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The Round-Up – FAWNL 22/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 22nd September

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Crawley Wasps Ladies 100%winning start to the season was ended at home to Watford Ladies last weekend. Still leading the way by 3 points after 5 matches since being promoted to the Southern Premier Division they were on their travels this Sunday to take on fellow promoted side, Keynsham Town Ladies who were still looking for their first league points after coming up as South West Division One Champions last term. Crawley having created chances in the first half frustrated to be held 0-0 at the break. The visitors getting the break through early in the 2nd half taking the lead in the 54th minute with Maria Ledezma-Viso scoring from out wide to make it 1-0. Proved to be the winner too as Crawley sought to find a 2nd kept Keynsham at bay the other end to bring home the 3 points and return to winning ways.

A strong challenge being mounted behind to keep Crawley on their toes. Plymouth Argyle Ladies excellent run of league form continuing with a successful trip to the capital on Sunday to make it 4 wins from 4. The visitors taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes Natasha Knapman on target from a corner kick. Five minutes later and Plymouth had doubled their tally, another for Knapman too as she put in a ball headed across goal from Amber Pollock. Knapman going on to wrap up a hat-trick 10 minutes later tapping home to make it 3-0. A 4th goal coming late in the first half to see Plymouth in a strong position at half-time with Mollie Taylor scoring. Plymouth hammering home their advantage in the 2nd half Knapman not content with a hat-trick, in form in front of goal adding 2 more. 10 minutes left and Rebecca Dandridge volleyed a shot into the corner of the net to make it 7. An 8th goal coming through and own goal to see Plymouth win 8-0. 2nd in the table 3 points behind Crawley with a game in hand.

A similar story for 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies the Welsh side like Plymouth 3 points behind the leaders with a game in hand. Matching Plymouth to with 4 wins from 4 in the Southern Premier Division after losing on the opening day. Were made to work hand for this Sunday’s 3 points however at home taking on Milton Keynes Dons Women. An early goal for the hosts as Jasmine Turner fired Cardiff into a 5th minute lead. Found themselves up against it in the 2nd half especially a Milton Keynes came out strong pressing for an equalising goal, Cardiff defending well to keep a clean sheet to claim the 3 points.

Watford Ladies up to 4th in the Southern Premier Division, building on last Sunday’s win away to Cardiff recording a 6-0 away win against Hounslow Women on Wednesday evening, Helen Ward returning to the side putting Watford into the lead late in the first half, Adekite Fatuga-Dada, Andrea Carid, Katie-O’Leary, Leanne Bell and Annie Meiwald with the goals 2nd half. At home to Yeovil Town Women this Sunday the visitors starting the season well losing their last two keen to get back to winning ways themselves. The visitors taking the lead in the 15th minute breaking fro a Watford corner to see Meesha Dudley-Jones score. Sarah Wiltshire with a fine strike putting Yeovil 2-0 up on the half hour. That the advantage at half-time Watford started the 2nd period well getting it back to 2-1 in the 52nd minute Ward getting on the end of a delivery from Emma Beckett to score. Ward then getting her 2nd to see Watford level the score five minutes later, heading it at the near post following good work from Ryah Vyse down the left. Both sides coming close to finding a winning goal late in the match Megan Chandler finding the top of the Yeovil crossbar in the 87th minute. Wiltshire striking a shot against the crossbar at the opposite end in stoppage time, the points shared.

Meesha Dudley-Jones with the early goal for Yeovil

Under the radar there remains one side in the Southern Premier Division with a 100% winning record. An eye needs to be kept of Oxford United Women who were playing just their 2nd league game of the season this Sunday away to Portsmouth FC Women who themselves were playing just their 3rd league match. A great start for the visitors attacking in the 7th minute Evie Gane close in to score a tap in to put Oxford into the lead. Both sides attacking Oxford get themselves into a 2-0 lead 10 minutes before half-time Kayleigh Hines with a fine 25 yard strike. Portsmouth on the attack 2nd half looking for a goal, Oxford looking to add to their lead both goalkeepers pulling off vital saves to keep it at 2-0. Late in the game Emily Allen took aim from 30 yards out her strike taking a deflection to find it’s way into the back of the net to give the visitors a 30 advantage. Time for more goals a minute of normal time left Mia Adaway firing in a goal for Portsmouth from inside the box. Oxford winning the game 4-1, with Cheryl Williams lobbing the keeper with the last kick of the game.

Gillingham Ladies getting the opportunity to play at the Priestfield Stadium this Sunday as they welcomed Chichester City Ladies young side still in search of their first point of the new season. Nothing separating the sides at half-time it was the visitors who would go on to open the scoring with captain Megan Fox sending the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0. Chichester coming so close to recording their 1st win of the season the hosts getting it back to 1-1 late in the match to salvage a point. A welcome point nonetheless for Chichester lifting them off the foot of the Southern Premier Division table up to 10th above Keynsham and Hounslow.

FAWNL South East Division One

A full fixture list too in FAWNL South East Division One on Sunday. Billericay Town Ladies leading the way were looking to keep 3 points ahead of the chasing pack as they travelled to St Neots to face Cambridge United WFC. A much changed line-up for the hosts Cambridge gave away a penalty early in the match the spot kick clinically dispatched by Danica Dougal placing the ball wide of the keeper. The visitors going on to hold a 2-0 lead at the break attacking on the right the ball crossed in central to Therese Addison outside the area central good ball control giving her half a yard she reversed the angle to send in a low strike into the bottom corner. Cambridge battling hard in defence preventing their opponents from adding to their tally 2nd half.

Ipswich Town Women are 2nd in the table 3 points behind leaders Billericay with a game in hand away to Stevenage FC Women this Sunday were looking to continue their unbeaten run an opening day draw followed by 3 wins on the bounce. Bringing several of their talented U21s squad into the senior side this season teenager Sophie Peskett was lively from the start running at the Stevenage defence was upended inside the box to see the visitors awarded a penalty inside the opening 5 minutes. Captain Amanda Crump sending a powerful hit home. Crump doubling the lead from another spot kick 15 minutes later following another driving attack from Peskett running into the box from the left riding a challenge to shoot inside the six yard box the keeper saving only to bring Peskett down as she went after the loose ball.

2-0 the advantage at half-time Ipswich creating plenty of chances in the first period began the 2nd period in similar fashion a 3rd goal coming in the 57th minute Crump’s corner headed goalwards going in off a Stevenage defender for an own goal. Peskett getting on the scoresheet to make it 4-0 with 20 minutes left Abbie Lafayette playing her in to turn and fire the ball into the bottom corner. A strong performance from Peskett running clear central five minutes later to strike in her 2nd of the match. Peskett the provider then crossing into the area for Lafayette to head the ball in with 10 minutes left. Peskett going on to complete her hat-trick running clear to put the ball into an empty net. Ipswich winning 7-0.

Matching Ipswich’s record are Leyton Orient WFC, 3rd in the South East Division One table with 3 wins and a draw 3 points behind the leaders with a game in hand. An early goal scored by Sophie Le Marchand sending them on their way to victory on Sunday away to Actonians Ladies. Le Marchand’s 5th goal in 5 matches. Otesha Charles also has 5 from 5 played on target to make it 2-0 to Leyton Orient midway through the 1st half. Further chances created Actonians keeping them out couldn’t find a reply the 2nd half goalless.

