With Premier Division leaders, Leigh Ramblers involved in the League Cup this Sunday it was an opportunity for 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies to close the 8 point lead that had been opened up. The Harlow based side away to Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves. A brace each for Kay Foy and Charley Sandford along with a goal from Hayley King seeing Frontiers win the 3 points with a 5-0 victory.
Harlow Town Ladies Development also in league action at the weekend strengthened their hold on 3rd position with an away win again Corringham Cosmos on Sunday. Harlow with a slender advantage at half-time leading the game 1-0. Rebecca Gallagher striking twice for Corringham in the 2nd half, Harlow going one better to add a further 3 goals to their tally to win the game 4-2 with both Ellie Nicholls and Hannah Smith scoring a brace.
A big win at home for 5th placed Collier Row Tigers on Sunday in the Premier Division as they look to gain ground in the league, the 3rd consecutive match that has featured Collier Row Tigers winning or losing by 8 goals, an 8-2 victory against Frontiers, followed by an 8-2 defeat to Harlow Town Ladies Development. This time it was beacon Hill Rovers Ladies on the wrong end of the result, Collier Row Tigers building on a 2-0 half-time lead to add a further 6 without reply in the 2nd half. Laura Bunton and Sarah Finch both scoring 3 a piece, Finch one goal ahead of Bunton with 13 for the season, Daisy Cook and Helen Moreira with the other goals.
A tight contest between Southend United Ladies and Silver End United Ladies in the Premier Division on Sunday the 1st half ending goalless it was Southend who found the all important winning goal in the 2nd half with Emily Pert scoring her 6th goal of the season to see the home side climb up into 6th spot in the league table.
Essex Women’s League Cup
Two fixtures played this Sunday in the Essex Women’s League Cup that see’s the 1st Round completed. Premier Division leaders Leigh Ramblers Ladies were at home facing 4th placed Chelmsford City Ladies. A tough contest that could have gone either way it was Leigh Ramblers who progress a single goal enough to see the game won 12 consecutive wins for Leigh Ramblers now.
Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves were also in action in the 1st Round of the League Cup on Sunday at home were taking on fellow Division One side Hutton Ladies Reserves. The visitors in a rich vein of form winning 4 out of their last 5 games including victory over Chelmsford City in the league, a win in the League Cup too taking them into the 2nd Round, A brace from Rachel Agombar, with Laura Allen also getting a goal along with Emily Wilson and Mathilda Cant who scored their 1st Hutton goals in a 5-1 win.
Essex Women’s Division One
Wins for the top two in Division One saw Billericay Town Ladies Reserves and Dagenham & Redbridge pull 11 and 8 points respectfully clear of the sides below. Billericay were at home on Sunday up against Chigwell Ladies Nicola Carty netting a hat-trick for Billericay moves onto 7 goals for the season, Darcie Salmons getting on the scoresheet too with her 8th of the season along with Alicia Woodward and top scorer Lisa Robins who now has 16 to her name, Billericay winning 6-2, Jessica MacNab and Tamsyn Robertson with her 1st of the campaign the goalscorers for Chigwell.
Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies were at home in the league on Sunday a challenging encounter as they locked horns with Rayleigh Town Ladies who with plenty of games in hand and a free scoring attack could yet challenge the top two. It was Dagenham & Redbridge who managed to outscore their opponents by 4 goals to 2 at the final whistle to make it 10 wins out of 12 so far this season. Grace Tebb-Reading scoring a brace moving her onto 9 goals, the same tally as Jodie Barden who also celebrated a goal for Dagenham & Redbridge along with a 5th goal of the season for Juliet Thomas. Holly Gash scoring twice for Rayleigh who still have 4 games in hand on the leading pair.
At the other end of Division One the bottom two sides met on Sunday as Island Ladies hosted Belhus Ladies, the visitors coming away with the positive result to climb off the bottom of the table at Island’s expense. Danni Jennings scoring a hat-trick in a 6-2 win. Amara Drummond, Bethany Murray and Hayley Knott all getting a goal each for Belhus. Ebonnie Williams and Chloe Simmonds with the goals for Island.
One league match played in Cambridgeshire this weekend in the Premiership, Histon Ladies Reserves climbing back up into 3rd in the table with a home win over March Town United Ladies on Sunday. The sides cancelling each other out at half-time with the scores drawn at 2-2. Louise Barbour and Emma Searle finding the back of the net for the visitors with Danielle Briggs and Anneka DeAth with her 1st goal of the season scoring for Histon. The winning goal coming in the 2nd half going the way of the hosts Kirsty Lemmon Sparks making just her 1st start of the season marking her return with a goal.
Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup
Elsewhere in Cambridgeshire it was another round of matches from the group stage of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, final standings getting sorted those qualifying for the knock-out stage revealed.
In Group A, Premiership leaders ICA Sports Ladies are the current League Cup holders, top the group with 4 wins from 4 going into their final game at home to Ketton Ladies this Sunday. Their opponents with a 100% record in League and Cup at the top of the Championship North a challenge for both sides it was Ketton with the narrow advantage at half-time leading ICA Sports 2-1. The hosts coming back to level the scores at 2-2 in the 2nd period and see the sides share the points. ICA Sports advance to the knockout stages, Ketton too the point enough even though they still have a game to go.
That point for Ketton ended Netherton United Ladies hopes of reaching the knock-out stages, with two defeats in the competition group stage the best they could muster was 9 points, there final group match at home the Premiership side were up against Championship North side, Pinchbeck United Ladies on Sunday. Netherton comfortable winners won for the 3rd time in the group 4-0.
