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Match Report – Royston Town Women v Watford Ladies Development

Sunday 2nd November

ERWFL Premier Division

 A trip to Hertfordshire this Sunday to take in a game from the ERWFL Premier Division. Incredibly tight in the league with just 6 points separating the top 10 sides, Royston Town Women currently 5th play host to 2nd placed Watford Ladies Development.

 The ERWFL Premier Division always highly competitive representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. 12 sides competing for promotion to the FAWNL above. Stevenage FC Women having made a strong investment in their squad this season leading the way currently unbeaten gunning for the title, but can’t afford to let their foot of the pedal with the chasing park right on their tail, tight just 6 points between them and current 10th placed side Wroxham Women.

 Royston Town Women themselves have added to their squad this season following a strong campaign last time out that saw the Hertfordshire side, leading the way for much of the season, eventually overhauled by Luton Town Ladies, finished 3rd while retaining the Hertfordshire County Cup following their 1st ever win the competition the season before. Have been busy recruiting new faces to add to the squad while re-establishing their Development side, playing in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One.

 Kiaya Payne, Hannah Bodily and Bella Simmons the latest trio to join Royston. Payne joining from today’s opponents Watford Ladies Development. Hannah Bodily joining from local rivals Stevenage after a couple of season’s was regularly a top performer playing in midfield. Bella Simmons joins on a dual registration from FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC and has 4 goals already from her 5 appearances. Emma Slater always amongst the goals for Royston leading the way this time around too, finding the back of the net for 11 goals. With Jordanne Sillitoe and Laura Mills both on 8 goals apiece.

 Watford Ladies Development making the move across to the ERWFL a couple of season’s ago as the league pushed to reach it’s full potential of having 36 clubs playing across it’s 3 Division’s, won the Division One South title in their debut season in the East to win promotion to the Premier Division, retaining that status last season. Ali Abdulkadir taking over as first team manager this season a strong start seeing them win 3 out of their 4 opening matches propelling them into 2nd spot in the table a mixed bag of results since seeing them firmly in the cluster of side sides chasing leaders Stevenage.

 An independent women’s football club have recently joined forces with Watford FC Women playing in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, seeing the two leading women’s football clubs in Watford combine to provide a strong pathway for girls and women’s football in the Watford area, with close to 30 youth teams, have a Development side playing in the Beds and Herts women’s football league. Jada Deane top scorer with 6 goals to her name. Rebecca Lovelace and Olivia Oshodi both on 5 goals. With Madeleine Pollard and Kaya Bamber on 4 each.

 Royston Town FC’s Garden Walk stadium the venue for todays match, the sloping grass pitch situated in a residential area tucked away behind houses. Royston work hard to promote their women’s team an enhance the matchday experience. The clubhouse and bar open along with a food van serving hot and cold drinks. Have a merchandise stand too, selling amongst other thing’s some very stylish trading cards featuring the women’s team’s players and staff. Into November still relatively mild with the sun bright over the stadium, a potential problem at the lower end of the ground, decidedly chilly in the shade however, with a variety of stands seated and terraced dotted about the ground.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Dilly Haslehurst, Kiaya Payne, Jodie Donley, Amy Houghton (C). Hannah Bodily, Sofia Castiglione, Ri Badal, Amy Reed, Laura Mills & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Tilly Want, Emma Slater, Stacey Roper, Eloise Cattini & Ailsa Heal.

Royston Town Women

 Watford Ladies Development starting XI – Shannon Swallow, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads, Georgia Elmer-Roads, Amelie Elliott, Aliyah Cristal Anderson, Phoebe Brown, Ella Parker, Jessica Wright, Rebecca Lovelace (C), Isla Bellamy & Jada-Chey’ah Graham. Subs – Sophie Adamou & Sofia Jones-Ghartouchent.

Watford Ladies Development

A late change in the starting line-up for Royston with, Dilly Haslehurst coming in for Emma Slater who drops to the bench. 5 on the bench for Royston, Watford naming just the two substitute’s, it’s the visitors to have the kick-off in the 1st half attacking down the slope, wearing red and yellow vertical striped shirts with red shorts and red and yellow socks. Royston wearing their home strip, white shirts and socks with black shorts. 

Captains, Rebecca Lovelace and Amy Houghton with today’s match officials

 The ball played back into midfield lifted long through the middle comfortably dealt with by the Royston defence, coming to Sofia Castiglione in midfield looks to thread a ball through into the right channel for Ri Badal to attack, Watford goalkeeper, Shannon Swallow sharp out to the edge of her box to grab the ball up into her gloves. Watford build on the left the ball fed on for Jada Chey’ah Graham, pushes down wing the ball played into the box, Kyana Payne across on the cover from left back to intercept and clear for the hosts.

  Both sides probing in the early exchanges snapping in to try and steal the ball in midfield a few free-kicks given away as a result. Royston with a set-piece on halfway the ball launched up to the top of the area, Amelie Elliott defending for Watford, fouled in the process winning the free-kick. Amy Reed showing attacking intent for Royston pushed up on the left comes inside linking up with Castiglione, bombing on looking for the return pass into the channel, Swallow is again alert to the threat rushing out to the top of her box to claim the ball.

Shannon Swallow coming to collect the ball for Watford

  The visitors look to mount a rapid counter attack, captain, Rebecca Lovelace carrying the ball on through the middle, Jodie Donley closing her down at the back to clear the ball out for a throw. Both sides keen to get the ball into the channels, Royston winning the ball back in the middle, Hannah Bodily combining with Castiglione taking the ball on threaded on for Reed left side, Elliott getting in between her and the ball to see it back to her keeper to clear.

 Royston snapping in to win the ball pushing players on Reed and Badal looking to join Jordanne Sillitoe and Laura Mills in attack. Bodily with Castiglione through the middle again advancing with the ball slid into Reed high on the left, cuts it back into Castiglione 25 yards out left side outside the box, lines up a shot on goal, curled wide past the far post. 

 The visitors looking to get the ball into their attackers quickly, Graham and Isla Bellamy right side pushing on with Lovelace making some surging runs through the middle, Amy Houghton captaining Royston with a vital interception at the back as her defence pushes up. Graham bringing the ball on through the middle sending it out to the right for Bellamy, does well to keep it in play before taking it down the wing  Payne getting back at her, Bellamy charging down her attempt to clear the ball and delivers a cross into the top of the D, met by Phoebe Brown leaning into her shot strikes the ball over the bar.

Watford’s Jada-Chey’ah Graham

 Swallow out again to the corner of her area, getting to the ball first before Reed can race onto it for Royston. Watford aiming to get the ball on rapidly through the middle, Royston’s defence pushed up at times a mis-up sees the ball bounce on clear for Bellamy too latch onto right of the D, blasts a powerful strike in on goal, coming at Carter quickly the goalkeeper, saves well beating the ball down to bounce away to her right post, her defence seeing the ball away to safety.

Watford’s Isla Bellamy

  GOAL! A lively opening 12 minutes with Royston keen to get the ball forwards, Swallow so far coming to the top of her area ready to get hold of the ball, is undo this time however as Mills on the shoulder of defender, Aliyah Cristal Anderson nips in to get her foot onto the ball before the advancing keeper can get hold of it to knock it on past her an chase the rolling ball on into the back of the net 1-0.

Laura Mills opens the scoring for Royston

 Watford behind in the opening quarter hour drive on with the ball left clipped inside, Payne clearing the ball for a corner before Bellamy can steal through on goal. Curled in from the left to the far post the ball cleared to the top of the area, to Brown left of the D, her shot charged down the ball looping up into the area dropping towards goal, Millie Carter bringing it down safely into her gloves for Royston.

 Reed played in on the left for Royston cutting the ball back in across the top of the area looking for Sillitoe, Swallow getting their first to snatch the ball up into her gloves. Mills picking out Reed again on the left, challenged by Watford full back, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads, manages to squeeze a cross into the six yard box, Swallow diving down to get behind the ball. Royston pressing on the right, Badal with Mills winning a throw, lifted on into the area, Elliott heading it behind for a corner kick. Swung into the crowded six yard box, headed away to the left, play stopped with a Watford player down with a head injury.

  A pause in play but all is OK. The hosts pushing on using the flanks, Reed strong forcing a throw, the ball played in across the top of the area, Anderson back to defend tackling Badal right side as she looks to drive into the box. Jessica Wright winning the ball for Watford putting it on for Graham driving forwards plays the ball out to Brown on the left side for Watford strong looking to push her way into the box, Dilly Haselhurst staying on her well to get a challenge in take the ball off her feet before she can wriggle free to shoot.

Royston’s Amy Reed with Watford’s Kayleigh Elmer-Roads

  A competitive tussle in the middle of the park, Ella Parker knocking the ball on through the middle for Watford, Lovelace making some strong runs to get up with the attackers, Donley, and then Houghton called into action to cut the ball out as the visitors press to find a way in behind. Bodily feeding the ball into the left flank for Reed, surging up the line, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads tracking her to challenge deny the cross.

Royston captain Amy Houghton clearing the ball

 Bodily closing the ball down for Royston as Graham and Bellamy combine looking to make inroads on the right. Sillitoe on the ball linking up with Mills and Badal on the right for Royston the ball turned back inside for Sillitoe inside the box, Anderson tackling her the ball going away for a corner kick. Sillitoe hurt in the attack, brought off with Royston sending on Emma Slater to join the attack. Swung in dangerously across the six yard box, Slater leaping almost gets to it but Watford can see it out far side.

  Donley stands up well to close Lovelace down as she takes control of the ball through the middle drives forwards. The ball popping about in the middle, no quarter given rarely still, Bodily dropping the ball into the right channel for Slater, Georgia Elmer-Roads closing her down to see the ball out for a throw. Slater off the throw hooking the ball back up over her shoulder into the Watford area, Elliott getting her head on it to put behind for a corner kick at the near post. 

 

 Royston looking a threat from corners the ball curled into the near post defended knocked down back to the right, Reed onto the ball snatches a shot in back on goal, on the angle, Swallow right behind down quickly to save. The hosts press well on the right Badal linking up with Slater and Mills the latter shooting from distance from the angle her effort wide across the face of goal.

Watford captain, Rebecca Lovelace

 Swallow the busier of the two goal keepers, saving with her legs and she comes out to close the angle on Reed as she is played in on the left. Moments later makes a great one arm save as Slater is played in on goal left inside the box, sending her shot in across goal, Swallow throwing out her left arm to turn the ball away to the right. Royston keeping it alive fired back in from the right, Swallow down behind it to get hold of the ball.

 Castiglione slides the ball on into the right channel, Anderson dives in to deny Slater. Moving into added time at the end of the 1st half, Royston winning a corner, from the right headed on across goal at the near post on target but straight at the keeper as Swallow claims. 

 GOAL! Watford have carried the threat all through the 1st half the ball knocked on up through the middle, Lovelace attacking it, gets the better of the Royston defence caught high too run on in behind central to bear down on the area, Carter racing out to try and close her down, Lovelace releasing her shot early sending the ball low past the keeper and on into the back of the net to equalise 1-1.

Rebecca Lovelace breaking clear to equalise for Watford

Half-time Royston Town Women 1-1 Watford Ladies Development

 Watford with an equalising goal on the stroke of half-time to change the complexion of the game. Royston with more of the ball pressing players on well opening the scoring in the 12th minute through Laura Mills. That after Watford had a couple of good opportunities themselves to take the lead. Carter called into action to deny Bellamy. Shannon Swallow has been the busier of the two keepers however patrolling the top of the box too claim the ball and make some vital stops.

 Decidedly more chilly at the start of the 2nd half as the sun drops lower still remains a problem with Watford now defending that end. Sofia Jones-Ghartouchent on for Watford replacing Brown. Royston unchanged to get the 2nd period underway, play a long hopeful ball forwards into the Watford box, Swallow can see it bounce wide of her goal. Castiglione taking the ball on for the hosts right side played into Badal squared into the top of the area, Slater fouled the free-kick given away in a dangerous position 25 yards out.

GOAL! Mills over the set-piece as Watford set up to defend, the sun low the ball placed to the right of the D. Mills runs up puts her foot through the ball striking it past over the wall, Swallow wrong footed unable to get across to the right of her goal to stop the ball sailing in right side to see the hosts restore their lead right at the start of the 2nd half 2-1.

Laura Mills scores from the early 2nd half free-kick to restore Royston’s lead

 Mills moving into double figures for the season with her 2nd of the game. Royston full of attacking intent at the start of the 2nd half pushing on with the ball, Slater lively played in on the right, knocking the ball on down the wing cuts it back inside to Badal top of the area right of the D, her touch sending it on into the area for Reed ahead of her, drills her snap shot wide of the right post.

  Slater busy, on the right and on the left, coming in from the wing left side lines up a 20 yard strike, Wright lunging in to charge the ball down for Watford. Bodily and Castiglione chasing the ball down in the middle, keeping Watford pinned back, Badal put in on the right surging on with the ball, Anderson closing her down for the visitors. Watford breaking out from the back winning a free-kick inside the Royston half. Left side a long way out, Parker over it an ambitious effort on goal, Carter coming across her goal can see it bounce wide of her left post.

  Badal taking the ball on right side for Royston turning infield pushing it into the middle for Slater, has Reed ahead of her top of the D, she in turn plays it into the box as Badal continues her run looking to steal in on goal, Georgia Elmer-Roads with a timely tackle for the visitors. Royston on top early in the 2nd half Watford unable to get the ball out of their half to get their attackers on the ball. 

Watford’s Jessica Wright

 Slater played in as she makes a run down into the right getting after the ball on the by-line cuts it back into the area into the path of the advancing Mills, leaning back to strike the ball in across goal, rising her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. A brief pause the ball striking a child behind the goal, everyone ensuring all is well, Mills herself checking on the wellbeing to the unfortunate victim.

 Haselhurst racing past Badal on the overlap on the right her cross blocked by Georgia Elmer-Roads turned behind for a corner kick. From the right the ball sung in across a packed six yard box, Swallow coming in amongst the melee to try and claim the ball taking a blow to the head. Down play stopped as she receives treatment. Up okay for now, another corner awarded out on the left. Swung into the near post, Swallow comes for it undeterred diving forwards onto the ball appearing to aggravate her injury.

 Watford’s defence on the back foot pushed back into their box, Elliott, getting her foot in to tackle Slater as she cuts inside from the left. Elliott again called into action diving in to deny Slater the cross as she is played on by Castiglione on the left. Slater turning provider for Castiglione as she plays the ball inside from the left. the midfielder striking from 20 yards out her attempt close over the bar. 

Watford defender, Amelie Elliott

 Royston on top Haselhurst breaking on with the ball right into the corner to sweep a cross into the six yard box, too close to the keeper claimed low by Swallow. A rare opportunity for Watford to break as Lovelace gets onto the ball centrally running forwards attempts to thread it through to Jones-Ghartouchent in the left channel, Donley getting back on her to block her shot, play brought back however with the flag raised for offside.

  Bodily on for Mills bringing the ball on right side on for Badal down the wing her cross turned behind for a corner kick by Anderson. Royston to make a double change before the corner with Payne and Badal coming off to be replaced by Eloise Cattini and Ailsa Heal making her debut for the 1st team.

GOAL! Royston’s corner kicks causing problems as the host push players into the six yard box as the delivery is curled in from the right, swallow going for it near side unable to get a firm touch as it drops down into ground at the far post, stabbed over the line, Royston open up a 2 goal lead, Slater credited with the goal 3-1.

Emma Slater scores Royston’s 3rd

 

 Midway through the 2nd half Royston taking charge of the contest 2nd half, keeping the ball inside the Watford half throwing players forwards. Bodily threading the ball into the box for Slater stealing in clear left of goal, Swallow out well diving in to save at her feet. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads cutting out a diagonal ball flung into the Watford area from the left by Heal. 

Kayleigh Elmer-Roads

 Elliott comes to close Heal down as Royston push on up the left. The hosts awarded a free-kick deep on the left, lifted high into the top of the area, Elliott under it to head clear for the visitors. Some good attacking moves from Royston, Mills taking the ball on down the right inside for Slater top of the area, sends it on into the area for Heal breaking into the box from the left, her snap shot beat away by Swallow as she drops to make the save.

Ailsa Heal

 A corner for Royston out on the left, defended at the near post, no break for the visitors Royston quick to win the ball back, Cattini into Reed shoots wide from range. Watford making a change, Swallow having picked up a knock early in the 2nd half coming off, Watford do have a replacement keeper on the bench as Sophie Adamou enters the action. Royston also making a change, Slater having made an impact since coming on late in the first half coming off, Stacey Roper coming on. 

Watford’s Aliyah Cristal Anderson

 Kayleigh Elmer-Roads tackling Heal as she looks to make ground on the left for the hosts. Reed nipping in to grab hold of the ball left side puts it inside for Cattini to have a wild strike on goal from range, over the bar. Adamou called into action to deny Mills her hat-trick as the attacker is played in on goal left side her shot angled into the near post Adamou down low to push the ball wide for a corner kick.

Watford goalkeeper, Sophie Adamou

  Curled on into the six yard box from the left Adamou getting a glove on the ball turning it on across the six yard box, retrieved by Heal on the right her left foot cross angled back into the far post turned behind for another corner. Adamou getting a stronger hand on this delivery to turn it wide across her goal. Watford’s attacks limited 2nd half haven’t been able to get Bellamy or Graham onto the ball, the latter picking up possession in the middle has support form Georgia Elmer-Road racing on up the left wing, picking her out, her cross into the area is collected cleanly by Carter.

  Mills into Heal on the left, Georgia Elmer-Roads lunging in to put the ball out for a throw. Reed into the box knocking it down for Mills, looks to set up Cattini top of the area, her strike charged down deflected behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! Heal on the corner from the right clipping the ball into the near post, Elliott tracking in to cut the ball out for Watford deflected back out to the right, Heal gathering up the line looking to get the ball onto her left for, lifts the ball back in over everyone to land inside the far post to score on her debut to make it 4-1.

Amelie Elliott rising initially clearing Ailsa Heal’s corner

Ailsa Heal celebrates as she sends the ball back in to score on her debut

 Royston extending their lead in the 85th minute in firm control of the game, Cattini slides in on Anderson to give the foul away. Lovelace with the ball at her feet for Watford going left has support from Parker who helps the ball on for Lovelace to take on the shot from 20 yards out, on target but straight at Carter in the Royston goal. Watford with  free-kick inside the Royston half the ball played on by Parker into the top of the area, Anderson top of the D knocking it on in towards goal, Carter untroubled though gathering the ball up into her gloves.

Cattini mistiming her tackle on Aliyah Cristal Anderson

 A counter up the other end Mills fed onto the ball left channel powering her way into the box, Anderson on her shoulder, Mills wide of goal looking to lift her shot over the keeper, Adamou getting an arm up to save tip the ball down dropping to the advancing Cattini top of the area, her strike clipped up over the crossbar. 

Royston’s Eloise Cattini

 The clock ticking down Royston dropping back a little allowing Watford some relieve, Graham on for Jones-Ghartouchent right side, Roper closing her down for the hosts. Anderson defending on Mills as she takes the ball on down the right. Haselhurst off the throw into Cattini her cross into the box cleared by Elliott. The final whistle blows up and Royston with a dominant 2nd half performance claim the 3 points lifting them up to 2nd in the Premier Division table.

Full time Royston Town Women 4-1 Watford Ladies Development

  Royston with a league double over Watford, continue their recent good form to climb above them into 2nd in the table. Remains incredibly tight with sides jockeying for position, Stevenage 3 points clear at the top Royston heading a pack behind with just 3 points separating 2nd to 8th in the table. Sure to remain competitive all season. Royston taking control of the game 2nd half after conceding a last gasp equaliser in the 1st half. Winning the ball well in midfield stifling Watford’s attempts to get forwards kept the visitors pinned back scoring early on. Adding a 2nd midway through the 2nd half created numerous chances forcing saves from both Watford keepers before adding a 4th goal late in the contest.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As often the case a few contenders but one emerging on top I think. Good performances from both sides, firstly for Watford, Shannon Swallow was proactive in goal, making numerous interceptions and saves getting hurt for her efforts eventually forced off. Aliyah Cristal Anderson with some great tackles in defence got across to win the ball. Jada-Chey’ah Graham with some powerful runs on the ball in the 1st half, Royston did well to keep her off the ball 2nd half. Rebecca Lovelace a threat attacking through the middle caused the hosts defence problems. Royston with a strong 2nd half performance, midfielders, Hannah Bodily and Sofia Castiglione winning the ball well keeping the momentum with their side. Amy Reed offering a potent outlet on the left, Ri Badal equally as effective on the right. Emma Slater had a half hour cameo and was impressive getting hold of the ball driving Royston on getting the 3nd goal. The award goes to Laura Mills broke through to open the scoring, made good runs throughout linked up play adding her 2nd early in the 2nd half from a set-piece, unlucky not to go on and claim her hat-trick.

 Another entertaining contest from the ERWFL Premier Division, the league highly competitive this season will be exciting to see how it unfolds. Good to see Watford Ladies Development at last. My thanks to Royston for their help in getting the details for both teams as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 31st Aug

ERWFL Premier Division

 Staying in Norfolk this Sunday with a trip into Norwich to watch my first ERWFL Premier Division match of the season with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Hertfordshire side, Royston Town Women.

 The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. A 12 strong division, with the ERWFL reaching it’s full compliment of 36 sides across it’s 3 divisions. Promotion to the FAWNL for the title winners. With the WSL expansion an extra two promotion spots will be available across the whole 8 regional sections with the 2 best runners-up gaining promotion, several criteria apply to achieve this and it’ll take alot of explaining, but the overall objection is to see an expansion in sides competing in the top 6 tiers of the game of time.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women won promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division at the first attempt upon stepping up to regional football the season before. Back to back promotions the step up from tier 6 to tier 5 is a large one with to level of talent increasing. Dussindale & Hellesdon’s primary goal to survive their debut season in the Premier Division, taking a while to find their feet in the league began to pick up vital points pulling away from the bottom end of the table to record an 8th placed finish.

 The league will only get stronger and the sides competing in it have to grow, Dussindale & Hellesdon are well aware of that and establishing links on and off the pitch to achieve this. Playing at The Nest in the north of Norwich also serving as home for Norwich City Women, work closely with the FAWNL side as well as a ground share this season have dual signed goalkeeper Amber Locker campaign. Also joining the club bringing a wealth of experience playing at a high level in Norfolk is Rachel Cossey, most recently at Wroxham Women takes on a player/coach role. Leilah Gooding also joins from Wroxham. Millie Baggott is another new addition with ERWFL Premier Division experience joining from Needham Market Women. Dussindale & Hellesdon is also known for bringing young players through, the  foundation of the club making it what it is today with 3 new additions to the squad looking to make an impact, Lauren Baxter, Isla Thorne and Amber Goddard.

 Royston Town Women were pushing hard all season at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division trying to win the title and gain promotion to tier 4. One of the longest established clubs at this level just fell short in the finish dropping points late in the season, with eventual champions Luton Town Ladies on a relentless charge to the top of the table. Finishing 3rd in the table, and successful in retaining the Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Cup having won the trophy for the 1st time in 2024. Looking to maintain their place as one of the leading sides in Hertfordshire have re-established their Reserves side for the new campaign, playing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football League.

 Have seen a few experienced players move on over the close season but have retained the services of their talismanic striker, Emma Slater, the ERWFL Premier Division top scorer last season with 35 goals. Have recruited too having brought in some very good additions over recent seasons, looknig good this season too adding the experienced midfielder, Georgie Giddings to the group, with a wealth of experience playing for clubs like Chelsea, Reading, London Bees and MK Dons. Millie Carter was on loan from AFC Sudbury last season and the goalkeeper makes the move permanent this campaign. Also adding quality to the goalkeeping department is the returning Amy Martin. Kate Edwards also joins from Sudbury, one of the best midfielders around if she can get back to her best. Promoting youth too, with Dilly Haslehurst coming into the senior squad from their youth system.

