Tag Archives: Newmarket Town Women Development

Cup Final Special – Newmarket Town Women Development v Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Tuesday 10th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final

The cup final action continues thick and fast with my 4th featured match in 8 days happening this Tuesday evening with a trip to Newmarket Town FC for the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup sponsored by S-tech Insurance between Newmarket Town Ladies Development & Whittlesey Athletic Ladies.

Newmarket Town Women’s 1st team making history by reaching the Women’s Invitation Cup Final for the 1st time this season, missing out to Cambridge City Ladies their Development side looking to go one better in the Junior Invitation Cup. One of the youngest squads out there the oldest players on the field tonight just 19 years old with six of the squad just sixteen years old completing thier 1st season in women’s football. Newmarket with a strong youth system bringing players through, manager Shane Lebbon proud to develop and bring players on through the club. Promoted to Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One this season, making a solid start winning 3 of their opening 5 games, a tougher spell followed with some heavy defeats have rallied well to finish 5th in the table bringing several players up to gain experience and ultimate develop ending their season with a cup final. Kaitlin Elsey their top scorer netting 16 times from 11 appearances.

Facing another young squad this evening as they take on Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. The majority of the players with manager Shaun Harley for U10’s moving through the various age groups at ICA Sports Ladies before moving to form Whittlesey Athletics first women’s team 2 seasons ago. A solid debut in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership before applying to join the ERWFL (tier six) this season. Entering Division One North games haven’t been as regular as they could have been with 2 sides withdrawing before the start of the season leaving just 7 competing. Drawing with eventual Champions Needham Market on the opening day have held their own amongst the chasing sides, eventually finishing 5th a draw and a defeat to Newmarket’s 1st team along the way. Missing out on a spot in the ERWFL Plate final losing in extra-time to Hutton went one better in the Junior Invitation Cup as they compete for their first piece of silverware. Chelsea Burr their top along with Annie Posnett with 15 goals.

S-tech Insurance sponsoring the Invitation Cup and Junior Invitation Cup’s now for 15 years proudly supporting the women’s game in Cambridgeshire.

Road to the Final

  `17 sides entering the Junior Invitation Cup both Newmarket and Whittlesey were given a bye in the 1st Round seeing them straight into the quarter finals of the competition. Newmarket away to Division Three side Chatteris Town Lillies Ladies in the last 8, goals from Georgia Blackaby, Ella Cummins and Sarah O’Rourke seeing the game won 3-0. Whittlesey progressing without kicking a ball handed a home win against Leverington Sports Ladies.

  Onto the semi-finals, it was another Division Three opponent for Newmarket as they were drawn at home to face Burwell Tigers Ladies. Kaitlin Elsey scoring a brace to help the hosts advance to the final the result 6-2. Whittlesey at home to in their semi-final taking on fellow ERWFL Division One North side Cambridge City Ladies Development. Looked a close game on paper and proved to be the case with a single goal enough to see Whittlesey into their 1st final Chelsea Burr scoring it.

  Newmarket Town FC the venue for this evenings final. The top class artificial playing surface seeing alot of action. Hosting numerous teams and finals over the course of the season. A main seated stand beside the changing rooms and clubhouse with viewing all round. The bar open along with the kitchen. Another bright and sunny day leading into a mild evening but growing cloudy with rain on it’s way for the following day.

Newmarket Town Women Development

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Hannah Lock, Kara Wayman, Shannon Chandler, Jess Sharp, Lydia Mason (C), Emily Wallis, Cerys Compton, Mary Lowe, Ella Cummins, Georgia Blackaby & Kaitlin Elsey. Subs – Isobel Davies-Trainer, Leah Harper, Scarlett Lander, Amy Savage, Chloe Dunn.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies starting XI – Danielle King, Sophie Ellen, Hannah Johnson, Leah Barnes Lauren Fort, Hannah Murphy (C), Lauren Mapleston, Maddison Moore, Holley Ross, Aliyah Palmer & Chelsea Burr. Subs – Brooke Harley, Megan Mapleston, Amelia Roberts & Grace Spencer.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Two young squads going head to head in a senior women’s cup final a great experience for all involved. Newmarket to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks. Whittlesey lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball put into midfield sent out to Shannon Chandler on the right the full back powering forwards delivering a cross into the top of the Whittlesey area, won and cleared by Lauren Mapleston for Whittlesey. 

   Whittlesey look to get on through the middle, Maddison Moore travelling with the ball support from captain, Hannah Murphy linking 25 yards out, Newmarket centre backs Jess Sharp and captain Lydia Mason closing the door the ball won back. Out to Kara Wayman on the left forwards for Emily Wallis pressing forwards with the ball gets a cross into the Whittlesey box, Sophie Ellen clearing for Whittlesey. Lauren Fort challenging Chandler and the back as she storms on up the right plays it forwards for Chelsea Burr left on halfway, sending in inside for Aliyah Palmer central runs on down the line the return pass played into her path taking the ball on into the box looking to turn inside towards goal, Mason closing down wins possession back for Newmarket.

  Mary Lowe getting on through the middle for Newmarket pressing winning the ball high moving to the right the ball into the box blocked by Whittlesey. Players from both sides looking to take the ball forwards rather than get rid as soon as possible. Newmarket looking to press players on through the middle, Burr and Holley Ross looking to keep wide left and right in attack for Whittlesey with Palmer through the middle. Newmarket goalkeeper, Hannah Lock racing out of her area to clear the ball as Palmer tuning on the ball attempts to sends Burr on in behind.

  Kaitlin Elsey battling for the ball taking it on to the right by- line her cross fired in cut out at the near post. Whittlesey break quickly Moore and Murphy in the middle sent on for Burr running away on the left pulling the trigger on the angle 25/30 yards out her shot flashing in across goal over Lock strikes the far post cannoning of it across the face of the Newmarket goal hitting the other upright before Lock gets her gloves firmly around it. 

Maddison Moore looking to take the ball on for Whittlesey (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  A free-kick awarded to Newmarket in the centre circle the ball played up to towards the left side of the Whittlesey box, Hannah Johnson winning it with her head getting it away. Whittlesey starting to press the ball with 10 minutes played competitive in the middle of the park, Murphy and Moore winning tackles. 

  GOAL! Whittlesey open the scoring with a well worked finish between the front three as play is spread out to Burr on the left, pace on the ball getting on sends a great diagonal pass across the top of the Newmarket area finding Ross over on the right, she in turn passing it into the middle for Palmer stealing in on the penalty spot to open up her body to plant the ball wide of the keeper to score 0-1.

Aliyah Palmer on target for the opening goal for Whittlesey (photo credit Sean Dayle)

  Newmarket look for a quick reply as the ball is picked up in the middle by Ella Cummins driving on threads it on for Elsey the striker moving left of the D strong on the ball shooting a cross goal her shot wide of Whittlesey goalkeeper, Danielle King’s far post. Ellen defending for Whittlesey as Georgia Blackaby looks to get into a shooting position for Newmarket from a throw in. Moore taking the ball on through the middle for Whittlesey laying it out to Ross on the right side, going on, Kara Wayman winning the ball back for Newmarket with a good challenge.

   Burr is a threat in attack for Whittlesey moving out to the left the ball played into her chased into the corner, holds off Newmarket defenders before flashing a cross along the face of the Newmarket goal. Retrieved out on the right Ross with Moore her angled ball into the area, just behind Palmer making the central run. Johnson with the clearance on the right sees Burr left running onto the ball again opts to shoot early slicing the ball her effort sent over. A good contest shaping up both sides looking lively in attack, Whittlesey looking to stretch Newmarket’s back line. The ball launched forwards by Whittlesey a hopeful pass turns into an opportunity as a defensive miscue sees the ball headed on in behind, Burr after it racing forwards, Sharp though doing well for Newmarket getting back herself to tackle inside the D.

