Tag Archives: UEA FC Women

Cup Final Special – Bungay Town Ladies v UEA FC Women

Sunday 12th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

The football action coming from Norfolk this weekend, a busy schedule too with 3 finals in the space of 2 days starting this Sunday with a double bill from Norfolk Women and Girls League (NWGFL) starting with a 10:30am kick-off with Bungay Town Ladies taking on UEA FC Women for this season’s League Cup.

A busy weekend for all involved in the NWGFL finals with all the youth finals being played on Saturday at Aylsham FC and the venue hosting 4 women’s games today, as well as the League Cup & Plate finals, the Ladies 7 ‘s League Cup also taking place between Mulbarton Wanderers Women and Left Field FC Women plus a league match too from Division One with Aylsham FC Women taking on Costessey Sports Ladies in their final match of the season.

The Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Before all of that though the League Cup final. Bungay Town Ladies making it to another end of season cup final following their appearance in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup final last time out. That following a period of rebuilding the team at the start of the season that growth has continued into this season experienced players added to the squad that has propelled Bungay to the top of Division One with 3 games to play, looks to be between them and Sprowston FC Women for the title following the 12 point deduction to Caister FC Ladies for unwittingly fielding a banned player for 4 matches. 

  A busy end to the season Bungay playing catch up with their league fixtures powering their way to the top of the table with a 10-0 home with against Thorpe St Andrew Women on Wednesday evening to make it 6 straight league wins, unbeaten in 8 in total. There only league defeat to date against today’s cup final opponents UEA FC Women. Have plenty of goal scorers throughout the side with 18 different players on target throughout the campaign, Mia Rose top scorer with 13 goals, followed by Lauren Goulder who has since moved to Caister on 12. Zoe Cossey with 8 goals to her name along with Brooke Osborne who joined the club this season. 

  UEA FC Women (University of East Anglia) are into their 2nd successive Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final. Losing out to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women last time around will be aiming to go one better this time out, knowing they are the only Division One side to beat Bungay Town Ladies this season. Currently in 7th spot in the table with one game left to play has been an inconsistent season winning as many as they have lost, struggling for a squad at times too have battled on and are more than capable of beating anyone on their day as the campaign results and cup run have shown. Records are a little sketchy in terms of goals scored however, Ella Burnley top scorer last season is leading the way too this time around.

Road to the Final

  Bungay beginning their League Cup campaign away in the 1st round taking on newly formed Mundford FC Ladies in Division Two. Lauren Goulder on target with a hat-trick it was a comfortable 7-0 win in the finish with Mia Rose, Brooke Osborne, Lauren Purling and Porsha Renwick also scoring a goal each. UEA FC Women’s first round trip to another newcomer Martham FC Ladies was awarded as an away win.

Into the 2nd Round another potential banana skin for Bungay as they hosted early Division Two leaders, Bure Valley Women at maltings Meadow. Looked to be the case too with the game ending 2-2 on the final whistle and going into extra-time. However Bungay found the extra gear to power home 5 goals to take it 7-2 in the extra period. 7 different scorers too with Goulder, Cossey, Osborne, Purling, Selina Rowland, Ciera Flatt and Lola barber King all getting goals.

Into the quarter finals, Bungay were at home once again taking on fellow Division One side Caister Ladies. The result has since been declared Void and Bungay Town Ladies advanced into the semi-finals. UEA FC Women also taking on Division One opposition travelling to play Long Stratton Women. Marched into the last 4 of the competition courtesy of a 4-0 victory.

Bungay were to progress into the final without kicking a ball, having been drawn away to fellow Division One side Aylsham FC Women, their hosts were having some troubles getting a squad together during that period and ultimately the away win was awarded. UEA FC Women had a tough semi-final draw but home advantage taking on Division one title challengers Sprowston FC Women. A close contest the sides drawing 1-1 after 90 minute the game heading into extra-time it was UEA FC Women who would find the winning goal in the final minute of extra time from Ella Burnley sending them into the final.

Youngs Park, the venue for today’s Norfolk Women’s league Cup Final. The ground seeing a lot of construction taking place with a brand new 3G pitch being built beyond the main playing pitch. Earth from that construction moved to build up an embankment planted with trees behind the other goal hiding the allotments beyond. The clubhouse open the bar and kitchen serving hot food and drink with a barbeque being prepared for later in the day. A fantastic weekend weather wise, a bright sunny start to the day with a light breeze blowing across the pitch. The grass pitch one of the best kept in the county in great condition for today’s finals games.

The new 3G pitch under construction at Youngs Park

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Brooke Osborne Charnelle Riggall (C), Ruby Roos, Chloe Ellis, Laura Thacker, Ciera Flatt, Selina Rowland, Abigail Bell, Zoe Cossey & Mia Rose. Subs – Kate Pasque, Lucy Hood, Grace Storey, Porsha Renwick & Lila-Grace Eden.

Bungay Town Ladies

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Maisie Johnson, Evie Bloom, Tasha Harvey, Olivia Seeley, Lilly Brewer, Hannah Thompson (C), Abby Durrant, Cass Piejko, Katie Appleton. Neha Mann & Ella Burnley. Subs – Leah Edwards, Ellie Wilson, Pernille Nerland, Tegan Collier, Lashay Moses. 

UEA FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Charnelle Riggall (Bungay) and Hannah Thompson (UEA) with today’s match officials

  UEA having done a lot of preparation before today’s final naming a full squad with 5 on the bench. Bungay too with 5 to call upon from the bench as the sides are led out onto the pitch. UEA to take the kick-off in the 1st half wearing yellow coloured shirts with navy shoulder’s navy shorts and socks, with Bungay lined up opposite wearing their blue coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the defence, Bungay move to close the ball down UEA slow to get it out coming eft, Abigail Bell steals it and surges on into the right channel for Bungay looking to play it on for Mia Rose coming over to receive UEA goalkeeper, Maisie Johnson rushes out to the top of her area to kick the ball clear for a throw in.

  Bungay looking to press the ball early on Bell, tackling Abby Durrant, the UEA midfielder coming straight back at her to win the ball. Selina Rowland brought down in the middle as she attempts to get the ball moving for Bungay, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Ciera Flatt over the ball sends it high in towards the top of the area won by defender Olivia Seeley who carries it into the midfield. 

  UEA regain possession on the middle captain Hannah Thompson playing the ball out to the right, Ella Burnley up top linking up with Neha Mann on the right wing, probing down the line, keep the ball back up the line squared into Burnley’s feet is brought down winning a free-kick 30 yards out. Thompson over the set-piece has lifts it over the wall into the box, defended headed behind for a corner on the left. Defended at the near post knocked back out to the corner taker, played long out to the right, Mann keeping in alive in the corner winning a throw leading to another corner. 

 GOAL! The corner curled into the box dropping far post, scrambled clear but the referee spots a handball and points to the spot. Penalty! Burnley placing the ball on the spot ready to take the penalty, strike the ball hard sending it racing to the left side of the goal, Pearce diving the right way can only get the merest of touches not enough to keep it out as Burnley runs away in celebration having fired UEA into an early lead. 0-1.

Ella Burnley opens the scoring for UEA from the penalty spot.

  6 minutes on the clock a nervous start from Bungay haven’t get their passes going UEA sharp to close the ball down. Free-kicks being conceded. Clearing a Ruby Roos long throw at the back UEA play the ball long up the left with Burnley pulling wide looks to play it inside to Cass Piejko running in behind looking for the return ball, Osborne cutting the pass out for Bungay.