Wisbech Town Ladies and March Town United Ladies are set to finish in the top two in Group B. March with 4 wins from 4 awarded a home win against Spalding United Ladies who sadly folded early in the season. Wisbech Town Ladies were away facing their local derby rivals yet again this season Wisbech St Mary Ladies. A dogged battle between the sides 0-0 for a large portion of the match Wisbech Town eventually breaking the deadlock before going on to run out 4-0 winners. Sophie Swinden scoring twice with Chloe Stanborough and Chelsea King both grabbing a goal each. Wisbech Town finish with 12 points can’t be caught March with a game to play will top the group with a positive result.
Also in Group B it was a win to end their league cup campaign for Championship side Park Ladies, making the trip to face Championship North side, Hungate Rovers Ladies on Sunday. April Cooper and Ewelina Jerzak scoring a goal a piece for Hungate. Sherrie Martin was on target for a hat-trick for Park, the visitors winning the game 4-2 Danielle Green also on the scoresheet.
In Group C on Sunday, Cambridge City Ladies Development made it 4 wins from 4 in the League Cup with a convincing win over fellow Premiership side, Riverside Ladies. Freya Standing hitting a double along with top scorer Megan Tonks her brace putting her on 21 goals for the season. Ellie Cullum and Rachel Pearce also getting on the scoresheet with goal each in a 6-0 win that assures Cambridge City a place in the knockout stages with a game to play 3 points the difference them and St Ives Town Ladies Development.
The Championship South side winning at home to Cambridge Rangers Women on Sunday to move into 2nd spot in Group C on 9 points with Riverside Ladies who have played all their fixtures in the competition. Goals from Connie Liddiard and Kirsty Wicks seeing St Ives win the game 2-0 and almost certainly see them into the knockout stages baring a heavy defeat when they face Cambridge City.
In Group D all the sides have played out there fixtures with 3 sides level on 9 points, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds awarded an away win over Isleham United leaving them in 3rd spot, above them are Cambridge University Women their fellow Premiership side beating group leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies from the Championship South to claim 2nd spot with their 3rd win in the competition, Haverhill losing for the 1st time in the league Cup both advancing to the knockout stage. Were drawing 1-1 at half-time with Cambridge University getting the better of their opponents 2nd half to win 3-1. Amanda Wainwright and Lidiya Mykhaylechko with two of the goals for Cambridge University.
Thorpe United Ladies strengthened their lead at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One on Sunday coming back from trailing 2-0 at half-time to win their game at home to 3rd placed Sprowston Ladies 3-2 on Sunday. Goals from Victoria Leyer and Hannah Roe seeing Sprowston with the 2 goal advantage at the break. Thorpe fighting back 2nd half with captain Rebekah Lake netting twice to take her into double figures for the season. Eloise Peek also scoring her 1st for the club as Thorpe open up a massive 12 point lead at the top.
Two goals for Thorpe United Ladies captain Rebekah Lake
Sprowston Athletic Ladies newly promoted to Norfolk Women’s Division One started 2019 as they finished the end of 2018 after a poor start are now unbeaten in 4 league matches with 3 wins racked up the latest this Sunday a narrow home win against 2nd placed Aylsham Ladies. A single goal enough to secure the 3 points she Sprowston Athletic climb to 5th in the table scored by Kate Morris.
Bungay Town Ladies getting a bit of strength and depth back into their squad had ended 2018, with 7 points from their last 3 league games. Were away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves this Sunday. Did everything but score Bungay frustrated Wymondham keeping the clean sheet and breaching their opponents defence up the other end to claiming the 3 points their first win since beating leaders Thorpe United Ladies back in October. The winning goal coming in the 2nd half.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
In the only league match played in Norfolk last weekend Taverham United Women opened up a 4 point lead at the top of Division Two with a 4-1 away victory against Tavern Ladies to begin the New Year. Drawing 1-1 at the break Taverham getting the better of their opponents 2nd half with Abbie Walker netting a hat-trick, with Teigan Robinson also on target with a goal.
This Sunday Taverham were on the road again making the trip east to play fifth placed Gorleston Rangers Ladies. The visitors 2 goals to the good and half-time adding a further 3 to win the game 5-0. Abbie Walker scoring twice to take her onto 23 goals for the season one goal behind Rebecca Sutton who also claimed a brace on Sunday to take her to 24. Charlotte Hurren with the other goal for Taverham.
Fakenham Town Ladies began 2019 with a home win this Sunday, Thetford side, Bulldogs Ladies the visitors to Clipbush Park, bottom of the league a tough test against a Fakenham side aiming for an immediate return to Division One. The 2nd placed side running out 4-0 winners at the final whistle thanks to a brace each for Fanny Dankskanen and Megan Spurrell.
Elsewhere there were double figure scorelines in Division Two on Sunday afternoon. Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies starting 2019 on a positive note with a comfortable home win against Thetford Town Ladies who travelled with just the 10 available. Keira Brown enjoying a prolific season in front of goal scoring 4 more at the weekend to keep her top scorer with 17 goals. Charlie Cooper is in hot pursuit however and scoring a hat-trick herself on Sunday is just one behind now on 16. Becky Wood also on target for two goals for Bure Valley with Juliette Kelly adding a goal in a 10-0 win.
Hockering Ladies were unfortunately low on numbers themselves with just the 9 available on Sunday as they pressed on with their home fixture with Long Stratton Women. The visitors in 3rd place were aiming for a 3rd straight win to try and put some pressure on the leading pair. Charlie Head and Beth Stratton both finding the back of the net for four goals each. Nadia Child bagging herself a brace with Emily Watts also getting a goal in an 11-0 win.
