Sunday 12th September

FAWNL Cup Determining Round

The action this Sunday switches to the cup competitions for the 1st time this season. The FAWNL Cup back after the disruption of the COVID pandemic. Starting with it’s traditional Determining Round the FAWNL clubs from all 6 divisions drawn together to as the name suggests determine with competition they will ultimately contest the winners going on to compete for the League Cup those losing going on to play for the League Plate. Today’s match featuring Cambridge United WFC v Portishead Town Ladies.

 You’d think I have enough teams to cover across the East however it’s always nice to watch a side from another part of the country and the Determining Round is a great opportunity to do so. The cup also serving as a distraction from the league that some clubs might welcome although in the case of today’s opponents they will be hoping they’re good early season form will continue with both sides currently in 4th place in the South East and South West Division One’s respectfully.

 Cambridge United WFC beginning the season with a new 1st team manager Darren Marjoram coming in to work alongside 1st team coach Ben Yeomans. A narrow defeat away to Actonians on the opening day. A last gasp winner saw Cambridge clinch their 1st 3 points of the season beating Enfield Town Ladies 2-1. That result giving the team plenty of confidence followed that result up with a 6-0 away win to newly promoted side Harlow Town Ladies. A 3rd win on the trot lifting Cambridge up to 4th in the South East Division One table with Emma Jenkins netting a hat-trick to lead the scoring charts for both Cambridge and the league with 5 in total. 

Portishead Town Ladies are newly promoted to the FAWNL South West Division One for the first time. Come up with a settled squad with several players having been there for 8 seasons now. Like Cambridge, Portishead lost their opening fixture away to Maidenhead United but felt they deserved to take something from the game. Built on that performance drawing at home to Swindon Town before recording there 1st victory away to Larkhall Athletic, Keiana Jones with the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute. Another draw 3-3 against league leaders Chesham United followed with Shannon Holloway on target with a hat-trick in an 8-2 win over Buckland Athletic to lift Portishead up to 4th in the table. The Determining Round seeing Portishead on the coast of the Severn Estuary in North Somerset facing a long trip to St Neots. The club opting for an overnight stay in preparation for the match.

  A wonderful playing surface at St Neots Town FC, the grass in great condition. Alot of cloud cover today keeping things cool for the game with no rain forecast. At the end of a rapidly growing residential development the ground is perfectly situated to attract new fans.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Kira Markwell, Anna re, Carrie Bennett, Gisela Otten, Grace Waygood, Abbi Griffin, Laura Baker (C), Charlotte Crisp, Abi Davies, Emma Jenkins & Ruth Fox. Subs – Amy Houghton, Faith Hewitt, Libby Fraser & Ella Marden.

 Portishead Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Fensome, Brooke Middleton, Sarah Hopper, Ruby Lowe, Laura Barrett, Taylor Sandy (C), Lilly Stephens, Natalie Zajaczkowski, Rosie Hill, Shannon Holloway & Emily Lindsey. Subs – Keiana Jones & Lulu Watts.

The tie has to be decided one way or the other today with penalties to be taken if needed. A few carrying knocks for Cambridge a chance to rest some players give others an opportunity. Both sides scoring plenty of goals so far 13 and 14 respectfully. It’s Cambridge to kick-off the first half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Portishead lined up opposite in an all red kit with black and white trim. The ball played back to the defence before being lofted up the left for Emma Jenkins to take on running forwards plays a diagonal ball low into the box near side, Portishead centre back Laura Barrett blocking, Ruth Fox’s run allowing the ball to run on for goalkeeper, Chloe Fensome to gather.

Abbi Griffin with a good challenge in the middle of the park taking the ball out to the left plays it on for Jenkins to go after, Brooke Middleton bringing her down to see Cambridge awarded a free-kick. Carrie Bennett to play the ball lifting it long into the top of the area the Portishead defence strong heading the ball clear to the right side. Captain Taylor Sandy on the ball left for Portishead fouled on the halfway line. A good delivery from the set-piece dropping invitingly near post, Cambridge goalkeeper Kira Markwell claiming it high not put off by the Portishead attackers leaping in front of her.

   Fox is clattered by Barrett as she attempts to spin off her in the middle. the free-kick left of the circle flighted in towards the far post Abi Davies peeling off the back of the defence can’t quite reach it before it’s safely in Fensome’s gloves. The Cambridge midfield looking to spread the play both Griffin and captain Laura Baker with a long diagonal ball up to Davies advancing on the right wing. Bringing one of those passes down well on the touchline Davies puts in the early cross, angling in too close to the keeper, Fensome has it at her near post. 