Bungay’s Brooke Osborne

  Laura Thacker on the ball central for Bungay lines up a shot from range her strike not having the power behind it to trouble Johnson. Lilly Brewer winning the ball at the back for UEA puts a diagonal ball into the middle Piejko helping it on for Burnley peeling right running down the wing takes on the shot on the angle her low drive covered by Pearce down at her near post to gather. UEA gaining confidence from their bright start moving the ball quickly. 

Cass Piejko on the ball for UEA

 Flatt playing the ball up the left for Zoe Cossey to attack runs into the corner before lifting a high cross into the box, Bell coming in far post, Evie Bloom defending for UEA turning it behind for a corner kick. Fired into the penalty box, Thacker getting something on the ball before Rowland attacks it but can only place the ball into the keepers gloves. A clash of heads between Thacker and Katie Appleton as they go to head the ball, play stopped by both are soon back to their feet.

Bungay’s Ciera Flatt with UEA’s Abby Durrant

  Bungay winning a free-kick deep on the left, played up into the box, knocked back out falls straight to Osborne to the right of goal, on the angle strikes the ball a good hit rising, Johnson though shifting across her goal line gets her gloves up to knock the ball down to safely catch. UEA getting the ball forwards Piejko to Burnley out to Mann wide right looks to drive on, Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall in to challenge the ball out for a throw. Osborne with the ball at her feet drives on up the left looking for Rose pulling across to the wing slides the ball on cut out by Bloom.

  GOAL! UEA double their advantage the ball helped on through the middle a fantastic ball to find Burnley back to goal top of the D, left, turns inside to get in behind and strikes the ball past the keeper before she can react to make it 0-2. 

Ella Burnley doubles UEA’s lead

Appleton is shown a yellow card after bringing down Bell in the middle. Flatt over the resulting free kick, lifts the ball into the box, easily gathered by Johnson in goal. Bungay clip the ball long up the left for Rose as she makes a run looking for the ball 20 yards out slides it across the top of the area looking for Rowland closing in to attack, Tasha Harvey lunging in with a foot to stab the ball clear. 

  Form the throw on the left, Riggall looks to dribble the ball into the box on the by-line lifts it high into the near post, Johnson there to pluck the ball down into the ground and snatch it into her gloves on the bounce. Bell latching onto a miscued goal kick from Johnson 25 yards out, looks for Rose as she turns to attack top of the areas however UEA hold their line catch the attacker offside. UEA making a change then bringing off Brewer, Ellie Wilson coming on. 

Bungay’s Abigail Bell

  Flatt on the ball coming across the midfield to play it into Osborne up on the left she sends it forwards into Bell just outside the box, looking to get the ball under control and turn inside, UEA get three defenders one her to crowd her off the ball. Flatt busy in the middle coming left putting the ball on for Bell her cross into the box is met by Rose, her attempt to shoot blocked at close range.

Bungay’s Zoe Cossey

  Bungay finding UEA’s defence tough to break down, Cossey coming into midfield with the ball puts it on for Rowland 25 yards out, puts her foot though the ball her shot whistling past the right post. 

Bungay’s Selina Rowland

  Bungay moving the ball sharper now looking to get forwards lifted over the top Rose breaks clear left channel, Johnson needs to come rushing out of her box to launch the ball upfield. Rose looking to link up with Bell as Bungay get the ball out to the right, Olivia Seeley helping out Bloom at the back the ball closed down well. Thacker up with Flatt in the middle the diagonal ball floated into the box right side with Bell making the run, Johnson out to challenge doesn’t get hold of the ball but on the floor is able to snatch it into her body before Bell can retrieve it.

UEA FC Women goalkeeper, Maisie Johnson.

  UEA making another change with Pernille Nerland coming on to take up a position on the left. Riggall battles her way forwards with the ball drifting in central before threading it on looking for Cossey, inside the D, looking to take the ball on a defender gets a leg in to deflect the ball out of her path. Flatt taking a heavy knock for Bungay, down in the middle, needing treatment a pause in play.

  Play resumes UEA win a free-kick on the right put into the box, cleared by Osborne. Bungay’s turn to win a free-kick out wide dropped into the box, scrambled away to the top of the area, falls to Thacker snatches at her shot lifting it over. Bloom gets forwards on the left for UEA, up with Nerland the pair exchanging passes, Nerland turning infield, Rowland getting out to close her down regain possession for Bungay.

Evie Bloom

  Nerland is brought down on the left UEA awarded a free-kick 30 yard out. Harvey to play it into the area, too close to the keeper, Pearce taking it high at her near post. Rowland winning the ball back high on the right played into 18 in the middle lifts it over the defence for Rose to attack, in behind, Johnson out quickly to get her fist on the ball knock it out of danger before Rose can meet it. Bungay a little rushed at time need to settle on the ball, Thacker on for Flatt plays it to Rose 25 yards out right of the D, sends her early strike wide of the near post.

Olivia Seeley

  UEA winning the ball at the back, Seeley clearing as Rose looks to see it into her feet off Bell. Thompson passing forwards onto Piejko, looks to play Burnley in on the right channel, a race into the box with Ellis on her shoulder the defender strong getting her body between the ball and attacker to see it back to her keeper to clear. 

  Riggall carrying the ball on well up Bungay’s left playing it into Rose inside the D, looks to bring it down under control off her cheat, Harvey knocking it away from her. Bell rushing in on the ball looks to take it on into the area but is quickly conversed upon, no way through. 

 Into the close moments of the first half Bungay attacking on the left Riggall on for Cossey comes inside and on the turn 25 yards out strikes the ball, her shot narrowly over brushing the roof of the net. Cossey inside with Flatt taking the ball on her shot, blocked 20 yards out.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  Two strikes from Ella Burnley early in the first half seeing UEA holding a 2-0 lead at the break. Started the game well getting on the front foot in to close the ball down and move it forwards quickly. Bungay a little nervy at the start frustrated feel they haven’t got going yet, competing well enough not getting players up to support Rose in attack quickly the UEA defence comfortable closing down. Started to play better towards the end of the half creating a few opportunities and at 2-0 the game is far from settled an early goal in the 2nd half and Bungay are right back in it. 

  Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half. Bungay bringing on Grace Storey on with Flatt who had received a knock in the first half off. Storey going into the back line Osborne coming into the middle. UEA with Lashay Moses on up top in place of Burnley with Brewer back on replacing Wilson. Positional changes as Bungay get the 2nd half underway, UEA in the close the ball down straight away Bungay smuggle it out to Rowland coming left has Riggall on the move down the wing, Thompson coming across to close the ball down for UEA.

  UEA feed the ball up top into Moses helps it out to Mann on the right looking to get it under control, Ellis and Riggall combine to win the ball back.

UEA’s Neha Mann looking to get past Bungay’s Chloe Ellis and Charnelle Riggall

  Thompson on for Piejko lifts the ball out to Mann attacking on the right her cross squared into the top of the six yard box Moses stretching for it, Thacker blocking for Bungay. Mann working hard on the right winning UEA a corner kick. A determined start to the 2nd half from UEA. Durrant to curl the ball into the six yard box drops down into a crowd of players, Rowland scrambling it clear for Bungay.

Rowland seeing the ball into her feet 30 yards out left as Riggall storms on down the wing, looks to supply the return pass, Riggall, running into Harvey as she reaches the top of the area the defender playing the ball clear. Osborne over a Bungay free-kick on the right, lifted in towards the far post, Rowland stoops to head the ball, nods it wide of the upright.

