Tag Archives: Thetford Town Ladies

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 14th December

ERWFL Division One North

One last game to finish 2025, with a short trip to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on newly promoted Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in ERWFL Division One North.

 The Division One North table taking a clear shape as we move into the final weekends fixtures of 2025, Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies looking unstoppable at the top of the table, with a 100% record so far recording 12 wins from 12. Runners-up spot looks to be between Stevenage FC Women Development and Real Bedford Women Reserves, a pack looking to chase down a top half finish, the rest including Fulbourn in a relegation battle a tough league format with 3 of the 12 sides going down at the end of the season. Not easy to build stability nor consolidate your place in the league.

 Thetford Town Ladies have done that, promoted from the Norfolk county league has achieved both to become an established side within the Division now up to it’s full compliment of 12 sides. The ERWFL ever competitive and getting stronger season, upon season. Amber Browne now in charge of the side having been joint manager previously looking to push Thetford on get them into a position to be amongst those pushing for the title and promotion. 

  Building a strong squad with a good blend of youth and experience has been an up and down first half to the season currently 8th with as many wins as losses, well placed to push on into the top half in the new year, but nervously looking over their shoulder keen to pull further clear of the bottom 4 as they all start to claw in some points. Have recently signed, Becky Russell previously with Wroxham Women, returning to the game following the birth of her 2nd child. One of the best midfielders in the county for over a decade will be a huge asset to the club. Hannah Claughton currently top scorer with 5 goals 1 ahead of Gabrielle Cobb.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds the longest established club in Cambridgeshire, winning the Cambs Division One title last season and having been at the top end of the league pushing for a few seasons, make the step up into regional football for the 1st time. Renowned for having a strong attack, attackers Ellie Woodley and Marie Stubbings alone scored 65 goals between them last season on their way to the title. 

 Have found life at tier 6 alot tougher but wanted to test themselves at this level, find themselves in the bottom 3 however in a scrap to avoid relegation, everyone around them battling for points, is close with Biggleswade United Women just outside a point clear, knowing they are being hunted, by Fulbourn, Cambridge City Women and Colney Heath Ladies. The goals not so easy to come by a side used to outscoring their opponents have had to adapt this season. Captain Marie Stubbings top scorer with 9 goals to her name, with Grace Muffett on 4 and Amber may with 3. Ellie Woodley having been away travelling is now back with the club and adds a potent threat to their attack as they press for points going into the new year. 6 points behind Thetford a win possibly lifting them out of the bottom 3 while pulling their opponents closer to the drop zone than they would like.

 Thetford Town FC’s., Mundford Road Stadium the venue for this afternoon’s match, the compact ground featuring a sloping grass pitch. The clubhouse and bar serving hot and cold drinks open the main seated stand beside the changing rooms beneath. In the stands this afternoon as a pose to my usual spot on the opposite side of the ground with the sun low behind the stand making photography tricky, decidedly chilly in the shade however, otherwise dry.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Mya Parker, Shannon Chandler, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling (C), Sausha Levy-Twoney, Hannah Rogers, Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Emily Birt, Megan Chandler & Gabrielle Cobb. Subs – Jess Queimado, Jess Marriott, Liv Dunne, Megan Haynes & Ruby Lakey.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Adams, Alex Milner, Jasmine Fox, Jess Anderson, Caragh Dangerfield, Nat Wells, Katie Chaudhry, Marie Stubbings (C), Ebony Crook & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Hollie Colling & Amber May.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Fran Peeling and Marie Stubbings with today’s match official, Christian Grove.

  Thetford naming 5 on their bench, have some good attacking options to bring on. Wearing their home colours, an all claret coloured kit. Don’t think I’ve seen Fulbourn in any other colours than their sky blue and claret, but have a new away kit today, testing it out for the 1st time an all navy strip with white trim on the sleeves and shorts. Have a few absent naming just the 2 on their bench. The visitors to kick-off the first half, the sun behind the stand casting a shadow across half the pitch may cause a few issues during the contest. The ball played back to Jasmine Fox in defence, played to the right, Thetford moving in quickly to close the ball down a rushed pass up the wing Ellie Woodley the target, dealt with by Zoe Klimcke for the hosts.

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling

  Thetford captain, Fran Peeling on the ball at the back sends a clipped pass long into Emily Birt on the right wing her touch taking her inside plays it across the top of the Fulbourn area into Gabrielle Cobb, 25 yards out, to the left of the D, takes on the shot, rising in at goal but a straight forward catch for goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy. Fulbourn build from the back getting on up the right, Ebony Crook lifting the ball on for Woodley on the right flank, Klimcke coming across her path the see the ball out of play for the goal kick.

Thetford full back, Zoe Klimcke

  A little tentative from both sides early on no one keeping hold of the ball for long. Peeling lining up another pass into Birt on halfway, looks to turn run off her marker as she brings the ball down, Alex Milner pushed up with her for Fulbourn the full back, getting in a timely challenge to halt her advance the ball out for a throw. From the throw Thetford get the ball infield into Cobb, looking to make a run into the box, Fox going with her sticking out a leg to take the ball off her feet.

Jess Adams clearing the ball for Fulbourn

  Thetford forcing a corner as they look to make ground off the earlier throw in. On the right the delivery flashed in across the face of goal attacked low at the far post, Fulbourn with a player on the post blocking on the line scrambling the ball clear. Peeling’s long balls out from the back, posing a threat, looknig for Birt as she comes into the right channel, Milner throwing out a leg with a vital interception. 

Thetford’s Emily Birt

 Winning the ball in midfield, Nat Wells sends the ball on for Woodley threads it into the right channel for Stubbings running in behind the Thetford defence, a defender getting back on her shoulder as she enters the box, pulls the trigger getting a strike away. Mya Parker scrambling across her goal seeing it race wide of the near post. Thetford pressing high getting their midfielders up on the visiting defence force an error the ball put straight into Russell to the right of the D, lays it out wide to Birt who stands a high ball up into the area, Cobb looking to attack it jumping up with Jess Anderson, the defender getting her head on the ball first to get it away.

 Both sides wanting to get the ball up the pitch quickly Fulbourn with Katie Chaudhry on the ball picks out Crook then Woodley on the right, forcing a throw off Klimcke, Fulbourn win their first corner kick of the match. Played into the near post area from the right, Peeling heading it clear for Thetford. The hosts look for a quick break the ball into Hannah Claughton on the left sends it on for Cobb, just a little too much on it, giving Jess Adams time to close her down.

 Crook plays the ball on for Woodley right channel inside form 20 yards out pulls the trigger, her angled shot, into Parker’s mid-riff. Russell getting on from midfielder cutting down the options for the Fulbourn defence putting them under pressure rushing passes, grabbing hold of the loose ball drives on towards the box, Fox diving in to tackle for Fulbourn upending Cobb as she makes a run across her. 

 Little time for anyone to dwell on the ball, Fulbourn looking to release runners into the channels, Crook looks to pick out Chaudhry as she makes a move into the left channel the threaded pass on into the box, Parker with a good starting position sliding in to claim the ball before Chaudhry can get there. A few risky balls at the back from Fulbourn penned back squeezed by the Thetford midfielder, Megan Chandler up with Russell, Anderson getting a blocking tackle in the ball on for Wells into Stubbings launched on for Woodley in attack right side of the D, in behind turning the defence, Parker again with a good starting position out to the edge of her area getting down to scoop up the ball.

Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

  Thetford winning a free-kick out wide on the right as Birt is fouled, Peeling on it sending a ball long into the area, Fox clearing it for the visitors. Both sides fairly even in the opening 20 minutes, Thetford applying more pressure pushing Fulbourn deeper, the visitors looknig to use the space this creates. Thetford turning a throw deep on the left into a corner, the delivery put behind at the near post. Wells getting hold of the ball in the middle for Fulbourn played up to Stubbings who hooks it out too Woodley racing on down the right, her cross on the run driven in behind at the near post.

  Birt turning on the ball getting a half yard on the right cutting a cross in along the top of the D, Anderson, lunging in to stop it, just about getting it clear with Cobb looking to take advantage. Wells linking up with Chaudhry in midfield for Fulbourn the ball sent on into the left channel for Stubbings to chase, looks a little too strong but the Fulbourn captain, does well to play the ball off a defender to win a corner kick. Take quickly short curled into the far post defender by Levy-Twoney out for a corner on the right. This one lifted in near post cleared by Peeling. Thetford look for the counter the ball into Birt, head down drives on, Fox back on her defending well for the visitors. 

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

The low sun causing a few issues, although Shannon Chandler has her eyes balls on a different setting from everyone else

 Thetford’s Hannah Rogers winning the ball in midfield sending it out to the left, Claughton drawing the free-kick. From a deep position the ball played long into the near post, Caragh Dangerfield getting up to head the ball away for Fulbourn. Shannon Chandler bringing the ball on from right back for Thetford into space sends an angled ball in central, Cobb going up to try and head it inside the area can’t quite get hold of it. Megan Chandler coming left with the ball has support with Claughton and Cobb passes exchanged outside the box, Fulbourn’s Adams and Dangerfield with a couple of blocks.

 Thetford growing into the game as Rogers sends the ball to the left into Klimcke played on for Claughton up the line, her cross lifted into the box cut out by Fox. Attacking down the left Thetford open Fulbourn up with a good diagonal ball into Birt, controls to take it on into the area wide of goal, Milner getting back at her, diving in with a risky challenge throwing herself across Birt to take the ball away from her, Birt quick to retrieve it with a 2nd bite, Milner up to block turn it behind for a corner kick.

Fulbourn’s Alex Milner

  The corners just not clicking for Thetford at the moment another played in behind at the near post. Thetford making a change Birt picking up a knock coming off on the right, Megan Haynes coming on over to that side of the pitch. Fulbourn caught short at the back at the right as Russell steals in to take the ball between Fox and Milner, pushing on into the box, releasing her angled shot before anyone can get back at her sends the ball into the side netting. 

Ellie Woodley with Thetford’s Becky Russell

 Woodley closes Klimcke down on the ball on the right, takes it in behind the full back flashing a cross into the top of the area catching, Peeling flat footed can’t get to it, Megan Chandler is around well on the cover however to intercept and clear before Stubbings racing on from the middle can get after the ball. Wells with a shot off of a throw on Fulbourn’s right from all of 25 yards out, dips into the keepers gloves. 

Haynes picking up where Birt left off on the right for Thetford seeing the ball into her feet turning infield to play a ball into the top of the area, cut out by Dangerfield, the rebound dropping to a Thetford attacker 20 yards out the strike rifled in on goal to the left side, Duhy diving at full stretch to make the save turning the ball wide. Claughton looking to put it back in the defence back to get it away from danger.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

 The hosts applying good pressure as the first half moves into the final 10 minutes, Rogers on for Russell through the middle, tries to pick out Cobb pulling off Anderson, Fox diving in to get a leg on the ball turn it on for Duhy to clear. Thetford with a free-kick won in a central position 30 yards out, driven in on target, Duhy with bodies in front of her saving cleanly the shot straight at her.  

 GOAL! From defence Thetford get on the attack the ball played up to Haynes running into space on the right taking the ball on down the line fires a vicious ball in across the face of the Fulbourn goal, Claughton running in far side getting to it first to turn home from close range to open the scoring. 1-0.

Hannah Claughton congratulated by her teammates as she puts Thetford into the lead.

 GOAL! Thetford getting their noses in front in the 36th minute, quickly race into a 2 goal lead, a diagonal ball landing at Haynes feet out to the right turns inside to release a low pass into the box for Cobb central, rolls her marker to take the ball across her and turn to shoot sending the ball back across the keeper before she can set herself 2-0.

Gabrielle Cobb getting in behind to fire Thetford into a 2 goal lead

 Barely 2 minutes between the goals Thetford with a strong finish to the first half a hammer blow to Fulbourn. Thetford with their tails up confident pressing players on, Rogers linking up with Megan Chandler in midfield the ball out to Claughton on the left wins a throw as she is closed down by Dangerfield. Angled into a crowded near post area, Fulbourn clear behind for a 2nd corner. Taken short this time the new angle seeing a similar effort driven into the near post, turned behind again, the 3rd effort also short charged down before the ball can be launched into the box.

Thetford’s Megan Haynes

 Megan Chandler with the ball at her feet allowed to travel for Thetford deep into the opposition half central plays it on for Cobb top of the area she lets it run on for Haynes breaking on to the by-line, unfortunately can’t keep her cross in. Russell plays the ball on from midfield into Claughton running away down the left, squares her cross low into the box, is slightly behind Cobb as she closes in at the near post, tries to dig the ball out from under her feet, sends it wide of the mark. 

Shannon Chandler

 Closing in on the end of the first half Fulbourn with a throw in the right, Levy-Twoney defending to see the ball behind for a corner. Played up high into the box headed clear to the top of the area Stubbings onto it putting it back out to the right, Woodley crossing, Peeling winning the header sending the ball back out to the right, lifts back in Parker comes running out of her six yard box to grab hold of the ball. Dangerfield defending for Fulbourn as Haynes looks to pick out Cobb through the middle with a diagonal pass inside from the right.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 2-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

  Two goals late in the first half seeing Thetford getting a grip on the contest as they head into the changing rooms for the half-time interval. Took awhile to get into full flow but got players on well down the flanks and through the middle to support the attack pushed their opponents back line deep and closed them down to force errors. Fulbourn using the space created well created a few opportunities of their own but nothing clear cut know they have work to do if they are to get back into the game 2nd half, both sides merging from the tunnel early keen to get the 2nd half underway.

  Fulbourn making a couple of changes at the break with Hollie Colling and Amber May on the field in place of Chaudhry and Fox. Thetford unchanged to kick off the 2nd period leading 2-0 the ball played back to Peeling in defence, back into the middle for Russell turns it on up top for Cobb to attack, Adams cutting out the pass for Fulbourn. Thetford press get hold of the ball on their right winning a high throw. 

 Haynes with the ball on Thetford’s right her cross cut back into the box, cut out by Adams as she lunges for the ball, recovering quickly to charge down the shot from outside the box as Russell latches onto it. Shannon Chandler on the move again from the back on the right pressing on into the final third sends the ball on into the box for Cobb, Adams there again throwing out a leg to intercept the ball. Fulbourn on the back foot at the start of the 2nd half, Rogers angling a ball into the channel for Claughton, Adams moving in to close her down the ball out for a throw on the right. From that Thetford win a corner kick. 

 GOAL! Fair to say most of Thetford’s corners weren’t on the mark in the first half, but this one is perfect, lifted up into the near post area, to be met by the rising Russell who turns her headed effort in on goal under the bar to extend Thetford’s lead. 3-0. Russell’s first goal for her new club too. 

Becky Russell heading home Thetford’s 3rd goal.

 Thetford powering their way into a 3 goal lead early in the 2nd half to take control of the game, press on from the restart winning the ball back and pouring players on in attack, Megan Chandler out to Haynes on the right, whips an early cross into the area, Colling tracking back for the visitors cutting the ball out. The hosts lively Rogers winning it central sending a cross-field ball into Haynes on the right she looks to play Cobb onto the ball inside the box, Adams defending on her for Fulbourn.

  Shannon Chandler taking the ball forwards from the back into the right channel looking to play in Claughton as she bursts on from the left into a central position, Adams getting across to block as she tries to get hold of the ball. Claughton coming off soon after as Thetford make a double change, Russell giving way too, on come Ruby Lakey and Liv Dunne to join the attack. Dunne straight into the action onto the ball central on for Haynes right side lifts it into the top of the D looking for Cobb, Colling back to get the tackle in for Fulbourn.

Fulbourn’s Hollie Colling

  Amber May seeing the ball into her feet on Fulbourn’s right holds it up well wriggling inside to send the ball on for Crook who looks to sweep it back out to the right as Stubbings tries to run in behind, the Thetford defence standing up well to catch her offside. Thetford making another double switch with Klimcke and Rogers giving way this time, Jess Marriott and Jess Queimado coming on. From a throw on the left Dunne looks to turn inside lay a cross into the D, cut out by Dangerfield, the ball is presented to Queimado 25 yards out, slices her effort away from the right post.

Gabrielle Cobb and Nat Wells fighting for the ball

  Another vital stop at the back from Anderson as Dunne looks to send the ball on for Cobb up top. Fulbourn on the back foot battle to regain the ball Wells lunging in out to the left Woodley up with Stubbings Thetford charging down a couple of efforts through Shannon Chandler and Peeling before the ball falls to Colling 25 yards out her strike driven in wide of the left post. Stubbings seeing the ball into her body hooks it over her shoulder 30 yards out to drop into the box, Woodley the target coming in off the left, the bounce favouring the goal keeper however as Parker takes it cleanly into her gloves. 

  Dunne pro-active on the ball racing on towards the Fulbourn box right side 20 yards out unleashing a shot her effort over onto the roof of the net. Thetford coming on at will, Megan Chandler turning on the ball laying it into the path of Cobb on the right her shot turned wide across the six yard box. Marriott up against May comes away with the ball left side into Queimado central makes a run towards the box tackled by Wells inside the D, the ball coming to Megan Chandler close on Queimado’s left her low shot straight at the keeper, Duhy down to claim it.

Thetford’s Liv Dunne

 Fulbourn get the ball up the pitch Colling on for Woodley up with Crook to the left of the area 20 yards out a powerful strike unleashed, Parker diving at full stretch to push the ball away behind to the left for the corner with an excellent save. The delivery into the near post defended by Peeling. Lakey coming in central looking to get the ball in from Haynes on the right under control inside the D to shoot, Wells in well to close her down. 

 Shannon Chandler winning the ball back on Thetford’s right playing it on for Haynes taking a run up the wing flashes a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, no one there, skipping up off the turf beyond the far post Lakey tries to get her foot up over the ball turn it back in can only find the side netting. Milner moves in to close Haynes down as she advances on the right the deflection off the attacker though sees her escape in behind to get a cross into the area, Dangerfield getting there just before Cobb to clear.

  Stubbings breaking clear up top for Fulbourn looking to chase down a long clearance from the back, Peeling coming across to close her down inside the area turn the ball away for a throw. Anderson defending on Dunne top of the area as Cobb links up with Haynes on the right. Parker with another top draw save for Thetford as Fulbourn get May onto the ball central coming in from the left to get into the box looking to sent a low shot back across the keeper, Parker gets down sharply to get a strong right hand on the ball divert it behind for a corner kick.

Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker with another excellent save to keep Fulbourn out

The corner lifted into the crowd at the near post defended out behind for a 2nd corner, the result the same in near post only cleared upfield this time. Closing in on the final 15 minutes of the half, Thetford making another change sending Russel back on to replace Megan Chandler. Wells working hard covering the ground in midfield for Fulbourn more often back to defend gets the ball out to Woodley on the right combining with Crook the ball fired in across the top of the Thetford area, Marriott getting it clear before May can arrive. 

Jess Marriot

 Woodley played in central as she drifts in from the left, lining up a strike from 20 yards out. frustrated as Parker again produces a top class save diving low to her right to push the ball wide past her goal for the corner kick. The delivery clipped into the near post, Dangerfield rises to get her head on the ball but sees it drop wide of the left post. The light starting to fade as the sun drops behind the main stand. Parker out to the top of her area to claim as Stubbings look to run onto the ball sent on from the left, Fulbourn unhappy they didn’t get a free kick in the build-up. Cobb coming off for Thetford late in the game.   

 GOAL! Thetford’s substitutes seeing the hosts energy levels remain high throughout, Dunne seeing the ball into her feet top of the D, wriggles her way in past the defence into the box to release a shot sending the ball low past the keeper into the bottom right corner to guarantee the 3 points, 4-0.

Liv Dunne fires Thetford into a 4 goal lead

 Fulbourn deflated keep trying getting the ball on for Woodley in attack as she carries the ball out to the right side, taking a run at the defence, Marriott getting a foot in to tackle take the ball for Thetford. Queimado winning the ball in midfield for Thetford plying it on for Dunne who has Haynes positioned ahead of her top of the area sending the ball on Haynes lets it run through to Lakey breaking clear on the right, the angle against her gets a looping shot in on target, Duhy back on her line making a comfortable save.

 Chaudhry coming back on for Woodley late in the contest for Fulbourn. Thetford relentless Lakey seeing the ball into her feet left of the D puts it back in central looking for Dunne, the challenge from Wells seeing the ball deflected through to the keeper. Haynes pushed up top with Lakey now inside the box as the cross comes into her from the left slightly behind her races onto Lakey at the far post, can’t get hold of it before being tackled by Dangerfield.

  Fulbourn with a free-kick in the middle sent long for Stubbings on the right, whips a cross into the box, just over may in a central position half cleared, Colling looks to take it on, just can’t get a shot away before being closed down. Thetford counter winning a corner on the right, taken short the ball is stood up before the near post, Duhy claiming it well as Lakey rushes in to try and close her down.

  The clock almost up Wells back to defend on Dunne top of the box as the hosts pile players on. Woodley back on with Wells giving way for the visitors, May fouled out wide on the right, Crook over the set-piece fired in near side headed on across the six yard box Thetford get it out of their box, Stubbings looking to hook the ball back into the mix the ball drifting wide of the left post.

Fulbourn’s Amber May

 One last attack from Thetford the game stretched at the death alot of tired legs out there, the ball fired into the six yard box from the right, Haynes in to meet it from close range throwing herself at the ball, her effort cannoning down off the cross bar dropping to Dunne at the left post looks to scoop a shot in back across goal Duhy instinctively parrying it away falls back to Haynes whose 2nd attempt also kisses the bar before being scrambled clear, the final whistle blowing straight after.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 4-0 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 Thetford from a slow start in the 1st half growing into the game as it progressed pressed well in the final third forcing errors, going onto to score 2 late goals to hold the advantage at the break. Those goals a blow for Fulbourn who never really recovered, conceding a 3rd goal from a corner early in the 2nd half Thetford were in control able to ring the changes their substitutes keeping the energy levels and intensity high creating chances, Fulbourn had to work hard at the back, nevertheless found themselves with good opportunities to pull a goal back forcing 3 excellent saves out of Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker before Liv Dunne broke through on goal late in the game to score Thetford’s 4th. The win seeing Thetford climb up to 6th with other results seeing Fulbourn slip to the bottom on goal difference, the gap to safety still just 2 points however and with 6 home games to come in the new year will fight till the end. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As usual it’s a tough decision but I think I have a clear winner. the notes are vital in some cases. Several performances of note, firstly for Fulbourn was a tough day the defence under pressure throughout but worked tirelessly, Jess Anderson, Jasmine Fox, Caragh Dangerfield and Alex Milner all with vital interceptions and tackles. Nat Wells in front of the defence covering the ground to get back to win the ball too. Not an easy one picking out one from Thetford the whole squad playing their part, no doubt pleasing for the management to see all the substitutes come on and keep Thetford pushing on. That said, they have Mya Parker to thank with 3 brilliant saves to maintain the clean sheet. Fran Peeling used the ball well from the back, Shannon Chandler got forwards with the ball overloading the attack. Hannah Rogers winning it central, Hannah Claughton with some great runs on the left opening the scoring, Becky Russell getting on to support the attackers pressure the Fulbourn defence. Gabrielle Cobb keeping the back line occupied. The substitutes all lively Liv Dunne especially, the award goes to another, Megan Haynes, took over from Emily Birt who herself was excellent on the right, used the ball well turning the defence creating a number of openings came close to scoring a goal herself at the death.

 A enjoyable final game of 2025, struggled to get the games in towards the end of the year but glad to finish with a flourish. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams great to catch up with both. Wishing everyone all the best for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Stanway Pegasus Women

Sunday 7th Sept

FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying

 It all kick’s off this Sunday with the women’s football getting into full swing across the country with the county leagues beginning their campaigns, lots of action to look forward to including a staggering 163 ties in First Round Qualifying of this years FA Women’s Cup. And it’s that competition where this Sundays match report comes from with a short trip to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on ERWFL Division One counterparts, Stanway Pegasus Women.

 The FA Women’s Cup a huge draw in terms of both prestige and potential financial gain for clubs across the county with a rich history. Better reward too in recent season’s with the prize money in each round increasing significantly (although well below there male equivalents). Today’s match winners receiving £1800 with the losing side pocketing £450. A tidy run in the cup a huge incentive for any grassroots club.

 Todays’ clash between two sides competing in ERWFL Division One, both joining the league in the 23-24 season, now entering their 3rd season competing at this level. The ERWFL up to it’s full compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, Thetford competing in Division One North, Stanway Pegasus in Division One South, this the first meeting between the pair.

 Luke Pickford stepping down as joint manager at the end of last season having helped Thetford become an established side in the ERWFL recording a 5th placed finish in Division One North, Amber Browne working along side Pickford now in charge of the women’s side bringing in coach Alec Marshall, who has previous experience with King’s Lynn Town Ladies. As competition to join the ERWFL grows, it’s becoming an ever more competitive league and the clubs within it have to respond, Thetford have been busy in the close season having lost a few experienced players have brought in a good blend of experience and promising youth to bolster the squad.

 Gabby Cobb captaining King’s Lynn Town Ladies for a couple of difficult seasons for the club will have gain valuable experience and will be hungry to do well at Thetford. jess Queimedo was also at King’s Lynn last season. Young goalkeeper, Mya Parker impressed at Aylsham FC Women breaking onto the scene and making her self noticed with some impressive displays. Ruby Lakey, Jess Marriot, Megan Chandler and Sophie White are young talents looking to become established at this level while Katie Fray returns after a strong first spell with the club. Defender, Fran Peeling captains the side this season. A tough start to the season however with Thetford suffering a 4-0 and 5-0 defeat in their opening two matches. Have responded well however since clinching a 1-0 win away to Biggleswade United Women last Sunday and a 3-1 home win over local rivals Mulbarton Wanderers in midweek lifting them up to 5th in the table.

 Stanway Pegasus Women start the season with a new management team too with Luke Worley stepping down at the end of last season, Sophie Thorne takes on the managers role along side player/coach Rosi Webb. Webb also the manager of the men’s side playing in the Thurlow Nunn Division One North. Stanway Pegasus a Colchester based club, they and local rivals Stanway Rovers establishing a women’s side at the same time, Colchester United now reforming their women’s set-up sees a strong pool of clubs representing women’s football in the area. 

