Three games played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday and thing’s a starting to look close at the top as leaders East Bergholt United Ladies are held to a point for the 3rd successive game after a run of 8 straight wins.
Were away to 2nd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies on Sunday goals from Jessica Clark and Charlotte McGrath seeing East Bergholt into a 2-0 lead Brantham pulling it back to 2-1 before half-time. Brantham kept plugging away 2nd half eventually getting the goal to earn them a point from the game, Lucy Dunnett and ex-East Bergholt player Jodie Sharp with the goals.
Despite earning a point however Brantham Athletic Ladies drop a place to 3rd in the Suffolk Women’s Division as Bacton United Ladies move back above them into 2nd spot as they extended their unbeaten league run to 11 games with a big away win at bottom club Hadleigh United Ladies on Sunday. Lois Balfour top scoring in the match getting 4 goals. Maria Smith and Rebecca White both getting a brace each too with Francesca Rainbird also getting on the scoresheet in a 9-0 victory. Close the gap to East Bergholt United to 3 points now with Brantham Athletic a pint further back but with a game in hand. Games in hand too for Walsham Le Willows who have played just six league games to date to the title race is far from settled.
A fourth league win of the season for 6th placed AFC Kesgrave Ladies too on Sunday as they claimed the 3 points with a narrow win away to Coplestonians Ladies on Sunday. 0-0 after the 1st half a brace from Lina Nagib seeing the visitors clinch victory with a 2-1 win.
St Albans Ladies maintained their 5 point lead at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One as they came out on top in a 7 goal thriller at home to Sharnbrook WFC on Sunday. Ellen Slater handing St Albans an early lead the hosts found themselves trailing by half-time as goals from Emily Clark and Charlie Mullins saw Sharnbrook into a 2-1 lead. A complete turn around in the 2nd half as Eleanor Lovelock scored the equalising goal to make it 2-2 a minute in. By the 52nd minute St Albans were leading 3-2 Kiran Reyat with the goal. Sharnbrook coming back to level it at 3-3 with 20 minutes left to play Gemma Franklin on target. The match was won in the last 10 minutes with Jessica Cavaree making it 4-3 to St Albans in the 83rd minute.
Defeat for Sharnbrook coupled with a big win away from home sees Garston Ladies move above them into 4th place in the Division One table. Garston were away to Flitwick Ladies in Sunday. A brace for both Jane Hales and Lucy Zecchin helping Garston to a convincing result. Katie Sills, Caroline Tenebaum and Emma Trill also getting on the scoresheet an own goal seeing the final score 8-2 to Garston. Faye Moxon along with a penalty strike from Kierra Gabriel the goalscorers for Flitwick.
Houghton Athletic Ladies won for the 3rd time this season away to bottom side Watton Ladies on Sunday to move right up behind the sides in mid-table and have games in hand on everybody too. Emily Wilson took her season’s tally to 20 with a brace against Watton. Shakeela Hussain and Rachel Spendelow also getting a goal each in a 4-0 win.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
A good weekend on the road for Garston Ladies as their 2nd XI returned to the top of Beds & Herts Division Two with a narrow away win against Hitchin Belles on Sunday. Over turning a 2-1 half-time deficit to win the match 3-2. Amy Jack and Katie White putting Hitchin Belles into the lead 1st half. A brace from Garston’s top scorers Lauren Berryman along with a goal for Maddie Gorton securing the 3 points for Garston.
Also in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two on Sunday Evergreen Eagles were away to bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues. A convincing result seeing Evergreen Eagles win for the 3rd time this season. Christie Brewer with a hat-trick with a goal each for Paige Lacey-Akers and Samantha Takis in a 5-0 victory.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
One match played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three this Sunday. Evergreen Ladies at home to Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Goals from Natalie Maher and Rebecca Freeman helping Evergreen to a 2-1 win.
The Chris Renshaw Cup
Elsewhere across the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League this Sunday it was the quarter finals of The Chris Renshaw Cup. Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires reaching the last four without kicking a ball as they were awarded the home win against Shefford Town & Campton Ladies.
Hitchin Town Ladies are also through to the last four of The Chris Renshaw Cup after they won at home against Division Three side Bedford Ladies Development on Sunday. The visitors taking an early lead in the game however going 1-0 up inside 3 minutes. Chances for both sides followed in a busy opening to the game Hitchin Town awarded a penalty in the 9th minute Emma Chaffey stepping up to put the Division Two side level. Into the final 6 minutes of the 1st half and Hitchin Town got their noses in front Jessica McNamara putting the ball into the back of the net. 2-1 at half-time Chaffey scored from a corner to put Hitchin Town 3-1 up 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Midway through the 2nd half Hayley Watson was on hand to put the ball home from a rebound to secure a 4-1 win for Hitchin Town.
Also into the last four of The Chris Renshaw Cup are Letchworth Garden City Eagles after they won away from home to Division Three side Welwyn Pegasus Azures on Sunday. Alyce Williams scoring a brace for Division Two Letchworth Natalie Moey and Tayla Murray were also on target for a goal each in a 4-0 win.