UEA’s Tasha Harvey

  Cossey getting the ball on down the left looks to launch it up to the attackers, hurting herself as she goes down, is some concern as she receives treatment and has to come off a blow for Bungay, send Lila-Grace Eden on to join Rose up top. Harvey winning the ball well at the back for UEA coming forwards playing the ball up to Piejko moving left, Roos into defend for Bungay. 

Bungay defender, Ruby Roos

  A double change for UEA with Moses and Piejko coming off, Burnley back on along with Nerland with almost an hour played. Scrappy at times, the play and language colourful at times. UEA frustrating Bungay breaking up play keeping it solid at the back. Nerland taking the ball up the left wing cutting inside into the area playing it central for Mann, Ellis nicking it off her bringing the ball clear for Bungay.

Pernille Nerland

  Harvey picking up a yellow card for UEA, the free-kick to the right of the circle, Osborne floated the ball up into the area, Mann fighting to get hold of it getting it clear for UEA. Bungay frustrated things not happening, UEA working hard to get hold of the ball, Thompson breaking up play patrolling in front of her defence.

UEA captain, Hannah Thompson

 Appleton feeding the ball on for Burnley into the left channel knocks it up the line for Nerland to chase to the by-line just a little too much on it. Rowland knocking the ball on for Riggall powering up the left turned infield, the blocking tackle from Thompson, Osborne regaining possession of the loose ball right of goal drives into the box, Seeley challenging to win the ball for UEA. A drinks break called both sides over to the bench for fluids and instructions.

  Osborne with Rowland central for Bungay, playing the ball into Eden left of the box, turns inside running into the D looking for a shooting opportunity, Thompson sliding in to tackle for UEA. Changes for both sides, Tegan Collier taking up a position on the right for UEA, Flatt back on for Bungay. Osborne has her shirt pulled as she attempts to drive on through the middle for Bungay the free-kick awarded Flatt to send it into the box dropping far post cleared back out to the right, lifted back in high Johnson up to catch the ball. 

  The game opening up as Bungay commit players forwards UEA countering through the middle the ball on for Burnley to chase, Thacker on her shoulder as Pearce comes rushing out to the top of her area, just about wins the ball as Burnley goes down over her, the striker appealing but nothing doing. 

  Time running out for Bungay to get themselves back into the game winning a throw up on the right the ball comes into Riggall 20 yards out central, clips a shot in towards goal hr effort narrowly over the bar. UEA dropping everyone back now leaving Burnley up top on her own, Bungay getting down the flanks, but slow to get runners into the box. Brewer playing the ball up for Collier on the right attempts to thread the pass into Burnley’s path as she runs into the channel, Ellis going with her getting in the way to intercept the ball. Kate Pasque into the action for Bungay as they push players on looking for a goal.

  Rowland letting fly from range all of 30 yards out not troubling Johnson. Osborne inside on for Flatt 20 out, a defender getting something on the ball as she goes to shoot, enough to take the sting out of the ball see it run safely through to the keeper. Porsha Renwick coming on up top for Bungay, Eden coming off. Burnley seeing Appleton’s pass into her feet turns right of the D, looking to burst into the box, Ellis there to stick out a leg nick the ball.

Bungay’s Chloe Ellis

 Ellis bringing the ball on from the back played on for Flatt who in turn looks to set up Rose up top, Brewer tackling for UEA, Bungay pushing hard UEA proving stubborn to break down as the defence drops back, Osborne 25 yards out in the right channel screwing a shot wide. Into the last 5 minutes, with several minutes to be added for stoppages. Bungay pressing, attack right the cross send into the six yard box, UEA fight to get it clear. Seeley down in need of treatment.

  Renwick getting hold of the ball 20 yards out left side runs across the top of the D, tackled by Thompson the loose ball latched onto by Flatt, is charged down the ball screwed away to the right the shot on the angle fired back in across goal wide of the far post. Bungay applying pressure but UEA determined to hold out bring Burnley off, send Moses back on up top. Riggall inside for Osborne onto Ellis pushed up Roos available on the wing drives forwards, Bloom into challenge well for UEA.

 Johnson out to the top of her area a Roos lifts a hopeful ball in towards the box. Deep into stoppage time Renwick out on the right her cross into box cut out by Thompson with Pasque closing in beyond her. Lucy Hood joining the game at the death adding to the attack. Bloom getting hold of the ball with a foray forwards, eventually tackled by Roos, eats up valuable time. One last attack for Bungay Roos on the right, forwards for Osborne racing down the wing but the flag goes up to stall the move. The final whistle blows and UEA celebrate winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup.  

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  A determined effort from UEA in the 2nd half, the defence solid soaking up pressure but rarely looking troubled, Bungay able to have the ball not finding a way through a frustrating game just couldn’t get going. UEA the better side started well, going 2 goals up and gaining confidence with it came the determination to keep Bungay at bay. Breaking up play well throughout. After missing out in the final last season, could see they wanted it this time around. Bungay disappointed but have to pick themselves up three huge league matches to come and a league title to play for. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Several performances of note to mention too. Firstly for Bungay, Chloe Ellis with some good tackling at the back. Charnelle Riggall getting forwards well to support the attack on the left looking to create opportunities. Ciera Flatt strong winning the ball and getting forwards. Selina Rowland too worked hard to get up around the box get onto the ball. UEA with a strong performance all round had a determination about them. The defence working hard to keep it tight throughout. Ella Burnley up top a menace her early goals securing the win. Neha Mann attacking on the right offering good support. The award though goes to their captain Hannah Thompson won the ball well, breaking up numerous attack and patrolled in front of her defence superbly in the 2nd half.

UEA FC Women 2023/24 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

  Congratulations to UEA FC Women on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup

  An entertaining start to the Norfolk Women’s Finals day, UEA celebrating their triumph, and students are usually skilled in that department the drinks already flowing. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details. Time to find something to eat and catch a little bit of action from the other two matches currently under way before the League Plate final kicks-off.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women v UEA FC Women

Sunday 14th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Time for a quick bite to eat before moving onto the 2nd of today’s finals the Norfolk Women’s League Cup being contested by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women and UEA FC Women.

 The third of three women’s finals taking place today with the League Plate and 7’s League Cup Finals earlier now onto the senior cup competition, the 11’s League Cup, the cloud lifting with some welcome sunshine warming things up.

This afternoon’s prize

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women victorious in the League Plate Final last season going all the way this time around looking to lift the League Cup, hoping to win some silverware to end what has been a successful season, pipped to the Division One title by Mulbarton Belles Ladies despite leading the way for much of the season two games against their main rivals to end the season proving the difference. Ambitions to test the squad at a higher level have applied for regional football along with Mulbarton and based on my knowledge of the 6th tier both would certainly be a competitive force. Shanice Sutton the top scorer for Dussindale & Hellesdon and 2nd highest scorer in the league netting 32 goals so far from 18 appearances with Vitoria Leyer on target 17 times from 13 games played. Plenty of goals from the rest of the squad too with Dussindale & Hellesdon averaging 4.6 goals scored per game throughout the season.

  UEA (University of East Anglia) FC Women re establishing their women’s side last season, with a strong campaign in Division Two finishing runners-up behind Caister FC Ladies to earn promotion to Division One. Hit the ground running this season winning 5 of their opening 6 league games showing great form also knocking Mulbarton Belles Ladies out of the League Cup. Have been hampered by injuries and availability at times since and the 2nd half of the season has proved a challenge have slipped down the table after a run of 9 straight defeats in the league. Have fought hard to turn thing’s around saving their best results for the cup and with 2 league games left after today’s final will be aiming to finish the season on a high. Ella Burnley their leading goal scorer firing home 12 goals so far this season from 19 games, with Freya Fuller one behind on 11 from the 12 games she has featured in.