 Stanway Pegasus Women into their 3rd season in ERWFL Division One South having a good run in last years FA Women’s Cup eventually knocked out by FAWNL side London Seaward FC in 3rd Round Qualifying. My first look at the club despite trying on a couple of occasions last season, so keen to get to one of their games this time around along with a Reserves side competing in Essex Women’s Division Two have resembled a side packed with experience players at this level have seen several in action before several with the old East Bergholt United Ladies side. Have seen a few players depart over the summer while making a few need additions, Amy Thompson and Taylor Cooke both adding quality to the squad. A tough start to the season however with two league defeats and an early exit in the League Cup. Gained their first point of the season in midweek however in a battling 3-3 draw with newly promoted rivals Colchester United Women.

The pitch looking great at Mundford Road

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road stadium the venue for this afternoons cup tie, the pitch looking in fantastic condition at the start of the season, a slight slope on the pitch from one corner to another. A compact ground with standing viewing on all sides a covered stand over the changing rooms and a modern clubhouse housing the bar serving hot and cold drinks. The sun shining bright with the temperatures back up to the mid twenties as we move into September (only goes downhill from here) A stiff breeze blowing keeping things cooler with some club cover around.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Mya Parker, Fran Peeling (C), Sausha Levy-Twomey, Jess Marriott, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler, Dayna Howard, Megan Chandler, Jess Queimedo, Liv Dunne & Gabby Cobb. Subs – Keileigh Dixon, Zoe Klimcke, Emily Birt, Ruby Lakey, Sophie White, Mollie O’Callaghan & Katie Fray.

Thetford Town Ladies

Stanway Pegasus Women starting XI – Kaitlyn Brand, Darcy Abel, Jessica Clark (C), Deben Howlett, Teigan McHale, Jade Clemmens, Jessica Gill, Hayleigh Jenkins, Kira Wealls, Amy Thompson & Jade Horne. Subs – Brogan McHale, Imogen Fisher & Rosi Webb.

Stanway Pegasus Women

Captain’s Jessica Clark and Fran Peeling with todays match referee Edward Colman

 Thetford naming a full compliment of 7 substitutes upon their bench, 5 of which can be used. Stanway Pegasus with a few missing, including new recruit Taylor Cooke out with a wrist injury naming just the 3 on the bench. Edward Colman officiating today’s match was also in the middle for my game last weekend at Dussindale & Hellesdon, the FA providing 3 match officials. Stanway Pegasus to get the FA Cup tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts with black patterning across the top of the chest and black sleeves, black shorts and yellow socks with black hoops. Thetford lined up opposite in their all claret kit.

  The ball rolled back to Deben Howlett in defence, she plays it long into the right channel looknig for the run by Kira Wealls, Jessica Marriott getting their first to win the ball for Thetford. Both sides snapping in to try and win the ball in the opening exchanges, Dayna Howard getting it down under control for Thetford bringing it left sending it on for Hannah Claughton getting on the move down the wing, Darcy Abel at full back cutting the pass out for Stanway Pegasus.

  Pressing the ball in the middle Stanway Pegasus’ defence pushed up, Jessica Gill plays the ball right into Wealls she attempts the early diagonal ball across the top of the area aiming for Amy Thompson powering forwards on the opposite flank, the strong breeze getting hold of it turning it away from Thompson into the arms of onrushing goalkeeper, Mya Parker. Claughton showing attacking intent making some useful runs on the left taking the ball on down the line squares it in central for Gabby Cobb 25 yards out on the turn strikes the ball, dragging her shot wide of the right post.

 Thetford coming forwards well Claughton left side linking up with Liv Dunne, working into the middle across the pitch to Shannon Chandler on the opposite flank her cross into the top of the area cleared by Teigan McHale out for a throw in. Jessica Queimedo sending the ball on for Claughton left flank into the corner whips a bouncing ball in to the six yard box across the face of goal, scrambled clear by McHale at the far post. The hosts pushing Stanway Pegasus back, Shannon Chandler angling a ball into the area from the right, goalkeeper, Kaitlyn Brand down on it to claim at her near post.

  Cobb stealing onto the ball off a loose pass out on the left top corner of the box cuts it back in central for Liv Dunne shifts the ball between her feet before sending a curling effort straight into the gloves of the Stanway Pegasus keeper. Stanway Pegasus winning a free kick deep on the left a chance to relieve some pressure get the ball up into the opposition box, flung into the near post, Parker calls for it and comes to confidently claim the ball.

Jessica Marriott defending for Thetford

  Hayleigh Jenkins taking the ball on looking to link up with Wealls out on the right, exchanging passes the return ball snuffed out by the back tracking Marriott. The visitors defence stepping up in the nick of time to catch Shannon Chandler offside as she looks to run onto a diagonal ball. Thetford advancing down the right Magen Chandler up with Shannon Chandler, the latter fouled as the ball is played forwards into the top of the area, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Thetford captain, Fran Peeling over it launches the ball long towards the far post, too much on it no one can get there as it sails wide. 

Thetford’s Gabby Cobb

 Megan Chandler, Dunne and Cobb all lively up top for Thetford looking to put the Stanway Pegasus defence under pressure. The latter charging down a short pass to take the ball on in behind on the left whipping a cross into the six yard box, McHale is again on hand to intercept and clear for the visiting side. Thetford doing well getting on to press the ball get players up into the final 3rd, Stanway Pegasus riding their luck pushed back, Howlett and McHale getting some vital touches on the ball in the opening 15 minutes. 

Stanway Pegasus’ Teigan McHale

 Forcing errors Dunne latches onto a loose ball to play it forwards down the left channel for Claughton racing into the box closing in on the by-line wraps her foot around the ball firing a dangerous ball in across the face of the Stanway Pegasus goal, Cobb closing in on the far post can’t quite get there to make contact with the ball, turn it home as it runs wide for a goal kick. 

 Claughton getting hold of the ball driving on with it up the left cutting a cross back in towards the top of the area, players back en masse for Stanway Pegasus, Howlett getting it away from danger. The chances mounting for the hosts, Megan Chandler attacking left sending the ball on for Claughton down the line squares the cross into the six yard box, Dunne closing in central onto the ball trying to dig the shot out from under her feet on the turn scoops her attempt over the bar!

Hannah Claughton on the attack for Thetford

   Cobb with an effort on the half volley from outside the box for Thetford drops wide of Brand’s left upright. Chances up the other end limited for Stanway Pegasus, slow to get up and press the ball, Horne up top closely marked by Sausha Levy-Twomey. Thompson making some promising runs on the ball left side the ball fed into her path by captain Jessica Clark, goalkeeper Mya Parker alert to the threat racing out of her box to kick the ball clear before Thompson can reach it.

  Claughton in again on the left played on by Megan Chandler, squaring the ball in central outside the box into Cobb has Dunne up with her the pair combining passes Cobb looking to run in behind off the return pass, McHale reading it well for the visitors lunging in to get hold of the ball in defence. Dunne seeing the ball played into her run from the left shooting from 25 yards out her effort narrowly over the cross bar. 

Deben Howlett

 Abel with a timely tackle to take the ball off Dunne as she looks to break away with the ball in the left channel a corner conceded. Lifted high into the six yard box, Stanway Pegasus with plenty back getting it clear. Horne wins a free kick as she is pushed in the back going up for the ball, top of the circle Stanway Pegasus send it long up to the top of the area left of the D, Jenkins looking to get it down turn to attack the box tackled by Howard.

Thetford’s Dayna Howard

 An pause for an injury seeing referee Edward Colman call for a drinks break, a crucial opportunity for the Stanway Pegasus to regroup as the coaches make their feelings clear demanding more from the side. 27 minutes played the visitors have had to work hard in defence Thetford on top.

 GOAL! Certainly did the trick as play resumes the ball with Stanway Pegasus as they advance fed into Thompson on the left drives on with the ball before firing a vicious cross in on the angle into the corridor, a dangerous ball past the keeper, a defender stretching for it tries to clear but only succeeds in turning the ball on into the net 0-1.

Amy Thompson’s cross turned into the back of the net for an own goal to open the scoring

 The drinks break couldn’t have come at a better time, Stanway Pegasus under pressure lucky to have no conceded finding themselves in the lead with the first attack after the restart. Stanway Pegasus looking energised after the goal, Howlett with a strong tackle to win the ball as Thetford look to get Cobb on the move through the middle. Clemmens turning on the ball central playing it forwards into Horne the attacker turning the ball out to Wealls wide on the right surging forwards delivers a cross into the box the ball intercepted by Levy-Twomey. 

Sausha Levy-Twomey

Thetford looking for a respond Dunne bringing the ball on has Claughton ahead of her racing into the left channel the ball rolled into her feet shoots from the top of area her shoot angled into Brand covering the near post. Clark into Clemmens central sends the ball into the left channel looking for Horne, Peeling winning it back for Thetford. Claughton playing the ball inside to Dunne from the left attempts to play it on for Cobb, Jenkins getting a foot in to divert the ball away for a throw.

 GOAL! Thetford getting players up well to press the ball around the Stanway Pegasus box, won centrally the diagonal ball fed through the defence into Claughton pulling clear to the left, sends another dangerous cross in across the face of goal Cobb closing in centrally, in runs on to the far post with Shannon Chandler bursting in to get on the end of it to turn the ball over the line and equalise 1-1.

Shannon Chandler equalising for Thetford

Thetford back on level terms with a little over 5 minutes left to play in the first half. A more competitive contest more Stanway Pegasus trying to get players up support Horne in attack. Both sides playing some loose passes Howlett up well to defend as Thetford look to turn play around with a ball over the top. Jenkins snapping in to win the ball high for Stanway Pegasus played into Wealls wide right pushes forwards her cross cut out by Queimedo. 

 Abel being kept busy by Claughton getting a timely tackle in to deny her running in behind. Wealls squaring a ball into the D, Thompson and Clemmens both making runs can’t get themselves sorted out to release a shot before being closed down. Wealls over a free kick on the right for the visitors playing a high ball into the area, Parker catching it. Thetford with a rapid counter on the right Shannon Chandler running with the ball sent on for Cobb up top, Howlett stretching out a foot to cut out the pass.

  Horne taking the ball on up the right sending an angled ball into the six yard box, Thompson far side can’t quite get there however has taken a touch off a Thetford player on the way through, corner given. The initial corner out at the near post, Stanway Pegasus keep players up forcing a 2nd corner. This delivery curled in central, blocked on the line the rebound blasted back in on goal, blocked again by a turning defender, Stanway Pegasus appeal for handball, but nothing doing.

 Howlett winning another vital header at the back as Cobb threatens to run clear n behind the visitors defence. Wealls winded a painful blow as she is struck with the ball late in the first half. Thompson taking the ball on left side for Stanway Pegasus, Howard getting back at her to tackle for Thetford. Stanway Pegasus winning a late corner on the right, Parker fouled at her near post as she goes to claim the ball.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-1 Stanway Pegasus Women

  Al square at the break the side heading into the changing rooms, a much more competitive end to the half than the opening 25 minutes. Thetford imposing themselves getting after the ball, creating chances, however not taking any as Stanway Pegasus battled hard at the back. A break for drinks much needed for the visitors a chance for the coaches to lift their team,, did the trick with Stanway Pegasus into the lead straight from the restart. Thetford continued to create openings and finally took on to level the scores late in the half. Will feel aggrieved could have been 3-0 up on another day. Still at 1-1 all to play for 2nd half.

 Thetford out onto the pitch early for the 2nd half, no changes. Stanway Pegasus making a change, Wealls picking up a couple of knocks in the first half coming off replaced by Imogen Fisher. The clouds have rolled in 2nd half making it feel alot cooler, still pleasant however. Thetford to begin the 2nd half the ball played back to Peeling in defence played out to Dunne attacking on the left the ball cut out by Abel. 

 Fisher linking up with Clemmens in the middle for the visitors the ball fed forwards into Horne in attack, Levy-Twomey lunging in to win the ball back for Thetford. Jenkins now on the right for Stanway Pegasus driving on with the ball her cross fired into the box, cut out by Marriott turned behind off the defender for a corner kick. Curled into the near post defended and cleared up to Cobb in attack, lifts it out to Megan Chandler breaking right, her high ball from the angle into the box, claimed by Brand. 

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling

 

  Thetford pressing the ball around the Stanway Pegasus area, Dunne involved with Cobb and Megan Chandler a strike from inside the D striking Howlett from close range, Stanway Pegasus aggrieved as judged to have struck her hand a free-kick given. Outside the D, Peeling and Claughton over it, the latter striking it over the wall, over the crossbar. The hosts winning the ball back on the left, Queimedo on for Claughton powering her way up the line fires the ball into the six yard box, Cobb racing in near post can’t get the ball under control between her feet turning it behind for a goal kick. 

  Clark playing a throw on for Thompson left wing squared in into the middle for Clemmens 25 yards out, attempts to dink a deft ball over the top for Horne to latch onto as she turns with Levy-Twomey in close attention, the central defender doing well up against her to get the ball away to safety. Thetford making a double change bringing off Dunne and Shannon Chandler, send on Mollie O’Callaghan and Sophie White. Abel is down for Stanway Pegasus too injured and needs to come off, forced into a change, Brogan McHale coming on sees a few players shift positions.

Stanway Pegasus captain, Jessica Clark

  15 minutes gone in the 2nd half Thetford lively get the ball into White charging up the right cutting inside her short is blocked at the near post, spins loose into the middle of the box players swarming around the ball O’Callaghan getting hold of it moves to the right unleashing a shot, again blocked by the defence the rebound coming to Cobb inside the D, is closed down the ball charged clear as Stanway Pegasus clear their lines, Thetford attempt to break get no where as play is stopped with Teigan McHale hurt in the chaos moments ago.

 Keen to get back into the action after receiving treatment. Megan Chandler out to White wide right taking the ball to the by-line her cross intercepted by Brogan McHale. Thetford with a good spell of pressure. Jessica Gill busy on the ball for Stanway Pegasus looknig to make things happen in attack advancing right side strong on the ball plays it on for Clemmens, Peeling coming across to defend play the ball out for a throw. Stanway Pegasus defending hard putting in the blocks bodies on the line as O’Callaghan and White she shots charged down top of the area before Cobb is flagged offside taking the ball right.

 GOAL! Much more competitive in the 2nd half both sides moving in quickly to close the ball down, play getting congested at times a players are drawn over to the ball, Thetford looknig to stop Stanway Pegasus advancing right side, O’Callaghan moving in to press the ball pinging loose, the midfield latching onto it fires it forwards from distance left of the circle, catches the keeper off guard out of position can’t adjust as it races past her an finds it’s way into the bottom corner to put the hosts into the lead 22 minutes into the 2nd half 2-1.

Mollie O’Callaghan’s strike from distance finding the back of the net to sent Thetford into the lead

  Peeling taking a painful blow to her foot as she goes into contest a 50/50 deflecting the ball out of the park in the process play stopped immediately needs lengthy treatment another drinks break called. Thompson taking the ball on for the visitors off of a throw on the left drops a teasing ball into the six yard box Jenkins coming in at the far post attempting to get her leg up control the ball, doesn’t get enough of it as her attempt loops up over the bar onto the roof of the net. 

 Jenkins with some good footwork taking the ball on for Stanway Pegasus sending a diagonal ball into the near post for Horne to chase, Parker behind it taking it into her mid-riff as she flops down onto the turf. Again Stanway Pegasus respond well after the drinks break Jenkins and Thompson looking sharp on the flanks. Thompson in behind on the left lifting a cross into the six yard box, Levy-Twomey clearing for Thetford, Horne with her arms up appealing for a handball but nothing doing.

Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker

 

  Gill, strong on the ball for Stanway Pegasus looknig to drive forwards, Howard going with her getting a foot in to take the ball off her. White tracking back well to defend on Thompson as she attacks on the left the ball out of play for a throw. The clock ticking down but plenty of stoppage time to be added. Katie Fray coming on for Thetford replacing Cobb in attack. Peeling in to defend on Jenkins as she moves across the pitch looking to get onto the end of a cross-field pass. Jenkins, pulls down by O’Callaghan as she looks to drive forwards on the right. Jenkins over the set-piece herself from the angle fires over.

  Thetford winning a free-kick on halfway, Peeling to play it long high into the box right of goal into Fray, puts the cross in front of goal, snatched into her gloves by Brand. 

Jessica Gill

GOAL! The ball played into Gill, she turns making a powerful run moving left, strong in possession squeezes it on for Thompson out wide, Peeling going into challenge the ball taking a deflection off her allowing Thompson to run in behind after it flashes a ball with pace into the six yard box a defender sticking a leg out but only succeeds in putting it straight into Horne’s path she accepts the gift and drills the ball past Parker before she can react to level the scores 2-2! Stanway Pegasus equalise with less than 5 minutes of regular play left.

Jade Horne scoring to put Stanway Pegasus back on level terms

GOAL! The celebrations are cut short however a Thetford hit back with an immediate reply getting the ball up towards their opponents area straight from the restart shifted right before being squared back inside, a shot charged down, the rebound falls to O’Callaghan inside the D left side composed bringing it down to strike on the half volley sends a looping effort angling past everyone into the left of the goal to restore Thetford’s lead 3-2!

Mollie O’Callaghan celebrates as she restores Thetford’s lead

 Stanway Pegasus making their 3rd change with the player/coach coming on Rosi Webb into the action in place of Thompson. White into defend for Thetford stopping Fisher from getting away on the right. A yellow card issued as Claughton is upended wide on the left. The Free-kick played long into towards the far post, Fray under it directing her header back in across goal out over the bar. Thetford quick to regain possession retrieved out wide in the corner by Claughton another free-kick won. 

GOAL! Fray with a warning shot moment before the set-piece effectively a corner lifted in again to the far post Fray meeting it with her head once again drilling it back in across goal and scores to see Thetford open a 2 goal cushion as the game enters stoppage time 4-2.

Katie Fray congratulated by her team as she heads Thetford into a 4-2 lead

  A huge blow to Stanway Pegasus late in the contest as Thetford send on Emily Birt. Thetford defending as Levy-Twomey cuts the ball out as Fisher looks to play Horne in through the middle. Into 8 minutes of added on time Parker dealing with a strong back pass from Peeling as she wins the ball under challenge from Horne sending it wide for a throw. Howlett winning the ball high for Stanway Pegasus driving forwards through the middle gets it out to Jenkins on the right, her early ball into the area intercepted by Marriott. Claughton coming off for Thetford, Ruby Lakey coming on. 

Parker collecting the ball into her mid-riff as an angled shot is struck in from the right. Thetford winning a corner out on the right, curled in across the six yard box, Webb up to defend doing enough to put off the attacker the ball turned wide. Fisher dragging a long range effort wide for Stanway Pegasus as they look to get the ball on with seconds left. Fisher sees a wayward goal kick presented to her outside the box, picks Horne out inside the box right of goal screws her shot wide. 

Full-time Thetford Town Ladies 4-2 Stanway Pegasus Women

 The final whistle blows and Thetford win the game 4-2 to advance in this season’s FA Women’s Cup. A more competitive 2nd half, Thetford had more options on the bench, getting themselves into the lead with a long range punt, Stanway Pegasus fought back well to find an equalising goal but Thetford came straight back at them to retake the lead and Katie Fray headed them into a 4-2 lead late on the hosts defending well to maintain the advantage and see out the game. Made to work for the win in the finish after a dominant start to the game, a much needed response from Stanway Pegasus to get into the lead first half, pegged back the scores level was an cup tie full of drama and competitive as you’d except an all ERWFL tie to be

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as is so often the case another tough call but as the report unfolded one player did put themselves into the forefront. Strong performances from both sides, starting with Stanway Pegasus, Amy Thompson was a good outlet on the right ready to take the ball on making some timely runs. Deben Howlett and Teigan McHale with some vital tackles and interceptions at the back certainly helped keep their side in the game early on. Jessica Gill grew into the game busy in the 2nd half some strong running on the ball looked to spur her side on. A strong performance from Thetford back three, Fran Peeling and Jessica Marriott defending their respective channels well throughout. Sausha Levy-Twomey central reading the game timed her tackles beautifully. Liv Dunne with some strong runs on the ball getting forwards linking up play created chances. Megan Chandler with some powerful runs used the ball well. Mollie O’Callaghan making an impact coming off the bench with 2 goals. The award goes to Hannah Claughton got forwards well on the left taking the game to Stanway Pegasus readily available creating chances and kept it up throughout.

  An exciting game to begin my FA Women’s Cup adventure this season. There were plenty of ties to choose from and this one didn’t disappoint. Was keen to see Stanway Pegasus and glad to have done so catch up with some players who I know well from previous clubs. Thetford’s coaches will no doubt be pleased with the squads response after a difficult couple of results to start the season. My thanks to both for the help with the team details today and I look forwards to seeing the draw for the next round of the cup. 

by Darren Gilham 

 

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Wednesday 23rd April

ERWFL Division One North

Heading down the A1065 this Wednesday evening for a spot of midweek football action from ERWFL Division One North, to Mundford Road to watch Thetford Town Ladies versus Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies.

The football season rapidly drawing to a close with just a handful of matches left in the ERWFL, final positions to jostle for, Mulbarton moving above Thetford at the weekend up to 6th in the Division One North table with 4 league games left to play, Thetford with just 2 more to go, having beaten Mulbarton earlier in the season in the reverse fixture, the pair meeting just a fortnight ago in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, Mulbarton securing a 3-0 win in the 2nd half to make it to their 4th county cup final in 5 season’s.

Thetford Town Ladies near to completing their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL, looking to build on a 6th placed finish in their debut season in regional, have established themselves in the league without finding the consistency they would have liked a mixed bag of results a run of 4 straight defeats putting a dent in what looked a good push for a top 5 finish. A strong squad with a healthy bland of experience and youth haven’t always had the full compliment to pick from, Mollie O’Callaghan coming to the club this season the top scorer with 7 goals so far, Alice Collins captaining the side now, next highest scorer with 6 goals. Megan Haynes has 5 to her name while, Melissa Boulton, Olivia Dunne and Caitlin Skipper all have 4 each.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies joining the ERWFL along side Thetford last season having won the Norfolk Women’s Division One title the previous two seasons. Finishing 3rd in the table in their 1st season in regional football, have had a more difficult 2nd season, Seeing several games called off earlier in the season, players not getting the run of matches to aid both fitness and development, the 1st team bringing in several younger player to the squad this season, a mixed bag of results early in the season, injuries playing a part too, have turned things around in recent weeks losing just 1 of their last 8 league games to climb away from the bottom end of the table and move past Thetford into 5th position having been awarded a home win with the recent withdrawal of Whittlesey Athletic Ladies from the league. Rebekah Lake as ever the leading scorer for Mulbarton, out injured for a spell earlier in the campaign still has 14 goals from her 17 appearances. Midfielder, Alanta Griffith with 6 goals to her name. 

Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road Stadium the venue for this evenings match, the clubhouse open leading into the ground, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. Out into the stadium itself a covered seated stand over the changing rooms beside, with standing viewing all round the grass pitch, slightly sloped. A sunny end to the day the sun setting behind one end of the ground, no rain forecast.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Keileigh Dixon, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Mollie O’Callaghan, Fran Peeling, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler, Olivia Dunne, Alice Collins (C), Hannah Rogers, Megan Haynes & Caitlin Skipper. Subs – Zoe Klimcke, Ella Swift, Dayna Howard & Niamh Underhill.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Meg Gowing, Holly Farrow, Leah Brown, Lucy Lincoln, Melissa Belsey, Victoria McNorton, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Alanta Griffith, Sophie Jermy & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Laura Goodfield, Tallie Chillystone, Scarlett Derrett, Izzy Noakes & Molly Stevenson.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Rebekah Lake and Alice Collins with this evenings referee Michael Clark

 Both sides with a long trip to Bedfordshire on Sunday with contrasting results, Thetford travelling with just 10, battled hard but came home empty handed losing 2-0 to AFC Dunstable, while Mulbarton ran in 6 goals without reply at Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses. Both sides nevertheless with good sized squads for this evenings game, Mulbarton choosing to have the low sun at their backs with Thetford kicking off the first half wearing their claret coloured kit with blue trim on the shirts. Mulbarton in their away colours wearing aquamarine coloured shirts with grey shorts and socks. The ball played back into defence, Mollie O’Callaghan sending a probing ball into the left channel for Caitlin Skipper up front to attack, Melissa Belsey cutting it out to clear at the back for Mulbarton the ball helped on in midfield lifted into the left channel for Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake, Fran Peeling intercepts in defence for the hosts.

  Mulbarton quick to close the ball down central Laura Hedtke with a wild lash at the ball, sending a shot flying over the Thetford goal from range. Thetford goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon retrieving the ball, announcing it has picked up a puncture and is going flat, referee Michael Clark calling for a replacement, play continues. Thetford moving in to close the ball down central Olivia Dunne with captain, Alice Collins the ball sent forwards, Mulbarton goalkeeper Megan Gowing quickly out of her area to reach the ball first as Skipper races in behind the defence.

  Play turned around Mulbarton seeing the ball into Alanta Griffith in the midfield controls and turns to clip a pass out into the left flank with Sophie Jermy on the move, looks to have times her run perfectly to get away in behind, the Thetford defence just holding their line however the flag going up against her. Thetford pushing up as a team, Mulbarton winning the ball back outside there area looking to set up a quick counter the ball from Hedtke fed on for Griffith, looks to lift it on for Lake up top, Sausha Levy-Twomey getting her head on the bouncing ball to clear for Thetford.

 Thetford pressing on the left Hannah Claughton getting up to win the ball back on for Hannah Rogers taking it on plays a pacy diagonal ball into the top of the area for Skipper to attack, Belsey closing her down timing her tackle to get hold of the ball top of her area. Rolled into Victoria McNorton in midfield for Mulbarton looks immediately for the run from Lake up front the ball clipped on through the middle, just a little too much on it as Dixon comes out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball.

