy Johnson & Emma Pollard.

subs – Tia Vacca, Charlotte Akester & Natasha Anderson.

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Lilli Estus, Katie Webb, Chloe Slater, Yasmin Woodfield, Ella Blowes (C), Jessica Linger, Molly Agnew, Abbi Griffin, Olivia Orme, Jordanne Sillitoe & Dominika Szary

subs – Olivia Page & Freya Rule.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Newmarket wearing yellow shirts with blue trim on the sides and numbering get the 1st half underway with opponents Netherton lined up opposite wearing red shirts with a black bands across the chest, black shorts and black and red hooped socks. Netherton captain, Hazel Sterling imposes herself on the ball in the midfield early on pushing out to the left side tries the play in Savannah Evans ahead of her trying to come in from the left side to get inside the area the pass carries too much weight runs through to Newmarket goalkeeper Lilli Estus for an early touch of the ball.

Netherton United Ladies u18s captain goes on the attack early on

Not only have players from both sides played for their respective 1st teams this season, Newmarket have a few dual signed who have played at a higher level still, defender Katie Webb and attacking player Jordanne Sillitoe have experience in the ERWFL Premier Division with Great Shelford Ladies, whilst I have seen Chloe Slater in playing for Brandon Town Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Newmarket go up the other end the ball put up the right channel for Abbi griffin to chase wins her side a corner kick. Any set piece put in from that side could cause a problem for the Netherton defence with the sun setting low behind that side of the stadium. The ball comes in goalkeeper, Katie Cooper goes up to claim the ball isn’t safely in her gloves drops into the six yard box, Netherton scramble it away.

GOAL! The perfect start for Newmarket as they open the scoring just 3 minutes played. the ball from the corner kick isn’t cleared far outsdie the Netherton box newmarket regain possession on the left side, comes to the feet of Sillitoe, carries it forwards comng inside reaches the edge of the area pulls the trigger drilling the ball low and fast across the goal and buries it into the bottom corner. 0-1.

Newmarket aome again Sillitoe proving to be a handful on the ball, plays the pass out to Molly Agnew moving into space on the right side again the shot comes in from just outside the area Cooper gets down low and pushes the ball away for another corner. Netherton are trying to release attackers Emma Pollard and Lucy Johnson through the centre testing the Newmarket defence with high balls. Newmarket regain the ball go up the other end winning a throw on the right is put into Sillitoe’s feet turns inside and looks to curl a shot in towards the top corner, drifts wide of the target.

Netherton’s Lucy Johnson with Newmarket’s Yasmin Woodfield

On the left Dominika Szary gets hold of the ball takes on the Netherton defence getting free, shoots from 20 yards out, Cooper dives to her left but a touch isn’t needed as the ball rolls a yard wide for the goal kick. Netherton get the ball up though the middle quickly Evans into Johnson who slides Pollard in off the shoulder of the Newmarket defence has a half yard head start, Estus comes off her line to the edge of her area right side beats the ball away with her gloves as Pollard shoots.

Jess Linger in the centre of midfield for Newmarket plays a good ball out for Griffin on the right puts the ball inside into Sillitoe who shoots positioned left of the D, Cooper is down sharply to make the save stopping the ball then claiming it. Courtney Coles gets across and puts in a good tackle to stop Agnew wide left as she looks to travel with the ball deep on the left as Newmarket counter attack. Another block is needed from Netherton as Sillitoe charging forwards with the ball at her feet unleashes a shot, Emma Mitchell getting herself behind the ball to block. the ball looping away for a corner. Comes in high into the middle Szary going up for it connects with her head but sends the ball wide across goal.

Dominika Szary gets up to head the ball from a corner for Newmarket

Staying close together as the ball is put up to them Johnson and Pollard attack the Netherton defence exchanging passes as they work it forwards Johnson gets the ball back to Pollard as she gets free just outside the area takes on the shot the ball looping up turns away from the right post wide.Evans wins a throw inside the Newmarket half on the left taking it gets the ball back lifts it up towards the area picking out Pollard who hits it on the turn sending the ball up into the air comes down into Estus’ gloves.

Is a fast paced game, U18s football is alot faster than the senior women’s game and that isn’t a slow game either. Georgina Parrett bursts forwards played in by Sterling down the wing wins a throw deep in their territory the ball comes to nothing, Newmarket get hold of it, Linger getting the ball up to Griffin who goes for goal 20 yards out puts her effort over the crossbar. Sillitoe who is constantly looking for room to unleash a shot goes for it from 30 yards out left side a fierce drive is off target.