 The Nest a modern sports facility on the outskirts of Norwich to the north of the city. Boasting a number of artificial and grass pitches, newly build and ever expanding very popular. The main pitch by the clubhouse and café to host both Norwich City Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women this season. New turn styles leading into the ground from one corner. A small covered area with some seating on one side of the ground with standing viewing behind both goals. As Norwich grow fear it may need expansion, which of course is a good thing and their is room for it should that happen. The weather bright and sunny on the final day of August, although a little chill in the air when under the clouds, no rain in the forecast this afternoon.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Amber Locker, Ella Kreuz, Holly Walker, Calista Tink (C), Yve Mitchell, Chloe Shipman, Abbie Gilchrist, Millie Baggott, Leilah Gooding, Kyla Langan & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Sofia Odell, Rachel Cossey, Isla Thorne, Rosie George & Kari Kowalcyzk.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Amy Reed, Jodie Donley, Amy Houghton (C), Cerys Davies, Erin Davies, Georgie Giddings, Kate Edwards, Annie Georgiou, Laura Mills & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Dilly Haslehurst, Stacey Roper, Jess Morley, Katie Hayes & Eloise Cattini.

Royston Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  For the 2nd season in a row Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women saw their first home match of the season abandoned due to a serious injury to a player on the pitch, defender, Jess Barnes this time around taking a blow to the face and landing hard. Thankfully after being checked out isn’t too badly damaged and could be back as early as midweek for Dussindale & Hellesdon’s game under the lights away to Wroxham. A few missing for Royston including last season’s top scorer Emma Slater.

Captain’s Calista Tink and Amy Houghton with today’s referee, Edward Colman

 It’s the visitor’s Royston to get the game underway with the sides switching ends at the start the sun high towards the end they are defending could cause a few issues, but the cloud cover will make that sporadic. Royston in their away colours aquamarine shirts and socks with navy shorts. Dussindale & Hellesdon in their all claret kit with a hint of blue on the shirt sleeves.

 GOAL! I’ve seen some quick goals scored at the start of games, but there’s usually a chance to include a line of two of text before, not in this case as Royston get the game underway the ball rolled back to captain Amy Houghton in the centre of defence, sends the pass out to the right for full back, Amy Reed storming forwards on the right, taking the ball on feeds it inside to Laura Mills in attack 25 yards out clips a diagonal ball into the box aiming for the far post, Annie Georgiou racing into the area meeting it on the volley to turn it back across goal past the keeper and in off the far post to open the scoring inside 20 seconds! 0-1. Also on the scoresheet last weekend, Georgiou has already equalled her goals tally for last season.

Annie Georgiou with the quick fire opener for Royston

  A flowing move from the visitors to start the game, catching Dussindale & Hellesdon cold. moving the ball quickly Royston look to get forwards in the opening stages Reed getting on up the right to support Mills and Jordanne Sillitoe in attack, a free-kick won out wide on the right the ball turned in towards the near post, attacked sent over the bar. Abbie Gilchrist snapping in to win the ball through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, fed through to Kyla Langan up to, has Victoria Leyer in close support the pair trying to work the ball in behind, Houghton stepping in to win it back for Royston. 

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

  The ball cleared long Mills breaking into space in the right channel, pushing into the area, Yve Mitchell coming across to close her down for Dussindale & Hellesdon, challenges coming off the defender for a corner kick on the right. A teasing delivery into the six yard box coming in high, Amber Locker getting her arms up claiming the ball confidently to relieve the danger.

  Holly Walker getting the ball forwards on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon, knocked on down the line a throw won in the corner, flung up into the box, Royston struggle to get it clear as Langan and Leyer make their presence felt, Houghton eventually fouled however Royston awarded the free-kick. A lively start Dussindale & Hellesdon pounce on a loose ball outside the box 25 yards out presented to Leyer she rolls it into the path of Millie Baggott coming on off the right wing strikes it on the angle, flies over the crossbar.

 The action end to end both sides intent on getting the ball into their attackers, Reed bursting on for Royston on the right checks inside before sliding the ball into Sillitoe making a run into the area right of goal, Locker rushing out to close her down, slides in, making a brilliant save to block at her feet turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Another high ball into the middle of the box, captain, Calista Tink getting her head on it to clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon, falls to Cerys Davies outside the box, from 20 yards strikes the ball over the bar.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon bring the ball on through the middle rolled on for Leyer drifting out to the left, squares it inside for Shipman making a run centrally, sends it into Langan ahead of her to the right, Jodie Donley coming to meet her tackling well for Royston to win the ball back. 

  Georgie Giddings finding fellow midfielder Kate Edwards in space to the left of goal from distance lines up a strike blasts it wide of the near post. Has turned into a more even contest with Dussindale & Hellesdon not letting themselves get affected by conceding so early in the game. Both sides remain lively the game fast paced Reed surging up the right collecting the ball for Royston played on for Edwards moving into the channel, shifts the ball between her feet to check inside getting into the box before being closed down by Mitchell.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon with a high line defending on halfway Tink with the high clearance up to Langan inside the area back to goal right side holds off her defender knocking the ball into Leyer outside the D, volleys the ball over the Royston crossbar. Leilah Gooding back to defend for the hosts as Mills and Sillitoe look to plough a path through the middle. The pace of the game is seeing several passes going astray, Dussindale & Hellesdon in particular could do with giving themselves a little more time on the ball.

 Baggott taking the ball on from Ella Kruez down the right laying it inside for Langan 25 yards out turns and shoots from 25 yards out Carter seeing it sail over her bar. Houghton from the back for Royston sending a long ball forwards, with Sillitoe beating the offside trap to run in behind wide on the right striking the ball in with pace towards the near post, Locker, getting her gloves up to take it pops out up onto the crossbar and bouncing the keeper, recovers quickly to snatch it up before it can creep over the line. 

  Not getting a second to catch breath not sooner am I writing about the action at one end play has shifted to the other with Baggott racing on down the right with the ball at her feet coming inside hits a powerful drive in at the near post, past Carter before she can get down to it, the ball cannons back off the upright and is scrambled away to safety.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Millie Baggott

 Busy, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick on the right 30 yards out, Walker over it dropping the ball into the near post attacked, Royston defend, Carter under pressure getting it away from danger. Royston break on the counter attack, Reed charging down the right taking the ball all the way to the by-line, before squeezing a cross into the near post, Locker down on it sharply, needing to hold on with Mills closing her down.

Amy Reed with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Holly Walker

  The tackles matching the pace of the game, a little on the late side as the ball has been shifted rapidly. Cerys Davies standing her ground as Walker looks to advance down the left for the hosts a throw won high up the pitch, Walker drops it into Gooding who returns the ball wide for Walker to deliver the cross into the box, Houghton under it to clear for Royston. Shipman winning the ball back as Dussindale & Hellesdon get players up around the box, Gooding lifting the ball into the area, Langan and Leyer moving to cross paths as the ball comes in Cerys Davies sticking a leg out to get the ball away from them for the visitors.

Royston defender, Cerys Davies

  A drinks break called with both sides having a player down in need of treatment, Tink for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Cerys Michell for Royston. Both up an okay to continue as play resumes. With Dussindale & Hellesdon’s defence pushed up at times, Locker is dong a good job at the top of her area reading the game, in a good position to get after any balls fed over the top. Needs to be alert as Edwards, Giddings and Mills link up will on the left with some crisp passing the ball knocked on for Sillitoe in the left channel to spin in behind break for the area, Locker out well to close her down, with the blocking save to deflect the ball away from her goal.

  Locker certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers pulling off a brilliant double save moments later with Houghton playing another threatening ball up into the box for Sillitoe to attack right of goal inside the box, Mitchell with her an awkward spin on the ball as it bounces between them, Locker comes to make another blocking save the ball deflected out to Erin Davies top of the D, puts her foot through the ball her rifling shot rising towards goal, Locker recovering throwing her arms up to stop it turning it over.

Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Amber Locker

  Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a set-piece out wide on the right level with the top of the area, the ball floated into the near post, Tink up to meet it turning the ball wide. 

  Leyer with a superb touch bringing a high ball down well into her feet as she moves into a position on the left lifts in inside for Gooding to take on, helps it out to Baggott racing on down the right her cross into the area cut out by Davies. Carter hasn’t been as busy as Locker up the other end but is no less alert, Langan strong in attack holding off players bringing the ball into her feet  turn and shoot low 20 yards out right of the D, Carter diving low to her left making the save getting her body behind the ball.

Millie Carter called into action to save low for Royston

Edwards is down for Royston having picked up a knock, needs to come off, Katie Hayes the player sent on. Baggott advancing with the ball on the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon moves inside before hitting her strike, the ball blocked by the Royston defence. Locker called into action to make another vital save as Hayes is played in behind on the right striking the ball on the angle her shot dipping in towards goal, Locker getting down adjusting to push the ball behind for a corner kick. 

 

 The corner coming in long across the six yard box defended by Shipman at the far post. Erin Davies coming off the worst as players lunge in to try and win the ball in the middle, striking her head on the turf as she falls a pause in play as she is assessed but able to play on. Closing in on the final 5 minutes of an action packed first half. Mitchell closing down, Georgiou to block her shot as she looks to get onto the end of a diagonal pass from Mills. 

Leilah Gooding

 Reed up with play for Royston right side combining with Mills top corner of the Dussindale & Hellesdon box, the shot coming in on the angle saved by Locker at her near post. Walker charging forwards on the left getting onto a pass form Leyer up top lays it back for Shipman to send up into the area, Langan her target right of goal, Donley in well to challenge for Royston. 

 Getting a bit tense out there, a single goal in it Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing hard late on, Royston with a free-kick in stoppage time lifted on for Mills top of the area, looks to get it down, the host defence snatching it away to safety.  

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-1 Royston Town Women

 A goal inside the opening 20 seconds the difference between the two sides, Royston with the narrow advantage, set the tone for the rest of the 1st half with the action fast paced end to end, little time to pause for breath. Amber Locker producing a number of fine saves to keep her side in the game while up the other end Dussindale & Hellesdon struck the post and forced Millie Carter into an excellent save. The pace of the game often seeing passes rushed, when both sides have kept it short the passes have looked crisp and sharp and both sides offer a potent threat going forwards in a relatively open contest. After conceding so early Dussindale & Hellesdon would be pleased with the response, Royston may feel they should have a bigger lead. A single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change at the start of the 2nd half, bringing on Isla Thorne to replace Leilah Gooding in the midfield. The hosts getting the 2nd half underway the ball played back to Shipman moved out to Kruez on the right, Royston burst forwards looking to close her down, gaining possession play the ball across the pitch Reed looknig to take it on pulled back, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Houghton to launch the ball from the top of the circle into the area, dropping central Locker can see it all the way takes unchallenged

  Coming on through the middle Dussindale & Hellesdon work the ball forwards, Thorne into Gilchrist delivered into Leyer out to the right, drops her shoulder moving inside, looknig to take the ball into the area, runs into Houghton who traps the ball in her feet digs it clear. Reed getting up the pitch well for Royston providing them with extra impetus  on the right sends the ball on for Mills down the line her angled ball high into the near post claimed by Locker.

Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Abbie Gilchrist

 A loose ball out from the back from Locker though presents the ball straight to Hayes outside the D, moves forwards, Tink out rapidly to close her down prevents her getting a strike away. Royston awarded a free-kick deep on the right inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half, a diagonal ball flighted into the area, Sillitoe up to attack in centrally gets a glancing header on the ball not enough though as it goes wide beyond the far post.

Jordanne Sillitoe with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Calista Tink

  No quarter given both sides competing for the ball, Royston working hard to try and find openings, Dussindale & Hellesdon keen to press get the ball forwards with pace. Donley defending on the left for Royston seeing the ball out safely holding off Baggott as Shipman looks to thread the ball into her on the wing.

 Baggott winning a set-piece high on the right out wide for Dussindale & Hellesdon a vicious delivery into the six yard box no one can get a touch however as the ball is cleared at the far post, launched up to Mills up top linking up with Sillitoe coming left, Kreuz back to defend for the hosts seeing the ball out of play for a throw. Thorne all action in the middle since coming on for Dussindale & Hellesdon looknig to get hold of the ball keep possession bring others into play finds Langan out to the right her ball back in central, a crunching 50/50 between Davies and Thorne sees the youngster come off worst but is soon back on her feet.

Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Isla Thorne

  Is a bit feisty, referee Edward Colman keeping a close watch on things letting it flow while offering useful commentary to both sides. Kruez across to challenge Hayes as Giddings looks to play the ball forwards. Royston making another change with Sillitoe coming off up top, Jess Morley coming on into the middle with Mills pushed up. Shipman to the left sending an angled ball into Langan top of the area, the box crowded, Leyer up with her the pair trying to find a way through but, Royston have numbers back to defend.

Victoria Leyer

  Dussindale & Hellesdon getting players forwards looking to press outside the box, Thorne making a nuisance of herself in the middle, Gilchrist looking to pick up the loose ball feeding it out to Langan on the right looks to square a ball in across the top of the area, Cerys Davies stretching for it cutting the ball out.

 GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon have committed players forwards get the ball back on the left Walker driving forwards from the angle strike a powerful shot in across the keeper too score. A wonderful hit to put Dussindale & Hellesdon back on level terms with 20 minutes played in the 2nd half, 1-1.

Holly Walker with a wonderful strike to level things up for the hosts

  Cerys Davies injuring herself in the build up to the goal, needs to come off, with Royston sending on Dilly Haslehurst, moves into a right sided defensive role with Donley moving inside and Georgiou into full back. Langan looking to combine with Baggott in the right channel for Dussindale & Hellesdon, the pair exchanging passes, Langan moving towards the box, Houghton in to defend for Royston.

Kyla Langan

  Tink heading the ball away to the left for a throw as Royston launch a free-kick forwards. The visitors getting up to press the ball moving in across the top of the area looking for Reed coming on down the right, Walker cutting it out for the hosts. Kruez being kept busy in defence by Hayes as she attacks on the left, the full back tracking her runs well. Dussindale & Hellesdon pressing the ball well look sharp when they keep the ball short but risk over committing going forwards, Giddings winning it back picking out Erin Davies as she storms forwards looking to support Mills who has moved into space on the right, Tink rushing across to try and close her down diving in to block her cross the ball behind for a corner kick.

  The corner defended as Morley looks to attack it central, cleared for a throw on the right, Royston get the ball into the area to Davies she lays it forwards into Mills out on the right wide of goal struck on the angle held well, high as it comes in at Locker with pace. Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change, Sofia Odell coming on to replace, Leyer in attack.

 Shipman the latest player down injured as both sides take advantage to take on extra fluids, alot of energy put into the game a few pulling up as a result, Shipman okay though after getting treatment. Tink across sharply to defend on Davies as she gets forwards well on the right to try and support Mills in attack the ball out for a corner kick. Flicked on at the near post, scrambled away to the left for a Royston throw. Edwards coming back on for Royston to replace Reed on the right in midfield.

Chloe Shipman

  Langan getting a ball in the face as a clearance is blasted straight at her. Play stopped once again but no lasting damage. The game continues to move with pace although the 2nd half does have a quieter feel about it, changes and injuries slowing things down. Royston having a few out of position but with the experience to adapt. Mills working hard up top for the visitors to find space stretch the defence making herself available for the outlet ball, Shipman throwing a leg out to make a vital interception to stop her getting hold of the ball.

  Hayes taking on the strike from outside the area for Royston top of the D, taking a nick deflected wide for a corner much to the surprise of the home fans. Curled in from the left across the face of goal Houghton throwing herself at it far post can’t quite get there. The game game moving into the final 5 minutes although there will be a good deal of time added on.

  Royston having made a few positional changes dealing with the threat posed from Dussindale & Hellesdon through the middle, Giddings and Davies linking up well, Edwards too closing the ball down well. Giddings attempted through ball on the right channel missed by Mitchell as she goes to cut it out running on for Mills, Tink is there to support quickly round on the cover the get to Mills and close her down before she can shape to shoot cleared out to the right.

  GOAL! Royston getting players up the pitch pressing the ball from the throw won back forced inside falls to Mills unattended 20 yards out right of the D strikes the ball on the half volley dipping in towards goal with pace is stuck beautifully, past Locker before she can react to find the back of the net and put Royston back into the lead. 1-2.

Laura Mills with a superb strike from outside the box to fire Royston back into the lead

  A blow for Dussindale & Hellesdon late in proceeding having competed well to get back on level terms, Royston using their experience well working the ball into feet late on Edwards looking to get away on the right, Walker lunging in to tackle for the hosts. Baggott coming off for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Rosie George coming on. Into stoppage time Thorne with some clever foot work in the middle slipping a threaded ball into George as she advances on the box right side, her touch a little heavy giving Carter the opportunity to advance and snatch it up into her gloves.

Annie Georgiou holding of Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rosie George

 Hayes winning the ball for Royston finds Giddings pulling wide sends it on for Mills in attack, cut out by Mitchell. Carter getting hold of the ball top of her area as Dussindale & Hellesdon look to play it on for Langan in attack. Sillitoe back on late in the game for Royston to give them added presence up top. Mitchell off for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Rachel Cossey comes on. Tink pushed up the pitch as the hosts look for a late reply.

  A throw won high on the left, Giddings defending for Royston. Mills using her experience to draw the foul keep the ball in Royston’s possession. Sillitoe picking up a yellow card for Royston, Thornton moving the ball well between her feet for Dussindale & Hellesdon slides it onto Odell attacking the area right of the Royston goal, Georgiou into clear it for the visitors. Eloise Cattini introduced for Royston as they look to see out the game, Sillitoe off. The clock ticking down one last opportunity for Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the ball into the box off a Walker free-kick on half way, up to Thornton top of the area looks to get it under control turn but is quickly closed down the ball cleared as the final whistle blows, Royston winning the 3 points stay 2nd in the fledgling Premier Division table.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 1-2 Royston Town Women

  An enjoyable contest, if exhausting write up the action non stop, an early goal seeing Royston take the lead, Dussindale & Hellesdon didn’t let it affect them came back to compete well, both sides with good spells moving the ball, likewise however times when they could have used it better, the ball rarely still, Amber Locker with a number of fine save keeping the score-line down, Royston seeing the post struck as the hosts tried to find a reply Carter too called into action but one goal the difference going into half-time. A quieter 2nd half if no less tense Dussindale & Hellesdon fighting back to level the scores. Royston needing to dig deep using their experience and guile to craft a 2nd goal late in the contest and claim the 3 points in Norfolk.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match another tough one and strong contenders from both sides, not easy to single one out, plenty of performances to mention. Firstly for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Amber Locker with a number of quality saves especially first half to help keep her side in the game. Calista Tink in defence reading the game well with a number if crucial tackles covered well. Ella Kruez was kept busy at full back, played well throughout. Isla Thorne looked to make an impact coming on 2nd half made a good impression. Holly Walker with a superb strike to level the scores. For Royston, Millie Carter wasn’t as busy in goal but under pressure with her defence deep at time read the ball well and ready when called into action to save. Amy Houghton won several interceptions and played some useful balls out from the back. Amy Reed got up well on the right to support the attack. Erin Davies and Georgie Giddings were solid in the middle, Davies with some good forwards runs too, Giddings covering the ground to win the ball. The award though goes to Laura Mills linked up the midfield and attack, finding pockets of space throughout and a ready outlet as Royston looked to attack, her winning goal never looked in doubt the second it left her foot.

  In terms of entertainment I think the ERWFL Premier Division is one of the best and rarely fails to deliver, is a strong league with alot of good talent of all ages on display. Today no exception, enjoyed that one. My thanks to both sides for there assistance this afternoon as always appreciated a busy week for both with a round of midweek games scheduled, both against their local rivals, Royston hosting Stevenage on Wednesday, with Dussindale & Hellesdon away to Wroxham on the same night.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Royston Town Women v Stevenage FC Women

Sunday 30th March

Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final

Heading down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch my 2nd cup final of the season, this time it’s the Herts FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final with holders, Royston Town Women taking on Stevenage FC Women winners of the trophy on 5 occasions over the last decade.

 Looks set to be a great contest between two sides bang in form currently top and 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division. Herts FA breaking their women’s county cup into two competitions last season, with a Senior Challenge Cup being contested by the sides representing tiers 3 to 6 in the women’s football pyramid and a new Trophy competition for those sides below. Watford FC Women beating Stevenage FC Women development last Sunday to lift the trophy. The Senior competition freeing up weekends earlier in the season and trying to eliminate the heavy score lines and one sided games that can occur. A better look all round.

Today’s prize

  Royston Town Women beating Watford FC Women Development 3-1 last season to win the Challenge Cup for the 1st time in their history. Recruiting well over the past couple of season’s brining in some useful experience Royston have built on that cup success currently leading the ERWFL Premier Division, 10 points clear of 2nd placed Luton Town Ladies who have 4 games in hand. Winning 15 of their 17 league games to date with just the one defeat. Also the leading goal scorers in the Premier Division pushing hard to win the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL for the 1st time. Emma Slater top scorer not only for Royston but the league itself currently with 33 goals to her names from 24 games. With, Neve Mayes, Frankie Pim and Laura Mills all reaching double figures too.

 Stevenage FC Women have been a dominant force in the Challenge Cup for the past decade, winning it on 5 occasions plus plus runners-up on 3 occasions. In that time enjoying a brief stint in the FAWNL before dropping back down to the ERWFL, players coming and going have rebuilt as they look to establish themselves as a promotion contender. A run of 9 straight league wins pushing Stevenage up to 3rd in the Premier Division, a 12 game unbeaten run in all. Played in front of a record crowd of 586 at The Lamex Stadium, home of their men’s club last weekend, sees both sides come into today’s final in confident mood. Gemma Croucher, Stevenage’s top scorer, netting 22 goals so far from 23 games. Amy Makewell with 13 goals too from her 20 matches. Hannah Nebbitt on course to make her 100th game for Stevenage in today’s final.

Road to the Final

  Both sides with a bye in the 1st round of this season’s competition, going straight into the quarter finals. There Royston were away to fellow Premier Division side, St Albans City Women, a brace each for Laura Mills and Frankie Pim plus strikes from Emma Slater and Erin Davies seeing them progress with a comfortable 6-1 win. Stevenage on the road take on champions elect of ERWFL Division One North, Harpenden Town WFC, a potential banana skin, Stevenage emerging on top with a narrow 2-1 victory with Gemma Croucher and Amy Gooderham on the scoresheet. 

 Into the last 4 Royston drawn at home taking on, Colney Heath Ladies, newly promoted to the ERWFL, making a good start to life in Division One South, came up against a Royston side bang in form however, with Emma Slater, Frankie Pim, and Neve Mayes all netting a brace in an 8-1 win, Charlotte South and Katie Hayes also scoring. Stevenage at home in their semi-final taking on Watford Ladies development newly promoted to the Premier Division, like Royston were too strong on the day with Gemma Croucher netting a hat-trick, along with goals for Chloe Gunn, Amy Makewell, Amy Gooderham and Francesca Tilbury in a 7-2 victory.

The County ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s cup final, not only home to Hertfordshire FA headquarters, beside the stadium, but also Stevenage FC Women. The ground seeing some redevelopment over recent season, an artificial pitch overlooked by the main seated stand, with a small terraced stand opposite and viewing all round, the clubhouse and café under the main stand serving hot food and drink. A pleasant sunny day as the clocks go forwards at the end of March, a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch the sun bright high in one corner of the ground may cause a few issues ( but shouldn’t complain about the sun).

Royston Town Women starting XI – Tilly Want, Amy Reed Annie Georgiou, Tally Miles, Amy Houghton, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Ri Badal, Frankie Pim, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs – Stacey Roper, Jordanne Sillitoe, Jodie Donley, Lucy Ford & Katie Hayes.

Royston Town Women

 Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Mistie Fox-Barker, Hannah Nebbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Kelsey Millen, Gemma Croucher & Amy Makewell. Subs – Chloe Gregory, Frankie Tilbury, Anaise Corrigan, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe & Lilia Dempsey.