Thetford goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon

   A tentative start to the game both sides testing out the other with probing balls, Thetford pushing up as a unit, Peeling cutting out an attempted ball from Griffith central out to Jermy left side. Frustration for Mulbarton again as Ellie Hunter nips in to regain possession off of a Thetford throw opening up her body to slide the ball on for Jermy on the move left side, as again the flag goes up against her.

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

  Skipper lively in attack for Thetford making some good runs into the channels, the diagonal ball comes into her on the right side, taking it on, Lucy Lincoln moving in on her to tackle for Mulbarton. Thetford pressing the ball in the final 3rd Skipper with Megan Haynes out on the right, Collins getting forwards to offer support, Hunter attempting to get to her as the pass from Haynes comes into her 20 yards out, the pair coming together, Hunter looking to have gone down awkwardly, in some discomfort play stopped not looking good can’t continue walking gingerly as she is helped off the pitch Scarlett Derrett coming on.

 The resulting free-kick played on by Lincoln into the middle Griffith looking to turn the ball out to Jermy on the left, Peeling cutting the pass out for Thetford. Claughton bringing the ball on left side for Thetford fed forwards into Dunne looking to get forwards, Leah Brown in to close her down putting the ball out for a throw in. Thetford battling for possession putting in the tackles in the middle, Haynes light with a good turn on the ball to send the ball racing up the channel for Skipper to chase down, Belsey coming across to make the challenge inside the ball turning the ball behind for a corner kick.

  The delivery from the right flashed on through the six yard box to the far post before being struck back over the crossbar. Lively Thetford pressing Mulbarton looking to turn play around quickly the host defence having to be alert to the ball being helped on through the middle, Griffith trying to find Lake in attack, Levy-Twomey getting her head on the ball for Thetford to keep the ball inside the opposition half. 

Thetford’s Mollie O’Callaghan

 

 O’Callaghan stepping forwards in defence for Thetford playing a high line to charge the ball down the rebound coming to Collins central lifts it into the box with Haynes breaking forwards on the right, Gowing composed keeping her eye on the bouncing ball to see it safely into her gloves. The game a little heated at times Thetford working hard to disrupt Mulbarton get hold of the ball, Haynes in particular providing a good outlet on the right, Holly Farrow getting across to close her down for Mulbarton as she looks to drive on off off a cross-field ball from Dunne. 

  Skipper releasing Haynes out on the right to take the ball on in behind whips an inviting cross into the box, Gowing laying claim to the ball. Play drawn over the the left as Thetford fight to get the ball forwards, Haynes free in space to the right the diagonal pass coming into her path surges forwards up the wing cutting a cross back into the area, just behind Skipper racing in central runs onto Collins beyond outside the box, meeting it first time sends her strike crashing over off the crossbar!

Mulbarton’s Holly Farrow in to tackle Thetford’s Megan Haynes

 

  Mulbarton work the ball on well through the middle McNorton into Griffith linking up with Jermy the ball lifted on sees Lake burst in behind Thetford, looks to be away timing her perfectly, but no, the flag is up against her. Griffith getting the ball into her feet for Mulbarton on the turn lays it into the path of Jermy looking to break clear in behind wide left taking the ball on clips a cross into the top of the area, Lake racing onto the ball turns it goal wards the ball rolling agonisingly wide of the left post.

  Griffith trying her luck from range for the visitors the ball held onto by Dixon back in the Thetford goal. Mulbarton looking to up things Griffith looking to push on further forwards coming left strong on the ball attempting to lift it over the defence for Jermy, Chandler getting her head to the ball to cut out the ball for Thetford. 

 Thetford attack through the middle, Collins on with Haynes the ball rolled onto Skipper left corner of the area held up by Belsey, laid back to Collins to run onto the ball 20 yards out, strikes the ball wide of the near post. Thetford getting a corner out on the left the ball sent into the top of the area, the Mulbarton defence rushing out making a series of blocks to prevent a shot, attempt to break out themselves left side Chandler in to close the ball down keep Thetford in the front foot.

  Hedtke playing the ball up to Griffith back to goal on halfway, turns well to lift it over the top play Lake in behind racing clear, Dixon though comes racing out of her area getting there in the nick of time to clear for Thetford. Peeling busy in the Thetford defence coming across on the cover as Mulbarton build on the right to challenge Lake turn the ball out for a throw in. Skipper full of pace up top for Thetford looking to get onto the end of a Rogers pass, strikes the ball wide of the left post from all of 25 yards out. Lively competitive through the middle, McNorton on for Griffith, Lake looking to moving inside from the right, Peeling intercepting the through ball for Thetford.

GOAL! Thetford bringing the ball on through the middle with pace, Skipper taking it on left of the D, bearing down on the box, Belsey stepping in to make the blocking tackle the ball spinning across the top of the area out to the right, Haynes latching onto the ball whipping a cross back into the mix, Collins running onto the ball to meet it 10 yards out smashing the ball past the keeper and on into the back of the net to open the scoring 1-0.

Thetford captain, Alice Collins firing Thetford into the lead

Thetford in front with almost half an hour played in the first half, Mulbarton look for a quick response Griffith on for Hedtke linking up with Derrett through the middle, Levy-Twoney getting the challenge in to win the ball back for Thetford. Derrett inside for Lake coming in field from the right 25 yards out sends it on for Griffith to turn onto the shot, does get a clean connection as she falls back the ball in low easily gathered by the keeper.

  Chandler under pressure at the back for Jermy as she attacks left side does well to get the ball back, then Jermy comes off worst as she and Collins go in on a 50/50 ball outside the area. Thetford getting the ball on up the right Skipper over to combine passes with Haynes who wins her side a corner. Curled in across the six yard back cleared back out to the corner taker on the right, curled into the near post Hedtke getting her foot on the ball to launch clear for Mulbarton.

  Thetford’s defence pushed up at times so they have to be alert to the counter attack the ball put on through the middle with lake never still looking to make a run off a defender nip in behind, Levy-Twomey with another vital interception to head the ball back for the hosts. Peeling breaking up a Mulbarton attack sending the ball on up the right channel for Rogers, Farrow lunging in to halt her advance for Mulbarton.

  Mulbarton play the ball on through the middle McNorton working well with Griffith pushing the ball into her moving forwards to take on the return pass laying it out to Derrett wide right she takes the shot on from the angle low driving into the near post, Dixon down at her near post to gather the ball into her gloves.

  Mulbarton push on down their right Derrett charging to the by-line her cross deflected behind by Claughton. Lifted into the near side, Peeling getting her head on the ball to send behind for another corner. Clipped in near side again knocked down to the top of the area, Griffith onto the ball looks to hold up turn to release a shot, charged down by Chandler, comes back to Griffith already falling tries to get hold off it but can’t keep it down over for a goal kick.

  Mulbarton making a double change with McNorton and Jermy coming off, on come Luka Goodfield and Izzy Noakes coming on. O’Callaghan in defence for Thetford stepping in to win the ball, comes to Haynes central feeds it across to Skipper left of the D, moves forwards, Belsey in to close her down, the ball rebounding back to Collins to hit from range, strikes the ball over the crossbar.

  Dixon needing to race out of her box to win the clearance as Lake threatens to out pace the defence as Mulbarton turn play around in the middle. Mulbarton pushing players on late in the first half lake to Griffith right of the D, looks to lift a deft ball back into the box, Peeling cutting it out for Thetford. 

 GOAL! Mulbarton looking to get the ball on rapidly through the middle, Griffith racing forwards breaking in behind the defence in the clear, no flag raised, Dixon comes racing out to try and close her down but can’t get there as Griffith lobs the ball over the keeper to see it bounce on through to the goal beyond to level up the scores 1-1.

Alanta Griffith sending the ball over the advancing keeper to equalise for Mulbarton

 Mulbarton with their tails up equalising late in the first half press the ball through the middle Noakes on for Griffith strong on the ball looks for Lake up top, Peeling getting to the ball first to clear for Thetford. Collins fouling Derrett, Mulbarton with the free-kick the ball put into Lake back to goal top of the area, given no room to turn by O’Callaghan, Thetford look to counter the ball lifted on for Skipper in the left channel, Belsey cutting it out for the visitors.

 Claughton closing down Lake as the striker looks to shift the ball down the line on the right. Griffith taking the ball on from Goodfield, stabbed forwards, O’Callaghan getting her foot in to win the ball off Lake, looks to send it on for Skipper up top pace running with the ball bearing down on the ball, Belsey getting back at her easing her off the ball.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-1 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

 The half-time whistle blows the sides all square at the break, Thetford working hard for their lead getting in amongst Mulbarton looking to disrupt play and get it forwards quickly Skipper running at the defence creating chances, captain Alice Collins firing the hosts into the lead on the half hour. Mulbarton frustrated not finding a rhythm, losing Hunter to injury, some decisions going against them fought back well to level the scores up late in the half. All set for the 2nd half, Thetford looking good value for their lead, no doubt frustrated to concede so late in the half.

No changes at the break for either side with the floodlights taking full effect, it’s Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball fed up the left wing with Lake pressing the attack, Chandler across to deal with the ball forced out for a throw in the corner, Mulbarton getting bodies up around the ball forcing a corner kick. The delivery swept in low to the near post, Thetford clearing the danger.

  Thetford look to break away down the left the ball rolled on for Skipper, Brown cutting it out for Mulbarton sending in infield into Griffith’s feet plays it forwards over the defence into the box with Lake bursting into the area left of the D, Dixon coming out to claim the ball catching it on the bounce. The hosts building on the left, Claughton carrying the ball forwards cuts inside to play the ball in central, Skipper looking to take it on Lincoln sliding in to defend for Mulbarton.

  O’Callaghan going down for Thetford picking up an ankle knock, a pause in play but needs to come of, Zoe Klimcke being readied to come on the defender going over to the right side with Chandler switching to an attacking role left side. A quite start to the 2nd half with both sides cancelling each other out in the middle, defences first to any attempted through balls. Claughton surging forwards with the ball on the left sending a diagonal ball into Skipper outside the box looks to spin of Belsey break into the box the defender getting a challenge in the ball deflected to the right, Skipper lining up a strike, Lincoln going in to block the ball deflecting off the defender for a corner kick.

  Into the near post area the ball attacked, Dunne turning the ball wide of the upright. Thetford lively working hard to press the ball, Collins out to Haynes right side breaks forwards with the ball before attempting to slid it on for Skipper coming across for the pass, Farrow getting hold of the ball for Mulbarton. Lake constantly on the prowl looking to steal into space between the Thetford defence, Griffith looking for those runs trying to put her through on goal, Peeling sticking out a leg this time to prevent the opportunity. Dixon clearing the ball for Thetford at the back as Mulbarton attempt to play Lake in behind, launched up field, Skipper looking to make a nuisance of herself, Lincoln, then Brown putting in blocking tackles before the ball runs out for a goal kick.

  GOAL!  Thetford quick to get bodies up around the area pressing the ball of the goal kick, Haynes and Chandler with Skipper outside the area, the ball popping about as Collins races on from midfield to latch onto the ball top of the D and send a strike rifling past the keeper into the back of the net. 2-1.

Alice Collins running onto the ball to fire Thetford back into the lead

 Thetford retaking the lead 11 minutes into the 2nd half. Mulbarton look to get on up the right Lake over with Noakes, Claughton winning the ball back for Thetford breaking on down the left firing it forwards into Chandler on the wing squares the cross into Skipper in attack her touch a little to strong, allowing Goodfield to nip in take possession back for the visitors. Having retaken the lead, Thetford are in need of settling things down, play a little frantic attacks breaking down.

 Griffith holding onto the ball for Mulbarton coming left sends it on for Lake who fires it across the area into Noakes, Peeling moving in to put in the block the ball rebounding out to the right, Derrett crossing the ball in along the face of the Thetford goal Lake running in beyond the far post stretching out a leg can’t quite get there to turn the ball back over the line. Hedtke coming off for Mulbarton, on comes Tallie Chillystone.

Thetford defender, Fran Peeling

 Mulbarton pushing Griffith on more now coming left as they look to find a reply, Klimcke closing her down. Skipper full of running in attack for Thetford, keeping the defence occupied, Brown cutting out a pass left side as she tries to knock it beyond her. Griffith through the middle for Mulbarton on for Noakes, who in turn attempts to put Lake through on goal, Levy-Twomey getting her leg out to intercept the ball.

  20 minutes played in the 2nd half Thetford working hard to disrupt Mulbarton’s play close the ball down, Lake bringing the ball down off of a throw high on the right, corner of the angle, turns into the strike smashing her effort across goal wide past the far post. Chillystone needing to come off for Mulbarton, Molly Stevenson introduced to the game. Skipper bringing the ball down turning to send it to Chandler on the move down the left, Brown going with her blocking her cross to turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

Mulbarton’s Leah Brown

  The delivery from the corner played on to the far post knocked back across goal, Mulbarton scrambling it away to the top of the area, Skipper central getting hold of it putting her foot through the ball, smashes her shot wide of the left post.   

 GOAL! Mulbarton working the ball up the left wing win a free-kick just outside the box. Griffith over the set-piece asking to be hit in towards the far post, instead the midfielder takes on the shot, hitting the ball sweetly sending in up and over the keeper to find the back of the net to level things up for the 2nd time in the match. 2-2. Griffith never takes free-kicks apparently, on this evidence she shouldn’t be afraid to step up more often.

  20 minutes to gone Mulbarton back level. Thetford restart the game the ball clipped long to Skipper pulling wide left, plays a high ball in across the top of the Mulbarton area with Haynes coming on from the right looknig to meet it on the volley 25 yards out, blasts her strike wide of the right post. Thetford winning the ball central Collins with Dunne the ball fed on for Chandler left, Brown sliding in to play the ball out for a throw.

 Gowing needs to break out of her area quickly to close down Skipper as she is played through central by Dunne, the keeper with the block to see the ball deflected away from danger. Griffith attempts to play the threaded ball on for Lake up top as she pulls left, Peeling cutting the pass out hooking the ball clear. Mulbarton bringing players up for a corner on the left chipped in near post Thetford clear.

 GOAL! The break on Thetford sending the ball long into the right channel, Skipper racing after it knocking the ball on into the area wide of goal, Gowing comes racing out to dive forwards onto the ball, gets her gloves around the ball as she and Skipper come together, hurting her ankle, the ball is loose as Skipper is quickly back on her feet, an advantage played, close to the line hasn’t much of an angle to shoot from but strikes the ball, getting a good curl on it to see it creep inside the near post even as Brown racing back in attempts to clear it 3-2!

Caitlin Skipper puts Thetford 3-2 up

 Thetford retaking the lead in somewhat controversial circumstances, Mulbarton incensed claiming their keeper had hold of the ball, but the decision stands, even as Gowing is down receiving lengthy treatment on her damaged ankle, cannot continue and with no substitute goalkeeper on the bench, it’s midfielder Hedtke back on to don the gloves. Mulbarton break forwards from the restart Griffith powering forwards left side on the ball striking a shot in towards goal narrowly over the crossbar. Thetford counter Dunne central sending the ball into Chandler left side clips in back in central for Skipper making the run up top, Hedtke out though to gather the ball top of the area.

GOAL! Thetford win the ball back in the final third players pressing up to the box, Collins central lifting the ball into Chandler inside the area left of goal, Mulbarton claiming offside as she puts her foot through the ball, to smash the ball back across goal, Hedtke throwing herself down in an attempt to stop it gets her fingertips to it but not enough to prevent it finding the bottom corner to see Thetford double their lead 4-2.

Shannon Chandler through on goal to fire in Thetford’s 4th

  Thetford with their tails up late in the game gaining a two goal cushion, Mulbarton aggrieved seeing two decisions going against them leading to the goals. Thetford keen to hammer home the advantage though Haynes running onto the ball right side flashing a cross into the box wide past the far post. Belsey coming off for Mulbarton with McNorton back on. Dunne pushing up into the box left side with Chandler as Brown goes to put the block in, the ball running past her into Dunne’s feet rushing her strike sends the ball up over the bar.

  The clock rapidly ticking down Thetford keeping their energy levels up pressing the ball, lose possession on the right as Farrow moves in to close the ball down carries it up the wing sending a cross into the top of the area for Lake bearing down on the box, Dixon rushing out to close her down making the blocking save the ball angling away to her right cleared by Levy-Twomey. 

Victoria McNorton

 Levy-Twomey in again to defend as Griffiths puts the ball into Noakes central 25 yards out. Mulbarton pushing players on looking to force an opening Thetford ready to counter Claughton left side launching in forwards for Dunne making a left channel run, Brown out to meet her lunging in to prevent her skipping in behind. With Mulbarton pushed up in the closing seconds of the contest Collins wins the ball outside her box lifts it on for Skipper up top Dunne looking to cover the ground get up with her, McNorton getting her tackle in to stop Skipper getting the pass into her.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 4-2 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

  The final whistle blows and Thetford celebrate getting back to winning ways and doing a league double over Mulbarton to move back above them into 5th place in the Division One North table. Worked hard for the three points pressing the ball as a unit defending high at times to keep the ball up the pitch the defence needing to remain alert throughout. Took the lead twice only to be pegged back, before getting their noses in front for a 3rd time, going on to add a 4th. Mulbarton frustrated creating some good chances never really got going to put their stamp on the game far from happy with the 3rd goal. Thetford kept their energy levels up throughout and with one game left to play will at home to Biggleswade will aim to finish on a high.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to chose this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, and although their are plenty of performances to mention, there is one clear winners. Firstly for Mulbarton, Alanta Griffith was strong throughout getting hold of the ball and making several positive forwards runs scoring both the visitors goals. Leah Brown at the back with a number of vital tackles to stop Thetford getting in behind. Mel Belsey had her work cut out with Caitlin Skipper but won more than her fair share of challenges. For Thetford the aforementioned Skipper was a handful all game, running into the channels a ready outlet for the midfield, her pace and movement causing problems getting on the scoresheet. The Thetford defence as a unit strong, Fran Peeling, Mollie O’Callaghan and Sausha Levy-Twomey all making vital interceptions and tackles. Shannon Chandler and Hannah Claughton bringing the on up the flanks. Olivia Dunne winning the ball in the middle of the park. The award goes to the captain, Alice Collins got about the pitch well winning the ball and linking up with the attack, marshalling her team along with scoring twice and setting up the 4th goal.

 An enjoyable evening of ERWFL football, always competitive my thanks to both teams for their help with the teams, I know, I know most of the players but it always pays to check. Hoping the injuries to goalkeeper Megan Gowing and midfield engine Ellie Hunter aren’t as serious as first appeared and both with be ok for the upcoming county cup final.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Biggleswade United Women

Sunday 1st December

ERWFL League Cup

 Storm Bert putting pay to my football plans last weekend and raring to go again this Sunday making the sort trip down the road to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies in action in the 3rd Round of this season’s ERWFL League Cup as they take on Bedfordshire, and fellow Division One North side, Biggleswade United Women.

A spot in the last 8 of the competition up for grabs as both look to build momentum going forwards into the league as 2024 draws to a close. Division One North an interesting league this season, Harpenden Town Women just missing out on promotion last season, going strong again this campaign out in front. Elsewhere in the league highly competitive with some close results with anyone capable of beating the other on their day and with the added woe of three sides going down this season all the more to fight for. The cup offering a good opportunity to built a run.

 Thetford Town Ladies into their 2nd season playing regional level football, a solid debut season have added some useful experience to the squad over the close season as they look to push on. Have had an inconsistent start to the season winning as many as they’ve lost, but that can be said for a half dozen others, close margins, 3 wins in league and cup out of 4 since I last saw them in action in October, have since added to the squad making 3 new signings, with winger Shannon Chandler joining, along with attacker, Olivia Dunne and midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan, the latter scoring a hat-trick since joining Thetford. Alice Collins, Thetford’s top scorer so far with 5 to her name while captain, Melissa Boulton and Megan Haynes both have 4 goals apiece. A 3-1 home win in the 1st Round of the League Cup against Essex side, Toby Ladies, saw Thetford play fellow Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies away in the 2nd Round, winning the game 6-0.

  Bedfordshire seeing a rapid growth in women’s football in recent season’s with a host of new sides being formed, some aiming to challenge the established order between Luton and Bedford. Biggleswade United Women certainly amongst them. That too has led to a demand for the footballing talent in the area. Biggleswade featuring a 1st and Development team retaining much of their squad from the previous season have been busy adding to their ranks bringing new players in 11 in total joining since the summer. Amongst them, former Stevenage and Royston midfielder, Amy Josland. Attacker, Ruth Fox coming to Biggleswade having gained useful experience playing in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC. leading the way a top scorer at Biggleswade with 6 to her name this season. Winger, Katie White the latest addition again has plenty of experience playing at a higher level. 

 Despite the new additions has been a tough start to the season for Biggleswade, a draw on the opening day at home to Newmarket, was followed by a tough run of 6 loses on the trot to leave them adrift at the bottom of the table with King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Their cup campaign giving them some confidence pushing them on to clinch their first league win of the season away to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, and although they have alot of work to do sides above them haven’t pulled too far ahead. A 2-0 away win against, Division One South side, Frontiers Ladies in the first round of the League Cup was followed by a 4-1 home win against another Essex opponent, Romford Town WFC to advance to the 3rd Round. 

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road Stadium the venue for today’s match. Is a compact round situated beside the leisure centre and playing fields beyond. The clubhouse open serving hot and cold drinks. Beside the clubhouse the main covered stand over the changing rooms overlooking the slightly sloped pitch. In good condition despite all the poor weather recently. Poor once again today with rain falling heavily on the way to the game a brief respite before kick-off but with more likely during the game very gloomy and dull overhead, retreated into the stand to write the report, the notepad and camera having taken a battering a fortnight ago at Leverington.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Keileigh Dixon, Ella Swift, Pola Pasik, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Fran Peeling, Mollie O’Callaghan, Alice Collins, Libby Scott, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler & Melissa Boulton (C). Subs – Hannah Rogers, Olivia Dunne & Megan Haynes.

Thetford Town Ladies

Biggleswade United Women starting XI – Sarah Ridley, Becki Ingram, Tasmin Gentle, Ashley Emerton, Helen Spencer, Amy Josland (C), Louise Sollis, Mia Zorbas, Katie Harrington-Pike, Bethany Walker & Ruth Fox. Subs – Jordan Rockall, Tashai Simms, Katie White, Kayleigh Gray & Harriet Smith.

Biggleswade United Women… take one…

    The teams out on the field ready to play, the referee asking for a change of shirts with a close match in poor weather conditions… thankfully Biggleswade had replacement colours available… one shirt change in the pouring rain later…

Biggleswade United Women… take two.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 That’s a new one and I’ve seen alot covering the game over the past decade, thank goodness Biggleswade travelled with replacement shirts or it might have been bibs, which makes following the numbers nearly impossible, as it is the team sheet I have and the new numbers don’t line up, so another challenge know several out there but even so want to give everyone a mention and the numbers go along way to helping with that endeavour. All fun will make do for now. The rain falling heavily at the start of the match very gloomy out there as the captain’s meet the referee in the centre.

Captain’s Melissa Boulton and Amy Josland with today’s referee Andy Lucraft-Townley

  It’s Thetford wearing their home colours an all claret kit to get the first half underway with Biggleswade initially lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts, with navy shorts and red socks, the change of shirts seeing them now in blue with white sleeves. A slight delay to kick-off as a result the ball played back to Fran Peeling in defence she sends it long up into the left channel with Hannah Claughton bursting forwards, Becki Ingram up well to head the ball clear for the visitors, won back in the middle, played out to the right, Louise Sollis sliding in to tackle for Biggleswade the ball out for a throw on the right.

  Biggleswade making a positive start breaking forwards the ball clipped out to the right for Katie Harrington-Pike to attack, Pola Pasik nipping in with the challenge to send the ball out for a throw for Thetford. A tussle for possession on the middle of the park, Biggleswade captain, Amy Josland playing the pass out to Bethany Walker on the left, skips inside to lay the ball into the path of Sollis making a central run, on the move attempts to thread the ball through the Thetford defence for striker, Ruth Fox, goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon with a good starting position, out to collect the ball into her gloves before Fox can stab it past her.

  Thetford not quite up to the pace of the game in the early stages winning a free-kick on halfway. Peeling over the ball lifts it forwards into the top of the area, Biggleswade head clear but no distance on the ball, the hosts snatching possession back rolled back for Mollie O’Callaghan central 25 yards plus out, slips as she goes to strike the ball her shot running harmlessly through to Biggleswade goalkeeper, Sarah Ridley. 

Thetford midfielder, Mollie O’Callaghan

  Thetford captain, Melissa Boulton holding the ball up up top as O’Callaghan sends it into her with pace lays it away to the right for Shannon Chandler to take on driving down the line fires a cross into the box, intercepted at the back by Biggleswade’s Helen Spencer. Spencer able to bring the ball out from the back for the visitors linking up with Mia Zorbas and Fox up top the ball played between them neatly, before Fox finds Walker on the left, taking the ball on, challenged by Thetford fullback, Ella Swift. Biggleswade pushing players on quick to regain the ball Walker into Tasmin Gentle pushing up form the back on the left plays a great diagonal ball into the top of the D, Sollis providing the midfield run can’t quite take it down in her stride.

  Biggleswade pressing the ball well, forcing errors from Thetford in turn inviting pressure, winning a throw high on the left, turned on into the box, Peeling getting hold of it  in defence launching the ball upfield, Boulton looking to make something of it pressing Gentle out on her right forcing a throw in. Very dull out there with the rain falling heavily. Biggleswade winning a corner on the left, flung in near post played back out to the taker, flashed back into the box deflected behind for a 2nd corner. The delivery played in high to the top of the area, hooked cleared by Libby Scott. 

 Pushing players on looking to force their way through the Thetford defence, the hosts clear long threatening to expose their opponents at the back, Boulton latching onto the central ball racing for the area left of the D, Ashley Emerton with a superb turn of pace covering the ground rapidly to slide in and take the ball way from the attacker sending it away for a throw in. 

Thetford captain. Melissa Boulton

  With the midfield pushed back by Biggleswade, Boulton finds herself isolated up top at times as she attempts to hold the ball up for Thetford, the visitors defence able to get numbers around her, attempting a one two with Chandler on the right, the return pass a little too strong. Zorbas linking up with Sollis through the middle, Sausha Levy-Twomey out from the back line to put in the tackle. Pulling up after in need of treatment, but able to continue. 