Chloe Slater playing the ball for Newmarket Town Ladies U18s

Change for Netherton with Sterling coming off the armband handed to Coles as Tia Vacca comes on. Evans brings the ball forwards for Netherton plays it inside to Johnson, she and Pollard exchange passes again working their way through the middle, get a shot away Newmarket have bodies in the box the ball is blocked. Szary comes off for Newmarket with Olivia Page being sent on.

GOAL! Netherton get themselves back on level terms, Pollard picking the ball up inside the Newmarket half has Vacca running into space on her left, plays the ball out to her getting hold of it deep is closed down looks up seeing what options she has Parett has come forwards left side of the area the ball is played into her hits the shot sending the ball looping up high into the air flies over Estus and drops behind her into the back of the net 1-1.

Georgina Parrett looking to get on the ball levels things up for Netherton

Sillitoe has taken a knock and needs to come off, Agnew who had sneaked off earlier on returning to the pitch. Netherton put a dangerous ball forwards looking to clear the Newmarket defence, Pollard is interested, but Newmarket defender Olivia Orme does well to keep her eye on the ball watch it drop with a setting sun to deal and get a firm header on the ball to clear.Break on for Netherton Johnson playing the ball down the line for Vacca surging forwards, Griffin tracking back slides in to win the ball back putting it out for the corner. Newmarket get the ball up the other end Griffins cross put behind at the near post for a corner. The ball is put into the face of the area, is rolled out to Griffin right hits it hard towards goal, stinging Coopers gloves as she saves then claims the lose ball insde her six yard box.

Netherton go straight on the attack the ball sent out to Johnson peeling away into space left carrying the ball on left side of the area lets fly sending the shot high looping over Estus once again looks destined to drop under the bar, instead hits it then the post before dropping down central a foot in front of goal, then into the gloves of a grateful Estus. Late into the 1st half and Newmarket have a corner, on the right goes all the way through the area coming to Yasmin Woodfield left side 20 yards out fires the shot back in Copper diving to her right the ball sails wide.

Half-time Netherton United Ladies U18s 1-1 Newmarket Town Ladies U18s

A fast paced 1st half with plenty of chances created, Newmarket getting the better share of them have used the width better getting the ball into the channels whilst Sillitoe has been all over the place in attack hard to mark. Scored early but Netherton held out working hard to chase the ball down have been patient waiting for the mistakes then trying to capitalise, equalised and could have had a lead late in the 1st half.

Netherton get the 2nd half underway the floodlights now starting to take full effect. Both Sillitoe and Szary are back on the pitch for the start of the 2nd half Page and Freya Rule off. After a tentative opening couple of minutes Newmarket win a corner on the right as Sillitoe pushes into the corner. The ball coming in is knocked up into the air at the near post, comes down for Linger edge of the area right of goal, takes a touch shifting the ball into a yard of space to shoot hits it hard but straight at Cooper who holds onto the ball.

Netherton make a push through the middle, Parrett and Pollard working it forwards the latter trying to put Johnson clear on the right side, Slater closing her down tackles and brings the ball away. Pollard comes through the middle shoots 20 yards out sees the ball blocked spins away to the right Johnson winning a corner. Estus decides to come through the crowd at her near post goes to punch the ball misses it drops behind her into the six yard area in front of goal, Webb launches it.

GOAL! Newmarket retake the lead, coming forwards through the middle Slater to Linger the ball rolled on for Sillitoe right of the D 20 yards out, Griffin more central just ahead of her her is given the ball rolls it on for Szary coming into the area goes for the shot pulling the ball across the keeper to the far post strikes it at the base and is turned in 1-2.

Great tackle from Webb on Vacca left side as Netherton attack Parrett on for Pollard who looks to get Vacca through on goal. Johnson has a pop at goal 25 yards out hits the ball wide across the area. Pollard is fouled on the left side close to the top of the area. A good delivery is swept into the box, Johnson rising to attack it sends her header narrowly over the crossbar.

