Like the FAWPL Round-Up before several of the ERWFL sides will pop up in the various County Cup ties to be covered later on with a limited number of league games taking place this Sunday.
ERWFL Premier Division
3 league games were played in the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday. Bedford Ladies extend their lead at the top of the table to 7 points but they were made to work for it away to Colchester Town Ladies. Struggling at the wrong end of the table, Colchester Town got themselves into to 2-0 lead at the break, Kira Fitzpatrick scoring on 22 minutes, Georgia Box on target on 35. Bedford came back into it 2nd half an own goal reducing the deficit before Kaiya Gunn and Eden Kibron went on to score a goal each to see Bedford win the match 3-2.
It was a 3-2 win away from home too for AFC Dunstable Ladies who move up from 5th to 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division table. Were playing Brentwood Town Ladies the Essex side scoring twice with Ashley Debnam and Sophie Lovell getting the goals. A brace scored by Amber Pearson plus a goal from Paige Kavanagh saw the 3 points go to Dunstable.
Writtle Ladies were in action on Sunday too taking on Histon Ladies at home, winning to move 2 places up into 6th in the ERWFL Premier Division table. scoring 2 goals in both halves to win 4-0. A brace from Amy Simmons plus a goal each for Courtney Clarke (pictured) and Sophie Vale seeing the 3 points won.
ERWFL Division One
Just the one game in ERWFL Division One on Sunday, but it was a significant one as the table has a new leader. Wymondham Town Ladies moving a point above Cambridge City Ladies after the Norfolk side clinched the 3 points at home. Ipswich Wanderers Ladies were the visitors on Sunday had beaten Wymondham Town 2-1 on the opening day of the season in the reverse fixture. Wymondham have been unbeaten in the league since making it 4 successive wins in the league. Kayleigh Holloway putting Wymondham Town into the lead on the half hour mark, Ipswich Wanderers got it back to 1-1 5 minutes later the score level at half-time. Wymondham with 2 goals in 2 minutes went on to win 3-1 Alice Collins netting on 60 minutes, Gemma Sanders with the 3rd goal for Wymondham seeing them to victory.
Busy start to the week so this weeks, The Round-Up is a little later than normal. Plenty of games to cover from last Sunday, largely featuring County Cup matches, 1st and 2nd Round games and that means clubs might not be in, The Round-Up where you would expect them to. A limited fixture list in the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One, and some of those ending up being postponed meant just the 4 games were played. 2 in the league and 1 tie in each the FAWPL Cup and Plate 2nd Round.
FAWPL Southern Division
Just the one league match took place in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday and although it is still very early in the season this was a huge match at the bottom of the table with Queens Park Rangers bottom of the table without a point on the board after 6 matches hosting 2nd bottom Swindon Town Ladies the newly promoted side just 3 points better off with 1 win from their opening 7 games. Swindon Town climb up 2 places to 8th in the table as they double their points tally with a high scoring win. Opening the scoring 16 minutes into the 1st half, Amy Watham putting the visitors in front, the lead was 2-0 a minute later Samantha Hallsworth with the goal. 8 minutes later Watham was on target again to see Swindon Town lead 3-0 at half-time. Hallsworth scored her 2nd goal of the game 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Substitute Sandy Abi-Elias coming on in the 63rd minute netted for Swindon Town on 72 minutes. Into the last 10 minutes Ellie Maynard brought on at the start of the 2nd half made it 6-0, with Watham completing her hat-trick with 3 minutes left on the clock final score 7-0.
FAWPL Cup 2nd Round
Were 2 ties in the FAWPL Cup 2nd Round featuring sides in the region scheduled for the weekend, heavy rain overnight on Saturday saw Portsmouth FC Ladies home match against Cambridge United WFC postponed, they will try again this coming Sunday.
Charlton Athletic Women were at home in the 2nd Round of the FAWPL Cup taking on fellow South East Division One side C&K Basildon Ladies. Striker Kit Graham (pictured) put Carlton into a 2-0 lead in the 1st half scoring 2 goals in 4 minutes on 19 and 23. C&K Basildon got it back to 2-1 before half-time captain Zoe Rushen with the goal. 2nd half Graham went on to complete her hat-trick scoring 5 minutes into the 2nd period. C&K Basildon battle hard to get back into the tie, Hannah Porter finding the back of the net late into the game, wasn’t to be enough, knocked out as Charlton win 3-2 to advance to the next round.
FAWPL Plate 2nd Round
2 ties were scheduled in the FAWPL Plate 2nd Round too this weekend, featuring sides in the region. Another postponement with Lewes Ladies meant to be hosting Maidenhead United Ladies who were unable to field a team.
In the other 2nd Round tie, South East Division One side Luton Town Ladies had a long trip down to the South West to play Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Nicola Henman putting Luton into the lead in the 1st half. Plymouth were reduced to 10 players just before half-time Kayleigh Lane red carded for stamping on an opponent. Luton pushed for more goals against Plymouth’s 10 2nd half but it was the home side who would score, Tori Marks levelling the tie at 1-1 on 62 minutes. Luton picked thing’s up after that, 16 year old Jodie Bellinger having come on in the 1st half due to an injury scoring her 1st goal for the 1st team, went on to score 2 more to make it a hat-trick. Plymouth pulled a goal back late into the game, Kayleigh Brown with the strike, Luton progress to the next round with a 4-2 win.