Stevenage FC Women

 All set for an exciting contest both sides in confident mood as they are lead out onto the pitch by referee Jacob Hamilton. Royston are the home team for todays final and wearing their traditional white shirts and socks with black shorts. Stevenage in their away colours and all purple kit. Royston losing goalkeeper, Millie Carter, on loan from Sudbury to injury leading up to the game, but have a more than capable replacement in Tilly Want to don the gloves. Hannah Nebbitt starting in her 100th game for Stevenage.

Captains, Charlotte South and Lucy Webster with today’s match officials

 Stevenage with the kick-off first half the ball rolled back into the middle played forwards up the right wing, Amy Gooderham on the move, Annie Georgiou at left back for Royston out to close the ball down see it out for a throw in. Royston seeing the ball across the back line to Amy Reed on the right she sends in on up the line for Emma Slater, gets on the move driving forwards, Kelsey Millen getting back at her to make the challenge for Stevenage sends the ball out of play.

 A lively start from both sides moving in to close the ball down, Stevenage looking to get forwards, Chloe Gunn winning the ball in the middle, Hannah Bodily taking it on playing a crisp threaded pass into the left channel looknig for Amy Makewell pulling off the centre backs, a vital interception from Amy Houghton for Royston to prevent her getting a chance to go one on one with the keeper.

Royston defender, Amy Houghton

  Royston winning a free kick on the right inside the Stevenage half, players up into the box as Tally Miles floats a diagonal ball into the box, Millen winning it for Stevenage looks to break with the ball at her feet, tackles the ball back with Miles on the right slides it down the line for Slater, Hannah Nebbitt getting across her run can see the ball out safely for a goal kick. Stevenage get forwards quickly through the middle the ball from Gooderham into Gemma Croucher central 25 out looks to lay it into the box left side with Makewell providing the run Reed stretching to cut the pass out.

Royston’s Amy Reed

  Stevenage press the advantage early looking to get at the Royston defence, Gooderham powering down the right inside for Croucher, looks for Makewell in close attendance, Miles stepping in to close the ball down for Royston. Neve Mayes up front for Royston coming to the right with the ball at her feet looknig to combine passes with Slater, Rebecca Edge moving out of the middle of defence getting hold of the ball, steers it back to goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves to clear. 

  Ri Badal bringing the ball on through the middle for Royston attempts to float the ball into the right channel for Slater to run onto, Reeves though quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Croucher turning on the ball 30 yards out for Stevenage laying it on down the right for Gooderham, then Makewell her cross into the box cut out by Miles, Stevenage pushed up regaining possession Nebbitt on the ball left sending the ball into the middle for Croucher 20 yards out lines up a strike, Royston captain, Charlotte South charging down the strike.

 GOAL! Royston have the ball at the back Miles putting it on for Frankie Pim coming inside from the left, lifts a superb ball on through the middle for Slater to attack bearing down on the top of the box, Reeves comes to the top of her area to try and close her down, Slater, knocking the ball past the keeper, taking it on into the area left of goal and slotting it into the empty net beyond 1-0.

Emma Slater knocking the ball past the advancing keeper going on to score the opener for Royston

 Royston in front inside 8 minutes. Stevenage frustrated having had a good opening to the match press on Nebbitt taking the ball on down the left off Millen sending her cross inside with Gooderham making a run right of the D, 25 yards out looking to hit her strike first time blasts the ball into the box, Miles in the way to block for Royston the ball deflected away to the right. 

 GOAL! Stevenage with the perfect response to falling a goal behind pressing the ball high getting it out to the right with Mistie Fox-Barker taking it on sending in on for Makewell out wide level with the area lays it into the middle of the box with Gooderham breaking forwards onto the ball to strike it low past the diving keeper, inside the near post 1-1.

Amy Gooderham equalising for Stevenage

Stevenage back on level terms inside 3 minutes of conceding the opening goal. South playing the ball out to Slater racing on down the right for Royston clips a cross into the area looking for Mayes running in central, Edge getting her head to the ball first to clear for Stevenage. The game being played at a frantic tempo both sides looking to move the ball quickly Slater seeing the ball into her feet outside the Stevenage area right side attempts the back heel to pick out Mayes inside the D, looks to charge into the box, stopped by Edge the ball cleared for a throw right side.

  Nebbitt coming on with the ball at her feet on the left for Stevenage forwards into Millen, shifts inside firing a low diagonal ball into Makewell inside the D, looks to hit the ball on the turn, Miles in to close her down for Royston. Mayes and Edge enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to muscle her way into the area, going wide Edge shielding the ball out upended for her efforts. 

  Croucher nipping on to dispossess Mills in the middle plays the ball out to Gooderham on the right, the Stevenage winger looks to drop her shoulder power forwards, Georgiou getting a foot on the ball to take it away from her. Competitive in the middle, Gunn and Bodily in to win the ball for Stevenage, likewise, Mills, Badal and South for Stevenage the latter getting the ball forwards into Slater on the right wing breaking down the line lifts a cross into the area, Edge winning it with her head for Stevenage to clear.

  Stevenage not afraid to go direct, captain Lucy Webster launching the ball up to Croucher in attack 25 yards out back to go can’t quite get it out from under her feet before Badal challenges the ball knocked forwards however, Gooderham and Makewell both attack it top of the Royston box, Badal back to defend along side Miles getting the ball away to safety. Webster playing another teasing ball from halfway up into Croucher top of the area central for Stevenage chests the ball down into the path of Makewell ahead of her, Reed needing to close her down quickly prevents the striker taking a shot.

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

Stevenage continue to ask the questions lively out on the flanks Millen moving into the centre the furthest forwards top of the D as Makewell sends the ball into her feet shapes to go right, Badal back to help her defence putting in the tackle to deny another shot on goal. South sweeping the ball out to the left for Mayes to take on down the line getting on the move, Fox-Barker lunging in taking the ball out for a throw in.

  A good contest both sides getting stuck into it, South fouling Makewell on halfway, the ball launched into the far post area, Want up well taking the ball with Makewell looking to attack it. Slater fouling Millen as the pair battle for the ball on the left just over halfway. Nebbitt to play the ball long into the Royston area, Houghton dealing with it. All action Royston break forwards the angled cross from the left travelling deep to the far post Slater racing in to attack it placing her shot high into the side netting.

Stevenage’s Kelsey Millen

 End to end Stevenage pressing right side the ball into Gooderham top of the area, goes down under challenge, a pause in play and unfortunately Gooderham can’t continue looks to be an ankle injury as she is helped down the tunnel Stevenage making a change, with Lilia Dempsey coming on she runs over to the left side with Millen moving to the right. Mayes looking to link up with Pim on Royston’s left flank, before sending a cross high into the box, Edge under it to clear for Stevenage.

Emma Slater on the attack for Royston

 

  Miles playing the ball on through the middle for Royston into Mills lays it out to Slater right of the box some 25 yards out clips a high looping ball in on the Stevenage goal, Reeves back on her has the sun right behind the strike but keeps her eye on it well claiming it high back on her line. Webster able to travel with the ball for Stevenage tries her luck from range her shot racing in low narrowly wide of the left upright. 

  The game opening up at time as both sides over commit going forwards, Royston hitting Stevenage on the counter, Mills out to Georgiou getting on down the left wing sends it forwards into Pim, Edge coming across the box to put in the tackle see the ball away to safety. Webster sending her pass up to Croucher in attack back to goal 25 yards out sees it down off her chest into the path of the advancing Makewell who strikes it on the run seeing her effort fly over the Royston crossbar. 

Amy Makewell

 Houghton tackling Croucher inside the box as Millen sends the ball in from the right. Mills taking the ball forwards for Royston moving right has Slater with her sending the ball on, Dempsey back to help defend for Stevenage, the ball cleared but soon back with Royston as it is played in across the top of the area, Gunn tangling with Mills top of the D, giving away the free-kick. In a dangerous position it’s Mills over the ball taking on the shot gets it through everyone bearing down on goal Reeves diving to her left down to push the ball away, wide of the post behind for what is the first corner of the game…

Lauren Reeves saving Laura Mills free-kick

 GOAL! Royston are quick to take the corner, Stevenage barely set players already up from the free-kick the delivery lifted in high close to goal, the keeper attempting to punch, knocks it down straight into the onrushing Neve Mayes to deflect the ball past her into the back of the net to see Royston retake the lead late in the first half 2-1. 

Neve Mayes scoring from the corner to put Royston back into the lead.

 GOAL! Stevenage were quick to respond to falling behind from the opening goal, even quicker this time as they get on the attack from the restart Nebbitt on the ball left side playing in infield to Makewell who in turn sends it on for Croucher charging onto space in the left corner, holding onto the ball well sends it back up the line into Nebbitt’s feet, some 30 yards out takes on the strike from the angle lifting the ball into the air, right behind it so know it could cause the keeper problems dropping at the far post, Want cant get a glove on the ball as it drops over her under the bar in the corner of the goal see Nebbitt celebrate her 100th appearance for Stevenage with a goal! 2-2.

Hannah Nebbitt congratulated by her teammates as she scores on her 100th appearance for the club

 Into stoppage time at the end of the first half Stevenage winning a free-kick top of the circle as South brings down Makewell. The delivery high into the far post area knocked down into the six yard box, straight to Gunn, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to get a stab at goal before the blocking tackle comes it the ball played clear of the box. Both sides battling for possession some strong challenges coming in two committed sides, Maye picking up a blow late on but okay to continue as the first half draws to a close with the sides level.

Half-time Royston Town Women 2-2 Stevenage FC Women

Twice Royston took the lead, and twice Stevenage responded with a quick fire reply to see the sides going into the changing rooms all square at the break. A lively and entertaining first half filled with action, both sides committed getting after the ball wanting to get forwards. Stevenage with a positive start pushing on asking the early questions only to fall behind as Emma Slater knocked the ball past the onrushing keeper to score. Amy Gooderham firing Stevenage straight back onto level terms, chances for both sides some good battles out there, Royston retaking the lead from a corner only to concede straight away late in the half. Promised to be a cracker and has lived up to expectations all poised for the 2nd half.

  No changes for the 2nd half, Royston to get the 2nd 45 underway, should the scores remain level after 90 minutes then the final goes straight to penalties. Royston playing the ball back to South central she launches it into the right channel with Reed bursting forwards hitting the ball first time on the move from 25 plus yards out, doesn’t catch it cleanly scuffing it through to the keeper for a simple gather.

Royston midfielder, Ri Badal

  Royston looking to be more positive at the start of the 2nd half press the ball higher look to get it into the channels. Mayes rushing onto Webster, stealing the ball off the defender to charge in behind lay the ball on for Slater pulling away to the left, Edge going with her going to put in the block as she pulls the trigger, deflected off her, Fox-Barker unable to prevent it going for a corner kick. Swung in across the six yard box to a crowded far post the ball is knocked back down across goal with Fox-Barker covering the left post clearing the ball off the line.

 Stevenage thread the ball on through the middle into Makewell in attack, does well to spin off Miles take the ball in behind the centre back however her defensive partner Houghton is around on the cover to getting to the ball ahead of Makewell to play it back to Want to kick clear.

 Continues to be all action, South picking out Slater breaking down the right her cross swung into the area, cleared by Edge for Stevenage. Stevenage break from a Royston throw in the corner, Makewell in attack on for Croucher into Millen left side, Reed getting a tackle in the ball deflecting off her behind for a corner kick. Curled in at the near post knocked up into the air turned behind for a 2nd Stevenage corner on the left, this one taken short up the line the cross into the box from deep taken well by Want high at her far post.

Royston captain, Charlotte South

  Royston getting hold of the ball better 2nd half Badal laying it on for Mayes breaking into the area left of goal, Webster going with her getting across the attacker well to shield the ball out of play. South controlling the ball in the middle for Royston dinking it on for Pim coming inside from the left 25 yards out attempts to play a looping shot up over the keeper, doesn’t get enough on the shot, Reeves collecting it cleanly.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves

 Stevenage making a change, bringing off Millen, send on Anaise Corrigan to join the attack. Bodily stealing in to rob the ball high for Stevenage laying it off to Croucher left corner of the area her attempt from the angle blocked by Houghton the rebound comes to Bodily who takes on the shot her low effort straight at the keeper. 

Gemma Croucher bringing the ball on for Stevenage

  Free-kicks continue to be given away Stevenage winning on wide on the left, Makewell over it firing a vicious ball in wide of the far post. Royston hit Stevenage on the break Pim left inside for Slater central, Pim going past her on the overlap left sends a cross in along the top of the opposition area Mills rushing onto the ball right of the D, striking from 20 yards out the keeper dives as the ball races past her going out of play off the post. 

  Slater coming down the right knocking the ball inside Nebbitt as she goes to tackle, pushing the ball into the area, Mayes coming for it tangling with Edge the defender hurt as she gets the ball away but up okay to play on. Remains a good contest the ball never still both wanting to get on with it, Dempsey left crossing the ball into the six yard box Makewell at the near post looking to knock the lay off down central but no one has made the run. 

Stevenage’s Mistie Fox-Barker

  Mills and Gunn tangling again, Mills winning the decision top of the circle, Miles over the set-piece hit long to the left, Fox-Barker deals with the ball under pressure from the advancing Pim. Midway through the 2nd period Royston better 2nd half pressing the ball played out to Slater deep on the right, looks to fight her way into the box, is brought down by Gunn the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty!

 GOAL! Slater picking herself up placing the ball on the spot taking the penalty kick, nothing fancy a short run up striking the ball low and hard to the keepers left, Reeves goes the right way gets a faint glove on the ball but not enough to keep it out as Slater fires Royston back into the lead for the 3rd time in the contest 3-2.

Emma Slater congratulated as she puts Royston back into the lead

 Royston making a change straight after the goal bringing off Maye in attack, sending on Jordanne Sillitoe. Edge putting her body on the line diving in hurt again as she defends on Slater as Badal looks to play the ball into her feet. Corrigan and Dempsey taking the opportunity to switch flanks as Edge receives treatment. Is getting a little heated out there, Sillitoe picking up the first yellow off the game.

Stevenage’s Lilia Dempsey

 Miles in to close Croucher down 20 yards out left of the D as she looks to cushion another ball down off her chest from the left. Forward quickly helped on to Slater bursting away down the right flank for Royston her cross, flung in towards the near post collected by Reeves. 

Tally Miles

 Reeves has to get there as she comes rushing out to the top of her area a Pim slides the ball on for Sillitoe to attack, gets there in the nick of time to clear the ball.

Goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves getting the the ball in the nick of time as Jordanne Sillitoe races in

Reed putting in the block for Royston inside the area as Corrigan drives forwards with the ball on the left for Stevenage breaking into the box shoots, turned off the full back for a corner kick. The delivery inviting curled in high at the far post, Edge getting up well to head the ball down towards goal blocked by the keeper and full back, deflected behind for a corner on the right…

 GOAL! Players staying up as Stevenage play a short corner a player coming out towards the ball rolled back to the taker to send in a cross from the angle high towards the far post, Want jumping going up looking to get hold of the ball even as 3 Stevenage players attack the ball, not taken the ball bundled over the line, the keeper sent tumbling, a goal signalled Stevenage wheel away in celebration equalising for a 3rd time in the match, Edge with the telling touch to make it 3-3.

Rebecca Edge scoring Stevenage’s 3rd equaliser

  Want stays down, concern for the goalkeeper as the trainers rush on to give treatment, the goal keepers union in full show too as Carter on crutches shows she can cover the ground quite effectively on one leg. A pause in play time taken, Royston have already lost one keeper don’t want to lose another but thankfully Want is okay to continue the game back all square with a little over 15 minutes left to play. 

  Royston making a change none the less bringing off Pim send Lucy Ford on to take up a position on the left. Stevenage fired up having gotten themselves back on level terms press forwards lose possession as Royston counter Bada sending the ball on for Slater on the right, Corrigan tracking back doing the defending for Stevenage.

 Edge charges down Sillitoe as she goes to pull the trigger from the right of the D off a Slater cross from the right wing. The clock ticking down the threat off a penalty shootout looming, Corrigan with the ball at her feet left side driving forwards for Stevenage, pulled back by reed, the full back earning herself a yellow card. Badal coming off for Royston, Katie Hayes entering the game late on. 

 Makewell over the free-kick deep on the left side, another vicious ball in towards the far post strikes the upright, Want saving more by luck than anything else as the ball cannons off the post straight into her defected wide out to the right before being cleared. Royston look to get on down their left Ford with Sillitoe winning a free-kick.

  GOAL! Miles over the ball looks to launch the ball in to the box, except she pulls it into the left channel instead, at least that was what I was about to write thinking Stevenage would see it safely out of play however, Sillitoe has other ideas as she races after the errand ball controlling on the by-line and turning back inside to send a dangerous ball in across the six yard box, coming to the far post where Mills has gotten herself free to meet the ball perfectly and send her header back in across the keeper to see Royston back in front for the 4th time in the match 4-3.

Laura Mills firing Royton into a 4-3 lead late in the game

 3 minutes of regular play left, Stevenage send on Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe replacing Gunn, shortly followed by Chloe Gregory on for Nebbitt. Royston looking to attack a long throw out on the left, Ford up to challenge winning a corner off a defender. Defended at the near post deflected on across goal before being turned over the crossbar. 

 Sillitoe strong on the ball fighting for possession up front for Royston, into stoppage time. Mills defending as Makewell looks to get forwards. Croucher onto the loose ball her effort blocked from outside the box. Stevenage needing to get the ball forwards, Royston looknig to run the clock down, Sillitoe hauled down by Edge. Royston not making the most of the set-piece.

Jordanne Sillitoe

 Reed recovering well at the back as Corrigan threatens to races past her as she takes the ball on into the box left side, Reed putting in the lunging block to see the ball turned behind for a corner kick. Everyone bar the keeper up for Stevenage into the box seconds left for find a goal force a penalty shootout, curled into the six yard box dropping down into the six yards box, scrambled clear back with Stevenage wide left the cross comes in under the bar, claimed well by Want as the final whistle blows and Royston celebrate as they successfully retain the county cup.

Full time Royston Town Women 4-3 Stevenage FC Women

  Can’t beat a 7 goal thriller and in a cup final too! Great for the neutral, promised to be a cracking game and didn’t disappoint. All action, these two sides developing a healthy rivalry between themselves. A full on contest Royston leading the game on 3 separate occasions only for Stevenage to come back into it level the scores, the 4th goal late on one too far however Stevenage never gave up and the result was never in the bag right to the final whistle. Royston making it back to back county cups as they look to chase down the ERWFL Premier Division title. Stevenage missing out on one cup with a league cup final to look forwards too as well as playing a big part in the title race too. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few contenders for this one certainly and hard to make a final call. A few performances to mention, firstly for Stevenage, Rebecca Edge at the back with a strong game, winning the ball well, putting her body on the line and intercepting crosses. Hannah Bodily in the middle linking up play between defence and attack well throughout, Amy Makewell with some great positional runs in attack along with Gemma Croucher getting into space to receive the ball keep Stevenage on the front foot. For Royston, likewise, Tally Miles was solid at the back winning the ball well and getting it forwards early, several well timed tackles and interceptions. Charlotte South with some good midfield runs won the ball well, alongside Laura Mills who found some useful positions on hand to score the winning goal. Ri Badal with a strong midfield game too, getting about the pitch to help out in defence and get her side going forwards. The award goes to Emma Slater set the tone early on with her positive attacking runs driving at the Stevenage defence a ready outlet throughout scoring twice. 

Congratulations to Royston Town Women on winning the Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup for a 2nd successive season.

Royston Town Women, Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup winners 2024/25

  More often than not when a game on paper looks tasty it fails to deliver, but not today, this was a cracking contest, a 7 goal thriller action from start to finish a contest between two in form and confident sides, never done and dusted, Royston lifting the trophy for a 2nd time, but Stevenage are already focused on getting to the final again next season and getting their hands back on the trophy. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today and to the staff at Herts FA for their assistance, enjoyed that one!

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 15th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from the ERWFL Premier Division, early pacesetters, Royston Town Women with a 100% record from their opening 4 matches away to local rivals Stevenage FC Women 4th in the table.

 The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid with promotion up to the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) for the league champions. More often than not a competitive league featuring a healthy quota of playing talent the Premier Division is a strong league. Today’s match up a local derby, the clubs enjoying a good rivalry Stevenage enjoying a long period as the dominant club in the county winning county cup 5 times in that spell. Royston knocking them out of the competition last season going on to lift the county cup for the first time . Stevenage’s Development/U23s side winning the inaugural Hertfordshire Women’s Trophy.

Stevenage FC Women welcome back their captain, Lucy Webster after spending the previous season out through injury. Retain much of the squad from that season coming into the new campaign as they look to get back amongst the sides pushing at the top of the league. 3 new signings, goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves joins the club having previously been with Reading FC Women. Gemma Croucher once with Royston comes into the club having been part of the Real Bedford Ladies promotion and treble winning squad last season. Libby Monaghan joins Stevenage on a dual registration with Oxford United Women.

 Got off to a winning start at home on the opening day of the season against Enfield Town Ladies, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Lilia Dempsey and Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe on target in a 4-0 win. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Luton Town Ladies followed before Stevenage bounced back with a 6-2 victory at home to Cambridge City Women playing out a 2-2 with newly promoted Watford Ladies Development last weekend. A 3 way tie for top scorer after 4 matches with, Lilia Dempsey, Amy Makewell and Gemma Croucher with 3 each.

 Royston Town Women out of the traps flying this season with 4 wins from 4 to lead the ERWFL Premier Division table. Have been building on and off the pitch over the last few season’s as they look to be amongst those regularly challenging at the top of the table. Like Stevenage have picked up a couple of players from last seasons league champions Real Bedford, attacker, Neve Mayes and full back Amy Reed. Lucy Ford joins the club from St Albans City Women. Jodie Donley has useful experience playing for AFC Sudbury Women in the FAWNL last season, also joining from Sudbury, goalkeeper, Millie Carter on a season long loan. Tilly Want is another goalkeeper coming to the club from MK Dons Women. With Katie Hayes impressing for Newmarket Town Women last season joining Royston keen to test herself at a higher level. 

  Royston Town Women at home on the opening day up against a Luton Town Ladies sides that themselves will fancy themselves for the title. A hat-trick from last season’s top scorer, Emma Slater the difference as Royston ran out 3-2 winners. Racked up the goals in their 2nd game of the season Neve Mayes netting 4 in a 10-0 demolition of Cambridge City Women. A 2-0 win at home to Watford Ladies Development followed that with another good result away from home last time out beating St Albans City Women 4-2. Emma Slater already on  for the season after just 4 matches, while Neve Mayes has 5.

 The County Ground in Letchworth the venue for this afternoon’s match. The Hertfordshire FA headquarter nestled in one corner of the stadium. The café open situated under the main stand offering covered seating. Covered terracing opposite with small terraced stands behind the goals. The pitch 3G refreshed with new rubber prepped for the new season. The weather pleasant warm if a little muggy, cloud cover around with rain possible towards the latter end of the match.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Lucy Webster (C), Mistie Fox-Barker, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Gemma Croucher, Anaise Corrigan & Amy Makewell. Subs – Anna Baker-Re, Kelsey Millen, Libby Monaghan, Eva Delaney & Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe.

Stevenage FC Women

Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Annie Georgiou, Amy Reed, Amy Houghton (C), Tally Miles, Stacey Roper, Ri Badel, Laura Mills, Katie Hayes, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs –  Jodie Donley, Lily Hall, Amy Cooper, Charlotte South & Lucy Ford.

