Tag Archives: The Round-Up

The Round-Up – FAWNL 02/09/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 2nd September

FAWNL Cup Determining Round

  The sunny weather returning at the start of September, the FAWNL takes a weekend off from the league as all it’s member clubs face-off in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup. The victors going on to play for the Cup proper the losing sides going on to contest the Plate.

  15 of those ties featuring clubs playing in the Southern Premier Division or South East Division One on Sunday. Plenty of goals scored too. Billericay Town Ladies newcomers to the FAWNL the biggest winners as they scored double figures to progress to the Cup proper winning at home to South West Division One side, Maidenhead United Ladies. Karissa Rodney and Samantha Pittock both scoring a hat-trick each for Billericay. Jay Blackie bagged herself a brace, with a goal each for Zoe Rushen and Hayley Piggott in a 10-1 demolition

  Crawley Wasps Ladies newcomers to FAWNL South East Division One with Billericay Town Ladies were also big winners in the Determining Round, taking on Ipswich Town Women at home for the 2nd time in 2 weeks having beaten the Suffolk side 5-1 on the opening day of the season. Sian Heather setting the ball rolling with the opening goal for Crawley in the 14th minute. Kemina Webber and Megan Stow scoring within 3 minutes of each other mid-way through the first half to put the hosts 3-0, Faye Rabson and Webber with her 2nd of the match adding a further 2 goals late in the first period to put Crawley in full control of the game with a 5-0 half-time lead. Closing in on the final quarter hour of the game Charlotte Cooper scored to make it 6-0, with Naomi Cole and Stow with her 2nd of the game scoring at the death the seal an 8-0 win.

  It was the East Anglian derby on Sunday the men’s sides meeting at Portman Road, Ipswich Town Women suffering a heavy defeat their East Anglian rivals Norwich City Ladies fared little better away to Southern Premier Division side Coventry United Ladies. Amy Wathan a  new signing for Coventry from Yeovil Town Ladies lobbed the keeper on 9 minutes to score her first goal for the club.  Wathan adding a 2nd goal heading the ball in to make it 2-0 with Amber Hughes on hand to make it 3-0 soon after. A 3-0 advantage at half-time. Jade Brooks getting amongst the goals to make it 4-0 in the 2nd half, Wathan went on to score her 3rd and complete a hat-trick. Hughes grabbing another goal, Marie Gauntlett also getting her name on the score sheet at the final whistle to send Coventry on into the Cup proper with a 7-0 victory.

  Southern Premier Division joint leaders, Loughborough Foxes Women continued their fine start to the season with a home win over South East Division One side, Denham United Ladies on Sunday to progress to the opening round of the FAWNL Cup. Eva Rogers scoring the goal midway through the first period to hand Loughborough the lead at half-time. Laura Dexter made it 2-0 just after the restart. Charlotte Cooper with her 4th goal of the season scoring to make it 3-0 in the final 20 minutes. Shauna Chambers also getting a goal for Loughborough to see them win 4-0.

  The FAWNL Cup Determining Round is were this Sunday’s action came from on Women’s Football East a trip to Mildenhall Town FC the home of Cambridge United WFC to see the South East Division One side take on Southern Premier Division side C&K Basildon Ladies. A much changed line-up for last season’s Southern Premier Division runner’s up a new era at the club a squad made up largely of last season Southern/South East Reserves league champions. Cambridge have several new signings themselves and hit the ground running a high tempo game right from the start, the hosts creating chances finding space the goal coming in the 20th minute to put Cambridge into the lead. Amber Cantwell’s superb pass forwards finding captain Kelly Blanchflower in space on the right she shot from the top of the area sending the ball over the keeper to score.

Cambridge United WFC captain and goalscorer, Kelley Blanchflower pictured with C&K Basildon’s Grace Gillard

  1-0 the advantage at the break, C&K Basildon pressed looking for a reply Cambridge you felt needed a 2nd goal and it came early on with club captain Kayleigh-Anne Burt nodding the ball in from close range from a corner to make it 2-0 with her 2nd goal of the season. Space opening up as C&K Basildon searched for a reply Danielle Sillitoe coming closest with a long range strike that struck the upright. Cambridge having further chances too winning the game 2-0. For the full match report click on the following link https://womensfootballeast.com/match-report-343/

Portsmouth FC Women leading the Southern Premier Division were at home in the Determining Round taking on another side with a winning start to the season local rivals Chichester City Ladies. Helen Ogle with the goal in the opening minute to put the visitors into the lead. Shannon Albuery bringing the scores level for Portsmouth with 7 minutes left to play in the first half. Chichester restoring their lead before the half-time whistle as Jade Widdows found the back of the net. A 2nd half brace for Chloe Melton putting Chichester into a strong position leading 4-1 going into the final quarter hour. Sarah Eadon pulling it back to 4-2 with five minutes left, not enough Portsmouth entering the FAWNL Plate.

Plymouth Argyle Ladies met fellow promoted side Milton Keynes Dons Ladies away from home in the Southern Premier Division, Plymouth winning the encounter 4-3. Now the sides met again 2 weeks later in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, Milton Keynes Dons making the long trip down to the South West. Natasha Knapman who scored all 4 of Plymouth’s goal in their opening day victory set the ball rolling putting Plymouth into the lead on 5 minutes. Amber Pollock doubling the lead midway through the first half a goal from Kayley Lane in the closing minute of the first half putting Plymouth into a 3-0 lead. Milton Keynes Dons responded early 2nd half to bring it back to 3-1. Rebecca Dandridge restoring Plymouth’s 3 goal cushion within a matter of minutes. Milton Keynes Dons once again pulling a goal back on 64 minutes it wasn’t enough as Plymouth secured the win. Kerry Newman and Kim Farrow with the Milton Keynes Dons goals.

A first victory of the season for Queens Park Rangers Women as they won at home in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup against fellow Southern Premier Division side Gillingham FC Ladies on Sunday. Courtney Ward-Chambers giving QPR the lead 20 minutes into the match. Leading 1-0 Sue Kumaning struck to make it 2-0 with 20 minutes left to play. Gillingham pulling it back to 2-1 straight away the nerves weren’t settled until the closing minute with Ward-Chambers on target for her 2nd of the game to secure a 3-1 win.

  Ellie Noble scored two fantastic goals in each half for Oxford United Women to see theCardiff  Southern Premier Division side through to the FAWNL Cup proper on Sunday were away taking on South East Division One side Actonians Ladies who have now started the season with three losses. Good news though as last season’s top scorer Alessandra Barreca was back with a goal in the closing minutes to pull Actonians back into the match in the final 5 minutes, Oxford going on to win 2-1.

  A 2-1 away victory too for Watford FC Ladies in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup on Sunday. The Southern Premier Division side taking on South West Division One side Poole Town Ladies. The score 1-1 at half-time, Faye Rolfe-Hawkins on target with the goal for Poole. Linda Afuakwah getting Watford’s goal. It was unfortunately an own goal that settled the match second half in favour of Watford.

   Cardiff City Ladies from the Southern Premier Division were away to South East Division One side, Stevenage Ladies in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup on Sunday. Goals from Cori Williams, Nadia Lawrence and Kelly Issac in the opening 22 minutes putting Cardiff well on the way to victory Grace Horrell adding a 4th goal to Cardiff’s tally early in the 2nd half as the welsh side went on to win the tie 4-1.

   South East Division One side AFC Wimbledon Ladies travelled down to the South Coast on Sunday to play South West Division One side Southampton Saints in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup. The sides heading for extra-time with the score still 0-0 heading into the final five minutes, captain Jess Trimnell grabbing the winning goal for AFC Wimbledon with 3 minutes left on the clock to send the visitors home with the win.

   A tough start to the season for Luton Town Ladies losing their opening two league matches were hosting South West Division One side Cheltenham Town Ladies this Sunday in the Determining Round. Annie Martin putting the visitors into the lead scoring with half an hour played. Luton pulled the scores level to go in 1-1 at half-time Nicola Henman with the goal. Amy Leach scored early in the 2nd half to put Cheltenham back in front with Martin scoring her 2nd of the game in the final 20 minutes to send Cheltenham into the FAWNL Cup proper.

South East Division One side, Leyton Orient WFC, were away in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup on Sunday playing South West Division One side, Swindon Town Ladies. Goals from Lisa Fulgence, Hayley Barton and Danielle Griffiths putting Leyton Orient 3-0 up at half-time. Sophie Le Marchand added a 4th goal with Fulgence adding another goal in a 5-1 win. Abby Picton with the Swindon goal midway through the 2nd half.