FAWPL South East Division One
One league game in the FAWPL South East Division One at the weekend, with AFC Wimbledon Ladies travelling to Kent to play Gillingham FC Ladies. The points were shared the sides drawing 1-1 both goals in the 1st half, Emma Keady’s 31st minute goal for AFC Wimbledon cancelling out Jade Keogh’s 17th minute goal for Gillingham who remain unbeaten in mid-table, whilst the point is enough to take AFC Wimbledon back to the top of the table.
FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying – Sunday 9th October
This Sunday saw 64 ties being played in 3rd Round Qualifying for this season’s FA Women’s Cup. The FAWPL Division One sides entering the competition at this stage. 19 ties featured sides playing in the region with 27 sides in all represented. A place in 4th Round Qualifying and prize money of £500 for the winners.
It was an FA Women’s Cup upset last season in 3rd Round Qualifying as Norfolk Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies knocked FAWPL South East Division One side Cambridge United WFC out of the cup. 12 months later and the 2 sides have been drawn to face each other once again albeit Cambridge have home advantage this time around. For both it has been a huge year growing on and off the pitch, Wymondham eventually stopped in 4th Round Qualifying by Bedford Ladies last season went on to win the Norfolk Division One title and promotion to the Eastern Regional Women’s Football League starting up a Reserves side have begun the season well in the higher tier. For Cambridge United WFC that result was a catalyst went on to improve that season record a record points haul and this season have been in great form top of the South East Division One table.
On to Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Mildenhall Town FC. Cambridge took the lead midway through the 1st half, Rosie Kmita heading the ball into the back of the net. 5 minutes later were awarded a penalty kick. Captain Laura Bright unfortunately sending the ball over the crossbar. 1-0 the lead at half-time Cambridge extended their advantage on 66 minutes, Gemma Croucher one of the clubs new recruits over the summer scoring her 1st goal for the 1st team. Croucher wasn’t done their with her goal scoring as she went on to score another goal deep into injury time to see Cambridge into 4th Round Qualifying with a 3-0 win.
Level on points with Cambridge at the top of the FAWPL South East Division One table are newly promoted AFC Wimbledon Ladies lost their 100% start to the season away to Denham United Ladies in midweek, looked to bounce back in the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday with an away trip to Bexhill United Ladies. Over came their lower league opponents comfortably winning 6-0 to advance into 4th Round Qualifying. A hat-trick from, Kelly-Jade Whelan, plus 2 goals from Laura Low, Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins also on target.
Was an all FAWPL South East Division One clash between Denham United Ladies at home to Ipswich Town Ladies. Both winning in midweek in the league. Ipswich with beating Suffolk rivals Lowestoft Ladies 3-2 at home on Wednesday. Denham United with a springing a surprise by becoming the 1st side to beat AFC Wimbledon Ladies in the league on Thursday. A confidence boosting result Denham United carried that into Sundays FA Cup winning the game 4-1. 2 goals each for Alissa Down and Rebecca French. Sophie Welton with the goal for Ipswich Town.
Two more FAWPL South East Division One sides were drawn to face each other in 3rd Round Qualifying both in good form recording mid-week victories in the league in the top half of the table, Milton Keynes Dons Ladies were at home taking on Actonians Ladies who were up to 3rd in the table. Hannah Barrett scored a hat-trick in the game for MK Dons Ladies with Kara Howes also on target in a 4-0 victory to go into the hat for the draw for 4th Round Qualifying.
Another all FAWPL South East Division One East tie saw Lowestoft Town Ladies at home to Enfield Town Ladies. Two sides at the other end of the table Lowestoft Town with one win in the league so far coming at home against Enfield Town recently the draw for the cup bringing Enfield Town back to Crown Meadow. Lowestoft Town getting the early lead, captain Hannah Waters with the goal in the 10th minute. A narrow lead at half-time it was Waters again with the goal 10 minutes into the 2nd half to put the home side 2-0 went on to win the tie 2-0 progress in the competition.
Norwich City Ladies from FAWPL South East Division One were at home after a spell away from Plantation Park taking on Peterborough based side Riverside Rovers Ladies who play their football in EMWFL Division One South. Norwich made light work of their lower league opponents Natasha Snelling putting them ahead inside the 1st minute. Adding a 2nd goal on 21 minutes after Chelsea Garrett had made it 2-0 in 14 minutes. Captain Kate Parsons making it 4-0 to Norwich before half-time. 2nd half Norwich continued to press, Riverside going 5-0 down through an own goal on 48 minutes, Snelling completing her hat-trick a minute later. Parsons scored her 2nd of the match with Brooke Osborne bagging herself a brace, Parson 3 minutes from time getting her hat-trick the final score 10-0.
Gillingham FC Ladies were at home on Sunday playing FAWPL South West Division One side, Maidenhead United Ladies in 3rd Round Qualifying. Got off to a great start with Felicity Gibbons scoring the opening goal on 5 minutes with Emma Tune adding a 2nd goal a minute later. A strong 1st half performance saw 2 more goals added to the scoreline with Harriet Chapman making it 3-0 on 22 minutes and Emily Symond scoring on 41 minutes to make it 4-0 at half-time. No more goals added 2nd half Gillingham going into the hat for 4th Round Qualifying.
Stevenage Ladies advance in the FA Women’s Cup after a convincing win away to Worthing Town Ladies in 3rd Round Qualifying. Without a win in the FAWPL South East Division One since earning promotion Stevenage made light work of their lower league opponents scoring 15 goals without reply nearly trebling the goals they have scored so far this season. No record of the goalscorers as of yet.
ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Sudbury Ladies were hosting higher league opponents in the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday taking on FAWPL South East Division One side, Luton Town Ladies. The side fought out a goalless 1st half. Stacey Teager put Sudbury 1-0 in the 2nd half. Luton hit back almost straight away, Joanne Rutherford making it 1-1. Again Sudbury got themselves i front a goal from Megan Partridge to make it 2-1. Shanice Jiminez a 2nd half substitute for Luton found the back of the net to make it 2-2 the visitors went on to grab a winning goal in injury time, Jessica McKay with a 40 yard strike in the 94th minute to see off a determined Sudbury.
ERWFL Premier Division side Haringey Borough were also at home taking on FAWPL Division One opposition in the FA Women’s Cup, from the South West, Chichester City Ladies. The visitors led 2-1 at half-time with Jess Lewry and Cherelle Khassal on target. Haringey found another goal but eventually their higher league opponents went on to take control of the tie, Chloe Dowdell scoring on 57 minutes before Khassal netted her 2nd of the game on 62. Rebecca Barron 5th goal for Chichester with 20 minutes left. Jade Widdows was introduced from the bench on 75 minutes scored on 76 minutes. Another 2nd half substitute, Charley Wilson-Blakely adding a brace in the closing minutes final score 8-2.
Another ERWFL Premier Division side at home to FAWPL South West Division One opposition in the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday were Billericay Town Ladies, the Essex side hosting Basingstoke Ladies. Paris Smith scored for Billericay Town but it wasn’t enough as they were knocked out of the cup with a 2-1 defeat.
Histon Ladies were taking on Peterborough Northern Star Ladies at home on Sunday in 3rd Round Qualifying. Both sides competing in the Premier Division of their Regional League, Histon in the Eastern, Peterborough in the East Midlands set-up. The visitors struck the post on 2 occasions as they created chances in the 1st half, looked like it might be a all square at the break then Peterborough found the back of the net with their last attack in the half, Vicky Gallagher turning the ball home from inside the six yard box.
2nd half Peterborough came out the stronger, a purple patch that saw 4 goals scored in 11 minutes to put them totally in control of the tie. 15 minutes into the 2nd half, Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse (pictured above) was sharpest to the follow-up as Donna Nicholls shot cannoned down of the crossbar, Histon goalkeeper Helen Slipper parring Hopkins-Duckhouse’s 1st attempt the ball coming straight back at her was sent over the line to make it 2-0. Gallagher rounding the keeper 5 minutes later to score her 2nd goal of the game 2 more from Nicholls followed the final score 5-0, Peterborough advancing to 4th Round Qualifying. This was the featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday and can be viewed further down this page or by clicking on the link below.
3 ERWFL Premier Division sides did make it into the draw for 4th Round Qualifying in the FA Women’s Cup. In a 7pm kick-off on Sunday Acle United Ladies made the short journey to Maltings Meadow to play Norfolk Division One side Bungay Town Ladies. Kate Pasque scored inside 3 minutes to give Acle the lead, captain Rebecca Burton making it 2-0 on 18 minutes. Bungay came back into the tie 2 goals in 2 minutes to peg it back to 2-2. All square at half-time Bungay got themselves into the lead making it 3-2 on 55 minutes. Acle responded pulling it back to 3-3 on 62 minutes Luka Goodfield with the goal. Pasque restored the lead with her 2nd goal of the game on 67 minutes. Jody Wells finally ending Bungay’s hopes of advancing in the competition scoring a brace in the last 10 minutes to see Acle into the hat for the next round with a 6-3 win.
AFC Dunstable Ladies were at home on Sunday playing Meridian Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup. Amber Pearson putting them in front inside the 1st minute. went on to score another on 20 minutes with Charlotte Smith scoring for Dunstable on 38 minutes the half-time score 3-1 the result was ensured late in the 2nd half with Stephanie Chandler making it 4-1 with 4 minutes left on the clock.
Brentwood Town Ladies are also through to 4th Round Qualifying were on the road on Sunday playing Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side Houghton Athletic Ladies. A brace from Leah Cowan plus a goal from Carla Rose sealing a 3-0 away win.
Royston Town Ladies bow out of the FA Women’s Cup, the ERWFL Premier Division side losing narrowly to Regents Park Rangers 3-2. ERWFL Division One side Hertford Town Ladies were also knocked out of the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday, despite a Becky Shephard goal in the 2nd half lost 2-1 away to Newbury Ladies. Norfolk Division One side Brandon Town Ladies had a long trip to Kettering Town Ladies in 3rd Round Qualifying their higher league opponents proving to be too strong as they scored 6 goals on the 1st half to move into the 4th Round Qualifying draw.
One more tie to bring you from this Sundays FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying matches. ERWFL Division One leaders, Cambridge City Ladies were on the road a trip to Northampton Town Ladies from EMWFL Division One South, had overcome opponents from the same league in the previous round a narrow win over Peterborough United Ladies. Was another narrow win for the visiting side a goal from Bronte Rapley, plus a brace scored by Grace Stanley seeing them win 3-2 to advance into the next round.
The draw for 4th Round Qualifying was made on Monday lunchtime and below are the selected ties featuring the sides from the East – ties to be played Sunday 13th November.