Newmarket are starting to get more of the ball, lifting a ball up into the box Griffin looks to hit the ball across the six yard box with the outside of her boot, Szary making the run is just sort of connecting with the ball before Cooper claims it. Sillitoe with a powerful run down into the right channel stands the ball up into the area Szary gets her head on the ball but can’t direct it on target. A knock for Stacie Boon comes off for Netherton with Sterling returning to the action. Change for Newmarket to Agnew coming off Page comes back on.

GOAL! Newmarket extend their lead coming from a throw inside the Netherton half on the right side is with Page down beside the area plays the pass back up into Sillitoe coming to receive, outside the area Sillitoe goes for goal hitting a high ball into the area little Cooper can do about it as it drops late behind her and over the line. 1-3.

Jordan Sillitoe on the ball for Newmarket scores 2
in the U18s League Cup Final

Vacca comes off for Netherton with Boon returning to the game. Linger plays the ball up in towards Sillitoe 20 yards out slips and falls as she goes to control the ball, Griffin is close with her gets the shot away looping up but straight for Cooper she palms it down the scrambles to get hold of it with Szary chasing in on the follow up. Johnson is fouled by Webb coming across her 25 yards out, Netherton have a free kick, Olivia Bass over it goes for goal puts the strike over.

Webb plays the ball into the box as she finds herself high up the pitch with a throw being taken on the left plays the ball into to the area, Parrett does well to defend against Sillitoe the ball cleared Page tried to turn it back in is fouled giving Newmarket the free kick in a central position 25 yards out. Linger takes it going for goal hits it hard drills the ball wide. Netherton are tiring not retaining the ball high up the pitch Newmarket bring it forwards a superb ball from Slater putting the pass across the pitch picking out Griffin on the right side shoots aiming for the near post, great save by Cooper diving at full stretch to push the ball wide for the corner as the game moves into the final 5 minutes.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin

Corner for Newmarket on the right put into the box Sillitoe gets up highest to head the ball turning it down towards the far post Bass covering the post makes the goal line clearance. The subs are coming thick and fast from both sides late on job to keep track of who is on and who is off. Webb has been in fine form at the back for Newmarket all game and late on gets across to stops Pollard making one last break through the middle. Gets up the other end as Newmarket push forwards has a strike at goal from outside the box firing it straight at Cooper who keeps hold of the ball.

The final whistle blows and Newmarket Town Ladies celebrate as they win the u18s Girls League Cup Final beating Netherton 3-1. An entertaining final played at a fast tempo between to sides packed with potential as they end their time in youth football setting up to women’s football next season both sides look to have an exciting future ahead of them. Newmarket were the better side over the 90 minutes creating more chances. Netherton worked hard and created chances equalising and could have lead before Newmarket went on to score 2 more goals 2nd half, Netherton tiring towards the end.

Newmarket Town Ladies U18s, League Cup Winners

Congratulations to Newmarket Town Ladies on their cup success. Thanks to Cambridgeshire FA’s Chris Abbott for his help tonight and both sides for sorting me out with the squad details after the match.

Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final – Wymondham Town Ladies v Aylsham FC Ladies

A busy afternoon on NWGFL Finals day with North Walsham Angels Ladies still celebrating their Plate Final win it was onto the next final for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog with Wymondham Town Ladies (the current holders) taking on Aylsham FC Ladies in the League Cup Final.

Cup Final Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Aylsham FC Ladies

The dust has barely settled on North Walsham Angles Ladies 4-0 Plate Final win then we’re onto the 2nd women’s final being played at Plantation Park this afternoon this one for the Norfolk Ladies League Cup, with Wymondham Town Ladies playing Aylsham FC Ladies.

Wymondham Town Ladies are the current holders of the Norfolk Ladies League Cup beating Brandon Town Ladies in last seasons final Have featured in the last 4 finals. Are looking to defend the trophy and currently leading Norfolk Women’s Division One will be hoping to celebrate a league and cup double come the end of the season.

Aylsham FC Ladies are contesting their 2nd cup final of the season having reached the final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, were beaten by fellow Division One side Thorpe United Ladies 2-0. Want a better result this time around, last season Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions will they finish the season with some silverware.

Road to the Final

Wymondham received a bye in the 1st Round of the Norfolk Ladies League Cup. Were drawn away to Norfolk Women’s Division Two title chasers North Walsham Angels Ladies in the 2nd Round a tricky tie they had beaten higher league opposition in the 1st Round. Wymondham Town Ladies came out on top getting the result beating them 4-2 to reach the quarter finals and set up a repeat of last seasons final as they were drawn away to Brandon Town Ladies. Won by the same scoreline beating them 4-2 to advance to the semi-finals. At home to fellow Norfolk Women’s Division One side Lynn Ladies was a comfortable victory on the day beating them 6-0 to ease into the final.

