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Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Sunday 1st October

FA Women’s Cup

Promises to be another weekend of exciting cup action in this season’s FA Women’s Cup, a whooping 128 ties being played this Sunday as the competition reaches 2nd Round Qualifying. A Norfolk derby match for Women’s Football East with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies hosting Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women both newly promoted to the ERWFL.

The prestige of the FA Women’s Cup, at last offering the financial reward with the winners of today’s game pocketing £3,000. Valuable funds to any grassroots club and a positive cup run offers a great incentive.

Both of today’s side stepping up to the ERWFL this season ready to test themselves at regional level. Both strong in Norfolk Women’s Division one for the past few season’s some questioning why they hadn’t gone up sooner, but it’s a lot more complex than that. Moving into regional football the club as a whole has to be prepared, from facilities, coaches, sponsorship and also have a team that wants to travel further afield to play their football. Along with Thetford Town Ladies, both Mulbarton and Dussindale & Hellesdon joining a 12 strong Division One North, joining Fakenham Town Ladies who took the step last season and after a tough start adapted to the league well.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies (called Belles previously) enjoying a rapid growth since joining the Mulbarton family, an already strong and tight knit squad winning Division One 2 season’s in a row, along with reaching the County Cup final twice, have since formed a Development side, also promoted to Division One this season and a 7 aside squad also winning titles.

Have again added to their squads as they look push on. Welcome back midfielder Atlanta Griffith after a year away. Goalkeeper Jody Todd joining from Long Stratton Women as does striker Sam Walker, captaining Long Stratton previously. a prolific scorer who ever she’s played for. Also joining from Long Stratton are defenders, Emily and Katie Ransome-Farmer. Leah Brown and Poppy Loveland both join from Caister FC Ladies. Megan Spurrell with valuable experience at tier 6, with the winger having played for Fakenham Town Ladies. Emily Escreet coming to the club from Thetford Town Ladies. Beth Edwards another new signing joining the club while on placement form Loughborough University along with, Rachel Jermy. Captain Rebekah Lake one of the best strikers in Norfolk over many season’s hitting the ground running in the ERWFL scoring 5 goals so far in 3 matches a brace on the opening day a 4-3 home win against Yaxley Phoenix Ladies. Receiving a bye in 1st Round Qualifying due to their opponents withdrawing.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women , like Mulbarton with a strong, tightly knit squad that have progressed through the youth levels into women’s football with Sprowston, before breaking away to join Dussindale & Hellesdon and push on as a club, finishing runners-up in Division One in consecutive season’s while winning both the League Plate and Cup in that period. A big decision to make the step up into regional football have worked hard behind the scenes to make the transition. Has paid off too as the club has made a flying start to life in tier 6, a strong win on the opening day are unbeaten after 4 games with 3 wins and a draw.

Retaining much of the squad from last season have made a few new additions to the side, bringing in, Rosie George and Breana Rudd both having played for Norwich, at Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division last season. Mia Wilkinson and Ella Swift also joining this season with Jessica Barnes the newest addition to the squad the 16-year-old defender making her debut last weekend. Victoria Leyer amongst the goals throughout the clubs history and has hit the ground running in tier 6 scoring 7 goals in 5 appearances scoring a brace on the opening day along with Abby Hutchin in a 5-0 win at home to Biggleswade United Women. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women beating Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 3-1 away from home in the previous round.

Mulberry Park the venue for today’s game the clubhouse and bar open beside the carpark leading out to the pitch itself, a large grass playing area with a small stand and tea hut on one side, standing viewing all round. Another mild day as October begins if somewhat overcast the cloud hanging on stubbornly will clear by kick off with no chance of rain. The game going straight to penalties if no winner determined after 90 minutes, substitutes limited to just 3 in the competition, with sides in the early rounds of the cup used to roll on roll off substitutes.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Jody Todd, Rachel Jermy, Mel Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Meg Belsey, Alice Smith, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy, Sam Walker & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Cara Anderson, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Laura Bumstead, Leah Brown, Poppy Loveland, Atlanta Griffith & Molly Ryan.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Amee Kennett, Siesha Humphries, Calista Tink (C), Jessica Barnes, Chloe Shipman Abby Hutchin, Rosie George, Kari Kowalczyk, Victoria Leyer & Tallulah Bell. Subs – Ella Swift, Rachel Bussey, Chelsea Brister, Lyla Studd & Shanice Sutton.

It’s the hosts Mulbarton to get the cup tie underway with kick-off in the first half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon lined up opposite wearing an all sky blue kit. The ball rolled back into Laura Hedtke in midfield sends a diagonal out to the right for Ellie Hunter to attack, Jessica Barnes moving out of the centre of defence to head the ball out of play for the visitors.

Sam Walker getting hold of the ball for Mulbarton driving through the middle before laying it out to Hunter bursting away down the right, sends it on into the box for captain Rebekah Lake moving into the right channel, Siesha Humphries closing her down the ball coming of the defender as it goes out for a corner kick. The delivery in near side headed on across the six yard post cleared at the far post the ball launched forwards as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter the ball played long up the right for striker Tallulah Bell to chase, pace Meg Belsey covering the ground to get across to dive in send the ball behind for a corner kick.

Ellie Hunter tackling for Mulbarton

GOAL! Players coming up from the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon lining up at the top of the area as the ball comes in captain, Calista Tink making a run towards the near post not tracked as the ball is put on a plate for her to drill her header into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Captain, Calista Tink opens the scoring for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Mulbarton conceding within the opening 3 minutes look to get on the attack form the restart, Hedtke with Alice Smith in the middle the ball threaded through the middle for Lake in attack to run onto, Tink lunging in with a timely tackle to stab the foot out of Lake’s path inside the D, away to the right for Humphries to clear.

Mulbarton midfielder, Alice Smith

A lively opening, Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to get after Mulbarton in possession winning a free-kick out wide on the right, floated up into the area, Meg Belsey under it to head clear, Smith playing it out to the right, Leyer snapping at the ball regaining possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon has her shirt tugged by Belsey as she threatens to break in behind. Kari Kowalczyk over the set-piece some 30 yards out to the left of the D, looks to curl the ball in towards the top corner, not a bad attempt but goalkeeper, Jody Todd can see it drop wide of the post.

Dussindale & Hellesdon straight in to press the Mulbarton defence off their goal kick, forcing another corner on the right, players forwards once again Tink running into the box unchecked coming towards the ball near side, striking a half volley wide of the upright. Rachel Jermy winning the ball back on the left for Mulbarton hands it onto Walker left side who carries it forwards well before releasing Lake with an over the top pass that the striker collects on the volley looking to clip the ball high in towards goal to drop over the keeper, instead Tyla Cole sees the ball land on the roof of her net.

Abby Hutchin tackling Mulbarton’s Laura Hedtke

Getting up well on the right Mel Belsey clips a high diagonal ball into the Dussindale & Hellesdon box looking to wrong foot the keeper, Cole back on her line though can see the ball drop safely into her gloves. Smith winning the ball well in the middle for Mulbarton taking it on with support from Hunter on her right giving her the ball, Lake providing a run into the right channel ahead of her, takes the ball wide looknig to check back inside and cross, Barnes closing her down blocking the ball.

GOAL! Regaining possession at the back Dussindale & Hellesdon play a great ball forwards through the middle for Bell to run onto breaking in between the Mulbarton centre backs closing into the box moving right, Todd coming to close her down blocks as the two come together the ball striking Bell as she goes to ground upending Todd in the process the ball trickling beyond the pair to cross the goal line see the visitors double their lead 0-2.

Tallulah Bell scoring Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 2nd goal

Mulbarton frustrated some sloppy play leading to a 2nd goal being conceded in the 23rd minute, Dussindale & Hellesdon getting after the ball causing the hosts a few issues. Mel Belsey sliding in to tackles Layer as she gets hold of the ball on the left linking up with George. Mulbarton guilty of giving the ball away Dussindale & Hellesdon confident in their play. Leyer challenging Smith for possession of the ball 25 yards out having a pop from distance the ball driven wide of the left post.

Mulbarton’s Mel Belsey

George and Leyer again building an attack on the right the latter rolling it infield for Abby Hutchin to take on powers her way through the middle into the D, doesn’t get the connection on the shot she was looking for the final ball tame into the six yard box gathered by Todd. Hutchin carrying the ball on well for Dussindale & Hellesdon moving left played up to to George 20 yards out seeing the ball into her body looks to lift it into Bell pushing up right of the D, Lucy Lincoln making the interception getting the ball away with a firm header.

Mulbarton defender, Lucy Lincoln

Lake isolated at times in attack as Dussindale & Hellesdon forced Walker and Sophie Jermy to come back into the middle to defend. Kowalczyk bringing the ball on left comes infield lining up a cross/shot sees her attempt blocked by the Mulbarton defence. Kowalczyk with the ball again on the left up to the by-line held up by Mel Belsey, manages to get a cross away spins behind for the goal kick.

George goes down having picked up a knock for Dussindale & Hellesdon a chance for manager Martin Francis to get his side over to the dugout for some instructions calm them down. George okay to play on as play resumes Mulbarton with a spell of concerted pressure on the right forcing a corner kick. Players up from the back lifted in central Lincoln up well of drive a header down towards goal the ball blocked in the six yard box coming back out to the top of the area left of goal, Rachel Jermy with the strike, hit straight at the keeper Cole saves.

Mulbarton’s Sophie Jermy

Hunter on the left now for Mulbarton, Jermy over the the right. Humphries defending taking a knock as Walker drives into the area. The hosts with a throw high on the right dropped into Hedtke looks to drive inside, no way through. Humphries down needing treatment. Smith tackling well to win the ball for Mulbarton sends it out to Walker on the right forwards into Lake, Barnes across to clear for a throw in. Lake spinning off her marker off the throw played into Sophie Jermy top of the area, she is tackled by Chloe Shipman the ball cleared up to Bell, Meg Belsey preventing the attacker spinning in behind.

Chloe Shipman

Leyer brings down Hedtke on halfway the set-piece launched up towards the top of the area headed clear by Barnes. Leyer strong on the ball powering her way on through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon plays the ball on for George in attack, tackled by Rachel Jermy at the back the ball cleared up to Hunter wide on the left, Amee Kennett defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon as the winger looks to drop her shoulder spin in behind her the ball cleared for a throw.

Penalty! Attacking to the right deep off a throw in Lake turns into the box is brought down referee Craig Guy pointing to the spot, penalty! An opportunity for Mulbarton to pull a goal back before the break. Sophie Jermy to take placing the ball on the spot steps back and strikes the ball in towards goal, central rising Cole making a fantastic save gloving the ball up and away to the right.

Tyla Coles saves the penalty for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

The 1st half moving into stoppage time Kowalczyk bringing the ball on up the left rolling it inside for Leyer who in turn sends it up to Hutchin in the right channel, quick play Hutchin plays the ball across the D looking for Kowalczyk drifting inside, getting hold of the ball, meg Belsey is quickly in to close her down the ball deflected out to Leyer 25 yards out shifts the ball onto her right boot looking to curl a shot into the top corner, drifts wide.

Victoria Leyer after the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon

Hutchin coming on with the ball purposeful through the middle, letting fly from all of 35 yards a high looping ball, threatens to have Todd in trouble in the Mulbarton goal as she steps back onto her line, thankful to see the ball land on the roof of the net. Leyer strong after the ball in the middle won spread out to Hutchin advancing to the right sent of for George outside the box right of the D, turns, Meg Belsey there to put in the tackle for Mulbarton.

Abby Hutchin

Rachel Jermy intercepting at full back on the left heading the ball away as Leyer looks to send Bell in behind on the wing. Lake deep attacking on the left sees her cross charged down going away for a corner kick. Lifted in to the top of the area George heading clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Mulbarton quick to regain possession on the left lifting the ball into the box, Cole with a firm shout coming to claim the ball.

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-2 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon leading 2-0 at the break with both teams staying out on the pitch during the half-time interval. The visitors good for their lead too, getting off to a strong start with an early goal. Closing the ball down well in the middle and forcing Mulbarton into some unforced errors. Defending well at the back getting out quickly turning play around adding a 2nd goal. a penalty save from Tyla Cole ensuring the half-time advantage. Still 2-0 is often a tricky score to defend and is always the case the next goal is crucial. Mulbarton with a few thing’s to iron out if they are to get back into the time haven’t been at it Dussindale & Hellesdon’s play frustrating the hosts still along way to go however.

Both sides making changes at the break, Humphries injured sees a change at the back with Ella Swift coming on for Dussindale & Hellesdon goes in at right back with Kennett switching over to the left. A double change for Mulbarton with Leah Brown and Poppy Loveland coming on replacing Mel Belsey and Hedtke. It’s Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the 2nd half underway, the ball played out to the right, Brown with an early bit of defending for Mulbarton clearing the ball.

Hutchin with Shipman in the middle for the visitors bringing the ball on lifted forwards with Kowalczyk breaking on the left, goes a little too soon flagged offside. Smith leaning into the pass lifting a superb ball up to Lake in attack, running through to attack the box, Barnes has the pace to catch her and win the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Mulbarton looking to start the 2nd half strong pushing up on the right winning a throw knocked inside Barnes closing in to clear for the visitors.

Leyer releasing the ball forwards for Bell bursting away into the right channel, Lincoln backing up times her tackle well as she striker looks to try and take her on. Mulbarton looking to press the ball risk over committing getting caught on the counter the pass finding Bell on the right dives inside into the area getting a low strike away on the angle, Todd down sharply making a fine stop with her foot to deflect the ball away.

Brown getting up well with the ball on Mulbarton’s left getting in behind, Shipman tracking back doing the defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Mulbarton winning a free-kick on the edge of the area close to the by-line left of goal as Walker his held back by Swift as she looks to get into the box.

Sam Walker attacking for Mulbarton

GOAL! Poppy Loveland over the set-piece a superb ball in across the face of goal rising, Cole flashing out a glove turning the ball up and down into the six yard box, players snapping after the loose ball is rifled into the back of the net a venomous header from Lake as the hosts pull a goal back early in the 2nd period. 1-2 game on.

Captain, Rebekah Lake pulling a goal back for Mulbarton

The goal giving Mulbarton a much needed shot of confidence they move in quickly to close the ball down in midfield winning a free-kick on halfway. Lincoln to send the ball out up into the area cleared out to the left, Barnes and Walker looking to combine get the ball back into the box, Tink clears for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

GOAL! Mulbarton pushing numbers up on the right the cross lifted into the area, Tink stretching to get her head on the ball knocks it down into the area falls straight to Walker 10 yards out before the near post drills a low strike in towards goal, Cole diving but can’t get to the ball as in creeps in inside the post 2-2! Was game on a couple of minutes ago it certainly is now.

Sam Walker running away in celebration after firing Mulbarton back onto level terms

The match turned on it’s head in a space of a couple of minutes Dussindale & Hellesdon suddenly on the back foot, come forwards with George and Kowalczyk looking to combine on the left, the Mulbarton defence closing the ball down.

GOAL! Mulbarton with a deadly spell completely turning the game around coming back from 2 down to take the lead! Breaking up the Dussindale & Hellesdon attack the ball is launched forwards up into the right channel for Lake to do what she does best chase it down and surge into the area right of goal, Cole rushing out to close the angle, Lake sends the shot past her to roll on into the back of the empty net 3-2!

Rebekah Lake fires Mulbarton into the lead

A clinical 5 minute burst from Mulbarton see them come back form 2 nil down to lead 3-2. Dussindale & Hellesdon responding with a change bringing on Chelsea Brister in attack for Kowalczyk. Assistant coach, Doug Francis booked for Mulbarton having voiced his opinion too strongly for the officials opinion (can’t help feel that will only fire up Mulbarton) Hutchin travelling with the ball on the left tacking inside before striking over from 25 yards.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s turn to regroup finding themselves on the back foot Mulbarton with a throw on the right across the top of the area into Lake looks to hit it on the turn, Tink close in getting a foot up to block the ball. Tink in again to defend at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon as Walker, lake and Sophie Jermy link up well bringing the ball on left side. The substitutes making a real impact for Mulbarton, Loveland and Brown the latter looking to get after the ball high up the pitch take it on up the line.

Mulbarton’s Leah Brown

Brown lifting the ball up towards Lake outside the box left of goal bringing the ball down off her chest to turn and strike on the volley smashes her shot over the bar. Brown lively getting away on the left whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, won and cleared by Kennett at the far post. Loveland taking the ball forwards for Mulbarton into the right channel upended by Leyer right on the edge of the area, presenting the hosts with a free-kick. Loveland the one to lift the ball towards goal, dealt with by Tink for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Mulbarton’s Poppy Loveland

Mulbarton pushing on well up the flanks taking the game to Dussindale & Hellesdon Lake right sending a cross into the area cut out by Kennett ,cleared out into the middle, the ball won back by Smith fired out to left for Brown advancing with Loveland the cross swept into the area cut out by Tink. Mulbarton turning the screw Brown linking up well with Loveland who shoots from distance, blocked by Tink. Swift with a fantastic tackle to win the ball from Brown on the edge of the area as she twists and turns on the ball coming in from the left. Swift busy on the right defending with Walker coming across looking to get hold of the ball the full back regaining possession.

Ella Swift tackling Mulbarton’s Sam Walker

A lot of effort put into the game, George down again struggling with a knock coming off with Shanice Sutton coming on to join the Dussindale & Hellesdon attack. Atlanta Griffith coming on for Mulbarton to replace Hunter in midfield. The clock ticking down Griffith getting forwards laying the ball back into the advancing Loveland to have a strike from distance her shot straight at the keeper.

Dussindale & Hellesdon digging deep working hard to get back into the match players going down with cramp. Griffith picking up a heavy knock as she goes in to win the ball, down for a moment but okay to play on. Shipman bringing the ball on right side with Leyer and Bell in support, Bell taking it to the touch line whipping a looping ball into the six yard box over everyone, cleared upfield comes to Brown on the left, Swift closing her down well to prevent the break.

Jessica Barnes tackling Mulbarton’s Rebekah Lake

Barnes with a well times tackle to stop Lake’s progress through the middle the ball running back to Griffith to strike on the move from distance loops up into the goalkeeper’s gloves.

Atlanta Griffith

Dussindale & Hellesdon with a free-kick on half way the ball floated up towards the box headed clear by Smith. Players down with cramp as the clock runs down Dussindale & Hellesdon with one last push winning possession back in the middle…

GOAL! the ball fired up to the attackers, Sutton top of the D hooking it on out to the left to drop into the path of the advancing Leyer as she carries it forwards into the box running down on goal, blasts the ball past Todd before she can react to level the scores 3-3!

Victoria Leyer celebrating with Shanice Sutton after she puts Dussindale & Hellesdon back on level terms late in the game

Mulbarton building through the middle Loveland with Griffith making a strong run ahead of her looking to play it through into the area for Lake stealing in behind the defence, Cole out to get hold of the ball first. Leyer bringing the ball down into her body from the left 20 yards out looks to turn connect on the half-volley plants the ball straight at the keeper.

Rachel Jermy on the left cutting out Sutton’s pass as she attempts to put Bell in behind. Griffith driving forwards with the ball 20 yards out left of the D rams a shot wide of the near post. Both sides scrapping till the end the game into stoppage time penalties looming. Griffith clipping a diagonal pass out to the right for Lake, knocking it forwards Kennett in to block her angled shot the ball deflected behind for a corner. A chance for Mulbarton to push players up, the ball into the box won by Barnes knocked across the area to the far post cleared by Bell. The final whistle blows the game to be settled from the spot.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 3-3 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

A magnificent comeback from Mulbarton in the 2nd half with a clinical 5 minute burst to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2. Had Dussindale & Hellesdon on the back foot for a good spell the visitor’s digging deep however getting the ball up top and seeing Leyer run into the box to level the scores. Onto penalties a harsh way to settle a fantastic cup.

Penalties

Dussindale & Hellesdon up to take the first penalty Shanice Sutton advancing from the centre circle a composed finish struck hard rising to the right of goal 1-0.

Sophie Jermy up first for Mulbarton, having seen a penalty saved in the first half sends her strike low and fast into the left corner giving Cole no chance 1-1.

Chelsea Brister up 2nd for Dussindale & Hellesdon, opts for power placing the ball the same side as Sutton’s strike 2-1.

Atlanta Griffith to take Mulbarton’s 2nd penalty, doesn’t really do subtle, the ball smashed home with power to the goalkeeper’s left 2-2.

Victoria Leyer up next for Dussindale & Hellesdon a powerful strike high into the left corner 3-2.

Alice Smith coming forwards to take Mulbarton’s 3rd penalty hit the keeper’s left Cole going the right way the shot struck with too much accuracy and power settles in the bottom corner 3-3.

Calista Tink up next for Dussindale & Hellesdon shoots for the bottom left corner drilled hard Todd getting the merest of touches as she dives but not enough 4-3.

Poppy Loveland to take Mulbarton’s 4th spot kick a confident finish hit low and fast into the bottom corner no mistake 4-4.

Tallulah Bell taking the 5th penalty for Dussindale & Hellesdon, strikes the ball through the middle, rising Todd can’t adjust quick enough brushes her fingertip as it nestles in the back of the net 5-4.

Sam Walker up to take the spot kick for Mulbarton has to score to send the shootout into sudden death, cool as you like struck high into the back of the goal. 5-5.

The shootout entering sudden death either side miss and it game over, unless they both miss and we keep going…

16-year-old Jessica Barnes stepping up for Dussindale & Hellesdon a cool finish sent low into the bottom corner 6-5.

Leah Brown coming forwards to take Mulbarton’s 6th penalty, strikes the ball in towards goal central, agony as she sees Cole save gloving the ball up into the air and away to see her side through to the next round of the cup 6-5.

Dussindale & Hellesdon win the penalty shootout

Dussindale & Hellesdon win the penalty shootout 6-5 to advance in this season’s cup enjoyed so great encounters with Mulbarton in recent season’s and this match was no exception a great cup tie, cruel that it had to be settled the way it was a tremendous comeback in the 2nd half from Mulbarton but Dussindale & Hellesdon battle back to get back onto level terms.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football east – Player of the Match. What a game an exciting watch and a huge effort put in by both sides with several contenders hard to single one out, although I did have a clear favourite leaving the ground. A few performances of note to mention firstly for Mulbarton, Alice Smith with a solid display in the middle of the park winning the ball getting it forwards into the attacking players. Sam Walker was busy in attack and coming back for the ball getting into some great positions. The 2nd half substitutes making a real impact, Poppy Loveland getting hold of the ball and Leah Brown with her tenacity in chasing down the ball and breaking forwards on the left sent the tone leading to the comeback. For Dussindale & Hellesdon, both Calista Tink and Jessica Barnes were strong in the centre of defence winning the ball and closing down. Abby Hutchin with several powerful runs on the ball. Today’s award though goes to Victoria Leyer, she’s won the award before but that is usually for her goal scoring feats and yes she did score a great goal, however it was ore for her display in the middle closing down the ball, winning tackles and frustrating her opponents making some excellent runs too.