Acle United Ladies v Brentwood Town Ladies
Norwich City Ladies v Lowestoft Town Ladies
Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage Ladies
Kettering Town Ladies v Peterborough Northern Star Ladies
Leyton Orient WFC v Cambridge City Ladies
Luton Town Ladies v Oxford City Ladies
Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies v AFC Dunstable Ladies
AFC Wimbledon Ladies v Denham United Ladies
Aylesford Ladies v Gillingham FC Ladies
Queens Park Rangers Development v Milton Keynes Dons Ladies
The Sunday in Beds & Herts the focus was on the 1st Round of the Women’s Openage League Cup with 8 ties scheduled to be played.
Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup 1st Round
No sooner had I put the fixtures out for the weekend then Letchworth Garden City Eagles informed that their opponents on Sunday, Hatfield Town Ladies had withdrawn from the League Cup.
Did have some football elsewhere however, starting with the League Cup holders, Garston Ladies, started the defence of their trophy with a tricky home tie against the early Division One pace setters, Sandy Ladies. Having won it for the past 2 seasons Garston were in no mood to give it up however and advanced to the next round with a 2-0 victory.
Sherrardswood Ladies were the side Garston Ladies had beaten to win the League Cup in both those finals and hoping to reach their 3rd successive final and maybe go one better this year Sherrardswood were at home taking on fellow Division One side, St Albans Ladies. Laura Cousins followed up a 1st half goal with a 2nd half 10 minute hat-trick with Laure Marris converting from the penalty spot on 80 minutes to see Sherrardswood into the 2nd round with a 5-2 win.
Division Two side Panshanger Ladies were coming into this weekends League Cup 1st Round tie at home to Hitchin Town Ladies off the back of their 1st league win. Started well against their Division One opponents on home turf, Chemise Huitson with the opening goal of the match inside 2 minutes. Hitchin Town having barely played this season to date, just the one competitive league fixture came back strongly to move into a 3-1 lead in the 1st half, Huitson scoring her 2nd goal of the game to see the deficit reduced to 3-2 at half-time. Hitchin Town found the back of the net again in the 2nd half to win the tie 4-2 to advance to the 2nd Round of the League Cup their goals coming from, Dani Friel, Kelly Hannington, Sarah Payne & Kayleigh Saunders.
Garston Ladies FC 96 leading Division Two early on were away to Division Three side Crawley Green Ladies in the 1st Round of the League Cup. This game went all the way to penalties. The scores locked at 3-3 after 90 minutes and extra-time. Nina Service was no target twice for Crawley Green with Jessica McNamara scoring the other goal. Garston’s goalscorers were Leah Crockett, Holly Jury and Hannah Roberts. The tie going to a penalty shootout Garston the side advancing to the 2nd Round winning 4-3 from the spot-kicks.
Evergreen Ladies also from Division Two progress to the 2nd Round of the League Cup over coming Bedwell Rangers from Division Three at home with 2 goals from Natalie Maher plus 1 from Emily Jones to edge the result 3-2.
An all Division Two clash in the 1st Round of the League Cup between Flitwick Ladies and Watton Ladies. A hat-trick from Francesca Smithers seeing the away side Watton Ladies move onto the 2nd Round winning the tie 3-1.
Hertford Town Ladies Reserves were scheduled to play Division One side Bishops Stortford Ladies at home on Sunday as of yet I’m unsure how this game went.
Elsewhere across the region in the women’s county football league it has been a slow start to the season, however in Essex the leagues are in full flow with side on the whole playing regularly starting to build form. In both the Premier Division and Division One the title contenders are starting to get into position at the top of the table.
Essex Women’s Premier Division
Lawford Ladies are setting the pace in the Premier Division no stopping them as yet as they made it 5 wins out of 5 at the start on Sunday with a 5-0 home win over Alresford Colne Rangers to keep themselves ahead of the rest.
Harlow Town Ladies, newly formed last season winning the Division One title are a couple of games behind Lawford after postponements and their debut in the FA Women’s Cup. Were away to Chelmsford City Ladies who led the Premier Division for much of last season. Any prospect of a close game was quickly dismissed as visitors Harlow Town Ladies went 2-0 up inside the opening 10 minutes, Fran Tye and Taylor O’Leary with the strikes. It rained goals 2nd half with Tayla Handscomb scoring for Harlow in 24 minutes, O’Leary with her 2nd on the half hour mark. 4 more goals scored in 7 minutes followed. Handscomb with her 2nd goal to make it 5-0 on 32 minutes O’Leart completing her hat-trick 3 minutes later. Lucy Sende scoring on 36 with Tia Dye making it 8-0 at half-time on 39 minutes. A goalless 2nd half followed the damage done 3 wins from 3 for Harlow a great start to life in the Premier Division.
Claire Campbell netted a goal for Wickford Town Ladies with Danielle Dickens scoring a brace too, however 3 goals at home weren’t enough to take anything from the game as visitors Runwell Sports Ladies hit back with 5 goals to win the game move up to 4th in the Premier Division table.
The mid-table clash between Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies & Collier Row Tigers ended all square the points shared in a 3-3 draw on Sunday. Elsewhere it was the battle of the bottom 2 in the Premier Division both Walden Ladies and Hutton Ladies Reserves without a win let alone a point at the start of the season from 3 played. Great result for Walden Ladies as they climb off the bottom into 9th spot with their 1st win of the season at home beat Hutton 6-0.