A trio of Division Two sides into the last four of The Chris Renshaw Cup they are joined by Division One side Sherrardswood Ladies after the overcame in form Division Three side, Wheathamstead Wanderers Ladies away from home on Sunday in the quarter finals. Sherrardswood taking an early lead in the match Laurie Marris putting them 1-0 up inside the 1st minute. That was how the scored remained right up till the hour when Sherrardswood were given the opportunity to double their advantage from the penalty spot. Marris with the spot kick putting the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0 and see Sherrardswood into the semi-finals.
The semi-final line-up for The Chris Renshaw Cup is as follows:-
Sherrardswood Ladies v Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires
Hitchin Town Ladies v Letchworth Garden City Eagles
One game in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this Sunday and Corringham Cosmos are look strong as they continue their pursuit of the league leaders moving into 4th place still unbeaten with games in hand on all 3 sides above them. Playing their 9th league match were at home to Runwell Sports Ladies. Leading 3-1 at half-time Corringham Cosmos added another goal 2nd half to win the game 4-1. Chloe Sams getting herself a brace along with a goal each for Rebecca Gallagher and Michelle Sumpter. Frances Murphy scoring in the 30th minute for Runwell Sports Ladies.
Essex Women’s League Cup
Two of the 4 quarter finals from the Essex Women’s League Cup were played this Sunday with Premier Division sides, Frontiers Ladies and Lawford Ladies both scoring 7 goals on their way to booking their places in the semi-finals.
Frontier Ladies were away to fellow Premier Division side Collier Row Tigers who reached the League Cup final last season. Wasn’t to be this time around as Frontiers recovered from being knocked out of the Essex Women’s Trophy semi-finals with a convincing win to reach the last 4 of the league cup. 4 goals to the good at half-time went on to win the game 7-0. Sharon Ferguson amongst the goals getting 4 more to her tally to take her onto 18 for the season. Jill Bartholomew, Anna Freeman and Kelly Holsworth also finding the back of the net for a goal each.
Premier Division side, Lawford Ladies were at home in the Essex Women’s League Cup quarter finals taking on Division One side, Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies. 3 players claiming a brace for Lawford in the match, Jasmine Cox, Erin Hornby and Sofia Serghiou along with a goal for Ami Warnes as Lawford reached the semi-finals. The final score 7-2.
Essex Women’s Division One
Remains very tight at the top of Essex Women’s Division One with the top three all winning big at the weekend. League leaders, Hullbridge Sports Ladies at home to Billericay Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Broghan Kelly the 1st player in the East (I haven’t checked the rest of the UK) to break the 40 goals barrier this season moving on to 41 from 14 appearances as she got a double hat-trick at the weekend. Jennifer Lyttle scoring a brace along with a goal for Kelly Smith as Hullbridge racked up a 9-0 win.
2nd placed Southend United Ladies level on points with Hullbridge doubled that goals tally at home to FC Clacton Ladies on Sunday as they put 18 goals into the back of their opponents net for their biggest win of the season. Both Lauren Johnson and Emily Pert getting 4 goals a piece. Georgia Raby getting a brace as did Molly Johnson her 1st two goals for the club this season, Emily Gowland on her debut getting a brace also. The other goals were shared out amongst Ria Toovey, Morgan Hayes, Sophie Dell and Emily Seymour the 1st goal for the season for the later pair.
In 3rd spot Leigh Ramblers Ladies are just 2 points behind the leading pair in Essex Women’s Division One were away to Alresford Colne Rangers on Sunday. Leigh Ramblers top scorer Katherine Newton claiming a hat-trick to move onto 24 goals for the season. Emily Diwell and Rebecca Dalgarno were also on target in a 5-1 win. Joanne Harvey getting the goal for Alresford.
Has been a torrid season so far for Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves falling to the foot of Essex Women’s Division One with just 2 points on the board from their first 11 league matches. Had something to celebrate however at the weekend as they earned a very good point at home to 4th placed Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Brentwood finding some form of late scoring through Sophie Lovell. A goal for Laura Kendle seeing Chelmsford City draw the game 1-1 their 3rd point of the season taking them off the bottom of the table.
Two games from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday. Leaders Netherton United Ladies back in action after 2 weekends without a match were away to 2nd bottom Cambridge University Women. Having met them at the start of February winning at home convincingly 9-1. Away this time around Netherton United picked up all 3 points once again with top scorers Emily Johnson ad Yasmin Green netting a goal for the visitors in each half. Amanda Wainwright pulling a goal back for Cambridge University Women deep into stoppage time the 2-1 win sees Netherton United remain 6 points clear at the top of the Premiership.
