Sunday 7th December

FAWNL South East Division One

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

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

by Darren Gilham