A full programme of league fixtures this Sunday in the Suffolk Women’s Division with the top 4 picking up positive results to consolidate their positions. A reverse of last Sunday’s fixtures. It wasn’t unlucky 13 for league leaders, East Bergholt United Ladies as they made it 13 wins from 13 at the top with an away win against Chantry Grasshoppers Ladies at the weekend. Charlotte McGrath scoring a hat-trick to become the sixth player in the squad to reach double figures for the season 11 to her name now. Stacey Teager also onto 10 goals scoring on Sunday, with Jessica Clark scoring her 15th of the season, Millie Wilding her 18th and Annie Northwood her 34th!. East Bergholt winning 7-0.
East Bergholt United Ladies, Charlotte McGrath
Needham Market Women are looking strong too in 2nd place in the table keeping East Bergholt on their toes should they slip up… Were away at the weekend taking on 5th placed Walsham Le Willows Ladies. New to the league Needham Market nevertheless have some proven goalscorers in their ranks and 2 of these were on target for a brace each on Sunday, with Lois Balfour and Francesca Rainbird adding to their tally’s on 16 now and 21 respectfully. Maria Smith also getting on the scoresheet in a 5-0 victory.
A 4-1 defeat for Brantham Athletic Ladies last Sunday away to Woodbridge Town Ladies, the 3rd placed side claimed a narrow win at home this time around in the reverse fixture goals from Jodie Sharp and Lucy Dunnett enough as they ran out 2-1 winners with Woodbridge’s top scorer Jenna Liverpool scoring her 15th goal of the season not enough to take anything from the game.
Alresford Colne Rangers weren’t in league action last Sunday, were away to Brightlingsea Regent Ladies this weekend. 4th in the table Alresford were held to a goalless draw by Brightlingsea at half-time. Got the goals and the 3 points 2nd half Ellie May Griggs scoring a brace her first goals for Alresford making her 4th appearance. Rae Clancy and Leia Rudge also getting a goal each both their 3rd of the season in a 4-0 win.
Was a close game between Coplestonians Ladies and Leiston St Margarets Ladies last Sunday with Coplestonians winning 2-1 to consolidate a solid hold of 6th position in the Suffolk Women’s Division. At home this weekend the sides played out another tight game ending with a point apiece in a 1-1 draw, that along with defeat for Walsham Le Willows seeing Coplestonians move level on points with the 5th placed side. Came back from a 1-0 deficit at half-time with Thalia Cloke scoring the goal for Leiston St Margarets. Sophie Maul hitting the equaliser into the back of the net in the 2nd half for the hosts.
Has and continues to be a tough season for Haverhill Rovers Ladies Reserves in the Suffolk Women’s Division. The effort and spirit is there no doubt by sadly not the numbers at present held Brettvale Ladies to a 4-0 defeat at home last weekend felt like a victory after some heavy defeats, at Brettvale this Sunday had just the 8 available, and their opponents had strengthened their ranks Tanya McKew on their subs bench the former Ipswich Wanderers Ladies player with a vast amount of experience a proven goalscorer netted a double hat-trick on her debut. Top scorer Sheryl Nokes Braces for Iris Gunnarsdottir and Tia-Jade Webb her first goals for Brettvale. Also on target for their first Brettvale goals were Georgia Lindon and Bethany Bennett with Ashleigh Trenter also scoring a goal in a 21-0 result.
All about the Cup this Sunday in the ERWFL with the League Cup reaching the last 16 and the League Plate kicking off with the quarter finals. The 1st two rounds of the ERWFL Cup contested by the Division One sides, the Premier Division sides entering in the New Year. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, St Ives Town Ladies, Hutton Ladies & Lawford Ladies the 4 Division One sides to progress to the 3rd Round of the Cup. 7 of the 8 ties played on Sunday with the match between Colney Heath Ladies & Lawford Ladies postponed.
Acle United Women the current holders of the ERWFL Cup were drawn away to St Ives Town Ladies in the last 16. The Division One newcomers 2nd in the table unbeaten in the ERWFL so far this season, a good test of their mettle up against the current Premier Division leaders. The sides goalless at half-time St Ives goalkeeper Kira Markwell making saves to keep Acle out as the visitors pressed for the opening goal, St Ives holding out to see the game enter extra-time, a long ball forwards causing seeing a mix-up at the back from Acle, Tierney Coulson capitalising to score her 18th goal of the season to see St Ives knock the holders out.
Division One leaders, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were hosting Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup on Sunday. Finalists last season Dunstable struggling at times for numbers this season had just the 10 this Sunday were trailing at the half-time interval by a single goal Sophie Dowman breaking their resistance in the 33rd minute to put Bowers & Pitsea into the lead. Dunstable got off to a fantastic start in the 2nd half level within 2 minutes of the restart going on to take the lead 5 minutes later. Bowers & Pitsea with a quick response levelled it back at 2-2 4 minutes later with Holly Moore turning the ball home for her 1st goal. Dunstable battled well getting themselves back into the lead with 20 minutes left a cross/shot finding its way into the back of the net for 3-2 proved to be the winning goal, Dunstable advancing thanks to a goal from Storm Sherry Burrows and a brace for Samaira Khan.
Hutton Ladies were drawn away to Premier Division side Cambridge City Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup. The Essex side missing a few key players up against a side 2nd and unbeaten in the league above. Cambridge City have a strong and deep attacking line-up and they proved too strong for Hutton as they ran out 8-1 winners to reach the quarter finals of the competition. Bella Simmons, Erin Davies & Shannon Shaw all scoring a brace for the hosts with Charlotte Gillies & Carla Penny also on target with a goal each. Vicky Kinsman with the goal for Hutton.
Also advancing to the quarter finals of the ERWFL Cu are Peterborough Northern Star Ladies. The side 3rd in the Premier Division drawn at home to the side immediately below them in the table, Royston Town Ladies. The hosts with a strong finish to the game scoring 4 goals in the last twenty minutes to clinch victory. Emma Pollard opening the scoring in the 1st half putting Peterborough into the lead. Royston battling hard equalising late in the 1st half through Joanne Rutherford. Royston had chances in the 2nd half to take the lead Peterborough’s top scorer Katie Steward restoring the hosts lead making it 2-1, the attacker adding her 2nd with 10 minutes left. Chanade Henderson scoring with a glancing header from a free-kick to make it 4-1 with Steward completing her hat-trick in stoppage time to see Peterborough win 5-1.
Essex side Harlow Town Ladies were away to Haringey Borough Women in the last 16 of the ERWFL on Sunday. Haringey winning the trophy in their double winning season two seasons ago. Have struggled since as they look to rebuild their squad. Harlow fielding a young hungry squad progressing to the quarter finals thanks largely to a hat-trick from Poppy Binding making her joint top scorer with 8 goals now. Olivia Steele also scoring a goal in a 4-0 victory.
A hat-trick for Harlow Town Ladies, Poppy Binding
It was a close match in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup with an unfortunate own goal settling the result between Bedford Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies on Sunday. The Norfolk side travelling to Bedfordshire the sides in mid-table in the Premier Division it looked an evenly matched contest, Bedford the side capitalising on the own goal to reach the quarter finals.
Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies made the trip over the border to Suffolk on Sunday to play AFC Sudbury Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup. Goals from Danielle Butler, Leah Cowan and Cerys Adams making her 1st start for Brentwood seeing the visitors win 3-0 to reach the last 8.
ERWFL Plate
Those sides in Division One losing in the early stages of the ERWFL Cup go onto contest the Plate competition and with 8 sides left this Sunday saw it open with the quarter finals. Stevenage Ladies Reserves finalists last season through to the last 4 this time around without kicking a ball awarded an away win over Bishops Stortford Ladies.
That left 3 ties to be played Newmarket Town Ladies making the trip to Hertfordshire to play Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. Hertford bottom of the league making Newmarket work, took the lead before the visitors came back to level the scores through Abbi Griffin early in the 2nd half. On the hour Newmarket took the lead Jodie Woodfield heading the ball in from a Jess Linger corner. Less than 10 minutes later it was the same outcome from a Linger corner just with a different Woodfield heading the ball in to give Newmarket a 3-1 lead captain Bethany Woodfield getting on the scoresheet. The win made secure 5 minutes later from another corner this time Abbi Griffin credited with the goal getting her 2nd of the game.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies were at home in the quarter finals of the ERWFL Plate on Sunday taking in Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies who had the bare 11 available. Hoddesdon taking an early lead with Kristina O’Connell finding the back of the net in the 7th minute. King’s Lynn created opportunities to level 1st half held Hoddesdon to 1-0 at half-time. The hosts with the numerical advantage with subs to bring on a quick-fire brace from Natasha Crick firing Hoddesdon into a 3-0 lead within the opening 15 minutes of the 2nd period, a further 2 goals added on the hour with substitute Rosy Wodhams making it 4-0 before O’Connell struck her 2nd of the game Hoddesdon winning 5-0.
Histon Ladies were away in the quarter finals of the ERWFL Plate a trip on Sunday to Essex to play Hatfield Peverel Ladies. An own goal on the stroke of half-time seeing the Cambridgeshire side take the lead. Histon doubling thier advantage on the hour through Georgina Huse scoring her first goal for the club helping them to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Two matches outstanding in the FAWNL Cup played this Sunday. A place in the last 8 of the competition up for grabs. The top two in the Southern Premier Division drawn together with leaders, Chichester City Ladies hosting title rivals Coventry United Ladies in the 3rd Round. A physical encounter Coventry held the narrow advantage at half-time, Natasha Merritt heading the visitors into the lead in the 39th minute. Coventry doubling their lead early in the 2nd half with Amber Hughes breaking through on goal to score. Chichester creating opportunities had a player advantage for the final 20 minutes of the game with Merritt shown a 2nd yellow sent off. 10 player Coventry held out though to win the game 2-0 to reach the quarter finals where they will face South East Division One leaders, Crawley Wasps Ladies.
Crawley were also in FAWNL Cup action this weekend, having beaten Coventry United Ladies just last Sunday in the FA Women’s Cup, were making the trip South West to player higher league opposition once again, their opponents, Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Crawley holding a slender 0-1 lead at the break with a goal from Sian Heather the difference between the sides. Substitute Kemina Webber making an immediate impact doubling the visitors lead in the 2nd period. Plymouth mounting a late comeback to force the game into extra-time, closing in on the last 10 minutes a goal from Kayley Lane saw the hosts pull it back to 2-1 then late into stoppage time a goal from a free-kick by captain Katie Middleton saw them level the tie.
More drama in extra-time with Crawley retaking the lead early on Webber netting her 2nd goal of the game. Plymouth coming back once again to level the scores a few minutes later Leah Burridge making it 3-3. Faye Rabson scoring a great solo effort saw Crawley take the lead once more, no come back for Plymouth this time with the visitors adding a 5th goal to settle the game Webber completing her hat-trick to see Crawley into the quarter finals with a 5-3 victory.
The draw for the quarter finals of the FAWNL Cup and Plate competitions made soon after, the games to be played Sunday 10th February are listed below:-
FAWNL Cup Quarter Finals
Bolton Wanderers Ladies v Stoke City Ladies
Huddersfield Town Ladies v Blackburn Rovers Ladies
Coventry United Ladies v Crawley Wasps Ladies
Loughborough Foxes Women v AFC Wimbledon Ladies
FAWNL Plate Quarter Finals
Barnsley FC Ladies v West Bromich Albion Women
Liverpool Marshalls Feds Women v Middlesborough Women
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies v Keynsham Town Ladies
Stevenage Ladies v Gillingham Ladies
FAWNL Southern Premier Division
Three games played in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division this Sunday and with the top two involved in the FAWNL Cup it was an opportunity for 3rd placed Watford Ladies to close the gap as they travelled to Wales to take on 5th placed Cardiff City Ladies. Never an easy place to go Cardiff were looking for a 3rd straight league victory themselves, took the lead in the 20th minute Cori Williams scoring from the penalty spot after Grace Horrell was brought down inside the box. Successfully defending their lead Cardiff holding a player advantage for the final 22 minutes with Watford’s Georgie Edwards red carded.
Gillingham Ladies picked up a valuable 3 points on Sunday to pull them further clear of the bottom two in the table the gap nine points now. Were at home taking on Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Breon Grant putting Gillingham into the lead in the 20th minute scoring her 7th goal of the campaign. Alice Bussey doubling the hosts lead with 3 minutes left in the 1st half with her 7th of the season. A 2-0 lead going into the 2nd half Gillingham kept a clean sheet to earn the 3 points.
Portsmouth FC Women started 2019 with a win in the Southern Premier Division ending a run of 3 straight league defeats, bringing in new players, they welcomed back an old face this weekend with Shannon Albuery returning in loan from Yeovil Town Ladies. Were at home this Sunday taking on Essex side, C&K Basildon Ladies bottom of the table. Eilidh Currie putting Portsmouth into the lead midway through the 1st half. 1-0 at half-time Jade Bradley struck just past the hour to double Portsmouth’s lead and see the game won 2-1 Portsmouth climbing back to 7th in the table.
FAWNL South East Division One
Crawley Wasps Ladies have a strong lead at the top of FAWNL South East Division One their squad with a 100% winning record since promotion to the league. Fellow promoted side Billericay Town Ladies likewise have been strong building a squad that has seen them push Crawley and take a firm grip on 2nd spot. Below it is very tight little separating the sides 3rd to 7th, with anyone capable of going on a run and moving up the table.
AFC Wimbledon doing just that held 3rd spot on goal difference going into the weekend travelling to a side in need of the points themselves, Cambridge United WFC. A lack of league games towards the end of 2018 the cup dominating had seen Cambridge slip to 3rd bottom, games in hand however a positive run would place them right amongst the battle for places above. Wimbledon coming off the back of a great win in the FA Women’s Cup started the game the stronger had Cambridge penned in their own half for the majority of the game creating opportunities a dogged defensive display from the hosts had very few attackers themselves against the run of play however it was Cambridge who took the lead in the 35th minute with a well worked goal. A throw high on the left into the box held up well by Mollie Coupar moving to the top of the area cut the ball back to captain Kelley Blanchflower peeling into space right of goal she squaring the ball across the face of goal Jade Bell bursting clear to smash the ball into goalkeeper Kelly Edie the ball popping up favourably for Bell to follow up an put it over the line Cambridge leading 1-0 at half-time.
Cambridge’s Kelley Blanchflower with Wimbledon’s, Rebecca Sargent
A completely different game 2nd half with Cambridge making a positive start attacking Wimbledon got themselves a 2nd goal early on, Coupar with involved again a good run into the box from the left fizzing a cross into the six yard box Blanchflower timing her run to perfection meeting the ball smashing it into the back of the net. An open game from then on Wimbledon remaining positive searching for a reply, Cambridge clearing the ball up to Coupar running in behind good strength shown as she was pushed wide of goal struck a shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner to make it 3-0. Savannah Smith saving to keep the visitors from scoring up the other end the 3 points easing any worries of getting dragged into the battle at the bottom Cambridge joining the tail end of the tussle in the middle of the table.
Billericay Town Ladies are 4 points clear of the sides in pursuit of them in 2nd. Maintained that gap with a strong home performance against 2nd bottom side Denham United Ladies on Sunday. Jay Blackie netting twice moves onto 10 for the season since joining the Essex side in the summer. There was a brace too for Esme Lancaster, with Sophie Vale on target for her 1st goal for Billericay’s 1st team this season. Danica Dougal scoring too from a long range free-kick, Billericay running out 6-0 winners.
Leyton Orient WFC climb above Wimbledon into 3rd in the South East Division One table. At home this Sunday taking on bottom side Luton Town Ladies. The hosts taking the lead from an own goal midway through the 1st half Sophie Le Marchand’s shot striking the post rolling along the goal face unfortunately finding the back of the net. Leyton Orient pressing well doubled the lead in 1st half stoppage time Chloe McNee with an ambitious shot from distance scoring. A 3rd goal needed with Luton pushing for a reply was added in the 70th minute with Camila Pescatore scoring her 1st goal for the club.