St Ives Town Ladies are their nearest rivals now as they moved above Newmarket Town Ladies into 2nd place in the Premiership on Sunday. Were taking on March Town United Ladies for the 5th time this season St Ives Town coming out on top in all the previous encounters in league and cup. Away to March Town this Sunday it was another convincing performance to record their 9th league win of the season. Leading the game 2-0 at half-time went on to score 4 more in the 2nd half to win 6-0. Six different goalscorers for St Ives Town too, Tierney Coulson, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Georgia Stancombe, Connie Liddiard, Megan Stow and Amy Seymour-Shove all on target. 3 games in hand on Netherton United with a 6 point gap to close the sides have to face each other twice yet in the league including the final day of the scheduled league season.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup
One remaining quarter final to be played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup this Sunday saw Premiership side Newmarket Town Ladies travelling to play Championship South leaders Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. A narrow lead for Newmarket Town at half-time with a goal from Antonia Smith putting them in front. A brace from Jordanne Sillitoe sealing the win in the 2nd half to send Newmarket into the last four of the competition with a 3-0 victory.
The semi-final draw for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup has also been made and looks as follows:-
Cambridge United WFC v Newmarket Town Ladies
Cambridge City Ladies v St Ives Town Ladies
Both semi-finals scheduled to be played Sunday 18th March.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup
Quarter final time in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup too this Sunday with 3 of the 4 times taking place. Isleham United Ladies home match against Cambridge Rangers being called off.
Their 1st team booking their place in the Invitation Cup, Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves followed suit in the Junior Invitation Cup knocking out Premiership competition along the way. Away to Park Ladies, Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves travelled with a depleted squad having just the 10 available but came away with the win. Park took the lead in the tie scoring in the 1st half. Hollie Turner levelling the scores for Newmarket before goals from Sarah o’Rourke and Molly Agnew saw them leading 3-1 at half-time. O’Rourke scoring again in the 2nd half to extend the advantage to 4-1, Park getting it back to 4-2 a goal for Joeli Kirby seeing Newmarket Town into the last 4 with a 5-2 win. Amy Newell and Charlotte Tweed scoring the goals for Park.
Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies were at home in the quarter finals of the Junior Invitation Cup meeting Championship South side Histon Ladies Reserves for the 2nd time this season in a cup competition. That tie went all the way to a penalty shootout before ICA Sports progressed. This time round it was 0-0 between the 2 sides at the break before a brace from Carmen Herridge in the 2nd half ensured the win putting ICA Sports through to the semi-finals.
The final quarter final tie played this Sunday saw Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies at home to Premiership side Cambridge City Ladies Development. The visitors taking the lead in the 10th minute Charlotte Gillies getting the goal. Wisbech Town came back to level the scores through top scorer Sophie Swinden. Megan Tonks returning to the side after a long term injury putting Cambridge City back into the lead on the half-hour. 2-1 the half-time lead Wisbech Town were far from out of the tie. Swinden getting it back to 2-2 in the 2nd half before Cambridge City went on to score twice more through Tonks getting her 2nd and a goal from Rachel Pearce. That the score going into the last 5 minutes sadly the game was abandoned at that point due to an injury to Wisbech Town’s Shushannah Feast suffering a double leg break a nasty injury which has since had surgery. Wishing Shushannah all the very best for a full and speedy recovery.
The semi-final draw for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup as also been made and looks as follows:-
Isleham United Ladies or Cambridge Rangers v Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves
Cambridge City Ladies Development v ICA Sports Ladies
Both semi-finals scheduled to be played Sunday 25th March.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup
One match played in the group stages of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup this Sunday a clean sweep of wins for Riverside Ladies in Group D as they won their 3rd match in the group away to Pinchbeck United Ladies. Samantha Woodham scoring a hat-trick. Both Annie Posnett and Sophie Harris getting a brace with Jess Hill, Diana Olahova and Saxon Clarke all getting a goal each in a 10-0 win.
A 3rd hat-trick in 5 league games for Victoria Leyer as Sprowston Ladies extended their lead at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One to 6 points with a 4th straight league win at home to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves on Sunday. The visitors travelling with less than a full side Sprowston capitalised with a good performance to see them fully in control of the game in the opening 45 minutes. Leyer getting another 3 goals moving onto 18 goals for the season has scored in all but 2 of Sprowston’s games so far this season. Rebecca Russell, Abbi Hutchin and Abi Nobbs also celebrating getting a goal each for Sprowston in the 1st half. Wymondham despite being short on numbers rallied 2nd half to hold their opponents 0-0 the points however won in the 1st half for Sprowston.
Thorpe United Ladies were back in league action after a three week spell without a game as they took on bottom side Long Stratton Ladies at home on Sunday. Having dropped to 4th in the Division One table, were leading 1-0 right up until the end of the match before they finally made the 3 points secure with a 2-0 win that moves them back into 3rd above Stalham Town Ladies. Remain undefeated and having just played 7 league games to date have a busy few weeks ahead. Alice Smith and Shanice Sutton scoring the goal for Thorpe United.
In a mid-day kick-off 6th placed North Walsham Angles Ladies were hosting Fakenham Town Ladies 2nd bottom in the Division One table. Goals from Luci Middleton and Rachel Bussey putting North Walsham into a 2-0 half-time lead the hosts were pegged back in the 2nd half having to settle for a point as Fakenham came back to earn a draw, Rochelle Woods starting the game on the bench scoring twice to level the score to 2-2.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Three games in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday. Leaders FC Sprowston Ladies remain 3 points clear at the top as they extended their 100% record to 11 matches with a home win against mid-table Freethorpe Ladies. A brace for Katie Fray along with goals from Melissa Belsey, Joanna Davey and Charlie Head securing the 3 points with a 5-0 win.
