Premier Division Champions, Leigh Ramblers Ladies completed their excellent season this weekend with a win away from home against 4th placed Collier Row Tigers. Sasha Vail netting a hat-trick their were goals too for Chloe Gilligan and top scorer Kate Newton who finishes on 31 goals for the season. Leigh Ramblers winning the game 5-1 ending 6 points clear at the top losing just 2 of their 16 league matches and one of those way back on the opening day.
Below them a 6-2 win at home on Friday night for Harlow Town Ladies Development against Southend United Ladies had seen them set up a winner takes all game for 2nd against Frontiers Ladies this Sunday. Harlow with a point advantage in 2nd going into the game at home against their local rivals. A good season for Harlow’s youngsters a strong finish to the end of the season as they made it 6 straight league wins scoring 42 goals along the way. Leading Frontiers 2-1 at half-time Harlow piled on the goals 2nd half to win the game 8-1 to clinch runners up spot convincingly. Poppy Binding and top scorer Hannah Smith both scoring a hat-trick their were goals too for Kaydee King and yet another with a first Harlow goal to her name Ronni Harrison. The League Cup Final to come this Sunday at Runwell Sports FC 1st & 2nd meeting Harlow taking on Leigh Ramblers.
One more game to bring you from the Essex Women’s Premier Division this Sunday and it was a positive end to the season for Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies as they won at home to Chelmsford City Ladies. Ella Jones having previously been on the scoresheet for one goal this season for Beacon Hill Rovers scoring a hat-trick, there was goals for Abbie Sutton her first for the club in just her 3rd appearance and a 21st goal of the season for Jo Smeaton. Beacon Hill Rovers winning 5-2. Shannon Kelly and Mia Brisley with the goals for Chelmsford.
Tiptree & District Charity Cup
Silverware too for Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies at the end of the season as they met Frontiers Ladies in the final of the Tiptree & District Charity Cup last Wednesday at White Notley FC. Goals from Jo Smeaton and Samantha Weidner seeing Beacon Hill Rovers draw 2-2 with their opponents in the 90 minutes, Loren Delamere and Kelly Holsworth scoring for Frontiers the game not settled in extra-time went all the way to penalties, Beacon Hill Rovers winning the shootout 4-2 to win the trophy.
Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies 2018/19 Tiptree & District Charity Cup winners (picture credit Beacon Hill Rovers)
Congratulations to Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies on winning this season’s Tiptree & District Charity Cup.
Essex Women’s Division One
The season drawing to a close in Essex Women’s Division One, Billericay Town Ladies Reserves clinching the title, Rayleigh Town Ladies running them close started the day in 3rd spot 3 points back from 2nd placed Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies knowing a win in their final game of the season away to Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves would see them clinch 2nd courtesy of a superior goal difference. Rayleigh have scored goals all season and have plenty in their squad who can come up trumps. Isabelle Wallings way out in front as top scorer finishing with a goal on Sunday to take her to 52 goals for the season 10 more than she scored last season. Eleasha Reeves top scoring in the final game of the season for Rayleigh with a hat-trick as 26 goals to her name. Amy Cox-Smith with a brace with Sophie Rhodes also on target in a 7-0 victory.
Hutton Ladies Reserves in fourth spot were at home to bottom side Island Ladies in their final game of the season. Finished thier debut season back in the league strongly with a win, Goals from Baylie Kingsnorth, Mathilda Cant, Emily Wilton and Samantha Kuski sealing a 4-2 result. Ebonnie Williams scoring both goals for Island.
The season almost over in Cambridgeshire the League Cup Final to come this Thursday at St Neots having been postponed. The two sides contesting it in league action in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday.
Cambridge City Ladies Development away to bottom side Riverside Ladies in the final game of the season for both. A strong performance form Cambridge City seeing them end the league campaign on a high winning 14 of their 15 league games to take them 12 points clear of ICA Sports currently 2nd. Cambridge City winning the game 8-0 with Rebecca Langthorpe and Bella Simmons both on target for a brace with a goal each for Emily Reed, Lucy Hurst, Anna Kanz and Yasmin Crow.
Their opponents on Thursday will be Cambridge University Women, currently 3rd they got a win too on Sunday at home against March Town United Ladies in their penultimate game of the season. A close game both yet to play each other this season the reverse fixture a week maximum points for either seeing them gain a position in the final standings. Emma Searle and Eleanor Mcleish scoring for March they were edged out to the 3 points Cambridge University scoring 3 against them, Shona Lester with a brace along with a goal for Lili Donlon Mansbridge. Cambridge University with one league match left moving to within 2 points of 2nd placed ICA Sports Ladies who have finished their season.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
The Championship North going all the way the the final game of the season the top two neck and neck level on points facing each other on the last day of the season. Has been a tremendous tussle between Ketton Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies losing just the one league game each… that against the other dominating elsewhere. Meeting 3 times in the league Ketton with a superior goal difference had home advantage but that was also the case 2 weeks ago when Wisbech Town beat them 2-1 to ensure the title battle went all the way.
Ketton with one final push getting the job done against a strong Wisbech side goals from Emma Ward, Danielle Marrison and a 47th goal of the season from Fran Kavanagh securing a 3-0 win and with it the title.
Congratulations to Ketton Ladies on becoming Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North Champions.
Wisbech Town Ladies missing out on the last game of the season have nevertheless had a fantastic season, a runners-up finish, reaching the semi-finals of both the League & County Cup along with going all the way in the Division One Cup final. Have also gained promotion to the Premiership next season.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
Just like the Championship North the title battle in the Championship South went all the way to the final day of the season. Haverhill Rovers Ladies out in front for the whole campaign one defeat from their opening 13 games. The challengers St Ives Town Ladies Development playing catch up all season likewise having lost just the one game that against Haverhill on the opening day they returned the favour when the sides met again back in October. The Championship South sides like the North playing each other 3 times it was a blow for Haverhill in their penultimate game of the season last weekend as they lost to St Ives for a 2nd time going down 3-2 handing momentum to St Ives who could overhaul them right at the end with victory in their remaining two matches a double header this Sunday with Park Ladies.
Haverhill were at home playing Cambridge Rangers Women in their final game of the season. Goals from Sian Cottrell, Amy Evans, Abbi Griffin, Bethany-May Harding and Kayleigh Steed seeing Haverhill end on a positive note. Cambridge Rangers likewise will be pleased with a strong season that has secured them 3rd spot.
St Ives playing 2 hour long matches against Park Ladies getting the victories they needed to over take Haverhill and secure top spot winning the games 4-1 and 5-0. The goals coming from Jade Carpenter a hat-trick seeing her finish top scorer on 16 goals. A brace from Tierney Coulson, with Hannah Seymour-Shove, Fran Worrall and Kirsty Wicks also on the scoresheet along with an own goal.
St Ives Town Ladies Development, Championship South, Champions. (picture credit St Ives Town)
Congratulations to St Ives Town Ladies Development matching their first team with a league title and promotion.
Promotion too for Haverhill Rovers Ladies, the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership looking a very tasty looking prospect for next season with 4 strong additions. Looking forwards to it already.