A tough start to life in the FAWNL following promotion for both Kent Football United and Cambridge City Ladies. 1 point between the pair so far that to Cambridge City who were away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies this Sunday. Not much between the sides at half-time few clear cut chances created the game goalless. Wimbledon getting their noses in front 5 minutes into the 2nd half Sophie Mann on target for her 1st goal of the season. A double switch for Cambridge in the 55th minute, one of those striker Megan Tonks joining the senior side following a successful season in front of goal with the Development side last term. Got Cambridge back on level terms with 20 minutes left scoring her 4th of the season to earn the visitors their 2nd point of the season. Wimbledon remain unbeaten.

Kent Football United without a point on the board travelled up to Norfolk this Sunday to play Norwich City Women who themselves hadn’t won since the opening day. Norwich taking an early lead in the match with Aimee Durrant on target to make it one nil to the hosts. Kent Football United coming back to level the scores with Charley Macneil scoring her first of the season. Norwich going on to dominate the first half Chelsea Garrett restoring the lead. Both she and Durrant through to score another goal each. Megan Todd getting on the scoresheet too to see Norwich comfortable at 5-1 at half-time. Macneil scoring her 2nd of the game for Kent Football United to bring it back to 5-2. Norwich having the final say with Natasha Snelling hitting home to see the game won 6-2 and lift Norwich up into 8th spot.

Norwich’s Chelsea Garrett shooting (photo credit Brian Coombes)

Both keepers called into action in the first half between Enfield Town Ladies at home to AFC Basildon Women on Sunday, Enfield’s Grace Brooks saving a penalty. The sides battling drawing 0-0 at the break. It would be Basildon who would take the lead in the 2nd period Holly Turner with the goal. Enfield fighting back to draw level with less than 10 minutes left Tia Bailey scoring her first of the season to ensure a share of the points and keep 4th placed Enfield unbeaten at the start of the season.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 15/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 15th September

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

The third county beginning their County Cup competition this Sunday in the East was Bedfordshire, four ties taking place in the first round.

Bedford Ladies Development were hosting Division Three side Kempston Rovers Ladies in the 1st round of the competition, pushed hard by their opponents Division Two Bedford scoring twice to secure their place in the next round winning 2-0.

It was also a 2-0 win at home for Division Two side Langford Ladies against Stotfold Juniors Ladies from Division Three in the County Cup 1st round. A first goal of the season for Tabitha Brown along with a goal for last season top scorer Amber Clark securing the win.

Division Three side Biggleswade United Ladies took their Division Two opponents AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies all the way to a dramatic penalty shootout before being knocked out of the competition. Goals for Biggleswade’s Zoe Molloy and Kempston’s Charlie Mullins seeing it end all square at 1-1 to force the shootout, Kempston clinching it with a 6-5 result.

AFC Dunstable Ladies Blues were strong at home as they advanced to the next round of the County Cup scoring double figures against Division Three opponents Flitwick Eagles Ladies. Bianca Vassell top scoring in the game with a hat-trick. Emily Mitchell scoring a brace, so too Lakeisha Fazilahmed with her first goals of the new season. There were also first goals of the campaign for Lauren Brooker, Kerry Mulvihill-Reed and Holly Wicks with Courtney McNamara also celebrating a goal in an 11-0 win.

Three games taking place in the 2nd Round of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup the draw as follows ties to be played Sunday 20th October.

Langford Ladies v EB Lions AFC Ladies

AFC Dunstable Ladies Blues v AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies

Bedford Ladies Development v Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

There was a full programme of fixtures in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with all 10 sides in action. An 8-2 win at home to Hitchin Belles to start the season, defending champions Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies are looking strong at the start of the season as they travelled to play another promoted side this weekend. Letchworth Garden City Eagles playing their first competitive game of the season. A 5 goal haul for Bianca Hedgecock to open her account last weekend she was at it again this Sunday scoring 5 again. Last seasons top scorers Natasha McConville also on target with a hat-trick, with a goal each for Amy Bentall, Kayleigh Baker and Ella Mercer, final score 11-0.

Last season’s Division Two Champions, Hitchin Belles losing to Hemel Hempstead in their opening Division One fixture faced another tough opponent this weekend as they hosted St Albans Ladies. Cally Salter on target to score a first half hat-trick for St Albans her 3rd in the 44th minute, Ellen Salter adding a fourth just before the half-time whistle. Hitchin Belles restricting their opponents to just one more goal with Cally Salter scoring her 4th of the game 10 minutes from time. 2 wins from 2 for St Albans who travel to ERWFL side Histon Ladies this weekend in the Women’s FA Cup.

Tighter affairs elsewhere in Division One with the points shared in the other 3 matches. Hitchin Town Ladies newly promoted were away to last seasons runners-up, Northwood Ladies playing their first game of the season. The hosts opening the scoring midway through the 1st half. Hitchin Town coming back to level 10 minutes later Robyn Wilfort sliding in to beat the keeper send the ball over the goal line. All square at the break both sides attacking 2nd half sensing they can win the game entering the closing minutes Hitchin clearing in defence the ball played up field finding Samantha Couglan one on one with the keeper o score and send Hitchin into the lead. Northwood coming back at them in stoppage time piling players forwards a cross into the box sent home to see it finish 2-2. Holly Gilder and Emma Steele with the Northwood goals.

2-2 the final score to between Garston Ladies and Houghton Athletic Ladies seeing both collect their first point of the season having both started with a defeat. Charley Kelsey and Danielle McMullan getting the goals for Garston, whilst Emily Wilson and Louise Spendelow were on target for Houghton Athletic.

Hartham United Ladies were playing at home for the first time this weekend hosting Royston Town Women Development. The hosts starting well creating chances, Royston’s keeper keeping it at 0-0. The visitors going on to open the scoring with Jazmin Racher chasing down the keeper to tap the ball into the empty net. A 1-0 lead for Royston at the break, Hartham strong in the 2nd half Janiece Allen finding the bottom corner to make it 1-1. More chances created Hartham were again thwarted by Royston’s keeper to see the sides finish level.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

With several of the Division Two sides involved in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup there was just the one fixture in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two this Sunday with Watton Ladies hosting Garston Ladies Vintage Purples. Stephanie Roads putting Garston into the lead. Watton beaten heavily on the opening day of the season, better this time around coming back to level the scores with Gemma Bickell on target to make it 1-1 and see the sides earn a point each.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

The Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup also affecting the fixtures in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three on Sunday with just two games played. A third seeing Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves awarded the home win over Evergreen Eagles.

Big wins in the other two matches Bedwell Rangers Ladies having lost their opening game getting off the mark with 3 points won away to Buntingford Town Ladies. The hosts taking the lead with Chloe Camper putting Buntingford 1-0 up against the run of play. The goal spurring Bedwell into life the visitors going on to score 4 quick goals to lead the game 4-1 at half-time. Bedwell continued to press for more goals 2nd half adding another 4 to win the game 8-1 to collect their first points of the season. Rachel Young netting a hat-trick, there was also a three goal haul for Jessica Sullivan with Maisie Main and Freya Rampley also on the scoresheet with a goal each.