Also moving above Wimbledon into 5th place in the FAWNL South East Division One table are Actonians Ladies. Were at home playing Stevenage Ladies. Actonians taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes Alessandra Barreca heading the ball home from a corner. Stevenage found a quick reply equalising 5 minutes later with Shona Chitate making it 1-1. Actonians creating opportunities, retook the lead late in the 1st half awarded a penalty Barreca stepped up to score her 2nd of the game. A 2-1 lead at half-time Actonians kept Stevenage from getting any control as they calved out further chances extending the lead in the 57th minute Mariko Eagles on target with the goal. Substitute, Melissa Jung with a long range effort striking to make it 4-1 to Actonians. Barreca scoring her 3rd to complete a hat-trick in the final 5 minutes to see the game won 5-1.
Norwich City Ladies were at home this Sunday in league action against Enfield Town Ladies. Aimee Durrant putting Norwich into an early lead firing home in the 11th minute. Almost half an hour gone and Enfield levelled the scores with Danielle Smith getting the goal. The scores level at the break it was Norwich who struck early in the 2nd half to retake the lead Jodie Drake making it 2-1. That the score late into the game Enfield pressing finding a late goal to level the scores for the 2nd time in the match to earn a point Lily Bruno the scorer her 1st for the club making just her 2nd appearance.
A busy start to 2019 across the Beds & Herts Women’s Football leagues, however this edition of The Round-Up begins with the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup. Two of the 4 quarter final ties postponed back in December due to the inclement weather scheduled for this Sunday, big tests for Beds & Herts Division One sides, Houghton Athletic Ladies and Sharnbrook WFC as they were drawn against higher league opposition.
Houghton Athletic were away to ERWFL Premier Division side Bedford Ladies, the current holders of the County Cup. Two leagues apart Bedford were beginning the defence of their trophy and proved too strong an opponent winning comfortably in the finish. Michelle Byrne scoring twice for Bedford with a further 5 players all getting a goal each, Paige Abraham, Carissa Kaczorowski, Setor Acolatse, Amy Magnus and Lauren Murray in a 7-0 win.
Sharnbrook WFC were at home in the quarter final of the County Cup taking on FAWNL South East Division One side, Luton Town Ladies, keen to get the County Cup back after losing out to Bedford in last season’s final. Bottom of South East Division One the County Cup a welcome distraction for Luton and hopefully a spring board to improved results in the new year. Plenty of youngsters in the Luton squad and it was one of them that opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Aurora Ryan making it 1-0. The visitors pressing the play Sharnbrook defending held them at bay before Ryan found the back of the net for her 2nd of the game in the 33rd minute, Dionne Manning adding a 3rd goal for Luton 5 minutes from the end of the 1st half.
Luton were in control Olivia Abraham scoring her 1st goal for the side to make it 4-0, captain Zara Carroll making it 5-0 just past the hour scoring from a free-kick. Another debut goal following with Maddison Goodenough celebrating her 1st Luton goal 2 minutes later. Rachel Kosky scoring a 7th for Luton with 15 minutes left time for 2 more with Remi Bains getting her name on the scoresheet a screamer from Jess McKay wrapping up a 9-0 win.
The semi-finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup take place on Sunday 20th January and are as follows:-
AFC Dunstable Ladies v Bedford Ladies
Luton Town Ladies v AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
2019 begins and all of a sudden it’s beginning to look very tight at the top of Beds & Herts Division One. The league rarely disappoints with title drama and after Sunday’s results there is just 3 points between the top 5 sides.
Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires have gotten the games in where others haven’t and good form saw them move into top position in the league start 2019 top were at home on Sunday up against Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies in 3rd position, a brace from Lizzie Richardson enough to edge the win 2-1 to Hemel Hempstead to climb up into 2nd spot and close the gap on Welwyn to just a point with 4 games in hand.
Also closing the gap on the leaders are Northwood Ladies starting the year with an away win against bottom side Garston Ladies 1st team. A trio of goal scores with Zamina Rehemtulla, Emma Steele and Danielle Tyler all finding the back of the opponents net in a 3-0 victory. Northwood in 4th now 3 points behind the leaders and like Hemel Hempstead have games in hand.
So too do defending champions St Albans Ladies, 3 goals in the last 10 minutes securing the 3 points at home to Sherrardswood Ladies. Nicola Dark with the early goal for St Albans putting them 1 nil up in the 8th minute it wasn’t until the hour that St Albans scored again dark netting her 2nd of the match. The result made comfortable late on with the game entering the final 10 minutes Ellen Slater getting the goal to make it 3-0. 3 minute from time and Eleanor Lovelock struck to make it 4-0 with Michaela Johnson scoring the home sides 5th goal in stoppage time. St Albans in 5th have 13 points like Northwood and yes you guessed it games in hand on the leader.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
In Beds & Herts Division Two it was a great start to the season for Hitchin Town Ladies as they end 2018 with a 9 point lead at the top of the table. Have played more games than those hoping to chase them down, their main challenger being fellow Hitchin side, Hitchin Belles in 2nd spot 9 points a huge gap Hitchin Belles have 3 games in hand. Began 2019 with and away trip to Watton Ladies. The hosts battling hard were leading 2-1 at the break. Hitchin regrouped at half-time and an improved performance saw them find the back of the net 4 times to run out 5-3 winners at the final whistle. Katie White scoring a brace, Keira How, Chloe Keller and Charlotte Peters the other goals scorers for Hitchin Belles. Gemma Bickell with two and Karly Lundy with her 1st of the campaign scoring the Watton goals.
Royston Town Ladies Development climb up into 3rd place in the Beds & Herts Division Two table with a 4-0 home win over Evergreen Eagles Ladies on Sunday. Kelly Yarwood getting on the scoresheet with her first goal for Royston’s Development side netting twice. Nicole Cooper and Abby Laughlin also on target with a goal a piece.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
The title race in Beds & Herts Division Three was hotting up well before the New Year with Langford Ladies setting the early pace, the new side chased by fellow newcomers AFC Kempston Town Ladies & Bedford College Ladies and AFC Dunstable Ladies Development the latter still undefeated charging into top spot whilst a newly merged Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses side see Bedfordshire sides dominating.
AFC Dunstable Ladies Development have a striker in their ranks in red hot form, Bianca Vassell with 20 goals from 10 appearances going into this Sundays game away to Buntingford Town Ladies. Is now 25 goals from 11 s she hit 5 more at the weekend. Shanice Sanderson making her debut for Dunstable celebrated the occasion with a goal with Lakeisha Fazilahmed also getting a goal in a 7-0 victory.
Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses keep the pressure on Dunstable in 2nd spot remain just a point behind as they edged the victory away to Biggleswade United Ladies this Sunday. A hat-trick from Giselle Randall for the visitors enough to cancel out strikes from Sarah King and Leeanne Davison to win the 3 points for Woburn & Wavendon. 10 goals in her last 4 league games now for Randell including 3 successive hat-tricks.
Games in hand on all the sides above them 4th placed AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies into the Bedfordshire County Cup in their debut season a 4th in the table close the gap to 3rd placed Langford to 2 points with an away victory this Sunday. Started 2019 with a trip to Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Goals from Chloe Urbanowicz, Bex Cray and Zara Garrard securing a 3-0 win for the visitors.
A handful of games to start the New Year in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football Leagues. The League Cup competition starting with a group format this a season, 4 mini-leagues each side playing each other once the top two progressing to the quarter final knock-out stage. A combination of Premiership and Championship sides in each.
Two matches played on Sunday, in Group A, ICA Sports leading the Premiership were away to fellow league side and Peterborough rivals Netherton United Ladies. The visiting side looking to make it 4 wins from 4 to ensure a place in the knock-out stages of the competition they won last season ICA Sports were in a strong position at half-time holding a 3-0 lead over Netherton. The home side pulling a goal back in the 2nd period with Emily Johnson on target, ICA Sports however scored a further goal themselves to clinch a 4-1 victory. Lorna Hart netting twice with a goal each for Zoe Leddy and Sarah Rouse.
The other League Cup group match played on Sunday was in Group C, Riverside Ladies from the Premiership at home to St Ives Town Ladies Development both on 6 points going into the game a win for either putting them into a great position to progress to the knock-out stages. A high scoring game the two sides sharing 9 goals between them. St Ives with 3 it was Riverside who came out on top Annie Posnett scoring a hat-trick, Hannah Murphy and Caitlin Heagren also amongst the goals in a 6-3 win lifting Riverside into 2nd spot with 3 sides all tied on 9 points, Cambridge City Ladies Development top, Cambridge Rangers WFC 3rd.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
Two league games played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North on Sunday and it is a two horse race for the title between Ketton Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies for the title, both with a 100% success rate in the league both with 6 wins now. Ketton Ladies top on goal difference were at home taking on Wisbech St Mary Ladies in 3rd position. Ketton starting 2019 as they finished 2018 winning comfortably to claim another 3 point haul. Fran Kavanagh scoring 4 goals for Ketton with Claire Lawrenson also on target with a brace in a 6-0 win.
Wisbech Town Ladies were also at home on Sunday taking on bottom side Pinchbeck United Ladies. Amy Newell scoring twice for Wisbech Town to see them leading 2-0 at half-time. Captain Faye Kowalewsky making it 3-0 in the 2nd half before Pinchbeck grabbed a reply Courtney Walker reducing the deficit. Sophie Swinden getting on the scoresheet fired Wisbech Town into a 4-1 lead, Walker was then again on target with a goal for Pinchbeck to bring it back to 4-2. Newell going on to complete a hat-trick securing a 5-2 win for Wisbech Town.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship and it was a good result at home for Cambridge Rangers WFC to start 2019. Were hosting Park Ladies, Jenna Brown striking twice for the visitors, Cambridge Rangers hitting them for 4 up the other end to win the game 4-2 and clinch a 4th win of the season. A firm hold now on 3rd position in the table, are now within 3 points of 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development who like them have a game in hand on leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies, 6 points the gap 3 points further ahead.
A great 2018 for Leigh Ramblers Ladies earning promotion to the Essex Women’s Premier Division at the 1st attempt haven’t looked back since an opening day defeat winning their next 9 league games to lead the way going into 2019. Started the New Year win another 3 points 10 wins from 10 now were at home to Corringham Cosmos on Sunday. Leading 2-0 at half-time those goals crucial as Corringham fought back 2nd half scoring 2 themselves Leigh Ramblers though adding 2 more themselves to win the match 4-2. Rebecca Dalgarno with a brace, Sasha Vail also getting a goal along with top scorer Kate Newton who now has 24 goals to her name.
The gap to the leaders 5 points after 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Silver End United Ladies in the Premier Division on Sunday. Dempsey Favell netting for the 14th time this season for Frontiers, Ella Tooley getting the goal for Silver End.
Harlow Town Ladies Development have enjoyed a fantastic 1st half of the season in the Essex Women’s Premier Division in the top 3 positions the whole campaign to date with just the one defeat began 2019 at home to Collier Row Tigers who themselves have gained form as the season has progressed. Harlow though hit the ground running have goalscorers throughout the side and after ending the 1st half 4-2 up doubled their lead in the 2nd half to win the game 8-2. Ellie Nicholls moving onto double figures for the season scoring 4 goals. Hannah Smith is currently top scorer on 14 adding two more to her tally with Kummi Adams and Bethany Chambers with her 1st Harlow goal also on the scoresheet. Laura Bunton, scoring both the goals in the 1st half for Collier Row Tigers.
Consolidating 4th position in the Essex Women’s Premier Division are Chelmsford City Ladies, began 2019 with an away trip to Southend United Ladies on Sunday. Leading 3-0 at half-time went on to add a further 2 in the 2nd half to win the match 5-2. Georgia James scoring a hat-trick taking her onto 10 now for the season. Mia Brisley with a brace has 7 now for Chelmsford. Emily Pert and Kate Wiseman with the 2nd half goals for Southend United.
Essex Women’s League Cup
One tie from the 1st Round of the Essex Women’s League Cup played this Sunday, with Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves hosting Division One side Rayleigh Town Ladies. 3 goals for Brentwood in the first half for Marie Barker, Helen Clifford and Laura Knight. Amy Cox-Smith and Holly Gash on target for Rayleigh Town. Knight scoring a 2nd goal in the final minute securing a 4-2 win for Brentwood.
Essex Women’s Division One
A great start to the season for Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies in Essex Women’s Division One a 100% winning record going into December lost for the 1st time against fellow title chasers Billericay Town Ladies Reserves, defeat in extra-time in the League Cup followed. Began 2019 with an away trip to play Chigwell Ladies struggling at the opposite end of the table. A points deduction seeing them have just 6 points on the board the hosts started the year with a great result beating Dagenham & Redbridge by 2 goals to 1 to claim the 3 points on Sunday. Marie Gamage and Jessica MacNab celebrating the goals for Chigwell. Jodie Barton on the scoresheet for Dagenham & Redbridge suffering a 2nd successive defeat in the league nevertheless remain well placed 3 points behind Billericay in 2nd.
Hutton Ladies Reserves in 3rd position in Division One close the gap on the leading pair, with a 7th win of the season to start the year away at Runwell Sports Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Baylie Kingsnorth, Laura Allen and Danielle Hindley securing a 3-0 victory.
Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves began the year with a home game against Island Ladies, both new to the league this season the young sides have endured a tough start. A points deduction for Leigh Ramblers too it was a 0-1 win to them in the reverse fixture back in September. Another close game this time around the sides sharing 5 goals this time around Leigh Ramblers coming out on top winning it 3-2 thanks to goals from Louise Mazirel-Cowell and a brace for Elisha Reade. Jess Brown and Ebonnie Williams on the score sheet for Island.
Another new side having a tough start to life in Division One are Belhus Ladies bottom of the table they were at home to FC Clacton Ladies in their first game of 2019. Earned themselves a point in a high scoring draw after their opponents were reduced to 9 with two sent off on Sunday. Amy Hartley with a goal for Clacton one of those to receive their marching orders along with Megan-Leigh Lawrence. Sydney Smith-Gibbons and Charlotte Warren Clacton other goalscorers. Amara Drummond netting a hat-trick securing a point for Belhus.
2019 begins in Suffolk with defending champions East Bergholt United Ladies having a 100% win rate at the top of the newly expanded league. 11 wins from 11 with a +100 goal difference. A home win awarded at the weekend sees them move onto 36 points 6 clear at the top.
A host of new sides entering the Suffolk Women’s Division this season, the best performing of these Needham Market Women. In 2nd position have won 9 of their 11 league games played in 2018. Began 2019 at home to Walsham Le Willows Ladies. Kept up their good form with a convincing win to pick up the 3 points. Amber Sparkes scoring a hat-trick in her 5th appearance of the season. Lois Balfour starting the year with a brace has 14 goals one behind her is Milly Carter who was also on target with a goal in a 6-0 win.
A great result to start 2019 for Woodbridge Town Ladies as they pick up thier 6th win of the season at home to 3rd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies on Sunday. Brantham enjoying a great start to the season unbeaten until December recent results seeing them fall away from the title hunt, a 3rd defeat in the league coming at the hands of Woodbridge. Jenna Liverpool top scorer for Woodbridge with a hat-trick. Madison Tribley also credited with a goal in a 4-1 win. Danielle Harvey scoring in the 2nd half for Brantham.
A place ahead of Woodbridge in 6th are Coplestonians Ladies, ended the year in good form with 3 successive league wins, started 2019 in the same vein making it 4 from 4 to move onto 21 points. Were away on Sunday taking on Leiston St Margarets Ladies. A brace from Abigail Eley seeing Coplestonians leading 2-0 at half-time. Leiston St Margarets pulling it back to 2-1 in the 2nd half with Leanne Morphew on target for the 1st time this season the visiting side held on for the 2-1 win.
It felt like a victory and bearing in mind their recent results and struggles for numbers I can sympathise with Haverhill Rovers Ladies Reserves it was a tough start to life for the new side in the Suffolk Women’s Division. Were hosting Brettvale Ladies themselves new to the league this season. The visitors searching for more points on the board themselves however recorded their 3rd win of the season to start 2019 and get themselves onto double figures, Ashleigh Trenter scoring her first goal for Brettvale, Lucy Brown was alos on the scoresheet with Sheryl Nokes taking over as top goalscorer netting twice to move onto 6 after 4 appearances.