2nd versus 3rd in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday saw Beccles Town Ladies keep the pressure up on leaders FC Sprowston Ladies with a narrow home win over Tavern Ladies. The hosts admitting it could easily have ended a draw the sides contesting a 1-1 draw in the 1st half Lucy Robbens with the goal for Beccles Town. Lucy Kean on target for Tavern Ladies the game was won in the 2nd half Beccles Town getting the goal Robbens with her 2nd to win the game 2-1 moving Beccles 8 points clear of 3rd placed Tavern.
Costessey Sports Ladies hadn’t played a game yet in 2018 as they struggled for numbers were at last able to get enough together on Sunday to play at home against Gorleston Rangers Ladies. The visitors have been involved in some high scoring matches of late this weekend no exception Costessey Sports putting in 4 goals against them Gorleston Rangers hit back at the other end to score 6 goals to come out on top in a 10 goal thriller to win their 3rd league game of the season taking the 3 points in 3 of their last 5 league games. Lauren Dennis grabbing herself a hat-trick there were goal too for Chloe Bailey, Abigail Bell and Zoe Waite. In 7th spot Gorleston Rangers a well involved in the mid-table battle now just 2 points between them and 4th placed Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies.
Two games played in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday. Crystal Palace Ladies reached the final of the Capital Cup last weekend away to Queens Park Rangers Ladies this Sunday the two sides met in the league. The deadlock broken in the 28th minute as Ciara Sherwood struck from a free-kick to give Crystal Palace the lead. That was how it remained until half-time. Queens Park Rangers coming back to level the scores on 62 minutes, Kasha Petit scoring from a free-kick outside the box. Crystal Palace were quick to respond pegged back for just 2 minutes retaking the lead with Ellie Bales scoring to make it 2-1. The visitors holding on for the win the 3 points taking them to within a point of 2nd placed Charlton Athletic Women. Crystal Palace Ladies also announcing this week they have applied for a place in FAWSL 2 with will be known as the FA Women’s Championship from next season.
In the other FAWPL Southern Division game played this weekend 6th placed Portsmouth FC Ladies travelled to Wales to take on Cardiff City Ladies. The sides going in goalless at half-time it was Portsmouth who went on the win the game in the 2nd half Daisy McLachlan scoring early in the 2nd period the 3 points make safe 6 minutes from time as Eilidh Currie netted the goal to give Portsmouth the 2-0 win. Move above Coventry United Ladies into 5th place in the Southern Division table.
FAWPL Cup
Coventry United Ladies complete the line-up for the last four of the FAWPL after they were successful away winners to South West Division One side, Plymouth Argyles Ladies on Sunday. Nikki Miles with the goal in the 18th minute to hand the Southern Division side the lead at half-time. Coventry doubling their advantage as the game moved on the hour mark with Amber Hughes on target with the goal. The result made secure 10 minutes later as Miles scored her 2nd of the day to put Coventry through with a 3-0 win.
The semi-finals of the FAWPL Cup with take place this coming weekend Sunday 4th March (weather permitting) Coventry United Ladies will be away to Northern Division side Blackburn Rovers Ladies. In the other semi-final Lewes FC Women from the Southern Division will be away to Northern Division counterparts, Leicester City Women both currently 4th in their respective leagues. The pair met in the same fixture a year ago albeit in the FAWPL Plate, Lewes with the narrow 1-0 win then went on to reach the final and win the competition.
FAWPL Plate
One quarter final tie outstanding in the FAWPL Plate too, postponed last weekend Luton Town Ladies hosting fellow South East Division One side Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Despite a great strike from Luton’s Zara Carroll the hosts found themselves trailing 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals for Vicky Holland and Heather McDonnell for Milton Keynes. Luton get themselves back on level terms with Natasha Fensome scoring a goal celebrating her birthday. The tie won with a late late winning goal Luton the side celebrating as Nicola Henman found the back of the net to send them into the last four of the FAWPL Plate with a 3-2 win. The first time Luton have reached a national semi-final too.
Again like the FAWPL Cup the semi-finals of the Plate are scheduled to be played this Sunday 4th March. Luton Town Ladies will be at home taking on higher league opponents, Flyde Ladies from the Northern Division, whilst West Ham United Ladies will travel to Northern Division One leaders, Hull City Ladies.
FAWPL South East Division One
AFC Wimbledon Ladies already have a strong lead in FAWPL South East Division One extended that to 14 points with a big result away to bottom side Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. The visitors taking a very early lead Haringey credited with an own goal. AFC Wimbledon having a chance to double the lead from the penalty spot the effort was saved. Haringey came back to level the scores as they were awarded a penalty themselves, Brooke Hills scoring to make it 1-1. A busy start to the match. Wimbledon retook the lead in the 20th minute, Katie Stanley getting on the scoresheet. 2-1 quickly became 3-1 as Wimbledon captain Jess Trimnell scored from a corner. Georgia Heasman getting Wimbledon’s 4th goal as the half hour approached.