An 8-1 win for Bedwell Rangers Ladies on Sunday (photo credit Bedwell Rangers Ladies twitter)

Also scoring 8 goals at the weekend were Harvesters Ladies to make it 2 wins from 2 to start the season away to fellow newcomers Whetstone Wanderers Ladies. Two players celebrating a hat-trick for Harvesters with both Rachel King and Eve Shaw scoring 3 each. Rachel Dodd and Isobel Hughes also on target with a goal each the win seeing Harvesters move clear at the top albeit very early days.

The Round-Up – Essex 15/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 15th September

Essex Women’s County Cup

This Sunday also saw the 1st Round of the Essex Women’s County Cup competition taking place. 4 ties taking place with the 2nd Round already drawn (details coming up).

It was a close contest between Lawford Ladies from the ERWFL Division One South hosting Essex Premier Division side Frontiers Ladies. The pair both scoring in the first half to see it all square at 1-1 at half-time. Chloe Godleman-Barnum scoring the goal for Frontiers in the 1st half a strike from Amber Strows seeing the visitors taking a 2-1 lead 2nd half. Lawford coming back to level it at 2-2. Daisy Canny and Tess Ryan both on target for their first of the season for Lawford. The game ending in a draw the match to be decided by penalties, success for Frontiers as they won the shootout 3-1 to advance to the 2nd Round.

Elsewhere in the 1st Round of the County Cup their were much larger results, Billericay Town Ladies Reserves competing in the FAWNL Reserves league this season drawn at home to play Division One side Chigwell Ladies. Freya Fuller wearing the captains armband for Billericay helping herself to an impressive total of 8 goals in the match. Hannah Humm and Mya Turner both netting a brace, an unlucky scoreline for Chigwell with Amelie Johnson also scoring for Billericay in a 13-0 win.

Freya Fuller scoring 8 goals for Billericay Town Ladies Reserves (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

Southend United Ladies were away to Division One side Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves in the 1st Round of the County Cup on Sunday. Harriet Hiskett scoring the opening goal for Southend, the Premier Division side getting themselves 2-0 in front as Kate Wiseman’s cross found its way in past the Chelmsford defence. Hiskett on target for her 2nd of the game then Wiseman set up Lily Aungier to score her 1st goal of the season. Southend leading 4-0 at half-time. Hiskett going on to complete her hat-trick. Lily Halliday getting in on the goal scoring action scoring twice to put Southend 7-0 up. Elizabeth Clarke next to score with her first of the campaign soon followed by a 2nd. A wonderful strike from Sophie Lebeze her 1st for the club seeing Southend record a double figure win 10-0.

An all Premier Division clash in the 1st Round of the County Cup saw Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies at home to Collier Row Tigers. Collier Row starting the season well with a 9-1 opening day win in the league. Laura Bunton scoring 5 goals in that match amongst the goals again scoring a hat-trick in the cup. Helen Moreira with a brace and Daisy Cook wit one opening their accounts for the season. Emma Harrison also getting on the scoresheet. Collier Row winning the game 9-0 with Roseanne Shafier opening and finishing the scoring with 2 goals.

Collier Row Women (photo credit Collier Row Women twitter)

The draw for the 2nd Round of the Essex Women’s County Cup

(ties to be played Sunday 20th October kick-off 1:30pm)

Hutton Ladies Reserves v Southend United Ladies

Frontiers Ladies v Leigh Ramblers Ladies

Aveley Ladies v Hutton Ladies

Holland Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

Billericay Town Ladies Reserves v AFC Basildon Women Development

Collier Row Tigers v Rayleigh Town Ladies

Chelmsford City Ladies v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies Development

Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves v Billericay Town Ladies Development

Essex Women’s Premier Division

One game in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this Sunday, Chelmsford City Ladies were at home to Silver End United Ladies. The pair both winning their opening league matches last weekend. A close game Chelmsford taking the lead in the 34th minute with Amelia Murphy on target for her first goal for the club. 1-0 up at half-time, Silver End United coming back to level in the 58th minute,Toni-Anne Wayne with the equaliser, Wayne then scoring a worldy to fire the visitors into the lead just 2 minutes later. Wayne’s goals the difference securing the 3 points for Silver End United.

Essex Women’s Division One

Two games played in Essex Women’s Division One this Sunday both featuring the 4 sides that had started the opening weekend with a win. Corringham Cosmos Women dropping down from the Premier Division winning 2-0 at home to Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves last weekend were at home again this Sunday hosting Runwell Sports Ladies who themselves had won 8-0 against Tigers Ladies. A close game between the sides Michelle Sumpter scoring for Corringham in the opening 5 minutes added a 2nd goal with 15 minutes left on the clock to see Corringham win the game 2-1. Ashley Debnam on target for the Runwell goal.

A close match too between the other pair to win their opening day fixtures in contrast to their results 7 days ago. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies Development new this season winning 9-1 away to Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves. Aveley Ladies the visitors newly formed themselves playing their part in a 9 goal thriller winning 5-4 away to Chigwell Ladies. Much closer as the two met on Sunday. Aveley capitalising on a slow start by the hosts to get themselves into a 1-0 lead at half-time. A 2nd goal coming in the 2nd half. Bethany Murray and Georgia Palmer with the goals. Bowers & Pitsea pulling one back to set up a tense finish with Lily Wilding scoring, Aveley holding on to their lead to collect the 3 points.

The Round-Up – Suffolk 15/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 15th September

Suffolk Women’s County Cup

The 2019/20 County Cup competition kicked off in Suffolk this Sunday with 5 ties taking place in the 1st Round. Some county cup competition seeded others not across the country. Suffolk one of those that don’t. That saw current holders Ipswich Town Women drawn out of the hat to play at home to former finalists AFC Sudbury Ladies. Ipswich with a stranglehold on the county cup in recent seasons and with a new crop of U21 talent breaking into the senior sides no sign they are about to give it up. This a new look AFC Sudbury side a young squad going forwards. Sudbury taking an early lead in the match going 1-0 up, Ipswich straight back at them to level the scores inside 5 minutes with Sophie Welton through to make it 1-1. Ipswich going on to take the lead in the 18th minute from an Amanda Crump corner a powerful header from Paige Wakefield on her birthday to make it 2-1. The captain making it 3-1 5 minutes later as Crump lobbed the keeper from outside the box. Sudbury coming back to 3-2 then a poor goal kick intercepted leading to the goal.

All action with not even half an hour played Amy-Leigh Barrett shooting into the far corner to score her 1st senior goal. Another youngster going to to claim her first goals for the club late in the first half with Zoe Barrett netting a 3 minute brace. Time for another goal before half-time with Abrehart scoring her 2nd of the game to see Ipswich 7-2 up at the break. Ipswich dominating towards the end of the 1st half continued where they left of in the 2nd, Lindsey Cooper heading home from a Crump corner on 53 minutes, Crump the unleashing a thunderbolt from distance to make it 9-2. Stoppage time seeing a further two goals added, Wakefield with her 2nd of the match, the final word from Crump completing her hat-trick.

Needham Market Women reached the County Cup final in their debut season last tie out and will be aiming to achieve the same goal this season. Strengthening the squad as they begin life in ERWFL Division One North were at home to Woodbridge Town Ladies in the 1st Round of the competition on Sunday. The hosts leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to a brace from Lina Nagib. Defender Megan Stock heading home to put Needham Market 3-0 up 10 minutes into the 2nd half. On the hour new signing Jodie Sharp found the back of the net for her first Needham Market goal. Laura Brame also joining in the close season fouled inside the box, up to take the spot kick herself her 1st goal will have to wait as she saw her effort saved. Annie Northwood getting in on the goal scoring with 15 minutes left make it 5-0. Woodbridge capitalising from a scramble from a corner to get themselves a goal. Northwood making it 6-1 with her 2nd of the game to see Needham Market safely through to the next round.

