Sunday 7th April

ERWFL Premier Division

Into the final 2 months of the season, crucial games up and down the league tables, teams battling for titles and promotion. And it’s a top of the table clash this Sunday on Women’s Football East, from the ERWFL Premier Division with a trip to Bedfordshire to watch, leaders Real Bedford Ladies, looking strong at the top in  their debut season under their new banner with a 100% taking on 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women.

The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid in the east of England. An extremely difficult league to get out of with only one promotion spot as champions offered. Success earning the title winners a place in the FAWNL. Both today’s opponents having had a brief taste of life in the 4th tier.

Real Bedford Ladies formerly known as Bedford Ladies a long established side in the ERWFL. Moving to neighbouring Real Bedford the season prior adopting the name this season. The change seeing the senior women’s side bringing in a host of new players with plenty of experience in the ERWFL and the FAWNL above as they look to fulfil some very ambitious plans to progress up the pyramid. Initially under new manager Dean Perrett, has since departed with Georgia Clarke taking over the role. Not altering Real Bedford’s form one bit sitting 7 points clear at the top with a perfect record winning all 15league games so far.

In fact their only loss so far this season was at home to tier 3 Billericay Town Women in the FA Women’s Cup, (the one game I covered for WF East) that aside have also reached the finals of both the ERWFL League Cup and Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup where they will play Wroxham Women and AFC Dunstable Women respectfully. Have scored plenty of goals too with over a hundred shared amongst 15 different scorers. Top of the charts a Bedford legend, Natasha Fensome always prolific in front of goal bagging herself 29 so far from 22 appearances. 2nd and 3rd are new signings, Gemma Croucher and Francesca Partridge on 18 and 17 a piece with Neve Mayes scoring 13 and Chloe martin also into double figures.

Looking to end Real Bedford’s 100% are today’s visitors Haringey Borough Women, a run of 5 straight league wins powering them up into 2nd spot, have been amongst the sides looking to chase down the leaders all season. Are another of the most established clubs in the ERWFL, know what it takes to win the title and promotion to the FAWNL having done it back in 2017. There stay brief the North London club is back up there challenging at the top and will fancy their chances today having narrowly lost 3-2 in the reverse figure at the start of the year.

Haringey like Real Bedford have plenty of goals throughout the side with 12 different scorers this season. Bringing through another group of young talented players. Victoria Campbell leading the way with 22 to her name from 20 appearances. Ronnell Humes has found the back of the net for 15 goals with Kylie Manktelow also into double figures on 12 for the season. Have played 3 games more than Real Bedford and would need a lot to go their way to pip them to the title but nevertheless are will placed for a top three finish

McMullin Park the venue for this afternoon, ERWFL Premier Division match, just off the A421, parking leading into the ground itself, the clubhouse and bar by the entrance serving hot food and drinks. The stadium beyond a small seated stand beside a large grass pitch in great condition bearing in mind all the wet weather recently. A bright sunny day with a strong wind blowing across the pitch from one goal to the other. The teams walling out onto the pitch Real Bedford with today’s mascots.

Real Bedford Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Amy Reed, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin, Georgie Giddings, Erin Price, Gemma Croucher Amber Smith, Chloe Martin, Francesca Partridge & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Zara Carroll, Neve Mayes, Sophie Billing, Sophie Mulvihill & Lauren Coppin.

Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Liamara Hensel-Burg, Lexi Wade, Lola Shack, Chloe Ions, Summer Young, Rimini Lowe, Emily Pickard, Kylie Manktelow, Ronnell Humes (C), Jada Pollendine & Marta Boabonay. Subs – Victoria Campbell, Amy Hayes & Lillian Hart.

(roll on roll off substitutes) 

  Haringey with the wind at their backs in the 1st half taking the kick-off wearing their away colours green shirts and socks with black shorts. Bedford lined up opposite wearing  light orange coloured shirts with black shoulders, black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Kylie Manktelow in midfield she clips it long out to the right for Marta Boabonay to chase, too strong the ball carrying through to Bedford goalkeeper and captain, Sarah Hudson.

An early change for Haringey the switch made seeing Jada Pollendine coming off up top, Victoria Campbell sent on. Erin Price getting hold of the ball in the middle for Bedford laying the pass forwards for Natasha Fensome play switched out to the left with Chloe Martin on the move, Lexi Wade getting back at her to defend for Haringey prevent the cross from coming into the box.

Bedford looking to get the ball into the channels, Price on for Amber Smith away on the right, Emily Pickard tracking back with her sliding in to charge down her cross, deflect the ball behind for the corner kick. Lisa Milliken coming forwards to take the corner on the right, fired in deep towards the far post, Martin getting up to head the ball turns her effort wide of the left post.

Bedford with a lively start, Gemma Franklin with a strong challenge at the back to regain possession forwards into midfield for Gemma Croucher has Price with her laying the ball off Price sweeps the pass wide out to the left wing, Martin on the move getting hold of the ball whipping a cross into the six yard box, Fensome there under the ball, puts her header over the crossbar.

Haringey battling for the ball in the middle of the park, Manktelow forwards for Campbell looking to pull off the defence into the right channel, Franklin throwing a leg out to intercept the ball turning it out for a throw. Haringey working the ball down the line bringing themselves a corner kick. Chloe Ions to swing the delivery in across goal headed back out to the right side Ions on it up the line for Haringey captain, Ronnell Humes on the angle 30 yards out smashes a ball in across to the far post, defended by Amy Reed for Bedford before being knocked out of play for a goal kick.

A busy start to the game both sides looking to be positive get the ball moving forwards as quickly as possible. Fensome gathering the ball into her feet with a driving run through the middle sending the ball on for Francesca Partridge up top pulling into the left channel, Summer Young getting in the tackle at the back for Haringey.

The visitors winning a free-kick inside the Bedford half the ball launched into the box, headed clear by the Bedford defence falls straight to Manktelow 25 yards out chips the ball back in towards goal on the half volley, straight at the keeper, Hudson right behind it with a comfortable catch. Lola Shack playing the ball on for Boabonay peeling away to attack on the right strikes the ball on the angle low and fast towards the near post Hudson has the angle covered.

 GOAL! Just past the quarter hour mark and Haringey take the lead, the ball played up to Humes pressing Reed in possession wide getting hold of the ball, turning inside 30 yards out, Franklin coming to close her down the attacker takes the ball wide of her opening up the angle to shoot, puts her foot through the ball left of the D, I’m right behind it, it’s struck well, put the camera down as it looks in all the way whipping up over Hudson to drop into the back of the net 0-1.

Bedford looking for a quick response to falling behind the ball fed out to Martin racing on down the left wing her cross, bouncing into the six yard box, Smith looking to attack it far post, goalkeeper, Liamara Hansel-Burg called into action throwing herself across to make the blocking save. The visitors set off on the counter attack the ball lifted on for Humes to take forwards on the left, Reed defending for Bedford the ball rebounding back to Ions she opens up her body to fire a dangerous ball high in towards goal, wind assisted Hudson stretching to get to the falling ball back on her line does brilliantly to get her glove on the ball turn it behind for the corner kick.

Another vicious in swinger from Ions on the right drops at the far post the ball stabbed goal wards, Hudson down smartly on her line to get hold of it. End to end at times the game lively little time on the ball played forwards, Croucher out to Martin left winning a corner kick. Clipped in across the six yard box comes through to Price positioned beyond the far post heads the ball wide.

Georgie Giddings on the ball for Bedford played on for Price to lay the diagonal pass out to Martin left side, tracking inside on the angle 20 yards out has an attempt on goal fires her shot straight into the arms for Hensel-Burg. Bedford regaining possession on through the middle Croucher passing the ball left for Martin to battle her way on down the line firing a cross into the six yards box, Partridge central can’t quite connect the ball not safe Haringey struggle to clear it, as Fensome takes a swing at it throws her arms up in frustration as the ball swerves wide of the right post.

Midway through the half, Haringey competing for everything, Rimini Lowe playing the ball into Manktelow who sends it up top for Campbell, back to goal 25 yards out looks to play Boabonay in behind on the right, Milliken with a vital interception for Bedford. Boabonay coming off then with Jada Pollendine returning to the action. Young tackling at the back to win the ball back for Haringey does well before being fouled trying to bring the ball away.

Humes playing on the right after the switch, the ball put out to her see’s her cross charged down for a corner. From the right another dangerous ball swung into the area, the crossbar struck, Bedford struggling to deal with the pace on the ball scramble it clear, look for the quick counter attack however the ball meant to release Fensome see’s her instead flagged for offside.

Fensome turning on the ball threading the pass on into the right channel to release Smith charging forwards shoots on the angle power behind the rising ball, Hensel-Burg across to cover the angle palming the ball up into the air and claiming it. Haringey coming forwards Shack on for Ions left side looking for Pollendine in attack, Reed into challenge for Bedford, Ions after the loose ball her cross cut out by Giddings. Humes right channel looks to turn get in behind Franklin the defender getting back at her going to ground to block her cross turn the ball behind for the corner kick.

GOAL! Haringey’s corners have caused Bedford problems all half and aided by the wind blowing towards there goal certainly favours Ions in swinging deliveries as she once again gets plenty of pace on the ball fired in across the face of goal, no one can get a touch but not needed as it whips inside the far post to see the visitors double their lead in the 31st minute 0-2.

A blow for Bedford as they restart the game attacking on the right Ions in to challenge Smith plays the ball up the line for Pollendine, tussling with Franklin for the ball, Bedford win it back played central into Fensome sweeps it out to Martin on the left, lifts her cross into the box, Partridge’s shot blocked the ball deflected behind for the corner. Swung into the box from the left Croucher looking to attack it central falls out towards Fensome positioned top of the area, slices her volley wide of the mark.

Shack with Ions on the left for Haringey the ball on for Pollendine checks inside looking to thread the ball in behind for Campbell making a central run, Franklin with a crucial cut out for Bedford at the back.

Bedford mounting an attack Giddings to Partridge central plays it inside for Fensome 20 out puts the pass into the area with Croucher stealing in between the centre backs the flag going up against her straight away even as the ball runs past her on for Partridge coming round the back to send the ball home, the goal won’t stand.

GOAL! Ions is sent tumbling in midfield the free-kick awarded to Haringey inside the Bedford half, left of the centre circle. Lowe placing the ball on the ground the wind assisting anything the visitors play forwards, Lowe sets her stance before moving to strike the ball I’m right behind this one again and it’s a beauty of a strike heading for the top corner has Hudson in trouble as it drops late under the crossbar and Lowe celebrates her 5th of the season and Haringey’s 3rd 0-3.

Again Bedford are straight on the offensive from the restart the ball put on for Partridge powering into the left channel striking the ball on the half volley 25 yards out her effort saved confidently by Hensel-Burg. The hosts winning a throw high on the right Price getting the ball down for Smith, Shack tackling for Haringey. The Haringey defence battling for everything in to block crosses and close Bedford down in the final 3rd. Winning a free-kick wide left another opportunity to fire the ball in towards goal, whipped in on target, Hudson getting up well to deal with the threat.

GOAL! Into the closing stages of the first half Haringey getting on down the right, Humes taking the ball on her cross charged down turned behind for the corner. Ions to whip the ball in across the face of goal again, Campbell positioned at the far post getting her head onto the ball to send it over the line and extend the visitors lead 0-4.

Half-time Real Bedford Ladies 0-4 Haringey Borough Women

Bedford head into the dressing room, with their 100% league record under serious threat, trailing 4-0, Haringey remain out on the field buzzing from their first half performance. An entertaining match with both sides looking to get forwards quickly both creating opportunities early on the opening goal on 17 minutes. Bedford looking for a quick reply forcing a save from the Haringey keeper, Hensel-Burg. The wind aiding Haringey going forwards took full advantage Bedford struggling to deal with their corners Ions in swinging delivery going straight in to make it 2-0, Campbell on the end of another delivery to make it 4 with a superb free-kick from Rimini Lowe in between. A tough task now for Bedford to get back into the match, but they have a side full of goals will be keen to pull an early goal back.

So much so they are out onto the pitch early for the 2nd half, Haringey excited to get going too, just one thing missing the officials and nothing can happen without them, half-time tea drunk the game is ready to restart. Bedford with a change, Zara Carroll on to replace Giddings in midfield. Bedford with the wind advantage in the 2nd half as they get thing’s underway the hosts looking to get on Croucher linking up with Price in the middle the ball out to Smith on the right dealt with.

Has been a physical game with some robust challenges, but between two sides who just get on with it. Bedford with a free-kick in midfield, Carroll on the pitch now a set piece specialist striking the ball up towards the box, Young heading it away for Haringey drops to Milliken 30 yards out on the left sends it back in on the angle, Hensel-Burg with a comfortable claim inside her six yard box.

Ions picking up a knock needs to have treatment, up and moving to the side lines is okay to play on. Price winning Bedford a free-kick on the right struck on the angle with pace the ball is driven wide past the far post. Bedford looking for an early goal to mount their fightback attacking down the left Fensome up with Martin the cross fired in with pace towards the near post Partridge racing in to attack it struck up against the crossbar and over, a corner signalled must have taken a nick off a defender. The corner curled onto the roof of the net.

Partridge taking the ball on up the left channel forcing Haringey into conceding the corner. From the left whipped in across the six yard box attacked beyond the far post turned wide. Pushing players on Haringey with their lead can sit back choose their moments to attack, Pickard winning it at the back on for Manktelow who picks out Pollendine on the move down the right breaking for the by-line looking to get into the area Milliken recovers to get back on her and put in the tackle, the ball launched clear.

Fensome brought down as she attacks wide left on half way. Milliken to send the free-kick into the area swung in central looping over Fensome, Partridge rushing in at the far post, Hensel-Burg down smartly on her line stretching to smother the ball into her body.

Hensel-Burg called up as Bedford attack the ball out to Smith right fires a cross in to the far post looking for Fensome racing in to attack it, the keeper moving across to try and cover the angle as the ball lands just behind Fensome, Martin though is running into the area on the follow-up six yards out looks to smash the ball goal wards, her effort rising, Hensel-Burg gets up off the ground excellently to make herself big throwing her arms up to tip the ball over the bar.

It’s a scrappy game now Bedford putting the pressure on Haringey battling for everything at the back. Milliken left clips the ball forwards for Fensome, into the area too much to do as it runs safely through to Hensel-Burg. Fensome nipping into win the ball at the back sends it out to Martin wide on the left she lifts her high cross looping up into the six yard box dropping central, Hensel-Burg keeps her eye on it making the catch above her head not distracted by Croucher closing her down.

Smith running onto a diagonal ball played out to her on the right taking it on sees her cross blocked by Pickard for Haringey. The hosts winning a corner on the left fired into the near side defended by Campbell behind for another corner. Put into the mix the ball is cleared out to the right falling to Fensome on the angle strikes it back in towards goal, Hensel-Burg with another brilliant save to turn the ball over the bar for a corner out on the left.

 GOAL! The pressure tells with Bedford pulling a goal back past the hour the corner powered in across the six yard box coming to Price at the far post meets it well to drive her header back across the goal and over the line 1-4.

Bedford making a double change after the goal breaking on Sophie Billing and Neve Mayes to replace Martin and Partridge in attack. The ball won back in the middle played out to Fensome pulling into space wide left turns her marker to get in behind to cross the ball in central, Mayes on the spot closing it down, Hensel-Burg reacting sharply getting down to save block the ball on the line.

Young with a vital header at the back to clear Milliken’s diagonal ball aimed to Mayes pulling off the right channel. Time for a double switch from Haringey with Boabonay coming back on along with Amy Hayes replacing Pollendine and Campbell. Bedford attacking up the right the ball inside for Fensome, Wade closing her down making the tackle for Haringey. The clock ticking down, Haringey working hard, frustrating Bedford as they look to get the ball forwards. Lowe on the end of a strong challenge up ended as she looks to take the ball forwards for the visitors.

Hensel-Burg saving for Haringey again getting down to hold onto the ball as Fensome steals possession back left corner of the area to fire a shot in low on the angle. Franklin at the back for Bedford getting back t tackle Humes as she looks to break in behind down the left, the ball back to Carroll, lifts it forwards towards Billings, Manktelow closing her down for Haringey.

Humes marauding forwards down the left flank for Haringey, Franklin stretching dives in to make the tackle send the ball behind for the corner. A change before the corner for the visitors Shack coming off, Lillian Hart sent on moving up into the box. Swung in across the area, Reed defending getting her head on it Hudson catching the ball looking to get her side moving.

Lauren Coppin coming on for Bedford replacing Smith on the right side of attack. Haringey scrapping for ball winning it back central looking for Humes bursting down the left, too much for her to do this time. Bedford with a corner out on the right curled in across the face of goal knocked down, Hensel-Burg throwing herself down on her line getting behind it to save.

Haringey winning a free-kick wide a chance for Manktelow to play the ball into the area from the right put across to the far post knocked down back across to the opposite post, Hudson across well to lay claim to the ball with Hart closing in. Bedford counter rapidly the ball lifted long up the left Fensome to whip the ball in across the face of goal, Coppin throwing herself at the ball far post, can’t get a touch.

Price taking the ball through the middle forwards into Mayes out to Fensome inside the left channel, but can’t quite take it on as Lowe gets her challenge in. Hensel-Burg throwing her glove up with the faintest of glances to deflect Coppin’s cross from the right onto the roof of her net.

Haringey’s goalkeeper, keeping Bedford at bay with another superb save this time on Fensome central as the ball is crossed into her from the right, getting her foot up over the ball looks to strike it back to the right post, Hensel-Burg diving full stretch to her left to keep the shot out.

More goalkeeping heroic’s from Hensel-Burg a double save as the ball is fired at her from close range by Mayes inside the six yard box off a Coppin ball fired in from the right. Hensel-Burg everywhere in the six yard box throwing her body on the line to thwart Bedford as they fight to get a goal.

An intense finish to the game Haringey fighting to keep Bedford out at one end looking for the chance to counter up the other with Humes and Boabonay working the channels left and right ready to run in behind. Milliken pushed up late on with a scuffed shot 30 yards out central running through to the keeper. Humes surging into the box from the left flank crowed off the ball by the Bedford defence.

Full time Real Bedford Ladies 1-4 Haringey Borough Women

The final whistle blows and Haringey celebrate as they win the 3 points and bring an end to Bedford’s 100% league record. Closing the gap at the top to 4 points. Battled hard for the win, the damage done in the first half. A 4 goal cushion to defend was always going to be a hard task to find a way back into the game but Bedford gave it a good go 2nd half creating chances only came up against a determined defence and goalkeeper. 15 league wins on the spin is no less an incredible achievement and Bedford shouldn’t be to disappointed. Seen a few of these runs end over the season’s they take some doing and no doubt the club will be setting it’s sights on a new run.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. For the 3rd game in a row it’s a straight forward decision, isn’t often the case, but another clear winner today. A few performances of note to mention first though. For Bedford, Erin Price won the ball well in the middle and drove forwards with it at her feet looking to bring her attackers into play. Gemma Franklin with some vital stops at the back. Natasha Fensome working hard up top to create goal scoring opportunities for herself and others, just wasn’t to be today. For Haringey captain Ronnell Humes was strong on the ball in attack a ready outlet looking to take on the defence opened the scoring. Chloe Ions corner deliveries a threat throughout especially first half scoring from one and assisting the 4th goal. Lola Shack with several important tackles at the back along side Summer Young and Rimini Lowe. Kylie Manktelow with some excellent passing from midfield. The award though goes to Haringey’s 17 year old goalkeeper, Liamara Hensel-Burg what a performance, acrobatic threw herself into her saves getting across her line to make several vital stops and help keep her sides lead largely intact.

Another entertaining game from the ERWFL Premier Division. An enjoyable trip to Bedfordshire. Whether I’ll be welcome at McMullin Park again is another matter as Bedford have only lost twice this season and I’ve been there both times (sorry). Still it’s a welcoming club and I appreciate the help from both sides today.

by Darren Gilham