Frontiers Ladies beat Premier Division leaders Leigh Ramblers last time out to close the gap to a point, since awarded a home win, moved above them, and with Leigh Ramblers not in action this Sunday had the chance to go further ahead as they hosted 3rd placed side Harlow Town Ladies Development. A local derby, Harlow’s young side have been unlucky with injuries, a good test for both sides. Frontiers coming out on top to win the 3 points and go 5 points clear at the top of the table. Anna Freeman scoring a brace, with a goal for Charley Sandford in a 3-0 win. Harlow losing for just the 2nd time in the league this season.
That defeat allowing 4th placed Chelmsford City Ladies to move level on points with Harlow as they secured the 3 points at home to Silver End United Ladies on Sunday. Tyler Christou getting her 1st goal since rejoining the club, Aimee Gannon also on target for Chelmsford for her 1st goal of the season scoring from the penalty spot. Chelmsford winning 2-0.
5th placed Collier Row Tigers are just two points behind Harlow & Chelmsford with games in hand on both. Were on the road this Sunday playing bottom side Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves. A close contest between the sides Collier Row Tigers edging the result with a 3-2 win. Emily Dempsey scoring her 8th goal of the season, Helen Moreira also celebrating a goal along with a 1st of the season for Fran Pridie. Brentwood remain without a point at the bottom of the Premier Division their goals from Lauren Knight plus an own goal.
A hat-trick from Emily Pert helped to secure the home win for Southend United Ladies on Sunday in their Premier Division game with Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Pert with 12 now for the season. Lily Halliday also getting a goal for Southend, with Amber Popham and Louise Lawrence scoring for the first time this season in a 6-1 victory. Jo Smeaton the goalscorer for Beacon Hill Rovers.
Essex Women’s Division One
Billericay Town Ladies Reserves maintain their 6 point lead at the top of the Essex Women’s Division One table with their 15th league win of the season this Sunday away to FC Clacton Ladies. Have lost just the once this season fielded the bare 11 this Sunday, it was enough to secure the 3 points with 2 goals scored without reply, a 4th goal of the season each for Anna-Maria Rains and Kelsey Smith.
Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies in 2nd place in the Essex Women’s Division One table also picked up another 3 point haul this Sunday away from home against Belhus Ladies. Both Grace Tebb-Reading and Juliet Thomas completing a hat-trick in the game for the visitors, Jodie Barden also getting a goal as well as a first of the season for Gracei Robinson in an 8-1 victory. Danni Jennings with her 11th of the season on target for Belhus.
8-1 was also the winning score at home for 4th placed Rayleigh Town Ladies this Sunday in their league match with Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves. Captain Isabella Wallings getting another goal to move to 41 for the season for Rayleigh. Holly Gash top scoring in the game with a hat-trick moves onto 18 for the season. 18 goals to for Eleasha Reeves now as she chalked up a brace on Sunday. There was also a brace for new signing Nancy Bulter making her first start for Rayleigh netting two goals on her debut. Rebecca Dalgarno with the goal for Leigh Ramblers. Rayleigh remain 4th some 15 points behind 2nd placed Dagenham & Redbridge but have a total of 6 games in hand.
Runwell Sports Ladies are 5th in the Division One table were at home this Sunday taking on Chigwell Ladies the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time Runwell Sports getting the better of their opponents in the 2nd half winning the game 4-2. Runwell Sports’ goals scored by Victoria Martin and Autumn Ranger. Aaryanna Simonelli with a goal too the clubs top goalscorer now with 17 for the season, whilst it was a 1st goal of the season for Anna Winfield. Jessica MacNab with both the goals for Chigwell.
Plenty of goals too in the final match from Essex with bottom sides meeting Island Ladies at home to Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves on Sunday in Division One. 8 goals shared between them the pair taking a point each from the game drawing 4-4 at the final whistle. Charlotte Stelmaszyk with a brace for Chelmsford, Rebecca Lucy also on the scoresheet with Jemma Debrick scoring her 1st Chelmsford goal. Olivia McDonnell getting her first goal of the season for Island this Sunday on the scoresheet along with Jess Bowen, Ebonnie Williams and Sarah McDonnell.
A lovely weekend for football in Cambridgeshire as it was across the whole of the country. The Women’s League Cup competition reaching the knockout stages with 3 of the 4 quarter finals taking place this weekend. The 8 sides coming through the group stages finishing 1st or 2nd in their group to progress a number of Championship sides amongst the last 8.
Ketton Ladies with a 100% record leading the Championship North were away this Sunday a tough challenge in the League Cup were taking on Premiership side Cambridge City Ladies Development. Ketton are full of confidence right now, Cambridge City keen to lift some silverware this season vying for the title in their own league. It turned out to be a close game with just a single goal settling it. Bella Simmons with the all important goal to send Cambridge City Ladies into the last 4 of the competition.
An all Premiership clash saw March Town Ladies at home to Cambridge University Women in the quarter finals of the League Cup this Sunday. Nothing to separate the sides at half-time with the scores level at 1-1. Emma Searle with her 7th of the season scoring for March. Cambridge University going on to score two more goals in the 2nd period to win the game 3-1 to advance into the semi-finals. Amanda Wainwright on target for her 7th of the season with Lu Liu also on the scoresheet along with a first goal for the club for Freja Ekman.