The final day of the season in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League the league itself done and dusted across the 3 divisions all that remained was Finals Day, The Chris Renshaw Cup followed by the League Cup Final itself.
In reverse order we shall begin with the League Cup Final. St Albans Ladies winning the competition last season to complete a league and cup double were defending the trophy against Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies who themselves were hoping to do the double having won the Division One title in their first season in the league. Object acheived as Hemel Hempstead ran out 3-1 winners to lift the trophy. Asked the club to supply a few words regarding the game and below is a brief summary of the game from club secretary Lionel Davey
“Sunday saw the Ladies play in the the league cup final against local rivals St Albans. At a Sunny Kempston the ladies were led out by Captain Steph Cripps and escorted by 14 excited mascots from the girls U8 and U10 sides.
The ladies started well with good moving and passing Which resulted in Amy Bentall breaking through and slotting home to put the ladies one up after 10 mins. The ladies continued to dominate possession and a charged down clearance by top scorer Natasha McConville saw her coolly round the keeper to put the ladies 2 up on the half hour. This seemed to trigger St Albans Ladies in to life and they started getting more ball. A defensive slip by the ladies gave St Albans Georgia Knight some space which she took and made it 2-1 five mins before half time. The Hemel ladies were glad to hear the half time whistle when it came. Hemel 2-1 up at the break the game had the feel that the next goal would win it. The second half St Albans pressed hard throwing everything at Hemel but the whole Hemel defence stood firm and not allowing many chances. Twenty minutes in to the second half a defence splitting pass by Bianca Hedgecock saw Amy Bentall bearing down on goal, everything appeared to go in slow motion, Amy pulled the trigger and in to the corner the ball went, 3-1 to the Ladies.
While the St Albans team continued to push , we knew the game was over. It may not have been the best display by the ladies this year but they worked hard to get the job done.The Ladies had done it to go with their league triumph. A nice little double. Up the Town.
Thank you to the mascots and all the supporters who came over. Great encouraging and loud support.”
Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies 2018/19 Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup winners (picture credit Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies)
Congratulations to Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies on winning the League Cup and completing the double.
The Chris Renshaw Cup
The first final on the day kicking off at 11am. The Chris Renshaw Cup, a guaranteed win for Garston Ladies, the question was which one? Garston Ladies 1st team taking on Garston Ladies 2nd XI (formerly FC 96). Both playing in Division One and both at the wrong end of the table as they both won through to the final of the competition.
Nothing separating the sides at half-time 0-0 it was the 2nd XI who got themselves into an early lead in the 2nd half the advantage doubled soon after, Danielle Mcmullan choosing a cup final to score her first of the season with Leah Crocket also on target scoring her 10th of the campaign. Emma Trill pulling it back to 2-1 for Garston’s 1st team with 25 minutes to go, the 2nd XI youngsters holding onto their lead to win the competition and end their debut season playing in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One on a high having not played much at all sitting bottom for a long spell a strong end to the season seeing them stay up convincingly. Harriet Woods the Player of the Match.
Garston Ladies 2nd XI 2018/19 Chris Renshaw Cup winners (picture credit Garston Ladies 2nd XI)
Congratulations to Garston Ladies 2nd XI on winning The Chris Renshaw Cup.
That brings an end to another thrilling season across the whole Beds & Herts Women’s League very competitive and never short on intrigue already looking forwards to next season but for now enjoy your rest.
A big weekend in the ERWFL calendar as the season draws to a close the league titles settled, this Sunday it was the turn of the cup competitions the League Cup and Plate. Women’s Football East was at both games and as I already written over 7,000 words in those match reports shall simply say to read the full report simply scroll down the page to the previous posts.
Nevertheless we’ll start at the end. The winners! Beginning with the League Cup, Cambridge City Ladies looking to do the double having won the Premier Division taking on Bedford Ladies. A fast start to the game from Bedford saw them race into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 5 minutes, captain Michelle Byrne from a corner and Eden Kibron shooting across the keeper the goalscorers. Cambridge making a sluggish start slowly getting back into it making changes, a free-kick fired into the near post spilt by the keeper seeing Megan Tonks fire home to make it 2-1 before half-time.
Hannah Bodily sending a shot in from outside the box to make it 2-2 in the 2nd period both sides creating further chances, none taken the game heading into extra-time a tense period of extra play following neither side finding the winning goal it went all the way to penalties. Cambridge up first scoring, then goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru saved Bedford’s opening penalty, scoring there next three, Bedford having scored their next two penalties had to score their 4th to stay in it put wide, Cambridge City were the side celebrating winning the League Cup and doing the double.
Cambridge City Ladies 2018/19 ERWFL League Cup winners
ERWFL League Plate
Before the League Cup Final, Histon Ladies and Newmarket Town Ladies met in a morning kick-off to contest the League Plate Final. Another closely fought game. Newmarket taking an early lead awarded a free-kick, Jess Linger shooting from distance her shot not kept out. Histon though were soon back on level terms awarded a free-kick of their own wide on the area Kaya Haq striking it well putting her shot over the keeper in under the bar at the far post. Histon going on to take the lead themselves scoring from another fee-kick put into the box, the ball falling to Rebekah Finch to score from close range.
2-1 to Histon at half-time Newmarket making a bright start to the 2nd half were level on 55 minutes a young striker Annabel Cuthbert getting free at the far post to stab a shot under the keeper. 2-2 the game moving into the final 15 minutes Newmarket scoring a 3rd goal. Hannah Rogers straight from a corner. Proving to be the winning goal Newmarket winning silverware in their debut season in the ERWFL.
Newmarket Town Ladies, 2018/19 ERWFL Plate winners
ERWFL Premier Division
Two games played in the ERWFL Premier Division too this Sunday and both involving the battle for 2nd place. Royston Town Ladies holding the spot going into their final game of the season were at home to Peterborough Northern Star Ladies. Level on points with 3rd placed Acle United Women, Royston started positively against Peterborough even early on the visitors opening the scoring through Katie Steward who then make it 2-0 past the half hour. Leah Cudone on target with a goal too to see Peterborough leading 3-0 at half-time.
2 quick goals at the start of the 2nd half from Emma Pollard and Vicky Gallagher with a stunning strike making it 5-0 to Peterborough with less than 5 minutes played in the 2nd period. Steward going on to complete her hat-trick minutes later to make it 6. Another goal for Steward making it 7-0 with her 19th goal of the season. Royston getting a consolation goal back through Charlotte South. Cudone found the back of the net for her 2nd of the afternoon to see Peterborough win convincingly 8-1 to keep alive their hopes of a 5th placed finish and inflict a damaging defeat on Royston.
Costly in their final game to as they finish 3rd, over taken by Acle United Women who were playing their last ever game under that name as they become Wroxham. Playing their final game at Wroxham’s Trafford Park to showcase their talents to their prospective new support ended on a high taking on Colney Heath Ladies who were ending the season positively themselves this game abandoned earlier in the season. Grace Birchall firing Acle into the lead first half. Charlene Moreton getting Colney Heath back on level terms the sides all square 1-1 at half-time. Acle coming up with the winning goal 2nd half Birchall scoring her 2nd of the game and 33rd of the season over all to see Acle win the game and in doing so clinch runners-up spot.
