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Match Report – Woodbridge Town Ladies v Needham Market Women Development

Sunday 15th March

Suffolk Women’s Premiership

Making the trip down into Suffolk this Sunday to catch some action from the Suffolk Women’s Premiership with 4th placed Woodbridge Town Ladies hosting Needham Market Women Development currently 2nd in the table.

The Suffolk Women’s Premiership growing from just 7 teams last season back to 11 for this campaign, with Ramsey & Mistley Ladies, Halesworth Town Women, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies and Bacton United Ladies promoted from the Championship below, along with AFC Sudbury Women entering their Reserves side into the division. It’s Sudbury that lead the way looking strong dropping just 2 points, unbeaten in 11 matches at the top of the table, today’s opponents amongst those looking to try and chase them down, or at least clinch a top 3 finish.

Woodbridge Town Ladies have been an established side in the Premiership for several season’s now, champions back in 2021, finished runners-up last season. Have also enjoyed success in the League Cup winning the trophy in 2023. Began this season under new management, with Ashley Rankin the new head coach assisted by Natalie Claridge. Getting good support from Woodbridge Town FC itself very much part of the club. A 2-1 win over Championship side, Ipswich Valley Rangers two weekends ago seeing them win through to another League Cup final appearance where they will be taking on AFC Sudbury Women Reserves who they drew 2-2 in the opening game of the season.

Are playing catch up with their league fixtures having played just 7 of their 20 scheduled games so far, seeing several postponements and the cup run impacting that tally a busy run in then, just the 1 defeat in those 7 matches with 5 wins and a draw lifting them up to 4th and well placed to push on for the top 2 and try to put pressure on the leaders. Sadie Jamieson is Woodbridge’s top scorer, with 14 goals in her 9 appearances. Freya Emerick has 5 goals having also played 9.

Needham Market Women Development too have become an established side in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership, reaching the League Cup final themselves last season, suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Alresford Colne Rangers to miss out on reaching this season’s League Plate final. That bringing an end to a run of 9 league and cup games undefeated including a run of 7 straight league wins that has powered them up to 2nd in the Premiership table, making full use of having an all weather pitch to get their games in have played 13 of their 20 scheduled so far.

The Development squad looking to push for the first team squad playing in the ERWFL, Needham Market with it’s academy set up has become one of the fastest growing clubs in Suffolk in recent times, building a healthy rivalry with AFC Sudbury along the way. Plenty of goals within the squad, Imogen Porch top scorer with 8 to her names while Lexie Ferris has 7 , Paige Pugh on 6 and Megan Smith netting 5, goals spread out too with 9 others contributing so far this a season.

The Homestyle UK Ground the venue for today’s match, home of Woodbridge Town FC to the north east of Ipswich just off the A12. Has been a good while since I last visited this ground for a women’s league cup final way back when. The clubhouse and bar leading into the stadium itself, a grass pitch with standing viewing all round and a small covered seated stand and terraced stand opposite the dugouts. Practice pitches beside, a keen wind blowing across the open ground into the stadium, with rain forecast later the sun isn’t having much effect cloud cover which has been the feature of the year so far playing its part.

Woodbridge Town Ladies starting XI – Eloisa Bruce, Chloe Stopher, Caitlin Howe. Alice Ager (C), Lauren Jacobs, Grace Murphy, Kimberley Stock, Stacey Hadley, Georgia Lindon, Rhianna Kiwomya & Charlene Roach-Smith. Subs – Lola Beaumont, Amy Stockley, Shannon Green, Evie Swanton & Sadie Jamieson.

Woodbridge Town Ladies

Needham Market Women Development starting XI – Daisy Morris, Khyla Anderson-Hayler (C), Ella Stone, Maddi Steward, Montana Swift, Sophia Gillingham, Izzy Haste, Esme Marsh, Faith Witmore, Lexie Ferris & Immy Porch. Subs – Poppy Dyson, Megan Smith, Eve Boggis, Paige Pugh & Jae Lewis-Samuel.

Needham Market Women Development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Alice Ager and Khyla Anderson-Hayler with todays match referee

The wind is going to play a part in the game for sure the open nature of the pitches beyond the stadium and the wind direction across the pitch quite strong. Needham Market to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half wearing their away colours, yellow shirts with black trim, black shorts and black and yellow socks. Woodbridge lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. Sadie Jamieson named on the bench for the hosts Freya Emerick unavailable. Both side with 5 on the bench to call from if needed. The ball rolled back to Esme Marsh central she lifts it out to the right, Faith Witmore looking to get on Woodbridge move in quickly to close the ball down.

Both sides into each other at the start play condensed in the middle, the Woodbridge defence pushed up to keep things tight. Stacey Hadley getting hold of the ball in the middle for Woodbridge opening up her body to play the ball out into the right wing with space for Rhianna Kiwomya to run into, the wind getting behind the ball, gives defender Maddi Steward the edge as she moves across from the middle of defence to take the ball into the corner sending it out for a throw. Launched up towards the edge of the area helped on into the box, goalkeeper, Daisy Morris and grab hold of it on the bounce before Georgia Lindon can get past her marker onto the ball.

Left back Ella Stone sends the ball forwards up the wing for Lexie Ferris to chase down on the wing for Needham Market drives to the by-line checking into the box before standing the ball up to the top of the six yard box, Immy Porch meeting it 1st time her touch lifting the ball up into the air and frustratingly just over the bar.