In the other League Cup quarter final match played this weekend it was raining goals between Championship South leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies fighting with Ketton Ladies for the Championship North title. Wisbech struggling with players injured playing with 11 sometimes 10 dug deep against Haverhill the sides drawing 3-3 after 90 minutes, the extra-time that followed no less dramatic with a further 6 goals scored. Wisbech edging Haverhill out in the dramatic encounter winning through to the semi-finals with a 7-5 victory. Sophie Swinden finding the back of the net for 4 goals, Leah Hall, Chloe Stanborough and captain Faye Kowalewsky also getting a goal each. Joeli Kirby, Haverhill’s top scorer netting a brace, along with captain Amy Evans with Julie Brown also scoring.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup
One other cup game playing in the county this Sunday saw Premiership side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds Ladies at home playing Burwell Tigers Ladies from the Championship South in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup. A brace each for Marie Stubbings and Sharon Pinner as well as a goal for Katie Luddy seeing Fulbourn ease through to the next round with a 5-1 victory.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
One league game played in Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday with 3rd placed side Cardea Ladies travelling to play Hungate Rovers Ladies. Captain Laura Rudd putting the visitors into the lead inside 5 minutes. Hungate coming back to level the scores 10 minutes later. Cardea retaking the lead in the final minute of the 1st half with Jessica O’Sullivan scoring. A good start to the 2nd half saw Cardea go 3-1 up with Nicola Anderson getting on the scoresheet. Hungate pulled it back to 3-2 with 53 minutes played, Cardea soon regaining their 2 goal lead with Courtney Coles making her 1st start making it 4-2. Hungate ensuring a nervy finish to the game as they got it back to 4-3 with 15 minutes left Cardea holding on for the win and 3 points a 2nd successive league win seeing them move 4 points clear of 4th placed Wisbech St Mary Ladies.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
One game played too in the Championship South, which sees Cambridge Rangers WFC up to 2nd in the table going 3 points clear of St Ives Town Development with a 4th successive league win. Were at home taking on Isleham United Ladies for the 2nd successive week. A 5-1 win last weekend, an even better scoreline this weekend the 3 points won courtesy of an 8-0 result. Lauren Lock with one goal to her name before the game putting the ball past the keeper for 4 goals this Sunday. A hat-trick too for Vanessa Martinez with Zoe Newberg also on the scoresheet celebrating her first Cambridge Rangers goal.
The weather put pay to the Suffolk Women’s League Cup semi-finals a fortnight ago, no chance this weekend with glorious weather it was a strong line-up in the last 4 of the competition with the top 4 in the league itself reaching the semi-finals.
League leaders East Bergholt United Ladies with a 100% record at the top were away taking on 4th placed Brantham Athletic Ladies. East Bergholt the League Cup holders looking to reach the final for the 3rd successive season.Tasted defeat for the 1st time this season last weekend losing to Needham Market Women in the County Cup quarter finals. It was another close game this weekend against Brantham. Goals from Jessica Clark, Charlotte McGrath and top scorer Annie Northwood securing a 3-1 victory for East Bergholt to see them into the final.
A close game too in the other Suffolk Women’s League Cup semi-final between to sides looking to reach it for the first time 2nd placed Needham Market Women away to 3rd placed Alresford Colne Rangers. Needham Market going into the game on a high after their County Cup success last weekend, Alresford proving a tough nut to crack the sides going in goalless at the break. Needham Market getting the break through in the 2nd period Lois Balfour with her 15th of the season and Amber Sparkes netting her 16th goal of the campaign seeing Needham market win the game 2-0 to reach a final in their debut season in women’s football.
Suffolk Women’s Division
There were also two league matches played this Sunday in the Suffolk Women’s Division and the results see another new side nudge there way into the top 4 of the table. It was a 4th straight league win with 5 games unbeaten overall for Woodbridge Town Ladies. Were at home to Brightlingsea Regent Ladies at the weekend. A slender 1-0 lead at half-time the hosts went on to score 3 more in the 2nd half to win the game 4-0 and move ahead of Brantham Athletic Ladies. Top scorer Jenna Liverpool scoring her 13th goal of the season for Woodbridge, Sophie Crane was also on target with her 7th. Natasha Williams and Kirsten Spooner both getting a goal a piece.
Another new name in the league enjoying a good run of form in 2019 are Brettvale Ladies. Strengthening their squad recently. Were at home to Walsham Le Willows Ladies on Sunday. A competitive game between the sides. Olivia Hodges and Norma Locker finding the back of the net for Walsham Le Willows, Brettvale edging them out scoring 3 up the other end at the final whistle. 3-2 to Brettvale their 4th win of the season.
All about the Cup this weekend in Norfolk with both the semi-finals of the Ladies League Cup & quarter finals of the Plate competition taking place this Sunday.
Sprowston Lades are the current League Plate holders winning their 1st piece of silverware in women’s football last season. That and a runners-up position in Division One. This season have climbed into 2nd place in the Division One table and through to the last 4 of the League Cup. Were drawn away in the semi-finals to Division Two leaders Taverham United Women, a young side very much in the mould of Sprowston, unbeaten in their debut season in woman’s football. Came up against a Sprowston side that is beginning to find a bit of form and scoring plenty of goals too. Top scorer Victoria Leyer scoring 4 goals in the match moving onto 25 for the season two more than she scored in the whole of last season. Abby Hutchin also claiming a hat-trick in the semi-final for Sprowston has 9 now for the campaign with captain Calista Tink also finding the back of the net for a goal in an 8-1 win to see Sprowston confidently into the League Cup Final.
Sprowston’s opponents in the League Cup Final will be Division Two side Tavern Ladies after the Dereham based side pulled of something of an upset by knocking out Division One leaders Thorpe United Ladies in this Sunday’s semi-final game. The game at Scarning playing field Tavern Ladies home pitch (and once home to the deadliest slide in the county, but I was 6-years-old I loved it!) Tavern in good form going into the game scoring plenty of goals Katie Hart-Copsey with 35 from 11 before kick-off. Thorpe missing several through injury with others unavailable. The scores level at the break with both sides scoring 1-1 Tavern went on to snatch themselves a winning goal and reach their first ever final, Hart-Copsey with her 36th of the season and Emily Bell with her first seeing the Division Two side cause the upset. Eloise Peek on target for Thorpe who crashed out of their 2nd cup semi-final in as many weeks.
Katie Hart-Copsey in prolific form for Tavern Ladies this season
Norfolk Ladies League Plate
The Norfolk Ladies League Plate competition at the quarter finals stage, the last 8 throwing up 4, Division One versus Division Two ties with the Division One sides all coming out on top to book their place in the last 4 of the competition on Sunday.