Royston Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain. Lucy Webster & Amy Houghton with today’s match officials

  Lucy Webster back for Stevenage after a long term injury, Royston too have welcomed back a couple of key players back fit towards the end of last season, club captain Amy Cooper and midfielder Ri Badel. The latter starting for the visitors today with Cooper on the bench, Amy Houghton wearing the captains armband. It’s Royston to kick-off the first half wearing their all aquamarine away kit with Stevenage in their home colours white shirt with red trim, red shorts and white socks. Played back to the defence Stevenage rush in to press the ball, competitive right from the off Royston get the ball into Ri Badel moving left lays it forwards looking for the run Neve Mayes in attack left of the D into the area, Rebecca Edge closing in to tackle send the ball out of play.

  Royston out on the left pushing up the ball rolled into full back Annie Georgiou from deep sweeps a diagonal ball into the box, Mayes looking to attack it as it falls in front of her, Stevenage goalkeeper Lauren Reeves rushing in to close her down, making the blocking save getting clattered by Mayes in the process, the ball loose running on beyond out of play beyond the far post. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves called into action early in the game

  Royston making a positive start looking to get players forwards, Stevenage breaking up at attack outside their box look to attack played on through the middle up to Amy Makewell leading the attack, controlling the ball into her feet puts the ball across the the left looking for Anaise Corrigan pushing up to join her, can’t quite take the ball on in her stride, which might well have seen her escape the defence get into the box, however Amy Houghton can get her foot in to take the ball clear for the visitors.

  Stacey Roper closing the ball down well in the middle for Royston getting her side on the front foot. Plays it forwards into Badel who sends it on for Mayes 25 yards out central has Katie Hayes breaking forwards into the box on the left slides the ball into her, Edge lunging in to charge her shot down. Edge is then clipped on the right side as the defender carries the ball out of defence. An opportunity for Stevenage to get players up into the box for the set-piece, Webster over the ball, launched in to the far post area, Roper jumping for Royston getting her head on the ball turning it behind for a corner kick. A teasing ball delivered into the box, curling across goal over everyone out the far side for a goal kick.

Royston’s Stacey Roper

  Hannah Bodily getting onto the ball in midfield for Stevenage travels forwards, the opportunity presenting it self she pulls the trigger from 25 yards out the shot coming straight at Millie Carter back on her line. 

Hannah Bodily lining up a strike for Stevenage

  Gemma Croucher, shoved in the back by Roper off a Stevenage throw in on the right giving Stevenage a free-kick in a similar position to their previous one. Webster again to deliver swept deep towards the far post, Royston defend the ball cleared up field, Emma Slater looknig to turn and attack, Mistie Fox-Barker getting her foot in to win the ball back for Stevenage. Houghton winning it back for Royston in defence put forwards for Laura Mills, finds Mayes outside the box with her pass, the attacker evading a couple of challenges as she looks to fight her way into the area, Grace Brooks not letting her through. 

Stevenage defender, Grace Brooks

  A few niggly fouls being given away certainly has a derby feel about it, Webster brought down as the Stevenage captain makes a marauding run into midfield with the ball. Top of the circle, players forwards as Webster floats the ball in on the keeper, Carter getting her gloves up to take the ball Edge closing in to attack the ball colliding with the keeper, both going down hurt. A strong challenge referee Emma Chamberlain consulting with her linesman before issuing Edge with a yellow card. 

  Tally Miles in to tackle Amy Gooderham as she looks to turn in behind on the right, brings the ball on for Royston has Georgiou up with her the full back sending the ball up the line for Hayes who slides it into the area for Mayes making a run out to the side of the box, Brooks going with the attacker, getting across the ball to shield it out of play. 

 Webster goes on another surging run from the back for Stevenage going on into the final third central, Makewell makes a run to the right drawing defenders with her opening up the left channel, Webster looks to roll it into the path of Corrigan, just a little too much on the ball Corrigan unlucky again as the ball evades her stride. Reed tackling Corrigan as she looks to attack out on the left, cleared back into the middle, Chloe Gunn gets hold of the ball for Stevenage firing it back into the box, Makewell looking to turn and shoot, blocked by Houghton…

 GOAL! For the Stevenage attack, Royston hit their opponents on the counter the ball lifted on down the right for Slater to take on, runs into the box cutting a vicious ball across the face of goal, picks out Hayes who has burst into the six yard box on the keeper to turn the ball in from close range to put Royston into the lead in the 20th minute 0-1.

Katie Hayes opening the scoring for Royston

  A free-kicks mounting up for both sides, this time Mills is upended as she takes the ball on inside the right channel. The set-piece from Miles put into the near post area, Slater getting up to try and twist her header goal wards, looping out towards the far post Gooderham stretching out a leg turning it behind for a corner kick. Curled in from the left across the six yard box to the far post attacked and knocked over.

GOAL! Stevenage get themselves back on level terms and it from a piece of individual magic from Gooderham. Out on the right inside the Royston half sees the ball into her feet, flicking it behind her to turn her marker and get inside to charge on towards the box, driving in field moves central across the D, before letting loose a well hit left for strike to send the ball curling past the diving keeper inside the far post 1-1.

Amy Gooderham in the build up to her goal

A fabulous individual goal from Amy Gooderham to equalise for Stevenage

Is certainly an enthralling contest Stevenage getting themselves back on level terms, Miles sends the ball on up the left for Royston into Mayes has Hayes up on the wing the pair playing a one two the return pass coming to Mayes as she steals into the area sends her angled strike across the face of the Stevenage goal. 

Royston attacker, Neve Mayes

 A couple of knocks for both sides, Slater needing treatment following a Royston attack top of the area, Edge too hurt as she goes up to defend on Mayes at the back for Stevenage. Both okay to continue. Roper closing Gooderham down as the Stevenage winger looks to storm on through the right channel. Brooks winning the ball from Slater at the back for Stevenage carries the ball on into midfield aiming to put a threaded pass into Makewell, Miles intercepts well for Royston.

  Reed defending inside her box, clearing the ball as Carter coming for the ball is pressed by Corrigan. Reed finding Mills in attack as she steals in behind on the right to attack the by-line flashing a cross into the six yard box, Reeves down on it smartly to claim as both Mayes and Hayes close her down. Stevenage with a quickfire counter attack the ball into Bodily on the move through the middle for the hosts lays it on for Croucher 25 yards out moving right cuts her shot back looking to play it across the keeper, Carter getting own to gather up the ball.

Laura Mills

  Stevenage making a change, bringing off Corrigan send on Kelsey Millen comes right with Gooderham switching to the left with 8 minutes remaining in the first half. Millen involved straight away as the cross-field ball is played into her, out on the right sends the ball in over the top for Croucher attacking the area left of the D, Carter rushing out to charge her down sliding in to make the blocking save, then Reed charges down the follow-up strike. 

Royston goalkeeper, Millie Carter

  Stevenage looking to press late in the half, Gooderham inside to Bodily shapes to shoot from 30 yards out her effort put straight at the keeper. Royston quick to get on the counter up to Badel in midfield plays it up to Mayes in attack central lays it out to Hayes bombing on down the left, squares her cross into the area, cut out by Webster. Royston snatch the ball back in the final third Badel again lifting it out to the left for Hayes clips her cross back into the top of the D, Mayes looking to get it under control tackled by Brooks. Pops loose for Slater to run onto right side 20 out flashes a strike wide of the far post. 

Royston midfielder, Ri Badel

 A busy end to the first half both sides looking to get forwards, Miles with a diagonal pass into Mayes outside the box, can’t et it out of her feet before Gunn closes her down. Mills on the ball for Royston right channel fires it into the box for Mayes right post area, has Slater to her right attempts to put the ball into her feet, Brooks between the pair getting hold of it instead for Stevenage and clearing. The hosts mounting one last attack in the first half, the ball send on for Croucher left side puts it across the top of the area for Millen attacking right, Georgiou defending for Royston, then Roper gets it away as Makewell looks to pounce, won back prodded into Makewell central 25 out her shot is tame runs safely through to the keeper.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Royston Town Women

 That was a highly entertaining first half, a competitive derby tussle with two committed sides. A bit of niggle added to the mix but nothing nasty. Royston started confidently positive looking to get forwards breaking from a Stevenage attack carving their opponents open to score the opening goal. Stevenage responded well getting back on level terms from a piece of individual magic from Amy Gooderham. Both sides with chances after that but defences holding firm set up brilliantly for the 2nd half.

  No chances of personnel at the start of the 2nd half with Stevenage to get things underway. A slight switch for Royston with Hayes and Slater setting up on opposite flanks. The ball put into Millen as Stevenage look to play it forwards lifted on for Makewell pulling out to the right, Miles stepping in to intercept for the visitors. Millen snapping in to win the ball back out wide lifting a cross from deep into the area claimed cleanly by Carter.

Royston defender, Tally Miles

  Houghton on the ball at the back for Royston clipping a long pass up to Slater attacking left of the D, lets loose a shot, straight forwards for Reeves in the Stevenage goal. Royston winning a free-kick on the left outside the box, Miles over the ball putting her delivery long out beyond the far post. 

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

 Stevenage burst forwards Millen on for Makewell right side turns to put in into the area with Croucher attacking the goalkeeper, Carter closing the ball down Croucher sliding in gets the ball under her to see it strike the base of the post and deflect across the face of goal, Gooderham throwing herself forwards at the far post can’t make contact as Royston launch it clear. 

Stevenage’s Gemma Croucher

  An open game both side wanting a goal Hayes in space on the right tracks on with the ball, Fox-Barker patient blocking the attempted cross turning it behind for a corner kick. Georgiou to play the ball into the box form the right curled in far post knocked down hits a defender to go behind for a corner on the left. A vicious in swinger across goal, Reeves doing well to get her fist on the ball to punch it away to the right for another corner. Edge getting up highest to head the ball away at the far post for Stevenage. 

  Badel bringing the ball on right side for Royston looking to link up with Hayes, Fox-Barker stopping the initial cross, Hayes with a 2nd attempt chipping the ball up into the area, claimed well by Reeves. Gooderham pulling up for Stevenage, has a slight injury concern as they bring her off in the 56th minute sending Corrigan back into the action. Royston making their first change too, Charlotte South going into midfield replacing Badel. Royston break away to the right Hayes taking the ball on whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, both Mayes and Slater closing in on the keeper, Slater with the final touch, Reeves superb staying big to save at close range bat the ball away.

  Stevenage with another set-piece on half-way Webster to play it in towards the top of the area, Roper heading clear for Royston. Corrigan on the left of attack for Stevenage tangling with Reed, coming away with the ball on the move looking to get in behind, Houghton is across on the cover to close the ball down for the visitors. 

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

 Reed playing the ball on up the right for Hayes, loops a ball into the box near side Mayes rushing in to meet it sees her effort drop wide of the post a knick off a defender though a corner signalled. Played in long from the right falling to Slater deep on the left her shot from the angle blocked inside the area, deflected back out to Hayes right of the D 25 out, holding the ball up back to goal has Miles charging past her looking for the pass ties her up Miles shooting across goal towards the far post, Reeves diving to her left getting down well to save. 

  Hayes getting in on the right for Royston sending another cross into the area, claimed by Reeves low at her near post. Reed and Corrigan enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to get past the full back, succeeds to race on down the line whipping a venomous ball across the face of goal, Millen sliding in on the keeper can’t get a telling touch, pops up on the line for Carter to snatch into her gloves. 

 Royston making their 2nd change of the match bringing off Mayes, send Lily Hall on to take up an attacking role on the left. Stevenage too making a change Corrigan off again, on comes Eva Delaney to take up the attacking duties on the left. All action in the middle of the park, South fouling Bodily. Mills looking for Hayes on the right, turns inside, Fox-Barker stretching to get the ball back for Stevenage.

Mistie Fox-Barker

  More changes as Gunn comes off for Stevenage, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe coming on to join the attack. Roper off for Royston with Lucy Ford introduced to the action. Hayes in a central position outside the D, her shot smashes her shot into Croucher at point blank range a painful hit takes a few moments for Croucher to recover but is alright. 

 Croucher up the other end as Stevenage attack sees the ball into her feet well on the turn looks to slip Thomas-O’Keefe free inside the box, a vital interception from Houghton though. Stevenage working hard to frustrate Royston in the final third, Brooks winning the ball well. Slater booked as she brings down Webster. The set-piece top of the circle put in to the top of the box defended by Royston, look to get on the offensive the ball into Hayes looking to take the ball on right side, Fox-Barker tracking back with her, Hayes tripping herself up goes down hard striking her head on the 3G pitch a stunning blow play stopped so she can be checked out. Was a jarring impact but thankfully is okay to play on.

 GOAL! The clock ticking down into the final 5 minutes of the match, Royston mount an attack the ball fed on for Hall on the left knocking it down into the box central with Hayes closing in Fox-Barker with her defending well, however the ball skips up to the top of the area right of the D, for Slater to put her foot though looping back in towards goal, Reeves can’t react quick enough throwing a glove up to try and deflect the ball over, not enough as it drops under the crossbar to see Royston back into the lead 1-2. 

Emma Slater fires Royston back into the lead

 Royston making a change bringing off Hayes after the goal sending on Jodie Donley goes in at right back with Reed pushed up. Corrigan back on replacing Millen for Stevenage with Libby Monaghan on to replace Webster. 

GOAL! With Stevenage pressing looking for a reply Royston get hold of the ball and counter through the middle up to Slater top of the area central slides it on for Hall stealing into the box on her left Hall taking the ball into her stride and slotting her shot past the on rushing keeper to give Royston a 2 go cushion in the 89th minute 1-3.

Lily Hall off the bench to send Royston into a 3-1 lead

  A huge blow for Stevenage as the game moves into stoppage time a few injuries several minutes yet to be played Bodily playing the ball into Croucher right channel control and turns to slide the ball on into the box for Thomas-O’Keefe, shaping to shoot on the angle, Carter comes rushing out to slide in and make the blocking save. Croucher sending another ball into the Royston box from the right, Houghton stretching to close Makewell down, the striker shoots wide. 

  Slater coming off for Royston with Mayes sent back on. Stevenage pushing players on attacking right the ball angled low into the near post Croucher throwing herself at the ball goes wide as it brushes the near post.

GOAL! Into the 6th minute of injury time, Stevenage allowed the ball wide the cross in deep from the right is brought down well by Makewell central back to goal knocks it to her left to open up a yard of space to strike the ball back across the keeper and finds the bottom corner to pull a goal back 2-3.

Amy Makewell pulls a goal back in the dying moments for Stevenage

  A goal back for Stevenage but no time left on the clock to mount another attack as Royston see out the game to make it 5 wins from 5 to start the season and open up a 6 point lead at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division table.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-3 Royston Town Women

  Another enthralling contest from the ERWFL Premier Division, rarely disappoints and today was no exception. A local derby played with passion and commitment. Both sides up for it. A great one for the neutral well worth the trip down from Norfolk. Royston starting positively getting into the lead straight from a Stevenage opportunity. The host with a good reply to equalise. Chances for both in the first half to get into the lead. Stevenage looking for a positive start to the 2nd half working hard at the back to frustrate Royston, the clock timing down the visitors found the break though in the 85th minute, quickly going on to add a 3rd goal. Stevenage allowed the ball as Royston looked to see out the game getting a goal back at the death but not enough time left to create another opening. A brilliant start to the season from Royston.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders for this one and hard pressed to single one out although I did have one in mind leaving the ground. A local derby played with passion and largely good spirited. Several performances of note. Grace Brooks at the back for Stevenage put in several crucial tackles and got about the back line well. Hanna Bodily battling for the ball in the middle. Anaise Corrigan caused problems when she get hold of the ball. Gemma Croucher getting into some great attacking positions. Amy Gooderham with a fantastic goal, attacked down the flank with purpose. For Royston, Tally Miles was composed and read the game well. Stacey Roper was busy in the middle of the park, set the tone early on. Neve Mayes strong up top held the ball up well. Emma Slater gets a mention because she’s Emma Slater and always amongst the contenders for Royston. Edging it today for me Katie Hayes operating on both flanks provided a great outlet for Royston throughout the match looked to get others into the action, opening the scoring. 

 A thoroughly entertaining match from the County Ground this afternoon, both sides have started the season well and have assembled a strong collection of talent between them. The ERWFL Premier Division is a strong league will be intrigued to watch t unfold as the season progress. My thanks to both sides for their help today  as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Barking FC Women

Sunday 4th February

ERWFL Premier Division

 For the first time in 2024 heading out of Norfolk to watch some women’s football action. A trip into Hertfordshire today to Garden Walk to watch Royston Town Women take on newly promoted Barking FC Women in the ERWFL Premier Division.

 The 12 strong league representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England growing ever stronger with the talent pool increasing within the women’s game. Remains a tough league to conquer with the title bringing with it promotion to the FAWNL. AFC Sudbury Women achieving back to back promotions to achieve that dream last season. Real Bedford Ladies looking the strong favourites to take the title this season yet to drop a point at the top of the table 11 points clear of the rest. Is a frantic tussle for 2nd spot with just 4 points between the sides in 2nd down to 6th spot.

 Royston Town Women winning 3-1 away to AFC Dunstable Women last weekend to edge themselves up into 2nd as they recorded a 7th straight league win. Recovering well from a slow start that saw the club take just 4 points from their opening 6 matches. Now up to 2nd off the back of their 7 game winning streak move up into 2nd spot with an astounding 10 of their 13 league games played to date coming away from home! The last time Royston played at their Garden Walk home stadium was back at the start of November. Having nudged their way into 2nd spot have 8 of their remaining games at home and will be looking to press the advantage.

 Knocking local rivals and current holders, Stevenage FC Women out of the Hertfordshire County Cup, Royston have progressed to the semi-finals of the competition where they will play at home to ERWFL Division One North title hopefuls, Harpenden Town Women. Emma Slater leading the goal scoring charts this season with 14 goals coming in 15 appearances. Jordanne Sillitoe joining Royston from Haverhill Rovers Women following a short stint at Thetford Town has scored 7 goals in her 8 appearances for the club.

 Barking FC Women are newly promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division after running away with the Division One South title last season. Went the whole campaign unbeaten winning all but one of their 16 league matches. Scoring 80 goals in the process, Laura Bunton who has always been prolific in front of goal for the club as Barking and previously as Collier Row Ladies scoring 30 goals during that campaign.

 Bunton once again amongst the goals as the club competes in the 5th tier for the first time scoring 23 goals in 19 appearances. Lindsay Sibbons the next closest scoring 6 from the 12 matches she has featured in. Formerly Collier Row Ladies before the move to Barking has seen the side grow rapidly now promoted to the Premier Division and setting up a new Reserves sides competing in Essex Women’s Division Two this season. Have gotten their games played well out in front in that regard 17 of their 22 league games completed sit in mid-table in 6th spot amongst the cluster of sides pushing for 2nd, could well run out of fixtures in what has been an inconsistent campaign so far losing as many games as they’ve won.

 

 Garden Walk the venue for today’s match little used by Royston themselves so far this season will be regulars come the latter part of the season. Their first game at home since November. The Stadium very much in the heart of the community in a build up area surrounded by housing. A large sloping grass pitch with seated stands on one side of pitch and behind one goal. Small covered stands dotted around the other side by the dugouts the clubhouse and changing rooms behind the other goal leading into the ground the bar open serving hot and cold drinks with a burger van also available. A bright sunny day with a little cloud around and a stiff breeze blowing making things feel chilly. Knew things were going too well this morning 40 minutes to KO, finished my cup of tea and discovered the memory card was corrupted in my camera (has played up since the soaking it received at the Manea game before Christmas) One mad dash to the local Tesco’s later and a replacement installed got back in time to get set up before kick-off. Phew!

Royston Town Women

Royston Town Women starting XI – Elie Sarter, Emma Todd, Annie Georgiou, Tally Miles, Amy Houghton, Erin Davies, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Lily Hall, Emma Slater & Poppy Smith. Subs – Katie White, Nicole Hendrick, Jordanne Sillitoe, Amy Josland & Emily Smith.

Barking FC Women

Barking FC Women starting XI – Serena Hand, Juliet Thomas, Jemma McCarty, Daisy Cook (C), Sarah Finch, Poppy Hartwell, Kiera Colthart, Maisy Wyer, Chloe Jackson, Ammarah Ali & Laura Bunton. Subs – Niamh Pridie, Emily Glensman, Brooke Reed, Grace Holt & Isabella Curran.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s the hosts, Royston to kick-off the first half wearing the white coloured shirts and socks with black shorts with Barking lined up opposite in an all blue kit. The ball played back to the defence, Barking rush forwards to press the ball, Amy Houghton turning to play the ball back to her goalkeeper, Ellie Sarter to clear. Houghton then playing the clipped diagonal pass long to the right for Emma Slater to attack on the flank, checks infield to loop a cross into Laura Mills positioned outside the box right of the D, looking to get her foot over the ball to shoot, lacks power as it runs safely through to Barking goalkeeper, Serena Hand.

  A lively start Barking setting out their stall to get after the ball inside the Royston half, a little over zealous give away a free-kick, knocked forwards into the feet of captain, Charlotte South drives forwards looks to plough her way towards the box, Maisy Wyer and Kiera Colthart convert to crowd her off the ball for Barking. A little scrappy with players being closed down rushed into realising the ball, failing to find its mark.

Captain, Charlotte South powers her way forwards for Royston.

  Barking’s Laura Bunton pulled over to the left of the pitch seeing the pass from Ammarah Ali into her feet, spins cleverly to take the ball in behind the defence looks to get after it as it runs into the area, Tally Miles racing across on the cover from centre back to clear the ball away for a throw. Royston bring the ball out from the back, Erin Davies with the cross-field ball finding Lily Hall out wide left taking the ball on sends an early cross in towards the top of the area looking for Slater coming off the right flank, Juliet Thomas going with her for Barking the full back winning the ball.

Barking’s Laura Bunton

  Slater getting on well up the right for Royston, coming inside has South up with her waiting to receive the ball top of the area, looking to turn and strike is quickly closed down by three Barking players the ball cleared. Davis seeing the ball down into her feet off a throw on the left for Royston hooks it forwards into the channel her target Poppy Smith in attack, Daisy Cook captaining Barking, intercepting the ball.

Royston’s Erin Davies beating Barking’s Kiera Colthart to the ball

  Bunton getting about the Royston back line looking for the ball, Ali left and Chloe Jackson right looking to get close to support take the ball in behind, Houghton cutting a pass out well for Royston. Annie Georgiou at left back, challenging Jackson as she attempts to drive on down the right. 

Royston defender, Amy Houghton

  Miles getting hold of the ball at the back for Royston decides to burst forwards over half way before threading the ball on for Mills pulling into the left channel the ball knocked on ahead of her as she drives for the box left of goal, the angle closing fast stabs the ball goal wards with the outside of her boot, Hand across to defend her near post seeing the ball up into her gloves.

  Bunton never needs an invite to shoot and seeing the ball into her feet out on the left 25 yards out shifts it onto her right foot before unleashing a strike angles in low across the keeper, Sarter diving to her left getting behind the ball to make the save.

  South combining with Smith through the middle playing the one two South sending it on for Smith to attack the area, Sarah Finch getting in to close her down, defending well as she backtracks towards her box the ball cleared to the left. Royston attack with Hall on the ball left the cross swept into the area, the flag going up for offside against Slater even as Hand comes sliding in to save at her feet.

Barking’s Sarah Finch

Royston’s Lily Hall

  Barking continue to press the ball unsettling Royston pinging back and forth in the middle the ball races back towards Sarter’s area comes out to her left to clear the ball, outside the area unable to pick it up with Jackson pushing forwards to close her down she strikes the attacker with her attempted clearance the ball rebounding off Jackson, safe behind for a goal kick.

Barking’s Chloe Jackson

 Colthart getting across the pitch steaming in to win the ball for Barking on the right sends Jackson away down the flank, Hall tracking back to defend bringing the Barking winger down right on the edge of the area a free-kick outside the box to the right of goal, Ali over it clips the ball into the six yard box, Sarter back on her line down to claim seeing it all the way.