 Biggleswade with a free-kick on half way to the left the ball played into the top of the area, Josland playing the dummy stooping to let the ball drop over her to bounce on into the area with Fox after it, Pasik going with her getting a vital touch to send the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the crowded six yard box falls to Ingram getting her foot up over the ball sees her effort blocked from close range turned away to the left, Zorbas out there with Walker the pair working the ball between them the latter curling in a cross aiming for the far post, no one attacking it curls out of play for a goal kick.

Mollie O’Callaghan battling with Biggleswade captain, Amy Josland for possession

  Biggleswade making the better start to the game creating opportunities causing Thetford problems the hosts slower to the ball. The ball played into Harrington-Pike on the right for the visitors sends in infield to Zorbas 20 yards out, turns to strike the ball her shot blasted wide of the near post. Thetford give the ball away on their left, Zorbas latching onto it lining up a shot from all of 25 yards out her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. 

 

  A good battle in the middle between, Josland, Sollis and Thetford’s O’Callaghan getting stuck in winning the ball sends it into Boulton up top, the attacker, turning well to escape her marker run in behind, but again it’s Emerton with her pace recovering the ground to get in front of her to turn the ball away for another throw in. Out on the right, Chandler brings the throw down level with the top of the Biggleswade area put inside for Boulton who returns the ball, Chandler picking out O’Callaghan 25 yards out right of the D, hooks a shot back in towards goal, looping up into the air, drops safely into Ridley’s gloves. 

  Walker drops her shoulder, storms down the line with the ball on the left. players racing into the box, her cross flashed in runs behind Josland, O’Callaghan tracking back with her clearing the ball. Scott finding Claughton out on the left wing takes the ball on, gaining ground before Ingram slides in with the tackle to play the ball out for a throw. The floodlights coming on as it’s so dark out there, Peeling over a free-kick on halfway the ball flighted up into the area, claimed confidently by the keeper.

  Fox seeing the ball into her feet laying it inside for Zorbas to the right has Sollis bursting on to support plays the ball into her path, Sollis’ run blocked the midfielder going down winning the free-kick a good 30 yards out. Fox over the set-piece the striker going for goal, getting her effort on target looking for the top corner, Dixon across her line to get up to claim the ball cleanly. 

Ruth Fox’s free-kick, claimed by goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon

  Levy-Twomey stepping in well to challenge Fox as she receives the ball from Josland, turns to attack the area. Chandler with space to break into on the right for Thetford takes the shot on from 25 yards out firing her effort wide across the six yard out out past the far post. Josland winning the ball on for Sollis who picks out Walker on the left a drop of the shoulder looks to spin off Swift get in behind on the wing, Swift ready, getting her foot in to take the ball away from the lively winger.

Ella Swift clearing the ball for Thetford

  Fox holding the ball up well up top for Biggleswade with players quick to get up around her to receive the ball played inside looking for Sollis, a timely interception from Levy-Twomey top of the D. 

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twomey.

  Scott on for O’Callaghan picks out Chandler on her right the ball sent down the line for Boulton in attack. wide of goal, trying to hold the ball up is quickly outnumbered by the Biggleswade defence. Thetford with the ball out right, Collins in possession with a strong push in the back, aghast as no foul is awarded, O’Callaghan steaming in to regain the ball clipping it up field into Boulton outside the D, attempting to bring it down turn into the shot, is closed down by Spencer the defender clearing the ball up field. 

GOAL! Biggleswade looking the most likely to break the dead lock press the attack late in the first half the ball put into Walker central she turns to play in into the path of Fox up top, looking to roll of Levy-Twomey take the ball past her the defender gets a faint touch on the ball, even as Peeling breaks around on the cover to poke the ball away to the left of the area, Fox continuing her run strong to get back onto the ball flashes a cross along the face of goal, Pasik tracking back with Harrington-Pike on her shoulder, turns the ball into her own net trying to clear 0-1.

Ruth Fox’s determination leading to the opening goal

  Biggleswade with the break through late in the first half. Thetford behind look to get on the attack form the restart, Claughton having seen little of the ball out on the left, taking it on with a powerful run eventually stopped by Ingram out for a throw. Thetford on the ball, Collins central out to Chandler right checks back to play the ball inside to Scott 25 yards out right of the D, hooks the cross in across to the far stick, too much for Claughton to do as the ball runs out of play.

  A goal sparking Thetford into life pressing higher now O’Callaghan seeing the ball laid back into her from Boulton up top, strikes it from all of 25 yards, dragging her shot wide. Ridley with a great goal-kick up to Walker, the wingers first touch lifting the ball over the top for Fox to burst in behind the Thetford defence, a close call her attack halted by a raised flag.

Biggleswade’s Katie Harrington-Pike

  Into the closing stages of the first half, Collins with a speculative effort from all of 40 yards out going wide as Ridley moves across her goal jumping for it, gets a touch to concede the corner kick. Taken short with no one tracking the run of Peeling to the left corner of the area, takes on the shot her attempt curling over the bar. The hosts winning another free-kick to the right from range, Peeling to deliver, clipped high in towards the far post, Ridley keeping her eye on the ball takes it unopposed. 

  Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Biggleswade United Women

   The sides head down the tunnel into the changing rooms with Biggleswade holding a narrow 1 goal lead. The visitors for much of the first half on the front foot, making a positive start to the game getting the ball and players forwards well. Thetford off the pace, 2nd to the ball, inviting pressure pushed back limiting the outlet ball into their attackers. A competitive tussle in the middle, Josland and Sollis battling for the ball providing useful runs to support their attacking players. However just a single goal between the sides and that coming from an own goal leaves it all to play for in the 2nd half with extra-time and penalties if required. 

Biggleswade ringing the changes at the start of the 2nd half as they make 4 substitutions bringing on Harriet Smith, Katie White, Tashai Simms and Kayleigh Gray in place of Fox, Walker, Zorbas and Harrington-Pike. One switch for Thetford with Megan Haynes on for Scott as the visitors get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into defence launched up top into Smith she knocks the ball down to the right looking to send it into the path of Gray breaking in behind, her run stopped by the offside flag.

  Biggleswade looking to make a forceful start to the 2nd period the ball cleared from the defence long into the left channel with Smith looking to take it on into the box, Dixon rushing out of her area looking to close the attacker down, Smith knocking it past the keeper sending the ball down to the by-line looking to retrieve it even as Dixon back peddles back towards her exposed goal, defenders back to cover however the angle against Smith as she attempts to send the ball in near post, cleared by Levy-Twomey. 

 The substitutes looking to make an impact get after the ball, Simms in the middle linking up well with White on the left taking the ball on down the line, before running it out of play as Swift closes her down. Josland on for White to power on down the left flank, checks inside laying the ball into the middle for Smith, Peeling in ahead of her to win the ball back for Thetford. 

 Thetford regrouping O’Callaghan snapping in to win the ball back a free-kick won inside the Biggleswade half on the left. Peeling over the ball, floats a great ball into the far post, Chandler closing it down looking to bring it down turn towards goal, however a handball spotted by the referee Ashley Lucraft-Townley, Biggleswade winning the freekick. 

Thetford’s Shannon Chandler

 Thetford beginning to find some momentum as Boulton now in the middle links up with Collins brings the ball on through the middle linking up with O’Callaghan before sending the ball forwards into Claughton making a good run into the left channel seeing the ball into the feet knocks it on surging into the area left of goal looks to play her low shot back in across the keeper, not enough width on it however as Ridley is right behind it to save low.

Alice Collins

  Biggleswade with a free-kick wide on the left the ball dropped into the mix at the near post, half cleared back out wide to Simms, attempts to put the cross back into the box, Dixon up well to grab hold of the ball. Thetford look to launch a rapid counter attack the ball sent long up to Boulton breaking away on the right, Spencer coming across to defend forced to concede the corner. 

 

 Thetford play the ball high into the near post from the right, cleared out to the top of their area, a Thetford boot latching onto the shot blasted back in at goal, blocked on the line by Emerton! Cleared away to the right another shot coming in on the angle from 25 yards out struck wide of the near post. Thetford make another change with Olivia Dunne coming on in place of Boulton. 

Ashley Emerton with the goal line block for Biggleswade.

 The game more end to end now, Thetford looking to get after the ball, Biggleswade lively turning play around Sollis working hard getting the ball into Simms plays it forwards into Smith who lays it out to Gray on the right flank, in turn she looks to play it back across the top of the area looking for White bursting forwards from the left channel, a vital interception needed from Peeling at the back for the hosts.

Louise Sollis holding of Mollie O’Callaghan

  Swift going past Chandler on the overlap taking the ball on sending a cross into the box from deep, taken high by Ridley. Smith fouled for Biggleswade owed over 35 yards out presenting the visitors with a free-kick in a central position, Josland over the ball plays it out to the right into Gray making a run in behind, Pasik getting back at her to defend for Thetford prevent the cross.

  Pasik and Gray locking horns once again as the winger takes the ball inside, pushed out to the right, Peeling with her clearing the ball, straight to the on rushing Sollis, goes to cross the ball into the far post looking for White, too close to the keeper however, Dixon keeping her eye on the ball. Chandler taking the ball on down the right for Thetford winning a throw in the corner, Played back up the line for Swift to send a cross looping into the box, Ridley catching it ahead of Haynes.

   Emerton coming off at the back for Biggleswade, on comes Jordan Rockall. Spencer sends the ball low through the left channel on for White to attack for the visitors bursting down the line to whip a cross in low across the face of goal angling wide beyond the far post. An intriguing contest remains beautifully poised Biggleswade’s substitutes lively as Sollis picks out Gray with a fantastic ball into the right wing breaking on down the line, Gray flashes a dangerous ball in across the goal face, White closing in can’t get close.

  Pasik defending well up against Gray out on Biggleswade’s right as the game opens up one on one times her tackle perfectly. Chandler is taken out by Rockall as the defender comes sliding in from a long way, spoken too by the referee. O’Callaghan over the resulting free-kick on the angle lifts the ball into the mix, Ridley coming through bodies to lay claim to the ball. A more even contest 2nd half Thetford moving the ball better, risk over committing as Rockall snatches the ball back put on for Gray right side plays it central into Josland moving forwards helped out to White moving on into the left channel, takes on the shot her effort wide of the left post.

  O’Callaghan sending the ball up to Dunne 25 yards out the Thetford attacker shifts the ball inside from a central position looking to line up a shot is charged down by Rockall as the defender rushes out to block. Gray played in again on the right for the visitors surging to the by-line firing another vicious ball in across the face of the Thetford goal, White busting a gut to try and get there throwing herself at the ball , sliding in misses it by a fraction. 

 Sollis has run herself into the ground, comes off for Biggleswade as Fox returns to the action less than 15 minutes left to play. Collins fins Dunne out on Thetford’s left wing taking the ball on players rushing on into the box looking to get onto the end of a cross, Dunne clips it into the area, Josland the one to win it clear for Biggleswade. Thetford making another change with Pasik coming off replaced by Hannah Rogers, an attacker, goes in up top with Claughton now filling in at left back. Walker back on for Biggleswade on the left.

The visitors winning a free-kick on the left the ball level with the top of the Thetford area played into the penalty spot headed back out to the left, played back up the line crossed back into the area from deep, Smith pulling off the defence looking to turn her header goal wards on target but drops kindly for the keeper to grab low.

 The clock ticking down Biggleswade working hard to keep the ball inside their opponents half, Peeling down for Thetford in need of treatment as Collins now wearing the captains armband brings her team together encouraging one final push to find an equalising goal. Dunne holding the ball up for Thetford as Collins goes past her out to the left taking the ball on her cross cut back in across the top of the area cut out by Simms. 

 Players going down with cramp late in the game. Swift defending against White on the left as she looks to take on a diagonal ball played into her from midfield. Into the final 5 minutes Spencer coming off for Biggleswade, Emerton back on into defence. White moving to the right as Gray comes off for Harrington-Pike. Thetford bringing of O’Callaghan late on sending Scott back into the fray. Dunne linking up with Haynes on the left for Thetford the cross clipped into the area, Ridley up to claim it on her penalty spot. 

Biggleswade’s Harriet Smith

  Thetford pushing hard in the closing stages to find the reply to send the tie into extra-time, Dunne laying the ball on down the left for Haynes, Ingram sliding in to win the ball back for Biggleswade. The game open now Thetford pushed up, Biggleswade win the ball back played into White on the right plays a diagonal ball into Smith left of the D, Swift with her getting her foot in to play the ball back to her keeper to kick clear. Thetford push late on the ball fired into Dunne’s feet 25 yards out, looks to hold the ball up, Walker snapping in to clear the ball out for a throw in. The final whistle blows Biggleswade celebrate as they book their place in the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Cup. 

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Biggleswade United Women

  An own goal a tough way to lose any game, however that was the difference between the sides in the finish as Biggleswade claim victory in the League Cup. Making a positive start to the first half getting players up to support their attackers well, looked the most likely to open the scoring. Thetford off the pace at the start of the match 2nd to the ball inviting pressure took a while to get going. Biggleswade capitalising creating openings taking the lead late in the half. Rang the changes at the start of the 2nd half, looking to keep up the momentum. Thetford making changes themselves fighting back in the 2nd half led to a more open game. Biggleswade managing the 2nd half well keeping a good shape at the back not letting themselves get exposed behind. Couldn’t find a 2nd goal however and that kept Thetford in it right till the death just couldn’t find a reply themselves. Biggleswade’s cup run continues will need to bring that momentum into the league now as they fight to get themselves out of trouble.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match as more often than not another difficult one to chose with several contenders out there today. A few performances to mention. Firstly for Thetford, Mollie O’Callaghan fought hard in midfield to win the ball back making some strong challenges and looked to get the ball forwards. Melissa Boulton often isolated up front did well nonetheless to try and hold the ball up wait for support to arrive. Fran Peeling and Sausha Levy-Twomey both making some timely tackles and interceptions at the back. For Biggleswade, Ashley Emerton was excellent at the back, her pace helping to thwart Thetford, along with a huge goal line block. Bethany Walker a livewire out on the left seeing the ball into her feet and looking spin in behind link up play. Amy Josland strong in the middle winning the ball, making some excellent runs to join the attack. Ruth Fox in attacker strong on the ball, pulled into space well and her endeavour led to the opening goal. The award today though goes to midfielder Louise Sollis, worked tirelessly in the middle getting in her tackles winning the ball and covering the ground linking up with the attackers.

  A thoroughly miserable day weather wise, but an enjoyable match to watch at 1-0 it as never put to bed. Biggleswade had to work for the win but will gain huge confidence from it. Frustrating for Thetford. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team line-ups today… (Biggleswade twice!) much appreciated. Never a dull moment that’s why I love it so much.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 13th October

ERWFL Division One North

Can’t stray too far away from home this weekend, but there’s plenty of exciting football action to be had locally, with this Sunday’s action coming from ERWFL Division One North with Thetford Town Ladies hosting Newmarket Town Women, currently separated by one place and one point in the league with a victory for either potentially propelling them up to 3rd in the table.

  The ERWFL representing regional football, tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England. Finally reaching it’s full capacity of 36 sides competing across 3 divisions, a 12 strong Premier Division representing tier 5 with two divisions representing tier 6 a 12 strong Division One North and South. Division One South now sadly down to 11 with the withdrawal of Cheshunt FC Women. Shows how volatile and fragile the pyramid is with 7 sides already folding in the East alone in the first 3 months of the season.

  Moving into regional football a big step up for most clubs and alot has to be in place for them to make a success of it, both Thetford and Newmarket on a good footing with strong support from their club to compete in tier 6. A challenge made all the harder with the fact both Division one North and South will see 3 sides each relegated this season with just one promotion spot up for grabs staying there getting harder. Personally (and I know it’s not going to happen in the foreseeable future) I would like to see the leagues increased to 16 sides so fair enough 3 go down, one from each still goes up and the 2nd placed sides in each meet in a play-off to see a 3rd side promoted. Still we’ve only just gotten to a stage where the ERWFL can fill 3, 12 strong leagues so one step at a time.

  Thetford Town Ladies were one of a host of sides across the East to join the ERWFL last season to help it reach it’s full compliment. A big step up from county league football, however the club was ready for the challenge having recruited some useful additions to the squad over the close season hitting the ground running, eventually secured a strong midtable finish. Kamile Omeleviciute top scoring with 14 goals last season (plus a few that didn’t count with other teams withdrawing from the league). 

Have added 3 new additions to the squad this season with attackers Sophia Price and Niamh Underhill joining having been with Mundford FC Ladies last season. Underhill scoring 27 goals in 16 games last season. Libby Scott another new addition to the squad coming in from King’s Lynn. Alice Collins top scorer so far with 3 goals, with Megan Haynes, Omeleviciute and defender Fran Peeling all on 2 each. An inconsistent start to the campaign for Thetford with 3 wins and 3 losses. Back to back league wins giving them so momentum coming into today’s home match.

  Consistency is what Newmarket Town Women are also looking for as they travel to Thetford this weekend having begun the season with successive draws conceding late on to see points dropped. Winning against bottom side King’s Lynn, were to lose against leaders Harpenden before picking up all 3 points with a good result at home to AFC Dunstable Women last time out, games in hand on the sides above them looking to push up the table.

 The longest established side in ERWFL Division One North, Newmarket boasts a strong youth section with the women’s 1st team backed  by a Development side and U18s team. A strong tradition of promoting players through the ranks, have also brought in 3 new additions to the squad over the summer, Abbi Griffin returning to the club after a few years away with St Ives Town Ladies and Cambridge United WFC  in the FAWNL. Millie Docking also joins from Cambridge United on a dual registration with Abbie Gibson joining having played for Cambridge Rangers WFC last season. Docking hitting the ground running at Newmarket scoring 7 goals in 7 games, with Katie Spiers netting 5.

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road stadium the venue for this afternoon’s game. A compact ground with a slight slope to the grass pitch, with standing viewing on three sides with the main stand housing the changing room beneath. A new clubhouse built leading into the ground the bar open with hot and cold drinks being served. The weather dry and calm as we enter the middle of October the sun giving a little heat, enjoy it while it lasts.

 Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Katie Fray, Sausha Levy-Twoney, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling, Ella Swift, Dayna Howard, Alice Collins, Melissa Corbyn (C), Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler & Megan Haynes. Subs – Niamh Underhill, Libby Scott, Pola Pasik, Rhian Ellis & Hannah Rogers. 

Thetford Town Ladies

 Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Ellie Sturgess, Bethany Seymour (C), Holly Corley, Toni Smith, Millie Docking, Abbi Griffin, Abbie Corbyn & Katie Spiers. Subs – Abbie Gibson & Yvonne Yerrell.

Newmarket Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Bethany Seymour and Melissa Corbyn with today’s referee, Jason Ding

 Today’s match seeing two  new sister-in-laws going head to head on the pitch with Thetford Town Ladies captain Melissa Corbyn (previously Boulton) marrying Abbie Corbyn’s brother. Abbie Corbyn playing for Thetford too prior to joining Newmarket. It’s the visitors, Newmarket to kick-off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks. Thetford lined up opposite in their home all claret strip. The ball rolled back to Newmarket captain, Beth Seymour in defence, play sprayed out to the left with Abbie Corbyn looking to get on, Sausha Levy-Twoney clearing the ball out for a throw for Thetford.

Abbi Griffin on the ball for Newmarket

  Abbi Griffin picking up the ball in the middle for Newmarket driving out to the right looks to set Holly dryland up as she breaks up the wing the pass a little too strong, Zoe Klimcke across to defend for Thetford can see it safely out of play for a goal kick. The visitors pushing on looking to press the ball high, Holly Corley putting the ball in behind, Thetford goalkeeper, Katie Fray out to the top of her area to kick the ball clear.

  Dayna Howard getting onto the ball in the middle of the park for Thetford tries to release captain, Melissa Corbyn as she drives into the right channel, Ellie Sturgess challenging for Newmarket. Winning a series of throws on the left Newmarket advance the ball dropped into Abbie Corbyn flicks it forwards for Katie Spiers leading the line, Klimcke across to hook the ball away for Thetford at the back. From that throw a cross is fired low into the near post, Spiers looking to attack it, can’t quite get there as Fray gathers the ball safely into her body.

  Thetford winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half to the left. Peeling over the set-piece floated in towards the far post from distance a great ball, however no one is running in to attack it as it runs wide of the post for the goal kick. Newmarket making a good start pushing on up the right, Griffin linking up with Dryland as the pair look to advance up the wing, Hannah Claughton getting in the way to intercept Griffin’s return ball turning it behind for a corner kick.

Hannah Claughton getting the tackle in on Holly Dryland

 

  Griffin sending the corner into the box from the right curled into the near post Fray punching it down back out to the right, Griffin from the angle sending the cross back into the mix, knocked out beyond the far post, Abbie Corbyn looking to get over the ball to have a strike on goal can’t quite connect. A high line from Newmarket sees plenty of bodies inside their opponents half as Seymour wins the header to turn play around Griffin carrying the ball out to the right swinging a cross into the near post claimed well by Fray.

  Claughton gets hold of the ball out on the left flank for Thetford driving into the corner angles her cross back towards the top of the D, Megan Haynes running onto it seeing her strike race wide of the left post, taking a nick off a defender on the way through a corner awarded. A vicious delivery from the corner curling through the six yard box goes clean through everybody out the opposite for a goal kick. 

  Competitive in the middle, Howard winning the ball for Thetford, Toni Smith snapping into her challenges for Newmarket, knocked up to Spiers in attack, Fran Peeling intercepting for the hosts to clear at the back. Looking for a rapid counter catching Newmarket high up the pitch the ball looped up towards Haynes looking to pull off the defence, Seymour keeps her eye on the ball, winning a vital header for Newmarket. 

Newmarket captain, Beth Seymour heading the ball.

  Newmarket’s turn to counter the ball played into Griffin in the right channel, her forward pass cut out the ball loose out to the right, Griffin after in angling a high ball back in towards goal, Fray taking it high plucking the ball down at her near post for Thetford. Howard battling for possession central for Thetford launches it forwards into Haynes 25 yards out takes on the early strike lashing her effort wide of the left post. 

Thetford midfielder, Dayna Howard

 Lively, Millie Docking out to Smith over on the left sends a cross in on the angles dropping wide of the far post. Klimcke sending the ball on down the left for Claughton to chase, Dryland has a half a yard advantage, enough to get round onto the ball first clear for the visitors.

Holly dryland reaching the ball first as Hannah Claughton breaks forwards

An intriguing contest, Newmarket pressing well, Thetford looking a threat as they counter, just haven’t found their mark with the final ball in the opening 20 minutes. Peeling taking a painful knock to the ankle a pause in play as she receives treatment. Is ok to continue and waved back onto the pitch as play resumes.

  GOAL! Newmarket with players up in the final third pressing the ball a rushed clearance falling to Abbie Corbyn in the left channel, knocks it forwards to see Spiers turn the defence, muscle her way into the area and plant her strike low to the keepers left to open the scoring. 0-1.

Katie Spiers with the opening goal for Newmarket.

  Thetford look to get on the attack straight from the restart the ball played out to the right by Melissa Corbyn on for Chandler swung in central with Claughton positioned top of the D 25 yards out getting her strike away as Seymour goes in to close her down her attempt going over the crossbar. 

Thetford winger, Shannon Chandler

  Alice Collins winning the header for Thetford 30 yards out dropping the ball into the path of Chandler storming inside from the right tracking into the area, putting Sturgess under pressure the defender recovering well to block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Whipped up towards the near side, turned behind for a 2nd corner even as Thetford appeal for a handball. Again played in near side the attempt to hook the ball on into the mix seeing the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

  Griffin getting hold of the ball for Newmarket making some strong runs as she carries the ball out to the right, her cross cut out by Ella Swift at the back for Thetford. The hosts press the ball high on the right, Melissa Corbyn strong on the ball linking up with Collins and Chandler, the latter playing the ball back infield for Collins to hit 20 yards out to the right of the box fires over. Kara Wayman gets across to put in the challenge on Chandler as see is put away on the right by Haynes. 

Pelling across to put in the tackle as Smith breaks away on the left for Newmarket. Howard strong with her tackling attempts to thread a ball through for Haynes up top, Sturgess in close holding the attacker off to see the ball back to her keeper, Dominika Szary to clear. Chandler taking the ball on down Thetford’s right flank laying the ball inside for Collins 25 yards out, Smith lunging in to tackle for Newmarket. 

Toni Smith heading the ball clear for Newmarket

 Griffin fouled as she bring the ball out to the right for Newmarket, Thetford defend the ball out for a throw, taken quickly Griffin spinning on the ball sending it forwards into Docking’s path as the attacker runs into the area right of the Thetford goal, Klimcke getting back at her to slide in make a great tackle to put the ball behind for a corner kick before Docking can unleash a shot. Dropped into the near post from the right, knocked down and cleared for a throw. Comes into Docking who attempts to hook it forwards her effort drops wide.

  Claughton doesn’t get the decision as she is upended attacking on the left, the ball cleared up to Spiers for Newmarket, Fray alert out of her area sharply to clear for the hosts. Claughton does get the decision moments later as she is fouled by Dryland as she carries the ball into the Newmarket half. Peeling over the ball to the left of the centre circle. A good hit just a little too strong as it flies past Szary’s left post.

Fran Peeling

 Thetford winning another free-kick out on the left level with the top of the Newmarket box after Melissa Corbyn is brought down following a powerful run on the ball. Claughton over the ball curls a left foot strike in across goal aiming for the top corner, Szary can let it go, wide. The set-piece’s stacking up for Thetford towards the end of the first half another won to the left a little deeper into the Newmarket half, Peeling on the ball floated her delivery into the far post, Collins attacking it turns the ball wide.

 

 Sturgess with the ball and time at the back for Newmarket sends the ball up to Spiers in the left channel knocks it into the path of Griffin as she makes a run across the D taking the ball out to the left, attempts to cut it back into the path of Docking, Swift throwing a leg out cutting the ball out for Thetford. 