The game between Chigwell Ladies & Eastern Avenue was abandoned just after half-time due to an unfortunate injury to one of Eastern Avenue’s players a suspected broken ankle Women’s Football East wishes her well and the best for her recovery.
Essex Women’s Division One
Like Lawford Ladies in the Premier Division, Corringham Cosmos are setting the early pace in Division One, moved onto 15 points with their 5 win in 5 league games at the weekend, recording a 4-1 home win against Southend Town Ladies
Hot on their heels in 2nd place are Frontiers Ladies a 100% start to the season themselves made it 4 wins from 4 on Sunday at home taking onBenfleet Villa Ladies, started the match well early pressure, Jill Bartholomew (pictured) was upended inside the opposition box, stepped up to take the resulting penalty to score put Frontiers 1-0 on 6 minutes.
(picture credit -Frontiers Ladies)
Kay Foy adding a 2nd goal on 22 minutes the home side held a 3-0 advantage at the break, Sharon Ferguson with the goal 3 minutes before half-time. Carried their 1st half dominance into the 2nd half going 4-0 up inside 4 minutes of the restart Kelly Holdsworth netting the goal. A 5th goal came late in the 2nd half Adele Hughes on target with 3 minutes of normal play left on the clock to move Frontiers onto 12 points.
Joining Frontiers Ladies on 12 points in 3rd spot in the Division One table are Harlow Town Ladies Reserves winning 6-1 away from home against Wickford Town Ladies Reserves. Rachel Dipper with the consolation goal for the home side.
Hatfield Peveral Ladies started the season late another new side this season like the 3 above them in the Division One table the 4th placed side look like they could be amongst the title contenders as they recorded their 3rd straight league win to maintain their 100% start away to Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves. Winning the game 3-0 to move onto 9 points.
A full list of fixtures in the Suffolk Women’s Division at last at the start of the season with 8 of the 9 sides in competition at the weekend. Leaders Ipswich Town Ladies Development the side not in action.
That meant that Walsham Le Willows Ladies level on point with Ipswich with 2 wins from 2 to start the season moved 3 points clear at the top on Sunday maintaining their 100% winning start to the season with a convincing win away from home against Ipswich Phoenix Ladies. Laura Brame opening her goal scoring account for the season with 4 goals for Walsham. Gemma Carter extended her goals tally to 8 in 3 matches with her 2nd hat-trick of the season too. Shelly Cocksedge, Zoe Klimcke and Kirsty Pollard all scoring too in a 10-0 win.
Laura Brame with 4 goals for Walsham Le Willows Ladies
Brantham Athletic Ladies move onto 6 points in 3rd place in the table with their 2nd win of the season away from home playing Copleston Ladies neither side playing a competitive game since the opening day of the season a month ago. A heavy defeat on the opening day Copleston have been working hard in friendlies to improve. Brantham have plenty of goalscorers in their side Lucy Dunnett, Jo Hazelton and Jade Horne signed from Copleston all getting a goal with Kirsten Hutchings and Danielle Harvey starting on the bench also on target, Harvey returning to action after a long spell out with injury. Elysia Young getting on the scoresheet for Copleston as Brantham win 5-1.
Witnesham Wasps Ladies were playing their 2nd league match of the season on Sunday had lost on the opening day a month ago against Ipswich Town Ladies Development. Were in action last Sunday winning in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Took that win into this Sunday an away trip to Leiston St Margarets Ladies. 2 goals scored in each half saw Witnesham win comfortably 4-0, Jenna Liverpool netting a brace with Lauren Jacobs and Caitlin Howe also on target for their 1st 3 point haul of the season.
Another side recovering from an opening game loss are East Bergholt United a few ex-Long Melford Ladies players in their squad now were at home taking on Bacton United Ladies who had lost on the opening day of the season going down 7-0 to Brantham. East Bergholt were the early season pace setters last season and got their 1st 3 points at the weekend winning the match 3-0. Have no details on the goalscorers.
A shorter edition of the FAWPL Round-Up this week with all of the FAWPL Division One side in action in the FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying it’s just the Southern Division action to bring you on a weekend where Charlton Athletic Women returned to the top of the table.
FAWPL Southern Division
With 11 sides contesting the FAWPL Southern Division this season due to Forest Green Rovers Ladies late withdrawal, there is a side that will sit out the weekends fixtures. This Sunday it happened to be leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and the chasing pack took full advantage with teams beginning with the letter C dominating the top half of the table as Tottenham are pushed down to 4th!
Charlton Athletic Women were the early season pace setters, return to the top of the table this Sunday going a point clear following a narrow home win over Lewes Ladies. Got off to a fantastic start at Thamesmead, captain Kimberly Dixson putting Charlton ahead inside the opening 5 minutes. Avilla Bergin doubling the lead midway through the 1st half. Lewes came back into the match 2nd half pulling a goal back 10 minutes in Georgia Bridges with the goal couldn’t find another as Charlton held on for the win. Lewes continue to slide down the table their 4 points coming from their opening 2 league matches have now lost 5 in a row.
Coventry United are another side in the FAWPL Southern Division who have led the table recently, climb back up into 2nd spot with a convincing home win against bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Stephanie Smith getting the ball rolling with a goal on 6 minutes, 2 more goals followed midway through the 1st half to put Coventry 3-0 up at the break, Ashleigh Neville on 20 minutes with Courtney Murphy adding a goal 2 minutes later. More of the same from Coventry 2nd half Alison Hall netting 4 goals in 4 minutes on 60 and 64 to put the result beyond any doubt.