  Baker plays it forwards into Charlotte Crisp for Cambridge central 30 yards out back to goal looks to clip it left to Fox closing in on the area, Ruby Lowe in to tackle her for Portishead the deflected ball spinning to Jenkins wide left comes inside 20 yards out left side of the area takes on the shot pulls it wide of the post. Baker winning a tackle in the middle again with a quick release into Jenkins drifting inside 25 yards out spins into the shot with the same result the ball racing wide of the near post. A good start from Cambridge, Portishead unable to get any sustained possession find their attacking players. 

  Griffin clips a superb pass 30 yards out up to Davies racing up the field in behind on the right fires a low cross in towards the near post cut out well by the backtracking Ruby Lowe the ball going out for a throw. Davies doing well to win Cambridge a corner kick. Bakers delivery goes long retrieved on the far side Portishead clear their box well to see the offside flag raised as the cross comes in. Sarah Hopper carries the ball forwards on the left for Portishead his support from Natalie Zajaczkowski who takes the ball on with a forceful run looking to get into the box, Baker moving across sliding into put the ball out for a throw. 

  A free-kick won inside the Cambridge half for Portishead played into the feet of Zajaczkowski 25 yards out back to goal, turns well pushing forwards is closed down the tackle seeing the ball spring right to Shannon Holloway top of the box, Jenkins jumping in to charge the ball down as she attempts to fire it in across goal. Portishead beginning to find their way into the game Middleton right side carrying the ball on into the Cambridge half sends it inside for Zajaczkowski who puts Holloway clear on the right of attack, wraps her foot around the ball crossing it in to the area Emily Lindsey central the target, Markwell forwards quickly stooping to claim the ball ahead of her 

   A give and go between Anna Re and Baker on the right halfway Re lifting it forwards for Davies bombing up the wing flashes a low cross in towards the near post Fensome down low to gather at her post. Davies causing problems on the right for Cambridge winning her side another corner. Put in near post the ball attacked is deflected towards goal the flight favouring Fensome as she catches the ball cleanly.

   Sandy left side on the ball moves infield before sending a good diagonal ball out t Holloway wide right taking it down on towards the by-line Bennett on her shoulder manages to get a cross in Markwell across her goal having the angle covered. Is a little scrappy at times both sides nipping in to close down the ball, Cambridge just that little bit sharper in releasing it. Lilly Stephens takes the ball on for Portishead on for Zajaczkowski central turns attempting to thread the ball on for Lindsey, Grace Waygood intercepting at the back for Cambridge. 

 Re getting forwards on the right to support Davies taking the ball on in behind to the by-line hooks a high ball in across the face of goal. Fensome jumping well to lay claim to it any fumble and Jenkins was there to capitalise right behind her. Pressure in the final third from Cambridge, Crisp winning the ball high as Baker joins the attack , the Portishead defence closing Fox down as she attempts to lift the ball on into the area. 

  GOAL! The pressure building from Cambridge retain possession 25 yards out right of the D, tackles won the ball put on into the box Fox with the run stealing in behind the ball bouncing before her composures herself to send it wide of Fensome to put Cambridge into the lead 1-0.

 Portishead look for an immediate response a great pass out to Rosie Hill finding a gap on the right her touch sending the ball on before she strikes a shot in over the bar from the angle. Sandy getting forwards for Portishead coming into the box from the left, Gisela Otten in her path defending for Cambridge the ball rebounding out to Holloway bursting clear right side to pop a cross into the area, Markwell stepping off her goal line to snatch the ball down. 

 Cambridge attack up the right the ball into Fox central has Jenkins in support 20 out left of the d rolls the ball into her Jenkins in turn laying it back for Griffin 30 yards out an opportunity to shoot plants the ball wide of the near post. Cambridge are lively moving well Portishead are looking to hit them on the counter attack the final ball in just evading Lindsey central as both Otten and Waygood intercept. Fox doing well leading the attack gathering the ball into her feet prepared to run at the defence, Barrett lunging in with a tackle to thwart her. 

Baker in with a strong tackle to win the ball for Cambridge, Griffin clipping a long diagonal ball out to Davies on the right, striking the ball early on the angle her cross/shot wide across the face of goal. Hill showing good footwork and pace on the ball for Portishead on the left, she is keeping Re busy at the back for Cambridge. Re fouling Hill on halfway wide the free-kick the ball put into the area left side finding Hill hooks it on into the six yard box Otten stretching heads it away from danger for Cambridge. 