Elsewhere in the 1st Round their were convincing wins for Leiston St Margarets at home beating Chantry Grasshoppers 7-0. Whilst on the road AFC Kesgrave Ladies scored 6 without reply against Mildenhall Town Ladies. Bury Town Ladies are also through to the next round of the County Cup with a 3-0 away win against Waveney Ladies.

Suffolk Women’s Division

Three matches played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday with 3 sides making it a perfect start to the season winning 3 out of 3. Needham Market Women Reserves were at home hosting Holland Ladies, the Essex side making their debut in the league coming up against a side in form scoring plenty of goals too. Lois Balfour scoring a hat-trick for the 3rd successive match. Katie Moore also on target for a brace to see the game won 5-1. Holland’s first goal of the season scored by Lauren Bourne.

Three successive hat-tricks to start the season for Needham Market’s Lois Balfour

Also making a perfect start to the season are Alresford Colne Rangers. A good result this Sunday away to a side likely to be pushing for the top positions themselves Brantham Athletic Ladies. A narrow 1-0 lead for Alresford at half-time proving the difference as both sides netted 2 goals in the 2nd period. Alresford winning 3-2 with Vicky Hall, Danielle Leonard and Jasmine Warner celebrating goals. Lucy Elmes and Maddie Hubbard with the 2nd half strikes for Brantham.

Is a three way tie at the top of the Suffolk Women’s Division with 3 sides all on 9 points although the side in 3rd have yet to kick a ball. Sure Brettvale Ladies would have preferred it to be different as it doesn’t help goal difference but have been awarded 2 home wins and 1 away against their opponents for their opening 3 fixtures.

A baptism of fire for new side Ramsey & Mistley Ladies in their opening two fixtures in the Suffolk Women’s Division. Heavy defeats against Needham Market Women Reserves and Bury Town Ladies. A more encouraging result this weekend despite losing, were at home taking on fellow newcomers Henley Athletic Ladies playing their first competitive match of the season after forfeiting their opening two fixtures. An evenly contested match Henley Athletic getting their noses in front, Ramsey & Mistley coming back to level the scores through a long range strike from Ashleigh Mean. Two late goals for the visitors seeing them secure their 1st 3 points of the season. Molly Curran, Amy Gilson and Megan Tucker all celebrating their first goal for Henley Athletic.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 15/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 15th September

Norfolk Women’s Division One

10 of the 11 sides in action this Sunday in Norfolk Women’s Division One as we enter the 2nd weekend of the season. Bungay Town Ladies looking strong at the start of the season. Their squad strengthened are scoring plenty of goals. Unbeaten in pre-season taking that form into the Women’s FA Cup and then the league itself beginning with a 10-0 win over Fakenham Town Ladies last Sunday were at home this weekend hosting newly promoted Freethorpe Ladies. Leanne Smith in hot goal scoring form right now 8 goals in her last two matches scored another 4 this Sunday against Freethorpe. Selina Rowland and Charlotte Power both getting on the scoresheet too in a comfortable 6-0 win.

Also making it two wins from two to start the season are Thorpe United Ladies, the defending champions beating newly promoted Long Stratton Women 9-1 on the opening day at home to Sprowston Ladies who themselves won well on the opening day beating Thetford Town Ladies 7-0. A much closer game between the pair with Thorpe United leading 1-0 at half-time. That goal crucial as both scored twice in the 2nd period seeing Thorpe clinch a 3-2 victory. Sophie Jermy, Alice Ladbrooke and Rebekah Lake with the Thorpe goals. Victoria Leyer, Sprowston’s top scorer last season with both the goals for the visitors.

A 100% winning start to the season too for newly promoted Tavern Ladies, the Dereham based side beginning the season with a 2-1 win away to Sprowston Athletic Ladies. Were at home this weekend on Scarning Playing Fields taking on last season’s Division Two Champions, Taverham United Ladies. The young side winning the title in their debut season, Taverham sat out the opening weekend. Now making their Division One bow, Tavern have goals in their side the primary sources last season Atlanta Griffith and Katie Hart-Copsey who reached 50 goals. Both were on target this weekend with a goal each enough to beat Taverham 2-1 to collect another 3 points. Rebecca Sutton scoring her first of the season for Taverham.

Both losing their opening game of the season Thetford Town Ladies newly promoted were hosting Sprowston Athletic Ladies in Division One on Sunday. Both looking for their first points of the season Thetford Town got themselves into a 3-1 lead with Laura Martins on target for a brace along with a goal for Kerri Griffiths. Sprowston Athletic coming back to win the game in the 2nd half scoring 4 more to win the game 5-3. Rachel Bussey opening her account with a hat-trick, Kate Morris scoring her first goals on the season on target for a brace.

Losing 9-1 on their return to Division One against champions Thorpe United on the opening day Long Stratton Women were away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves this Sunday who had begun the season wit a 2-0 win against Freethorpe Ladies. Long Stratton with a better performance this time around coming away with the 3 points winning the game 4-1 with goals for Samantha Walker, Beth Stratton, Charlie Head and Megan Champion. Rebecca Carver scoring the Wymondham goal.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Two matches played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday with two new sides making their league debut. Norfolk Walsham Angels Ladies returning to the women’s game after the previous side folded at the end of the 2017/18 season. A new look Angels side beginning the new campaign a youthful side they were away to Red Rose Ladies also new to the league this season. A 5-1 loss against Mulbarton in their first game in the league, Red Rose found North Walsham equally tough opponents as the visitors started life in Division Two with a 7-1 win. No info as yet on the North Walsham goalscorers.

North Walsham Angles Ladies 2019/20 (photo credit North Walsham Angels twitter)

Also making their Division Two bow were Thorpe United Ladies new Reserves side. The club having formed at youth level and grown with a strong woman’s side winning the Division One title a Reserves side will be a huge asset to the club going forwards and add to it’s continued growth. Horsford Women their opponents the visitors only formed last season themselves a tough debut campaign a narrow 2-1 defeat to Stalham Town Ladies to start their season. The pair drawing 1-1 at the break it was Horsford who were celebrating their first win of the season at the final whistle clinching a 2-1 win Robyn Nash and Ella Wright the goalscorers. Very early days yet with only two sides having played two matches and Waveney Ladies and Hockering Ladies yet to begin in the league.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 15/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 15th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A 100% winning start to the season saw Luton Town Ladies top of the fledgling ERWFL Premier Division table with 3 wins out of 3 as they look to bounce back following relegation from the FAWNL last season. A long trip up to Norfolk this Sunday to take on Wymondham Town Ladies. Something of a kit clash between the pair the first half ending in stalemate 0-0. More eventful 2nd half Wymondham making a great start taking the lead on 50 minutes with Chelsea Clarke scoring direct from a corner. 2 minutes later Wymondham were 2-0 up new signing Cassie Craddock putting the ball on for captain Hannah Waters to shoot a score across the keeper. Luton responding with a quick reply pulling it back to 2-1 straight away netting from a corner. The visitors salvaging a point 10 minutes from time to see the game end 2-2 Zara Carroll and Rebecca Ferris the goalscorers.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Hannah Waters

Luton dropping two points sees their winning start end and a new leader at the top of the table as Essex side Harlow Town Ladies take over on difference. Ironically their points dropped so far were away to Wymondham too on the opening day of the season. Have since won 3 on the bounce making a fantastic start to the season, bringing in several new players over the close season have added experience and goals to their ranks. At home to AFC Dunstable Women this Sunday goals from Lucy Edmeades, Amy Nash & Kaydee King helping Harlow to a 7-1 win. Also on target were Nicole Farmer with her 1st Harlow goal, Hannah Porter also scoring her 1st goals for the club netting twice. With Becky Shephard another new addition scoring her 8th goal of the season. Louise McCay with the consolation goal for AFC Dunstable.

