Tag Archives: Match Report

Cup Final Special – Needham Market Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Tuesday 16th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by MH Goals 

 A Tuesday evening trip down the A12 to Colchester United FC’s JobServe Stadium to watch the final of this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup sponsored by MH Goals. Needham Market Women reaching their 4th final in 5 years taking on Bungay Town Ladies reaching the final for the first time in their history.

 A huge gap between the clubs, Needham market overwhelming favourites with a strong debut season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division, Bungay Town Ladies two leagues further down the pyramid playing in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

This evening’s prize

  The competition dominated by Ipswich Town Women since the Suffolk and Norfolk County Cups became separate competitions in 2010. Having featured in 9 of the last 11 finals victorious in all including a 7 game streak before withdrawing from the competition as their excellent growth saw the club reach the 3rd tier of the women’s game in 2021. AFC Sudbury Ladies the only other side to have won the competition in that time. The 2022 final held between a new AFC Sudbury Women’s side and Needham Market Women both emerging as leading clubs within Suffolk enjoying a rapid growth, Sudbury coming on top to beat Needham Market 3-1to complete a treble that season.

  Needham Market Women growing rapidly since they burst onto the scene 5 season’s ago, reaching the County Cup final in their debut season, have since gone on to appear in two more finals while reaching the last 4 in the other. Back to back finals against Ipswich and AFC Sudbury will be aiming to go all the way this time around. Rising through the women’s football pyramid achieving promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division last season, have had a strong debut season in the 5th tier, proving to be a competitive force in an already strong league, talked about as potential title challengers, are on course for a top 4 finish currently 3rd in the table. The women’s set-up part of the academy at Needham Market with a Development side playing in the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division. Striker Molly Hall their top scorer netting 16 goals so far this season, Lois Balfour scoring 13 with Lina Nagib and Eva Hubbard both on 9.

  Bungay Town Ladies making history reaching the County Cup Final for the first time in their history. A long established club playing in step 7 of the women’s football pyramid, competing in Norfolk Women’s Division One under Graham Purling, have produced several quality and talented players that have gone on to achieve success at a higher level. With Purling leaving the women’s side a turbulent spell followed with the side struggling a bit losing players. Darren Renwick heading up a new management team for this season Bungay have bounced back well building a squad with a great blend of experience and youth, competitive haven’t always been helped with injuries and again have a few carrying knocks on the bench, there fine cup run cementing their return to challenge at the top end of the table. Lauren Goulder top scorer so far this season with 13 goals. Selina Rowland finding the back of the net for 10 goals while new signing Zoe Cossey has 6 goals from 6 appearances.

Road to the Final

  A bye for Bungay Town Ladies in the 1st Round of the County Cup, Needham Market Women were drawn away to Suffolk Women’s Championship side, Leiston St Margarets Ladies. 3 League between the sides Needham Market were too strong as they piled on the goals with Molly Hall, Ellie Rossiter and Paige Wakefield all scoring hat-tricks in a 15-0 win with both Lina Nagib and Charlotte McGrath scoring a brace each a goal each too for Lois Balfour and Abbie Fisher.

  No seeding in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup and therefore the potential for the big guns to get drawn together in the early round, exactly what happened in the 2nd Round as we saw last season’s finalists and the two competition favourites drawn together Needham Market hosting AFC Sudbury Women, headed over to Bloomfields that afternoon and was treated to a classic. Sudbury opening the scoring on 20 minutes with Holly Kennard on target the visitors looking strong, Needham Market nevertheless got themselves back on level terms through Jo Brawn. Evie Creaton putting Sudbury back into the lead before Brawn again equalised for Needham Market. Creaton with 2nd goal late in the 1st half to see Sudbury lead 3-2. A different story 2nd half as Needham Market soon got on the front foot Paige Wakefield scoring a thunderbolt to fire them level for a 3rd time. Ellie Rossiter put in on goal to put Needham Market into the lead, Molly Hall securing the win with a 40 yard lob at the death. Bungay progressing with ease to drawn away to Championship bottom side Halesworth Town Women winning the match 7-0.

  Into the quarter finals, Needham Market drawn away to play Beccles Town Ladies struggling for results in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Goals through the side Needham Market were leading 3-0 at half-time before going onto win the game 7-0 with Hall again netting a hat-trick. Jodie Sharp bagging herself a brace with Eva Hubbard, Lois Balfour and Nicole Pannifer all getting on the scoresheet. Bungay drawn away to Ipswich Vale Exiles Ladies who would go on to win the Suffolk Women’s Championship in their debut season in women’s football. Selina Rowland on fire that day the attacking midfielder scoring 4 goals with Lauren Goulder finding the back of the net for 2 more in a 6-1 victory.

  Neutral venues for the semi-finals in Suffolk, Needham Market taking on East Bergholt United Ladies from the league below at Ipswich Wanderers FC. Needham Market again amongst the goals with Lina Nagib and Jodie Sharp both netting 2 goals, Molly Hall and Mia Etheridge with a goal apiece as they reached a 3rd successive final with a 6-1 win. Had to wait to see who their opponents would be with the other semi-final falling foul to the elements delayed with Bungay taking on Suffolk Premier Division Champions, Brettvale Ladies themselves reaching the County Cup Final 3 seasons ago. Played at Walsham le Willows, goals from Zoe Cossey and Selina Rowland saw Bungay make history as won 2-0 to reach the final.

  The JobServe Community Stadium, home of League Two side, Colchester United FC, once again hosting the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final, a popular stadium for the women’s game with Essex FA also holding their women’s county cup final here and it has of course hosted the Lionesses in the past. A great experience for the players the main stand behind the tunnel and dugout being used. Needham Market bringing some noise with them with a drummer looking to liven up the crowd. A pleasant day the evening warm with the two sides out on the pitch warming up, dry with no rain forecast.

Needham Market Women

Needham Market Women starting XI – Daisie Gibbs, Nicole Pannifer, Eva Hubbard, Laura Bloomfield, Ele Catchpole, Paige Wakefield, Mia Etheridge, Lina Nagib, Ellie Rossiter, Lois Balfour (C) & Molly Hall. Subs – Charlotte McGrath, Jo Brawn, Jodie Sharp, Poppy Nunn & Niamh Thomas.

Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Maddie Flatman, Porsha Renwick, Erin Galer, Ruby Roos, Ciera Flatt, Charnelle Riggall (C), Gemma Foster, Selina Rowland, Lucy Hood, Zoe Cossey & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Lyndsey Adams, Lauren Purling, Sofia Serghiou, Poppy Fenn & Amber Leeks.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Needham Market without goalkeeper Daniele Clarke for much of the season out with an Achilles injury. Midfielder Abbie Fisher also a long term casualty with an ACL tear. Daisy Gibbs joining the squad doing well in place of Clarke in goal in her first season in adult football. Bungay picking up a couple of knocks at the weekend in their 3-3 draw away to Caister FC Ladies, Lauren Purling and defender Lyndsey Adams hamstring and ankle respectfully amongst the substitutes. Suffolk FA and the staff at Colchester putting on a show with the teams led out flagbearers either side, lined up and introduced to the guests of honour, Matt Harrod of sponsors MH Goals and Kirsty Smith, Suffolk FA’s Football Development Officer. Both squad getting a picture with the cup before the game… only one will be lifting it though.

  Needham Market wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts to get the first half underway with Bungay (also known as The Black Dogs) lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Wakefield in midfield put back to the defence, Needham Market keeping possession early on playing the ball across the back patient, across to the left played on for captain, Lois Balfour breaking on down the touch line sends the ball inside for Lina Nagib 20 yards out connects with the shot fired in towards goal coming straight at Bungay goalkeeper Maddie Flatman at a comfortable height brought down and claimed.

  Bungay winning a free-kick on halfway, don’t commit too many players forwards as the ball it launched up towards the top of the area, Mia Etheridge heading the ball clear for Needham Market push forwards a great diagonal ball releasing Ellie Rossiter to race in clear on the right side, pace travelling inside to the corner of the area pulls her shot wide past the far post. Eva Hubbard pushing up on the left attempting to play a long range pass into the attacks the ball won by Bungay central defender, Ceira Flatt. 

Bungay defender, Ceira Flatt

  Selina Roland bringing the ball on through the middle for Bungay has captain Charnelle Riggall ahead of her the ball rolled into her feet looks to hold off Nagib as she turns inside 25 yards out, Nagib getting a foot on the ball to win the ball. Zoe Cossey having been at Ipswich herself has played with several of the Needham market players previously with the club, picking up the ball 30 yards out drives forwards, stopped by Ele Catchpole at the back for Needham Market. Rossiter showing good pace out on the right a ready outlet as Needham Market look to get in behind the Bungay defence a cross from the right cleared by Gemma Foster.

  Hubbard coming into the midfield onto the ball has a go from 30 yards out sent over the crossbar. Needham Market slow in their build up happy to move the ball about a large pitch the ball being stroked from left to right. Attacking down the flanks a cross coming into the box from the left cleared by Ruby Roos for Bungay. 

 Needham Market push on through the middle Etheridge laying the ball out to Rossiter wide right, held up by Bungay’s Erin Galer, rolls it back up the line for Nicole Pannifer send back in central for Wakefield forwards into Etheridge top of the D puts it through for Rossiter to attack inside the box, Flatt blocking, the ball cleared out to the left of the area the shot from distance struck over. 10 minutes played Needham Market probing creating a few chances in front of goal, Bungay working hard to close them down the ball being sprayed about the pitch, Balfour attempting to slide Rossiter through from the right, but the flag goes up against her.

  Moments later Balfour succeeds in sending Molly Hall clear of the defence central after the ball, Flatman though rushing out to the top of her area getting to the ball first launching it clear. The pace of the game controlled by Needham Market with possession of the ball, Etheridge from the left curling a cross onto the roof of the net. Rossiter bursting on down the right to get after a long diagonal ball into the corner from the by-line sends a cross in near side Hall helping it on into Nagib on the penalty spot places her shot straight at the keeper.

Lina Nagib on the attack for Needham Market

  The Bungay defence back inside their box defending a Balfour’s high ball from the right drops for Nagib left, held up well by Roos inside the box, Hubbard running on to support, Roos stretching for the ball does well to the clear. Cossey looking to hold the ball up up top for Bungay closely marked turn her defender can turn to attack Needham Market regaining possession out to Rossiter on the right races on her cross squared into the area cleared by Roos.

  Rowland putting the ball into Cossey 30 yards out again closely marked this time however wriggles free turning right to pull the trigger, the shot clipped in towards goal, straight at Gibbs, gets down it claim it. Bungay finding a little joy in the middle as Foster puts the ball on for Rowland to fire forwards into Cossey, free 20 yards out looks to move inside before dragging the ball back with her left foot to turn and strike with her right a rising effort, again Gibbs it behind brings the shot down safely.

Molly Hall challenging for the ball on Bungay’s Selina Rowland

  A couple for chances for Bungay giving them encouragement with 20 minutes on the clock. Flatt making a timely interception at the back as Hubbard coming inside form the left looks to send the ball into Etheridge pulling into the right channel. Needham Market strong on the left the ball from Nagib into Balfour near post attempts to lay it back out into the middle of the box, Galer getting a boot on it to clear for Bungay. 

Erin Galer getting to the ball before Ellie Rossiter

 Flatman with a great save diving down to glance the ball wide of her left post as Pannifer strikes the ball in low and fast from 30 yards out, a corner for Needham Market. Flung into the mix in front of goal, a foul spotted by referee Tom Ling as Galer goes down. Hubbard getting on well with the ball for Needham Market left side flashing a cross wide across the face of goal. Roos again dealing with a ball lifted into the area from deep.

 GOAL! Needham Market have been knocking the break through finally coming in the 25th minute as they open the scoring, Wakefield in the middle playing a great ball through for Etheridge breaking on into the right channel in behind the defence into the box closing in on the six yard box fires her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner wheeling away in celebration 1-0.

Mia Etheridge celebrates after opening the scoring for Needham Market (photo credit Hannah Parnell)

 Bungay give the ball away from the restart Rossiter surging away with it on the right threatening to go all the way the Bungay defence recovering well the ball fed inside cut by Roos played back into Flatman to kick clear. Bungay falling behind looking to push on Riggall winning the ball in the middle up into Goulder shifts it inside for Cossey, Laura Bloomfield in to clear it for Needham Market at the back. Etheridge making some great forward runs for Needham Market into the right channel taking the ball all the way to the by-line before cutting a ball back across the face of goal, Balfour in at the far post the flag raised against her Flatman claims.

  Bungay continue to close down the ball in the middle, Needham Market though keeping the pitch wide Rossiter fed the ball on the right taking it on sends a cross flashing through the six yard box out to the left retrieved by Hubbard fired a stinging ball in to the near post, Etheridge there but coming at her fast can get an instinctive touch turns the ball wide. Half an hour played Needham Market pushing on down the flanks, Rossiter into the corner held up by Galer shifts the ball back up the line to wrap her foot around the cross in central Roos intercepts charged down going behind for the corner. A inswinging delivery put in high at the near post Flatman up well to get a glove on the ball glove it on across the box her defence clearing. 

  Rossiter away on the right for Needham Market sending another inviting ball across the face of the Bungay goal, Balfour coming onto it turns it over from close range at the far post. Riggall and Rowland scrapping for possession in the middle for Bungay on for Cossey, is bundled over. Rowland with a turn and hit from 30 yards out striking the ball on target, Gibbs seeing it all the way across her goal to catch the dropping ball. Etheridge with another dynamic run through the left channel getting onto the pass from Wakefield, running on Roos on her shoulder pressing her gets a low shot away but not troubling Flatman, down low to claim.

Bungay goalkeeper, Maddie Flatman

  Nagib getting the ball into her feet left corner of the area takes it on, Porsha Renwick stepping in to tackle for Bungay. The Bungay defence under pressure but battling to keep the score down Hubbard away on the left the cross long into the six yard box Hall rising at the far post not quite able to get her head to it drops into Rossiter wide right on the angle drives the ball into the side netting baking a knick off a defender corner awarded. 

Zoe Cossey holding off Mia Etheridge

 Riggall putting the ball into Cossey in attack turns sending it on for Goulder, caught a little flat footed, gives Gibbs time to come out to the top of her area and claim the ball. The game heading into stoppage time just a minute to be played, Catchpole putting the ball on for Wakefield in the middle picks out Balfour left of the area 20 yards out lays it into Nagib on the flanks her cross into the near post won by Flatt for Bungay. Bungay with one last crack at goal as they win a free-kick inside the Needham Market half cleared back to Riggall has a go from distance the ball high over the crossbar.

Half-time Needham market Women 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  Needham Market leading by a single Mia Ethridge goal at the break. Creating chances could and maybe should have been more, manager Warren Lewis-Claxton not looking overly happy as they head into the changing room. No doubt in control of the game moving the ball well if anything Needham Market have been wasteful in front of goal, getting forwards well lacking a clinical edge and no doubt will be looking to change that in the 2nd half. Bungay despite trailing will be pleased with how the first half has gone working hard to close the ball down stretched with Needham Market getting the ball across the park have defended well Flatman making a great save. while creating a few opportunities of their own.

 No changes for either side at the break Bungay to kick-off the and half played back into Rowland lifts it forwards into Cossey, Catchpole in to defend for Needham Market. Bloomfield getting back to defend on Goulder in attack as the defender is sold short on the pass at the back as the striker looks to take the ball forwards. 

Laura Bloomfield

 Nagib out left on the move with the ball for Needham Market on for Balfour to cross into the near post Hall the target, Roos into challenge clearing the ball for Bungay. 

 GOAL! Needham Market pressing forwards attacking down the left Rossiter sending the cross into the six yard box Hall rising in the middle connecting with the header her attempt crashing down off the crossbar bouncing on the line scrambled clear out to the right, players rushing on Pannifer latching onto the ball bursting into the area and smashing a shot on the angle low and hard past the keeper 2-0.

Nicole Pannifer striking home Needham market’s 2nd goal (photo credit Ben Pooley)

 Needham Market finding their clinical edge just 2 minutes into the 2nd half to double their lead. Pannifer getting forwards on the right now laying the ball forwards for Hall top of the area, Roos in on her close to defend, Wakefield looking to take on the loose ball 25 yards out, Riggall tracking back on her with a great tackle for Bungay  as they look to get the ball forwards themselves.

Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall

 GOAL! Won at the back Needham Market are quick to turn play around and hit Bungay on the counter attack the defence pressed high, Wakefield plays a superb pass in behind for Hubbard racing away to the left, taking it on into the box, strikes the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner 3-0.

Eva Hubbard scoring Needham Market’s 3rd goal

Eva Hubbard

  Bungay undone by two quickfire goals at the start of the 2nd half, make a change bringing off Renwick with Poppy Fenn coming on. Rowland finding Goulder in the left channel for Bungay 25 yards out attempts to lift the ball across he area to Cossey on the right, Hubbard defending for Needham Market 

 GOAL! Needham Market hit Bungay on the counter again another great through ball seeing Nagib clear in behind on the left this time comes infield with the ball looking for an opening as she moves across the D, strikes the ball in towards the left post rising the ball smashes against the inside of the post and is deflected across goal o land inside the net on the right 4-0.

Lina Nagib’s shot in off the post to make it 4

  3 quick goals in an 8 minute burst at the start of the 2nd half seeing Needham Market blow Bungay away making up for the chances wasted in the first half a clinical start to the 2nd period seeing the ball buried into the back of the net with venom. How will Bungay respond will no doubt be shell shocked need to steady the ship as Needham Market come again down the left flank Nagib though offside as she goes to attack the cross at the far post colliding with the keeper, Flatman stays down needing treatment, both sets of players coming over to the benches to take on fluids. 

Needham Market captain, Lois Balfour

  Cossey stealing in on the ball central, drives forwards letting fly from 20 yards out her shot swerving away to the left coming at Gibbs at a comfortable height, wraps her gloves around the ball. 

 GOAL! Needham Market extending the score line in the 58th minute as Rossiter is sent clear on the right to take the ball on into the box closing in on goal strikes it hard on the angle to drive the ball home 5-0.

Ellie Rossiter through to score Needham Market’s 5th goal (photo credit Ben Pooley)

Bungay on the ropes pushed back, Flatt in to close down Ethridge as she looks to charge into the box with the ball on the left out for a throw in. Hubbard taking the ball on from Nagib left taking it down the line into the box attempting to cut it back up to Nagib, Rowland back to tackle for Bungay. A double change for Needham Market Charlotte McGrath and Poppy Nunn coming on with Wakefield and Hubbard coming off. 

  Needham Market pressing in the final 3rd the ball into Nagib in the left channel powers on with the ball cutting inside to shoot the ball angled in cross the keeper, Flatman saving pushing the ball out to the right. Etheridge playing the ball out to Nunn on the left drives on, Fenn on her shoulder putting her under pressure as she enters the box her strike put into the side netting. A triple switch for Needham Market with 22 minutes left to play, Nagib, Rossiter and Hall coming off, Niamh Thomas, Jodie Sharp and Jo Brawn coming on. 

Bungay defender, Ruby Roos

Needham Market winning a free-kick the ball played out to the right, Etheridge bursting on with the ball shooting on the angle the ball into held by Flatman at her near post. Bungay making a change bring on Lauren Purling for Hood. Etheridge pulling right coming inside top of the area, Foster closing her down has Pannifer racing on wide playing the ball out to her the cross in from deep claimed by the keeper. 

  Bungay feed the ball into Goulder getting half a yard on the Needham Market defence central pushing for the area hesitates not getting a shot away as Catchpole gets back on her to lunge in with a leg to tackle take the ball away to the left and clear. Needham Market with a corner on the right put into the mix headed out of the area by Roos who then blocks the follow up strike from range. Catchpole playing the ball forwards for Nunn running away on the left her cross in chested down by Roos and cleared.

  Bungay regrouping well after Needham market’s onslaught at the start of the 2nd half bring off Rowland, sending on Sophia Serghiou. Brawn sends Nunn away on the left as she races past her on the overlap getting down to the by-line to flash a cross into the box in at Balfour quickly does well to lay it back for Sharp racing in to attack her shot fired straight at the keeper high, Flatman instinctive getting her arms up to knock it down into the ground and grab up into her body. A free-kick for Needham Market out wide on the right, McGrath down with an injury can’t continue, Nagib sent back on. 

 GOAL! Needham Market add a 6th goal from the resulting free-kick the ball lifted in long across the face of goal red shirts rushing in to attack it Etheridge getting the telling touch to flick it on into the corner of the net 6-0.

Mia Etheridge scoring Needham Market’s 6th

  Into the final 7 minutes, Catchpole on for Brawn left turns to attack, Fenn getting back on her to challenge for Bungay. Bungay making another change bringing off Foster for Amber Leeks, playing outfield is an experienced goalkeeper in her own rights and interestingly played in goal for Needham Market in their first County Cup final appearance. Needham Market pushing on in attack Bungay tiring continue to work hard, Fenn stopping Nagib getting away on the left. 

Bungay attacker, Lauren Goulder

 Riggall getting the ball into Purling on for Goulder up top lays the ball out wide right for Fenn to lift a high ball into the far post, Gibbs seeing it safely into her gloves as Leeks closes in. Cossey very nearly pulling a goal back for Bungay late in the game as Goulder hooks the ball on for her to race onto central, a strong run before striking a low shot to Gibbs’ left, the keeper scrambling across her goal the ball though narrowly wide of the post. 

 Into the closing stages Nagib curling a shot wide of the right post as she comes inside form the left. Sharp trying her luck from range as the game moves into stoppage time. Brawn on the ball 25 yards out left of goal curling a shot wide of the far post. Nunn flagged offside as Catchpole sends the ball on from the back. Cossey seeing the ball into feet turns and drives for the Needham Market box right of the D, the defence has seen enough as 4 players converge to close her down. Brawn with one last effort flagged offside in the D as she strikes the ball from the right on the volley wide. Needham Market celebrate as they win their 1st County Cup.

Full time Needham Market Women 6-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A 3 goal burst at the start of the 2nd half blowing Bungay out of the water, clinical in front of goal taking their chances, in control of the game throughout getting forwards well using the width spreading play. Adding a 5th and 6th goal to secure their 1st County Cup win and will be hungry for more. Bungay can certainly be proud of themselves working hard conceding just a single goal in the first half. The defence under pressure putting in some great blocks and tackles. The opening to the 2nd half putting them on the back foot but regrouped doing what they could to get forwards creating a couple of good opportunities.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A strong performance for Needham Market in attack a battling performance from Bungay in defence. Goalkeeper Maddie Flatman with a couple for good saves and positioning to frustrate Needham market in the 1st half. Ciera Flatt and Ruby Roos doing well at centre back winning the ball and putting in the blocks. Zoe Cossey in attack doing what she could with limited possession to turn and attack the defence. For Needham Market , Eva Hubbard got forwards well to support the attack and set up players, taking her goal well. As did Ellie Rossiter out on the right her pace causing Bungay issues all game a ready outlet going forwards. Paige Wakefield finding her range in midfield with some great assistants. The award goes to Mia Etheridge, opening the scoring made some fantastic runs into the channels, getting about the pitch winning the ball.

Needham Market Women 2022/23 Suffolk Women’s County Cup Winners

 Congratulations to Needham Market Women on winning this season’s and their 1st Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

  Another enjoyable final held at the JobServe Community Stadium, my thanks to Suffolk FA for their help and hospitality this evening put on a great event. Thanks to for photographers Hannah Parnell and Ben Pooley for the additional pictures used. The drive home not so much fun with the A12 being closed yet again, but got home safely, back into Suffolk again on Wednesday for some action from the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division a busy end to the season but wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women v UEA FC Women

Sunday 14th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Time for a quick bite to eat before moving onto the 2nd of today’s finals the Norfolk Women’s League Cup being contested by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women and UEA FC Women.

 The third of three women’s finals taking place today with the League Plate and 7’s League Cup Finals earlier now onto the senior cup competition, the 11’s League Cup, the cloud lifting with some welcome sunshine warming things up.

This afternoon’s prize

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women victorious in the League Plate Final last season going all the way this time around looking to lift the League Cup, hoping to win some silverware to end what has been a successful season, pipped to the Division One title by Mulbarton Belles Ladies despite leading the way for much of the season two games against their main rivals to end the season proving the difference. Ambitions to test the squad at a higher level have applied for regional football along with Mulbarton and based on my knowledge of the 6th tier both would certainly be a competitive force. Shanice Sutton the top scorer for Dussindale & Hellesdon and 2nd highest scorer in the league netting 32 goals so far from 18 appearances with Vitoria Leyer on target 17 times from 13 games played. Plenty of goals from the rest of the squad too with Dussindale & Hellesdon averaging 4.6 goals scored per game throughout the season.

  UEA (University of East Anglia) FC Women re establishing their women’s side last season, with a strong campaign in Division Two finishing runners-up behind Caister FC Ladies to earn promotion to Division One. Hit the ground running this season winning 5 of their opening 6 league games showing great form also knocking Mulbarton Belles Ladies out of the League Cup. Have been hampered by injuries and availability at times since and the 2nd half of the season has proved a challenge have slipped down the table after a run of 9 straight defeats in the league. Have fought hard to turn thing’s around saving their best results for the cup and with 2 league games left after today’s final will be aiming to finish the season on a high. Ella Burnley their leading goal scorer firing home 12 goals so far this season from 19 games, with Freya Fuller one behind on 11 from the 12 games she has featured in.

Road to the Final

  Dussindale & Hellesdon receiving a home win in the first round of the competition over Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development. UEA drawn away to Division Two side, FC Viking & Valkyries Women, proving too strong for their opponents racking up a 7-0 score line to progress into the 2nd Round.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon again progressing without kicking a ball as they were awarded the away win over Division Two side Gorleston FC Ladies who were soon to sadly fold. UEA handed a tough tie away to one of the cup favourites Mulbarton, 1st half goals from Ella Burnley and Rachel Lawrence proving to be enough as UEA worked hard in the 2nd half to keep Mulbarton from coming back winning 2-1.  

  Into the last 8 and Dussindale & Hellesdon were away to fellow Division One side long Stratton Women for the 2nd successive Sunday in cup competitions a 3-0 win on a cold January day to see them advance in the County Cup have enjoyed so entertaining games with Long Stratton and this one proving no different, Chelsea Brister and Shanice Sutton on target in the first half to see Dussindale & Hellesdon leading 2-1 at half-time, Long Stratton coming back to equalise to make it 2-2 send the tie into extra-time the hosted then seeing Sam Walker sent off with Dussindale & Hellesdon taking full advantage of the player advantage with Sutton going on to score twice, get a hat-trick with Georgina Belton adding on at the death to see them through to the last 4 5-2. UEA away to Bungay Town Ladies, Ella Burnley scoring twice in the first half doing the damage to see UEA 2-0 up after a strong half, Bungay improving in the 2nd period but could find no way through a stubborn UEA defence as the visitors booked their place in the semi-finals.