4-1 up at half-time Wimbledon extended their lead in the 60th minute as Stanley found the back of the net for her 2nd of the game. For much of the 2nd half Haringey held Wimbledon to 5-1 before a flurry of goals scored in the last 5 ten minutes Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins making it 6-1 on 81 minutes. Caroline Bisson scoring too to make it 7-1 with Rebecca Sargeant and Laura Quinn-Low scoring a goal apiece in injury time to see Wimbledon win 9-1.
Ipswich Town Ladies are up from 4th to 3rd in the FAWPL South East Division One table with a home win against 6th placed Cambridge United WFC on Sunday. Women’s Football East was there to see a match that is usually close between the 2 sides, the case again the pace high not much time afforded on the ball led to some scrappy play. Chances at a premium, Ipswich Town opening the scoring in the 15th minute winning a corner on the right Cambridge not getting the ball clear falling to Natasha Thomas free at the top of the area she smashed it home to make it 1-0. Late into the 1st half an Ipswich goalkeeper, Sian Fagg fouled Cambridge striker Kelley Blanchflower inside the box to give away a penalty. Made up for it by saving comfortably against taker Amber Cantwell.
Two goals for Ipswich Town Ladies , Natasha Thomas
A narrow lead for Ipswich Town at the break. Cambridge started brightly 2nd half however it was Ipswich Town who went on to double their lead, the ball played forwards Miagh Downey getting round the centre back to push the ball past the advancing keeper from the top of the area to make it 2-0. The game far from settled Cambridge working the ball well on the left got across into the top of the area themselves to find Cantwell who drove the ball past Fagg to make it 2-1. Closing in on the last 10 minutes a good run from Thomas saw her move clear into space left of the Cambridge goal and picking her spot lifted her shot up over the keeper to make it 3-1 and seal the win for Ipswich.
A 2nd successive league win for Stevenage Ladies sees them climb up to 7th in the FAWPL South East Division One table level on points with 6th placed Cambridge now as they claimed the 3 points away to Actonians Ladies this Sunday. Paige Logie with a smart turn and volley inside the opposition six yard box on 28 minutes to give Stevenage the lead. Actonians levelling thing’s up 4 minutes from the end of the 1st half, Alessandra Barreca with the goal. The winning goal coming midway through the 2nd half Stevenage captain Donna McGuigan on target to make it 2-1.
A heavy loss last weekend for Norwich City Ladies away to leaders AFC Wimbledon Ladies thing’s were starting to look daunting for the side 2nd bottom in the FAWPL South East Division One. The difference 7 days makes as Norwich came home with the 3 points this Sunday clinching the win away to Enfield Town Ladies. An early setback for the visitor as Enfield took the lead in the opening minute Katherine Long getting the goal. The 1st half moving into the final 15 minutes Norwich got back on level terms Aimee Durrant with the shot to make it 1-1. Enfield responded quickly Sheryce Slater getting up the other end to restore the hosts lead 4 minutes later. Back came Norwich to level the scores for the 2nd time 5 minutes left in the 1st half Durrant with her 2nd of the game to make it 2-2 the score at half-time. The winning goal coming on the hour mark. Australian, Brydie Siryi making her debut for Norwich getting the goal to make it 3-2 and secure the win for Norwich that closes the gap to 10th placed Denham United Ladies to 5 points. Norwich with 2 games in hand all to play for.
Semi-finals this Sunday in Essex in both the Women’s County Cup and Trophy competitions. In the County Cup holders C&K Basildon Ladies are as strong as they have ever been leading the FAWPL Southern Division a bye in the quarter finals they began the defence of the County Cup at the semi-final stage at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies playing 3 league below in the ERWFL Division One South. A big test for Little Thurrock Dynamos an occasion to be enjoyed nevertheless.
Captain Zoe Rushen scoring in the 10th minute to give Basildon the lead, the hosts created further chances didn’t add to their tally a 1-0 advantage at half-time. Therese Addison scoring early in the 2nd half doubled Basildon’s lead before Jay Blackie went on to score a hat-trick. A strong finish to the match seeing Addison and Rushen both score another each with April Bowers also getting on the scoresheet. 9-0 the final score with Blackie adding her 4th of the day in the closing stages.
C&K Basildon’s opponents in this season’s Essex County Cup final will be Brentwood Town Ladies after they over came fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Writtle Ladies on penalties after the sides drew 2-2 after extra-time. 1-1 in the regulation 90 minutes a close game all the way, Writtle taking the lead in extra-time Brentwood Town scoring late on to level it up at 2-2 and take the game into penalties. Marie Barker and Jessica Mills with their goals. Goalkeeper Kelly Warner making to saves in the shootout as Brentwood won 4-2 to reach the final of the competition.