Newmarket’s Ella Cummins (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Burr lively heading the ball on for Palmer central, mason winning it back for Newmarket. Elsey given the ball 25 yards out bursts forwards through the middle driving at the Whittlesey defence, Leah Barnes making the tackle bringing the ball away, before having a heavy collision with Blackaby that eaves her on the ground hurt. Appears to be winded, after treatment is back up on her feet. Midway through the first half. Fort carrying the ball on moves central eventually closed down the ball cleared for a throw. Off the throw on the left Burr controls the ball and turns on down the line in behind to whip a cross into the six yard box, Wayman at the far post controlling the ball with her head dropping it down for Lock to gather.

Whittlesey’s Lauren Mapleston

  Cummins on the ball running on towards the Whittlesey box has Blackaby ahead of her right of the D rolls the ball on for her, bodies back for Whittlesey as Blackaby pulls the trigger her shot deflected wide for a corner kick. Put in from the right the ball headed out of the area near side by Murphy. Chandler gathering moving on before sending a high cross into the area, this time claimed by King. Whittlesey looking a threat on the counter getting the ball on quickly, Burr the outlet on the left landing at her feet squares it across the top of the Newmarket box, Ross after it far side, Wayman winning the ball back for Newmarket. 

Shannon Chandler looking to get on for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Murphy getting on right for Whittlesey sends the ball into Burr top of the D, is quickly closed down by Sharp and Mason can’t turn inside attempts to lay it back for Murphy the midfielder can’t take it in her stride as Crompton closes in for Newmarket. Whittlesey turning the screw pressing forwards Mapleston on for Palmer right channel plays it on into the box with Burr coming across to receive the ball shots on the angle, Lock with a sharp save down well to get her hands on the ball push it out to the left for a corner kick. Players up into the box for Whittlesey the corner long beyond the far post attacked an infringement spotted by referee, Ceredig Cattanch-Chell, Newmarket have the free-kick.

Whittlesey captain, Hannah Murphy (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  10 minutes left to play in the first half, Wallis looking to get on left side, held up by Johnson. Chandler getting up on the left for Newmarket sends a diagonal ball into Elsey in attack lays it back for Cummins advancing through the middle 25 yards out stabs her 1st time strike wide. Mapleston bringing the ball on through the centre of Whittlesey has Palmer free on the left, turns and is tackled by Chandler. Lowe with the ball central Newmarket running on towards the Whittlesey box lifts it on looking for Elsey, Ellen winning the header for Whittlesey. Elsey getting inside off a throw on the left high for Newmarket plays the pass into Lowe left of the D sent in low, King is down to get behind it for Whittlesey. 

Newmarket striker, Kaitlin Elsey

 Elsey with the ball left holding it up as Blackaby gives her an option outside the D, lays it back to Lowe in midfield, her diagonal ball back out to Elsey moving inside the area is won by Whittlesey’s Johnson. Chandler getting up well on the right for Newmarket crosses in along the top of the Whittlesey area Lowe clipping a shot forwards headed away a distance strike hit back into the box, taken high by King dropping down onto the ball. Whittlesey are quick to break Mapleston with Ross through the middle out to Burr left shifts inside leaning back as she shots striking the ball over from outside the box. 

  Newmarket looking to get on late in the first half Chandler on the right forwards for Blackaby taking the ball to the by-line her cross in cut out at the near post, won back inside the Whittlesey half by Lowe twisting and turning on the ball getting forwards her forwards pass claimed by the keeper. Lowe then drops a pass over the top for Elsey outside the D, forced wide left as Barnes and Johnson recover to get back on her, Johnson tackling to regain possession.

GOAL! Into 1st half stoppage time Whittlesey playing the up

field ball into Burr over on the right turning to take the ball down clear right of the D, striking it well her shot racing across Lock to find the bottom corner 0-2. Whittlesey doubling their lead at the death in the first half.

Chelsea Burr bearing down on the Newmarket goal (photo credit Sean Doyle)

A blow for Newmarket they look to get on the attack the ball forwards, Ellen winning it for Whittlesey moving on as Lowe comes in to challenge a painfully collision a coming together of knees that leaves Ellen down in some discomfort. Play stopped so she can receive treatment up gingerly can’t continue however helped off the pitch, Megan Mapleston coming on. The ball forwards by Whittlesey from the back, Moore looking to take it on through the middle finding no way through.

Half-time Newmarket Town Women Development 0-2 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies

  An entertaining first 45 minutes. A good contest between the sides playing positively. Newmarket looking to bring the ball on. Whittlesey keeping it tight at the ball defending the top of their area making it difficult to break though while looking dangerous on the counter attack, Burr in particular out left then right later on always available. The opening goal coming on 10 minutes, with Palmer on target have created further chances Burr hitting the woodwork and forcing a great save by Lock. Newmarket kept coming on playing through the middle some clever runs a sucker punch to concede a 2nd goal so late in the first half. Never an easy score line to hold at half-time and the old cliché applies the next goal could prove crucial.

Whittlesey attacker, Chelsea Burr (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 

  Changes for both sides at the break, Grace Spencer on for Whittlesey replacing Ross. A triple change for Newmarket with Leah Harper, Scarlett Lander and Isobel Davies-Trainer coming on for Cummins, Blackaby and Sharp. Whittlesey with the kick-off in the 2nd period, put forwards into midfield Newmarket get hold of the ball on for Elsey out to Lander on the right. Fort tackling for Whittlesey. 

Newmarket’s Leah Harper

 Wayman on the ball at the back for Newmarket looking to lift it over the top for Elsey, won back by Barnes. Newmarket looking to get the ball forwards quicker at the start of the 2nd half Lander out wide right, Davies-Trainer on the left. It’s Lander with the ball on the right driving on put on into the six yard box, Elsey after it get her head on the ball, King getting in to scramble it away to the left. Whittlesey break Murphy with the ball forwards for Palmer out on the right in attack, Wayman standing firm against her for Newmarket. Lander speedy on the right for Newmarket on with the ball her cross flashed in near post claimed by King with Crompton closing in. 

  A lively opening 5 minutes Newmarket looking to take the game to Whittlesey their opponents getting the ball into the middle play spread to Burr on the left getting in behind taking on the early strike her shot held well by Lock. Moore down injured for Whittlesey a pause in play need to come off, Ross returning to the field. Wallis playing the ball to Davies-Trainer on the left threaded inside for Elsey to attack, Barnes defending for Whittlesey. Megan Mapleston with the ball on through the middle for Whittlesey has Burr on the move left side attempts the pass, Chandler intercepting for Newmarket. 

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Newmarket with a strong start to the 2nd half getting players on using the wide areas trying to find Elsey with a cross inside the area. Chandler on the right and Wayman left with some good defending for Newmarket as Whittlesey attempt to get Burr and Palmer in behind. Burr a constant threat running onto a pass through the middle breaking on into the area, Wayman closing her down as she shapes to go left take a shot, the full back has to get her tackle right an does superbly well to take the ball cleanly away from the attacker. 