  A strong line up in the last 4, Dussindale & Hellesdon at home to Caister FC Ladies the two meeting in last season’s League Plate final, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning 6-0, proved to be a potent in front of goal this time around too, Victoria Leyer getting them off to a flying start scoring in the 1st minute adding a 2nd in the 2nd minute, Caister pulling a goal back to make it 2-1 at the break. Leyer going onto complete her hat-trick early in the 2nd period. A strong finish seeing 3 more goals added in the final 20 minutes with Georgina Belton, Betty Booker and Tallulah Bell all on target in a 6-1 win. UEA at home to Thetford Town Ladies were leading 1-0 in the match before the visitors came back with a devastating spell in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1… however ultimately Thetford much to their disappointment were adjudged to have fielded an ineligible player seeing the semi-final being replayed. No less drama 2nd time around, Mia Bambury and Kamile Omelevlclute scoring for Thetford, Ella Burnley and Cassandra Piejko scoring for UEA to send the tie into extra-time and then penalties, UEA edging a tense shootout 7-6 to reach the League Cup Final.

  Aylsham FC’s Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL Finals Days for the 2nd successive season. The large clubhouse newly build surrounded by numerous grass pitches the main pitch with a barrier all round, the BBQ in full swing now helped myself to a cheeseburger and portion of chips from the kitchen, much needed fuel before sitting up for the 2nd final of the day. The cloud burnt off now bright sunshine getting warm as the spectators arrived.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Siesha Humphries, Calista Tink (C), Georgina Belton, Abbi Nobbs, Chloe Shipman, Abby Hutchin, Chelsea Brister, Shanice Sutton & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Kari Kowalczyk, Hanna Coombe, Amee Kennett & Phoebe Green. 

UEA FC Women

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Anoushka Williamson, Tasha Harvey, Madeline Pitt, Lucy Gooding (C), Olivia Seeley, Amber Long, Freya Standing, Freya Fuller, Chloe Neate, Cassandra Piejko & Ella Burnley Subs – Lilly Brewer, Mia Everett, Tegan Collier, Prini Woods & Charlotte Stelmaszyk.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Both sides with a few missing through injury, Georgina Belton dropping into the defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon while UEA have 5 or 6 likely starters side-lined through injury, have been hard pressed to name a regular starting XI all season. Nevertheless both have a large squad with players ready to step in. This mornings officials back for the League Cup Final, Craig Day running the line in the 1st game in the centre now with Ryan Starkey and David Fairhurst running the lines. 

 UEA to get the League Cup Final underway kicking off the first half wearing an all navy kit with yellow trim on the shirts, Dussindale & Hellesdon opposite lined up in their claret coloured kit. The ball played back comes to Olivia Seeley on the left played up to Cassandra Piejko knocked inside for Amber Long as UEA look to push through the centre played up to Ella Burnley in attack holds the ball up before rolling it back into Freya Standing a free-kick given away halting the attack.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon get hold of the ball in the middle Chloe Shipman playing it forwards into Victoria Leyer in attack sends the short ball out to Shanice Sutton on the right corner of the UEA box gets a shot away on the angle, straight at UEA goalkeeper, Anoushka Williamson, saves comfortably. Both sides into each other from the start closing one another down, no time allowed on the ball, Leyer taking the ball on across the top of the area 20 yards out for Dussindale & Hellesdon, tracked well by Standing who lunges in to tackle wins the ball.

Shanice Sutton

  Dussindale & Hellesdon come left Siesha Humphries putting the ball on for Chelsea Brister, quickly closed down by Tasha Harvey, Leyer taking on the loose ball before too being closed down outside the box by Madeline Pitt. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing on at the start of the game the front three pressing UEA back into their box the ball rolled inside from the left coming to Sutton some 30 yards out pulls the trigger sending a shot wide of the right post. Seeley looking to take the ball on up the left for UEA sees her cross cut out by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rachel Bussey.

UEA’s Olivia Seeley

 GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon capitalising on their positive start to the game by taking the lead n the 6th minute, attacking on the left Brister lifting the ball into the box, cleared by Harvey play congested inside the area the ball regained by Dussindale & Hellesdon lifted back inside for Leyer to attack left of the goal six yards out strong to hold off her marker turns getting her foot up to the ball to send it wide of the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

Victoria Leyer opens the scoring for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  UEA conceding an early goal look to rally straight away Standing putting the ball out to the right for Freya Fuller, driving on looks to take on the full back, however can’t keep the ball in play goes out for a goal kick. UEA winning a free-kick with a handball spotted on halfway players up into the box the delivery long to the far post, captain Calista Tink heading clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Shipman with the ball setting off through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Long with the challenge for UEA.

Chloe Shipman

  Sutton tussling with the UEA defence for the ball top of the area, outnumbers but looking to get hold of the ball, ultimately frustrated giving away the free-kick as Fuller looks to take the ball out to the left. Fuller with a strong run on the ball left side for UEA tracking inside laying it forwards towards the area, Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole out well to the top of her box to claim the ball. Neither side able to play much flowing football as they both continue to rush in to close the ball down, scrappy at times, UEA captain Lucy Gooding in the back line intercepting a through ball intended for Leyer.

Shanice Sutton battling with the UEA defence

  Leyer coming inside form the left on the ball shooting off target from 25 yards out. Gooding with the clearance at the back a long ball finding Chloe Neate out wide right, turns on the ball looking to drive on, Humphries quickly into her to tackle regain possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Pitt getting up on the right with Neate UEA forcing a corner kick. Lifted in near side, attacked by Fuller can only direct her header behind for a goal kick.

  Pitt bringing down Shipman in midfield sees the UEA player picking up an early yellow card. Brister over the set-piece left of the circle, tries her luck a good hit sending her shot narrowly over the crossbar. A lively contest UEA looking to get the ball out to Neate and Fuller on the flanks run at the Dussindale & Hellesdon full backs, Long finding Neate on the right opts to shoot on the angle a low drive into towards the near post from 25 yards out not troubling Cole.  

  Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking on the left winning a throw lifted into the box for Sutton, Harvey getting across her to defend for UEA. The game frantic in terms of pace at time as the ball is exchanged between the sides Dussindale & Hellesdon turning play around to attack left channel with Sutton on the move with Brister, Humphries bombing on on the over laps the ball rolled on down the line, Pitt out to her to clear the ball for the throw. Alot of energy being expanded both sides into each other a few rash challenges, thing’s need to settle down.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon look to make a double change, bringing off Sutton and Humphries and sending on Kari Kowalczyk and Amee Kennett. UEA making a change too, Prini Woods coming on replacing Long. UEA attacking up on their right the ball squared into Burnley inside the area near side, Tink sliding in to make the tackle coming off the defender for a corner kick. The delivery headed back out to the taker wide the cross/shot back in wide at the near post.

  Abbi Nobbs and Shipman working hard in the middle to win possession back for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Nobbs fouled by Standing as she looks to link up with Abby Hutchin making a break through the middle. The game stretched as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter Kowalczyk on the left putting the ball inside for Leyer in attack, put back into Hutchin out to Bussey advanced on the right her cross lifted into the area cut out by Gooding. As quickly as Dussindale & Hellesdon can spring an attack they are equally adapt at regrouping at the back the midfielders tracking back well, Shipman covering alot of ground. 

Rachel Bussey

 Pitt blocking Leyer as he picks the ball up on the left outside the area looks to turn and shoot. UEA springing a counter attack, Gooding with a great pass on her picking out Burnley getting hold of the ball 30 yards out and turning to strike the ball racing wide of the left post. Another double switch with Brister and Nobbs coming off for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Phoebe Green and Hannah Coombes entering the game late in the first half. 

  Williamson with a magnificent save for UEA off Leyer as she latches onto a clearance, shooting low across the keeper, Williamson down sharply low to to throw out an arm glove the ball wide for a corner. The set-piece lifted into a packed area cleared by the UEA defence. Gooding in on Kowalczyk to win the ball top of the area left as Bussey puts the diagonal ball into her. Fuller pressing on the right for UEA the cross swept into the area cleared by Tink back out to the right a corner won, Harvey coming towards the corner hear side helping it on across goal no one able to reach it. 

UEA goalkeeper, Anoushka Williamson

Both sides continue to niggle at each other no quarter given, Shipman running to close down Pitt as she attempts to get forwards. UEA winning a free-kick wide on the right out in deep from Harvey, headed clear by Belton back out to the right the  looping ball back into the area landing on the roof of the net. Belton picking up a yellow card for Dussindale & Hellesdon as she brings down Burnley taking a run at the defence. Neate on the ball lifted forwards into the area Dussindale & Hellesdon clearing as the half-time whistle blows. 

Madeline Pitt

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 1-0 UEA FC Women

 Certainly a competitive 1st half both sides working hard to close the other down, little time for anyone on the ball. Victoria’s Leyer’s 6th minute goal the difference between the sides at the break. Dussindale & Hellesdon starting well pressing the UEA defence back, the game beginning to open up as the ball was closed down, UEA getting the ball out wide often end to end in nature as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter well creating chances Leyer seeing a shot saved late in the first half UEA getting into some good positions but as yet to really test the keeper, 1 goal in it however still very much to play for.

 Really warm now as both side return for the 2nd half, Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the game restarted the ball rolled back to Tink in defence out to Bussey moving forwards on the right, plays the ball long looking for Leyer Gooding winning it for UEA. The ball played into Burnley in midfield lifts it out to Neate breaking on down the right her cross cut back into the D, cleared by Coombe for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

 Coombe then picking up a yellow card for a high boot on Standing. Fuller getting hold of the ball in the middle for UEA driving on into the Dussindale & Hellesdon half encouraged to shoot’ lets fly from 25 yards out blasts the ball wide of the left post. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a corner out on the right players up from the back, Tink coming to head the ball near side picking up an head injury play stopped immediately for the trainer to come on administer treatment, Tink is okay and able to play on.

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Calista Tink

 A lively start to the 2nd half, Woods up into Fuller edge of the box looks to turn closely marked by Belton the defender getting a foot in to take the ball. Kowalczyk bursting on with the ball left side for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Neate tracking back on her to challenge as Gooding comes across to clear the ball. Quite intense you feel Dussindale & Hellesdon need another goal to try and settle the game down, UEA pressing well. Belton under pressure as Burnley links up with Standing through the middle, deals with the threat to clear the ball.

Kari Kowalczyk

  Kowalczyk bringing the ball inside linking up with Leyer in attack the Dussindale and Hellesdon striker pulling right to shoot 25 yards out her effort dipping in front of the keeper caught by Williamson on the bounce. Tink throwing herself in to block Burnley as she lines up a strike left side of the D. Coombe spraying the pass out for Green racing on up the line right wing her cross dipping into the near post met by Leyer on the volley turned over at close range.

  Fuller bringing the ball on for UEA out to Neate on the right, Bussey tackling for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Belton clearing for the throw in the corner. UEA pressure the ball inside the box to Standing comes back to Woods top of the area is rapidly closed down. Dussindale & Hellesdon bringing Humpies back on for Kennett. Neate advancing on the right for UEA her cross coming into Burnley inside the box, Belton challenging for Dussindale & Hellesdon the ball out for a throw in the corner. Pressure from UEA on the right appeals for handball the decision finally given a free-kick wide above the area, played into the area cleared back to Neate the free-kick taker, goes down after a challenge with Kowalczyk struggling can’t continue is brought off with Mia Everett coming on.

UEA’s Freya Fuller

  Green flying up the right into the corner for Dussindale & Hellesdon cutting a cross back into the area, Williamson just about getting there before Leyer. Dussindale & Hellesdon press the ball high up the pitch winning a free-kick outside the box to the right of goal in the 66th minute.

  GOAL! Coombe over the dead ball 20 plus yards out from goal players up from the back the ball struck low driven in towards the far corner, Belton running in getting the telling touch to send the ball home to double Dussindale & Hellesdon’s lead 2-0.

Georgina Belton (16) in to score Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 2nd goal

Georgina Belton

  Gooding across to put in the blocking tackle on Leyer left outside the area as she receives the ball from Green advancing up the wing. Dussindale bringing of Kowalczyk bringing Brister back on on the left of attack.

 GOAL! UEA with a quick reply to falling 2 goals behind coming right back to pull a goal back with Fuller driving on with the ball left channel to the edge off the area playing it into Burnley central inside the D shows great skill and close ball control as she shifts the the ball between her feet on the turn before lashing a shot past the keeper inside the left post 2-1. 

Ella Burnley with a great strike to pull a goal back for UEA

  Game on with 20 minutes left to play UEA getting it back to a single goal. Dussindale & Hellesdon win the ball in the middle Hutchin getting hold of it powering her way forwards eventually stopped as 3 UEA players converge on her, Leyer taking on the loose ball out right top of the box in low pushed wide by the keeper.

UEA’s Chloe Neate with Abby Hutchin

  Another player down for UEA, Piejko retuning to the action. Nobbs back on for Coombe. The game intense as Dussindale & Hellesdon press on with the ball Humphries picking the ball up central driving towards the area, Pitt closing her down coming together both go down outside the D, UEA incredulous as the free-kick goes against them, furious feeling it should have gone the other way!

  GOAL! Nobbs over the set-piece for Dussindale & Hellesdon in a very dangerous position central 20 yards out, catches her strike beautifully the lift the ball up over the wall and looping down over the keeper into the back of the net 3-1.

Abbi Nobbs scores from the free-kick to make it 3-1

  UEA seething, furious at the decision to award the free-kick in the first place falling 3-1 behind as a result of it being given vent their opinions, their woes further increased as Piejko is sent off for decent after being asked to repeat her original comment, UEA down to 10, worse still as Burnley with an outburst is shown a yellow card and sin binned for 10 minutes. UEA down to 9! The game turned on a sixpence.

 Belton looking to exploit the player advantage sweeping a diagonal ball up to Brister on the left, striking the ball from distance sees it race wide of the far post. Sutton back on for Dussindale & Hellesdon replacing Leyer. Dussindale & Hellesdon able to come on as UEA try to claim themselves down, Green volleying over at the far post as Brister sweeps in  cross from deep on the left. Shipman with a shot driven in on the angle Williamson taking it into her midriff.

Chelsea Brister

  GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon all over UEA now as they press on Green breaking into the area on the ball, Gooding nibbling at her with the challenge, Green staying on her feet to strike the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner. 4-1.

Phoebe Green congratulated by her teammates after scoring Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 4th

 Hard work for UEA now, Dussindale & Hellesdon with a double switch taking off Humphries and Bussey on come Kennett and Kowalczyk. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular time Fuller off for UEA, Tegan Collier on as they look to hold Dussindale & Hellesdon back. Standing back to defend on Hutchin as she gets the ball fed into her feet from the left.

 GOAL! Hutchin with a wonderful strike from distance to bring up Dussindale & Hellesdon’s fifth goal. All of 30 yards out to the right of the area connects with the shot to curl the ball into the top left corner to score a beauty 5-1. 

 Burnley back on for UEA as Dussindale & Hellesdon press on through the middle Shipman into Sutton holding off a defender as she breaks into the area gets a shot away the keeper holding onto the ball. Burnley looking to break through the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence stopped by the offside flag. The game deep into stoppage time Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick out wide on the left the ball flung in towards the far post headed clear by UEA as the final whistle blows. 

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 5-1 UEA FC Women

  Dussindale & Hellesdon winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final 5-1. The score line not reflection the balance of the game, a controversial free-kick with 0 minutes to go altering the course of the game Dussindale & Hellesdon scoring from it to go 3-1 ahead pushed all the way by UEA until then an intense game boiling over UEA furious with the decision getting two players sent off, Dussindale & Hellesdon taking advantage to score two more goals to settle what could well have been a nervy end to the game. A battling performance from both sides closing each other down with little time on the ball for anyone played at a high tempo. Dussindale & Hellesdon leading by a single goal at the break a close contest, needed a 2nd goal getting it UEA came straight back to make it 2-1 with 20 minutes to go. A huge effort from UEA played their part in the final made Dussindale & Hellesdon work for the win.

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 tough one with several contenders on both sides to mention. For UEA, Madeline Pitt making some great tackles at the back, Captain Lucy Gooding reading the game well getting in position to intercept and win the ball, her long range passes useful for the counter. Freya Standing and Prini Woods getting after the ball in the middle while Freya Fuller was outstanding making several strong runs through the middle and out wide. For Dussindale & Hellesdon Georgina Belton had a great match at the back in defence winning the ball and preventing the attackers turning. Victoria Leyer up top taking the ball on getting into some great positions inside the box opening the scoring. The award though goes to Chloe Shipman, bossed the midfield getting about the pitch to win the ball, making some useful runs forwards. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 2022/23 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

 Congratulations to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup

 An enjoyable day at Youngs Park watch the League Plate and Cup Finals my thanks to everyone for their help today two entertaining games. Plenty of football action still to come a busy week ahead before the excitements all over…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development v Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

Sunday 14th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

On the road early this Sunday heading to Aylsham for this season’s Norfolk Women’s Finals Day. Three finals taking place featuring the 11 aside League Plate and Cup Finals along with the ever popular 7 aside League Cup Final. The League Plate kicking the day off with a 10:30am kick-off between an all Mulbarton final as the 1st team take on their new Development side reaching a cup final in their debut season.

The League Plate the leagues secondary competition with the sides knocked out in the early rounds of the league cup entering the plate competition.

This morning’s prize

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st team with a busy end to the season crowned Division One Champions for the 2nd successive season following a 4-1 win at Bungay Town Ladies in midweek are looking to make it a league and cup double this weekend with another huge final to look forwards to on Friday as they take on Norwich City Women at Carrow Road in their County Cup Final appearance in a row. That sums up their history in a nutshell as Mulbarton Belles Ladies are only into their 3rd season as a club the bulk of the quad following manager Martin Francis to Mulbarton having previously been with Thorpe United.

The women’s side fully embraced by Mulbarton Wanderers FC becoming an integral part of the club reaching the county cup final in their debut season going on to become Division One Champions last year along with reaching the League Cup and County Cup Finals. Have continued to grow their 7 aside team winning the Division One title in their respective league also into this season’s League Cup final taking on Division Two Champions, Taverham Ladies FC. Coming out on top in two huge games against Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women in the league to overhaul their main rivals to reclaim their Division One title.

Reaching the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup too has been another history making season with only one loss in the NWGFL against UEA FC Women seeing them exit the League Cup to enter the League Plate. Are unbeaten in the league with 15 wins and 2 draws. Captain Rebekah Lake their talisman up top in attack one of the leading strikers in the county netting 21 goals this season. Francesca Catchpole with a prolific spell in front of goal for Mulbarton before joining Wroxham weighing in with 15 goals with Sophie Jermy netting a hat-trick in the 4-1 title winning victory in midweek now on 14 for the season.

Growing rapidly with more players joining the club not only has a 7 aside team been established but also a new Development team this season. Managed by Cara Skinner have enjoyed a strong debut season in NWGFL Division Two, amongst the pack pushing for the title playing out there fixtures currently sit 2nd in the table the sides immediately below with games to play may drop a place in the final standings. That league form carrying into the cup competitions. Lucy Kean top scorer for the Development side netting 21 goals from 20 appearances while Charlotte Groves has 13 goals from 16 games.

Road to the Final

 Both Mulbarton sides progressing without kicking a ball in the 1st Round of the Plate competition, through to the quarter finals the Development at home drawn against Division One side Beccles Town Ladies. A hat-trick from Charlotte Groves proving to be the difference with the Development side edging the result 3-2 to reach the last 4. Mulbarton’s 1st team away to Stalham Town Ladies bottom of Division One, Molly Ryan netting a hat-trick in the match along with a brace for Francesca Catchpole in a 7-1 victory with Ellie Hunter and Olivia Smith also on the score sheet.

The development side away to another side going strong in Division Two, Thorpe St Andrew Women in the semi-finals. Lucy Kean putting the Development side into the lead early in the 2nd half with Ella Cattermole doubling the lead before Thorpe pulled a goal back, Rosie McNarry making it 3-1 with 10 minutes to play securing the Development’s place in the Plate final. The 1st team at home to Division Two side, North Walsham Angels Ladies in the last 4, Sophie Jermy bagging herself a hat-trick as the hosts ran out comfortable 6-0 winners to reach the final with Rebekah Lake, Ellie Hunter and Molly Ryan all getting a goal.

Aylsham FC’s, Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL Finals day for the 2nd successive year, a weekend of finals held at the ground with the youth team finals held the day before. Aylsham themselves re establishing a women’s side this season just a win away from securing the Division Two title in their first season together, with youth sides at U7’s & U11’s too. The newly build clubhouse and changing room’s over looking the numerous grass pitches with the main pitch beside the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drinks. A somewhat murky start to the day thick cloud overhead keeping thing’s dull and damp under foot the pitch moist, forecast it for it to burn off get out brighter later in the day.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development

Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Meg Anderton, Jessica Clegg, Stephanie Leek, Natasha Williams (C), Nicole Read, Rosie McNarry, Charlotte Groves, Ella Cattermole, Amy Coaker & Lucy Kean. Subs – Kiera Barrowcliffe, Maria Sosnina & Amber Ovens.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st team

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st starting XI – Cara Anderson, Aneliese Smith, Melissa Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Alice Smith, Ellie Hunter, Laura Hedtke, Sophie Jermy, Emma Farmer & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Olivia Mungham-Grey, Olivia Smith & Molly Ryan.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  With all 3 Mulbarton sides in action at the same time (the 7’s kicking off before the end of the Plate final both sides have three available on the bench. Typically I write Mul in my notes but that’s not going to work today so from now on so as not to confuse you or me I will refer to the sides as the Development and 1st’s. The Development side in the home changing room wearing Mulbarton’s home colours, blue and black vertical striped shirts, with blue shorts and socks. The 1st’s wearing their away strip, turquoise coloured shirts with grey coloured shorts and socks. The 1st’s to get the game underway played back into Laura Hedtke in midfield back to Melissa Belsey at right back sends the ball across the defence for Aneliese Smith to send up the left for Ellie Hunter to attack down the flank, Natasha Williams captaining the Development side coming across to defend the ball cleared for a throw.

   Both sides getting after each other in the middle in the early exchanges the ball out of play, cleared at the back the 1st’s send the ball out to the right with Emma Farmer bringing it on cutting inside to make a run across the top of the area, laying it into the box for captain, Rebekah Lake right of goal held up lays it back to Hedtke coming on to strike on the angle from 25 yards out sends her shot over the bar.

Emma Farmer

  Alice Smith winning possession in the midfield for the 1st’s lifting the ball over the top dropping into the box with Lake giving chase, goalkeeper Kirstie Andrews wanting to see the ball out of play but pressed by Lake clears for a throw to the left. Sophie Jermy picking up the ball for the 1st’s out on the left surging inside heading towards the area is tackled by the Development’s Stephanie Leek. Hunter and Jermy combine coming forwards on the left for the 1st’s, Jermy forced inside putting the ball into Alice Smith central who plays the ball out to the right for Melissa Belsey bursting forwards from full back puts her cross back to Farmer top of the area right of goal who then curls a cross into towards the far post Hedtke stealing in volleying over from close range.

  Lucy Lincoln defending at the back for the 1st’s as Charlotte Groves makes a midfield run linking up with Lucy Kean in attack looking to go on, Lincoln gets her foot in to tackle running back towards her area. 

Lucy Kean

 GOAL! The deadlock broken inside the opening 7 minutes, the 1st’s feeding the ball into Jermy on the left is allowed to travel cutting inside pulls the trigger from 25 yards out to smash a shot past the keeper into the right side of the goal 0-1.

Sophie Jermy with the opening strike

  The 1st’s getting players on from midfield well Alice Smith with space to pick a pass in the middle clipping a diagonal ball n towards the left corner of the area, Hedtke making the run to get onto the end of it, Leek doing well to clear for the Development side. Groves bringing the ball on through the middle for the Development side put forwards into Kean in attack looks to turn but closely marked by Lincoln instead shifts the ball out to the right flank with Amy Coaker getting into an advanced position squaring a cross in towards the near side, Kean wriggling free to attack it turning it towards goal but plucked up into her gloves safely by goalkeeper, Cara Anderson.

Amy Coaker

  A free-kick for the Development side on halfway, Nicole Read to play the ball long up towards the top of the area won by Lincoln headed clear. The Development side pushed back into their area, Williams defending sending the ball long up to the right, Lincoln intercepting for the 1st’s the ball coming straight back. A throw high on the left for the Development side dropped into Kean not able to turn and strike on the angle plays it into the path of Ella Cattermole coming across her instead is charged down as she goes to strike the ball from outside the box.

Development side captain, Natasha Williams

 Groves looking to make thing’s happen attacking through the middle for the Development side looking to release Rosie McNarry out on the left of attack, Anderson however is quickly out to the corner of her area to claim the ball for the 1st’s. Farmer over on the left in attack for the 1st’s now breaking forwards with Hedtke as the diagonal ball comes floating in towards the top of the box, Williams getting there first to win the header send the ball clear.

  Lake coming for the ball in the middle bursting forwards a strong run, halted by Williams as she comes to close her down. Ken linking up with Cattermole through the middle lifting the ball out to Coaker attacking on the right a heavy tough giving Lincoln the half yard to get onto the ball and clear. Hunter coming into the middle spinning to play the ball forwards with Lake making the run into the right channel, Jessica Clegg with a vital interception for the Development side. 

Jessica Clegg

 Megan Belsey winning the header top of her area as Coaker sends in a cross from deep on the right. A change for the Development side with Amber Ovens coming on for McNarry. Groves pushing up playing a one two with Kean through the middle, Lincoln reading it pulling away to get into the path of the ball and send clear. Several pauses for undone laces the game being played in good spirits Mulbarton is a tight knit and united outfit. The 1st’s burst on through the middle Lake on the move up top Hedtke lifts the ball forwards dropping left of the D, Andrews comes down in front of Lake to save doesn’t get hold of the ball however loose to the left Lake after it the defence racing back, the shot delayed giving Andrews the time she needs to regain her angle and get behind the ball sent towards her goal and claim.

  Melissa Belsey taking the ball on for the 1st’s on the right sends it on to Lake down the wing then breaks into the box herself Lake picking the full back out with her cross, sends a looping header in towards goal from the top of the area, Andrews catching it high. The 1st’s getting players forwards well Jermy linking up with Lake on the right top of the area, Hedtke getting on to join the action sending a forwards pass into the area with Lake breaking in behind however she is halted by the raised flag, offside.