Aylsham FC Ladies were at home to fellow Norfolk Women’s Division One side Bungay Town Ladies in the 1st Round. A 2-0 win saw them into the draw for the 2nd Round a trip to the Norfolk coast to play Division Three side, Cromer Town Ladies, cruised to victory racking up the goals in a 9-0 win. It was a trip to the coast again for the quarter finals and Division Three opponents once again, a different test unbeaten and going for the title the result was still as emphatic another 9-0 victory to set up a home semi-final against Thorpe United Ladies. Was a fierce battle between the 2 sides a 7 goal thriller from which Aylsham FC Ladies emerged the winner beating them 4-3 to reach this seasons League Cup Final.

Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Gemma Hamilton-Rout, Kelly Ayers, Mary Cann, Rachel Cossey (C), Brooke Cheal, Laura Hammerton, Louise Hamilton-Rout, Kayleigh Holloway, Amber Cantwell, Alice Collins & Sally Hammerton.
subs – Gemma Sanders, Leah Newcombe & Laura Wiseman.

Aylsham FC Ladies starting XI – Becky Hibbert, Di England, Aneliese Smith, Vicki Bird (C), Alicia Lacey, Emma Gillespie, Lisa Ferdani, Sophie Burr-Walpole, Becky Hills, Leanne Woodward & Abbie Charlton.
subs – Debbie Kelly, Michaela England & Kiera Squires.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Wymondham to get the Cup Final underway kicking off 1st half wearing red shirts, black shorts and socks with Aylsham kitted out in orange shirts with a blue and white horizontal band across the front, blue shorts and orange socks. The opening passage of play is fairly tentative the ball being exchanged between the two sides as they test each other out neither getting any joy in behind.

Aylsham’s Emma Gillespie puts the ball into the feet of striker Abbie Charlton 20 yards out back to goal, marked closely she looks to spin and turn around Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey, who read the move and going with her leaves no way through into the box, tackling to win the ball. Both sides have players who can do damage on the ball, is seeing the game played at a fierce tempo as the ball is closed down. Gillespie runs the ball on for Becky Hills on the right side, coming inside tries to play the ball on for Charlton into the bx Brooke Cheal intercepts bringing the ball out of the box.

Aylsham’s Sophie Burr-Walpole with Wymondham’s Louise Hamilton-Rout

Wymondham attack the ball played through the midfield, Amber Cantwell with the ball to send Alice Collins in behind the Aylsham defence in the middle looking to meet the ball as it rolls to the edge of the area, Becky Hibbert is keeping goal for today’s final and rushing off her line to the edge of the area closes Collins down blocking her shot at point blank range. Aylsham turn the Wymondham defence get possession deep on the right winning a throw the ball is given to Gillespie right side of the Wymondham area plays the ball across the front coming to Sophie Burr-Walpole left of the D, hits the ball in towards goal 1st time the volley looping up comes down short safely into the gloves of Wymondham goalkeeper, Gemma Hamilton-Rout.

A constant threat out wide on the left of the attack for Wymondham, Kayleigh Holloway is always ready to take on a player, spin off them and drive forwards with the ball, Laura Hammerton challenges for the ball in the centre, Holloway makes her move springing away to break clear of the Aylsham back line, Hibbert sniffs the danger and wastes no time getting up out of her box to to clear the threat before Holloway can close the ball down. The Hammerton’s link up in Wymondham’s next attack, Laura in the middle playing the ball up through the centre for striker Sally Hammerton into the box, Aylsham captain Vicki Bird gets across her to tackle well the ball running behind a goal kick the decision.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Becky Hibbert claims the ball as Wymondham surge forwards

Defences on top all around for the large part of the game, Bird and Alicia Lacey in the middle for Aylsham winning alot of balls, at right back for Wymondham today, Kelly Ayers isn’t letting anything past her, is prepared to carry the ball forwards when she regains possession. Bird gets caught in possession at the back left corner of the area, Sally Hammerton closing her down takes the ball from her and bursts forwards, pulls the trigger sends her shot rolling wide across the goal.