The Beccles Town Ladies squad were well rested going into their home quarter final tie against Bulldogs Ladies on Sunday having not played a competitve match since the middle of December! This has given them a chance to get a few back from injury and they got 2019 off to a winning start with a 4-0 win to book their place in the semi-finals with Lucy Robbens netting twice along with goals from Megan Vincent and a first of the season for Victoria Ottey. The game ending on a sad note abandoned through injury following a collision between Beccles goalkeeper Chloe Pearce and Bulldogs captain Emma Johnson, wishing both players all the best for a full and speedy recovery.
*NB – Have been informed due to this game being abandoned due to the above incident the game between Beccles Town and Bulldogs Ladies will now be replayed a date to be set in due course.
Long Stratton Women from Division Two were in good form going into their quarter final tie at home to Aylsham Ladies on Sunday. The Division One side in need of a positive start after a difficult beginning to 2019, got it with goals from Amber Mayhew and Vicky Lubbock plus first Aylsham goal for both Katrina Carman and Emma Allsopp in a 4-1 victory to see the Division One side reach the last 4 of the Plate.
Sprowston Athletic Ladies won 6-1 away to Division Two side Gorleston Rangers Ladies last Sunday to book their place in the quarter finals of the Ladies Plate competition. This Sunday were away once again taking on Division Two opponents, Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies. Melissa Belsey scoring her 1st ever hat-trick, along with goals from Rachel Bussey and a 1st of the season for Nicole Read seeing Sprowston Athletic reach the semi-finals courtesy of a 5-1 win.
Also reaching the last 4 of the Ladies League Plate competition are Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. Were away to Division Two side Thetford Town Ladies in the quarter finals. Sally Hammerton moving into double figures for the season for Wymondham scoring 5 goals in the match. Wymondham comfortably winning with Chelsea Pettifer and Hannah Claughton also getting a goal each along with Gabriella Stone getting her 1st goal of the season in an 8-0 win.
Cambridge City Ladies strengthen their grip at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division as they open up a 9 point lead at the top of the table with victory at home to 2nd placed Acle United Women on Sunday. The Norfolk making the journey needing to close the six point gap their opponents had opened up if they wanted to keep their own title ambititions alive. The Norfolk side coming up against a side that has dropped just 2 league points to date, Cambridge City have a strong side with goal throughout the attack, Shannon Shaw starting getting a goal Cambridge City’s other goalscorers starting on the bench with Sarah Mosley, Carla Penny & Bella Simmons all adding to their tally’s with a goal a piece in a 4-0 win.
A weekend off for 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies, it was an opportunity for the 4th & 5th placed sides Wymondham Town Ladies & Peterborough Northern Star Ladies to close the gap as they met at the Branch Bros Stadium on Sunday. Women’s Football East was there too to watch the encounter. Wymondham reaching their 3rd successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final last weekend travelling to Peterborough. Northern Star Ladies losing just once on the opening day have games in hand on the sides above. Were without a few this Sunday with just the bare 11 available. Hannah Waters with a chance to put Wymondham into the lead first half. Wymondham goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan twice denying Peterborough.
Goalless at half-time Peterborough hit the ground running 2nd half Cassie Steward with two well taken strikes putting the hosts into a 2-0 inside 55 minutes. Soon after a coming together and subsequent fall saw Peterborough attacker Georgia Coulson fall and suffer a nasty wrist injury. A lengthy delay followed as she received on the pitch treatment. A fractured wrist suffered Peterborough with no replacement continuing with 10 almost half an hour later. Took a while for both sides to settle, Peterborough not sitting back on their lead tried to get out attack take the game to Wymondham, their top scorer Laura Nicholls played into a shooting position top of the area by Mollie O’Callaghan fired home to reduce the deficit then with the clock running down Hannah Waters running in behind was pulled down inside the Peterborough box, Nicholls with a powerful penalty levelling the scores with her 2nd of the game. The points shared.
Bedford Ladies were at home to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies on Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division 6th & 7th both sides with 21 points going into the game. A 100% winning record for Bedford in all competitions since December their good form continued this weekend as they won the match 2-0 scoring a goal in each half to move 3 points clear of their opponents. Lauren Murray with her 4th goal in 3 appearances for Bedford and Joanne Makin in her 1st start of the season scoring the goals.
At last it’s a win for Haringey Borough Women, 3 points on the board winning at home to fellow strugglers AFC Dunstable Ladies this Sunday. Has been a tough period for the club following a tough season in the FAWNL after losing a good portion of their promotion winning squad the new side has had a difficult baptism have stuck together and can finally celebrate a league win and 3 points, climb off the bottom of the Premier Division table too. AFC Dunstable Ladies travelling with a reduced squad again just the bare 11. Battled well scoring twice in the game with Stephanie Fisher netting her 1st of the season and Alex Chitwell making her debut also scoring. Haringey Borough scoring twice as many up the other end to win the game, Brooke Hills making her 1st start scoring a goal with Seren Ahmet, Aaliyah Boyea & Sandeep Tak all celebrating a goal in a 4-2 win.
ERWFL Division One
St Ives Town Ladies open up a 7 point lead at the top of ERWFL Division One the newly promoted side at home to defending champions Stevenage Ladies Reserves this Sunday. St Ives unbeaten since joining the league this season coming out on top in a competitve game with Stevenage, St Ives coming out on top to win their 12th game of the season 3-0 thanks to goals from top scorer Tierney Coulson, Georgia Stancombe and Harriet Ford.
Newmarket Town Ladies promoted along with St Ives Town Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership are also enjoying a great 1st season in the ERWFL up to 3rd in the table were at home on Sunday looking to consolidate their league position, knew they had a tough game ahead with Hertford Town Ladies the visitors unbeaten in their last 4 including draws with St Ives Town & 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Brooke Wickens charging down the ball opening the scoring in the 25th minute for Newmarket. Hertford pulling the scores level before half-time. Newmarket were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the 2nd half Laura Bailey firing it home to put the hosts back into the lead. The 3 points secured in the final minute with Sarah O’Rourke put through on goal to see Newmarket win the game 3-1.