ERWFL Division One
Likewise there were two games played in Division One this Sunday. King’s Lynn Town Ladies coming on strong towards the end of the season up to fifth with games in hand on the sides above were away to bottom side Bishops Stortford Ladies playing their final game of what has been a very difficult season. The hosts scoring twice through Natasha Coppin and Poppy Kelly, King’s Lynn coming back to Norfolk with the 3 points in the bag scoring 6 up the other end with 4 of those goals belonging to Rachel Skinner her first goals for the club. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse and Annie Rooks celebrating the other goals two games left go to champions and unbeaten St Ives Town Ladies next.
In the other game on Sunday in Division One their were plenty of goals to as Hutton Ladies hosted Lawford Ladies playing their final game of the season. Vicky Kinsman scoring her 49th goal (1st team) of the season for Hutton along with a goal for Rosi Webb and a 1st goal for Danielle Cliffe. Lawford matching them up the other end however scoring three themselves to end their first season in the ERWFL on a positive note.
One game from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday played with Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds and bottom side awarded the home win with opponents Netherton United Ladies and Histon Ladies Reserves pulling out of their final fixtures of the season. The game played a dress rehearsal for what was supposed to be the League Cup Final due to be played now this Wednesday evening a waterlogged pitch however seeing the game postponed and moves to Thursday 16th May at a new venue St Neots Town FC. The two opponents meeting in the league this weekend with Cambridge City Ladies Development hosting Cambridge United Women. Cambridge City winning the Premiership getting the win in their penultimate game in the league goals from Rebecca Langthorpe, Freya Standing and top scorer Megan Tonks seeing them win 3-0. Cambridge University in 3rd have 2 games left and need to win both if they hope to overhaul ICA Sports Ladies to clinch runners-up spot.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
So it all comes down to 90 minutes on Sunday in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, with Ketton Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies ties at the top of the table on 39 points each having beaten each other once they play for a third and final time in their final game of the season Ketton the hosts this coming Sunday. A home win for Wisbech Town Ladies this Sunday the point awarded against Cardea Ladies who have secured 3rd place in the league.
Ketton at home were without top scorer Fran Kavanagh as they took on Hungate Rovers Ladies this Sunday. As it was Ketton strong in attack running out comfortable winners to collect the 3 points with a 10-1 win captain Beth Goodman scoring half that tally with 5 to her name, Sascha Smith bagging herself a brace with Danielle Marrison and Lauren McKeever also on the scoresheet. Ketton top on goal difference although whether that is a factor as with last seasons Championship South dead heat I am unsure, a win for either and they are champions.
Also in action on Sunday playing their final game of the season in the Championship North were Pinchbeck United Ladies at home to Wisbech St Mary Ladies contrasting ends to the seasons for both, Wisbech St Mary struggling slipping to the foot of the table. Pinchbeck on the other hand finishing in 4th winning 4 of thier last 5 league games. Courtney Walker netting a hat-trick for Pinchbeck in their final game of the season with Chloe Gray and Rebecca Navarette on the scoresheet in a 5-2 victory. Lauren Laws with both goals for Wisbech St Mary.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
Two games from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South this Sunday and as with their counterparts in the North it looks as though the battle for top spot with 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development winning a thrilling encounter away to leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies this weekend to close the gap to just 3 points with 2 games in hand. Goals from Sophie Cook, Fran Worrall and Caitlin McGeown seeing St Ives to a 3-2 victory. The title in St Ives hands now with nine points left to play for Haverhill with the better goal difference have one game left to play.
Both the top two having a game left to play with 3rd placed Cambridge Rangers WFC, who continued their fantastic season with a huge win away to bottom side Burwell Tigers Ladies on Sunday winning for the 9th time this season by double figures scoring 11 without reply.
The final day of the league season in the Beds & Herts Women’s football leagues this Sunday with just the League Cup and Chris Renshaw Cup Finals to come. Things settled in Division One with Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies winning the title 3 points clear of 2nd placed Northwood Ladies with St Albans Ladies who Hemel Hempstead will meet in the League Cup finishing 3rd. Joining St Albans on 32 points in 4th are Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires with a big win on the final day to mark a fine fist season playing in Division One. Leading for a good spell early on Welwyn have more than held their own in a competitive league following promotion from Division Two. At home to Sharnbrook WFC who have tailed away towards the end of the season Welwyn secured the 3 points courtesy of a 7-1 win.
Promoted as champions of Division Two along with Welwyn, Garston Ladies 2nd XI had a difficult start to life in the higher league bottom for a long spell simply not playing games had alot of catching up to do but a terrific run of form at last getting games played they have stormed up the league to seal a 6th placed finish winning 6 of their last 8 league matches. Away to Houghton Athletic Ladies who have been solid in mid-table on the final day the sides sharing 8 goals between them, Garston edging Houghton out to win the game 5-3. Charley Kelsey netting twice for Garston to put her on 15 goals for the season. Ruby Jager top scorer with a goal has 18. Holly Jury and Lauren Berryman also on target with a goal each. Emily Wilson with 15 goals for Houghton scoring in their final game along with Shakeela Hussain and Coral Beary with her first goal. Garston’s 2nd XI with one more game to play this Sunday at 11am The Chris Renshaw Cup Final against counterparts Garston Ladies 1st team.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
One game left to play in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two and having secured a 2nd placed finish in the league and promotion to Division One, Hitchin Town Ladies were away to Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies on the final day. Have enjoyed a strong season at the top for much of the campaign a big win to finish the campaign. Captain Emma Chaffey edging out Louise Gash to the top goalscorer position netting a hat-trick to finish on 18 goals, Gash with a brace not far behind with 15. There was a brace to in the final game for Rebecca Day her first goal of the season with Lauren Wyatt and Natalie Thompson also scoring a goal each in a 9-0 win.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
All set up for a dramatic final day of the season in Beds & Herts Division Three with the top 3 all with a chance to win the title. Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses top of the pile at the start of the day a point clear of both AFC Dunstable Ladies Development and AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies.
Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses with just the 2 losses all season away to 3rd placed Kempston & Bedford in their last game. Kempston & Bedford with a strong finish to the season to put themselves right back in the title picture including back to back wins against Dunstable. Those Dunstable’s only defeats too having drawn 0-0 on the opening day going on to win their next 12 league matches to lead the way in their debut season in women’s football. The title out of their hands going into the last game needed the other result to go there way so long as they did there job away to Biggleswade United Ladies.
AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies also making their debut in women’s football enjoying a good start and finish to the season whilst also reaching the semi-finals of both the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup and League Cup. Giselle Randall’s goals powering Woburn & Wavendon to the top of the league, she was on target for 2 more in the final game to put her on 39 for the season. It wasn’t enough as Woburn & Wavendon lost to see them finish up in 3rd spot with Kempston & Bedford winning the game 5-2! Chloe Urbanowicz with the goals early on in the campaign setting the tone for the season on the scoresheet with her 19th of the season. Kayleigh Humphries and Abigale Young both getting a goal a piece along with a first goal for the club for Chloe Hulett and Emily Kay. Kempston & Bedford finishing above Woburn & Wavendon.