  Last but not least another South West, South East Division One clash with Chesham United Ladies hosting Enfield Town Ladies in the Determining Round. The sides level at half-time the score 1-1. Tia Bailey with Enfield’s goal in the 25th minute. Sara Degooye adding a 2nd goal for Enfield with 15 minutes left the winning goals coming at the death for the visitors as Enfield ran out 4-2 winners in the end, Degooye with her 2nd of the game on 87 minutes, Molly Peters striking in the 90th minute. Niamh Euman and Gemma Fraser with the goals in each half for Chesham.

  The competition line-up settled, be it in the FAWNL Cup or Plate everyone still with a chance to contest for silverware. Details of both draws to announced shortly.

 

The Round-Up – FA Women’s Cup 26/08/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 26th August

FA Women’s Cup 

  An early start to the season for a number of clubs with this years FA Women’s Cup seeing a record number of entrants meaning a Preliminary Round that featured 53 ties across the country including 6 involving teams in the East. There were a few casualties though due to the early start and it also being a Bank Holiday weekend getting a team together a challenge. Wymondham Town Ladies advancing through to First Round Qualifying without kicking a ball with there opponents Moulton Ladies withdrawing. That saved them getting a soaking however as the whole of the region was experiencing heavy rain come kick-off time Sunday afternoon. 

Preliminary Round

  Of the 5 ties in the Preliminary Round that were played in the East, Beccles Town Ladies were one of the lowest ranked sides making their debut in the competition, this time last season they hadn’t even kicked a competitive ball. Now they were at home taking on Essex Premier Division side Chelmsford City Ladies. It was to the Suffolk where Women’s Football East headed to watch the game. The promised rain arrived at kick-off and was persistent throughout. A slow start, Beccles centre backs cutting out Chelmsford’s forward passes, up the other end a shot flashing across the face of goal,  was goalless at the break.

Georgia James on the attack for Chelmsford City Ladies

  Chelmsford started the 2nd period lively attackers Georgia James and Lisa Overall moving around well to try and stretch the Beccles defence and the pair combined early on to hand Chelmsford the lead James on the left delivering a perfect cross to Overall making a near post run a deft header sending the ball over the keeper into the back of the net. Beccles had chances to draw level whilst their goalkeeper Chloe Pearce kept them in it at the other end including saving from the penalty spot in the closing minutes. Chelmsford getting the narrow win will face ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Sudbury Ladies at home in next weekend First Round Qualifying match. The link to the full match report can be found by clicking on the  following link  https://womensfootballeast.com/match-report-342/

  Elsewhere in the FA Women’s Cup Preliminary Round, St Ives Town Ladies were at home taking on Corby Town Ladies. Having gotten off to a great start in the league St Ives Town expected a tougher test this time around and so it proved with the game heading all the way to extra-time the sides goalless after 90 minutes. The winning goal scored in extra-time and it was St Ives Town celebrating as Katie Stancombe struck her first goal of the season to send the hosts through and another tough tie in First Round Qualifying at home against Peterborough United Ladies this coming Sunday.

   It was the first competitve match of the season for both Royston Town Ladies and Hertford Town Ladies as they were drawn together in the Preliminary Round of the FA Women’s Cup. Royston playing in the ERWFL Premier Division hosting Division One, Hertford the higher league side proving too strong with 3 players all opening their season with a brace, Francesca Smithers, Hayley Elderd and Joanne Rutherford on her return to Royston. Samantha Edgar also claiming a goal for Royston in a 7-1 win. Royston will now be away to Bishops Stortford Ladies in First Round Qualifying this coming Sunday.

  A good run in the FA Women’s Cup for Newmarket Town Ladies last season dispatching 2 higher league sides before being stopped by Wymondham Town Ladies in extra-time. Newly promoted to the ERWFL themselves this season Newmarket faced a tough test in the Preliminary Round drawn at home against Premier Division, Cambridge City Ladies. The ERWFL Premier Division side doing the business to progress, Charlotte Gillies and Carla Penny with the goals in each half to secure the win. Cambridge City will now be at home to Riverside Ladies in First Round Qualifying this coming Sunday.

  The last tie featuring sides from the East in the Preliminary Round was an all Essex affair with Frontiers Ladies from the Essex Women’s Premier Division hosting ERWFL Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies. The higher league side progressing with Georgia Holdaway following up her opening day brace with a hat-trick this Sunday to move her onto 5 goals already this season. Leah Cowan returning to the Brentwood side following a lengthy sell out  with injury last season was also on target for her 1st goal of the season in a 4-0 win. Brentwood will now be at home against Harlow Town Ladies in First Round Qualifying on Sunday.

      The draw for First Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup on Sun 2nd September featuring sides in the East is as follows – 

Peterborough Northern Star Ladies v Northampton Town Ladies

St Ives Town Ladies v Peterborough United Ladies

Wymondham Town Ladies v Roade Ladies

Kettering Town Ladies v Acle United Women

Cambridge City Ladies v Riverside Ladies

Histon Ladies v Thrapston Town Ladies

Leigh Ramblers Ladies v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Corringham Cosmos v Bungay Town Ladies

Brentwood Town Ladies v Harlow Town Ladies

Chelmsford City Ladies v AFC Sudbury Ladies

AFC Dunstable Ladies v Watford Ladies Development

Bishops Stortford Ladies v Royston Town Ladies

Colney Heath Ladies v Houghton Athletic Ladies

The Round-Up – ERWFL 26/08/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 26th August

ERWFL Premier Division

  The ERWFL games probably had one thing in common this Bank Holiday Sunday, it was wet! Rain sweeping in across the East for the afternoon. A shortened fixture list as a few sides were involved in the Preliminary Round of the FA Women’s Cup which I shall get on with in a little while but 6 games across both the Premier and Division One to bring you first.

  A perfect start to the season for Acle United Women who lead the way in the ERWFL Premier Division with 2 wins from 2 to start the season and have now scored 11 without reply too. Were at home for the 2nd successive Sunday this time taking on Suffolk side AFC Sudbury Ladies. Acle getting off to a flyer at the start of the game were 3-0 up inside the opening 15 minutes. Grace Birchall setting thing’s rolling with the opening goal on 5 minutes. Birchall adding another goal to her tally 7 minutes later, Naomi Cooper bringing up the 3rd goal on 15 minutes before being forced off with injury. A 3-0 lead for Acle at the break in terrible weather they held their lead adding a further goal in the 2nd half through defender Anna Larkins to win the game 4-0.

  Colney Heath Ladies had a tough first season in the ERWFL Premier Division last season finishing bottom albeit with 3 withdrawals No wins to there name then either a much better start this time around as they begin their season having been involved in FA Women’s Cup action the weekend before with a solid home win over relegated Haringey Borough Women. Goals from Sophie Joseph and Nicola Hollick seeing Colney Heath leading 2-0 at half-time. Hollick with her 2nd of the game making it 3-0 at the start of the 2nd half. Lucy Hancock getting in on the goals scoring action to bring up 4-0. Sophie Joseph sending home a free-kick for her 2nd of the game to make it 5-0. Charlotte Grogan firing in a 30 yarder to see Colney Heath win the game 6-0 and that following on from a 7-0 win in the cup the weekend before.

   Harlow Town Ladies won their first ever game in the ERWFL Premier Division 5-2 at home on the opening day of the season. Were at home too this Bank Holiday Sunday taking on Bedford Ladies who had drawn their opening game of the season. The visitors having the better of the 1st half were leading 2-0 at the break with Catalina Costas scoring both of Bedford’s goals. Harlow though were to mount a comeback 2nd half to take a share of the points Lily Bruno and Tayla Handscombe both on target with a goal each to see the game finish 2-2.

ERWFL Division One

  3 games too played in ERWFL Division One on Bank Holiday Sunday, 2 sides winning their opening two matches to lead the table. Stevenage Ladies Reserves followed an opening day 5-0 away win against Bishops Stortford Ladies with a win at home against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies who themselves had also won on the opening day. With just the bare 11 available Stevenage had to work hard for the 3 points, goals from Katherine Calvert and Daniela Martucci the difference as Stevenage ran out 2-0 winners.

  Also starting their season with 2 successive victories are Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies on the road again followed their 2-1 win against newly promoted Hatfield Peverel Ladies with another 3 points at Bishops Stortford Ladies. Kealy Farley on target with the opening goal to put Bowers & Pitsea ahead in the 12th minute. Bishops Stortford were back on level term 10 minutes later Rebekah Coppen with their goal. Back came Bowers & Pitsea retaking the lead with 10 minutes of the 1st half left Abbie Simmonds finding the back of the net. An own goal coming late in the half to put the visitors 3-1 up. Ebony Moore with a goal midway through the 2nd half to secure a 4-1 victory for Bowers & Pitsea. 

  Lawford Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL started the season with a heavy defeat to fellow promoted side St Ives Town Ladies on the opening day of the season. Bounced back this Sunday to claim their 1st victory. At home the Essex side were taking on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies. Goals at either end of the 1st half from Jasmine Cox and Daisy Canny seeing Lawford leading 2-0 at half-time. Histon eventually scoring what would prove to be consolation goal through Katie Webb.