Needham Market’s, Immy Porch

The game is lively Needham Market busy looking to pass the ball short into each other work it on quickly, Stone inside to Izzy Haste linking up with Marsh attempts the through ball for Porch up to, the ball cut out by Lauren Jacobs at the back for the hosts. Steward with the ball at her feet at the back for Needham Market allowed to travel into midfield before lifting a long pass into the left wing for Ferris, Caitlin Howe tracking back with her, cutting it out for Woodbridge.

Woodbridge’s Lauren Jacobs

Howe and Ferris battling for the ball, the defender coming away with it sending it on up the right for Kiwomya ahead of her, taking the ball on comes back inside to stab a cross into the top of the area, Sophia Gillingham defending for the visitors sending the ball out for a throw on the left, Woodbridge look to put pressure forcing a corner kick. The corner curled into the area, cleared by the Needham Market defence, look to get on the counter, Woodbridge getting numbers back into midfield quickly to close the passing options down.

Haste plays a good pass into the channel for Ferris to attack taking it forwards held up by Howe comes inside 20 out tries to pick out Porch central, Kimberley Stock intercepting the ball and clears for the hosts. The windy conditions not helping the game bitty neither side affording the other time on the ball, play often congested in the middle, Woodbridge’s back line confident to squeeze up, Needham Market very much a technical side not looking to test them with balls over the top to get them turned around.

Woodbridge awarded a free-kick wide on the left deep in the Needham Market half, captain Alice Ager over it, fires a pacy ball up towards the near post, no one can get a touch as is skips on through the the keeper. Howe tackling Ferris as she looks to force her way through on the wing, the full back playing the ball up the right wing for Kiwomya to run onto powers forwards taking on the cross early firing the ball in across the top of the area, Hadley breaking forwards can’t quite take it on into her stride to give herself a shooting opportunity inside the box.

Woodbridge’s Caitlin Howe defending on Needham Market’s Lexie Ferris

Grace Murphy combining with Stock in the middle the ball played on for Lindon moving left, sends it on for Charlene Roach-Smith, closed down quickly by Montana Swift with the blocking tackle. Kiwomya finding a little space on the right side with players often pulled over to the opposite side of the pitch, the diagonal ball from Murphy seeing her away to make a right for the box, Steward getting back on he lunging in to take the ball behind for the corner kick. Plenty of pace on the delivery flashed in dangerously across the six yard box, no one can get a touch however.

Needham Market break well a ball from Haste clipped over the defence sees Marsh steal through the middle to make a run towards the box, goalkeeper, Eloisa Bruce caught for a moment on whether to risk coming out to close the ball down or retreat to cover her goal, Marsh using the hesitation as the keeper starts to come to lay the ball into Witmore bursting on to support right corner of the area, smashes the ball in towards goal, annoyed as it flashes over the crossbar.

Needham Market’s Faith Witmore

Two sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Woodbridge squeezing play well, Needham Market looking to be crisp and quick with their passing, haven’t the room as the hosts are able to close down without finding the killer ball of their own. Ager and Howe intercepting at one end, Steward covering the top of the box well for the visitors. Stone playing the ball on for Ferris left for Needham Market comes inside her cross charged down by Howe corner of the area, gets a 2nd bite at it standing the ball up to the top of the D, Porch up well to nod the ball down towards goal, drops wide of the left post Howe sending it clear.

Needham Market creating chances, Witmore seeing the ball down as Steward takes it forwards from the back, has her captain, Khyla Anderson-Hayler bombing past her on the overlap, sends the ball into her the cross taken early flashed into the near post, Bruce blocking it with her legs cleared by Stopher. Steward into Stone wide left for the visitors plays the one two with Ferris inside her goes on up the wing looking for Ferris with the return ball inside, Jacobs cutting it out for Woodbridge clearing for a throw in.

Maddi Steward

Lexie Ferris with Rhianna Kiwomya

Both sides going in to close the ball down, Swift for Needham Market, Stock for Woodbridge the ball popping about in the middle the visitors get a break knocking a bouncing ball forwards awkward for the Woodbridge defence, Porch taking advantage to get hold of the ball run in behind carry the ball right before shooting on the angle her 25 yard effort taken cleanly into her gloves by Bruce at her near post.

Woodbridge goalkeeper, Eloisa Bruce

Changes for Needham Market midway closing in on the half hour mark, Megan Smith and Jae Lewis-Samuels coming on, Stone and Porch taken off. Woodbridge with a change too, Lola Beaumont on to replaced Lindon. Woodbridge unhappy they haven’t a corner as Kiwomya breaks away on the right, doesn’t quite keep the ball in as she tries to cross from the by-line under challenge by Steward. Howe getting the ball down well off her chest to intercept as Haste attempts the diagonal ball into Ferris on the right, missed and the winger has the opportunity to run in behind test the keeper.

A scrappy contest most certainly the wind playing a part the ball gaining ground on the Woodbridge attackers trying to give chase, Stock carrying it on left side forwards into Roach-Smith sends in inside, Gillingham stabbing a foot out diverting it away from Hadley. Haste with good control in the middle playing some good balls forwards, just can’t unlock a determined Woodbridge defence, Howe continues her contest with Ferris.

Needham Market midfielder, Izzy Haste

Ager into Murphy the midfielder playing in out to Kiwomya on the right wing, checks inside as Smith goes to tackle, Steward into close her down rapidly, the ball turned out for as the challenge comes in. Lively in the middle, Murphy and Marsh fighting for the ball, Needham Market find Haste’s feet plays a timely ball forwards into the left wing that see’s Ferris in behind Howe moving on towards the area left of the D, Bruce comes racing out to try and close her down, Ferris shoots early the ball past the keeper, but so to the left post.