Cardiff City Ladies continue to move up the table the Welsh side now up to 3rd like Tottenham in 4th and Coventry in 2nd are undefeated. Were at home on Sunday looking to follow up a midweek 4-0 away win over Swindon Town Ladies with 3 more points against West Ham United Ladies who themselves had picked up their 1st win of the season 1-0 away from home against local rivals C&K Basildon Ladies. Cori Williams giving Cardiff the lead on 13 minutes. Held onto the advantage at half-time. West Ham having brought a few new faces in that have served under manager James Marrs recently are looking stronger. Couldn’t find an equaliser against Cardiff, Chloe Chivers putting the home side further ahead before Michelle Green made sure of the 3 points scoring from a turn and hit 20 yards out to see the result end 3-0.
Off the field has been another turbulent week for West Ham United Ladies after chairman Stephen Hunt Jnr reported the mens club to the FA alleging sex discrimination against the Ladies side. That prompted the man’s club to react as they bring the Ladies side under the clubs banner, which should bring better support in the long run strengthen the Ladies club going forwards.
Battle of the newly promoted sides on Sunday as Swindon Town Ladies and Crystal Palace Ladies met for the 1st time in the league. Both having different fortunes at the start of life in the higher tier of women’s football. A single goal settled the match and it was late late heartbreak for Swindon Town as Ellie Bailes scored for Crystal Palace Ladies deep into injury time to take the 3 points.
Portsmouth FC Ladies in mid-table won in midweek taking the 3 points away from home at local rivals Lewes Ladies. Looking to build on that performance at home playing C&K Basildon Ladies, they were put on the back foot right from the start Sara Sinclair scoring in the 2nd minute for the visitors. Chances for both sides 1st half, Basildon added a 2nd goal late in the 1st half to take a 2-0 lead into the dressing room. The fightback looked on 2nd half for Portsmouth when 55th minute substitute Samantha Qualye pulled a goal back 5 minutes after coming on. Pushing for the equaliser they couldn’t find it, Basildon going further ahead deep into injury time Stacey Little with the goal in the 96th minute to see the Essex side leave the South Coast with the 3 points.
A different look to The Round-Up in Cambridgeshire this week with there being a new format to the counties Women’s League Cup. Instead of it being a straight knock-out competition in the early stage it is instead being held in a group format with the winners from each progressing to the quarter-finals. That means 8 groups A-H with 3 or 4 sides competing each with 1 Premiership side except F which has 2, and a combination of Championship North or South sides based on geographical location. Each team to play the other once. This weekend saw the 1st Round of fixtures being played.
Group A – ICA Sports Ladies, Wisbech St Marys Ladies & Hungate Rovers Ladies
In Group A the 1st game saw Championship North side Hungate Rovers Ladies hosting Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies. Megan Purnell and Zoe Leddy were on target for the high league opposition to see them take the 3 points.
Group B – Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Greta Paxton Ladies & Cambridge City Ladies Development
A bit of city rivalry in Group B at the weekend with Cambridge City Ladies new Development side playing in the Championship South hosting Cambridge United WFC Reserves. The Premiership side winning the 3 points edging the result with a 2-1 victory Lauren Gibson and Faith Hewitt with the goals. Charlotte Gillies with the goal for Cambridge City Ladies Development.
Group C – Cambridge University Women, Orton Rangers Ladies, St Ives Rangers Ladies & Riverside Rovers Reserves.
Cambridge University Women being as their name suggests a university side are only just back together to begin pre-season training haven’t started in the league yet playing in Premiership, started their season in the league cup a home fixture against Riverside Rovers Reserves of the Championship South. Cambridge University despite only just being back into competitive football earned their 1st 3 points of the campaign winning 2-1 to top the group early on with goals from Taylor Lynn-Jones and Xelia Mendes-Jones. Amy Magnus with the goal for Riverside Rovers Reserves.
Group D – Netherton United Ladies, Ketton Ladies, Spalding United Ladies & Wisbech Town Ladies.
Premiership side Netherton United Ladies began their Women’s League Cup group campaign in emphatic fashion recording a big result at home to Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies on Sunday. Yasmin Green netting a hat-trick for the Peterborough based side. Alice MacNichol scoring a brace, with a goal each for Emily Johnson, Jenna Nairn, Georgina Parrett, Megan Strickland and Sian Gamble as they reach a double figure scoreline winning 10-1.
Group E –Bar Hill Ladies, Milton Ladies, Cambridge Rangers & Netherton United Ladies Reserves.
In Group E, Premiership side Bar Hill Ladies were at home taking on Championship South, Milton Ladies this Sunday. Won the game comfortably thanks to a hat-trick from Anna Jephson along with a brace scored by Laura Spaxman along with a goal each for Claire Radford and Lucy Goddard, 7-0 the final score.
Group F – Newmarket Town Ladies, St Ives Town Ladies, Fulbourn Bluebirds & Isleham United Ladies.
The group with 2 premiership sides in both Newmarket Town Ladies and St Ives Town Ladies began their league cup campaign this Sunday. Newmarket Town were away to Fulbourn Bluebirds from the Championship South. Joeli Kirby the pick of the goalscorers netting a hat-trick. Abbi Griffin hit the back of the net twice, with Nadine Basson, Lauren Deller, Honor Freeman and Molly Agnew all contributing to the goals tally in a 9-0 win.