  Wayman again winning the challenge as Whittlesey’s Spencer looks to get on with the ball right side, playing it up the line for Davies-Trainer who in turn attempts to thread the ball into Elsey inside the box is quickly closed down. Murphy getting hold of the ball outside her area for Whittlesey looks for Burr out wide left side, Chandler winning the ball then again as Burr comes nipping back at her. Ross with a powerful run on the ball through the centre for Whittlesey left of the D 20 yards out puts it into the area right looking for Spencer, can’t reach it before Wayman clears the danger.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

   Elsey with the ball left side bouncing up does well to win a corner kick. Spencer goes down for Whittlesey needing treatment, whilst Palmer appears to be struggling with an injury too. Spencer comes off with Amelia Roberts entering the game. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half. Lock with a crucial save for Newmarket as Burr latches onto the ball outside the area following a defensive error racing forwards into the box left of goal, Lock comes to close the angle staying big making the blocking save as Burr smashes the ball into her her defence racing back clearing the ball.

  Elsey attacking on the right for Newmarket her angled shot in cut out by Fort behind for the corner kick. The ball played in near side is turn high towards goal, dropping down, King with a comfortable take. The game moving into the final 20 minutes, Newmarket pushing hard for a goal to get themselves back into the game, Whittlesey back defending. Play pulled over to the right as Newmarket get on Elsey wide holding the ball up has support from Crompton her cross flashed in near post won well by Johnson heading clear with Wallis waiting beyond. 

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Wayman bringing the ball on down the left plays it inside for Mason forwards into Elsey outside the D, closed down the ball put back to Davies-Trainer left side to strike a shot over the bar from 20 yards. Chandler bursting on right side with a vicious ball angled into the the Whittlesey area, intercepted and cleared by Johnson. Whittlesey forced back finding it difficult to get out of their half now as players come back to help the defence. Murphy strong on the ball wanting to find Burr on the left can only pick out Chandler.

  Ross bringing the ball down off a throw right side, looks to attack before being tackled by Wayman. Brooke Harley coming on for Whittlesey replacing Palmer. Newmarket think they have a goal back as Lander out wide on the right rifles a shot in towards goal players closing in on the keeper the ball smashed home from close range into the roof of the net. However as everyone starts to celebrate the flag is up the goal ruled out for offside. 

 Burr not seeing as much of the ball now as Whittlesey concentrate on keeping Newmarket out at the back nevertheless reman a threat ready to attack if the ball comes up t her, pacy with it at her feet left side shoots wide across the area. A double change for Newmarket with the clock ticking down a little over five minutes of regular play to score 2 goals. Lowe and Chandler coming off for Amy Savage and Chloe Dunn. 

  GOAL! Newmarket get on the attack play spread to Lander out wide right taking it on down the line shrikes the shot in from the angle the ball rising King jumping can’t get a touch the ball cannoning down off her crossbar out to the left side. Elsey getting after it is pushed to the ground, Penalty! Well not straight away. Elsey stays down hurting her shoulder in the fall and needs attention. So too King in the Whittlesey goal. Both players back on their feet it’s Elsey with the penalty an unstoppable drive hit high into the roof of the net. 1-2.

Kaitlin Elsey scoring an unstoppable penalty to pull a goal back for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  A goal back for Newmarket in the 85th minute, setting up a nervous finish to the cup final for Whittlesey who look to get straight on the attack from the restart, Murphy looking to put it on for Burr intercepted by Wallis. Whittlesey come right Ross with support from Mapleston, Dunn defending well for Newmarket. Attacking Whittlesey press on Lauren Mapleston tackled by Harper as she takes the ball on through the middle. Murphy bringing the ball down some 30 yards out seeing her shot caught by Lock. 

  Newmarket on the ball left Dunn on for Davies-Trainer attempts the ball over the top for Elsey, won by Johnson. The game open at the death moving into stoppage time will be several minutes added. Neither side making head way lander stopped on the by-line right side, Whittlesey unable to pick out Burr on the left. Burr winning a throw high up on the left, rather than looking to keep it in the corner Whittlesey are looking to score Johnson up the pitch battling for possession passes to Ross inside for Murphy 20 yards out screws her shot wide. 

  On last attack for Newmarket the ball with lander on the right crosses it into the box, falls to Elsey central peeling off the last defender turns and shoots, not a clean connection her effort dragged wide of the right post. That’s it the final whistle blows and despite a valiant effort from Newmarket to fight back in the 2nd half Whittlesey stand firm to win the Junior Invitation Cup.

Full time Newmarket Town Women Development 1-2 Whittlesey Athletic Ladies 

  A really entertaining final between these two young sides. Some great football played. Whittlesey opening the scoring in the 10th minute a well worked move. Further chances coming for Burr as Newmarket carried the ball on in attack themselves suffering a late sucker punch with Burr scoring in the closing moments to hand Whittlesey a 2 nil lead at the break. Changes for both sides at the break. Newmarket strong in the 2nd half as they pushed on looking for a goal to get back into the game came close with a goal ruled out for offside as the Whittlesey defence stood firm under pressure. Burr looking capable of getting them another goal up the other end, Newmarket’s full backs in particular making things difficult. The goal coming from the penalty spot late in the game Whittlesey responding by getting out attacking rather than inviting continued pressure. Two sides that you feel are only going to get better.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and boy is this a tough one to pick one out with both sides having strong contenders. For Newmarket the full backs were superb, Shannon Chandler on the right and Kara Wayman on the left making some great tackles. Kaitlin Elsey up top strong on and off the ball looking to find an opening not easy against a well drilled Whittlesey defence. For Whittlesey, Hannah Johnson had a great game at full back winning the ball more often than not. Hannah Murphy too in midfield getting about closing players down. The award though and it is close because Kara Wayman was excellent for Newmarket goes to Whittlesey’s, Chelsea Burr. Played a fantastic game always an outlet for her side as they looked to attack from midfield, on the ball getting down the line or into a scoring position herself a great pass for the opening goal, creating chances herself before getting on the scoresheet late in the first half.

Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, 2021/22 Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Winners

Congratulations to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies on winning their first piece of silverware the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup.

 A really entertaining game to end a run of 4 finals in 8 days, starting last Tuesday with the Suffolk League Cup, with the Suffolk County Cup and ERWFL League Cup, Friday and Sunday. A brief rest now before a cup final double in Norfolk of Sunday. My thanks to everyone for their assistance this evening an to Sean Doyle for allowing me to use some of his pictures in the report.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Histon Ladies Development v Newmarket Town Women Development

Tuesday 8th June

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

 This evening’s match is literally a title decider, the winner takes all in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South as 1st and 2nd meet in their final game of the season with just a point between them, Histon Ladies Development with the slender advantage as they take on 2nd placed Newmarket Town Women Development.

 The Cambridgeshire Women’s leagues as you know the only county league within the East to press on with there league campaign after the country emerged from its 3rd lockdown at the end of March due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. Has been a mammoth effort by Cambs FA and the clubs themselves to get the games played. Cardea Ladies wrapping up the Championship North title the weekend before last, earning promotion to the Premiership above. That the prize too for the eventual title winners this evening.

Was touch and go as to whether Histon would be able to field a Development side at the start of the season as a split within the club saw most of the old reserves sides move to become Histon Hornets WFC. The club however felt they had enough to field to sides, the Reserves becoming the Development side. Histon’s first team playing in ERWFL Division One and when there playing season was declared null & void the club opted not to take part in the Challenge Cup set up as a replacement competition by the league, but offered players from that side the option to continue playing with the Development, several going down that route meaning the club has been able to field a mixed side of Development and senior squad players, seeing them push up the Championship South table. Dropped points in their penultimate game meaning Newmarket fast climbing the table themselves with a chance to overhaul them before the pair were due to meet in there final game of the season.