Thetford full back Zoe Klimcke

  Newmarket press late in the first half the ball sent diagonally out to Griffin moving into the right wing whips a dipping cross into the Thetford six yard box, Spiers racing in far post can’t get there as the ball runs on out of play. Thetford counter, Klimcke taking the ball on down the left on for Claughton who turns inside before laying the ball into the top of the D for Collins, Sturgess in to close her down at the back for Newmarket.   

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Newmarket Town Women

A fairly even contest, Newmarket with the narrow advantage making the brighter start on the front foot early, pushing players up well. Thetford putting in the tackles to win the ball back, a threat on the counter, lacking the final ball so far to cut Newmarket open as the visitors play a high line. That working to their advantage as they can turn play round quickly get the ball into their attacking players. A narrow advantage can all change 2nd half as both sides head into the changing rooms for their respective team talks.

  Thetford with the kick-off in the 2nd period the ball rolled back to Peeling in defence she clips the a ball on up the right flank for Chandler to attack, sends it infield to Melissa Corbyn running into the right channel in turn lays it forwards into the box for Haynes to attack surging towards goal, her shrike taking the faintest of touches off Szary as it flies into the side netting for a corner kick. 

Thetford captain, Melissa Corbyn

  The corner from the right defended put back out to the taker on the right, Chandler sending it back in across goal drops wide of the far post. The hosts making a strong start to the 2nd half as Howard steals in to win the ball 30 yards put set Chandler away on the right, Newmarket giving away the free-kick. Curled into the penalty spot the ball knocked down into the mix, scrambled away by the Newmarket defence. 

 In defence, Peeling drops off well to give herself room to clear the ball as Newmarket attempt to set Abbie Corbyn away in the left channel from a goal kick. Thetford’s gaining another set-piece wide on the right, Peeling with some great deliveries from a dead ball situation to play the ball in towards goal, Szary equal to it getting up to claim the ball and bring it down safely.

  Newmarket launch a rapid counter attack the ball fired up to Spiers on the move into space in the left channel wraps her foot around the ball crossing it back inside into the path of the onrushing Docking who hits it 1st time her effort narrowly over the crossbar. 

Newmarket’s Millie Docking

  Melissa Corbyn taking the ball on for Thetford shifting left then right before letting loose a strike from all of 30 yards out, her attempt put straight at the keeper. Sturgess sending the ball long for Newmarket into the left wing with Spiers racing after it into the corner whipping a dangerous ball into the Thetford six yard box, Klimcke with a wild attempt at clearing the ball, slicing it behind for a corner kick. 

Melissa Corbyn holding off Newmarket’s Holly Corley

 Swung into the near post from the right, Swift getting her head on the ball to turn it behind for a 2nd corner to Newmarket. Griffin floating the ball into the mix the ball knocked out to the top of the area, Abbie Corbyn latching onto the the ball driving a low strike in towards goal, Fray diving to her left, the shot blocked instead by Levy-Twoney, rebounding out to the right, Griffin running onto the ball firing it into the side netting. 

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twoney

   Sturgess picking up a yellow card as the fouls mount up, Melissa Corbyn upended this time, Peeling on the ball to the left 30 yards out looks to lifting it in at the far post, again, Szary can see it run safely out of play. Spiers on the turn some 30 yards out looks to take on the shot as the ball is fired up to her, her attempt driven in with pace, but straight at Fray the keeper holding onto the ball well. 

Thetford goalkeeper, Katie Fray

  Newmarket making the first change of the match as they bring off midfielder, Corley send Abbie Gibson on. Thetford too making a switch with Chandler coming off, Niamh Underhill coming on, goes over to the left with Claughton switching to the right wing. Abbie Corbyn after the ball played into her path on the left flank, Swift going with her the defender winning the race to touch the ball back for her keeper to clear. 

Abbie Corbyn

 The visitors have players forwards regaining possession, Smith out to Griffin on the right pushing down the line her cross fired in near post, blocked by Peeling turned behind for a corner kick. Fray coming into the crowd at her near post to get her fist on the dropping ball, knock it down for her defence to clear. Swift and Abbie Corbyn tussling for the ball on the left, the defender getting the decision winning the free-kick. Getting a little niggly in the last few minutes a good contest between the sides.

  Thetford making another change with Claughton the player coming off, Pola Pasik entering the action. Moments later Underhill is hurt in a challenge with Sturgess. Is down in some discomfort and is unfortunately unable to continue as she is helped off the pitch. Striker Hannah Rogers coming on as her replacement. Dryland away on the right for Newmarket her cross flung into the near post defended by Peeling. 

 Howard winning the ball inside the Newmarket half looking to release Pasik out on the right, Wayman getting in a timely tackle to deny her the opportunity to skip in behind. The game moving into the final 10 minutes, both sides pushing for a goal, scrappy in the middle of the park, the ball is released forwards by Newmarket, Abbie Corbyn looking to attack hurdling a wild lunge to latch onto the ball run in towards the Thetford box opts to shoot early 20 yards out, getting too much behind it sends her shot over. 

  GOAL! Newmarket win the ball out on the right high up the pitch the pass into Griffin down the flank drives forwards before sending  a cross into the six yard box, Spiers bringing it down off her chest well to turn on the ball and blast her shot past the keeper into the back of the net to make it 0-2.

Katie Spiers bringing the ball down off her chest to turn and score

2 goals for Newmarket’s Katie Spiers

 The visitors doubling their lead inside the final 10 minutes to get a firm grip on the 3 points. Howard is fouled for Thetford as they look to move the ball through the middle. The set-piece 30 yards out to the right of the Newmarket goal. Peeling lining up the strike, hits it hard, the Newmarket wall doing it’s job but someone’s going to sporting a healthy bruise in the morning as a result. 

 Newmarket get on the counter from the free-kick, lifted into Spiers attacking the left channel turns inside 25 yards out curling a shot wide on the angle beyond the far post. Thetford making a double switch as they bring off Klimcke and Collins, send on Libby Scott and Rhian Ellis. 

  Wayman bursts away down the left for Newmarket, Pasik going with her making the blocking tackle as she tries to cross sending the ball behind for a corner kick. Players up from the back for Newmarket as the corner is curled into the box from the left, Dryland getting up at the far post with the glancing header, turning the ball wide beyond the far post. A touch off a defender spotted however a corner signalled on the right.

Holly Dryland’s glancing header for Newmarket

  Angled in near side the ball defended cleared out of the area, falls to Spiers outside the area lashes a strike over from range. Wayman coming off for Newmarket, with Yvonne Yerrell coming on goes to right back with Dryland switching flanks. Newmarket come on through the middle Docking into Spiers, lays the ball out to the right with Griffin pressing on right of goal hits the shot goal wards 20 yards out, rising, Fray though is well positioned back on her line to pluck the ball down from under her bar to make the save. 

Thetford’s Pola Pasik

  Peeling pulling up with an injury for Thetford signals straight away that she needs to come off, helped to the side-lines, Klimcke is reintroduced to the action. Griffin taking the ball on down Newmarket’s right lifting a cross into the Thetford six yard box, Spiers on a hat-trick goes for the spectacular, attempting the overhead, would have been brilliant, but the the script wasn’t written on this occasion as she misses.

Katie Spiers tries the spectacular in her attempt for a hat-trick

  Scott up to Rogers on the left for Thetford, fouls Yerrell as she goes into defend for the visitors. Dryland winning the ball on the opposite side for Newmarket attempts to thread the pass in behind for Spiers moving into the left channel, Swift going with her putting in the tackle for Thetford. 

 

 Docking gets onto the ball for Newmarket with the clock ticking down and carries it all the way into the corner, holding the ball up before winning her side a throw eating up valuable seconds. The visitors keeping the ball down that end as Docking is fouled.

  Swift battling to get the ball back for Thetford winning the free-kick, the pass forwards won back by Smith to Dryland on for Spiers, no thoughts of a hat-trick now as she runs the ball into the corner, playing the ball off a defender thinks she’s won her side a corner, consternated to see a goal kick awarded. Matters little with seconds left the ball launched forwards successfully defended as the final whistle blows and Newmarket celebrate winning the 3 points.  

Full Thetford Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

  The win lifting Newmarket up to 5th in the Division One North table. A close contest between two committed sides. Newmarket with the brighter start on pressing high to create openings getting players on well. Playing a high line at times, Thetford looking dangerous on the counter, but couldn’t find that clinical final pass of open up their opponents. Newmarket doing just that to open the scoring in the first half. Holding the narrow advantage going into the break. Thetford came out of the blocks flying 2nd half coming close to levelling in the opening seconds. Pushed hard for a reply, winning free-kicks in dangerous positions but again that clinical final ball eluded them. Newmarket patient presented with a chance to secure the win and took it inside the final 10 minutes. Ending the game strongly pushing for a 3rd goal. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders but I was fairly happy with my decision on the final whistle the notes have done nothing to change that. Several performances of note. First up for Thetford, Dayna Howard put in a solid performance in the middle of the park getting in to win the ball back and get her team going forwards. Melissa Corbyn with several strong runs on the ball carrying it into the attack looking to bring others into play. Zoe Klimcke with some vital tackles at the back throughout. For Newmarket, Holly Dryland was strong at right back, limiting Thetford’s attacks while getting forwards well. Abbie Corbyn with some good work in the left channel got forwards well. Katie Spiers took her goals well and led the line to great effect for the visitors. The award goes to Abbi Griffin, set the tone early on with some superb attacking runs. Used the ball well and linked up play moving out to the right, providing the assist for Spiers 2nd goal.

  Was great to catch up with both sides, welcoming and provided a great contest. My thanks to both for their help with the team details too as always much appreciated.  

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Histon Ladies

Sunday 26th November

ERWFL Division One North

A short journey this Sunday to catch some football action from ERWFL Division One North staying in Norfolk to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies both new additions to the league.

The regional league seeing an increase in numbers in recent season’s getting to it’s full potential of 36 sides playing across three divisions, representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid. Both of today’s opponents amongst 6 new sides successfully applying to join the ERWFL in Division One North, now sadly reduced to 10 sides with the unfortunate withdrawals of St Ives Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Development.

Thetford Town Ladies a late entrant to the league having initially lost out on the promotion pool, but with one of the new entrants having to pull out, Thetford were pleased to be invited to join and make the big step up into regional football for the first time in the clubs history. Manager Luke Pickford busy in the summer bringing in players to help the squad compete at a higher level. Amongst those, experienced defender, Fran Peeling having previously been with King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the league above joining Peeling from King’s Lynn is Alice Collins another player with a high level of experience playing in the league above. Katie Fray and Kate Morris joining Thetford having had a very successful season with Taverham FC Women’s 7-aside team scoring 102 goals between them, Fray netting an incredible 78 goals in just 18 appearances. Attacker, Mary-Anne Hoy has experience playing at a higher level with Wroxham FC Women, while ex-Norwich City player Hannah Claughton joins after a successful season playing for Aylsham FC Women last campaign. Megan Gowing the latest recruit, the young talented goalkeeper joining Thetford having begun the season playing for Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Hit the ground running in the league, with an opening day win away to St Ives Town Ladies, Women’s Football East there as Kamile Omeleviciute hit the back of the net for 4 goals in a 6-0 win to see the newcomers sit top of the league. That result and Omeleviciute’s goals from that game chalked off however as St Ives Town Ladies struggling for numbers and injuries pulled out of the league. Thetford now sitting in 9th having played just 5 league matches winning 2, drawing another and 2 losses. Cup competitions affecting any momentum in the league typical at this level their last league game back on the 15th October a positive result this afternoon could see Thetford climb up into the top half of the table. Despite having 4 goals chalked off, Omelevicuite is still the leading goal scorer with 9 officially to her name so far this season, with Katie Fray having scored 6.

Histon Ladies returning the the ERWFL this season after a strong season in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, finishing 2nd and reaching the League Cup final. Having previously been an established side within the ERWFL. Managed by ex-Cambridge City Women’s chairman, Kevin Jacklin. A club which has always strived to bring on youth players through it’s ranks, several ex-City players following Jacklin to Histon to bolster an experienced squad of players with the likes of Bella Ely, Eloise Page and Natasha Coe joining this season along with Jorja Badcock who was part of the Cambridge United WFC Development team that won the Junior Invitation Cup last a season and Molly Banks another talented youngster from Girls United FC. Also added to the squad midfielder Hannah Seymour-Shove who was vital player for St Ives Town Ladies over several seasons. 

  Histon’s return to the ERWFL has been a story on inconsistency so far this season, winning as many as they have lost, with 12 points from 8 played are still handily placed in 3rd spot in the table and a positive run of results could well see them consolidate that position and press the top two as the season progresses. Natasha Coe and Rachel Pearce currently leading the goal scoring charts with 3 goals each.

 Thetford Town FC’s Mundford Road stadium the venue for today’s league encounter, entry through the clubhouse leading into the ground itself, a burst pipe in the kitchen seeing a clean up operation in progress with no hot drinks available the bar still open however. leading out to the main stand beside the grass pitch with a slope across it to the dugouts on the opposite side. A dull, gloomy day heavy cloud darkening the sky, cold and damp to boot, need some football action to warm thing’s up…

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Browne, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Zoe Kimcke, Fran Peeling, Alice Collins, Mia Bambury, Kamile Omeleviciute, Katie Fray, Melissa Boulton (C), Hannah Claughton & Laura Martins. Subs – Megan Gowing, Elizabeth Moore, Erin Lloyd, Amber May & Pola Pasik.

Histon Ladies

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Jorja Badcock, Abi Laughlin, Katie Levitt, Amy Ozakpinar, Eloise Page, Rachel Pearce, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Bella Ely, Sophie Hopkin & Carla Penny (C). Subs – Molly Banks, Natasha Coe, Kirsty Geal & Tara Fitzjohn.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Carla Penny and Melissa Boulton with today’s match official Anoushka Williamson

It’s Histon in their all blue away strip to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half with Thetford lined up opposite wearing their home colours, an all claret kit with sky blue trim. The ball played back to Eloise Page in defence, launched out to the right for captain Carla Penny to attack, Zoe Klimcke seeing the ball out for a thrown in for Thetford. Pressure from the throw high on the right seeing Histon win an early corner. 

  The delivery into the Thetford box deflected outside to Histon’s Rachel Pearce some 25 yards out, clips a high ball back in towards goal, Amber Browne, Thetford’s goalkeeper and assistant manager seeing the ball land safely onto the roof of her net. Histon making a strong start getting after Thetford inside their own half, Penny in particular putting herself about chasing and closing the ball down. Klimcke tackling her as she presses on the right brings the ball out from left back looking to play Hannah Claughton in down the line, Abi Laughlin stretching out a leg cutting the pass out for the visitors.

  Penny powering her way to the by-line on the right, using her strength on the ball as she checks inside towards the box, challenged the ball behind for another corner, Jorja Badcock to lift the ball into the area headed clear by Thetford’s Katie Fray. Thetford finding themselves on the back foot haven’t settled into the game at all, Sausha Levy-Twomey getting a tackle in to break up a Histon attack through the middle the hosts look to counter the ball forwards into Claughton has options either side with Martins though the middle, Fray pulling wide to the left, playing the pass inside to Martins she in turn releases Fray out wide to whip a cross in towards the top of the Histon area, Amy Ozakpinar intercepting the ball and clearing for Histon. 

Histon defender, Amy Ozakpinar

  Penny is pushed in the back as she looks to hold the ball up wide on the right giving Histon a free-kick some 30 yards out, Pearce to lift the ball in towards goal a dangerous delivery with Sophie Hopkin and Ely bearing down on goal the ball dropping inside the six yard box threatening to creep in at the far post, Browne makes a fantastic save dropping down to her right arm outstretched to glove the ball away to the left.

Thetford goalkeeper and assistant manager, Amber Browne

  Histon quick to regain possession, Page allowed to travel into space on the right from the back lifting a looping ball into the area for Ely positioned to the left of goal, attempting to get the ball down off her chest to shoot is closed down by Fran Peeling the ball scrambled out of the area, Hopkin looing to latch onto the ball 20 yards out her shot is charged down. Pearce and Hannah Seymour-Shove closing the ball down for Histon inside the Thetford half keeping the hosts unsettled Penny providing a useful outlet picking the ball up driving into the channels is upended out wide on the right.

Histon captain, Carla Penny

 Pearce to play the set-piece flighted in under the bar, Browne getting up to knock the ball out to the left conceding a corner. Histon sending players up into the area Thetford defending getting it out falling straight to Hopkin 25 yards out on the turn lifts a shot over the bar. Thetford getting frustrated passes not finding their mark the ball coming straight back.

Sophie Hopkin

  Penny carrying the ball forwards through the middle played on for Hopkin up top with Ely in support the pair exchanging passes 25 yards out before Ely slides the ball into the path of Laughlin getting into the box from the right, Klimcke across her with a well timed tackle to clear the ball for a throw out on the right. Klimcke winning Thetford a free kick on halfway a chance to relieve some pressure as Mia Bambury launches the ball up into the box, Martins right of goal looking to see it down onto her foot to shoot, is closely marked by Katie Levitt

  Ely taking the ball forwards on the left for Histon checks inside looking to thread a pass inside for Hopkin in the middle, Collins stretching to cut it out for Thetford. The hosts playing some loose ball forwards gifting Histon possession back as the visitors launch a swift counter attack Pearce on the ball central looking to pick put Penny as she breaks into the box to the right of goal. Klimcke with the tackle once again lunging out a leg to take the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Thetford’s Zoe Klimcke tackling Histon’s Carla Penny

  Thetford fighting for the ball inside the Histon half, Bambury to Omeleviciute fed on for Martins bursting down the right, Badcock getting back on her to challenge concede the corner, taken short the move breaking down as flag is raised. Histon breaking down the left Ely getting the throw put inside to Penny who turns left corner of the area, shifting the ball as she evades one challenge, lining up the strike, Claughton rushing in to charge the ball down.

  Histon making a change, bringing off Hopkin on comes Molly Banks with 24 minutes gone. Klimcke busy at the back defending for Thetford bringing the ball out sends it up the line for Martins pulling out to the left channel, Page coming out to close her down winning the ball back for Histon. The visitors setting the questions Thetford remain unsettled unable to find any rhythm, captain Melissa Boulton linking up with Omeleviciute through the middle, Ozakpinar cutting out the pass intended for martins as she makes a run towards the right of the D. Histon winning another corner on the right, curled in towards the near post, Omeleviciute defending heading the ball away for Thetford.

  Thetford pushing on well through the middle, played forwards into Omeleviciute racing into the right channel, Martins with her the ball rolled into her path inside the box, the challenge clumsy, Martins upended the ball though away for a corner on the right. Histon defending there box well the ball lifted forwards, the threat of a counter attack halted by Peeling on halfway as she gets across to smother the ball.

  Thetford in need of a lift attack on the left Claughton taking the ball on with Omelevicuite providing a good run into space ahead of her picking her out Omeleviciute turning into the area, rides a tackle staying n her feet to send a dangerous ball in across the top of the six yard box, Boulton central throwing herself at the ball can’t get any contact coming through to Martins beyond the far post, looks to check back inside before the Histon defence regroup and close her down.

Thetford’s Laura Martins

  Penny shooting over the crossbar from inside the D, as the ball comes into her feet of a rebound in midfield. Thetford pulling players out right and left looking to find some joy going forwards, Fray playing the ball into the area from the left, Badcock clearing for Histon.  Signs Thetford are getting back into the game having absorbed a lot of pressure as Histon pressed the ball well.

Histon’s Jorja Badcock

 GOAL! The game turned completely on it’s head as Omeleviciute steals in to win the ball on halfway and drives forwards bearing down on the area moving to the left before angling her shot back across the keeper to send the ball into the bottom corner to rattle in her 10th goal of the season and open the scoring for Thetford 1-0.

Kamile Omeleviciute steals in on the ball to race forwards and score for Thetford

  Thetford into the lead, fair to say against the run of play, but goals bring confidence and straight from the restart Thetford look a different side after the ball, Collins on for fray peeling out to the left, taking the ball into space, Page across to close her down the ball put out for a throw in. Omeleviciute playing the ball in across the top of the area, Seymour-Shove clearing for Histon.

Rachel Pearce clearing the ball for Histon

   Thetford winning a corner on the left played in long knocked down at the far post, Kayleigh Blanchard down smartly to claim the loose ball. Blanchard hurt then as she goes across to slide in claim a ball whipped in from wide on the right diving in as Martins races in looking to attack the ball, the goalkeeper gets the ball but comes off the worst as she and Martins accidentally collide. A lengthy pause as Blanchard is down in some distress needing treatment. Coming off holding her nose can’t continue, Tara Fitzjohn, on the bench, the physio too, needing to don the goalkeeping gloves coming on to see out the remaining minutes of the 1st half. 

 The ball cleared out to the right, Thetford latching onto it Boulton lifting it on into the area for Martins to chase, Fitzjohn out well to get hold of the ball. Thetford with numbers forwards on the right Omelevicuite driving down the line appears to be fouled, doesn’t get the decision however as the cross is curled into the near post claimed high by Fitzjohn. Thetford finishing the 1st half the stronger Bambury pushing the ball forwards into Boulton on the right, clips it back in towards the D, Martins the target, Seymour-Shove back to defend for Histon.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-0 Histon Ladies

 

The first half ends with Thetford going into the changing rooms leading 1-0. A brilliant individual goal from Kamile Omeleviciute turning the game on it’s head. Histon no doubt the team on top up until that point getting after the ball inside the Thetford half putting the defence under pressure and frustrating Thetford who didn’t settle into the match, having rode out that difficult start however, the signs were there things were on the swing then Omeleviciute drove forwards to score and put some much needed vigour into Thetford’s blood the goal bringing confidence the hosts finishing the first half strong. A single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

  Bad news for Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard, with a suspected broken nose is heading off to hospital to get it looked at. A blow for Histon, who make two more changes at the break bringing on Natasha Coe and Kirsty Geal replacing, Ely and Levitt. Thetford unchanged, very gloomy out there now and the floodlights need to be turned on, now raining but the air heavy with moisture. Thetford to get the 2nd half underway the ball out to Claughton on the left launched high into the area, caught by Fitzjohn. 

  Geal racing on into space on the left for Histon whipping a cross into the six yard box flashed in across the face of goal, Klimcke down having gone in for a challenge at the near post the game stopped for her to receive treatment but is up and okay to continue. Boulton getting away onto the right for Thetford getting the ball under control lifting a cross into the area Martins looking to attack it near side has plenty of defenders for company can’t get a telling touch the ball knocked through for the keeper to safely gather. 

  Penny bringing the ball inside plays it into Banks central 25 yards out, knocks it wide for Badcock rushing forwards on the wing, Martins tracking back to defend challenging to win possession back for Thetford. Coe with the ball at her feet coming inside from the right to play the diagonal ball out to fellow 2nd half substitute Geal wide on the left, she in turn squares the cross into Banks 25 yards out top of the D, latching onto the shot she strikes the ball wide of the left post.

Thetford’s Hannah Claughton

  Claughton on the attack on the left powering forwards with the ball sends it on for Martins attacking the channel, Page out to close her down for Histon before she can break into the area the ball safely through to the keeper. Peeling sending a long ball looping in towards goal from the right, Fitzjohn back on her line getting her gloves up to make the save spilling the ball however, recovering well throwing herself down on it bravely as Fray steaming in to attack it goes over her.

 

 

 Fitzjohn the busier of the two goalkeepers at the start of the 2nd half Thetford getting the ball out to Claughton on the left fed forwards into Fray left inside the area, Fitzjohn out sharply to gather the ball. Boulton in a race to get to the ball before it runs out of play on the right, does well to keep it in play on the by-line before sending a cross high into the six yard box, too close to the keeper however Fitzjohn snatching it into her gloves 

Thetford making a double switch bringing off Martins up top bringing Amber May on. Megan Gowing also coming on to make her Thetford debut in goal replacing Browne. Histon winning a free-kick on the left a chance to put the new goalkeeper under pressure, instead goes long to the far post, Thetford clearing the ball. 

Boulton finding pockets of space to run into for Thetford in the 2nd half surging on through the middle, making her way into the area, Geal back to block her shot for Histon. May up top for Thetford putting herself about looking to press the defence on the ball, giving Boulton the opportunity to get beyond her looking to get the ball into the area. The pair linking up as May pulls wide right to lift a teasing ball into the near post, Fitzjohn well placed to snatch the ball into her chest with Boulton closing in looking to put her head on the ball. 

  Badcock with an attempt on goal from range, easily dealt with by Gowing. Histon attacking on the left with Badcock forwards to support Geal and Coe, Fray coming back to do the defending for Thetford lifting the ball up to May who looks to feed in Boulton on the right, her cross easy for Fitzjohn to pluck down. Thetford stronger in the 2nd half the game more open. Coe looking to combine with banks through the centre, Levy-Twomey tackling for Thetford.

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twomey

  Coe strong on the ball coming inside from the right with Laughlin going past her on the overlap into the box, Klimcke tackling for Thetford. Histon gaining some momentum in the final 3rd with Coe getting hold of the ball pressing towards the box the visitors making a change ringing Hopkin back on to replace Pearce as they look to change formation press another player forwards. 

Histon’s Eloise Page

  Fray and Claughton forwards for Thetford 25 yards out left of the D playing the one two Claughton teeing up Fray inside the area to strike the ball, wide of the left post, a nick off a defender spotted the corner awarded. Taken short, the opportunity to cross wasted, however Histon can’t retain possession the ball rolled into the path of Omelevicuite central drives for the box but can’t find a way through on goal.

  Peeling lifting the ball out long for Claughton on the left, knocking it forwards, in a race with Laughlin the defender sliding in t send the ball behind for a corner kick. The ball played short into Boulton coming towards the ball turns to drive into the area, tripped inside the white line, referee Anoushka Williamson pointing to the spot, PENALTY! Boulton herself to take it placing the ball on the spot gets too much on it turning in frustration as she balloons the ball over the crossbar, the opportunity to double the lead gone.