Another great game to watch at Mulberry Park a proper cup tie entertaining between two committed sides, my thanks to both for their help with the team details. look forward to the draw for the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Women’s Cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 24th September

ERWFL Premier Division

Travelling to Trafford Park this Sunday to take in my first game of the season from the ERWFL Premier Division, representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid is a strong league with plenty of talent on show today’s game featuring Wroxham Women taking on Essex side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

A competitive title battle last season seeing Luton Town Ladies getting off to a flying start before the others hauled them in with newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women clinching the title to secure back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL for the first time in their history. With just one promotion spot up for grabs it’s sure to be another tense battle at the top. A new look Real Bedford Ladies side setting the early pace with 5 wins from 5 to sit 7 points clear of the rest… a long way to go however.

Today’s game featuring two sides long established in the ERWFL, both under going transformations along the way. Wroxham Women formerly Acle United Ladies merging with Wroxham in 2019, the club keen to build on a side pushing for promotion to the FAWNL themselves and go all the way. Covid coming along to disrupt every bodies plans, Wroxham haven’t quite found the consistency to push for the top in what is a highly competitive league. A new start for the club this season bringing in a new manager, Adam Race, previously with Long Stratton Women, having turned the Norfolk Division One side into a strong team ready to challenge at the top of the league.

Have recruited strongly over the past couple of season’s bringing in a number of fresh faces under previous manager Joe Simpson with the likes of goalkeeper Megan Gowing joining last season from Beccles. Brought in several players from their one time league rivals Wymondham Town Ladies with more joining this campaign, defenders Leah Newcombe and Chelsea Clarke, winger Natasha Youngs and midfielder Rachel Cossey returning to the pitch after battling back from 2 season’s lost due to injury. Ella Gambell joining from Norwich City Women along with Lily Alexander. Race also bringing striker Luci Middleton with him from Long Stratton after finishing top scorer in the league with 35 goals from 20 appearances. Hit the ground running with a 12-0 demolition away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies on the opening day. defeats away to Luton and at home to Real Bedford were to follow before earning the 3 points with a good win away to Needham Market Women last Sunday.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies like Wroxham establishing themselves in the ERWFL under a different guise as Little Thurrock Dynamo’s before going on to become an integral part of the Bowers & Pitsea family in 2018, going on to secure promotion to the Premier Division that season. Having consolidated building into a strong team within tier 5 more than capable of beating anyone on their day. Robert Elmes coming in to manage the first team this season.

The first team backed up by a Reserves team playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division and a strong youth set-up with a number of new recruits to the squad promoted from their treble winning U18s side with the like of goalkeeper Hannah Stone, Libby Cooper, Darcy Drewitt, Ella Ford, Olivia Harris, Ellie Barrett and Chloe Bardsley all featuring today. Danielle Hindley also joining this season from Hutton Ladies with Isabella Darby also new to the squad joining from London Seaward. Came out on top in a 7 goal thriller on the opening day winning 4-3 at home to Royston Town Women that followed up by back to back draws both 2-2 at home to AFC Dunstable Women and away to newly promoted Barking FC Women. Losing out narrowly 1-0 away to leaders Real Bedford Ladies last time out.

Trafford Park the venue for today’s game home, the large grass pitch with a slight gradient a good test for players fitness space to exploit. A small covered stand on one side with the clubhouse housing the bar and kitchen on the opposite side serving hot food and drink. The weather still mild as we enter autumn, cloudy but warm whenever the sun breaks through, still with no chance of rain. Still nursing a soar knee but the most comfortable position is standing up a god cup of tea and cheeseburger all set for the game.

Wroxham Women

Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Gowing, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson, Albany Hodgson, Becky Russell (C), Rachel Cossey, Lara Densley, Lauren Bullard, Ella Gambell & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Jennifer Drummie, Ellie Overton, Luci Middleton & Lily Alexander.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Hannah Stone, Holly Moore, Libby Cooper, Natalie Strange (C), Olivia Bilson, Danielle Hindley, Megan Elwes, Ella Ford, Millie Isherwood, Whitney Locke & Darcy Drewitt. Subs – Olivia Harris, Isabella Darby, Ellie Barrett & Chloe Bardsley.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Couple of familiar faces in the Wroxham squad with new names this season both through marriage, midfielder Jennifer Codman now Jennifer Drummie while the Fuller girl who was scoring all the goals in pre-season like she was Hannah Waters, is Hannah Waters (now Fuller) although I’m so used to writing Waters in my notes it’ll take a while to adjust. A new captain too for Wroxham with Becky Russell taking over as captain. Natalie Strange captaining Bowers & Pitsea this season.

It’s the visitors to kick off the 1st half attacking up the slope with Bowers & Pitsea wearing red and white vertical striped shirts with red shorts and socks. Wroxham opposite lined up wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball pushed back into midfield played out to the right into Millie Isherwood held up and Libby Cooper gets up in support moving inside the ball rolled into her is fouled presenting Bowers & Pitsea with an early opportunity to push players up into the opposition box. 25 yards out to the right of the area Isherwood on the ball clips a high ball in towards the far post, over everyone and out of play for the goal kick.

Bowers & Pitsea fast to close Wroxham’s defence down at the start preventing the ball getting upfield. Leah Newcombe on the right clearing the ball up to Lauren Bullard in attack moving into the right channel for Wroxham squares it inside 20 yards out for Ella Gambell who in turn attempts to thread the ball through the Bowers & Pitsea defence onto Fuller right inside the box, Danielle Hindley sticking a foot out getting a nick on the ball to divert it back for her keeper to claim.

Gambell rolling her marker well on the left as she looks to take the ball on down the wing, Cooper in to close her down for Bowers & Pitsea. Albany Hodgson winning the ball at the back for Wroxham sending it long up to Fuller in attack right outside the box held up plays it back to Newcombe with Lara Densley coming over to support, Hindley tackling for the visitors the ball out for a throw in.

Gambell with the ball left for Wroxham, checks inside passing central for Russell she opens her body to turn the ball into Fuller outside the D, Hindley close in tackling to win the ball back for Bowers & Pitsea cleared releases Whitney Locke, carrying the ball forwards well as they counter sends the ball inside for Darcy Drewitt making a central run in behind, goalkeeper Megan Gowing rushing out to close her down takes the ball wide of the keeper moving left looks to send the ball back across into the open goal, defenders racing back to try and clear their lines, the ball through rolls wide of the right post, an opportunity to open the scoring missed inside the opening 7 minutes.

Bowers & Pitsea’s Darcy Drewitt

Ella Ford bringing the ball on for Bowers & Pitsea lifts it up to Locke breaking right, 20 yards out turns infield, Hodgson setting a leg out to tackle winning the ball well for the hosts. Gambell looking to get on down the left for Wroxham threatening to get onto the ball inside the box, Moore gets across her shielding the ball out of play Gambell hustling her is disappointed when a corner is given to Wroxham. A great in swinging corner from the left across the six yard box, Hodgson up to attack just a little too high gets her head to the ball but can’t direct it on target drops to the right of goal Bowers & Pitsea clear but can’t retain possession as Wroxham turn play around looking to carve their way through the middle, crowded, Bowers & Pitsea shut the door.

Wroxham defender, Albany Hodgson

Strange playing the ball into midfield, helped on into Locke, has Megan Elwes making a run out to the right lays the ball into her feet reaching the top of the area crosses into towards the far post looking for Drewitt, too close to the keeper though, Gowing down well to lay claim to the ball in her six yard box. Bowers & Pitsea quick to build an attack getting the ball into midfield the diagonal pass fired up towards Isherwood left of the D, looks to control bring it down and spin off her marker, Newcombe though has read it backing off so she is ready to challenge as Isherwood turns.

A intriguing contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, closing each other down, trying to use the width without getting any killer balls into the box. Bullard getting the ball into Fuller from the right 20 yards out over the ball sends her shot angling in towards goal straight into Stone’s gloves. Moments later a diagonal ball deep from the right from Wroxham wrong foots the Bowers and Pitsea defence leaving Fuller free inside the area one on one with the keeper, Stone staying big composed as Fuller trying to send the ball wide of her, saves well with the ball struck at her.

Hannah Fuller with a one on one with the goalkeeper Hannah Stone

Wroxham looking strong as they flood forwards attacking left the ball into Gambell drives infield 25 yards out curling a shot in towards goal looping up Stone again behind it backing up to claim the ball high. Wroxham with two good chances to score in as many minutes. Bowers & Pitsea winning a free-kick the ball up to Drewitt outside the box, Rachel Cossey defending on her for Wroxham, the visitors press on the left winning the ball back send on for Drewitt in behind on the left, on her out looking for support Wroxham close her down en masse to clear.

Libby Cooper

Wroxham looking to counter with Cossey sending the ball out to Gambell on the left, good foot work to get away from her marker turning inside, Locke tracking back well to help her defence out regaining possession. Cooper up on the right with the ball at her feet for Bowers & Pitsea playing it on for Locke pulling wide moving into the corner fires a low cross into the six yard box Drewitt coming in central, Gowing down to save turning the ball behind for a corner kick. From the right dropping for Drewitt top of the area right side of the D. pulls the trigger, Bullard in the way blocks and clears.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Megan Gowing

Bullard bringing the ball down well of her chest turning as it drops to lay the ball forwards for Fuller to attack bursting through the Bowers & Pitsea back line to the right of goal, Stone quickly off her line out to lay claim to the ball before it can be attacked. Hodgson sees the ball out for a corner as she defends with Cooper as Locke on the right lays the ball into her. The corner played into the top of the area from the right met in the air by Olivia Bilson a bullet header knocked down heading towards goal, Chelsea Clarke coming off the post to stick a leg out block the shot.

Newcombe booked for Wroxham as Bowers & Pitsea are awarded a free-kick out wide on the left. The delivery sent long beyond the far post. The visitors winning another set-piece in a central position the ball fired up into the area, Gowing calls for it and coming claims well. Clarke breaking on the left for Wroxham with Gambell on the overlap, whipping a cross into the area intercepted by Bilson for Bowers & Pitsea. Fuller picking up a yellow card for Wroxham as they make a change with Densley coming off, Luci Middleton coming on.

Elwes pushing up on the right with Locke as Bowers & Pitsea push forwards in attack looking to play a one two outside the box, Elmes can’t quite take the ball on past Wroxham’s Tigi Robson as Locke lays it back into her. Cossey charging down Harris as she lines up a strike from 20 yards out. Bowers & Pitsea upping the tempo towards the end of the 1st half but they are caught out as Wroxham turn play around sending a forwards pass long for Fuller breaking wide right fires the cross inside for Bullard in behind the defence Stone rushing out to the top of her area to close it down, Bullard dragging it wide of the keeper to put herself clear into the box rolls the ball in towards the open goal, defenders racing back to defend the line, between them Bilson and Hindley clear the ball for a corner on the left. In high to the far post Gambell rising heads the ball wide.

Wroxham’s Lauren Bullard

Hodgson playing a great ball out to Clarke on the left as the full back gets up the wing sending a good cross into the area, Stone getting up to catch it bring the ball down safely. The hosts building on the right Russell out to Bullard strikes the shot from 25 yards on the angle fired low wide past the far post. Both full backs looking to get on for Wroxham now Newcombe forwards on the right as Cossey and Russell link up trough the middle, Bowers & Pitsea defending seeing the ball out for a goal kick.

Millie Isherwood

Drewitt on through the middle for Bowers & Pitsea the pass out to Locke pulling right shoots on the angle a low drive in towards goal, Gowing down low to save. A change late in the 1st half for the visitors with Isabella Darby coming on for Hindley. Middleton combining with Bullard out on the right for Wroxham the ball fed back to Russell in the middle strikes from distance 30 yards plus fired wide across goal. Middleton with the ball on the right crossed in central Gambell not catching the volley cleanly the ball deflected safely into the box for the keeper to collect.

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-0 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

All square at the break and fair enough on the balance of play however both sides with a gilt edged chance to score. Has been competitive with both sides cancelling each other out at times, enjoying good spells in attack looking to use the pitch without delivering too many killer balls both keepers called into action nevertheless looking comfortable. All set up for an exciting 2nd half.

Both sides making changes at half-time a triple substitution for Wroxham with Jennifer Drummie, Ellie Overton along with Densley returning for Cossey and Newcombe and Bullard. A double switch for Bowers & Pitsea with Chloe Bardsley and Ellie Barrett on for Isherwood and Elwes. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway put into Russell central sends it long for Gambell out left the visitors can see it safely out of play for a throw in, Wroxham taking it quickly down for Fuller knocks it inside for Middleton to strike on the volley from 25 yards on the angle her shot looping straight into the keeper.

Luci Middleton lining up the volley for Wroxham

Drummie bringing the ball on for Wroxham into space on the left lifting the diagonal ball into the box Stone keeping her eye on it taking it cleanly on the bounce not distracted by Fuller closing her down. Bowers & Pitsea get the ball down on the left, Locke now over on that side looknig to combine with Bardsley in attack shifting inside, Robson getting the tackle in for Wroxham top of the area.

Tigi Robson defending for Wroxham

Middleton seeing the ball into her 20 yards out flicking it out to Densley breaking clear into the box on the right, the flag going up against her as she chips the ball up over the keeper to cannon off the base of the far post. Bowers & Pitsea mount an attack on their left Cooper up with Locke the ball flashed across the top of the area collected by Drewitt right side, Clarke in to charge her down as she goes to shoot the ball deflected away for a corner. An in swinging ball high into the six yard box Gowing fouled as she rises to punch the ball.

Bowers & Pitsea’s Olivia Harris

GOAL! Cooper carrying the ball forwards well for Bowers & Pitsea on the left covering the ground before flashing a shot wide across the six yard box as players pile forwards, retrieved by Bardsley out beyond the fire posts sends it back into the danger area, a spot of pinball ensues as Wroxham look to clear their lines rebounds straight to Ellie Barrett up on the right to strike the ball on the angle 20 yards out to race along the ground to find the bottom corner scoring her 1st senior goal to put the visitors into the lead 0-1.

Ellie Barrett with the opening goal for Bowers & Pitsea

Bowers & Pitsea breaking the deadlock early in the 2nd half Wroxham straight on the attack from the restart the ball out left with Gambell and Fuller crossed into the area, Middleton inside the box looking to hook it over her shoulder from 12 yards out plants it wide of the far post. Cooper taking on the ball as Bowers & Pitsea look to counter taking it left fed on for Bardsley, Gowing though out to the edge of her area quickly to claim.

Middleton releasing Densley racing away on right with the ball into space crossing into Russell central 20 yards out her shot blocked by Bilson well, and then again the defender sticking a leg out to deflect the ball as Russell retrieves it for a 2nd bite. Changes for Bowers & Pitsea as they bring Isherwood and Drewitt back on for Locke and Moore. Game on with Bowers & Pitsea looking top extend their lead, the goal though sharpening Wroxham up as they look to close in for the ball. Middleton clashing with Cooper as they go up for the ball, a little blood to wash out of her mouth Middleton frustrated as she has to go off to come back on.

Bowers & Pitsea’s Whitney Locke with Wroxham’s Ellie Overton

Off the resulting drop ball, Isherwood is put clear on the left to send a cross looping into the six yard box won and cleared by Clarke for Wroxham. Middleton taking the ball on from Drummie drives on central before being taken out the advantage played as the ball drops to Densley free on the right she swings a cross into the area, caught high by Stone. Hodgson with a word from the referee as she brings down Isherwood top of the circle the ball lifted into the area, Bowers & Pitsea appealing for a penalty as Bilson is sent tumbling but the protests waved away as the visitors press the ball high Wroxham scrambling it clear Russell sending it up to Fuller pulling left, Barrett doing the defending for Bowers & Pitsea.

Olivia Bilson

Moore back into the action for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Ford. Isherwood left putting the ball on for Harris for Bowers & Pitsea on the left, Overton in to close her down win the challenge for the hosts carries the ball into the middle forwards into Middleton who in turn sends it on for Densley peeling away right, Moore tackling well for Bowers & Pitsea.

Wroxham’s Lara Densley

Wroxham with a strong spell, Bowers & Pitsea a little disjointed on the back foot conceding a corner on the left defended at the near post. Lily Alexander on now for Wroxham replacing Gambell on the left. Into the final 15 minutes Clarke rifling a shot in towards goal from range held by Stone in the Bowers & Pitsea goal. The assistant referee raising his flag the keeper carrying the ball over the line… for a corner. Not spotted by the referee at first play goes on as Wroxham protest… play brought back for the corner Bowers & Pitsea not happy.

GOAL! The corner played into the area half cleared a Wroxham player lining up a shot from the left on the angle 25 yards out driven in low Stone down sharply to save only succeeds in pushing the ball across her goal into the path of Middleton the striker reacting instinctively to smash the ball back across goal and in to equalise 1-1.

Luci Middleton with the equaliser for Wroxham

Bowers & Pitsea furious with the decisions that led to the equaliser, captain Strange going into the book for her protests. Heated from the bench too and as play build on the right the referee stops proceeding to issue the Bowers & Pitsea manager with a red card. Bowers & Pitsea need to regain their composure winning a free-kick 25 yards out right of the goal. Harris over it goes for the shot sending the ball over the bar.

More frustration for the visitors as Drewitt feeds the ball through for Isherwood breaking into the box right of goal to strike a low shot past the keeper into the back of the net nut throws her head up in dismay as she sees the flag raised against her. Hodgson winning the ball strongly at the back for Wroxham pinging the long pass forwards for Fuller pulling wide left drills an angled shot in low towards the near post, Stone getting her leg in the way deflecting the ball into her side netting. Gambell back on for Wroxham going to the right in place of Densley.

Wroxham on the front foot pushing forwards Overton with Densley on the right taking the ball past her on the overlap, squares a cross into the box a dummied header from Fuller sees the ball drop past her into Drummie central, Bilson in to close her down can’t dig the ball out from under her feet. Strange furious talks herself into trouble once again, this time though she is sent to the sin bin leaving Bowers & Pitsea down to 10 for the final 10 minutes.

Clarke getting on well for Wroxham in the 2nd half gaining ground with the ball, Bilson out to close her down. Russell striking a shot wide from distance as the hosts look to use their player advantage. Fuller holds the ball up on the left for Wroxham looking for support, Russell offering it laid into her 20 yards out, Bilson tackling to win the ball back. Don’t keep it for long as Overton find Gambell on the right to cross the ball into the area for Fuller central looking to see the ball down catch it on the volley, puts her effort wide of the far post.

Wroxham’s Chelsea Clarke

Getting feisty a few tempers flaring Bowers & Pitsea unhappy with how the game has gone on the back foot in the closing stages the game moving into stoppage time Wroxham pressing forwards winning the ball inside their opponents half.

GOAL! Wroxham with the ball on the left Clarke bring it on with an inch perfect past over the top to put Fuller though on goal one on one with the keeper composed with a finishers instinct sends the ball past her into the back of the net and turns with her arms raised in celebration moment before being piled on by her joyous teammates 90+3 2-1!

Hannah Fuller celebrates after scoring the winner for Wroxham in stoppage time

Fuller piled on by her joyous teammates after her goal at the death

Strange allowed back on as Wroxham have the ball on the corner on the right Gambell with Fuller looking to keep it in the corner win a throw then a corner kick taken short into Fuller knocked off her behind for a goal kick. Bowers & Pitsea mounting one last attack going right Clarke defending but the free-kick conceded players forwards the ball flung into the area knocked out and launched clear by Middleton as the final whistle blows. Wroxham coming back from a goal down to win at the death.

Luci Middleton launching the ball clear at the final whistle

Full time Wroxham Women 2-1 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Wroxham coming from a goal down to win the game 2-1 at the death. Both sides with good opportunities to score in the first half nevertheless going into the changing rooms goalless at the break. Bowers & Pitsea getting their noses in front early in the 2nd half with both sides looking to score after that, Wroxham livening up after conceding as Bowers & Pitsea looked to extend their lead. A spot of controversy leading to the equaliser Bowers & Pitsea not happy with the awarding of the corner in the first place, incensed when it led to the goal their captain booked and manager sent off. Wroxham pushing hard in the final 10 minutes, Bowers & Pitsea reduced to 10 with Strange sin binned used the advantage pressing to the end Clarke’s inch perfect pass sending Fuller through on goal in stoppage time to score the winner. The result lifts Wroxham into 3rd in the table.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’ Football East – Player of the Match award. As often is the case a tough on to call with several strong performances on the pitch. A few to mention firstly for Bowers & Pitsea. Goalkeeper Hannah Stone with some great positioning and composure. Olivia Bilson with a number of strong challenges at the back to win the ball. Darcy Drewitt taking the ball on well as did Libby Cooper with Whitney Locke looking to make things happen out wide. For Wroxham, Luci Middleton made a real impact coming on late in the first half looking to get onto the ball set up others as well as for herself. Ella Gambell with some strong runs out wide. Hannah Fuller (I’ve deleted the W a dozen tomes while writing this report) a force in attack taking on the defence and pulling out wide to set up chances, scoring the winner. The award though goes to defender Chelsea Clarke won the ball well at the back putting in the blocks and a threat carrying the ball forwards an inch perfect pass to set up the winning goal.

Another enjoyable trip to Trafford Park my thanks to both clubs for their help today and hospitality. As I’ve come to expect another competitive and well contested game from the ERWFL Premier Division plenty of talent on show.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Lawford Ladies v Wodson Park Ladies

Sunday 17th September

ERWFL Division One South

Heading down into Essex this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from ERWFL Division One South, with early leaders Wodson Park Ladies travelling to 3rd placed Lawford Ladies.

The ERWFL representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East reaching it’s full potential this season with 36 clubs across three divisions, (now down to 35 with East Bergholt United Ladies withdrawing from Division One South) makes an already competitive league all the stronger and improves the talent pool further down the pyramid as the game continues to grow.

Division One South, dominated by Barking FC Women last season as they stormed to the title to win promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division, the league looks more open this season with 5 new sides joining the league.

Lawford Ladies themselves re-joining the ERWFL after winning the Essex Women’s Premier Division title in 2022. Bringing in some quality players during that campaign were solid in Division One South securing a 4th placed finish the northern part of Essex becoming a hot bed for female footballing talent in recent seasons with Lawford close to Stanway who now have two female sides, Stanway Pegasus joining the ERWFL this season after winning the Essex Premier Division last season and with Colchester United Women re-establishing a women’s side it is sure to remain competitive for the future.

Lawford though not resting on their laurels retaining much of their squad from last season. Adding 5 new additions to the squad striker Iola Vanharen joining from Ipswich Town Foundation. Midfielder, Kim Edwards dual signing from Stowupland Falcons Women. Jess Gill coming to Lawford having played for East Bergholt United Ladies. Megan Foord from Stanway Rovers Ladies and defender, Liubov Liushnenko joined from AFC Sudbury. Came back from 3-1 down at half-time to draw 4-4 with newcomers Wormley Rovers Ladies on the opening day then followed that up with a 3-0 victory at home Stanway Pegasus Ladies. Good form to start the season progressed in the FA Women’s Cup last weekend with a 6-1 win away to fellow ERWFL side Histon Ladies.

Wodson Park Ladies now one of the more established sides playing in the ERWFL joining the league originally under the Hertford Town banner became Wodson Park Ladies in 2019. The Covid hit season’s soon following, Wodson Park Ladies have been making progress season upon season initially struggling for results in the lower half of the table improved to finish 5th last season and are the early pace setters in the new campaign making an excellent start to the season undefeated taking 7 points from their opening 3 games to sit top of the table.