  Griffin plays a fantastic ball out to Davies on the right she squares it inside to Baker outside the box is charged down quickly by the Portishead defence the rebounded ball popping into the area behind the defence Fox latching onto the rising ball sends her shot crashing against the bar. 

  A free-kick won by Cambridge on the left side all 30 yards out the taker encouraged to go for goal sends a strike in on target, central, Fensome with a top draw save getting a glove up to tip the ball up over her crossbar. 

  The resulting corner from the right attacked at the near post, Portishead scramble it away the ball played long to Zajaczkowski on the left side looks to take it on the break on, Re coming across well to lunge in and stop the counter attack in its tracks. Stephens is fouled on halfway for Portishead players up into the box as Barrett places the ball sends it up towards the top of the area Zajaczkowski rising highest twisting her head the ball looping up into the air Markwell worried for a moment can see it bounce wide of her left post. 

  Otten brings the ball out of the back for Cambridge right on for Davies takes on the defence closed down the ricochet favouring Davies as it lands behind the defence she runs onto it flashing a cross in near post Fox breaking forwards throws herself at it but can’t quite reach it. Middleton tackles Jenkins on the left as she attempts to get in behind her the ball lofted on for Holloway puts an early cross into Lindsey, attempting to bring it down inside the D is eased off the ball by Waygood. 

Hill switching sides with Holloway on the right now picked out be the advancing Middleton picks out sandy central with Zajaczkowski ahead of her, Baker comes steaming in to tackle and regain possession for Cambridge. Hill gathering the ball on the right jinks inside running towards the area looking for an opening across the D, Otten stepping out of the back line to put in the challenge. Hill showing intent late in the first half for Portishead succeeds in getting behind firing a cross into the box on the penalty spot both Markwell lunging forwards and Otten attack it the defender cutting it out deflects back out to the right as Cambridge regroup, Hill on it attempting to curl a shot in , Markwell back on her feet quickly behind it to catch the ball.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Portishead Town Ladies

  A strong first half performance from Cambridge winning the ball well and passing it about the pitch have been on the front foot for much of the half, giving little away at the back. Ruth Fox putting them ahead, the lead a slender one however as other chances have been spurned an excellent save from Chloe Fensome ensuring Portishead are in a good position to get themselves back into the tie in the 2nd period. Hasn’t happened in the final third for the visitors the last ball too regularly mopped up by the home defence chances in front of goal limited.

  A change at the break for Portishead with their captain Sandy off, replaced by Lulu Watts. Lowe wearing the armband now. The visitors to kick-off the 2nd half. Waygood called upon to defend for Cambridge early doors as Portishead build through the middle a strong run from Watts onto Zajaczkowski. 

  Cambridge get on the attack Jenkins left putting a diagonal ball into Davies right side, the ball at her feet turns inside a mazy run with the ball jinks left then right before firing in a shot from the top of the box driven it cut out by Lowe at the near post. Portishead winning a free-kick outside the area left side Watts on it looks to go for goal drags it wide of the near post. Portishead looking to get on the front foot in the 2nd half Hopper up the left plays the ball on Otten missing it runs on in behind Markwell moving out to the top of the area quickly to claim the ball even as Lindsey slides in trying to nick it. 

  Baker busy in the middle her tackle seeing the ball run onto Fox left of the D 20 out shoots the effort landing wide of Fensome’s left post. Moments later Baker gets a taste of her own medicine as crunching tackle is put in on her. Is down the trainer eventually allowed on another bruise to add to the collection but the midfielder is okay to continue. 

  GOAL!  As play resume Cambridge get the ball on down the left played on for Fox a strong run forcing her way to the by-line cutting into the area, sees the run of Jenkins lays the pass into her path 8 yards out, hits it on the run burying the ball into the bottom corner 2-0. 11 minutes played in the 2nd half. 

  Fox is getting on the ball stretching the Portishead defence bringing others into play out on the left is allowed to go on before striking a shot wide from 25 yards out. Portishead make a 2nd change bringing on Keiana Jones for Holloway on the right side. 

  GOAL! A hammer blow for the visitors moments later as Cambridge work the ball forwards well with pace and good build up to extend their lead into Davies right side over half way put infield for Crisp she in turn releases it quickly into Fox ahead of her 20 yards out has Jenkins wide to the left rolls the ball into her feet the cross flung in dipping in the six yard box where Davies has raced in clear to lunge at the ball and send it past the keeper into the roof of the net to score her 1st goal of the season 3-0.