Road to the Final

  Dussindale & Hellesdon receiving a home win in the first round of the competition over Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development. UEA drawn away to Division Two side, FC Viking & Valkyries Women, proving too strong for their opponents racking up a 7-0 score line to progress into the 2nd Round.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon again progressing without kicking a ball as they were awarded the away win over Division Two side Gorleston FC Ladies who were soon to sadly fold. UEA handed a tough tie away to one of the cup favourites Mulbarton, 1st half goals from Ella Burnley and Rachel Lawrence proving to be enough as UEA worked hard in the 2nd half to keep Mulbarton from coming back winning 2-1.  

  Into the last 8 and Dussindale & Hellesdon were away to fellow Division One side long Stratton Women for the 2nd successive Sunday in cup competitions a 3-0 win on a cold January day to see them advance in the County Cup have enjoyed so entertaining games with Long Stratton and this one proving no different, Chelsea Brister and Shanice Sutton on target in the first half to see Dussindale & Hellesdon leading 2-1 at half-time, Long Stratton coming back to equalise to make it 2-2 send the tie into extra-time the hosted then seeing Sam Walker sent off with Dussindale & Hellesdon taking full advantage of the player advantage with Sutton going on to score twice, get a hat-trick with Georgina Belton adding on at the death to see them through to the last 4 5-2. UEA away to Bungay Town Ladies, Ella Burnley scoring twice in the first half doing the damage to see UEA 2-0 up after a strong half, Bungay improving in the 2nd period but could find no way through a stubborn UEA defence as the visitors booked their place in the semi-finals.

  A strong line up in the last 4, Dussindale & Hellesdon at home to Caister FC Ladies the two meeting in last season’s League Plate final, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning 6-0, proved to be a potent in front of goal this time around too, Victoria Leyer getting them off to a flying start scoring in the 1st minute adding a 2nd in the 2nd minute, Caister pulling a goal back to make it 2-1 at the break. Leyer going onto complete her hat-trick early in the 2nd period. A strong finish seeing 3 more goals added in the final 20 minutes with Georgina Belton, Betty Booker and Tallulah Bell all on target in a 6-1 win. UEA at home to Thetford Town Ladies were leading 1-0 in the match before the visitors came back with a devastating spell in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1… however ultimately Thetford much to their disappointment were adjudged to have fielded an ineligible player seeing the semi-final being replayed. No less drama 2nd time around, Mia Bambury and Kamile Omelevlclute scoring for Thetford, Ella Burnley and Cassandra Piejko scoring for UEA to send the tie into extra-time and then penalties, UEA edging a tense shootout 7-6 to reach the League Cup Final.

  Aylsham FC’s Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL Finals Days for the 2nd successive season. The large clubhouse newly build surrounded by numerous grass pitches the main pitch with a barrier all round, the BBQ in full swing now helped myself to a cheeseburger and portion of chips from the kitchen, much needed fuel before sitting up for the 2nd final of the day. The cloud burnt off now bright sunshine getting warm as the spectators arrived.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Siesha Humphries, Calista Tink (C), Georgina Belton, Abbi Nobbs, Chloe Shipman, Abby Hutchin, Chelsea Brister, Shanice Sutton & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Kari Kowalczyk, Hanna Coombe, Amee Kennett & Phoebe Green. 

UEA FC Women

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Anoushka Williamson, Tasha Harvey, Madeline Pitt, Lucy Gooding (C), Olivia Seeley, Amber Long, Freya Standing, Freya Fuller, Chloe Neate, Cassandra Piejko & Ella Burnley Subs – Lilly Brewer, Mia Everett, Tegan Collier, Prini Woods & Charlotte Stelmaszyk.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Both sides with a few missing through injury, Georgina Belton dropping into the defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon while UEA have 5 or 6 likely starters side-lined through injury, have been hard pressed to name a regular starting XI all season. Nevertheless both have a large squad with players ready to step in. This mornings officials back for the League Cup Final, Craig Day running the line in the 1st game in the centre now with Ryan Starkey and David Fairhurst running the lines. 

 UEA to get the League Cup Final underway kicking off the first half wearing an all navy kit with yellow trim on the shirts, Dussindale & Hellesdon opposite lined up in their claret coloured kit. The ball played back comes to Olivia Seeley on the left played up to Cassandra Piejko knocked inside for Amber Long as UEA look to push through the centre played up to Ella Burnley in attack holds the ball up before rolling it back into Freya Standing a free-kick given away halting the attack.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon get hold of the ball in the middle Chloe Shipman playing it forwards into Victoria Leyer in attack sends the short ball out to Shanice Sutton on the right corner of the UEA box gets a shot away on the angle, straight at UEA goalkeeper, Anoushka Williamson, saves comfortably. Both sides into each other from the start closing one another down, no time allowed on the ball, Leyer taking the ball on across the top of the area 20 yards out for Dussindale & Hellesdon, tracked well by Standing who lunges in to tackle wins the ball.

Shanice Sutton

  Dussindale & Hellesdon come left Siesha Humphries putting the ball on for Chelsea Brister, quickly closed down by Tasha Harvey, Leyer taking on the loose ball before too being closed down outside the box by Madeline Pitt. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing on at the start of the game the front three pressing UEA back into their box the ball rolled inside from the left coming to Sutton some 30 yards out pulls the trigger sending a shot wide of the right post. Seeley looking to take the ball on up the left for UEA sees her cross cut out by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rachel Bussey.

UEA’s Olivia Seeley

 GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon capitalising on their positive start to the game by taking the lead n the 6th minute, attacking on the left Brister lifting the ball into the box, cleared by Harvey play congested inside the area the ball regained by Dussindale & Hellesdon lifted back inside for Leyer to attack left of the goal six yards out strong to hold off her marker turns getting her foot up to the ball to send it wide of the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

Victoria Leyer opens the scoring for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  UEA conceding an early goal look to rally straight away Standing putting the ball out to the right for Freya Fuller, driving on looks to take on the full back, however can’t keep the ball in play goes out for a goal kick. UEA winning a free-kick with a handball spotted on halfway players up into the box the delivery long to the far post, captain Calista Tink heading clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Shipman with the ball setting off through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Long with the challenge for UEA.

Chloe Shipman

  Sutton tussling with the UEA defence for the ball top of the area, outnumbers but looking to get hold of the ball, ultimately frustrated giving away the free-kick as Fuller looks to take the ball out to the left. Fuller with a strong run on the ball left side for UEA tracking inside laying it forwards towards the area, Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole out well to the top of her box to claim the ball. Neither side able to play much flowing football as they both continue to rush in to close the ball down, scrappy at times, UEA captain Lucy Gooding in the back line intercepting a through ball intended for Leyer.

Shanice Sutton battling with the UEA defence

  Leyer coming inside form the left on the ball shooting off target from 25 yards out. Gooding with the clearance at the back a long ball finding Chloe Neate out wide right, turns on the ball looking to drive on, Humphries quickly into her to tackle regain possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Pitt getting up on the right with Neate UEA forcing a corner kick. Lifted in near side, attacked by Fuller can only direct her header behind for a goal kick.

  Pitt bringing down Shipman in midfield sees the UEA player picking up an early yellow card. Brister over the set-piece left of the circle, tries her luck a good hit sending her shot narrowly over the crossbar. A lively contest UEA looking to get the ball out to Neate and Fuller on the flanks run at the Dussindale & Hellesdon full backs, Long finding Neate on the right opts to shoot on the angle a low drive into towards the near post from 25 yards out not troubling Cole.  

  Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking on the left winning a throw lifted into the box for Sutton, Harvey getting across her to defend for UEA. The game frantic in terms of pace at time as the ball is exchanged between the sides Dussindale & Hellesdon turning play around to attack left channel with Sutton on the move with Brister, Humphries bombing on on the over laps the ball rolled on down the line, Pitt out to her to clear the ball for the throw. Alot of energy being expanded both sides into each other a few rash challenges, thing’s need to settle down.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon look to make a double change, bringing off Sutton and Humphries and sending on Kari Kowalczyk and Amee Kennett. UEA making a change too, Prini Woods coming on replacing Long. UEA attacking up on their right the ball squared into Burnley inside the area near side, Tink sliding in to make the tackle coming off the defender for a corner kick. The delivery headed back out to the taker wide the cross/shot back in wide at the near post.

  Abbi Nobbs and Shipman working hard in the middle to win possession back for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Nobbs fouled by Standing as she looks to link up with Abby Hutchin making a break through the middle. The game stretched as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter Kowalczyk on the left putting the ball inside for Leyer in attack, put back into Hutchin out to Bussey advanced on the right her cross lifted into the area cut out by Gooding. As quickly as Dussindale & Hellesdon can spring an attack they are equally adapt at regrouping at the back the midfielders tracking back well, Shipman covering alot of ground. 

Rachel Bussey

 Pitt blocking Leyer as he picks the ball up on the left outside the area looks to turn and shoot. UEA springing a counter attack, Gooding with a great pass on her picking out Burnley getting hold of the ball 30 yards out and turning to strike the ball racing wide of the left post. Another double switch with Brister and Nobbs coming off for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Phoebe Green and Hannah Coombes entering the game late in the first half. 

  Williamson with a magnificent save for UEA off Leyer as she latches onto a clearance, shooting low across the keeper, Williamson down sharply low to to throw out an arm glove the ball wide for a corner. The set-piece lifted into a packed area cleared by the UEA defence. Gooding in on Kowalczyk to win the ball top of the area left as Bussey puts the diagonal ball into her. Fuller pressing on the right for UEA the cross swept into the area cleared by Tink back out to the right a corner won, Harvey coming towards the corner hear side helping it on across goal no one able to reach it. 

UEA goalkeeper, Anoushka Williamson

Both sides continue to niggle at each other no quarter given, Shipman running to close down Pitt as she attempts to get forwards. UEA winning a free-kick wide on the right out in deep from Harvey, headed clear by Belton back out to the right the  looping ball back into the area landing on the roof of the net. Belton picking up a yellow card for Dussindale & Hellesdon as she brings down Burnley taking a run at the defence. Neate on the ball lifted forwards into the area Dussindale & Hellesdon clearing as the half-time whistle blows. 

Madeline Pitt

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 1-0 UEA FC Women

 Certainly a competitive 1st half both sides working hard to close the other down, little time for anyone on the ball. Victoria’s Leyer’s 6th minute goal the difference between the sides at the break. Dussindale & Hellesdon starting well pressing the UEA defence back, the game beginning to open up as the ball was closed down, UEA getting the ball out wide often end to end in nature as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter well creating chances Leyer seeing a shot saved late in the first half UEA getting into some good positions but as yet to really test the keeper, 1 goal in it however still very much to play for.

 Really warm now as both side return for the 2nd half, Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the game restarted the ball rolled back to Tink in defence out to Bussey moving forwards on the right, plays the ball long looking for Leyer Gooding winning it for UEA. The ball played into Burnley in midfield lifts it out to Neate breaking on down the right her cross cut back into the D, cleared by Coombe for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

 Coombe then picking up a yellow card for a high boot on Standing. Fuller getting hold of the ball in the middle for UEA driving on into the Dussindale & Hellesdon half encouraged to shoot’ lets fly from 25 yards out blasts the ball wide of the left post. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a corner out on the right players up from the back, Tink coming to head the ball near side picking up an head injury play stopped immediately for the trainer to come on administer treatment, Tink is okay and able to play on.

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Calista Tink

 A lively start to the 2nd half, Woods up into Fuller edge of the box looks to turn closely marked by Belton the defender getting a foot in to take the ball. Kowalczyk bursting on with the ball left side for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Neate tracking back on her to challenge as Gooding comes across to clear the ball. Quite intense you feel Dussindale & Hellesdon need another goal to try and settle the game down, UEA pressing well. Belton under pressure as Burnley links up with Standing through the middle, deals with the threat to clear the ball.

Kari Kowalczyk

  Kowalczyk bringing the ball inside linking up with Leyer in attack the Dussindale and Hellesdon striker pulling right to shoot 25 yards out her effort dipping in front of the keeper caught by Williamson on the bounce. Tink throwing herself in to block Burnley as she lines up a strike left side of the D. Coombe spraying the pass out for Green racing on up the line right wing her cross dipping into the near post met by Leyer on the volley turned over at close range.

  Fuller bringing the ball on for UEA out to Neate on the right, Bussey tackling for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Belton clearing for the throw in the corner. UEA pressure the ball inside the box to Standing comes back to Woods top of the area is rapidly closed down. Dussindale & Hellesdon bringing Humpies back on for Kennett. Neate advancing on the right for UEA her cross coming into Burnley inside the box, Belton challenging for Dussindale & Hellesdon the ball out for a throw in the corner. Pressure from UEA on the right appeals for handball the decision finally given a free-kick wide above the area, played into the area cleared back to Neate the free-kick taker, goes down after a challenge with Kowalczyk struggling can’t continue is brought off with Mia Everett coming on.

UEA’s Freya Fuller

  Green flying up the right into the corner for Dussindale & Hellesdon cutting a cross back into the area, Williamson just about getting there before Leyer. Dussindale & Hellesdon press the ball high up the pitch winning a free-kick outside the box to the right of goal in the 66th minute.

  GOAL! Coombe over the dead ball 20 plus yards out from goal players up from the back the ball struck low driven in towards the far corner, Belton running in getting the telling touch to send the ball home to double Dussindale & Hellesdon’s lead 2-0.

Georgina Belton (16) in to score Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 2nd goal

Georgina Belton

  Gooding across to put in the blocking tackle on Leyer left outside the area as she receives the ball from Green advancing up the wing. Dussindale bringing of Kowalczyk bringing Brister back on on the left of attack.

 GOAL! UEA with a quick reply to falling 2 goals behind coming right back to pull a goal back with Fuller driving on with the ball left channel to the edge off the area playing it into Burnley central inside the D shows great skill and close ball control as she shifts the the ball between her feet on the turn before lashing a shot past the keeper inside the left post 2-1. 

Ella Burnley with a great strike to pull a goal back for UEA

  Game on with 20 minutes left to play UEA getting it back to a single goal. Dussindale & Hellesdon win the ball in the middle Hutchin getting hold of it powering her way forwards eventually stopped as 3 UEA players converge on her, Leyer taking on the loose ball out right top of the box in low pushed wide by the keeper.

UEA’s Chloe Neate with Abby Hutchin

  Another player down for UEA, Piejko retuning to the action. Nobbs back on for Coombe. The game intense as Dussindale & Hellesdon press on with the ball Humphries picking the ball up central driving towards the area, Pitt closing her down coming together both go down outside the D, UEA incredulous as the free-kick goes against them, furious feeling it should have gone the other way!

  GOAL! Nobbs over the set-piece for Dussindale & Hellesdon in a very dangerous position central 20 yards out, catches her strike beautifully the lift the ball up over the wall and looping down over the keeper into the back of the net 3-1.