The Round-Up – FAWNL 26/08/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 26th August

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

August Bank Holiday weekend saw the 2nd round of league fixtures across the FAWNL Southern Premier Division and South East Division One with newly promoted sides leading the way in both divisions after Sunday’s results. A wet afternoon across the whole of the East very few if any games avoided a drenching.

  Loughborough Foxes Women lead the way in the Southern Premier Division jointly with Portsmouth FC Women, making it 2 wins from 2 at the start of the season. Last season’s Midlands Division One Champions were away to former FAWSL 2 side Watford Ladies on Sunday. Rebecca Knight heading Loughborough into the lead in the 22nd minute. Kate Lowder with a strike from the edge of the box making it 2-0 to the visitors 6 minutes later. 2-0 the lead at the break, Watford were far from out of the game chances for both sides 2nd half Leanne Bell pulled it back to 2-1 inside the final 15 minutes for Watford, just 2 minutes later though Loughborough countered to restore their 2 goal cushion, Charlotte Cooper on as a 2nd half substitute making it 3-1, a result that sees Loughborough lead a three-way tie at the top on 6 points.

Goal difference and goals scored identical after 2 matches played Portsmouth FC Women match Loughborough with 2 wins from 2 at the start of the season. At home this Sunday on the South Coast were taking on Gillingham FC Ladies. The sides looked to be going in goalless at the half-time interval until Gillingham broke the deadlock scoring from a free kick late on, Maddison Chamney-Farrand with the goal. Portsmouth were quick out of the blocks 2nd half with Shannon Albuery levelling the scores with a minute played. Portsmouth then went on to take the lead in the 58th minute Katie James on the scoresheet. Jade Bradley striking from long distance to make it 3-1 to Portsmouth 5 minutes later. Daisy McLachlan netting in the final 10 minutes to seal a 4-1 victory.

Also making it 2 wins from 2 at the start of the season are Chichester City Ladies. Travelled west to play newly promoted Plymouth Argyle Ladies on Sunday. Their new signings doing the damage Molly Clark having opened her account for Chichester in their 1st match of the season added a brace to her tally against Plymouth, with Helen Ogle previously with QPR Women also netting her 1st goal for the club in a 3-0 away victory.

  A goalless draw for Coventry United Ladies n their opening match of the season away to Gillingham they were once again on the road again this Sunday a shorter journey to Stadium MK to play newly promoted Milton Keynes Dons Ladies.  Chenise Austin putting Coventry into the lead in the 20th minute. Marie Gauntlett struck to double Coventry’s advantage with 10 minutes of the 1st half left. The result made more comfortable on the hour mark with Lois Jefferies putting the ball in on the rebound after a strike from Marie Gauntlett had come back to her off the post. Coventry move up to 4th with the 3-0 win. 

 Cardiff City Ladies climb up to 5th in the fledgling Southern Premier Division table with a comfortable 5-0 away win against Essex side C&K Basildon Ladies on Sunday. A strong 1st half for the side from Wales, Kylie Nolan putting Cardiff into the lead inside the opening 2 minutes. A quick fire double from Hannah Miles midway through the 1st half further extended Cardiff’s lead with Cori Williams striking on 40 minutes to see Cardiff leading 4-0 at half-time. Alice Griffiths on target with a goal in the 2nd half to see Cardiff claim their 1st win of season.

 A first win of the season to for Oxford United Women away to Queens Park Rangers Women on Sunday, the former FAWSL 2 side now 6th in the Southern Premier Division table as a result. All the goals coming in the 1st half Georgia Timms putting Oxford into the lead on 27 minutes. Kerry Walklett and Florence Fyfe both on target late in the half to put Oxford in full control. 

FAWNL South East Division One

What are the odds of the two sides newly promoted to a league leading the way with 2 wins from 2 each at the start of the season? Long I should imagine but that is the case in FAWNL South East Division One with both Billericay Town Ladies and Crawley Wasps Ladies taking maximum points from their opening fixtures.

  Billericay started the season with a 3-0 away win at Denham United Ladies. Were at home for the 1st time this Sunday taking on Stevenage Ladies who had started with a 5-2 win themselves. The away side short of numbers going into the Bank Holiday weekend fixture just the bare 11. Billericay with a good start Samantha Pittock (who I called Puttock in the Round-Up last time out) handed the Essex side the lead scoring in the opening 5 minutes. Zoe Rushen doubling Billericay’s lead in the 10th minute. Nicole Emmings scored for Stevenage to see them trail 2-1 at the break. 2nd half Billericay took full control Jay Blackie with a brace scoring on 56 & 66 minutes making it 4-1, Pittock adding her 2nd of the game as the last 15 minutes loomed, Lucy Jones with a long range effort into the top corner sealing a 6-1 win in the 82nd minute.

 Crawley Wasps Ladies also started the season with 2 wins from 2 but it was a much closer affair this time out away to Enfield Town Ladies. Both sides having started the season with a 5-1 win. For over 80 minutes the two sides had been locked at 0-0, the winning goal coming 6 minutes from time Rachel Palmer sending home a free-kick to send Crawley home with the 3 points.

  Cambridge United Women climb into 3rd position in the South East Division One table with there 1st win of the season away to Leyton Orient WFC on Sunday. A 2nd successive away day to the capital having earned a point away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies on the opening weekend. Striker Kelley Blanchflower scoring to put Cambridge into the lead late in the 1st half. New signing Becky Shephard opened her Cambridge account lobbing the ball over the keeper from the top of the box to make it 2-0 to the visitors in the 2nd half, with Blanchflower on target again for her 2nd of the game to seal a 3-0 victory.

Cambridge’s Kelley Blanchflower opened her account with a brace on Sunday

  AFC Wimbledon Ladies drawing with Cambridge on the opening day also got their 1st 3 point haul of the season this Sunday, away to Luton Town Ladies. The hosts taking an early lead in the match however Rachel Carter with the goal to put Luton 1-0 up. Sophie Manzi getting Wimbledon back on level terms midway through the 1st half, less than 10 minutes later the visitors were in front Sian Wylie finding the back of the net. 2-1 the lead to Wimbledon at the break it wasn’t until 4 minutes from time that the visitors made the 3 points secure Manzi with her 2nd goal of the match sealing the 3-1 win.

  A 5-1 loss to newcomers Crawley Wasps Ladies on the opening day of the season Ipswich Town Women bounced back with a fine 2nd half performance to claim their 1st win of the season this time away to Actonians Ladies. It was the home side holding the advantage at half-time however Mariko Eagles getting the goal on the half hour for Actonians. Ipswich responding well Nicole Pannifer levelling the scores for the Suffolk side 20 minutes into the 2nd half just 3 minutes later Ipswich were ahead Zoe Cossey with the strike to make it 2-1. New signing Paige Wakefield previously with C&K Basildon Ladies struck to make it 3-1 to Ipswich with 15 minutes left. Natasha Thomas slotting home from the penalty spot to make it 4-1 to Ipswich in the 78th minute with another summer recruit Laken Ducher-Clarke also from C&K Basildon adding a goal in final moments of the game to secure a 5-1 win.

  In the final game to report on from the FAWNL South East Division One, Norwich City Ladies were denied all 3 points thanks to a late equaliser by visitors Denham United Ladies on Sunday. Both sides starting the season with a loss Denham United were to take the lead on 10 minutes with Annie Hewitt getting the visitors goal. Norwich were quick to respond levelling the score less than 5 minutes later, striker Chelsea Garrett sending the ball home to make it 1-0. That the score at the break Norwich went on to take the lead in the game with a little over 10 minutes left to play Garrett on target for her 2nd of the game. The 3 points denied late on however a Denham came back to level the score with just 2 minutes left on the clock, Joanne Torr making it 2-2 to see both sides claim their 1st point of the season.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 19/08/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 19th Aug

The new season of ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) began this weekend with 25 sides competing across two divisions this campaign. 12 sides in the Premier Division with 13 in Division One, plenty of football to come over the next few months with plenty of interesting encounters lined up. 

ERWFL Premier Division

Acle United Women are the early leaders in the Premier Division with a crushing home defeat on the opening day taking on Haringey Borough Women, relegated from the FAWPL as it was last season. A difficult season for Haringey Borough loosing alot of players as they entered the higher level a baptism of fire for a young squad then and still recovering from that suffered a heavy defeat on their return to the ERWFL against one of the sides likely to be pushing for the title. Grace Birchall getting Acle into an early lead inside 5 minutes. Captain Megan Todd going on to score a brace to put Acle 3-0 up before Birchall added her 2nd of the game and Rhianne Brister was on target to give the Norfolk side a 5-0 half-time lead. More goals followed 2nd half Todd and Birchall rounding off their hat-tricks, Laura Holden and Brister with her 2nd of the match making it 9-0 in the final 10 minutes.