The Essex Women’s County Cup Final to be played at Aveley FC on Thursday March 29th with a 7:45pm kick-off hopefully Women’s Football East will be there.
Essex Women’s Trophy
2 goals for Silver End United Ladies, Megan Jiggins
The semi-finals of the Essex Women’s Trophy were also played this Sunday a new look to the competition this season and it was to one of these where I travelled, Conker Park to watch Silver End United Ladies from the ERWFL Division One North take on the Current holders of the Trophy, Frontier Ladies winning the competition in their 1st season. Just a place between them in the women’s football pyramid it looked to be a close game on paper. Silver End started the better of the 2 sides winning a series of corners before Frontiers got into the game themselves. The score 0-0 until late in the 1st half Silver End capitalised on a error from the Frontiers goalkeeper Rebecca Tyson slipping as she went to strike the ball, Megan Jiggins putting the ball into the empty net from outside the area. Late into the 1st half Silver End doubled their lead, Jiggins again getting in front of the keeper from a corner to turn the ball home to make it 2-0.
Frontiers pushed hard for a goal in the 2nd half eventually getting it back to 2-1 as striker Sharon Ferguson cleverly lobbed goalkeeper Hannah Streetley from distance. Streetley though produced an excellent save to deny Ferguson the equaliser from a corner inside her six yard box. Silver End going on to win the match 2-1 an book their spot in the final.
Silver End United Ladies will meet Hutton Ladies in the Essex Women’s Trophy final after the ERWFL Division One South side beat Essex Women’s Division One side Rayleigh Town Ladies 6-1 at home to book their final berth on Sunday. Hayley Critchell netting a brace for Hutton along with a goal each for Lucy Blurton, Amy Crumpler, Patrizia Leo and Kaitlin Sugg in a 6-1 win. Megan Harley with the goal for Rayleigh Town.
The Essex Women’s Trophy Final is scheduled to be played Sunday 8th April a 3pm kick-off at Saffron Walden Town FC.
Essex Women’s Premier Division
3 league games played in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this Sunday. 3rd placed Lawford Ladies closing the gap on the top two, Frontiers Ladies and Hatfield Peverel Ladies with a 5-1 away win against Chelmsford City Ladies. Daisy Canny scoring another hat-trick to take her onto 21 for the season. There was also a goal for Jasmine Cox and Tyler Christou against her former club also scored a goal. Georgia Sleep with the goal for Chelmsford City.
Chigwell Ladies 2nd bottom in the table earned a point at home to Eastern Avenue on Sunday in the Premier Division. The hosts leading 1-0 at half time Eastern Avenue coming into the game 2nd half despite a shortage of players to draw 2-2 with goals from Katie Peers and Teliscia Linton. Victoria Parker and Kimmilee Day from the penalty spot scoring the goals for Chigwell.
9th versus 8th in the other Premier Division match played this Sunday with Runwell Sports Ladies hosting Beacon Hill Rovers the scores tied at 1-1 at the break, Rachel Selfe on target for Runwell Sports. Mia Claydon scoring for Beacon Hill Rovers her 1st goal for the club. The game won 10 minutes from time the 3 points going to the hosts as Sophie Olley found the back of the net to score the winner for Runwell Sports who move to within a point of Beacon Hill Rovers.
Essex Women’s Division One
Two matches played in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday, Southend United Ladies move into 2nd spot in the table level on points with leaders Hullbridge Sports Ladies as they won away to Benfleet Villa Ladies. Georgia Raby netting a brace for the visitors, with Melissa Burton also getting a goal in a 3-0 win all the goals coming in the 2nd half.
FC Clacton Ladies were at home on Sunday taking on bottom side Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves. A comfortable win for Clacton collecting the 3 points with an 8-2 result lifting them up a place to 9th in the Division One table. Monique Black and Kelsey Honeywood scoring the goals for Chelmsford City.
Semi-finals weekend in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup this Sunday. Luton Town Ladies dominating the competition in recent season’s were at home taking on local rivals AFC Dunstable Ladies. A league between the sides Luton Town had already knocked Dunstable out of the FA Women’s Cup earlier in the season 4-0 then it was much tighter this time around. 0-0 at the break Luton Town took the lead in the 2nd half Nicola Henman’s cross turned into the back of the opposition net for an own goal. 1-0 soon became 2-0 as Luton Town were awarded a penalty Zara Carroll stepping up to score from the spot. Samaira Khan pulling it back to 2-1 with 10 minutes left gave the visitors hope of getting back into the game, Luton Town held out to reach the final once again.
Luton Town Ladies opponents in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup Final will be Bedford Ladies. The ERWFL Premier Division side coming out on top against Houghton Athletic Ladies from Beds & Herts Women’s Division One. Bedford progressing courtesy of a 4-0 win in the finish with 4 different names in the scoresheet with a goal, Olivia-Rose Cunningham, Carissa Kaczorowski, Eden Kibron and Zoe Molloy.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
A good weekend for Beds & Herts Women’s Division One leaders St Albans Ladies and that was without kicking a ball as their closest rivals 2nd placed Northwood Ladies lost for the 3rd time this season away to Garston Ladies who themselves won for just the 3rd time this season. The home side winning the match 3-2 thanks to a last minute free-kick. Garston winning the match despite Northwood scoring twice in the last 20 minutes through Danielle Taylor and Leanne Jones.