Drawing 2-2 at home to Essex side Hutton Ladies the Hertfordshire side went on to record two strong wins on the road 3-0 at Grays Athletic and most recently a 5-1 win away to Cheshunt FC Women. Retaining most of their squad including influential captain Kristina O’Connell who was also top scorer last season with 13 goals. Bringing in two new players Billie Alexander and Natasha Smits with Rhiann Patmore also re-joining after a year out.

The John Lyall Pavilion the venue for todays game, my first visit here despite trying to get to a Lawford home game a couple of times last season. The ground a hive of activity when I arrive with numerous youth matches taking place across the multiple grass pitches with the clubhouse and changing rooms beside the carpark. The kitchen and bar open, certainly a community orientated club. The ladies game on the grass pitch nearest the clubhouse a good size offering plenty of with a good test for fitness levels. The weather still reasonably mild for the time of year no where near the heatwave from last week by warm enough to still wear shorts which is just as well because I still can’t comfortably wear trousers with my damaged knee. Rain on the way however and could be heavy umbrella on stand by just hope it stays away until after the game ends.

Lawford Ladies

Lawford Ladies starting XI – Erin Hornby, Lilly Bueggeln, Sheena Foley, Zoe Smith (C), Abigail Head, Carman Joyce, Charlotte Bryant, Megan Foord, Cate Jackson, Georgia Box & Iola van Haren. Subs – Laura Allen, Taylor Wakefield, Jess Gill & Davina Smith.

Wodson Park Ladies

Wodson Park Ladies starting XI – Philly Stephens, Rhiann Patmore, Christie Seakens, Eliza Weeks, Georgia Gannaway, Amelia Hall, Natasha Smits, Lucy Chapman, Zoe Martin, Hannah Kelly & Kristina O’Connell (C). Subs – Sophie Vale, Hannah Nash, Billie Alexander & Megan Kelly.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Wodson Park travelling without a specialist goalkeeper, making the decision that 3 outfield players will each play a 3rd of the game in goal with Philly Stephens 1st to don the gloves. It’s the visitors to get the game underway kicking of the 1st half wearing their all red away strip with Lawford wearing sky blue and white vertical striped shirts, with sky blue shorts and socks. The ball played back to Natasha Smits in midfield she looks to play the ball out to the right, Lawford moving in fast to close the ball down particularly striker Georgia Box pressuring possession forcing a rushed pass the ball hurriedly cleared for a throw in.

Wodson Park’s Natasha Smits

Cate Jackson on the left from the throw getting to the by-line and crossing for Lawford, stand in keeper, Stephens claiming it on the bounce inside her six yard box. Wodson Park with the ball out left Christie Seakens on for Lucy Chapman looks to thread the ball on for attacker Hannah Kelly pulling wide, Lilly Bueggeln closing her down the ball cleared for a throw. Wodson Park’s attackers looking to press the ball high, Kelly caught offside and the visitors quickly turn play around after regaining possession in the middle.

The tempo fast as both sides look to get after the ball Lawford finding Box in the final third she gets it wide to Iola van Haren, Seakens sticking a leg out intercepting the ball for Wodson Park. Lawford looking to use the wide pitch have players breaking on up the wings, Megan Foord looking to link up with Van Haren on the right the final ball though travelling through to the keeper. On the left Jackson breaks into space only to see her cross cut out by Smits at the top of the Wodson Park area.

Cate Jackson breaking forwards on the left for Lawford

Jackson providing a good outlet for Lawford in the opening exchanges, taking the ball on left side has Box bursting on ahead of her into the channel, Rhiann Patmore getting across the striker to clear the ball away for the throw. Lawford force a corner from the resulting throw in, the delivery high into the near side of the box Wodson Park defending the ball headed out to the left gathered by Lawford’s Charlotte Bryant fires a diagonal pass across the top of the area met by Foord right corner puts her foot through the ball, takes a nick of a Wodson Park player as it whistles over the bar.

Lawford’s Lilly Bueggeln

The corner comes into Carman Joyce top of the area, looks to drive into the area, Weeks stopping her with a good tackle. Lawford have bodies up press the ball played across from the left into Bryant 30 yards out catches the ball well striking it towards goal by Stephens is right behind it making a comfortable catch. Lawford exerting some meaningful pressure in the final 3rd, Wodson Park standing firm, counter on the left Chapman on for Kelly pulling wide her cross from deep lacking any pace an easy gather for Lawford keeper, Erin Hornby.

Wodson Park looking to press high, Kelly and O’Connell though needing back up from their midfield, Lawford able to get themselves out of trouble with a cross field ball, Amelia Hall tackling to win the ball back for Wodson Park in the middle played forwards into her captain O’Connell attempting to release Kelly with the through ball left channel, Hornby quickly out of her area to put her foot through the ball. O’Connell with a clever hook over her shoulder as the ball falls to her 35 yards out sending it on for Kelly to attack right side of the area, Head closing her down to play the ball back to her keeper, hustled by Kelly, Hornby digs the ball out from under her feet to clear.

GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 19th minute as Lawford win a throw halfway on the right the ball helped on played up to Box breaking in behind the Wodson Park defence top corner catches the shot beautifully to smash the shot in over the keeper to put the hosts into the lead 1-0.

Georgia Box scoring the opener for Lawford Ladies

Breaking up another Lawford attack soon after the restart Wodson Park break with purpose down their left flank Chapman with Kelly and O’Connell, Lawford across to close the ball down is deflected back into the middle picked up by Smits free 35 yards out has a go on goal her shot high and wide of the left post. Bueggeln taking the ball infield from right back looks to fire it forwards for Van Haren the pass intercepted by Weeks.

Lilly Bueggeln with Kristina O’Connell

Lawford regaining possession as Wodson Park don’t control the ball played out from their keeper, running into Bryant she sends the pass out to Jackson wide on the left wraps her foot round the ball sending a high ball into the area near side, Box under it can’t quite bring it down to put her foot though it as Georgia Gannaway scrambles it clear for the visitors. Lawford captain, Zoe Smith making a great tackle to halt Smits progress as Wodson Park look to force the ball on through the middle.

Lawford captain Zoe Smith in to tackle Wodson Park’s Natasha Smits

Space for Zoe Martin to run into on Wodson Park’s right, Jackson though tracks back to defend getting across her as she enters the box to put a risky ball back for her keeper to clear away to the right. Box flagged offside as she looks to break through the Wodson park defence to get on the end of the pass following a good run by Bueggeln. Kelly picking up a knock a pause in play as the attacker is assessed by okay to play on. Foley intercepting the ball as Patmore comes forwards for Wodson Park on the right.

Georgia Gannaway

Half an hour played and Wodson Park make their first keeper change, Smits now donning the gloves as Stephens joins the attack with O’Connell dropping deeper. Sophie Vale also coming on to replace Hannah Kelly goes to the left. Joyce fouled for Lawford as she takes the ball out to the right giving the hosts a free-kick out wide, Box to lift the ball into the area near post Van Haren goes to attack it closely marked the ball wide for a goal kick.

Seakens doing brilliantly for Wodson Park in defence as Lawford attack on the right with Bueggeln coming on with the ball laying it forwards for both Foord and Joyce to chase, Seakens in between them racing back to winning the ball turning to clear. The hosts with some strong build up play attacking on the left Jackson inside for Box outside the area lays it out to the right, with Bueggein looking to attack it 25 yards out her shot charged down by Seakens.

Lawford’s Sheena Foley

Foord taking the ball on right side lifting a high ball into the box, Smits coming for it takes it down into her gloves well with Box closing in. Vale top of the D with a good pass releasing Martin bursting away to the right taking the ball down to the by-line whips a dangerous ball across the Lawford six yard box, Foord clearing it behind for a corner kick. Put in across the six yard box is just a little too high as Weeks jumps for it.

Cate Jackson

Joyce on the ball right for Lawford plays it inside for Box left of the D 25 yards out turns her marker to lay the ball on for Jackson breaking into the area ahead of her Smits out to meet her kicking the ball clear. Box lively in attack for Lawford showing good strength to get free hits a shot on the turn 25 yards out to the right of the area, the ball running wide past the far post.

Seakens cutting the ball out as Joyce looks to find Van Haren with the forwards pass the ball behind for a corner. The delivery nodded on across goal hooked clear by Vale at the far post. Lawford looking to finish the first half on the front foot. Wodson Park’s defence keeping things tight. Vale looking to provide an outlet with her pace on the left for the visitors checks inside eventually stopped by Foley.

Wodson Park’s Zoe Martin

GOAL! Out of nothing Wodson Park find themselves back on level terms as they bring the ball on left side Vale in possession out wide hits a hopeful ball high towards the Lawford goal, dropping out of the sky, Hornby knows she could be in trouble as the ball sneaks under the cross ball to bounce into the back of the net 1-1.

Sophie Vale celebrates after scoring the equaliser for Wodson Park Ladies

Wodson Park with their tails up, the management team trying to calm everyone down as Seakens with a rush of blood takes the ball on up to the area combining with Vale, Lawford defending conceding the corner. From the left a dangerous ball is dropped into the six yard box, just no Wodson Park player their to attack it. Seakens finds herself out on the right as Wodson Park regain possession in the closing seconds of the first half carrying the ball wide skips back inside into the box to have a shot on goal angled in low, Hornby down well on her line to save.

Half-time Lawford Ladies 1-1 Wodson Park Ladies

Wodson Park finding an equaliser out of nothing late on in the first half to see the sides go in all square at the break after a superb hit from Georgia Box had given the hosts the lead. Lawford using the pitch well getting on up the flanks putting some good balls into the area. Wodson Park defending solidly countering well looking to press the ball the strikers lacking support at times. The sides have cancelled each other out to some degree making for a competitive contest Lawford having good spells of possession without really imposing themselves on the game. Still all to play for.

A few spots of rain at the start of the 2nd half, the umbrella needed will soon pass however. A change for Lawford at the break with jess Gill introduced at left back replacing Foley. Wodson Park unchanged. Lawford getting the 2nd half underway…

GOAL! … the ball played into Joyce the midfielder spraying the ball out wide to Jackson up on the left from wide she strikes the ball hard into towards the near post Smits across to catch it, to her dismay doesn’t stick, loops up over her and rolls over the goal line beyond 2-1. Lawford retake the lead with barely 30 seconds played in the first half.

Cate Jackson congratulated as her shot goes in off the keeper

A blow for Wodson Park as Lawford look to make a strong start to the 2nd half Foord with the ball put out to Van Haren moving right breaks in beyond Seakens to attack the ball, Weeks across to clear the ball out for a corner on the right. A Wodson Park player sent tumbling as players move forwards to attack the powerfully hit ball cleared out to the right. O’Connell back to defend winning the ball of Bryant central twenty yards out as Foord plays it into her from the right.

Seakens taking a knock for Wodson Park down for a moment but assessed and allowed to play on. A lengthy pause before play resumes. Gill from the back with an excellent pass to pick out Jackson on the left from the angle strikes the shot wide across goal. Vale with a knock in the back another injury concern for Wodson Park but despite being too eager to return is waved back on by the referee. Chapman and O’Connell combining well as they get on up the left for Wodson Park the cross in mopped by by Smith.

Sophie Vale

Seakens up well defending against Van Haren as Box looks to help the ball on into her in the final 3rd. Foord bringing the ball on well for Lawford down the right in behind to whip a dangerous cross with pace into the six yard box, Jackson going for it can’t quite connect as she comes in central. Lawford with a strong spell Foord outside right turns inside on the ball 20 yards out bundled over giving the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous area. Jackson over the set-piece smashes the ball into the 3 player wall. Bueggeln gathers for Lawford on the right but looking to drive inside can’t get the better of Seakens.

Lawford winning another free-kick to the right a little deeper this time, Jackson looks to curl the ball high aiming for the far post Smits can’t take any chances as she gets a glove on it to take it out for the corner. Players up from the back the in swinging delivery dropping like a peach for Gill in the centre of the six yard box gets her head on the ball but no control sends the header wide back past the near post.

Lawford winger, Megan Foord

Lawford playing on through the middle into Foord outside the D helps it on for Box looking to get into the box left of the D, Patmore stepping in to win the ball. Wodson Park making another keeper change, Gannaway going into goal as Smits comes off replaced by Hannah Nash. Bueggeln carded as she pulls O’Connell back presenting a free-kick to the visitors in a dangerous position 2o yards out to the left of the D.

GOAL! O’Connell on the ball, goes for goal a fantastic ball hit over the wall high to curl in down over the keeper into the back of the net seeing the visitors back on level terms for the 2nd time in the match 2-2.

Captain, Kristina O’Connell levels the scores for Wodson Park

Lawford get on the attack with Foord getting the ball down spreading play out to the left channel with Jackson looking to break on, Weeks in to clear the ball, Lawford pressing winning a corner on the left. The ball whipped into the six yard Smith their to attack it but can’t get a touch. Lawford making a change bringing of Joyce to be replaced by Davina Smith.

The goal has help Wodson Park’s confident no end as they find an extra burst of energy to get after the ball, Lawford still a threat quick to turn play around, Bueggeln finding Foord racing into the corner turns inside the fire a ball across the face of goal, Gannaway down may have gotten a touch to take it away from Davina Smith closing in at the far post.

Lawford winning a free-kick wide left outside the box, Box placing the ball hits it hard against the wall, Wodson Park looking to hit their opponents on the break, Stephens after the ball, Gill getting a nibble on the ball enough to slow it down, Stephens nevertheless persistent to reclaim it and carry it on up the line shooting on the angle, Hornby with a reactive save with her leg to clear the ball away back to the right Stephens to put it in again this time Head sends in clear.

Abigail Head

Wodson Park make a change bringing of Hall in midfield a straight swap with Smits back on. Wodson Park pressing the ball better frustrating Lawford, Bueggeln winning it back for Lawford sends a great ball into Box she looks to turn swing it over the top for Van Haren central not quite Jackson beyond flagged offside. Vale strong on the ball through the middle sprayed out to Stephens right side in a race with Gill trying to get into the area gets a shot away under challenge put straight into Hornby.

Chapman defending as Foord attempts to play Box in on the right. Taylor Wakefield coming on for Lawford replacing Van Haren. Martin too off for Wodson park with Megan Kelly entering the game. Wodson Park conceding a corner kick as Jackson’s cross from the right is headed behind. Delivered high into the area the header won by Seakens back out to the right Bueggeln playing it inside for Zoe Smith 20 yards out drives the short narrowly wide of the right post.

Megan Kelly looking to turn on the ball accidentally stands on Foord’s foot, a painful blow that sees the winger needing to come off, Laura Allen her replacement. Wodson Park play the ball on for Megan Kelly into space up the left her cross whipped in near post attacked by Stephens off the goalkeeper for a corner kick. Before it’s taken a chance made by the hosts Zoe Smith can’t continue Foley comes back on. The corner won by Bryant cleared for a 2nd corner whipped in with pace into the six yard box attacked by both Weeks and Seakens the ball turned over the bar.

Laura Allen looking to close down Christie Seakens

Box pulling right tussling with Chapman to get in behind the ball off the defender for a throw as the game enters the final 10 minutes. Box out on the left working hard in attack her shot tame in the finish as it runs into Gannaway at the near post a spot of cool goalkeeping as she flicks the ball up off her boot into her gloves. The game lively now both sides feeling they can still get the winner O’Connell into Megan Kelly a corner won the in swinging ball claimed well by Hornby into her midriff.

O’Connell coming off to be replaced by Hannah Kelly the visitors attacking on the right Stephens ball from wide wrong footing the keeper as she goes to kick clear but also Megan Kelly as it runs wide behind her. Wodson Park with a strong finish Lawford making a change Van Haren back on for Jackson. Bryant with a shot from distance over for Lawford. Box frustrated as she gives a free-kick away in a similar position to Wodson Park’s equaliser, no O’Connell to take, Vale on it a little deeper this time goes to curl the ball in wide of the far post the ball dropping behind over Hornby’s crossbar.

Megan Kelly

Wodson Park with one late push getting on with the ball Smits into Megan Kelly finds Vale wide on the right sends her angled shot wide of the near post.

Full time Lawford Ladies 2-2 Wodson Park Ladies

The game finishes all square 2 apiece with Wodson Park coming back twice to level. Finishing the half strong finding a renewed confidence from their goal, frustrating Lawford who started the 2nd half strong getting after the ball and creating some very good chances will be disappointed they didn’t capitalise. Wodson Park working hard to keep them at bay coping well with three keeper changes throughout the match, stay top as both sides maintain their unbeaten starts.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders for this one, however I had a fair idea who I was going to award it to leaving the ground and the notes have helped confirm it. Plenty of good performances from both sides, Firstly for Lawford striker Georgia Box was strong up top getting in to win the ball and close the defence down got into some great positions and took her goal well. Cate Jackson very good out wide on the left getting into space a good outlet throughout. Lilly Bueggeln defending well and getting forwards with some purposeful runs on the ball. For Wodson Park credit goes to Philly Stephens, Natasha Smits and Georgia Gannaway for all taking a stint in goal. Kristina O’Connell pressing the ball well scoring the 2nd equaliser. Sophie Vale made a real impact when she came on with her pace attacking on the flank. Eliza Weeks with some great tackles at the back. The award though goes to another Wodson Park defender, Christie Seakens, was strong in defence all game, winning the ball well and preventing several Lawford attacks.

Enjoyed my first trip to The John Lyall Pavilion, again another good advert for the ERWFL a good setup be interesting to see how Division One South develops. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team info today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Long Stratton Women v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Sunday 10th September

FA Women’s Cup

The football season gets into full swing this Sunday with the county leagues getting their season’s underway as well as the FA Women’s Cup where there is once again a record number of entrants with a whopping 103 ties in the 1st Round Qualifying draw with £1,800 going to the winning sides. Off to Manor Road today to watch Long Stratton Women v Brantham Athletic Ladies.

The FA Women’s Cup now offering better prize money to go with the prestigious of the competition an opportunity for clubs to earn some decent and much needed money with a fortuitous run the road to Wembley begins today!

Long Stratton Women having become an established side in Norfolk Women’s Division One over the past couple off season pushing on looking to challenge for honours, that said has been something of and overhaul coming into the new season with the club losing manager Adam Race to ERWFL Premier Division One side along with a number of experienced players. Have brought in Paul Simmons and Simon Charlton to co-manage the side and the duo have brought in a a number of new faces, for other sides and promoted within with the club benefitting from it’s youth set-up and wildcats programme.

Most notably in goal, far from the easiest of positions to fill within the women’s game have done fantastically to bring in Cyan Fullbrook who has season’s of experience playing at a higher level with Wroxham Women. Defender Jade Copeman joins having been with Blofield United Ladies last season. Elisha Bower and Lucy Robbens too bring a host of experience into the side joining from Beccles. While Madeleine Hopkins, Jess, Liv Charlton, Caitlin Skipper. Esme Goodall and Grace Wall set up from the U16s along with Emily Read and Lucy Tull who have been with the club since the Wildcats.

This time last season Brantham Athletic Ladies faced an uncertain future long established in the county league in Suffolk, were struggling for numbers and in doing so form languishing at the foot of the table brought in new coaching staff to help turn thing’s around and haven’t looked back since going on to reach the League Cup final, have grown in the close season with an influx of new players and additional coaching staff setting up a new Development side in the Suffolk Women’s Championship.

The 1st team competing in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership have brought in several players with a great deal of experience from the former Brettvale side including defender, Kirby Seward, Claire Turnbull, Rachel White and Tarnya McKew. Goalkeeper Daisie-Mae Gibbs joins from Needham Market. Striker M’Leah Wright also new to the squad with merlin Watson returning to the club. Like Long Stratton this the clubs first competitive match of the season.

Manor Road the venue for this afternoon’s game the community playing field featuring a new clubhouse with numerous grass pitches a playground and skate park too. A blisteringly hot afternoon as the mini heatwave at the start of September continues promising hot playing conditions with the temperature 30 degrees break to take on fluids a must especially with two sides used to playing with roll on roll off substitutes the FA Cup different just the 3 substitutes permitted. Fitness and stamina sure to be tested.

Long Stratton Women

Long Stratton Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Karmen Harvey, Summer Whiting, Esme Goodall, Jade Copeman, Megan Vincent (C), Elisha Bower, Caitlin Skipper, Elsie Downer, Lucy Robbens & Grace Wall. Subs – Emily Coe, Kate Simmons, Scarlett Royden & Liv Charlton.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Daisie-Mae Gibbs, Aimee Berry, Shannan Hill, Kirby Seward, Merlin Watson, Lucy Dunnett (C), Laura Tuley, Rachel White, Chloe Wilson, Sophie Crabtree & M’Leah Wright. Subs – Bethany Ryan, Claire Turnbull, Shannon Giles, Rebecca Prime & Jess Ryan.

Not much shade on offer at Manor Road shouldn’t complain the crap weather will be here soon enough. Referee Francesca Catchpole a top quality striker in her own right leading the two sides out for today’s cup tie. Megan Vincent, Long Stratton’s new captain. Lucy Dunnett captaining Brantham. Brantham wearing and all navy strip to get the game underway kicking off the first half with Long Stratton opposite wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball played back to Lucy Dunnett in midfield put out to Merlin Watson on the move up the right forwards Elisha Bower stepping out to cut the ball out for Long Stratton.

Brantham Athletic Ladies captain, Lucy Dunnett

Back with Dunnett in the middle puts the clipped pass on for Sophie Crabtree making a run into the right channel, Esme Goodall getting in the challenge to prevent the attacker stealing into the box, the ball cleared for a Brantham throw high on the right. Long Stratton heading the ball clear inside the box get on the attack the ball lifted forwards into Caitlin Skipper on the move wide right taking the ball on with pace, Kirby Seward comes across to slide in with the tackle send the ball out of play.

Hot out there but both sides willing to take each other on close down the ball, Merlin Watson lunging in with the tackle winning the ball a Megan Vincent looks to put Grace Wall away into the left channel for Long Stratton. Brantham get the ball down exchanging passes well outside the Long Stratton area, Dunnett finding Tuley right of the D some 25 yards out shapes to shoot drags the effort wide past the far post. Shannan Hill and Seward making several winning tackles at the back as Long Stratton look to tee up their pace players in attack, Seward stepping in to halt Skipper as she plough forwards.

Brantham’s Shannan Hill

Chloe Wilson tracking inside with the ball on the left for Brantham striking a shot over the bar from all of 30 yards. Long Stratton get the ball on through the middle lifted up to Wall breaking in behind the Brantham back line, Hill doing well staying on her shoulder to win the ball confidently tackling inside the box.

Long Stratton striker, Grace Wall

Pushing up Brantham risk getting opened up at the back as long Stratton bring the ball left the diagonal pass inside the clearance missed by Seward the ball travelling on to the right Long Stratton break with two spare, Aimee Berry getting a foot to take the ball away from Elsie Downer, allowing her defence time to recover. M’Leah Wright taking the ball on from the left cutting inside outpacing the defence shoots from the top of the area the ball rising held comfortably by Cyan Fullbrook in the Long Stratton goal.