Kelly Ayers carries the ball forwards for Wymondham

Aneliese Smith fouls Cantwell deep on the right giving away a free kick that’s as good as a corner the ball is put into the area by Cheal, flying over the players coming to meet it near side is cleared by Aylsham out of the area falling perfectly for Cantwell central 20 yards out, smashes the ball back into the area, their are cries for handball as the shot strikes an Aylsham player, nothing doing the protests come to nothing play continues. Up top Sally Hammerton sends the ball further on for Collins coming in to attack the box from the left side, a vital touch from Lacey, unintentionally slices the ball taking it away from Collins into the area, Hibbert comes racing out and sliding in smothers the ball.

Holloway plays the ball into the right channel with Louise Hamilton-Rout after it gets a corner as Burr-Walpole tracks back to defend. The ball played in high drops into the middle of the box, Hibbert coming for it get’s lost amongst the crowd Aylsham scramble the ball out, Wymondham pick it up again right side rolled into Ayers up with play looks to lift a shot up towards the far corner of goal, Hibbert back in position comes across at gathers the ball.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-0 Aylsham FC Ladies

A 1st half of few chances, two sides that are fairly well balanced both competitive and defending well no one is getting any time on the ball and the final passes are rarely finding their mark. Plenty of players out there that can turn it on change the game with one move of quality, but so far it’s been the defenders who have been on top. Aylsham stay out on the pitch during half-time Wymondham back in their dressing room make changes at the start of the 2nd half Laura Wiseman who has just been selected for the GB Deaf Women’s World Cup squad this summer along with team mate Gemma Sanders both coming on Wiseman up top replacing Sally Hammerton who took a knock clattering into Hibbert at the very end of the 1st half. Sanders comes into the midfield for Louise Hamilton-Rout.

A double switch for Aylsham too with Debbie Kelly and Michaela England on at the start of the 2nd half, for Woodward and Smith as they get thing’s rolling 2nd half. Attack early on the ball put into Charlton wide left taking the ball deep to the byline, beats Cossey to come inside past Cheal, shoots the angle against her Hamilton-Rout has that side covered the ball isn’t cleared far Aylsham regain possession the ball swept into the box from the right side cleared for a corner, the set-piece initially cleared falls to Charlton outside the box goes to hit it hard striking bodies between her and the goal, it rebounds back to her, tries to lift it over everyone this time, Hamilton-Rout leaping up palms the ball down and claims.

Holloway seeing the ball into her feet on the left spins away from the attentions of her mark to race with the ball down the wing sends in a early cross into the box coming along the six yard line Collins with the diving header sends the ball wide of the near post. Wiseman receiving the ball from Hammerton in the centre does well to put the ball out left with Holloway looking to steal in behind, has a couple of yards on Bird as the defender goes after her has the legs to get back on her tackle to win the ball before she can carry it into the area.

Hammerton passes the ball out to Holloway wide left looks to play the diagonal ball early send Wiseman in on goal inside the box, Lacey clears it comes back out to Holloway who delivers the ball ball into the box looking for Collins racing in near post, Hibbert has the ball in her gloves a fraction before the striker arrives knocks it free, falling inside the six yard box ,can’t get onto the end of it as Aylsham get back to hook it away.

Hamilton-Rout makes a great save in the Wymondham goal from a Charlton corner swung in from the left, curling in towards the near post the keeper pushes it away across the goal and out the other side for another corner. Another great delivery driven in low Burr-Walpole making the run towards the ball 10 yards out complete misses her shot the ball rolling into the crowd beyond is cleared. Another change for Wymondham with Cann coming off as Leah Newcombe returns to field having been out injured for a long period.

Leah Newcombe with Aylsham’s Becky Hills

A surging run down the right side by Collins taking on and beating two Aylsham players closing in on the box her shot is blocked by Gillespie at the back. Sanders drives forwards with the ball for Wymondham right of the box crosses in looking for Collins, Lacey steps out of defence to get her toe on the ball bring it clear.

Laura Wiseman scores to give
Wymondham the lead in the Final

GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half and the deadlock is broken. Getting hold of the ball in the centre of midfield it is lifted over the top of the Aylsham defence with Wiseman running through central to connect with the ball on the move hitting it early sending her shot flying past the Hibbert from the edge of the box her team mates rushing over to congratulate her as Wymondham take the lead in the Cup Final 1-0.