That result seeing the Beds & Herts Division Three title go to AFC Dunstable Ladies as they got the win they needed against Biggleswade United Ladies. Bianca Vassell putting Dunstable into the lead late in the first half. Biggleswade not letting Dunstable have it their own way however as they came back to level the scored 7 minutes into the 2nd half. Helen Coster with the goal. Dunstable getting there noses back in front 10 minutes later with Vassell scoring her 2nd of the match her 34th overall. This time they held on in what was bound to be a nervous finish to clinch the 3 points to become Champions!
AFC Dunstable Ladies Development, Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three Champions. (photo credit AFC Dunstable Ladies Development)
Congratulation’s to AFC Dunstable Ladies Development on winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three title.
A great first season playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division for Leigh Ramblers Ladies having be promoted last season their debut in women’s football their young squad having gone on to clinch the league title and become champions. Losing on the opening day of the season, never looked back going on a long winning run in the league to climb to the top of the table before rivals at the top Frontiers Ladies managed to halt their progress slightly with a 2-1 win in the league those though the only defeats 13 wins seeing the title won with a game to spare. Title celebrations looking unlikely though at half-time this Sunday as Leigh Ramblers found themselves trailing 2-0 at half-time away to Southend United Ladies. Emily Pert thier top scorer netting both the goals to move onto 19 for the season. Leigh Ramblers coming back well in the 2nd period to not only level but go on to win the game 3-2. Amy Jacobs scoring her 17th goal of the season with a brace too from Molly Giles her first goals for Leigh Ramblers this season.
Champions! Leigh Ramblers Ladies winning the Essex Women’s Premier Division title (photo credit Leigh Ramblers)
Congratulation to Leigh Ramblers Ladies on winning the Essex Women’s Premier Division title. They now await confirmation to see if they will join the ERWFL and successive promotions. A potential double on the cards to meeting Harlow Town Ladies Development in the League Cup Final.
Harlow Town Ladies Development themselves also a young squad enjoying a tremendous season in Essex Women’s Premier Division. Starting the season well to get up amongst the top two back to back wins over Chelmsford City Ladies seeing them back into 3rd and now two points behind 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies. 7-2 at home against Chelmsford in their first league encounter Harlow were the away side this Sunday. Another convincing win this Sunday the goalscorers a week ago Ellie Nicholls with a hat-trick and Hannah Smith top scorer with 4 to her name. Both amongst the goals again this Sunday Smith hitting another 4 to move to 37 for the season a brace for Ellie Nicholls taking her to 23. Plenty of other names amongst the goals this season for Harlow too with a new name appearing on the scoresheet every other week, Tegan Burling this time making her 3rd appearance for the side scoring her first goals a brace in an 8-2 win. Shannon Kelly and Georgia Sleep with the goals for Chelmsford. A game in hand for Harlow this Friday no easy task at home to Southend United Ladies then they meet Frontier Ladies on Sunday for what will be a decider for who clinches runners-up spot.
Essex Women’s Division One
Just the one league match played in Essex Women’s Division One as sides look to complete their fixtures. Hutton Ladies Reserves having secured 4th position in the table go to within 2 points of 3rd placed Rayleigh Town Ladies both with one game to play after they won away to Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves this Sunday. Hutton enjoying a good first season back in the league goals from Baylie Kingsnorth her 10th of the season along with goals for, Danielle Hindley, Cassandra Piejko and Rachael Agombar. Hutton winning the game 4-1 their 14th win of the season.
Harlow Town Ladies were at home this Sunday playing their final match in their debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division, their confidence buoyed by a midweek 3-2 win away to 2nd placed Royston Town Ladies. The visitors to the Harlow Arena 3rd placed Acle United Women, travelling for Norfolk with an injury hit squad the bare 11 with manager Rebecca Burton named as substitute. Despite that it was the visitors from Norfolk who drew first blood taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Harlow coming back into it quickly to equalise. Acle retaking the lead in the 34th minute with Grace Birchall running in to make it 2-1. Birchall extending Acle lead with a couple of minutes left in the first half. Time for Harlow to pull a goal back scoring a volleyed goal from a free-kick.
Acle United Women’s Grace Birchall
Acle leading 3-2 at half-time Harlow with a fast start scoring a 3rd goal in the 52nd minute to see it all square at 3-3. A competitive tussle there was late drama, two minutes of normal time left and Harlow were reduced to 10 goalkeeper Charlie Orwell sent off adjudged to have handled the ball outside the area. Birchall going on to complete her hat-trick to put Acle back in front in the 93rd minute. Harlow pressing on attacking the crossbar struck in the 96th minute the rebound was headed back over the line to see the sides share the points in a dramatic 4-4 draw. The point sees Acle level on points with Royston in 2nd both with a game to play. Harlow’s goalscorers, Chloe Bassett, Bethany Chambers and a brace for Poppy Binding. Currently in 5th spot are assured a top half finish.
Norfolk Women’s County Cup winners, Wymondham Town Ladies travelled down to Essex for their final game of the season in the ERWFL Premier Division. Promoted along with Harlow Town Ladies have enjoyed a successful campaign securing a 4th placed finish in the league. Brentwood Town Ladies their opponents slipping down the table after making an encouraging start to the season. A close game the point looked like they were going to be shared the winning goal scored in the 88th minute, Freya Symonds making her debut for Wymondham striking the ball into the top corner to see the game won.
Bedford Ladies and Peterborough Northern Star Ladies were meeting each other for the 3rd time in a month on Sunday, the previous games in Peterborough, Bedford knocking the hosts out of the league cup with Peterborough winning their league encounter a week later 1-0. Another close game between the pair this Sunday at Bedford. The hosts coming away with all 3 points winning the game 2-1.
ERWFL Division One
ERWFL Division One Champions, St Ives Town Ladies travelled down to Essex this Sunday to play thier penultimate game of the season still unbeaten in the league. Georgia Stancombe with a tap in scoring her 15th goal of the season for St Ives to put them in front. Hutton coming back to level the scores to see the game finish 1-1. Bad news for St Ives however as they lose goalkeeper Kira Markwell to injury a vital part of a back-line that has conceded just 10 league goals all season. Women’s Football East extends their best wishes to Kira Markwell for a full and speedy recovery.
Clinching runners-up spot Bowers & Pitsea Ladies travelled up to Cambridgeshire for their final game of the season. Taking on Histon Ladies. Histon playing in the League Plate Final this Sunday against Newmarket Town Ladies taking the lead in the 34th minute Sophie Lanham’s goal the difference between the sides at half-time. Bowers & Pitsea scoring early in the 2nd half to level the scores and see the game finish 1-1. Georgia Fraser with the goal finishing top scorer on 18 goals. A great first season under the Bowers & Pitsea name ERWFL Division One runners-up aswell as silverware lifting the Essex Women’s Trophy.
Stevenage Ladies Reserves won their final game of the season to end the campaign in 3rd spot in the ERWFL Division One table. Were at home to Hatfield Peverel Ladies, 2nd bottom in the table also completing their fixtures. A hat-trick form top scorer Emily Schofield giving her 23 for the season and a goal for Katherine Taylor seeing the hosts win 4-2. Currently 3rd can be caught by 4th placed Newmarket and King’s Lynn Town Ladies in 5th. Jasmine Cox and Michelle Hodgson on the score sheet for Hatfield Peverel a tough first season playing in the ERWFL, although thing’s have gotten better late in the season to build encouragement for the new season have suffered from a lack of goals just 16 scored in the league.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies finishing the season strong climbing up to 5th in the table have 3 games left to play too on 32 points could yet challenge for a top 3 spot. An away trip this Sunday to take on Lawford Ladies. Goals from Tiffany Forshaw, Becky Russell, Olivia Baker and Emma Corbyn seeing the Norfolk side travel back home with all 3 points in the bag winning the game 4-0.
The final day of the season across the whole of the FAWNL. Title and relegation places already decided going into the game n the Southern Premier Division the pressure off the top two as they met on the final day a late push from Cardiff City Ladies seeing them briefly threaten champions, Coventry United Ladies but getting the job done that threat was short-lived. A trip to Wales in their final fixture Coventry at Cardiff the sides sharing a goalless draw at half-time it was the hosts who drew first blood 2nd half Cardiff taking the lead. Coventry coming back to level the scores Bethan Merrick scoring her 7th goal of the season to see the points shared in a 1-1 draw.
The season not quite over for Coventry United Ladies as they take on Northern Premier Division Champions, Blackburn Rovers Ladies in the FAWNL Play off game. Taking place on Saturday 18th March at Bradford City FC’s, Valley Parade Stadium, kick-off 3pm.
Coventry United Ladies Bethan Merrick (photo credit Jeff Bennett)
Chichester City Ladies were for a were top of the pile in the Southern Premier Division neck and neck with Coventry before falling away eventually overhauled by Cardiff strong run towards the end of the season to finish 3rd in the league. Ending with a trip to play Gillingham Ladies. Chichester’s, Laura Ingram adjudged to have committed a foul inside the box presenting Gillingham with the opportunity to score from the penalty spot the ball striking the post safely gathered, Chichester breaking and going on to open the scoring themselves, Ingram the player striking the ball on the volley to put the visitors 1-0 up. Gillingham fighting back to level the scores midway through the 2nd half the ball headed home from a corner by Farrand and into the final 15 minutes the hosts had the lead Gillingham going 2-1 up in the 77th minute Breon Grant with the goal. Chichester responding well getting it back to 2-2 in the 82nd minute with Kim Stenning putting a shot over the keeper to see the sides take home a share of the points.
Oxford United Women assured a top 4 finish in the Southern Premier Division a solid first season back in the league after dropping down from FAWSL 2, now the Championship. A solid platform to build on for next season a trip to the midlands on Sunday for thier final game of the season taking on Loughborough Foxes Women who themselves promoted to the league this season have been strong in the top half of the table themselves more often than not this season just missing out with a 7th placed finish a draw on the final day. 0-0 going into the final 15 minutes top scorer Rebecca McGrother played into take the ball into the box and slot a shot wide of the keeper to score her 14th goal of the season, Oxford though getting straight up the other end to equalise, Emily Allen their top scorer played in to score her 19th goal of the season. The game finishing 1-1.
5th and 6th meeting on the final day of the season with Watford Ladies hosting Plymouth Argyle Ladies. An early lead for the hosts Watford 1-0 up inside 10 minutes with Adekite Fatuga-Dada on the scoresheet to make it 1-0. Katie O’Leary coming off the bench in the 21st minute to replace Helen Ward scoring to make it 2-0 just 3 minutes later. 2-0 up at half-time the lead was further extended in the 56th minute with Alysha Stojko-Down scoring their 3rd goal. 3-0 and comfortable Plymouth though threatened a comeback Helen Bleazard pulling it back to 3-1 with 20 minutes left. Zoe Cunningham striking in the 82nd minute making it 3-2 setting up a nervous finish, Watford holding on for the win to finish 5th, whilst Plymouth promoted this season end with a top half finish.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies the other promoted side joining the league this season were at Newport Pagnell FC on the final day taking on C&K Basildon Ladies. The Essex side bottom of the league enduring a tough season playing thier last game under that name before a new beginning starts as AFC Basildon Ladies. Milton Keynes Dons retaining the Berks & Bucks County Cup beating Chesham United Ladies on Thursday night were looking to end on a high 0-0 in the first half they saved the goals until the final 15 minutes Leah Cudone one on one with the keeper putting them into the lead in the 75th minute. Into the final 5 minutes a corner won the ball cleared out to Louise Naylor to volley in their 2nd. Alice Hughes heading home from a free-kick to see the hosts 3-0 up with 2 minutes left time for a 4th goal Kim Farrow played through to score, the result seeing a place gained on the final day Milton Keynes up to 9th.
A positive end to what has been another difficult season for QPR Women at the wrong end of the table, performances not always translated into points have been near the bottom all season. The 2nd bottom side at home to Portsmouth FC Women on the final day. Awarded a penalty in the 25th minute, Courtney Ward-Chambers stepping up to score it and put QPR into the lead. That the lead at half-time Portsmouth coming back to level the scores early in the 2nd half Alex Collighan making it 1-1. The game moving into the final 20 minutes QPR restored their lead top scorer Jo Wilson beating the offside trap to go on and put QPR 2-1 ahead, a battling finish seeing the 3 points won.
FAWNL South East Division One
Just passing through, Crawley Wasps Ladies have been the dominant force in FAWNL South East Division one the best side in the league following promotion haven’t looked back a long standing 100% record the one defeat as they were on the verge of clinching the title, a brief halt before becoming champions. A 1-1 draw away to Denham United Ladies in midweek a trip to play 5th placed Leyton Orient WFC in their final fixture. Darcey James putting the visitors into the lead in the 11th minute. Leyton Orient getting back on level terms just past the half hour with Lisa Holmback on target to make it 1-1. Crawley finding the winning goal with 15 minutes Naomi Cole scoring her 19th goal of the season to secure a 2-1 win.
Runners-up Billericay Town Ladies have also had a great first season playing in the FAWNL for the first time. The Essex side travelling to Norfolk on the final day to play Norwich City Ladies looking to avoid finishing 2nd bottom themselves with Denham closing the gap to just 2 points. Their home Plantation Park hosting the Norfolk Women’s Finals Day, Norwich’s final game of the season was at Fakenham Town’s Clipbush Park. Billericay having the best of the first half getting into a 2-0 lead. Millie Davies scoring to pull it back to 2-1 a late fightback from Norwich as striker Chelsea Garrett fired home an equalising goal then a 2nd to put Norwich into the lead. Sasha Diston heading in a 4th goal for Norwich to see them win 4-2 an secure their FAWNL status ending on a high!
Chelsea Garrett celebrating scoring for Norwich City Ladies (photo credit Brian Coombes)
A fantastic season in FAWNL South East Division One for Enfield Town Ladies, a competitive tussle for 3rd spot they are the side to clinch it on the final day overtaking Actonians Ladies with a home win over rivals Denham United Ladies who were hoping for a positive result themselves to possibly catch Norwich City Ladies. Goalless between the sides at the break Enfield taking the lead on 57 minute with top scorer Molly Peters bringing up her 16th goal of the season to make it 1-0. A corner for Enfield in the 68th minute the ball cleared out of the box played back in Katherine Long onside turning to send the ball past the keeper sealing a 2-0 victory.
Actonians Ladies slipping to 4th on the final day as they lost narrowly to AFC Wimbledon Ladies who have found their form late in the season taking 10 points from their final 4 matches to secure a top 6 finish. A 3rd straight win for Wimbledon coming away from home just the one goal in it with 2nd half substitute Becky Mclaren-Johnson scoring in the last 10 minutes for Wimbledon to seal the win. Actonians doing well after an indifferent start have grown and improved as the season has gone on and competed well in what has been a strong battle for position in the top half of the South East Division One table.
Cambridge United WFC were at home for their last game of the season and last at Mildenhall Town FC, the club serving well as their home in recent season’s off to St Neots next season. Their opponents of the final day Ipswich Town Women, both hoping to capitalise on a results late on to push into the top half of the table. Cambridge in 7th taking the lead with Amy Howlett scoring to see the hosts leading 1-0 at half-time. Ipswich fighting back to level with 20 minutes left on the clock Zoe Cossey scoring from a header to make it 1-1. Cambridge restoring the lead moments later getting up the other end Mollie Coupar scoring her 13th goal of the season to make it 2-1. A chance to go further ahead ruled off by an offside flag. Ipswich coming back for a 2nd time to level the scores with 5 minutes left to play Natasha Thomas with her 12th goal of the season making it 2-2. Drama at the death with Ipswich striking to take the lead in the final minute Abbie Lafayette scoring on her senior debut. The 3-2 result seeing Ipswich leap frog Cambridge into 7th. One more game for Ipswich this Tuesday at Portman Road as they look to continue their dominance in the competition taking on Needham Market Women.
Stevenage Ladies ending their season on a high with victory at home to bottom side Luton Town Ladies. Erin Pope heading them into the lead inside the opening minute. Amy Makewell doubling Stevenage’s advantage midway through the 1st half. A 2-0 lead at the break Stevenage going further ahead straight away in the 2nd period with Ellie Searle lobbing the keeper to make it 3-0.
A Round-Up on a Friday? What’s that all about? Well with it being a hectic start to the week the season in Suffolk finishing this Thursday evening I thought I’d wait and put it all into one final edition.
Rewind the action to Wednesday 24th April, Needham Market Women having secured a 2nd placed finish in their debut season playing their last league match of the campaign at home to Leiston St Margarets Ladies. A comfortable 4-0 lead for Needham market at half-time went on to score a further 3 goals 2nd half to end with a 7-0 victory. A fantastic first season for the club together achieving a runners-up finish pushing league winners East Bergholt United Ladies all the way, and 2 cup finals to look forwards too. Top scorer Francesca Rainbird scoring a hat-trick their were goals too for Isabel Chaplin, Nicola Henderson, Milly Carter an a first Needham market goal for Jemma Mortimer.
Playing on Thursday evening Brantham Athletic Ladies were at home to Alresford Colne Rangers in their penultimate game of the season. A high scoring game between the sides had to settle for a share of the points scoring 3 goals each. Jodie Sharp, Sophie Crabtree & Shanice Leeks scoring for Brantham up to 3rd in the table, whilst Rae Clancy, Jo Harvey & Jasmine Warner scored the goals for 5th placed Alresford Colne Rangers in what would prove to be their final match of the season with Sunday’s opponents Coplestonians Ladies forfeiting the game.
Onto Sunday, the final weekend of the season 3 matches played, with Woodbridge Town Ladies at home to Leiston St Margarets Ladies on Thursday. A 7-0 win for Needham Market in midweek as they prepared for Tuesday’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final their opponents and league champions for a 2nd successive year were ending their league season away to Leiston St Margarets. Annie Northwood, East Bergholt’s leading goal scorer this season on target for a brace in the game whilst their was a goal a piece for Stacey Teager, Cara Savage and Pippa King in a 5-1 win, East Bergholt impressive in the defence of their title losing just the one game. Looking to make it a 2nd successive league & cup double playing again on Tuesday against Needham Market in the League Cup Final.
Brantham Athletic Ladies away to Walsham Le Willows Ladies in their final game of the season getting the points they needed to be assured of a 3rd placed finish winning the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Lucy Dunnett and Lucy Elmes.
An impressive 2nd half to the season for newcomers Brettvale Ladies saw them end on a high with a crushing home win over bottom side University of Suffolk Women in their final game of the season. Tarnya McKew very much a part of their improved results the experienced striker scoring 8 goals in the match taking her to 27 goals from just 11 appearances. Brettvale winning the game 15-1 the rest of their goals spread out with Claire Turnbull, Danielle Lynch, Shaan Hayre, Georgia Lindon, Lucy Brown & Iris Gunnarsdottir all on the scoresheet along with Clara Gosling with her first goal for the club.
A win for Brantham on Sunday meaning they could not be caught by 4th placed Woodbridge Town Ladies another new comer to the league this season having an improved 2nd half to the campaign picking up some great results to climb up the table, as high as 3rd at one point are the reason I’ve kept this Round-Up till the end of the week as they were playing their final game of the season last evening at home to Leiston St Margarets Ladies. Jenna Liverpool getting the goals for Woodbridge the clubs top scorer finding the back of the net for 2 more goals to end on 21 for the season with Kiera Hines also scoring in a 3-1 win to end the season, great form too with 9 wins from their last 10 league games. Leiston St Margarets Ladies finishing the season with 3 straight defeats nevertheless finish in 6th.
Before Woodbridge & Leiston St Margarets brought the curtain down on the 2018/19 Suffolk Women’s Division season their was the League Cup to be decided Women’s Football East was their and below is the full report from the game. A larger league this campaign great to see the game growing within Suffolk the new sides all making an impact and will be interesting to see how they progress in the new season.
Tuesday 30th April
Suffolk Women’s League Cup
Needham Market Women v East Bergholt United Ladies
A 2nd final in 3 days with a trip down to Suffolk for their League Cup Final to be contested by league newcomers Needham Market Women and league champions and current holders of the cup East Bergholt United Ladies.
The Suffolk Women’s Division seeing growth this season with a host of new sides joining the league 12 in total. Needham Market Women pushing East Bergholt all the way in the title race.
A great debut season for Needham Market Women coming together in the summer, the squad building several names familiar having been part of Bacton United Ladies and Coplestonians Ladies. Hit the ground running winning their opening 5 league games matching East Bergholt’s 100% winning start, their 1st league defeat of the season at home to East Bergholt losing narrowly 3-2 Needham market nevertheless bounced back well returning the compliment with a 3-0 win against East Bergholt at the start of March that though East Bergholt’s only defeat, Needham Market losing 3 in total clinching runner-up spot, more success too in the cup competitions reaching both the finals of the League and County Cup to be played on Tues 7th May at Portman Road against Ipswich Town Women. Plenty of goals within the squad over 120 scored Francesca Rainbird top scorer with 33 goals.
East Bergholt United Ladies completing the double last season unbeaten that year on their way to the title. Their squad a blend of experience and youth players learning their game opted for another season season in Suffolk to further player development rather than move up to the regional league above. Just that one loss to Needham Market blotting their league record this season the other 21 games won. Have applied to the ERWFL for promotion along with Needham Market themselves. Annie Northwood, East Bergholt’s top scorer with 40 goals to her name this season. Both sides growing within the county which ultimately is great for the game with one side dominating for so long.
Road to the Final
Big away wins for both sides in the opening round of the League Cup, Needham Market scoring 8 without reply against Brettvale Ladies. East Bergholt with over twice that total winning 19-0 against University of Suffolk Women.
Needham Market at home in the quarter finals of the competition taking on Leiston St Margarets Ladies a 5-1 win seeing them into the last 4. East Bergholt progressing without kicking a ball awarded the away win over drawn opponents Woodbridge Town Ladies.
A strong line-up for the semi-finals of the League Cup contested by the top 4 sides in the league itself, Needham Market away to Alresford Colne Rangers, scoring twice Needham Market secured victory and a cup final appearance in their first season together. East Bergholt away to local rivals Brantham Athletic Ladies. Always a competitive game between the two sides East Bergholt came out on top to win the game 3-1 to reach a 2nd successive League Cup final.
This evening’s final taking place at Hadleigh United FC. Traffic from Swaffham through Thetford and Bury St Edmund slow going arrived later than I like but nevertheless is a picturesque part of the county. The main carpark already full the gates to the overflow carpark open the field behind the stadium filling up rapidly. A good number already there, the bar open, hot food and drinks available, a small stand filling on the other side of the pitch. A warm evening dry and clear.
East Bergholt United Ladies starting XI – Kimberley Lynch, Harriet Meers, Jess Quinsee, Deben Faiers (C), Georgia Lockerbie, Millie Wilding, Charlotte McGrath, Jess Clarke Cara Savage, Stacey Teager & Annie Northwood. Subs – Katie Bruce, Pippa King, Charlotte Warren, Ellie Nitsche & Isla Romer-Lee.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
A good crowd building prior to kick-off the overflow carpark filling up it’s Needham Market to get this season’s League Cup Final underway kicking off 1st half wearing an all red kit with East Bergholt wearing green coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Pressing the ball straight away East Bergholt make ground on the left flank winning a couple of throws the final ball played long into the seen out for a goal kick by Needham Market captain Megan Stock. East Bergholt with the ball inside Needham Market’s half early on the ball played back to centre back Georgia Lockerbie she plays it long into the area safely claimed by Needham Market goalkeeper, Amber Leeks.
Needham Market come left Francesca Rainbird driving on with the ball has support inside from Milly Carter 25 yards out she in turn plays it on central to striker Lois Balfour gets a shot away the ball racing low wide past the right post. Charlotte McGrath getting on the ball in the middle for East Bergholt passes to Cara Savage ahead of her the ball played into striker Stacey Teager she turns in behind her touch a little heavy, a race for it with the Needham market defence, Leeks coming for it but with Teager on her shoulder Amy Dunn clears it for a throw out left.
Rainbird and Carter looking to get on up the left support from full back Niamh Thomas, Harriet Meers slowing down progress for East Bergholt. Keeping possession Needham market win a free-kick out wide 25 yards out the ball whipped in towards the near post dipping, goalkeeper Kimberly Lynch meeting it on the volley to launch clear of her area. Handball spotted in the middle a free-kick given to East Bergholt the ball put forwards runners after it the ball claimed by Leeks. Rainbird a threat from the start for Needham market on the left picking the ball up and prepared to take players on getting up the line attempts to play the pass inside to Balfour outside the box, Deben Faiers captaining East Bergholt with the interception at the back.
Savage right playing the ball forwards Annie Northwood giving chase in behind, Leeks racing out of her area gets to the ball first. Millie Wilding central for East Bergholt out to Northwood making a run into the left channel into the box checks inside before sending a shot over. East Bergholt have the ball left a throw in leading to a cross, Stock winning it at the back for Needham Market.
GOAL! East Bergholt making a promising start are hit on the counter Needham Market breaking to open the scoring in the 12th minute. Faiers having played the ball up to Teager in attack Needham Market deal with the bouncing ball putting it on for Rainbird breaking on the left with Balfour coming inside Rainbird shoots from 25 yards out a low ball heading towards goal, Lynch leaving the ball thinking it’s going wide of the near post, to her dismay it creeps inside the post to see Needham Market take the lead 1-0.
Francesca Rainbird with the opening goal for Needham Market Women
East Bergholt with a free-kick wide left inside the Needham Market half Jess Clarke to play it on into the area, Leeks getting her gloves on the ball a split second before being clattered into, down Needham Market’s defence are back quickly to scramble it away. Nicola Henderson combining with Balfour as the pair enter the East Bergholt half the through ball forwards finding Rainbird running clear the flag up against her having gone too early, close mind.
Again East Bergholt have a free-kick wide left similar to the previous Clarke lifting the ball long to the far post defended headed out of the area straight to McGrath a touch to set herself then let’s fly with a shot from 20 yards out, safely held by Leeks. Rainbird is the outlet for Needham Market looking to get the ball out left whenever they have possession, a pacy dribbler of the ball her run taking her into the area forcing East Bergholt to concede the corner. Played in from the left central inside the six yard box Lynch up well to get a glove up to clear the danger. Needham Market giving away several free-kicks the East Bergholt bench complaining.
East Bergholt getting a corner on the right the deliver dropping near post met turned goalwards Leeks with a reactive save stopping the ball on the line with her legs deflecting it back out to the left put back in the keeper catching it this time. Needham Market make the first change of the game Carter the player coming off on comes Josie Haward. East Bergholt get bodies forwards left a cross delivered into the box, Stock meeting it to clear, Wilding looking to reclaim it outside the box pushed over a free-kick. 20 yards out left of the D Wilding on it goes for the shot over the bar.
The ball played on up the right by Amber Sparkes, Balfour and Faiers in a race for it, Lynch out well to the right corner of her area to slide in claim the ball. A corner won on the right East Bergholt bring players forwards the 1st ball in defended near post back with east Bergholt on the right flank the 2nd ball in attacked by Teager and Lockerbie near post the ball headed over the bar. East Bergholt with their first switch of the game Katie Bruce on fr Savage. Build up play on the left McGrath over to support Clarke, Jess Quinsee bombing forwards from full back, Needham Market preventing a cross.
Needham Market with a free-kick on the left played into the box, McGrath back defending heading the ball out of the area drops straight to Rainbird positioned top of the D, her shot whistling over the crossbar. Half an hour played a 2nd change for East Bergholt Wilding the player off on comes Charlotte Warren. Faiers and Lockerbie winning the ball as Needham Market look to get Balfour away in behind, Rainbird and Sparkes getting on up the wings. Another free-kick awarded Faiers adjudged to have brought down Balfour 30 yards out looked a tangle of legs. Balfour on the set-piece a great ball in on target, Lynch with a terrific save the merest of touches to tip the ball onto the bar and away behind for the corner. Lynch up at her back post making a confident claim from the corner.