Newmarket Town Women Development keeping faith with their young squad with the senior squad playing with Histon in the ERWFL Division One largely pausing until the new season can commence a handful of seniors coming in to give useful learning experience to the young players around them. Powered up the table due to the goals wracked up by Kaitlin Elsey who has an impressive tally of 30 goals from just 11 appearances. Entering the final straight Newmarket were a point behind Histon with a game in hand that against Histon Hornets WFC on Sunday, victory would have seen them leapfrog Histon to give them the points advantage going into this evenings game, frustratingly suffered from a below par performance that saw Histon Hornet take full advantage of to win 4-0. So a point behind they remain with one game left… now a cup final Newmarket have to win to take the title, Histon prevent that and they will be crowned Champions.

  Histon named as the home side the game instead taking place at Newmarket Town FC due to the unavailability of Histon’s home ground. Newmarket’s ground featuring a state of the art artificial playing surface that see’s alot of action during the week. Youth sessions taking place upon it before the game. The kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The weather warm and sunny a pleasant evening with no rain forecast.

Histon Town Ladies Development starting XI – Alison Wright, Katie Webb, Tara Fitzjohn (C), Brie Baker, Georgia Carter, Sophie Lanham, Lauren Martin, Becky Charter, Esther Mctrusty, Jordanne Sillitoe & Molly Blair. Subs – Daisy Barns, Emma Phillip, Rebekah Finch, Naomi Cooper-Jones & Flora Snelson.

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Dominika Szary, Lydia Mason, Kara Wayman, Beth Woodfield (C), Becca Towler, Grace Muffett, Cerys Compton, Hannah Doyle, Leah Harper, Sarah O’Rourke & Kaitlin Elsey. Subs – Ella Cummins, Evie Jakes, Emily Davey, Annabel Cuthbert & Trixie Allsop.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Newmarket to get the game underway, wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks. Histon opposite wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. The sun setting low behind the main stand across the pitch likely to have an impact players needing to shield their eyes. Histon getting hold of the ball straight from the off central is played into the right channel for attacker and former Newmarket player Jordanne Sillitoe, Cerys Crompton putting out a leg intercepting the ball sent up into the right channel Newmarket switch sides, Kaitlin Elsey after it, Histon captain Tara Fitzjohn at full back across to challenge the ball put out for a throw in.

  Something of a bitty start both sides rushing to move the ball not finding there mark, Lauren Martin plays the ball on from midfield for Histon with Sillitoe looking to make a right channel run trying to be behind the defence, Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield getting cross her run, stooping into the header to play the ball back to goalkeeper, Dominika Szary. Newmarket come right a corner won players up into the box from the back the delivery put in central, Woodfield attacks it, doesn’t get a solid connect, Histon scrambling it away to the right winning a throw in. 

 GOAL! Just 4 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken, Histon attack down the right Katie Webb at full back carrying the ball on before sending it through for Becky Charter bursting down the wing to get in behind the defend race into the box and strike the ball hard to send it racing across the six yard box into the bottom corner 1-0.

Becky Charter fires Histon into an early lead

   An early blow for Newmarket, Histon making the perfect start. Hannah Doyle turning on the ball sending it on to the left Elsey racing after it, Webb moving quickly staying ahead of the striker playing it back into the area for goalkeeper, Alison Wright to kick clear. Histon are looking to bring there wide players into the action, Charter lively on the right, Sophie Lanham in the centre puts a diagonal ball out to Esther Mctrusty on the left side, taking it on slips past her marker heading for the area, Becca Towler closing her down defending, Szary beyond her kicking the ball clear for a throw on the left. 

Leah Harper bringing the ball on for Newmarket

 The goal has woken everyone up, players snapping at the ball. Moving the ball rapidly through the middle Histon stretch the Newmarket defence as Sillitoe moves out to the left taking the ball on before firing in a cross along the six yard box to be met by Charter at the far post, knocks it back in looping up, Mctrusty in front of goal can’t capitalise before Newmarket’s defence scramble it clear. Bria Baker get’s caught in possession in defence for Histon, attack Sarah O’Rourke spotting Doyle’s run to her left attempts to send her in on goal, Georgia Carter putting a foot in nicks the ball from her. 

  Lydia Mason makes a good challenge on Mctrusty as the winger tries to take the ball on past the full back, in central to Grace Muffett fed on up to O’Rourke, Elsey makes a run left to right across the D, Fitzjohn in quickly to cut out the passing option to O’Rourke Newmarket are forced to play it back into the middle regroup. One lifted over the top Elsey breaking in beyond the defence after it, Wright coming up to the top of her box untroubled as she sees the ball safely into her gloves.

Histon goalkeeper, Alison Wright, gathering as Newmarket’s Kaitlin Elsey closes in ( photo credit Sean Doyle)

  End to end both sides showing there intent, wanting to score. Histon’s backline each taking the opportunity to get forwards join the attack whenever they have the ball, first Carter, then Baker. Webb full of energy on the right of defence getting up well to support Charter on the wing. A throw for Histon high on the right into Webb top corner of the area hooks it up into the centre falling Mctrusty back to goal sees it across her body looking to turn and shoot, is closely marked, nevertheless wins a corner kick. Sent in deep, Lauren Martin under it beyond the far post puts it over the top. 

 

  O’Rourke is pressing the Histon defence in the final third winning her fair share of challenges left side flicks it on for Elsey to latch onto, takes it on into the box, Carter getting in on her to lunge in tackle the ball sent out for a corner kick. The set-piece fired in near side 10 yards out met by Muffett, swings her leg through the ball, Martin in to block it for Histon, the rebound running back to Kara Wayman 20 out shoots striking the ball through the box out wide beyond the far post. Plenty happening barely 15 minutes played, Webb on the move taking the ball on central allowed to travel, Sillitoe giving her an option left channel, sees the ball into her feet turns, Woodfield closing her down before she can carry the threat into the box. 

  Breaking out from the back Newmarket have O’Rourke on the ball right side sends it long up to Elsey moving into space gets up with her attacking partner the two exchanging passes before Elsey clips the cross in long to the far post spotting the excellent run from Doyle to the far post can’t quite reach as the ball runs wide for a goalkick. Elsey is a pacy player likes to take on a defence, wriggles free central, just a little too much on the ball allows Wright to come out of her six yard box and clear.

It’s up there somewhere

  Lanham getting into an advanced position for Histon beyond the box right side recieves Mctrusty’s cross from the wing, strikes the ball 1st time whistles wide of Szary’s left post. The Histon defence for the most part keeping close tabs on Elsey don’t want her getting in behind, this though is presenting O’Rourke with more freedom operating slightly deeper picking up the ball, Crompton, Doyle and Muffett all trying to give her an option when they can. Carter keeps tight of Elsey inside the D, stops the striker skipping in beyond her. Fitzjohn with a burst forwards from the back a nutmeg seeing her get in beyond the defence to shoot from the top of the box, rising is straight at Szary, who catches cleanly. 

Histon captain, Tara Fitzjohn

  A fantastic double save from Szary as Lanham carries the ball across the top of the area inside the D left to right getting a shot back in across goal, Szary adjusting well down smartly to her right to push the ball out to the left, Mctrusty latching onto it the angle tight lets loose a strike, Szary moving quickly on her knees gloves it behind for the corner. The delivery from the corner long, Webb beyond the back post up to meet it sends it behind. 25 minutes gone referee Romana Brie pauses play for both sides to take on fluids. 

  GOAL! Play resumes Newmarket after the ball O’Rourke nipping in to win it 25 yards out right of the D, feeds it into Elsey central before breaking forwards. Elsey is immediately closed down, does well to slips the ball through to O’Rourke who takes it into the box clear she stays composed has time to pick her spot and drives it straight to run past Wright at the near post 1-1.