  The game moving into the final 15 minutes Thetford up on the left the cross dipped into the D, May looking to bring it down under control, Badcock closing in to defend for Histon. The hosts working hard to win the ball back that in turn putting them on the front foot, are keen to score a 2nd try and put the game to bed, Histon far from out of it. Boulton striking the ball over on the half volley from inside the D. 

 Histon making another change bringing Ely back on for Badcock. Geal racing away in the left for the visitors sweeping a cross into the six yard box, Klimcke clearing for Thetford at the far post. Page with a crack from range for Histon her shot dropping wide of the left post. Thetford making a double switch late in the game bringing off Klimcke and May, Elizabeth Moore and Pola Pasik coming on.

  Laughlin winning the ball on the right as Thetford attempt to counter keeping the pressure on inside the final 3rd. Seymour-Shove winning Histon a corner on the right. The ball in near post knocked out across goal to the left retrieved by Geal fired back in cleared by Omeleviciute for Thetford. Banks with a wild strike from distance over. The game opening up Omeleviciute breaking for Thetford, Geal tracking back to defend clearing the ball, Peeling charging down a 25 yard strike.

  Histon on the counter attacking right Coe with Laughlin players drawn to the ball as the cross is swept into the top of the area Geal free left of the left striking the ball on the volley back across the keeper towards the right post, but agonisingly wide. Histon applying pressure late on winning a free-kick in the corner on the right. knocked on across the area out for a corner kick on the left. Put in long knocked down to Laughlin central her strike from outside the area deflected over the bar. A corner for Histon on the left played in towards the near post defended by Collins for Thetford back out to the left the return cross clipped over the bar.

Thetford’s Alice Collins

  GOAL! Just as Histon looked to be turning the screw Thetford break away to double there lead, the ball played into Claughton left side races forwards powering her way into the left channel before unleashing a venomous strike, Fitzjohn down sharply at her near post getting her gloves on the ball but not claimed loose beyond her Boulton the fastest to react rushing in to blast the ball into the back of the net 2-0.

Melissa Boulton doubling Thetford’s lead late in the match

  Thetford getting that all important 2nd goal as the game moves into stoppage time coming just as Histon were looking for push for a late goal themselves to salvage something from the game. Bambury down with a knock late on for Thetford, the hosts making a late change bringing of Fray sending defender Erin Lloyd on. The substitute straight into the actin intercepting a cross put in from Laughlin on the right.

 Histon pushing players forwards looking to find a goal in the closing stages, Thetford back defending their area. Lloyd and Levy-Twomey both winning crosses. The job down the final whistle blows and Thetford celebrate the victory and the 3 points moving up a couple of places into 7th seeing the middle of Division One North bunch up closely with just 2 points between them and Newmarket Town Women who move into 3rd spot with a 2-1 win over leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. remains a highly competitive league will be intriguing to see who emerges out on top come the end of the season.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

  Gaols change games and this was certainly the case today. Thetford finding themselves on the backfoot for much of the first half, unsettled as Histon pressed the ball well creating opportunities without taking advantage of their dominance. Thetford in need of a moment of inspiration and Kamile Omeleviciute delivered to steal the ball on halfway and break way to score a brilliant individual goal to give the hosts the lead, finished the half on the front foot and came out positive in the 2nd half taking the game to Histon who made changes riding out a strong Thetford spell themselves before threatening to pull the scores level late in the match, Thetford again breaking away to get that all crucial 2nd goal to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Most of the time it’s never an easy decision although today I did have someone in the forefront of my thoughts leaving the ground only for my notes (and I do write down a bit as you know) sending me in a different direction. A few performances of note to mention of course, for Histon, captain Carla Penny was exceptional, especially in the first half getting after the ball, taking the game to her opponents and creating opportunities for herself and others. Substitutes Kirsty Geal and Natasha Coe both making a positive impact coming on in the 2nd half while Abi Laughlin get forwards well on the right to support the attack while defending well at the back. For Thetford, Kamile Omelevicuite goal changed the course of the game giving Thetford a vital shot of confidence to carry them forwards for the rest of the match. Katie Fray working hard in midfield getting forwards to support the attackers. Hannah Claughton with some strong runs out on the left. captain Melissa Boulton making some excellent attacking runs in the 2nd half linking up well with the midfield and attack. Pipping her to today’s award though is defender Zoe Klimcke made a number of crucial tackles at the back, especially in the first half while Histon were on top preventing the ball getting into the box and denying shots to keep Thetford’s goal intact.

  Great to catch up with both sides. Always a good contest in the ERWFL, hopefully for Thetford the result will count this time. Wishing Histon goalkeeper Kayleigh Blanchard all the best hoping for good news regarding her injury. My thanks to both sides for their assistance today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – St Ives Town Ladies v Thetford Town Ladies

Sunday 13th August

ERWFL Division One North

Here we go again! The new season quickly upon us with the ERWFL getting the ball rolling for the 2023/24 campaign. Promises to be an exciting season ahead and with the Lionesses going strong in the FIFA Women’s World Cup reaching the last 4 the game continues to rise.

 Not quite the restful period I was hoping for am nevertheless ready to go again and besides it never really stops in the footballing community with clubs and managers busy preparing for their next season. Has certainly been alot of movement, most likely an increase in club numbers aswell and certainly the case the ERWFL as the league’s representing the 5th and 6th tiers of the women’s football pyramid reach their full potential in terms of numbers with 11 new names joining taking all three divisions the Premier and Division One’s North and South to 12 sides each.

 Regretfully one side has since been forced to withdraw due to lack of numbers, East Bergholt United Ladies having worked hard to get to the ERWFL always finding it a challenge with a number of strong sides around them to retain players, have always had a good youth set-up and will hopefully return some day in the women’s game. 35 clubs then beginning the new season with Hertford Town Women, Wormley Rovers Ladies, Southend United Ladies, Stanway Pegasus Ladies and Watford Ladies Development joining ERWFL Division One South. Harpenden Town Women, Histon Ladies, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Ladies, Thetford Town Ladies and Stevenage FC Women Development joining Division One North and where Women’s Football East begins it’s season with St Ives Town Ladies hosting one of the leagues new sides, Thetford Town Ladies.

 St Ives Town Ladies bursting onto the scene formed in 2015 enjoying a rapid rise up the women’s football pyramid, reaching the ERWFL Premier Division. Dropped back into Division One North last season looking to bounce straight back ultimately finishing third in the table along with reaching the Hunts Women’s Cup final for the 2nd successive season. With 7 new sides in the league their may well be several challenging for the title. Some upheaval towards the end of the season with Ben Green departing as manager, with ex-Cambridge United player Emily Ingle joining the club last season taking on taking on the role. Have a trimmed down squad for the 2023/24 campaign while retaining a solid core of experience with a promising youth set-up backing them up their U18’s side winning their league last season with a 100% record. A few of these stepping up to join the first team along with Natalie Munden from the Development side. Olivia Dunne also recruited having previously been with Haverhill Rovers Women.

 Thetford Town Ladies originally missing out on a place in the ERWFL due to the high volume of applications were later given the news they had been successful after another side chose to withdraw. Manager Luke Pickford joining Thetford midway through last season busy in the close season recruiting players to help bolster the squad to play at a higher level. Kamile Omelevicuite and Laura Martins retained having impressed joining the club last season. Added to the squad are Katie Fray and Kate Morris starring for Taverham Women’s 7-aside team last season, Fray scoring an incredible 78 goals in just 18 matches with Morris not doing bad either netting 24. Also joining the attack are Jordanne Sillitoe with plenty of experience in the ERWFL previously with Haverhill, Hannah Claughton the winger dual signed with Aylsham and Maryanne Hoy most recently with Long Stratton Women. With two more new signings joining the defence, Libby O’Callaghan and Fran Peeling who was ERWFL Premier Division side King’s Lynn Town Ladies vice-captain last season. Assistant coach Amber Browne donning the goalkeepers clubs with a long term injury to Millie Askins.

The new playing surface at St Ives

  Starting this season where I ended the last one at Westwood Road home of St Ives Town FC. Back then to attend the last ever Kick Cancer Cup held in memory of Sam Issacson and Charlene Martin both losing their lives to bowel cancer. Many of the St Ives players featuring for the Charlene’s XI squad that won the game on the night raising lots of money for charity. The Westwood Road pitch replaced by a new 3G surface a couple of seasons ago which saw an end to the infamous hill on one corner of the grass pitch. A lovely surface now nice and wide with viewing all round the bar and clubhouse overlooking one side with kitchen hatch serving hot drinks. A small seated stand opposite. A bright sunny afternoon if a little cloudy at times to begin the season all in all good conditions for a match.

St Ives Town Ladies

  St Ives Town Women starting XI – Sarah Aftelak, Sasha Smith, Jess Conyard, Lauren Fort, Koren Evans, Jasmine Cowie, Hannah Seymour-Shove (C), Niamh Sutherland, Katie Stancombe, Olivia Dunne and Maya Edwards. Subs – Elle Jefferson, Natalie Munden, Enya Griffiths and Emily Waterman.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Browne, Elizabeth Moore, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling, Mia Bambury (C), Dayna Howard, Kamile Omeleviciute, Kate Morris, Maryanne Hoy, Katie Fray and Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Erin Lloyd, Laura Martins, Amber May, Hannah Rogers & Hannah Claughton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Thetford to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing an all claret strip with sky blue trim on the shirts. St Ives lined up opposite wearing white shirts with black vertical striping on the front along with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Dayna Howard in midfield back to Moore on the right of defence shifts inside as Katie Stancombe moves to challenge the ball back for Howard lifted out wide to Maryanne Hoy the the move down the left flank sends the ball inside for Jordanne Sillitoe coming to receive top left corner of the area, she swivels lifting a cross to the far post, Kamile Omeleviciute running in meeting it as it drops on the volley to smash against the base of the right post! Goalkeeper Sarah Aftelak going down for the initial shot able to adjust on the ground the snatch up the loose ball. An early chance for Thetford.

  The visitors feeding off their bright start getting on the front foot pressing St Ives high, Lauren Fort stepping on well to clear the ball inside the D for St Ives look to break hit Thetford on the counter, Fran Peeling backing up to head the ball clear. Sillitoe and Omeleviciute combining through the middle for Thetford the ball laid out to Hoy wide left her cross whipped in to the far post cleared by St Ives, Sasha Smith. Attacking on the left the ball on for Stancombe driving forwards fed into the area for Maya Edwards in behind the defence volleys wide at the near post as she closes down the keeper.

St Ives Maya Edwards looking to take the ball on

   Thetford press high captain Mia Bambury playing the ball into Howard threaded on for Sillitoe, Jess Conyard incepting and clearing for St Ives outside her area. Hannah Seymour-Shove captaining St Ives putting in a good tackle in the middle looking to take the ball on travelling right, Zoe Klimcke out to close her down as Hoy tracks back to defend. Omeleviciute getting on well from the middle for Thetford overloading the attack as the short diagonal ball is rolled into her left of the D puts her foot through the shot clipped goalwards angling in high swerving narrowly wide of the top left corner. 

Zoe Klimcke

  GOAL! Thetford building on their positive start opening the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, fighting for possession in the final third Sillitoe battles to gain possession 25 yards out with Omeleviciute stealing in behind her taking hold of the loose ball to charge at the goal sliding in under challenge to knock the ball wide of the keeper low into the bottom corner. A brief conversation between referee Charlotte Hindmarch and the linesman however the goal stands 0-1.

Kamile Omeleviciute opening the scoring for Thetford Town Ladies

  Thetford pressing the ball at the back limiting the opportunities for St Ives to get their own attacking players involved in the game. Seymour-Shove working hard to break thing’s up put herself about looking to win the ball preventing Omeleviciute getting forwards with Hoy and Sillitoe breaking in front of her. Not long before Thetford win the ball back however Katie Fray into Sillitoe out to Hoy wide left players tracking back to defend the box, Jasmine Cowie on hand to head the cross clear for St Ives.

St Ives Town Ladies, Jasmine Cowie

   Moore on the right sending the ball on for Morrie on the wing powers forwards with the ball at her feet the shot on the angle put straight into the keepers gloves. St Ives mount an attack sending players on as Cowie lifts the ball long for Evans running on down the right checks back level with the top of the area laying the ball back for Edwards 25 yards out she in turn lifts the ball high into the middle of the area, Peeling under it to head away for the visitors. 

Fran Peeling

  Fray seeing the ball into her feet central turns right of the D looking to take on Fort in the centre of defence the centre back getting her boot in to take the ball away, Thetford getting numbers on however to pressure the ball win a corner on the right. Swung in St Ives defend solidly at the near post. Look to get on the attack Stancombe getting hold of the ball taking it forwards through the middle pace has support from Dunne on her left laying the ball into her strikes it hard from 25 yards out rising the keeper beaten as the ball smashes down off the bar collected by Stancombe outside the box central lines up the strike this time Browne sees it all the way takes it well moving to her left.

Katie Stancombe

  GOAL! No sooner have St Ives struck the woodwork one end Thetford attack up the other and double their lead. The ball played on from the middle to find Omeleviciute on the move right of the D 25 yards out sends the ball into Sillitoe moving across the top of the area dragging the defence to the left before checking back to play the shot low back across the keeper into the opposite corner to score her first Thetford goal 0-2.

Jordanne Sillitoe opening her Thetford account

  Thetford 2 goals to the good inside the opening 20 minutes continue to press inside the St Ives half the ball wide for Hoy taking it on down the left winning her side a corner kick. Sillitoe down for Thetford with a knock as players take on fluids he visitor’s with a double change bringing both Sillitoe and Morris off on come Laura Martins and Hannah Claughton. The corner ball cut out by Dunne inside the box, Seymour-Shove carries it out quickly into the Thetford half her crossfield ball looking for Stancombe cut out well by Moore at the back for Thetford. 

 Fray with a mishit shot from 30 yards out central turns into a great pass for Hoy racing on down the left her cross whipped into the six yard from deep just a little too high for Claughton at the far post, Fray getting hold of it beyond her can only turn the ball into the keeper. Natalie Munden on at the back for St Ives replacing Smith. Evans into block a vicious strike from outside the box as Thetford attack on the right.

St Ives Koren Evans

  Claughton up front getting after the ball eager to run at the defence turning inside from the right, Conyard and Fort between them make her think twice before taking the strike the ball lost. Klimcke out to close down Evans as the St Ives defender looks to run into space on the right. Evans coming off soon after replaced by Enya Griffiths. Stancombe with the ball for St Ives out left charging on squares it inside for Dunne, Omeleviciute tackling well 25 yards out to prevent a shooting opportunity. Seymour-Shove with Sutherland in the middle working the ball all almost through the Thetford defence for Edwards but for Peeling getting a vital touch as she stretches for the ball to take it away from the attacker.

  Cowie off for St Ives, with Elle Jefferson into the action. The hosts getting the ball into Stancombe looking to produce some magic jinking inside the ball rolled into the D, Klimcke stretching to intercept is closed down by Dunne getting inside her to shoot drills a low ball to the left Browne diving low making a fantastic save to claim the ball. St Ives finding a little momentum winning the ball in the middle Seymour-Shove battling for everything on for Edwards has Dunne ahead of her who plays it out for Griffiths wide to the right her cross swept across the goal face hooked behind by Moore to concede the corner kick. Taken short the ball whipped in near post cleared by Omeleviciute. 

St Ives captain, Hannah Seymour-Shove

  Thetford strong in the final third getting after the ball Claughton in to close down the St Ives defence moves across the D to the left before shooting clipped narrowly wide of the top left corner. Hoy latching onto a clearance 30 yards out left side sending the ball back into the area knocked on pass the far post the shot turned back in low caught by Aftelak on the ground. Thetford push forwards Hoy left inside for Fray then Claughton out for Morris wide the shot struck on the angle claimed by Aftelak.

  Morris out on the left firing in a shot on the angle to rattle the bottom of the post. Omelevicuite does well flicking on Browne’s goal kick to send Claughton racing through into the area Seymour-Shove with a burst of pace getting back at her lunging in to tackle winning the ball well. Thetford winning a free-kick inside the St Ives half on the right late in the first half the ball swung into the box by Peeling met by Fray near side on the half volley turned goalwards, Aftelak though right behind it to claim.

Hannah Claughton looking to drive at St Ives Jess Conyard

  Omeleviciute pulling free to the left of the D receiving the ball of Fray to strike a swerving shot into the side netting. Thetford ending the half strong Howard forwards into Fray looks to drive at the defence, sees her shot blocked. 

 GOAL! The ball won back in the middle by Thetford, Howard finding Omeleviciute outside the area left of the D, not closed down sends her shot low across the keeper to nestle into the bottom corner 0-3. 

A 1st half brace for Thetford’s Kamile Omeleviciute

Half-time St Ives Town Women 0-3 Thetford Town Ladies

  A goal at the end of the first half sealing a dominant display from Thetford starting well taking an early lead pressing the ball high St Ives limited in their reply nevertheless creating a couple of chances striking the woodwork before immediately conceding a 2nd goal midway through the first half. Thetford remained on the front foot getting after the ball creating a few chances of their own, St Ives still looking a threat when they were able to take the ball on hit with a 3rd goal before the break. Thetford with a comfortable lead to defend going into the 2nd half, St Ives with things to work on if they wish to get back into the game in the 2nd period.

  A double switch for Thetford at the start of the 2nd half Martins and Sillitoe back on for Morris and Hoy. St Ives to get the 2nd half underway played into Sutherland back for Munden Thetford quick to press the ball played back to the keeper forced into a rushed clearance.

  GOAL! The ball dropping to Omeleviciute 30 yards out floated out to the left flank with Claughton on the attack the ball fizzed into the box near side 12 yards out met by Sillitoe her strike blocked by Fort lunging across her coming to Omeleviciute having burst into the area to lift the loose ball back up over the keeper to score an opening day hat-trick 0-4.

A hat-trick for Kamile Omeleviciute on her ERWFL debut

  A huge blow for St Ives conceding a 4th goal straight at the start of the 2nd half. Give away a free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out to the left of the area, Sillitoe over the ball goes for it sending her strike over the bar. St Ives with a change bringing Evans back on replacing Munden at the back. Martins looking to get on with the ball take it on left side is tackled by Seymour-Shove giving away the free-kick. Peeling over the delivery wide right a teasing ball put into the corridor in front of goal defended by Fort headed out.

Jess Conyard

  Thetford pushing on well with Martins running on to the by-line wide right before sending a cross in low nearside Fray close in on goal turning the ball on across somehow kept out by the St Ives defence comes back to the right post Omeleviciute attempting an audacious overhead kick doesn’t get a strong enough touch the ball caught by Aftelak. 

Katie Fray

  For all of Thetford’s dominating play getting after the ball St Ives remain a threat going forwards themselves looking to expose gaps through the back line the ball put on by Sutherland for Jefferson taking it on right channel holding her marker off well before rifling a shot wide of the near post. Bambury finding Martins going right the ball hit on the diagonal finding the run of Omeleviciute top of the area turns her shot over. 

 Seymour-Shove getting in to tackle Martins turning to play the pass on for Dunne, Moore stepping in to challenge at the back for Thetford. St Ives bringing Cowie back on replacing Sutherland in the middle. Omeleviciute brings down Jefferson bringing St Ives a free-kick central 35 yards out players go up as Seymour-Shove plays it high into the box, Browne keeping her eye on the ball making a clean catch. 

 Fray finding space for Thetford clipping a diagonal pass out for Claughton advancing on the left her cross squared into the area cut out by Fort. Out for a throw left side lifted into Fray inside the area looks to turn on the ball quickly closed down by Stancombe. Thetford quick to regain possession through Howard the ball to Martins right her cross cleared by Griffiths for a corner on the left. Played in low dipping near side met by Claughton looks to flick the ball on towards goal Aftelak with a sharp save at her near post. 

Sarah Aftelak saving off Hannah Claughton’s flick on

 Thetford with a double change with Fray and Klimcke coming off, Erin Lloyd and Amber May sent on with Lloyd going to the right of defence Moore coming left. Conyard off for St Ives, Munden back on. Fort doing well at the back coming in to close down Claughton as she drives into the box with the ball at her fee from the left. The visitors press on the left winning a throw high into May plays it on for Sillitoe breaking on into the box, Fort sticking out a foot snatching the ball off her, out to the left of goal Omelevicuite flashing a shot wide across the face of goal. 

  Griffiths with some pace on the ball out on the right played on by Cowie drives a shot in on the angle held by Browne. Sillitoe from the left taking the ball on into the box shifting left then right before powering a shot wide off the base of the post. Claughton off for Thetford with Hoy back on. St Ives replacing Edwards with Conyard. Munden finding Jefferson up top with a well placed pass, linking up with Griffiths to her right look to play the one two, Moore getting her foot in to regain possession for Thetford.

  GOAL! Players tiring on both sides Thetford win the ball back on halfway with Bambury opens up her body to send the pass on for Martins breaking forwards on the right whips her cross into the six yard box players running in he ball over May central drops for Sillitoe behind to smash the ball past the keeper to make it 0-5.

A opening day brace for Thetford’s Jordanne Sillitoe

 A 5th goal coming with a little under 20 minutes left St Ives finding it difficult to get any meaningful possession inside their opponents half Seymour-Shove continue to fight for everything the ball on for Jefferson out to Griffiths on the right flank taking it on down the line her shot on the angle driven behind. Sillitoe left puts the ball forwards for Hoy on the touchline, Evans getting across her to defend for St Ives conceding the corner. The ball floated in central headed out to the left side with Stancombe looking to break getting in behind wide, Peeling comes rushing across to clear the ball away for a throw.

St Ives Enya Griffiths

  Off the throw Evans puts the ball in across the top of the Thetford area for Jefferson who helps it on for Stancombe to her right the number 17 rifling a shot in Browne throwing herself at it past her comes crashing down off the crossbar for a 2nd time, Browne grounded in a favourable position to take the rebound before Jefferson can meet the follow up.

  Up the other end Aftelak makes a strong blocking save as she comes out to the top of her area to close Sillitoe down as she bursts in behind the hosts defence on the left. May bringing down a diagonal ball into the box shifts inside to shoot, is tackled by Seymour-Shove diving in the ball deflected out to the right post May with a 2nd bite getting her foot under the ball forcing Aftelak into another brilliant save pushing the ball over her goal. 

  GOAL! Thetford though go on to score from the resulting corner the ball curled into the box knocked down by Lloyd off her chest into the path of Omeleviciute central to lift past the keeper and into the back of the net for her 4th goal of the match 0-6.

Erin Lloyd knocking the ball down from the corner for Omeleviciute to score her 4th of the match

 Omeleviciute coming off after her 4th goal to be replaced by Hannah Rogers. Thetford on top pressing the advantage with Martins going on with the ball right side into the box for May who goes out to the by-line right held up before cutting it back into Martins central, slipping as she goes to pull the trigger her shot running harmlessly wide of the far post. 

St Ives still looking to attack catch Thetford sleeping at the back Griffiths taking the ball on right side putting it into the box for Dunne, her effort blocked by Moore. Stancombe charging on with the ball looking for Jefferson through the middle with 9 breaking into the box the final ball just won’t fall as Peeling scrambles it away. Stancombe off late on with Edwards back into the action as the host look for a late flurry, Lloyd lunging into tackle Dunne left of the D as Seymour-Shove rolls the pass into her.

Thetford’s Dayna Howard

 

  May pulling right knocking a diagonal pass down inside for Martins to run onto right channel 25 yards out hit well Aftelak diving to her left but the shot races wide of the post. Aftelak then producing a low save to her right as Sillitoe turns inside to shoot off a throw on on the left, Conyard in to close Sillitoe down then as she goes after the loose ball. One last corner won by St Ives on the right Thetford back to defend as the ball is played short before Griffiths fires the cross wide along the face of goal.

Full time St Ives Town Women 0-6 Thetford Town Ladies

  A great start to life in the ERWFL for Thetford Town Ladies as they begin life in the 6th tier with a dominant victory away from home. Set the tone early getting after the ball high up the pitch putting the home defence on the back foot scoring and early goal. St Ives coming close to equalising denied by the woodwork before being hit with a sucker punch up the other end to concede a 2nd straight away midway through the half. Thetford getting on well with good runs from midfield to add a 3rd goal t the end of the 1st half. The last thing St Ives wanted was to concede another goal early in the 2nd half unfortunately they did as Thetford began strong getting after the ball. A mountain to climb Thetford proved relentless in attack although signs were there they might be exposed at the back St Ives didn’t do it enough to exert any real pressure going on to concede a 5th the 6th goal. A tough opening day for the hosts will need to regroup and go again for Thetford it will be more of a case of keeping everyone’s feet on the ground, nevertheless a fantastic result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season, most of the time it’s not an easy decision although today is an exception. A few performances to mention first though. For St Ives no doubt Hannah Seymour-Shove their captain ran herself into the ground getting after the ball making tackles and spurring her teammates on. Katie Stancombe looking the most likely to make something happen driving on with the ball at her feet. For Thetford the defence was kept relatively free of pressure by the forwards getting after the ball high up the pitch, Jordanne Sillitoe strong getting in to win the ball moving into some good positions scoring a brace. Hannah Claughton and Maryanne Hoy enjoying good spells out on the flanks getting into some great positions. Dayna Howard winning the ball well in the middle of the park the award though goes to Kamile Omeleviciute a fantastic game in her ERWFL debut (someone said to me recently she’s going to get noticed further afield now and she’s certainly done that) make some fantastic runs to support the attack adding pressure to the hosts back line taking her goals well. 

  Great to be back, did feel a little under prepared going into the new season but having written 531 reports hoped it would all come back to me and it has ( at least I think so) plenty of goals scored in the ERWFL this weekend promises to be an exciting season be intriguing to see how it all pans out. My thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the teams today and best of luck for the rest of the season. Up and running.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Mulbarton Belles Ladies

Wednesday 1st March

Norfolk Women’s Division One

 Midweek football action from Norfolk Women’s Division One, a short trip for myself down to Mundford Road to watch a clash between 3rd vs 4th, Thetford Town Ladies taking on Mulbarton Belles Ladies.

  Division One being lead by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Ladies out in front from the start one of the favourites for the title along side defending champions, Mulbarton Belles Ladies who have games in hand. With a strong battle for a top 4 finish below with Thetford Town Ladies very much in the mix.