St Ives Town Ladies were at home taking on Championship South side Isleham United Ladies in their 1st match in the group stages. Hannah Seymour-Shove scoring twice for the Premiership newcomers with a goal each for Jade Carpenter and Sasha Smith in a 4-0 win.
Group G – Bourne Ladies, Boston United Ladies, Swineshead Institute Ladies & Thurlby Tigers.
Bourne Ladies had only just started their league campaign last weekend, newly promoted as Championship North Champions it was a debut in the Premiership to forget a 10-0 defeat away to Cambridge United WFC Reserves. Starting their league cup campaign at home to Championship North newcomers, Thurbly Tigers turned thing’s completely around going well beyond double figures as they recorded a 16-0 win.
Group H – Park Ladies, March Town United Ladies, P&L Motors Diamonds & Newmarket Town Reserves.
The only group that sees a mixture of teams from all 3 divisions. Park Ladies newly promoted to the Premiership as Championship South Champions were the only side to lose out on the opening round of group games at home taking on Championship North side March Town United Ladies the visitors won the game 5-2 with 4 goals scored by Louise Barbour. Emma Searle scoring too to win the 3 points.
In the other game in Group H, it was Championship South versus Championship North with Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves taking on P&L Motors Diamonds the visiting side joining March Town United on 3 points with a 3-1 win.
Beds & Herts Women’s Football League – Sunday 2nd October
Held off from doing The Round-Up for the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League early on as it has been a patchy start to the season fixture wise across the 3 divisions, finally as we begin October the fixture lists begin to fill out as more sides get their season kicked off at last.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division, Sharnbrook WFC have been setting the early pace promoted as Division Two Champions had started the season with 2 wins before being held to a draw by fellow promoted side Houghton Athletic Ladies last weekend. That allowed 2nd placed Sandy Ladies to close the gap to a point going into this Sunday’s 2nd versus 1st encounter. 2 wins from 2 for Sandy Ladies so far scoring 5 in both games. Amber Williams scored a brace plus a goal each for Harriet Ford and Chloe Reeves as Sandy Ladies go above Sharnbrook WFC to lead the table with a 4-2 win, Tracy Hutchinson 1st half and Gemma Franklin 2nd half with the goals for Sharnbrook.
Bishops Stortford Ladies and Hitchin Town Ladies the latter newly promoted to Division One this season finally got their league campaign started at the weekend. Both had faced each other just 7 days before in the 1st Round of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, Hitchin Town Ladies the home side exiting the competition as Bishops Stortford beat them 5-1. Now meeting in the league Bishops Stortford Ladies were at home at Harvest Moon, a closer game edged the win by 2 goals to 1 Kathryn Stanley (pictured) and Samantha Tant with the goals. Kayleigh Saunders with Hitchin Town Ladies 1 goal in Division One.
Garston Ladies lost out to Sharnbrook WFC at home on the opening day of the season back on 11th September had to wait a bit to play their next competitive fixture an away fixture against Letchworth Garden City Ladies, a single goal settling it for Garston picking up their 1st 3 points of the season courtesy of a goal scored by Emma Trill.
Houghton Athletic Ladies have started the season well promoted as runners-up in Division Two last season have 4 points from their opening 2 league matches. Were away to Sherrardswood Ladies at the weekend who they had knocked out of the FA Women’s Cup in 2nd Round Qualifying. Sherrardswood had started the season with an opening day defeat to Sandy Ladies, goals from Laura Cousins in the 1st half followed by 2 more from Laure Marris and Katy Jones saw them get their 1st 3 points of the season winning 3-1. Ciara Craig with the goal for Houghton Athletic Ladies.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Three league matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two on Sunday with leaders Garston Ladies FC 96 making it 3 wins from 3 to continue their perfect start to the season. At home they were leading bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets 2-0 at the break before going on to win the game 4-1. 4 different goalscorers, Hannah Burt, Leah Crocket, Leanne Hunt and Jade Roberts helping them to the 3 points. Charlotte Demman on target for Woburn & Wavendon.
2nd placed Flitwick Ladies have started life in Division Two well following relegation last season. Recovering well from an opening day loss at home to Garston, to win their next 2 league matches were at home this Sunday hosting Evergreen Ladies who finally had a league game the Division Three runners-up playing their 1st game in Division Two. Rebecca Freeman scoring 2 goals for the visitors as they won a point in the game, Flitwick scoring twice too to see the game end 2-2, Faye Moxon and Laura Scott from the penalty spot with the goals.
Panshanger Ladies were also promoted from Division Three to play in Division Two this season, had started the season with 2 away defeats were at home for the 1st time this season at the Moneyhole Playing Fields playing Watton Ladies at the weekend. Started well Ellie Burke putting them in front inside 10 minutes, Chemise Huitson adding a 2nd goal on 22 minutes that the lead at half-time. Huitson added another goal early in the 2nd half to make it 3-0. Watton pulled a goal back but this didn’t dent Panshanger’s confidence going on to score a 4th goal, Patience Ndlovu with her 1st for the club. Huitson went on to score her hat-trick. Watton pulling a goal back late on the final score 5-2 sees Panshanger up to 5th in the table.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Still sides yet to get off the mark in Beds & Herts Division Three, two that did at the weekend with mixed fortunes. Hertford Town Ladies have a new Reserves side this season the 1st team promoted to the Eastern Region Women’s Football League the Reserve side has had to wait to get going. A fixture at last away to Shefford Town & Campton Ladies who had started the season with a 2-2 against Hatfield Town Ladies remain unbeaten both sides collecting a point in what is a rarity in women’s football a 0-0 draw.