Abbi Nobbs scores from the free-kick to make it 3-1

  UEA seething, furious at the decision to award the free-kick in the first place falling 3-1 behind as a result of it being given vent their opinions, their woes further increased as Piejko is sent off for decent after being asked to repeat her original comment, UEA down to 10, worse still as Burnley with an outburst is shown a yellow card and sin binned for 10 minutes. UEA down to 9! The game turned on a sixpence.

 Belton looking to exploit the player advantage sweeping a diagonal ball up to Brister on the left, striking the ball from distance sees it race wide of the far post. Sutton back on for Dussindale & Hellesdon replacing Leyer. Dussindale & Hellesdon able to come on as UEA try to claim themselves down, Green volleying over at the far post as Brister sweeps in  cross from deep on the left. Shipman with a shot driven in on the angle Williamson taking it into her midriff.

Chelsea Brister

  GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon all over UEA now as they press on Green breaking into the area on the ball, Gooding nibbling at her with the challenge, Green staying on her feet to strike the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner. 4-1.

Phoebe Green congratulated by her teammates after scoring Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 4th

 Hard work for UEA now, Dussindale & Hellesdon with a double switch taking off Humphries and Bussey on come Kennett and Kowalczyk. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular time Fuller off for UEA, Tegan Collier on as they look to hold Dussindale & Hellesdon back. Standing back to defend on Hutchin as she gets the ball fed into her feet from the left.

 GOAL! Hutchin with a wonderful strike from distance to bring up Dussindale & Hellesdon’s fifth goal. All of 30 yards out to the right of the area connects with the shot to curl the ball into the top left corner to score a beauty 5-1. 

 Burnley back on for UEA as Dussindale & Hellesdon press on through the middle Shipman into Sutton holding off a defender as she breaks into the area gets a shot away the keeper holding onto the ball. Burnley looking to break through the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence stopped by the offside flag. The game deep into stoppage time Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick out wide on the left the ball flung in towards the far post headed clear by UEA as the final whistle blows. 

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 5-1 UEA FC Women

  Dussindale & Hellesdon winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final 5-1. The score line not reflection the balance of the game, a controversial free-kick with 0 minutes to go altering the course of the game Dussindale & Hellesdon scoring from it to go 3-1 ahead pushed all the way by UEA until then an intense game boiling over UEA furious with the decision getting two players sent off, Dussindale & Hellesdon taking advantage to score two more goals to settle what could well have been a nervy end to the game. A battling performance from both sides closing each other down with little time on the ball for anyone played at a high tempo. Dussindale & Hellesdon leading by a single goal at the break a close contest, needed a 2nd goal getting it UEA came straight back to make it 2-1 with 20 minutes to go. A huge effort from UEA played their part in the final made Dussindale & Hellesdon work for the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again another tough one with several contenders on both sides to mention. For UEA, Madeline Pitt making some great tackles at the back, Captain Lucy Gooding reading the game well getting in position to intercept and win the ball, her long range passes useful for the counter. Freya Standing and Prini Woods getting after the ball in the middle while Freya Fuller was outstanding making several strong runs through the middle and out wide. For Dussindale & Hellesdon Georgina Belton had a great match at the back in defence winning the ball and preventing the attackers turning. Victoria Leyer up top taking the ball on getting into some great positions inside the box opening the scoring. The award though goes to Chloe Shipman, bossed the midfield getting about the pitch to win the ball, making some useful runs forwards. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 2022/23 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

 Congratulations to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup

 An enjoyable day at Youngs Park watch the League Plate and Cup Finals my thanks to everyone for their help today two entertaining games. Plenty of football action still to come a busy week ahead before the excitements all over…

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bungay Town Ladies v UEA FC Women

Sunday 29th Jan

Norfolk Women’s League Cup

 Much improved weather this weekend and a host of exciting matches to choose from. Today’s football coming from the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup a tasty looking line up with a trip to Maltings Meadow to watch Bungay Town Ladies v UEA FC Women.

A strong quarter final line-up in this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup won last season in a penalty shootout with Fakenham Town Ladies coming out on top to beat Mulbarton Belles Ladies. Neither side in this season’s competition with Fakenham stepping up a level to play regional level football. Mulbarton one of the favourite’s knocked out by UEA  FC Women in the previous round. All 8 sides left will fancy their chances of reaching this season’s final.

Bungay Town Ladies have plenty of league matches left to play like Mulbarton only 5 played to date their last league match back in November, seeing them lay 8th with 2 wins and 3 losses will be hoping to build on their recent cup form to push on when the league campaign finally resumes. A long established side within the NWGFL enjoying strong support from their respective men’s club have come through turbulent off the field beginning the new campaign under a new management team headed up by Darren Renwick.

 While Bungay’s league programme might have stalled, have found form in the cup competitions reaching the last 4 of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup with wins over Halesworth Town Women and Ipswich Vale Exiles Ladies. Will face Suffolk Premier Division leaders. Brettvale Ladies in the semi-finals. Also reaching the last 8 of the League Cup beating North Walsham Town Ladies 3-0 at home in the previous round with Maddie Flatman, Lauren Goulder and Lauren Purling al on the score sheet. Selina Rowland often prolific in an attacking midfield role leading goal scorer with 5 to date. Met UEA FC Women on the opening day of the season away from home losing 3-2.

UEA FC Women (or at least a previous version of the side) was one of the main reason’s the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and then Women’s Football East evolved the way it did. Incidentally was also a league cup quarter final back in 2014 UEA hosting Fakenham coming out on top in a thrilling 4-3 encounter that made me realise I got as much excitement form watching a game at county level as I did the WSL, covered plenty of county league games since.

This UEA FC Women (University of East Anglia) team is into it’s 2nd season and proving to be a strong outfit. Winning promotion from Division Two in their debut season finishing 2nd behind Caister FC Ladies. Have hit the ground running in Division One win 3 straight wins to start the campaign, just the one defeat from 6 played so far. Freya Fuller with playing experience for Billericay and Norwich leading goal scorer with 11 from 6 appearances. Into the last 8 of the League Cup with a 7-0 away win against FC Viking & Valkyries FC Women in the 1st Round, going on to record a memorable result away to one of the cup favourites in the 2nd Round beating Mulbarton 2-1 courtesy of goals from Ella Burnley and Rachael Lawrence. 

Maltings Meadow the venue for today’s tie, has been a while since I last visited, pre Covid for sure but it remains a hive off activity very much a community feel about the place, several youth matches taking place on the grass pitches surrounding the man pitch. Over looked by the changing rooms and clubhouse. The grass pitch having suffered like so many others with the recent bad weather, a little soft under foot likely to cut up. Offers decent width, a small covered seated stand to one side fenced all round. Pretty gloomy and over cast prior to kick-off with a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch. 

Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Leeks, Porcha Renwick, Ruby Roos, Ciera Flatt, Sofia Serghiou, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Lauren Purling, Phoebe Wakefield, Lucy Wood & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Erin Galer.

UEA FC Women

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Anoushka Williamson, Katie Lee, Olivia Seeley, Maddison Goodenough, Darcey Coombs, Lucy Gooding (C), Prini Woods, Hannah Thompson, Mia Everitt, Cass Piejko & Ella Burnley. Subs – Lily Brewer, Emily Wilson & Amber Long. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Charnelle Riggall of Bungay and UEA’s Lucy Gooding before kick-off

  Bungay come into the game struggling for numbers with a few out trough injury and unavailability. Signing Ruby Roos on the day to give them more than the bare 11. UEA fresh from fielding two teams in midweek BUC’s fixtures naming 3 on the bench. Bungay also known as the ‘Black Dogs’ to get the tie underway wearing sky blue shirts, black shorts and socks. UEA lined up opposite wearing an all dark blue kit with yellow trim on the shirts.