  Is a Norfolk one, two in the ERWFL Premier Division after the opening weekend with newly promoted Wymondham Town Ladies recording a big win away from home. A trip to Bedfordshire to play a team I had been led to believe had folded over the summer, AFC Dunstable Ladies, they haven’t however and pleased to see, far from the start they would have liked against a side more than one person has told me look strong in pre-season. Top scorer last season, Laura Nicholls wasted no time opening her account this time around grabbing a 1st half hat-trick with a goal too for Betty Fretwell and new signing Carolyn Sarafian on her debut making it 5. Dunstable did pull a goal back but only a consolation as Wymondham added further goals 2nd half Nicholls with her 4th of the game, Jorja Patterson and Chelsea Clarke also getting an opening day goal in an 8-1.

Cambridge City Ladies, were runners-up last season in their debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division. Started this season with a trip to a new local rival as Peterborough Northern Star Ladies join the ERWFL having previously played for the East Midland’s regional section. Cambridge City getting off to a great start with a 5-2 win. Laura Mills, Carla Penny and Shannon Shaw on her debut all scoring along with substitute Grace Stanley who netted a brace.

Harlow Town Ladies are the other new entrants to the Premier Division with a 3rd successive promotion having finished runners-up in ERWFL Division One South last season. Began life at the higher level at home taking on fellow Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies. Georgia Holdaway scoring a brace for the visitors it wasn’t enough for Brentwood as they suffered an opening day loss Harlow Town running out 5-2 winners. Olivia Steele scoring an opening day hat-trick with Lily Bruno and Rubie Smith also on target.

AFC Sudbury Ladies were hosting Bedford Ladies in the final game played in the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday. An injury time goal for the home side denying Bedford all 3 points after Mayo Sidhu had given them the lead. Ceri Harris  sending the ball home for AFC Sudbury in stoppage time to secure a point for the Suffolk side.

Colney Heath Ladies start to the ERWFL Premier Division delayed as they were instead in action in the FA Women’s Cup, Preliminary Round hosting Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies. A hat-trick for new signing Rianne Townsend-Brown on her debut, along with a goal for fellow debutant Charlene Moreton plus a brace from last season’s top scorer Nicola Hollicks and one from Kelly Hancock seeing Colney Heath progress easily with a 7-0 win.

ERWFL Division One

One single Division One this season consisting of 13 teams 4 new sides joining, St Ives Town Ladies and Newmarket Town Ladies plus Hatfield Peverel Ladies and Lawford Ladies from Essex. Another new name in the ERWFL being Bowers & Pitsea Ladies formerly Little Thurrock Dynamos.

  It was a game from ERWFL Division One where Women’s Football East began it’s season taking in a match between two of the newly promoted sides, St Ives Town Ladies hosting Lawford Ladies. St Ives getting off to a fantastic starting breaking away to score inside the opening minute, Tierney Coulson sending in a strike from outside the box. St Ives started well finding room to exploit as Lawford struggled to get to grips with their young energetic forwards, captain Amy Seymour-Shove running clear on the left curling home a shot from the top corner of the box to make it 2-0. Last season’s top scorer Georgia Stancombe also opened her account seeing her initial shot saved by Lawford keeper Jamie Newstead the ball came back to her to lift the ball over her and in or 3-0. A rampant St Ives adding a 4th goal with newly introduced substitutes Caitlin Jarman and Lauren Gibson combining for the latter to score with her first touch on her St Ives debut after joining from Cambridge United WFC in the summer.

 

An opening day hat-trick for St Ives Town Lades, Tierney Coulson

 

4-0 at half-time, Lawford needed to reorganise or risk being over run 2nd half came out with a more solid shape 2nd half and pulled a goal back through last season’s top scorer Jasmine Cox as she caused trouble for the St Ives defence form a long ball forwards. St Ives had the energy and goal advantage to push on and Coulson reintroduced to the game 2nd half found herself on the end of two final balls to wrap up an opening day hat-trick. The 6-1 win sending St Ives to the top of the table. 

Last season’s ERWFL Division One South winners, Stevenage Ladies Reserves chose not to take promotion to the Premier Division, remaining in Division One they began the new campaign away to Bishops Stortford Ladies who had a difficult debut season at regional level, will be hoping for better results this time around. Stevenage Ladies Reserves got off to a great start against them however with a 5-0 win on Sunday. Daniela Martucci getting herself hat-trick in the match with Emily Schofield and Sherrie Evans both getting a goal a piece. Stevenage Ladies Reserves are 2nd. 

Weren’t the only side to score 5 goals in their opening match of the season with 2 more hitting 5 at home to collect all 3 points. Hutton Ladies enjoyed a successful campaign last time out collecting two trophies, including retaining the ERWFL Plate. Started this season’s league campaign at home to Histon Ladies. The visitors from Cambridgeshire taking the early lead against the Essex side Jordanne Sillitoe resigning for Histon scoring after just 2 minutes. Hutton went on to have full control of the match taking a 4-1 lead into the dressing room at half-time. Vicky Kinsman making her debut for Hutton scoring all of the goals went on to add a 5th to her name 2nd half, Hutton winning 5-2, Sillitoe scoring again for Histon.

Also scoring 5 goals on the opening day to clinch victory were last season’s ERWFL Division One North runners-up, King Lynn Town Ladies, were hosting Newmarket Town Ladies, newly promoted to the ERWFL after finishing runners-up in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. Natalie Wright, Deva Rawlings and Chloe Witt were making their debuts for King’s Lynn. Newmarket Town have lost a few players in the summer but were blessed with a large pool of talent to call upon previously and although leaner have a solid side. It was King’s Lynn who would take the lead Oksana Imanalijeva making it 1-0. Tiffany Forshaw opened her account to make it 2-0 to the hosts. Brooke Wickens getting a goal back for Newmarket. King’s Lynn with the 2-1 advantage at the break.

  Chloe Witt bagged herself a goal on her debut for King’s Lynn to make it 3-1. The score going into a frantic last 10 minutes, Newmarket puling it back to 3-2 through Sarah O’Rourke. Rochelle Woods and Imanalijeva with her 2nd of the game putting King’s Lynn into a 5-2 lead. Molly Agnew scoring a 3rd goal for Newmarket not with two minutes left on the clock not enough as King’s Lynn took the 3 points with a 5-3 result.

  Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies ended the last campaign in magnificent form 5 straight wins in the league and have carried that momentum on into the new season winning away from home on the opening day of the season. Were taking on Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Charley Handley scoring Hoddesdon’s first goal of the season to put the visitors 1-0 up at the break. Kristina O’Connell making the score 2-0 to Hoddesdon 10 minutes into the 2nd half a 3rd soon followed scored by Natasha Crick. Ipswich Wanderers getting a consolation goal deep into injury time new signing Stacey Teager from AFC Sudbury Ladies scoring on her debut.

  An away win for Bowers & Pitsea Ladies completes the opening days results in the ERWFL. Were taking on fellow Essex side Hatfield Peverel Ladies newly promoted to the league as Essex Women’s Premier Division Champions. Goals from new signing Sabrina Campbell and Abbie Simmonds giving Bowers & Pitsea a 2-0 lead looked comfortable for the result Hatfield Peverel grabbing a late goal through Lauren Crozier to make the final score 2-1. 

The Round-Up – FAWNL 19/08/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 19th August

  The new football season began this Sunday and with it comes the first edition of The Round-Up. Women’s Football East will continue to cover the same leagues as last season which are much changed at the top end following the FA’s restructuring of the women’s football pyramid. The FAWSL remains the countries top tier featuring 11 fully professional clubs with FAWSL 2 being renamed the FA Championship again featuring 11 clubs most being semi-professional. The FAWPL below is where The Round-Up coverage begins, renamed this season now known as the FAWNL (Women’s National League).

The two leagues covered by Women’s Football East being the Southern Premier Division and South East Division One below. 12 teams on each at the start of the season several new names feature in the Southern Premier Division as 4 teams from last season were successful in applying for a licence to play in the revamped FAWSL. West Ham United Ladies the most ambitious being the only club outside the FAWSL to apply for a tier one licence. Southern Premier Division Champions, Charlton Athletic Women were victorious in the FAWPL Play-off match to earn promotion whilst Lewes FC Women and after appeal Crystal Palace Ladies also secured a place in the Championship.

There were casualties too with founder clubs from FAWSL 2 opting not to apply for a licence initially in what is an incredibly expensive league. That see’s Watford FC Ladies and Oxford United Women drop down into the FAWNL Southern Premier Division. Three promoted sides join the league after the restructure Milton Keynes Dons Ladies, Plymouth Argyle Ladies and Loughborough Foxes Women winners of the FAWPL South East, South West and Midlands Division One’s respectfully. 