Woodbridge regain possession at the back, Howe into Murphy in the centre sends it on for Roach-Smith left channel held up plays it across the top of the D into Kiwomya right of goal, slips as she goes to shoot her attempt swerving favourably for the goalkeeper to claim. Haste clipping a ball on for Ferris left side, Howe coming back at her out for a throw taken quickly by Smith on for Ferris racing on up the wing squares it inside for Lewis-Samuels 25 out left of the D, tries to divert it on into the box with Ferris pushing inside, doesn’t quite come off. Into the closing seconds of the 1st half Needham Market push players on through the middle Marsh on with Lewis-Samuels, Ager in well to close her down.

Half-time Woodbridge Town Ladies 0-0 Needham Market Women Development

The sides head into the changing rooms with the score goalless at the break. Not a half for the purest has been scrappy at times play congested with Woodbridge squeezing up well limiting space, that said it’s Needham Market who have had the best of the chances another day might be 2 or 3 goals to the good, nevertheless haven’t found the mark. Woodbridge keeping it tight at the back the defence working hard as a unit winning individual battles the ball not still for long both sides have gotten on with thing’s the wind definitely affecting things but both sides playing under the same conditions, will be interesting to see if either side can find the break through in the 2nd half.

A triple change for Woodbridge at the start of the 2nd half, with Sadie Jamieson, Amy Stock and Evie Swanton coming on for, Roach-Smith, Kimberley Stock, and Stopher. Swift and Ferris off for Needham Market, Evie Boggis and Paige Pugh on. It’s Woodbridge to get the 2nd half underway the wind still keen blowing across the pitch. Played back to the defence, Needham Market rush forwards looknig to close things down options choked the ball lost for a throw in to the visitors.

Lewis-Samuels looking to take the ball on from the throw on the right. Jacobs coming across to put the blocking tackle in the ball out for a throw, Needham Market busy at the start of the 2nd half looking to get players on the ball on the flanks, Haste looking to play Witmore in on the right, the wind catching the rolling ball taking it out of play before she can reach it. Another change for Woodbridge as Murphy comes off in the middle, Shannon Green coming on.

Stockley sending the ball into Green looks to lift it into Jamieson up top as she holds it up, tries to go beyond her, Steward in close denying the chance getting a foot on the ball, Marsh sending it on up to Pugh central, Ager lunging in to tackle stops her as she looks to force a way into the D. Jamieson giving Woodbridge a focal point in attack, Hadley through the middle getting a ball past Steward, Smith round well on the cover to to the ball first to clear for the visitors.

Woodbridge getting players forwards more in the 2nd period Green taking the ball out to the right, prods it on for Beaumont, her cross charged down. Anderson-Hayler combines with Witmore on the right getting up with her the ball fed into her feed looks to turn inside, Ager tight on her to make the challenge. Marsh pushing on with the ball through the middle forced left on for Boggis, Bruce out quickly to the top of her area to clear the ball away, then again as Needham Market are quick to retrieve on that side.

Needham Market captain, Khyla Anderson-Hayler

Play remains congested to larger extent players drawn to the ball, leading to players snapping in to cut out passes the ball popping about, Pugh getting the pass into Witmore finding space to steal into on the right, her cross on the run too close to the keeper, Bruce stooping to scoop it up at her near post. A brief appearance by the sun as the clouds part, Needham Market winning a corner on the left, into the wind doesn’t travel cleared near side, Smith latching onto it on the angle 30 yards out drives her attempt wide across the area out past the far post.

Alice Ager moving in to defend on Faith Witmore

Haste with some good balls on through the middle trying to tee up those ahead of her, again the wind takes it away from Pugh as Bruce comes up to the top of her area to deal with it. Steward getting across to the right to deal with Kiwomya as she battles get on with the ball out on the wing. Both sides busy as the 2nd half approaches the 20 minute mark.

GOAL! The deadlock is broke, Woodbridge getting the ball on through the middle, Green sending it up to Jamieson, Beaumont up with her putting the defence under pressure the ball escaping in behind, running for the box. Morris starts to comes hesitates and both attackers race on, the ball blocked spins out too the right Kiwomya inside the area puts her foot through it launching the ball on the angle into the back of the net. 1-0.

Woodbridge celebrate as Rhianna Kiwomya fires them into the lead

More frustration for Witmore as another promising ball into the right wing is caught by the wind. Haste linking up with Marsh through the middle for the visitors almost finds a way through but for the foot of Ager getting in the way as she diverts the ball for Stockley to clear. Gillingham wining the ball back at the back for Needham Market as Jamieson seeing the ball down looks to peel into the left channel, cleared long up to Witmore surging on up the right, Beaumont back to help in defence for Woodbridge.

Witmore keeping the ball in on the right wing carries it away coming to the by-line, her attempt to cross blocked by Ager. Marsh looking for Pugh turns the ball into Boggis pushing on left side, Howe quick to close her down. Needham Market making a triple Steward, Haste, and Witmore giving way for Poppy Dyson, Stone and Porch for the final 20 minutes. Green into space sending the ball up to Jamieson shoots as she moves right not enough on it through safely to the keeper.

Ager defending for Woodbridge as Needham Market look to push players on, the clear ball struck from distance flighted past the right post. Lewis-Samuels in of the right into Pugh moves central but plays a clever reverse pass into the box for Porch pulling off the defence, right of goal, Bruce out to deal can see the ball out for the goal-kick. The game opening up alot more now with all the changes being made Green up with Jamieson through the middle sees the ball helped on for Green to shoot from 25 yards out the ball skipping up off the turf in front of Morris, does see her get hold of it straight away. lunging down to take it at the 2nd attempt Kiwomya rushing in to try to get to it colliding with her, no appeals the game continues.