The ball going all the way back to goalkeeper Amber Leeks, she sends the ball long out to the right for Phoebe Wakefield to attack, the threat dealt with by UEA full back Olivia Seeley put out for a throw in. UEA looking to get the ball moving across the pitch early on moving it from one full back to the other Katie Lee at right back bringing the ball forwards on for Cass Piejko down the flank, Porsha Renwick stepping in to tackle for Bungay prevent the cross. Piejko in possession again on the right putting the ball inside for captain Lucy Gooding her attempted through ball having a little too much on it for attacker Ella Burnley to run onto inside the box, goal kick.

Bungay’s Porsha Renwick

UEA keeping the ball moving it swiftly in midfield Gooding back to Hannah Thompson looks to send it on up top for Burnley to attack, Sofia Serghiou in close to defend for Bungay top of the D.

GOAL! UEA capitalising on their positive start getting forwards to score an early goal. The ball at the feet of Prini Woods on halfway passes it into Thompson out on the right, lifts the ball on up towards the top of the area right of the D, Burnley pulling off the defence, with a controlled header to knock the ball up and away from her marker to the right of goal catching it sweetly on the volley as it falls to rifle it home past the keeper to score 0-1.

Ella Burnley opens the scoring for UEA

An early blow for Bungay falling behind within the opening 5 minutes, have a free-kick over half way. The ball sent up towards the area UEA’s defence heading clear. Piejko looking to get forwards with the ball clattered into play brought back for the free-kick. Darcey Coombs over it the defender getting a bit of wind assist as she strikes the ball long past the far post. Bungay are a little static allowing UEA to find their passes Piejko getting away on the right driving for the corner Renwick gets back at her well to challenge win her side the throw in.

UEA FC Women’s Cass Piejko

Selina Rowland picking the ball up deep for Bungay driving forwards moving left cuts the ball back on the diagonal looking for Wakefield, Coombs with a timely interception at the back for UEA. Roos playing at right back for Bungay has a good throw on her as use tool to have as it will often draw more opposition players in towards the ball. Woods on for Gooding out to Burnley peeling away into the left channel looking to get into the box, Ciera Flatt back at her doing enough to halt the attack see off the danger.

Ruby Roos tackling UEA’s Ella Burnley

Burnley keeping the Bungay defence occupied moving across the back line sees the ball into her feet well right of the D, Piejko providing the run from the right the ball laid into her path struck on the angle, Leeks in the Bungay goal down sharply inside her six yard box to make the save. Bungay losing possession in the final 3rd out on the right Burnley stealing it powering into the box, getting away from tackle shifting right to strike the ball in low towards goal, put straight at the keeper, Leeks saving comfortably.

Bungay attacker, Lauren Goulder

   Little opportunity for Bungay’s attackers to test the UEA defence so far, Lauren Goulder having come into midfield for the ball turns and puts her foot through the ball all of 35 yards out, left of the goal, gets plenty of power races wide of the right post. The sun poking through now some blue sky doing absolutely nothing to improve the temperature mind. Bungay are giving UEA time on the ball allowing them to get forwards inviting pressure without applying any themselves. Rowland attempting to change things getting onto the ball and pushing forwards linking up with Goulder in attack the diagonal ball to the right has a little too much on it for Wakefield.

UEA FC Women’s Olivia Seeley

   UEA play the ball across the back from Seeley to Lee on the right coming on with the ball lifting the pass up top for Burnley turns into the shot 20 yards out her shot blocked by Serghiou, the rebound skipping up for Piejko to the right of the D to strike on the half volley leaning back does catch it as cleanly as liked the ball looping up brushing the side netting as it falls. The visitors winning the ball in midfield Woods into Thompson into Mia Everitt on the left takes the ball on down the flank, Roos tackling slowing Everitt’s advance 20 yards out sends the ball in across the top of the area, Burnley meeting it on the half volley struck in low skipping up in front of the keeper Leeks with an excellent save dropping low to her right to knock the ball behind for a corner kick. 

UEA’s Mia Everitt

  The corner played in from the left, met by Roos before the near post her header putting the ball back towards the UEA corner taker, crossed back in, Darcey Coombs coming onto it near post tuning inside the six yard box lifting her shot over from close range. Woods able to travel with the ball in midfield picking out Burnley in attack as the striker pulls away to the left, looking to get around Roos into the box, isn’t the cleanest of challenges but nevertheless gets the job done halting the attack.

  GOAL! Short lived as UEA continue press the advantage able to come on with the ball through the middle Bungay sitting off played on into Piejko moving inside from the right has Gooding up with her shifts the ball into her feet UEA’s captain realising the ball forwards before she is caught brought down with a late tackle, referee Ryan Starkey playing a good advantage as the ball runs through into the box for Burnley getting across her defender to put her foot through the ball slot it past the keeper before Leeks can react 0-2.

Captain Lucy Gooding releasing the ball forwards prior to being tackled

Two goals for Ella Burnley

   A strong opening 20 minutes from taking a 2 goal lead. A pause in play however as Gooding is still down from the tackle, after on field treatment she is up and hobbling can’t continue is brought off her replacement Amber Long a straight swap in the middle. The break in play an opportunity for Bungay to regroup, Rowland forwards from the restart looking to be aggressive on the ball brought down by Lee. Woods the next UEA player to up end Rowland as the midfielder looks to be pro active on the ball combine with Lauren Purling going forwards. 

Selina Rowland looking to take the game to UEA

  Certainly a more competitive Bungay side now looking to match UEA across the middle get into them. The fence could do with anther rail at the bottom to stop the ball sneaking out under it and players having to hurdle over it… plus myself having to collect it. Goodenough bringing the ball out from the back for UEA well, Purling tracking back to put the tackle in for Bungay, then Renwick comes to close down Long as the substitute breaks forwards from the middle for the visiting side. Piejko wide right whipping a dipping cross in towards the near post Serghiou lunging in to cut it out behind for a corner, Renwick coming on left side up to Goulder looking for Wood making a run up the left flank, Lee stretching out cut the pass out.

Bungay’s Sofia Serghiou

  Different game no since the loss of Gooding in midfield with Bungay regrouping becoming more competitive. Purling carrying the ball forwards from halfway for Bungay to the left has support with Wakefield play a one two before Purling lifts it into the channel for Wakefield to attack, Goodenough getting back at her to take the ball off her feet away to the right Wakefield closing in on the by-line sends her cross behind. 

Darcey Coombs and Lauren Goulder challenging for the ball

  Burnley continues to pull off the defence ready to run in behind waiting for the pass from midfield, almost picked out to the left, Flatt reading it well to get her foot it tackle take the ball from the striker Roos round on the cover to clear. Bungay with a free-kick won wide on the right Flatt on the ball as players go forwards into the box lifted in towards a crowded far post area Rowland up well inside the six yard box heading the ball down straight at the keeper, Anoushka Williamson with an instinctive save can’t hold onto the ball loose is grounded in the ensuing scramble the ball stolen away cleared. Williamson down needing treatment, is okay to play on.

Maddison Goodenough coming forwards from the back for UEA

   Bungay’s best chance of the game giving them the belief they aren’t out of this tie captain Charnelle Riggall passing into Rowland picks out Purling right inside the box goes to shot across the keeper find the bottom corner Williamson down smartly to smother the ball. Burnley beating the offside trap to run clear on the box to the right of goal shoots low, Leeks down well to block it the ball not claimed Burnley attempting to reach it challenged the ball swerving away for a corner. 

Bungay’s Phoebe Wakefield

  Late in the first half Woods with space finding Piejko out wide right, Riggall coming back to help defend winning the ball back for Bungay. Goodenough still up the pitch from an earlier set piece looking to get control of the ball wide left, Roos adjusting well the lung in win the ball back as the visitors look to mount a late charge. UEA with a free kick wide on the left flighted in towards the far post, bouncing not attacked Leeks able to take without challenge.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  A strong start to the game from UEA, allowed time on the ball looking to move it crisply across the pitch exploit the flanks, Burnley a good foil up top moving about into the channels bringing the ball down superbly for the opening goal inside five minutes. Bungay static at times allowing their opponents to have the ball a 2nd goal coming on 20 minutes. That also seeing a pause in play with the withdrawal of Gooding from the UEA midfield. Bungay much more competitive after that matching UEA in the middle looking to get forwards better with a strong chance to pull one back before the break. UEA still very much a threat in attack with Burnley looking to find openings. Both keepers called into action. 2-0 often a tricky score line with the next goal having a meaningful effect either way.

  UEA to get the 2nd period underway neither side making a change. Bungay move in quickly t get after the ball won by Rowland in the middle turns to attack forwards into Goulder left inside the box crossed into the six yard box cut out Coombs turned behind for a corner. Floated into the near post UEA comfortable in defending it. Certainly a more aggressive encounter now a few pushes and shoulder barges the soft pitch favouring the sliding tackle, the mud stains building. Rowland wearing most of it. 

UEA’s Hannah Thompson with Bungay’s Ciera Flatt

  Bungay winning a free-kick on the flank deep put in to the top of the D by Flatt, Purling twisting her neck to try and get some power in her header, glances it on safely through for Williamson to catch high. The battle of the 8’s in the middle sees Rowland fouling Long UEA winning the set-piece players up to the top of the area a flare up between Burnley and Flatt a bit of pushing quick brought under control by Ryan Starkey both players with a talking to and a card shown. Lee to put the ball into the area Bungay heading it away safely. 

Selina Rowland

  UEA making a change out on the left bringing off Everitt with Lily Brewer coming on. Lee fouled as she travels forwards on the left. Over the set-piece herself lifted into the far post attacked the ball knocked down into the keeper Leeks down getting something on it the ball loose inside the box struck goalwards cleared off the line to the right and launched clear for a corner. UEA keeping the pressure on the ball sent into the box headed on by Coombs beyond the far post the resulting strike smashed over. 

  Very much a committed contest now several robust challenges more clumsy than malicious has the potential to flare up but the captains are keeping an eye on things. Rowland combining with Riggall as Bungay make progress into the final 3rd the cross in claimed by the keeper. Coombs cutting the pass out at the back as Rowland attempts to put the ball into Purling’s path. Purling getting forwards well for Bungay looking to get on pulling left Lee tackling to stop her getting in behind to cross.

Captain Charnelle Riggall bringing the ball on for Bungay

   Bungay putting pressure on the ball in the final 3rd Purling coming in from the left firing it across the D to Riggall forwards on the right, shifting the ball closed down can’t find room for a shot deflected up central Rowland latching onto it to break clear of the defence blasts a shot in Williamson with a smart instinctive save to deny her, Rowland adjudged to have handled the ball as she looks to get it back under control. 

UEA’s Katie Lee

  UEA with a rapid counter attack forwards into Burnley on the attack right channel Flatt getting back at her to win the ball back. A third change for UEA with Emily Wilson coming on for Woods in midfield midway through the 2nd half. Thompson getting onto the ball in midfield finding room now to attack forwards for Burnley right channel pulling away from the defence to shoot on the angle in low batted away well by Leeks getting to the floor sharply. 

  Riggall moving forwards on the ball laying it on for Purling linking with Goulder up top, Goodenough moving in to break up the attack. Renwick onto Woods on the left flank for Bungay on the attack finds Rowland in the middle, challenged by Goodenough. Bungay press well keeping numbers up in the final 3rd the ball coming to Purling 20 out her strike straight at the keeper. UEA can afford to sit back a little with a 2 goal lead to defend wait to hit Bungay on the counter.

Bungay’s Lauren Purling

 Rowland working well in the midfield on to Goulder in attacker finds Wood out wide has support from Purling on the over lap her cross in cut out by Wilson at the near post. Riggall pulling wide right floating a diagonal ball in close to UEA’s near post turned narrowly wide by the defence for a corner. The strong challenges remain a feature of the game Burnley tackling Flatt then Goodenough feeling one as she and Rowland lung for the ball. Thompson taking out Purling top of the circle giving Bungay a free-kick with less than 15 minutes left to play. The ball flighted in to the top of the area UEA clear threaten to counter, Wakefield back to cover defending on the right.

Bungay’s Lucy Wood

  A corner for Bungay on the right half cleared, Riggall collects puts it back to Flatt to strike a shot from 25 yards out right of the D sent wide. Piejko out wide right with a clever flick to take the ball inside wrong foot her marker, Flatt quick to react at the back able to cover the ground get to the ball before Piejko can steer it on into the box. A foul on Purling brought down on half way players up as Flatt launches it forwards, Purling’s deft flick on into the box not quite finding Goulder to the right of goal as Goodenough clears. 

 Riggall with a strike from distance sent over as the clock runs down. Bungay pressing for a goal UEA content to sit soak up the pressure. A clearance lifted up to Thompson in midfield opts to have a crack at goal from distance on target bouncing up sharply inside the six yard before Leeks but back on her line she has the room to adjust and claim. The final whistle blows and UEA celebrate as they book their place in the last 4 of the league cup.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 0-2 UEA FC Women

  The opening 20 minutes proving decisive in the match a strong opening from UEA getting on the attack moving the ball well opening the scoring inside 5 minutes going on to make it 2 before Bungay finally got going have been static, were much improved getting after their opponents coming close to pulling a goal back. A tasty affair with some robust tackling a committed contest. Bungay pushing all 2nd half to find a goal taking a few risks at the back. UEA soaking things up well comfortable defending a 2 goal lead ready to counter try and score the 3rd to put the tie beyond doubt. UEA will be joined in the last 4 by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women who came through extra time to beat Long Stratton 5-2. Thetford Town Ladies who won 2-1 against Sprowston FC Women and Caister FC Ladies who won 5-0 away to Division Two side Blofield United Ladies.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is once again another tough one with 3 players vying for the award. Several performances of note to mention first. For Bungay Selina Rowland was strong on the middle battling for the ball taking it on and looking for goal scoring opportunities, as was Lauren Purling getting forwards making herself available for the ball. For UEA it was a strong team performance particularly through the spine of the side the midfield competitive Prini Woods passing well, Hannah Thompson covering the ground win the ball back get it moving forwards. At the back Maddison Goodenough put in a number of challenges and interceptions with great positioning throughout and narrowly misses out. With her goals proving the difference in the tie today’s award goes to Ella Burnley took the first goal superbly. With the nature of the game and Bungay sitting back was often left alone up top but showed great movement and running off the ball to find pockets of space between the midfield and defence always an option for the forward pass.

  Great to return to Maltings Meadow see both sides in action a competitive cup tie played in reasonably good spirits. Pleasure to meet the management teams off both sides and for the clubs help with the team details as always much appreciated. look forward to the semi-final draw.  

by Darren Gilham