 25 minutes played and the 1st’s continue to show good movement in attack, players moving across the final 3rd keeping the Development side from committing too many players forwards. Still some good battles out there, Groves always hard to shake off the ball once she gets on a run. Melissa Belsey bringing her down on the left on halfway. Groves looking to link up with Kean in attack again attempt the one two with Kean pulling right forwards into the box for Groves, Lincoln getting across to shield the ball claimed by Anderson.

Charlotte Groves

 Clegg doing well at the back against Lake as Alice Smith lifts another inviting ball forwards into the box for the 1st’s. Melissa Belsey with a strong challenge at the back to win the ball for the 1st’s sending the ball on for lake out into the right, player streaming forwards to get into the box, Lake’s low cross cut out by Read, deflected out towards the top right of the area with Hunter latching onto it for the 1st curling a looping effort up towards the left corner the strike cannoning back down into the area left off the crossbar…

Ellie Hunter

  GOAL! … the shot is struck on the angle back towards goal, blocked… appeals for handball, referee Ryan Starkey pointing to the spot, Penalty! Hedtke placing the ball on the spot runs up to strike the ball a powerful hit sending the keeper to wrong way to hit the back of the net and make it 0-2.

Laura Hedtke makes it 2-0 from the penalty spot

Laura Hedtke

  15 minutes left on the clock in the 1st half Mulbarton’s 1st team doubling their advantage. Coaker coming forwards with the ball central for the Development side picking out Ovens with the pass on the right, Aneliese Smith lunging in to win the tackle for the 1st team. Melissa Belsey right on for Lake to attack on the right her sweeping ball into the box headed clear by Williams. The Development side’s captain winning her fair share of headers inside the box with Lake pulling wide to cross. Coaker with Ovens out on the right getting the Development side a corner. Lifted in near post Anderson comes amongst bodies to get a fist on the ball send it clear to the right. 

Alice Smith

 The 1st’s making a triple switch bringing of Aneliese Smith, Jermy and Melissa Belsey bringing on Olivia Smith, Olivia Mungham-Grey and Molly Ryan. Groves back to defend a throw deep on the right cutting out the ball sending it behind for a corner as Lake turns to attack the area. The ball flung into the mix headed clear. 

Molly Ryan

  Groves high up the pitch getting in the tackle to win the ball, sets off, Lincoln with a timely tackle to toe the ball away from the midfielder or she’d be through to attack the box beyond. Time ticking down in the first half the Development side battling hard to defend but often pushed back can’t get players up quick enough to support Kean in attack, seeing the ball come straight back. Hunter in the middle on for Lake ahead of her lays the pass out to Ryan to the right bursts on into the box Ryan playing the ball into her shooting for the left side across the keeper, Andrews getting down smartly to make a superb save push the ball away then back up quickly to save again with her feet beating the ball away as Lake goes after the loose ball. 

Goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews

The Development side winning a corner on the left the ball fired in low across the six yard box knocked back in central falling to Groves can’t get a shot away before being closed down the 1st team defence scrambling the ball clear.

GOAL! Into stoppage time in the first half and a sucker punch for the Development side as they are hit on the counter attack Hedtke bringing the ball on from the middle left side laying it forwards into Lake racing on the keeper rushing out to close her down, Lake top corner lobs it over the keeper with the outside of her boot to send it racing on into the empty net 0-3.

1st’s captain, Rebekah Lake

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development 0-3 Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

  A late late goal in the first half seeing Mulbarton’s 1st team take a 3-0 lead into the break. A strong first half scoring an early goal getting forwards well pushing the Development teams defence back. Adding a 2nd from the penalty spot midway through the half then a 3rd late on to put themselves into a strong position going into the 2nd half. The Development side working hard at the back with some good defending and saves from Andrews getting the ball into their attackers hasn’t been easy, Groves with her driving runs looking the most likely to make something happen. 

Both sides making changes at the break with Jermy back on for the 1st’s replacing Alice Smith, McNarry and Maria Sosnina on for the Development side who get the 2nd half underway the ball launched forwards at the start looking for Kean pushing on however is long for a goal kick. The Development side looking to start the 2nd half on the front foot Groves looking to play the ball on for McNarry as she get’s past Lincoln, the ball put inside cut out by Olivia Smith. 

  Read with a coming together with Hedtke leaves the midfielder down for a moment needing a little time to recover, still played in good spirits if competitive. McNarry winning the ball for the Development side putting it on for Groves central as she makes the run right channel to break into the area, Groves playing the ball into her, Megan Belsey in the make the blocking tackle as she goes to shoot the defender then clearing the loose ball. 

Megan Belsey

  GOAL! The Development side looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half quickly find themselves trailing by a 4th goal, the 1st’s with the ball in midfield lifting it out to the right with Ryan bursting forwards driving a low cross into the box, near side, Lake stealing in near post to strike the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner for her 2nd of the match 0-4. 

Rebekah Lake

  Anderton with a strike from all of 30 yards for the Development side over the crossbar as the ball is laid back into from Groves. The Development side with a substitution bring Cattermole back on for Read. Lake flagged offside as Hunter’s pass into Farmer wide left see a cross launched in towards the far post. Anderton up on the left combining with Sosnina, the ball into the area won by Lincoln.

  Andrews out smartly to claim the ball to the right of her area before Farmer can reach Hedtke’s crossfield ball. The 1st’s with a triple switch as they bring Alice Smith, Melissa Belsey and Aneliese Smith back on for Hunter, Hedtke and Megan Belsey. Game strategy with Friday’s County Cup Final in mind. Ryan driving a shot wide across goal from a throw high on the right. Framer playing the ball up into Lake in attack, Clegg defending for the Development side…

 GOAL! … players up the field the 1st win possession back quickly the pass played into the area for Lake racing in clear left wide of goal to shoot on the acute angle to send the ball across the goal into the net on the right for her hat-trick. 0-5.

A cup final hat-trick for Rebekah Lake

  The 1st team getting themselves into a 5 goal lead early in the 2nd half, captain Rebekah Lake bagging herself a cup final hat-trick. The Development side making a change bringing off Anderton for Read, soon after Leek picks up a head injury and is taken off to be replaced by Coaker. Ryan taking the ball on for the 1st team moving left pushed on for Farmer racing towards the area left side, Andrews out to close the angle making a fantastic save with her legs as she goes to shoot the ball out for a throw deep on the left. From the dead ball the cross flashed into the six yard box across goal Aneliese Smith attacking it far post sending the ball over from close range.

Aneliese Smith

   Read blocking Ryan’s shot as the attacker looks to force her way into the box. The 1st team in control of the game now pressing their opponents in the final 3rd the cross coming in Lake attacking it close in at the right post frustrated but smiling as her attempted shot doesn’t come of instead goes narrowly wide. 

  Lake turning provider peeling out to the right to fire a cross into the six yard box, Ryan meeting it, Andrews again saving brilliantly with her feet. Read off again with Anderton back on for the Development side. Ovens sending the ball on for Groves as the Development side attempt to break, Jermy tracking back to defend. 

  GOAL! The game stretched as the Development team tire and push players on looking for an opening, the ball won in the middle played out wide for Aneliese Smith on the right wing taking it in shoots on the angle a vicious strike in low towards the near post, Andrews down covering the angle, getting her gloves on the ball but only succeeds in pushing it across her goal and straight into the path of Lake to stroke the ball home for her 4th of the match 0-6.

A 4th goal for Rebekah Lake

  The game open now the 1st team coming on at will finding space out wide Alice Smith picking out Aneliese Smith getting up on the right sends the ball inside for Lake 20 out to lay back for Alice Smith to take on the strike from 25 yards out, put in on target saved by Andrews right behind bringing the ball down and claiming. 

  Jermy into Lake out on the left sending a cross in central from deep, Ryan latching onto the ball to cut past the defence and shoot, left of the D, Andrews diving he ball though racing wide of her left post. The Development side struggling to find any rhythm, Groves continues to get onto the ball but frustratingly can’t get it into her teammates as Alice Smith, Lincoln and Melissa Belsey all close her down. McNarry winning the ball back right putting it forwards, Olivia Smith there to reclaim before Kean can get across to it. Sosnina out on the left bringing the ball down plays it into the area , Lincoln in to clear for the 1st team. 

Maria Sosnina

  Andrews rushing out to slide in and claim at the feet of Aneliese Smith on the right as she runs in behind the defence. The game moving into the final 10 minutes the 1st’s winning a throw deep in the corner on the right put into Jermy near side a turn and volley sent over from 10 yards out. Despite the score line everyone is playing with a smile on their face good banter being exchanged. 

 Coaker coming off for the Development side, Ovens back on, Farmer on the left flashing a cross along the face of goal, Aneliese Smith sending it over, but play halted by the raised flag. Lincoln has done as much as anyone to frustrate the Development sides attacking efforts during the match getting in to tackle more than one driving run from Groves through the middle. 

Amber Ovens

  Ovens attacking with the ball into the right corner for the Development side laid back to Cattermole top of the box right her cross in cut out by Jermy, the 1st’s launching a counter attack racing up the pitch the ball out to Aneliese Smith on the right inside the box for Jermy to attack a swing and a miss as two sliding challenges come in. Game end to end as the Development side look to break the game stretched.

  Ryan sending the ball inside for Aneliese Smith inside 20 yards out from the right takes on the shot a high ball lifted in towards goal, taken by Andrews on the bounce. Into the closing moments McNarry breaking into the box for the Development side the ball is lifted over the top, Lincoln holding her off as Anderson calls loudly and rushes out to claim the ball. 

Rosie McNarry

 The game into the dying second lifted forwards by the 1st’s cleared by Williams as the final whistle blows and the 1st team celebrate winning a league and cup double. 

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development 0-6 Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

  Mulbarton’s 1st team with a strong performance to win the Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final, Sophie Jermy scoring inside the opening 7 minutes with a 2nd added from the penalty spot by Laura Hedtke was a real blow for the Development side to concede a 3rd so late in the first half. Andrews with a number of crucial saves while the defence worked tirelessly. Looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half the Development side soon found themselves 4 goals down with 1st’s captain Rebekah Lake netting her 2nd and soon after her 3rd of the game. In control of the game now the 1st’s pressed on looking a threat in attack, a 6th goal coming as Lake got onto the end of a saved strike from Aneliese Smith to add her 4th of the game and the 1st teams 6th. A heavy loss for the Development side in the end but it mustn’t distract from the an excellent debut season reaching a cup final while challenging week in week out at the top end of their league and great to see both sides united after the game.

A league and cup double for Mulbarton’s 1st team as they gear up for their 3rd successive County Cup Final appearance on Friday as they take on Norwich City Women at Carrow Road. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several strong performances out there but as always only one winner. For the Development side the defence worked hard throughout making a number of vital interceptions and tackles none more so than captain, Natasha Williams. Goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews pulling off a number of fantastic saves. Charlotte Groves getting about in midfield looking to take the ball on force play and ring others into the attack. For the 1st’s Lucy Lincoln was immense at the back reading the game well, making alot of interceptions and winning the ball with her head. Sophie Jermy covering the ground getting on with the ball and tracking back to defend opening the scoring with a wonderful strike. The award though goes to captain Rebekah Lake scoring 4 goals in the final, getting into some great positions inside and outside the box pulling wide for the ball never still. 

 This is a Mulbarton centric report s o here is the best time to give a shout out to their 7’s side who were also victorious in their Cup Final today. Alice Ladbrooke with the only goal of the game seeing them beat Taverham Ladies FC, with goalkeeper Jo Hooper named player of the match.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 7’s with a League and Cup double of their own

Congratulations to Mulbarton Belles Ladies 7’s on winning today’s League Cup final.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 2022/23 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

Champions of Norfolk Women’s Division One

Congratulation’s too, too Mulbarton Belles Ladies on winning today’s League Plate Final and for becoming Division One Champions for the 2nd successive season.

 An enjoyable first game at today’s Norfolk Women’s Finals day, thanks to the NWGFL committee and teams for their help this morning a quick turn around and some food needed before this afternoon’s League Cup final.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cardea FC Ladies v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 10th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

sponsored by the Alan Boswell Group

A trip over to St Neots this Wednesday evening for the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, to be contested by the two sides vying for the title in Division One, Cardea FC Ladies and Histon Ladies. 

  The pair battling for the title in the Cambridgeshire Women’s league top division. Histon Ladies on top for much of the campaign with Cardea FC Ladies behind with their fixtures, have caught their rivals up now and after drawing 1-1 at Histon back in February. Cardea FC Ladies winning 4-2 at home against Histon 10 days ago are now 3 points clear at the top with both having 2 matches left to play.

This evening’s prize

  Cardea FC Ladies reaching their 2nd cup final of the season aiming to repeat the success of their first ever cup final a month ago in the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup a wonderful strike from captain Laura Rudd after just 50 seconds the difference as they turned in a strong performance against St Ives Town Ladies to win the trophy in 2nd season. A league and cup treble on the cards have been steadily improving rising to challenge at the top of the Cambridgeshire County Women’s league with ambitions to move up into regional football next season. Building a strong squad bringing in some experienced players including Emma Pollard with vast experience playing at a higher level with Peterborough Northern Star Ladies has been prolific in front of goal for Cardea, scoring an incredible 54 goals so far this season from just 19 appearances. 

 Histon Ladies have endured a couple of tough season’s since dropping out of the ERWFL, but have very much turned thing’s around this season with the appointment of Keven Jacklin as 1st team manager. A wealth of experience working with Cambridge City Ladies, chairman at one time as has brought in a few ex-Cambridge City players to bolster the strong core of players already within the club. Hit the ground running with straight wins to top the league a position held until recently after being overhauled by Cardea FC Ladies and will now need their opponents to drop points in their final 2 fixtures to have any chance of regaining top spot. Carla Penny one of the ex-Cambridge City contingent joining Kevin Jacklin at Histon, scoring alot of goals in City colours has continued that form in the red of Histon, scoring 22 in 18 appearances. Amie Fullwood another ex-City player weighing in with 12 goals with Sophie Hopkin also getting to double figures. Like Cardea are keen to get back playing regional football.

Road to the Final  

  Byes into the 2nd Round for both sides, Cardea FC Ladies entered the competition away to Division Three side Manea Sirens LFC. Cardea racking up a massive score line winning 18-0! With Emma Pollard netting 5 goals, captain Laura Rudd hitting 4 into the back of the net. With Georgie Elsom and Courtney Coles scoring 3 and 2 respectfully with a goal apiece for Charlotte Moffat, Brooke Ware, Sofia Aragosa and Olivia Smith. Histon Ladies too drawn at home to Division Three opposition getting the home win over Deeping United Ladies. 

  Into the 3rd Round, Cardea FC Ladies facing tough opposition in Division Two newcomers Peterborough Sports Ladies who would go on to win the league. Cardea though win plenty of goal scorers in their ranks as Pollard netted herself a brace with Aragosa, Rudd, Ware and Elsom all on target for a goal each in a 6-1 win. Histon at home to fellow Division One side, Leverington Sports Ladies and although it would prove a different story in the league a month later Histon with a dominant display to win through to the quarter finals with an 8-1 victory. Carla Penny scoring 4 goals, with a goal each for Sophie Hopkin, Katie Levitt, Kirsty Geal and Amie Fullwood.

  The quarter finals saw Cardea draw away to Eaton Socon Ladies making a strong showing in their debut season in Division One pushing hard in 3rd spot. It was Pollard inflicting the damage once again as she scored a hat-trick to secure a 3-1 win for her side. Histon progressing to the last 4 without kicking a ball as they were once again awarded the home win this time against Cambridge City Ladies Development 

  Cardea away from home in the semi-finals taking on another Division One side Fulbourn Bluebirds Institute. Fulbourn possessing a strong goal threat themselves were to get on the scoresheet twice, but as before Pollard was amongst the goals netting another hat-trick with Moffat also scoring to see Cardea into the final with a 4-2 win. Histon at home playing Division Two side Huntingdon Town Ladies in the last 4. goals from Penny, Levitt, Hopkin and Fullwood seeing them into the final winning 4-0.

 St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium hosting this evening’s League Cup final, no stranger to women’s football as it also serves as the home for Cambridge United WFC and their Development side in the FAWNL. The main grass pitched stadium with a 3G facility beside. The bar and clubhouse beside the main seated stand on on side with covered viewing behind both goals. The grass pitch looking good as it has all season. Several heavy down pours across the region in the hours leading up to this evenings game, the pitch passing a 5pm inspection. Standing water in places would be a slick surface, favouring the sliding challenge, with hopefully no more rain falling. 

Cardea FC Ladies

Cardea FC Ladies starting XI – Poppy Halstead, Laura Ramsaran, Fiona Plumb, Sofia Aragosa, Brooke Ware, Maisie Homden, Laura Rudd (C), Olivia Smith, Georgie Elsom, Courtney Coles & Emma Pollard. Subs – Titch Abraham, Leah Barnes, Mia Newman & Charlotte Moffat.

Histon Ladies

Histon Ladies starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Abi Laughlin, Katie Levitt, Ellie Churchill, Laura Leyland, Rachel Pearce, Sophie Hopkin, Emma Todd, Kirsty Geal, Carla Penny (C) & Amie Fullwood. Subs – Freya Goddard, Esther McTrusty, Shannon Chandler, Ellie Laughlin & Shannon Shaw.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

    Carla Penny captaining Histon, lining up with Cardea captain Laura Rudd with this evening’s referee Nicoleta Bria who is amongst growing list of female officials within the county to go on to officiate in the Women’s Championship and beyond. Histon to get the League Cup final underway kicking-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Cardea lined up opposite wearing navy coloured shirts with blue sleeves, navy shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence put out to the right for Emma Todd to attack, Maisie Homden seeing it out for a throw for Cardea.

  Cardea get after the ball on their right pushed forwards into Brooke Ware looks to send it up the line for Emma Pollard, racing forwards sees her cross blocked by Histon’s Katie Levitt the ball out for the throw to Cardea in the corner. From the throw Pollard sees the ball into her feet and turning to attack strikes the ball goalwards from a tight angle, Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard getting down sharply at her near post the save beating the ball wide across her six yard box before being cleared behind for the corner kick. The inswinging delivery flying into the side netting.

Cardea’s Brooke Ware with Histon’s Kirsty Geal

  Histon surge forwards the ball fed on through the middle, Rachel Pearce laying the ball into Amie Fullwood attacking the right channel, Todd showing a rapid turn of pace to take herself in behind the Cardea defence as Fullwood rolls the ball into her path right of the D, Cardea goalkeeper, Poppy Halstead getting out to the edge of her area rapidly sliding in to claim the ball at Todd’s feet. 

Histon striker, Amie Fullwood

 Both sides looking to get after the ball in the opening exchanges, Cardea captain Laura Rudd sending the ball on for Pollard looking to pull off the defence left of goal, Laura Leyland getting her foot in to intercept the pass, clear for Histon in defence. Histon on the move left side Levitt on for Kirsty Geal out wide, pace taking the ball forwards fires a stinging drive in towards Cardea’s near post from outside the box, Halstead down sharply stretching to claim the ball with Todd closing in.

  Is competitive in the middle, Courtney Coles for Cardea battling for possession with Histon’s Sophie Hopkin. The ball put on down the line right side for Todd presses forwards, Maisie Homden getting back at her well for Cardea to defend in the corner prevent the cross coming in. Pearce getting free in the middle taking the ball forwards a clever pass into Carla Penny as she makes a run across the top of the D moving to the right, chipping the ball over the top of the defence into the area, Halstead rushing out the first to the ball.

Cardea defender, Maisie Homden

  Histon looking lively winning the ball in midfield Pearce with options left and right in Geal and Todd with Penny drifting across the defence. Leyland winning the ball at the back for Histon as Cardea attempt to release Pollard up top her clear needing to be intercepted by Homden stretching with Todd running on. Patches of standing water on the pitch, one found by Abi Laughlin as she throws herself into a sliding challenge. 

Abi Laughlin

Rudd turning on the ball on for Georgie Elsom on the left forwards into Pollard up the wing her crossfield ball, cut out and cleared by Leyland for the throw in. Histon pressing players on well a throw won high on the left into Penny plays the ball inside of Pearce who in turn lays it out to the left for Levitt bursting forwards has Geal ahead of her looking to break into the box, receiving the pass, Sofia Aragosa, closing her down challenging to win the ball. 

Laughlin sending the ball on right side for Todd hurtling forwards on the right her cross from deep swept into the area cut out by Laura Ramsaran cleared out of the area, the shot struck from distance charged down by Elsom. Histon winning the ball looking to take the game to Cardea, Laughlin going past Todd on the overlap right side, Olivia Smith tracking back on her to defend for Cardea the ball put out of play for the corner on the right. The delivery whipped in across goal threating to creep under the crossbar Halstead up well to glove it away to the far post dropping Histon lash a shot in towards goal rising central, Halstead with an excellent reactive save getting her arm up to knock the ball up over the bar.

  Pressure building from Histon the corner played in from the left inswinging central Rudd up before the keeper heading it down towards the top of the area Hopkin latching onto the shot inside the box for Histon, smashed over the bar! 

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

  Halstead the busier of the two keepers out quickly to the right corner of her box to slide in and claim as Levitt looks to put Geal in behind on the wing after Elie Churchill wins the ball at the back. Todd moving into a central position looking to put Fullwood in to attack right of the D, taking the ball on into the box wide of goal fires a low cross into Penny outside the near post, turns as she shoots the ball struck over. 

Histon captain, Carla Penny

  Histon applying the pressure looking a threat on the right Homden exposed as Todd is played in down the line the Cardea defender doing well getting back on her nevertheless as Smith gets back to help her out the ball cleared for a throw. Pearce into Hopkin central finds Todd with the pass on the right her early cross into the box won by Cardea’s Aragosa. Pearce with time on the ball for Histon central putting the ball into Levitt’s path on the left storming forwards looks to play in Geal, Brooke Ware challenging to prevent the cross for Cardea.

Histon’s Emma Todd with Cardea’s Maisie Homden

  Pushing Cardea back, making it difficult for their opponent to get the ball into Pollard up top Histon continue to press, Hopkin into Fullwood, Penny moving across her wanting the ball, Fiona Plumb tackling for Cardea. Pollard coming into midfield for the ball taking it on central a driving run forwards, Pearce back on her lunging in to tackle get the ball for Histon who quickly turn play around the ball out to Todd right side squared inside for Fullwood 25 yards out rolls it central for Pearce to strike the ball, her shot straight at Halstead the keeper holding onto the ball.

Cardea captain, Laura Rudd

 

  Midway through the first half Cardea looking to up the tempo, Plumb out to Rudd left side, has been closely marked by Histon, Laughlin preventing her turning on the ball, payed inside for Coles attempts to lift the ball over the defence for Pollard bursting in behind, Leyland the tallest of the defends in the way getting her head onto the ball to clear. Histon having the better of the first half coming on with the ball. The pitch slick the challenges coming in the ball cleared out of the ground on several occasions. Penny up with Todd on the right, Rudd getting back to tackle, finds Coles up the left wing sends the ball on for Pollard, again Leyland intercepts. 

Histon defender, Laura Leyland

  Todd with the ball on the right 30 yards out stabs it into Hopkin inside the area right of goal, fires the ball across the six yard box with Geal racing in far post, hit goalwards, Halstead with a great low save across her goal mouth quickly. Aragosa fouling Geal out wide left the free-kick awarded. Cardea making a change before it’s taken Leah Barnes on for Coles. Pearce to lift the ball into the box central headed clear by Ramsaran. Histon with a short corner on the left put into the area by Geal, won by Aragosa for Cardea headed out to the left, the ball returned claimed by Halstead.

Plenty of water laying on the pitch, Sofia Aragosa wringing out her shorts

  Aragosa fouled outside the box as she attempts to keep in at her feet under pressure from Penny, the Cardea defence under the most pressure Pollard looking to provide the relief when she can take the ball on out on the right up with Ware the ball struck in viciously on the angle, Blanchard reacting well saving with her feet knocking the ball out towards the top of the area very nearly into the path of Barnes storming into the box.

Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard

  Histon making their first change bringing on Shannon Shaw for Geal in attack. Histon launching a rapid counter attack Todd on the ball full of pace down the right, Fullwood and Shaw bursting into the box as Todd sends her cross in behind the two attackers comes to Penny inside the D, digs the ball out of her feet hit towards goal lacks the power to trouble Halstead as she catches the ball. Homden getting back on Todd as she threatens to get away on the right support from Shaw before the free-kick is given away. Wide right from a deep position Pearce to curl a high ball in central, Halstead keeping her eyes on the dropping ball not distracted by the runner jumping across her takes the ball down cleanly.

  Barnes fouling Penny inside the Cardea half, top of the circle. Players up into the box as Pearce delivers the ball in high, Plumb getting her head on the ball knocked down off Penny challenging the attacker striking the ball wide of the left post. Histon with another change bringing Hopkin off on comes, Freya Goddard. Elsom attempting to pick out Pollard on the right, Levitt sliding in to put the ball away for the throw. 

Histon’s Katie Levitt

 Homden caught by Saw as she slides in to challenge of the ball on the right. Half-time fast approaching Cardea opt to bring the defender off for further assessment send on Mia Newman at the back. Penny up on the right slides the ball into the box for Shaw to attack right side pushed to the by-line no room for the cross lands in the side netting. Into stoppage time Plumb finding a bit of room central for Cardea lifting the pass out for Smith to attack out left, Goddard closing her down to clear the ball out of play. 

Half-time Cardea FC Ladies 0-0 Histon Ladies

  Goalless at the break, Histon with a strong first half performance getting in to win the ball high put the Cardea defence under pressure forced back, using the width well, Geal and Todd getting on down the line creating a number chances, Poppy Halstead with some great saves to keep the stalemate. Frustrated not to be in the lead. Chances for Cardea limited up top losing the ball in the middle haven’t been able to link up with Pollard up top at all this in turn allowing Histon’s full backs to come on alot to think about as the teams head into the changing rooms at half-time.

 Histon bringing on Esther McTrusty at the start of the 2nd half replacing Laughlin. Cardea unchanged from the side that finished the first half as they get the 2nd half underway the floodlights taking full effect now the ball rolled back into the defence played back to the keeper, launches it forwards with Pollard on the move into the right channel, Churchill winning the ball for Histon. 

Histon’s Esther McTrusty

 Cardea snapping at the ball in midfield, Smith into Pollard taking the ball on right channel pace letting fly from all of 35 yards out dipping in front of Blanchard at her near post the keeper with a good save diving to push the ball behind for the corner on the right. Cardea looking to get on the front foot at the start of the 2nd half the corner defended at the near post falls to Barnes at the top of the area struck first time riding back in towards goal Blanchard behind with a confident save.