10 points each for Harlow and Luton at the top of the Premier Division, tight at the top as 3 sides jostle for position just a point behind. Royston Town Women nudging ahead on goal difference into 3rd spot as they extend their winning streak to 3 matches in league and cup. Were away to Hertfordshire rivals Colney Heath Ladies this Sunday, both sides with a good start to the season, injuries affecting Colney Heath last time out were again hit by an injury with defender Kelly Glynn suffering ligament damage. Goals from Charlotte South and a brace from Rebecca Vass seeing Royston leading 3-0 going into the final 15 minutes of the match. Samiara Khan pulling it back to 3-1 for Colney Heath. Sammy Tinsley scoring to secure a 4-1 victory to Royston.

An off day for Wroxham Women at home to Harlow Town Ladies last Sunday they were looking to bounce back this weekend once again at home taking on St Ives Town Ladies, the newly promoted side still looking for their first points of the season. Wroxham making a great start to the game Grace Birchall onto the end of a long clearance to strike home from 18 yards. 6 minutes later Wroxham were 2-0 up, Birchall on the scoresheet once again brought down 30 yards out scoring from the resulting free-kick. A minute later it was 3, Mary-Anne Hoy latching onto a sliced clearance out wide firing the ball back in on the angle to score her 1st of the season. Wroxham 3-0 up at the break continued to dominate in the 2nd period and despite being reduced to 10 after Rhianne Brister was sent off for collecting two yellows the hosts when on to add 3 more goals in the final 20 minutes a 2nd half hat-trick for Birchall adding to the 2 she scored first half putting her on 9 for the season. Paige Jones scoring a late goal for St Ives Town her 1st of the season nothing but a consolation.

Joining Royston and Wroxham on 9 points are newly promoted Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. This despite suffering a heavy defeat to the hands of Harlow their only loss to date however as they record a 3rd league win this Sunday at home to Haringey Borough Women. Meagan Harley firing a shot into the bottom corner to put the Essex side into the lead. A 30 rocket struck by Danielle Styles off a free-kick doubling the lead. 2-0 up at half-time Bowers & Pitsea went 3-0 up courtesy of Danni Jennings running from halfway taking on three players to send the ball home. Harley putting a shot into the roof of the net making it 4-0. Jennings too scoring a brace to see the game won 5-0.

Peterborough Northern Star Ladies also victorious this weekend are in 7th spot in the Premier Division table but just 3 points behind the leaders. An away trip to Bedford Ladies this Sunday, Leah Cudone celebrating her birthday early by scoring a brace for the visitors with Gabrielle Smith also scoring her 1st goal for the club Peterborough running out 3-1 winners. Mathilda Fidler on the scoresheet for Bedford.

ERWFL Division One North

Has been something of the slow start to the league campaigns in both the ERWFL Division One North and South this season, cup games taking priority at the start of the season on most cases 5 of the 16 sides competing in both division still to get off the mark. Two games in Division One North this Sunday. Newly promoted East Bergholt United Ladies one of the few to have actually played a league match prior to this weekend top after a 7-1 win away to fellow promoted side Gorleston Ladies. This weekend they were at home looking to make it 2 wins from two as they took no Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies. The hosts taking an early lead Jessica Clark on the run striking from 35 yards putting her shot over the keeper on 7 minutes. Histon competing hard looking for a reply efforts narrowly wide one striking the bar. East Bergholt holding their 1-0 advantage heading into the final 15 minutes made thing’s more comfortable Charlotte McGrath finding space to shoot and find the bottom corner from 15 yards out. East Bergholt winning 2-0.

Also marking their ERWFL debut with a win are Cambridge City Ladies Development. A tough test to start the campaign away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies. A closely fought 1st half Cambridge City coming closest with Carla Penny striking the post. The dead lock broken just before half-time Penny finding the back on the net this time from 18 yards out. The visitors defending a slender lead began the 2nd half well adding another goal Freya Standing volleying in to make it 2-0. King’s Lynn battling back pulling it back to 2-1 with captain Becky Russell scoring from a free-kick. Cambridge City hitting King’s Lynn on the counter to score a 3rd, Bella Simmons carrying the ball out of defence setting up Standing to score her 2nd of the game to see Cambridge City win their league opener 3-1.

ERWFL Division One South

The ERWFL can be a brutal league at times and feature some eye watering scorelines, this weekend no exception in Division One South. Stevenage FC Women Development having started their season with a 6-0 win over Hoddesdon Tow Owls Ladies, were at home to Bishops Stortford Ladies this weekend. The host were short on numbers with just 10 available. Up against a Stevenage side that could name five on the bench. Several additions to the Stevenage squad over the summer, young exciting talent added to an already experienced bunch the hosts proving too strong with no less than 7 players opening their goals account. Paige Prior on her debut scoring 5! Lucy Bolitho scoring 4, Rebecca Brooker on target for a brace there were 1st goals too for Louise Godden Louise Sollis, Danielle Ransom and Sherrie Evans. Sofia Carpenter on target for a hat-trick, Emily Schofield and Chloe Gunn also getting goals in a crushing 20-1 win. Georgia Sleep scoring the Bishops Stortford goal.

A tough start to the season too for Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies losing their opening league fixture were away to new side Millwall Lionesses making their league bow this weekend. Ellis Lunn getting Millwall off to a flyer scoring in the opening 5 minutes was celebrating a hat-trick before 20 minutes. Katie Klosinski making it 4-0 in 21 minutes. Millwall dominating early on. 5 more goals to the hosts before half-time. Lunn adding 2 more to her tally. Klosinski with her 2nd along with goals for Molly Hawkins and captain Emily Stanley. Millwall ruthless leading 9-0 at half-time. Shannan Drewe bringing up a 10th goal for Millwall 5 minutes into the 2nd period the hosts awarded a penalty, Drewe on target from the spot. A lull in play then with no more goals added until the final 10 minutes with Hawkins scoring twice to celebrate a hat-trick. Millwall winning 12-0.

Amongst the goals Ellis Lunn scoring 5 for Millwall Lionesses (photo credit Millwall Lionesses)

Hutton Ladies began their ERWFL Division One South campaign at home to the same opponents they faced last Sunday in the League Cup, Leigh Ramblers Ladies. Hutton beating the newly promoted side 7-1 then. Another win for Hutton this Sunday the 3 points coming courtesy of a 4-0 win. Last season’s runaway top scorer Vicky Kinsman scoring a brace there were goals too for Sally Appleton ad Hayley Piggott with her first of the season.