Sarah O’Rourke gets Newmarket back on level terms

  O’Rourke back to goal inside the D, sees the ball into her feet Doyle making a run left side, O’Rourke plays the pass into her path, Doyle is upended right on the line, the referee trying to play advantage as Elsey goes after the loose ball, nothing doing play is brought back for the foul a free-kick in a dangerous position, Elsey placing the ball goes for goal the shot sailing over the crossbar.

Histon get on right side, Webb to Charter, her progress stopped by Wayman as she gets across her. Woodfield in to tackle Molly Blair as she evades a challenge right side to get into the box. Martin plays the pass forwards into Sillitoe right of the D, has Charter running in behind her from the wide position, her pass however to close to Szary as the Newmarket keeper comes out quickly to deal with it. Ella Cummins has come on for Newmarket moving to a position on the right.

Newmarket goalkeeper Dominika Szary (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Histon think they’ve retake the lead as Sillitoe moving right runs in beyond the defence as the ball is lifted over the back, strikes it across the keeper into the bottom come only to turn and see the raised flag. The ball brought up on the left by Newmarket squared into Elsey central turns her marker well evading her to take the ball into the area moving right the angle going against her strikes her shot over. Competitive in the middle Martin and Lanham getting hold of the ball for Histon, Martin allowed time on it is forced to play it back, Doyle nipping in to take it, sends it on up the right for Cummins, in a race with Fitzjohn, Histon’s captain dives into tackle the ball out for a throw. 

Newmarket’s Kaitlin Elsey shaping up to take on the Histon defence… again

  The Histon defence all continue to have a little foray forwards, Fitzjohn this time goes along way before eventually running into traffic, players up with her possession quickly regained put out to Webb forwards on the right 20 yards out fires a shot wide across goal. Elsey escape to attack on the right, Martin does well to get back on her shoulder apply some pressure, Elsey’s shot somewhat scuffed, runs safely through to Wright. The pace of the game and perhaps it’s  seeing several unforced errors, Webb taking the ball on right allowed to travel and cross put deep to the far post Mctrusty closing in can’t reach it. Blair on the right fires a cross into the box, Woodfield dealing with it well as Sillitoe goes for it. 

Katie Webb on the move for Histon Ladies (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Half-time Histon Ladies Development 1-1 Newmarket Town Women Development

  A lively contest most certain has a cup final feel about it. Both sides intent on attack, defending well on the whole. Both having strong spells Histon using the ball better getting in some good positions wide looking to stretch the Newmarket defence. O’Rourke finding some great positions for Newmarket in the final 3rd creating opportunities. A good tempo the evening still warm, can both sides keep it up still all to play for.

Histon getting the 2nd half underway. Doyle getting back well on Martin as she makes space for herself 25 yards out looks to tee up Mctrusty on the left wing. Pressure high up the pitch from Histon sees Blair win her side a corner. Webb in the mix gets her head on the delivery but can’t keep it down, Newmarket clear into Elsey outside the area looks to break, Charter with a good turn of pace coming in to tackle keeps Histon in the final 3rd a strong start to the 2nd half. Doyle gets up to support O’Rourke on the left the pair combine exchanging passes, O’Rourke turning to lay it into the middle for Elsey, Carter tight on her doesn’t let Elsey escape her.

Brie Baker tackling for Histon (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Charter running in behind on the right to the by-line sweeps a cross into the six yard box, deep to the far post Szary is able to claim it unopposed. Newmarket regain possession central Muffett with Doyle put forwards to O’Rourke 25 out left of the D passes across to the right with Elsey on the move, is upended some what clumsily by Baker as she attempts to get in behind, lands heavily, Baker is up immediately knowing she is in trouble as Brie comes running forwards, is fortunate to getaway with a yellow, were covering defenders. Elsey however not so fortunate, is hurt in a lot of pain, has broken her collar bone, (it’s painful I’ve done it.) can’t continue the stretcher brought on not the way she would have wanted her season to end. Annabel Cuthbert coming on in her place to join O’Rourke in the attack.

The free-kick to the right of the area a good position to shoot from, the ball placed, Szary is encouraged forwards from goal to take it, strikes it well racing in on goal neck height, Wright with a brilliant save gloves up up to her right to push the ball wide to safety.

  Histon make a change Mctrusty taken off to be replaced by Flora Snelson. Cuthbert well take on any defence onto the ball right jinks one way then the other on into the area before Fitzjohn moves in on her to challenge send the ball behind for a corner. Put into the near post from the right, Muffett heading it on into the middle, half cleared drops for Doyle ready inside the D sends her shot over. Carter intercepting stepping out from the back as Cuthbert recieves and turns 25 yards out. Newmarket enjoying a good spell Cummins getting a corner on the right knocked in near side Muffett there again puts it back wide for Mason drilled in to top of the box a shot taken is high and wild. 

Baker cuts out a pass from O’Rourke intended for Cuthbert central. The game free flowing Webb racing on with the ball, needs to be stopped by Towler. Newmarket break right Cummins inside to Cuthbert top of the D forced wide, cuts the pass back for Doyle to have a shot, straight at Wright who plucks it down a comfortable save. Cuthbert’s introduction has given Newmarket fresh impotence the game an hour old, Muffett wins the ball plays it forwards for Doyle on halfway she in turn sends it forwards into O’Rourke available left of the D who helps it on for Cuthbert, runs with it forced wide by Carter left from the angle gets a shot away the ball rising over the crossbar.

Hannah Doyle winning the ball for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Lanham getting about in the middle travels on 25 out on for Sillitoe, Woodfield close in on her tackling, Muffett beyond launching clear. Doyle making some good runs from the middle arrives at the top of the box as Cummins right see fires in a low cross the shot struck first time is high over the target. Into the final 25 minutes signs of nerves from both sides. Sillitoe on the barn turns to lay inside right for Snelson into the box, Towler gets in the challenge.

GOAL! Newmarket get the ball forwards quickly is a fantastic long pass dropped over the top for Cuthbert to peel in behind on taking the ball on into the box fires it in low, skipping up off the artificial surface, Wright is down quickly to her left arms outstretched pushes it away but not far enough as she sees it to her despair trickle in inside the post 1-2, Players rush from all over the pitch to congratulate Cuthbert as they take the lead on the night.

   A double change for Histon with Charter and Sillitoe coming off on come Daisy Barns and Naomi Cooper-Jones. Snelson has made a strong impression since coming on for Histon getting into the area right side does well to win a corner. The ball falling to Lanham top of the box, gets her foot under the shot looking to lift it into the back of the net, too much however sends it over. 

  GOAL! Newmarket’s lead is short lived, Histon having rallied well after falling behind nip in to win it central Lanham on left of the D fed on for Blair to attack in between defender Szary comes out to attempt to close the angle sliding in as Blair pulls the trigger, Szary getting something on the ball deflecting it wide towards the far post is heading out of play, Histon though have a pack racing in on the follow up, Barns in front to tap the ball in from a foot out racing away in celebration, her teammates soon catching up with her 2-2.

  Another drinks break called, Histon back on level terms the title back with them. Newmarket restart moving left Doyle into Jakes pushes on, Webb defending against her for Histon. Wayman misjudges a ball fired in central from Histon to the top of the air swerving goes beyond her Cooper-Jones after it, Wayman though recovers excellent sprinting to catch Cooper Jones tackles the ball deflected back, latched onto by Snelson drills a shot in Szary is well placed to get down and gather it into her gloves. Renewed confidence from Histon are back on the front foot, snapping in to win the ball high up the pitch Newmarket can’t get out.