Downer showing good pace on the right driving forwards down the line for Long Stratton gets a cross into the box well under challenge, Daisie-Mae Gibbs rising to claim the ball for Brantham.

GOAL! 12 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken as Dunnett getting hold of the ball in the middle lines up a shot from 30 yards out a thunderbolt rising central Fullbrook with a athletic leap throwing an arm up to try and stop it gets the merest of touches enough to turn the shot up to smash down off the crossbar, the ball smashed home as Wright runs through on the follow up to score from close range 0-1.

M’Leah Wright opens the scoring for Brantham

Long Stratton bring the ball on down the left Robbens out to Wall wins a throw in the ball launched into the area headed clear by Hill for Brantham. The Brantham backline high at times allowing the midfield to press, using their experience to intercept the ball, White playing the ball inside into Crabtree, Goodall with a well timed tackle against her right of the D as she looks to skip on into the box.

Long Stratton coming into their own as the first half enters the midway point Vincent and Bower closing the ball down in the middle looking for Skipper, Downer and Wall making runs ahead of them. Seward putting the ball on into Dunnett, Brantham’s captain looks to release Tuley to her right, Karmen Harvey stretching a leg out to win the ball back for Long Stratton.

Watson takes a high ball down superbly in the middle putting the pass into Dunnett who in turn sets Crabtree away to attack on the right racing into the box, Goodall getting back on her wins Brantham a corner kick. Players up from the back the ball played into the six yard box knocked down and wide past the far post. Summer Whiting doing the defending at the back for Long Stratton as Crabtree attacking through the right channel looks to tee up Wilson on the left.

Seward giving herself a vital half a yard on Wall in the Long Stratton attack as Robbens sends the ball on through the middle defender and striker racing towards the box Seward stretching to shield the ball seeing it safely back to her keeper. A drinks break called with players struggling in the heat, Long Stratton making a change bringing off Harvey with Emily Coe on at left back. Long Stratton press the ball from the restart getting forwards on the left with Wall, Robbens and Downer combining the latter storming into the area Hill going with her tackling to put the ball out off Downer for a goal kick.

Long Stratton captain Megan Vincent with Brantham’s Chloe Wilson

Brantham get straight up the other end to win themselves a corner on the left swept into the six yard box met by Seward at the far post knocked wide. A pause in play a Hill goes down needing treatment players taking on additional fluids is very hot out there. Hill okay to play on. Wilson cutting in from the left lines up a shot blocked by Long Stratton’s Jade Copeman, then Goodall heads the ball clear as Wilson attempts to lift the ball back into the box. Bower busy in the middle for Long Stratton getting after the ball.

White taking the ball inside from the left picks out Fullbrook with her strike on goal. Dunnett placing the pass into Tuley as Brantham build well through the middle Tuley opening up her body attempting to place the ball into Wright’s path as she bursts into the box left of the D, racing after the ball can’t quite keep it in play. Skipper bundled over by White as she drives forwards for Long Stratton the hosts winning a free-kick some 30 yards out, Bower over it floats a shot in towards goal, not troubling Gibbs claiming it low back on her line.

Brantham goalkeeper Daisie-Mae Gibbs

Skipper winning the ball wide for Long Stratton sending the pass inside for Robbens to line up a shot her effort lacking to pace to trouble Gibbs. Brantham hit Long Stratton on the counter Watson left inside for Dunnett on for Wright in attack Copeman throwing herself into the tackle just about getting a toe on the ball taking it wide to the left with Wilson breaking into the box from the left fires over as Fullbrook comes racing out to close her down.

Watson struggling for Brantham sees another long pause as she gets the necessary treatment. Wall pulling out to the right for Long Stratton in attack but Hill stays on her well to get the challenge in prevent the ball finding it’s way into the box.

Long Stratton finding some momentum late in the first half as Brantham tail away slightly pressing forwards win a free-kick out wide on the right the ball played across the top of the area by Bower, Robbens meeting it sees her shot charged down by Dunnett, the Brantham captain again in the way as Skipper strikes the rebound. Long Stratton pressing the Brantham back line forcing errors. Hill strong in the Brantham backline winning her tackles.

Long Stratton’s Elsie Downer

The visitors a threat on the counter turn play around quickly the threaded pass into the box finding Wright stealing in behind the defence right of goal, Fullbrook out to close her down with a brilliant blocking save as she slides in. Wright then looking to put the ball on for Wilson pulling left for Brantham her cross cut out by Long Stratton’s Goodall. The host quick to counter putting the ball long on the left for Downer racing on with the ball, Hill and Watson closing her down to defend for Brantham.

Play end to end all of a sudden with Dunnett putting the ball on for Tuley for Brantham right channel finds Crabtree breaking into the area her shot brushing the side netting. Heat taking it’s toll on a few players putting in a hard shift closing down the ball, the half stretching on with a number of breaks but precaution shown at all times by the officials. Watson busy on the left with Wall and Downer switching sides, Brantham bring Berry across to the right as Watson prepares to come back on on the left.

Kirby Seward winning the ball before Grace Wall can pounce for Long Stratton

Seward throwing herself into the tackle as she comes across to stop the marauding run of Skipper on the right the ball out for a throw. Off the throw Robbens finds Wall right of the D her low shot forcing Gibbs into a low save turns the ball wide of the right post for a corner kick.

GOAL! Whiting to put the ball into the box from the corner in towards the near post attacked six yards out by Downer turned onto the post before the rebound is fired past the keeper into the back of the net Long Stratton equalising late in the first half 1-1.

Elsie Downer at the near post firing home the equaliser for Long Stratton

Long Stratton with their tails up as the first half draws to a close Brantham on the back foot as Robbens looks to send the ball on for Skipper breaking on into the left channel, Hill intercepting for Brantham.

Half-time Long Stratton Women 1-1 Brantham Athletic Ladies

The score all square at the break as Long Stratton battle back to find an equalising goal late in the first half. Both sides putting a lot of effort into the half despite the heat. Brantham pressing the ball in the middle with a high back line at time making a positive start taking the lead inside the opening 12 minutes, creating a couple more chances Cyan Fullbrook the busier of the two goalkeepers. Long Stratton with youth and pace in their attack looking a threat out wide and breaking into the channels capitalising a Brantham tailed off towards the end of the half. Still very much all to play for going into the 2nd half.

Brantham making a couple of changes at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Bethany and Jess Ryan on their left replacing Watson and White. Long Stratton unchanged as the hosts get the 2nd half underway. Brantham snapping in to win the ball in midfield the visitors mount the first attack bursting away down the right with Bethany Ryan on the ball her cross squared high into the box plucked down into her gloves safely by Fullbrook.

Coe lunging in with the challenge to win the ball from Bethany Ryan as she is fed the ball out on the right by Dunnett. Long Stratton pressing bodies on at the start of the 2nd half, Hill defending as Robbens looks to track inside from the right, Dunnett links up with Crabtree and Tuley in attack as Brantham build on the left the cross squared into the top of the Long Stratton area won by Vincent and cleared. Jess Ryan bringing the ball on right side for Brantham plays it on for Bethany Ryan twists and turns on the ball looking to find her way into the box, Coe snapping at her heels going to ground just about getting in the tackle to deflect the ball off Ryan into her keepers gloves.

A competitive tussle brewing between Skipper and Berry as the winger looks to get in behind the full back on Long Stratton’s right. Long Stratton win a free kick in a dangerous area 25 yards out left of the D as Wall is brought down looking to take the ball on from Robbens. Bower over the set-piece floats a shot over the Brantham goal. Brantham drop off allowing Bower time on the ball in midfield lines up a shot from distance, can only pick out Gibbs in goal.

Long Stratton looking to get the ball forwards find their way pass the Brantham defence, the visitors looking to launch the counter attack, Dunnett looking to pick the pass whenever she gets onto the ball finds Bethany Ryan on the right the pass inside for Tuley, taking the ball in Vincent in to close her down for Long Stratton. Goodall then getting the tackle in outside her area as Wright and Tuley look to link up in attack. Tuley covering the ground sending a strike over from 25 yards out.

Long Stratton captain, Megan Vincent

A corner for Long Stratton out on the left cleared at the near post by Seward for Brantham who is then fouled by Bower.

GOAL! Having struggled to find any rhythm at the start of the 2nd half Brantham hit Long Stratton with a sucker punch to retake the lead, Dunnett sending a great ball in over the defence that sees Wright run through into the box the flag stays down closing on the keeper places the ball wide of Fullbrook to score 1-2.

The goal injecting a much needed boost into the Brantham players as they come on with purpose, Dunnett laying a diagonal pass into Crabtree bursting forwards on the left, Whiting intercepting the ball for Long Stratton. Tuley putting her shot wide as she lets fly from 25 yards out to the right of goal. Another pause for drinks as Long Stratton look to regroup. It’s Brantham though who have the momentum, Bethany Ryan out wide right surges infield before striking the ball low on the angle, Fullbrook has her near post covered.

Long Stratton goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook

Brantham with a free-kick left on halfway Dunnett chipping the ball in over the back line Tuley stealing in behind clear onto the ball into the box Fullbrook rushing out to close her down with an excellent blocking save. Long Stratton’s turn to counter the ball lifted into Skipper right racing on with the ball fired inside towards Wall central can’t quite take it on the turn as Hill clears. Seward bringing the ball on for Brantham sends the ball over the top for Wright to attack, Fullbrook out to claim it keeping her eye on the ball catching safely and holding onto it as Wright crashes into her. Both up okay.

GOAL! Long Stratton equalise, strong from Wall at the top of the area as Whiting finds her out on the right with a superb diagonal pass the striker turning into the box driving into the six yard box right of goal holding off her challenger to knock the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner, 2-2.

Grace Wall battling her way to goal to equalise for Long Stratton

Grace Wall congratulated by her teammates after making it 2-2

The contest between Berry and Skipper hotting up the pair going shoulder to shoulder as Skipper drives on with the ball, Berry incensed as she is adjudged to foul the Long Stratton winger presenting the hosts with free-kick wide outside the area. Bower sweeping the ball in across the face of goal Wall getting up well, can only get a glancing header the ball carrying on out to the left sent forwards as Brantham break, through into the box for Wright to chase.

Brantham’s Sophie Crabtree

Crabtree with the ball driving to the by-line on the left looking to get past Whiting checks back inside to flash a cross into the far post Wright inside the six yard box looking to attack it Coe going to ground getting enough of the ball to deny the snap shot before Wright does connect Fullbrook throwing an arm up to tip the ball over from close range.

Brantham fullback Aimee Berry

Both sides working hard despite the heat to get hold of the ball a competitive cup tie finely balanced as Brantham win another free-kick on half-way, Dunnett to deliver a high ball into the area the header won by Copeman clearing for Long Stratton the hosts break Skipper through the middle on for Wall top of the area, Seward getting back at her to defend. Players tiring have been out there for nearly 2 hours now due to the various breaks for drinks and injuries still 10 minutes left to play.

Tuley shooting wide inside the box for Brantham as she in played though to the left of goal, Fullbrook doing well as she comes out towards her to narrow the angle the ball played wide of the far post. Long Stratton making a change bringing off Skipper with Kate Simmons coming on. Dunnett lining up a shot from 35 yards straight at the keeper. The visitors winning a throw high in the right corner the ball knocked into the box close to the near post Wright attacking it Fullbrook down well to save pushes the ball straight into the on coming Tuley no time to adjust prods the ball wide.

GOAL! Brantham restore their lead late in the game as they bring the ball on through the middle the Long Stratton defence backing up as Dunnett plays the ball out to Crabtree on the left, 20 out curls a cross into the box with both Wright and Tuley getting in behind the ball drops for Tuley who makes no mistake sending the ball back across the keeper into the bottom corner 2-3.

Laura Tuley celebrates after putting Brantham back into the lead

Brantham confident as they pour forwards Dunnett with time on the ball to pick a pass finding Crabtree out left running into the box, Goodall across to defend putting the ball out for a corner kick. Brantham making a change before it’s taken bringing off Wilson on comes Turnbull. The corner angled into the box met on the volley by Crabtree 12 yards out crashed wide. The game entering the final 5 minutes Long Stratton with their 3rd change bringing off Downer, on comes Liv Charlton.

Brantham using their experience now running the ball into the corner Tuley holding players off eating up valuable time, Long Stratton trying to get hold of it, Bethany Ryan stealing it back to shoot on the angle the ball into the keeper. Crabtree coming left for Brantham laying the ball back into the middle for Dunnett to strike goal wards from 30 yards out, Fullbrook sees it all the way.

Lucy Dunnett winning the header for Brantham

A lot of tired legs out there a welcome breeze blowing across the pitch Brantham finishing strong winning a corner on the left fired in towards the top of the area, Dunnett with a miscued shot deflected through to put Wright clear on goal, however the flag goes up against her.

Brantham break up a Long Stratton attack the ball cleared out to the left Whiting looking to see it run out of play as Crabtree closes her down the attacker stealing the ball on the line to turn inside run into the box and shoot, Fullbrook with a superb save leaping up to tip the ball up onto the bar and over. The resulting corner on the right the last action of the game as the ball falls to Bethany Ryan inside the box her strike blocked and cleared.

Full time Long Stratton Women 2-3 Brantham Athletic Ladies

Brantham scoring the winning goal inside the final 10 minutes to settle a tremendous cup tie, with both sides putting in a great effort in very hot conditions. Brantham starting well going in front inside the opening 12 minutes created some good chances, Long Stratton fighting back towards the end of the first half to get themselves back on level terms set up an intriguing 2nd half. The hosts making a positive start to the 2nd period Brantham guilty of tailing off a little but still remained a threat going forwards retaking the lead a Wright broke clear on goal to score her 2nd of the game but again Long Stratton fought back a strong run from Wall seeing them equalise for the 2nd time in the game. Fullbrook pulling off some fine saves along the way, Tuley though having missed a few opportunities got in behind the defence to score the winning goal late in the game. A home tie against another Norfolk Women’s Division One side awaits with Sprowston FC Women their opponents.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A fine effort from both sides in very hot conditions to produce a great cup tie and both look in good shape going into the new season. Hard to single out a single player and their were several performances to note firstly for Long Stratton, Esme Goodall with some vital defending at the back. Elisha Bower strong in the middle looking to win the ball, Caitlin Skipper pacy on the ball looking to take her opponents on. Goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook outstanding on her Long Stratton debut pulling off a number of top quality saves. For Brantham both Kirby Seward and Shannan Hill were strong at the back winning the ball back, reading the game well. Sophie Crabtree out wide in attack with some great running throughout the match getting into some good positions. Pipping everyone though the award goes to midfielder Laura Tuley covered a lot of ground in the middle getting into some great positions to carve out opportunities in front of goal and ultimately score the winning goal.

An entertaining cup tie between two sides only beginning their season a great effort from both in very hot conditions Long Stratton pushing Brantham all the way levelling up the scores twice before Tuley’s winning goal. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today and good luck for the campaign ahead.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 27th August

FAWNL Cup Determining Round

Sadly it wasn’t to be for our Lionesses, losing 1-0 to Spain in last Sunday’s Women’s World Cup Final. Nevertheless they have inspired the nation and the future most definitely looks bright for the game across the nation.

Back on my travels this weekend to take in a game from the now traditional Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, the sides representing tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid drawn together with the winning sides going on to contest the League Cup itself with the losing teams going into the League Plate competition. Cambridge United WFC getting their season underway at home taking on fellow Division One South side, Norwich City Women.

The FAWNL gets stronger season upon season as the talent base grows and the clubs competing in it are needing to grow too. Cambridge United WFC and Norwich City Women both long established at this level are now enjoying closer ties with their respective men’s clubs to enable players to enjoy better facilities and support along with enhancing the player development pathways and ultimately challenge for the league title itself.

Cambridge United WFC establishing a women’s board within Cambridge United FC itself, benefitting from playing a number of games at the League One sides Abbey Stadium. Regaining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup as well as the Development side winning last season’s Junior Invitation Cup the club has been busy recruiting new faces over the close season adding depth to squad. Midfielder, Fran Steele joins having been with local rivals Cambridge City Ladies previously vastly experienced a strong presence in the middle of the park. Also joining from City is defender Bronwyn Mulheron recovered now after suffering a dislocated knee last season.

Zoe Wood (formerly Cross) an ex-England youth international comes back into football with Cambridge after most recently featuring for Lewes in the Championship. Another defender joining with plenty of experience is Jess Morley who has spent the last couple of seasons with Wroxham FC Women in the ERWFL Premier Division. Mistie Fox-Barker is another defensive option joining the squad having been with Royston Town Women in the ERWFL Premier Division. Brooke Cheal-Ferris again adds good playing experience to the squad with Wymondham Town Ladies amongst her previous clubs. While in attack striker Annie Posnett will be looking to make an impact having finished joint top scorer with St Ives Town Ladies in ERWFL Division One North last season. Sophie Marjoram comes in to provide cover and competition for goalkeeper Lauren Webb. With three players stepping up into the 1st team squad from the Development side, Serena Cobb, Beatrice Rogers and Eleanor Townsend.

Norwich City Women now fully integrated with Norwich City FC itself with ex-Bristol City WFC player Flo Allen joining as General Manager. The women’s side at long last getting the opportunity to play at Carrow Road in front of a record breaking crowd with more matches planned there for next season including their league match against Cambridge United WFC in a fortnights time. Also won the Norfolk Women’s County Cup in front of a record crowd for that competition at Carrow Road last season. That game manager, Shaun Howes last in charge for the club. Martin Herdman form the North East gaining plenty of experience in England and abroad chosen to take on the role as Norwich look to push on from a resurgent campaign last time out that saw the squad pressing the top two for much of the season.

Having retained a strong core with a good blend of youth and experience Norwich have like Cambridge been busy during the close season bringing in new faces, most notably goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill who played an important role in East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town Women’s title challenging campaigns in tier 3 most recently with lots of experience playing at a higher level having been with Norwich several season’s back. Another coming in from Ipswich is U21s player Lauren Hailes. Winger Rachel Lawrence who was at Leicester City for 8 seasons joins from Peterborough United Women. Hope Strauss is another strong addition to the squad the defender most recently with Loughborough Lightning. Striker Shannon Shaw joins Norwich having played for Cambridge City Ladies along with full back Lauren Tomlinson who is now doubt fed up with me mentioning she has one of the longest throws in the women’s game. Norwich opening their season with a late goal in a 2-1 win away to Division One South East newcomers AFC Sudbury Women.

St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus Stadium serving as Cambridge United WFC’s regular home for the past couple of season’s, the main grass pitched stadium along side a artificial playing surface beyond. Situated within an ever growing residential development on the outskirts of St Neots with huge potential to grow the fanbase of both Cambridge United’s women’s sides and St Neots Town FC itself. The grass pitch looking perfect at the start of the new season lush and green the main covered stand running along one side of the ground with the changing rooms and clubhouse and bar beneath. Covered terracing behind both goals too. Another overcast but warm afternoon with the threat of an odd down pour forecast during the match.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Natasha Collins, Rachel Kosky, Abbie Jackson, Beatrice Rodgers, Gisella Otten (C), Fran Steele, Alysha Stojko-Down, Zoe Wood, Ruth Fox & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Mayzee Seymour, Jess Morley, Harley Jean-Simpson, Sydnie Naylor & Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris.

Norwich City Women

Norwich City Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Alice Parker, Lauren Tomlinson, Ceri Flye, Anna Larkins (C), Katie Knights, Eloise Morran, Megan Todd, Freya Symonds, Olivia Cook & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Millie Daviss, Jodie Drake, Natasha Snelling Hope Strauss & Rachel Lawrence.

Norwich to kick off this afternoon’s cup action wearing the clubs all purple third kit with Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into Ceri Flye in defence puts the pass out to the right to be launched up the wing, Natasha Collins getting her head on the ball to clear for Cambridge.

Norwich rush in to close the ball down in the middle of the park as Alysha Stojko-Down squeezes a ball out to Zoe Wood on the left wing, looking to take it on, Megan Todd tracking back for Norwich to dispossess her. The visitors getting into Cambridge early looking to win the ball high, the ball lifted over the top into the right channel with Freya Symonds chasing the ball down before putting a low ball in across goal, Cambridge goalkeeper down quickly to get hold of the ball with Shannon Shaw chasing in far post.

The ball hotly contested in midfield Fran Steele coming up to Alysha Stojko-Down as she battles for possession, fouled Cambridge take the free-kick quickly played out to Wood on the left turns inside before sending an ambitious pass out to the right looking for the run of Ruth Fox, Norwich win it back Alice parker sending it on up the left for Lauren Tomlinson to take on down the line sending a cross in central the ball cleared by Cambridge defender, Abbie Jackson.

Abbie Jackson clearing the ball for Cambridge

Katie Knights and Eloise Morran pressing the ball inside the Cambridge half a good contest developing between Knights and Steele a free-kick given away out deep on the right players up to the top of the area as Parker floats the ball high into the box, appeals as a Norwich player goes down, but waved away. Norwich spreading the ball about the pitch going left to right looking to stretch Cambridge inside their own half. Olivia Cook racing into the left channel with the ball is tracked well by Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers the defender getting a toe on the ball to take it out for a throw in the corner.

Norwich midfielder Katie Knights

GOAL! The opening goal comes as Norwich exploit the space left on their right as Rachel Kosky looks to get on in support of Wood up the left the ball taken on into the gap open on the right by Todd. crossed into the box, not dealt with Larkins sending it back in for Shaw who turns to slot it past the keeper at close range to score her first Norwich goal 0-1.

Shannon Shaw opening her account for Norwich

Cambridge falling behind inside the opening 10 minutes looking for a response press the ball Stojko-Down into Wood, closed down by Larkins. Getting hold of the ball on halfway Todd with a powerful run driving into the middle, on towards the box eventually challenged by Rodgers, the hosts attempt to counter the ball played out to Kosky advancing on the left forwards for Sarah Wiltshire coming out to the left, Flye racing across to lunge in take the ball off her for the throw in.

Norwich captain, Anna Larkins

Tomlinson getting on well for Norwich on the left dinking a deft ball over the top for Olivia Cook in attack for Norwich coming central, Jackson does well to get back on her to get a foot in take the ball away from her before she can attempt a strike. Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten with a good turn on the ball sending a great pass forwards into Wiltshire 25 yards out from goal, bringing the ball down she turns and shoots the strike held comfortably by Bryony Williams in the Norwich goal.

Cambridge striker, Sarah Wiltshire

The heavens open up for a brief but steady shower as Norwich continues to get after the ball put Cambridge under pressure the hosts guilty of giving the ball away a little disjointed at the back Norwich prepared to bring players on, Wood and Kosky looking to combine on the left wing for Cambridge the ball sent on for Wiltshire pulling out wide but as before Flye goes out with her to snuff out the ball.

Knights with Morran in the middle for Norwich playing the ball on for Shaw and Cook up top moving to the right corner of the area exchange passes before sending a dangerous cross racing across the top of the six yard box, Symonds racing in far post not quite able to reach it to deflect it home. Wood taking the ball inside lifts the pass out t Fox on the right gets her head on the ball to push it up for Wiltshire closing down the right channel looking to get the ball under control take it on into the area, Flye gets across her to win the ball back for Norwich.