The Round-Up – FAWNL 15/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 15th September

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Crawley Wasps Ladies had opened up a 6 point lead at the top of the Southern Premier Division making a perfect start following promotion from South East Division One last season winning 4 out of 4. Just 2 sides remaining without a loss Oxford United Women the other albeit they have played just the one game so far this season and once more weren’t in league action this Sunday.

Crawley were at home this Sunday taking on Watford Ladies the sides not giving much away it was a goalless first 45 minutes. The dead lock finally broken on the hour as Ryah Vyse put captain Adekite Fatuga-Dada through to send the ball home to make it 1-0. The visitors going on to double their lead 7 minutes later from a set-piece Annie Meirwald getting her head on the ball inside the box to score her 1st goal for the club. The game entering the final 15 minutes Crawley winning a set-piece of their own captain Naomi Cole playing the ball into the box Ellie Russell there to bundle it in to make it 2-1. Watford introducing Katie O’Leary to the action on 77 minutes the attacker on target to score a 3rd goal for Watford with 8 minutes left on the clock to see them win the game 3-1 and end Crawley’s winning start to the season.

That result sees the chasing pack close the gap to the early leaders. A big South West derby game saw 3rd placed Plymouth Argyle Ladies hosting 2nd placed Yeovil Town Women. Both on 6 points it was a tight first half between the sides with few chances created. Plymouth with the narrow advantage taking the lead through a Rebecca Dandridge goal on 34 minutes. Plymouth enjoying a great start to the 2nd period, Dandridge scoring her 2nd of the game 4 minutes after the restart to make it 2-0. The hosts scoring a 3rd goal with Jessie Jones netting on 57 minutes. The result put beyond doubt midway through the 2nd half with Natasha Knapman scoring two quickfire goal to put Plymouth 5-0 up. A late consolation for Yeovil coming with 3 minutes left captain Annie Heatherson with the goal. Plymouth moving into 2nd winning 5-1, other results seeing Yeovil drop to 5th.

A tough start to the season for Chichester City Ladies young squad as they look to rebuild following a number of departure over the summer. Losing their opening 4 games were hosting Cardiff City Ladies who after losing on the opening day were looking to make it 3 wins on the bounce in the league. The visitors creating plenty of chances in the first half, they finally got a goal late in the half an excellent solo effort from Grace Horrell on 41 minutes to make t 1-0. Again frustrated by Chichester in the 2nd half Cardiff eventually doubling their lead with 18 minutes left on the clock a 1st Cardiff goal for 16-year-old Carrie Jones. Cardiff in 3rd also on 9 points winning 2-0.

A fantastic crowd of 1002 turned out to the Stadium MK to watch Milton Keynes Dons Women play at home for the first time this season. Were taking on bottom side Hounslow Women who like Chichester had lost their opening 3 games of the season. Hounslow battling hard to frustrate Milton Keynes Dons the hosts managing to break the stale mate late in the first half attacking down the right the cross swung into the area Kim Farrow with the bullet header to score in the 42nd minute. Hounslow working hard to find a way back into the game Sydney Hinchcliffe striking from the edge of the box sending the ball past the keeper to equalise and see Hounslow win their first point of the season taking them off the bottom of the table.

FAWNL Cup

A handful of ties this Sunday taking place in the Preliminary Round’s of both the FAWNL Cup and Plate competitions. One of those in the Cup saw Portsmouth FC Women drawn at home to play Gillingham Ladies. The sides contesting a goalless 1st half the opening goal coming early in the first half, Laura Ingram running forwards to pressure the goalkeeper the ball striking the attacking rebounding back into the goal to give Ingram her 1st Portsmouth goal. Gillingham awarded a penalty on the hour. Ellie manning composed from the spot to equalise. The visitors then getting themselves into a 2-1 lead. 15 minutes left Portsmouth attacking Jade Widdows on the left letting loose a strike from distance a fantastic strike to make it 2-2. The game ending all square Portsmouth seeing a 2nd successive cup match going to extra-time. Once again victorious however with Charmaine True scoring the winning goal. A corner floated into the box in the 2nd period of extra play a scramble ensuing True with the telling touch to see the ball over the line.

FAWNL South East Division One

FAWNL South East Division One leaders Billericay Town Ladies travelled up to Norfolk from Essex to play Norwich City Women at the weekend. Norwich’s Plantation Park unavailable the game played at Fakenham Town FC’s, Clipbush Park ground. The visitors taking the lead from a set-piece a free-kick awarded on the edge of the box Zoe Rushen lifting her shot up past the wall and keeper into the goal beyond to make it 1-0. The visitors going 2-0 up from a corner kick the ball fired into the area from the left knocked down Rushen unmarked six yards out able to turn and strike in her 2nd of the game. Billericay leading 3-0 at half-time their 3rd goal also from a corner. Captain Lindsey Morgan up central to power the header in. Billericay on top into the 2nd half the lead further extended with Therese Addison picking up the ball at the top of the area her initial effort blocked the attacker retaining possession battling her way into the area before firing in her 1st goal for the club. Addison quickly bringing up her 2nd goal. Rushen stealing the ball from the defence on the right combining with Rodney before putting the cross in central for Addison to score. Billericay staying 3 points in front at the top of the table wining 5-0.

Therese Addison scoring her 1st goals for Billericay Town Ladies at the weekend (photo credit Nicky Hayes).

A host off sides in the chasing pack behind, all still unbeaten, Leyton Orient WFC climbing into 2nd winning away from home on Sunday beating Stevenage FC Women. Otesha Charles scoring on the half hour to see the visitors 1-0 up at half-time. Two quick goals midway through the first half ensuring the 3 points with Connie Montiel-McCann scoring to make it 2-0 her goal quickly followed by a 2nd of the match for Charles. Stevenage pulling it back to 3-1 with captain Amy Makewell scoring the hosts losing their last 3.

AFC Wimbledon Ladies are up amongst those chasing leaders Billericay in 5th spot maintaining their unbeaten start to the season, coming back for a 2-0 deficit at half-time to earn a point away to AFC Basildon Ladies on Sunday despite missing a penalty. Basildon taking the lead in the 20th minute with Holly Turner striking from outside the box. Kelly Wealthall doubling the Essex sides lead just before the break. Wimbledon with a chance to pull a goal back early in the 2nd period as they won a penalty in the 49th minute. The spot kick however missed. Closing in on the hour Wimbledon did pull it back to 2-1 with Helen Ogle on target. Elizabeth Berkerley on in the 2nd half for Wimbledon scoring her first goal for the club with 18 left to earn the visitors a point.

Actonians Ladies were hosting Cambridge United WFC in the league on Sunday. The visitors taking an early lead with captain Kelley Blanchflower striking to make it 1-0. That the score at half-time Actonians were back on level terms early in the 2nd half due to an unfortunate own goal. Actonians then hitting their opponents with two quick goals inside the closing 20 minutes to win the 3 points. Caroline Bisson scoring to make it 2-1 with her 4th since joining the club with last season’s top scorer Alessandra Barreca hitting her 3rd of the new season a few minutes later to see the game won 3-1.

The Round-Up – Suffolk 08/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th September

Suffolk Women’s Division

The last one of the week but certainly not least, just because it’s the shortest this weekends action from the Suffolk Women’s Division beating the rest of the county leagues to it starting last weekend there were 3 fixtures played this Sunday with some eye watering scorelines.