Newmarket’s Grace Muffett with Histon’s Sophie Lanham

 Into the final 15 minutes a highly entertaining match both sides going for it, the title decider is going all the way. Snelson wining it well 25 out into Barns top of the area, tackled by Crompton out wide left loose, Rebekah Finch on for Histon shoots her angled drive wide. Carter advancing from the back for Histon left clips a great diagonal ball into the area right for Cooper-Jones, catches it well on the half volley loops up and over the bar… but not by much! Histon forcing Newmarket back, Muffett tries to pick out Jakes left, Webb with a good tackle to keep the momentum with Histon.

 Snelson getting on the end pf a Lanham pass winning a corner for Histon on the right Awkward for Szary up gloves it down into traffic, Cooper-Jones sees a shot blocked before Szary drops onto the loose ball. O’Rourke comes back on for Newmarket. Trixie Allsop joining the game too for Newmarket in place of Doyle. Histon have kept Cuthbert out the game but can’t do so for long, picking up a pass on the right the striker powers forwards towards the box, she’s two shots blocked by back peddling defenders before getting a third strike away on the angle low, Wright is down to collect back on her line.

 5 minutes plus stoppages left, a free-kick central for Newmarket, Szary up to deliver the ball knocked out to the right is clipped back in near side into the area, O’Rourke latching onto it smashes a shot into the back of the net, Newmarket incredulous to see the offside flag raised against her word soon spreading on this side of the ground that O’Rourke was on. The goal however doesn’t stand.

  Snelson on for Lanham right linking up 20 yards out Lanham firing in an angled cross long to the far post, Blair jumping can’t keep it down. Time running out Webb up the pitch keeping it in the corner wins a corner. Cleared Newmarket have one last attack winning a corner of there own. Histon think they’ve cleared it a free-kick awarded a Newmarket player fouled right on the corner. Szary forwards to take it right side lines up the target strikes the ball, isn’t far over the crossbar. That the last action of the game the sides drawing 2-2. Histon are the Champions.

Full Time Histon Ladies Development 2-2 Newmarket Town Women Development

   The good sized crowd treated to a thoroughly entertaining game, a great advert for women’s football in the county, both sides knew what was at stake and gave it there all. The title swinging back and forth briefly with Newmarket having come back from conceding in the 4th minute to lead 2-1. Histon responded superbly getting straight back on level terms and upped the tempo to keep the advantage. Newmarket having a goal disallowed that would have seen a different outcome nevertheless has been a fantastic effort from a group of young talented players taking the title battle all the way to the last minute of the season. Runner-up could slip to 3rd if Cambridge Rangers Women win there final game by 13 clear goals against Haverhill Rovers Community on Sunday either way a fine effort. Histon are the Championship South Champions winning promotion to the Premiership above in what has been a difficult season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Have a clear winner but before that a few performances of note to mention. For Newmarket, Sarah O’Rourke was excellent, good positional play getting the ball back high up the pitch and bringing others into play, getting Newmarket back on level terms. Hannah Doyle too with some good runs from midfield. Alison Wright making some important saves in goal for Histon. Sophie Lanham strong in midfield. Was impressed by Flora Snelson and what she added to the Histon attack. The award though goes to Histon’s Katie Webb the full back covering alot of ground, tackling well and finding some great positions throughout the game.

  An enjoyable game both sides fully committed a title decider played in the right spirit, all action, couldn’t take your eyes off it. Wishing Kaitlin Elsey my best wishes for a speedy recovery from her injury. My thanks to both managers for there help with the teams always appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mildenhall Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women Development

Sunday 16th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

A local derby today on Women’s Football East from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South with Newmarket Town Women’s Development side heading east along the A11 to play Mildenhall Town Ladies.

  As mentioned in last Sunday’s report from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, the county leagues the only ones in the East to continue after the country emerged from the latest lockdown brought on by the ongoing Covid pandemic. The Championship South consisting of 8 sides with it looking likely to be a 3 way battle for the title at the top.

  Has been a while since I was last at Mildenhall Town FC for a women’s football match. The club adopting FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC for a number of seasons. The club embracing women’s football and when Cambridge eventually moved on I felt the town was ideally suited for a new women’s side and was very pleased to see the formation of Mildenhall Town Ladies a couple of seasons ago. 

  Got off to a flying start to emerging a strong contenders in what was then a large 15 strong single Championship picking up alot of good results before unfortunately the 2019/20 season was brought to an end. There 2nd season seeing the Championship’s split once more Mildenhall form up and down winning as many as they have lost before the long pause to proceedings. Looking to get thing’s going again now in midtable ran the leaders close in a 5-4 defeat last time out. Charlotte Nash the clubs top scorer with 19 goals from 10 appearances, Lauren Deller joining from Newmarket this season bringing experience to the attack has scored 8 goals in her  appearances so far. 

  Newmarket have always been a club with a strong youth set up running teams from U9 – U16 aswell as two women’s team the Development side and the 1st team competing in the ERWFL. Newmarket’s U15s winning the U15 B-league this weekend. Manager Shane Lebbon believing strongly in developing youth players and bringing them through the club and whereas some club have taken advantage of their 1st teams seasons ending early playing a stronger dev/reserves side Newmarket have resisted playing just 1 or 2 to help the younger players development. Lay third in the Championship table just a point behind joint leaders Cambridge Rangers Women and Histon Ladies Development. Like Mildenhall they two have a striker in prolific form in front of goal with Kaitlin Elsey finding the back of the net 24 times so far from 9 appearances. Backed up by Sarah O’Rourke who has 10 from 9 appearances.

  The pitch at Mildenhall was always a superb playing surface, a lush covering of grass. Slopes from one goalmouth to the other and is nice and wide. A new hospitality room added beside the main stand and clubhouse. The latest easing of restrictions will see fans able to return to watch from Monday. Many eager to get back. Quite warm and bright with a few dark clouds around, rain forecast, with heavy showers at times but thankfully these were never to materialise. 

Mildenhall Town Ladies starting XI – Tiffany Toynton, Rosalind Ramos, Alex Milner, Cassandra Carvalheira, Niketa Cartner, Eloise Gookey, Annalise Brown, Jasmine Luckett, Katie Haye, Lauren Deller & Charlotte Nash (C). Subs – Megan Hobson & Sara-Jane Langford

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Dominika Szary, Lydia Mason, Rebecca Towler, Beth Woodfield, Kara Wayman, Cerys Crompton, Hannah Doyle, Grace Muffett, Leah Harper, Sarah O’Rourke (C) & Kaitlin Elsey. Subs – Hannah Lock, Emily Davey, Sophie Barrell, Amy Cayzer & Faith Winters.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Before the match the teams gather around the centre circle for a minutes silence to pay tribute to 9 year old Jordan Banks from Blackpool who was tragically killed this week being struck by lightning whilst training. Rest in Peace.

A minutes silence held before the game

Along with Lauren Deller, Cassandra Carvalheira starting at the back for Mildenhall has played for Newmarket. Goalkeeper Hannah Lock injured in the warm up for Newmarket sees a late change with Dominika Szary donning the gloves, an experienced goalkeeper in her own right having enjoyed a season in the FAWNL with Cambridge City Ladies. The captains, Sarah O’Rourke for Newmarket and Charlotte Nash for Mildenhall meet in the centre with the referee, Mildenhall opting to switch ends moving into position to attack up the slope in the first half. Newmarket to kick-off the match wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks. Mildenhall wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks.