Cardea’s Leah Barnes

   Cardea with a different approach to the 2nd half looking to get into the ball high in the middle feed it into Pollard in attack to run at the defence. Histon though ready to spring the counter the diagonal ball finding Todd wide right driving on, tackled by Newman. Blanchard comes rushing out to the corner of her area to close Pollard down as the is sent on by Elsom into her path left channel, the keeper just about getting there getting something on the ball to prevent Pollard racing in on goal, cleared for a throw on the left.

Histon midfielder, Rachel Pearce

  McTrusty on with Pearce in the middle for Histon out to Penny drifting left played forwards for Shaw to attack, Ramsaran winning the challenge for Cardea. The game more open now Elsom winning the ball well for Cardea a little deeper now out to Ware on the right breaking on looking to put Pollard through, the pass not quite finding it’s mark. A throw won out on the left for Cardea high up the pitch. played into Pollard left outside the box, turns inside the move across the D, McTrusty staying on her, Pollard getting the few inches she needs to turn and strike the ball 25 yards out, flashed in towards goal Blanchard beaten the ball cannoning off the cross bar and over. 

Georgie Elsom

  Certainly competitive both sides giving fouls away, McTrusty with a clumsy challenge on Rudd. The free-kick inside the Histon half played long to the far post area by Elsom, Blanchard getting up to punch the ball away. Geal coming back on for Histon as Cardea win a corner on the right the ball played in towards, Barnes top of the area, closed down quickly by Histon the ball won back look to get on the break put forwards into Todd, Ramsaran getting in a timely tackle to prevent her stealing in behind.

   Ware picking up a yellow card as she commits the foul wide on the left as Histon attack. Pearce to send the ball in cleared by Ramsaran at the near post. Pollard looking to put the ball on for Elsom as Cardea attack, McTrusty winning the tackle for Histon launching a counter attack out for Shaw attacking the left channel wins her side a corner kick. Put in low near side turned behind for a 2nd corner on the hour.

 GOAL! Blocking a shot from the top of the area as they defend the corner Cardea hit Histon on the break the ball sent forwards into Pollard making a central run bursting towards the area clear of the defence, Blanchard comes rushing out to the top of her area to close the angle, Pollard shooting early firing the ball past the keeper to find the empty goal beyond 1-0.

Emma Pollard firing home the opening goal for Cardea on the hour

  Cardea taking the lead capitalising on their positive start to the 2nd half, Pollard mobbed by her celebrating teammates. A blow for Histon look for a quick response the ball fired into Penny’s feet holding it up right of the D lays it wide for Todd to left a curling cross in towards the far post, Shaw stooping to head the ball powers it back across the six yard box narrowly wide of the right post. Titch Abraham on for Cardea taking up a position on the left. 

  McTrusty up on the right for Histon with Todd played infield to Penny who in turn clips the ball out to Shaw wide left, knocking it forwards, Ramsaran defending for Cardea. The game open now Histon keeping players up forcing the Cardea defence to defend deep however there are spaces at the back for Pollard to exploit, Elsom finding her with the pass on the right, Leyland getting out to her to tackle send the ball out for the throw. 

Laura Leyland

Abraham with a long throw in her locker out left lifted in towards the area, Leyland winning the header to clear for Histon. Out left for another throw Abraham dropping the ball into Elsom, puts it back into Abraham moving inside, stabs the ball into the area, no one gambling, Blanchard claiming it unchallenged. Abraham winning a corner of her next long throw on the left the ball curled into the six yard box won by Churchill for Histon. Headed behind for a 2nd corner. Whipped in high beyond the far post headed wide. 

Cardea’s Titch Abraham

  Histon come on with the ball McTrusty sending the pass into Fullwood up top laid back for Pearce advancing, prods it on looking for Shaw cutting in from the left, the pass cut out by Aragosa. Midway through the 2nd half Cardea continue to defend their box inviting pressure but ready to spring the counter Pollard lurking with intent. McTrusty brought down by Rudd as she takes the ball on wide right. Pearce over the dead ball players forwards from the back the ball dropped in central scrambled clear to the top of the of the D the pass fed low into the right side Leyland shooting on the angle six yards out, Halstead down sharply at her near post saving the ball.

Cardea goalkeeper, Poppy Halstead

  Elsom putting the ball on for Pollard out on the right from distance attempts to lob the keeper, doesn’t get her angles right the ball over. Shannon Chandler coming on at right back for Histon.  Cardea making another change too bringing on Charlotte Moffat for Smith. Cardea winning a throw high on the right

 GOAL! An immediate impact for the substitute as the ball is played into Moffat wide of goal, on the angle sends her shot in looping up over the keeper to drop into the goal beyond 2-0.

Charlotte Moffat making am immediate impact from the substitutes bench to make it 2-0

  A further blow for Histon as they press the ball high out to Shaw left the ball fizzed into the area, beat down by Halstead the Cardea defence working hard to keep their opponents at bay. Cardea straight on the counter the ball into midfield put on for Pollard moving to the left, Chandler tracking back with her defending inside the box as Todd gets back to clear the ball. The game end to end as Histon send players on to attack, Pearce finding Shaw on the left her angled shot in low Halstead down smartly to save pushing the ball wide across her goal. 

Histon attacker, Shannon Shaw

  Halstead coming in amongst a crowd at the near post from a Histon corner to knock the ball behind for a 2nd corner on the right. An inswinging ball the six yard box loaded, Cardea knock the ball down out towards the top of the area the shot flashed back in Halstead somehow behind it saving on the line. Histon bringing Hopkin back on with the clock ticking down. Pressing late on Cardea back defending their box determined in defence bodies in to block. 

Cardea’s Fiona Plumb

  A free-kick won wide on the right with 5 minutes left to play Rudd shown a card. Played in near post knocked down towards the top of the area, Cardea look to clear the six yard box the ball played back in wide right of goal, Halstead out to clear the ball on the by-line. Leyland putting the ball forwards into Hopkin back to goal top of the D, marked by Abraham can’t turn to release the ball. Cardea break right side Ware on the move with the ball up ended by Leyland eating up time winning the free-kick, Homden comes back on replacing Elsom. The game moving into stoppage time.

 Histon regain possession through the middle into Shaw, plays the ball out to Hopkin wide left her inswinging cross defended at the back by Newman for Cardea. Leyland shown a yellow card bringing down Pollard as she looks to burst forwards late on, right of the circle the ball lifted in towards the top of the area, defended as the final whistle blows Cardea cheer in jubilation as they come together to celebrate winning a cup double.

Full time Cardea FC Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

  Cardea winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final to go with the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final won last month. Making adjustments in the 2nd half to better get hold of the ball higher up the pitch 2nd half began the 2nd period strongly winning the ball and getting it on into Pollard up top, hitting the cross bar before being put through central on the hour to put the ball past the on rushing keeper to score. With Histon pushing on looking for a reply the game opened up Charlotte Moffat making an immediate impact from the bench to score Cardea’s 2nd goal. Histon continued to create chances and were frustrated by Halstead in goal on a number of occasions. Arguably the better side, certainly first half however Cardea played to their strengths working extremely hard in defence, determined and tenacious to defend their box. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A good contest between the top two sides in the league. Several strong contenders to mention for both sides. Histon will be frustrated they couldn’t find a goal. Emma Todd playing well out on the right in attack getting forwards into some good positions putting the Cardea defence on the back foot. Carla Penny with some good movement in the final 3rd getting into some great positions to shoot. Rachel Pearce with some great passing in midfield spreading play across the pitch. Laura Leyland winning the ball at the back. For Cardea the whole defence as in the Hunts final was superb working hard to defend win the ball and block soaking up alot of pressure from Histon. Georgie Elsom playing a little deeper 2nd half winning the ball finding Emma Pollard in attack, took her goal well making some forceful runs and looking to be available for the pass throughout. The award goes as it did in the Hunts final to goalkeeper Poppy Halstead, hard to believe she’s only 16 years old, commands her area well making a number of quality saves to thwart Histon keeping it goalless at the break pulled off a number of crucial saves in the 2nd half too.

Cardea FC Ladies , 2022/23 Cambridgeshire Women’s league Cup winners

Congratulations to Cardea FC Ladies on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

  Another entertaining final from Cambridgeshire this evening, well contested between to two strongest teams in the league. My thanks go to Chris Abbott and his team and Cambs FA for all their help and too both sides for their assistance in providing me with the team line ups.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Ipswich Town Women v Oxford United WFC

Sunday 7th May

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Heading back into Suffolk this Sunday for to watch a HUGE match from the final day of the FAWNL Southern Premier Division. The top 3 separated by just a point! All with a chance to become champions with two of them going head to head with Ipswich Town Women in 3rd spot hosting leaders Oxford United WFC.

  Watford FC Women in 2nd away to Billericay Town Women in their final fixture moved to be played at the same time as their rivals with the Ipswich/Oxford match rescheduled due to weather affecting the original fixture. Setting up a colossal final day in the league…

 The scenario’s as follows, Oxford win and it’s simple they win the league. However a draw or defeat to Ipswich coupled with a victory for Watford will see them take top spot. Ipswich need to not only beat Oxford to win the league but count on Billericay doing them a favour and take at least a point from their game with Watford. A couple of hours of drama for sure, plenty of nerve around too, luckily I’m neutral… ish.

Whatever happens it’s been a thrilling season at the top of the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, top spot hotly contested and changing hands, Portsmouth FC Women too amongst the mix at the top before trailing in the closing weeks. Little separating the 3 sides too in their head to heads Oxford drawing at home 1-1 with both Watford and Ipswich. Ipswich with a 1-1 draw with Watford beating them at home by a single goal. Watford just 10 days ago coming from behind to beat Oxford 2-1 at Vicarage Road to ensure it would go down to the final day.

  Oxford United WFC one of the original entrants into the new FAWSL 2, now the Championship, losing out when the new round of applications to the league were 2018. A blow have maintained the ambition to return to the 2nd tier as they regrouped in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, 4th in the 2018/19 season before the Covid hit season’s took affect. A 2nd place finish last season behind Southampton FC Women, Liam Gilbert’s side pushing all the way to go one better this time around. Carly Johns leading goal scorer for Oxford with 20 for the season 2nd highest in the league one goal behind MK Dons Mollie Couper. With Leah Burrage netting 13 goals and Daisy McLachlan on 9.

  Ipswich Town Women with high ambitions too aiming to reach the Championship themselves investing heavily in building a strong youth policy, playing in the FA WSL Academy league won promotion to the FAWNL Southern Premier Division last season where they went onto finish 3rd in their debut season at that level. Natasha Thomas in integral part of the side, has grown hugely as as player attracting interest form sides above. Loyal to Ipswich often amongst the goals has 12 for the current campaign one behind top scorers Anna Grey on 13. Need alot to go their way today to come out on top, but have to focus solely on their job 1st.

  Ipswich Town Women playing their home match at Felixstowe & Walton FC’s, AGL Arena. The Ipswich fanbase getting right behind the women’s side in recent season’s to create a great following and lift attendances to the level they deserve. The Blue Army getting behind their team. The clubhouse leading into the ground the kitchen hatch serving hot food and drinks, a sweet shop, the bar open a good atmosphere with plenty arriving early. A good sized grass pitch with one small main stand and standing viewing all around. Oxford bringing good numbers with them too. The sun out too a warm day with a little cloud cover not much no chance of rain.

Ipswich Town Women

 Ipswich Town Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill, Summer Hughes, Abi Lafayette, Maria Boswell, Megan Wearing, Eloise King (C), Lucy O’Brien, Kyra Robertson, Freya Godfrey, Anna Grey & Sophie Peskett. Subs – Leah Mitchell, Bonnie Horwood, Sarah Brasero-Carriera, Natasha Thomas & Holly Turner.

Oxford United WFC

 Oxford United WFC starting XI – Rose Kite, Shelley Provan, Jaime Gotch, Riva Casley (C), Amy Goddard, Leah Burridge, Naomi Cole, Jenna Legg, Daisy McLachlan, Lacy Liggett & Carly Johns. Subs – Paris Sercombe, Sarah King, Taome Oliver, Iesha Swaby & Tash Stephens.

Flag bearers greeting the sides as they walk out onto the pitch, both sides naming 5 on the bench, with alot of firepower amongst them should they be required. Both Natasha Thomas and Holly Turned sided from Billericay Town Women early in the season amongst the subs for Ipswich, Tash Stephens on the bench for Oxford. Eloise King wearing the captain’s armband with regular first team captain Bonnie Horwood available on the bench too. 90 nervous minutes await both sides wanting the win, Ipswich needing a little help from Billericay too as they get the 1st half underway wearing blue coloured shirts with white shorts and blue socks, Oxford opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with navy coloured shorts. The ball played back to Summer Hughes at right back for Ipswich the ball put inside to centre back Maria Boswell as Oxford rush to close the ball down put the hosts under pressure the ball cleared out to the left, Carly Johns racing in to put in the tackle comes away with the ball knocked inside Ipswich clear their lines.

Oxford’s Carly Johns with Ipswich’s Lucy O’Brien

  Oxford looking to make a fast start get after the ball in the final 3rd Lacy Liggett nipping in to steal the ball 20 yards out right of the D pushed on into the box for Johns, Boswell lunging in to tackle sending the ball out for a throw in the corner. Liggett working hard to close the ball down for Oxford on the right of attack putting Abi Lafayette under pressure, Johns coming across in support, Ipswich forced back, Megan Wearing clearing the ball.

  Sophie Peskett tracking back to help the defence looking to get hold of the ball drive inside is bundled over bashing her head on the ground, winning the free-kick needing a moment to recover, before being waved back on. Johns after the ball forcing Ipswich to play it back to their keeper, Sarah Quantrill’s kick out into the midfield won by Oxford’s Naomi Cole knocked down into Jenna Legg lines up a strike from 35 yards out central struck wide of the right post.

Oxford’s Jenna Legg

  Liggett and Johns combining on the right attacking the ball getting down the flank the cross whipped in over the crossbar, the referee spotting a knick off an Ipswich player, corner given. The delivery played in long past the far post, Ipswich heading clear. Ipswich looking to counter, Lucy O’Brien picking the ball up travelling over halfway central looking to pick the pass for Freya Godfrey pulling into the right channel, Leah Burridge intercepting the pass for Oxford.

  A good contest brewing Ipswich having dealt with the early pressure from Oxford looking to get the ball on through the middle, O’Brien showing some good footwork as she looks to manoeuvre her way through the middle. Cole busy for Oxford closing the ball down forwards into Johns marked by Boswell. The Ipswich centre back with a composed pass long to the left flank for Anna Grey to pull down and attack, held up by Oxford’s Jaime Gotch lays the ball back for Lafayette coming on her cross swung in towards the top of the D, cleared by Oxford’s Amy Goddard. 

Oxford defender Amy Goddard with Ipswich attacker, Freya Godfrey

  O’Brien taking the ball on for Ipswich is crowded off the ball as 4 Oxford players converge on her. Johns and Leggett looking a threat up top for Oxford, Lafayette getting amongst them to emerge with the ball lifts it central into O’Brien, looks to lift it over the top for Grey breaking in behind on the left, a close call the Oxford defence holding their line the offside flag raised against her. Ipswich winning a throw high on the left put into Godfrey’s feet looks to turn into the area, Gotch tackling to win the ball back for the visitors. 

Jaime Gotch

  Gotch called into action again for Oxford at left back as Godfrey looks to put Grey in behind the ball cleared into midfield, competitive a little tense, King playing the ball out to the right as Ipswich press forward down the wing get themselves a corner kick. A high ball in towards the top of the area, Oxford captain Riva Casley rising highest to head the ball clear. 

  Liggett hustling after the ball right flank winning her side a throw high, comes into Johns who sends the ball across the top of the Ipswich area Daisy McLachlan after it left of the D, O’Brien back to defend for Ipswich. A chance for Oxford as Gotch wins the ball high on the right to send it infield for McLachlan who turns it on into the box for Johns breaking inside right of goal closing down the keeper, Quantrill stays big as Johns shoots an excellent save beating the ball away to the right with her glove , Johns racing after it wide of goal puts the cross in straight into the keepers gloves.

  Liggett with a talking too from the referee as she pulls Lafayette’s shirt as the full back looks to get on for Ipswich over half way. The free-kick out to the right Oxford have everyone set defend their lines. King playing the pass on for Grey out on the left pushing forwards cuts it back inside for O’Brien, who in turn attempts to put the return pass over the top for Grey stealing into the box, Goddard cutting it out well for Oxford heading clear. Gotch bursting forwards for Oxford on the right, forcing Grey to track all the way back to defend, does well to win the ball the hosts unable to capitalise.

  Half an hour played, Oxford having the better of the 1st half so far pressing the ball high creating chances, Grey out on the left looking the best outlet for Ipswich in attack, Lafayette getting the ball forwards for her to chase, Casley getting across her path shielding the ball out for a goal kick. McLachlan taking the ball on through the middle for Oxford sending it on for Johns in attack, Wearing sliding in with a great tackle on the striker outside the box for Ipswich to get possession back for the hosts.

Oxford captain, Riva Casley

  Wearing down after a challenge from Johns moments later, needs treatment but is fine to play on. Legg winning the ball in the middle for Oxford sending the ball on the pass a little too heavy for Johns to run onto. Burridge taking a knock on the head as she goes into challenge Grey for the ball. Treatment required but okay both sides take on fluids. Off the drop ball from Cole up to Johns, Liggett looks to get away up the right, Lafayette getting back on her to defend for Ipswich.

  Oxford appeal wanting the penalty as the ball is played forwards by Liggett for Johns o attack right channel, Wearing up with her Quantrill racing out to the edge of her box sliding in all three come together Johns tumbling over the goalkeeper, the appeals though waved away. Johns stays down for Oxford taking a heavy blow able to play on after treatment. Legg lining up another crack at goal form distance for Oxford central this time blasting her strike wide of the left post. 

  Ipswich getting a set-piece out on the right wide, Lafayette on it played short for Sophie Peskett drives forwards, Oxford closing with numbers to crowd the attacker off the ball. Ipswich winning the ball high up the pitch Kyra Robertson looking to play the one two with Grey through the middle, the move doesn’t quite come off as Casley gets in the way to clear for Oxford. Ipswich not quite finding their range in the final 3rd Oxford’s defence keeping a good shape, Cole and Burridge back to offer protection. 

Ipswich’s Abi Lafayette

 The clock ticking down in the 1st half Ipswich battling for the ball central O’Brien inside for Robertson, Cole getting in the challenge, Robertson coming back at her to regain possession played out to Summer Hughes getting forwards on the right her cross swung in along the top of the area cleared, Ipswich press to get the ball back win a free-kick wide right 30 yards out. Lafayette across to take it, strikes the ball hard and low into the area struck wide of the near post.

 Half-time Ipswich Town Women 0-0 Oxford United WFC

Goalless at the break, Oxford making the brighter start looking to get after the Ipswich defence pressing high forcing a few errors have created a few chances, Johns put through one on one with the keeper, Quantrill producing a fine save. Ipswich a little tense haven’t put the opposition defence under as much pressure the final ball not quite there. A few nerves around no doubt and with the news that Watford are leading 3-0 at the break in the other game the current score line doesn’t help either side. Oxford have to win will that create opportunities for Ipswich to exploit?

Naomi Cole with Sophie Peskett

 No changes for either side at the break as Oxford get the 2nd half underway, Ipswich into their opponents straight away pressing the ball Robertson winning the ball central out to Peskett right, Hughes getting on in support the ball crossed into Godfrey right of the D, Provan tackling for Oxford. Peskett getting a foot in to take the ball right side sending it infield to O’Brien, Cole closing her down to regain possession for the visitors. 

 Ipswich strong at the start of the 2nd half pushing up winning a corner on the left as Burridge cuts out Grey’s cross, turned behind. A vicious inswinging delivery, Oxford goalkeeper, Rose Kite who didn’t have alot to do in the 1st half getting up well under pressure from Peskett to punch the ball away to the right. Peskett and the goalkeeper looking to square up after quickly broken up by their teammates. Ipswich getting a corner on the right send in near side low runners coming in turned goalwards rising Kite getting a fist on the ball to turn it up over the bar. 

Summer Hughes winning the ball for Ipswich

  Ipswich playing positively at the start of the 2nd half Peskett and Robertson getting up to support the attack, Peskett fouled on the right outside the area, Lafayette across to take swung into the area headed clear behind for a corner by Liggett for Oxford. On the right the delivery out to the top of the area headed clear by Casley. Oxford penned back inside their own half, Grey taking the ball on left side sending a cross long through the six yard box, retrieved by Peskett on the right, battles her way inside, eventually sending in a low cross to the near post scooped up by Kite. 

Sophie Peskett

  Legg fouled in the middle for Oxford a chance to get the ball up into the Ipswich box, Quantrill comes doesn’t get hold of it out away to the left of goal, no one close enough to get after it as the Ipswich defence clear. Ipswich buoyed on by the home crowd getting on well down the flanks Grey on the left seeing her near post cross headed away to safety by Goddard. Oxford have possession with Cole on the ball central plays the ball out to Burridge helped onto Johns up top, passes to McLachlan out wide left cuts back inside 25 yard out to curl a shot in towards goal, saved well by Quantrill. An hour played.

  GOAL! Ipswich hit Oxford on the counter, Grey winning the ball on the left sending it on into the path of Godfrey, turns on the afterburners racing on towards the box, Casley giving chase, as Kite comes rushing out to close down the angle sliding in Godfrey shoots sending the ball under the keeper to race on into the empty net beyond 1-0! Godfrey mobbed by her teammates in celebration.

Freya Godfrey congratulated after putting Ipswich into the lead

  A mountain for Oxford to climb now conceding a goal needing a victory to win the title. Ipswich capitalising on their fantastic start to the 2nd half. The visitors looking for a quick response play Johns in down the right does well to win a corner kick. Cole playing in a low ball, cleared back to her on the right coming inside the box lifting a cross in central, Liggett attacking the ball sends it over. 

Kyra Robertson

 

  Oxford making their first change on 64 minutes bringing on Tash Stephens for Liggett in attack. The game is stretched as Oxford look to get a goal back, the game opening up will favour Ipswich. Provan getting back well to tackle Peskett on the right as she looks to take the ball on. McLachlan bringing the ball down well for Oxford sends in over the top for Johns to race after central in behind the defence, Quantrill comes racing out to the top of her area to slide in and claim the ball first. Oxford making a 2nd change with Cole taken off, Taome Oliver sent on. 

Shelley Provan

 

  Hughes tackling McLachlan as the ball in cleared out to the Oxford wide player on the left. The visitors winning a free-kick wide left. Sent in high towards the top of the are and cleared by the Ipswich defence, the Oxford bench leap up appealing for handball but nothing doing. Ipswich making their first change King coming off handing the armband over to Bonnie Horwood stepping onto the pitch with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Leah Burridge winning the ball for Oxford

 

 Oxford fighting for the ball wanting to get on the attack, Ipswich matching that commitment, Oliver left side pushed on into Johns back to goal sees the ball into her feet and turns to drive forwards held up well by Ipswich’s Wearing, plays the ball out wide to Oliver advancing down the line from the angle curls the ball in towards goal claimed high by Quantrill. McLachlan with a forceful run on the ball down the left sending a long diagonal ball into the box for Stephens wide of the far post looking to get it down under control, Lafayette is quickly in to close her down clear the ball.

Oxford’s Daisy McLachlan

Ipswich making their 2nd change bring off the goal scorer, Godfrey replaced by Natasha Thomas. Oxford out on the right forcing a corner, send 9 up into the box the ball curled in across the six yard box Goddard rising sends her header over the crossbar! 

Amy Goddard sending her header over

  Johns coming off for Oxford with Iesha Swaby coming on. McLachlan advancing on the left her cross cut out by Horwood inside the area. Peskett shows good strength and footwork with the ball as she looks to keep hold of the ball for Ipswich on the right, eventually fouled by Provan the Oxford defend receiving the first yellow card of the game. The free-kick to the right put into the box by Lafayette caught on the bounce by Kite at her right post. The game end to end as Oxford look to get forwards taking a few risks at the back have to go for it with the clock running down, no change in the score in the other game. Casley hauls down Thomas earning herself a yellow card.

   Horwood winning the ball for Ipswich up for Peskett out right has Thomas ahead of her in attack fed the ball, Provan challenging for Oxford. Tomas getting clear on the right sending a cross along to the far post the defender marking Grey slipping, the attacker putting her attempt over. Oxford bring on Sarah King for Provan with just 5 minutes left to play as they look to throw everything forwards. Ipswich bringing on Holly Turner for Peskett up top.

Holly Turner

  Grey with the ball left racing on sending a low cross angling into the six yard box, Casley throwing a leg out just about getting there to take it away behind Thomas running in central to attack the goal. Ipswich have the ball just where Oxford don’t want it in their final 3rd winning a corner, the ball whipped in deep falling to Wearing puts her header over the bar. Ipswich defend at the back launch the ball out to Grey left side sent inside for Turner 25 yards out, Casley stretching to intercept pushing the ball away runs out to Horwood charging forwards struck first time the ball swerving away off target.

  Thomas and Turner doing a good job in the latter stages holding the ball up in attack eating up time. Turner strong with the ball at her feet on the right wide 25 yards out firing a strike over the bar. Ipswich finishing the game strong Oxford doing all they can to get the ball forwards, Boswell and Wearing both winning high balls for Ipswich. McLachlan taking the ball on left for Oxford rolled inside for Legg pushed on for Swaby, Boswell with a great block right of the D, the rebound struck over the crossbar. 

Full time Ipswich Town Women 1-0 Oxford United WFC 

  The final whistle blows and Ipswich celebrate the win. A bittersweet victory with the news that Watford have won their game 3-0 and win the FAWNL Southern Premier Division on goal difference. Amazingly 4 of the 6 FAWNL Divisions being settled on goal difference this season! Ipswich with a 10th straight win ending on a high runners-up with a strong 2nd half performance taking the game to Oxford to create the opportunity to score 1-0 to the good were able to manage the game from there on in as oxford were forced to take more risks looking for a goal themselves the game opening up. Heartbreak for Oxford leading the table going into the day ultimately finishing 3rd. A strong campaign throughout fine margins settling it. A strong first half with some good opportunities, Ipswich improved 2nd getting the ball into their attackers to get on the front foot. A fine effort from both sides.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. This is a tough one a contest between two committed sides in a huge match both sides with some strong contenders all enjoying a strong spell during the match. Oxford getting on well at the start of the game the tome set by Lacy Liggett pressing the ball high on the right. Carly Johns too in attack making some forceful runs to get through on goal. Daisy McLachlan taking the ball on well, Leah Burridge winning the ball in midfield. For Ipswich the defence was under pressure early on Maria Boswell and Megan Wearing with some great tackles. Lucy O’Brien showing some great skill on the ball in the middle. Anna Grey getting the better of the defence 2nd half putting Godfrey through to score the goal. The award though goes to Sophie Peskett showed good skill and strength on the ball especially 2nd half to get amongst Oxford win the ball the maintain the pressure Ipswich were after in the 2nd half.