Thetford Town Ladies under the stewardship of manger Dave Skipp have grown to become an established and competitive side at the top end of Norfolk Women’s Division One over recent season’s enjoying great support from Thetford Town FC. Skipp now standing down from the role moving on along with former assistant Stuart Terry. Luke Pickford is now in charge of the side, inheriting a strong talented group with Amber Browne becoming assistant coach.

 Looking to progress to the next level have made 2 strong additions to their attack in Laura Martins and Kamile Omelevlclute who have scored 22 goals between them so far this season including the goals that saw Thetford make it to their 1st ever final in the League Cup on Sunday. Trailing 1-0 to UEA FC Women 3 goals in an 8 minute burst saw Thetford turn it around with Martins heading home and Omelevlclute netting a brace. Currently 3rd in the Division One it’s now about nurturing a belief within the squad that they can regularly compete at the top end of the table. One major injury blow have lost experienced centre back Rachel Lynch to an ACL injury .

Mulbarton Belles Ladies were born out of turmoil, basically Thorpe United’s 1st team after their split from the club, going with manager Martin Francis to Mulbarton Wanderers, who have embraced having a women’s side. A already strong and united squad becoming Division One champions last season have grown in terms of playing talent to form a new Development team going strong in their debut season in Division Two. Plus a side in the ever popular Norfolk Women’s 7s league leading Division One along with making it to the final of the League Cup.

Rebekah Lake is one of the best strikers in the county a nightmare for defenders and prolific in front of goal captaining the side has 11 goals listed so far this season. Has a new strike partner with Mulbarton another side to recruit following the withdrawal of Wymondham Town Ladies from the FAWNL. Francesca Catchpole with the potential to become one of the leading strikers in the county herself putting away 12 goals in 6 appearances since joining the club. With plenty of games left to add to their tally’s 2 thirds of the season gone, Mulbarton have played just a third of their games 6 so far with a 100% record and with games in hand they can catch Dussindale & Hellesdon who they have to play twice yet. So from a game a month due to cups competitions and call offs it’s now full on action from now till the end of the season while reaching the semi-final of both the League Plate and County Cup (where they beat Thetford 4-0 in the quarter finals) a large squad is going to come in handy.

Mundford Road the venue for this evenings game, the grass pitch a good size offering plenty of width. The clubhouse open serving hot and cold drinks beside the main seated stand with the changing rooms beneath. Entering March the weather still unseasonably pleasant dry with no rain around, still if a slight chill in the air. Bit of a last minute call for this evenings game with the car needing so TLC at the garage to get me back on the road, it’s done a few miles covering women’s football.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Millie Askins, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Erin Lloyd, Mia Bambury, Georgia Parker, Dayna Howard, Courtney Musgrove, Melissa Boulton (C) Laura Martins, Chelsea Paige & Rebecca White. Subs – Shannon Richardson, Hannah Rogers, Abbie Corbyn & Kerby Colgan.

 Mulbarton Belles Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Megan Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Olivia Smith, Melissa Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Alice Smith, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy, Francesca Catchpole & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Aneliese Smith, Emma Farmer, Alice Ladbrooke, Charlotte Groves & Molly Ryan.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Thetford without Kamile Omelevlclute who picked up a knock at the weekend, naming 4 on the bench. This the first of a run of 6 away matches for Mulbarton have a squad of 16 for this evenings match with plenty of experience on the bench. Thetford to get the first half underway wearing an all claret kit with sky blue across the shoulders of the shirts. Mulbarton opposite lined up wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Dayna Howard in midfield lifted out to the right for Laura martins to attack, Olivia Smith dealing with the threat for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw.

Mulbarton quickly on the front foot surging forwards on the left Francesca Catchpole putting the ball on for Sophie Jermy with support from captain Rebekah Lake the shot fired in on the angle to the near post palmed away by Thetford goalkeeper, Millie Askins. Pushing Thetford back into their own half the hosts attempting to get the ball forwards to captain Melissa Boulton on the left, Melissa Belsey clearing for Mulbarton the ball lifted forwards into the right channel taken on by Ellie Hunter checking back inside to strike the ball from outside the box, Askins with a firm call to claim covering her near post.

A pause in player with Thetford having a player down, attacker, Rebecca White struggling with an injury can’t play on Thetford forced into an early change with Shannon Richardson coming on. Askins quickly out to the edge of the box to get hold of the ball before Lake can run onto a forward pass from Hunter into the right channel. Mulbarton with a throw high on the left the cross whipped into the area headed clear by Erin Lloyd.

GOAL! Mulbarton making a strong start to the game competing for the ball high up the pitch Jermy attempting to slip the through ball in central for Lake at the top of the area, Askins out to get to it first sending the ball clear, as the defence look to clear there lines Melissa Belsey with it for Mulbarton on for Jermy has Lake pulling off the centre back into the D rolls it forwards Lake running onto the ball closing in on goal to the right shoots sending it low across the keeper into the bottom corner 0-1.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Thetford pressed back in defence struggling to get the ball forwards, Martins with a great pass out from the centre to Boulton left side as the host look for a rapid counter, lifts the diagonal pass on attempting to ick out Chelsea Page running through the middle, too much on it goalkeeper Cara Anderson can clear for Mulbarton. Thetford with a couple of positive attacks getting the ball on quickly with Martins on the right stretching Mulbarton her pass inside finding Boulton central coming into the box, Anderson rushing out to close her done, Boulton snatching her effort sending it wide of the right post.

GOAL! No sooner have Thetford shown a couple of bright openings they are hit at the back conceding a 2nd goal, Mulbarton winning the ball on halfway fed out to the left, Catchpole delivering a threatening cross into the six yard box, Lake closing in on the keeper getting her foot up to knock the bouncing ball wide of Askins to score 0-2.

The visitors 2 goals to the good inside the opening 12 minutes. Mulbarton soon regain possession from the restart Jermy onto Catchpole left played through for Lake, Sausha Levy-Twomey defending for Thetford getting a foot up to take the ball away from the attacker conceding a corner kick. The corner delivered in towards the near post, Howard with a firm header clearing for Thetford. The hosts on the back foot pressed on the ball can’t get out of their half Mulbarton up closing the ball down forcing errors.

Levy-Twomey in again on Lake to cut out the pass as Lucy Lincoln sends the ball forwards through the middle from halfway. Another injury concern for Thetford with their keeper down inside the box. Another lengthy pause while Askins is assessed up gingerly is okay to continue for now.

GOAL! Lake getting in the clear inside the box to complete a quick fire 1st half hat-trick, getting onto the end of a fantastic diagonal ball from Melissa Besley bursting clear of the defence moving left of goal sending her shot back across the keeper to score her 3rd 0-3.

Three goals for Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

20 minutes played Mulbarton with a strong grip on the game, Howard back to help the defence heading the ball away from inside the box. Mulbarton’s defence untroubled pushed up to the halfway line condensing play Alice Smith out to Olivia Smith forwards for Lake coming across the the left corner of the area her crossed lifted into the six yard box, headed clear by Howard a corner conceded on the right. Melissa Besley with a dangerous ball flashed in across the face of the Thetford goal, midfielder Laura Hedtke free at the far post can’t quite get to it.

Mulbarton relentless coming at Thetford, Jermy into Catchpole left her ball low into the box cut out by Parker. Does go far before Mulbarton have possession back out left the cross fed into the top of the area, Levy-Twoney clearing for Thetford. No pressure on the Mulbarton defence, Alice Smith picking out Catchpole on the left outside the box lines up a strike the ball put over the crossbar. Hunter on for Lake running on right corner getting a throw. Courtney Musgrove with a great tackle on Lake in the box as she plays a one two with Catchpole coming on through the left channel the ball cleared out for a corner.

  No let up from Mulbarton pressing up against Thetford compacting their midfield and defence any clearances being tidied up b the defence. Melissa Belsey finding her range with her passes lifting the ball on for Lake to attack right inside the box, Parker across to nip in an clear for a throw ahead of her for Thetford. Parker again in to clear for Thetford at the right post as Hedtke hooks a looping ball in towards goal from inside the D. 

Mulbarton’s Melissa Belsey

 Little for Thetford to ease the pressure Musgrove clearing at the back the hosts make good progress down the right Page running with the ball, pace playing it inside for Martins making a central run 20 yards out her first time strike a warning for Mulbarton as it whips narrowly over the crossbar. 

  A corner for Mulbarton on the right a congested six yard box as the ball comes flying in at the near post, players collide the ball attacked as Askins goes to claim it, the keeper going down, play stopped for the injured players to be treated. A long delay not looking good for Thetford’s goalkeeper unfortunately can’t continue, defender Erin Lloyd to don the gloves with Abbie Corbyn coming on.

Mulbarton preparing a triple change bring off Melissa Belsey, Hunter and Jermy with Emma Farmer, Molly Ryan and Charlotte Groves coming on. Groves a very talented midfielder often starring for the old Thorpe United side now re-joining her ex-teammates at Mulbarton scoring 9 goals in 9 games for the Development side in her return to the game. Lloyd soon involved in the action taking the ball down cleanly from a 25 yard strike. 

  Richardson and Page combine on the right attacking for Thetford, Alice Smith getting across to break up play for Mulbarton. Farmer at right back for Mulbarton on the move with the ball passing inside to Alice Smith, gives her the return pass sending it on to try and find Lake up top, Parker intercepting for Thetford. Mulbarton have another corner on the right in at the near post defended headed back out towards the taker, the 2nd attempt flashed across the face of goal, a Thetford head clearing it at the far post.

Mulbarton’s Francesca Catchpole with Thetford’s Sausha Levy-Twomey

  Farmer linking up with Ryan in attack for Mulbarton, Musgrove with the tackle for Thetford, lifted forwards Corbyn looking to get on his quickly closed down Mulbarton pour forward win a corner on their right. Howard winning the ball at the near post for Thetford. Catchpole getting back at Martins on the flank to win the ball back for the visitors turning to attack left 30 out sends a diagonal pass in across goal, Ryan breaking into the six yard box the ball bouncing up before her, Lloyd making herself big attempting to block the shot lifted over the bar. Ryan nipping in to win the ball off the Thetford defence moves right whipping a cross into the near post, Lake running in can’t quite get on the end of it.

GOAL! Lake with the ball central with Ryan exchange passes before playing it forwards to Catchpole breaking on into the box left corner, hits it hard smashing a low drive across the keeper and into the bottom corner to further extend Mulbarton’s lead. 0-4.

  Thetford feeding on scraps can’t get out from the back, Howard looking to liven thing’s up get into Mulbarton’s midfielders, has been pressed back into helping the defence now looks to get the ball into Page in attack, Farmer cutting the ball out looks to try and find Lake cutting inside from the right the ball hurriedly cleared for a corner. Flung into the six yard box, Parker winning the header to clear for Thetford. 

  Boulton looking to get clear for Thetford on the right taking the ball on checks back inside feeding a ball into Richardson 25 yards out her shot is charged down. 

 GOAL! Right on the stroke of half-time Thetford have a set-piece on the right the ball from Boulton played into Corbyn top of the D, Lincoln lunging in to clear for Mulbarton the counter attack on moving the ball forwards played on for Catchpole racing away left side on the angle strikes it in low towards the near post the ball hitting the woodwork and spinning on in across the goal 0-5.

Mulbarton’s Alice Smith (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-5 Mulbarton Belles Ladies

  A strong and relentless display from Mulbarton to lead 5-0 at the break. Lake getting a hat-trick inside the opening 20 minutes, have had Thetford pressed back inside their box unable to break out. Mulbarton’s defence high under no pressure able to mop up any clearances keep the pressure on. Thetford back to earth with a bump after their cup heroics on Sunday losing striker White and goalkeeper Askins to injury too, much to discuss at the half-time interval with both teams staying out on the pitch.

 Alice Ladbrooke on for Hedtke for Mulbarton at the start of the 2nd half the visitors to get the game restarted. Played back to Farmer in defence, Thetford look to get after the ball Page pressing but the ball comes back off her behind for a goal kick. Mulbarton coming on right side Lake deeper with Ryan ahead of her, Boulton tracking back for Thetford to win the ball back. 

Thetford’s Courtney Musgrove (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Parker hooking the ball clear for Thetford top of their area as Ryan lifts the ball in from the right. Certainly a more open start to the 2nd half, Mulbarton not pressed up on Thetford’s defence can afford to sit back with a 5 goal lead, the visitors with a corner on the right taken short up the line the cross from deep cleared by Thetford’s Bambury at the near post. Alice Smith with Groves the ball threaded on for Lake, Musgrove getting a leg out to intercept. 

Thetford captain, Melissa Boulton

  Thetford have Martins on the ball right side up the pitch her cross played into the six yard box, Lincoln nodding it down and away for Mulbarton, Page nipping in to press the ball knocked wide of the right post. Mulbarton break forwards the ball coming to Lake from the left into the box onto her right foot driven in low, Lloyd with a tremendous save with her lefts the ball rebounding out to Martins and Catchpole wrestle for possession the Mulbarton striker getting the batter of her opponent to turn and strike the ball from 25 yards out a curling effort goes over.

  Play congested through the middle Mulbarton coming on Ladbrooke almost stealing through on the keeper, Musgrove into block top to the box. Lloyd called into action again as Lake cuts into the box from the right side getting onto the end of an Alice Smith pass to angle a shot in with pace to the near post a comfortable height, Lloyd palming it down.

  Ladbrooke breaking the ball on from midfield for Mulbarton moving left on for Catchpole to take on down into the corner her inviting cross over everyone attacking through the middle. Corbyn opening up her body to try and thread a pass through for Boulton bursting on right side, Farmer defends for Mulbarton. Lloyd saving well at her near post as a rising shot from Groves comes at her quickly gloved away to her left. 

  GOAL! With the game more open 2nd half Thetford have been able to get on with the ball, Martins looking to take it on drive for the area is bundled over winning free-kick to the right of the D. Over the set-piece herself shows great technic to clip the ball up over the wall and comes looping down to smash off the crossbar and bounce down and out of the goal and despite Mulbarton’s protests the goal is awarded Thetford with a goal back midway through the 2nd half 1-5.

Laura Martins with a superb free-kick for Thetford (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 

 

  Mulbarton ringing the changes with another triple change with Alice Smith, Lake and Megan Belsey coming off Jermy, Hunter and Melissa Belsey on, still potent threat going forwards Groves out to Lake on the right, Parker closing in to defend for Thetford. Both Parker and Musgrove with tackles to halt Mulbarton attacks as they push on right side with Catchpole over on that side now. Thetford make a change, Page coming off in attack, Hannah Rogers coming on. 

  Lloyd continues to thwart Mulbarton in the Thetford goal showing good positioning as Catchpole gets on the charge right side before checking inside to send a strike in on the angle, the stand in keeper, right behind it beating it down to claim. Mulbarton with fresh legs on the pitch pressing on right side Jermy whipping a cross into the box near side Bambury stretching has to get it with Catchpole ready to pounce on her shoulder, the ball turned behind for a corner.

  GOAL! The ball send in towards the near side is met by Ladbrooke 10 yards out a powerfully struck header as she twists into the ball to rifle it home to score her 1st goal of the season (for the 1st team. Has 2 for the Development side and the mere 20 for the 7s) Mulbarton leading 1-6 with 12 minutes left to play.

Alice Ladbrooke with the bullet header to score for Mulbarton (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Corbyn with a good tackle on Hunter top of the D as the Mulbarton winger looks to get into a striking position moving left to right. Martins heading the ball clear from the top of her area as Mulbarton push on up the right. Jermy with the ball twisting infield plays in Hunter who sets up Groves to hit, shoots wide, Lloyd with a faint touch corner given. 

  GOAL! Mulbarton have the near post over loaded as the ball is played short up the line the cross lifted into the mix knocked on across the six yard box falling to Catchpole completely unmarked getting the ball under control and picking her spot low past the keeper to score her hat-trick 1-7.

Francesca Catchpole completing her hat-trick for Mulbarton

  Two goals late in the game see Mulbarton finishing strong making a double switch more legs rested with Lincoln and Catchpole coming off, Hedtke and Olivia Smith back on. Corbyn bringing the ball on plays the pass out to Boulton right side, Farmer tackling for Mulbarton. Howard up to press taking the ball on played across the top of the are, cut out by Melissa Belsey. 

  Martins up with Howard on Thetford’s right the ball played up to Richardson in attack wins a corner. Whipped in near side Martins with the diving header at the near post put across goal but Mulbarton clear their lines look to counter Hunter left tackled by Levy-Twomey. Martins down picking up a knock as she is accidentally caught by Groves follow through as she goes to clear the ball. The clock rapidly ticking down the resulting drop ball kicked upfield the final whistle blows. The result seeing Mulbarton climb above Thetford into 3rd close the gap to leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon to 6 points with 3 games in hand.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 1-7 Mulbarton Belles Ladies

  Thought before the season started it was a straight battle for the title between Mulbarton and Dussindale & Hellesdon and having seen both now that is most definitely the case. Two big games against one another to come but neither can afford any slip ups in between. Mulbarton too hot to handle on the night making a fast start Lake running at the defence played in for 3 goals. The visitor strong keeping Thetford in the back foot throughout the 1st 45 going on to add 2 more goals to lead 5-0. Thetford struggled to get going losing players to injury not helping battled hard. The game opening up more in the 2nd half and Thetford built a few opportunities going on to get a goal before Mulbarton rang the changes to score 2 more late goals to seal a convincing win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Sunday’s easy, this one not so much. Thetford despite being on the back foot fought well under pressure at the back no doubt, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Georgia Parker and Courtney Musgrove all making vital tackles in interceptions. Dayna Howard too needing to put a shift in to help her defenders. Erin Lloyd as stand in goalkeeper, with some decent saves to keep the score down. For Mulbarton it was a solid team performance right across the park. The midfield supporting the attackers well pressing high. Melissa Belsey at the back with several useful balls forwards setting up a goal. Two hat-trick scorers it comes down to them, Francesca Catchpole strong in attack with some composed finishes. It was the 3 goal blast at the start of the game that set Mulbarton on the road to victory saw them take control of the game, therefore the award goes to Rebekah Lake her running off the defence opening gaps and providing a ready outlet for those in possession to pick out a pass.

  Has been a while but good to see both sides in action under the lights. A busy week hence the later write up but we go there in the end. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details know most of the players but always like to check those numbers. Thanks to to Scott Grearhardy whose pictures I have used in this report taken at the recent county cup tie between the two sides. Sending my best wishes to Thetford’s injured players for a speedy recovery.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Thetford Town Ladies

Wednesday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League One

 The 2021/22 season is reaching it’s climax, just a handful of fixtures left to complete just 3 more left for Women’s Football East to cover, beginning this evening with my final league fixture of the season, from Norfolk Women’s Division One with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Ladies fresh from winning the League Plate on Sunday playing they’re penultimate game of the season at home to Thetford Town Ladies playing their last competitive fixture of the campaign.

A cup final win for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women on Sunday against Caister FC Ladies in the NWGFL Plate their first trophy under there new name after moving from Sprowston to become Dussindale & Hellesdon a couple of seasons ago, are currently 3rd in the Division One table 4 points behind 2nd placed and League Cup winners, Fakenham Town Ladies with 2 games to play. Fakenham played out their fixture can only watch now Dussindale & Hellesdon with a superior goal difference needed 4 points from their remaining two fixtures to ensure them of a runners-up finish, lose and it’s all over Fakenham can’t be caught. A hat-trick for Shanice Sutton in Sunday’s Plate Final seeing her become leading goal scorer for Dussindale & Hellesdon with 38 goals one ahead of Victoria Leyer.

 Thetford Town Ladies travel over to The Nest this evening knowing they are going to finish 4th in the Division One table. They’re highest ever finish to a season as the club looks to become an established force in the league with the ambition to push on further next season. Have achieved this having had terrible luck with injuries, there squad struggling for numbers at times particularly to their defenders. Have bolstered the squad with some useful signings to help their challenge for a top 4 finish such as Hannah Claughton from Norwich and Becky Russell dual signed from Wroxham. Becky White, Thetford’s leading goal scorer with 17 for the season so far.

  The Nest the venue for this evenings game the state of the art facility on the outskirts of Norwich home to not only Norwich City Women but also Dussindale & Hellesdon, who normally use the grass pitch leading into the complex but with that undergoing maintenance the main 3G pitch is hosting their Division One clash with Thetford a game under the lights the cafe open serving a range of cakes and snacks, along with hot food and drinks. Like most 3G facilities the 3G pitch well used a large number of youth goalkeepers being put through their paces whilst two sides warm up behind. Another warm and sunny day leading into a pleasant evening beginning to cool but no sign of any rain.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Amee Kennett, Siesha Humphries, Calista Tink (C), Maddy Goodenough, Abi Nobbs, Lucy Wetherall, Georgina Belton, Abby Hutchin, Chelsea Brister & Shanice Sutton. Subs – Ruby Wilson, Kari Kowalczyk, Charlie Head & Tallulah Bell.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Lydia Ward, Zoe Klimcke, Ellie-Mae Davies, Erin Lloyd, Rachel Lynch, Dayna Howard (C), Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Abbie Corbyn, Charlotte Howard & Becky White. Sub – Courtney Musgrove.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Dussindale & Hellesdon with just the one change to the squad that started Sunday’s Plate final, Tallulah Bell named on the bench. Thetford travelling with just the one substitute available with a number of players carrying knocks. Dayna Howard named as captain in the place of the absent Melissa Boulton. It’s the visitors to kick-off the first half, Thetford wearing blue shirts with a white band across the front and sleeves, navy coloured shorts and socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon in their claret strip. The ball played out to the left Hannah Claughton getting forwards, Dussindale & Hellesdon close straight away the ball out for a throw in.

  The ball contested on the far side of the pitch both sides battling for possession out for a series of throws, Thetford play it forwards a strike from distance running wide of the near post. Howard with Becky Russell in the middle for Thetford the ball won play spread out to Abbie Corbyn wide right bringing it down turns infield looking to drive towards the area, is brought down, Thetford awarded the free-kick. Becky White over the set-piece the striker sends an angled ball up towards goal, Tyla Cole calling for it in the Dussindale & Hellesdon call making a straight forward catch unchallenged.

Becky White with the goal attempt for Thetford (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

   Cole with another solid claim for Dussindale & Hellesdon setting up a swift counter attack the ball fed on up the right for Abby Hutchin to bomb on into the corner winning her side a throw deep in the corner. Ellie-May Davies defending for Thetford on the left seeing the visitors regain possession. A crossfield pass finding Corbyn on the right she once again takes the ball inside looking to drive for the box, Siesha Humphries challenging at the back to win the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

  Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink carrying the ball out from the back sends the ball on into the right channel with midfielder Georgina Belton pushing on, with the ball at her feet powers forwards, Erin Lloyd tackling her for Thetford halting her progress. Humphries getting up on the left to support Chelsea Brister on the wing the pair looking to get the ball into the Thetford area held up by Zoe Klimcke, as Corbyn tracking back lunges in with the tackle to put the ball away for a throw in. Put into Abbi Nobbs outside the box central passes the ball out to the right side, the cross sent in near side attacker, Shanice Sutton heading the ball over the bar.

Thetford Town Ladies, Hannah Claughton (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

   Both Belton and Lucy Wetherall looking to get on from midfield for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Won at the back Tink plays the ball up through the middle for Nobbs central has Hutchin to her right squaring the ball to her, shifts forwards, up against Davies, the Thetford full back with a strong tackle to thwart her. Brister taking the ball on left side for Dussindale & Hellesdon with an early diagonal pass into Sutton inside the D, Rachel Lynch closing her down winning the ball back for Thetford. Hutchin looking to get forwards on the right as she did in the Plate final, Davies playing the ball out for a throw. 

Thetford Town defender, Zoe Klimcke (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 Thetford’s Howard with the pass for White pulling left, has Russell making a run inside to get beyond her, the pass cut out by the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence. Regained in the middle Thetford send the ball on through the middle White’s touch deflecting the ball out to Corbyn to the right, gets on with the ball heading for the area, Maddy Goodenough blocking her shot from outside the box, the counter attack on the ball lifted forwards for Sutton who beats the offside trap in behind through the centre, Thetford goalkeeper, Lydia Ward rushing out to the top of her area to close the angle saves well, blocking the shot deflecting it behind, running wide out for a corner. 

Thetford goalkeeper, Lydia Ward (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  The corner from the right played into the top of the area, Charlotte Howard clearing for Thetford. Quickly regained, Dussindale & Hellesdon are pulled up for a hand ball. Is a decent sized pitch a lot of ground to cover Thetford’s defence keeping a good shape, Lynch marshalling her defenders. Lloyd clearing the ball out of the ground as Brister looks to attack on the left. Brister getting hold of the ball taking it on moving inside closing in on the box, strikes her shot over the crossbar. A change for Thetford at the back with Lloyd coming off, Courtney Musgrove coming on.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Georgina Belton

   Midway through the 1st half Belton onto Hutchin right into the Thetford half threads the pass on to find Sutton right of the D, squares it across to Brister inside the D, her 1st time strike curled wide of the right post. A few free-kicks creeping into the game, Nobbs going right with Humphries pulled back, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Wide left Brister over it angles a cross in to the far post, goes long out for a goal kick. Belton pulling away to the right, strength on the ball winning a throw. Up the line for Hutchin to the by-line her cross in turned behind for a corner. Goodenough looking to attack the ball near side can’t turn onto her shot as Thetford scramble it clear. 

Abbie Corbyn with Lucy Wetherall (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

 Lynch getting a cross to support her full back cutting out Wetherall’s pass intended for Brister on the left. Lynch’s clearance put long for Corbyn to go after on the right, Cole coming can claim top of her area. A free-kick for Thetford inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half Lynch over it goes for goal her long range effort wide of Cole’s goal. Dussindale & Hellesdon with more of the possession looking to get forwards. the Thetford defence, Lynch in particular reading the passes intercepting the ball. Sutton narrowly offside to the right of goal.