 Cambridge make a double change bringing of Jenkins and Baker with Faith Hewitt and Ella Marden coming on. Re breaks forwards for Cambridge on for Davies, checks back to square it to Re top of the area plays it across the area towards the far post Marden closing in a low ball back into the six yard box easily gathered by Fensome. A corner ball for Cambridge right side Portishead defending the initial delivery comes out to Griffin her strike charged down the counter is on Zajaczkowski in the middle out to Jones left side spreads it to the right looking for Hill, after it but Bennett has a slight head start slides in to take the ball away from the attacker. 

  Jones with good footwork the ball at her feet left side makes ground finding her way infield before striking the ball from all of 30 yards out, doesn’t trouble Markwell. Davies onto a diagonal ball takes it inside moving across the top of the area shoots the ball deflected off a defender away for a corner. Fensome up well at the back stick to punch it away under challenge from Otten. Cambridge make another change re coming off for Libby Fraser. Watts driving on through the middle for Portishead lays it off to Zajaczkowski who flicks it up for Lindsey, the ball just won’t fall favourably for the attacker as she is closed down. 

  GOAL! The game moving into the final quarter hour, Cambridge have possession left win a free-kick 25 or so yards out in front of the area. Fox on the set-piece, strikes the ball well pace on it, getting it over the wall with very little lift dropping rapidly has Fensome scrambling across her goal her dive in vain as the ball squeezes in at the near post 4-0.

 Cambridge make a change soon after bringing off Waygood at the back with Amy Haughton coming on. The hosts full of confidence now. Portishead looking tired frustrated jones with the ball left side squared into Watts some 40 yards out lines up a strike the ball falling wide of Markwell’s left post. 

  Fensome with another superb save as Fox strong on the ball bursts into the box from a central position moving right holds off the defence sneaking a shot through on goal Fensome sharp to react throwing out a leg to deflect the ball away with her foot. Cambridge gathering the loose ball out to Griffin right of the D with a shot in on the angle from 25 yards the Portishead keeper dropping forwards to smother the ball. The game is stretched late on Portishead looking to find a goal taking a few risks at the back, Lowe in to tackle Fox as she sees the ball into her feet outside the area. 

  Griffin getting hold of the ball in the middle playing it on for Fox left side beating the offside trap races on smashing a shot on the angle, Fensome across her post saving well palming the ball down and behind for a corner kick. Cambridge finishing the game strong Portishead threaten the counter as Zajaczkowski dives in to win the ball sent on for Lindsey up top , left side, Davies back in defence now slides in to take the ball off her feet for a throw. Portishead come on Watts taking the ball on through the middle riding a tackle passes to Jones left side her early cross into the box seeing Lindsey evade her marker to steal in onto it and strike a shot wide across the face of goal. 

  Fox 30 yards out lifting a pass out to Hewitt getting forwards on the left play stretched strikes it into the box on the half volley, Marden running in far post catching the dropping ball on the volley from six yards sends the ball over the bar. Fraser tackles well central escapes with the ball to thread it through for Fox up top, Lowe gets across her run to shield the ball back to her keeper, Into the closing moments of the game a throw on the right for Cambridge seen down to her feet by Fox checks inside shifting the ball onto her left foot plays it into the area, Griffin with the run, Lowe defending drops to Hewitt 30 yards out blazes her strike over the bar. 

Full time Cambridge United WFC 4-0 Portishead Town Ladies

   Cambridge proving to be the better side over 90 minutes, had their chances first half, the lead by a single goal however saw Portishead far from out of the tie. The visitors aiming to get on the front foot 2nd half falling further behind a 3rd goal soon following for Cambridge as the hosts stretched their opponents well. Showing good movement n and off the ball throughout with the defensive unit not leaving any gaps, Portishead could find no way through their chances limited. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match (better not change my mind now) It was a tough one several performances of note. First for Portishead, Rosie Hill carried a threat on the left of attack enjoying a good contest with Re looked the most likely to unlock the defence. Lulu Watts coming on 2nd half was strong in the middle making several driving runs on the ball. Chloe Fensome pulling off some fantastic saves. For Cambridge was an all round strong team performance the defence solid. Abbi Griffin with some wonderful passing play in the middle of the park. Ruth Fox in attack led the line well taking on players and looking to bring others into play, both close to winning the award today but just edging them out is Abi Davies out on the right of attack was a constant threat with her pace and determination to get forwards.

  An entertaining game from the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, Cambridge progressing to the Cup proper, Portishead will now enter the Plate competition. Good to see another new side in action. Despite the result today can see the attacking threat they carry. My thanks to both sides for providing the team details today as always it’s much appreciated. Good luck to both in their respective cup competitions.

by Darren Gilham