  It’s not for want of trying but ironically this is my first game of the season from the Southern Premier Division, well worth the weight however. The weather’s to blame on the other occasions. An enjoyable trip to the AGL Arena a wonderful crowd of 844 in attendance. The end of the season rapidly approaching but hell of alot of football still to be played.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Woodbridge Town Ladies v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Wednesday 3rd May

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final

Back on the cup final trail with a midweek trip to Ipswich to watch the final of this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup between Woodbridge Town Ladies and Brantham Athletic Ladies.

The Suffolk Women’s Football League once again featuring two divisions a 7 strong Premier Division and 6 sides contesting the Championship below. Initially looking to be alot larger but unfortunately some late pull outs saw numbers reduced, still encouraging signs for future growth with several clubs showing interest in starting up a women’s side for the new season. Stowupland Falcon’s Women looking firm favourites to clinch the Premier Division title in just their 3rd season playing at this level. Ipswich Exiles Ladies winning the Championship in their debut season a fantastic achievement.

This evening’s prize (photo credit SGWFL)

Woodbridge Town Ladies through to the League Cup Final for the 2nd successive season. Reaching the final last season after a tough campaign, were struggling for numbers at times during that season and were to finish bottom of the league, the signs already in place that thing’s were improving. Lost that final 4-0 against Holland Ladies. Come into this season’s final as the favourites enjoying a long unbeaten run that has now extended to 13 matches. Have regrouped well under manger Charlie Jackson becoming a side that is hard to beat, while carrying a goal threat up the other end. Sadie Jamieson top scorer weighing in with 12 goals from 12 appearances while Jess Oxlade joining from East Bergholt has 6 goals so far.

Brantham Athletic Ladies the longest established side in the Suffolk Women’s League. That said they were in real danger of folding during the summer losing players also injuries and unavailability playing there part, struggling for results. Daniel Claxton coming in November to help coach the side along side manager Matthew Gribben. Brantham have been working hard to improve their fitness and make changes to best suit the players available to them pulling clear of the bottom have saved their best form for their cup run to this season’s final and with morale improving are confident of a better future. Stacey Teager top scorer with 9 goals from 5 games sadly unavailable for this evenings game. Captain, Lucy Dunnett has netted 5 so far with Chloe Wilson scoring 4.

Road to the Final

Woodbridge receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Brantham were at home to Championship newcomers Ipswich Valley Rangers Women. A comfortable result in the finish going a long way to set up the run to the final 5-0 the final score. 

Woodbridge drawn away to Championship side Leiston St Margarets Ladies in the quarter final, proved resilient opposition, Amy Cook’s 1st half strike proving the difference with Woodbridge  emerging 1-0 victors.  Brantham handed a tough test in the quarter finals away to Brettvale Ladies one on the strongest sides in the Premier Division. Brantham though were beginning to turn thing’s around working hard to secure a 1-1 at full time send the game into extra-time. Scoring two more goals to win their spot in the last 4 of the competition winning 3-1.

  Woodbridge at home to fellow Premier Division side Needham Market Women Development in their semi-final. Dep into their unbeaten run with a determination to reach a 2nd successive final, goals from Natalie Claridge and Taylor Cooke were to see Woodbridge win 2-1 to progress. Brantham paired at home to defending cup holders, Holland Ladies in their semi-final. Another tough game, plenty of goals scored with the sides level a 4-4 after the 90 minutes! Chloe Wilson netting a brace for Brantham, along with strikes for Stacey Teager and captain, Lucy Dunnett. No further goals in extra-time saw the semi-final settled from the penalty spot, Brantham edging it 6-5 to win through to the final.

 This evening’s final at the SEH Sports Ground on Humber Doucy Lane, home to Ipswich Wanderers FC. Has been several years since I’ve seen a women’s football match on this ground. Ipswich Town Women hosting a few there. With a large parking area before the stadium the clubhouse and bar, along with kitchen hut serving hot food and drinks leading out to the pitch itself with standing viewing on three sides along with covered viewing opposite the dugouts with two small seated stands. A good sized crowd in attendance. The grass pitch looking in good condition for the time of season. The weather having been warm and sunny all day the temperature was beginning to drop sharply with a nip in the air still likely to stay dry for the game.

Woodbridge Town Ladies

Woodbridge Town Ladies starting XI – Florence Dickin, Alice Ager (C), Molly Nicholson, Natalie Claridge, Caitlin Howe, Tayler Cooke, Lucy Eagle, Stacey Hadley, Jess Oxlade, Amy Cook & Sadie Jamieson. Subs – Grace Murphy, Eloisa Bruce, Rhianna Kiwomya, Izzy Owen & Pippa King.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

 Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Connie Madley, Shannan Hill, Aimee Berry, Issey Bines, Charlotte Archer, Laura Tuley, Lucy Dunnett (C), Chloe Wilson, Sophie Crabtree, Ellie Robus-Miller & Lucy Elmes. Subs – Frances Turner, Jessica Ryan, Lucy Penn, Harriett Young, Shannon Giles.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both sides able to name a squad of 16 for the final with 5 players each on the bench to choose from during the match, walking onto the pitch with their young mascots. Woodbridge nicknamed the Woodpeckers joined by the club’s mascot Woody. It’s Woodbridge to get the 2022/23 Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. Brantham lined up opposite wearing an all dark blue coloured kit. The ball rolled back into the middle, Brantham captain Lucy Dunnett rushing forwards to close the ball down, comes out to Ellie Robus-Miller on the right for Brantham drives forwards, Molly Nicholson defending for Woodbridge the ball out for the throw in.

  High in the corner on the right, Brantham getting the ball down and cross into the Woodbridge area, Jess Oxlade back to clear for Woodbridge out for Caitlin Howe wide right the full back taking the ball on, tackled by Brantham’s left back Aimee Berry. A positive start from both sides getting after each other looking to win the ball. Dunnett sent tumbling in front of the dugouts winning Brantham a free-kick on the halfway line, the back launched forwards into the area, claimed confidently by Woodbridge goalkeeper, Florence Dickin.

  The ball out of play quite alot as both side look to get their wide players on the move, Howe coming back to tackle Brantham’s Chloe Wilson on the left and Berry lifts the ball forwards. Dunnett closing the ball down in the middle of the park playing it forwards into Lucy Elmes who in turn shifts play out to the left wing, Wilson racing on taking the ball into the corner, Woodbridge captain, Alice Ager getting across to close her down prevent the cross. Berry with a good tackle at the back on Woodbridge’s Sadie Jamieson passing in up the line into Dunnett lifts the ball over Howe to put Wilson in behind, Ager once again rapidly across to challenge.

Woodbridge Town Ladies captain, Alice Ager

  The ball never still both sides after it the full backs kept busy with their opponents pressing forwards. Berry nipping in to take the ball of Oxlade. Dunnett getting it under control forwards into Laura Tuley, up to Elmes outside the box, Natalie Claridge defending for Woodbridge. Brantham lively contesting the ball a collision seeing Shannan Hill down needing treatment a long pause in play a head injury properly checked and seen to is up and okay to resume the match. Jamieson and Berry enjoying a good contest out on Woodbridge’s right the striker accidentally catching Berry in the shin as she goes to win the ball. 

Brantham’s Laura Tuley

  Lucy Eagle getting about in the midfield for Woodbridge getting hold of the ball bringing it forwards, fed on for Oxlade up top, Hill getting her foot in to win the ball back as she turns to attack. Woodbridge hustling the Brantham defence on the right as they look to play the ball short, Oxlade with Jamieson the ball played back to Eagle top right corner of the box 25 yards out her 1st time strike off target. 

  Amy Cook running with the ball attacking down the left flank swings a cross long into the area, Berry winning the ball for Brantham, playing a one to with Dunnett as she takes the ball up the left lifting it forwards for Wilson, Howe lunging in to tackle put the ball out for a throw. The stands and surrounding fence not too high several match balls needing to be retrieved, Wilson holding the ball up on the corner left sends the pass back for Dunnett getting up with play opens her body up looking to put the return ball into Wilson’s path as she breaks into the area can’t quite pick her out the ball gone for a goal kick.

  Woodbridge’s turn to have some sloppy play at the back, Elmes snatching in to get hold of the ball right of goal with a strike outside the box, put straight at the keeper. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken with a little over 20 minutes played, Eagle coming on with the ball for Woodbridge through the middle with the diagonal ball for Jamieson attacking the right channel, Berry tracking back with her well for Brantham no shot on Jamieson keeps possession turning back to lay the ball into Oxlade outside the back, taking it in central cut back on her left for to shoot putting a low strike past the keeper into the bottom corner 1-0.

Jess Oxlade opens the scoring for Woodbridge

The goal livening Woodbridge up as they pour forwards Stacey Hadley playing the ball into Cook on the left, turns inside 20 yards out, shooting as she is closed down the effort pulled wide of the near post. Issey Bines stepping out of the defence to win the ball for Brantham finds Sophie Crabtree out on the right with an excellent ball, Crabtree striking from distance on the angle the ball racing across the Woodbridge goal out past the far post. Tuley passing to Dunnett through the middle, has a go from range on target played straight into the keeper, Dickin catching cleanly.

Brantham’s Sophie Crabtree

  A miscue at the ack for Brantham, sees Jamieson steal in on the ball right 25 yards out , hesitates as goalkeeper, Connie Madley comes to close her down, the defence recovering Jamieson putting the ball wide. Berry and Jamieson continue their battle on the right, Jamieson closing the defender down looking to wrestle the ball free turn for the box, Berry nipping back at her to clear the ball. Dunnett playing the clipped pass across field into Crabtree going forwards into the right channel, runs into traffic as Woodbridge’s defence close her down, Nicholson clearing. Eagle onto the ball with a forceful run for Woodbridge. 

Brantham full back, Aimee Berry

  Robus-Miller fouled on the right for Brantham inside the Woodbridge half, Dunnett over the set-piece lifted forwards into the near post area, Claridge up well for Woodbridge heading the ball behind for the corner kick.  From the right put in near side an emphatic clearance from Woodbridge to see the ball out for a Brantham throw. Put in across the top of the area, falls into Dunnett’s path has a decent strike in her arsenal, takes aim, shoots, turns away in frustration as she puts the ball straight into Dickin in the Woodbridge goal.

Connie Madley getting hold of the ball for Brantham

  Eagle with several purposeful runs with the ball at her feet for Woodbridge, sends it into Cook now out on the right, looks to take on Berry, the full back stretching to tackle the ball put out of play. Woodbridge on the throw deep in the Brantham half Cook getting it down knocked inside for Oxlade her cross claimed by Madley inside her six yard box. Remains competitive both sides closing the ball down. Elmes seeing the ball into her body looking to shift it out to Crabtree attacking right, pushing on is tackled by Nicholson for Woodbridge.

Jess Oxlade with Brantham’s Issy Bines

  Woodbridge have a break on the right, Ager winning the ball at the back on for Howe racing on down the flank with Cook ahead of her sending the ball on Berry across Cook to defend see the ball out for the goal kick. Cooke winning the ball in the middle for Woodbridge has Eagle inside her in turn out to Cook on the right, shifts the ball well between her feet attacking the Brantham defence, Charlotte Archer getting the challenge in to regain possession. Taking the ball forwards on to Elmes who finds Wilson shifting in field form the left, her shot blocked. 

  Oxlade with a turn and hit left of the D 20 yards out sends the ball into the keeper, Madley claiming the ball into her midriff. Jamieson out on the left taking on the strike from distance her angled drive wide past the far post. Woodbridge appealing for a handball inside the Brantham box as the cross in played in from the left following a strong run from Eagle out to the left. The clock running down in the first half the game remains open, Dickin with a great save for Woodbridge as the ball is fired in from the right. Cook on the right for Woodbridge winning her side a corner kick as Hill closes in to block her.

  GOAL! The corner ball played in across the top of the Brantham area the shot struck in towards goal, strikes a Brantham arm, Woodbridge appeal, referee Mark Dyer pointing to the spot, Penalty! Jamieson placing the ball on the spot stepping back to strike hits it hard low to the bottom left corner, Madley diving the right way gets something on it but not enough as the ball bursts into the net 2-0.

Sadie Jamieson scoring from the penalty spot to make it 2-0

Sadie Jamieson

  A blow for Brantham conceding a 2nd goal late in the first half look for a quick response, Tuley central out to Crabtree on the right, Robus-Miller in support, Nicholson defending for Woodbridge the ball out for the corner kick. An inswinging delivery a little too much on it landing on the roof of the net. 

  Woodbridge give the ball away at the back played straight into Dunnett, 25 yards out left of the D, Wilson breaks inside taking the ball off her to feed to Elmes inside the area, back to goal closely marked by Claridge, can’t turn to shoot instead lays it back to Bines central who curls her shot wide of the right post.

Half-time Woodbridge Town Ladies 2-0 Brantham Athletic Ladies

  A lively first half sees Woodbridge leading the game 2-0. Jess Oxlade cutting across the area to opening the scoring with 20 minutes played. A penalty late in the half seeing the score doubled. The goals livening up Woodbridge who have been well matched by Brantham. Several hotly contested duals across the pitch, both sides closing the ball down looking to get it out to their wide players stretch the game. Has been open Brantham creating a few opportunities of their own the 2nd goal a blow as is often the case with a 2 nil score line the 3rd goal could prove critical in determining the outcome of the game.

  Appears to be no chances by Woodbridge at the break, Brantham bringing on Shannon Giles out early the floodlights taking full effect, a great attendance of 395 getting behind both sides with the floodlights now taking full effect. Brantham to get the 2nd half underway, The ball put back into the middle lifted out to Wilson attacking left her infield ball finding Crabtree, puts it back out to Dunnett pulling left, her cross cut out by Ager. Brantham looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half.

Woodbridge’s Lucy Eagle

 Eagle getting forwards well for Woodbridge striking from 25 yards out her attempt gloved down and claimed by Madley. Woodbridge counter well Hadley in space central lifting the ball out to Jamieson breaking clear on the left side running on towards the area pulling the trigger the shot driven in low Madley down to save diving to her right getting enough on the ball as it squirms under her, scrambling up to claim it behind her. Tuley in the middle for Brantham out to Crabtree bursting on right side her cross whipped in near post claimed by Dickin with Elmes running in to attack the ball.

  Robus-Miller has alot of pace racing forwards on the right for Brantham getting on to support Crabtree in attack the cross lifted into the area, Claridge rises to head the ball clear for Woodbridge. Brantham pressing up Woodbridge look to counter get the ball out to Jamieson to break in behind on the left, Giles getting back on her defending for Brantham. 

 GOAL! Woodbridge making a few technical adjustments at the start of the 2nd half pay off as they go on to score a 3rd goal early in the 2nd half. Eagle with the perfect pass in the middle to pick out Jamieson running clear into the left channel, the defence can’t catch her as she strikes the ball on the run sending it inside the near post to net her 2nd of the game. 3-0.

Sadie Jamieson putting Woodbridge 3-0 up early in the 2nd half

A further blow for Brantham they nevertheless press on Tuley out to Wilson on the left, her deep cross, cleared by Claridge. The game end to end Jamieson pulling left the outlet and threat for Woodbridge Eagle picking her out again, Hill getting there first to play the ball back into her keeper to clear. Up for Crabtree wide right her cross finding Elmes inside the box back to goal, can’t turn and get a shot away as the defence converge on her.

  Oxlade up on the right for Woodbridge holding the ball up before wriggling free to drive and angled ball into the side netting. Woodbridge making a change bringing off Cook for Rhianna Kiwomya. Oxlade fed the ball outside the box for Woodbridge rolls it across to Jamieson to the left as they look to open up the Brantham defence, Madley rushing forwards getting her foot to the ball to take it away from the strikers path. 

Woodbridge’s Stacey Hadley

Bines winning the ball at the back well for Brantham as Eagle ploughs on through the middle for Woodbridge. Eagle coming left playing the ball up for Jamieson, Hill under pressure in defence for Brantham, hit by Eagles shot into her. Woodbridge getting hold of the ball better 2nd half coming forwards, Eagle influential in the middle getting herself about. A throw won high on the left put into Jamieson turns and plays the pass into Kiwomya central striking the ball outside the box, lacking the power to trouble Madley.

   Dunnett passing to Robus-Miller racing forwards sends the ball into Crabtree right, Nicholson challenging well for Woodbridge. Berry pressing no with the ball for Brantham wide right coming inside her cross coming to Crabtree inside the box right of goal her cross intercepted by Ager. Woodbridge clearing complaining at a foul not given Brantham send a strike in from distance wide of the left post.

 Bines getting in well to defend for Brantham as Oxlade takes the ball on through the middle drives forwards the ball cleared out to the right, Kiwomya’s cross claimed by Madley. Eagle picking up a knock for Woodbridge as she brings the ball on, wants to play on but needs to come off, Eloise Bruce coming on. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half. Woodbridge defending at the back launching the counter attack Cooke on for Oxlade through the middle, looking to run at the box, Bines recovering to get back at her tackle for Brantham.

 The ball out on the left put back into Nicholson forwards into Jamieson left of the area, sends her shot on the angle wide at the near post on the turn. Robus-Miller racing on with the ball for Brantham into Elmes up top, Ager and Claridge in to close her down for Woodbridge.

 GOAL! Jamieson carrying the threat in attack for Woodbridge 2nd half getting hold of the ball on the left to advance and strike the ball from outside the area up and over the keeper to bag herself a cup final hat-trick 4-0.

A cup final hat-trick for Woodbridge’s Sadie Jamieson

   20 minutes left on the clock Brantham making a double switch at the back with Jessica Ryan and Hill coming back on at the back. Cooke hitting a shot from outside the area for Woodbridge right of the D, taking a nick off a defender passing wide of the far post for a corner kick. Taken short from the left lifted into the middle of the box cleared back to the corner taker played back to Ager who lines up a crack at goal from 35 yards out isn’t far wide of the left post.

Woodbridge’s Taylor Cooke

  Woodbridge on top now finding the ball and stretching Brantham’s back line. Izzy Owen coming on for Woodbridge. Owen taking the ball on up the left for Woodbridge, the cross cleared Brantham find Robus-Miller charging on right side linking up with Crabtree, the cross in cleared by Ager. Kiwomya on the right for Woodbridge sending the ball in on the angle, beat down by Madley in the Brantham goal. Madley saving again moments later holding onto the fired fired straight at her by Jamieson central as she is given the ball by Hadley.

  Robus-Miller getting Brantham a corner on the right, put in low knocked goalwards, Woodbridge clearing get on the counter the ball on the right cleared back into the middle, Cooke onto it from distance the strike claimed by Madley. Woodbridge confident finishing the game strong. Brantham working hard Giles out to Robus-Miller right still showing fantastic pace tracking inside finding Crabtree outside the box, Hadley closing her down defending for Woodbridge. 

Ager getting in on Crabtree to tackle inside the area right of goal as she looks to take the ball down from a cross deep on the Brantham left. Crabtree strays down suffering with cramp a few players pulling up alot of effort put in. Brantham ringing the changes with a triple switch, Crabtree, Elmes and Robus-Miller off. Lucy Penn, Frances Turner and Harriett Young on. Hadley off for Woodbridge with Pippa King coming on. Penn getting onto the ball out wide seeing her cross claimed by Dicken. 

  The game entering the final 5 minutes of regular play Woodbridge in control in the closing stages. Dunnett bringing the ball down playing the pass into Tuley central, turns looks play the ball forwards, intercepted by Claridge. Cooke sliding in to win the ball, stays down having over stretched up but moving a little gingerly. Ryan heading a cross from the left clear at the back for Brantham as Owen gets up on the wing.

  Brantham press on late on looking to get something out of the game winning a corner on the right send players up into the box the ball in across the six yard box knocked down towards goal Woodbridge clearing on the line then blocking the follow up shot before scrambling the ball is cleared behind for a corner out on the left. This delivery put behind off a defender at the near post conceding a 3rd corner late pressure from Brantham. Another dangerous ball swung into the area attacked central turned down towards the far post again Woodbridge clear off the line. Woodbridge get on the move up the left Owen taking the ball on, Giles getting back to defend for Brantham

 GOAL! A late late consolation goal for Brantham as Berry charges on with the ball left side played on for Dunnett out wide 25 yards out catches to ball sweetly to strike a wonderful shot across the keeper into the far corner of the goal 4-1. 

Brantham captain, Lucy Dunnett pictured with Lucy Eagle scoring a screamer to pull a late late goal back for Brantham

Just time for Woodbridge to make one last change bringing on crowd favourite Grace Murphy for hat-trick her heroine Jamieson. The final whistle blowing moments later, Woodbridge celebrating as they claim their first piece of silverware.

Full time Woodbridge Town Ladies 4-1 Brantham Athletic Ladies

  Woodbridge with a strong 2nd half performance, making a few technical tweaks to get in behind Brantham and extend their first half lead. That after a largely and evenly fought 1st half. Jamieson finding space on the left a ready outlet going on to score twice more to claim her hat-trick. Losing last season’s final 4-0, scoring 4 in this season’s final would have liked the clean sheet no doubt but Brantham kept going pushing for a goal at the end and got it thanks to Dunnett’s screamer from outside the box. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to pick this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A well contested game with both sides playing their part. Brantham matching Woodbridge first half getting about the pitch winning their share of the ball, Aimee Berry with some fantastic tackling at full back. Lucy Dunnett looking to get hold of the ball find the wide players in attack scoring a wonderful goal. For Woodbridge the back line was composed and solid, Alice Ager and Molly Nicholson with several great tackles and interceptions throughout. Lucy Eagle getting about the park, chasing the ball down, making some dynamic runs forwards , tenacious in her pursuit of the ball. The award goes to the hat-trick scorer, Sadie Jamieson. Strong in attack winning the ball, enjoyed a good contest with Berry in the first half before the tactical switch to the left, a ready outlet in attack getting behind taking her chances well to see Woodbridge lift the cup.

Woodbridge Town Ladies, 2022/23 Suffolk Women’s League Cup winners.

Congratulations to Woodbridge Town Ladies on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup.

  An enjoyable well contested final between the sides played in front of a fantastic crowd. My thanks to Mandy Cutting the League Chair for her assistance and help this evening along with the staff at Ipswich Wanderers and to both sides for their help with those all important squad numbers.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

Sunday 30th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

A pause in the cup action this weekend gives me the opportunity to take in some league action at what is a critical point in the season for several sides involved in title contests across the East. No less so than in Norfolk Women’s Division One with the top two meeting in the league for the 1st time this season in a match that could go along way to deciding who becomes Champions, with Mulbarton Belles Ladies the defending Champions looking to close the gap on leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women.

  That gap currently sits at 8 points, Mulbarton Belles Ladies crucially having 3 games in hand, but with their next two games home and away to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women know that they have to go for maximum points. Dussindale & Hellesdon with those two games left against Mulbarton are 4 points away from securing their maiden league title.

  A 1-1 draw at home to 3rd placed Thetford Town Ladies, ending Mulbarton’s 100% league record, 12 wins and a draw from 13 played have been playing catch up with the league leaders all season involved in the Women’s FA Cup earlier in the season and with two highly successful cup campaigns seeing them reach both the finals of the League Plate, where they will play their newly formed Development side and have once again won through to the final of the County Cup for a 3rd successive season, taking on Norwich City Women at Carrow Road on Friday 19th May. 

  Captain Rebekah Lake one of the best strikers on the county top scorer for Mulbarton weighing in with 17 goals so far this season forming a good partnership in attack Francesca Catchpole who was recruited following the folding of Wymondham Town Ladies, scoring 15 goals from her 9 appearances has recently signed with Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division. A busy run in for the club that has become an integral part of the Mulbarton footballing family since moving there 3 season’s ago the core of the 1st team sticking together with manager Martin Francis after the turmoil at their former club. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women too have gone from strength to strength following their merger with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC 3 season’s ago, formerly Sprowston Ladies a young tightly knit squad have developed into one of the leading sides in the county with ambitions to test themselves higher. Have been out in front in Norfolk Women’s Division One since the beginning of the season, losing just one of their 16 league matches played to date. Have also enjoyed successful runs in both the League and County Cups reaching the final of this season’s League Cup while also making it to the last 4 of the County Cup.

Victoria Leyer so often the top scorer for the club in their Sprowston days has continued that form in Dussindale & Hellesdon colours netting 17 goals to date this season. Forming a deadly partnership in attack with Shanice Sutton who has recovered from a very nasty knee injury while at Thorpe United to pile on the goals currently on 31 pushing to finish top scorer in Norfolk currently two behind Long Stratton’s, Luci Middleton. 2 tough games against their main title rivals to end their league campaign.

Mulberry Park the venue for today’s match. The sun shining bright on the last day in April, a pleasant day with a few clouds dotted around but no chance of rain. The pitch looking good the grass lush. The clubhouse and bar open along with the pitch side tea hut serving hot and cold drinks.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies

 Mulbarton Belles Ladies starting XI – Jo Hooper, Olivia Smith, Melissa Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Alice Smith, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy, Molly Ryan & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Olivia Mungham-Gray, Alice Ladbrooke & Aneliese Smith.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Siesha Humphries, Rachel Bussey, Calista Tink (C), Ruby Wilson, Abbi Nobbs, Georgina Belton, Abby Hutchin, Chelsea Brister, Shanice Sutton & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Amee Kennett, Hannah Coombe, Chloe Shipman, Kari Kowalczyk & Phoebe Green.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Dussindale & Hellesdon in their away colours an all light blue coloured kit to get the game underway kicking off the first half with Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle out to Rachel Bussey at right back sent forwards for Georgina Belton to attack, Olivia Smith heading the ball out for a throw for Mulbarton. The hosts get the ball inside from the throw looking for captain Rebekah lake making a central run the ball cut out well by Ruby Wilson at centre back for Dussindale & Hellesdon lifted forwards into Shanice Sutton in attack, attempts to volley it into the box for Victoria Leyer pulling of the shoulder of the defence, the ball won and cleared by Lucy Lincoln for Mulbarton.

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

  Mulbarton pressing the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence, Sophie Jermy left channel charging down captain Calista Tink’s clearance outside the box the ball rebounding of her in behind, Jermy racing after it crossing from the by-line into lake central, quickly closed down can’t turn to shoot instead laying the ball back to midfielder Laura Hedtke outside the area left side, strike’s the  ball hard, Tink taking the hit as she puts her body in to block, goalkeeper Tyla Cole diving beyond the ball cleared up into Sutton in attack rushing after the ball, Mulbarton goalkeeper, Jo Hooper running out of her area to clear just about getting their first, Sutton colliding with the keeper, down for a moment but recovering is back up on her feet.