 GOAL! The opening goal coming in the final 10 minutes of the 1st half. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a quick counter attack the ball fed through to Hutchin right side travelling for the box, Davies stretching tackling her from behind upending Hutchin inside the box Penalty! Sutton placing the ball on the spot hits it well to the keepers right, Ward going the right way can’t get near it 1-0.

Shanice Sutton scoring from the penalty spot for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  The break through at last Thetford haven’t get forwards much, Corbyn the most likely on the right is given the ball by Russell drives on but is soon outnumbered run off the ball by Dussindale & Hellesdon at the back. Dayna Howard winning the ball in the middle for Thetford on for Corbyn right comes inside looking to pick out Charlotte Howard central, cleared for a throw right side. Charlotte Howard then brought down outside the box to the right corner of the area. White on the ball looks to curl a shot in towards goal, on target, Cole though with a firm call right behind it to claim.

  White coming left for Thetford taking the ball on from Claughton playing it forwards for Russell getting in on the left angles a cross in near side Corbyn arriving, Goodenough close on her blocking to turn the ball away for a corner. Late in the 1st half players up the inswinging cross lifted in near post players attacking it goes through everyone bouncing a cross goal, Corbyn free back post not really expecting it unable to get anything on it as it runs out of play.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 1-0 Thetford Town Ladies

  A double change for Dussindale & Hellesdon at the start of the 2nd half with Tallulah Bell and Charlie Head coming on up top for Wetherall and Brister. The move seeing Sutton pull out out out to the right, Hutchin deeper into midfield left side. The hosts getting the 2nd half underway looking to get Belton on the ball push on from midfield, Dayna Howard getting back on her to tackle regain the ball for Thetford. Davies on the left for Thetford looking to get on with the ball support Claughton on the wing winning a throw in. Lynch with a strong throw on her the ball long up to the area Tink getting her head under the ball to clear for a throw. 

  Russell linking up with Lynch outside the Dussindale & Hellesdon area pushing inside is closed down by the defence. Lynch with another throw down the left White taking it on as Thetford look to attack racing on sending a vicious cross into the six yard box, Cole down to lay claim to the ball with Corbyn drifting in far side. Claughton fouled on the left side as she looks to get the ball down for Thetford. Lynch on the set-piece lining up a shot, catches it wrong dragging the ball wide.

Ellie-Mae Davies with Shanice Sutton

  Thetford with a brighter start to the 2nd half, are caught out as Nobbs plays the ball through to Bell the half-time substitute racing forwards left channel feeding the ball on into fellow substitute Head inside the box, she shot fired in Ward with an instinctive save throwing out a leg to cut out the ball deflect it away to right. A strong 50/50 challenge outside the area between Belton and Klimcke leaves the defender on the ground hurt looking in trouble. A lengthy pause following as she is treated and assessed. Lloyd back on. 

15 minutes played in the 2nd half, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a corner on the right side. A great delivery in high to the near post Tink rising for it sending her effort narrowly over the bar despite a clash of heads with Lynch getting up with her. A blow to the back of the skull. Tink needs a moment to recover.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Thetford look to get forwards on the left White across with Claughton, Kennett defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Hutchin coming left getting on playing a crossfield pass into Belton central outside the D, opening up her body as the ball runs across her turns it goalwards, Ward with the save beating the ball down to her left before claiming it. 

 GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking down the right Sutton on the ball taking it in behind fires a cross into the middle of the six yard box, both Head and Bell closing it down in front of Ward, Bell with the telling touch to smash the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to double the lead 2-0.

Tallulah Bell doubles Dussindale & Hellesdon’s lead (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Dussindale & Hellesdon break on the right as a Thetford set-piece into their area is cleared Sutton bringing the ball away pace winning a corner kick. Fired into the middle of the box the ball cleared back to the corner taker, Nobbs outside whips another ball into area across the six yard box coming to Head at the far post her headed attempt not far over the bar. 

  Is a little feisty out there, a few comings together between Davies and Sutton a foul on Sutton returns the favour with a push. The referee quick to intervene cool it down issuing Sutton with a yellow card. A free-kick on the left for Thetford, lifted on into the box White stealing through her header off cue. The lights taking full effect now not the highest any high ball struck is getting lost in the darkness, calls from both sides to try and keep in on the ground. Dussindale & Hellesdon pressing through the middle Belton making her presence felt. Head is put in the clear breaking for the box central a one on one with the keeper, a push of blood as she looks to place it wide of Ward sends her effort wide of her right post. 

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Klimcke returning to the game for Thetford for Corbyn with 15 minutes of regular time left to play. Humphries finding a burst on pace to get back on White to tackle outside the area for Dussindale & Hellesdon as the Thetford attacker is played through by Russell. A free-kick given away by Dussindale & Hellesdon outside their area right of goal. The curled effort in, Cole has been strong with her calling all game and is once again firmly behind the ball.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Charlotte Howard tackling Humphries conceding a corner kick as the defender looks to get on with Hutchin in attack. The ball played in low near side finds it’s way through to Bell central, back to goal attempts the backheel rolls wide of the far post. Bell is taken out on the right just inside the box as she looks to travel with the ball, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a 2nd penalty in the 77th minute. Sutton over it again this time looking to place it in the opposite corner gets too much on it playing it wide.

  Tink with another strong tackle on Claughton as she attacks coming on from the left. On the opposite side Nobbs plays in Bell on the left running with the ball shifts inside heading for the area lining up a strike Lynch closing her down with the blocking tackle. Brister and Wetherall returning to the field for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Kennett and Sutton off. Nobbs on for Hutchin left puts it into Bells path, Klimcke cutting the ball out for Thetford. Klimcke coming off then with Corbyn retuning to the game.

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

  Davies doing well in defence for Thetford has taken a far share of knocks for her efforts too, does well as Bell looks to link up with Brister wide. Wetherall cutting in from the left outside the D sees her shot strike the crossbar. Bell stabbing out a foot intercepting Lynch’s clearance 20 yards out sees the ball run safely through to Ward in the Thetford goal. Bell with another near miss moments later as Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking left side fire a ball in across the face of goal, Bell diving in sending it over. Goodenough coming off for Dussindale & Hellesdon at the back, Ruby Wilson coming on. 

 The game moving into stoppage time, several minutes likely to be played. Tink with the ball on from the back lifted on to Bell right side of attack her cross cut out by Dayna Howard for a corner kick. Thetford tiring late on Dussindale & Hellesdon nipping in to regain the ball. Russell looking to get on through the middle tackled by Hutchin. Bell turning a shot in straight to the keeper as Brister fires a cross in from the left, Ward taking it low. Players up and around the Thetford area Dussindale & Hellesdon squeezing the ball in the final 3rd late on. 

 GOAL! 5 minutes of stoppage time played and breaking up a Thetford attack, Dussindale & Hellesdon are quick to counter the ball fed on through the midfield finding Brister racing into the area left of goal on the angle strikes her shot across the area low into the bottom corner 3-0.

 GOAL! A further blow to Thetford deep in stoppage time as they concede a 4th goal, Hutchin on the ball central for Dussindale & Hellesdon putting the forwards pass into Head breaking on into the area holding off the challenge with the keeper advancing to close her down, she places her shot wide of Ward to send the ball on into the back of the net 4-0.

Charlie Head with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 4th goal (photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

It gets worse for Thetford on the closing seconds as Head is pulled down inside the box as the ball is lifted over the top the hosts with a 3rd penalty on the night. Sutton off the field it’s Wetherall with the kick, placing the ball low to the right, Ward getting down to block it with her leg, saved out to the right, Bell racing in on the follow up smashed her shot over the bar.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 4-0 Thetford Town Ladies

(photo credit Scott Grearhardy)

A 4-0 win in the finish for Dussindale & Hellesdon moving them to within a point of 2nd placed Fakenham with one game to play at home to bottom side North Walsham Angels Ladies on Sunday. Runners up spot within their grasp. Shanice Sutton’s first half penalty the difference between the sides at the break. Thetford whilst creating little going forwards working hard to keep their opponents out in defence. A 2nd goal coming in the 65th minute. Thetford continued to work hard a rough end to the game to concede to late goals in stoppage time. Dussindale & Hellesdon though creating enough chances with two penalties also missed. Thetford nevertheless can be proud of what has been achieve this season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a few contenders as is often the case. Some performances of note to mention first. For Thetford, Rebecca White put in a shift up top covering alot of ground looking for openings. In defence Ellie-Mae Davies will have a nice collection of bruises for her efforts as she put in a number of tackles, battling for the ball. Rachel Lynch powerful in the back line reading the ball and getting across to support her full backs. For Dussindale & Hellesdon, Shanice Sutton was once again lively in attack making some excellent runs. Abbi Nobbs with a solid midfield display, Georgina Belton with some powerful runs getting forwards to receive the ball. The award this evening though goes to Dussindale & Hellesdon’s captain, Calista Tink. Fantastic at the back winning the ball, getting into some good positions with some great play out from the back.

  Last league game of the season completed, a good evening under the lights at The Nest is a great facility pleasing to see players form other woman’s sides within the division thier to watch the action too. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated and to Scott Grearhardy again with the photo’s used in the report. 2 more games left a trip down to Essex this Sunday for the League Cup Final between Lawford Ladies and Chelmsford City Women then to Carrow Road in midweek for the Norfolk County Cup Final between Mulbarton and Wymondham.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

Thursday 28th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

A spot of midweek football action on Women’s Football East this Thursday evening with a short trip to Thetford to watch a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One with Thetford Town Ladies hosting Bungay Town Ladies.

Both sides amongst a cluster of sides in the middle to the Division One table vying for a 4 finish in the league, with the season drawing to a close, plenty of points still to play for both Thetford Town Ladies and Bungay Town Ladies with 4 games left to play going into this evenings match.

  Thetford Town Ladies currently in 5th spot in Division One, looking to establish themselves in the league and push on to compete at the top on a regular basis. Have had a strong campaign to date maintaining a top half position throughout. Mulbarton Belles Ladies running away with the Division one title while Fakenham Town Ladies and Dussindale & Hellesdon Women look to be on course for 2nd and 3rd, 4th place remains very much in the balance and with games in hand on the sides around them Thetford are well placed to make one final push. Have been hampered with injuries and absences particularly to their defence. Have added to their squad with the dual signing of Becky Russell from Wroxham and Hannah Claughton from Norwich. Rebecca White is their top scorer with 15 goals so far with Melissa Boulton on 9.

  Changes at Bungay Town Ladies over the close season, a new manager coming in, Mark Forgarty players joining the squad with some departures. A strong start to the season with 6 wins in their opening 8 league games with just one defeat that against Mulbarton. In stark contrast the last 8 matches have seen just the one victory and 6 defeats that has seen them fall away from the tussle at the top of the table dropping to 7th in the table. During that time Mark Forgarty has stepped aside as first team manager with Jode Wells taking on the role. A solid platform to build on with a strong squad to take the club on a late flourish could yet see Bungay push back up the table. Have been scoring plenty of goals with Lucy Eagle coming in from Woodbridge Town Ladies netting 23 goals so far from 15 games with Gemma Foster closing in on 20 goals too for the season and Selina Rowland netting 14. 

  The sides have met twice this season already with Bungay defeating Thetford 2-1 in the league cup. Saw their 1st league meeting abandoned late on due to an injury to Thetford’s Courtney Musgrove. Hence the 2 sides have to play each other twice in their run ins. Starting this evening at Thetford Town FC. The large grass pitch sloping slightly, a game under the floodlights. The clubhouse open to serve hot and cold drinks beside the main seated stand. A rather chilly evening compared to recent April days cloud cover keeping the sun from warming the air during the day, nevertheless another dry day.

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Lydia Ward, Courtney Musgrove, Ellie-Mae Davies, Rachel Lynch, Zoe Klimcke, Dayna Howard, Becky Russell, Hannah Claughton, Melissa Boulton (C), Rebecca White & Hannah Rogers. Subs – Abbie Corbyn, Emily Escreet, Sophie Burr-Walpole, Erin Lloyd, & Jessica Knight

Bungay Town Ladies

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Sofia Serghiou, Erin Galer, Molly Webb, Porsha Renwick, Lyndsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall (C), Ceira Flatt, Lyla Studd, Gemma Foster & Lucy Eagle.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Bungay at a disadvantage before the start of the game travelling to Thetford with just 10 players available due to a combination of injury, illness and work commitments, with Thetford able to name 5 on their bench. It’s the visitors to kick-off the game wearing light blue shirts, black sorts and black shorts. Thetford opposite wearing claret shirts with navy shorts and socks. The ball is quickly closed down in the middle of the park, before Thetford clip a long ball out to the left, Hannah Claughton getting forwards on the left flank, full back Erin Galer in to defend the ball going for a throw in the corner. The ball worked back into the middle Becky Russell lifting it out to the opposite flank with captain, Melissa Boulton  on the move one touch taking the ball forwards her angled ball into the box caught at her near post by goalkeeper Sofia Serghiou.

Thetford pressing the ball well on half way, Dayna Howard with Russell the ball put on through the middle for attacker, Hannah Rogers racing on towards the top of the area unleashes a shot from inside the D, her low effort running safely through to the keeper. Bungay looking to keep compact feed the ball out to the wide areas when won back, captain, Charnelle Riggall out to striker, Lucy Eagle drifting right, surges forwards with the ball at her feet, pushing on into the box right of goal, Rachel Lynch getting across her path to put in the block as she goes to shoot. The ball coming on t Ceira Flatt left of the D 20 yards out her 1st time shot lifted over the bar.

A physical battle as Bungay look to disrupt Thetford’s momentum going forwards, the ball fed on for Boulton running forwards on the right, again goes early with the ball crossed into the box, too close to the keeper caught by Serghiou. Played into the middle, Thetford close down to quickly regain possession threaded on for Rebecca White running forwards in the right channel, her shot charged down by Lyndsey Adams. Gemma Foster taking the ball on well down the left wing for Bungay a powerful run getting to the by-line comes inside before lifting a cross in towards goal, keeper Lydia Ward claiming with Eagle looking to attack the ball.

The ball pinging around in the middle as both sides close down, a favourable rebound seeing in run forwards for Rogers to attack moving right, Adams slowing her down, the ball put out to Boulton on the right, her cross claimed high by Serghiou. Eagle looking strong on the ball, ready to take on the Thetford defence whenever her teammates can pick her out. Russel with a great pass out to the right for Boulton going forwards, checks inside to get into the area, her strike cut out by Adams, before the cleared ball in sent over from distance.

Howard with a shot from distance for Thetford some 35 yards out as Thetford reclaim possession from a Bungay goal kick. Howard then on the left steals in on the ball to run in behind down the flank, Galer getting back on her to tackle see the ball out for a throw. A dangerous ball sent into the area off the throw, Serghiou up to punch the ball away from her goal as White closes in top of the six yard box.

Bungay with a counter attack on the left side Foster with the run taking the ball on pace moving inside as she closes in on the top of the area, plays it into Flatt left of goal her 1st time effort rebounding across to Eagle right side, shoots, Ward down to her right with a sharp save to turn the ball behind for a corner. Bungay are working hard at the back to contain Thetford as they press forwards, two banks of four dropping back, counter attacking proving tough as they look to get the ball into Eagle moving right and Foster on the left, Lyla Studd seeing a diagonal ball intended for Foster, cut out by Musgrove. 

 Boulton is a constant threat out wide on the right for Thetford played in by Russell a strong run seeing her turn into the box, jinking left then right before firing a shot wide across the face of goal. Eagle when she gets the ball into her in looking to drive forwards moving down the pitch right side fires a vicious ball in across the face of the Thetford goal, controlled by Studd beyond the far post is sent back in central, the ball cleared by Zoe Klimcke. 

GOAL! Midway through the 1st half and the dead lock is broken, Thetford getting bodies forwards the ball into Rogers out to the left, has Claughton making an overlapping run the short pass into her path Claughton taking it on down the wing delivering a pacy ball into the area, Serghiou with a instinctive save with her foot to turn it away out of her area, comes straight to Russell central top of the D, shapes to move right before checking back on her left foot to send the ball arrowing low into the back of the net 1-0.

Becky Russell opens the scoring for Thetford Town Ladies

   Eagle the outlet for Bungay from the restart taking the ball on right side, looking to get in behind, Davies stays with her well putting a foot in to take the ball away from the attacker. Thetford make their 1st change of the evening, bringing on Abbie Corbyn for Rogers in attack. Bungay win a corner out on the left, fires in near side Boulton defending heading behind for a 2nd corner. This delivery attacked at the near post, Flatt hurt going down as the ball is cleared to safety. After treatment okay to continue. 

  Russell getting forwards central looking to link up with White in attack, Renwick challenging for Bungay to halt their advance. Lynch looks to have picked up a knock for Thetford and needs to come off, Emily Escreet coming onto the field. White is looing to bring a great diagonal ball from Russell under control outside the area, can’t before Renwick closes in to tackle. Boulton coming on right with the ball for Thetford turning inside, her cross cut out by Galer. Foster running on with the ball left side for Bungay feeding the pass inside to Eagle left of the D 20 yards out, Thetford closing her down en masse, Claughton regaining possession for the hosts. 

Bungay Town Ladies captain, Charnelle Riggall (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Breaking, Thetford have White away with the ball to the left her cross whipped into the box looking for Corbyn inside D, cut out by Adams. Thetford’s forward players looking to get wide an every opportunity stretch Bungay, Corbyn into the left corner shakes off her marker to get inside the box, Renwick recovering to get back at her win the ball with a well timed tackle. The ball with Riggall in the middle for Bungay she spreads play out to Foster on the move down the left wing a powerful run, Musgrove going with her sliding into to tackle as they close in on the by-line, the ball out of play Bungay appeal for handball the decision going their way as they are awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the area. lifted into the mix inside the six yard box drops down turned goalwards, Ward on the line with a reactive save with her leg before the ball is cleared to safety.

  Both sides continue to find joy out wide, Foster with another strong run carrying the ball on left side for Bungay, drives inside from the by-line firing a stinging shot in at an acute angle, the ball rising, Ward with a superb save to turn the ball up over her crossbar. The resulting corner delivered from the left into Ward quickly knocking it up high into the air as able to claim it on the bounce unopposed. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the 1st half on come Thetford Howard into Boulton on the right taking the ball on her cross lifted into the box, White attacking it her header over the bar. Boulton again on the right flank cuts inside into the box sees her driven shot blocked by Galer.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A strike from Becky Russell midway through the 1st half the difference between the sides going into the half-time interval. Thetford with the player advantage seeing more of the ball creating several opportunities going forwards. Pressing Bungay back, the visitors working hard to keep thing’s compact with two banks of four have nevertheless created some chances of their own forcing a couple of saves from Ward. Foster  out left and Eagle looking to drive forwards on the right, question now is can they keep it up for another 45 minutes or will Thetford’s superior numbers and with it fresh legs begin to tell.

  Lynch back on at the start of the 2nd half for Thetford lining up with Russell now at centre back. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway. Competitive in the middle the ball closed down not going anywhere fast, Bungay getting a free-kick a chance to put the ball up into the Thetford area, won by Lynch the hosts looking to counter quickly the ball on for Boulton racing on right side, can’t keep it in play. Lynch at the back for Thetford winning the ball then playing a fantastic pass over the top for White to run onto behind the defence, shooting from outside the D, her strike narrowly wide of the right post. 

  GOAL! An early goal for Thetford at the start of the 2nd half doubling their lead. Coming on through the middle, Corbyn thread the ball on along the ground for White in attack, moving towards the area halts her run to shake of her marker, 20 yard out strikes a looping shot goalwards, Serghiou getting a faint touch with her fingertips but not enough to keep it out 2-0.

Thetford Town Ladies, Rebecca White (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Adams in well to tackle Boulton as she and Escreet combine out on the right. White is taken off by Thetford shortly after scoring with Rogers returning to the attack. Corbyn pressing the Bungay defence top of their area nipping in to steal the ball, leaning back as she shoots her strike running wide of the left post. Thetford looking strong now piling players on forcing Bungay back little opportunity to get the ball out of their half, Boulton on the right using the width well getting a shot in on the angle, drops wide of the near post. Thetford’s captain continues to run at Bungay on the right getting to the by-line her cross fired in along the face of goal is turned over beyond the far post.

  GOAL! The hosts strong start to the 2nd half sees them extend their lead, with around an hour played, pressing as a team Musgrove right sends the ball on for Boulton out wide she bursts on moving inside shifts right to the by-line before sending the ball in across the face of goal for Rogers unmarked to score with a simple tap in 3-0.

Thetford Town Ladies Hannah Rogers (photo credit Richard Brown)

 Finding their attackers is proving difficult now for Bungay their defence under pressure the midfield pinned back, Eagle is isolated but continuing to carry a threat and willing to drive at the defence when given the opportunity. Coming through the middle, looks to get around Russell but her challenge sees the ball won back, Escreet sending it through to Boulton right side, Foster back to help Webb defending for Bungay. Boulton picking up the ball 20 yards out right of the D, plays it inside for Corbyn in the box, looking to bring it down on her chest get a shot away, Riggall lunging in with a tackle deflects the ball back to her keeper to clear.

(photo credit Richard Brown)

  Eagle is down for Bungay in attack after a coming together with Lynch appears to be her back, comes to the side of the pitch after a spell of treatment doesn’t look comfortable, waved back on as Bungay win a free-kick on the left. Put into the box won comfortably by Lynch. Eagle has gone down again is struggling, needs to come off for a spell of extended treatment, Bungay down to 9.

GOAL! The advantage with Thetford getting players on at will the hosts go onto extend their lead. Boulton again involved in the build up winning the ball in the middle running on towards the top of the area a strong run, Serghiou comes racing out to charge down/save her shot as she puts her foot through the ball, her momentum leaving her out of position as the rebound comes straight to Claughton up with Boulton inside the box to her left, controls the ball well before smashing she shot home 4-0.

  20 minutes left on the clock, Thetford in full control of the game leading by 4 goals against the 9 of Bungay, the visitors putting their all into the game but tiring rapidly continue to fight. Thetford with another change bring Sophie Burr-Walpole on for Klimcke. Russell moving back into the middle. Press forwards Russell to Escreet her through by for Boulton cut out by Adams. More changes for the hosts with a double change with Musgrove and Escreet coming off for Erin Lloyd and Jessica Knight.

Bungay Town Ladies Lyla Studd (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Russell playing the ball forwards into White inside the D back to goal holds it up well with Boulton on close support sends the ball into her, Boulton shoot’s the ball straight at Serghiou. Corbyn coming right feeding the ball on for Boulton, takes it on into the box, Webb back to defend getting the tackle in the ball loose to the top right of the box, Corbyn latching onto it turns, gets her shot all wrong as the ball screws well wide of the far post. 

  A rare chance for Bungay to get a player forwards sees Foster racing forwards on the right, shooting on the angle from distance her effort bouncing wide across the Thetford six yard box. The hosts with a throw high on the right put into Corbyn, bringing the ball under control right of goal, shifts then shoots the ball rising for the top corner, Serghiou with a brilliant save diving to her left to push the ball wide for the corner.

Bungay Town Ladies goalkeeper, Sofia Serghiou (phot credit Richard Brown)

 Corbyn breaking away with the ball for Thetford moving into the left channel, shoots across the advancing goalkeeper, the ball looks like it’s heading for the back of the net, but agonisingly bounces wide of the far post. Russell coming off for Thetford with Howard returning to the action. Eagle too returning for Bungay for the final 10 minutes. Straight away Eagle has a shot as soon as the ball is put into her right side some 40 plus yards out Ward safely claiming. 

  Breaking en masse through the middle the ball is lifted on through the middle, the flag going up as Corbyn left runs onto the ball, play halted, White through the middle reacting angrily as she is adjudged to have been offside complaining she wasn’t going for the ball. Those complaints becoming to vocal for the referee’s liking as she is yellow carded for descent and sent to the sin bin. 10 versus 10 now as Bungay get the ball on up top for Eagle who shoots over from 25 yards out, Flatt’s turn to say something out of turn to the referee and having already sent one to the sin bin for descent Flatt quickly follows as Bungay are again reduced to 9. 

  Bungay are willing to have a go late on the game stretched a little a shot from the angle on the right wide across the Thetford goal. 

GOAL! Late in the game in the 88th minute Thetford counter and Boulton gets the goal she deserves, the ball lifted up to her on the right by Lynch she drives on down the right channel bursting for the box, Serghiou coming out to close the angle, Boulton opens up her body to slot the ball wide of the keeper to send the ball into the goal beyond 5-0. 

Thetford Town Ladies captain, Melissa Boulton (photo credit Richard Brown)

  Little action to see out the game Thetford with possession in the closing moments with no further attacks, can celebrate their final home game of the season as the game ends with 3 more points courtesy of a 5 nil win that lifts them up into 4th in the Division One table.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 5-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A strong performance form Thetford against 10 player Bungay keeping the pressure on throughout a 1 goal lead at the break they came out strong in the 2nd half using the width well. Adding an early 2nd goal before going on to score 3 more. Pressing well their numerical advantage eventually telling as opportunities were created a regular intervals. A great effort from Bungay nevertheless, travelling to Thetford with just 10 available on a Thursday night, was always going to be a tough ask, battled hard throughout creating some great chances themselves too in the first half. The pair meeting again at Bungay on the 8th May, both still aim the mix for a top 4 finish.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A clear winner but several performances to mention first. Hard to single out a Bungay players as all 10 put in a huge effort in their efforts to keep Thetford out. Lucy Eagle up top a constant threat when the ball was played up to her. For Thetford, Becky Russell was composed in the middle, with some great passes out to the flanks. Hannah Rogers with some great attacking runs. The award though goes to their captain, Melissa Boulton had a great game, out on the right using the width well stretching the game always an outlet moving forwards with the ball, setting up chances for others to score, topped the performance off with a goal herself.

  An enjoyable trip to Thetford, one of the shortest I have, always enjoy a game under the lights. A good crowd in attendance. My thanks to Darrell Allen for his assistance this evening, is working hard to  not only promote Thetford Town Ladies but the woman’s game as a whole. The Jode Wells for the Bungay team details and Richard Brown for the use of his pictures in the report much appreciated. Now for the madness that is May, going to be a busy month, but I’m excited by the games ahead.

by Darren Gilham