Fifth placed Hutton Ladies were away this Sunday up against Bishops Stortford Ladies in ERWFL Division One. A lively game against the bottom side that saw plenty of goals scored. Bishops Stortford able to name 3 subs for the game finding the back of the net for 3 goals with captain Broghan McHale netting a hat-trick. Hutton have Vicky Kinsman leading their line this season and she is closing in on 40 goals for the season already with another brace at the weekend. A brace too for Sally Appleton along with a goal for Kayleigh Franklin seeing Hutton run out 5-3 winners.
Elsewhere in Division One the points were shared on Sunday. Fresh from securing a place in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, King’s Lynn Town Ladies travelled to Cambridgeshire at the weekend to play Histon Ladies. Georgia Day scoring for the hosts with Rochelle Woods on target for King’s Lynn with her 9th goal of the season in a 1-1 draw.
1-1 too between Lawford Ladies and Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday in Division One. The hosts playing for 80 minutes with 10 players after Harriet Young was sent off. Ex-Lawford player Jasmine Cox scoring for Hatfield Peverel against her old club. Captain Daisy Canny netting her 14th of the season for Lawford, the points shared.
Perfect weather for the final weekend of February last year we had the Beast from the East this time around it was positively tropical in comparison with bright sunshine and warm temperatures far from the expected for this time of year and no one was complaining.
Sad news too with many clubs up and down the country pausing before their matches in memory of Jordan Dawes who passed away after losing her brief battle with liver cancer. The 18-year-old goalkeeper life all too short, touched many in that time, a great smile, a talented goalkeeper whose previous clubs include Charlton Athletic Women and Kent United. A life taken too soon rest in peace Jordan.
A tribute picture for Jordan Dawes produced by Kent Football United
FAWNL Cup
Plenty of action across all leagues this Sunday, we begin the action in the FAWNL. One remaining game to be played in the last 8 of the FAWNL Cup. Crawley Wasps Ladies still with a 100% league record leading the way in South East Division One travelling once again to play Coventry United Ladies, themselves with an unbeaten record laying 2nd in the Southern Premier Division. The two sides having met already one this season at the start of 2019 in the FA Women’s Cup, Crawley Wasps winning the game 2-1 to knock their higher league opponents out of the competition.
This Sunday’s quarter final tie no less competitive the dead lock broken with 37 minutes on the clock Kemina Webber who had already seen an effort ruled off for offside fed the ball inside the box and slotting home to make it 1-0. That the advantage for Crawley at the break. Coventry pushing for a reply early in the 2nd half, Beth Merrick getting the equaliser with a looping header back across the face of goal to make it 1-1 with nearly an hour played. Merrick coming close with a strike over the bar moments later. Crawley winning a corner up the other end Naomi Cole sending the ball long to the far post Darcey James with the header to send the ball back in and restore the visitors lead. Defending it was a repeat of the FA Cup game with Crawley winning 2-1 to reach the last 4 and will be at home to Bolton Wanderers Ladies this coming Sunday a place in the final for the winners.
FAWNL Plate
Like the FAWNL Cup their was one outstanding quarter final tie left in the Plate competition with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies at home taking on South West Division One side Keynsham Town Ladies. The visitors getting themselves into the lead midway through the 1st half. The Southern Premier Division side getting themselves back on level terms before the break with Leanna Doyle putting Leah Cudone through on goal to make it 1-1. Both sides with chances 2nd half Keynsham rattling the woodwork, the game entering the final 20 minutes the visitors were awarded a free-kick 20 yards out scored to retake the lead. The clock rapidly running down Milton Keynes levelled the scores at the death to force the game into extra-time Amy Gooderham with the goal. The hosts coming close to winning the game in the extra period it remained 2-2 to head into a penalty shootout. 3-3 after the regulation 5 into sudden death, Emma Kirby saving for Milton Keynes. Alice Hughes scored to send them through 5-4. Milton Keynes at home to Liverpool Feds Women in the semi-finals this coming Sunday.
FAWNL Southern Premier Division
Six league wins in a row now for Cardiff City Ladies in the Southern Premier Division as the 3rd placed side won at home this Sunday in the process seeing league leaders Chichester City Ladies suffer back to back defeats. The damage done in the opening half hour the Welsh side getting themselves into a 3-0 lead with Emma Jones scoring a hat-trick. Her 1st on 6 minutes the 2nd quickly followed by the 3rd midway through the 1st half. Jess Lewry pulling it back to 3-1 late in the 1st half. That was how the scores remained going into the final 5 minutes, a 30 yard strike from Chloe Jones securing the win for Cardiff, despite Cherelle Khassel getting a goal for Chichester in the 88th minute. A 4-2 win for Cardiff in 3rd position leading the chasing pack close the gap to Chichester to 5 points with two games in hand.
Is a 3 way tie of 28 points in 3rd, 4th & 5th in the Southern Premier Division table with Oxford United Women another form side in 4th position 5 wins in a row in the league themselves now unbeaten in 7 to climb the table. Were at home to Gillingham FC Ladies this Sunday, another close game a single goal winning the game coming from Florence Fyfe her 9th goal of the season seeing her become joint top scorer with Emily Allen winning the game 1-0 for Oxford.
Points dropped in recent games had seen Watford FC Ladies slip from 3rd to 5th. Have bounced back with an unbeaten run of 3 matches in the Southern Premier Division. 7 points collected in that time the latest 3 points coming away to Loughborough Foxes Women this Sunday. Watford coming back from trailing 1-0 at half-time to win the game 2-1 with a winning goal 6 minutes from time. Rebecca Mcgrother putting Loughborough 1-0 up in the 1st half. Helen Ward equalising for Watford 12 minutes into the 2nd half with her 17th goal of the season. The winner struck late on Alysha Stojko-Down scoring her first goal of the season to see the visitors return home with the 3 points.
A 7 goal thriller in the other game played in the Southern Premier Division at the weekend with 2nd bottom side Queens Park Rangers Women travelling down to the South West to play Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Zoe Cunningham putting the hosts into the lead in the 12th minute the advantage short-lived with QPR levelling moments later through Jo Wilson. 3 minutes later QPR were in front themselves Wilson striking again to make it 2-1. Jessie Jones bringing it back to 2-2 for Plymouth on the half hour. 2-2 at half-time. Cunningham with her 2nd of the match putting Plymouth back into the lead in the 56th minute. The game entering the final 10 minutes Mollie Taylor extended the home sides lead to make it 4-2, but again QPR responded with a quick reply Wilson on target scoring her 3rd ad completing a hat-trick setting up a tense finish to the game Plymouth holding on however to win the game 4-3.
FAWNL South East Division One
4 games in South East Division One this Sunday. Crawley Wasps leading the way involved in the League Cup it was another opportunity for 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies to close the gap on them to 4 points. Were away to Stevenage Ladies this Sunday. In need of the points themselves have a growing injury list despite that put in a good defensive display to keep thier opponents at bay, goalkeeper Hannah Vandersluis pulling off a number of saves. Hit the post up the other end Amy Josland with the strike. Billericay are scoring goals and have a number of prolific players in their side the Essex side getting in front on the hour Zoe Rushen finding the back of the net. It wasn’t until the final minute that the 3 points were secured Sam Pittuck with the strike to see the game won 2-0. Billericay have played 2 more than Crawley.
In 3rd position in the South East Division One table Actonians Ladies are now unbeaten in 8 games in all competitions. A long trip up to Norfolk this Sunday to take on Norwich City Ladies in the league. A lively start to the match with Carla Williams firing Actonians into a 5th minute lead. Norwich hitting back straight away with Chelsea Garrett firing home to make it 1-1 in the 7th minute. Alessandra Barreca has been Actonians main goal threat in recent seasons and her 19th strike of the season in the 21st minute saw the visitors leading 2-1 at half-time. Kate Parsons introduced to the action for Norwich in the 57th minute she levelled the scores at 2-2 with the game entering the final 20 minutes. Actonians were soon back in front Barreca with her 2nd of the match and 20th of the season scoring what would prove to be the winning.
Leyton Orient WFC had suffered 3 straight defeats in the league going into this Sunday’s away trip to Mildenhall Town FC to play Cambridge United Women. The hosts taking the lead through a fantastic 25 yard strike from Amber Cantwell. Sophie Le Marchand always a threat on the attack for Leyton Orient put in behind the defence levelling the scores before half-time. The visitors going on to win the game by a single goal scoring again in the 2nd half, Egle Trezzi in midfield playing the ball on for Suaila Cardoso Queni running across the back line top of the area slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Leyton Orient up a place to 4th position.
Leyton Orient WFC’s Sophie Le Marchand
Luton Town Ladies had found themselves adrift at the bottom of the South East Division One table a tough season to date just 4 points on the board going into the week. Earned a useful point against a much improved Enfield Town Ladies with a battling 0-0 draw at Enfield on Wednesday night. This weekend were away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies. The hosts enduring a run of 4 straight defeats in all competitions going into the game. Luton started well captain Zara Carroll firing home from a free-kick to put the visiting side 1-0 up inside 3 minutes. Dionne Manning rounding the keeper to make it 2-0 inside the opening 15 minutes. Manning with the assist on the half hour for substitute Remi Bains to score. 3-0 up at half-time. Katie Stanley pulling a goal back for Wimbledon midway through the 2nd half. Jess McKay found the bottom corner in the closing minutes to see Luton win the game 4-1 just their 2nd win of the season and close the gap to Denham it 2 points, both Stevenage and Cambridge in danger of getting dragged into the battle at the bottom now on 14 points each.
The league action scarce this weekend in the Beds & Herts Women’s leagues with 7 ties outstanding in the 2nd Round of The Chris Renshaw Cup. Last week saw a 3 way tie at the top of Division One with 3 sides all on 19 points, Northwood Ladies top on goal difference. Now it’s a 4 way tie with Houghton Athletic Ladies joining the top 3 on 19 points in the table. The only match in the division on Sunday seeing Houghton Athletic away to Northwood. The hosts having just the 10 players available for the match. Houghton Athletic able to name five on the bench. Northwood with a valiant effort Emma Steele getting on the scoresheet with a goal Houghton Athletic found the back of their opponents net for 3 goals to with the game. Rachel Spendelow, Ciara Craig and Emily Wilson with her 12th of the season the goalscorers.
One other match in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One on Sunday saw 5th placed St Albans Ladies away to Sherrardswood Ladies. a 6-0 win for St Albans seeing them just 2 points behind the 4 way tie above. Ellen Slater opening the scoring for St Albans in the 13th minute. Goals from Eleanor Lovelock and Michaela Lovelock on the half hour saw the visitors 3-0 up at half-time. Carys Baker making it 4-0 in the 56th minute her first goal for St Albans. Two further goals were scored in the last 5 minutes of the game with Lovelock getting her 2nd and Lauren Croucher on target for her first St Albans goal.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
There was the one league game played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two this Sunday with league leaders Hitchin Belles at home to 4th placed Letchworth Garden City Eagles. A close contest between the sides, Lottie Cartwright and Natalie Moey were on the scoresheet for Letchworth. Amy Jack with her 14th & 15th goals of the season scoring a brace for Hitchin Belles, Keira How adding another goal to move into double figures herself for the season in a 3-2 win that see’s Hitchin Belles open up a 5 point lead at the top of the table.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
One game played too in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three this Sunday with Kempston Rovers Ladies back in action after a month with a game at home to AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies. A strong performance from the visitors seeing them run up a large score and move up into 3rd place in the table as a result. Kimberlee Aldred netting a hat-trick in the match there was a brace too for top scorer Chloe Urbanowicz taking her onto 16 for the season. Goals too for Bex Cray and Zara Garrad with Abigale Young making her 1st start for the club scoring on her debut in an 8-0 win.
The Chris Renshaw Cup
The weather playing havoc with the competition over the past couple of weeks at last all 7 of the remaining 2nd Round ties from this season’s Chris Renshaw Cup were played on Sunday. Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses the only side to book a quarter final spot before this weekend.
Division One side, Sharnbrook WFC were hosting Division Two title chasers Hitchin Town Ladies this Sunday in the 2nd Round of the competition. A goal from Hitchin Town captain Emma Chaffey plus a brace from Louise Gash securing a 3-1 win for the visitors to see them advance to the quarter finals. Mel Harradine getting the goal for Sharnbrook.
Both Garston Ladies sides were at home in the 2nd Round of The Chris Renshaw Cup. Garston Ladies 1st team were taking on Division Two side Evergreen Eagles. The visitors short on numbers Garston struggling for form in Division One advancing with a comfortable result in the finish Jane Hales scoring 5 goals in the game with Lucy Zecchin also on the scoresheet in a 7-0 win.
Likewise Garston Ladies 2nd XI are at the wrong end of Division One were taking on Royston Town Ladies Development this Sunday in the Cup. The hosts scoring twice through Daisy Culaj and Chloe Hazell, Royston responding with 2 themselves to see the ties head all the way to a penalty shootout with Nicole Cooper and Kierra Gabriel on the scoresheet Garston getting the better of the shootout winning on penalties 4-2 to book a spot in the quarter finals.
An all Division Two tie in the 2nd Round of The Chris Renshaw Cup saw Welwyn Pegasus Azures at home to Watton Ladies on Sunday. Two goals in the first half for Anna Bright for Welwyn she went on to complete her hat-trick in the 2nd half taking her onto 11 for the season, with April Spang netting a goal too in the first half securing a 4-2 victory for the hosts to see them progress.
Division Three side Biggleswade United Ladies were at home to Evergreen Ladies from Division Two in the 2nd Round of the Cup. The hosts getting themselves into a 2-0 lead. Leane Pickett pulled it back to 2-1 for Evergreen, Biggleswade adding a 3rd goal, it proved to be enough to see off their higher league opponents and advance in the competition despite another goal from Pickett. 3-2 the final score.
Lastly there were two all Division Three ties in the 2nd Round of The Chris Renshaw Cup league leaders AFC Dunstable Ladies Reserves drawn away to 3rd placed Langford Ladies. Turned out to be a dramatic game with the sides sharing 9 goals. Nicola Hollick putting Dunstable into the lead inside the opening 15 minutes her first for the club. Top scorer Bianca Vassell doubling Dunstable’s lead in 1st half injury time. Langford pulling a goal back within 5 minutes of the restart. Courtney McNamara on 57 minutes and Nicole Cameron in the 63rd minute firing Dunstable into a 4-1 lead. Langford getting it back to 4-2 with 20 minutes left to play. Hollick making just her 2nd start getting a 2nd goal in the 80th minute for Dunstable 5-2 ahead Langford threatened a late comeback scoring twice late on to pull it back to 5-4. Dunstable with enough of a lead to hold on and advance. Chloe Scott with a hat-trick for Langford with Amber Clark also on the scoresheet.
The other all Division Three tie went all the way to a penalty shootout with Stotfold Juniors Ladies at home to Bedwell Rangers Ladies in the 2nd Round of the competition. Stotfold scoring 3 times in regular play the scores level at the final whistle with Jessica Sullivan netting at hat-trick for Bedwell. The game to be decided from the penalty spot Stotfold edging Bedwell out with a 3-2 shootout win to reach the quarter finals.
The quarter finals of The Chris Renshaw Cup to be played in a fortnights time Sunday 3rd March with a 1:30pm kick-off are listed below:-
Garston Ladies 1st team v AFC Dunstable Ladies Reserves
Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses v Stotfold Juniors Ladies
Semi-final weekend in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup, two contrasting results that will see a repeat of last seasons final with Cambridge City Ladies defending the trophy they won taking on Cambridge United WFC who will just a determined to win it back. They get on like a house on fire and don’t do anything to wind each other up… well … I tried.
Cambridge United WFC faced a testing opponent in their semi-final at home on Sunday were taking on St Ives Town Ladies, leading the way in ERWFL Division One unbeaten so far in the league this season working hard to become another leading women’s football side in the county. Cambridge United playing two league above in FAWNL South East Division One. Mollie Coupar getting onto the end of a free-kick from the left to put the ball over the line from close range to open the scoring for Cambridge inside the opening 5 minutes. There were few chances after that with Cambridge pressing St Ives keeping them at bay couldn’t find a reply up the other end Coupar’s goal enough to send Cambridge through to another Invitation Cup Final.
Mollie Coupar with the goal to send Cambridge United WFC into the Invitation Cup Final (photo credit Gary Reed)
Cambridge City Ladies are unbeaten at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with just 2 league points dropped to date, the ambition the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL themselves. Defending the Invitation Cup just as important are scoring and have plenty of goalscorers in their squad. Were away in the semi-finals of the competition taking on Wisbech Town Ladies, playing 3 leagues below in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North have goals in their side too, Cambridge City however proving too strong an opponent on the day. Carla Penny top scoring in the match netting 4 goals. 3 players all scoring a brace each, Lauren Tomlinson, Sarah Mosley and Erin Davies. Laura Mills, Amy Reed and Shannon Shaw also finding the back of the net for a goal each in a 13-0 win.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership
ICA Sports Ladies climb back to the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership after they were awarded the win over Netherton United Ladies. One game taking place in the league on Sunday saw 3rd placed Cambridge University Women at home to bottom side Riverside Ladies. Lidiya Mykhaylechko netting a brace for Cambridge University Lu Liu scoring her 1st goal for the club and another on debut in a 4-0 win.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
One match too played in Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday with table toppers Ketton Ladies looking to make it 8 win from 8 and go 3 points clear at the top as they travelled to Hungate Rovers Ladies. Fran Kavanagh scoring another hat-trick for Ketton one from the penalty spot. There were braces too for Beth Goodman and Claire Lawrenson in a 7-1 victory.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
The Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South table is a league of two halves, the six sides split into 2 groups the bottom 3 all with a single win on the board each the top three all in the hunt for the title itself. Haverhill Rovers Ladies 6 points clear, 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development on 18 points with 2 games in hand, a 18 points too for 3rd placed Cambridge Rangers WFC who have a game in hand on Haverhill in a strong position should either of the top two slip up. A sixth win of the season coming at home on Sunday against Isleham United Ladies in the only game in the division on Sunday. Cambridge Rangers with a great 5-1 win to keep up the pressure on the leading pair. Laura Todd scoring Isleham United’s goal.
It was a busy weekend of football in Essex at the weekend with a busy league programme aswell as the semi-finals of both the Women’s County Cup and Trophy competition’s.
C&K Basildon Ladies won their Essex Women’s County Cup semi-final on Sunday to reach a fifth consecutive final. Have dominated the competition in recent seasons winning the final for the past 4 seasons as they progressed through the women’s football pyramid climbing up to the FAWPL Southern Premier Division. A much changed side this season will be defending the trophy. Basildon away to ERWFL Division One side Hutton Ladies in the last 4 of the county cup. Hutton with Victoria Kinsman leading their attack the current Essex Women’s Trophy holders. 37 goals for the striker now this season as she got on the scoresheet again this Sunday for Hutton. As good at it got for the hosts however as Basildon’s Holly Turner scored a hat-trick in the match. A goal too for Jodie Osbourne scoring almost a year to the day after suffering a broken leg. Basildon winning the game 5-1 to book their spot in the final.
Their opponents this season will be Billericay Town Ladies who recruited a few Basildon players during the close season as they won promotion to the FAWNL themselves. Currently 2nd on South East Division One, Billericay were at home in their semi-final taking on last season’s finalists, Brentwood Town Ladies. Billericay have a strong squad scoring plenty of goals they proved too strong for their ERWFL Premier Division One who had just the bare 11 available. Billericay taking the lead in the 20th minute with new signing Kerry Stimson scoring her 1st goal for her new club. A 2nd goal coming 5 minutes later captain Lindsey Morgan volleying in from a corner kick. Two minutes later a chance for 3-0 from the penalty spot former Billericay goalkeeper Robyn Strauss saving for Brentwood.
The 3rd goal coming in the 37th minute with Billericay’s Morgan heading home inside the box from another corner. Zoe Rushen scoring Billericay’s 4th 3 minutes later. Morgan went on to complete her hat-trick in the final minute of the 1st half. A 5-0 lead for Billericay at half-time. Morgan was on the end of another cross to score her 4th of the game with 10 minutes of the 2nd half played. Sophie Vale scoring a brace for the hosts in the 64th and 78th minute to seal an 8-0 victory for Billericay.
4 goals for Billericay Town Ladies captain Lindsey Morgan
The Essex Women’s County Cup Final taking place at Bowers & Pitsea FC’s, Len Salmon Stadium on Thursday 18th April with a 7:45pm Kick-off.
Essex Women’s Trophy
Semi-finals time to in the Essex Women’s Trophy competition this Sunday. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies reaching their 1st ever final under their new name. The ERWFL Division One side in the hunt for the title in their league were drawn at home to Essex Premier Division, Collier Row Tigers, playing in the league below carry a potent goal threat. Bowers & Pitsea taking the lead in the semi-final with Sophie Dowman finding the back of the net in the 15th minute. Collier Row Tigers coming back into it to level the scores in the 35th minute and see the sides go in level at the break. Dowman with a 2nd goal 11 minutes into the 2nd half her 12th strike of the season restoring Bowers & Pitsea’s lead. 4 minutes later Georgia Fraser scoring from a free-kick fired the hosts into a 3-1 lead and into the Trophy final.
Their opponents in the Trophy final itself with be fellow ERWFL Division One side Lawford Ladies as they over came opponents Silver End United Ladies in extra-time on Sunday. Silver End United hosting Lawford reaching the final of the Trophy last season. A quickfire 1st half brace from Sarah Jolly, it was all square at 90 minutes with Lawford hitting to up the other end. The visitors getting the better of Silver End in the extra period of play scoring two more to win the game 4-2 and reach the final.
The Essex Women’s Trophy to take place at Aveley FC on Sunday 24th March with a 4:00pm kick-off.
Essex Women’s Premier Division
Three games played in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this Sunday. The top two meeting for the 3rd time this season. Leigh Ramblers Ladies leading the table by 4 points over Frontiers Ladies. The previous games going Leigh Ramblers way, ending Frontiers 100% winning start to the league and then knocking them out of the League Cup. Leigh Ramblers with 10 straight league wins hadn’t lost since the opening day of the season. A close contest between the sides at the weekend Frontiers coming away with the narrow win with goals from Emma Best and Anna Freeman seeing them run out 2-1 winners with Amy Jacobs scoring for the hosts. A 2nd defeat of the season for Leigh Ramblers with Frontiers closing to within a point.
4th placed Chelmsford City Ladies were away to Corringham Cosmos Ladies this Sunday in the Premier Division. Shannon Kelly on the scoresheet for Chelmsford. Milly Thompson on target with 20 minutes to go for Corringham as the two sides shard the points. Corringham finding a bit of form now undefeated in open play in 3 games.
It was a 3rd win of the season for Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies in the Premier Division on Sunday. There last league win coming back in November away to bottom side Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves. 2-1 back then they meet in the reverse fixture this weekend Beacon Hill Rovers at home. Katie Bowman with her 1st of the season scoring for Brentwood Town. It was a repeat result from the game in November with Beacon Hill Rovers scoring twice up the other end too take the 3 points Louise Oliver with her 1st of the season and a goal from Amber Long securing the win.