Kimberly Lynch making the save
Northwood with a shot 25 yards out left sends it wide across the box. Elysia Young putting the ball on for Rainbird to chase into the box keeping it in play Lockerbie gets across to tackle. Young into an advanced position supporting Rainbird attacking left the pass squared to Young looks to play Balfour into the box, Faiers reading it cutting the ball out for East Bergholt.
GOAL! Less than five minutes of the 1st half left to play East Bergholt break away to score the equaliser, McGrath getting hold of the ball on halfway with a fantastic ball forwards, the Needham Market defence static as Northwood breaks in behind no flag runs on into the box one on one with the keeper Leeks staying big, Northwood putting the ball wide of her left to find the back of the net 1-1.
Rainbird full of running making a nuisance of herself pressing the east Bergholt defence 25 yards out the ball popping loose to Young getting forwards she sees a shot drop wide of the mark. Ellie Nitsche entering the game late in the first half for East Bergholt as they press the attack late on. The ball played right sees Leeks beaten as she comes for it the ball cleared away by the back tracking defence, light fading fast the half-time whistle blows. All square at the break.
Half-time Needham Market Women 1-1 East Bergholt United Ladies
An entertaining first half a vocal crowd spurring both sides on the best attendance I’ve seen for a Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final, 400 plus. East Bergholt with the early pressure, Needham Market though with the early goal however. Working hard in defence East Bergholt getting more players forwards when they attack, Rainbird a threat on the left wing looking to create something more often than not. East Bergholt drawing level late in the first half. set up perfectly for the 2nd period, the lights on now.
Needham Market with a change at the start of the 2nd half Emily Steward on for Balfour in attack. East Bergholt to get the 2nd half underway. Straight on the attack the ball pushed on through the middle Nitsche looking to race away in behind the Needham Market centre backs close Maria Smith putting in the challenge the ball scrambled away. East Bergholt pressing high the ball won inside the final 3rd lifted into the area right side six yards out Stock grappling with Teager to win the ball comes straight to Nitsche outside the box a shot struck back in pace and power smashes against the crossbar!
GOAL! East Bergholt capitalising on their fast start to the 2nd half the ball played in through the middle sees Nitsche burst clear of the defence this time carrying it into the area she slot a shot past the keeper to put East Bergholt into the lead. 2-1.
A sluggish start to the 2nd half from Needham market not switched on, Sparkes looking to get an attack going on the right, Quinsee in to make the challenge a corner conceded. Lockerbie defending the ball put in to the near post area. Young with the ball at her feet 20 yards out sees a shot charged down. A corner won for Needham Market on the left the ball defended near post back with the taker up the line top of the area rolled inside to Henderson she has a go driving a shot wide.
Needham Market’s Nicola Henderson
East Bergholt get Teager away left side to attack the box, Leeks out to meet her sliding in the ball not claimed Teager spotting Nitsche free 25 yards out central drags a shot wide. East Bergholt keeping a closer watch on Rainbird the ball not getting to her as much as it did in the first half. Clarke with Bruce and McGrath closing the ball down well further up the pitch. Lynch confident as she rushes out to the right of her box to slide in a claim the ball with Sparkes attacking.
East Bergholt United Ladies, Charlotte McGrath
Nitsche lively in attack causing Needham Market a few problems away on the right sends a ball into Teager top of the area catching it first time deflects it towards goal, straight at Leeks. Changes for both sides Carter back on for Needham Market. Isla Romer-Lee on for East Bergholt. Dunn defending an East Bergholt free-kick played into the box. A fluid attacking move from East Bergholt as they come very close to adding a 3rd goal. Starting with McGrath central on to Nitsche linking with Teager 25 yards out the ball out to Romer-Lee int space right lays the ball back into the middle for McGrath driving on into the box she shoots putting the ball across the keeper runs narrowly wide of the post.
Romer-Lee cutting inside from the right passing to Nitsche she tries to pick out Teager at the far post, Thomas defending for Needham Market. McGrath with another storming midfield run into the box, Dunn shielding the ball out for the goal kick. An injury blow for Needham Market as Stock going up to win an aerial challenge, lands awkwardly appearing to twist her knee, clearly in alot of pain the trainer on straight away play stopped as she requires lengthy treatment, wearing a knee brace is in alot of pain. Up gingerly cannot continue Jemma Mortimer heading on to take her place in the back line.
A double change for East Bergholt, Wilding returning to the field along with Pippa King on for Teager. Carter linking with Rainbird as they get forwards on the left the latter crossing to Steward out towards the far post she looks to cushion it down for Carter central, the defence intercepting and getting it away for East Bergholt. King with the ball attacking left high into the box for Nitsche 8 yards out connects with the ball not enough on it to beat Leeks in goal. East Bergholt with alot more of the attack 2nd half, Needham Market pushed back defending just the one goal in it still.
Savage back on for East Bergholt, Jemma Wessels on in place of Carter for Needham Market. The final entering the last 10 minutes. A free-kick won on the left as Rainbird is brought down outside the area, Wessels on it plays the ball long to the far post Lynch up well reaching up to make the claim caught lands heavily but okay. East Bergholt counter attack Romer-Lee clear on the right a Needham Market commit players forwards busting into the area she puts the ball low across the keeper her shot coming back off the base of the post.
Amy Trenter on for Needham Market. East Bergholt strong late on winning the midfield battle McGrath breaking it on. Northwood back on for Nitsche as Needham Market are forced back late on, Smith tackling to regain possession inside her box. Rainbird getting away left into the corner playing a cross into the area Faiers back in her six yard box winning the header. The final whistle blows and East Bergholt celebrate winning the League Cup and completing the double for a 2nd successive season.
Full time Needham Market Women 2-1 East Bergholt United Ladies
An entertaining final watched by a passionate and supportive crowd a good atmosphere and close result between the sides. All square after the 1st half, East Bergholt had much more of the attack in the 2nd period pressing the ball higher and preventing the ball getting into Needham Markets attacking players scoring early in the 2nd half a 3rd goal would have made thing’s more comfortable but it din’t come, Needham Market though unable to find a clinical goal scoring chance up the other end.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances of note, firstly for Needham Market, Francesca Rainbird was a constant threat especially in the first half. Megan Stock captain marshalling her defence well making some important tackles. For East Bergholt Ellie Nitsche was a danger in attack pacy with great movement and positional sense. The award though goes to East Bergholt’s Charlotte McGrath the midfield superb throughout the game winning the ball centrally, setting up attacks some fantastic runs forwards.
East Bergholt United Ladies, 2018/19 Suffolk Women’s League Cup winners (picture East Bergholt United Ladies)
Congratulations to East Bergholt United Ladies on this evenings success and completing the double double.
Arriving late at the ground I didn’t feel prepared but the help I got from both sides plus Mandy from the Suffolk Girls & Women’s Football league plus a cheeseburger put me at ease, a busy start to the week 2 finals in 3 days both thoroughly enjoyable however, tired now but next up it’s 4 finals in 4 days! As daunting as that sounds I’m really looking forwards to it. Thanks to all for their help this evening.