A frantic start the ball pinging back and forth in the centre of the park as each sides closes down the other, the ball eventually being lung out to the right channel by Newmarket for striker Kaitlin Elsey to run down, takes it on into the corner before being challenged by Mildenhall full back Alex Milner an early corner conceded. The delivery swept into the near post cleared by the hosts. Mildenhall get hold of the ball central Jasmine Luckett sending it on through for Nash to attack central, Kara Wayman steps in winning the ball back and preventing Nash escaping in behind her.

Kara Wayman bringing the ball out for Newmarket

  Newmarket send the ball low through into Elsey’s feet 30 yards out she sweeps the pass out to the right channel for O’Rourke who attempts to dink it over the top of the defence for Elsey to run onto, too much on it as goalkeeper Tiffany Toynton comes to claim. Elsey has pace at her disposal as she gets the ball into her feet right side and powers forwards fizzes a ball in towards the near post, is dealt with well by Mildenhall’s Rosalind Ramos who clears upfield. 

  Mildenhall build out on the left Katie Hayes travelling with the ball, sending it on for Deller 20 yards out corner of the box has Luckett going on past her on the over lap diverts the ball into her run, Szary comes to close her down kicking the ball away before Luckett can reach it. Defending at the back Newmarket quickly counter left side the ball up to Leah Harper she fires it up the wing with Elsey peeling off the full back to get in behind, Ramos recovers well to get back on her sliding in to tackle take the ball away from her wide, Elsey going after it turning to fire in a ball along the top of the box, Eloise Gookey intercepting inside the D to bring it away from Mildenhall. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

  Newmarket’s pace in attack, unsettling the Mildenhall defence as the visitors are looking to quickly turn play around, Grace Muffett playing it through to O’Rourke looking to escape in the right channel 20 yards out, Milner manages to get across her to send the ball on into her goalkeeper for Toynton to clear. A throw deep on the left sees Newmarket go on to claim a corner kick, the ball played in near post defended by Niketa Cartner, Mildenhall go on the counter attack as Deller carries the ball upfield, sending a strong ball through for Nash leading the attack is clear after it, Szary though ever one to stay on her line is already on the move running out of her box to win the race for the ball launch it back towards her opponents area.

Mildenhall Town Ladies captain, Charlotte Nash

  Nash succeeds to springing the offside trap getting in behind the defence for Mildenhall on the right side pace taking her on into the box Szary comes to close the angle but is beaten top of the box, Nash’s touch sending the ball central but no one is up with her as Newmarket recover at the back. Mildenhall getting some joy out on the left Hayes getting the ball into her feet and looking to take players on, checks inside this time 20 out firing a cross into Nash inside the D hits a shot on the turn the ball running wide of the far post. 

 GOAL! Szary is quick to get play going again and Newmarket hit their opponents with a sucker punch as they go straight up the other end to open the scoring the ball helped on through to Elsey  20 yards out left of the D takes the ball on the bounce setting herself to shoot across the keeper low into the bottom corner from the top of the area 0-1.

Kaitlin Elsey opens the scoring for Newmarket

  A goal inside the opening 15 minutes from Newmarket, Mildenhall get forwards from the restart Annalise Brown into Deller who holds the ball up well in a central position, Nash offering her an option to the left, attempts to put her in on goal, Beth Woodfield stepping out of the back line to take the ball off her toes. Deller strong on the ball 25 yards out left of the D sends a ball into the six yard box, Lydia Mason holds Nash off the defender bringing the ball away on the left firing it forwards for Harper, with Elsey moving across to support, Ramos doing well defensively for the hosts.

 GOAL! Newmarket quickly double their lead the ball won at the back by Woodfield, played on through the middle driven along the floor the target Elsey up in the right channel, takes the ball on running at the defence, checking back to turn inside move central before shooting firing her shot back across the keeper for her 2nd of the game 0-2.

 Mildenhall come very close to pulling a goal back straight away as Hayes attacks with it at her feet on the left wing, shifting inside 25 yards out on the angle goes for goal a sweeping strike that is over Szary, cannons back off the far post, across goal staying in play, Rebecca Towler dealing with it for Newmarket the visitors going straight down the other end a shot from the right fired across the face of goal out for a corner kick. The delivery played into O’Rourke in space outside the area central shifts to her right opening up the angle fires a shot in towards the bottom corner, Toynton diving full stretch to her left making an excellent save.

Katie Hayes striking the woodwork for Mildenhall

  Midway through the 2nd half Mildenhall are looking to get Hayes on the ball left side, Deller holding the ball up well, Nash moving off her win a corner, players come forwards, the set piece played long no one gambling at the far post. Mildenhall’s, Brown is showing so great footwork moving the ball well skipping past players as she looks to get the ball into Deller and Nash up top. Newmarket up the other end always ready to play off the shoulder of the last defender, Elsey never still. Harper on the left comes on with the ball attempts the give and go with Crompton central Ramos tracking Harpers run sliding in to win the tackle for Mildenhall.

Mildenhall’s Annalise Brown with Newmarket’s Cerys Crompton

  A pause in play with Mildenhall having a player down, Gookey who comes off to be replaced by Sara-Jane Langford. Both sides taking on fluids the game being played at a fast pace under bright sunshine. As play resumes Newmarket play O’Rourke in on the right, Milner going with her for Mildenhall to challenge send the ball out for a throw in. Newmarket are pressurising the final 3rd better but Mildenhall’s defence dropping deep at times isn’t being carved open, only when Newmarket back off allow the defence to step out can they exploit Elsey’s pace, the striker sending the ball into the bottom corner, no goal however as the hosts defence stepped up well exposing her to be flagged offside. 

Lauren Deller comes out with the ball for Mildenhall

  Faith Winters joins the game for Newmarket in place of Harper on the left side. Is straight into the action a ball from Hannah Doyle fired through from the centre into her, chases the ball into the box, Ramos does fantastic lunging to tackle send the ball on through to her keeper to deal with. Carvalheiro too with a strong defensive tackle in on Elsey inside the D as the young striker attempts to take the ball in behind her. Langford plays the pass on for Deller who lays it off the Nash running into space on the right goes on into the box before firing a shot into the side netting. 

 GOAL! Mildenhall have been threatening on the left, good footwork from Brown in the middle seeing her release the ball to Hayes out wide on the flank, turns inside strong on the ball taking it into the area before clipping a shot high into the near post under the bar to make it 1-2.

  Newmarket go on the attack the ball fed down the line by Towler, taking the ball on down the right O’Rourke cuts the ball back inside for Elsey 30 yards out right of the D, gets plenty of power behind her strike as she smashes it across the keeper but also wide of the far post. The game has opened up Mildenhall having fallen two goals behind responding well to get themselves back into it go on the attack as Hayes is allowed time on the ball 30 yards out left side taking on the shot Szary scrambles across her goal thankfully sees the ball brush the side netting. 

 GOAL! Newmarket restore their 2 goal advantage and it’s Elsey who goes on to score a 1st half hat-trick. The visitors attacking down the left Ramos defending the ball out for a throw played inside a loose ball played on sees Elsey 25 yards out left of the D nip in to steal it take it on and fires a shot hard across the keeper into the bottom corner 1-3.

Kaitlin Elsey with a 1st half hat-trick

 Newmarket have a corner on the left coming forwards are pressurising the Mildenhall back line the delivery long across the box, Luckett can’t get it away, Cartner sees her attempt charged down, before Brown launches it upfield into Deller who lifts it on for Nash going for the box, Mason taking it off her toes. Deller doing well holding up the ball trying to bring others into play, Luckett away on the right, Wayman into her concedes the throw. Luckett seeing Ramos’ throw into her feet lay it back to her to cross 20 yards out the ball dropping on the penalty spot, Nash after it, Woodfield under it heading firmly away for Newmarket.  