Needham Market Women starting up a new Reserves side this season began with and 11-1 win. Now I’ve had a chance to see the squads for both sides, there 1st team winning 9-1 in their opening fixture in the ERWFL Cup it’s safe to say Needham Market’s Reserve side will be strong in the Suffolk Women’s Division. Were at home to Chantry Grasshoppers Ladies this Sunday racked up another huge win with 4 players going on to claim a hat-trick, Lois Balfour, Hannah Cobbold, Katie Moore and Abbie Wilkinson. Leading 7-0 at half-time went on to win 16-0 with Amy Trenter, Taylor May Cooke and Ashleigh Goddard also scoring.

That though wasn’t the highest score of the weekend as Bury Town Ladies demolished newcomers Ramsey & Mistley Ladies… 22-0! A tough start to life for Ramsey & Mistley coming up against a very experienced side, Bury Town formerly Walsham Le Willows adding Kirsten Hutchings to their squad, she was on target for 4 goals alone along with Holly Turbill. Top scorer however goes to Julie Brind with a double hat-trick. Mia Bambury scoring a hat-trick with a brace each for Helen Cryer and Kirsty Pollard. Stacey Roper also scoring.

Just to prove close games do happen the final game of the weekend to bring you feature Alresford Colne Rangers at home to Leiston St Margarets both sides starting the season with a win two goals for Georgia Egner saw Alresford edge out their opponents 2-1 to collect the 3 points. Lucy Eagles scoring the goal for Leiston St Margarets.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 08/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th September

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

The opening weekend action comes thick and fast with leagues expanding in size the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League seeing 31 sides this season competing once again across 3 divisions. Plenty of goals scored on the opening weekend too in what has always proved to be a competitive league at all levels, sure that will prove to be the case once again this season.

With the increase in size teams are promoted up the tables into higher leagues, 4 making the step up to Division One this season, with Royston Town Women Development and Letchworth Garden City Eagles joining last season’s Champions Hitchin Belles and runners-up Hitchin Town Ladies. Sadly we have lost Sharnbrook WFC, whilst Sherrardswood Ladies and Garston Ladies Vintage Purples are relegated. Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires become Hartham United Ladies.

4 matches to start the season, with defending Champions Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies beginning at home to Hitchin Belles. Hemel Hempstead were strong last season and will certainly be the team to beat this time around to. Were strong in their opening fixture to win the match 8-2 with Bianca Hedgecock top scoring with 5 goals. Natasha McConville also getting on the scoresheet along with Amy Bentell and Kaila Merridan. Emily Field with both strikes for Hitchin Belles.

Top though after the opening fixtures are St Albans Ladies as they scored 7 without reply at home to Garston Ladies (1st team) on the opening day. Formerly Garston’s 2nd XI they finished ahead of their club mates to see the sides changing names ahead of the new season with separate twitter accounts to save confusion for the likes of myself. Not the start to the new season they wanted however as St Albans were dominant 4-0 up at half-time added 3 more goals late in the match with Eleanor Lovelock netting a hat-trick. Sophie Hull opened the scoring after 10 minutes. Ellen Slater and Molly Slade both finding the back of the net with a goal each in the 1st period. Cally Salter scoring late in the match.

Hitchin Town Ladies were involved in a fierce title race in Division Two last season with their local rivals eventually finishing 2nd, promoted began the season with a trip to fellow promoted side Royston Town Women Development. Hat-tricks for both Louise Gash and Samantha Couglan securing a 6-1 victory for Hitchin with Eve Chappell on target for the Royston goal.

Hartham United Ladies are a new name in the league the squad largely made up of former Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires players. The new side a charity football team looking to raise money and awareness of child bereavement for the 4louis charity. Began their league campaign with a trip to play Houghton Athletic Ladies. Both sides capable of beating anyone on the day shared a close match. Hartham United securing the 3 points courtesy of a 4-2 win. Ellie Burke netting a brace their were goal celebration too for Patience Ndlovu and Sophie Mandel. Emily Watson and Shakeela Hussain opening their accounts for Houghton Athletic.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

It was a dramatic finish to the season in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three last season with a 3 way battle for the title going all the way to the final day. AFC Dunstable Blues (Development then) clinching the title to win promotion to Division Two. AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies strong at the end promoted as runners-up also going up are Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses and Langford Ladies. 10 teams in the league, Evergreen Eagles and Welwyn Pegasus Azures (now Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves relegated)

3 games to start the season in Division Two and as in Division One plenty of goals scored. AFC Dunstable Blues beginning the season with a home match against Watton Ladies. Bianca Vassell scoring lots of goals last season 34 in total didn’t hang around this season to open her account finding the back of the net for 4 goals. Emily Mitchell joining the side this season netting a hat-trick in her first competitive match. Goals too for Nicola Hollick and Courtney McNamara in a 10-2 win. Watton Ladies positive in the build up to the new season not making the start they would have liked.

A difficult campaign for Sherrardswood Ladies last season finishing bottom of Beds & Herts Division One and relegated. A positive outlook to start the new season however and got off to a fantastic start at home playing Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies on Sunday. Kristie Donovan putting the hosts into the lead on 10 minutes. A quick fire brace from Rhiana Rose 10 minutes later saw Sherrardswood leading 3-0. Rose going on to complete her hat-trick then adding another on the stroke of half-time. 5-0 up at the break two further goals were added inside the final 10 minutes with Natasha Little and Manjinder Atwal celebrating.

Elsewhere in Division Two it was a much tighter affair between Langford Ladies and Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses as the two newly promoted sides met in their opening fixture. Amber Clark top scoring for Langford last season with 25 goals, getting the only goal of the match in the first half to secure the 3 points for the hosts.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

50 goals scored already and we haven’t even started with Division Three! An 11 strong league this season with 4 new sides joining, Herts Vipers, Whetstone Wanderers Ladies and familiar names returning Harvesters Ladies and Flitwick Eagles Ladies. As mention before Hitchin Town Ladies were previously Welwyn Pegasus Azures.

Plenty of goals scored across the five fixtures taking place on the opening weekend. 3 of the new sides getting off to a fantastic start. Herts Vipers were at home taking on Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Two goals inside the opening 15 minutes from Nicole Jancey seeing Harts Vipers leading 2-0 at half-time. The hosts ran riot in the 2nd period to put 7 more goals past their opponents Jancey adding 3 more goals to her tally. There was a brace for Rebecca Edge with both Annalie Wood and Lois Ruane on target for a goal each in a 9-0 win.

A high scoring win too at home for Flitwick Eagles Ladies on the opening day as they hosted fellow newcomers Whetstone Wanderers Ladies. Brittany Holdsworth getting her name on the scoresheet for 5 goals for Flitwick there was also a hat-trick for Anna Bright along with a goal each for Sammy Beharry and Abbie Ambrose. 10 goals for Flitwick they didn’t have it all their own way with Whetstone Wanderers breaching their defence for 3 goals themselves.

Harvesters Ladies also new to the league recording an opening day victory at home as they took on Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves. Sian Appleyard, Rachel Dodds and Eve Shaw all claiming a goal as Harvesters ran out 3-0 winners.