Onto to the weekend’s football.

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

We begin with Loughborough Foxes Women, who were runaway winners of the Midland’s Division One last season, undefeated winning all but one of their 22 league games. Started the new season at home against Queens Park Rangers Women who finished 2nd bottom in the Southern Premier last season. An excellent start for the newly promoted sides, early woes for QPR. Rebecca Mcgrother getting Loughborough off to the perfect start scoring in the 3rd minute of the match. Charlotte Cooper the clubs top scorer last campaign opened her account this season on the 12th minute to put Loughborough 2-0 up, with further goals from Shauna Chambers and Kate Lowder seeing Loughborough leading 4-0 at the break. Mcgrother added her 2nd of the game 2 minutes after the restart with Cooper making it 6-0 with her 2nd of the game with 15 minutes left, QPR going down 7-0 in the finish conceding an own goal in stoppage time. Loughborough the early leaders.

Just a goal less scored for Portsmouth FC Women sees them into 2nd in the Southern Premier Division after the opening round of fixtures. Were away to last season’s runners-up, C&K Basildon Ladies. The Essex side seeing a lot of changes over the close season with the retirement of Peter King who had invested heavily into the club to make it one of the leading forces in women’s football in the County taking them to the brink of the FAWSL. Now C&K Basildon entering a new era have seen the lost of much of the first team squad along with manager Steve Tilson. A new management team an new look (young) side came up against a strong Portsmouth side. Hannah Greer giving the away side the lead on 12 minutes made it a brace before Daisy McLachlan made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time. McLachlan an emerging talent last season went on to score twice more in the 2nd half to bag herself an opening day hat-trick with Shannon Albuery on target for a goal in a 6-0 win.

Watford FC Ladies made the decision early not to apply for an FAWSL licence this naturally saw some upheaval at the club costing them their coach and several key players. Also gave them a longer time to prepare for a new era and maybe out of all the former FAWSL sides who drop out of league they are in the best position to mount an immediate promotion push. Got off the the perfect start with an opening day victory at home to Cardiff City Ladies. Welsh international striker Helen Ward opening her account to put the hosts 1-0 up within 7 minutes. Kylie Nolan got it back to 1-1 for Cardiff City midway through the 1st half. Ward restoring Watford’s lead just before half-time from the penalty spot. Andrea Carid Coa came on to make her debut in the 2nd half for Watford and celebrated the occasion by scoring a brace on 64 and 72 minutes. Ward going on to complete a hat-trick in the final 10 minutes. Nolan adding a 2nd goal for Cardiff City late on. Watford clinching a 5-2 win.

Chichester City Ladies began the season at home entertaining the other side dropping out of the FAWSL, Oxford United Women. The debutants doing the damage for Chichester City, Sara Tubby finding the back of the net with 10 minutes left to play in the 1st half to hands the hosts a 1-0 half-time lead. Molly Clark too scoring on her debut for Chichester City on 65 minutes to make it 2-0. Oxford pulling a goal back through Ellie Noble to make it 2-1 and set up a tense last 10 minutes Chichester City going on to claim the 3 points.

A 7 goal thriller between the other two sides promoted to the Southern Premier Division this season with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies playing their home games at Stadium MK itself this season entertaining Plymouth Argyle Ladies who finished South West Division One Champions unbeaten with 16 wins from 18 played. Largely due to the incredible 61 goal haul by top scorer Natasha Knapman, and she wasn’t hanging around at the start of this season either, scoring a 1st half hat-trick to put Plymouth 3-0 up. Milton Keynes Dons fought back to reduce the deficit with Kim Farrow and Zoe Boote both scoring to make it 3-2 in the final 5 minutes of the 1st half. Milton Keynes Dons pulled it around to make it 3-3 with 15 minutes played in the 2nd half, Farrow in target for her 2nd goal of the game. Knapman wasn’t finished however as she put the ball home for her 4th of the match 8 minutes later to see the visitors open the season with a 4-3 win.

  In the other game played in the Southern Premier Division at the weekend Coventry United Ladies travelled to Kent to play Gillingham FC Ladies, the two sides battling out a 0-0 to claim a share of the points.

FAWNL South East Division One

Crawley Wasps Ladies join the FAWNL South East Division One this season and made a positive start to life at a higher level by securing a home win against Ipswich Town Women who were pushing for promotion for a large spell last season. At home it was Ariana Fleischman who claimed Crawley Wasps first goal in the FAWNL netting in the 6th minute. Faye Rabson doubling the advantage for Crawley Wasps on the half hour. Ipswich Town changing their name to Women were to pull it back to 2-1 with 6 minutes left in the 1st half captain Amanda Crump scoring from outside the box. Crawley Wasps were to go it with a 2 goal cushion at half-time with Sian Heather newly joined from Lewes FC Women scoring on her debut. Crawley Wasps going on to made victory comfortable in the 2nd half with both Rabson and Heather getting on the scoresheet once more to seal a 5-1.

  5-1 was also the winning score for Enfield Town Ladies as they go joint top with Crawley Wasps in South East Division One after the opening weekend. Began their campaign at home to Norfolk side Norwich City Ladies. Got off the the worst possible start however as Norwich took an early lead in the game Sasha Diston finding the back of the net with just 7 minutes played. Enfield turning the game right around to lead 2-1 at half-time with new signing Jodie Bellinger scoring a brace. 10 minutes into the 2nd half Bellinger had her hat-trick before Danielle Smith scored to make it 4-1 to Enfield. Norwich saw a penalty saved with 20 minutes left before Isabella Agus wrapped up the 5-1 result with 8 minutes left to play.

Also scoring 5 goal on in their opening game of the season were Stevenage Ladies at home to Actonians Ladies on Sunday. Nicole Emmings getting a brace for Stevenage there were opening day goals too for Amy Josland, Amy Makewell and Ellie Searle in a 5-2 victory. Alessandra Barreca top scorer for Actonians last season netting both the visitors goals one in each half.

  The other debutant in South East Division One were Essex side, Billericay Town Ladies Champions for the ERWFL Premier Division at last after narrowly missing out on promotion for a number of seasons. Manager Kim Coster has recruited strongly over the close season experience and presence in Zoe Rushen and Jay Blackie from C&K Basildon Ladies along with striker Karissa Rodney, with exciting young talents like Megan Jiggins and Broghan Kelly also coming in amongst others. Started the season perfectly to with an away victory over Denham United Ladies. Lucy Jones, captain Lindsey Morgan and Samantha Puttock all on target in the 1st half in a 3-0 win.

  A late winner saw Leyton Orient WFC claim an opening day victory against Luton Town Ladies on Sunday. Chanel Richards with the all important goal to clinch a 1-0 win for the visitors in the 81st minute of the match.

  Cambridge United Women began the season with an away trip to the capital to play last season’s South East Division One runners-up, AFC Wimbledon Ladies. Cambridge are another side who have make several new additions over the close season. AFC Wimbledon were holding the advantage at half-time with Katie Stanley putting them 1-0 up inside the final 10 minutes of the half. 10 minutes into the 2nd half Cambridge United were back on level terms new club captain, Kayleigh-Anne Burt rising inside the box to head the ball home from a corner kick. An opening day draw to begin the season the game ending 1-1.

The Round-Up – 20/05/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 20th May

The final edition of The Round-Up for the 2017/18 season. 19 games to bring you in one post it’s not quite over a couple to thing’s to still be decided and it is going to go all the way in both the Premier and Division One in Essex, first though we’ll begin with all the action from the final day of the FAWPL season.

FAWPL Southern Division

3 games to wrap up the season in the FAWPL Southern Division, Charlton Athletic Women the Champions of course have a very important Play-off match to come against the Northern Division Champions, Blackburn Rovers Ladies this coming Sunday at Bramall Lane.

  This Sunday Charlton were at home for their final game of the season presented with the Southern Division trophy, ended their campaign against Chichester City Ladies. Charlotte Gurr giving Charlton a 1-0 half-time lead scoring in the 13th minute. Strike partner Kit Graham doubling the lead on the hour. Natasha Stephens getting her first goal for Chichester City pulled it back to 2-1 on 77 minutes. Charlton soon restoring their 2 goal advantage Gurr netting her 2nd of the game 4 minutes later. Graham taking her tally to a whopping 46 goals for the season scoring deep in stoppage time to see Charlton end the season with a 4-1 win. Just 2 defeats in the league all season for Charlton a potent strike force in Gurr and Graham have netted 82 goals between them. An 8th placed finish for Chichester City in the finish a solid season following promotion have been comfortable in the top half of the table for much of the campaign dropping a little late on.

 Wishing Charlton all the best of luck for this weekends Play-off match.