Holding the ball up high on the right, Hills gets help from Michaela England knocking the ball back to her she sweeps the cross in towards the far post area with Burr-Walpole racing into the area to meet it from the left, connecting on the volley sends the strike high over the bar. Leading one nil Wymondham make a change bringing off a striker, Collins and sending Louise Hamilton-Rout back on as they look to defend the lead with 20 minutes left to play. A chance to make it 2-0 as again Wiseman is put through from midfield to have a run at the Aylsham goal right side shoots early putting the ball wide of Hibbert, sees it roll wide of the goal too.

A free kick to Wymondham on the right just outside the box Cantwell over the ball plays it into the area, Sanders turns the ball towards goal is cleared inside the six yard box comes straight back to Sanders who headers the ball over the crossbar. Good hold up play on the left between Wiseman and Holloway the cross is squared along the face of the area into Louise Hamilton-Rout, Lacey keeping close to her she manages to get the shot away Hibbert parries the ball away from goal.Double change for Aylsham with Burr-Walpole and Kelly coming off to be replaced by Woodward and Keira Squires. The game is moving into the final 5 minutes.

High ball up into the box by Aylsham from Ferdani, Woodward is under it looks favourite to get there, Newcombe and Cossey do well to get in front of her and the ball smuggle it back to their keeper. Wymondham break the ball with Holloway on the left comes away with the ball riding a challenge pushing on goes to shoot 20 yards out putting the ball up into the air drops down into the side netting at the near post.

GOAL! The game is into the closing minutes when Aylsham get themselves a corner kick on the right hand side, everyone has to go forwards fill the box the delivery is excellent from Charlton the ball flying in with pace at Lacey closest goes to attack it doesn’t connect, but her presence has left Bird behind her unchallenged to leap and power a bullet header into the back of the net to make it 1-1 and possibly send the final into extra time.

Aylsham FC Ladies captain Vicki Bird powering in the header to make it 1-1!

GOAL! What a finish to the game. Aylsham were a goal down with less than 5 minutes left on the clock, pull it level, then would you believe it they take the lead! The goal coming from an seemingly innocuous free kick given away inside the Wymondham half in front of the centre circle right side, Charlton over the ball, decides to take on the strike a beauty too hits it hard flying towards goal a little swerve on it Hamilton-Rout can’t get anything on it as it sails past her into the top corner to send Aylsham into delirium as they all race over to and Charlton is buried under everyone 2-1.

No more than a couple of minutes left, Sally Hammerton and Collins are immediately sent back on gone from a winning to losing position in the matter of minutes conceding from 2 set-pieces they attack pile forwards Aylsham defend the ball lifted into the box is launched up the pitch Wymondham have no time to come again as the final whistle blows and Aylsham FC Ladies pull off the spectacular winning the NWGFL League Cup winning 2-1. An amazing turn around to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat a fantastic way to win a game a heart breaking way to lose.

Aylsham FC Ladies, NWGFL Cup Final Winners

Congratulations to Aylsham FC Ladies winning the NWGFL Cup Final.

The presentations didn’t end there today either 2 otherfinals taking place today, Sprowston Girls FC winning the U15s League Cup Final. In the Norfolk Women’s 7’s Final Hellesdon Belles beat Costessey Sports FC 2-0.

Despite their heartbreak in today’s Cup Final, Wymondham Town Ladies are still top of Norfolk Women’s Division One and best placed to win the league title. In regards to Norfolk Women’s Division’s Two and Three the title has already been decided and the Champions from both were here to collect their winners plaque and player trophies.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies Champions of NWGFL Division Two

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies were in a battle with North Walsham Angels Ladies all season from the NWGFL Division Two title, have gone the entire league campaign unbeaten to finish top in just their 2nd season as a club and have a Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final to look forwards to playing Ipswich Town Ladies at Portman Road next Monday 9th May.

Gorleston FC Ladies NWGFL Division Three title winners

Gorleston FC Ladies have won the NWGFL Women’s Division Three title with 2 games left to play with a 100% league win record in just their 1st season together.

A busy, but enjoyable day at Plantation Park, 2 finals watched, a good sized crowd coming to support all the games played today. Thanks to Wymondham and Aylsham for their help with the teams and the NWGFL volunteers for their help today to doing a great job to grow the game.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Tag Archives: Match Report

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