Sophia Gillingham

Lively late on Needham Market getting players on the ball into the right, Boggis with Ferris the cross blocked by Swanton, then Howe behind for a corner. A vicious delivery in with pace at the near post flies pasty everyone however cleared far side. Pugh driving at the defence on for Porch pulling right wins her side a corner. Needham Market getting plenty up into the box the delivery from the right curled in cut out by Ager at the near post. Ferris back into the action with Marsh off the field. Into the final 10 minutes.

Woodbridge captain, Alice Ager

Pugh getting away on the right for the visitors pulling her cross back into the penalty spot, Jacobs there to clear for Woodbridge. Bruce clearing one end Woodbridge look for the counter up to Lindon left on with Beaumont, turning inside, Dyson with the well timed tackle to halt the attack. Stopher coming on for Woodbridge late in the game with Ager off the field. Green linking up with Jamieson up top as they look to turn the defence, the ball rolled out to Kiwomya breaking on the right, Smith closing her down for Needham Market. The visitors working the ball on getting a corner on the right with 3 minutes of regular time left on the clock.

GOAL! Plenty up for Needham Market the box packed as the corner is fizzed in low to the near post blocked the rebound coming back to the corner taker, on the edge of the box to angle a ball back in across the six yard box to the far post, Ferris getting her head on the end of it to send the ball in past the inside of the left post to score the equalising goal 1-1.

Lexie Ferris with the header at the far post to score the equaliser for Needham Market

A blow for Woodbridge late in the game having work so hard in defence, Needham Market getting players on well, risking gaps at the back, Hadley up to Jamieson, evades her slightly as Gillingham snatches it away caught late by the striker, but no complaints just picks herself up getting on with it as the game has been pretty much from the start. The visitors making for a nervous finish as they win another corner on the right players piling into the box everyone bar Jamieson back to defend for Woodbridge what comes next is best described as a melee initially cut out at the near post the ball fizzed back into the six yard box, multiple blocks and feet lashing out to try and poke it home but Needham Market can find no way through, as the ball is scrambled away and the two sides have to settle for a share of the points.

Full time Woodbridge Town Ladies 1-1 Needham Market Women Development

An intense contest with both sides into each other throughout the 90 minutes, the windy conditions making it difficult for both sides, play scrappy at times as it became congested in the middle, Woodbridge making changes at half-time getting players on in attack better having defended resolutely throughout the 1st half, taking the lead 20 minutes into the 2nd period. Needham Market unlucky not to be leading themselves with good opportunities in the 1st period rang the changes themselves pushing players on late in the game became a little disjointed but got the bodies into the box and found the right ball to get someone in the clear to score the equaliser. Would have felt hard done by had they not done so, set up as nervy final few moments Woodbridge back to defend in numbers to ensure they didn’t lose. Needham Market stay 2nd, with AFC Kesgrave Ladies 3rd and Stowupland Falcons Women winning to leap above Woodbridge into 4th, looks to be shaping up to be an intense battle for what is most likely runners-up spot barring a complete collapse by Sudbury.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and this one is certainly not an easy one strong contenders on both sides. Chances were limited with defenders on top for a good portion of the game, firstly for Needham Market, Maddi Steward was strong positioned well reading the game ahead of her and getting across to deal with threats, used the ball well coming forwards too. Sophia Gillingham too putting in a number of strong tackles. In midfield Izzy Haste with some useful balls forwards looking to unlock the Woodbridge defence, Lexie Ferris providing a good outlet on the left coming back on to score the crucial equaliser. For Woodbridge, Rhianna Kiwomya again provided a good outlet on the wing with some useful runs into the box to fire Woodbridge into the lead. Stacey Hadley covered the ground making some good tackles. The defence worked hard as a unit pushing up keeping things tight and hard to shake of, Lauren Jacobs with some important interceptions, Caitlin Howe was busy on the right of defence scrapped all game to get possession of the ball, edged out by her captain, Alice Ager who again defended well at close quarter getting out to close the ball down and blocking a number of crosses.

Has been a while since I last visited Woodbridge but good to be back, albeit for the wind. A lively contest from the Suffolk Women’s Premiership, Woodbridge have a busy few weeks coming up as the battle at the top end of the league intensifies, and a League Cup final to look forwards too. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Needham Market Women Development v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Friday 16th May

Suffolk Women’s Cup Final

Heading down to Suffolk this Friday evening to attend this season’s, Women’s League Cup Final, Brantham Athletic Ladies looking to do a double, double as they take on Needham Market Women Development aiming to retain the trophy.

Successfully defending their league title one more game left the League Cup, held at Brantham Leisure Centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC, Needham Market Women Development’s young squad looking to stop them unbeaten in 5 coming into this evenings final.

The Suffolk Women’s League Cup trophy

Getting the balance right between the two divisions in Suffolk has been a challenge the past couple of seasons, expanding to feature the women’s Premiership and Championship below, just 7 sides contesting the Premiership with 11 in the Championship, but in terms of strength of squads and competitiveness this has been the right call as sides look to grow and development and hopefully it will continue in that direction.

A complete turnaround for Brantham Athletic Ladies, from almost folding due to lack of numbers a couple of seasons ago, to bringing in need coaches and adding experienced players to the group, leading to the formation of a new Development side, the 1st team winning the League and Cup last season, continuing that momentum into this campaign winning the league comfortably and odds on favourites for the league cup. Have applied for promotion to the ERWFL and as Champions they are highly likely to be accepted.