  Pipped at the post Lewes FC Women concede 4th place in the Southern Division table having held it for much of the season as Coventry United Ladies grabbed a last gasp winner to nudge them out on goal difference. Lewes travelled to Coventry United knowing a point or better would secure 4th. Coventry having played twice in midweek in an effort to catch up their games in hand had picked up maximum points one more win would see them overhaul Lewes to 4th spot. Were trailing at the break however Lewes ahead 1-0 after Avilla Bergin had fired the visitors into the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Jade Brook levelled thing’s up for Coventry in the 2nd half. 1-1 until the dying moments the game looked to be heading for the draw Lois Jefferies finding the back of the net to grab a late late winner for Coventry United.

  Over 1300 spectators were present for West Ham United Ladies final game of the season at home to Queens Park Rangers Ladies in Sunday. The club having had a fantastic 2018 to date 13 games unbeaten along with 2 cups won along the way. From a precarious position going into the year in the league West Ham United have ended the season comfortable in mid-table. Held 0-0 for the opening half hour it was Rosie Kmita who broke the dead lock for West Ham to put the hosts into the lead, Kelly Wealthall making it 2-0 4 minutes before half-time.

  Jasmine Auguste scored a 3rd goal for West Ham United on the hour. Ellie Zoepfl then took over the goal scoring proceedings as she bagged herself a 10 minute hat-trick to put West Ham United 6-0 up. Helen Ogle pulled a goal back for Queens Park Rangers a consolation West Ham United awarded a penalty in stoppage time substitute Rebecca Dunning stepping up to take and scoring her 1st goal for the club the final score 7-1.  

FAWPL South East Division One

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies have done it are the FAWPL South East Division One Champions! An amazing run of 11 wins to end the campaign have lost just the one league game all season and that was their 2nd game of the season back in August. Have been playing catch up all season but as the title race played out before them knew what they had to do at one point 27 points back on the leaders but a maximum points haul would see them close the gap. That of course is easier said than done, credit to everyone involved a tremendous effort with games coming thick and fast towards the end played themselves into top spot with a game to go and knew just a point away to bottom side Haringey Borough was going to be enough come this Sunday.

  A 16-1 win for Milton Keynes just a week ago, Stevenage pushed them hard at Stadium MK in midweek a 1-0 just as good however. With plenty of goal scorers in their side Milton Keynes created plenty of chances and took them to wrap up the title with a big win, Laura Mills and Kim Farrow netting a hat-trick each. Both Leah Cudone and Zoe Boote got a brace. Captain Leanna Doyle and Amy Gooderham also on target along with an own goal in a 13-0 win.

  An incredibly tough season for Haringey Borough following their double winning success of the season before. Losing a lot of players to university it was a baptism of fire in the FAWPL so many new players losing a manager during the campaign too. Full credit too though for sticking at it have battled and the spirit remained strong the club. 

Congratulations to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies on becoming Champions and promotion to the Southern Division.

AFC Wimbledon Ladies the FAWPL South East Division One leaders for so long through out the season ultimately missing out finish as Runners-Up in the league. Two defeats late on in the campaign damaging their own title challenge have nevertheless had a strong season. Ended the season were they began the reverse fixture away to Ipswich Town Ladies who themselves have secured a top three finish in FAWPL South East Division One. Ipswich Town beat AFC Wimbledon 3-1 on the opening day of the season. This Sunday the sides were goalless at the break. AFC Wimbledon taking the lead early in the 2nd period awarded a penalty on 47 minutes Caroline Bisson putting the ball into the back of the net for her 11th goal of the season. Ipswich responded quickly getting back on level terms, Zoe Cossey who has been in fine form this season netting her 21st goal of the season to make it 1-1 the sides ended with a point each.

Ipswich Town Ladies manager Ralph Pruden announcing after the game that he would be stepping down from the role after 4 years in charge a successful spell for the club, will still be involved with the club but taking a well earned rest first, has been very helpful to Women’s Football East in that period and wish him all the best for the future.

 Leyton Orient WFC were making their debut in the FAWPL this season and right up their amongst the title chasers from an early stage end up with a 4th place finish. A very good first season at this level their campaign ending with a goalless draw away to Enfield Town Ladies who end in 10th position.

Luton Town Ladies have been amongst the top  sides in the FAWPL South East Division One over recent seasons clinching two successive 4th placed finishes before a 5th place finish last season. 5th place was the goal too this Sunday as they travelled to Norfolk to play Norwich City Ladies knowing a win would guarantee the place. Women’s Football East was there to watch the action on a hot sunny afternoon at Plantation Park. A flurry of goals in the early stages of the game, Nicola Henman lobbing the keeper to put Luton a goal up Norwich went straight up the other end and scored the equaliser Chelsea Garrett running through to beat the keeper to the ball and turn the ball into the back of the net. Luton soon back in front Henman the provider this time setting up Jess McKay inside the box to make it 2-1. 

Nicola Henman on the attack for Luton Town Ladies.

Luton further extending their 1st half lead as they were awarded a free-kick 30 yards from goal central a brilliant strike from their captain Zara Carroll the ball smashing down off the crossbar over the line to make it 3-1. That the half-time score Norwich came out fighting 2nd half Luton soaking up the pressure ready to hit their opponents on the counter. Norwich pulling a goal back late in the match Garrett with her 2nd of the game, Luton keeping their lead to the final whistle and ending their season with a win. Norwich finish 2nd bottom and will have to wait until the upcoming league restructuring to see if they will retain their FAWPL status for next season. 

 Stevenage Ladies were the side that could have overhauled Luton to 5th spot had they got the win and Luton dropped points as it was Stevenage away to Denham United Ladies on the final day lost out to a narrow 2-1 defeat, captain Donna McGuigan getting the goal Denham ended the season on a positive note Kayleigh Currivan with a double to see them claim the 3 points. 

That’s it for the FAWPL as from next season it becomes the FA Women’s National League. 

ERWFL Division One South

 Just one outstanding fixture left to play in the ERWFL from Division One South, Hutton Ladies double cup winners this season ending with a trip to Hertford Town Ladies in buoyant mood the Essex side ending with a victory. Kate Lowen and Kelly Roberts both scoring 2 goals each with Kaitlin Sugg and Laura Allen also on target in a 6-1 win.

Congratulation too the Harlow Town Ladies who have been promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division. Finishing 2nd in Division One South, Champions Stevenage Ladies Reserves haven’t taken promotion the runners-up going up in their place.

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Bungay Town Ladies are the Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions and complete a league and cup double. A nervous wait at the end however as they draw their final game of the season to open the door to 2nd placed Sprowston Ladies. 4 points behind with 2 games left to play a 2-0 win against Thorpe United Ladies meant Sprowston could overtake Bungay and become Champions themselves if they could win their final match of the season away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves who themselves with two games left to play could move up a couple of places with maximum points.

Sprowston having the better start getting themselves into a 2-0 lead Wymondham Town came back into it Hannah Claughton pulling it back to 2-1. The game turned completely around then as Wymondham Town levelled from the penalty spot Emily Anderson scoring added another soon after to put Wymondham Town 3-2 ahead. Sprowston coming back to level it up at 3-3 late on in the game the sides taking away a point each, Sprowston drawing level on points with Bungay who become Champions virtue of a superior goal difference. 

  Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on completing the league and cup double.

 Congratulations to Sprowston Ladies to a very young squad challenging for the title all season missing out on a double themselves just on goals scored after winning the Plate Final.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

A double header to bring the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North season to a close, Riverside Ladies needing just a point against their two matches with Hungate Rovers Ladies to become the league champions. Jess Hill and Jade Ramm scoring a goal each in a 2-0 win for Riverside in one game. 6 points won with a 5-1 win in the other match, Samantha Woodham scoring twice with a goal each for Annie Posnett, Lianna Bell and Juliana Lee.

  Congratulations to Riverside Ladies on becoming Championship North Champions and promotion to the Premiership. A successful end to a difficult season dropping out of the EMWFL and entering a team into the Championship North.

Essex Women’s Premier Division 

Still all to play for in both leagues in Essex. In the Premier Division, Hatfield Peverel Ladies maintain the lead moving onto 40 points 5 clear of 2nd placed Lawford Ladies who have a game in hand. A double header this Sunday for Hatfield Peverel away to another title challenger Corringham Cosmos who even after this weekends double have 5 games left to play. Both sides claiming a win. Christa Osman on target with the winner in Hatfield Peverel’s 1-0 win. Michelle Sumpter grabbing to only goal of the game to win it for Corringham Cosmos who lay in 5th spot on 29 points have 4 games in hand on Hatfield Peverel who themselves have one left play away to Collier Row Tigers this Sunday. 

Lawford Ladies secured the 3 points with a huge home win against Harlow Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Captain, Daisy Canny scoring 5 goals in the game taking her onto 24 for the season, Jasmine Cox keeping just ahead of her as top scorer getting a hat-trick has 26 goals now. Sofia Serghiou on the scoresheet too with 4 goals in the game, Jade Heath and Tyler Christou also on target in a 14-0 win.

  Frontiers Ladies in 3rd place in the Premier Division have 3 games left to play as they picked up another win on the road on Sunday to leave them 6 points off the leaders. Taking on Beacon Hill Rovers, were leading 3-0 at half-time before going on to win 4-1, Sharon Ferguson netting a brace along with a goal apiece for Kay Foy and Kelly Holsworth.

Chelmsford City Ladies were playing Collier Row Tigers at home on Sunday, Georgia James scoring a hat-trick along with a goal for Mia Brisley seeing the 6th placed side beat Collier Row Tigers in 4th, 4-2. Emily Dempsey and Laura Bunton scoring for Collier Row Tigers.

I could do the maths but it’ll only give me a headache and leave you confused so for now 4 sides still remain in with a chance of claiming the title, Hatfield Peverel win on Sunday and other results go their way then they will finish top.

Essex Women’s Division One

As competitive for the league title in Essex Women’s Division One going into the final week, a 3 way tie at the top with Hullbridge Sports Ladies ahead on goal difference over Leigh Ramblers Ladies and Southend United Ladies the latter two meeting in midweek. All 3 on 49 points.

 Hullbridge Sports Ladies in action on Sunday at home to Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies in 5th. A brace from top scorer Broghan Kelly clinching the win for Hullbridge 2-1 the final score. Kelly moving onto an incredible 51 goals for the season from 22 appearances. The win putting Hullbridge back on top of the table crucially have a game in hand on both Leigh Ramblers and Southend United.

 One more game from Division One at the weekend Alresford Colne Rangers were at home against Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves. Joanne Harvey, Alresford’s top scorer moving onto 24 goals for the season with a 4 goal haul. Tiffany Reeves with a brace and a goal too for Kirsty Belfall her 1st of the season in a comfortable 7-2 win.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 13/05/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 13th May

The final games in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League once again proving to be an exciting league to follow it was Finals Day this Sunday at AFC Kempston Rovers. The Women’s League Cup & The Chris Renshaw Cup. I would have liked to have been there but with 5 finals converging on one day couldn’t although I really liked the look of both games. A morning kick -off for The Chris Renshaw Cup, the final edition of this season’s Beds & Herts Round-Up begins with the League Cup Final.

Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup

A fantastic season so far for St Albans Ladies leading Beds & Herts Women’s Division One all season and going on to win the title without losing a game. Now they were looking for the Double in the League Cup Final up against Northwood Ladies who themselves had clinched runners-up spot in Division One in their debut season. 

Kerry Twigg scoring just past the half hour to put St Albans into the lead. 1-0 the advantage going into half-time. Northwood coming back to level the scores with 20 minutes left in the game. St Albans getting their noses back in front with Eleanor Lovelock on target for what would prove to be the winning goal. St Albans Ladies completing a memorable League & Cup Double. As in with Essex League Cup winners Corringham Cosmos I asked the winning club if they would like to send over a few words and their report from the game is below.

‘ST. ALBANS LADIES FC     2      NORTHWOOD LADIES FC    1.
 After winning the league title the St Albans Ladies set out to try and complete the double when they took on Northwood Ladies in the League Cup Final at AFC Kempston with their opponents going to be a tough nut to crack as they were runners-up to them in the league.
 Early on in the match Suz Read whipped over a low cross from the right wing which went right across the box but Ellen Salter racing in on the far side saw the ball cleared away by a Northwood defender, For Northwood saw Scarlett Keightley race clear into the Saints box but keeper Lauren Croucher was quick off her line to block the shot with her legs. Kayla Johnson then saw her low drive from the right wing go just wide of the far upright whilst at the other end Emma Steele with two fine free kicks one after another saw them both whistle just wide of Lauren Croucher’s right hand post. For the St Albans Ladies Ellie Lovelock cutting in from the right saw her shoot just wide of the left hand post whilst although Northwood applied a lot of pressure on the Saints goal with Emma Steele and Scarlett Keightley both causing lots of problems the Saints managed to hold out with some good defending from Holly Rossington, Becca Roft, Robyn McFayden and Cerys Low whilst keeper Lauren Croucher show her real fine form with some safe handling around the box and so keep the scores level.
 With half time approaching saw the St Albans Ladies take a surprise lead when both Ellie Lovelock and Ellen Salter both had efforts which were blocked whereupon the ball ran loose to KERRY TWIGG who struck a brilliant low drive from 25 yards for a great finish which saw the ball whistle pass keeper Becky Guillemin and end up nestling in the bottom left corner and give the St Albans Ladies a 1-0 lead at half time.
 During the first half striker SUZ READ was taken off with a knee injury and did not take part in any more of the match and she was replaced by Katie Grehan up front.
  In the second half kicking down the slope still the Ladies did not find their real form but Sophie Lawrence tried her luck from long range and she saw her effort go just wide of the near upright. Kayla Johnson then saw her good ball into the box headed towards goal by Katie Grehan but the Northwood keeper Guillemin pulled off a good save.
Ellen Salter tried hard down the left wing but just could not get the breaks in around the box and then Becca Roft made a good run into the box and was brought down but no penalty was given.
  Finally for Northwood after a bit of pressure they scored an equaliser when Emma STEELE(no relation Tommy) won the ball and burst into the box from the right whereupon saw he bury the ball into the far left corner to make the score 1-1.
Oh dear not extra time as the previous match saw extra time and penalties as Kayla Johnston’s flight from Heathrow Airport left at 9:30pm so the Ladies decided she can’t miss her holiday and went in search of the winning goal. After forcing a succession of corner kicks following a lot of pressure the winning goal came.
 Ellen Salter swung the corner kick over from the right hand side whereupon it gradually fell to ELLIE LOVELOCK just inside the box and after taking a sidestep to her left she instantly struck a sweet low shot into the far right corner for the winning goal and to make the final score 2-1 to the Lady Saints. (Tezza was singing and dancing now). It nearly became 3-1 when after yet another Ellen Salter corner kick saw Katie Grehan overhead kick well saved by Becky Guillemin. We not forget Caroline Hughes who covered just a much ground as she was kept busy running onto the pitch with physio bag treating all the knocks. Team: Lauren Croucher, Katie Chandler, Nicola Dark, Sophie Lawrence, Jessica Cavaree, Cerys Low, Robyn McFayden, Holly Rossingdon, Kerry Twigg, Ellen Salter, Kayla Johnson, Becca Roft, Kiran Reyat, Ellie Lovelock, Suz Read, Katie Grehan(all played).
 We are the Champions, We are the Champions, We are the Champions and we also have done the League and Cup double, Well done the Saints Ladies. Congratulations on a brilliant season.
Also we must not forget the Saints Supporters who turned up who kept chanting throughout the whole of the match to cheer their team onto victory.
 I must also say a special thank you to Michelle & Chris Chandler for doing all the work behind the scenes for getting this successful team up and running. THANK YOU.’

St Albans Ladies 2017/18 Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Winners

 Congratulations to St Albans Ladies on winning this season’s Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup and completing the Double.

The Chris Renshaw Cup

First up though was a morning kick-off in The Chris Renshaw Cup Final, into it’s 2nd season. This season’s finalists Division One side Sherrardswood Ladies up against Division Town side Letchworth Garden City Eagles. A battling display from the lower league placed side seeing the sides finish 1-1, neither able to find a winning goal in extra-time the game headed to penalties. Heartbreak for Sherrardswood, joy for Letchworth as they emerged 5-4 winners to win the cup. Once more I’ve asked the winning club to provide some words and below is manager Warren Shimill’s report for the final. 

‘Letchworth Garden City Eagles, Division Two versus Sherrardswood Ladies from Division One, all previous meetings have gone in favour of Sherrardswood . So going into the game Letchworth were certainly the under dogs and Sherrardswood probably expected a win today. But what they didn’t expect was every Eagles player bringing their ‘A’ game to the match.   Eagles matched the opposition in the first 15 minutes and were bossing the game until Shemika Holloway for Letchworth was taken off to hospital due to a nasty fall and twist, Eagles had most of the possession with attack after attack,  one of which found Tayla Murray setting Emily Jamieson to lob the goalkeeper from 25 yards out. 0-1 Eagles.
It wasn’t until the second half that Sherrardswood found themselves in the Letchworth penalty area.  A player falling down in the area was awarded a penalty and it remained 1-1 until full time. Forcing extra time and with neither side scoring it was always going to penalty time. Both teams were dead on their legs after 120 minutes of none stop entertaining football.
So penalties began and soon reached 3-3 but with a save by Hannah Ross in the Letchworth goal it turned 3-4 in Letchworth’s favour. 4-4  with Letchworth needing to score to win, the 5th penalty was left with Natalie Moey ex Sherrardswood player and Eagles senior player and top goal scorer, cool as a cucumber Moey slotted the ball to the keepers left which meant the outcome was 4-5 to Letchworth.
Both teams gave 100% on a hot morning, it was a great final and a brilliant advert for women’s football.’

Letchworth manager Warren Shimell said
“I have been asked many times why do I run a ladies football team?”
The answer is simple “for days like today”

Letchworth Garden City Eagles, Winners of this season’s Chris Renshaw Cup (picture credit Letchworth Garden City Eagles)

 Congratulations to Letchworth Garden City Eagles on winning this season’s Chris Renshaw Cup.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 13/05/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 13th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

 All over in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership the final matches played this weekend. St Ives Town Ladies already crowned Champion’s finishing their season in midweek with a home win against runners-up Newmarket Town Ladies. 3-0 the final score a brace from Katie Stancombe along with a goal from Amy Seymour-Shove securing the result.

  Newmarket back in action on Sunday away to 3rd placed Netherton United Ladies the two sides playing for the last time this season. A winning end to the season for Newmarket Town Ladies, Laura Bailey netting twice along with a goal each for Abbi Griffin and Antonia Smith in a 4-1 win.

  A double header to end the season between March Town United Ladies at home to Cambridge City Ladies Development, 4th versus 5th could have swapped places if results had gone March’s way, instead it was Cambridge City who made 4th their own winning both games 2-0. Bella Simmons and Megan Tonks on target with a goal apiece in the 1st game. Tonks got both of the Cambridge City goals in the 2nd game. A 5th placed finish for March in their 1st season in the Premiership.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

 Almost over too in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North as Riverside Ladies move into top position level on points with Ketton Ladies with 2 left to play. The late entrants to the league dominating losing just the one league game won 7-1 at home to Wisbech Town Ladies in midweek to close the gap to 3 points on leaders Ketton. Wisbech Town finishing 3rd in the table playing for the final time this season. 

  A home match against 4th placed Wisbech St Mary Ladies on Sunday for Riverside. Jade Ramm scoring a hat-trick for the Peterborough based side. Samantha Woodham with a brace with Gabija Pavlova, Dionne Lawton and Lianna Bell all getting a goal in an 8-0 win. A double header at home to Hungate Rovers Ladies to come this Sunday and already with their noses in front on goal difference only a point is needed to ensure the league is won.

Spalding United Ladies were away to Pinchbeck United Ladies this Sunday in their penultimate game of the season. Scoring 4 goals without reply in the game collected all three points.

  An encouraging end to the season for Orton Rangers Ladies having struggled for much of the season end the season earning 8 points from their last 5 matches. A 2nd successive win in their final game of the season at home to Hungate Rovers Ladies. A single goal enough to win the 3 points end the season on a positive note.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

 Two big wins for Histon Ladies Reserves in their final two games of the season in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South saw them not only move into the lead at the top of the table but overhaul their title rivals Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds superior goal difference too. A midweek win at home to bottom side Burwell Tigers 11-0 moving them level on points with the leaders. Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks top scoring in the game with a hat-trick. Were at home on Sunday for the final time this season taking on Cambridge Rangers another huge win 13-0 saw Histon move 3 points clear at the top ahead on goal difference with Fulbourn in action for the final time on Tuesday against Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves.

  Before then Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves were in action on Sunday away to St Ives Town Development knowing a point or better would secure them 3rd position in the Championship South table. A close game between the sides, goals from Kate Silver Dominika Szary and Sarah O’Rourke seeing Newmarket win the game 3-2 to claim 3rd spot.

  Onto the final game of the season a win the requirement for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at home to Newmarket Town Reserves if they wanted to finish level with Histon at the top. Fulbourn winning the game 5-2 to finish level on points with Histon at the top of the table both losing just the one game each all season.

NB – Jumped the gun by declaring Histon Ladies Reserves league winners as according to league rules finishing level on points there must be a play-off game. Wasn’t aware of this the date for the game to be announced.

 

The Round-Up – Essex 13/05/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 13th May

Essex Women’s League Cup

 This Sunday saw the Final of the Essex Women’s League Cup being played at Runwell Sports FC. Corringham Cosmos winners of the League Cup last season in their debut season in women’s football once again reaching the final defending their trophy up against strong opponents in Lawford Ladies both sides still well in contention for the Essex Women’s Premier Division. Had met the weekend before Lawford scoring the blow winning the game 5-2 the first loss in the league for Corringham Cosmos’ young side this season. 

  Corringham Cosmos taking an early lead in the final held a 3-0 advantage at the break, Lawford getting 2 goals back in the 2nd half through Erin Hornby and Susan Jackson, Corringham Cosmos went on to score 3 more times themselves to win 6-2 and win the Essex Women’s League Cup for the 2nd successive season. 

 A little extra for The Round-Up this time seeings as I couldn’t be there I asked the winning side for a brief report from the game and Corringham Cosmos manager Irving Lyon was kind enough to supply a few words…

 ‘In only our second season in ladies football we again went into the final as underdogs as we had lost to Lawford only the week before in the league.
However an early goal by free scoring centre-forward Chloe Sams quickly calmed the pre-match nerves and further goals from Shellie Sumpter and Becky Gallagher meant that we went in 3-0 up at half time.
Lawford started the second half strongly, quickly reducing the deficit to 3-1 but Cosmos showed their usual resolve, determination and team spirit to increase the lead to 5-1 with further goals from Chloe Sams and Shellie Sumpter before Lawford scored a 2nd. Fittingly Chloe Sams completed the scoring and her hat-trick to ensure the Cup was staying in Corringham.
Just by way of back ground info the team is celebrating a decade together having started as U11s, with quite a few of the originals still playing and I’m the lucky fella who has coached them throughout with a lot of help from a good friend Martin Painter. The secret to the success has been the loyalty shown to the club by the girls the best example of which is girls regularly making long trips home from University to turn out for the team.’

Corringham Cosmos, 2017/18 Essex Women’s League Cup Winners (picture credit Corringham Cosmos)

 Congratulations to Corringham Cosmos on successfully defending the Essex Women’s League Cup.

Essex Women’s Premier Division

Both Corringham Cosmos with games in hand and Lawford Ladies remain in contention for the title in the Essex Women’s Premier Division as are Hatfield Peverel Ladies and Frontiers Ladies. None in league action this Sunday, Collier Row Tigers move back up into 5th position in the table with 2 wins from their double header at Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies on Sunday. Laura Bunton, top scorer for Collier Row Tigers and Rebecca Killington grabbing the goals in a narrow 2-1 win in the first game Ella Jones scoring for Beacon Hill Rovers.

28 goals for the season for Bunton as she also scored in the 2nd game. Daisy Chapman, Marta Chozury, Sarah Finch and Emily Dempsey also on target with a goal each in a 5-2 result for Collier Row Tigers. Demi Cassie and Jo Smeaton getting the Beacon Hill Rovers goals.

 A double header too this Sunday between Harlow Town Ladies Reserves and Runwell Sports Ladies. A 6 point haul for Harlow Town taking them above Runwell into 8th position. Casey Lunn getting the only goal in the first game for Harlow Town, Lunn also on target with a goal in the 2nd game with Charlotte Bolton, Rhiann Patmore and Tegan Burling with a brace securing a 5-0 win for Harlow Town.

Essex Women’s Division One

Also a couple of double headers in Essex Women’s Division One as the race for the title looks set to go all the way. First up the lead changes hand at the top once again as Leigh Ramblers Ladies win away from home against Rayleigh Town Ladies. Eleasha Reeves and Anna Winfield both scoring a goal in each half for Rayleigh Town. Leigh Ramblers with a 3-1 advantage at half-time went on to win 6-2, Amber Denton and Paige White both getting a goal with Clare Gilligan and Katherine Newton both scoring 2 goals in the game. Moves Leigh Ramblers back to the top on goal difference with Southend United Ladies both have 2 games left to play.

  3rd placed Hullbridge Sports Ladies are 6 points behind the leading pair but crucially have 3 games left in hand on both. Were playing a double header this Sunday at Walden Ladies. Hullbridge’s top goal scorer, Broghan Kelly on fire in the 1st match scoring 4 of her sides goals in a 5-0 victory. Christina Fragnito also on target with a goal. 

  In the second game Kelly added a further goal to her tally moving her onto an incredible 49 goals for the season. Danni Dorrington also scoring in the game along with a brace for Megan Marney in a 4-1 win.

Also a double header between 5th placed Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies and Alresford Colne at the weekend. Ammarah Ali scoring the only goal of the game in Dagenham & Redbridge’s win in the first game. A 2-0 win for Dagenham & Redbridge in the second match Daisy Theobald scoring both of their goals. The double victory lifting Dagenham & Redbridge into 4th place in the Division One table with 2 games left to play.