Essex Women’s Division One
Four matches played in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday with the top 3 all winning again, the top four if you count FC Clacton Ladies after they secured the 3 points at home at the weekend to climb two places into 4th in the table. Clacton were hosting Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves in their league fixture. Charlotte Warren scoring a hat-trick for the hosts to move onto 9 for the season, Charlotte Robertson also on target with a goal aswell as top scorer Becky McDougall netting her 13th of the campaign in a 5-0 win.
League leaders Billericay Town Ladies Reserves were at home to Runwell Sports Ladies this Sunday in Division One. Nicola Carty seeing Billericay to the 3 points scoring at hat-trick to move her onto 13 goals for the season and keep them 6 points clear at the top of the table. The winning score 3-1, Rebecca Pope getting the goal for Runwell Sports her 1st since rejoining the club.
Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies 2nd in Division One were hosting Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves this Sunday. Won the 3 points courtesy of a 6-0 win. Jodie Barden scoring twice in the match takes her goals scored to 10 for the season. 10 goals too this season for Grace Tebb-Reading as she scored a goal too at the weekend. Evie Doyle-Love also on target with a goal for Dagenham & Redbridge. Adeola Palazon amongst the goals too for the 1st time Dagenham & Redbridge scoring a brace in her 3rd appearance.
A much closer contest for 3rd placed Hutton Ladies Reserves at home to Chigwell Ladies this Sunday in Division One. A goal from Kirsti McLeavy the difference between the sides her 3rd goal of the season for Hutton securing the 3 points in a 1-0 victory.
Quarter finals weekend for the Suffolk Women’s County Cup competition. Ipswich Town Women with an iron grip of the trophy winning six of the last seven finals. This Sunday also the start of a new era for the club with Carla Dickinson stepping down as head coach in mid-week U21s coach Joe Sheehan to the 1st team mangers role. His first game in charge Ipswich’s home quarter final tie against Suffolk Women’s Division side Brantham Athletic Ladies. A 3 league gap between the sides a big gulf.
Ipswich getting off to a great start their new signings Amy Nash and Georgia Box combining in the opening 5 minutes for Box to open her account for Ipswich. Toni-Anne Wayne doubling the lead on 15 minutes firing the ball home to make it 2-0. Captain Cassie Craddock quickly adding a 3rd to the home sides tally. Paige Wakefield scoring Ipswich’s 4th on 23 minutes Craddock with her 2nd before the half hour. Full back Jac Ball bombing forwards and shooting on the scoresheet to bring up a 6th goal in the 35th minute. Natasha Thomas scoring on the stroke of half-time to see Ipswich leading 7-0 at the break.
Five changes at half-time for Ipswich, Brantham to their credit putting in the hard work keep going, keeping the hosts at bay till the 65th minute with Wakefield scoring her 2nd of the match an overhead kick inside the area. Craddock volleyed in her 3rd to complete a hat-trick. Nash finding the back of net for Ipswich’s 10th and her 1st for the club. Into the last 10 minutes, both Wayne and Thomas adding another goal each with Amanda Crump back with a stunning left foot strike. Box wrapping up a 14-0 result with her 2nd goal in the last minute. Ipswich comfortable into the last 4 once again.
AFC Sudbury Ladies were beaten by Ipswich Town Women in last two County Cup Finals the ERWFL Premier Division side drawn away to Coplestonians Ladies in the quarter finals of this season’s competition. 2 leagues between the sides Sudbury have been struggling for league form the County Cup different as they progress with a comfortable result, Emma Squirrel opening the scoring for the away side, Mia Etheridge doubling the lead, both players going on to score again. 4-0 up Olivia Gunn struck home for her 1st goal of the season to make it 5 with Ellie Mitchell making 1st appearance for the club scoring on her debut. 6 goals and a clean sheet for Sudbury.
The top two in the Suffolk Women’s Division were drawn together in the quarter finals of the County Cup this Sunday with 2nd placed Needham Market Women full of confidence after a fantastic first half of the season at home to East Bergholt United Ladies very strong themselves top of the table with a 100% record. An attacking game from both sides plenty of goalscorers amongst them, a 3-0 lead for Needham Market certainly caused the eyebrows to raise when I saw it on twitter. East Bergholt fought hard to get back into the game and pulled it back to 3-2, Needham Market’s keeper with a late save to deny them a 3rd as Needham Market knock them out of the competition to reach the last 4 of the County Cup in their debut season.
In the other quarter final game in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup two sides were meeting who too were making their debut seasons with Woodbridge Town Ladies at home to Haverhill Rovers Ladies the latter playing over the border in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South leading the table it was a close match between the sides that when all the way to a penalty shootout with the game ending all square at 1-1 heading to a penalty shootout Haverhill the side emerging victorious to reach the semi-finals going through with a 4-2 win.
Suffolk Women’s Division
As well as the County Cup quarter finals there were also two matches taking place in the Suffolk Women’s Division on Sunday. With 3 of the top 4 in the league playing in the competition 3rd placed Alresford Colne Rangers won their 10th game of the season to open up a 5 point gap between themselves and 4th placed Brantham Athletic with a comfortable away win against Chantry Grasshoppers Ladies at the weekend. Alresford having a good spread amongst their goal scorers with most on the scoresheet this season. Were without top scorers Tiffany Reeves and Jo Harvey this Sunday others contributing in their stead Alresford winning 6-1 with six different players celebrating a goal, Leia Rudge, Ellie May Griggs, Lucie Stanbury, Donna Leggett, Laurel Harknett & Abigail Chambers with her 1st of the season. Charlotte Archer scoring the goal for Chantry Grasshoppers.
In the other game played in the Suffolk Women’s Division on Sunday Leiston St Margarets were at home to Walsham Le Willows. A hat-trick for Lucy Eagle taking her onto 19 goals for the season along with a 13th goal of the season for Thalia Cloke seeing Leiston St Margarets win the game for one to climb above Walsham Le Willows into 6th place on the table. Laura Brame and Norma Locker scoring for Walsham Le Willows.
