Tag Archives: Suffolk Women’s Division

The Round-Up – Suffolk 23/10/16

The Round-Up 

Suffolk Women’s Division – Sunday 23rd October

Two games in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday the 1st a clash between the top 2 both with a 100% winning start to the season so far with leaders Walsham Le Willows Ladies hosting Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side. Walsham Le Willows have scored 22 goals without reply in their opening 3 league games, were to concede for the 1st time this season and with it suffer their 1st defeat of the season, Ipswich Town Ladies making it 3 wins from 3 to move level on points with Walsham Le Willows at the top, Elin Davies with the winning goal.

In the other match in the Suffolk Women’s Division, Bacton United Ladies at home got their 1st 3 point haul on the board as they played bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies without a point yet this season themselves. Two goals each for Lois Balfour and Maria Walker seeing Bacton United win the match 4-0. 

The Round-Up – Suffolk Women’s Division 09/10/16

The Round-Up

Suffolk Women’s Division – Sunday 9th October

A full list of fixtures in the Suffolk Women’s Division at last at the start of the season with 8 of the 9 sides in competition at the weekend. Leaders Ipswich Town Ladies Development the side not in action.

That meant that Walsham Le Willows Ladies level on point with Ipswich with 2 wins from 2 to start the season moved 3 points clear at the top on Sunday maintaining their 100% winning start to the season with a convincing win away from home against Ipswich Phoenix Ladies. Laura Brame opening her goal scoring account for the season with 4 goals for Walsham. Gemma Carter extended her goals tally to 8 in 3 matches with her 2nd hat-trick of the season too. Shelly Cocksedge, Zoe Klimcke and Kirsty Pollard all scoring too in a 10-0 win.

Laura Brame with 4 goals for Walsham Le Willows Ladies

Laura Brame with 4 goals for Walsham Le Willows Ladies

Brantham Athletic Ladies move onto 6 points in 3rd place in the table with their 2nd win of the season away from home playing Copleston Ladies neither side playing a competitive game since the opening day of the season a month ago. A heavy defeat on the opening day Copleston have been working hard in friendlies to improve. Brantham have plenty of goalscorers in their side Lucy Dunnett, Jo Hazelton and Jade Horne signed from Copleston all getting a goal with Kirsten Hutchings and Danielle Harvey starting on the bench also on target, Harvey returning to action after a long spell out with injury. Elysia Young getting on the scoresheet for Copleston as Brantham win 5-1.

Witnesham Wasps Ladies were playing their 2nd league match of the season on Sunday had lost on the opening day a month ago against Ipswich Town Ladies Development. Were in action last Sunday winning in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Took that win into this Sunday an away trip to Leiston St Margarets Ladies. 2 goals scored in each half saw Witnesham win comfortably 4-0, Jenna Liverpool netting a brace with Lauren Jacobs and Caitlin Howe also on target for their 1st 3 point haul of the season.

Another side recovering from an opening game loss are East Bergholt United a few ex-Long Melford Ladies players in their squad now were at home taking on Bacton United Ladies who had lost on the opening day of the season going down 7-0 to Brantham. East Bergholt were the early season pace setters last season and got their 1st 3 points at the weekend winning the match 3-0. Have no details on the goalscorers.

 

The Round-Up – Suffolk Opening Sunday

The Round-Up

Suffolk – New Season Sun 11th September

 A new season of County league football across the country began this weekend, teams putting a long pre-season behind them and playing their 1st competitive games of the season. A new look to The Round-Up this season breaking it down into smaller sections, everything still covered, this edition focuses on Suffolk.

Suffolk Women’s Division 

Just the one Division in Suffolk with it growing this season from 7 to… well should have been 10 sides but one has pulled out a name that would have peeked the interested London City Ladies. Were due to enter a Development side in the Suffolk league this season had emailed them for more information, no reply and now they have pulled out leaving 9 sides to compete in 2016/17 the two new sides being, Walsham Le Willows Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side.

Copleston Ladies won the title last season coming from behind the leaders to win their games in hand and become Champions. Began the defence of their title at home to new side Walsham Le Willows Ladies who are the old Bury Town Ladies side having folded at the end of the season were competing in the league above, the squad dropping down to begin again with new colours and backing. Despite starting with 10 players, one more to arrive after kick-off, Walsham started by far the better side and pressed home that advance, Norma Locker giving then a early lead from a corner. Continued to dominate the 1st half wasn’t until late on that they got their 2nd, captain Lisa Pratt with a great ball over the top for the recently arrived Steph Hanratty to run onto and lob the advancing keeper.

2-0 at the break, Copleston could find no answer to stem the Walsham assault on their goal as the visitors pushed on seeking more goals. Awarded a free kick 25 yards out Gemma Carter took advantage of the sun at her back to shoot goalwards the dipping ball mishandled by the keeper dropping over the line. Michaela Talbert nodded in the 4th goal from close range from a corner. Hanratty grabs her 2nd goal of the match striking from outside the box. Carter goes on to score a hat-trick her 2nd a superb individual goal looping the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box the 3rd a swerving shot across the keeper. 8-0 is the final score as Talbert gets her 2nd of the game from another great delivery from a corner.

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Walsham Le Willows Ladies minus their late arrival

 This game is where the Supporting Women’s Football Blog began its season and the full match report can be found further down the page or by clicking on the link below.

Copleston Ladies v Walsham Le Willows Ladies 11/09/16

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Last season’s runner-ups up in the Suffolk Women’s Division, were Brantham Athletic Ladies. Won the League Cup last season were at home on the opening day taking on Bacton United Ladies. Have added Jade Horne to their squad the striker scoring 24 goals for Copleston last season.  Kirsten Hutchings (pictured left) got her season off to a great start netting an opening day hat-trick, Shanice Leeks and Jo Hazelton also on the scoresheet with Horne netting a brace in a 7-0 victory.

 

Ipswich Phoenix Ladies will be hoping for a better 2nd season in the Suffolk Women’s Division struggled in their 1st season, players out injured  Were at home on the opening day taking on Leiston St Margarets Ladies who were also beginning their 2nd season in the league. The visitors eventually over coming Ipswich Phoenix after a goalless 1st half. Sarah Cooper, Lucy Eagle, Leanne Fairweather and Lucy Johnson scoring for Leiston in the 2nd half to see them open their season with a 4-0 win.

Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side started the season with a home match against Witnesham Wasps Ladies. Ipswich had ex-Witnesham forward, Emily Steward in their starting XI and she was to score against her former side. Grace Bowman added a 2nd goal for Ipswich to see them lead 2-0 at half-time, an own goal seeing them go on to win the game 3-0. 

With London City having dropped out of the league that left East Bergholt United Ladies without a fixture.

 

Match Report – Copleston Ladies v Walsham Le Willows Ladies

A new season of County league football kicked off across the East and the rest of the country this Sunday. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog started with a trip into Suffolk to watch last season’s league Champions, Copleston Ladies begin the defence of their title at home to newly formed Walsham Le Willows Ladies it’s squad of players from the recently folded Bury Town Ladies. 

Match Report – Copleston Ladies v Walsham Le Willows Ladies

 
  It’s the start of a new season of County league football this Sunday and the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is starting things off with a trip to Suffolk to watch the Champions, Copleston Ladies begin the defence of their title at home to new side Walsham Le Willows Ladies.

  Ipswich based side, Copleston Ladies came from behind to emerge top of the league last season, always having games in hand on the leading group the Suffolk Women’s League despite just having 7 teas competing was one of the most competitive over the season with anyone of 5 sides in the running for the title for a good portion of the campaign. Copleston fell behind in their fixtures due to postponements however as the others jostled for points the maths meant if they could win their games in hand they would lead the table when it really mattered on the final day. Games in hand and converting them into points isn’t always easy, but Copleston stayed strong knew the prize and won the title. Have kept most of that title winning squad together with the exception of striker Jade Horne top scorer with 24 goals last season, who has moved to Brantham Athletic Ladies. 

  Walsham Le Willows Ladies are one of three new sides to join the Suffolk Women’s Division this season as it increases to 10 sides, the others being London City Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side. Walsham Le Willows are the former Bury Town Ladies squad, having folded and moved to start a fresh with new backing and new colours, drop down a league from the ERWFL. An experienced group who were coached formerly by Jake Francis now with Copleston Ladies. 

  The venue for today’s match, Copleston High School, situated west of Ipswich town centre. The pitch on the sports field behind the school, a very dry and wall used surface. A hot sunny afternoon with trees providing some much welcome shade on one side of the pitch, for the spectators at least.

 Copleston Ladies starting XI – Gemma Crane, Megan Stock, Shannon Giles, Leanne Derbyshire, Sadie Cullen, Hollie Akers (C), Amy Trenter, Roxanne Middle, Elysia Young, Marta Amorim & Sophie Crane.
 subs – Kara Smith & Toni Mott.

 Walsham Le Willows Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Osborne, Shelly Cocksedge, Lisa Pratt (C), Zoe Klimcke, Emma Boreham, Norma Locker, Mia Banbury, Mikaela Talbert, Gemma Carter, Laura Brame & Stephanie Hanratty.
 subs –

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

   No substitutes for the visiting side, and although Stephanie Hanratty is listed as a starter above for Walsham Le Willows she was running late, would join the action later. So Walsham Le Willows start with 10 on the field have kick off, wearing their new colours an all red strip. Copleston lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with navy shorts and socks. 
  A tentative start to the game with both sides testing the other with long balls up the wings the full backs winning the headers, Elysia Young in the middle of the park for Copleston looks to play in Marta Amorim up the left wing looks to knock it past Walsham’s Shelly Cocksedge the defender throws out a leg takes the ball away from her. Walsham come forwards the ball with Norma Locker in midfield brings it on into the Copleston half sending the pass forwards into Laura Brame who in turn spreads play right with Gemma Carter surging down the wing hits the shot early outside the area places the ball wide of goal.

Copleston Ladies, Sophie Crane tussles with Walsham’s Gemma Carter for possession of the ball
  Despite having just the 10 on the field at the start, Walsham are pressing forwards finding space, Mia Banbury and Locker combine in the middle moving the ball forwards as captain Lisa Pratt breaks from left back to receive the pass inside the Copleston half attempts the diagonal ball into the area from Brame, the pass is intercepted by Sadie Cullen at the back for Copleston concedes the 1st corner of the match on the left side. Is a great ball fizzed in across the six yard box by Carter plenty of pace on it Mikaela Talbert has a free header far past doesn’t get it on target.
  Applying the early pressure in the game Walsham have Copleston pushed back into their own half, their attacking players having to start from near the half-way line gives the visitors defence plenty of time to set itself. A free kick won inside the Walsham half gives Copleston a chance to push players up towards their opponents area the ball is sent high up towards the edge of the box, Sophie Crane goes up for it along with Walsham’s Emma Boreham the defender getting enough on the ball to take it away from her area.
 GOAL! Walsham have the ball inside the Copleston half, Brame drives forwards towards the area looks to lay it off to Carter, Cullen slides in to intercept the ball concede the corner. Is another great ball in from Carter  whipped in from the right drops to Locker unmarked inside the six yard box, adjusts her feet and stabs the ball home with her left foot 0-1. 10 minutes played. 

Norma Locker opens the scoring for Walsham Le Willows
  Walsham continue to press put the Copleston back line under pressure, Talbert wins another corner on the left, the delivery flashed through the crowded six yard box, catches Locker by surprise gets enough of a touch to deflect the ball towards goal, between goalkeeper, Gemma Crane her defenders the ball is smuggled out for a 2nd corner on the right. A high ball into the six yard box this time Leanna Derbyshire with a firm header gets it away from the area, picked up on the right by Walsham a shot comes in from distance flies over the crossbar.
  Copleston make a change Toni Mott comes on for Amorim on the left side of attack. Amy Trenter gets hold of the ball in midfield for Copleston as the home side get a spell of possession going in the middle pushing on into the Walsham, manages to thread a pass through the defence with Mott pushing inside from the left, Charlotte Osborne in the Walsham goal is out of her area early and to the ball before Mott can reach it.
  Up the other end, Crane does the same coming out of her area to kick the ball clear of the on rushing Talbert as Pratt plays a good ball over the top. Trenter plays the ball into Sophie Crane, good hold up play before looking to send the ball up the left with Roxanne Middle breaking forwards for Copleston, Zoe Klimcke comes across to lunge in to take the ball from her. 

Zoe Klimcke brings the ball forwards from the back for Walsham Ladies

  Very nearly an own goal from Copleston, play building up down the left side for Walsham, Locker playing Talbert in down the wing carries the ball into the corner before turning inside and firing a low cross in towards the near post, Brame misses her touch which catches the defender behind her by surprise the ball deflected goalwards comes back off the post before being cleared behind for the corner. The delivery from the left is sent up towards the top of the area, Locker rising to meet it heads the ball down towards goal, plenty of power behind the header, goalkeeper Crane saves but spills the ball which is cleared off the line by a defender.

  A hot day play pauses so the players can take on fluids. Kara Smith comes on for Copleston up top replacing Crane. A throw to Walsham on the right the pass down the line sees Carter get her head down and push on with the ball, Megan Stock gets across to put in the tackle and win the ball. Comes back too easily play spread crossfield into Pratt coming on with the ball plays it on for Talbert ahead of her cutting back in field rolls the ball into Banbury 30 yards out takes two strides with the ball before opening her body and attempting to curl a shot into the top corner, not enough high to trouble Crane in the Copleston goal, palms the shot down and gathers.
  Strong running on the ball from Talbert down the left again, Shannon Giles keeps pace with her shoulder to shoulder prevents her getting inside into the area as she would like still manages to get a shot away, in low towards the near post, Crane is across and makes the save. Walsham are doing well with 10, now they have 11 on the pitch Hanratty arrived and changed to join the action. Brame sees a throw on the left into her feet, a good touch to knock it in behind then lays the ball into Talbert top of the area, jinks left then right to find a shooting opportunity instead Young gets back on her timing her tackle perfectly to put the ball behind for a corner. 

Walsham Le Willows Ladies
captain, Lisa Pratt
 
 GOAL! The 1st half moves into the last 5 minutes with Walsham having dominated throughout, now they double their advantage, is a fantastic assist by Pratt as she comes forwards with the ball on the left lobs the ball over the top of the Copleston defence with Hanratty breaking in behind, a race for the ball between her and Crane who comes rushing out to close her down, Hanratty gets there 1st lifting the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box and wheels away in celebration as the ball bounces into the back of the net 0-2.

 
  Hollie Akers, Copleston’s captain comes back into defence to win the ball back takes it forwards plays a good pass 25 yards into Smith just over half-way tries to force her way between the Walsham centre backs, Klimcke and Boreham close the door. Into added time in the 1st half, Middle plays the ball into Smith inside the Walsham half a long way from goal tries the shot none-the-less an easy take for Osborne who has had little to do.
Half-time Copleston Ladies 0-2 Walsham Le Willows Ladies

    A dominant 1st half from Walsham Le Willows have been in control from start to finish starting with 10, finding space making good runs off the ball, controlling possession haven’t had to chase the ball. Not the game I was expecting certainly. Copleston haven’t been at it at all no meaningful possession have defended deep making it hard to get anything going in attack. It can all change in football however the lead is 2-0 the next goal is crucial, Copleston need the belief it will be theirs as they kick-off the 2nd half.
  The sun is low over the trees, the shade is nice but not a help for Copleston 2nd half the goal they are defending is facing it, posing an added threat. Sophie Crane is back on up top in place of Smith for Copleston at the start of the 2nd half. Early opportunity for Brame to break up the right wing for Walsham as Banbury wins the ball, plays it out to her squares her cross along to six yard box, Cullen heads the ball out for the corner kick. Carter sends in a great delivery, Derbyshire rises highest in the centre of the six yard box to clear the ball out left for a throw. 

Copleston Ladies, Roxanne Middle evades a challenge from Walsham’s Norma Locker

  A strong start to the 2nd half by Walsham push forwards, Locker plays the ball up to Carter she headers the ball over the top with Hanratty bursting clear, went too soon the flag is up for offside. Up the other end Young plays Mott in down the left wing, a good run turns inside trying to get into the box, Klimcke comes across and going to ground slides in to make the challenge. 

 GOAL! Walsham are awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal to the right of the area, it’s Carter to take the set-piece, with the sun at her back takes on the shot hitting the ball up into the air towards goal on target dropping late, Crane is behind it throws her gloves up gets something on the ball but can’t keep it out Walsham extend their lead 0-3. 
 
Gemma Carter watches as her strike flies towards goal
  Young tries to make something happen for Copleston steals in to win the ball off a Walsham throw in the left brings it on before passing it forwards for Middle who has made a great run through the middle, closing down the Walsham area the attack ends as Boreham closes her down and tackling wins the ball back. Young with the ball at her feet pushes up the right wing lifts a high ball into the box, Osborne calls for it and catches the ball.
 
 GOAL! Talbert with a rapid turn of place breaks inside from the left wing pulls the trigger from distance sending in a dipping shot towards the near post is instinctive from Crane in goal throwing out a boot to make the safe, the ball is put behind for a corner on the left. The ball in is superb flashing across the face of goal, Talbert is central a couple of yards out unmarked nods the ball home to extend Walsham’s lead 0-4.
 
 GOAL! Walsham continue to press keeping possession of the ball inside the Copleston half a shirt pull is seen by the referee the visitors have another free-kick in almost an identical position from the one before. Carter over it looks to go for goal again a little more height on the ball, drops late onto the crossbar, falls back into the six yard box players scramble to clear the ball is cleared out to the left, picked up by Hanratty 25 yards out brings it inside before pulling the trigger sending the ball into the far corner of the net 0-5.

  The visitors are full of energy, Locker from the middle of the park plays the ball onto Banbury drifting away to the right, cuts the ball inside to Brame with Carter in close support outside the box, Cullen closes her down wins the ball. Banbury takes a throw in on the right inside the Copleston half Brame takes control of the ball top right corner of the area fires a ball across to Talbert on the opposite side she lays it into the path of Pratt advancing from deep meets the ball on the half volley 20 yards out powers the strike wide of goal. Smith returns to the action for Copleston.
 
 GOAL! Walsham extend their lead and it is a brilliant individual goal from Carter, the ball fired into her feet from midfield his in a central position outside the box, holds off her marker moving to the right, looks to turn back inside before shifting the ball right gets a half yard of space spins and hits the ball goalwards a looping effort heading for the top corner, Crane tries to get to it throwing herself across her goal the ball dipping under the bar and in 0-6.

  Middle and Trenter keep going for Copleston tough tackling to win the ball, options forwards are limited, Middle tries to pick out Smith in a central position, brings the ball down, tries to push it beyond the Walsham centre backs, Klimcke throws a leg out towards the ball pushing it away from the striker. 
 
Gemma Carter, pictured with Copleston’s Toni Mott
scores a hat-tick on the opening day of the season

 GOAL! Walsham extend their lead to 7 goals and it’s Carter who gets her hat-trick. The build up from Locker in the centre, strong running on the ball carrying it out to the right passes it forwards for Carter to run onto, shifts it inside and shots from the angle outside the box a swerving ball that flies past the keeper and into the back of the net. 0-7.

  Hard for Copleston to lift themselves know they have been out-played, Giles plays the ball onto Young as they build a counter attack down the right the ball is lifted up into the area with Smith inside running towards goal, six yards out just doesn’t get the touch that would have taken it past Osborne the keeper seeing the ball into her gloves. Young closes down the ball on half way, Trenter provides the forwards run getting in behind the Walsham defence little chance of winning the race for the ball before Osborn can collect on the edge of her area, a slight fumble from the keeper, has Trenter interested goes to close her down, Osborne shielding the ball grabs it.

Copleston’s Amy Trenter get’s the ball past Walsham’s Mia Banbury

  Talbert goes on a surging run up the left wing with the ball unleashes a low driving shot from just outside the box, Crane coming across to her near post makes a fantastic save. The ball is won back by Walsham outside the box Locker charging in goes to shot, Stock throws her body in the path of the ball blocks it. 

 
 GOAL! Late into the 2nd half and time for Walsham to score another goal, good work from Brame on the right tries to dribble her way into the box wins the corner kick. The delivery is vicious again whipped in with pace across the goal face, Talbert is free in the centre to turn the ball over the line for her 2nd of the game 0-8.

  Copleston with some good build up play down the right get the ball forwards as the game moves into injury time Stock playing a good diagonal ball into Young central, Middle makes a run out to the right, receiving the ball swings a flighted ball into the Walsham box, Smith can’t get to it before Boreham heads it clear. The ball is picked up by Akers her pass picks out Smith outside the box right of the D, 20 yards out, gets a shot away past Osborne runs wide of goal. The last action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle.
Full time Copleston Ladies 0-8 Walsham Le Willows Ladies

  Far from the start to the defence of their title than Copleston wanted, a tough result to take on the opening day of the season, can’t have too many complaints however were out played never got into the game. Their players upset and dejected, little you can do, sometimes in football these results will happen, all you can do is pick yourself up and find the determination to put it right next time. Having seen them in action before know they are more than capable of doing that.
  Take nothing away from Walsham Le Willows a great start to the season for the new club, an energetic display, getting control of the ball, moving it quickly using the wings and able to play a high line pushing Copleston back into their own half prevented their opponents from getting the ball forwards with any purpose. 
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details today, best of luck to both for the rest of the season.

Cup Final Report – Brantham Athletic Ladies v Witnesham Wasps Ladies

Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final – Wedsnesday 6th April

Cup Final Report – Brantham Athletic Ladies v Witnesham Wasps Ladies

 
   A Wednesday night trip into Suffolk to Hadleigh United FC to watch this seasons Women’s league Cup Final between Brantham Athletic Ladies & Witnesham Wasps Ladies.

  Just the 7 sides are contesting the Suffolk Women’s Division this season, Brantham Athletic Ladies currently lead the way with Witnesham Wasps Ladies in 3rd place.

Route to the Final
 
   The League Cup competition started at the quarter final stage with Copleston Ladies the team receiving the Bye into the semi-finals. Brantham Athletic Ladies were drawn away to new side Leiston St Margarets Ladies, reached the semi-finals courtesy of a 5-1 win. In the semi-final were drawn on home soil to play Bacton United Ladies scored 5 times once again beating them 5-2 to earn a place in the final for the 2nd year running and will be hoping to go one better this time, losing back then to Long Melford Ladies who made it a league and cup double, sure Brantham Athletic Ladies would love to do the same this time around.
  Witnesham Wasps Ladies were also away in the quarter final stage against another new side in the Suffolk Women’s Division, Ipswich Phoenix Ladies, reached the semi-finals with ease clocking up 9 goals whilst conceding just the 1. Were drawn away to Copleston Ladies in the semi’s originally at the back end of November it was a tight encounter going all the way finishing 2-2 after extra time, however the match was called off before the penalty shoot out could commence due to it being too dark. The semi-final was rescheduled with an earlier kick off time two weeks later this time Witnesham Wasp Ladies went on to score 4 times beating Copleston Ladies 4-2 to set up a League Cup Final date with Brantham Athletic Ladies.
  The venue for tonight’s League Cup Final, Hadleigh United FC. A small non-league ground situated in a picturesque part of Suffolk. A large pitch with a small seated and covered stand on one side of the pitch opposite a large clubhouse and bar offering a covered viewing area outside on the opposite side, with hot refreshments available. A bright and clear night with no sign of the rain seen earlier in the day, rapidly cooling as the light faded and the floodlights started to come on.
  Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Keri Burley, Shanice Leeks, Charlotte Partridge, Monique Peters, Merlin Watson, Jo Hazelton, Lucy Elmes, Danielle Harvey, Lucy Dunnett (C) Becky Prime & Kirsten Hutchings 
  subs – Heather Andrews, Carra Seeley, Katy Skinner, Ana Carolina & Jessica Ryan.
 
  Witnesham Wasps Ladies starting XI – Zoe Adams, Chloe Stopher, Lauren Jacobs, Kristy Bootyman, Caitlin Howe, Sho Allen, Beth Welton, Ali Rampling, Natasha Adams (C), Emily Steward & Emma Long.
  subs – Lauren Page, Chloe Anderson, Annabel Tricker, Izzy Leming & Lucy Johnson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Brantham to get the 1st half of the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final underway. Kitted out in an all blue kit with Witnesham lined up opposite wearing yellow and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and yellow socks. They press Brantham for the ball right from the start winning it in midfield and trying to release, Beth Welton away on the right wing. Brantham regain possession and playing the ball into the Witnesham half captain Lucy Dunnett fights a bit of space moving to the right looks to play the ball up to her strikers Becky Prime and Kirsten Hutchings the ball dropping to the right side of the Witnesham area, full back Chloe Stopher defends well up against the latter as she looks to get on the ball.
  Brantham with the ball down the right attack winning a throw the ball is dropped to the bright orange boots of Dunnett, immediately she looks to play in Hutchings down the line getting onto the ball she drives into the area taking on the shot from an acute angle flashes the effort behind the Witnesham goal.
  Witnesham have begun at a fast tempo snapping at Brantham whenever they have the ball, force the error then look to attack get the ball out to either Emma Long moving into space left or Welton on the right. Emily Steward playing through the middle links up with Welton on the right the ball taken deep into the Brantham half brings the 1st corner of the match. An in swinging ball from the right towards the near post the ball is headed clear by Brantham’s Charlotte Partridge. 
  Danielle Harvey drives forwards with the ball at her feet from Brantham looking to take on the Witnesham defence is pushed out to the left side of the box, going for the early shot, the contact is poor as the ball is sliced wide of the target. Witnesham concede a couple of free kicks in the middle of the park both against Dunnett, with the no 11 to take the set pieces looks to send the ball long towards the area on both occasions and both times the Witnesham defence marshals the ball well. 
Danielle Harvey drives forwards with the ball for Brantham Athletic Ladies
   The ball pinging around in the centre circle with neither side getting hold of it pops free into the Brantham half with Long the player getting onto the end of it, driving forwards towards the edge of the area right of the D pulls the trigger sends her strike swerving in towards goal, bu straight into the gloves of Brantham goalkeeper, Keri Burley. Free kick to Witnesham wide on the right inside the Brantham half, it’s Tash Williams, Witnesham’s captain to take plays it in towards Welton right side of the area, heads the ball on across the front of the box into the crowd beyond drops amongst bodies far side a shot comes in the ball rolling wide of goal.
  Sho Allen with time and space on the ball in the middle for Witnesham is allowed to bring the ball on winds up a shot 25 yards out hitting Brantham defender Monique Peters the ball spins away to the left is latched onto Long free beyond 20 yards out hits her shot wide of goal. A scrappy start, Witnesham’s energy to close Brantham down is seeing them get more possession of the ball. Brantham with Dunnett always a threat whenever she gets on the ball put it into space behind the Witnesham defence with Hutchings giving chase left side, Stopher stays on her gets her toe on the ball to put it out for a corner kick. A good delivery coming in high Witnesham goalkeeper Zoe Adams goes up for it in the centre of her goal, brushing it with a glove, drops behind her, no one for Brantham attacking the far post the ball goes out for a corner kick on the right. This one is played out to the top of the box with Hutchings making a run to get across her marker gets her foot on the ball turns the shot goalwards, close but just the wrong side of the post.
   Break for Witnesham on the left Kirsty Bootyman releases Long out on the left wing, gets her head down carries the ball on aiming for the Brantham box releases her shot even as the defender coming in to challenge goes down to try and block the shot the ball evading her but is stopped by Burley who has come racing out off her goal line towards the danger sliding gets hold of the ball to make the save. 
  Jo Hazelton brings the ball on inside the Witnesham half pushing in from the left side into the centre, Prime comes towards her from attack to offer a passing option is given the ball as Hazelton looks to race on in behind her, Prime back to Dunnett who plays the pass over the Witnesham defence to pick out Hazelton driving into the area moving out to the left of the goal shoots back across goal from the edge of the six yard box, Adams gets down sharply to save, taking the pace off the ball then getting hold of it. A change for Witnesham with Bootyman coming off and Lauren Page coming on. 
Dunnett with a shot from 20 yards out central as the ball is fired into her, bringing it under control shifts it a yard then sends it in towards goal a bouncing ball, Adams has time to set herself see it safely into her gloves. Welton is posing a few questions for Brantham on the right, looking to get in behind the defence and cross into the area as they make a 2nd change bringing off Steward sends Izzy Leming on to up top. Partridge carries the ball on from the back for Brantham over half way played on for Dunnett who attempts to play the ball on for Hutchings to chase into the Witnesham area, Adams coming out to meet the threat gets to the ball 1st as the referee brings the 1st half to a close.
  Half-time Brantham Athletic Ladies 0-0 Witnesham Wasps Ladies
  Has been a good contest 1st half, the sides closely matched, Witnesham have put a lot of effort into pressing Brantham off the ball, trying to release Welton and Long on the flanks, both sides have created chances but for the large part defences have been on top.
  Witnesham out early from the dressing room get the 2nd half underway, Brantham have Jessica Ryan out on the pitch with Harvey off. Attacking down the Witnesham left Brantham get a throw on that side Williams fouls Hazelton as she looks to turn right of the area. Dunnett over the set piece puts the ball over the goal frame. Brantham have started the 2nd half strongly pushing Witnesham back keeping possession inside their own half. 
  GOAL! Brantham take the lead. Possession on the right brings a throw the ball is played on to Dunnett who turns into the box on the right, looks to shoot, changes her mind knocks it on further to create room and hits the ball across the goal putting it into the back of the net 1-0.
Brantham Athletic captain battling for the ball with Witnesham Wasps Sho Allen
scores the opening goal in the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final
 
  Have been a few rashly timed challenges which the referee has been quick to blow up on. Both sides committing them in and around the centre circle. Williams and Hutchings have come together on a couple of occasions the latest encounter sees Williams needing treatment as they contest a 50/50 ball, comes off with Annabel Tricker being sent on. 
  Brantham win a free kick wide on the left half way inside the Witnesham half everyone goes into the area with Dunnett to deliver. Is a fantastic ball sent in towards the near post, on target dropping you can see it’s going to be a difficult one for the keeper to deal with. Adams goes for it gets some part of her glove on the ball, the crowd cheer, Dunnett looks to celebrate, I’d started to write 2-0… but no the ball was turned around the post for a corner kick a fantastic save from the keeper. 
   Welton pushing with the ball down the right wins Witnesham a corner kick, is played in towards her on the edge of the area, plays the dummy the ball rolling under her foot on to Page behind coming onto the ball inside the D, wraps her foot around the shot, too many bodies to get through, before play is pulled of for an offside decision. Another enforced change for Witnesham with Long hurt after a challenge on the right, has to come off with Steward returning to the action to support Leming up in attack as they search for an equalising goal.
  Hazelton gets the ball from Elmes in the centre of midfield taking it on Ryan is free on the right for Brantham given the ball turns inside looking to fire the ball into Prime who dinks it over the top of the Witnesham defence, One of those moments where both defence and goalkeeper hesitate, Ryan bursts in behind to get onto the ball rolling out to the right of goal inside the area, pulls her shot wide at the front post. Williams has recovered from her knock to return to the game comes on in place of Page goes up to join the attackers.
  A vital lunge to get her boot on the ball from Brantham’s Partridge as Witnesham attack down the right, play spread the ball had it found it’s target would have seen Williams free to attack the goal from the right side as it is they have a corner off Partridge’s interception. Coming in high towards the near post is flicked behind for another corner on the opposite side. This delivery drops down into the middle of the six yard box several attempts to connect with the bouncing ball, the vital touch is from a Brantham boot as the ball is launched clear. Few Witnesham players starting to feel it put alot of effort in cramping up
Emily Steward on the ball for Witnesham Wasps
 Winning the ball at the back Witnesham’s Lauren Jacobs plays it long with the break on Williams left in front of the Brantham area has Steward to her right looks to play the ball on for her into the area, Burley comes racing out and is able to claim the ball 1st. A free kick for Brantham in a go position 20/25 yards out right side of the D, always going to be a shot from Dunnett from this position, gets far too much elevation on the ball sending it high into the night sky over the goal. Double change for Brantham as the match moves into the final 5 minutes of normal time. Hazelton and Prime the players coming off with Katy Skinner and Heather Andrews coming on. Shortly afterwards Witnesham’s Stopher suffers from a particularly painful cramping in her right leg and comes off, Chloe Anderson joining the action.
   Ana Carolina also comes on late on for Brantham with Carra Seeley coming off. Witnesham have to push a few extra bodies forwards as they try and get a goal. Welton and Steward combine on the right high inside the Brantham half a give and go, the final pass to put Welton in behind won’t come off. A free kick for Witnesham 30 yards out left/central, Ali Rampling over the ball is encouraged to go for goal a good effort dropping late however coming across her goal Burley can see it wide.
  GOAL! 3 minutes of normal time left to play and Brantham double their lead to put the result beyond doubt. Witnesham are looking to carry the ball out from the back lose possession with Dunnett getting onto the ball inside the centre circle has Andrews close by no her right lifts the pass on to her she plays it over the top into the path of Hutchings making a move to get forwards left side, shoots from the edge of the area burying the ball past Adams to score 2-0. 
 
Kirsten Hutching with the ball doubles Brantham Athletic Ladies lead late on
 
   In to injury time, Witnesham need the ball but can’t get it as play is broken up by Brantham who keep it inside their opponents half to see out the final minutes and cue the celebrations as the referee blows the final whistle to see Brantham win the Suffolk Women’s League Cup.
   Was a good contest, competitive both sides working hard, Witnesham just could match the intensity they put into pressing the ball 1st half as they tired 2nd half. Brantham got the early goal in the 2nd half and looked like they would hold onto the lead the 2nd goal coming late into the game ensuring the win. Played in front of a good sized crowd too who saw an entertaining final.
Brantham Athletic Ladies, Suffolk Women’s League Cup Winners (photo credit Brantham Athletic)
  Thank to the Suffolk FA staff for their help tonight with the teams. Congratulations to Brantham Athletic Ladies on their Cup Final success, enjoy the celebrations.

Match Report – Copleston Ladies v Brantham Athletic Ladies

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The featured match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday comes from the Suffolk Women’s Division. Just 7 sides contesting the league, this clash was between 2 of the potential title contenders a top of the table clash, with 3rd placed Copleston Ladies undefeated at the start of the season hosting leaders Brantham Athletic Ladies. An extremely windy day once again and the conditions would play there part in the match, click on the link below to take you to all of the match action.

Copleston Ladies v Brantham Athletic Ladies