Half-time Mildenhall Town Ladies 1-3 Newmarket Town Ladies Development

  Newmarket leading 3-1 at the break starting the match well opening the score after 15 minutes quickly doubling their advantage. Mildenhall coming back into the game well a couple of chances before pulling it back to 2-1. Newmarket quickly restoring their 2 goals advantage with Elsey’s pace up top a real danger as the young striker completed a first half hat-trick. The game beautifully poised for the 2nd half, Mildenhall know they can’t concede early however.

  The hosts to get the 2nd half underway attacking down the slope now. Newmarket with a change, Elsey off, Emily Davey taking up a position on the right on. The ball played out to the right the pass cut out, Brown regains possession well for Mildenhall passing back to Ramos wide fires it down the line for Luckett, Wayman slides in to tackle for Newmarket. The visitors attack let Winters up with O’Rourke goes inside her taking the ball on looks to be clear in on the box, Toynton comes rushing out to the top of her area makes a brave blocking save getting a bit of both the ball and player but comes off worse the ball put out of play needs treatment but is okay to continue. 

Mildenhall’s Jasmine Luckett

 Deller wins the challenge as the ball is dropped into her left side sending it on down the flank for Hayes, Towler moving across into her to make the challenge send the ball out of play. The pace of the 2nd half as intense as the first Newmarket running the ball on through the middle with Doyle a throw won high on the right is directed into Doyle right of the D her touch lifting it in behind for O’Rourke to spin in behind, picks up pace on the bounce however running out of play before O’Rourke can close it down.

  Mildenhall make a change Gookey coming back on replacing Brown. Winters drives on with the ball left side whipping a cross into the box which is launched into the carpark by Langford defending for Mildenhall. Play a little stretched Newmarket not getting so much of the ball up top, Deller linking up well in attack with Hayes for Mildenhall. Hayes spinning off her marker on halfway taking the ball on into the Newmarket half before angling a diagonal ball into the box looking for Nash peeling off the last defender, the bounce favouring the keeper however as Szary comes well to catch the ball.

Charlotte Nash attempts to flick the ball on spin in behind for Mildenhall

  Carvalheiro steps on the ball loosing possession 25 yards out right of goal presenting O’Rourke with a shooting opportunity the effort no carrying much conviction landing in the side netting. A change for Newmarket with Amy Cayzer joining the game. Winters fed the ball by Mason on the left takes it on firing her pass into O’Rourke who drills a low effort from 20 yards out wide of the near post. Mildenhall bring the ball right Luckett flashes in inside to Nash, attempts to play it across for Deller, Woodfield steps out to intercept. 

Newmarket’s Emily Davey looking for options as she goes forwards

  The host now applying pressure to the Newmarket defence have started the 2nd half well winning a corner, right side fired into the crowded near post Szary amongst it punching the ball away. Ramos up on the right into Luckett 20 yard out skips inside going for the area, Woodfield comes to close her down. Harper has come back on for Newmarket. Luckett on the ball central 25 out sends it out to Hayes attacking on the left, her touch deflecting it on into the box, Mason comes across to put it out for a corner. 

  Megan Hobson comes on for Mildenhall to replace Langford. The corner from the left played chest height into the near post, Cartner getting something on it from 3 yards out turning it goalwards, Szary is well placed saving with a well taken grab low between her legs and reacts quickly releasing it early. Mildenhall on top now pushing forwards winning the ball back in the final 3rd, Deller and Nash taking on the Newmarket defence another corner won on the left met low central but blasted back hard wide across goal. 

Dominika Szary well placed to save as Niketa Cartner turns the ball goalwards

  For all their pressing Mildenhall are vulnerable to the counter attack the ball brought clear left side fed on for O’Rourke getting clear central, bearing down on the area, Toynton comes to close her down, O’Rourke unleashes a shot looks certain to score, Toynton arms outstretched gets the merest of fingertips to it deflect the ball wide of goal for a corner, an excellent save! 

  Davey gets on well up the right to support O’Rourke for Newmarket the pair combining Davey inside attempting the return ball into the box for the attacker, Cartner gets across well to stop the move, pulls up immediately, can’t continue has to come off, Brown returning to the game. Doyle takes the ball on through the middle as Newmarket break from a set play Milner and Ramos combine to close her down win the ball back for the hosts. 

Mildenhall’s Alex Milner

  Wayman with a strong run attacking down Newmarket’s left brings her side a corner as Ramos comes across to tackle. Mildenhall defend but fail to break Newmarket attack again on the left the ball into the top of the area, Toynton comes doesn’t get the ball, the shot is sent past her central, Ramos backing off to cover the goal blocks the ball. The game moving into the final 10 minutes Newmarket bringing Elsey back on up top for O’Rourke. Elsey straight into the action left side given the ball by Winters into the box, Toynton comes making another great save with her legs deflecting the ball wide across her six yard box.  

 

  Deller 25 yards out fizzes a pass into Nash inside the D, her touch taking it wide to her left turns inside the angle going against her blasts her strike behind the target. The Mildenhall defence is tiring, Elsey rested back on has pace at her disposal, Doyle feeding her in central she drives on to the top of the area, Toynton coming out saving well against her. Up the other end Luckett’s pass sees Nash force a corner kick, Newmarket struggle to get it clear, Brown closing down wide right flashing a shot wide across the six yard box. Less than 5 minutes left to play.

GOAL! Elsey adding an injection of pace into the Newmarket attack picks the ball up 40 yards out powers forwards has Doyle up ahead of her to the right sends the ball out to her the midfielder taking in on into the box wide of goal strikes the ball sending a looping shot high to drop over the line behind the keeper 1-4.

Hannah Doyle scores Newmarket’s 4th

  Newmarket bring Sophie Barrell on for Lydia Mason late on.

 GOAL! A strong end to the game from Newmarket taking it away from Mildenhall, Elsey on the scoresheet for her 4th of the game given the ball central is closed down by the Mildenhall defence, tired one up ended Elsey powers on breaking clear to the top of the area, sets her sights planting a fiercely drilled shot wide to the right of the keeper 1-5. 

Kaitlin Elsey powering her way on into the box

 A late free-kick in stoppage time for Mildenhall 30 yards out central, Hayes on it up into the area tries to pick out Nash, Woodfield going with her shields the ball into Szary.

Full time Mildenhall Town Ladies 1-5 Newmarket Town Ladies Development

  Two late goals for Newmarket seeing them win the game 5-1 and keep the pressure on the leading pair. Started the game well taking the lead inside 15 minutes quickly going 2 up. Mildenhall fought back well having chances pulling a goal back. Newmarket hitting back straight away to lead 3-1 at the break. Final scores don’t always reflect games, no doubt Mildenhall had the better of the 2nd half for 40 minutes, Tiffany Toynton with some crucial saves however couldn’t find a goal, Newmarket hitting them with two late goals at the death to seal the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances to mention first. Some great goalkeeping from Tiffany Toynton kept her side in the game for a long period in the 2nd half. Katie Hayes out on the left with some impressive runs and took her goal well. Rosalind Ramos in particular at the back made several vital tackles. For Newmarket, Lydia Mason covered alot of ground at the back winning several tackles. The award though goes to Newmarket striker Kaitlin Elsey 28 goals from 10 appearances now and easy to see why, great positional play and pace troubled the Mildenhall defence first half scoring a hat-trick coming back on late on to get an assist and score her 4th.

  Enjoyed being back at Mildenhall again is a great club good to see it embracing it’s women’s side, an enjoyable match. My thanks to both sides for giving me those all important team details much appreciated.

 by Darren Gilham