A successful season for Brantham Athletic FC all round with the men’s side winning the Thurlow Nunn, Premier Division. The women’s side has dropped just two points all season, unbeaten, winning all but one of their 12 league matches. Scoring plenty of goals along the way too with Ella Long and Laura Tuley leading the way up front both on 24 goals coming into the last game of their season. Chloe Wilson also into double figures having netted 10 times this campaign.

Needham Market Development achieving their best ever league finish this season, ending the campaign 3rd in the Women’s Premiership table. A young squad aiming to break into the 1st team, playing in the ERWFL Premier Division. Needham Market bursting onto the scene with their women’s side and academy making their mark on women’s football in Suffolk in their relatively short history. This the first cup final appearance for their Development squad.

Have plenty goals within the side with 14 of the 24 players used this season on the scoresheet. Poppy Nunn leading the leading the way, top scorer with 18 to her name from 15 appearances. Imogen Porch also into double figures on target for 10 goals. With Hannah Cobbold and Poppy Dyson both on 8 apiece. The nature of a 7 strong league means there can be longer periods without a game a healthy gap of nearly 8 weeks between Needham market’s last league match and this evenings final. Brantham themselves only playing one competitive game in March, April and May respectfully coming into the final.

Road to the Final

Brantham awarded a home win in the 1st Round of the league cup. Needham Market were on the road taking on Championship side, Coplestonians Ladies, Poppy Nunn, Imogen Porch, Poppy Nunn and Hannah Cobbald all scoring a brace each, with Jessica Marriot and Elise Rossman also scoring in a 10-1 win.

Needham Market taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies Development side in the 2nd round of the league cup. Emma Drake and Chloe Taylor both bagging a brace with Porch and Ashleigh Goddard also scoring a goal to see Needham Market leading 3-0 at the break go on to win the game 6-1. Brantham at home taking on Championship side Framlingham Town Ladies in the 2nd round, Ella Long firing in 4 goals for Brantham. Laura Tuley and Chloe Wilson scoring 2 each with Emmi Bennett and Rachel White also finding the back of the net in a 10-0 win.

Into the last 8 of the league cup, Needham Market at home to Championship side, Leiston St Margarets Ladies, another strong showing in front of goal with Cobbold and Nunn both scoring a hat-trick. Lucy Cherney, Taylor, Dyson ad Porch also getting in amongst the goals in a 10-0 romp. Brantham taking on fellow Premiership side, Stowupland Falcons Women on home turf in the quarter finals. Bennett on target for a brace in the game, with Lucy Dunnett, Tarnya McKew and Long all getting a goal in a 5-1 victory.

Needham Market away in the semi-finals taking on Capel Plough Women, newly promoted to the Premiership. Poppy Dyson firing home twice to send her side into the final with Hepsie Attrill also bagging herself a goal in a 3-0 win. Brantham away to Championship title challengers, Ramsey & Mistley Ladies, Laura Tuley finding the back of the net for two goals, with Long, Bennett and Wilson all getting on the scoresheet in a 6-2 win to send Brantham into their 3rd successive league cup final.

Brantham Leisure centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC the venue for this evenings final, has been a while since I last visited the ground, but hosts a number of Brantham sides, the main grass pitch with training pitches and cricket area beyond. The carpark often busy, full this evening the clubhouse open leading out to the pitch, the kitchen hatch too serving hot food and drink. The grass pitch firm with good cover despite the lack of rain recently. Standing viewing all round with a small covered stand offset behind one goal and another between the dugouts. The weather noticeably cooler with a stiff breeze at time cloud cover but no rain forecast. Brantham the ‘away’ side for this evenings final.

Needham Market Women Development starting XI – Zoe Adams, Jess Marriott, Khyla Anderson-Hayler, Mia Lockwood, Sophia Gillingham, Emma Drake, Amy Trenter (C), Chloe Taylor, Hannah Cobbold, Hepsie Attrill & Immy Porch. Subs – Ashleigh Goddard, Maddi Steward, Poppy Dyson, Elisa Rossman & Lucy Cherney.

Needham Market Women Development

Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Daisie-Mae Gibbs, Aimee Berry, Chloe Wilson, Kirby Steward (C), Issey Hines, Sophie Crabtree, Lucy Dunnett, Emmi Bennett, Tarnya McKew, Laura Tuley & Ella Long. Subs – Stacey Teager, Ines Bowman-Boyles & Rachel White.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Kirby Steward and Amy Trenter with this evenings match officials

Harriet Young refereeing this evenings final leading the two teams out onto the pitch, the overcast skies leading to the floodlights coming on prior to kick-off. Brantham will kick-off the first half wearing an all navy kit with white trim on the shirts. Needham market lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and red socks. The ball rolled back into Lucy Dunnett in midfield, played on for Ella Long in attack her early shot from range charged down the ball coming to the right for Emmi Bennett breaking forwards, Jess Marriott moving in to win the ball for Needham Market at left back getting it back to her goalkeeper, Zoe Adams to kick clear.

Needham market look to push players on with pace getting the ball up the right, forcing Brantham into conceding an early corner. Played into the top of the area, Brantham with a nervy clearance, Needham Market quick to win it back pressing the ball, Dunnett able to get hold of it for Brantham sending a diagonal ball out to the right looknig for Bennett, Marriot intercepts for Needham Market.

Brantham winning a free-kick in a central position some 30 yards out, Dunnett their dead ball specialist over the set-piece, lines up the strike fired in on target however straight at the keeper a comfortable save for Adams. Tarnya McKew wide on the left for Brantham looking to break away, full back Khyla Anderson-Hayler getting back at her near the corner to play the ball out of her for a throw.

Long into Laura Tuley in attack as Brantham play the ball on through the middle, comes out to Bennett right side, Marriott with the blocking tackle, Emma Drake taking it on looking to break on the right, Aimee Berry pushed up from defence snatching the ball back inside to roll it on into the box for Tuley breaking in behind right of goal her angled strike flashed in high into the side netting.

A corner awarded lifted into the keeper from the right, Adams under pressure comes in near side, knocked behind for a 2nd corner on the right. Put in long beyond the far post turned behind for a 3rd corner to the left. Brantham getting bodies into the box as the delivery comes in central defended cleared out to the right side Berry looking to curl in a cross to the near post, Immy Porch up to head the ball away for Needham Market.

Brantham captain, Kirby Steward coming across to the right to deal with the ball as Chloe Taylor and Hannah Cobbold look to bring the ball on up the wing for Needham Market the ball out for a throw. Brantham looknig to get the ball out too their wide players, McKew hugging to touch line on the left getting down to the by-lined, challenged the ball out for another corner. Lively both sides wanting to get the ball forwards, Needham market with the ball at their feet, pace as Drake gets it on up the left flank before Berry lunges in to make the challenge get the ball back for Brantham.

Needham Market’s Emma Drake

Brantham winning a free-kick deep on the left Dunnett to send the ball into the top corner of the area, Chloe Wilson seeing her strike charged down the ball cleared out to Needham Market’s Drake on the left burst forwards the ball knocked on for Porch, Brantham keeper, Daisie-Mae Gibbs rushing out of her area looking to clear the ball, Porch instead charging the kick down running after the ball as it rebounds on into the area defenders racing back to try and cover the empty goal as Porch on the angle looks to turn the ball in to the near post instead collapses in frustration as the ball crashes into the side netting.

Sophie Crabtree linking up with Dunnett through the middle for Brantham the ball clipped out to the right wing for Bennett, Marriott diving in to play the ball out for a throw in the corner, Brantham turn it into a corner kick. Played into the top of the area from the right, Long moving in to strike it first time her shot into the crowded six yard box, blocked. Comes out to the right, Bennett fouled by Porch, Brantham winning another set-piece out wide.

Dunnett sending the ball into the top of the box, Hepsie Attrill winning the ball for Needham Market charging out of the area looking to lead a counter attack the ball launched up the left channel for Porch to attack, defender, Issey Bines looking to go with her chase the ball down, Porch too eager in her hunt tugging on Innes ponytail looking to gain the advantage the defender going to ground the referee immediately blowing for the free-kick having a stern word with Porch.

Is competitive, Needham Market looking to try and close the ball down get it into their attacking players quickly, Brantham with the more experience squad looking to play the ball into the channels and out wide with players making timely runs. Drake getting on well with the ball for Needham market on the left winning a corner kick. The delivery long into the far post area knocked down scrambled away to the right falling to Cobbold out wide her angled shot back in held safely by Gibbs.

Porch moving over to the right side with Taylor and Cobbold as Needham Market bring the ball on, Taylor sending the ball into Porch 25 yards out, is tugged back herself resulting in Needham market getting the set-piece. Attrill over the ball to the right of the area, lifted in near post, Long heading the ball clear for Brantham, a shot taken from distance finding it’s way through to the keeper.

End to end as Berry gets forwards with Bennett on Brantham’s right, giving Bennett the ball goes on the overlap the ball sent into her path taking it to the by-line, Sophia Gillingham across to help Marriott out the ball played behind for a corner kick. Brantham looking to put the ball in on the keeper, an in swinger just over her dropping far post a snap shot, blocked on the line put clear to the left a shot on the angle blazed over.

Tuley pulling away to the right for Brantham sending a shot in on the angle across the keeper from 20 yards out, McKew retrieving it left side laid on for Wilson coming on from the back, her near post strike from outside the box, saved by Adams dropping onto the ball. Needham Market energetic unsettling Brantham to a degree Steward cutting out an intended through ball from Trenter for Porch, turning play around, into Dunnett out to Tuley right 25 yards out, Long making a run across her getting hold of the through ball taking it on the angle her shot rising, over the ball, the keeper getting a faint touch a corner given.

GOAL! The game fast approaching the half hour mark, Brantham building some momentum McKew getting on well down the left the ball fed into her path taking it on, cuts it back inside to Long positioned top left corner outside the box shifts the ball inside before striking the ball, hard up over the keeper and into the far corner of the goal beyond, 0-1.

Ella Long celebrates with her teammates as she gives Brantham the lead

Needham Market looking for an immediate reply the ball from Taylor right on for Porch passed infield into Attrill takes it on across the D looking for an opening her effort saved by Gibbs back in her six yard box. Long up the other end flashing a shot wide across the face of the Needham Market goal as she is played in by McKew in the left channel.

Brantham getting hold of the ball in the middle Crabtree out to McKew left takes the ball inside before rolling it across the top of the area for Bennett on the right side, Marriott diving in giving away the corner kick. Players up from the ball surrounding the keeper, curled into the middle of the six yard box, Adams does very well amongst the crowd to get her arm up to push the ball away to the left. Trenter with Attrill as Needham Market get the ball forwards, out to Taylor advancing on the right, Wilson stepping in to tackle for Brantham.

Brantham’s Chloe Wilson

GOAL! Brantham attack down their left flank McKew on the ball cut back inside to Long left channel has Tuley ahead of her rolling the ball on, Tuley drives forwards battling her way into the area getting clear to fire the ball on the angle across the diving keeper to double the lead 0-2.

Laura Tuley doubles Brantham’s lead

Needham Market falling 2 goals behind making a change bringing off Trenter, send on Poppy Dyson. Marriot donning the armband. Drake taking the ball on with pace up the left getting a corner for Needham Market. players up onto the box. Swung into the near post at in inviting height, Gillingham rising to attack it with her head, turns it narrowly wide of the upright.

Sophie Gillingham coming close from the corner kick

Bennett coming back to help defend for Brantham as Drake dispossesses Berry on the wing looks to drive on up the left. Attrill taking the ball on from Parch on the right, getting pulled back. Taking the free-kick lifted on into the box, Dunnett getting it clear for Brantham. A shot struck in from distance Gibbs behind it falling onto the ball. Taylor bringing the ball on up Needham market left channel driving on looking to get into the box, catching the ball with the outside of her boot in an attempt to knock it on into the box before Innes can close her down, Steward with the clearance for Brantham.

The game a little stretched with both sides going for it Dunnett with a good range of passing at her disposal the ball on for Long up top left side fed on for McKew down the flank her angled strike in low to the near post held by Adams. Moments later McKew played in again down the left tries the angled short rising this time threatening to loop up over the keeper, Adams does well getting her arms up quickly to snatch the ball down into her gloves.

Needham Market goalkeeper, Zoe Adams

Dunnett taking the ball left taking on the shot from distance the ball cut out by Needham Market, Lockwood top of the area. Adams rushing out to the edge of her area sliding in to save at the feet of McKew as she is played on down the line by Long. The flag up against her for offside however. Marriott doing well in defence for Needham Market getting her body across Bennett as she looks to get hold of the ball on the right, plays it back to her keeper to kick clear.

Brantham’s Emmi Bennett

Brantham pushing for a 3rd goal late in the first half McKew taking the ball on down the left putting it inside for Tuley, making a move to skip into the box, Lockwood with the challenge to halt the attack. Needham Market launch a counter attack, Dyson on the move through the middle with the ball fired into Drake outside the D, moving left the Brantham defence moving in to close her down the loose ball coming to Taylor some 30 yards out goes to strike the ball, her effort inches over the crossbar.

Half-time Needham Market Women Development 0-2 Brantham Athletic Ladies

Brantham head back into the changing rooms at the break leading the league cup final 2-0, the goals coming in quick succession around the half hour mark. Has done little to dampen Needham market’s spirits lively in the first half have unsettled their opponents to a degree created some very good chances of their own. Not taking one however, Brantham using the ball and the pitch to their advantage spreading play, 2 goal leads always tricky of course a 3rd goal would sap the energy as little, Needham Market get the goal at it’s very much game on.

No changes for either side at the break. with Needham Market getting the 2nd half underway. Needham Market with the kick-off, find Porch on the left drives on with the ball, tackled by Berry, the ball into the middle for Dunnett lifted out to McKew wide left sends it forwards for Tuley through the middle beating the offside trap racing for the box, Gillingham back on her shoulder getting a foot on the ball to turn it to the left, Long latching onto it outside the box her low strike straight at the keeper.

Brantham looknig to get after the ball at the start of the 2nd half close Needham Market down inside their own half. Dyson attempting to put the ball on for Porch in attack, Steward moving across her box to dive in put the ball out for a corner kick. Defended at the near post Brantham’s turn for the counter the ball lifted up to Long racing on up the left wing, Anderson-Hayler getting back on her to tackle turn the ball behind for a corner.

Swung into the area from the left, Porch up high to head the ball clear, Taylor looking to take the ball on through the middle get Needham Market on the attack, Steward across lunging in to make the tackle, hurting herself in the process but aright to continue. Marriott getting in to challenge Long as the attacker links up with Bennett on the right.

Issy Hines with Immy Porch

Needham Market advance on the left, Porch with the ball at her feet level with the top of the area laying the ball inside for Taylor, her shot blocked by Innes, the rebound finding it’s way out to Attrill to the right of goal her shot on the angle saved by Gibbs across to cover the near post. Needham Market remain lively looking to take the ball to Brantham, who themselves are probing looking for a 3rd goal.

GOAL! And it arrives 10 minutes into the 2nd half, with Long given the ball coming inside from the right moving towards the corner of the area 20 yards out striking the ball with her left foot, sending it flying in over the keeper into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game 0-3.

Ella Long fires Brantham into a 3 goal lead

Brantham making a change bringing on Stacey Teager, for Dunnett in the middle. McKew remains a ready outlet on the left for Brantham keeping Anderson-Hayler busy. Brantham with a flowing move getting forwards, McKew left cut back to Teager who lays it across to Long to send out to Berry getting on down the right flank her cross swept high into the six yard box, McKew leaping up from close range looking to head the ball knocks it just over.

Brantham’s Tarnya McKew

Attrill battling for the ball in the centre for Needham Market bringing in forwards attempting to put the through ball on for Taylor, Steward cutting the ball out at the back for Brantham. Dunnett not off the field for long coming back on with Crabtree the player off. Lockwood closing McKew down as she looks to drive on into the left channel. Bennett played on by Teager right side, Marriott closing her down.

Needham Market’s Hepsie Attrill

Brantham winning a free-kick on halfway, Dunnett to send it into the top of the Needham Market box, headed clear falls to a Brantham boot the strike from range dipping on the keeper but Adams claims confidently. Attrill coming off for Needham Market with Ashleigh Goddard entering the action. Anderson-Hayler putting the ball on down the right for Parch to attack, Wilson defending in the corner the ball out for a throw. Put up the line the cross intercepted by Wilson.

Drake stealing onto the ball 30 yards out left of the box goes for the shot angled in skipping off the surface, Gibbs down quickly to smother the ball. Needham Market winning a free-kick deep on the left played into the top of the area, cleared by Dunnett, Brantham look to break the ball fed on for McKew through the middle racing on, Lockwood in well to close her down.

Brantham goalkeeper, Daisie-Mae Gibbs

McKew pulling up down needing to come off, Crabtree coming back on. Needham Market also making changes bringing on Maddi Steward for Marriott sees Anderson-Hayler move to left back with Steward right. Elisa Rossman on too. Remains competitive Needham Market keep pushing looking for an opportunity, Brantham reasonably comfortable in defence can pick their time to attack.

Maddi Steward over a Needham Market free-kick wide on the right played in to the top of the Brantham area. Knocked down to the right, Rossman looking to get hold of it, Crabtree winning the tackle for Brantham. Porch has given it all to try and find a goal for Needham Market this evening as play builds on the left with Drake and Taylor the ball put across the D into Porch goes to strike it first time frustration once again as her rising strike packing plenty of power swerves to brush the side netting on it’s way behind.

Lucy Chenery coming on for Needham Market with the game moving into the final quarter hour. Parch with a blast from range all of 35 yards out on target, dips into the keepers gloves. Ines Bowman-Boyles coming on for Brantham, to replace Bennett. Porch up with Taylor on the left outside the Brantham box the pass cut inside for Goddard moving across the D looking for a gap, Steward diving in to take the ball for Brantham.

Needham Market not sitting back prepared to give it a go look for a goal, McKew returning to the action for Brantham with Crabtree coming off. Gillingham tackling Teager for Needham Market as McKew tries to get the ball into her from the left. Wilson moving in to close Goddard down as she picks the ball up from Dyson in the middle drives forwards. Needham Market pushing players on late on as Brantham start to tire getting up around the box, Drake into Rossman into the box forced out to the right, her cross cut out at the near post.

Brantham midfielder, Lucy Dunnett

Cobbold back on for Needham Market as Porch giving away a foul is shown the yellow card, Brantham get on the attack through the middle, Long up with Teager and McKew the ball blocked 3 times by the Needham Market defence top of their area as they try to force a shot through onto the keeper. Needham Market with a throw high on the left into Drake on the angle her shot struck low to the near post, blocked. A corner won on the left angled into the near post high, Gibbs coming for it getting up to grab hold of the ball.

Needham Market attacker, Immy Porch

The clock ticking down, Needham Market pressing for a goal late on as Brantham look to defend keeping players back behind the ball. Gillingham cutting the ball out at the back for Needham Market as McKew looks to put Teager on through the middle. Needham Market get on the counter the ball from Dyson on for Porch getting into the box right slide, Steward sliding in on her with a strong tackle. Porch hurt stays down for a moment up hobbling comes over to the side lines.

In final whistle moments away Needham Market doing all they can to get an opportunity at goal, Brantham solid in defence working hard at the back keeping things tight determined to keep a clean sheet. Brantham celebrate as they win they retain the Suffolk Women’s League Cup and complete a historic double double.

Full time Needham Market Women Development 0-3 Brantham Athletic Ladies

An intriguing final between two contracting sides, Brantham the favourites having won the title convincingly and having a vastly experienced squad, Needham Market’s talented youngsters giving it a good go however never letting their heads drop. Brantham getting the ball on well first half using the flanks creating opportunities taking the lead just before the half hour, quickly adding a 2nd to get control of the game. Needham Market creating good chances of their own just not taking them trailing at the break. Brantham adding a 3rd goal early in the 2nd half allowing them to settle back defend their box wait for the right moment to break forwards. Needham Market applying late pressure doing all they could to find a goal.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several performances of note was an entertaining match, but there is a clear winner. For Needham Market the defence all played their part, Khyla Anderson-Hayler, Jess Marriott, Mia Lockwood and Sophie Gillingham all putting in timely tackles and inceptions. Emma Drake took the ball on well breaking out from the back. Chloe Taylor with so useful link up play. Immy Porch in attack will feel frustrated she didn’t score but she created the opportunities sometimes it just won’t happen. For Brantham Kirby Steward was strong in defence getting her tackles in reading the game and cutting passes out. Issey Bines too, with some vital tackling and tracking back with Needham Market looking to drive forwards. Lucy Dunnett used the ball well in midfield having good passing options ahead of her. Tarnya McKew one of those outlets a constant threat out on the left created several chances. Laura Tuley with good movement up top scoring a goal. The award goes to the other goal scorer Ella Long opened the scoring and an assist for the 2nd got forwards into the channels linking up play throughout, adding a 2nd and Brantham’s 3rd in the 2nd half.

Brantham Athletic Ladies 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s League Cup winners (photo credit Brantham Ladies)

Congratulations to Brantham Athletic Ladies on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup and completing a 2nd successive league and cup double.

Had to wait to the cup final to see Brantham in action this season, have had an excellent couple of season’s and should they get promotion to the ERWFL will be more than competitive. 1st look at Needham Market’s talented youngsters gave it a go and look forward to seeing how they develop within the club and beyond. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups tonight. Back in Suffolk next Wednesday for the inaugural Women’s League Plate final between Bacton United Ladies and Halesworth Town Women at Stowmarket Town FC on Wednesday evening.