A totally different story in the final match to being you in the Beds & Herts Round-Up, 12 goals in this game with Crawley Green Ladies playing their 1st league game of the season hosting Evergreen Eagles. A tough season for the visitors last season relegated from Division Two started with a win in Division Three 6-3 at home to new side Wheathamsted Ladies. Held a 5-2 lead against Crawley Green at half time but the hosts came back into it scoring 3 more goals to get 5 themselves not enough to take anything from the match however as Evergreen Eagles added 2 more goals 2nd half to win it 7-5. Christie Brewer with a hat-trick plus a brace for Samantha Talks with a goal each for Rebecca Corcoran and Amber Charlton the scorers for Evergreen Eagles. Jessica McNamara scoring a hat-trick for Crawley Green Ladies with Nina Service and Yasmin Wacey also on target.
A full programme of fixtures in the Essex Women’s Premier Division at the start of October and Lawford Ladies continue to set the pace in the league topping the table with 4 wins out of 4. Were on the road on Sunday taking on Hutton Ladies Reserves scoring 6 goals without reply to move onto 12 points.
In 2nd place in the league table also with a 100% winning start to the season are Chelmsford City Ladies a game behind Lawford they made it 3 wins from 3 on Sunday although it too a last minute winner to secure all 3 points away to Alresford Colne Rangers the newly promoted side holding Chelmsford City 2-2 until the closing stages to lose out late on, 2 goals from Jessica Loble along with a goal from Sarah Jolly seeing Chelmsford City to victory.
3rd placed Eastern Avenue were at home at the weekend hosting last season’s Division One Champions, Harlow Town Ladies playing just their 2nd league match of the season. That a 14-0 demolition of Chigwell Ladies on the opening day. Was quite so one sided this Sunday, Harlow Town winning for the 2nd time to move onto 6 points with a 4-2 victory.
Runwell Sports Ladies had started the season with a draw and a loss, picked up their 1st 3 point haul of the season on Sunday to climb up to 5th with a large win at home against Walden Ladies who go bottom of the table. Scoring double figure Runwell Sports Ladies beat Walden 10-1 to move up the table.
Wickford Town Ladies got their 1st point on the board since getting promoted to the Premier Division this season an away trip to 6th placed Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. A high scoring game both sides netting 4 goals, 8 different goalscorers the points shared in a 4-4 draw. Charlee Twigg and Claire Campbell with 2 of the Wickford Town Ladies goals.
Was another high scoring draw in the other match in the Premier Division this Sunday with newly promoted Chigwell Ladies away to Collier Row Tigers the 7th and 8th placed sides in the league contesting a 3-3 draw.
Essex Women’s Division One
A bit of bad news to start The Round-Up in Essex Women’s Division One as sadly Valley Green Ladies have withdrawn from the league due to a lack of players. Wish everyone connected with the club all the best going forwards.
5 matches played in the league this Sunday and leaders Corringham Cosmos continue at the start of October as they ended September with a 100% win record in the league. 4 wins from 4 now after an away trip to FC Clacton Ladies, winning the contest 8-2 to move onto 12 points at the top.
(photo credit – Frontiers Ladies)
A game behind Corringham Cosmos in the Division One table 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies move onto 9 points as they keep up their 100% winning start to the season. Away to Collier Row Athletic at the weekend. The visitors taking a little time to get into their stride took the lead on 27 minutes Kay Foy (pictured) scoring from a corner. 2-0 the half-time lead for Frontiers with Foy netting her 2nd goal on 34 minutes. 2nd half Frontiers were the stronger side going on to increase the lead as the game approached the hour mark Hayley King the player on target. 5 minutes later Sharon Ferguson made it 4-0 to Frontiers with Kelly Holsworth firing home a 35 yard free-kick with 5 minutes left to wrap up the 3 points with a 5-0 win.
Harlow Town Ladies Reserves also win for the 3rd time this season moving onto 9 points in 3rd place in the Division One table with a comfortable 8-0 win away from home against Southend Town Ladies.
Hatfield Peveral Ladies move up the Division One table into 4th spot having started the season late were playing just their 2nd league match having won their opening game last Sunday made it 2 from 2 at home against Benfleet Villa Ladies this Sunday, Christa Osman scoring a 1st half hat-trick to put them in control of the match. Megan Warner added a 4th goal for Hatfield Peveral with 20 minutes left on the clock, Osman scoring a 4th goal 5 minutes see the 3 points in the bag, final score 5-0.
Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves move up the Division One table too, as they win for the 2nd successive league game, having started the season with 2 defeats. Were playing away from home at the weekend taking on Wickford Town Ladies new Reserves side, who despite scoring 3 goals too nothing from the game as the visitors replied with 6 goals, Kayla-Marie Everett on target with 4 goals plus a goal a piece for Ayo Okunuga and Niki Medici seeing Chelmsford City win the 3 points.
Writtle Ladies were in action on Sunday too taking on Histon Ladies at home, winning to move 2 places up into 6th in the ERWFL Premier Division table. scoring 2 goals in both halves to win 4-0. A brace from Amy Simmons plus a goal each for Courtney Clarke (pictured) and Sophie Vale seeing the 3 points won. 