  A lively start from both sides, Mulbarton winning the ball in the middle played out to Molly Ryan on the right, Lake up with her exchanging passes the ball rolled in field with Alice Smith in the clear opts to strike it from 35 yards out the ball racing wide of Cole’s left post. Oliva Smith bombing on from left back for Mulbarton taking the ball on well, Sutton in turn tracking back well to slide in to tackle play the ball out for a throw. 

Mulbarton midfielder Alice Smith

 Alice Smith getting about the ground in the middle of the park winning the ball for Mulbarton getting it forwards into Lake making a run into the right channel, stopped by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Siesha Humphries. Leyer fed the ball from Chelsea Brister on the left turns inside taking on the shot from a long way out pulling the ball wide of the near post. Dussindale & Hellesdon a little edgy Mulbarton able to dictate play through the middle with Alice Smith linking up well with Ellie Hunter the ball forwards for Jermy drives on central, Humphries coming to close her down winning the ball.

Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Abbi Nobbs

  Abbi Nobbs playing the ball on for Georgina Belton through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon lifted up towards the top of the area Lincoln heading clear for Mulbarton the break on as the ball is lifted on for Lake pulling right, no one can get up with her as her looping cross lands harmlessly inside the box. Jermy sent racing in behind the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence, Cole rushing out of her box getting their first her clearance though landing at Lake’s feet, 30 plus yards out, the goalkeeper out of position, Lake isn’t given a clear sight on goal as she his hastily closed down, Tink clearing the ball.

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain. Calista Tink

 Dussindale & Hellesdon have let themselves become a little unsettled by the opposition rushing the final ball seeing it lost and coming straight back, Olivia Smith up on the left a throw won high. Lincoln with a long one in her arsenal launched into the box Tink with a firm headed clearance. Hunter opens her body up to lay the ball into the path of Olivia Smith as she races on left side driving at the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence evades two challenges to get into the box to the by-line left turns inside and strikes a rising shot in on the angle may very well have been creeping inside the post but for an excellent save from Cole throwing her right arm up to turn the ball behind for the corner kick. 

Olivia Smith (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 Jermy to send the corner into the box from the left, Alice Smith running in towards the near post heading the ball behind taking a nick off a defender a 2nd corner awarded. Same result Smith allowed a free run to the near post twisting her body to head the ball up over the crossbar. 

Alice Smith heading the ball over from the corner for Mulbarton.

 A few decisions going against them adding to Dussindale & Hellesdon’s frustrations a hand ball seeing a free-kick given away top of the circle. Laura Hedtke to play the ball long into the box, Cole with a strong call laying claim to the ball on the bounce. Olivia Smith getting in to win the ball back on the left sends the diagonal ball up into Lake in attack through the middle, Jermy up with her look to play the one two take the ball in behind a vital interception from Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Wilson. 

  Humphries on for Brister left, Dussindale & Hellesdon coming forwards, the ball inside to Leyer outside the area left of the D, looking to shift the ball between her feet and pulls the trigger, Megan Belsey with the well timed tackle for Mulbarton. Mulbarton’s attacker coming back for the ball turning a driving at the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence, Jermy through the middle finds Ryan out wide right forwards for Lake, the visitors defence holds it line well catching her offside. 

Mulbarton centre back Megan Belsey

  Belton powering forwards on the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Bussey getting up in support, Oliva Smith pushing Belton wide Bussey getting hold of the ball to send a cross into the box Sutton right of goal looking to turn it goalwards can only pick out the keeper. Jermy taking the ball on for Mulbarton left winning the corner. Dropped into the middle of the box Abby Hutchin with the header clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

  Alice Smith holding up the ball well for Mulbarton 35 yards out letting others get ahead of her wriggling free to send the diagonal ball into Hedtke out wide right her cross/shot on the angle over the crossbar. Sutton looking to get on with the ball wide right for Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a corner kick, players up from the back the high ball into the box headed clear back out to the right the cross fired in along the top of the area met by Wilson her shot blocked by Olivia Smith. Half an hour played an intriguing contest Mulbarton looking lively getting in to win the ball, Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to appear rattled at times, frustrated with themselves knowing they need to settle.

  Cole out of her box early as Alice Smith getting free in the middle plays the ball on for Lake through the middle. Lincoln up on the left to take the through, aiming for Jermy outside the area left of goal, Tink in to head the ball away falls to Hunter 25 yards out looking to clip a looping shot in towards goal, collected by Cole safely. 

  Lake seeing the ball into her feet left side off a throw outside the box takes it on across the D, Wilson staying on her well for Dussindale & Hellesdon allowing no sniff of an opening Lake instead pushing it out to Ryan right side her strike 20 odd yards out driven wide of the near post. Leyer getting on the ball out left for Dussindale & Hellesdon pressing forwards under pressure from Ryan as she comes back at her, 20 yards out unleashes a shot struck wide of the near post. Wilson with another fine interception central as Oliva Smith tries to pick out the strikers with a diagonal ball upfield. 

Victoria Leyer with Megan Belsey

  Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick out wide left in a deep position the ball floated into the area met well by Tink rising to head goalwards her effort blocked the loose ball deflecting out to Hutchin right of the D, struck on the volley, Hooper down sharply on her line to save. Alice Smith into Hedtke lifted forwards for Jermy and Lake running on through the middle, Wilson in again to cut out the ball.

  The ball over the top by Mulbarton finding Lake bursting into the box right of goal, Cole rushing out to close her down doing enough as Lake forces her shot wide on the near post. Belton strong coming away with the ball right for Dussindale & Hellesdon on for Sutton in attack spins well off her marker to take the ball in behind wide sends a high ball into the box, Hooper needs to keep her eye on it back on her line but takes the catch cleanly.

Dussindale & Hellesdon attacker, Shanice Sutton

  Into the closing minutes of the 1st half, Nobbs on through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon picking out Brister running on down the left, Megan Belsey getting her foot in to tackle for Mulbarton. Jermy taking the ball on onto the area left for Mulbarton to the by-line her cross into the six yard box cut out by Nobbs, pushing up Mulbarton keep possession the cross from deep on the left finding Ryan on the right her shot bouncing wide. One last chance in the half for Dussindale & Hellesdon breaking down the left the ball on for Brister struck on the angle into the side netting.  

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 0-0 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

  Goalless at the break, both sides staying out on the field during the half-time interval. Mulbarton creating some good chances as yet to beat the goalkeeper have been sharp to the ball winning the midfield contest and getting the ball on into the attacker who in turn are driving at the visitors defence. Dussindale & Hellesdon struggling to settle have let themselves to get frustrated working hard to win the ball getting it forwards the final pass hasn’t been there a couple of half chances the deadlock yet to be broken will be looking to cause Mulbarton a few more problems 2nd half. 

 No changes at the break, Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into defence, Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to close it down is played out for a throw on the right. Dussindale & Hellesdon win the ball back on the left Humphries up or Brister the diagonal ball aimed for Sutton tracking into area right side, cut out by Olivia Smith for Mulbarton. 

Mulbarton’s Sophie Jermy with Abbi Nobbs

The visitors looking to get on the front foot at the start of the 2nd half, give away a free-kick out wide left on the half way line. The set-piece launched up into the box won by Wilson for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Alice Smith sending the pass on for Hunter moving right for Mulbarton plays it on for Lake puling away wide her cross into the box cut out by Tink turned behind for the corner kick. 

  Lake breaking on with the ball at her feet right for Mulbarton his tackled by Hutchin as she comes across to defend, the ball played into the middle Dussindale & Hellesdon spring the counter attack lifted on for Sutton high on the right her looping ball into the area dropping for Leyer running in central holding off marker gets her foot on the ball but not enough pace on it as Hooper snatches it up off the deck. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 53rd minute Mulbarton regaining possession playing the ball on down the left for Ryan to take on driving forwards, the keeper coming out to close the angle, Ryan from 20 yards out lifts the ball over her and into the back of the net to score 1-0.

Molly Ryan surrounded by her teammates after firing Mulbarton into the lead (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  A blow for Dussindale & Hellesdon they look for a quick reply breaking up the right with Sutton winning a corner kick. Players pressed forwards the ball curled in near side Tink with the stooping header 12 yards out driving the ball wide of the near post. Humphries strong on the left to win the ball and take it in behind, Melissa Belsey recovering to challenge concede the corner kick. An inswinging ball in high to the near post headed up and across goal by Tink, Leyer jumping to meet it knocked up in towards goal, Hooper back on her line getting her gloves up above her head claiming the ball.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to be frustrated with some decisions made, Humphries bombing on forcing Lake to track back after her getting her cross in from the by-line on the left, claimed low by Hooper at her near post. Alice Smith winning the ball for Mulbarton in the middle, drawing the odd free-kick too. The ball played up to Leyer in attack, holding the ball up well, Lincoln close on her plays it back for Brister, Megan Belsey in to challenge eventually giving away the free-kick.

GOAL! Just past the hour Brister over the set-piece 30 plus yards out to the left of goal, goes for goal getting a good connection on the ball to send a wonderful shot in over the keeper into the net beyond to score the equaliser 1-1.

Chelsea Brister scoring from a wonderful free-kick to equalise for Dussindale & Hellesdon (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Chelsea Brister equalising for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  A good response from Dussindale & Hellesdon to falling a goal behind getting back on level terms quickly. Both sides competing for the ball Mulbarton getting a free-kick on halfway to the left played into the top of the area cleared by Belton for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Hutchin seeing more of the ball 2nd half for Dussindale & Hellesdon coming left sending the ball on for Brister in attacker, Melissa Belsey tackling to win the ball back for Mulbarton. 

 Dussindale & Hellesdon making the first change of the game bringing off the goal scorer, Brister replaced by Kari Kowalczyk on the left. Humphries slides in to take the ball away from lake inside the box right side as she runs onto Hunter’s diagonal ball. Mulbarton pressing the ball in the middle Hedtke’s high ball forwards into the area taken confidently by Cole. The game opening up a little players finding gaps to run into.

GOAL! Mulbarton take the ball on down the left side rolled on for Ryan whips a pacy cross low into the area from deep for Lake central back to goal sees it across her feet spinning away from her marker to turn into the shot fire it low back across the keeper to restore Mulbarton’s lead 2-1.

Rebekah Lake sending the ball home to restore Mulbarton’s lead

  Melissa Belsey down after a challenge top of her area needs to come off both sides making a change with a little over 15 minutes left to play. Olivia Mungham-Gray going into the back line for Mulbarton, Chloe Shipman coming on in midfield replacing Nobbs for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Fluids taken on board by both sides too. Dussindale & Hellesdon advance on the left Humphries up to support Kowalczyk winning a throw high, Kowalczyk sending the ball into Leyer top of the area, Lincoln defending for Mulbarton, the visitors press the ball the shot from distance finding it’s way through to Hooper.

  Mungham-Gray and Kowalczyk rush in to contest the ball a hefty 50/50 challenge, as Dussindale & Hellesdon prepare another change Bussey coming off, with Amee Kennett sent on. 

GOAL! Mulbarton attacking left the ball played from deep long into the box for Lake charging into the area right of goal Cole looking to get out to the ball first smashing her attempted clearance into the Mulbarton captain, the ball loose Lake taking a moment to locate it closed down, lays it back towards the top of the area for Jermy who is brought down the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty! Jermy herself to take runs in with a right foot strike wrong footing the keeper to play it low to her left and score 3-1.

Sophie Jermy with the penalty to put Mulbarton 3-1 ahead

  Only adding to Dussindale & Hellesdon’s frustration not happy with the penalty decision in the first place. 3-1 down with 12 minutes left on the clock both sides making a change Phoebe green on for he visitors for Sutton. Lake coming off for Mulbarton replaced by Aneliese Smith. Megan Belsey coming across to challenge Humphries as she breaks on into the box from the left the defender putting her foot in to stab the ball behind for the corner kick.

Siesha Humphries with Mulbarton captain Rebekah Lake

  Dussindale &Hellesdon strong on the left Humphries driving forwards linking with Kowalczyk who gets up the line to win her side a corner. A great delivery into the box, Alice Smith doing a good job marking Tink outside the six yard box allowing Lincoln to clear beyond. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing up taking a few risks a diagonal ball put into the top of the area from the right, Belsey and Mungham-Gray get in each others way going to clear the ball left of the D, Green close in can’t capitalise before the ball is scrambled clear. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Phoebe Green

  Alice Ladbrooke coming on for Mulbarton late on replaced Hedtke in midfield. The counter launched by the hosts the ball lifted on for Ryan bursting on left side towards the box, Cole rushing out to the edge of her area sliding in to make the blocking save. Green onto the ball central for Dussindale & Hellesdon tries to pick out Leyer pulling off the defence, a vital interception from Lincoln at the back for Mulbarton. 

Lucy Lincoln

  Dussindale & Hellesdon piling on the press late in the game as they look for a goal to set up a nervy finish Shipman coming left on for Kowalczyk pushed into Leyer top left corner of the box, Lincoln marking her closely the pair head to the left corner before Lincoln gets her challenge in the ball cleared only as far as Kowalczyk wide 20 out to lift a cross into the box, Green attacking it near side knocking the ball on across the six yard box, Belton attacking the near post, Olivia Smith getting the ball clear.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  The game heading into stoppage time Mulbarton release Aneliese Smith on the right in attack, Humphries back at her sliding in with a committed tackle the ball out of play in the corner. Mulbarton looking to keep it there see out the game, the job done as the final whistle blows and Mulbarton claim a vital 3 points in their quest to close the gap on the leaders, now just 5 points.

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 3-1 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

  Mulbarton with the early break through in the 2nd half to open the scoring through Molly Ryan as Dussindale & Hellesdon looked to get after them after the restart. A good response however from the visitors pushing on winning a free-kick, a wonderful strike from Chelsea Brister to equalise. The game opening up however Mulbarton got clear on the left to open up the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence with Lake turning well inside the box to restore the lead. The visitors frustrated further as a penalty call went against them, Sophie Jermy stepping up to score and extend Mulbarton’s lead. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushed on late in the game looking to score but it wasn’t to be as Mulbarton held out for the win. Another tough match against Long Stratton coming up in midweek for Mulbarton before they go to The Nest to play Dussindale & Hellesdon in what is now a must win game for the hosts.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As more often than not a tough call to make with two committed sides going toe to toe. Several performances of note to mention. Ruby Wilson making several vital interceptions and winning tackles at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon. So too captain Calista Tink winning her fair share of headers in both boxes. Siesha Humphries at left back with some good challenges and got forwards very well 2nd half. Abby Hutchin too taking the ball on well in the 2nd period. For Mulbarton Alice Smith has a strong game in midfield getting after the ball going along way to unsettle Dussindale & Hellesdon in the 1st half. Linked up well with Ellie Hunter who make some positive runs forwards. Sophie Jermy with several driving runs at the opposition defence. The back four were also strong. Full backs Melissa Belsey and Olivia Smith winning the ball, Lucy Lincoln tackling and clearing the ball. The award goes to Megan Belsey was a good contest between her and Leyer in attack putting in some well timed tackles to deny a goal scoring opportunity.

  Still all to play for in Norfolk Women’s Division One and it well be intriguing to see who comes out on top. Whatever the outcome a strong season from both. Good to catch up with both and thanks for the help with the teams details. Also to Scott Grearhardy for the additional pictures used in today’s report.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Tuesday 25th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

sponsored by the Alan Boswell Group

A trip into Cambridgeshire this Tuesday evening to watch the final of the Women’s Invitation Cup being played at Cambridge United FC’s Abbey Stadium. Once again an all Cambridge affair with Cambridge United WFC back in the competition playing Cambridge City Ladies the current cup holders.

  The FAWNL South East Division One sides the highest league based sides in the county have dominated the Invitation Cup in recent season’s enjoying a healthy rivalry with Cambridge City making a rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid to join United in the 4th tier of the women’s game. 

This evening’s prize

Cambridge United WFC re-joining the Invitation Cup competition after a season away competing in the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup. Playing their home games at St Neots Town FC, Laura Mitchell scoring a late winner to see them beat St Ives Town Ladies to lift the cup. Mitchell one of several players to move on over the close season with the club seeing alot a changes to the squad as they began a new and stronger relation with Cambridge United FC, the League One club setting up a women’s board with closer ties men’s club which has included a number of games being played at The Abbey Stadium this season with their final league game against Actonians Ladies being held their this coming Sunday.

  With several new faces coming in and injury set backs to others Cambridge United WFC haven’t found the consistency they would have liked and after a promising start have struggled to get points on the board on a regular basis. Down in 8th place never in danger of being pulled into the drop zone (no non- existent with the sad withdrawal of two sides) A late late winner from Sarah Wiltshire, away to Chesham United Ladies in their penultimate league fixture seeing United set up what could be a positive end to the campaign with a cup final this evening and league finale at The Abbey Stadium. Sarah Wiltshire the clubs marque signing over the close season, with a wealth of experience playing at this level is well clear in the goal scoring charts netting 16 from 20 appearances. Aiming to make it a double in the county cup competitions with their Development side winning the Junior Invitation Cup 10 days ago.

 Cambridge City Ladies too enduring a tough season currently bottom of FAWNL South East Division One although with two sides gone no threat of relegation. Just the one league win all season that coming all the way back on the opening day. A further point gained ironically at The Abbey Stadium in their league fixture with United earlier in the year. Still have a chance of getting off the bottom of the table with their final league game away to Chesham United Ladies who themselves have struggled for points just 2 above. Beating, Newmarket Town Women 5-1 in last season’s final to win the Invitation Cup.

  Alot of changes at the club under a new management team has seen alot of player departures the side vastly changed from that which secured victory on the opening day. The club has always had a strong youth policy and set-up with young talent always coming through the 1st team well backed up by an U23s side and Development team. Several young players have found themselves promoted to the first team and have risen to the challenge. One of those attacker Sophie Billing who has scored 32 goals in 11 appearances for Cambridge City’s U18s side currently top of the U18 league in Cambridgeshire with a 10% record. Becca Stephenson top scoring for the first team with 6 goals. Have had terrible luck with injuries too most recently losing experienced defender Bronwyn Mulheron who dislocated her knee playing against league champions Hashtag United Women. Like United a good opportunity to end a difficult season on a positive note.

Road to the Final

  Both sides entering the competition at the 2nd Round stage, Cambridge United progressing without kicking a ball awarded the A-w win over Park Ladies who would go on to reach the Junior Invitation Cup Final eventually beaten by United’s Development side. Cambridge City away to Cambridgeshire Division Two side March Town United Ladies. A grace Stanley hat-trick, along with a brace for Shannon Shaw with a goal each for Karly Tolentino, Lauren Tomlinson and Becca Stephenson securing a 9-0 win.

  Into the quarter finals, United away to Cambridgeshire Division One side Leverington Sports Ladies. City at home were also taking on Cambridgeshire Division One opposition in Cambridge Rangers WFC. Emphatic score lines for both with United scoring 7 without reply. City going one better netting 8 without conceding.

Into the semi-finals United and City kept apart in the draw, United hosting last season’s finalists Newmarket Town Women, a first half brace for both Francesca Partridge and Sarah Wiltshire seeing United leading 4-0 at the break before going on to win 6-0 with Wiltshire getting her hat-trick. City away to Division one side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, a brace each for Ellie Cullum and Becca Stephenson with a goal too for Rose Sparrow seeing City into the final courtesy of a 5-1 victory.

The Abbey Stadium once again hosting the Women’s Invitation Cup, the League One ground the grass pitch immaculate, the sun bright with a little heat left in it setting over the terraced stand opposite the main stand. Filling up nicely for the final. Hot and cold food and drink available. Was in a bit of a rush and wanting a cup of tea, decided to try one of the gourmet burgers, can highly recommend was very nice.

Cambridge United WFC

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abi Davies, Carrie Bennett, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Harley-Jean Simpson, Ruth Fox, Francesca Partridge & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Jorja Badcock, Serena Cobb, Natasha Collins, Libby Fraser & Niamh Day. 

Cambridge City Ladies

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Lexi Pryke, Jess Fitzpatrick, Amy Reed, Millie Struthers, Rosie Mead, Ellen Marson, Rose Sparrow, Jess Wood, Becca Stephenson & Haile Richards. Subs – Olivia White, Sophie Billing, Sarah Payne, Jennifer Moore & Olivia Briffa.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Several players missing through injury and unavailability for both sides with 6 1st team regulars out for United, defender Rachel Kosky turning her ankle at the weekend the latest casualty. That sees United calling on their Junior Invitation Cup winning side with, Niamh Day, Libby Fraser, Serena Cobb and Jorja Badcock named on the bench along with Natasha Collins returning from injury. City likewise losing players to injury with several of their experienced players side lined, a young squad named with most U20. It’s United to get the 202223 Invitation Cup final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks with City lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The ball played back to Sammy Edgar in midfield out to Carrie Bennett at left back City rushing on to press the ball forcing united to play the ball all the way back to goalkeeper Lauren Webb to clear.

United attack down the right flank the ball fed on for Ruth Fox down in the corner turns to dig a cross out into the area dropping for Francesca Partridge in the clear top of the six yard box sees the ball down and shapes to shoot, City goalkeeper and captain Sarah Hudson coming in to make the blocking save at close range getting something on the ball is deflected off her behind rolling for the bottom corner, Millie Struthers getting back clearing the ball off the line. United coming close in the opening couple of minutes.

Ruth Fox (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Abi Davies with the ball on to Fox right side played the ball inside finding Harley-Jean Simpson central 20 yard out lifts the ball into the box for Sarah Wiltshire whose first time shot is straight at Hudson. United making a positive start getting the ball into the City half Wiltshire sending the ball out to Partridge wide left she attempts the return pass finding Wiltshire breaking into the box however the offside flag curtails a goal scoring opportunity. Pressing the ball in midfield, Sammy Edgar lifts a pass out to Partridge pulling wide left, Jess Fitzpatrick getting back at her tackling for City.

Wiltshire running away with the ball at her feet on the left cutting inside her marker to get into the area right corner, Hudson racing out to clear the ball, cleared as she and Wiltshire collide, some think it’s a penalty, but the free-kick goes the other way with Wiltshire the one who catches Hudson on her follow through trying to get the ball. Hudson down for a moment but is okay to play on.

Cambridge City Ladies Lexi Pryke with Cambridge United’s Sarah Wiltshire (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Rose Sparrow taking the ball on through the middle for City lifting it into Haile Richards in attack back to goal 25 yards out holding it up well before rolling it back to the advancing Sparrow to strike goalwards from distance, United goalkeeper, Lauren Webb catching confidently. The ball with Edgar in midfield United’s attackers race forwards, Edgar attempting the placed pass in behind, a vital interception by Fitzpatrick. City win a free-kick on halfway to the left the ball send long up into the United area cleared out to the left, Lexi Pryke getting hold of it 25 yards out struck wide across goal.

Fitzpatrick getting back at Wiltshire on United’s left to challenge and clear the ball as she looks to drive into the area. United seeing more of the ball playing the ball across the pitch. United winning a free-kick deep inside the City half to the left, Wiltshire launching the ball in towards the top of the area headed out to the right, Fox after it with a turn and hit from 20 yards out pulled wide of the right post. United’s attackers lively Wiltshire moving across the line finding Fox on the right her cross lifted into the six yard box, Hudson up to claim with Partridge closing in.

Simpson up with Partridge on the left wins a corner as her cross is deflected behind of a City defender. Taken by Wiltshire on the left, swung in near post cleared back out to her by Fitzpatrick, moving up the line for a better angle hits a curling shot wide past the far post. Richards coming into midfield getting the ball off Jess Wood advancing right, holding off Carri Bennett sends the pass wide for Wood racing down the right, Lauren Rouse getting across to win the ball clear it for a throw.

Harley-Jean Simpson (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Richards strong holding up the ball turns and drives forwards for City central before being brought down 35 yards out winning the set-piece. The ball floated into the area attacked far post nodded down towards goal, Webb down to her left sharply the ball turned behind for the corner. Swept in long across the face of goal beat away at the far post, United look to get on the counter Wiltshire carrying the ball away left side, Simpson up with her the pass into her Struthers cutting out the return pass intended for Wiltshire.

City settling down now after United’s strong start getting in to win the ball, players spread out at times, picking the final pass tricky. United captain, Gisela Otten playing the ball on for United’s attackers, Wiltshire sending out out to Partridge left of the D 20 yards out, has more time that she realises, taking the shot her effort pulled wide of the near post. Wood taking the ball on down City’s right, Rouse going with her sliding in to win the ball back for United.

Cambridge United WFC captain, Gisela Otten with Cambridge City’s Rosie Mead (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Simpson bringing the ball on for United running into the left channel pushed out to Partridge wide, looking to open up her body thread the low diagonal ball into Wiltshire’s path outside the D, Struthers in the way intercepting to play it back into her keeper to clear. United attacking on the left Bennett advanced up with Partridge winning a throw high, dropped into Wiltshire’s feet coming back off the by-line to wrap her foot around the cross fired into the six yard box, Pryke clearing for City.

Wiltshire with alot of running with the ball taking it on for Edgar in midfield racing forwards tackled by City’s Rosie Mead. Davies on the right coming on with the ball for United playing a diagonal ball across to Partridge out left side dragging it down ahead of her sweeps a long pass out to Fox looking to get into the box from the right, Pryke cutting the ball out for City.

Ellen Marson linking up with Mead in the middle the ball clipped out out Becca Stephenson out on the left flank, taking the ball on down the line, Davies getting back at her to tackle for United. Partridge picked out on the left by the diagonal pass bringing the ball down sends a cross into the six yard box from 25 yards out Wiltshire surging in throwing up a boot getting to the ball before the keeper prods the ball wide of the left post.

Cambridge United’s Abi Davies( photo credit Ben Phillips)

Davies combining with Fox on the right lifting a cross into the City area, headed clear by Amy Reed. United continue to knock on the door with 35 minutes played Wiltshire with a shot on goal from 25 yards out left of the D, held by Hudson. Rouse bringing the ball up from the back for United into the City half right channel out to Wiltshire near the top right corner, the ball at her feet turns inside to shoot, her attempt straight forwards for the keeper, Hudson taking it high.

Edgar showing great passing ability as she tries again to clip a long ball into Partridge pulling away left, Fitzpatrick stabbing a foot out to take the ball away from her. United regain possession quickly inside the City half Simpson lively after the ball.

GOAL! Players getting up the pitch Bennett fed the ball on the left taking it to the by-line checking back to burst into the area before smashing a cross into the six yard box, Wiltshire pouncing to send the ball past the keeper central to opening the scoring in the 40th minute 1-0.