For the 2nd successive Sunday, Flitwick Ladies earned a point another good result away from home this time up against Sharnbrook WFC. The game finishing 0-0 to sides sharing the points Flitwick with 6 games left to play will look to build on their recent performances to try and get their 1st league win of the season. Sharnbrook remain in 4th place in the table have 5 left to play.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
New leaders in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two as, Welwyn Pegasus Ladies move into top spot ahead of Garston Ladies 2nd XI who saw their match at home at the weekend postponed. Welwyn Pegasus were at home to 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies Development who themselves could have gone top of the table with a win. A competitive tussle the sides sharing 10 goals between them. A hat-trick for Becky Shephard for Royston Town, along with a goal for Megan Evers, 4 goals weren’t enough however to take anything from the game as the hosts found the back of their net for 6 goals. Top scorer Chemise Huitson scoring 5 goals in the match to move onto 17 for the season. Georgina Harvey getting the other goal to ensure the 3 points were won. Remains very tight at the top of the Division Two table.
Hitchin Town Ladies moving right back up onto the tails of the top 3 as they won the Hitchin derby away to Hitchin Belles on Sunday. A close 1st half seeing the sides drawing 0-0 at the break it was Hitchin Belles who opening the scoring a minute into the 2nd half Katie White with the goal. On the hour Hitchin Town equalised, Emma Chaffey putting the ball home after a Jessica McNamara effort came back off the post. McNamara herself then scored to give the visitors the lead with 20 minutes left to play. Dani Friel extending the lead to 3-1 with a goal inside the last 10 minutes. Late hope for Hitchin Belles of rescuing a point a White struck again to reduce the deficit to 2-3 Hitchin Town holding on for the 3 points. Just 4 points between the top 4 in the table.
In 5th place in the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two table Letchworth Garden City Eagles won for the 5th time this season away to bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues on Sunday. A 2-0 win seeing the 3 points go to the away side.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Also very tight at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three as Wheathamstead Wanderers Ladies win their 3rd straight league match to move level on points with Bedford Ladies Development on Sunday, 4 wins if you include the cup. Wheathamstead were away to Evergreen Ladies, Sophia Pidgeon moving onto 32 goals for the season as she found the back of the net for 5 goals in a 6-1 victory. Mary Quest also a goal for the visitors her 1st for Wheathamstead. A first goal too for Bianca Contonicola for Evergreen Ladies.
2 points dropped for leaders Bedford Ladies Development as they had to settle for a share of the points away to 4th placed Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets on Sunday. 0-0 at half-time, Bedford captain Jessica Bunnage scored early in the 2nd half to give the visitors the lead her 16th of the season. Charlotte Demmon equalising for Woburn & Wavendon midway through the half with her 7th goal of the season.
Was also a draw between Shefford Town & Campton Ladies in 5th at home to bottom side Potters Bar United Ladies on Sunday. 2-2 the final score Mandy Morgan with both goals for Potters Bar United who are the first side this season to play out their league fixtures. A tough season some close defeats early on no points on the board ended strongly earning 5 of their 6 points in their last 3 matches a positive end to their season.
Two matches played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup on Sunday, Cambridge United WFC beginning the defence of their trophy away to Wisbech St Mary Ladies in the quarter finals. 4 leagues between the sides it was going to be a tough test for the side from the Championship North despite their impressive form this season. Cambridge starting the game well scoring at regular intervals progressed with a double figure win. Laura Baker and Faith Hewitt both scoring a hat-trick in the tie. Captain Laura Bright and midfielder Charlotte Crisp both getting a brace with a goal each for Carolyn Sarafian and Teonie Peyton for the FAWPL South East Division One side.
In the other quarter final played on Sunday it was an all ERWFL clash with Cambridge City Ladies 2nd in the Premier Division at home to Histon Ladies sitting in mid-table in Division One North. Cambridge City starting well taking the lead after just 17 seconds!. Histon coming close to levelling the scores Cambridge City finished the 1st half strongly scoring 3 goals in the closing minutes to have a 4-0 lead. Extended the advantage early in the 2nd half adding further goals on the hour and final 2 minutes to win comfortably in the end 7-0. Bella Simmons getting a hat-trick. There were goals too for Charlotte Gillies, Carla Penny and Bronte Rapley.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership
Not every weekend you win 6 points but that is exactly what Cambridge City Ladies Development did as they played a double header at home to Park Ladies on Sunday as fixture congestion starts to bite. Ellie Cullum scoring 4 goals in the 1st game with Rachel Pearce also on target in a 5-1 win.
Onto the 2nd game and it was a case of deja vu with the scoreline as Cambridge City ran out 5-1 winners once more. Cullum getting a brace this time around. Amy Ozakpinar, Erin Fox and Rachel Littlewood were also on target with a goal each in the match the 6 point haul putting them back up to 4th in the Premiership table.
Also in the Premiership on Sunday it was a much welcomed home win for March Town United Ladies against Cambridge University Women on Sunday. Leading 2-0 at half-time, March Town United went on to win the game 4-1 to claim all 3 points their 3rd league win of the season. Shannon Shaw netting a brace with a goal each for Emma Searle and Adele Munday. Hannah Short scoring in the final 15 minutes for Cambridge University who remain 2nd bottom.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
Two matches played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North on Sunday leaders Ketton Ladies back in league action for the 1st time in a month opening up a 5 point lead at the top of the table once more with a win away to bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies. Fran Kavanagh getting herself a 5 goal haul in the match moving her onto 31 goals for the season. Sascha Smith also scoring a brace with Claire Lawrenson also on target for her 10th goal of the season in an 8-1 win.
Riverside Ladies entering the league late made it 3 wins from 3 as they won away to Spalding United Ladies on Sunday the 5th place side’s goalscorers Roneta Mardosaite and Samantha Woodham with Dionne Lawton scoring from the penalty spot.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup
The Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup also began this Sunday with 2 fixtures played, Championship South side St Ives Town Ladies Development at home to last season’s beaten finalists Wisbech Town Ladies. The visitors progressing with a 4-1 victory, Faye Kowalewsky scoring twice in the match their were goals too for Josie Turner and Sophie Gutteridge for Wisbech Town.
Also progressing in the Junior Invitation Cup are Championship South side Isleham United Ladies at home on Sunday to fellow league side Burwell Tigers Ladies. Both Amy Ellis and Lily Turner scoring a brace, with a goal each too for Annabelle Marsh and Olivia Caffarelli in a 6-1 win. Vicky Murrell getting the goal for Burwell Tigers.
Quarter finals weekend in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup 8 sides vying for a place in the last 4 of the competition. Holders, Ipswich Town Ladies the favourites to retain the trophy were drawn at home to Bungay Town Ladies at the time leading the way across the border in Norfolk Women’s Division One. A big test for the side two leagues below Ipswich, the hosts getting off to the perfect start Jordan Arnoup giving them the lead in the opening minute from a free-kick. Ipswich were 2-0 up inside 3 minutes as captain Amanda Crump scored to double the lead. A strong 1st half from Ipswich dominating play Sophie Welton making it 3-0 before Crump added her 2nd of the match Zoe Cossey also on target to give Ipswich a 5-0 half-time lead. Not quite so clinical in the 2nd half Miagh Downey increasing the lead on the hour mark, Emily Leach getting on the score sheet for Bungay Town with 15 minutes left, Cossey scoring her 2nd of the game late on seeing Ipswich Town reach the semi-finals with a 7-1 win.
An all ERWFL quarter final in the quarter finals of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup saw Premier Division side AFC Sudbury Ladies at home to Ipswich Town Ladies Development from Division One North. It was goalless after the 1st 45 minutes, AFC Sudbury going on to score twice in the 2nd half to reach the last 4, Mia Etheridge and Semma Halil with the goals in a 2-0 victory.
ERWFL Division One North side Ipswich Wanderers Ladies were away in the quarter finals of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup taking on Newmarket Town Ladies playing a league below. Newmarket Town would fancy their chances having knocked two Division One North sides out of the FA Women’s Cup earlier in the season. Got off to a good start too as Abbi Griffin scored in the 24th minute to put the hosts into the lead. Ipswich Wanderers found a levelling goal on the half hour and very quickly after scored again to get there noses in front to lead 2-1 at half-time. Newmarket Town fought back well in the 2nd half Chloe Slater with the strike to put them back on level terms in the 56th minute. Went 3-2 up in the 65th minute thanks to a goal from Sarah O’Rourke. Ipswich Wanderers coming back again with a late late leveller to make it 3-3 and force the tie into a penalty shootout. Tanya McKew netting twice in the game along with a goal for Megan Strickland. Heartbreak for Newmarket Town in the shootout jubilation for Ipswich Wanderers as they booked their place in the semi-finals winning 6-5.
In the last of the 4 quarter final it was an all Suffolk Women’s Division clash in the County Cup between Leiston St Margarets Ladies at home to Brantham Athletic Ladies on Sunday. Leiston St Margarets in good form recently with 3 straight league wins up against 2nd placed Brantham Athletic who themselves haven’t lost in 3. Hot off scoring 7 goals the week before in the league Michelle Stanborough was at it again on Sunday scoring 4 of Leiston St Margarets 5 goals as they reached the last 4 of the competition with a 5-2 win, Brianna Norcott also scoring in the match for Leiston St Margarets.
Suffolk Women’s Division
One league match played at the weekend and for the 2nd successive Sunday the points were shared between 3rd placed Bacton United Ladies and leaders East Bergholt United Ladies. Bacton United at home this time both sides scoring in the 1st half drawing the match 1-1. Jessica Clark with the goal for East Bergholt United. The lead at the top 5 points East Bergholt United still undefeated.