Cambridge’s Zoe Wood with Norwich’s Freya Symonds

No advantage play brought back for the free-kick on half way after Todd pulls Wood’s shirt, Jackson to send the ball forwards Norwich win the header, the game competitive with Norwich getting numbers forwards better pressuring Cambridge into some rushed passes presenting the ball back to their opponents. Knights with the pass to release Tomlinson on the left delivers a high cross into the near post, plucked down well by Webb.

Cambridge trying to get the ball into their attacking players a pass fed on for Wiltshire in attack right side looks to flick it over her shoulder spin in behind her marker, Flye though reads it giving herself room to stretch a leg out knock the ball out of Wiltshire’s path. Morran winning the ball from Wood in the middle lifts it forwards into Shaw, looking to chase it down Rodgers going with her the defender getting a toe on the ball to take it out for a throw in the corner. Cambridge struggle to get the ball out of their area as Norwich push numbers on flashed in from the left, Cook throws a leg out inside the six yard box, can’t quite connect.

Norwich’s Eloise Morran

Norwich winning the ball inside the Cambridge half Symonds central releasing Todd on the right taking the ball on Symonds making a run inside the box to the near post Todd cross just behind her still manages to play it back for Knights positioned top of the area to the right of the D stabs her effort wide. Fox has had to be patient on the right old position ready to receive the ball, fed on well by Collins the attacker drives on for the by-line looking to cross Parker getting back on her defending the ball coming off Fox for the goal kick.

Jackson with a strong tackle at the back for Cambridge to beat Shaw to the ball after Cambridge lose the ball in the middle, the game scrappy and feisty at times Norwich frustrating Cambridge with some good duels all over the park. Wood latching onto a clearance from Williams shifting inside from 30 yards out to shoot can only pick out the goalkeeper with her effort.

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten

Cambridge getting players forwards better pushing on the right Fox winning her side a corner players coming forwards the delivery over Jackson at the near post cleared back out of the area to the right, Steele latching onto the shot hit hard, Shaw in the way more than anything else making the block, will feel that one.

Cambridge caught out in possession high up the pitch Norwich quick to turn play around the ball fired forwards into Shaw looking to run in behind the defence, Jackson just getting there ahead of her to toe the ball back into the box for Webb to clear. Flye is reading the game excellently at the back for Norwich getting into some great positions to win the ball strong as she gets ahead of Wiltshire to win the ball as Wood and Kosky look to link on the left.

GOAL! And from that attack Flye leads the charge to set Norwich on their way to double the lead taking the ball on all the way to halfway the centre back sends the ball through for Cook racing into the gap open on the right and swings a low and fast cross into the six yard box for Shaw to drive onto and send home for her 2nd of the match 0-2.

A 1st half brace for Norwich’s Shannon Shaw

Norwich doubling their lead late in the first half exploiting the space left at the back by Cambridge. The hosts battling for the ball in the middle Steele on for Stojko-Down plays the pass out to the right for Fox looking to combine with Wiltshire, Parker does well at the back to knock the ball out of play for a throw.

Alice Parker

Norwich comfortable at the back the ball out to Larkins on the right brings it on lifting the ball on for Cook central looking to charge forwards to attack, Rodgers has half a yard on the attacker vital as she stretches for the ball getting it back to her keeper. Otten winning the ball for Cambridge played on for Stojko-Down out to Fox wide right up the line sends it inside for Wilshire to strike on the angle in low saved by Williams.

Cambridge applying a little pressure back on Fox combining with Wiltshire as they look to chase down the keeper as Williams looks to clear a back pass cleared straight to Collins the full back looks to shoot from distance as defenders rush back into the area, the shot though put straight into Williams who has quick recovered her positioning.

Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers

Steele threading the ball through the middle into Stojko-Down outside the area is tackled by Morran before she can adjust to shoot. Cambridge pressing late in the half getting players on Norwich ready to spring the counter.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-2 Norwich City Women

Norwich leading 2 nil at the break, and good value for it too getting on the front foot committing players forwards have pressed Cambridge high leading to some unforced errors and have exploited the space left exposed at the back to full advantage scoring both goals spreading play while not allowing themselves to be exposed at the other end. The visitors with a competitive 90 minutes under their belts looking to have settled quickly under their new manager. Cambridge with several new signings looking a little disjointed in the first half have work to do if they are to turn the game around second half.

Neither side making a change at the break as Cambridge get the 2nd period underway the ball played back into the defence Norwich rush forwards to put the ball under pressure straight away leading to the ball being given away, Shaw puling out wide right whipping a cross into the near post, Otten back to head clear for Cambridge.

Olivia Cook moving in to challenge Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers

The visitors with a high tempo start to the 2nd half won by Knights inside the Cambridge half on for Symonds taking it on into the left channel plays it forwards into Shaw pulling left of goal smashes in an angled drive low to the near post, Webb down smartly to make the save turn the ball behind for the corner kick. Whipped in high from the left, Webb does well to get a glancing fist on the ball take it away to the left, the ball is returned with interest smashing down off the ball before being scrabbled out of the box, Morran onto it left of the D 20 yards does get a clean connection the ball angling wide of the right post caught by Webb.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Kosky advancing with the ball down the left for Cambridge playing it inside for Wiltshire outside the D, turns but Parker is there to stretch a leg out take the ball from her. Parker’s turn to bring the ball out of defence for Norwich finding Symonds well as she makes a run into the right channel, Jackson defending well up against her for Cambridge. Tomlinson races on down Norwich’s left after winning the ball high her cross snuffed out by Rodgers.

Cambridge looking to get forwards risk the counter as Parker gets hold of the ball for Norwich finds Symonds on the move wide left whips a cross out to Cook on the right puts in infield for Todd who in turn finds Knights inside the D, Rodgers quickly in to close her down prevent the shot for Cambridge. Stojko-Down sending the ball through to Wiltshire and Fox up top looking to link up get in behind Flye gets in to tackle wins the ball back well for Norwich.

Ceri Flye bringing the ball on from the back for Norwich

Both sides making their first change with 10 minutes of the 2nd half played, Cambridge bringing on new sighing Jess Morley for her debut after Rodgers picks up a knock at the back. Norwich bringing on Natasha Snelling to replace Cook in attack. Norwich pushing up getting a throw high on the left cleared by the Cambridge defence, the visitors quickly have it back with Symonds strong on the left driving into the corner sending a low ball into the box Webb down to claim it.

GOAL! Snelling making an instant impact from the bench as she scores Norwich’s 3rd. The visitors on the attack on the left with Tomlinson powering on with the ball sending a cross into the six yard box Shaw going for it close on the keeper not quite getting there instead deflecting the ball wide into Snelling’s path to smash home at the far post 0-3.

Natasha Snelling making an instant impact coming off the bench to score Norwich’s 3rd and her 1st of the season.

Norwich making a change straight after the third goal bringing off Tomlinson and sending on another of their new signings, Hope Strauss. A hammer blow for Cambridge as they look to get themselves back into the match now with a mountain to climb pressing on a caught on the counter with Parker sending the ball long on the left for Shaw to attack, Morley needing to get across to slide in take the ball out for the throw.

The cross claimed by Webb off the throw, Norwich make another change bringing off Shaw in attack as they bring on another of their new signings Rachel Lawrence. Norwich on top pressing on in attack the ball whipped into the box from the left, Webb going to claim it getting the decision as she is caught by Todd sticking a leg out trying to reach the ball. Cambridge making another change as they bring off Otten to be replaced by Mayzee Seymour.

Symonds getting forwards well from the middle for Norwich bursting into the left channel flashing a cross in near post Kosky racing across to head the ball away to safety. Stojko-Down staggered as she is shown a yellow card having been on the receiving end of a number of strong challenges throughout the game. Parker follows close behind as she goes into the referees book. Norwich make a change bringing off 16-year-old Morran to be replaced by Millie Daviss.

Norwich’s Hope Strauss

Cambridge winning a free-kick deep on the right, Jackson to send it in Stojko-Down with the lay back into Wood to dink over the top into the area for Wilshire to attack, Williams though out well to gab hold of the ball first. Norwich finding pockets of space out wide Lawrence attacking left sending a ball into the box met near side by Knights her shot saved well by Webb getting down to the floor quickly to smother.

Norwich looking sharp as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Cambridge making a change bringing on another of their new signings Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris for Collins. Daviss blasts wide after winning a tackle on Stojko-Down. The visitors making another change bringing in bringing on Jodie Drake to replace Symonds. Wiltshire has been closely marked up top throughout for Cambridge always looking for an opportunity however pulls away to the left breaking into the channel with the ball at her feet is frustrated as she is adjudged to have fouled Flye as she closes her down to try and regain possession.

Norwich’s turn to get a little sloppy in possession late in the game Cambridge pressing looking to get something from the game Wood winning a free kick high on the left inside her opponents half more or less a corner players up the ball instead played short to Wood outside the box to the left blasted a shot in towards goal stings the goalkeepers hands Williams reacting sharply gloving the ball up into the air, Todd beside her with a strong headed clearance.

Cambridge attacking right Wiltshire on with the ball into Seymour played back into the middle for Wood, Knights sliding in to tackle win the ball back.

GOAL! With Cambridge committing players forwards they are caught on the counter the ball given away played through the middle on for Lawrence breaking through the middle to attack the box the defence back peddling puts the ball out to Drake bursting on right of the area to hit a low drive across the keeper and into the bottom corner 0-4.

Jodie Drake blasting home Norwich’s 4th

7 minutes of regular time left Norwich in control of the tie Cambridge hurting looking for a reply Fox strong to get the ball down on the right sending a cross into the area cleared by Flye for Norwich.

GOAL! 4 quickly becomes 5, Drake getting onto the ball in the middle for Norwich sending a fantastic ball on to pick out Lawrence breaking clear wide on the left bursting forwards fires a vicious cross into the six yard box giving Webb no chance as Snelling comes sliding in turn the ball over the line for her 2nd of the game 0-5.

2 goals for Natasha Snelling

Norwich break to send the back home for what they think is a 6th goal with Snelling playing the ball out to Todd right before she breaks into the box Todd sends the cross in to the near post Snelling throwing herself at it to volley the ball high into the net but she’s denied a hat-trick by a raised offside flag. Cambridge get onto the ball central played on for Seymour up top to attack the area in a race with Flye as Williams comes rushing out the keeper colliding with the pair nevertheless laying claim the the ball.

Norwich goalkeeper Bryony Williams claiming the ball after rushing out to close down Mayzee Seymour and Ceri Flye

Cambridge fighting to the end Stojko-Down on for Wiltshire tries to knock it down for Fox rushing on behind her central but the move doesn’t quite come off. Wood advancing on the left whipping a high ball into the area Williams confidently claiming it. Norwich ready to pounce in attack as Cambridge lose the ball lifted on for Snelling outside the area left of the D drags her shot wide of the near post. The visitors determined to keep a clean sheet as the game moves into the dying seconds Williams rushing out of her area to clear a hopeful ball over the top.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-5 Norwich City Women

Norwich through to the League Cup proper with a convincing 5-0 win over Cambridge who now go into the League Plate competition. A strong performance from Norwich, coach Martin Herdman must be pleased with his sides performance, asked for attacking flowing football and they certainly delivered today getting after the ball committing players forwards and in turn forcing errors from their opponents while remaining solid at the back. A few thing’s to work on so he can keep the squad on the ground but a pleasing start. Cambridge with plenty to work on when they return to the training pitch, a disappointing loss but overall not the end of the world several new faces to bed it and manager Darren Marjoram hasn’t had a full squad to work with during pre-season will take a little time for everyone to gel, but will be looking for a response heading into their league campaign.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and unlike last time out this one is a tough one with several contenders. A few performances to mention. A difficult day for Cambridge however under pressure at times defenders Beatrice Rodgers and Abbie Jackson put in a number of vital tackles. Zoe Wood looked to make thing’s happen with the ball at her feet, with Alysha Stojko-Down playing some good balls on into the attackers. Norwich were strong all over the park, Freya Symonds got about the pitch well getting into some great positions to receive and take the ball on. Likewise Katie Knights and Eloise Morran were strong in the middle. Natasha Snelling with an instant impact from the bench coming on to score a brace. Alice Parker and Ceri Flye strong in defence. The line led well by Olivia Cook and Shannon Shaw who narrowly clinches it for me from the off getting after the Cambridge defence opening her Norwich account with a 1st half brace that set Norwich on the path to victory, provided great runs throughout.

An exciting encounter form the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, provides plenty of drama without ultimately giving much away to the outcome of either competition now it begins in earnest and both sides will want to do well. A good day out at St Neots getting used to the new car and it will be clocking up plenty of miles. Thanks to both teams for their help today and good luck with the competition going forwards.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – St Ives Town Ladies v Thetford Town Ladies

Sunday 13th August

ERWFL Division One North

Here we go again! The new season quickly upon us with the ERWFL getting the ball rolling for the 2023/24 campaign. Promises to be an exciting season ahead and with the Lionesses going strong in the FIFA Women’s World Cup reaching the last 4 the game continues to rise.

Not quite the restful period I was hoping for am nevertheless ready to go again and besides it never really stops in the footballing community with clubs and managers busy preparing for their next season. Has certainly been alot of movement, most likely an increase in club numbers aswell and certainly the case the ERWFL as the league’s representing the 5th and 6th tiers of the women’s football pyramid reach their full potential in terms of numbers with 11 new names joining taking all three divisions the Premier and Division One’s North and South to 12 sides each.

Regretfully one side has since been forced to withdraw due to lack of numbers, East Bergholt United Ladies having worked hard to get to the ERWFL always finding it a challenge with a number of strong sides around them to retain players, have always had a good youth set-up and will hopefully return some day in the women’s game. 35 clubs then beginning the new season with Hertford Town Women, Wormley Rovers Ladies, Southend United Ladies, Stanway Pegasus Ladies and Watford Ladies Development joining ERWFL Division One South. Harpenden Town Women, Histon Ladies, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Ladies, Thetford Town Ladies and Stevenage FC Women Development joining Division One North and where Women’s Football East begins it’s season with St Ives Town Ladies hosting one of the leagues new sides, Thetford Town Ladies.

St Ives Town Ladies bursting onto the scene formed in 2015 enjoying a rapid rise up the women’s football pyramid, reaching the ERWFL Premier Division. Dropped back into Division One North last season looking to bounce straight back ultimately finishing third in the table along with reaching the Hunts Women’s Cup final for the 2nd successive season. With 7 new sides in the league their may well be several challenging for the title. Some upheaval towards the end of the season with Ben Green departing as manager, with ex-Cambridge United player Emily Ingle joining the club last season taking on taking on the role. Have a trimmed down squad for the 2023/24 campaign while retaining a solid core of experience with a promising youth set-up backing them up their U18’s side winning their league last season with a 100% record. A few of these stepping up to join the first team along with Natalie Munden from the Development side. Olivia Dunne also recruited having previously been with Haverhill Rovers Women.

Thetford Town Ladies originally missing out on a place in the ERWFL due to the high volume of applications were later given the news they had been successful after another side chose to withdraw. Manager Luke Pickford joining Thetford midway through last season busy in the close season recruiting players to help bolster the squad to play at a higher level. Kamile Omelevicuite and Laura Martins retained having impressed joining the club last season. Added to the squad are Katie Fray and Kate Morris starring for Taverham Women’s 7-aside team last season, Fray scoring an incredible 78 goals in just 18 matches with Morris not doing bad either netting 24. Also joining the attack are Jordanne Sillitoe with plenty of experience in the ERWFL previously with Haverhill, Hannah Claughton the winger dual signed with Aylsham and Maryanne Hoy most recently with Long Stratton Women. With two more new signings joining the defence, Libby O’Callaghan and Fran Peeling who was ERWFL Premier Division side King’s Lynn Town Ladies vice-captain last season. Assistant coach Amber Browne donning the goalkeepers clubs with a long term injury to Millie Askins.

The new playing surface at St Ives

Starting this season where I ended the last one at Westwood Road home of St Ives Town FC. Back then to attend the last ever Kick Cancer Cup held in memory of Sam Issacson and Charlene Martin both losing their lives to bowel cancer. Many of the St Ives players featuring for the Charlene’s XI squad that won the game on the night raising lots of money for charity. The Westwood Road pitch replaced by a new 3G surface a couple of seasons ago which saw an end to the infamous hill on one corner of the grass pitch. A lovely surface now nice and wide with viewing all round the bar and clubhouse overlooking one side with kitchen hatch serving hot drinks. A small seated stand opposite. A bright sunny afternoon if a little cloudy at times to begin the season all in all good conditions for a match.

St Ives Town Ladies

St Ives Town Women starting XI – Sarah Aftelak, Sasha Smith, Jess Conyard, Lauren Fort, Koren Evans, Jasmine Cowie, Hannah Seymour-Shove (C), Niamh Sutherland, Katie Stancombe, Olivia Dunne and Maya Edwards. Subs – Elle Jefferson, Natalie Munden, Enya Griffiths and Emily Waterman.

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Browne, Elizabeth Moore, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling, Mia Bambury (C), Dayna Howard, Kamile Omeleviciute, Kate Morris, Maryanne Hoy, Katie Fray and Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Erin Lloyd, Laura Martins, Amber May, Hannah Rogers & Hannah Claughton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Thetford to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing an all claret strip with sky blue trim on the shirts. St Ives lined up opposite wearing white shirts with black vertical striping on the front along with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Dayna Howard in midfield back to Moore on the right of defence shifts inside as Katie Stancombe moves to challenge the ball back for Howard lifted out wide to Maryanne Hoy the the move down the left flank sends the ball inside for Jordanne Sillitoe coming to receive top left corner of the area, she swivels lifting a cross to the far post, Kamile Omeleviciute running in meeting it as it drops on the volley to smash against the base of the right post! Goalkeeper Sarah Aftelak going down for the initial shot able to adjust on the ground the snatch up the loose ball. An early chance for Thetford.

The visitors feeding off their bright start getting on the front foot pressing St Ives high, Lauren Fort stepping on well to clear the ball inside the D for St Ives look to break hit Thetford on the counter, Fran Peeling backing up to head the ball clear. Sillitoe and Omeleviciute combining through the middle for Thetford the ball laid out to Hoy wide left her cross whipped in to the far post cleared by St Ives, Sasha Smith. Attacking on the left the ball on for Stancombe driving forwards fed into the area for Maya Edwards in behind the defence volleys wide at the near post as she closes down the keeper.

St Ives Maya Edwards looking to take the ball on

Thetford press high captain Mia Bambury playing the ball into Howard threaded on for Sillitoe, Jess Conyard incepting and clearing for St Ives outside her area. Hannah Seymour-Shove captaining St Ives putting in a good tackle in the middle looking to take the ball on travelling right, Zoe Klimcke out to close her down as Hoy tracks back to defend. Omeleviciute getting on well from the middle for Thetford overloading the attack as the short diagonal ball is rolled into her left of the D puts her foot through the shot clipped goalwards angling in high swerving narrowly wide of the top left corner.

Zoe Klimcke

GOAL! Thetford building on their positive start opening the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, fighting for possession in the final third Sillitoe battles to gain possession 25 yards out with Omeleviciute stealing in behind her taking hold of the loose ball to charge at the goal sliding in under challenge to knock the ball wide of the keeper low into the bottom corner. A brief conversation between referee Charlotte Hindmarch and the linesman however the goal stands 0-1.

Kamile Omeleviciute opening the scoring for Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford pressing the ball at the back limiting the opportunities for St Ives to get their own attacking players involved in the game. Seymour-Shove working hard to break thing’s up put herself about looking to win the ball preventing Omeleviciute getting forwards with Hoy and Sillitoe breaking in front of her. Not long before Thetford win the ball back however Katie Fray into Sillitoe out to Hoy wide left players tracking back to defend the box, Jasmine Cowie on hand to head the cross clear for St Ives.

St Ives Town Ladies, Jasmine Cowie

Moore on the right sending the ball on for Morrie on the wing powers forwards with the ball at her feet the shot on the angle put straight into the keepers gloves. St Ives mount an attack sending players on as Cowie lifts the ball long for Evans running on down the right checks back level with the top of the area laying the ball back for Edwards 25 yards out she in turn lifts the ball high into the middle of the area, Peeling under it to head away for the visitors.

Fran Peeling

Fray seeing the ball into her feet central turns right of the D looking to take on Fort in the centre of defence the centre back getting her boot in to take the ball away, Thetford getting numbers on however to pressure the ball win a corner on the right. Swung in St Ives defend solidly at the near post. Look to get on the attack Stancombe getting hold of the ball taking it forwards through the middle pace has support from Dunne on her left laying the ball into her strikes it hard from 25 yards out rising the keeper beaten as the ball smashes down off the bar collected by Stancombe outside the box central lines up the strike this time Browne sees it all the way takes it well moving to her left.

Katie Stancombe

GOAL! No sooner have St Ives struck the woodwork one end Thetford attack up the other and double their lead. The ball played on from the middle to find Omeleviciute on the move right of the D 25 yards out sends the ball into Sillitoe moving across the top of the area dragging the defence to the left before checking back to play the shot low back across the keeper into the opposite corner to score her first Thetford goal 0-2.

Jordanne Sillitoe opening her Thetford account

Thetford 2 goals to the good inside the opening 20 minutes continue to press inside the St Ives half the ball wide for Hoy taking it on down the left winning her side a corner kick. Sillitoe down for Thetford with a knock as players take on fluids he visitor’s with a double change bringing both Sillitoe and Morris off on come Laura Martins and Hannah Claughton. The corner ball cut out by Dunne inside the box, Seymour-Shove carries it out quickly into the Thetford half her crossfield ball looking for Stancombe cut out well by Moore at the back for Thetford.

Fray with a mishit shot from 30 yards out central turns into a great pass for Hoy racing on down the left her cross whipped into the six yard from deep just a little too high for Claughton at the far post, Fray getting hold of it beyond her can only turn the ball into the keeper. Natalie Munden on at the back for St Ives replacing Smith. Evans into block a vicious strike from outside the box as Thetford attack on the right.

St Ives Koren Evans

Claughton up front getting after the ball eager to run at the defence turning inside from the right, Conyard and Fort between them make her think twice before taking the strike the ball lost. Klimcke out to close down Evans as the St Ives defender looks to run into space on the right. Evans coming off soon after replaced by Enya Griffiths. Stancombe with the ball for St Ives out left charging on squares it inside for Dunne, Omeleviciute tackling well 25 yards out to prevent a shooting opportunity. Seymour-Shove with Sutherland in the middle working the ball all almost through the Thetford defence for Edwards but for Peeling getting a vital touch as she stretches for the ball to take it away from the attacker.

Cowie off for St Ives, with Elle Jefferson into the action. The hosts getting the ball into Stancombe looking to produce some magic jinking inside the ball rolled into the D, Klimcke stretching to intercept is closed down by Dunne getting inside her to shoot drills a low ball to the left Browne diving low making a fantastic save to claim the ball. St Ives finding a little momentum winning the ball in the middle Seymour-Shove battling for everything on for Edwards has Dunne ahead of her who plays it out for Griffiths wide to the right her cross swept across the goal face hooked behind by Moore to concede the corner kick. Taken short the ball whipped in near post cleared by Omeleviciute.