Sarah Wiltshire with the opening goal for Cambridge United WFC (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Edgar playing the pass forwards into Wiltshire left of the D 25 yards out, Bennett rushing on up the line in support, City racing back to defend, Sparrow getting there to regain possession before Bennett can get in behind. United lively at the end of the half coming on at will right side the ball lifted into the area Reed’s clearance dropping for Simpson 25 yards out central shifts the ball between her feet before placing her shot straight at the keeper.

Wiltshire flagged offside as she breaks in between the City centre backs looking to get onto the end of another Edgar pass. City making a change bring Sophie Billing on for Wood. Wiltshire is brought down on the right outside the box as she looks to take the ball on from Fox. The set-piece sent over. Wiltshire taking the ball on left played on by Partridge, held up by Fitzpatrick sends it back to Simpson 30 yards out drags the ball inside before shooting, no power on the strike caught by Hudson. A double change coming for City late in the first half with Sarah Payne and Jennifer Moore coming on for Marson and Sparrow. Time for one last United attack from the right the ball landing in the side netting.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  United with a strong 1st half performance seeing more of the ball getting forwards well with numbers putting the City back line under pressure, an early effort cleared off the line. Opportunities created the dead lock finally broken in the 40th minute. Sarah Wiltshire’s goal the difference between the sides at the break. City have worked hard to fight for the ball having little opportunity to test the defence at the other end one chance turned wide by the keeper off a set-piece. At one nil however remain very much in the final and one chance could put them back on level terms, question is can they keep United out at the other end.

City making another change at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Olivia White for Struthers. United unchanged with City having the kick-off 2nd half the ball played back into the middle before being put out to White on the left, Davies getting back at her to challenge for the ball. City looking to make a fast start 2nd half pressing United on the ball a shot from distance dragged wide from the right. Payne winning the ball forwards into Richards, closely marked by Jackson.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

Payne with the ball turning central to send the pass out to Stephenson on the right threads it through to Richards breaking into the area from the right, tracked all the way to the by-line running out of room back heels the ball back into the area, no one arriving to attack it. An open start to the 2nd half City making a few tactical switches United needing time to adjust too. Stephenson taking the ball on over halfway right laying the pass forwards for Richards bursting clear right channel, Webb racing out of her area to clear just about getting there first. United regroup the ball won by Edgar in midfield on to Wiltshire her diagonal ball looking for Partridge pulling into the area left, Fitzpatrick winning it for City

GOAL!  United regaining momentum push players forwards keeping possession out on the left the ball put inside to Edgar outside the box, puts her foot through the ball, powering a wonderful strike into the top corner across the keeper to double the lead 2-0.

Sammy Edgar scoring for Cambridge United WFC (photo credit Ben Phillips)

United 2-0 inside the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half a blow for City as they look to start the half on the front foot. Edgar carded moments after scoring with an over zealous tackle on City’s Reed as she brings the ball out from the back. Simpson playing the ball out to Bennett running on down the left flank, tackled by Fitzpatrick. Stephenson attacking out on the right for City her cross squared into the D, looking for Richards, Davies nipping in to clear for United.

Fox on the right seeing the ball down well flicking in on cleverly behind the defence after it heading it on, not quite under control as Reed stretches a leg to clear. Wiltshire taking the ball on across the top of the City area tripped winning a free-kick in a dangerous position right of the D. Over the free-kick smashes a low strike past the wall looking for the inside if the left post, Hudson with a fantastic save getting down to push the ball away behind for the corner to the left.

City certainly competing better 2nd half the ball being closed down in the middle a few tackles coming in free-kicks given away. Stephenson getting hold of a long pass floated into the D back to goal turns to her left taking the ball inside, Jackson close in staying on her to put in a well timed tackle to win the ball back for United. Reed defending at the other end inside her box heading the ball clear with Wiltshire closing in following Otten’s hooked clearance upfield.

GOAL! City win a corner out of nothing on the right as the ball runs behind following a challenge up field, an opportunity to get players into the box. A high ball looped down into the six yard box, Pryke running in jumping well to power her header in of a United defender over the keeper pulling a goal back on the hour. 2-1.

Game on United look for a quick response Simpson’s diagonal ball out to the left Partridge caught offside. Fox shoved in the back United winning a free-kick out on the right the ball in from Davies long to the far post a looping attempt put long past the far post retrieved on the right wide on the angle a high ball back in threatening to drop under Hudson’s crossbar the goalkeeper claiming it above her head.

Simpson getting hold of the ball left brought down outside the box presenting United with another set-piece. Wiltshire firing the ball in towards the near post on the angle, Hudson coming claiming well. United making their first switch bringing off Fox in attack sending on Niamh Day. City winning a throw high on the left, the ball played into Billing the attacker turning knocking the ball into the box, slightly over hit, Webb rushing out to close her down dive at her feet, Billing jumping in rashly catching Webb. A free-kick for United Webb needing a few moments to recover is okay to play on. 

  Wiltshire putting the City defence under pressure capitalising on a mis-cue to latch onto the ball and take it on into the area right of goal, never quite having it under control, screws her shot wide at the near post as Reed gets back to challenge. The competitiveness gone up a notch City with their tails up having pulled a goal back a few nerves showing from United. City winning a free-kick on half way the ball lifted up to the top of the area initially headed clear by Jackson, the shot struck from distance wide of the left post.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

   City push on left side with Billing finding Stephenson out wide, checking back inside 25 out, rolls the ball inside for Moore who in turn puts it into Mead’s path hitting the shot from all of 30 yard out the effort blasted wide. City making a switch bringing Billing off with Wood returning to the field. Payne playing the ball forwards into Richards inside the D, Jackson in to block her attempt at goal the ball rebounding away. Rouse feeling her knee goes down requiring treatment both sides going to their benches to take on fluids and instructions with a little over 15 minutes left to play.

  United on the ball a great diagonal pass picking out Partridge bursting into the box from the left, Hudson rushing out to close her down, Partridge getting her foot up to lob the ball over the keeper, Reed racing back towards goal clearing the ball off the line.  City making a double change bringing on Olivia Briffa and Sparrow for Reed and White. United also making a substitution, Partridge coming off, Fox returning to the field to the left of attack. 

  City winning a free-kick wide left push players up into the box the ball fed into the six yard box, Webb up to punch the ball clear, falls to Stephenson right of the D, her strike charged down, Payne onto the ball to strike from distance Webb behind it plucking the ball down comfortably. United giving free-kicks away late in the game encouraging City to push players up, Pryke to play the ball forwards form the top of the centre circle knocked back out of the area straight to Stephenson, Simpson racing out to close her down for United. The 90 minutes almost up 4 minute of added time to be played.

  City getting another free-kick inside the United half 30 yards out Pryke again over the ball central, takes on the shot curling the ball towards the right post, Webb diving to save send the ball behind for a corner kick. Swung into the mix inside the six yard box, Edgar getting behind the ball to scramble it clear, City pressing the ball eventually out for a goal kick. 

  United get the ball away into the City half on the left a corner won, taken short they look to keep it there run down the clock. City sending the ball away up the right winning a throw high, played across to Sparrow out on the left her cross flung into the box, cleared by Fox. 

 GOAL! United break the ball sent forwards into Day’s path as she races forwards on the right wing taking the ball on towards the box produces a wonderful strike to send the ball looping across the keeper to land in side the goal at the far post! Day wheeling away with her arms wide in celebration in front of the fans the 3rd goal surely winning the game for United 3-1.

Niamh Day securing the win for United at the death (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  Little time left United making a change bringing on Natasha Collins for Davies to see out the closing seconds, no time for City to get another attack in as the final whistle blows.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 3-1 Cambridge City Ladies

  Cambridge United WFC winning the Invitation Cup final 3-1. With the bulk of the chances making a positive start to the game, goal line clearances and goalkeeping saves keeping United out 1st half until Carrie Bennett cut into the area from the left to send the ball across goal for Sarah Wiltshire to score. 1-0 at the break City making changes starting the 2nd half well before conceding a 2nd goal. Kept plugging away getting a goal back on the hour as Lexi Pryke headed the ball home, very much game on then as City grew in confidence and United became a little nervous giving away free-kicks, had more chances however to score riding out some late City pressure to break away and score a 3rd clinching goal in the dying moments of the match. A valiant effort from Cambridge City’s youngsters may well have been thrown in at the deep end, but will have gained valuable experience and have performed well, certainly in the games I’ve seen they never give up and wins have to be earned one last effort needed away to Chesham on Sunday to see if they can get the win needed to get themselves off the bottom of the table. Cambridge United with one last game at The Abbey Stadium to come this Sunday taking on 4th placed Actonians Ladies, winning the cup will be up for the match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. The Cambridge derby in whatever format always a committed affair with both sides giving it there all. Several players out for both. Cambridge City’s young side battled throughout giving United something to think about 2nd half. Sarah Hudson in goal with some vital saves. Jess Fitzpatrick with a good performance at right back, with some well timed tackling and interceptions. Harley-Jean Simpson with some great ball control and runs in the final third. Francesca Partridge and Ruth Fox providing great outlets on the flanks in attack linking up with Sarah Wiltshire who herself made some excellent runs and created goal scoring chances opening the scoring. The award goes to midfielder Sammy Edgar was strong on the ball showing a great range of passing and getting stuck in to win the ball back, a fantastic strike for United’s 2nd goal. First saw her playing for Watton Ladies in Beds & Herts Division Two has risen up through the pyramid into regional football, this season her first at tier 4 wanting to test herself at a higher level has been a consistent performer for United, rising to the occasion. 

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

Cambridge United WFC 2022/23 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning the 2022/23 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

 An enjoyable evening at The Abbey Stadium with the crowd seeing another entertaining and commit encounter between City and United. My thanks to both sides for the team details and to the staff at the ground and Cambs FA for their help and to Ben Phillips for the additional pictures used in the report.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 23rd April

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final

A trip into Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch another cup final, to watch the Hertfordshire FA Women’s County Cup Final between Stevenage FC Women & Royston Town Women. 

 Stevenage FC Women dominating the county cup in recent season’s have featured in every final since Women’s Football East started back in 2014 appearing in 8 consecutive finals regaining the cup last season as the competition returned after a 2 year hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic aiming for a 5th win in the competition. Royston Town Women looking to win the trophy for the 1st time. Both sides playing in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Today’s Prize

 Stevenage FC Women currently 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division attempting to bounce back at the first attempt after suffering relegation from the FAWNL last season. A tough ask in a strong competitive league with only one promotion spot up for grabs, AFC Sudbury Women looking strong favourites to take the title. Nevertheless a strong season from Stevenage once again reaching the County Cup final and also the final of the ERWFL League Cup. Fadi Mazloum stepping down as manager the club have appointed assistant Dave Parry as interim manager. Have a large squad backed up by a Development side, injuries haven’t helped maintain a settled side, players coming in have performed well. Amy Makewell the leading goal scorer with 14 goals to her name with Becky Shephard on 8 and Emily Schofield on 7.

 Royston Town Women’s manager Lewis Endacott recently celebrating his 250th game in charge. Royston more often than not amongst the sides contending in the top half of the ERWFL Premier Division, aiming to build a side to challenge for the title and promotion to the FAWNL. That cause has been heavily thwarted by long term injuries to key players, captain Amy Cooper, attacker Emma Slater and new midfield signing Riana Badal all suffering ACL and MCL injuries. Becky Charter breaking her collar bone recently returning to the side. Have moved quickly to bring in experienced attacker Laura Mills from Haverhill Rovers Women along with Chloe Gunn once with Stevenage now dual signed with QPR Women. Poppy Smith joining Royston in the summer is the current top scorer with 12 goals, Gemma Croucher close behind netting 10 to date.

Road to the Final

  No seeded teams in the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, 32 clubs entering in the 1st Round. Stevenage beginning the defence of the cup at home taking on Beds and Herts Premier Division newcomers Wormley Rovers Ladies. Becky Shephard scoring a brace along with a goal each for Holly Greenwood, Erin Price and Shianne Swarres to see Stevenage progress with a 5-0 win. Royston away to Garston Ladies new Development side playing in Beds and Herts Women’s Division Two, Emma Slater scoring a hat-trick with Royston dominating going on to win 7-0 with Ellie Pickard, Natalie Richardson, Becky Charter and Charlotte South also scoring.

 Into the 2nd Round, Stevenage drawn away to play ERWFL Division One South side, Wodson Park Ladies. Jodie Bellinger on hand to score a hat-trick in the game for Stevenage who would go on to win 6-0 with Becky Shephard, Erin Price and Amy Makewell all getting a goal. It was raining goals too in Royston’s 2nd Round tie as they were once again drawn away to beds and Herts Women’s Division Two, Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies, Riana Badal, Charlotte South, Natalie Richardson, Emma Slater, Gemma Croucher and Poppy Smith all scoring a brace each in a 15-0 win with Amy Houghton, Charlotte Grogan and goalkeeper Amy Martin all getting on the scoresheet too.

  Stevenage progressing into the semi-finals without kicking a ball as the ERWFL Premier Division side was awarded the home win over Beds and Herts Division One side Hitching Town Women. Royston handed a tough looking quarter final tie away to Watford FC Women U23s. Lily Dolling scoring for Watford, Natalie Richardson found the back of the net for Royston to see the game end 1-1 and go straight to penalties. Royston edging the shootout 5-4 t0 advance to the semi-finals.

The semi-finals saw an all Stevenage affair with the 1st team drawn against their Development side, no walk over this one the sides battling out a 1-1 draw to send the tie into penalties the 1st team winning it on sudden death 6-5. The game chalked off however due to some infringement/error leading to the game being rescheduled the Development side forfeiting the 1st team advancing to the final. Royston as they have been all competition drawn away from home to play Watford Ladies Development. Poppy Smith’s deflected shot seeing the side draw 1-1 at 0 minutes another shootout to settle things Royston again coming out on to taking it 5-4 to reach the County Cup Final to face their local rivals.

 The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s game the headquarter of the Hertfordshire FA next to the ground is also the home for Stevenage FC Women. A large artificial playing surface the ground undergoing alot of renovation in recent season’s. The cafe under the main stand serving hot and cold food and drinks. The seated stand over looking the dugouts with a terraced stand on the opposite side with viewing all round. An overcast and muggy afternoon. A few spots of rain around but nothing substantial forecast during the game. 

Stevenage FC Women

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

Royston Town Women

 Royston Town Women starting XI – Amy Martin, Mistie Fox Baker, Annie Georgiou, Amy Houghton, Georgia Miller, Ailish Straver, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Amy Josland, Gemma Croucher & Poppy Smith. Subs – Eloise Page, Hattie Bourne, Nicole Hendrick, Chloe Hunt & Becky Charter.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Vicky Neal captaining Stevenage with regular captain, Lucy Webster named amongst the substitutes. Charlotte South captaining Royston with Amy Cooper side lined through injury. It’s Stevenage to get the 2022/23 Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing red coloured shirts fading to black across the bottom half and top of the sleeves, red shorts and white socks. Royston lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts, with black short and socks. The ball rolled back into midfield out to Nicole Farmer at right back launched forwards for Kelsey Millen to chase, cleared by Royston’s Annie Georgiou. 

  South fouled inside her own half as she looks to carry the ball forwards, goalkeeper Amy Martin to play the set-piece hit long out to the right channel for Gemma Croucher, Hannah Nebbitt across her run to see the ball out for a Stevenage goal kick. Erin Price operating in the back line for Stevenage this afternoon, defending well up against Poppy Smith as the ball is fed into her as she bursts into the box from the right. Neal with a firm clearance at the back for Stevenage sending the ball long up to Amy Makewell in attack 20 yard out shifts the ball inside form the left to shoot firing the ball wide of the far post, the offside flag however is raised against her. 

 Lively start to the game the Stevenage back line spread out the game open both sides looking to get on down the flanks. Stevenage come right Millen breaking clear on the right cutting the ball back inside for Hannah Bodily the ball clipped up into the area, central won’t drop kindly for Makewell as she lines up a strike, Georgia Miller clearing for Royston. Stevenage press the ball high regaining possession the diagonal ball finding Millen running into space on the right into the corner her cross in low caught by the keeper inside her six yard box. 

Stevenage’s Hannah Bodily

  Stevenage coming on well, Rosy Wodhams winning the ball in midfield, lifting the ball out to Emily Schofield on the left, Mistie Fox Baker closing in to win the ball back for Royston. Price winning the ball at the back for Stevenage coming out into midfield before attempting the through ball for Makewell pulling into the left channel, Miller intercepting the pass for Royston. Holly Greenwood cleaned out as she plays the ball on for Millen on the right, Georgiou defending play brought back for the free-kick with no advantage. Right of the circle, Nebbitt over the ball hit long towards the far post the ball out for a goal kick.

  Royston attack down the right, Croucher on for Smith in attack challenging for the ball with Neal, Laura Mills rushing in to get onto the loose ball race into the box right of goal pulls the trigger her shot running wide of the far post. Schofield up on the left flank pulled down Stevenage getting a free-kick in the corner. The ball dropping far post no one getting a telling touch before Amy Houghton strikes it clear for Royston. Croucher pressing winning the ball playing in on for Smith up top, Price stretching out a leg intercepting for Stevenage. 

Royston’s Gemma Croucher

 The game being played as a good tempo Stevenage come on through the middle Wodhams attempting to play the one two with Millen to her right, Miller cutting the pass out top of the D for Royston passing it back for Martin to clear. Nebbitt advancing well on Stevenage’s left forwards into Schofield taking the ball inside 20 yards out no room for a shot, Makewell taking the ball on with the same results Royston’s defence closing the ball down.

Stevenage’s Emily Schofield

Croucher clipping the pass on for Smith pulling into the right channel, Neal across her well to safely shield the ball out for a goal kick. Martin racing out of her area to put her foot through the ball to clear as Price’s clearance at the back threatens to put Millen in on goal.  

  South getting into an advanced position on the left for Royston playing the ball to Amy Josland out wide left, she in turn putting it back up the line for Georgiou getting forwards closed down plays the ball back to Miller the defender firing a pass forwards into the D, Price going to put her foot through it to clear instead slices the ball in behind, Mia O’Brien in the Stevenage goal onto it sharply to claim before Smith can pounce.

Royston captain, Charlotte South.

  Millen a good outlet for Stevenage on the right enjoying a good contest with Royston’s Georgiou, the full back’s clearance dropping to Greenwood some 30 plus yards out lines up a strike putting her foot though the ball arrowing in low possibly wide of the far post, Martin diving taking to chances getting hold of the ball.

Martin catching a high ball fired into the box from the right as Millen breaks on for Stevenage. Croucher attacking down the right for Royston sees her cross cut out by Stevenage’s Nebbitt. Houghton fouling Schofield on halfway a chance for Stevenage to send the ball up into the Royston area, dropping central Millen looking to attack it Martin coming to close her down doing enough to see Millen force her shot wide of the left post. Martin racing out of her area to clear the ball left side just about gets there ahead of Makewell, hurt as her follow through takes out the Stevenage striker, no appeals on field a few voices amongst the crowd feeling different.

Stevenage’s Hannah Nebbitt

  Royston winning a free-kick on halfway the ball lifted in towards the top of the area, headed clear by Neal. Mills getting hold of the ball firing a pass forwards into the D left of goal, missed by Farmer going to clear, Josland after it, can’t capitalise before Stevenage regroup scramble the ball to safety. Martin goes down needing treatment on her back, both sets of players going to the dug outs for refreshment and instructions. The goalkeeper okay to continue play resumes a long ball played into the right channel for Smith to attack, Neal across lunging in to put the ball out for a throw.

Royston’s Poppy Smith with Stevenage’s Vicky Neal

  Wodhams winning the ball the short pass into Greenwood plays a great threaded pass forwards looking to pick out Makewell breaking into the D, Houghton with a vital interception for Royston. 3pm arrives and as expected mobile phones go off with the government testing it’s new emergency alert system, hardly registers with an exciting game taking place Mills taking the ball on down the right for Royston, sending it inside for South, 25 yards out prepares to strike the ball, Farmer racing out of the back line to charge down the shot for Stevenage. Royston getting on well Ailish Straver winning the ball forwards for Mills attacking right channel, fed into the box, Price defending well for Stevenage. 

  Stevenage quickly on the counter attack the ball lifted on up the right wing for Millen racing forwards her low cross fired into the area cut out and cleared by Miller. Goes straight to Greenwood 25 yards out right of the D, drags her shot wide out past the left post. Stevenage winning the first corner of the game out on the left the ball swung in to the far post knocked down by Neal into the mix, scrambled away to the left for a 2nd corner kick. This delivery long beyond the far post.

  Wodhams getting back well on Croucher to tackle and win the ball as the Royston attacker looks to take the ball on through the middle. Mills using the ball well for Royston getting it under control sending a quality pass forwards for Smith out right wing, Neal lunging in with an outstretched leg to send the ball out for a throw deep on the right. 35 minutes played.

 GOAL! The deadlock broken Royston with players up field for the throw in the ball crossed in taking a deflection, sending it in towards Josland attacking the near post, close in nods the ball over the keeper and across goal into the bottom corner to score! 0-1!

Amy Josland opening the scoring for Royston Town Women

  The game opening up as Stevenage look for a quick response, Croucher getting back to tackle Nebbitt as she drives on with the ball left wing. Georgiou coming on with the ball left side for Royston inside for Straver who sends the diagonal pass out to Croucher on the right, forwards for Smith to chase too much on the ball out for a goal kick. Stevenage rapid to play the ball down the other end Bodily into Greenwood out to Millen wide right down the line her cross cut out by Georgiou out behind for the corner kick. Whipped in across the penalty spot runners coming in but no one gets a touch turned behind beyond the far post for a 2nd corner on the left. The ball cleared out of the area falling for Schofield left of the D to line up a strike the ball charged down by Miller for Royston. 

 

 Royston pressing well late in the first half Straver to Croucher right inside for South central her first time strike wide off target 30 yards out. Croucher pushed in the back winning a free-kick outside the Stevenage box left of goal. Georgiou over the ball sends her attempt over at the far post. Smith tussling with Price for possession of the ball right of the D, nipping onto the ball snatches her shot over the crossbar. Makewell fouled on halfway late in the 1st half, Price to launch the ball up towards the Royston area the ball cleared falling to Greenwood sees her shot charged down outside the box, Georgiou clearing for Royston.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Royston Town Women

  507 in attendance for today’s final see Royston heading into the changing rooms leading by a single goal at the break. Amy Josland in at the near post to put Royston into the lead on 35 minutes. The game has been lively and open played at a good tempo with both sides using the wings particularly their right flank. Millen getting on well for Stevenage, Croucher and Mills both looking to feed Smith the ball for Royston. Few clear cut chances both defences with some vital interceptions with good one on one battles taking place all over the park.

  Stevenage making a triple change at the start of the 2nd half bringing on, Lucy Webster taking over as captain for Nebbitt at left back with Becky Shephard and Amy Gooderham replacing Greenwood and Schofield. Royston unchanged kicking off the 2nd half played back into defence Stevenage quick to set their stall out rushing in to close down the ball. Pressure on the Royston defence, the ball cleared.

  Royston get the ball on well through the middle Straver into Croucher has South up in support plays the short ball into her, South opening up her body attempting to put the ball in behind for Smith breaking into the box, O’Brien able to get her gloves wrapped around it first. 

Royston defender, Amy Houghton

 Shephard seeing the ball into her feet for Stevenage on the left with a clever back heel to send Gooderham away down the line her cross cleared by Georgiou. Georgiou busy at the back for Royston in ahead of Millen to clear the ball as Price sends it upfield. Mills off a throw on the left dragging the ball across her and shooting from 25 yards out putting the ball straight into the keeper. 

Royston’s Laura Mills

 Gooderham breaking on with the ball on the left for Stevenage sending it inside for Makewell inside the D, closed down by Houghton and Miller, sends the ball wide to Shephard left of goal 20 out her strike curled into towards goal straight into the keeper. Makewell with a sharp turn and strike from all of 30 yards out caught well racing in low towards goal Martin throwing herself down to her right full stretch getting her fingertips to the ball, turned behind, heart in her mouth for a moment the ball running behind narrowly wide of the post a corner awarded on the left.

Royston goalkeeper, Amy Martin

 GOAL! Stevenage carry a strong threat from a corner getting players up into the area to attack the ball and it’s from a set-piece that they find the equalising goal, the delivery whipped in fast across the face of goal attacked at the far post by Neal getting her head onto the ball and driving it home into the back of the net 1-1.

Vicky Neal congratulated by her teammates after she heads home the equaliser

 Stevenage finding the equaliser 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Royston get hold of the ball South laying it back for Straver to float a ball forwards up into the box, O’Brien catching the ball. Gooderham brought down on halfway giving Stevenage a free-kick and opportunity to send players forwards, Webster over the ball lifted into the box Shephard getting onto the end of it sending her shot over the bar. 

Stevenage’s Becky Shephard

  Shephard taking the ball forwards for Stevenage on the left crossing into the area, Makewell looking to turn central, Straver back to put in the tackle the ball not clear as Stevenage press Bodily out to Millen, Mills back to regain possession for Royston. Stevenage pressing well, Wodhams linking up with Bodily out to the right a free-kick won, the ball put in from deep dropping central Martin opting to punch the ball out of her area dropping to Wodhams 20 yards out puts her foot through the ball, Houghton getting in the way the ball deflecting off the defender behind for a corner on the right. Defended at the near post, Fox Baker looks to carry the ball up field for Royston Wodhams sliding in catching her on the ankle.

  Josland tripping Gooderham as she takes the ball on left side, Shephard to play the ball into the box long to the far post attacked by Neal her effort headed over the bar. South driving forwards with the ball through the middle for Royston clipped forwards to Mills going right into the corner her cross cut back towards the near post headed away by Neal. Martin rushing out of her area just about getting there to stop the ball in it’s tracks as Gooderham breaks clear out on the left. 

  Royston quick to counter Fox Baker right lifting a great ball into the box central for Mills to attack, looking to lift the ball up over the advancing keeper, O’Brien with a tremendous save throwing herself to her left to push the ball wide, her defence clearing the threat. 

Rosy Wodhams

  Wodhams out to Gooderham attacking left her diagonal ball in towards the top of the area defended well by Miller turning it off her body into the keeper with Millen in the clear beyond. The game has really come to life open both side looking for a goal, Gooderham doing well on the left for Stevenage getting on cutting the cross inside for Makewell central 20 yards out despite being tackled deflects the ball through into the area for Shephard coming in far post, martin out to snatch up the ball before she can reach it. 

Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer

  O’Brien with another fabulous save for Stevenage Smith with the turn and hit at the top of the area left of the D as she sees the pass into her feet, heading for the top corner, O’Brien throwing herself across getting a glove onto the ball to turn it over for the corner. The subsequent corner cleared Stevenage make another change Jodie Bellinger coming on to replace Millen on the right.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien

  Nicole Hendrick coming on for Royston to replace Croucher in attack. Royston finding Josland out wide attempts to put the ball into Smith moving across the defence, Price stretching getting her leg out to cut out the pass. Josland inside the box right of goal catching the ball on the half volley as it comes into her off a throw in, O’Brien diving forwards to save. Royston pressing high South to the right the ball inside the area finding Josland right of goal smashes her cross along the six yard box missed comes out to Hendrick far side blasts her shot over the bar.

  The game finely balanced Wodhams on for Makewell sent out to Bellinger right, Georgiou back to defend. Mills getting onto the ball central driving forwards for Royston pulls away to the right before sending shot over the bar from 25 yards out. Wodhams on the right with a strong run linking up with Bellinger to the by-line the cross cut back to Makewell central her shot saved low by the keeper deflected away to the left, Shephard free with an open goal to shoot at can’t believe it as she slices her 1st time strike over.

  Mills bringing the ball out from defence for Royston picking out Straver who drops a shot over from distance. Neal with a vital win at the back has to get there as Royston launch the ball forwards winning the ball at the ball from a free-kick, Mills and Smith threatening to run clear Neal slides in to send the ball out of the ground. Makewell down in the opposition box struggling with cramp, the change made, Schofield coming back on with the clock ticking down. Straight to penalties if the scores remain level.

  Fox Baker defends well for Royston as Wodhams picks out Gooderham on the left. Royston making a change bringing Josland off, Croucher coming back on. Play paused as Straver has the ball smashed into her from close range.

 GOAL! Into the 89th minute Mills getting hold of the ball for Royston carrying it p into midfield turns her ankle going down in agony, Stevenage rush onto the loose ball played forwards into the area left of the D, Gooderham in to pressure the keeper as Martins comes for the ball drags it away from her to the left and with and open goal to aim at makes no mistake to fire Stevenage into the lead 2-1!

Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham with the last minute goal to put Stevenage into the lead.

  A huge blow for Royston at the death worse still as Mills can’t continue, Chloe Holt coming on. Stevenage get the ball into Webster out left breaking forwards going shoulder to shoulder with Fox Baker the Royston defender putting in a good challenge to win the ball.

Royston’s Mistie Fox Baker with Stevenage’s Lucy Webster

 Royston get up the other end force a corner on the right into stoppage time everyone up into the box including the goalkeeper. goes long out to the left put back into the mix, the ball blocked come out off the area struck back in, O’Brien taking it on the bounce. Hendrick carded for a strong tackle on Wodhams as she attempts to bring the ball out. Royston win the ball back Croucher long for Holt out on the right her cross cut out by Neal. Schofield is stopped by the offside flag just over halfway as she looks to run away with the ball for Stevenage, one last chance for Royston to play the ball into the box…

 GOAL! Martin to take the free-kick the goalkeeper sending a great ball into the Stevenage area dropping to the right of goal attacked by Miller, her shot driven in across the keeper into the bottom corner the defender racing away to celebrated chased by her ecstatic teammates 2-2!

Georgia Miller running away in celebration after scoring the last gasp equaliser

 Virtually the last kick of the game, Stevenage making a change the game heading to penalties swap goalkeepers, O’Brien off replaced by Celine Rey. 

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-2 Royston Town Women

  A dramatic end to an exciting final both sides with chances in the 2nd half, Stevenage coming back to level the scores looking strong Royston defending well, the game remained open could have gone either way. Stevenage scoring in the final minute, Royston equalising with the last kick of the game we go to penalties. Harsh that it should be decided this way but both sides fought well, it now comes down to the lottery of the shootout. Just so happens I was making my way round the pitch at the end to end up behind the goal where the penalties are to be taken let the drama unfold.

Penalties

  Stevenage up first in the shootout, Jodie Bellinger walking forward to take the opening penalty, scores with a coolly taken low strike into the bottom right corner. 1-0.

 Amy Houghton to take Royston’s first penalty opting for power well struck rising to the keepers right. 1-1.

 Nicole Farmer up next for Stevenage placing the ball on the spot doesn’t get any power on the shot straight down the middle a straight forward save for Martin. 1-1.

 Gemma Croucher to take Royston’s second spot kick calmly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner past the diving keeper 1-2.

 Amy Gooderham up next to take Stevenage’s 3rd penalty kick, hit well high to the keepers left. 2-2.

 Ailish Straver up next for Royston, a good strike rising to the keeper’s left to score 2-3.

Becky Shephard to take Stevenage’s fourth spot kick, placing the ball on the spot goes for power blasted home as Martin dives the right way can’t reach it 3-3.

 Georgia Miller up next for Royston again looks for power, turns in agony as the ball smashes down off the cross bar. 3-3.

One penalty left for each then we enter sudden death, Emily Schofield to take Stevenage’s 5th penalty. Cool as you like low placed into the bottom corner the diving keeper can’t get to it 4-3.

 Charlotte South to take Royston’s 5th spot kick, the captain sending the keeper the wrong way to send the tie into sudden death 4-4.

 Vicky Neal up next for Stevenage places the ball into the bottom corner, the keeper can’t reach it 5-4.

 Becky Charter up next for Royston places the ball on the spot and steps back and Rey saves. 5-4.

Stevenage race forwards in celebration as they win the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup for the fifth time.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  A cruel way to end a game but huge credit to both sides for providing us with a hugely enjoyable cup final. Penalties are a lottery and right until the end the game could have been decided either way. Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Some huge performances all over the park a few to mention. For Royston, Amy Martin with some vital saves and claims in goal. Annie Georgiou played well at full back winning the ball well on a number of occasions. Laura Mills getting hold of the ball with some great passing and skill. For Stevenage the Kelsey Millen provided a great outlet on the right especially first half. Amy Gooderham coming on 2nd half strong out on the left getting forwards with the ball creating chances scoring late on to put Stevenage into the lead. Erin Price with some great defensive work at the back along side Vicky Neal who won the ball well at both ends scoring the equaliser. Mia O’Brien with some huge saves. The award goes to midfielder Rosy Wodhams covered alot of ground in midfield getting after the ball coming forwards and setting up numerous attacks.

Stevenage FC Women 2022/23 Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup winners

Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning this season’s and their 5th Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup

 A thrilling Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final. The result could have gone either way played at a good tempo, an open game both sides competitive till the end. My thanks to the staff at Hertfordshire FA for their help today and both teams with the team details 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC Development v Park Ladies

Sunday 16th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final sponsored by the Alan Boswell Group

The cup finals coming thick and fast now this the 3rd in 5 days a trip over to Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium to watch the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup between Cambridge United WFC Development and Park Ladies.

 Cambridgeshire like Essex having a secondary county cup competition giving the sides not usually expected to reach the latter stages of the senior cup a chance to contest for silverware.

Today’s prize

Cambridge United WFC Development playing their football in the FAWNL South East and Central Reserve League with 11 other clubs 2nd teams across tier 3, 4 and regional set-ups. The women’s section enjoying a stronger relationship with Cambridge United FC with the setting up of a woman’s board and growth within the youth pathway which of which the development side is a vital link. The Development side have struggled for points this season and are currently bottom of the table, not adrift by any means with 4 games to play a positive end to the season could see them move up a place or two. The league aside, reaching the Junior Invitation Cup Final and a chance to compete for silverware. Niamh Day top scorer with 8 goals.

 Park Ladies are having a great season vying for the title in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two. Top of the table unbeaten and the leagues top scorers  with 77 goals too. The Wimblington based side into their first ever cup final looking forward to the occasion. Taking the title battle all the way with Francesca Plitsch scoring in the dying moments to see Park come back from a goal down to beat main rivals Peterborough Sports Ladies at home back in February. Plitsch the top scorer for the club so far this season with 27 goals from 18 appearances. Georgia Stimson close behind on 25 goals from 18 played with Amy Hunt on 16 and Sophie Fenner on 11 goals respectfully.

Road to the Final

  Both sides with a bye in the first round moving into the quarter finals, Cambridge United WFC Development were to progress into the last 4 without kicking a ball awarded the away win against March Town United Ladies. Park Ladies were away to Division Three strugglers Ely City Women, Park’s attack proving too strong as they racked up a 16-1 win with Plitsch netting 5 goals. Hunt with 4 to her name. A hat-trick Georgia Stimson with a goal each for Eilish Brown, Imogen James plus a brace for Georgia Payne.

 Into the semi-finals Cambridge United WFC Development drawn away to rivals and fellow Reserve league opponents Cambridge City Ladies U23s, a goal for City’s Olivia Briffa and one for Niamh Day seeing the sides level at 1-1 to send the tie into a penalty shootout going into sudden death Cambridge United edged it 6-5 to win a place in the cup final. Park at home to Division Three side Cambourne Ladies who themselves were unbeaten in their league coming into the game. Georgia Stimson putting Park 1-0 in the first half, it wasn’t till the 80th minutes a a quick fire double from Amy Hunt and Erin Powell that victory was assured and Park reached their first ever cup final.

 Histon FC’s Glassworld Stadium the venue for today’s cup final. Hosting the Veterans Invitation Cup Final earlier in the morning. Soham Town Rangers Veterans beating Royston Town Veterans 4-0 to win the trophy. Onto the Junior Invitation Cup Final, a 2:30pm KO, my 1st visit to the Glassworld Stadium this season (although the weather has put pay to earlier visits, the home of Histon Ladies into the league cup final and vying for the title with opponents Cardea FC Ladies. A large grass pitch with covered viewing all round seated stands on both sides the man stand over the changing rooms the bar behind. The kitchen hatch open serving hot food and drinks. The weather set fair, mild if a little muggy with cloud cover around but no rain forecast.

Cambridge United WFC Development

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Freyja Bermudez, Katie Harding (C), Beatrice Rogers, Talia Gisonni, Jorja Badcock, Serena Cobb, Emily Waterman, Eleanor Townsend, Maya Edwards, Niamh Day & Megan Chandler. Subs – Libby Fraser, Alyssa Bovis, Tilly leather & Gabby Cobb.

Park Ladies

 Park Ladies starting XI – Sian Holcroft, Erin Fox, Imogen James, Charlotte Marshall, Eilish Brown, Erin Powell (C), Francesca Plitsch, Georgia Payne, Sophie Fenner, Georgia Stimson & Amy Hunt. Subs – Liv Robinson, Maddie Jackson, Teagan Pulman, Casey Ward & Sophie Hunt.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s Park to kick-off the 1st half wearing dark blue shirt and shorts with red coloured socks, with Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball fed into the middle, Cambridge rush to close the ball down, putting Park’s defence under pressure forced back to the keeper, Sian Holcroft going to kick the ball clear strikes the on rushing attacker, the deflected ball bouncing away to the left Holcroft able to retrieve without threat. 

  Park captain, Erin Powell turning on the ball in midfield lifting the pass out to the left channel with Amy Hunt making  a move in behind down the flank, Talia Gisonni across in defence to clear the ball out for a throw. Park get numbers up the throw nodded on into the box, Cambridge goalkeeper Freyja Bermudez can come to grab the ball at her near post. Eleanor Townsend getting hold of the ball central for Cambridge driving over half way is brought down by Park’s Eilish Brown winning the free-kick. Just in front of the centre circle Jorja Badcock nevertheless connects with the ball sending it in with pace towards the left of goal, Holcroft across her line to claim the ball into her midriff.

Cambridge’s Jorja Badcock

  A lively start from Cambridge getting after the ball, hustling Park in possession. Sophie Fenner taking the ball out to the for Park driving at the defence challenged the ball out for a throw. Both sides looking to use the whole pitch an open start to the game, Gisonni jumping into Imogen James with a strong challenge going to win the ball, conceding the free-kick out wide inside her half. Francesca Plitsch over the set-piece struck goal ward pulled a little wide of the near post. 

Park midfielder, Francesca Plitsch

  Cambridge advancing on the left the ball on for Megan Chandler takes it all the way to the by-line cutting inside to cross, Holcroft down low to claim the ball. Space for Niamh Day to run into on the right Badcock picking the past, Day gets the ball into her feet, cuts inside looking to get past James the defender sticking a foot out to take the ball away from her. Moments later James brings Day down on the right winning Cambridge a free-kick. Badcock on the ball delivers it across the top of the area far side, the defensive header sending the ball back out to her on the right, her attempted cross blocked Park look to break, Stimson in past the defence rushing after the ball, Bermudez out of her area to kick the ball clear.

 GOAL! A lively opening 10 minutes brings the opening goal, Cambridge winning the ball in the middle the diagonal pass picking out Day drifting clear wide right, sends her cross in low across the Park area, Chandler getting hold of it left of the D shapes to move to her left cutting back onto her right foot striking the ball goal wards, pace on the shot Holcroft down sharply can’t quite get enough on it the ball squirming under her into the back of the net 1-0.

Megan Chandler congratulated by her teammates after firing Cambridge into the lead

  Cambridge quick to regain possession from the restart Badcock in to win the tackle puts the ball forwards, Chandler up with Emily Waterman in front of the Park area the ball struck, Charlotte Marshall adjudged to have handled the ball as it comes at her with pace, the free-kick awards central 25 yards out Badcock with the attempt on goal pulls the low strike wide of the left post. 

 GOAL! Cambridge getting plyer on well both left and right, coming down the left they double their lead winning a throw high taken quickly the cross whipped in there to be attacked, Waterman racing in on the keeper getting there ahead of Holcroft to force the ball over the line to make it 2-0.

Emily Waterman getting to the cross ahead of Sian Holcroft to make it 2-0

  A blow for Park conceding two goals in quick succession inside the opening 17minutes. Forced back are struggling to get the ball into Stimson and Hunt up top. Soon find themselves under more pressure as they give away a free-kick wide on the right. 

 GOAL! Day over the ball in the right corner getting her foot under the ball to send the ball looping up in towards goal flies over Holcroft at pace, Waterman clear at the far post leaping after the ball, but it’s already over dropping under the bar 3-0.

Niamh Day with Cambridge’s 3rd goal

 3 quick goals for Cambridge getting themselves off to the perfect start, have been lively nipping in to win the ball, giving Park little time to settle. Maya Edwards with a 30 plus yard strike dipping late, Holcroft getting her gloves up to palm the ball down and safely claim. Holcroft the busier of the two goalkeepers sharp getting down to save at close range as the shot comes in off a Day cross from the right the ball deflected back out to Day, tries to get the ball out of her feet to shoot, James charging her down the ball going away for a corner kick. 

Park’s Imogen James

  Badcock putting the corner ball in long across the area, Erin Fox heading it clear for Park back out to Badcock on the right plays a low cross in along the top of the area, helped through to Chandler left side o the angle fires her shot over the bar. Park making a change bringing off Fenner, replaced by Casey Ward to the right of attack. Plitsch with a deft ball dropped over the defence, Hunt giving chase Bermudez starts to come, Gisonni tracking back with Hunt not taking any risks clearing the ball to the right for a throw. 

Park attacker, Georgia Stimson

 Stimson on the ball inside the Cambridge half playing it on for Hunt looking to get into the box from the left Gisonni back on her to tackle the ball behind for a corner kick. Cambridge clearing the corner, break on the right Day up the line to cross into the area, Erin Fox heading clear for Park. Cambridge making a double switch bringing on Libby Fraser and Gabby Cobb, bringing of Waterman and Chandler. Bermudez comes out of her area again to clear as Stimson looks to break through the defence get onto the ball Rogers in danger of becoming collateral damage!

  Stimson peeling away to the left wing getting the ball into her feet and squaring a cross into the top of the area, Hunt arriving, under pressure from Edwards doesn’t get  clean connection scuffs her attempt wide. Day wide on the right on the attack for Cambridge ending a diagonal ball into the area, takes a wicked deflection up off Marshall, looping over her towards goal, Holcroft in the right place to punch the ball away to safety. Serena Cobb with a 25 yard strike that rattles the Park cross bar as she sees the ball run across her from the left.

Serena Cobb

  Cambridge pushing forwards the ball rolled into Fraser running across the top of the Park area thinking about the strike by not one rolls the ball onto Day out wide on the right wins her side a corner kick. Park heading the ball clear of their area doesn’t stick Cambridge nipping in to regain possession, Rogers into Serena Cobb 25 yards out left of the D her strike landing on the roof of the net. Another double switch for Cambridge with Serena Cobb, and Townsend off, Tilly Leather and Alyssa Bovis coming on. 

Park midfielder, Francesca Plitsch

  Park with little of the attack under pressure Brown getting the ball forwards Hunt taking it on through the middle driving forwards playing the one two with Ward to her right, getting the return pass as she enters the box stretching puts her low shot into the keeper. Fraser putting the pass out to Day on the right touchline pushing for the corner her cross whipped into the area turned behind by Marshall for the corner. Put in across the six yard box from the right headed clear back to the corner taker a vicious ball fired in near post James here to clear for Park. 

Park’s Amy Hunt with Cambridge captain Katie Harding

  Cambridge rushing in to regain the ball inside the Park half Badcock firing a diagonal ball right side in across goal over Holcroft attacked beyond the far post, into the side netting. Edwards opening up her body to stab the ball forwards looking for Gabby Cobb pulling off the defence, a vital interception from Parks Brown. Plitsch more effective attacking from the midfield seeing her runs restricted in the first half getting holding of the ball linking up with Brown powers forwards, Rogers out to put in the challenge. 

Cambridge defender, Beatrice Rogers

  Ward fed the ball out wide right for Park powers her way forwards sending a stinging cross in low at the near post, Hunt stealing in unmarked getting her foot on the ball looking to turn it inside the post instead sends her shot over from close range.

Park striker, Amy Hunt

A couple of half chances for Park late in the half as they look to finish it on a positive note. Brown linking with Plitsch through the middle stabbing the ball on through the Cambridge back line for Hunt to attack, Bermudez racing out of her box to clear.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC Development 3-0 Park Ladies

  Making a fast start getting after the ball and finding the back of the net inside the opening 10 minutes Cambridge went on to score two quick goals to open up a 3 goal lead at the break. Creating chances to add to that score line too have been energetic and first to win the ball making use of the pitch to stretch Park at the back. Park quickly on the back foot have struggled to get the ball into their attackers, with goals in their locker however have broken away to created a couple of good opportunities in front of goal but know they have an uphill task 2nd half if they are to get back into the game.

Park making a change at the start of the 2nd half Fenner back on replacing Hunt in attack as Cambridge get the 2nd half underway. Park’s turn to press the ball won in midfield out to Fenner pulling left wins a throw high up the pitch, inside to Plitsch the ball cut out by Cambridge captain Katie Harding. 

 Powell tracking back to mark Leather top of the area as Bovis left whips a low cross in towards her wining the tackle the ball going behind for a corner kick. Swung in near post, James with the clearance for Park. The ball latched onto outside the area the shot blasted in towards goal, the flag goes up as it’s deflected through towards goal. Badcock moving left playing the ball on up the wing for Bovis, Fox getting out to her to clear the ball for the throw. Level with the top of the area dropped into Fraser runs across the top of the D before wrapping her foot around the shot, struck wide of the right post.

  GOAL! A busy start to the 2nd half Cambridge pressing the ball inside the Park half rolled into Gabby Cobb 30 yards out central, back to goal sees the ball into her feet then with a clever spin pulls off her maker putting in into the path for Fraser ahead of her 25 yards out strikes the ball goalwards racing in low Holcroft diving across her goal gets the merest of touches but not enough as the ball squeezes home inside the post 4-0.

Libby Fraser scoring early in the 2nd half for Cambridge

 Park looking to get going through the middle Brown to Payne lays the diagonal ball into Ward running on right side, Gisonni across to put in the tackle see the ball cleared out of the ground, not for the first time today. Fraser getting hold of the ball from atop the centre circle driving forward with a wild lash of the ball that goes well wide. Cambridge strong first to the ball Bovis left on the move fed inside for Fraser, Fox nipping back at her to win the ball for Park at the back. 

Park defender, Erin Fox

 GOAL! Day continuing to cause Park problems down the right wing on the ball driving to the by-line inside to lay the cross in near post Gabby Cobb inside the six yard box with the 1st time effort smashes up and down off the cross bar! The ball loose Day continuing her run into central first to the ball rifling home from close range 5-0.

Niamh Day on the follow up to score Cambridge’s 5th

  Cambridge ringing the changes with another double substitution, Waterman and Chandler returning to the action. Badcock and Edwards the players coming off. Park under the cosh look to get the ball into Fenner out on the left in attack, is tripped winning a free-kick. The ball into the area headed away by the Cambridge defence.

Park’s Casey Ward

 GOAL! A 6th goal for Cambridge as they press home the advantage at the start of the 2nd half Day on the ball again wide right bursting down to the by-line cutting her cross back into the area, the shot from the penalty spot blasted in towards goal blacked by Powell running back to defend, can’t do anything with the rebound as the ball drops straight to Fraser to smash home her 2nd of the game 6-0.

Libby Fraser with a cup final brace

  Park responding with a double switch bringing on Sophie Hunt and Teagan Pulman for James and Payne. Gabby Cobb passing to Bovis out on the left cuts the cross back along the top of the area for Fraser who has a go from 20 yards in low doesn’t have the power to trouble Holcroft. Fraser taking the ball away to the left to cross the ball running into the area for Gabby Cobb to race in to shoot, Marshall in to put in the block the rebound striking Cobb going out behind for the goal kick.

Sophie Fenner

  Fenner looking the most likely outlet up top for Park on the left to create something Plitsch giving her the ball drives forwards preparing to strike from range, Harding getting her leg out to make the blocking tackle bring the ball forwards for Cambridge. Cambridge full of energy quicker to the ball, Ward picked out on the right for Park with the diagonal ball but offside.

 Bovis with an awkward fall over the keeper as Holcroft comes to the left of her area diving in to get to the ball as Fraser lays it forwards. Looking to go over strike her head on the turf, but comes away holding her shoulder battered but otherwise okay. A throw for Cambridge on the right Fraser spinning in behind sends a cross into the box, Gabby Cobb racing to meet it top of the area slicing her shot wide, Day running in near post gets a stab at the ball sends it wide of the post.

Cambridge defender Talia Gisonni

  Fenner charges in on the goalkeeper as Bermudez comes to clear the ball, hitting the striker, the ball deflected in behind her Fenner can’t get to it before t ball runs out of play. Gisonni winning the ball on half way takes it forwards for Cambridge right channel laying the pass out wide for Day she sends the return ball into the defender arriving inside the box , Fox rushing out to charge her down as she lines up a shot the ball rebounding of Gisonni wide for a goal kick. 

  Day and Bovis come off for Cambridge as they rotate their substitutes with Townsend and Serena Cobb coming back on. Townsend involved straight away taking the ball left whipping a deep cross into the box claimed well by Holcroft with Gabby Cobb and Fraser rushing in however the flag is up for offside against one or both. Park making a change bringing off Plitsch on comes Liv Robinson.

 Park’s Fenner taking the ball on down the left winning a corner. Played in towards the near post defended put behind for another corner kick. Again an inswinging delivery cleared by Harding for Cambridge back to the corner taker played short into Brown inside the area left her shot charged down, Park with a another attempt to put the ball into the area too high for Powell to reach at the far post.

  The Park fans celebrate as they find the back of the net the ball long out to Powell on the right her cross from deep in across the face of goal over the keeper sees Fenner in beyond bundle the ball over the line, the flag though it up won’t count. Cambridge playing the ball out from the back on for Fraser time to line up a shot from all of 30 yards out straight at Holcroft. Serena Cobb away to the right on the ball lifting a cross in on the angle, Townsend meeting it on the volley sending the ball over the cross bar. Cambridge taking full advantage of having roll on roll off substitutes with another double change Leather and Fraser off for, Badcock and Edwards.

  Cambridge winning a corner on the right, swung in on the keeper, Gisonni leaping in on Holcroft causing Holcroft to drop the ball, the keeper though sharp to get down and smother the ball before it can be attacked. Park send Plitsch and Amy Hunt back on for Ward and Brown. Cambridge bring Day back on for Gabby Cobb. The game moving into the final 5 minutes. Townsend playing a diagonal ball into the area loose Marshall rushes in to charge down the ball as Day prepares to shoot.

 GOAL! Cambridge continue to see more of the ball play spread out wide to the right Serena Cobb in possession top of the are not closed down sends a cross/shot looping in towards goal, over the keeper and inside the top corner to make it 7-0.

Serena Cobb surrounded by her teammates after scoring the 7th goal

  Badcock fouled on the left for Cambridge. players up into the area for the free-kick, the header won well by Park’s Marshall out of the box for Plitsch to clear. Cambridge up on the right winning a corner the ball in near side Gisonni out to meet it and turn her shot charged down, the loose ball lifted back over the top, Day after it but the flag up straight away. Cambridge finishing strong getting bodies forwards right the cross in low near side evading everyone comes onto Townsend central sends her first time hit over. 

  Into stoppage time  Fenner left sending a cross long across the six yard box no one able to get near it. Cambridge counter up the left the ball put on for Townsend running into the box, Sophie Hunt with her for Park defending as Holcroft starts to come the ball deflected behind the keeper scrambling back to grab it. The final whistle blows and Cambridge celebrate as they win the Junior Invitation Cup.  

Full time Cambridge United WFC Development 7-0 Park Ladies

  A flurry of goals at the start of the 2nd half securing Cambridge’s victory and stifling any hopes of a Park comeback. With an energetic display getting to the ball first and using the width of the pitch to full advantage to stretch their opponents Cambridge’s young side took their chances never letting Park settle on the ball. Park battled hard but pressed at the back couldn’t get the support to the attackers to create chances. A tough defeat to take but shouldn’t distract from what has overall been a very successful season need to push to the end an unbeaten league campaign still there for the taking. The cup victory going along way to boost the confidence and give Cambridge belief going into their remaining league games.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders for this one but with a clear winner in the finish. A tough game for Park nevertheless Erin Fox made  number of crucial challenges at the back. Sophie Fenner in attack working hard to provide an outlet 2nd half running with the ball. Cambridge with a strong game all over the pitch, Talia Gisonni strong at the back putting in the tackles and clearing the ball. Jorja Badcock a threat with the dead ball showing good passing range. Serena Cobb skilful with the ball at her feet taking on defenders. Libby Fraser with two goals getting into some great positions. The award though goes to Niamh Day. Strong out on the right flank getting forwards a ready outlet taking the ball to the by-line setting up goals and scoring two herself.

 

Cambridge United WFC Development lifting the cup

 Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC Development on winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup.

Cambridge United WFC Development 2022/23 Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup winners

  A enjoyable return to Histon to a see my 4th cup final of the season. May yet be a double or Cambridge United in the County Cup with the 1st team facing rivals Cambridge City at the Abbey Stadium for the Invitation Cup on Tuesday 25th April. Will be there too. My thanks to Chris Abbott and the Cambs FA staff for their help today and both teams for providing me with the team details, as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham