Tag Archives: SWF Blog

New Home for the SWF Blog

   As we prepare for a new season of women’s football, now is the perfect time to introduce a change of my own. Have been thinking about it for some time how to streamline my coverage of women’s football. My coverage of the game began with the Supporting Women’s Football Blog soon after the news regarding the rebranding of WSL side Lincoln Ladies. For 3 and a half season’s I have used it to help promote the women’s game up and down the country mostly writing match reports from the games I attend and even now it continues to grow. Soon after I came up with the idea for Women’s Football East a website designed to help in the promotion of women’s football in the East of England where I am based.

 At first I wanted it to stand on it’s own not cover the WSL at all as there wasn’t the WSL presence in the region. Only Watford Ladies based in Hertfordshire and Arsenal Women who play in Hertfordshire. As I started to cover more and more games in the region began writing the weekly Round-Up’s whilst also using the match reports featured on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. The Women’s Football East side of thing’s has grown even more rapidly however have been thinking for a while about combining both if the match reports are going to end up here anyway why not publish them here in the first place. 

 Now is the best time I’ve had a break away from the game. With Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC both joining the WSL in the last two season’s I feel Women’s Football East is ready to take over from the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. Is a wrench to give up the SWF Blog especially as I know it is still growing after all I’ve not posted anything for 2 months yet views remain high have a new following from the Netherlands and France as interest in the game is peaking in that part of Europe due to the Women’s Euros.

   Everything will almost stay the same the match reports and blog posts will continue as before just appear here instead of there. Women’s Football East is growing fast too and I need to spend more time on it suffered a little last season so stream lining thing’s will ultimately improve coverage for the whole of the region with the odd match further away dotted in between. Also find that Google’s blogspot platform and the wordpress based one I use for Women’s Football East are not always compatible which means the match reports don’t transfer as smoothly as I’d like familiar with both now going straight to wordpress will improve the quality of the match reports on here.

 The image at the top of the page (show below) will highlight where the Supporting Women’s Football Blog has gone but in time it will all be part of Women’s Football East. Won’t close the SWF Blog down however as there are plenty of memories on there from the past 3 and half years 290 match reports alone and you’ll still be able to access those. Match report 291 will be the 1st to be written up exclusively for Women’s Football East, finally began my season in Norfolk today with a trip to The Walks to watch King’s Lynn Town Ladies take on Milton Keynes Dons Ladies and will bring you the action some time over the next 24 hours it was good to be back. 

 It’s a small change but I’ll miss the SWF Blog but I know bringing it together with Women’s Football East will ultimately better my coverage of the game well all love. Plenty more to come.

New page header image for Women’s Football East

 

Match Report – Lowestoft Town Ladies v Denham United Ladies

The Supporting Women’s Football Blog ended the year with a trip to the Suffolk coast to watch Lowestoft Town Ladies take on Denham United Ladies in the FAWPL South East Division One. Bottom of the table with just 3 points on the board Lowestoft Town were playing their 1st game of 2017 having been affected like so many other sides by the awful January weather. Denham United Ladies in 7th place in the table in a good position to challenge for a top half finish, plenty of goals in this game…

Match Report – Lowestoft Town Ladies v Denham United Ladies

 
 Ended January with a trip to the Suffolk coast to watch Lowestoft Town Ladies play Denham United Ladies in FAWPL South East Division One. 

  Has been a postponement hit start to the New Year affecting alot of clubs, lack of game time, Lowestoft Town Ladies are playing their 1st game of 2017 having last played back on December 18th. Were one of the 40 postponed matches across the East last weekend. Not only in need of a game but also points as the club are currently bottom of the FAWPL South East Division One with just the one win in the league to date. Looks like a 3 way battle at the bottom between Lowestoft, Norwich City Ladies and Stevenage Ladies. Play Denham United Ladies home and away over the next 2 weekends before an away trip to Stevenage Ladies on Sun 12th February. Have seen the departure of striker Molly Hall going to America to play. Have brought in attacking player, Nettie Stillinger from Cambridge United WFC.

  Denham United Ladies are currently 7th in the FAWPL South East Division One table with 5 wins from the 13 league games they have played so far. One of the biggest all female clubs in the country are an established side in the league are capable of beating anyone else in the league on their day. With 5 of their next 6 league games against sides below them in the table have an opportunity to pick up points and not only pull well clear of the battle at the bottom but challenge for a top half finish. 

  The venue for today’s game Crown Meadow home of Lowestoft Town FC, the ladies side are one of a handful of sides in the FAWPL who share their ground with the men’s club. A large pitch has seen a fair bit of wear. A large seated stand on one side opposite the dugouts, a bar and clubhouse open behind the goal as you walk in through the turnstiles. Was another wet weekend across the region but not so bad as last time out. Overcast, cold and cloudy there were a few spots of rain around so with a covered stand to take advantage of I headed there. 

  Lowestoft Town Ladies starting XI – Eilish Brogan, Lyndsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall, Tiffany Forshaw, Ellie Froud, Abbie Everson, Cassie Craddock, Ciera Flatt, Gemma Moore, Nettie Stillinger & Hannah Waters (C).
  subs – Lauren Bullard, Broghan Scully & Jess Green.

  Denham United Ladies starting XI – Elizabeth Rose, Joanne Torr (C), Emma Spencer, Rachel Blackburn, Laura Holbrook, Chloe Jarman, Alissa Down, Aimee Durn, Natalie Murray, Elisha Allen & Annie Hewitt.
  subs – Ellen Wardlaw.

   Lowestoft get the match under way kicking off the 1st half wearing blue shirts, shorts and socks all with white trim. Nettie Stillinger starts on the left. Also making her 1st start for the club is Ciera Flatt in midfield. Denham lined up opposite wearing an all navy kit with a red and white band across the front of the shirts and red and white hooping on their socks. Are without a few 1st team regulars with just one substitute to call upon. Lowestoft look to get the ball out wide to Gemma Moore on the right from the start, Denham captain Joanne Torr winning the ball as she looks to knock it in behind her.

  The ball is sent long out to Elisha Allen in space on the right side for Denham making an attacking run to get into the Lowestoft area, can’t get her cross in. Denham pressure the ball on halfway keeping Lowestoft penned inside their own half in the early minutes, the visitors winning a free kick in the middle play it early to Natalie Murray moving right getting in behind plays the diagonal ball into the box, Lowestoft goalkeeper, Eilish Brogan makes the call and claims on the bounce before Allen can get to the ball coming through the middle. 

  Another free-kick for Denham on half-way the ball played up high towards the top of the area, Allen left side gets her head on the ball knocking it down into the area goes after it, Charnelle Riggall, Lowestoft’s left back goes with her prevents Allen getting the ball into a shooting position before winning the free-kick. A counter from Lowestoft the ball helped on by Abbie Everson on half-way for Ciera Flatt ahead of her, looks to slide the ball in behind the Denham back line for Stillinger cutting inside from the left, too straight the ball is gathered up by Denham goalkeeper, Elizabeth Rose. Up the other end Denham have another free-kick wide on the left inside the Lowestoft half, Alissa Down on the ball plays a pacey ball in towards goal, bouncing across the six yard box no one gets a touch, Brogan can see it run wide of her far post.

Lowestoft’s Cassie Craddock feels the full force of Alissa Down’s clearance

  Denham capitalise on a short goal kick winning the ball back 30 yards out, Aimee Durn getting involved in the thick of the action, having joined Denham from Watford Ladies Development U19s side. Durn central plays the short ball into Annie Hewitt ahead of her back to goal she lays it out to Allen breaking into the area from the left, gets a shot away as she is closed down shooting low near post, Brogan is down sharply making a good save.

  It’s a big pitch plenty of width available and both sides want to exploit it at every opportunity attacking early ball are often sent long with runners willing to go after the ball. Laura Holbrook gets on the ball and plays it out to Durn on the left for Denham linking up with Hewitt the cross is sent on high towards the near post with Allen making the run, can’t bring the ball down to get a shot away runs off her behind for the goal-kick. With Moore and Stillinger keeping the pitch wide Lowestoft captain, Hannah Waters attacking through the middle is released by Cassie Craddock 25 yards out drives for the Denham area looking to power her way into the box is closed down by 3 Denham players, Rachel Blackburn putting in the challenge to win the ball from her. 

Aimee Durn bringing the ball forwards for Denham United Ladies

  Emma Spencer having broken up a Lowestoft attack carries the ball out from the back on the right sends the pass long for Hewitt outside the box a clever turn as she brings the ball down plays it on for Murray moving into the area behind her, moving to the right looks to lift a cross to Allen far post, too close to Brogan the keeper is able to pluck it down out of the air. Murray is played in behind shortly afterwards by Holbrook on the right gets into the area into the six yard box tries to play the ball across goal again puts it to close to Brogan the Lowestoft keeper well placed to gather the ball. 

  Waters pressuring the ball high up the pitch on the left gets Lowestoft a throw the ball is played in field the cross fired along the top of the Denham area is collected by Moore in a central position, looks for an opening to shoot as she moves the ball to the right, Durn slides in to win the ball for the visitors doesn’t go far picked up by Flatt 25 yards out takes on the shot good pace on the ball is straight at Rose the keeper holding onto the shot comfortably. 

Ciera Flatt on the ball in midfield for Lowestoft

  Brogan is called into action up the other end as Denham press bodies forwards Chloe Jarman playing the ball on for Down the ball is sent on for Murray on the right, driving forwards takes it all the way  to the byline beside the area before cutting the cross back along the ground towards the top of the area with Hewitt meeting it inside the D her shot running low towards the far corner, Brogan throws herself to her right getting her glove on the ball pushing it wide for the corner kick. Lowestoft are almost caught out from a short corner for Denham the ball played up to Down top of the area left side sends the ball curling in towards goal, flies over Brogan, is headed off the line by Stillinger. 

Lowestoft’s Nettie Stillinger with Denham’s Chloe Jarman

  Denham break from the back as they win the ball from a Lowestoft free-kick the ball is played long up to Hewitt who passes it out to Allen attacking on the right, Lyndsey Adams cuts out her cross the ball runs back to Allen wins a corner this time another short one on the right the ball rolled into Down, Adams intercepts her ball into the area clearing it for a throw. The free-kicks in the middle are adding up Denham having most opportunities to play the ball up into the Lowestoft area. Down is on the set-piece in the middle to the right sends a high ball into the area, Murray central leaps the highest but can’t get anything on the ball. 

  Ellie Froud gets hold of the ball at the back for Lowestoft as Denham’s Hewitt looks to slide Allen through into the box, bringing it out from the ball plays a good ball out to Moore on the right taking on her marker and getting in behind turns into the box cutting the ball back from the byline looking for Waters, Blackburn coming across to defend the near post slides in to clear the ball.

  GOAL! 10 minutes left to play in the 1st half and the stalemate is broken. Bodies up field from the previous attack Lowestoft put pressure Denham’s midfield it’s Moore who closes the ball down on the right to take it in past the visitors defence playing the ball early into the area looking to pick out Waters, Spencer goes with the attacker challenging as the ball arrives at her feet, Waters does well staying on her feet and connecting with the ball helps it on past the keeper into the bottom corner of the net to see Lowestoft lead 1-0.

Lowestoft captain, Hannah Waters opens the scoring

  The goal sees Lowestoft step up the tempo closing down the ball inside the Denham half, Craddock linking up with Adams on the left side gets the ball on for Stillinger to go on a run down the left, attempting to get around Spencer to get into the area brings the full-back down conceding the free-kick. End to end in the closing 5 minutes of the 1st half both sides look to get their attacking players on the ball. Brogan comfortably claiming a couple of Denham crosses. 

  Up the other end as the 1st half moves into injury time, Lowestoft work the ball through the middle releasing Waters for a run at the Denham goal, is shoulder to shoulder with Blackburn as the pair race for the box, in goal Rose makes the decision to come early closing down the angle is a couple of yards inside her area as Waters gets a shot away going to ground Rose makes a great save with her legs to prevent the ball getting past her. Denham counter attack, the ball out to Durn attacking on the left carries it into the area, Riggall on her shoulder pressuring delays the shot the angle against her Dunn’s strike is held by Brogan at her near post. 

Half-time Lowestoft Town Ladies 1-0 Denham United Ladies
  Has been an open 1st half with both sides on the attack, Denham have created more opportunities up front, however they find themselves trailing 1-0 at the break with Waters giving Lowestoft the lead. Both goalkeepers having been called into action to make important saves. A narrow advantage all to play for 2nd half.
  Denham get the 2nd half underway, Holbrook with the early ball out to Allen on the right wing, the attacker is stopped in her tracks by the offside flag. Denham overload the right side of the pitch at the start of the 2nd half with Murray and Allen linking up playing a one two as they work the ball down the line, Allen’s cross going behind. 
Hannah Waters looking to control the ball inside the Denham box
  A tussle in the middle of the park, Flatt wins the ball plays it into Craddock who sends it long up into the box for Waters, controlling the ball on her chest inside the box, closely marked by Blackburn looks to turn get a shot away, not before Spencer comes across from the left to get her foot on the ball clear it for a throw on the right.
 

Gemma Moore scores to make it
2-0 to Lowestoft.

 GOAL! The perfect start to the 2nd half for Lowestoft as they double their lead inside the 1st 5 minutes the ball from the thrown in level with the top of the box on the right is played into Moore who turns off her marker to take it inside head down drives into the D before hitting a powerful shot that swerves away from the diving Rose and into the back of the net beyond 2-0.

 
  
   Everson closes the ball down quickly inside the opposition half, driving forwards gets room for a shot 25 yards out hits the ball on the run plays the ball straight into Rose in a central position inside her six yard box gathers cleanly. Lowestoft are getting drawn over to the right side as Murray looks to take players on get in behind, that is leaving Durn with plenty of space to run into on the left. Caught offside in an earlier attack, holds her run this time getting the ball from a long diagonal pass, looks to take the ball inside get it onto her right foot for a shot, is closed down by the Lowestoft defence before she can release the ball. 
Denham’s Aimee Durn with Lowestoft’s Abbie Everson
  Allen with possession of the ball on the right side moves forwards cutting the ball inside for Hewitt outside the box, looks to turn and shoot her effort from 20 yards out deflecting up off Tiffany Forshaw as she throws herself off her feet to make the block the ball looping behind for the corner kick on the right. The inswinging ball coming on high is headed goalwards past Brogan as she attempts to come for the ball, heading goalwards the ball is headed off the line by Lowestoft again, Riggall with the vital touch this time. 
  GOAL! The ball is cleared out of the area as Lowestoft look to get everyone out of their box, they are hit with a sucker punch the ball is won back in the middle by Denham and sent back over the top, both Hewitt and Allen area central in front of the D, the offside flag doesn’t go up as Hewitt picks up the ball and takes it into the box, picks her spot sending the ball low past Brogan into the bottom corner 2-1.
  Straight from the restart Lowestoft look to attack the ball is played over the top for Waters to chase through the middle, Rose is off her line and sliding in claims the ball inside her area before the striker can get there.
   GOAL! All action, no sooner have they pulled a goal back and stopped Lowestoft’s attack from the restart Denham have the ball in the back of the net at the other end to level it up. Launching a counter attack the ball is fired up field into Murray running onto the ball right side takes on the early shot 25 yards out lobbing the ball up over Brogan and into the back of the next to equalise 2-2.
 
  Two quick fire goals from Denham to level the scores 10 minutes after going 2-0 down sees them energised, the opposite for Lowestoft who dealt a double blow conceding 2 goals within a couple of minutes of each other. Play is drawn over to the right side again as Murray gets the ball from Down, pushing forwards delivers an high ball into the box coming central is a vital header by Riggall to put the ball out of play for the corner kick with Allen free behind her. The corner kick goes long is picked up by Holbrook outside the box left of the D shoots a vicious strike that is blocked by Riggall.
  GOAL! A complete turn around for Denham as the visitors take the lead in the match a counter attack from a Lowestoft free-kick the ball on halfway played up towards the top of the area is headed clear and played on with Murray on the move down the right side, plenty of pace gets in behind and closing in on the box takes the shot early sending her low drive racing past the keeper into the back of the net 2-3.
 
2 goals by Denham United Ladies
Natalie Murray see the visitors go
level then take the lead.
 
 
  Lowestoft make a substitution, Flatt is replaced by Broghan Scully in the midfield. Forshaw plays the ball up field controlled by Waters 30 yards out back to goal off her chest with Moore coming inside to receive the ball releases Stillinger making a run on the left side running into the box gets a shot away the strike racing along the ground across the six yard box and wide at the far post. Denham make a change Allen the player coming off, Ellen Wardlaw coming on for her 1st team debut. 
  Wardlaw is very nearly put through on goal moments after coming on as Hewitt squeezes the ball in over the top of the Lowestoft defence looking to run onto the ball inside the D, defender Froud makes a last ditch tackle lunging for the ball taking it away from Wardlaw and back to her keeper gather.
  GOAL! Denham enjoying a dominant spell extend their lead, it’s a goal out of nothing a moment of magic from Hewitt the ball fed into her feet 30 or so yards from goal isn’t closed down quickly enough sets her sights and shoots the ball flying over the keeper and into the goal beyond 2-4.
 
Annie Hewitt celebrating with her teammates
 
  15 minutes of the 2nd half left, Lowestoft make their 2nd change bringing off Craddock in the middle and sending on Lauren Bullard. Denham have their tails up are seeing more of the ball and keeping possession inside their opponents half. Forshaw heads a Denham cross clear of the area the ball helped on through the middle finds Moore moving inside from the right looks to play the diagonal pass into the area with Waters making the run to get into the area, Blackburn goes with her sliding in to put the ball behind for a corner on the right. Blackburn then defends the Lowestoft corner heading behind for a 2nd corner kick, this one comes to Everson moving towards the ball helps it on into the six yard box, Denham winning the scramble for the ball launch it clear.
  GOAL! The game is stretched as the action moves into the last 10 minutes Denham bring the ball on the pass finding Murray on the move on the right play drawn across to that side of the pitch again, Murray crosses early her looping ball falling into the Lowestoft six yard box, Durn has made it all the way there, controls the bouncing ball well and manages to squeeze it past Brogan on top of her to score and see Denham lead 2-5. 
 
  Soon after scoring Dunn is denied another opportunity to score for Denham by Moore inside the Lowestoft box as she comes inside from the left Moore dives in a risky challenge but gets the ball putting it behind for the corner. The ball comes to Wardlaw 20 yards out from Holbrook takes on the shot the ball played straight into Brogan the keeper down low to make the save. Wardlaw wins Denham a corner kick on the right side the ball is lifted in centrally pops out of Brogan’s gloves dropping down into the six yard box favourably for her defence to clear. Denham finish strongly Wardlaw seeing her shot from outside the box charged down by Froud as the final whistle blows and the visitors claim all 3 points with a 5-2 win.
Full time Lowestoft Town Ladies 2-5 Denham United Ladies
  An action filled game, both sides wanting to attack get the ball forwards use the big pitch. Going 2-0 up then conceding 2 quickfire goals 10 minutes later to level things up hit Lowestoft hard especially as they felt one was offside. Denham coming back well showing character after going 2-0 down to comeback and not only level but go on to win the game 5-2. The 2 sides meet in the reverse fixture next Sunday.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match
 
  A few contenders for the SWF Blog Player of the Match in the Denham side today but I’ve gone for Natalie Murray. Pace and power caused trouble out on the right all game scoring 2 goals and an assist for Dunn to score the 5th goal.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help today always appreciated.

Match Report – Actonians Ladies v Norwich City Ladies

  The match action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog at the start of October comes from FAWPL South East Division One. Actonians Ladies at home to Norwich City Ladies the 2 sides serving up a 9 goal thriller at North Greenford United FC, match report below.

Match Report – Actonians Ladies v Norwich City Ladies

 
 Trip down to North Greenford United FC this Sunday to watch some women’s football action from the FAWPL South East Division One, with Actonians Ladies playing Norwich City Ladies.

 Still early days into the season and it’s clear there are going to be few easy games in the league. Actonians Ladies are no longer ‘Old’ as they were in previous seasons listed as Actonians now. Were promoted to the FAWPL South East Division One last season and after a promising start got bogged down in an extended cup run and suffered from several postponements. Games in hand at the end of the season got the points needed to pull them away from the relegation places. Have started promisingly this season too, in 5th place with 6 matches played a record which reads W,L,D,W,L,D so on that form are due a win…

  Travelling to North Greenford United to play Actonians today are Norwich City Ladies, Norfolk’s premier women’s football side arrive having played half the games their opponents have the lowest in the FAWPL South East Division One, 3 so far. started with a home win against Lowestoft Town Ladies, 2 defeats since losing to the 2 sides setting the early pace at the top of the league, Cambridge United WFC and AFC Wimbledon Ladies. Have one of the youngest squads in the division.

  Thought I’d brave the London traffic head down to Actonians Ladies home venue today, North Greenford United, pass The Hive on the way heading for Wembley and Harrow the ground situated at the end of residential area backing onto green fields. !st weekend of October the weather is still holding onto the late summer sun going into autumn a few black clouds around but these would come to nothing. Several postponements last season the pitch like many others in the region suffering due to the heavy rainfall over the winter, looks a picture now the pitch reseeded looked great plenty of grass cover a good size too. Slopes a little from one corner to the other. A small seated stand behind one goal, the clubhouse and bar on the way into the ground, nice layout.

 Actonians Ladies starting XI – Naomi Swift, Sinead Friel (C), Lafe Uche, Jodie Regan, Leah Taylor, Hannah Olofsson, Jessica Byrne, Sinthujah Sooriyakumar, Katrina Marshalleck, Melissa Jung & Carla Williams. 
 subs – Catherine Murphy, Anais Escalona, Rhena Eames & Paige Hornsell.

 Norwich City Ladies starting XI – Ellie Bird, Erin Wilson, Brooke Osborne, Bryony Radley, Ellen Fewkes-Woodrow, Paige Shorten (C), Jodie Drake, Kyla Love, Ellen Swift, Natasha Snelling & Chelsea Garrett.
 subs – Rebecca Russell

  Traffic was heavy on the way to the ground I arrived half an hour later than I’d expected to and the Norwich City Ladies minibus heading in the same direction as me wasn’t there yet, arriving late the visitors didn’t have as much warm up time as they’d have liked nevertheless were ready to kick-off come 2 O’clock… ish. It’s Actonians to get the game underway kicking off 1st half are wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks, with Norwich lined up opposite wearing green shirts with yellow vertical piping, yellow shorts and green socks. The visitors win the ball early push into the Actonians half, captain Paige Shorten on the ball in midfield plays a speculative ball forwards to the right of the area looking to pick out Chelsea Garrett, Lafe Uche at left back for Actonians gets across her and wins the ball.

  Direct play from Actonians sees the ball headed on in midfield by Jessica Byrne up the pitch to Sinthujah Sooriyakumar coming in from the right wing to the top of the area gets her foot on the ball turns into the area, Ellen Fewkes-Woodrow in the Norwich defence gets close to her doing enough to put the attacker off the ball running on into goalkeeper Ellie Birds gloves. Brooke Osborne brings the ball forwards from the back for Norwich crossing the halfway line moving left sends it high up towards the area with Garrett breaking forwards to receive controls well as the ball drops in the six yard box the angle acute, gets the shot away early, Naomi Swift in goal for Actonians gets down smartly at her post to make the save.

Actonians Ladies, Melissa Jung 

 An end to end game in the early minutes both sides looking to release their attacking players quickly, Carla Williams moves out to the the left side receiving the ball looks to take it down the line before cutting back inside making a run across the face of the area, reverses the ball sending it into the box with Sooriyakumar looking to spin in behind the Norwich defence, Osborne tracks her run and gets a foot in to take the ball away from her out for the corner kick.

 GOAL! Norwich take the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, have possession inside the Actonians half ex-Nettleham Ladies player Kyla Love travelling with the ball up the right flashes a cross into the area, Actonians Leah Taylor gets up highest to head it on out for a throw on the left. Play is drawn over to that side as Norwich retain possession from the throw the ball rolled into the feet of Natasha Snelling out on the touchline is a good way out takes on the shot regardless sending the ball up towards goal, on target the arc of the shot sees it fly over Swift and drop under the crossbar into the back of the net 0-1.

  Snelling with possession on the left side again prods the ball forwards into Garrett making the run ahead of her left side of the area, is prevented from turning inside to shoot by Jodie Regan the defender tackling to concede the corner. Put into the area from the left the ball drops invitingly at the near post, Bryony Radley up from the back gets her head to the ball sending a looping ball in towards goal, straight and Swift the keeper pushes the ball wide of goal out to the far post Actonians clearing the danger hit Norwich on the break.  

GOAL! The home side move the ball from one end to the other clearing it to the left Katrina Marshalleck on the move has the ball on into the middle the ball comes through to Williams racing forwards right side in front of the area controls well before she unleashes a shot from 25 yards out firing the ball across the keeper and into the bottom corner of the net to equalise 1-1.

Actonians Ladies, Carla Williams

  Attacking down the right side Actonians push bodies forwards Jung receiving the ball outside the box helps it on to Marshalleck to the left, bringing the ball down turns and hits the shot, comes at Bird quickly the keeper makes the save the ball spilt, she recovers and grabs it before Marshalleck and get another touch. Actonians have Norwich on the back foot the ball inside their half, Sooriyakumar into Williams on the right, the striker attempts to lob the ball over Bird from outside the area the ball landing on the roof of the net. Williams and Jung look to link up outside the Norwich box exchanging passes Fewkes-Woodrow getting in between the to win the ball before either and get in behind to shoot on goal.

 

  Garrett is the outlet for Norwich in attack plenty of pace she is sent clear on the left side outpacing her marker into the area plants her shot wide into the side netting. Snelling and Shorten combine to win back the ball on the left side, play drawn across there is room for Norwich right back Erin Wilson to bomb forwards, Shorten picks her out with a superb crossfield pass taking the ball on down the wing cuts the cross back in towards the D with Love coming forwards can’t quite take the shot in her stride, Actonians win the ball and are immediately on the counter attack.

 GOAL! Byrne carries the ball forwards for the home side before playing it long up into the area with Sooriyakumar coming in from the right, Bird comes to close her down sliding in, Sooriyakumar bringing the ball down shifts it to her right avoiding the keeper pushes forwards wide of goal sends the shot in Norwich defenders racing back in an attempt to stop it is a handball but doesn’t keep the shot out is turned into the back of the net Actonians lead 2-1.

   Ellen Swift with space to run into on the right for Norwich sends a good cross into the box along to top of the six yard box Swift sets herself to claim the ball isn’t fazed as Garrett racing in throws herself at the ball, doesn’t connect the keeper claims. Hannah Olofsson plays the ball on for Byrne in the centre as Actonians build another attack pushes the ball forwards into Jung ahead of her right of the D one touch to put the ball on into the area, Wilson across just gets her toe to the ball to knock it on for Bird to gather before the shot can be taken. 

  Wilson with the ball out from the back picks out Snelling high on the left nods the ball back to Shorten in the centre looks to release Garrett as the striker gets in behind the Actonians defence, Swift is out of her area quickly to deal with the threat knocking the ball clear. Every attack is met with a counter, Actonians have the ball on the left Uche onto Marshalleck plays it across the face of the area Jung lets it run on with Sooriyakumar racing in behind, shots early the ball off target bouncing across the six yard box, Marshalleck has continued her run is inside the box, Bird scrambling across makes the save at her feet.

Melissa Jung headers the ball on for Actonians Ladies

  Actonians are seeing more possession of the ball in their opponents half, Jung with a drive through the middle releases Marshalleck on the right now, into the area flashes a shot across the six yard box, Sooriyakumar left retrieves and fires the ball back into the danger-zone, Wilson gets it away for Norwich. Olofsson bringing the ball on attempts to thread it on for Jung to burst into the box, under challenge from Fewkes-Woodrow the defender does just enough to kill the pace on the ball prevent Jung carrying it in behind.

 GOAL! Actonians extend their lead with possession on the right have a throw the ball is passed back to Olofsson 30 yards from goal given time and space lines up a shot strikes it well a low drives that bounces once across the area before nestling in the far corner 3-1.

Hannah Olofsson with the strike to make it
3-1 to Actonians Ladies


  Getting the ball up the other end of the pitch Norwich win a corner on the right, Love to take it, her delivery towards the near post is cleared back to her, moving to the top of the area curls a ball back into the centre of the box, Regan rises to clear for Actonians then as the rebound is knocked in towards goal from the top of the area, the defender shields the ball back to her keeper. Swift with a run on the right fires a low cross into the Actonians six yard box is just behind Garrett, Byrne tracking back is behind her clears the ball out of the area runs straight towards Jodie Drake the Norwich midfielder going to strike the ball blazes it wide.

  Actonians have the ball on the right the cross whipped in Jung coming near post stoops to head the ball gets it on target, Bird dives to her right dropping on the ball to make the save. Williams picking up the ball in a central position lines up a shot from 25 yards out a deflection of Fewkes-Woodrow puts it wide for the corner. 

 GOAL! Their is some frantic defending at the top of the area as Norwich struggle to get the ball away finding some space it’s Jung who plays the ball out to the left for Marshalleck left of goal dribbles the ball into the area closing the keeper down tries to lift her shot over Bird as she slides in to make the save does so a stinging shot blasted into her, the deflection falls favourably for the attacker Marshalleck getting in behind the stranded keeper to send the ball into the empty net beyond 4-1. 

Katrina Marshalleck extends Actonians Ladies lead late in the 1st half

  All Actonians in the closing stages of the 1st half, Norwich hanging on concede a corner left the ball is whipped into the six yard box drops onto Williams head, sends the ball wide across the goal.

Half-time Actonians Ladies 4-1 Norwich City Ladies

  A good 1st half display from Actonians Ladies despite suffering an early set back conceding a goal have come back strongly to lead 4-1 their attackers causing the Norwich defence a few problems the game has been open end to end. The better chances falling Actonians way as they get players forwards with pace, Marshalleck and Sooriyakumar providing good outlets on the wings with Jung and Byrne in the centre bringing the ball forwards with purpose. A comfortable lead for the home side at the break the visitors have to improve if they want to find a way back into the match.
  Norwich having stayed out on the field at half-time get the 2nd half underway. Shorten with the ball at her feet brings it on before sending it forwards towards the area, Uche with the interception. The ball is played up towards the Norwich box the clearance falls to Byrne in the centre 25 yards out opens up her body to lift a shot in towards goal goes over the bar. Wilson with a good tackle on Sooriyakumar on the right as the attacker looks to get in behind the defence. 

Norwich City Ladies
Jodie Drake
  Snelling is fouls wide left inside the Actonians half, a chance for Love to play the ball up into the area, amongst bodies Swift calls for the ball and makes the claim. Norwich have started the 2nd half brightly pressing the ball higher up the park getting more of it inside their opponents half, Love plays the ball over the top for Garrett running in behind, Swift is again out of the box quickly to get to the ball 1st kicks clear. Shorten has a go from distance 30 yards out turns the ball away from the target.  
 GOAL! The early pressure from Norwich pays off Drake gets the ball into Snelling over on the right holds it up well outside the box rolling it inside to Shorten getting forwards, Garrett makes a run in between the pair bursting into the area the ball played into her feet shoots and sends the ball under the keeper and into the back of the net 4-2

  Actonians make a double change Uche and Sooriyakumar coming off. Anais Escalona and Rhena Eames coming on. Eames goes to centre back with Regan moving into the left back position. Drake wins the ball in the middle then sends Garrett away on the left side, her pace carrying her into the box driving towards goal, Taylor gets on her the shot wanting to force her wide Garrett manages to shot with the outside of her right boot from 8 yards out sends the ball over the bar. 

  A completely different game of football from the 1st half, Norwich are pushing Actonians back, sharper to close down the ball and enjoying more of it inside the final 3rd. Snelling advances down the right, stops then squares the ball inside coming at Shorten quickly she attempts the volley throwing herself at the ball connects drags the attempt wide at the far post. The tempo of the match has been high all game, Marshalleck with the ball on the right advances into the Norwich half passes inside to Byrne pushing on through the centre sends the ball into the box her shot blocked spinning out to the right picked up by Williams fires a cross/shot back in the ball blocked spins behind for the corner. Comes into the middle of the six yard box from the right, Bird just about gets her fingertips to the ball managing to help it away from goal out to the left, a handball is spotted by the referee Norwich get the free-kick.

Jessica Byrne wins the header

  Marshalleck shows a good turn of pace on the right as Byrne plays her in down the right wing takes the ball into the box, shoots her drive towards goal saved by Birds feet as she goes to ground, the rebound coming back to Marshalleck wide of goal goes to send the ball back into the middle Radley blocks to put it behind for the corner. Floated in near post on the right, Bird gets up to grab the ball.

 GOAL! Friel fouls Love as the Norwich midfielder advances with the ball the free-kick given away 10 yards inside the Actonians half to the left side of the box. Shorten on the free-kick hits the ball long into the box, a bit of back spin on it as it drops over everyone lined up along the face of the area, Swift looks to have it covered coming straight at her, bouncing the ball skips up off the surface, wrong footing the keeper flies up over her looping down into the goal beyond 4-3.

  Love is put clear on the left as Osborne brings the ball forwards taking it down the line Friel gets back on her to put the block in stopping her cross taking it behind for the corner kick. Love to play in is knocked down near post dropping to Rapley inside the area sends the pass it to Love her 2nd attempt to put the ball in is charged down by Williams before being cleared. Norwich push players forwards Osborne coming on to support Garrett as she holds up a Snelling pass outside the area on the left, getting the ball sends it long into the area looking to pick out Shorten at the far post, tries the overhead kick doesn’t come off.
 

Kyla Love bringing the ball on for Norwich City Ladies

 Love and Snelling bring the ball on for the visitors the ball played into the run made by Garrett to get into the box on the right shoots a low drive aiming near post, Swift down quickly makes a great save pushing the ball wide for the corner kick. A good delivery from the corner drops into the middle of the six yard box a shot is sent in, Swift makes the save on her goal-line the loose ball is then flung over the bar.

 GOAL! At this point Norwich are all over Actonians they are giving the ball away, clearing their area the ball drops to Love left side some 40 yards out, time on the ball lines up a shot comes in at a fast pace could well be heading for the top corner, either way an Actonians defender in it’s path tries to get her head to the ball a glancing touch takes it away from one corner deflecting it across goal, Swift can’t adjust her feet in time flails at the ball but can’t keep it out Norwich come back from 4-1 down to make it 4-4.

 GOAL! Just as Norwich celebrate getting it back to 4-4 they are hit on the counter straight from the restart, Actonians pile forwards from catch the Norwich back line a little off guard, Williams receiving the ball central 25 yards out with the centre backs split, Bird has read the threat comes racing out off her line to the edge of her area, Williams bringing the ball into her body, turns quickly and lifts the ball over the advancing keeper, the ball dropping into the six yard box beyond and into the back of the net 5-4.

Carla Williams makes it 5-4 for Actonians Ladies

 Norwich make a substitution 16 year old Rebecca Russell coming on to make her debut for the club replacing Snelling. A free-kick to Norwich in the middle the ball lifted up into the area, Olofsson defends heading the ball out to the right is gathered by Garrett who takes it on down the line before squaring the cross in towards the near post, Osborne having now moved up top to join the attack is there near post sends her header up over the bar. Having gotten there noses back in front Actonians have livened up the game stretched in the latter stages. 

Brooke Osborne attacking for Norwich City Ladies

 Wilson is clipped inside the Actonians half giving Shorten another opportunity to lift the ball up into the area, it runs deeper this time and Swift gets everything behind it to claim the ball. Up the other end Bird’s clearance drops to Byrne in the middle of the Norwich half with the keeper off her line she attempts the lob getting it over her the ball runs wide of goal. Drake with the ball plays it on for Love attacking down the left size fires the ball inside looking for Osborne at the top of the area centrally under challenge from Eames one or the other connects with the ball the result seeing it run into the six yard box for Swift to gather. The referee brings an end to the match as Actonians defend a late Norwich corner.

Full-time Actonians Ladies 5-4 Norwich City Ladies

  What a game, what a result, two completely different halves of football. Actonians dominating it 1st half looked good for their 4-1 lead. Norwich late to arrive not fully warmed up, came back 2nd half applying the pressure to Actonians that the home side did to them 1st half, fighting back to make it 4-4 only to see the home side get back in from straight away and hold onto it this time to take the 3 points with a 5-4 that sees them up to 4th place in the table. Tough for Norwich City Ladies having gotten it back all square only to concede so soon after, showed character to come back into it. Relief for Actonians Ladies having lost their lead to comeback and find another goal so soon after the leveller to retake and hold onto the lead.
  Another entertaining game to watch it was hard to keep up with everything that was happening it’s a good job I can translate my scribbles not sure anyone else could. Thanks to both sides for the entertainment a 9 goal thriller and for their help with the team details today. 

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage Ladies

  Midweek football action from Mildenhall Town FC on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog with 3rd placed Cambridge United looking to build on recent good form could go top tonight should they beat newly promoted Stevenage Ladies who picked up their 1st point at this higher level at the weekend.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage Ladies

 
  A short journey down to Mildenhall Town FC this evening to catch some midweek action from the FAWPL South East Division One, with Cambridge United WFC hosting newly promoted Stevenage Ladies.

  Cambridge United WFC are up to 3rd in the FAWPL South East Division One table after a 3-1 win away to Norwich City Ladies on Sunday. A point off the leaders Luton Town Ladies had the chance to go top of the table tonight with a win albeit early days in the season. Have made several new signings over the close season, with Rosie Kmita coming in from Tottenham Hotspur Ladies recently making her competitive debut for the Cambridge against Norwich at the weekend. Nicole Perschky and Hollie Jardine know tonight’s opponents well having joined from Stevenage Ladies over the summer. Both were starting tonight.

  Stevenage Ladies won the ERWFL Premier Division title last season to earn promotion to the FAWPL South East Division One. Gary Bailey took over as 1st team manager during the close season, joining him as assistant manager, Reece Buck formerly managing Hoddesdon Town Ladies. A few Hoddesdon players have followed him from the club, Daniela Martucci, Stephanie Mann, Leah Dunnage, Becky Scola & Kristina O’Connell. Becky Day who is a regular for the Hertfordshire FA’s representative side also joins from Hitchin Town Ladies. Lost their opening 2 league matches at this level, most recently earning their 1st point in the FAWPL drawing 3-3 at home to Actonians Ladies last Sunday, Kristina O’Connell scoring all 3 goals.

  Has been another hot and sunny day, still warm as the sun starts to go down and the floodlights come on. The Mildenhall Town FC pitch looking in great condition even though it has seen alot of play already this season 20 games with 5 sides using it. A slope from one goal mouth to the other. 

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Hollie Jardine, Rosie Kmita, Emma Jenkins, Laura Bright (C), Paige Logie, Dawn Mallett, Becky Taylor, Ashleigh Deacon, Laura Mills & Nicole Perschky
  subs – Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Faith Hewitt, Evie Gallop, Tahnee Perfect & Carolyn Sarafian. 

  Stevenage Ladies starting XI – Becky Scott, Sophie Bailey, Leah Dunnage, Tanya Blacksley, Amy Josland, Amy Notschild, Donna McGuigan (C), Lisa Milliken, Cara Breckenridge, Kristina O’Connell & Becky Scola.
  subs – Hayley Wood-Thompson, Bolu Fisher, Becky Day & Jenny Hepton.

  It’s Stevenage to get the match underway kicking off 1st half attacking down the slope wearing an all blue kit with black sleeves on the shirts with Cambridge wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts. The home side make ground attacking down the right the ball is swung up into the middle the clearance top of the box falls to Cara Breckenridge lays the ball forwards for Becky Scola to take on into the Cambridge box is pushed wide, wins th visitors an early corner. 

  Breckenridge picks the ball up from a throw inside the Cambridge half plays a long crossfield ball to the right wing with Lisa Milliken charging forwards into space, Rosie Kmita playing at left back for Cambridge gets her head to the ball taking the ball over Milliken out for a throw on the right. 

  GOAL! Cambridge get hold of the ball from the throw the ball played up the left for Ashleigh Deacon, taking it on, Kmita bursts forwards receiving the ball on the overlap fires the ball into Nicole Perschky inside the Stevenage area, a good 1st touch to kill the pace on the ball wrong foot her marker, then turns hitting her shot low and hard across goalkeeper Becky Scott into the back of the net 1-0. 4 minutes played.

Nicole Perschky with Stevenage’s Tanya Blacksley
(photo credit Gary Reed)

  A bright start from Cambridge another attack up the left the ball played inside into Perschky, looks to play the ball on for Laura Mills who has charged up the right wing coming inside into the box, the attack is stopped by the offside flag. 
,    GOAL! Hollie Jardine starting at right back for Cambridge tonight fouls Stevenage captain, Donna McGuigan inside the Cambridge half left of the centre circle. A chance for Stevenage to push players forwards from the back with Breckenridge on the ball. Plays a great delivery into the area swung in centrally has to be dealt with, both Cambridge centre backs look to come to the ball jump to head it away, Emma Jenkins gets her head to the ball ends up playing the ball into her own net 1-1. The lead lasting just 2 minutes.

  Is a frantic pace to the match, Stevenage playing 3 at the back with Milliken and Breckenridge providing the width left and right dropping back went necessary. Some committed challenges on the field to a few complaints to the referee. Jardine wins the ball inside the Stevenage half on the right plays it into Logie in midfield, put back to Jenkins her pass lifted up to Perschky in a central position looks to flick it over the top into the box Tanya Blacksley heads it away to the right for Stevenage. Mills gets hold of it looks to play the cross back into the box, Cambridge want a penalty as Taylor is bundled over, nothing given.

  Becky Scott is out to the edge of her area to claim the ball as Perschky runs in behind the Stevenage defence looking to get on the end of Dawn Mallett’s through ball. Jardine attempts to play the crossfield pass for Deacon to run onto on the left, Sophie Bailey steps out of the back line to put in a good tackle to win the ball. Deacon with the ball at her feet as Cambridge attack down the left again 25 yards out comes back inside moving central attempts to reverse the ball play it into the area for the attackers to run onto, too straight the ball runs out of play. 

   Stevenage are working hard to compete for the ball, in front of the defence, Amy Notschild is cutting out alot of Cambridge passes, playing the ball out to Breckenridge on the left, plays the ball into Scola going on the overlap beyond her gets the ball back sends a cross into the box, too close to Verity Crook, Cambridge’s goalkeeper catches the ball. 

  Jardine comes away with the ball making the challenge inside the Stevenage half up the right wing for Mills to go after, squares the cross in towards the near post, Leah Dunnage cuts the cross out, the ball cleared into the middle is played back up into the box Perschky looks to hold it up, Dunnage closes her down tackling taking the ball away from her, a corner is conceded on the left. Stevenage defend 2 near post deliveries before the 3rd one goes long out of play.

  Winning the ball back for Stevenage, Notschild plays it into Scola coming to the halfway line, turns well evading a tackle passing into McGuigan ahead of her, shoots from distance the back dropping into the back of the net, however she committed a foul before shooting play brought back for the free kick. Amy Josland plays the ball on for Milliken wide right taking it on down the wing, passing the ball inside to McGuigan, top of the area she slips as she looks to play the ball on into the area with Milliken continuing her run. 

  Kmita gets in around the back as she races up the wing to support Deacon turning inside loos to lift the ball into the area for Perschky, Notschild back defending heads the ball out of danger. Jardine comes on with the ball gets fouled by Scola 30 yards from goal the free-kick given. The Stevenage management aren’t happy with the referee getting a little carried away play is stopped as he has a word. Bright on the set-piece plays it in to the top of the area Dunnage going up with Taylor does well getting enough on the ball to knock it down to the floor before it is launched clear.

   A committed contest both sides working hard, some strong challenges will be a few bruises to show for it in the morning. Pinging around in midfield the ball runs favourably for Taylor 30 yards out, takes on the shot dips late but not enough as it whistles over the crossbar. Taylor involved again as she closes Josland down to the right inside the Stevenage half, plays the ball in field Mallett picking it up driving on before taking on the shot pace on the ball it bounces as it comes straight at Scott, escapes her for a moment but grabs hold of it at the 2nd attempt before Deacon can capitalise.

  Breckenridge takes the ball inside from the left attacking for Stevenage plays the ball into McGuigan’s feet pushing forwards lays the ball out to Scola peeling away into space on the left into the box shoots her low drive into the centre of the six yard box, Crook going to ground makes a comfortable save. 

  Cambridge attack late in the 1st half up the right Jardine on for Taylor her low cross driven into the box is sliced across the area by Dunnage as she goes to clear, no one wearing an amber shirt can react. A corner on the left for Cambridge taken quickly by Mills down the line for Mallett cuts inside, shoots aiming for the far corner the ball goes wide.
  

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Stevenage Ladies

  A square at the break both goals coming early on, the game played at a high tempo, Stevenage putting alot in to close the ball and minimise Cambridge possession. The three at the back dealing with most thing’s if Cambridge have been able to get it past Notschild in the 1st place. The better chances have fallen Cambridge’s way without overly testing Scott in the Stevenage goal. 
  Cambridge attacking down the slope in the 2nd half as they kick-off no changes for either side at the break. Lose possession early on the ball as Kristina O’Connell challenges for it, goes after the ball passing it wide left to Scola, shoots from the angle the ball in low wide of goal. Cambridge get Taylor on the ball inside the Stevenage half passes to Perschky central her back to goal, lays it wide to Kmita coming on from the back who plays the diagonal ball towards Mallett moving towards the top right corner of the area, Mallett takes on the shot drilling her effort wide across the face of goal.
  Josland finding room in the middle to bring the ball on sends the pass on to McGuigan ahead of her, 25 yards out opts to shot, loses her footing taking the pace of the ball the shot bounces through to Crook. Mills with the ball at her feet runs up the right wing squares a cross into the box is deflected behind for the corner. The ball is played in towards the top of the area, Bright headers the ball down with Logie free to her left connects with the ball sending a looping ball in towards goal his headed away from the goal line dropping into the crowd beyond, another shot comes in this one is taken cleanly by Scott.
  No let up in the pace, a couple of clattering challenges one leaving Logie in a heap on the floor needing treatment. Mallett is over the free-kick central a long way out drops the ball straight into Scott’s gloves. Milliken drives up the right with the ball attempts the through ball for Scola, is cut out by Bright. Cambridge break the ball fizzed into Perschky’s feet good hold up play with Mills making the run on the right looks to get the ball across to her, Breckenridge tracks back well to tackle and thwart the attack.
  A free kick for Cambridge out wide on the right, Mallett over the ball flights a good delivery into the six yard box Logie gets up to meet it headers the ball wide of goal. O’Connell charges down Bright as she looks to play the ball out of the back the ball rebounding in behind the striker goes after it, Crook is sharply out of her area to kick the ball up field. Good build up lay from Stevenage the ball played up to O’Connell heads it down for McGuigan, Notschild comes on receives the ball looks to thread it through the middle for Scola, Jenkins steps forwards to intercept.
  A change for both sides, Becky Day coming on for Notschild for Stevenage. Kayleigh-Anne Burt comes on for Cambridge replacing Deacon sees a shift of personnel with Burt joining Bright at centre back, Jardine switching from right to left back with Kmita pushed up the pitch, Jenkins into right back. 
  GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half and Cambridge retake the lead. Build up on the right as Jenkins wins possession of the ball plays it on for Taylor. She passes the ball into Perschky just inside the box into her feet, shifts it well to evade her marker creating room to shot sends the up into the top corner 2-1.

  Stevenage look for a immediate response from the restart the ball played out to Breckenridge on the left crosses early playing the ball into the box, the onrushing O’Connell gets her head to the ball places it wide. Cambridge get the ball up the other end win a corner kick on the right the ball fired in near post is cleared drops to Taylor at the top of the area her shot into the crowd ahead of her is blocked spins out to the left the ball is launched back in towards the far post Cambridge have plenty of players their the ball turned goalwards is initially cleared off the line before being turned in again and bundled over the line, but in all the excitement the flag is up on the far side for offside goal disallowed.
 
  GOAL! Cambridge do extend their lead on the 70th minute, attacking down the left Jardine on for Kmita the ball is fired up into the box, Perschky the target, good foot work to see the ball into her body then roll it on for Taylor unmarked to her left inside the box Taylor goes for goal hitting her shot back across the keeper and into the bottom corner 3-1.

Cambridge United WFC’s
Becky Taylor
(photo credit Gary Reed)

  Cambridge make their 2nd change bringing Evie Gallop on for Logie. Stevenage make 2 changes, Bolu Fisher coming on for Scola in attack. Milliken is substituted too, Hayley Wood-Thompson comes on. McGuigan takes a heavy knock as she is fouled in a central position 25 yards from goal. O’Connell on the ball hits it hard, how hard only Mallett will know as charging out she blocks, her bottom feeling the full force of the shot.

  Cambridge do everything bar score as they get a corner on the right Mills playing the ball towards the near post Bright headers on is cleared off the line drops into the area another shot comes in  blocked a 3rd attempt coming back off the post before Stevenage scramble it to safety. Cambridge make their final change bringing on Carolyn Sarafian for Jardine. Into the last 10 minutes and both sides are still putting alot of energy into their football. Another Cambridge corner headed on at the near post falls to Mills waiting far side looks to lift a shot into the near post Scott gets across her goal face smartly to take the ball.

 
  GOAL! Stevenage pull a goal back as they push up the field, O’Connell has come deep to receive the ball, Wood-Thompson is already on the move on the right, O’Connell picks her out, as she runs in behind takes the ball on turning inside towards the box before shooting sending a delightful ball up and over Crook to nestle in the back of the net 3-2 to set up a lively finish with 3 minutes of normal time left on the clock. 

  Free-kick for Cambridge wide right, Mallett over sees her initial delivery cleared back out to her by Blacksley. Taking the ball on down the line lifts a cross in high towards the far post Taylor coming in throws herself up to try and get the ball, can’t get to it ends up in the net herself. Kmita with a burst of pace on the left plays the ball long crossfield into Mills on the right takes the ball on down to the byline before cutting it back to Taylor outside the area goes for goal, Scott is right behind the shot makes the save.

  Stevenage press hard for an equaliser as the game move into injury time, from a throw on the right, Bailey up the pitch plays it on for O’Connell right plays the ball into the area, Bright does enough to keep McGuigan from getting anything on the ball as it bounces up allowing Crook to collect inside the six yard box. 

Full-time Cambridge United WFC 3-2 Stevenage Ladies

  Cambridge hold on at the end to win 3-2  the win seeing them go top of the FAWPL South East Division One. An entertaining contest, played at a fast tempo from start to finish in front of a good sized crowd. Plenty of action another great advert for the women’s game, Stevenage working hard to close the ball down and limit Cambridge’s attacking play. Going 3-1 down before pulling a goal back later on to set up a tense finish. No easy games in this division going to be an intriguing league from top to bottom all season and we’ve barely gotten started.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details tonight.