A high scoring match too between Biggleswade United Ladies and Stotfold Juniors Ladies on Sunday in their league opener. Biggleswade making some notable new addition look like they will be challenging at the top this season. A close first half though saw them trailing 2-1 at the break. Molly Norman and Becky Charter with the goals for Stotfold. A Jade Horsley goal sandwiched in between for the hosts. Biggleswade starting the 2nd half well, Leeanne Davison with 2 goals inside 5 minutes putting them 3-2 ahead. Norman scoring again for Stotfold on the hour, so too Zoe Molloy for Biggleswade the latter netting again midway through the 2nd half. 5-3 in front Norman scored her 3rd of the game to reduce the arrears for Stotfold, Biggleswade going on to win comfortably as Horsley added a brace to claim an opening day hat-trick along with one more for Davison to see her celebrating a hat-trick and an 8-4 win for Biggleswade.

The final game to bring you saw Kempston Rovers Ladies away to Buntingford Town Ladies both beginning their 2nd season in the Beds & Herts women’s football league. A tough first season for Buntingford, Kempston Rovers improved as the season wore on and will be looking to progress further. Got off to a great start winning 5-0 to bring the 3 points home. Ellie Newberry-Blerton and Zoe Trinder both scoring twice with Ellie Williamson alos on target for a goal.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 08/09/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

The Cambridgeshire Women’s football league got a whole load bigger over the summer as despite the number of league dropping the number of sides competing in them swells dramatically with 10 new names across a 13 strong Premiership (previously 8) and a single Championship boasting 15 sides (previously 12 across a Championship North & South).

Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves move from Northamptonshire to join the Premiership whilst Cambridge City Ladies have added a 3rd women’s side. 4 sides promoted, St Ives Town Ladies Development, Haverhill Rovers Ladies, Ketton Ladies and Leverington Ladies (previously Wisbech Town Ladies). Going to be a competitive league. 10 of the 13 sides in action on the opening weekend.

Winning the Championship North last season, Ketton Ladies began their Premiership campaign with a trip to Histon Ladies Reserves. A strong season to clinch the title going all the way with Wisbech Town Ladies, Ketton got off to a great start scoring 4 goals with last seasons top scorer Fran Kavanagh opening this season with a brace. 47 goals for Kavanagh last season a potent attack with Claire Lawrenson who netted 27 goals. Lawrenson too getting her account opened with a goal along with one for Ellie Marson scoring her 1st for the club. Ketton winning 4-1. Histon’s goal scored by Amanda Binge.

Just as in the Championship North it was a hotly fought title battle in the Championship South with St Ives Town Ladies Development pipping Haverhill Rovers Ladies to the title. Both making their Premiership bow this weekend the pair on the road. Haverhill Rovers taking on Cambridge City Ladies new ‘A’ team. Haverhill entering their 2nd season together looking to push on put in a good performance against Cambridge City’s youngsters. Last season’s top scorer Joeli Kirby opening her account for the season with a goal along with assistant manager Kayleigh Steed plus an own goal securing a 3-1 win.

St Ives Ladies Development matched Haverhill Rovers score winning away to Riverside Ladies on the opening day. Losing heavily in the Women’s FA Cup, Riverside had a few more players available this weekend saw an improved performance, Gabija Pavlova scoring for the hosts, St Ives Town scoring 3 to win the game, Jade Carpenter with a brace along with a goal for Steph Ransome.

A good opening weekend for all the promoted sides with Leverington Ladies completing a quartet of wins. At home were taking on Netherton United Ladies who look to have improved their squad over the summer. Leverington formerly Wisbech Town Ladies, still the @FenLadies also adding to their squad getting off to the better start hitting the crossbar before Sophie Swinden top scorer last season with 43 goals made it 1-0. A slender lead at half-time Netherton improved 2nd half getting back on level terms with Emily Johnson on target. The game could have gone either way at that point, Leverington retaking the lead with Swinden netting a 2nd goal, Netherton pushed from a reply the hosts holding firm to start the season with a win.

Two goals on the opening day for Leverington Sports Ladies, Sophie Swinden (photo credit Steve Hone)

A dramatic match to end the Premiership games on the opening day as ICA Sports Ladies and Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds shared 11 goals between them! The visitors seeing last season’s top scorer Marie Stubbing start the season with a brace, so too Ebony Rule returning to the club. Krissie Taylor also on the scoresheet. Fulbourn scoring 5 goals it wasn’t enough to see them take anything from the game as they were undone at the other end for 6. Donna Nicholls scoring a hat-trick, their were goals to celebrate too for Carmen Herridge, Danielle King and Clare Knibbs.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

With the clubs arguing for it the Championship becomes one single league this season to be contested by 15 sides with 8 new sides joining the league, Isleham United Youth Ladies, Newmarket Town Women Development, Deeping United Ladies, Swavesey Spartans Ladies, Eaton Socon Ladies, Cambourne United Women, Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development and Mildenhall Town Ladies. Sad to lose Wisbech St Mary Ladies who were struggling badly towards the end of the season.

On the whole though it was a good opening weekend for the more established clubs some of whom had a tough campaign last time out. The exception being Cambridge Rangers Women, having tough seasons in the past last campaign saw them on the tails of Haverhill Rovers Ladies and St Ives Town for a long spell before finishing 3rd in the Championship South. Began the new season with a trip to newly formed Mildenhall Town Ladies. Good to see the club forming a women’s team after hosting FAWNL side Cambridge Unite WFC for 3 seasons. The Championship a far cry from the FAWNL it proved to be a tough start for Mildenhall fielding the bare 11. Erika Balskute getting a hat-trick on the opening day for Cambridge Rangers. Vanessa Martinez Ramos scoring twice there were goals too for Daniella Lewis and Stephanie Rowan in an 8-0 win.

Cambridge Rangers top of the pile after the opening weekends results but only on alphabetical order as their 8-0 winning scoreline was matched by Park Ladies. Tough going for Park in the Championship South last season the squad certainly got a lift to start the season as they hosted new side Cambourne United Women. Georgia Stimson netting a hat-trick for Park, there was a brace for Demi Newman with Sophie Fenner, Darcie Tegerdine and Francesca Piltsch all getting a goal apiece.

Now I tend to only tag the winning sides in each edition of the Round-Up and it’s with delight I can tag Burwell Tigers Ladies at last as they start the season with victory. Enduring a tough couple of seasons in the Championship South the squad has kept together and were overjoyed to record an opening day victory on Sunday away to new side Eaton Socon Ladies. Admittedly in was a much closer scoreline than the previous two matches with goals from Megan Seabrook, Hannah Dewey and Eve Hedley sealing a 3-2 win, but victory and the 3 points doing wonders for the confidence.

Pinchbeck United Ladies have make some good additions to their squad over the summer and with signs they were improving showing towards the end of last season in the Championship North they got off to a winning start at home to Isleham United Ladies on Sunday in their opening fixture. Courtney Walker scoring a hat-trick to see the match won 3-0.

Better results elsewhere for the new sides joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship. Deeping United Ladies beginning the season with an away match against Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development regrouping after being forced to withdraw from the Suffolk Women’s Division last season. Deeping securing the 3 points courtesy of a 2-0 win with Hannah Chapman scoring both goals.

A winning start too for Swavesey Spartans Ladies as they edged the victory at home to Hungate Rovers Ladies on the opening day of the season. Goals from Meadow Wooldridge, Charlotte Frostick and Alexandra Herbert seeing the newcomers win the match 3-2.