St Ives captain, Hannah Seymour-Shove

Thetford strong in the final third getting after the ball Claughton in to close down the St Ives defence moves across the D to the left before shooting clipped narrowly wide of the top left corner. Hoy latching onto a clearance 30 yards out left side sending the ball back into the area knocked on pass the far post the shot turned back in low caught by Aftelak on the ground. Thetford push forwards Hoy left inside for Fray then Claughton out for Morris wide the shot struck on the angle claimed by Aftelak.

Morris out on the left firing in a shot on the angle to rattle the bottom of the post. Omelevicuite does well flicking on Browne’s goal kick to send Claughton racing through into the area Seymour-Shove with a burst of pace getting back at her lunging in to tackle winning the ball well. Thetford winning a free-kick inside the St Ives half on the right late in the first half the ball swung into the box by Peeling met by Fray near side on the half volley turned goalwards, Aftelak though right behind it to claim.

Hannah Claughton looking to drive at St Ives Jess Conyard

Omeleviciute pulling free to the left of the D receiving the ball of Fray to strike a swerving shot into the side netting. Thetford ending the half strong Howard forwards into Fray looks to drive at the defence, sees her shot blocked.

GOAL! The ball won back in the middle by Thetford, Howard finding Omeleviciute outside the area left of the D, not closed down sends her shot low across the keeper to nestle into the bottom corner 0-3.

A 1st half brace for Thetford’s Kamile Omeleviciute

Half-time St Ives Town Women 0-3 Thetford Town Ladies

A goal at the end of the first half sealing a dominant display from Thetford starting well taking an early lead pressing the ball high St Ives limited in their reply nevertheless creating a couple of chances striking the woodwork before immediately conceding a 2nd goal midway through the first half. Thetford remained on the front foot getting after the ball creating a few chances of their own, St Ives still looking a threat when they were able to take the ball on hit with a 3rd goal before the break. Thetford with a comfortable lead to defend going into the 2nd half, St Ives with things to work on if they wish to get back into the game in the 2nd period.

A double switch for Thetford at the start of the 2nd half Martins and Sillitoe back on for Morris and Hoy. St Ives to get the 2nd half underway played into Sutherland back for Munden Thetford quick to press the ball played back to the keeper forced into a rushed clearance.

GOAL! The ball dropping to Omeleviciute 30 yards out floated out to the left flank with Claughton on the attack the ball fizzed into the box near side 12 yards out met by Sillitoe her strike blocked by Fort lunging across her coming to Omeleviciute having burst into the area to lift the loose ball back up over the keeper to score an opening day hat-trick 0-4.

A hat-trick for Kamile Omeleviciute on her ERWFL debut

A huge blow for St Ives conceding a 4th goal straight at the start of the 2nd half. Give away a free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out to the left of the area, Sillitoe over the ball goes for it sending her strike over the bar. St Ives with a change bringing Evans back on replacing Munden at the back. Martins looking to get on with the ball take it on left side is tackled by Seymour-Shove giving away the free-kick. Peeling over the delivery wide right a teasing ball put into the corridor in front of goal defended by Fort headed out.

Jess Conyard

Thetford pushing on well with Martins running on to the by-line wide right before sending a cross in low nearside Fray close in on goal turning the ball on across somehow kept out by the St Ives defence comes back to the right post Omeleviciute attempting an audacious overhead kick doesn’t get a strong enough touch the ball caught by Aftelak.

Katie Fray

For all of Thetford’s dominating play getting after the ball St Ives remain a threat going forwards themselves looking to expose gaps through the back line the ball put on by Sutherland for Jefferson taking it on right channel holding her marker off well before rifling a shot wide of the near post. Bambury finding Martins going right the ball hit on the diagonal finding the run of Omeleviciute top of the area turns her shot over.

Seymour-Shove getting in to tackle Martins turning to play the pass on for Dunne, Moore stepping in to challenge at the back for Thetford. St Ives bringing Cowie back on replacing Sutherland in the middle. Omeleviciute brings down Jefferson bringing St Ives a free-kick central 35 yards out players go up as Seymour-Shove plays it high into the box, Browne keeping her eye on the ball making a clean catch.

Fray finding space for Thetford clipping a diagonal pass out for Claughton advancing on the left her cross squared into the area cut out by Fort. Out for a throw left side lifted into Fray inside the area looks to turn on the ball quickly closed down by Stancombe. Thetford quick to regain possession through Howard the ball to Martins right her cross cleared by Griffiths for a corner on the left. Played in low dipping near side met by Claughton looks to flick the ball on towards goal Aftelak with a sharp save at her near post.

Sarah Aftelak saving off Hannah Claughton’s flick on

Thetford with a double change with Fray and Klimcke coming off, Erin Lloyd and Amber May sent on with Lloyd going to the right of defence Moore coming left. Conyard off for St Ives, Munden back on. Fort doing well at the back coming in to close down Claughton as she drives into the box with the ball at her fee from the left. The visitors press on the left winning a throw high into May plays it on for Sillitoe breaking on into the box, Fort sticking out a foot snatching the ball off her, out to the left of goal Omelevicuite flashing a shot wide across the face of goal.

Griffiths with some pace on the ball out on the right played on by Cowie drives a shot in on the angle held by Browne. Sillitoe from the left taking the ball on into the box shifting left then right before powering a shot wide off the base of the post. Claughton off for Thetford with Hoy back on. St Ives replacing Edwards with Conyard. Munden finding Jefferson up top with a well placed pass, linking up with Griffiths to her right look to play the one two, Moore getting her foot in to regain possession for Thetford.

GOAL! Players tiring on both sides Thetford win the ball back on halfway with Bambury opens up her body to send the pass on for Martins breaking forwards on the right whips her cross into the six yard box players running in he ball over May central drops for Sillitoe behind to smash the ball past the keeper to make it 0-5.

A opening day brace for Thetford’s Jordanne Sillitoe

A 5th goal coming with a little under 20 minutes left St Ives finding it difficult to get any meaningful possession inside their opponents half Seymour-Shove continue to fight for everything the ball on for Jefferson out to Griffiths on the right flank taking it on down the line her shot on the angle driven behind. Sillitoe left puts the ball forwards for Hoy on the touchline, Evans getting across her to defend for St Ives conceding the corner. The ball floated in central headed out to the left side with Stancombe looking to break getting in behind wide, Peeling comes rushing across to clear the ball away for a throw.

St Ives Enya Griffiths

Off the throw Evans puts the ball in across the top of the Thetford area for Jefferson who helps it on for Stancombe to her right the number 17 rifling a shot in Browne throwing herself at it past her comes crashing down off the crossbar for a 2nd time, Browne grounded in a favourable position to take the rebound before Jefferson can meet the follow up.

Up the other end Aftelak makes a strong blocking save as she comes out to the top of her area to close Sillitoe down as she bursts in behind the hosts defence on the left. May bringing down a diagonal ball into the box shifts inside to shoot, is tackled by Seymour-Shove diving in the ball deflected out to the right post May with a 2nd bite getting her foot under the ball forcing Aftelak into another brilliant save pushing the ball over her goal.

GOAL! Thetford though go on to score from the resulting corner the ball curled into the box knocked down by Lloyd off her chest into the path of Omeleviciute central to lift past the keeper and into the back of the net for her 4th goal of the match 0-6.

Erin Lloyd knocking the ball down from the corner for Omeleviciute to score her 4th of the match

Omeleviciute coming off after her 4th goal to be replaced by Hannah Rogers. Thetford on top pressing the advantage with Martins going on with the ball right side into the box for May who goes out to the by-line right held up before cutting it back into Martins central, slipping as she goes to pull the trigger her shot running harmlessly wide of the far post.

St Ives still looking to attack catch Thetford sleeping at the back Griffiths taking the ball on right side putting it into the box for Dunne, her effort blocked by Moore. Stancombe charging on with the ball looking for Jefferson through the middle with 9 breaking into the box the final ball just won’t fall as Peeling scrambles it away. Stancombe off late on with Edwards back into the action as the host look for a late flurry, Lloyd lunging into tackle Dunne left of the D as Seymour-Shove rolls the pass into her.

Thetford’s Dayna Howard

May pulling right knocking a diagonal pass down inside for Martins to run onto right channel 25 yards out hit well Aftelak diving to her left but the shot races wide of the post. Aftelak then producing a low save to her right as Sillitoe turns inside to shoot off a throw on on the left, Conyard in to close Sillitoe down then as she goes after the loose ball. One last corner won by St Ives on the right Thetford back to defend as the ball is played short before Griffiths fires the cross wide along the face of goal.

Full time St Ives Town Women 0-6 Thetford Town Ladies

A great start to life in the ERWFL for Thetford Town Ladies as they begin life in the 6th tier with a dominant victory away from home. Set the tone early getting after the ball high up the pitch putting the home defence on the back foot scoring and early goal. St Ives coming close to equalising denied by the woodwork before being hit with a sucker punch up the other end to concede a 2nd straight away midway through the half. Thetford getting on well with good runs from midfield to add a 3rd goal t the end of the 1st half. The last thing St Ives wanted was to concede another goal early in the 2nd half unfortunately they did as Thetford began strong getting after the ball. A mountain to climb Thetford proved relentless in attack although signs were there they might be exposed at the back St Ives didn’t do it enough to exert any real pressure going on to concede a 5th the 6th goal. A tough opening day for the hosts will need to regroup and go again for Thetford it will be more of a case of keeping everyone’s feet on the ground, nevertheless a fantastic result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season, most of the time it’s not an easy decision although today is an exception. A few performances to mention first though. For St Ives no doubt Hannah Seymour-Shove their captain ran herself into the ground getting after the ball making tackles and spurring her teammates on. Katie Stancombe looking the most likely to make something happen driving on with the ball at her feet. For Thetford the defence was kept relatively free of pressure by the forwards getting after the ball high up the pitch, Jordanne Sillitoe strong getting in to win the ball moving into some good positions scoring a brace. Hannah Claughton and Maryanne Hoy enjoying good spells out on the flanks getting into some great positions. Dayna Howard winning the ball well in the middle of the park the award though goes to Kamile Omeleviciute a fantastic game in her ERWFL debut (someone said to me recently she’s going to get noticed further afield now and she’s certainly done that) make some fantastic runs to support the attack adding pressure to the hosts back line taking her goals well.

Great to be back, did feel a little under prepared going into the new season but having written 531 reports hoped it would all come back to me and it has ( at least I think so) plenty of goals scored in the ERWFL this weekend promises to be an exciting season be intriguing to see how it all pans out. My thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the teams today and best of luck for the rest of the season. Up and running.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report Special – Kick Cancer Cup 2023

Thursday 25th May

Kick Cancer Cup 2023

One last game to end the season and it will be a memorable one as the footballing community comes together for one last time for the last Kick Cancer Cup, held in memory of two special women whose lives were taken for too soon by cancer, Samantha Issacson and Charlene Martin.

The 6th and last Kick Cancer Cup being played between the Sam’s XI and Charlene’s XI squads at the Westwood Road Stadium home of St Ives Town FC’s men’s and women’s sides.

The Kick Cancer Cup has raised over £50,000 for charity over the 5 season’s it has been held prior to this evenings event. Samantha Issacson was just 25 years old when she was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2014. With the help of family and friends set up the Kick Cancer Cup to help raise funds for charities close to her heart as she began her tough battle with the decease, continued playing throughout for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds (many of her old teammates coming together once again this evening to play in her memory) Outfield or in goal lived life to the full, traditionally the Kick Cancer Cup between Sam’s squad and an S-Tech Cambridgeshire Women’s League representative squad, played at Histon FC a special occasion raising vital funds. After a long battle with cancer Sam very sadly passed away in 2021. Sam wanted their to be one more Kick Cancer Cup and everyone has come together to make it happen.

Samantha Isaacson keeping goal at the Kick Cancer Cup 2018

Charlene Martin was to tragically lose her own battle with bowel cancer in February 202 after a three year battle with bowel cancer herself. Had played in previous Kick Cancer Cup’s with Sam Issacson and was a much loved member of the St Ives Town and wider football community. One of the original members if the St Ives Town Ladies football club that was to burst onto the women’s football scene in Cambridgeshire and become an integral part of the club as a whole. As the @bowelcancerballer helped to raise awareness of the decease as she highlighted her own battle with cancer.

Charlene Martin one of the founding players at St Ives Town Ladies.

Cancer will affect us all at some point in our lifetimes either directly or indirectly and this evening we come together at St Ives Town to play and watch a football match in their memory but also to enjoy the occasion as they would have wanted.

A brand new artificial pitch for St Ives Town FC these days a good size nice and flat… but I kind of miss it rising up in one corner like it used too with the old grass pitch The clubhouse overlooking one side of the pitch 3 small seated and covered stands opposite. The bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot food and drinks. A cake stall selling homemade cakes (very nice too) and a raffle selling out of tickets that offered lots of wonderful prizes, all for a good cause the Arthur Rank Hospice.

SAM’S XI squad – Michelle McCormack (C), Liz Pamplin, Emma Da Costa, Dominika Szary, Emma Roberts, Jenna Hulme, Charlotte Taylor, Ebony Crook, Emma Clark, Jess Anderson, Joeli Kirby, Katie Chaudhry, Kayleigh Whitehead, Kirstie Smith, Krissie Taylor, Laura Mills, Stacey Fullicks, Marie Stubbings, Naomi Weir, Nat Powell-Wells, Liv Ashby, Rosie Boynes, Seema Grewal, Stacey Taylor, Tash Applegate, Vicky Houchin, Kate Taylor, Holly Hayes, Abi Molloy, Emily Ingle & Connie De Martino.

Management team – Vicky Neal & Jade Bell.

Sam’s XI squad (photo credit Edward Payne)

CHARLENE’S XI squad – Caitlin McGeown (C), Kira Markwell, Georgia Stancombe, Mollie Berryman, Sascha Smith, Emily Stephenson, Molly Flack, Sophie Marjoram, Kellie Dixon, Caitlin Jarman, Koren Evans, Sophie Crook, Niamh Sutherland, Sasha Smith, Katie Stancombe, Cherish Sibanda, Steph Ransome, Georgia Astley, Jade Carpenter & Ruth Fox.

Management team – Neil Martin & Darren Marjoram.

Charlene’s XI squad (photo credit Edward Payne)

A minutes applause held for both Sam and Charlene prior to kick off. A charity game a special occasion will dispense with the traditional match report format the over 50 players, current, sort of retired and retired coming together across both squads the game split into 3, 30 minute halves giving all a chance to play sub will be numerous and I’m not going to keep track of them all but will do my best. Special shirts make for the occasion, the Sam’s XI squad wearing pink coloured shirts, Charlene’s XI squad wearing sky blue, black and white shirts with vibes to St Ives from which all of the squad are current or have previously played.

A minutes applause enjoyed before kick-off

St Ives Mayor, Phil Pope leading the two sides out onto the pitch on a pleasant sunny evening. Caitlin McGeown, Charlene Martin’s daughter captaining the Charlene’s XI squad with her father Neil managing along side Darren Marjoram to get the Kick Cancer Cup 2023 underway, the ball rolled back into the middle then defence, fired forwards up to the left, Sarah Bodger in the back line for Sam’s XI volleying the ball clear.

Charlene’s XI captain, Caitlin McGeown

The ball knocked back and forth between defences as both sides launch it forwards in the early exchanges, Charlene’s XI attack left the ball crossed into the top of the area, Bodger again in to clear for Sam’s XI. Michelle McCormack captaining the Sam’s XI squad bringing the ball on from the back moving left sends the ball on down the line for Katie Chaudhry, Katie Stancombe getting across to challenge for Charlene’s XI forwards into Niamh Sutherland looks to play it right for Caitlin Jarman pushing on, Emma Roberts tackling for Sam’s XI at full back.

McCormack taking the ball on for Sam’s XI from the back linking with Ebony Crook pulling wide left goes on, Molly Flack getting across her path at the back for Charlene’s XI to see the ball back to goalkeeper Kira Markwell to clear. Liz Pamplin with 500 appearances for Cambridge United WFC before retiring in goal for Sam’s XI in the 1st period getting her gloves up to block at close range on Katie Stancombe’s shot as she moves in to attack the goal from the right following in on Caitlin Jarman’s free-kick fired in from deep on the right for Charlene’s XI.

Liz Pamplin out to close Katie Stancombe down as she runs through to attack the goal (photo credit Edward Payne)

Jarman bursting on for Charlene’s XI on the right, Roberts closing on to tackle well for Sam’s XI. Chaudhry fed on by Roberts down the left for Sam’s XI threading a low pass into the D for Crook to attack, Flack again across the attack to put the ball into Markwell to launch clear. Ruth Fox clipping a pass out to Jarman racing on right flank her cross from the corner fizzed in near post claimed by Pamplin.

I’ve seen most of these players in action over the years and the memory banks are kicking in a bit got a few duplicate numbers out there but thankfully no twins to deal with cause they can be a real challenge, but I have my ways of telling them apart (and that’s not going to be revealed on here) Emma Clark for Sam’s XI defending on Fox to see the ball back for Pamplin to clear. Emily Ingle with the ball central for Sam’s XI has Marie Stubbings making a run inside from the right, plays the ball into her, Sasha Smith lunging in to tackle for Charlene’s XI right of the D winning the ball.

Sutherland sending the ball into Fox top of the D shifts to the left making room to shoot the attempt pulled wide of Pamplin’s left post. McCormack getting forwards well for Sam’s XI into the left channel with a chip at goal from 20 yards out the ball dropping wide of the left post. Roberts winning the ball at the back for Sam’s XI forwards for Crook up the line inside to Stubbings, Georgia Stancombe closing in to get across the attack to see the ball safely back to Markwell to clear.

Molly Flack (photo credit Edward Payne)

GOAL! Sutherland with the ball through the middle for Charlene’s XI sends the pass out to the right for Jarman getting on up the wing her cross fired in near side as Fox runs in to attack the goal, Bodger with her putting her under pressure the ball striking the defender deflected past Pamplin inside the post for Charlene’s XI to take the lead 0-1.

Changes for both Emma Da Costa, who can operate either outfield or in goal, Naomi Weir and Kirstie Taylor coming on for Sam’s XI. Emily Stephenson on in defence for Charlene’s XI. Choudhry taking the ball on left for Sam’s XI pushing it into Crook corner of the area, strikes a curled attempt over Markwell’s crossbar.

Charlene’s XI are the younger side and showing more energy bursting forwards well with pace, Georgia Stancombe defending well shielding the ball at the back. Breaking on with numbers up Fox and Katie Stancombe combining as Pamplin comes to close down top of her box the flag raised halting the attack. McCormack bringing the ball on for Sam’s XI left into the top of the area, Georgia Stancombe winning it back for Charlene’s XI.

GOAL! Charlene’s XI attacking through the middle, Sutherland with Katie Stancombe into Fox inside the D evading tackles comes left of goal to shoot low firing the ball hard past the diving Pamplin to double the lead 0-2.

Ruth Fox (photo credit Edward Payne)

Fox after the ball into the box with Katie Stancombe getting on to support, Bodger lunging in to tackle for Sam’s Xi. Caitlin McGeown moving on with the ball up the right for Charlene’s XI forwards for Fox into the corner closed down nips back in to steal the ball back winning a corner kick. Taken short before being whipped into the area claimed well by Markwell. Jarman getting on right side for Charlene’s XI, Fox coming to for the ball look to play a one two, Taylor getting a foot in to reclaim the ball for Sam’s XI.

Fox taking the ball into the box on the right whipping a low strike in towards goal, taken well by Pamplin down to gather at the near post. Jarman again on the right inside for Katie Stancombe curls a shot in towards goal taken cleanly by Pamplin. The 1st 3rd almost up Sam’s XI win a throw high on the left Choudhry dropping the ball into McCormack sends the pass down the line for Crook in the corner left to cross into the six yard box met by Da Costa her touch deflecting the ball wide of the near post.

The 1st 3rd up Charlene’s XI leading 2-0 a quick turn around with Sam’s XI ringing the changes, Da Costa donning the keepers gloves now, getting the 2nd 30 underway Joeli Kirby playing the ball out to right, cut out by Cherish Sibanda. Mollie Berryman for Charlene’s XI out to the right for McGeown her cross into the top of the area cut out by Holly Hayes for Sam’s XI. Fox lively up top for Charlene’s XI linking with Berryman on the right the cross in along the face of goal deflected behind for a corner kick.

Sam’s XI captain, Michelle McCormack

Charlene’s XI lively in the final 3rd at the start of the 2nd period, Marjoram to Jade Carpenter tracking inside from the right feeds the ball across the top of the area into Fox left of the D her shot struck low wide of the left post.

Caitlin McGeown (photo credit Edward Payne)

Laura Mills leading the attack for Sam’s XI now the ball rolled into her from the right takes it on into the box striking hard at the near post, Markwell making a superb save getting down to her left to knock the ball behind for a corner kick. Players up into the area for Sam’s XI a great delivery swung in central Szary rising to meet it top of the six yard box plants her header straight at Markwell who grabs hold of the ball to save.

Jess Anderson tackling well for Sam’s XI at the back as Fox looks to take the ball on into the box from the left channel. The ball given away at the back Sam’s XI inviting pressure at the back, Hayes getting back on Carpenter to put in the tackle as she drives for the box. First saw Stacey Fullicks playing for Netherton has gone on to into a refereeing career a successful one too amongst elite in the country, still retains that completive edge with the ball at her feet for Sam’s XI sending the pass on for Taylor right her ball into Mills cut out top of the D by Stephenson for Charlene’s XI.

(photo credit Edward Payne)

GOAL! Charlene’s XI extend the lead the ball played into Fox 20 yards out central moves to her left to turn to shoot angling a strike in towards goal up over the keeper to make it 0-3.

Ruth Fox scoring Charlene’s XI’s 3rd goal (photo credit Edward Payne)

Sam’s XI winning a corner on the left, swung in near side, Charlene’s XI defending but have a player down in the box a break in play. Charlene’s XI pressing forwards better putting the Sm’s XI defence under a little pressure, Taylor winning the ball on for Mills right side on for Szary attempts to lay it o for Fullicks top of the D, Berryman defending for Charlene’s XI the ball out for a corner on the right. Flung in near side Fullicks up to attack the ball knocked down into the six yard box comes out to Mills at the far post with the outside of her boot turns the shot wide.

Fullicks coming on with the ball into the channel looking to link up with Mills in attack, no way through as the Charlene’s XI defence track back well to see the ball back into Markwell to clear. Da Costa out to the right of her six yard box diving down to save at the feet of Dixon as she steals into attack the ball right of goal for Charlene’s XI as the ball is lost top of the area. Fullicks winning the ball back central for Sam’s XI 30 yards out rolling it into the path of Clark 20 yards out her strike fire into the keeper.

Jess Anderson (photo credit Edward Payne)

Carpenter with a strike from outside the box for Charlene’s XI, Da Costa down to beat it away, Dixon racing in can’t get to the loose ball before Da Costa is able to claim it. Fullicks bringing the ball down as it drops over her left shoulder moves forwards, McGeown defending to see the ball out for a corner on the left. The corner swept into the six yard box the ball taken off the head of Clark as she stoops to drive the header home. Szary with the ball out left for Sam’s XI fired into Fullicks right of the D intercepted by Astley at the back for Charlene’s XI.

Connie De Martino sending the ball on for Sam’s XI as they break through the middle out to Mills her cross into the area pushed away to the left by Markwell taking it out of Clark’s path central, Szary racing in to follow up top of the area, McGeown in to charge her down. Sam’s XI on the counter Mills racing on with the ball right squaring it across the box into Clark, volley’s over.

Sam’s XI with a couple of chances towards the end of the 2nd 3rd to get back into the game, on more 30 minute period to go the changes rung once again with Szary another who can operate outfield and in goal donning the gloves for Sam’s XI. Charlene’s XI to get the final 30 minutes underway the ball out to the right lifted forwards won back by Bodger for Sam’s XI.

Laura Mills (photo credit Edward Payne)

Sam’s XI pressing on the left to win a corner players up the delivery in near post Markwell in amongst bodies to push behind for a 2nd corner. Once again fired into a crowded near post area knocked on cross the six yard box, McCormack free to strike the ball on the volley as she spins to attack the ball loops up and in towards goal, Markwell behind it her arms up to claim the dropping ball. Sam’s XI pressing up into the box Crook left of goal stabbing a shot wide of the left post.

Fox back on for Charlene’s XI attacking the right channel taking the ball on into the box, Bodger across to tackle for Sam’s XI. Fullicks taking the ball on through the middle for Sam’s XI playing the pass out to Stubbings right swinging a cross into the six yard box the 1st time shot chipped into the keeper. Charlene’s XI on through the middle Berryman for Fox shooting from 20 yards out the ball gloves down into the ground and claimed by Szary.

Carpenter with a 35 yard strike sent over the bar. Markwell with a show stopping save for Charlene’s XI as Stubbings racing to the by-line right side whips in a dangerous ball for Grewal to turn goalwards from close range, central, Markwell instinctively throwing a hand out to her left to save the ball deflecting it behind past the post for a corner kick. Sam’s XI going for it 3 goals down need something, McCormack on for Fullicks right on the angle sends a shot wide across the goal.

Kira Markwell (photo credit Edward Payne)

Markwell getting out to claim the ball taking it off the head of Grewal as the ball is squared into the six yard box rom the right. Multiple changes for Sam’s Xi as they push on in the 2nd period. Charlene’s XI defending the top of their area counter on the right the ball lifted into Fox peeling wide takes the ball down charging into the area before striking the ball low on the angle fired in near post Szary with an excellent save diving forwards full stretch to get a glove on the ball turn it wide across goal, has she done enough to keep it out? Just! The ball running narrowly wide of her far post for the corner.

Dominika Szary equally adapt outfield as in goal (photo credit Edward Payne)

Anderson defending for Sam’s XI as the ball comes on left side into the box. Into the final 15 minutes the changes coming thick and fast loosing track of how many players are on the pitch have a Teddy Bear mascot to contend with too looking to get involved in the action. Markwell coming off for Charlene’s XI, Marjoram in between the sticks. Sam’s XI with a corner on the left headed on across goal Roberts to Mills out wide the cross back in central turned over from close range.

Sam’s XI pressing late into the game as they search for a goal crossed into close to goal cleared off the line as the ball is missed by the keeper out to the right Mills volleying over. Fullicks out to Mills on the right fires a cross looping into the six yard box met by Ingle volleys her strike over the bar. McCormack blasting a 35 yard strike over the bar Sam’s XI throwing the kitchen sink forwards late on. Choudhry taking the ball to the right sending a cross in central Stubbings racing in on goal flashing her first time effort over the top.

(photo credit Edward Payne)

Chances mounting for Sam’s XI, just won’t go in as Mills getting free wide right slices a shot wide. Into the final minutes. Sam’s XI winning a free-kick corner of the area on the right Ingle on the ball fired in across the face of goal attacked far post but deflected behind for a corner. An inswinging ball knocked down near side in towards goal the ball defended cleared off the line. Sam’s XI throwing everything forwards at the end but can find no way through as Charlene’s XI defend their box scrambling the ball clear.

Time up the final whistle blows and despite the chances mounting Sam’s XI can’t find a goal as Charlene’s XI hold out to win the game 3-0 to win the Kick Cancer Cup.

Charlene’s XI winners of the 6th Kick Cancer Cup (photo credit Edward Payne)

An entertaining game enjoyed by a crowd of 320 raising a good amount for charity. Plenty of thank yous to be applauded at the end before the presentation of the trophy none more so than for Sam and Charlene, a fitting occasion to remember them by.

Well done to everyone involved especially Sam’s best friend, Vicky Neal who made sure her request was fulfilled and to everyone who played their part to help, the Kick Cancer Cup committee, St Ives Town for hosting the event and to all the players and attendees to special night no doubt. Thanks to Vicky Neal for the help with the squads, and to Edward Payne for allowing me to use some of his pictures too.

By Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 21st May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Moving onto this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final, played this season between two sides vying for runners up spot in the league as they meet in two crunch games at the end of the season, first in the cup with Stevenage FC Women taking on Luton Town Ladies. The Hertfordshire County Cup Champions playing the Bedfordshire County Cup Champions a little bit of neighbourly county rivalry to add the the mix.

The ERWFL League Cup the regional league senior cup competition with the Division One North and South sides contesting the 1st two rounds with 4 going on to join the 12 Premier Division clubs in the 3rd round.

This afternoon’s prize

The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football, often competitive with a high level of talent on show. A tough league to get out of with only the winners guaranteed promotion to the FAWNL above. AFC Sudbury Women achieving that dream this season with a tremendous campaign to secure back to back promotions. Both Stevenage an Luton have tasted life in the FAWNL and the aim is to get back there themselves both amongst the title challengers this season but just missing out.

Stevenage FC Women relegated from the FAWNL last season, when there were 4 sides to be relegated following the FA’s re adjustment of the leagues following the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. Harsh were close to hanging on to their league status, amongst the favourites to bounce straight back retaining a good portion of their squad under coach Fadi Mazloum in the top two for much of the season as the race for the title heated up with more sides emerging as strong contenders, Mazloum stepping down as head coach, assistant David Perry taking on the role on an interim basis guiding Stevenage to a fifth Hertfordshire County Cup win now given the role on a permanent basis. Amy Makewell Stevenage’s top scorer this season with 15 goals.

Luton Town Ladies themselves enjoying a long spell in the 4th tier before being relegated from the FAWNL were aiming to bounce straight back but Covid got in the way building a strong squad ready to mount a new promotion push were top of the league winning their opening 8 games only to see a points adjustment as Harlow Town Ladies withdrew from the league drop them back amongst the other challengers some competitive tussles at the top of the table have two games left to play one huge one against Stevenage at Barton Rovers this coming Thursday with the winner virtually gaurenteed runners up spot. Will be smarting from their other league encounter with Stevenage leading 1-0 going onto the closing stages Stevenage came back to score a winner at the death to take all three points. Captain Jess McKay and Elizabeth Sanders are joint top scorers each with 17 goals to their name, with Leyah Maddix all into double figures on 11.

Road to the Final

As I said the Premier Division Clubs entering in the 3rd round joined by the 4 Division One sides to progress from rounds 1 and 2 of the competition. Stevenage away to ERWFL Division One South leaders Barking FC Women in the 3rd Round. Emily Schofield scoring a 2nd half brace with Rosy Wodhams also getting a goal in the 1st half for Stevenage and goal for Amy Makewell early in the 2nd period securing a 4-1 win. Luton at home to Bedfordshire rivals and fellow Premier Division side Bedford Ladies, the pair often vying for the County Cup, Luton were the dominant side on this occasion, Elizabeth Sanders with a brace and a goal apiece for Jess McKay and Fiona Constable sealing a 4-0 win.

Stevenage away again in the quarter finals taking on Hertfordshire rivals Royston Tow Women who they would also beat in this season’s County Cup final. Tilly Fidler getting Stevenage off to a great start scoring in the 2nd minute, Nicole Farmer adding a 2nd late in the half, Royston scoring twice themselves, another goal from Fidler plus one from captain Lucy Webster seeing Stevenage into the last 4 with a 4-2 win. Luton hosting Colney Heath Ladies in their quarter final tie, the game though abandoned through an injury to a Colney Heath player rescheduled for a later date Luton leading 1-0 at the break going on to win 4-1 in the 2nd half with goals from Sanders, McKay, Tanya Blacksley and Tsaianne Leander.

A tough semi-final line-up with the Premier Division top 4 into the semi-finals, Both newly promoted sides Needham Market Women and AFC Sudbury Women doing very well. Stevenage travelling to Suffolk to play Needham Market. Amy Makewell from the spot to fire Stevenage into a 9th minute lead were to give away a penalty to see Lina Nagib equalise for Needham Market then hit another spot kick to put Needham Market in front. Becky Shephard striking in injury time to see it all square 2-2 at the break. A competitive 2nd half Rosy Wodhams curling in a strike to put Stevenage 3-2 ahead with 20 minutes left and secure their place in the League Cup Final. Luton at home to AFC Sudbury Women in their quarter final tie goals from Tsaianne Leander and Shanice Lewis the difference for Luton as they won through to the final.

A break to edit some pictures from the earlier game time to get back into The New Croft and refuel a cheeseburger ordered and get ready for the 2nd game of the day. The cloud cover hanging around, the supporters gathering the general consensus being for a close and physical match. Paving around the pitch with a small seated stand on one side beside the main building opposite the new dugouts.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Hannah Nesbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Nicole Farmer, Vicky Neal, Erin Price, Hannah Bodily, Rosy Wodhams, Amy Gooderham, Kelsey Millen & Amy Makewell. Subs – Grace Brooks, Jodie Bellinger, Becky Shephard, Emily Schofield & Tilly Fidler.

Luton Town Ladies

Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Angelika Kopec-Knurec, Lilac Wilson, Adrienne Milton, Tanya Blacksley Elly Wade, Andie Dickens, Elizabeth Sanders, Ellie Sargeant, Fiona Constable, Jess McKay (C) & Shanice Lewis. Subs – Nancy Tucker, Hannah Major, Leyah Maddix, Maria Taylor & Shakeela Hussain.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Stevenage to get this season’s WERFL League Cup Final underway kicking-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts fading to black with red shorts and white socks. Luton lined up opposite wearing orange shirts and socks with dark blue shorts. The ball played back to Erin Price in midfield out to captain Lucy Webster on the right Luton rushing in to close the ball down out of play for a throw in. Stevenage looking to get the back on down the right for Kesley Millen, Ellie Sargeant moving to close her down clearing the ball.

Price getting the ball back into goalkeeper Mia O’Brien to clear as Luton’s Fiona Constable left lifts the ball up to Shanice Lewis in attack. Lilac Wilson getting across to the left to tackle Amy Gooderham on the left as she looks to get a throw under control. Luton captain, Jess McKay picking the ball up through the middle travelling strikes the ball from 30 yards out her low ball straight into O’Brien to claim.

Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham with Luton’s Adrienne Milton

McKay winning the ball in the middle lifting it into the right channel, cut out but Hannah Nebbitt for Stevenage played forwards for Gooderham through the middle, closed down the ball regain by Rosy Wodhams as Stevenage push on tries to get it back into Gooderham left, Adrienne Milton defending for Luton back up the line Nebbitt closing down to knock the ball on into Gooderham left of the D 20 yards out curls a strike over the Luton crossbar.

Elizabeth Sanders getting in to win the ball for Luton right side back for Milton put inside for Andie Dickens play spread into the left channel Constable with a low shot running in towards goal safely gathered by O’Brien. Gooderham looking to travel left on the ball for Stevenage a crossfield pass put out to Millen tracking on right side, Wilson getting in to steal the ball put it back for goalkeeper Angelika Kopec-Knurec to clear. A fast paced start to the game Luton rushing on to close Stevenage down win the ball get it into McKay and Lewis up top.

Andie Dickens

Kopec-Knurec out to the top of her area to gather the ball before Millen can get to the pass on the right as Webster drives on with the ball through the middle for Stevenage. Luton very vocal encouraging one another to get into the opposition. Sanders getting about the park looking to win the ball puts it out to Sargeant on the left, Webster winning the header to clear. Luton from a throw on the left inside the Stevenage half to Lewis right of the area knocks it down to the top of the area right of the D for Dickens to run onto her 1st time strikes swerving through the area as it sails wide of the right post.

Vicky Neal

Sanders looking to plough her way through the middle going shoulder to shoulder with Stevenage centre back Vicky Neal heading for the box Neal does well holding her up, getting the free-kick. Wodhams threading the ball forwards into the left channel for Makewell making a move out to the flank deep, Milton putting in the challenge the ball out for a throw. Nebbitt getting forwards to support Gooderham as Stevenage attack on the left the ball held up well fed inside to Makewell left corner of the area, holding off a defender plays the ball across the top of the area Wodhams leaving in to Hannah Bodily to run onto a strike beyond her the shot blocked by Luton’s Elly Wade out behind for a corner.

Elly Wade

In low towards the near post Kopec-Knurec down well to grab it Luton look to counter the ball with Milton on the right lifted on for Lewis going through the middle won by Nicole Farmer for Stevenage. A tense encounter the two sets of players into each other Luton looking to close the ball down. Nebbitt on the left outside the box turns on the ball to cross in central, Makewell seeing her shot charged down deflected out for Constable to clear. Bodily on for Wodhams central Stevenage send it on for Makewell inside the area, Wade blocking her shot the ball deflected behind for the corner.

The ball angle in under the crossbar Kopec-Knurec up well to get a fist on the ball turn it wide out the left side for another corner. Cleared straight bac to the corner taker tries to hit it back in across goal on the volley goes behind. Webster picking the ball up for Stevenage driving on through the middle going all the way as she exchanges a one two with Wodhams, arriving top of the area, Wade in to close her down. Wodhams sending a great ball into Gooderham on the left, Milton getting in to defend well for Luton.

Luton goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec-Knurec

Luton sending players up from the back as they win a free-kick inside the Stevenage half to the right of the centre circle, Wilson on the ball played in deep to the far post Wade knocking the ball down into the keeper.

GOAL! Constable up on the left playing the ball into Lewis laying it into Mckay driving on central central taking the ball on into the right of the D before getting her foot over the ball to smash a powerful strike past the keeper to put Luton into the lead midway through the 1st half 0-1.

Jess McKay putting Luton into the lead

Stevenage looking for a quick response out to Nebbitt forwards on the left putting the ball on for Gooderham takes the ball down into the corner turning inside moving into the box her low cross put straight at the keeper. Bodily getting the ball out to Millen on the right for Stevenage coming to the top of the area squares a cross in near side for Makewell, Tanya Blacksley in to close her down for Luton as she goes to shoot.

Tanya Blacksley

Wade bringing down Wodhams inside the box as she looks to turn on the ball played into her from the right, the referee pointing to the spot, Penalty! Makewell on the ball goes for power looking to place it top corner, instead misses sending it over the bar.

Blacksley in again to put in the block on Makewell right of the area as she looks to turn and shoot the ball coming into her off a throw. Luton looking to break from a Stevenage corner the ball right put on for McKay attempt to head it on for Lewis racing on left channel, Farmer intercepting for Stevenage. Farmer in again to cut the ball out stepping out to head the ball away as Sanders right turns to play the ball in along the top of the area.

Luton closing the ball down in the middle well, Sargeant then Dickens playing the ball out to Lewis top right corner outside the box puts a shot in across goal narrowly wide of the far post. Lewis across to the left to press the ball high putting it back to McKay 20 yards out to blast goalwards, O’Brien down to save pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left. Wade knocking the ball on near side, the free-kick given away as Sanders fouls Nebbitt going for the ball. Neal winning the ball well against Luton’s Sanders as the ball lifted on for her.

Sanders covering alot of ground for Luton getting across the pitch to close the ball down on the right has Milton bursting on past her given the ball, Milton sends a cross in low across the top of the Stevenage area cut out by Price. The ball on Luton’s left rolled inside for McKay 25 yards out sees it across her body turning to strike sends the ball over the crossbar.

Stevenage come left themselves Nebbitt getting ahead of Gooderham as she plays the ball on into the full back using the outside of her boot to deliver a cross into the top of the six yard box, behind Millen closing in central lays it out to the onrushing Wodhams to strike on the run from 10 yards out the ball crashing into the base of the right post and out for a goal kick. Sargeant down over on the far side with an injury for Luton the trainer on to administer treatment is back to her feet able to play on as plays come over to the benches to take on fluids.

Stevenage’s Amy Makewell

Into the closing stages of the first half Stevenage with a free-kick right of the circle players up from the back as the ball in dropped into the area, Milton in to take the ball off the head of Neal to clear for a corner kick. Into the mix Price looking to attack it, Luton defending well close to goal to win a goal kick as the ball is turned wide far side. Sanders fouling Farmer as the Luton midfielder looks to take the ball on left channel, Luton not amused with the decision.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Luton Town Ladies

A highly committed tussle Luton working hard to close Stevenage down get hold of the ball, players winning their individual battles, Sanders looking to get on with McKay and Lewis in the attack making some good runs, McKay driving on to open the scoring mid way through the first half. Stevenage have had chances to equalise missing a penalty and striking the post, a close game as everyone predicted a single goal in it all to play for in the 2nd half.

Doesn’t appear to be any changes as the sides come back out for the start of the 2nd half, Stevenage looking to get at Luton as their opponents get the 2nd half underway. Stevenage almost undone straight away as Dickens closes the ball down put forwards for McKay breaking in into the right channel wide of the D going shoulder to shoulder with Neal holding off the defender to shot sending it past the on rushing O’Brien the ball crashing against the post deflected out across the goal loose, Farmer able to get there first to launch clear.

Milton pressing on down Luton’s right, Nebbitt in to challenge for Stevenage. A concern for Stevenage Wodhams hurt in the build up, has been a strong player for Stevenage in recent game unable to continue Stevenage forced into a change bringing on Becky Shephard. Sanders disrupting the Stevenage midfield closing players down. Milton tackling Gooderham the ball back into the middle of the park Sanders in to win it back for Luton on for Dickens puts it into McKay pulling right 25 yards out sends a shoot up to land on the roof of the net.

GOAL! Luton surge forwards Constable away on the left down towards the top of the area wide to flash a cross in central, attacked by Sanders, Price in to close her down the ball ricocheting off the pair out to Lewis free to the right of goal reacts quickly the ball into her feet digs out the shot lifting it rising into the top corner to double Luton’s lead 0-2.

Shanice Lewis doubling Luton’s lead

Luton building on a strong opening to the 2nd half to score a 2nd goal, a further set back for Stevenage as they look to rally coming left the ball from deep cross to Gooderham breaking into the box from the right Kopec-Knurec out well to close her down sliding in to save at her feet. Intense as Luton go to close the ball down no quarter given the bench vocal encouraging Luton to get after the ball, Dickens and Sanders strong in the middle. Sanders getting back to challenge Millen as Webster bombs on through the middle Millen putting the ball in as Webster enters the D, Wade close putting in the blocking tackle.

Lucy Webster

Shephard on for Makewell central as Stevenage look to add some urgency to their play, lifted on for Gooderham on the left, Luton hold thier line catching her offside. Dickens sending the ball out to Constable on the left curls a cross in to the top of the area won by Stevenage’s Price. Stevenage making a double change bringing off Makewell and Gooderham for Emily Schofield and Tilly Fidler in attack. Stevenage with a throw high on the right the cross long charged down by Sargeant cleared Luton threaten to break, Lewis looking to get away through the middle, Price getting back on her defending well for Stevenage.

Elizabeth Sanders

Luton come right Sanders up with Lewis the cross into the top of the area won by Bodily. Stevenage struggling to clear the ball as Luton push up on their box half cleared to the left falling to Constable hits it wide on the half volley. Lewis taking the ball out to right on for Sanders wide to lift a cross into the box, Neal winning the ball up against McKay, then gets fouled trying to play it out.

Wade getting in the way of everything inside the box up the other end as Stevenage attempt to find a way through on goal. Millen tracking back hurt as her goes to defend for Stevenage. Another double change made with Millen coming off along with Nebbitt, Grace Brooks on at left bac with Jodie Bellinger on to attack on the right with a little over 20 minutes left to play. A few tempers flaring is an intense contest.

Luton getting a free-kick out wide Constable to put a dangerous ball into the six yard box central in front of the keeper, O’Brien beating it down as she goes down the ball loose Neal doing brilliantly as she gets in to protect the keeper letting the ball roll across her body as Lewis closes her down. O’Brien stays down after but is okay after treatment. Luton looking strong on their right Milton getting on to support Sanders as she pulls wide the cross flashed into the area cut out by Neal away for a throw in.

Erin Price with Shanice Lewis

Into Mckay wide smashes a hard shot across the face of goal, Sanders closing in far post stretching can’t quite get there to divert it home. Luton with a strong spell Stevenage struggling for an answer. Another free-kick for Luton put in from wide cleared by Price, no break on however as Dickens gets the ball back for Luton to keep the pressure on. Sargeant with a turn and swing from distance dragged wide of the left post.

Hannah Bodily

Stevenage frustrated trying to lift it as they look to get themselves back into the game. Luton hungry for the ball determined to close it down. McKay with a wild strike over from the angle.

GOAL! Stevenage with a diagonal ball up into the top of the area for Schofield left of the D, looking to see it down take inside to shoot is fouled by the on rushing keeper. Penalty! Kopec-Knurec shown the yellow card. Grace Brooks over Stevenage’s 2nd penalty hits it to the keepers left Kopec-Knurec going the right way getting something on the ball but too much power behind the ball to keep it out Stevenage with a goal back in the 77th minute 1-2.

Grace Brooks scoring from the spot

Sargeant picking up a yellow card for Luton. Sanders driving on down the right firing a cross in along the face of goal neither Dickens nor Lewis chasing in can get a touch. Webster at the back on for Shephard left lifts a diagonal ball up towards Fidler top of the turns to put her strike wide past the right post

Luton making a double change bringing on Hannah Major and Maria Taylor for Sanders and Wilson. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular play opening up as Stevenage look to press on leaving opportunities to exploit at the back as they have to gamble. Luton digging in Constable looking to relieve the pressure on the eft taking the ball on Farmer getting it back for Stevenage inside for Bodily looks for Schofield, Wade defending for Luton then wins the ball for a 2nd time a Shephard plays it back in from the left.

Bellinger fouled on halfway to the right Farmer putting the free-kick inside, Taylor defending for Luton lifted forwards for Lewis in attack, Farmer getting back on her just about winning the ball. Tense Lewis taking the ball into the corner looking to eat up time into injury time Makewell back on for Stevenage an extra attacker bringing of Webster in defence. Leyah Maddix on for Luton replacing Lewis up top. Everybody sent up for Stevenage bar the keeper Luton defending their box, Wade strong, Dickens back too.

Jodie Bellinger with Fiona Constable

Stevenage with a free-kick out on the left into Price helps it out to the right with Farmer up joining Bellinger given the ball cuts inside Blacksley blocking for Luton they get on the counter attack the ball Maddix running on with the ball through the middle Neal in to charge her down well, McKay out the loose ball to the right shooting over.

Sargeant out to Maddix on the left goes into the corner before being fouled, the Luton free-kick cleared by Neal, then Dickens with a high boot giving the free-kick away top of the area. Wade cutting out a ball fed into Fidler up top. Stevenage with one last chance to push everyone up winning a free kick left of the circle played long goes through every one out wide for a goal kick.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-2 Luton Town Ladies

Luton Town Ladies celebrate winning a cup double adding the ERWFL League Cup to their Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup success. A strong combative performance to get in to win the ball through out showing great energy to get amongst Stevenage leading by a single goal at the break were strong at the start of the 2nd half hitting the post before doubling their leaf. Stevenage struggling for an answer at times getting a goal back from the penalty spot to set up a tense final 10 minutes however Luton were determine in defence holding on giving nothing away to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day again another difficult choice to make several strong contenders. Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham getting on well down the right creating opportunities linked up well with Hannah Nebbitt coming forwards. Vicky Neal putting in some vital tackles. Rosy Wodhams looking to get forwards into some good positions before coming off injured. For Luton, Elly Wade was superb at the back winning the ball, and getting out to block. Andie Dickens solid in the middle winning the ball preventing the midfield getting on, in turn allowing Elizabeth Sanders to get on put herself about wining the ball and making some excellent runs into the channels. The award though goes to full back Adrienne Milton had a excellent game at right back getting in to win the ball and winning her tackles.

Luton Town Ladies 2022/23 ERWFL League Cup winners

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final.

Another enjoyable day at Haverhill for the ERWFL Finals Day, rarely does the league disappoint with action, alot of talent on show. An entertaining game, tense tight as predicted, Luton joyous to emerge as victors. My thanks to Daniel Forde an Chris Abbott from the ERWFL committee for their help today… one game left and the season’s one.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Hutton Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 21st May

ERWFL League Plate Final

The season drawing to a close soon time for a rest after a busy season but first there’s a another cup final double to cover this time from the ERWFL, holding their finals day at The New Croft home of Haverhill Rovers FC. Kicking off proceeding the League Plate final an 11am kick-of with two previous winners of the competition meeting Hutton Ladies and Newmarket Town Women.

The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid the next set up from the county divisions two Division One’s based on geography, North and South aiming for a full compliment of 12 teams in each leading to a 12 strong Premier Division and promotion to the FAWNL. With two cup competitions the League Cup and League Plate the latter between the Division One clubs knocked out in rounds 1 an 2 of the League Cup.

This morning’s prize

Hutton Ladies finishing as runners up this season in ERWFL Division One South behind runaway Champions Barking FC Women. Winning the League Plate in two successive occasions in 2017 & 2018. Has been quite a while since I’ve seen the Essex side in action before Covid, along with several clubs I’ve yet to get reacquainted with. One of the longest established sides in the ERWFL managed by Dennis Hindley previous with the Reserves these days have come good at the end of the season to record 5 straight wins in the league to overhaul Billericay Town Women Development to 2nd in the table. Victoria Kinsman back amongst the goals top scorer with 27 goals from 17 appearances. Lucy Critchell netting 9 goals from the 9 games she’s appeared in. Backed up by a Reserves side playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division a step below.

Newmarket Town Women winning the ERWFL League Plate in 2019 joining the ERWFL the season before beating Histon Ladies 3-2. Playing in ERWFL Division One North, have had an indifferent season in the league as had the whole league itself short on numbers and losing a further along the way the sides playing each other 3 times as a result. Two defeats to start the season got back in amongst it with a 3 game winning streak, bringing through a number of young players have been inconsistent ever since ending up with a 5th placed finish have saved their best form for the cup getting into the Plate final and a chance to contest for silverware at the end of the season. Like Hutton backed up by a Development team and a strong youth set-up with a number of sides competing. Lidiya Mykhaylechko, Newmarket’s top scorer with 10 goals. Abbie Corbyn signed from Thetford Town Ladies at the start of the season on 9 for the campaign with Katie Speirs and Olivia Bradley scoring 7 and 8 respectfully.

Road to the Final

Hutton Ladies drawn at home to Division One North side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses in the 1st Round of the League Plate, the sides all square sharing 6 goals in a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes, Hutton were to come out on top in extra time with 4-3 win. Victoria Kinsman netting a hat-trick with Lucy Critchell also on the scoresheet. No such drama for Newmarket Town Women recieving a bye in the 1st Round to advance to the quarter finals.

Hutton Ladies with a tough draw at home in the quarter finals taking on Division One North leaders, AFC Dunstable Ladies. A close game a single goal was to settle the tie Isobel Boyd finding the back of the net for Hutton to send them through to the last 4. Newmarket Town Women away to AFC Sudbury Women Reserves newly promoted to Division One South a late kick-off featuring in a double header with the first team the sides were to slug out a goalless 90 minutes and with extra-time yielding no break through the game was settled from the penalty spot Newmarket emerging victorious 3-1 in the shootout to reach the final 4.

Hutton Ladies having home advantage once again in the semi-finals as they were drawn against Yaxley Phoenix Ladies themselves newly promoted to Division One North. The pair sharing a 9 goals thriller! Yaxley Phoenix on the scoresheet for 4 goals, Hutton edging the tie to progress to their 3rd Plate final winning it 5-4 with goals from Victoria Kinsman, Lucy Critchell, Chloe Woolaway, Hayley Critchell and Isobel Boyd. Newmarket Town Women drawn away to fellow Division One North side St Ives Town Ladies the pair have shared some great encounters in recent season this time it was Newmarket’s day as they put 4 goals past them to advance into the Final with 4-1 victory. Holly Dryland, Niamh Bridgeman, Antonia Smith and Katie Walker all bagging a goal.

The New Croft the venue for today’s ERWFL Finals Day, home to Haverhill Rovers FC and until recently had a women’s team in the ERWFL themselves but feeling poorly treated by the club have since disbanded, Haverhill Rovers nonetheless reaffirming it’s commit to having a women side representing the club will watch develops eagerly. The main complex between the main grass pitch and artificial pitch beyond. New dugouts added to the pitch since my last visit looking very smart. The bar and kitchen open for finals day serving burgers and chips. The morning bright and sunny although there was a chilly breeze blowing to and cloud cover would develop later in the day nevertheless great conditions for playing football. The grass pitch in good condition with the odd dip that will need attention once the seasons over.

Hutton Ladies

Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Kelly Roberts, Rianne Dimmock, Kirsty Knight, Chloe Woolaway, Abigail Fry, Katy Edwards, Isobel Crichton, Hayley Critchell, Lucy Critchell & Victoria Kinsman. Subs – Lauren Knight, Isobel Boyd & Danielle Hindley.

Newmarket Town Women

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Grace Joslin, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Lydia Mason, Liv Caffarelli (C), Chloe Slater, Katie Hayes, Faith Entwistle, Abbie Corbyn, Katie Walker & Lidiya Mykhaylechko. Subs – Antonia Smith, Liv Bradley, Sophie Yorko, Millie O’Dwyer & Katie Spiers.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Hutton to kick-off the Plate final wearing red coloured shirts with white trim, red shorts and red and white hooped socks, Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into Katy Edwards in midfield lifted out to the right for Lucy Critchell, Kara Wayman and Abbie Corbyn closing her down for Newmarket. Comes back into the middle laid forwards into the D, Newmarket captain, Liv Caffarelli heading the ball clear.

Newmarket build on the left Corbyn bringing the ball on put in central helped onto into the right channel laid back to Katie Walker 25 yards out lines up a shot rifled in the ball coming back down off the crossbar, Krissie Glover in goal captaining Hutton getting hold of the ball as players rush in on the follow up. Newmarket making a positive start to the game Chloe Slater clipping the ball long out to the right with Katie Hayes getting forwards Hayley Critchell tackling for Hutton, Walker onto the ball to cross in top of the area cut out by Chloe Woolaway for Hutton.

Hutton’s Katy Edwards

Edwards getting hold of the ball in the middle for Hutton lifting it forwards for Isobel Crichton running in behind the defence, goalkeeper Grace Joslin quickly out to the top of her area to claim the ball. Hutton attack on the left the ball into Lucy Critchell central back to goal turns inside the get a shot away straight into the keeper. Newmarket bring the ball on through the middle on for Walker to thread a low pass out into the left channel for Corbyn to attack, Kelly Roberts going with her the defender doing well to play the ball of Corbyn behind for the goal kick.

Kelly Roberts with Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn

GOAL! Victoria Kinsman rising in the centre to win the header knocking the ball forwards for Lucy Critchell racing through the middle driving for the box shifts out to the left prodding it on for Hayley Critchell to the left corner of the area, she pulls the trigger angling a low drive across the face of goal into the bottom corner to give Hutton the lead 1-0.

Hayley Critchell congratulated by her teammates after scoring the opening goal for Hutton

Hutton taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes attack on the right winning a corner kick. The ball played in along the six yard box coming out to Woolaway at the far post her shot blocked by Holly Dryland defending the post for Newmarket, looking to clear there area the ball is clipped back in for Kinsman attacking to the left of the goal, Joslin rushing out to put in the blocking save on the striker.

Newmarket win the ball at the back Lydia Mason into Faith Entwistle the ball played out to the left for Corbyn Hutton giving a foul away in a dangerous position outside the area to the left side of the area. Hayes over the ball curls it around the wall and fires her strike against the bar!

GOAL! Moments after Newmarket strike the bar for the 2nd time they are hit on the counter as Hutton win the ball back on the right Lucy Critchell and Crichton exchanging passes before Critchell picks out Edwards central to lay the ball out wide to Hayley Critchell, sweeping a cross into the six yard box Kinsman stealing in adjusts her body to meet the ball with her head and drive the ball past the keeper to double the lead 2-0.

Victoria Kinsman scorer of Hutton’s 2nd goal

A blow for Newmarket coming so close one end then conceding have the ball central Walker lifting in on for Lidiya Mykhaylechko to chase too much on the ball however Glover can see it out for a goal kick. Kinsman moving across the Newmarket back line to find an opening stealing in clear on the right whips a cross into the six yard box, Lucy Critchell making a central run can’t quite get there.

Hutton coming on left side Kinsman across to support Hayley Critchell winning a throw in the corner, Dryland doing well in defence to regain possession for Newmarket. Another ball threaded onto the left channel for Corbyn to bear down on, Glover out quickly to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Corbyn and Roberts chasing for the ball on the right, Roberts looking to see it out for a throw holding Corbyn off the winger keeping it as even as Roberts picks it up expecting the throw, dismayed when she gives away a free kick instead for handling the ball. The free-kick in the corner flashed in across the far post Chloe Staler attacking not quite able to get a touch.

Abbie Corbyn keeping the ball in play even as Kelly Roberts thinks it’s out.

Entwistle rushing in to make the blocking tackle inside the Hutton half comes on with the ball for Newmarket laying it out to Hayes right of the box pulls the trigger from 20 yards, Rianne Dimmock getting in the way to blocks feeling the full effect of Hayes’ strike, down for a moment but up okay to play on.

Edwards with room to play the ball on in midfield for Hutton Kinsman and Lucy Critchell with good movement ahead of her. Hayley Critchell picked out on the left, Dryland winning the challenge for Newmarket. Corbyn fouled on halfway the ball played forwards to the top of the Hutton area cleared by Kirsty Knight into Edwards on for Abigail Fry tackled by Slater.

GOAL! Kinsman onto the ball inside the Newmarket half turning to lay it out to Lucy Critchell running into the right channel getting past Kara Wayman running into the box, Wayman attempts to get back at her lunging in attempting to win the ball only succeeds in taking out the player… Penalty! Kinsman with the ball placing it on the spot moves back and running in strikes the ball hard to the right of goal to score 3-0.

Kinsman scoring from the spot to make it 3

Hutton going into a 3 goal lead midway through the 1st half getting on top on the Plate Final. Hayes sending the ball from the right across the area looking for Corbyn far side cut out by Woolaway deflected out to the left retrieved by Corbyn dribbles the ball back into box left side firing a cross in close to the near post again cut out by Woolaway away for a corner kick.

The ball into the six yard box won by Hutton coming out of the area look to break, The threat neutralised by referee Charlotte Hindmarch inadvertently getting in the way of the ball outside the area, play brought back for a drop ball to Hutton. Hayes coming inside linking up with Entwistle the ball out to Corbyn left, Roberts getting in to close her down. Newmarket getting on well enough down the flanks Hayes winning a throw deep, Dimmock with the defending playing the ball back for Glover, Mykhaylechko running in to close her down pulling out knowing she can’t get there.

The ball clear to the left regained by Dryland on for Hayes crossed in from deep, intercepted by Woolaway. Hutton dangerous on the counter running away into the channels Lucy Critchell on the right 20 yards out with a strike swerving high past the right post. Hutton making a change bringing of Hayley Critchell on the left to be replaced by Danielle Hindley.

Chloe Slater

Hindley straight into the action onto the ball central carrying it out into the left corner Dryland in on her to concede the corner. Swung in towards the near post, Dryland again rising to head the ball clear. The game opening up as Hindley drives on left for Hutton, Dryland in to make the blocking challenge the ball cleared out to Corbyn on the left, has Wayman going past her on the overlap the ball played on for her, Woolaway out to close her down.

Edwards picking out Kinsman outside the area left of the Newmarket going shifting the ball inside, shapes to shoot even as Joslin comes racing out to close her down the ball struck past the keeper, but alos wide of the far post. Edwards closing down the ball in the middle puts it on for Hindley on the left passes inside to Kinsman outside the box trapping the ball in her feet looks to shift inside to shoot, Mason in to block, the ball cleared by Slater.

Hutton with a 2nd change bringing off Crichton replaced by Isobel Boyd. The ball played long into the right channel for Boyd, Wayman across her seeing the ball back to Joslin to clear. Edwards taking on the strike from distance straight into Joslin. Newmarket making a double change bringing on Sophia Yorko and Antonia Smith for Mason and Entwistle. Yorko straight into defend putting in the tackle on Kinsman as she bursts on right side.

GOAL! Newmarket pull a goal back pressing Hutton on the ball in the final 3rd Smith closing down lifting it high into the D for Mykhaylechko to attack, Glover rushing out t close her down making the blocking save at the top of her area the ball deflected out to the right, knocked back into the area behind the stranded keeper by Slater into Mykhaylechko to send the ball into the empty net beyond 3-1.

Lidiya Mykhaylechko pulling a goal back for Newmarket

Smith getting into close the ball down for Newmarket press Hutton inside their half fed on Mykhaylechko is caught offside. Hayes on the right sending the ball on for Mykhaylechko to give chase too much though Glover coming to clear it. Corbyn battling with Roberts for the ball left sends in on for Wayman running past her to take the ball on into the area left closing in on the near post fires in a low shot Glover covering her post, seeing the ball safely into her gloves.

Just the single minute of stoppage time to be played, time for Hutton to mount one last attack Lucy Critchell playing the ball out to Hindley on the left down the line sends it inside for Kinsman coming out to receive the ball, Dryland getting her foot in to take the ball away from her.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 3-1 Newmarket Town Women

Hutton taking a 3-1 lead into the break as the sides head back into the changing rooms. Newmarket starting brightly rattling the crossbar in the opening minute pushing on Hutton breaking away to find the opening goal inside 10 minutes. Making some good forward runs Newmarket were again to strike the woodwork before conceding a 2nd almost immediately after Hutton going 2-0 up added a 3rd from the penalty spot midway through the 2nd half. Comfortable Newmarket making changing paying off almost instantly as Smith closed the ball down to set up Mykhaylechko to score pull it back to 3-1 give Newmarket something as they look to find a way back into the game in the 2nd half.

Victoria Kinsman with Newmarket captain Liv Caffarelli

No changes for either side as Newmarket get the 2nd half underway the ball out to Dryland on the right looks to get forwards support Hayes, Dimmock defending for Hutton. Newmarket press the ball on the right early on winning a throw high put on for Hayes her cross along the face of goal Walker jumping to attack far post can’t quite reach it.

Holly Dryland defending against Hutton’s Danielle Hindley

Newmarket’s Slater sending a diagonal ball into Hayes 20 yards out on the right of the area controlling the ball shifts into the area getting a half yard on her marker to unleash a shot, cut in low Glover going one way saves brilliantly with her legs knocking the ball away to the right.

Krissie Glover saving Katie Hayes shot with her legs

Hutton’s captain and goalkeeper, Krissie Glover

Hutton look to get the ball down into the Newmarket half out on the left Dryland defending knocking the ball out for a throw deep, dropped into Kinsman’s feet outside the box left turns sending a cross into the six yard box Boyd closing in right post knocking the shot wide past the left post.

Smith regaining possession well for Newmarket in the middle sending it on for Hayes on the right wing coming back inside to shot from 25 yards out on the move over hits it sending the ball wide of the far post. A miscue at the back on the left sees Lucy Critchell steal onto a short pass and cut inside to run for the box, Slater getting back on her diving in to win the ball top of the area for Newmarket. Dryland taking the ball on up the right for Newmarket on for Hayes lifts it across the pitch to Corbyn trying to get away on the left, Roberts just about getting her foot in to knock the ball out of her path.

Abbie Corbyn

Newmarket lively looking better now getting forwards, Hutton patient with the experience in attack to counter. Hindley coming on left sweeping a ball into the area cut out well by Yorko. Smith with Walker in the middle winning the ball for Newmarket lifted out to Hayes on the right drives forwards, Dimmock closing to challenge for Hutton. Lucy Critchell bringing the ball on into the left channel for Hutton Hindley with her the ball taken on forwards for Kinsman tracking down to the by-line before turning to cross the ball cleared by Caffarelli.

Lucy Critchell

Kinsman getting into space on the left playing the ball into Hindley getting up the pitch to send a waist high cross racing trough the top of the six yard box Lucy Critchell throwing a leg up and only get a glancing touch taking it on wide of the right post. Hayes and Corbyn swapping wings for Newmarket, as Fry gets the ball on for Hutton out to the left on for Hindley winning a corner. The inswinging delivery sent in across the face of goal Roberts looking to get her head on it needed a shout from Kinsman coming in ready to power the ball home beyond her as it runs out of play far side for a goal kick.

GOAL! One chance goes begging it isn’t long before Hutton regain the ball high on the right lifting a deep cross into the area Hindley inside the box left of goal, Dryland and Slater going to clear the ball get in each others way, allowing the attacker to steal in to take the ball beyond them and send t wide across Joslin into far side of the net 4-1.

Hutton restoring a 3 goal cushion with another corner kick on the right put in high Newmarket clear the ball back out to the right sent back into the area from deep falling for Kinsman central getting her foot over the ball to shoot drags it wide of the left post. Hutton making another change bringing on Lauren Knight for Fry. Hindley taking the ball inside from the left firing it into Lucy Critchell outside the D powering forwards Walker tracking back to challenge the shot under challenge coming in low as Joslin gets down to see it into her gloves, saves with her face instead as the ball hit a divot and skips up before her before she knows anything about it luckily deflected away behind for a corner kick. The corner played long to the far post Dryland covering clears for Newmarket.

Katie Walker

Dryland picking up a slight injury coming off for Newmarket at the back with Katie Spiers coming on to join the attack. Newmarket pressing hit on the break Edwards on for Hindley through the middle out to Kinsman pulling wide left inside the box fires a cross in towards the far post Lucy Critchell making a run to get onto the end of it, Joslin down well to get hold of the ball to deny the chance.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Grace Joslin

Smith into Mykhaylechko through the middle out to Corbyn right side Dimmock stepping in to tackle for Hutton at the back. Walker with a strike from distance for Newmarket landing on the roof of the net. Both teams battling for possession Newmarket pressing up looking for a goal, Hutton ready to break with gaps to exploit at the back. Kinsman lifting in on for Hindley through the middle, Caffarelli coming to close her down clear even as the flag goes up for offside.

Katie Hayes

A frantic spell as neither sides gets any meaningful possession, Hayes fouled on the left the ball to be put into the area from deep in high knocked down into Mykhaylechko lays it back for Spiers to strike from range fired wide of the left post. Hutton making changes bringing off Roberts off with Hayley Critchell back on Hindley going over to the right. Slater defends against Kinsman as the Hutton striker drives on with the ball right of the D. Newmarket pressing the ball around the Hutton penalty area, Spiers looking for an opening the door closed in front of her by Knight put out t Hayes on the left her cross swept in caught by Glover.

Newmarket bring off Caffarelli send on Millie O’Dwyer with the clock starting to run down, Yorko clipping the ball forwards the keeper can come and gather before Corbyn can attack it. Yorko then throwing herself down in front of Kinsman to block her strike as she shifts right across the D. Woolaway getting on down the left now up with Hayley Critchell, Corbyn coming back to defend sliding in to put the ball out for a throw. The throw into Edwards top left corner of the area turns to pick out Kinsman central her low strike straight at the keeper back on her line.

Hutton bring Lucy Critchell off late in the game bring Crichton back on. Hindley at the back now seeing the ball back to the keeper to clear as Walker looks to put Corbyn on though to attack. Woolaway getting into the box on the left inside the six yard box Yorko across her trying to defend Joslin coming sliding down to claim the ball, Hutton appeal for a pass back, the decision given Hutton getting a in directed free-kick inside the six yard box left of the goal. A wall covering the near post Boyd plays it to Woolaway to strike a powerful right foot shot over the bar.

Newmarket continue to throw the ball forwards looking for a way through Hutton though are an experienced side a keeping things tight through the middle. Kinsman bursting onto the ball right channel stroking a shot over with the game moving into injury time. Newmarket putting a low cross in from the left taken by Glover, Yorko charging down the ball as Hutton counter left. Joslin coming to claim top of her area as Hutton break in the closing seconds.

Full time Hutton Ladies 4-1 Newmarket Town Women

Hutton Ladies win the ERWFL League Plate for a 3rd time. Leading 3-1 at the break. Newmarket looking to build on scoring late in the first half pressed well at the start of the 2nd period Glover making a great save. Hutton patient waiting for the chance to score a 4th goal and from there had control of the game could get players up behind the ball, Newmarket finding on way though. Hutton’s using their experience well. Newmarket will rue their luck first half striking the bar twice Hutton taking thier chances getting a 3rd goal from the penalty spot.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the day. A few performances to mention first, for Newmarket Holly Dryland well at left back winning a number of tackles and defending set-pieces well. Katie Hayes driving on right side getting the ball into some dangerous areas. Antonia Smith making an impact coming into the middle. For Hutton the defence was solid giving little away. Katy Edwards in control of the midfield for much of the first half getting free to spread ball into the wide players. Lucy Critchell superb running the channels and getting into some good attacking positions. The award for me though goes to Victoria Kinsman strong in the air winning the ball setting up the first goal, scoring twice and getting into some fantastic positions moving about the Newmarket back line hard to mark though out.

Hutton Ladies 2022/23 ERWFL League Plate winners

Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning today’s ERWFL League Plate and making it a 3rd win overall.

An exciting appetiser for the main event this afternoon, an entertaining contest as you’d expect from the ERWFL, my thanks to both sides for their help today along with Daniel Forde from the ERWFL for the team details, time for some foo then onto the next one…

by Darren Gilham