Royston goalkeeper, Ellie Sarter

  Barking working hard across the pitch to frustrate Royston’s build up, Poppy Hartwell getting her tackles in to win the ball. Mills up top for Royston getting into some useful positions as she looks to find an opening set up her teammates. Smith finding Hall with the pass out on the left fires a cross in central towards South, is quickly closed down by Hartwell before she can craft an opportunity to strike the ball. 

Poppy Hartwell

  Davies and Colthart enjoying a good battle in the middle of the park, Davies getting away from Colthart this time to play the ball forwards into Smith back to goal looks to drop her shoulder spin off Cook behind her, the defender reading it however, sticking a foot out to intercept the ball. A lively opening 20 minutes. Royston finding Hall out on the left looking to get into the area, Hand comes rushing out to save at her feet batting the ball away, out of position as Smith latches onto the ball wide but her defence has gotten back to cover the goal as the ball is swept back into the six yard box and hooked clear.

Poppy Smith

  Bunton out on the left with another ambitious effort from range all of 35 yards out on target, Sarter covering her near post right behind it to make the catch. Barking look to break in behind, Bunton over on the right sending it on for Jackson in the clear can’t quite take the ball in her feet catching in the turf, Bunton right up with her snatching the ball to knock it on into the area, looking to bear down on goal from the right, Miles recovering her ground superbly getting across her run to block the shot she the ball spin away behind for a corner kick.

  Barking sending players up for the corner looped into the six yard box headed clear falls to Thomas 30 yards out to the right lays it back out to the corner taker to launch the cross back into the mix, South doing the defending for Royston. The throw in high on the right dropped into Colthart inside the area holds off her marker to turn and send the low ball in towards goal, Sarter on her line right behind the shot to save.

  Bunton is all action up top for Barking a great outlet looking to pull off the defence, hold the ball up. Royston seeing an opportunity to press themselves from Barking’s goal kicks are prepared to push players up around the area, Finch and Jemma McCarty both making blocking tackles on South as she pushes up to receive the ball. Bunton linking up with Jackson through the middle in attack, Jackson racing with Miles on her shoulder towards the box, Sarter rushing out to slide in and claim the ball at their feet.

Ellie Sarter rushing in to claim the ball for Royston

  All action as Georgiou intercepts at the back for Royston sends it long up the left for Hall in an advanced position, appears to be fouled by Cook as she manages to squeeze the ball into the D for Smith who is challenged by McCarty the ball running back to Hall who stabs her shot wide of the left post from 20 yards. 

 Frantic at times with players getting at one another, a little heated at times a few challenges causing concern for the Royston bench. Georgiou with the diagonal ball out to Slater on the right getting it down onto her feet travels inside and finds her path blocked by the Barking defence.

  GOAL! End to end at times Barking break quickly Colthart out to Jackson on the right, the midfielder continuing her run into the box as Barking carve open the Royston defence, Jackson right of the area firing in the ball towards Colthart central, Todd lunging in to block her strike for Royston the ball deflected out to the left Ali and Bunton forwards to get hold of the ball, Bunton shifting it onto her right foot to strike the ball hard across the keeper into the bottom corner 0-1.

Laura Bunton fires in the opening goal for Barking

  The goal coming with 10 minutes left on the clock in the first half. Barking getting on well to pressure Royston at the back get in behind to score. Miles carrying the ball on through the middle for Royston sees an opening to push on all the way, McCarthy needing to get across to halt her run. 

 Colthart working hard to get after the ball for Barking spins off her marker making a strong run towards the area, forwards into Bunton, Houghton getting a leg out to nick the ball off her conceding the corner on the right. Swung in towards the six yard box headed clear out of the area to the right the ball won back by the visitors hooked back in long to the far post players queuing up to attack it Colthart not getting a firm header the ball knocked into the ground Sarter pouncing onto it for the hosts.

  Royston remain unsettled haven’t really found their flow, Barking doing well in that aspect, Colthart out to Ali breaking on the left swinging a looping cross into the area, claimed at the far post by Sarter. Smith turning on the ball 25 yards out for Royston sees her shot charged down by McCarty. 

 Late into the first half Royston continue to be frustrated push players on Davies up to Smith central top of the D her attempt charged down the ball spinning away to the right, Mills stretching latching onto the ball for the hosts sending it on towards goal Hand can’t get down in time, the ball rebounding back off the post falls to South in on the follow up, sees her first time effort deflected wide past the left post for a corner kick. 

The corner swung in towards the far post, Hand up well to glove the ball away to the right. Smith back for Miles pushing up for Royston threaded forwards into South outside the box drives on, Finch closing her down with the blocking tackle for Barking.

Half-time Royston Town Women 0-1 Barking FC Women

  A frustrating first half for Royston as they go into the changing rooms trailing at the break. Barking working hard to close the ball down get after their opponents. Bunton a lively outlet up to ready to receive the ball pulling into the channels always looking for the shot or to set up a teammate, shooting from inside the box to open the scoring. Royston getting forwards well enough creating opportunities but haven’t been able to impose themselves on the game. A single goal in it remains all to play for.

  No changes for either side at the break in terms of personal, Slater and Hall switching flanks at the start of the 2nd period for Royston as Barking get the 2nd half underway, played back to Thomas sends the ball up the left for Ali racing forwards, Davies across to cut the ball out for the hosts, Royston showing their intent straight away at the start of the 2nd half with South pushing on to support the attacking players, South seeing the ball into her feet outside the area laid back to Todd to clip a high ball into the area over the defence bounces up and claimed high by Hand in the Barking goal.

  Houghton’s clearance launched forwards threatens to release Slater attacking on the left, Cook alert moving forwards into her path to intercept the ball 25 yards out. Royston pressing the Barking defence in the final 3rd. Slater charging down the keeper as Hand comes rushing out of the box left side the ball rebounding behind for the goal kick. Barking making a change early in the 2nd half bringing off Finch at the back, Niamh Pridie coming on. 

Barking captain, Daisy Cook

 Hand racing out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball as Davies hooks it forwards for Smith to attack from the flick on. South laying the ball out to the left for Georgiou to take on as she breaks forwards squaring a low cross into the box his just behind Slater attacking the near post six yards out runs on for Smith central, can’t dig the shot out from under her feet the ball trickling to the left post Hand down to claim it caught accidentally by Slater as she makes a stab for it.

Hand okay to continue, Barking sitting back waiting for the opportunity to launch a counter attack, Ali through the middle has Colthart moving out to her left, turning infield swings the pass into Bunton, central sweeps it on for the far post with Jackson stretching her legs trying to get there, Georgiou going with her, cutting the ball out to clear the threat for Royston. 

  Royston competing in the middle for the ball Davies into South played on for Smith outside the D, looks to turn is closing watched by McCarty the defender winning her tackle. Royston on top in the 2nd half looking to take the game to Barking, the visitors setting out their stall to defend launch the counter with Bunton the willing outlet up top. South inside the box left of goal seeing the pass into her from Slater lays it back out to the top of the area for Todd, her shot charged down by Hartwell.

Barking midfielder, Kiera Colthart

  Mills breaking into the box as the ball is fired into the near post, can’t quite latch onto it before Hand can snatch the ball into her gloves. Royston pushing on looking for the equaliser South central chipping the ball forwards Mills with the flick off her head to lay the ball into Hall’s path as she bursts into the area, on the angle strikes the shot, Hand with a brilliant save sharp diving down to her left to push the ball behind for the corner kick. 

 Miles on the corner a great ball swung in under the bar, central Hand is equal to it reaching up above her head to pull the ball down into her body.

  Barking inviting pressure as they pull back to defend, Royston able to commit players on knowing Bunton has a lot to do up top should the ball break to her. The ball launched into the box from deep on the right, Cook up to head the ball down far post falls straight to Smith who attempts to lift the ball over the defence sees her effort come down off the crossbar before being cleared long.

Barking’s Ammarah Ali

  Barking dangerous on the counter Bunton seeing the ball down sweeping the pass out to Jackson bursting clear wide right, plays the ball inside for Colthart breaking central, Miles closing her down, getting back to cut out the pass. Georgiou fouled Royston with a free-kick 40 yards out, Miles smashing her strike into the barking wall the ball spinning away to the right Miles chasing it down with Bunton, a strong shoulder charge to stop Miles getting the ball, the hosts appealing but not getting the decision, goal kick.

Royston full back Annie Georgiou

  Royston forced a corner on right. Make a change before it’s taken bringing off Houghton, sending on Amy Josland. The corner fizzed in low through the six yard box comes to the substitute who sends the ball over the crossbar with her first touch. 

  Ali takes the ball on for Barking on the left linking up with Colthart as the visitors gain ground the cross fired in towards Jackson racing in right of the D, Miles intercepting the ball for Royston. Mills chasing after a lost cause on the right as Royston put the ball forwards an excellent turn of pace seeing Mills get to the ball on the by-line then back heels cleverly against the onrushing defender to send it out for a corner kick. 

Laura Mills

The corner count mounting for Royston, Miles with some dangerous deliveries, Barking needing to stay sharp at the back. The hosts pressing, not getting the rub of the final all, Barking a threat on the counter Ali pushing up with Bunton through the middle, Todd defending well at the back for Royston. 

Royston’s Emma Todd

  Ali screws a shot wide from all of 30 yards in the left channel as Thomas getting up on the wing plays the pass into her feet. Slater getting onto the ball, puts it on for Mills pushing inside, McCarty challenging to halt her run for Barking. Josland drops a shot wide from 30 yards out as the ball is deflected back to her. 

 Bunton still full of running for Barking having to push on by herself at times taking the ball out to the right held up by Georgiou before sending a cross into the box, Miles allowed to bring it away unchallenged. Miles spinning on the ball central attempting to play it into Slater’s path top of the area, Cook stepping in to win the challenge for Barking.

Royston’s Tally Miles

  Barking making a 2nd change bring on Brooke Reed to replace Wyer with 28 minutes played in the 2nd half. Hall fouled for Royston deep on the left as she tries to take the ball forwards. Players lining up top of the area as Miles launches it forwards across the goal, Hand needing to get down to her left to push the ball out for the corner kick. Royston making a double switch before the corner bringing of Poppy Smith and Hall, sending on Katie White and Emily Smith.

  The corner fired into the six yard box from the right falls straight to Emily Smith her snap shot put back across to the right side off target before being hooked clear. Royston knocking on the door looking got an equalising goal, just isn’t happening. Mills with the ball at her feet shifting in inside to shot from outside the box left of the D, Hand down sharply to her right to save push the ball away, the corner conceded. 

  Miles from the left overcooking this one swept wide of the far post. Jackson firing over from range as the ball comes out to her following a break through the middle between Ali and Bunton. 

  Hand’s rushed clearance falling straight to White out on Royston’s left wing, comes inside to shoot, Hand getting back to cover her near post bat the ball away for a corner on the left. Flung in across the face of goal, Emily Smith attempting to go for it can’t quite get a touch as it flashes past the far post for a goal kick. Jackson picking up a yellow card as she trips Miles with the defender looking to break forwards. 

Emma Slater attacking for Royston

  Moving into the final 5 minutes of the match plus what ever stoppage time the referee applies, time running out for Royston to get something from the game. Barking soaking up a lot of pressure the threat of a break remains, Bunton out with Ali to the left the cross into the area cleared by Georgiou for Royston. 

Barking goalkeeper, Serena Hand

  Racing to the by-line right side, Slater battles for possession against Thomas, getting inside the box to shoot can only put the low ball straight into the keeper’s gloves. 

  GOAL! Royston have been knocking on the door all 2nd half and at last their perseverance pays off winning the ball on half way knocked forwards Mills gets her head on it to flick in in behind right channel send Emily Smith through to attack the box, one on one with the keeper as Hand comes to close her down Smith shoots, Hand going to ground making the blocking save the ball deflected on behind her to the right of goal Smith after it into the six yard box pokes it over the line to level! 1-1.

Emily Smith breaking into the box to shoot her initial effort saved by Serena Hand, Smith sending home the follow up.

Emily Smith scoring the late equaliser for Royston

  The goal coming as the game moves into stoppage time Royston back on level terms, eager to get the game underway seek out a winning goal. Hartwell fouls Slater to pick up a yellow card. The free-kick on halfway launching into the box bounces safely through to the keeper. The ball clipped long for Slater to attack on the right flank, twist and turns to get into the box her cross put to close to the keeper, Hand down low to grab.

  Todd clears the ball long out into the right corner, Mills rushing on to close it down, shifts inside plays her cross straight into Hand’s gloves. Time almost up Barking making a change bringing Ali off with Emily Glensman coming on to support Bunton up top. Looks to put herself about win the ball for her team try to get Barking one last telling attack, Miles cutting out the pass for Bunton. 

Full time Royston Town Women 1-1 Barking FC Women

  Full time and the points are shared, Royston pushing all 2nd half for the equaliser grabbing it late on to salvage a point from the game. A strong 2nd half performance getting after the Barking defence applying pressure through out risking the counter but Barking not able to get the numbers up to support. The visitors soaking up a lot of pressure defended their box well, a hard fought match will be disappointed they couldn’t hold on for the clean sheet and 3 points. Royston getting the goal, frustrated it didn’t come earlier may well have opened up the game led to further goals. Remains tight in the top half of the table Royston dropping to 3rd following Haringey Borough’s 2-1 win against Wroxham. Barking up into 4th spot and Stevenage FC Women up to 7th joining the party undefeated in 5.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy this is a tough one let me tell you. Both sides with several strong performances really hard to single it out to just one but we’ll try and their will definitely be some differing opinions but here we go. For Barking goalkeeper Serena Hand pulled off a number of crucial saves to keep the lead intact for much of the game claimed well. Jemma McCarty with several vital tackles and blocks in defence. Poppy Hartwell working hard in the middle to disrupt Royston’s flow especially first half while Kiera Colthart got about the pitch to win the ball. Laura Bunton led the line well pulling off players coming to the ball and creating scoring opportunities. For Royston, Tally Miles was composed at the back reading the game and getting in her tackles, a danger with a set-piece too. Erin Davies won the ball well setting Royston up going forwards. Lily Hall providing a great outlet out wide with some good link up play. Emma Slater attacking down the left and right flank making several useful attacking runs. Laura Mills with a freer role getting into some good positions for herself to create chances and set up others. The award though goes to captain, Charlotte South took the game to Barking made some great runs in the first half and pushed on 2nd half kept the visitors under constant pressure. 

  Apart from the mad dash to the supermarket for a memory card a good afternoon at Garden Walk, is a good atmosphere and Royston have plenty of home games to come. Good to see Barking too especially as they featured in a rather heavy defeat last time out. Both strong outfits in the ERWFL Premier Division which itself is a strong league always guaranteed an entertaining match. My thanks to both for the help with the team details today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 19th November

Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup

 Travelling down to Letchworth this Sunday to take in some action from the quarter finals of the new look Hertfordshire FC Women’s Senior Challenge Cup competition with a repeat of last season’s final taking place in the last 8 with five times winners, Stevenage FC Women taking on Royston Town Women. 

 Hertfordshire FA introducing a secondary women’s county cup competition this season, the Women’s Trophy, that sees the clubs competing within the county split according to league status into the two competitions with the Challenge Cup now the Senior competition featuring the sides playing in tiers 4, 5 & 6. The Trophy competition with the exception of Stevenage FC Women Development featuring the sides playing at county (tier 7) level. Personally I like the format, should in theory see a lot less eye-watering score-lines in the early rounds, and weekends lost due to sides pulling out of the competition through a mis-matched draw while giving those sides competing lower down silverware to contest. Makes the Senior competition highly competitive with a strong quarter final line-up. Stevenage v Royston a repeat of last season’s final with Stevenage edging it 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the competition for a 5th time!.

  Stevenage FC Women have dominated the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup in recent season’s featuring in every final since Women’s Football East started covering it, over a decade now, one of the leading sides in the county and will be determined to keep that run going. Have seen several comings and goings over the close season however losing a number of key players to rival clubs. With a strong squad of players last season have retained a good level of talent while recruiting some useful talent. Defender, Rebecca Edge and Ellie Stammers coming in from Cheshunt FC Women. Midfielder, Sarah Payne playing for 4th tier Cambridge City Women last season. Libby Stubbs has experience in tier 4 with London Seaward. Remi Martin joining from Northampton. Chloe Gunn returning to the club after a spell away with QPR. While Lilia Dempsey makes the step up into the 1st team squad. Mathilda Fidler recently re joining the club after a short stint away with Cambridge City Women. Vice-Captain, Amy Makewell currently top scorer, netting 7 goals so far this campaign while Dempsey has scored 6.

  Royston Town Women bitterly disappointed to miss out in last season’s final have battled back to level the scores late in the game. Like Stevenage, Royston have see a few players depart over the summer, but have also recruited to build a competitive squad to play in what is once again a strong ERWFL Premier Division. Signing, Erin Davies from Cambridge City Women. Sunny McGregor has valuable experience with Cambridge United WFC. Stacey Roper joining the squad having previously been with Haverhill Rovers Women. Royston delighted to welcome back defender, Tally Miles after a spell playing in tier 3 with MK Dons Women. Jordanne Sillitoe also with Haverhill Rovers Women last season the striker joining Royston after starting the season with ERWFL newcomers, Thetford Town Ladies. Also back running again is midfielder Riana Badel working her way back to fitness after suffering the dreaded ACL injury. Emma Slater currently top scorers netting 9 goals in 11 games, hot on her heels though is Sillitoe hitting the back of the net for 6 goals so far in 4 appearances.

  The quarter final tie being played at the County Ground in Letchworth home of Hertfordshire FA and home too in recent season’s for Stevenage FC Women. One large seat stand on one side of the ground with covered viewing areas all around. An over cast and miserable day with a keen wind blowing across the pitch, the odd shower around, hot food and drink being served in the cafeteria behind the main stand.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Rey, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Lilia Dempsey, Anna Baker Re, Hannah Bodily, Emily Schofield, Amy Gooderham, Mathilda Fidler & Amy Makewell (C). Subs – Kelsey Millen, Katie White, Hannah Nebbitt, Kristal Clarke & Matilda Thomas O’Keefe.

Royston Town Women

 Royston Town Women starting XI – Elle Sarter, Amy Houghton, Emma Todd, Tally Miles, Stacey Roper, Charlotte South (C), Erin Davies, Amy Josland, Emma Slater, Laura Mills & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Nicole Hendrick, Emily Smith, Poppy Smith & Chloe Holt.

Captain’s Amy Makewell and Charlotte South with the match officials

 Several changes of personnel featuring in both of today’s playing squad compared to those that featured in the County Cup final back in March. It’s the hosts Stevenage to get the quarter final underway kicking off 1st half wearing red and white coloured shirts, with red shorts and white socks with red trim. Royston wearing their away colours and all aqua strip. The ball played back to Rebecca edge in defence sends it out to the right for Amy Gooderham who firs it long up to the attackers, Stacey Roper up to head the ball away for Royston, out to the right with Gooderham snatching hold of it driving to the by-line turning into the area before running the ball out of play before crossing.

  Royston closing Stevenage down inside their half feeding the diagonal ball out to Emma Slater racing away on the right wing, sends a low cross into the box, cut out by Chloe Gunn at the back for Stevenage. The visitors making a strong start to the match getting after Stevenage pushing forwards, captain Charlotte South battling for possession in the middle the ball finding Slater on the right drives on before firing her cross behind. 

Royston captain. Charlotte South

  Gooderham looking to provide an outlet for Stevenage on the right, the pass picking her out takes on Emma Todd at left back for Royston charging towards the area firing in a cross towards the near post, Mathilda Fidler seeing it into her feet turning to fire the ball across the six yard box, intercepted by Tally Miles at the far post and cleared. 

Grace Brooks tackling Royston’s Emma Slater

  Royston getting forwards with purpose winning a throw high on the right dropped into South puts it back up the line for Slater to whip a dangerous ball into the area, met by Laura Mills running in central, shoot low, Stevenage goalkeeper, Celine Rey saving well diving down to her left to push the ball past the past for a corner kick. Miles swinging the ball in across the top of the six yard box, Edge up well the head clear for Stevenage. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Celine Rey.

  Royston winning the ball back inside the Stevenage half Erin Davies getting it out to the right for Slater level with the top of the area fires it in towards South right of the D, can’t quite dig the ball out from under her feet to get any power behind her strike before being closed down, the shoot tame through to Rey to claim as she goes to ground.

  Is competitive, a little testy between the sides a local derby after all. Edge fouling Jordanne Sillitoe as she looks to spin off her to the left of the centre circle. Miles taking it early played on down the left for Sillitoe checks inside to pass to South 20 yards out left of the goal, attempts the threaded ball for Mills and Slater tracking in behind, Anna Baker Re cutting the ball out slicing the ball away. 

Jordanne Sillitoe

  Slater causing Stevenage problems early on driving forwards with the ball on the right turning infield her cross blocked by Grace Brooks. Slater then up ended as she looks to sprint away with the ball on the right. Miles to sweep her free-kick in towards the near post, Baker Re there to clear for Stevenage, then is there to block as Todd on out on the left looks to send the cleared ball back into the mix. Amy Josland firing a strike from 25 yards out for Royston as the ball coms into her from a throw in on the left.

Royston’s Laura Mills with Stevenage’s Hannah Bodily

  Royston on top at the start of the match, South bustling about in the final 3rd looking to win the ball. With Sillitoe out on the left the cross swept into toward the penalty spot with Mills racing in the target a vital interception by Gunn. Davies getting the ball under control for Royston attempting to thread a through ball in behind for Sillitoe on the left channel, Rey out of her blocks quickly to race out and claim the ball first.

Stevenage’s Chloe Gunn

  Stevenage struggling to get the ball into their attackers as Davies closes Fidler down gets the ball forwards into Mills up top. lays it back to South as she spins in behind, South looking for Slater to the right, the flag going up against her. Mills making a move out to the right with the ball at her feet for Royston, squaring it back inside to South at the near post, the midfielder laying it back to the top of the area with Josland running onto the pass 20 yards out striking the shot over the bar. 

Royston midfielder, Amy Josland

  Slater surging on right side stinging the keepers gloves with a vicious shot angled in at the near post. Stevenage regaining possession in the middle Hannah Bodily on for Emily Schofield sends it through for captain, Amy Makewell in behind into the box right of the D takes it wide before sending a shot in low back across the keeper, Elle Sarter, down smartly to save. 

 Stevenage having rode out the early pressure from Royston working the ball well through the middle a fluid move with Schofield linking up with Makewell who in turn picks out Fidler pulling to the right firing a shot in low towards the near post, Sarter across down low to save has it covered. Baker Re sneaking in behind the Royston defence to take the ball wide right of the box sweeping a ball back in across the penalty spot, Makewell meeting it with a first time hit her shot angling up towards the top left corner, Sarter throwing herself across her goal can’t get there the ball though narrowly wide!

  Three god chances in quick succession for Stevenage after a spell of Royston dominance. Royston with another free-kick inside the Stevenage half, Miles to send it high into the area, headed clear by Bodily for Stevenage. Davies getting back to tackle Gooderham well timed on the right as the Stevenage winger powers her way forwards. 

 GOAL! Royston sending the ball on for Sillitoe pulling clear wide on the left clips the ball in high towards goal, her cross over Rey crashing down off the bar bouncing out to the right, Slater looking to keep it in on the by-line coming together with the defender, the decision initially going against the attacker, but after consulting with her linesman, referee Emma Chamberlain reverses the decision pointing to the spot. Penalty! South placing the ball on the spot taking it for Royston struck low, plenty of pace on it, Rey guessing right diving to her left gets her gloves to the ball, but not enough to deflect the ball pass her post as it instead crosses the line to give Royston the lead 0-1.

Charlotte South fires Royston into the lead from the penalty spot.

 Stevenage unhappy with the decision to award the penalty questioning the referee, the goal stands however, the game restarting Baker Re looking to get the ball out to Lilia Dempsey on the left, Amy Houghton getting a foot onto the ball to intercept the pass for Royston. Testy at times, is an intriguing game. Baker Re shown the yellow card.

GOAL! Stevenage looking for a response after conceding push players up into the final 3rd build up on the left the ball rolled on for Makewell who gets her head down driving into the area towards goal, is unceremoniously hauled to the ground, the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty! Stevenage with a chance to level straight away. Gooderham placing the ball on the spot, hit low and hard to the left sending the keeper the wrong way 1-1.

Amy Gooderham buries the penalty to level for Stevenage

  An entertaining contest the sides back level Royston threaten to break on the left, Todd looking to take the ball on, Gunn sliding in with a strong challenge to send the ball out of play. Davies peeling away to the left taking the ball on for Royston whipping a looping cross into the area, Rey up to pluck the ball down and claim confidently with both Mills and Slater closing her down. 

Royston’s Erin Davies

 Gooderham spinning off her marker well on the right to take the ball forwards laying it on for Fidler breaking into the area right of goal, Miles across to tackle the ball out for a corner on the right. Stevenage sending players up from the back, the ball put long towards the far post Edge rising to meet it with her head sending the attempt over the bar.

Amy Gooderham

   Royston get straight down the other end to win a corner of their own on the right as Slater drives down the line. Miles taking the corner curled in across goal, Roper appears to be bundled over as Slater meets it with her head inside the six yard box sends the ball up over the bar. 

Emma Slater heads over for Royston

  Stevenage unsuccessfully appealing for another penalty as they build on the left, an attacker claiming a shove in the back as the ball comes into her. The game end to end Sillitoe charging the ball down as Rey races out of her area to clear. Roper intercepting a the back as Dempsey floats in an inviting diagonal ball from deep on the left. Stevenage winning a free-kick out on the left the ball fired into Fidler outside the area, left, back to goal, controls on the turn to strike on the volley, straight at Sarter the keep holding onto the ball. Stevenage play the ball into Gooderham off a throw on the right in the closing seconds of the first half the winger crossing on the turn, Miles clearing inside the area for Royston.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Royston Town Women

  That was an entertaining and lively first half. A competitive contest between local rivals. Royston with a strong start to the match taking the game to Stevenage creating several opportunities. Took the hosts a little while to find their feet in the game but responded well with a succession of good chances before the penalty spot got involved. Royston taking the lead after Slater was fouled inside the box. Stevenage not happy with the decision, nevertheless responding well to falling behind, Makewell’s purposeful un into the area seeing her brought down and awarded the penalty. Gooderham burying it to level the scores. All set up for an intriguing 2nd half. 

  Light fading and the wind getting noticeably chillier as the sides come out for the 2nd half the floodlights coming on. Royston making a change bringing off Sillitoe, with Emily Smith. Royston to get the 2nd 45 underway, the ball played back to Miles in defence sweeps it forwards looking for Slater on the right, Brooks defending for Stevenage seeing the ball back to her keeper for Rey to clear. 

  Stevenage pressing the ball on the right at the start of the 2nd half, Baker Re forwards well the ball crossed onto the roof of the net. Gooderham with the ball at her feet, head down driving forwards, Todd lunging in to tackle getting the ball away for the throw, Gooderham going down the Stevenage bench erupting in fury.

  Mills getting hold of the ball breaking away through the middle for Royston in a race with Gunn as she powers her way forwards, laying it out to the right for Slater who has just strayed offside. Gunn down in the box needing treatment, but the defender is okay to play on. Houghton bringing the ball on right for Royston over halfway checks inside before shooting from all of 30 yards out her effort put wide of the near post. Several interesting individual battles taking place out there on the pitch, Baker Re looking to make things happen for Stevenage taking the ball away to the right, Davies tracking with her gets a foot onto the ball to prevent the cross divert it out for a throw.

  Lively taken quickly into Fidler’s feet inside the box right of goal, turns well hitting the strike on the half volley her attempt smashing down off the crossbar! Baker Re taking a blow for Stevenage down a concern as the trainer runs onto the pitch to administer treatment. Allowed back on isn’t running freely as play resumes Stevenage with another strong appeal as Houghton and Dempsey come together top of the Royston area. Baker Re can’t continue Stevenage making a change 10 minutes into the 2nd half bringing on Kelsey Millen. 

GOAL! The game fluid both sides looking to get the ball forwards carve an opening, Royston come forwards with Houghton central feeds the pass on for South 25 yards out she sends the diagonal pass forwards for Mills pulling clear right of the D into the area, turns, Rey racing out attempting to close her down, Mills with a composed touch to place the ball wide of the onrushing keeper, sending the ball into the bottom corner to score 1-2.

Laura Mills fires Royston back into the lead

  Royston back in front regain possession on the left Todd on for Smith who fires he ball into the box for Mills back to goal, lays it back into the path of Slater inside the D, moving inside she curls a shot wide of the left post. Stevenage make a 2nd change bringing off Schofield, sending on Hannah Nebbitt. Fidler with a purposeful run on the ball through the middle for Stevenage, Houghton coming in to charge her down the ball rebounding out to Dempsey on the left plays her shot low into the keeper.

  Royston quick to get on the counter Davies out to Slater breaking away on the right, skips inside her marker to get into the box and blasts a strike wide at the near post. Stevenage winning a free-kick on halfway, Gunn to play it long into the area, Josland defending for Royston, up towards Mills up top looking to break, Gunn doing well defending getting the ball back to Rey to clear. The referee stopping play to turn and book Brooks for something said. 

  Is tense out there a few decisions angering both sides the ball squirming through the back line into Slater to shoot from outside the box the ball plucked down well by Rey. Moments later Slater is fouled top of the D, Royston winning the free-kick, the offender, Brooks in trouble, just shown a yellow card, is shown her second in quick succession and is sent off! Slater needing treatment but okay to continue. An inviting angle for the shot, Miles goes for it her set-piece clipping the top of the crossbar on it’s way over. 

Tally Miles shot clipping the crossbar

  Smith with the shot for Royston, 25 yards out as she brings the ball down centrally to strike, angling in low towards the right corner, Rey saves well getting down at full stretch to push the ball past the post for the corner kick. The corner defended near side cleared back to taker, Miles for a 2nd attempt to cross, the ball coming back to Davies free top of the area her shot in low, Rey again down low to her left saving brilliantly putting the ball behind for another corner. 

Royston’s Emily Smith

  Davies sending a long range pass out to the right for Slater to chase, Rey coming out wide to deal with it needing a composed touch to drag the ball into her area before she is able to drop down to smother the ball. The wind picking up as Stevenage win a free-kick on half-way launched up towards the area dealt with by Roper, before Smith clumsily brings down Fidler presenting Stevenage with a free-kick 20 yards out. To the right of goal, Makewell over the ball hits a thunderous strike in towards goal the ball beating Sarter cannoning down off the crossbar, down into the mix, Fidler snatching at it lifting a rising ball towards the top corner, Sarter throwing her arms up saving to turn the ball over for a corner kick.

Royston goalkeeper, Elle Sarter

   Smith heading the ball from the right out of the box to the left for Royston, Gunn after it shooting low on the angle, well held by Sarter. Royston making a change breaking on Nicole Hendrick for Josland as Stevenage win a free-kick on half way the ball long up into the box headed down to the top of the area, Makewell meeting it on the volley her effort screwed wide past the right post.

   Fidler determined going forwards central the ball knocked on Stevenage winning a free-kick right of the D. Makewell over it goes for goal on target but Sarter is right behind the ball to make the save look comfortable. Stevenage making a triple switch with just a few minutes of regular time left, Bodily, Gunn and Dempsey coming off with Katie White, Kristal Clarke and Matilda Thomas O’Keefe coming on. Roper injured for Royston down receiving treatment needs to come off, Poppy Smith coming on with Slater dropping in to the left of defence. 

 The Smith’s linking up for Royston in attack straight away as the ball from South in put into Emily’s feet left channel lays it into Poppy’s feet as she attacks central in behind, the ball there to be hit as she enters the box takes another touch though a little heavy giving Rey the opportunity to get towards her to dive in make the blocking save.

  Fidler playing the ball on for Millen and Clarke up top for Stevenage central, Millen into Clarke bursting on into the area left of goal Houghton with her, Clarke going down, didn’t look like any contact from my angle, the referee waving play on as the visitors clear the ball. Stoppage time being played Stevenage pushing on looking for a goal, Royston defending as the hosts get a free-kick inside the circle Nebbitt to take, hit long Sarter back on her line getting her gloves behind it and not letting it drop loose inside her six yard box. 

  Mills off late on for Royston as the clock ticks down, Chloe Holt coming on, Stevenage throwing the ball forwards Millen bringing it down into her feet 25 yards out, Miles on her plays it out to the right but no one is there to run it down. Royston celebrating a memorable win in the cup ending Stevenage’s long run of successive finals in the process.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-2 Royston Town Women

  A hugely thrilling cup tie played between two local rivals, hotly contested a little testy at times but never overboiling, a penalty each in the 1st half seeing it all square at the end of the 1st half. Stevenage looking for a bright start to the 2nd half, falling behind to the Laura Mills strike then reduced to 10 players. Fought well to get themselves back into the game both goalkeepers pulling off great saves the woodwork struck too. Royston with the clinical finish to win the game and reach the last 4 of this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup where they will now be at home to face in form Harpenden Town Women from the league below in the semi-finals on Sunday 18th February.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several top performances although I did have a clear favourite leaving the ground and my notes have only confirmed that. A few to mention first though, for Stevenage, goalkeeper, Celine Rey pulled off a number of tremendous saves to keep her team in the tie right to the very end. Anna Baker Re looked to make things happen in the middle get Stevenage going forwards. Mathilda Fidler showed excellent awareness up top getting into some great positions to create opportunities. For Royston it was an excellent goalkeeping performance from Elle Sarter. Tally Miles strong in the back line defending and from set-piece deliveries. Erin Davies getting about the pitch to win the ball and bring it on. Captain Charlotte South leading the way getting after the ball linking up well with the attackers. Today’s award though goes to Emma Slater a constant threat on the right driving on with the ball, taking players on and creating chances to score.

  Well worth the trip down from Norfolk, an hugely enjoyable cup tie, full of action and drama between two close rivals. My thanks to both clubs for their assistance today. Yet to meet in the league this season, promises to be two exciting matches.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 23rd April

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final

A trip into Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch another cup final, to watch the Hertfordshire FA Women’s County Cup Final between Stevenage FC Women & Royston Town Women. 

 Stevenage FC Women dominating the county cup in recent season’s have featured in every final since Women’s Football East started back in 2014 appearing in 8 consecutive finals regaining the cup last season as the competition returned after a 2 year hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic aiming for a 5th win in the competition. Royston Town Women looking to win the trophy for the 1st time. Both sides playing in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Today’s Prize

 Stevenage FC Women currently 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division attempting to bounce back at the first attempt after suffering relegation from the FAWNL last season. A tough ask in a strong competitive league with only one promotion spot up for grabs, AFC Sudbury Women looking strong favourites to take the title. Nevertheless a strong season from Stevenage once again reaching the County Cup final and also the final of the ERWFL League Cup. Fadi Mazloum stepping down as manager the club have appointed assistant Dave Parry as interim manager. Have a large squad backed up by a Development side, injuries haven’t helped maintain a settled side, players coming in have performed well. Amy Makewell the leading goal scorer with 14 goals to her name with Becky Shephard on 8 and Emily Schofield on 7.

 Royston Town Women’s manager Lewis Endacott recently celebrating his 250th game in charge. Royston more often than not amongst the sides contending in the top half of the ERWFL Premier Division, aiming to build a side to challenge for the title and promotion to the FAWNL. That cause has been heavily thwarted by long term injuries to key players, captain Amy Cooper, attacker Emma Slater and new midfield signing Riana Badal all suffering ACL and MCL injuries. Becky Charter breaking her collar bone recently returning to the side. Have moved quickly to bring in experienced attacker Laura Mills from Haverhill Rovers Women along with Chloe Gunn once with Stevenage now dual signed with QPR Women. Poppy Smith joining Royston in the summer is the current top scorer with 12 goals, Gemma Croucher close behind netting 10 to date.

Road to the Final

  No seeded teams in the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, 32 clubs entering in the 1st Round. Stevenage beginning the defence of the cup at home taking on Beds and Herts Premier Division newcomers Wormley Rovers Ladies. Becky Shephard scoring a brace along with a goal each for Holly Greenwood, Erin Price and Shianne Swarres to see Stevenage progress with a 5-0 win. Royston away to Garston Ladies new Development side playing in Beds and Herts Women’s Division Two, Emma Slater scoring a hat-trick with Royston dominating going on to win 7-0 with Ellie Pickard, Natalie Richardson, Becky Charter and Charlotte South also scoring.

 Into the 2nd Round, Stevenage drawn away to play ERWFL Division One South side, Wodson Park Ladies. Jodie Bellinger on hand to score a hat-trick in the game for Stevenage who would go on to win 6-0 with Becky Shephard, Erin Price and Amy Makewell all getting a goal. It was raining goals too in Royston’s 2nd Round tie as they were once again drawn away to beds and Herts Women’s Division Two, Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies, Riana Badal, Charlotte South, Natalie Richardson, Emma Slater, Gemma Croucher and Poppy Smith all scoring a brace each in a 15-0 win with Amy Houghton, Charlotte Grogan and goalkeeper Amy Martin all getting on the scoresheet too.

  Stevenage progressing into the semi-finals without kicking a ball as the ERWFL Premier Division side was awarded the home win over Beds and Herts Division One side Hitching Town Women. Royston handed a tough looking quarter final tie away to Watford FC Women U23s. Lily Dolling scoring for Watford, Natalie Richardson found the back of the net for Royston to see the game end 1-1 and go straight to penalties. Royston edging the shootout 5-4 t0 advance to the semi-finals.

The semi-finals saw an all Stevenage affair with the 1st team drawn against their Development side, no walk over this one the sides battling out a 1-1 draw to send the tie into penalties the 1st team winning it on sudden death 6-5. The game chalked off however due to some infringement/error leading to the game being rescheduled the Development side forfeiting the 1st team advancing to the final. Royston as they have been all competition drawn away from home to play Watford Ladies Development. Poppy Smith’s deflected shot seeing the side draw 1-1 at 0 minutes another shootout to settle things Royston again coming out on to taking it 5-4 to reach the County Cup Final to face their local rivals.

 The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s game the headquarter of the Hertfordshire FA next to the ground is also the home for Stevenage FC Women. A large artificial playing surface the ground undergoing alot of renovation in recent season’s. The cafe under the main stand serving hot and cold food and drinks. The seated stand over looking the dugouts with a terraced stand on the opposite side with viewing all round. An overcast and muggy afternoon. A few spots of rain around but nothing substantial forecast during the game. 

Stevenage FC Women

 Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Nicole Farmer, Hannah Nebbitt, Erin Price, Vicky Neal (C), Holly Greenwood, Rosy Wodhams, Hannah Bodily, Kelsey Millen, Emily Schofield & Amy Makewell. Subs – Celine Rey, Lucy Webster, Jodie Bellinger, Becky Shephard & Amy Gooderham.

Royston Town Women

 Royston Town Women starting XI – Amy Martin, Mistie Fox Baker, Annie Georgiou, Amy Houghton, Georgia Miller, Ailish Straver, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Amy Josland, Gemma Croucher & Poppy Smith. Subs – Eloise Page, Hattie Bourne, Nicole Hendrick, Chloe Hunt & Becky Charter.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Vicky Neal captaining Stevenage with regular captain, Lucy Webster named amongst the substitutes. Charlotte South captaining Royston with Amy Cooper side lined through injury. It’s Stevenage to get the 2022/23 Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing red coloured shirts fading to black across the bottom half and top of the sleeves, red shorts and white socks. Royston lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts, with black short and socks. The ball rolled back into midfield out to Nicole Farmer at right back launched forwards for Kelsey Millen to chase, cleared by Royston’s Annie Georgiou. 

  South fouled inside her own half as she looks to carry the ball forwards, goalkeeper Amy Martin to play the set-piece hit long out to the right channel for Gemma Croucher, Hannah Nebbitt across her run to see the ball out for a Stevenage goal kick. Erin Price operating in the back line for Stevenage this afternoon, defending well up against Poppy Smith as the ball is fed into her as she bursts into the box from the right. Neal with a firm clearance at the back for Stevenage sending the ball long up to Amy Makewell in attack 20 yard out shifts the ball inside form the left to shoot firing the ball wide of the far post, the offside flag however is raised against her. 

 Lively start to the game the Stevenage back line spread out the game open both sides looking to get on down the flanks. Stevenage come right Millen breaking clear on the right cutting the ball back inside for Hannah Bodily the ball clipped up into the area, central won’t drop kindly for Makewell as she lines up a strike, Georgia Miller clearing for Royston. Stevenage press the ball high regaining possession the diagonal ball finding Millen running into space on the right into the corner her cross in low caught by the keeper inside her six yard box. 

Stevenage’s Hannah Bodily

  Stevenage coming on well, Rosy Wodhams winning the ball in midfield, lifting the ball out to Emily Schofield on the left, Mistie Fox Baker closing in to win the ball back for Royston. Price winning the ball at the back for Stevenage coming out into midfield before attempting the through ball for Makewell pulling into the left channel, Miller intercepting the pass for Royston. Holly Greenwood cleaned out as she plays the ball on for Millen on the right, Georgiou defending play brought back for the free-kick with no advantage. Right of the circle, Nebbitt over the ball hit long towards the far post the ball out for a goal kick.

  Royston attack down the right, Croucher on for Smith in attack challenging for the ball with Neal, Laura Mills rushing in to get onto the loose ball race into the box right of goal pulls the trigger her shot running wide of the far post. Schofield up on the left flank pulled down Stevenage getting a free-kick in the corner. The ball dropping far post no one getting a telling touch before Amy Houghton strikes it clear for Royston. Croucher pressing winning the ball playing in on for Smith up top, Price stretching out a leg intercepting for Stevenage. 

Royston’s Gemma Croucher

 The game being played as a good tempo Stevenage come on through the middle Wodhams attempting to play the one two with Millen to her right, Miller cutting the pass out top of the D for Royston passing it back for Martin to clear. Nebbitt advancing well on Stevenage’s left forwards into Schofield taking the ball inside 20 yards out no room for a shot, Makewell taking the ball on with the same results Royston’s defence closing the ball down.

Stevenage’s Emily Schofield

Croucher clipping the pass on for Smith pulling into the right channel, Neal across her well to safely shield the ball out for a goal kick. Martin racing out of her area to put her foot through the ball to clear as Price’s clearance at the back threatens to put Millen in on goal.  

  South getting into an advanced position on the left for Royston playing the ball to Amy Josland out wide left, she in turn putting it back up the line for Georgiou getting forwards closed down plays the ball back to Miller the defender firing a pass forwards into the D, Price going to put her foot through it to clear instead slices the ball in behind, Mia O’Brien in the Stevenage goal onto it sharply to claim before Smith can pounce.

Royston captain, Charlotte South.

  Millen a good outlet for Stevenage on the right enjoying a good contest with Royston’s Georgiou, the full back’s clearance dropping to Greenwood some 30 plus yards out lines up a strike putting her foot though the ball arrowing in low possibly wide of the far post, Martin diving taking to chances getting hold of the ball.

Martin catching a high ball fired into the box from the right as Millen breaks on for Stevenage. Croucher attacking down the right for Royston sees her cross cut out by Stevenage’s Nebbitt. Houghton fouling Schofield on halfway a chance for Stevenage to send the ball up into the Royston area, dropping central Millen looking to attack it Martin coming to close her down doing enough to see Millen force her shot wide of the left post. Martin racing out of her area to clear the ball left side just about gets there ahead of Makewell, hurt as her follow through takes out the Stevenage striker, no appeals on field a few voices amongst the crowd feeling different.

Stevenage’s Hannah Nebbitt

  Royston winning a free-kick on halfway the ball lifted in towards the top of the area, headed clear by Neal. Mills getting hold of the ball firing a pass forwards into the D left of goal, missed by Farmer going to clear, Josland after it, can’t capitalise before Stevenage regroup scramble the ball to safety. Martin goes down needing treatment on her back, both sets of players going to the dug outs for refreshment and instructions. The goalkeeper okay to continue play resumes a long ball played into the right channel for Smith to attack, Neal across lunging in to put the ball out for a throw.

Royston’s Poppy Smith with Stevenage’s Vicky Neal

  Wodhams winning the ball the short pass into Greenwood plays a great threaded pass forwards looking to pick out Makewell breaking into the D, Houghton with a vital interception for Royston. 3pm arrives and as expected mobile phones go off with the government testing it’s new emergency alert system, hardly registers with an exciting game taking place Mills taking the ball on down the right for Royston, sending it inside for South, 25 yards out prepares to strike the ball, Farmer racing out of the back line to charge down the shot for Stevenage. Royston getting on well Ailish Straver winning the ball forwards for Mills attacking right channel, fed into the box, Price defending well for Stevenage. 

  Stevenage quickly on the counter attack the ball lifted on up the right wing for Millen racing forwards her low cross fired into the area cut out and cleared by Miller. Goes straight to Greenwood 25 yards out right of the D, drags her shot wide out past the left post. Stevenage winning the first corner of the game out on the left the ball swung in to the far post knocked down by Neal into the mix, scrambled away to the left for a 2nd corner kick. This delivery long beyond the far post.

  Wodhams getting back well on Croucher to tackle and win the ball as the Royston attacker looks to take the ball on through the middle. Mills using the ball well for Royston getting it under control sending a quality pass forwards for Smith out right wing, Neal lunging in with an outstretched leg to send the ball out for a throw deep on the right. 35 minutes played.

 GOAL! The deadlock broken Royston with players up field for the throw in the ball crossed in taking a deflection, sending it in towards Josland attacking the near post, close in nods the ball over the keeper and across goal into the bottom corner to score! 0-1!

Amy Josland opening the scoring for Royston Town Women

  The game opening up as Stevenage look for a quick response, Croucher getting back to tackle Nebbitt as she drives on with the ball left wing. Georgiou coming on with the ball left side for Royston inside for Straver who sends the diagonal pass out to Croucher on the right, forwards for Smith to chase too much on the ball out for a goal kick. Stevenage rapid to play the ball down the other end Bodily into Greenwood out to Millen wide right down the line her cross cut out by Georgiou out behind for the corner kick. Whipped in across the penalty spot runners coming in but no one gets a touch turned behind beyond the far post for a 2nd corner on the left. The ball cleared out of the area falling for Schofield left of the D to line up a strike the ball charged down by Miller for Royston. 

 

 Royston pressing well late in the first half Straver to Croucher right inside for South central her first time strike wide off target 30 yards out. Croucher pushed in the back winning a free-kick outside the Stevenage box left of goal. Georgiou over the ball sends her attempt over at the far post. Smith tussling with Price for possession of the ball right of the D, nipping onto the ball snatches her shot over the crossbar. Makewell fouled on halfway late in the 1st half, Price to launch the ball up towards the Royston area the ball cleared falling to Greenwood sees her shot charged down outside the box, Georgiou clearing for Royston.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Royston Town Women

  507 in attendance for today’s final see Royston heading into the changing rooms leading by a single goal at the break. Amy Josland in at the near post to put Royston into the lead on 35 minutes. The game has been lively and open played at a good tempo with both sides using the wings particularly their right flank. Millen getting on well for Stevenage, Croucher and Mills both looking to feed Smith the ball for Royston. Few clear cut chances both defences with some vital interceptions with good one on one battles taking place all over the park.

  Stevenage making a triple change at the start of the 2nd half bringing on, Lucy Webster taking over as captain for Nebbitt at left back with Becky Shephard and Amy Gooderham replacing Greenwood and Schofield. Royston unchanged kicking off the 2nd half played back into defence Stevenage quick to set their stall out rushing in to close down the ball. Pressure on the Royston defence, the ball cleared.

  Royston get the ball on well through the middle Straver into Croucher has South up in support plays the short ball into her, South opening up her body attempting to put the ball in behind for Smith breaking into the box, O’Brien able to get her gloves wrapped around it first. 

Royston defender, Amy Houghton

 Shephard seeing the ball into her feet for Stevenage on the left with a clever back heel to send Gooderham away down the line her cross cleared by Georgiou. Georgiou busy at the back for Royston in ahead of Millen to clear the ball as Price sends it upfield. Mills off a throw on the left dragging the ball across her and shooting from 25 yards out putting the ball straight into the keeper. 

Royston’s Laura Mills

 Gooderham breaking on with the ball on the left for Stevenage sending it inside for Makewell inside the D, closed down by Houghton and Miller, sends the ball wide to Shephard left of goal 20 out her strike curled into towards goal straight into the keeper. Makewell with a sharp turn and strike from all of 30 yards out caught well racing in low towards goal Martin throwing herself down to her right full stretch getting her fingertips to the ball, turned behind, heart in her mouth for a moment the ball running behind narrowly wide of the post a corner awarded on the left.

Royston goalkeeper, Amy Martin

 GOAL! Stevenage carry a strong threat from a corner getting players up into the area to attack the ball and it’s from a set-piece that they find the equalising goal, the delivery whipped in fast across the face of goal attacked at the far post by Neal getting her head onto the ball and driving it home into the back of the net 1-1.

Vicky Neal congratulated by her teammates after she heads home the equaliser

 Stevenage finding the equaliser 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Royston get hold of the ball South laying it back for Straver to float a ball forwards up into the box, O’Brien catching the ball. Gooderham brought down on halfway giving Stevenage a free-kick and opportunity to send players forwards, Webster over the ball lifted into the box Shephard getting onto the end of it sending her shot over the bar. 

Stevenage’s Becky Shephard

  Shephard taking the ball forwards for Stevenage on the left crossing into the area, Makewell looking to turn central, Straver back to put in the tackle the ball not clear as Stevenage press Bodily out to Millen, Mills back to regain possession for Royston. Stevenage pressing well, Wodhams linking up with Bodily out to the right a free-kick won, the ball put in from deep dropping central Martin opting to punch the ball out of her area dropping to Wodhams 20 yards out puts her foot through the ball, Houghton getting in the way the ball deflecting off the defender behind for a corner on the right. Defended at the near post, Fox Baker looks to carry the ball up field for Royston Wodhams sliding in catching her on the ankle.

  Josland tripping Gooderham as she takes the ball on left side, Shephard to play the ball into the box long to the far post attacked by Neal her effort headed over the bar. South driving forwards with the ball through the middle for Royston clipped forwards to Mills going right into the corner her cross cut back towards the near post headed away by Neal. Martin rushing out of her area just about getting there to stop the ball in it’s tracks as Gooderham breaks clear out on the left. 

  Royston quick to counter Fox Baker right lifting a great ball into the box central for Mills to attack, looking to lift the ball up over the advancing keeper, O’Brien with a tremendous save throwing herself to her left to push the ball wide, her defence clearing the threat. 

Rosy Wodhams

  Wodhams out to Gooderham attacking left her diagonal ball in towards the top of the area defended well by Miller turning it off her body into the keeper with Millen in the clear beyond. The game has really come to life open both side looking for a goal, Gooderham doing well on the left for Stevenage getting on cutting the cross inside for Makewell central 20 yards out despite being tackled deflects the ball through into the area for Shephard coming in far post, martin out to snatch up the ball before she can reach it. 

Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer

  O’Brien with another fabulous save for Stevenage Smith with the turn and hit at the top of the area left of the D as she sees the pass into her feet, heading for the top corner, O’Brien throwing herself across getting a glove onto the ball to turn it over for the corner. The subsequent corner cleared Stevenage make another change Jodie Bellinger coming on to replace Millen on the right.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien

  Nicole Hendrick coming on for Royston to replace Croucher in attack. Royston finding Josland out wide attempts to put the ball into Smith moving across the defence, Price stretching getting her leg out to cut out the pass. Josland inside the box right of goal catching the ball on the half volley as it comes into her off a throw in, O’Brien diving forwards to save. Royston pressing high South to the right the ball inside the area finding Josland right of goal smashes her cross along the six yard box missed comes out to Hendrick far side blasts her shot over the bar.

  The game finely balanced Wodhams on for Makewell sent out to Bellinger right, Georgiou back to defend. Mills getting onto the ball central driving forwards for Royston pulls away to the right before sending shot over the bar from 25 yards out. Wodhams on the right with a strong run linking up with Bellinger to the by-line the cross cut back to Makewell central her shot saved low by the keeper deflected away to the left, Shephard free with an open goal to shoot at can’t believe it as she slices her 1st time strike over.

  Mills bringing the ball out from defence for Royston picking out Straver who drops a shot over from distance. Neal with a vital win at the back has to get there as Royston launch the ball forwards winning the ball at the ball from a free-kick, Mills and Smith threatening to run clear Neal slides in to send the ball out of the ground. Makewell down in the opposition box struggling with cramp, the change made, Schofield coming back on with the clock ticking down. Straight to penalties if the scores remain level.

  Fox Baker defends well for Royston as Wodhams picks out Gooderham on the left. Royston making a change bringing Josland off, Croucher coming back on. Play paused as Straver has the ball smashed into her from close range.

 GOAL! Into the 89th minute Mills getting hold of the ball for Royston carrying it p into midfield turns her ankle going down in agony, Stevenage rush onto the loose ball played forwards into the area left of the D, Gooderham in to pressure the keeper as Martins comes for the ball drags it away from her to the left and with and open goal to aim at makes no mistake to fire Stevenage into the lead 2-1!

Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham with the last minute goal to put Stevenage into the lead.

  A huge blow for Royston at the death worse still as Mills can’t continue, Chloe Holt coming on. Stevenage get the ball into Webster out left breaking forwards going shoulder to shoulder with Fox Baker the Royston defender putting in a good challenge to win the ball.

Royston’s Mistie Fox Baker with Stevenage’s Lucy Webster

 Royston get up the other end force a corner on the right into stoppage time everyone up into the box including the goalkeeper. goes long out to the left put back into the mix, the ball blocked come out off the area struck back in, O’Brien taking it on the bounce. Hendrick carded for a strong tackle on Wodhams as she attempts to bring the ball out. Royston win the ball back Croucher long for Holt out on the right her cross cut out by Neal. Schofield is stopped by the offside flag just over halfway as she looks to run away with the ball for Stevenage, one last chance for Royston to play the ball into the box…

 GOAL! Martin to take the free-kick the goalkeeper sending a great ball into the Stevenage area dropping to the right of goal attacked by Miller, her shot driven in across the keeper into the bottom corner the defender racing away to celebrated chased by her ecstatic teammates 2-2!

Georgia Miller running away in celebration after scoring the last gasp equaliser

 Virtually the last kick of the game, Stevenage making a change the game heading to penalties swap goalkeepers, O’Brien off replaced by Celine Rey. 

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-2 Royston Town Women

  A dramatic end to an exciting final both sides with chances in the 2nd half, Stevenage coming back to level the scores looking strong Royston defending well, the game remained open could have gone either way. Stevenage scoring in the final minute, Royston equalising with the last kick of the game we go to penalties. Harsh that it should be decided this way but both sides fought well, it now comes down to the lottery of the shootout. Just so happens I was making my way round the pitch at the end to end up behind the goal where the penalties are to be taken let the drama unfold.

Penalties

  Stevenage up first in the shootout, Jodie Bellinger walking forward to take the opening penalty, scores with a coolly taken low strike into the bottom right corner. 1-0.

 Amy Houghton to take Royston’s first penalty opting for power well struck rising to the keepers right. 1-1.

 Nicole Farmer up next for Stevenage placing the ball on the spot doesn’t get any power on the shot straight down the middle a straight forward save for Martin. 1-1.

 Gemma Croucher to take Royston’s second spot kick calmly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner past the diving keeper 1-2.

 Amy Gooderham up next to take Stevenage’s 3rd penalty kick, hit well high to the keepers left. 2-2.

 Ailish Straver up next for Royston, a good strike rising to the keeper’s left to score 2-3.

Becky Shephard to take Stevenage’s fourth spot kick, placing the ball on the spot goes for power blasted home as Martin dives the right way can’t reach it 3-3.

 Georgia Miller up next for Royston again looks for power, turns in agony as the ball smashes down off the cross bar. 3-3.

One penalty left for each then we enter sudden death, Emily Schofield to take Stevenage’s 5th penalty. Cool as you like low placed into the bottom corner the diving keeper can’t get to it 4-3.

 Charlotte South to take Royston’s 5th spot kick, the captain sending the keeper the wrong way to send the tie into sudden death 4-4.

 Vicky Neal up next for Stevenage places the ball into the bottom corner, the keeper can’t reach it 5-4.

 Becky Charter up next for Royston places the ball on the spot and steps back and Rey saves. 5-4.

Stevenage race forwards in celebration as they win the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup for the fifth time.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  A cruel way to end a game but huge credit to both sides for providing us with a hugely enjoyable cup final. Penalties are a lottery and right until the end the game could have been decided either way. Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Some huge performances all over the park a few to mention. For Royston, Amy Martin with some vital saves and claims in goal. Annie Georgiou played well at full back winning the ball well on a number of occasions. Laura Mills getting hold of the ball with some great passing and skill. For Stevenage the Kelsey Millen provided a great outlet on the right especially first half. Amy Gooderham coming on 2nd half strong out on the left getting forwards with the ball creating chances scoring late on to put Stevenage into the lead. Erin Price with some great defensive work at the back along side Vicky Neal who won the ball well at both ends scoring the equaliser. Mia O’Brien with some huge saves. The award goes to midfielder Rosy Wodhams covered alot of ground in midfield getting after the ball coming forwards and setting up numerous attacks.

Stevenage FC Women 2022/23 Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup winners

Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning this season’s and their 5th Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup

 A thrilling Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup Final. The result could have gone either way played at a good tempo, an open game both sides competitive till the end. My thanks to the staff at Hertfordshire FA for their help today and both teams with the team details 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 3rd October

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

A trip to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a game from the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup. An all ERWFL Premier Division clash between Royston Town Women and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

A record number of entries into this season’s competition, 120 ties pulled out of the hat for the 2nd Qualifying Round. For many it’s the first step to Wembley regardless of how long the journey might be. A historic competition that stirs up emotions. Last season’s competition still ongoing delayed due to the ongoing COVID pandemic the quarter finals played in midweek see FAWSL sides Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Brighton reach the last 4. For those sides competing today it’s the beginning of a new adventure.

An all ERWFL Premier Division clash between Royston Town Women and Bowers & Pitsea Ladies as both begin this season’s Women’s FA Cup having met already once this season with Bowers & Pitsea Ladies having home advantage in a 2-0 win.

That loss aside Royston Town Women have made an excellent start to the season in the league, winning 4 of their 7 games so far including a 5-1 midweek win at home to Haringey Borough Women that saw them climb up to 2nd in the Premier Division table. Emma Slater, Royston’s top scorer so far netting 7 times in 7 appearances whilst Bella Simmons, dual signed to Royston with Cambridge City Ladies has 5 goals to her name including a midweek hat-trick against Haringey. Also coming into the squad are 3 former Histon Ladies players, Becky Charter and Lauren Martin with Abby Laughlin also returning to the club. Matt Phillips formerly head coach at Histon joining Lewis Endacott’s coaching team.

Change’s at Bowers & Pitsea in the management department too. Darren Fraser and Daniel Foord bringing Little Thurrock Dynamo’s to the club to become Bowers & Pitsea Ladies the club has grown successfully. Fraser moving on whilst Foord is now ladies chairman aswell as looking after the media. John Levy now managing the 1st team assisted by Adam Sinclair. The ERWFL Premier Division not an easy league to get established in getting stronger year on year Bowers & Pitsea have made a solid start to the season pitching up some useful results. Sit comfortably in mid-table well placed to push on as the season progresses. Have a largely settled squad backed up by a Development side. Amber Amey coming in from Hutton Ladies whilst, Phoebe Keys and Talisa Bruton come up from the Development side.

Garden Walk the venue for today’s game home to Royston Town FC aswell as the women’s side. A large clubhouse and bar area serving hot and cold drinks. A small seated stand on one side of the pitch opposite the dugouts. The pitch itself looking immaculate the grass lush and green offering good width whilst sloping slightly from on end to the other. After a day of heavy rain yesterday the pitch has drained well, the weather much calmer today clouds around but the sun still ale to offer a little heat when it breaks through as we enter October.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Fran Gough, Abby Laughlin, Tally Miles, Amy Cooper (C), Sammy Edgar, Georgia Miller, Charlotte South, Becky Charter, Emma Slater & Bella Simmons. Subs – Paris Coldicott-Stevens, Grace Georgiou, Anny Chambers, Hattie Bourne & Ellie Pickard.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Violet Hickman, Natalie Strange, Phoebe Keys, Danielle Sillitoe (C), Katie Whitehead, Amber Amey, Sarah Wilson, Sophie Rhodes, Holly Moore, Talisa Bruton & Georgia Fraser. Subs – Danielle Styles, Courtney Fraser, Eloise Ives & Sophie Dowman.

A change of ends to begin the game with Bowers & Pitsea kicking off the 1st half wearing and all red strip with white trim and white across the breast of the shirt. Royston in their home colours of white shirts and socks with black shorts. Played back to Danielle Sillitoe in defence, Bowers & Pitsea’s captain sends it long out to the left looking for the run of Holly Moore, has the pace but so does the ball as it skips on along the surface enabling Royston’s Fran Gough to get across Moore and see it out of play for a goal kick. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Sarah Wilson with Royston’s Fran Gough

 

   The ball quickly closed down in the centre of the park Bowers & Pitsea look for width again out to the right this time with Katie Whitehead getting up the pitch to support Talisa Bruton looks to get infield towards the box, Tally Milles getting in on her shoulder defending for Royston the ball running behind for a corner kick. Fired in central Royston captain Amy Cooper gets up highest to head it clear of the six yard box, Bowers & Pitsea reclaiming left side put back in central, Charlotte South blocking a shot at close range before a strike comes in off the deflected ball outside the box runs wide of the left post.

  Royston bring the ball up the pitch right side on for Emma Slater peeling out to the wing squares it inside for Bella Simmons outside the box right of the D, Sillitoe sliding in to cut the ball out puts it away for a throw. South links up with Simmons on the right for Royston laying the ball on into the area for Simmons to chase Phoebe Keys getting across the striker to guide the ball out for a goalkick. Bowers & Pitsea looking for runners right and left as they break up play in the middle. Cooper has to come across to deal with Bruton as she jinks her way inside from the right the ball cleared for a throw.

Bowers & Pitsea defender, Phoebe Keys

 Is competitive both sides putting in the challenges early on Bowers & Pitsea frustrating Royston harrying the defence, South unhappy as a decision goes against her presenting Bowers & Pitsea with a free-kick in a central position 30 yards out. Georgia Fraser over the set-piece the attacker having an attempt on goal the shot looping over the bar. Sammy Edgar clatters into Sophie Rhodes out wide right giving the visiting side another free-kick some 40 yards out. 

  GOAL! Sillitoe on the set-piece as Bowers & Pitsea load players into the box, is a fantastic delivery whipped in towards the fair post attacked well, Sarah Wilson at the back stick amongst those running in gets her head to the ball powering it past the keeper into the back of the net to score her 1st goal of the season 0-1.

Sarah Wilson opens the scoring for Bowers & Pitsea

  Tally Miles defending well at left back for Royston carrying the ball out from the back plays a one two with Georgia Miller in the middle before taking the ball on up the line sending a early ball into the box looking for Slater, Violet Hickman out of her six yard box early coming to claim the ball. Play a little stretched at times Bowers & Pitsea quick to get on the counter attack the ball won by Rhodes out to Bruton breaking away down the right drawing players to her Gough finds herself outnumbered in the box as the cross is fired in Georgia Fraser can’t reach it central in bounces through to Moore beyond the far post clips her half volley over the bar from 10 yards out. 

Royston’s Emma Slater

 

  Bowers & Pitsea have started the game well getting on the front foot, Royston haven’t really settled the Essex side using Moore and Bruton well on the flanks. Rhodes busy in the middle of the park breaking up play. South turning on the ball sweeping a pass out wide right to the advancing Charter crosses early the ball taking a deflection favouring the goalkeeper. Edgar battling for possession in the middle for Royston lays it into Miller who flicks it out to the right for South, attempts to thread it through for Slater, too much on it Hickman can come and gather. A vicious bounce on the ball inside the box as Moore attacks on the left for Bowers & Pitsea sides Mia O’Brien coming to close the angle deceived the ball looping over her turns relieved to see it run wide of her far post.

   Royston are getting frustrated some decisions going against them, Rhodes mopping up in the middle once again for Bowers & Pitsea rolls the ball back to her defence who are straight away looking to get their wide players on the attack. A throw inside the Royston half on the right for Bowers & Pitsea inside for Rhodes turns and puts a great diagonal ball in behind the defence for Georgia Fraser to attack, O’Brien sharp off her line to slide in and save at the attackers feet.

  GOAL! Midway through the first half and Royston come back to level the scores the ball played out of the back quickly to Charter on the left wing breaks forward well laying it inside for Slater to take on into the area, Hickman rushing out to close her down, saves well at close range blocking Slaters attempt the ball still alive in the area, Simmons racing in on the follow-up first to it strikes the ball Hickman on the floor throwing herself at it making another save the ball though dropping straight back to Simmons who keeps her composure to lift her 2nd attempt over the stranded keeper into the back of the net beyond 1-1. 

Bella Simmons (centre) getting Royston back on level terms

  Royston get straight back on the offensive after the restart attacking right, Keys winning it back for Bowers & Pitsea into the middle play turned around rapidly Moore away on the left Georgia Fraser breaking central as the winger gets to the by-line turning to flash a rising cross in near post Fraser meeting it on the volley around six yards out clipping her attempt over the bar. Neither side looking to dwell on the ball wanting to move it forwards quickly Royston finding Charter on the move left side has support from South inside she turns playing the ball along the top of their opponents area for Edgar on the right who sends it up the line for Gough making the overlapping run, Natalie Strange stepping in to win the challenge for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Charlotte South attempting to win the ball for Royston

  Whitehead getting up the pitch with Bruton right side a dangerous cross whipped in near post Georgia Fraser throwing herself at it can’t quite make contact. The game opens up suddenly one moment Bowers & Pitsea are on the attack with Moore on the left, O’Brien holding onto the ball put into the box is played out rapidly to Charter on the left, Slater providing a good left channel run seeing the ball rolled into her path strikes it on the angle Hickman down low saving well the ball loose though Simmons in on the follow up sees her strike blocked by the keeper this time the Bowers & Pitsea defence getting back to block another goal attempt. 

Bowers & Pitsea captain, Danielle Sillitoe

  Key fouls South out wide left a free-kick to the hosts, Edgar on it plays an inviting ball in long to the far post, Sillitoe doing well defensively for Bowers & Pitsea the ball carried out of the area by Rhodes the counter attack is on as the midfielder spreads play long to the left for Moore breaking away down the wing sending it through for Georgia Fraser, O’Brien quick off her line to the edge of the area to slide in and smother the ball. 

 Bruton gets herself into a central position taking the ball on travelling at pace looks to plough her way through the Royston defence, Laughlin holding her up, the ball rolls back to Rhodes closing in with Bruton, Cooper though stepping in quickly to charge the ball down as Rhodes goes to shoot. Bruton causing problems for Royston is central still attempting a through ball right to left for Georgia Fraser to run onto, O’Brien sharp out quickly to meet her once again. 

  Wilson in the middle for Bowers & Pitsea threading the ball through to Bruton inside the D, Cooper getting in a foot to stab the ball away for a throw on the right. Key playing a long diagonal ball out to Moore advancing on the right, an ambitious attempt striking the falling ball on the volley connects with it well enough the strike though whistling over the bar. Bruton on the right wrestles the ball off Gough at the back sends it inside for Georgia Fraser some 30 yards out a scuffed effort doesn’t trouble O’Brien running wide of her near post.

  Royston with a throw high on the left Laughlin into South puts it infield for Slater 25 yards out lays it back for Edgar to lift into the box to the right looking for Simmons who can’t quite get it down with her head to direct a shot on target. Royston attacking late in the first half on the left inside for Slater who lays it back central for Miller 25 yards out. leaning back into her shot puts it up over the crossbar. Whitehead bringing the ball on for Bowers & Pitsea right side crossing for Georgia Fraser central, Miles in ahead of her to head the ball clear for Royston.

Half-time Royston Town Women 1-1 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  A lively first half that has seen plenty of action certainly has a cup tie feel about it. Bowers & Pitsea starting the game well going on to open the scoring inside 10 minutes. Were on the front foot early on whilst Royston seemed to take a while to settle were frustrated at times as thing’s didn’t appear to go their way. The visitors using the width of the pitch quick to get attacks going. Royston coming back to level the scores though settling better the game open at times as both looked to get on quickly the hosts coming closest to having the lead, as it stands it remains all square with both sides creating opportunities. Has to be settled on the day either with a goal through open play or penalties. 

A change for Bowers & Pitsea at the start of the 2nd half with Courtney Fraser coming on for Katie Whitehead. The sun making a appearance at the start of the 2nd half low in the sky a potential problem for the team defending that end, Bowers & Pitsea goalkeeper, Hickman donning a cap as the players return to the pitch. Royston to get the 2nd period underway. The visitors getting hold of the ball with Strange at left back able to travel forwards into space on for Moore, is tackled by Cooper play quickly turned around put into the middle with Simmons on the turn putting it over the top for Slater, Hickman needs to come racing out of her box, just about wins the race getting her foot on the ball before Slater can nick it past her.

    South with the ball on the left passes inside to Edgar who in turn places it central for Miller to line up a low strike from 25 yards out angling in low Hickman dives to her left to make the save inside her six yard box turning the ball behind for a corner kick. Royston looking to get on the offensive early on in the 2nd half a throw left inside for South battles her way infield to pick out Miller top of the D she lays it back to Edgar who hits the shot 1st time blasting the ball wide of the right post. A double change for Royston with Miller and Laughlin coming off, on come Ellie Pickard and Paris Coldicott-Stevens who recently celebrated making her 100th appearance for the club.

Royston’s Paris Coldicott-Stevens

  Simmons in on the ball right of the box as Edgar wins it high up the pitch, whips in a strike on the angle always rising goes over the bar. South tussling for the ball does well to win a corner on the right for Royston following good work from Charter up the wing. In low towards the near post Wilson defends well for Bowers & Pitsea. Regained on the left by Charter players turning back towards goal as she whips a cross into the area Cooper up trying to get her head on the ball knocks it down, too close to Hickman who can snatch it to safety. 

 Royston with all the pressure in the 2nd half, Bowers & Pitsea pushed back, the ball put in from the left Simmons central gets a strike away defended comes out to the right another strike blazed in Hickman with a spectacular diving catch at her near post. Bowers & Pitsea finding themselves on the back foot at the start of the 2nd half.  The trainer on as both Moore and Rhodes are down. 

Becky Charter looking to send Emma Slater away for Royston

  Both up on their feet play resuming Wilson putting it out to the right Bruton racing forwards getting in behind fires in a shot on the angle driven in low races across the six yard box Moore closing in far side can’t get there as it runs out of play. Royston make another change bringing on Hattie Bourne for Gough. Rhodes central up to Bruton right of the D 20 yards out Georgia Fraser close to her, Miles in between both seeing the ball safely back to her keeper. Refereeing decisions still causing Royston some frustration as they feel they are not getting the rub of the green. 

 Bowers & Pitsea with a free-kick on halfway to the right of the centre circle. Sillitoe to play it up into the area Royston head it away drops to Rhodes outside the D her shot is charged down runs back to Georgia Fraser central leaning back into her shot sends a curling effort narrowly wide of the top corner. Rhodes last action of the game as she is replaced by Sophie Dowman.

  A busy few moments for Key in the Bowers & Pitsea defence as first she sees the ball back to her keeper as Slater gets on her bike in the middle. Then the defender makes a double block as both Slater and Simmons have a go from outside the box. With Royston getting players forwards much better in the 2nd period Moore is called into action at the back tracking back well to slide in and take the ball away from Charter as she gets past Strange. 

  Edgar plays a superb pass out to Charter getting clear on the right taking a run at the box Sillitoe gets across to put in the blocking tackle as she goes to unleash a shot. The ball running behind for a corner. A great delivery flashed in low to the top of the six yard box near side, Edgar digging out a goal bound effort, defended on the post by Wilson. Royston are quick to reclaim the ball out on the right Charter’s cross flying harmlessly through the six yard box as the game moves into the final 15 minutes. 

Royston’s Hattie Bourne

  Royston a pressing hard for a goal coming trough the middle Coldicott-Stevens then Edgar lifting an inviting ball in towards the top of the back on both occasions Sillitoe winning a vital header at the back for Bowers & Pitsea. The visitors away on the right Bruton with pace after the ball, O’Brien out to the top of her area sliding in to clear the ball out for a throw. Up on the right Bowers & Pitsea work the ball in central top of the area, a hand ball is spotted the referee pointing to the spot!

  GOAL! Royston disputing the decision arguing the infringement was outside the box the decision stands however. A penalty for Bowers & Pitsea, up comes the captain to place the ball on the spot a chance to fire her team into the lead with a little over 10 minutes to play, running up makes no mistake wrong footing the keeper to place the ball high to her left to score 1-2.

Danielle Sillitoe running in to score for Bowers & Pitsea

   A blow for Royston go straight on the attack from the restart, Slater bursting on winning a corner that frustratingly comes to nothing. Charter is causing problems on the right for Royston however Moore is tracking back with her constantly to slide in and defend putting the ball out for another corner. Comes in near side Miles getting something on it knocking it down into the middle, Amey fouled as she goes to defend Bowers & Pitsea with the free-kick. 

Holly Moore tackling Becky Charter

  Space opening up at the back for Bowers & Pitsea as Royston commit players forwards looking to get back on level terms Bruton away right firing in a cross/shot claimed by O’Brien. Simmons chases out to the right to nick the ball back of a defender turns back to attack the box flashing in a cross along the penalty spot picking out Slater falling back into the shot, sees her strike run wide of the right post. Cooper carries the ball out from the back for Royston before playing it on down the right for Simmons to the by-line her cross is plucked down confidently by Hickman. 

Royston midfielder, Sammy Edgar

  Royston piling forwards late in the game South battling to win possession right on for Charter who lifts a cross in to the far post attacked well by Edgar the ball seeming to take a deflection as it drops wide of goal, Edgar furious a corner isn’t awarded recieves a yellow card. Less than 4 minutes plus stoppage time left for Royston to find a goal. Bowers & Pitsea defending for their lives at times can’t get the ball to stick up top, Charter and South combining on the right before the cross is played into the top of the area Slater getting her head on the ball turns it over the crossbar. 

  A hand ball decision favours Royston this time out on the left a free-kick awarded 35 yards out a high ball played into the area is dangerous threatening to dip under Hickman’s bar, gloves up to claim it on her line as players close in the keeper falls to the ground keeping hold of it as Royston’s attack trying to get the ball over the line, the whistle blowing Royston claim the goalkeeper carried the ball over the line are dismayed when after consulting with the linesman the original decision that the goalkeeper was fouled stands.

 Into stoppage time Royston winning a corner send everyone up the delivery in to the far post hooked clear by the visiting defence, a strike from distance rattles back in wide of the left post. One last attack on the left for Royston, Coldicott-Stevens on for Miles breaking forwards, Courtney Fraser can get across her to guide the ball out safely for a goalkick.  

Full time Royston Town Women 1-2 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  The final whistle blows and it’s Bowers & Pitsea who celebrate as they win 2-1 to advance in the competition. Certainly had to put in a defensive shift 2nd half to keep Royston at bay. Scoring the all important goal with 10 minutes left to play. A proper cup tie Bowers & Pitsea getting off to a good start on the front foot early whilst Royston didn’t seem to settle find their rhythm the visitors taking the lead inside 10 minutes, Royston battling back to level midway through the first half both having chances to lead at the break. A different story 2nd half arguably Royston were the better side getting on the front foot straight away putting the Bowers & Pitsea defence under pressure. The Essex side stood firm however having few opportunities up the other end but when they had one they took it to get their noses in front and held on to claim the win. Royston will no doubt be hurting after that result a game they themselves might well have won just wasn’t to be their day decisions going against them adding to their frustrations. Bowers & Pitsea though advance in the cup and will be hoping for a home draw in the 3rd Qualifying Round scheduled to be played Sun 24th October. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, thought this was going to be a tough one but the notes I’ve taken present a clear winner. A few performances of note to mention first. For Royston, Becky Charter carried a strong threat on the both flanks throughout the game getting forwards and linking up with the attackers. Charlotte South got about the pitch battling for possession well, along with Sammy Edgar who put in a committed performance in the middle of the park. For Bowers & Pitsea, Talisa Bruton and Holly Moore caused plenty of problems on the wings whilst Sophie Rhodes was excellent in the middle especially 1st half. The award today though goes to Bowers & Pitsea’s captain Danielle Sillitoe a strong performance in the heart of the defence winning numerous balls, setting up the 1st goal and scoring the winning penalty.

An enjoyable trip to Hertfordshire today, an entertaining cup tie, could well have gone either way and shows what the ERWFL is all about even if this was a cup tie. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team line-ups today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge City Ladies Development v Royston Town Women

Sunday 23rd May

ERWFL Challenge Cup Final

A trip down to Haverhill in Suffolk this Sunday the venue The New Croft for the ERWFL Challenge Cup Final, between Cambridge City Ladies Development and Royston Town Women.

  Couldn’t do my usual prep for this one however as the two finalists wouldn’t be known until the respective semi-finals were played in the morning. Today the ERWFL Challenge Cup Finals Day. With four sides competing, in two, hour long matches. The semi-finals then a final/3rd place match in the afternoon. 

  Along with Cambridge City Ladies Development and Royston Town Women were, Bedford Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies. All group winners in the Challenge Cup, a temporary competition put in place by the Eastern Region Women’s Football League after the regular playing season was curtailed due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. 19 clubs from the ERWFL entering the Challenge Cup.  

Road to the Final

The 19 sides competing drawn into 4 groups each side playing the other once with 3 points awarded for a win, a point for a draw and for this competition, an extra point for a penalty shootout win after the sides have finished all square during the match. 

Cambridge City Ladies Development have done well since joining the ERWFL going strong at the top of Division One North in both the pervious seasons before their early finish were drawn in Group A with 3 Premier Division sides, started well with an away win against Wroxham Women. Took on Haringey Borough Women at home next the sides fighting out a 4-4 draw Cambridge going on to win the penalty shootout to claim a bonus point. Last up another home game against AFC Dunstable Women was a winner takes all match to see who would top the group Cambridge coming away 2-1 victors to progress to finals day

  4 wins out of 4 saw Bedford Ladies win Group B to progress to the Finals Day, starting with a narrow 3-2 win away to Division One North side King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Won 6-0 and 6-1 respectfully against two more Division One sides, Wodson Park Ladies and East Bergholt United Ladies. It was a good 3-1 win at home against Premier Division title chasers Harlow Town Ladies that ensured Bedford’s progress.

  Royston Town Women were drawn in Group C along side fellow Premier Division side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies along with 3 Division One sides, Stevenage Women Development, Leigh Ramblers and Haverhill Rovers Ladies. Collected a point from their first match after a 4-4 draw with Haverhill Rovers who went on to win the shootout 10-9! Went on to take maximum points at home to Stevenage 2-1 and 4-2 away to Bowers & Pitsea, the final group match at home to Leigh Ramblers the Essex side doing well in the group vying for top spot. Royston thanks to a brace from Sammy Tinsley and goal each for Tally Miles and Charlotte South winning the game 4-1 to finish top.

  Wymondham Town Ladies leading the Premier Division before the league campaign ended were drawn in Group D, something of a group of death as they were paired with high flying St Ives Town Ladies and Luton Town Ladies along with another Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies and Needham Market Women from Division One North. Started well with a 4-0 win at home to Colney Heath. Drew 3-3 with St Ives missing out on the bonus point. A tough match at home to Luton saw Wymondham come out on top 2-1 a 3-1 away win assuring the Norfolk side made it through to finals day.

The final 4 all strong on their day anyone of them capable of going all the way as they arrived at The New Croft for Finals Day.

 The Finals day seeing the sides meet in two hour long semi-finals the winners going on to the final itself with a 3rd placed match for those missing out. The draw made the morning before the game saw Royston Town Women taking on Bedford Ladies with Cambridge City Ladies Development up against Wymondham Town Ladies. Couldn’t make it in time for the start of the semi-finals due to work commitments. The New Croft at Haverhill featuring a stadium wit a grass pitch with a 3G pitch behind, the semi-finals going off at the same time. On the 3G pitch Royston made a strong start to their match Emma Slater scoring twice to see them leading 2-0 at half-time. Bedford pulling it back to 2-1 in the 2nd half, the Hertfordshire side though were to hold on to book their place in the final.

A first half brace for Emma Slater helping to see Royston through to the ERWFL Challenge Cup Final.

  Cambridge and Wymondham playing their semi-final on the grass pitch, Shannon Shaw opened the scoring to see Cambridge 1-0 to the good at half-time. Wymondham frustrated never really getting going Shaw was to make it a brace on the 2nd half to see Cambridge through to the final 2-0.

A brace too for Cambridge’s, Shannon Shaw seeing the Development side through to the final.

  The venue for today’s ERWFL Challenge Cup Finals Day, The New Croft, home of Haverhill Rovers. Have been here before to watch Haverhill Rovers Ladies play over on the 3G pitch situated behind the main building a new facility. There a practise pitches beyond that and to the opposite the main stadium, a grass pitch with a small seated stand, a modern clubhouse with bar, and kitchen serving hot food and drinks. The weather pleasant in the morning the semi-finals played in the dry, dark clouds looming a heavy downpour between matches would see the pitch slicken up before kick-off with the threat of more showers hanging about.

 Cambridge City Ladies Development starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Emily Trezise, Lauren Tomlinson, Kayla Krett (C), Ceri Flye, Rachel Pearce, Freya Goddard, Bella Simmons, Ellie Cullum, Lauren Sanders & Grace Stanley. Subs – Amy Reed, Emma Littlewood, Elizabeth O’Callaghan, Amie Fullwood & Shannon Shaw. 

  Royston Town Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Fran Gough, Hattie Bourne, Leah Dunnage, Amy Cooper (C), Paris Coldicott-Stevens, Georgia Miller, Tally Miles, Charlotte South, Sammy Tinsley & Emma Slater. Subs – Samantha Edgar, Grace Georgiou, Beki Roach, Sydney Graham & Gemma Croucher.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An hour long match should the scores be level a the final whistle the game going straight to penalties. The heavy shower easing up prior to kick-off, both side usually playing in black and white, it’s Royston with the change of shirts getting the 1st half underway, purple their away colours with black shorts and white socks. Cambridge opposite wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The ball closed down in the middle straight away by Cambridge the pass send crossfield to the right channel for Bella Simmons to attack, travels before being closed down by Royston’s Leah Dunnage the ball out for a throw.

 

Rachel Pearce plays the ball on through the middle for Cambridge for Lauren Sanders attacking the right channel pushes the ball on for Simmons racing intothe area ahead of her, Royston captain, Amy Cooper in tight to the Cambridge attack to take the ball loose on the right Sanders goes after it but can’t fashion a crossing opportunity as Hattie Bourne gets tight to her. Royston make ground on the left winning the first corner of the game, the delivery long goes out of play beyond the far post.   

Royston’s Emma Slater with Cambridge’s Rachel Pearce

  Cambridge clear the ball upfield, Grace Stanley on the left looking to get forwards, Fran Gough slicing her clearance sees the ball drop into space beyond her, Stanley reacts a burst of pace getting her onto the ball, Gough getting back on her forcing her down to the by-line, Stanley gets a cross into the near post, Royston keeper, Mia O’Brien has it covered catching the ball low. A good start from Cambridge getting players forwards with pace running at the Royston defence, using the width well Sanders furthest forwards looks to take the ball into her stride as Simmons lays it on from the right, Cooper getting there to intercept off Sanders was through to attack the box. 

Emily Trezise clearing the ball for Cambridge

  O’Brien with a great save called into action diving to her right as Cambridge power on down the right the ball 20 out inside for Sanders sees Stanley free to the left of the D sends the ball on, Stanley meeting it first time striking it low, O’Brien diving full stretch to her right to push the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Royston goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien

  Simmons out on the right causing Royston problems holding the flank well, her teammates picking her out, Sanders and Stanley making central runs, Sanders this time bursting in behind off her through ball, Dunnage doing well to catch up and slide in to make the challenge. Simmons getting hold of the ball on the right coming inside towards the top of the area, 4 Royston players converge on her inside the D, Georgia Miller slowing her down, no shot on as Tally Miles clears the ball upfield. 

Georgia Miller winning the header for Royston

  Tomlinson clear on the left down the line gets her cross into the box long to the far stick, congested, Simmons and Sanders looking to keep it alive, Royston managing to scramble it away. Royston haven’t settled in the early exchanges, Cambridge on top. Tinsley left side playing the ball diagonally into the area with play draw across the pitch, Miles central looking to attack it on the penalty spot, Lauren Tomlinson doing well up against her for Cambridge. 

Tally Miles on the move for Royston

Tomlinson bringing the ball away at her feet on the left for Cambridge races over halfway before firing it in central for Simmons racing through the middle, O’Brien quickly out of her six yard box up to the top of her area to get her gloves firmly around the ball with Simmons bearing down. Royston look to get thing’s going through the middle, Paris Coldicott-Stevens getting hold on the ball putting it on for Miles she goes on with Charlotte South the pair exchanging passes looking for a pass into Slater, Pearce and Freya Goddard getting in between to win it back for Cambridge. 

Cambridge City’s Lauren Tomlinson

 Cambridge make a change bringing Shannon Shaw on for Cullum. Cambridge win a corner on the left played short into Stanley left side looks to go inside, Miles does well defending close on her for Royston. Can’t make it stick up top Cambridge get right back on the attack, Tomlinson racing forwards taking the ball to the by-line flashing a ball into the near post O’Brien with an instinctive jab with her toes deflecting the ball behind for the corner.

Grace Stanley on the attack for Cambridge

  Stanley racing on with the ball left side for Cambridge attempts to put it on into Shaw ahead of her, Cooper getting across for Royston putting in a timely tackle. From the resulting throw in Royston break Miles taking the ball on up the right flank sends it inside for Slater her touch 20 out seeing her turn into the area ready to attack the goal, Cambridge captain Kayla Krett recovers superbly throwing herself into the tackle taking the ball off Slater’s feet sending it behind for the corner. A dangerous delivery fired in across the face of goal barely half a metre off the floor, inviting but no one from Royston is near it. 

Royston defender, Fran Gough

  Simmons continues to carry a threat on the right winning a corner. Into the mix at the near post the ball half cleared looping up towards the top of the area Simmons is there to strike it as it lands angles across the area towards the opposite corner on target, Gough covering the post clearing the ball off the line. Tomlinson bringing the ball on left side passes it to Sanders 20 out she clips it in to Simmons central, brings it down well on her chest to strike on the turn, the shot however straight at the keeper, held by O’Brien. 

Cambridge’s Bella Simmons

  GOAL! The first half drawing to a close, Cambridge have a corner on the right, players up from the back, the ball fired into the congested near post area headed up into the air by Cooper drops down inside the D, struck by Krett on the half volley her strike blocked by a charging defender, the deflection though seeing it land in behind to Shaw unmarked six yards out to the left, strikes it low under the diving keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies Development 1-0 Royston Town Women

  Cambridge with the narrow advantage at the break, having started the brighter have been on the front foot throughout, creating chances, deservedly in the lead, just by a single goal however. Royston in contrast got off to a sluggish start and have been frustrated in the first half, few opportunities in the final third, the defence making several crucial tackles, O’Brien too in goal with a crucial save. Know they will need to improve in the 2nd period if they want to get back into the game. 

 

 

   Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half, Emma Littlewood, Amy Reed and Amie Fullwood on for Cambridge. Samantha Edgar and Beki Roach on for Royston. Cambridge to get the 2nd period underway. Straight away Royston find joy on the left Tinsley playing a great ball in diagonally to the top of the area for Slater to attack in behind, Kayleigh Blanchard though with a good starting position in goal for Cambridge out to the top of her box to nullify the threat. Cambridge break down the left an early cross fired into the box, Simmons the target, the number 9 can’t quite reach it. 

Royston’s Sammy Tinsley

  Miles from 30 yards out on the right gets plenty of power behind the ball as she shoots on the angle her strike bouncing off the advertising boards behind the goal. The game open at the start of the 2nd period, end to end, Royston looking to get Tinsley and Miles further up on the wide positions to support Slater. Miles advancing on the right fires a diagonal cross into the area, players running in central, Blanchard gets her fingertips on the bouncing ball as it runs out of play on the opposite side, after appeals Royston are awarded the corner kick.

  GOAL! The perfect start to the 2nd half for Royston as they get themselves back on level terms the ball driven in to the six yard box, met at the near post knocked on into the path of Slater at the far post who powers the ball in under the crossbar to score 1-1.

Emma Slater’s goal makes it 1-1

 South brings down Cambridge’s Flye as the defender carries the ball on over the half way line seeing a free-kick awarded 30 yards out to the right of the box, Goddard over to take it, flights a ball in towards the top of the area, headed up but not clear by the Royston defence a shot is allowed to come in from 25 yards out goes over. An improved 2nd half performance from Royston the game more even, Slater looking more of a threat having players up with her.

Royston attacker, Emma Slater

 Appeals for a penalty by Royston as Slater and Flye tangle at the far post close in as a cross from the right in flashed across the six yard box, a good challenge by Flye however, Royston get the corner. the delivery into the area falls down to Edgar right of the D, strikes it hard and low back across goal, isn’t far wide of the far post. Tomlinson has a long throw on her carries a threat, but everyone in the league knows it, Royston are staying alert knowing the danger it poses. Changes for both sides Gemma Croucher on for South for Royston, Elizabeth O’Callaghan on for Cambridge at the back. 

 

 

  Cooper in to close down Shaw inside the box right side as Simmons lays the ball into her feet from the right, Cambridge keeping the ball in the corner, can’t fashion a cross as Dunnage sends the ball up into midfield. A marauding run central between Edgar and Croucher for Royston, O’Callaghan stepping up well to put in the challenge break up the attack outside her area. Less than 10 minutes left for either side to find a winner. A sloppy passage of play from both sides passes missing there mark, another sliced clearance leading to a Cambridge corner. The ball in near side met well by Dunnage. Coldicott-Stevens comes off for Royston, Miller returning to the action. 

  Slater getting more of the ball in the 2nd half, picking it up 30 or so yards out driving at the defence has made several threatening runs, O’Callaghan and Krett both tackling to regain possession. The attacker has the ball at her feet again central pushes forwards, has Miles coming in from the right ahead of her, doesn’t release the  ball early enough as O’Callaghan comes to close the angle, the goes in on Slater to deny her a shot. Stanley comes back on for Cambridge replacing Sanders. 

 

  Cambridge get the ball moving quickly from back to front, right side fired into the middle for Stanley into the right channel, has Simmons bursting into the box from the right, helps the ball into her path, Simmons shooting first time sees her effort fly over the bar from the angle.

 

  Miles has the ball in the right for Royston lays it infield for Slater to drive at the defence, O’Callaghan stepping up to close her down, slows her down as Goddard comes in to support, Slater shoots outside the box, hits Goddard deflected through safely for the keeper. Both sides starting to think about penalties as Royston send South back on for Gough. Slater on the run is brought down seeing Royston win a free-kick 30 yards out, Miles to send in to the far stick the ball is put behind for a corner. Players up from the back the delivery drops far post, Cooper is there but gets under it, Dunnage beyond also missing out. 

  Pressure from Royston late on getting players on South up with Slater a corner won. Cooper up well to meet it on the penalty spot sees her attempt sail over the bar. That’s it, the game ending in a draw will be decided on penalties.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies Development 1-1 Royston Town Women

  A much improved performance from Royston in the 2nd half got themselves straight back into the game from the restart and the game was a more open sided affair 2nd half, Tinsley and Miles getting further on up the flanks limiting Cambridge’s opportunities to get players forwards. On to penalties, and with dark clouds building towards the end of the game the rain has started to fall again. I might have mentioned before I hate penalties but there we go.

Penalties

  Cambridge up first, with captain Kayla Krett to take the first penalty, sets the ball on the spot, hits it well to O’Brien’s right, the keeper guesses right but despite getting her fingertips to the ball sees it nestle in the back of the net 1-0.

  South up first for Royston cool as you like strokes it low to the keepers left to find the bottom corner 1-1.

  Goddard with Cambridge’s 2nd penalty, sends it home high to the keepers right 2-1.

  Tinsley up 2nd for Royston, opts for power rising to the left, Blanchard goes the right way diving gets something on the ball but can’t keep it out 2-2.

  Tomlinson up next for Cambridge smashes it home to make it 3-2.

  Croucher’s turn for Royston penalty number 3 buried low into the left corner 3-3 the pressure building.

  Shaw up for Cambridge 3 goals already on Finals Day makes no mistake from the spot planting the ball to the keepers right 4-3.

 Slater matching Shaw’s goal scoring feat on Final’s Day up next for Royston opens up her body to send the ball wide of the keeper 4-4.

  The tension building Stanley steps up for Cambridge, places it sweetly into the bottom left corner 5-4.

  Edgar has to score for Royston to send the shootout into sudden death, Blanchard goes the right way but Edgar has gotten enough power on her strike to evade the keeper 5-5.

  I’m more tense now writing about the shootout than I was watching it, Reed comes forwards for Cambridge, hits the ball low to the keepers left angling into the bottom corner, O’Brien though goes the right way throwing herself into the dive full stretch makes the save knocking the ball away it remains 5-5.

  Miles placing the ball on the spot for Royston a chance to win the Challenge Cup, strikes it well power and pace on the rising ball, despair for Blanchard who goes the right way but can’t reach it 5-6! Royston win on penalties. 

Tally Miles scoring the winning penalty for Royston Town Women

  Always a harsh way to lose a game, but oh so great if you win as Miles is swamped by her joyous teammates, Royston coming back from a goal down to level the game and take it to a penalty shootout with a much improved 2nd half performance. 5 perfect penalties for each side sending it to sudden death a superb save from Mia O’Brien before Tally Miles scored the winning penalty. Didn’t think there would be much between the 4 sides today, Royston clinching the silverware.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders once again. Bella Simmons with a fantastic game in attack for Cambridge really put the Royston defence through it especially first half and was unlucky not to be on the score sheet. Amy Cooper with some good tackles in defence for Royston who found themselves on the backfoot in the 1st half. A couple of quality saves from Mia O’Brien in goal. Tally Miles too getting forwards well to support the attack in the 2nd period. Edging it however with some great positional play up top and movement off the ball and the growing threat she posed through the final scoring the all important equaliser today’s award goes to Emma Slater.

Congratulations to Royston Town Women on winning the ERWFL Challenge Cup.

 

 

Credit to Cambridge however took the final all the way and on penalties it literally is a lottery. In the other match the 3rd place game Wymondham Town Ladies emerged comfortable winners, a more relaxed performance seeing them take control of the game leading 3-0 t half-time before going on to win 5-0 against Bedford.

 The ERWFL laying on an excellent Finals Day in what has been another turbulent season, let’s hope for better thing’s into the new campaign. The Regional leagues playing a vital role in the women’s football pyramid, plenty of entertainment a good standard that is only going to improve in the future as the game grows as a whole. Great to see spectators enjoying a game once again too. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham