Tag Archives: Wormley Rovers Ladies

Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Wormley Rovers Ladies

Sunday 21st Sept

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

As we enter autumn the women’s football season is finally in full swing with action right across the board, including 128 ties in this season’s Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying. It is to one of these contests I head this afternoon with Norfolk Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies hosting ERWFL Division One South side, Wormley Rovers Ladies.

A prestigious competition with a rich history, the prize fund increasing in recent seasons to better match the growth of the women’s game in the country, although still short of what their male counterparts can earn, £3000 going to the winning side today with the losers taking away £750. Teams from step 7 right up to the WSL itself competing in the competition with the teams from tier 5 entering at this stage.

Costessey Sports Ladies playing in just their 2nd Women’s FA Cup campaign, making it to 2nd Round Qualifying in their debut campaign last season knocked out by ERWFL Premier Division side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Beat an Essex side at home in 1st Round Qualifying coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller, 4-3 over Premier Division side, Brightlingsea Regent Ladies. Drawn at home once again in 2nd Round Qualifying, taking on ERWFL opposition with Hertfordshire side, Wormley Rovers Ladies.

Looking to build on a strong finish to last season’s campaign which saw them clinch 4th spot in Norfolk Women’s Division One losing just the one game to eventually champions, Bungay Town Ladies in final 10 games. Building a squad on a strong foundation of youthful talent bringing in useful experience to add to the ranks. Alisha Juby returning to the club after two seasons away, Holly Williams joins having played for both King’s Lynn and Fakenham Town. Phoebe Pierpoint coming to the club from Needham Market. Kyara Everett, joins from Blofield U16s, winning the golden boot for 3 successive seasons prior. Chloe Moulton another recruit from Blofield & Norwich Academy. Jenny Moore the most recent signing stepping up into adult football. Starting the season strong with a 12-0 opening day win over newly promoted FC Viking & Valkyries followed by FA cup success and another 12 goal haul against Division Three side Long Stratton in the League Cup 1st Round. Thea Hackney leading scorer so far with 5 goals.

Wormley Rovers Ladies burst onto the scene in 2022, and have enjoyed a successful start to life in women’s football, winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division in their debut season, promoted to the ERWFL, joining Division One South enjoyed further success winning the League Plate Final that year. Finishing 6th last season, had a decent run in the Women’s FA Cup eventually going out on penalties to then ERWFL Premier Division side, Cambridge City Ladies.

A club with a strong youth setup with teams competing at all levels from U9’s through to U18’s have also formed a new women’s Development side this season playing in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. Have brought in several experienced players to the squad while also promoting youth, Phoebe Ware, Ruby Ball and Jess Cooper all stepping up this season. Goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien recruited too having previously played for London Bees and Stevenage FC Women. Scoring plenty of goals too at the start of this campaign 30 so far from their opening 6 matches in all competitions, an unbeaten run of 5 games ended with a 7-3 loss at home to Colchester United Women last time out currently 3rd in the Division One South table. Won 11-0 against Lawford Ladies to reach 2nd Round Qualifying. Holly Fox top scorer so far netting 8 goals, With Summer Small scoring 7 and Ruby Hawksworth netting 5 times.

The FDC in Bowthorpe the venue for today’s FA Cup game, one of a number of Football Development Centre scattered around Norfolk, boasting a clubhouse with bar, and café serving hot and cold drinks. A number of practice/training 3G pitches leading to the main pitch itself a large 3G pitch with a small seated stand and standing viewing in 3 sides. Has the facilities to host high profile games and cup finals. Today the 1st official day of autumn, the temperature dropping quite a bit, however there’s still some power in the sun shining down, notice the chill when the clouds cover it though. High above one goal might pose a few issues as the game progresses.

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Kelly Fox, Paige Barnard (C), Alyssia Baldock, Layla Watts, Hannah Campbell, Abbi Nobbs, Holly Williams, Chelsea Brister, Alisha Juby, Thea hackney & Grace Wall. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Olivia Smith, Abbie Tate, Sydnie Brown, Phoebe Pierpoint, Kyara Everett & Chloe Moulton.

Costessey Sports Ladies

Wormley Rovers Ladies starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Malia Taylor, Gracie Manning, Aimee Burling, Leah Dunnage, Ciara Purdue (C), Emily Schofield, Summer Small, Ruby Hawksworth, Savannah Japal & Holly Fox.

Wormley Rovers Ladies

Both sides used to roll on roll off substitutes, the Women’s FA Cup rules seeing a fixed number of subs allowed, increased to 5 with sides able to name 7 on the bench, which Costessey have, Wormley with a late call off naming 6 on the bench from the squad travelling up to Norfolk.

Referee Elise Carroll Mileham leading the sides out onto the pitch. Paige Barnard captaining Costessey, Ciara Purdue wearing the armband for Wormley. It’s the visitors to kick-off the first half attacking into the sun, wearing light blue coloured shirts and socks with navy shorts. Costessey lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. The ball played back into midfield is lifted long into the right channel for Ruby Hawksworth to attack, Layla Watts dealing with the threat at full back for Costessey the hosts looking to get forwards cross the pitch into Grace Wall plays it up the right channel with Holly Williams providing the run, driving forwards is held up lays it back into Chelsea Brister coming across to support her angled cross dropped into the six yard box, Aimee Burling under it to head clear for Wormley.

A bright start from both sides, Costessey up against higher league opposition not looknig to sit back, press the ball high, back and forth around the Wormley penalty area, Emily Schofield getting hold of the ball bringing it out for the visitors feeding the pass into the left wing for Savannah Japal to chase down, seeps a cross-field ball out to the right side, looking for Hawksworth, Abbi Nobbs getting her leg out to intercept for Costessey.

Thea Hackney breaking in behind the Wormley defence looking to close goalkeeper Mia O’Brien down as she rushes out to the top of her area to clear the ball, rushed into her clearance goes away for a throw in the right. Costessey lively, Hackney, Williams and Alisha Juby up top all rushing in to try and close the ball down. Hannah Campbell taking the ball out to the left for Costessey linking up with Hackney the ball rolled into captain, Paige Barnard 25 yards out central she attempts to thread the pass on into the box for Hackney to run onto but it’s a little too strong, O’Brien can see it wide for the goal kick.

Costessey’s Thea Hackney

Hackney played onto the ball on the right, Wormley seeing her as a threat quick to get numbers around her, captain Ciara Purdue cutting the inside pass out, the visitors quick to launch a counter attack the ball fed on up their right, Hawksworth up with Holly Fox in attack, the ball racing on into the box, Watts gets across the attacker well to shield the ball back to goalkeeper, Kelly Fox.

Brister moving the ball into the middle, launching it into the right channel for Williams to attack, knocking the ball forwards looking to get in behind full back Gracie Manning the defender recovers quickly to get a foot in steal the ball away from the attacker. Costessey pushed up in defence at times see a ball lifted in behind for Japal to attack left side, Fox is quickly out of her area to win the race put her foot through the ball.

Wormley advance down the right winning a throw in the corner, turning it into a corner kick. Swung in tight to the near post, Costessey with bodies in the way to block, the ball deflected to the top of the area, Japal latching onto it blasts the ball back in towards goal, is blocked inside the six yard box, Costessey scrambling it away. Wormley having dealt with some strong pressing from Costessey early on starting to find their own rhythm.

Wormley’s Savannah Japal

Campbell sending the ball on for Watts pushing on up the left looknig to link up with Hackney the ball helped on Malia Taylor lunging in to send the ball out for a throw defending for Wormley. The hosts getting players up into the final third Campbell right side linking up with Hackney and Juby, the ball crossed into the area, Leah Dunnage clearing for the visitors. Wormley launch a counter trying to catch Costessey’s defence pressed high, Japal sending it on through the middle inside for Holly Fox 30 yards out, Kelly Fox again rushing out of her box to try and close her down, can’t get there as Holly Fox releases the ball sending it past her towards the empty net, not alot of pace on the ball but no one has a chance of reaching it as they look back relieved to see it roll wide of the left upright.

An energetic opening 15 minutes, both sides up for the tie. Wormley with another chance moments later as Summer Small is put through on goal inside the box right side, Fox saving with her legs from close range, the ball still alive top of the area, Purdue putting her foot through the ball, blocked turned behind for a corner kick on the right. Japal looking to hook it on across goal as it comes into be before the near post, Holly Fox in on the keeper, looking to nod the ball down over the line Costessey blocking hacked clear to the right, Wormley sending an angled shot back into the near post, Fox down sharply to save it.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

Purdue winning the ball well for Wormley in the middle combining passes with Schofield the ball rolled out to Hawksworth on the right Watts closing her down the ball out for a throw in taken quickly played on for Holly Fox making a right channel attack into the area, Nobbs coming to close her down seeing the ball safely into her keeper.

Dunnage winning the header at the back clearing for Wormley as Barnard plays a looping ball into the top of the area. Wormley awarded a free-kick out on the right on halfway the ball played up towards the top of the D, Purdue under it knocking it down to the right, a strike blasted in from distance, Fox down quickly to save to her right. Wall bringing the ball on for Costessey right side plays it up the line for Juby to attack, Manning staying on her, Juby wrestles possession back laying the ball back down the line for Williams who clips a fantastic cross in towards the far post, Dunnage with eyes on it all the way heading it clear for Wormley.

The ball rarely still, Campbell influencing play taking the ball left combining with Juby and Hackney to cross coming back in across the top of the D, Purdue missing her clearance the ball popping up for Barnard to strike from 25 yards out, sends her strike over the bar.

Costessey captain, Paige Barnard

Barnard snapping in to win the ball back in the middle of the park for Costessey trying to turn the Wormley defence around sends a diagonal ball out to the left with Hackney racing in behind, the flag going up immediately, neither she nor O’Brien see it as Hackney shoots, O’Brien dropping down beating the ball away. Play stopped then, brought back for the free-kick.

Williams taking the ball on from Campbell attacking on Costessey’s right, plays it on for Juby ahead of her, the cross delivered into the Wormley area cut out by Dunnage. Hawksworth and Japal switching flanks for Wormley, Schofield looking for Holly Fox moving left, Wall sticking out a leg cutting the pass out. An intriguing contest, feel Wormley might catch Costessey out as they press high, but the hosts are effective pressing the ball pushing the Wormley defence back, Burling and Dunnage reading the game well in the centre of defence though.

Costessey’s Grace Wall

Williams racing onto the ball, quick to deliver a cross into the area, Dunnage under it for Wormley. Williams taking the ball on from Juby right side has Barnard running past her looking for the ball up the line, Purdue has gone with her however, tracking back well to put in the tackle deny the crossing opportunity.

Thea Hackney with Wormley’s Gracie Manning

Wormley up on the right forcing a corner kick, the ball swung in across the six yard box, Juby doing the defending for Costessey. The hosts working the ball up the right winning a throw Hackney coming across to the right seeing the ball down off her chest pushed into Juby to strike from the angle corner of the area the ball curled in towards goal, O’Brien behind it all the way to save for Wormley.

Hawksworth brings the ball on down the left for Wormley, Wall lunging in halts her advance, Japal coming back at Wall to squeeze the ball past her, her cross intercepted by Baldock inside the Costessey area. Wormley playing the ball across the pitch into Japal on the right her cut back in towards the right of the D, met by Purdue looking to hit it first time, slices the ball wide of the near post.

Wormley captain, Ciara Purdue

Schofield with the ball right side angling it into the area for Holly Fox attacking near post, keeper Fox closing her down quickly to beat the ball away. Costessey break getting the ball into Hackney high on the right her cross swept into the six yard box, Juby closing in at the far post looking to throw her self at it, an awkward height can’t adjust her body to get significant contact.

Alisha Juby

Hackney getting onto the ball from Brister driving forwards into the area left of goal closed down sends it back out towards Brister to strike from 20 yards, blasted into the box Taylor getting something on it deflecting it up and on for O’Brien to catch cleanly. Costessey making a change, Williams coming off, Olivia Smith coming on sees a tactical switch with Smith going into the back line, Nobbs moving into the middle.

Hawksworth looking to chase the ball down on the left for Wormley as it is played on by Schofield, Wall defending well getting across the winger to see the ball out for a goal kick. Wormley awarded a free-kick on the right as watts fouled Japal. Schofield over the ball 25 yards out her strike hitting the wall. But as Costessey look to clear their lines they give away another free-kick in a more central position. Again the wall does it’s job.

Gracie Manning

Hackney with the ball high on the left angling a shot in across the keeper, O’Brien getting something on it sending the ball on across goal, Barnard rushing in at the far post can’t quite reach the ball as it runs out for a corner kick. The corner swept in across goal attacked by Brister at the far post knocked down Hackney has a swing at it, Wormley hooking the ball clear behind to the right for another corner. This delivery played into the top of the area coming to Nobbs in a central position drags her shot wide of the left post.

Holly Fox stealing in behind the Costessey defence right of goal, shooting early to send the ball on the angle over the advancing keeper, her strike hitting the far post. Baldock defending on Holly Fox moments later as she looks to get onto a Small pass into the box right of goal, the offside flag is raised however. Manning bringing the ball out from the back for Wormley into midfield into Schofield helps it on for Japal bursting down the right she wraps her foot around the ball angling the cross-field ball into Hawksworth on the left, Wall quick to close her down for Costessey.

Purdue bringing the ball down off of a throw on the left shooting from the angle 25 yards out her attempt straight at the Costessey keeper. Manning defending on Hackney inside the box right side as Costessey play the ball up to her the ball coming to Barnard high on the right puts the cross into the box cut out by Burling falls to Juby outside the area her lob back in over the bar.

Half-time Costessey Sports Ladies 0-0 Wormley Rovers Ladies

A lively first half ends with the sides heading back to the changing rooms all square, both goals intact. Good chances for both sides to score, set up nicely for the 2nd half. A bright start from Costessey didn’t look to sit back invite pressure from their higher league opponents, instead looked to apply pressure themselves get players up into the final 3rd. Wormley coming back at them looking for the passes to get in behind and create opportunities, defences on both sides with a number of vital tackles to keep it all square.

No changes at the break from either side, Smith coming on in the first half to replace Williams for Costessey as the hosts attacking into the sun get the 2nd half underway. The ball sent long into the channel for Hackney, Taylor defending for the visitors. Wormley looking sharp at the start of the 2nd half as Schofield finds Japal in space on the right whips a dangerous ball into the area, cut out by Wall turned behind for a corner kick.

The corner played in from the right cut out by Nobbs at the near post. Comes back out to the right lifted back into the mix, Holly Fox looking to get over the ball knocks it down, is blocked deflected away for another corner.

GOAL! The delivery from the corner angled in deep to the top of the area, Holly Fox meeting it unmarked to turn the ball goal-wards from her header, angling it towards the far post past the keeper, strikes the inside of the post to bounce back in across the goal 0-1. Wormley into the lead 2 minutes into the 2nd half.

Captain, Ciara Purdue the first to congratulate Holly Fox as she heads Wormley into the lead

A blow for Costessey early in the 2nd half press on the right Brister into Juby the ball into her run sends a cross angling in across goal, Hackney closing in centrally, O’Brien across her getting to the ball first scooping it up into her gloves. Dunnage defending for Wormley stepping out of the back line to intercept the ball as Wall looks to float an angled delivery into the top of the D.

Holly Fox coming across to the left for Wormley linking up with Hawksworth exchanging passes the latter stealing into the area, Brister getting in a timely tackle putting her foot in to push the ball on for her keeper to clear. Costessey on the ball Campbell bringing it on down the left inside to Juby on for Hackney, held up by Taylor, Campbell getting it back delivering a cross into the far post, Brister forwards looking to get it under control closed down by Dunnage. Comes back to Hackney outside the area central pulls her shot wide low past the right post.

Dunnage working hard in defence reading the game hooking the ball away to safety as Juby lifts her pass into the area. Hawksworth gets away with the ball at her feet on the left for Wormley rolled on into the area for Holly Fox, Smith gets her body in the way to defend shield the ball back to her keeper. Purdue charging on with the ball for the visitors looking to play it on for Hawksworth on the left, Wall winning it back well for Costessey.

Costessey’s Olivia Smith

GOAL! Wormley pushing getting after the ball high up the pitch Purdue proactive chasing the ball down comes out to the left played inside the box into Holly Fox closing down on the near post shoots under challenge, Kelly Fox getting something on it as she goes to ground making the blocking save, the ball deflected straight back at Fox rebound off the attacker to strike the base of the post, the ball coming back out to the left still with Wormley, Costessey switching off momentarily as the ball is played back into the area straight to an unmarked Small just inside to wrap her foot around the ball and blast it home to double the lead 0-2.

Summer Small scores Wormley’s 2nd

Wormley doubling their advantage in the 56th minute, to get control of the contest. Costessey making a change bringing of Watts and sending on Sydnie Brown a straight swap at full back. Juby also being replaced with Abbie Tate coming on to join the attack. Small having just scored for Wormley is taken off moments after being flagged offside, the visitors sending on Rebecca Evans. Campbell firing the ball into the left flank for Brown to attack, the substitute with pace to burn racing after the ball, Japal going with her holding up Brown on the by-line conceding a corner kick.

The corner curled in across goal met by the rising Hackney at the far post knocked down back across goal blocked on the line, comes out to Tate outside the D, central stretching as she shoots her effort wide past the right post. The game looking a bit stretched now Japal looking to get onto the end of an Evans pass out to the right, Brown back at her to defend for Costessey.

Costessey making another switch bringing off Campbell, sending on Phoebe Pierpoint. Wormley winning a corner on the right taken short into Purdue to sweep a cross into the far post, two attackers leaping for it neither can get a touch. Costessey’s turn to win themselves a corner out on the right another vicious delivery in across the face of goal, Pierpoint knocking it down towards goal at close range the ball once again blocked on the line, comes out towards the penalty spot flashed back in wide of the left post for a goal kick.

Holly Fox running through onto an over the top past, left of the area looks to try and lob the advancing keeper, the ball dropping wide past the far post. Rachel Daltrey coming on to join the defence for Wormley with Japal coming off. Pierpoint sending the ball on down the left wing for Brown to chase, Taylor coming back at her to challenge the ball off her for a corner kick. Curled in long past the far post no one getting a touch.

Wormley’s Malia Taylor

Barnard taking the ball on from Brister on the right firing the ball into Hackney central 25 yards out, sends the ball in on goal looking to get it up over the keeper, but not enough on it to trouble O’Brien. Wall is down for Costessey having injured her foot, needs to come off, Chloe Moulton coming on. Holly Fox coming off too for Wormley with Lily Hanlon coming on to join the action with less then 10 minutes left to play.

Wormley midfielder, Emily Schofield

Wormley managing the game well dropping back keeping it tight through the middle. Burling and Dunnage well protected by Schofield, Evans and Purdue in front of them. Purdue advancing with the ball threaded on for Hanlon, Fox out rapidly to the top of her area to close her down.

Wormley looking to take the ball into the corners see out the game, winning a throw high on the right, Evans turns on the ball to send a cross into the area, caught cleanly by Fox. Costessey get on the counter attack the ball lifted out to the right and early cross angled in across the six yard box to the far post Pierpoint closing in on goal sends the ball past the keeper and the left post.

Lily Hanlon

Into the final 5 minutes, players tiring on both sides, Tate taking the ball into her feet from the left turns towards the area driving forwards stopped by Burling, the ball nicked back even as Wormley attempt to counter, Hackney top of the D pulling her shot wide of the right post. Burling across to defend kicking the ball away for a throw as Brown looks to burst clear on Costessey’s left. Dropped into Hackney turns to play the ball into Nobbs outside the box central, sends a looping shot in on goal dipping on O’Brien the keeper beating it down, Moulton racing onto the loose ball to blast home right of goal but as she turns she can see the linesman with his flag raised, offside.

Tate charging the ball down outside the Wormley area deflects into Pierpoint 20 yards out right of goal sends it in on the keeper, bounces up off the turf grabbed by O’Brien. The clock ticking down Wormley break up the left winning a corner, look to play it close keep possession, Hanlon holding it up is chopped down from behind, the final whistle blows up, and Hanlon receives treatment even as Wormley celebrate the win advancing to the next round of the FC Cup.

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 0-2 Wormley Rovers Ladies

An entertaining cup tie in the finish, Costessey giving it their all, Wormley respecting their opponents doing their research. The game goalless at half-time both sides with good chances to score, Costessey taking the game to Wormley putting the back line under some pressure. Wormley just with that little bit extra experience coming out strong at the start of the 2nd half getting an early goal to settle things down and catching Costessey cold to add a 2nd get control of the tie. Costessey never gave up tried to find a reply get themselves back into the tie but Wormley could get players back behind the ball pick their moments to go forwards.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

These things are rarely easy but time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, honestly to single out a single individual from either side is tough today both put in a good shift. Some great performances out there, firstly for Costessey, Grace Wall played well at right back, won the ball well and offered some good passes going forwards. Goalkeeper, Kelly Fox covered her box well alert to the threat as her defence pushed up. Hannah Campbell with some great runs and passing in midfield. Paige Barnard solid linked up with the attackers well. Thea Hackney a threat throughout and rightly singled out by Wormley as the one to watch. For Wormley, Holly Fox was lively in attack made some great runs creating chances for herself and others. Savannah Japal got up well on the flanks ready to receive the ball and link up with her fellow attackers, Emily Schofield and Ciara Purdue strong in the middle getting after the ball making some positive runs and joining the attack. Aimee Burling winning several balls in defence, the award though goes to her fellow centre back Leah Dunnage read the game well throughout won her headers, closed down and stood out in a sometimes congested box.

An enjoyable first trip to The FDC of the season, an intriguing cup time well contested. Good to catch up with Wormley, will be hoping for a favourable draw in 3rd Round Qualifying, making a good start to their league campaign too. Early days in Norfolk Division One but it’s clear to see the progress Costessey have made since joining the league, played well against a higher league opponent, and look to have a good squad to compete at the top end of the league this season. My thanks to both sides for all their help today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women Development v Wormley Rovers Ladies

Sunday 19th May

ERWFL League Plate Final

Into the penultimate weekend of the season, and one more cup final doubles day to look forwards too, over to Newmarket Town FC once again this Sunday for the ERWFL Finals Day with the regional league’s show piece bringing an end the season across tiers 5 and 6 in the East. First up the League Plate Final, this season being contested by two of the league’s newcomers, Stevenage FC Women Development and Wormley Rovers Ladies.

The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) hosting two cup competitions, the League Cup and Plate with the sides knocked out of the early rounds of the League Cup going on to contest the Plate. A slight change in format from previous years when the early rounds were contested by the Division one sides with the 12 Premier Division sides entering in the 3rd round.

The ERWFL League Plate

This the first of two cup finals in 8 days for Stevenage FC Women Development/U23s, although the first should have been done and dusted back in March. Sadly that game against Coney Heath Ladies in the new Herts Women’s Trophy competition had to be abandoned due to a medical emergency, a Stevenage player collapsing on the pitch and had be rescheduled for this coming Sunday. First up the League Plate Stevenage’s Development side re-joining the ERWFL after a spell in the FAWNL Reserves section.

Going into Division One North, found it tough going early on collecting just 4 points from their opening 8 games but rallied towards the end of the season with an unbeaten run of 5 matches 4 wins and a draw to pull off the bottom eventually finishing 8th. That momentum in the league no doubt playing a part in their charge to two cup finals. Have had a large talent pool to draw from with 46 players used during the season, will no doubt benefit the 1st team playing in the league above. Stephanie Fausse the sides top scorers with 9 to her name this season with Ella Mercer on back on 8.

Wormley Rovers Ladies only formed a women’s side two season’s ago. Situated in a strong catchment pool of football clubs in south Hertfordshire. Going straight into the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division, were involved in a thrilling title race with the two sides who would eventually come up with them, taking the league title in their final game of the season a winner takes all game against Hertford Town Women at the top a 7 goal thriller Wormley Rovers Ladies won 4-3 to become Champions in their debut season. Going up into regional football entering Division One South this campaign.

Haven’t found life quite so easy, have added experienced players to their squad as they looked to consolidate in tier 6. Struggling for results, have been near the bottom most of the season but keeping away from the bottom position, eventually recording an 8th placed finish like Stevenage, have saved their best form for the cup. Chelise Fleming firing in 39 goals in their debut season, has been top scorer once again this campaign, firing in 17 goals in 17 appearances. With Kasey Keen and Niamh Gallagher both on 6 goals.

Road to the Final

Both sides with a bye in the first round of the League Plate drawn away in the 2nd Round. Stevenage away to Division One South side, Stanway Pegasus Ladies. Remi Martin scoring a brace in the game with Holly Southam, Chloe Gregory and Ella Mercer all on target with a goal in a 5-2 win. Wormley taking on fellow Division One South side and the current late holders Hutton Ladies. A close game Wormley coming out on top to win the match 2-1 with Lily Marie Hanlon scoring both goals.

Into the quarter finals, both sides on the road again, Stevenage taking on another Division One South side, Billericay Town Women Development. Stevenage winning the tie by the odd goal in 5 winning the contest 3-2 thanks to goals from Ella Mercer, Stephanie Fausse and Matilda Thomas O’Keefe. Wormley too taking on Division One South competition, close neighbours Cheshunt FC Women, goals from Chelise Fleming and Charis Howell securing a 2-1 victory to send Wormley into the last 4.

Once again both sides drawn away. Stevenage playing fellow Division One North side, Biggleswade United Women, advanced into the final of the competition with Izzy Ruse and Thomas O’Keefe on target in a 2-0 win. A tough semi-final for Wormley as they were taking on Premier Division side, Barking FC Women, the hosts coring twice, Wormley firing back with goals from Fleming, Niamh Gallagher and Savannah Japal to secure a 3-2 victory and progress to the final.

Back to, Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristal Stadium the ground having hosted the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final on Friday evening and the men’s first team lay off final victory on Saturday. Now hosting the ERWFL Finals Day. The state of the art artificial playing surface in almost constant use hosting football of all ages throughout the season. A seated stand on one side beside the clubhouse and changing rooms. The bar open along with the kitchen hatch serving hot food and drinks. The weather perfect the temperature rising nicely, the sun high in the sky and little cloud around, certainly no rain forecast.

Stevenage FC Women Development

Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Lucy Fox, Mistie Fox-Baker, Sophie Afshar, Neave Wilson (C), Amana Oguntuga, Izzy Ruse, Chloe Gregory, Isobel Matfield, Stephanie Fausse, Ella Mercer & Matilda Thomas O’Keefe. Subs – Holly Southam, Katie Boyle, Remi Martin. Freya Rice & Anaise Corrigan.

Wormley Rovers Ladies

Wormley Rovers Ladies starting XI – Amy Jo Hebborn, Adel Mehmet, Gracie Manning, Katie Church, Aimee Burling, Rachel Daltrey (C), Maddie Lang, Charis Howell, Savannah Japal, Niamh Gallagher & Chelise Fleming. Subs – Nicole Cooper, Taila Kirkpatrick, Monique Marshall & Lily Marie Hanlon.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

The two sides walking out onto the pitch with the morning sun high in the sky. It’s Stevenage to kick-off the 1st half wearing red and white patterned shirts, red shorts and white socks. Wormley usually wearing black and red vertical striped shirts the ‘away’ side today wearing their change strip, lime green shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball lifted out to Amana Oguntuga attacking on the right for Stevenage fed on up the line for Ella Mercer, celebrating her birthday today to chase into the corner, Katie Church closing the ball down to put out of play in the corner for Wormley.

Played in deep cleared by Church out to the left for a Stevenage throw, looking to get on up the right Adel Mehmet sending in on for Savannah Japal, Mistie Fox Baker closing in for Stevenage in defence to halt the move. Wormley closing the ball down in the middle Maddie Lang on for Charis Howell played out to the left channel with Chelise Fleming pulling into space drives on looking to run into the box, Stevenage captain, Neave Wilson across to tackle regain possession.

Stevenage captain Neave Wilson moving in to tackle Wormley’s Chelise Fleming

Wormley press the ball comes to Niamh Gallagher wide left plays the ball into the area, central attacked by Fleming, slices her shot, cleared by Stevenage back out to the left for a throw. Looking for the long throw, into the edge of the box Stevenage defending look to break played up to Mercer, strong on the ball knocks it in behind for Matilda Thomas O’Keefe breaking clear left channel, Wormley goalkeeper, Amy Jo Hebborn out quickly to the top of her box to lay claim to the ball.

Evie Church clearing the ball for Wormley as Stevenage’s Matilda Thomas O’Keefe closes in

Stevenage lively at the start looking to move the ball quickly across the pitch, down the left a cross lifted over the bar. Wormley winning a throw high on their left, Gallagher and Fleming looking to team up on the ball, Wilson getting hold of the ball her clearance long dropping into the box, Thomas O’Keefe interested in a race with Manning on her shoulder the defender doing well to not only see the ball out but win a goal kick too.

Fleming making so promising runs up top, peeling left as Howell plays the ball into her, Sophie Afshar getting back at the attacker to close the ball down clear with her blocking tackle. Mercer running into the right corner after a high bouncing ball, Church and Manning linking up to get the ball up the field for Wormley.

Wormley’s Gracie Manning

Stevenage bring the ball on quickly through the middle into Thomas O’Keefe she fires the ball on with Mercer looking to make a run into the box right of goal, Manning coming to close her down, Hebborn rushes out sliding in to get hold of the ball, evades her grasp, inside her, Manning holds up Mercer as she attempts to reach it, Hebborn grounded stretching out an arm to get her glove around the ball pull it into her body.

Mercer and Thomas O’Keefe linking up well in the opening 10 minutes for Stevenage, Mercer left 25 yards out across the top of the D into Thomas O’Keefe goes to strike the ball, Manning charging it down. Positive from Stevenage. Fleming the outlet up top for Wormley as captain Rachel Daltrey finds her on the left combines with Gallagher on the wing the cross into the top of the area cleared.

Aimee Burling winning the ball at the back for Wormley to Mehmet on the left played up the wing for Japal getting on the move, plays the one two off Fleming inside her before angling the ball into the near post, caught cleanly by Stevenage goalkeeper, Lucy Fox. Fox tested again moment later as a Wormley shot is struck at her from distance, bouncing at her knees as she goes down for it, skips up, reacts sharply to grab it safely into her chest before Fleming can pounce.

Stevenage loose the ball at the back, Gallagher snatching it 20 yards out central, sends her shot high and wide. Howell is fouled as she carries the ball out to the left inside the Stevenage half. Over the set-piece herself, fires a high ball into the box far side knocked down back across to Fleming top of the area, Oguntuga on her shoulder, squeezes a shot away places it straight at the keeper.

Stevenage’s Isobel Matfield

Competitive in the middle of the park, Daltrey linking up with Fleming as the pair look to get Gallagher in on the right the pass a little heavy runs out of play. Another Wormley free-kick on the left played up into the area, Mercer up well to defend it heading the ball out for a throw on the left. Mercer clearing the ball long up to Thomas O’Keefe on the move left wing, is bundled over a free-kick won. Mercer coming up to take fired in with pace into the near post, Hebborn throwing herself to her left, saving turning the ball behind for a corner.

Wormley slow to play the ball out at times risk getting caught in possession, Thomas O’Keefe doing just that, 30 yards out central, pulls her shot wide of the right post. Mercer pressuring the ball on the right forcing Wormley to concede a corner kick. The delivery put into Wilson top of the area central shoots, rising, blocked appears to strike and outstretched hand Stevenage immediately appealing even as the deflected ball drops to Thomas O’Keefe at the far post close in turns the ball home on the angle, the goal won’t count however as the offside flag is raised against her. A frantic spell as Wormley counter attack the ball fired long up to Fleming to bring down 25 yards out left of the D, strikes the ball in low across goal, Fox with a superb save diving down to push the ball behind for a corner kick!

Busy game a lot happening, the corner kick curled in across the face of goal beyond the far post retrieved the cross however turned behind. The game open, Stevenage pushing on he ball cleared into Daltrey looks to put Fleming away in the left channel as she powers forwards, Afshar getting a vital foot in to nick the ball off the attacker or she was clear to attack the box.

Stevenage defender Sophie Afshar

Stevenage’s Izzy Ruse on the ball linking up with Isobel Matfield on for Chloe Gregory the final pass up to Thomas O’Keefe cut out by Church. Japal with the ball at her feet driving on down the right wing for Wormley, Fox Baker slides in to defend for Stevenage.

GOAL! Almost half an hour played Wormley fight to win back possession in the middle, Daltrey launching it forwards up towards the Stevenage box left of the D, Fleming looking out run on the shoulder of the back tracking defender, Fox comes racing out the other way to try and win the ball, goalkeeper and defender collide left in a heap on the floor, Fleming is still standing and in behind onto the loose ball, to walk it into the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Chelise Fleming putting Wormley into the lead

Stevenage on the attack from the restart Mercer finding Oguntuga breaking clear on the right down the line her cross squared into the box, Hebborn collecting it on the bounce on her penalty spot. Matfield putting the ball inside to Thomas O’Keefe, 35 yards out pulls her shot dragging it wide of the near post. Oguntuga offside as Mercer attempts to pick her out on the right.

Stevenage’s Ella Mercer

Wormley quick to get the ball forwards up the right Japal inside for Fleming breaking in behind, Fox taking no chances rushing out of her area to clear, takes the ball off the striker moving left, Fleming stealing the ball back has the keeper out of position as she powers her way back towards the box, the defence running back to cover the goal en masse her eventual shot, blocked and cleared.

Stevenage on the left Gregory with Matfield into Thomas O’Keefe inside the box the ball angled in low at the near post, Hebborn there to claim. Fleming strong up top making some forceful runs into the channels the midfield picking her out the ball clipped into her on the left forces her way into the box angling a low strike in across goal, Fox down smartly to save getting her body behind the ball.

Wormley pressure mounting as the 1st half draws to a close up on the right Japal with Fleming across in support the ball played in across the top of the area into Howell lays it into the path of Lang right of the D to strike on the run her shot blasted in at Fox, the keeper batting the ball away for a corner kick. The corner in across the six yard box, Stevenage look to get it clear but Wormley move to close the ball down.

Wormley’s Maddie Lang

A double change for Stevenage, Remi Martin and Katie Boyle coming on for Matfield and Fausse. Afshar doing well at the back for Stevenage getting in to tackle Fleming as the Wormley attacker surges towards the box off a Howell pass. A drinks break called late in the half with Mercer needing treatment for an injury, looks to be her knee, is determined to stay on and see if she can play on.

Mercer showing little sign of her knock as she gets in to break up a Wormley attack as Howell and Gallagher combine on the left. Fired up towards Thomas O’Keefe on the box, a coming together between her and Burling, the attacker coming off worse, needs treatment but up and allowed back onto the pitch as play resumes the first half moving into stoppage time. Church cutting the ball out at the back for Wormley as Mercer attempts to play Thomas O’Keefe in behind.

Moments left in the first half, Howell steals possession in the middle sends the ball out to Fleming pulling into the left channel, on the angle fires her shot in across the keeper, but wide of the far post too.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women Development 0-1 Wormley Rovers Ladies

The sides head back into the changing room with Wormley holding the narrow lead at he break. Chelise Fleming capitalising on a mix up at the back to open the scoring on the half hour. Wormley a threat getting forwards out wide and into the channels. Stevenage though with a positive start had a goal ruled out for offside, and a penalty shout moment before. Two contracting sides, Stevenage’s young players looking to get the ball moving quickly. Wormley with the experience finding the gaps to exploit. Set up perfectly for the 2nd half.

Both sides keen to get going out early for the 2nd half, Wormley to get thing’s underway with a change, Monique Marshall on coming into the middle replacing Church with Daltrey dropping into defence. A triple switch for Stevenage with Martin, Boyle and Thomas O’Keefe of, Fausse and Matfield back on along with Anaise Corrigan going up top in attack. Just waiting on the officials to return, referee Francesca Catchpole a pretty decent striker in her on right leading her team out.

Wormley get the 2nd half going looking to get straight on the attack, Marshall onto the ball clipping it out to the right Afshar defending as Fleming looks to go after the ball.

GOAL! Wormley pressing the ball into Japal inside right with Fleming ahead of her played across the top of the Stevenage area into Gallagher left corner turns the ball back up the line for Howell, who puts her foot through the ball angling a shot in with power high past the diving Fox to crash into the back of the net 0-2.

Charis Howell fires Wormley into a 2 goal lead early in the 2nd half

A huge blow for Stevenage early in the 2nd half, Wormley out of the blocks quickly to double their lead. Bringing the ball on down the right played on Fausse looks to link up with Corrigan in attack, Japal racing back to help defend nicking the ball back for Wormley. Marshall making an impact for Wormley coming off the bench strong getting after the ball deep on the left with Japal the ball cleared forwards Fleming looking to attack it right channel heading for the box, Fox out well to gather the ball into her body.

Marshall lifting the diagonal ball out to Japal on the right squares her cross into the top of the area looking for Fleming, Fox again rushing on to get hold of the ball. Wormley strong on the ball, Marshall attacking right side of the area, Afshar on her shoulder sends the ball across the area into Gallagher left side her shot straight at the keeper. Wormley with a dominant start to the 2nd half.

Wormley’s Monique Marshall

Howell 25 out moving across the top of the Stevenage D, playing the ball off the outside of her boot out to Gallagher on the left, her cross cut out by Wilson, Ruse looking to bring it away is quickly closed down. Marshall fouled by Gregory wide on the right. players up to the top of the area as she stands over the resulting set-piece, puts a dangerous ball into the corridor, Fox with the acrobatic save to push the ball away from danger out for a corner on the left.

Lucy Fox with the acrobatic save to turn the ball wide for a corner.

The corner played short up the line to Fleming, turning as she breaks into the top corner of the box, fires her shot up over the cross bar. Mehmet pressing the ball, getting it up field on the right channel, Fleming bursting forwards, seeing the ball drop over her shoulder as she runs into the box, drills her shot into the side netting, a slight touch off a Stevenage player on it’s way through a corner awarded.

Adel Mehmet with Stevenage’s Anaise Corrigan

The corner played in from the right comes out to Japal positioned outside the D, goes to shoot, stretching as she connects with the ball falling back dragging her shot wide away past the left post, pulls up immediately in pain, suffering from a nasty bout of cramp. Almost an hour played, Wormley make the change Taila Kirkpatrick on to replace Japal.

Mistie Fox Baker defending against, Wormley’s Chelise Fleming

Fox Baker getting onto the ball for Stevenage left side rolled on for Gregory bursts on down the wing all the way to the by-line cutting into the box her cross put into the side netting. Stevenage looking to up the tempo as Mercer gathers the ball into her feet looks to travel, moving central is bundled over the advantage played as Corrigan races in behind after the ball, Hebborn though sprinting out to the top of her box to reach the ball first.

Marshall lifting the ball on for Kirkpatrick looking to get on for Wormley up the right, Fox Baker getting her tackle in as the pair race to the by-line. Howell latching onto a shot from distance smashes the ball over the Stevenage crossbar. Stevenage making a double change bringing of Matfield and Afshar, on come Thomas O’Keefe and Holly Southam. Wormley strong through the middle the ball fed into Gallagher outside the D, lays it off for Fleming, turns inside to shoot from all of 25 yards out angling in across goal to the far post. Fox pushing it away to her left.

Stevenage look to turn play around in the middle, Fausse turning on the ball to thread a pass in behind for Corrigan to attack, Hebborn racing out the other way to try and close the angle, Corrigan attempting to knock the ball wide past her to have a chance on goal, the keeper though with an excellent save stretching out her arm to get her glove on the ball snatch the ball.

Amy Jo Hebborn getting her arm out well to stop the ball getting past her.

Fausse taking the ball out to the left attacking for Stevenage whips a cross/shot into the near post, Hebborn down to stop it knocked across the face of goal, Daltrey running back with Corrigan holding the attacker off. Stevenage with a set-piece out wide on the right curled into the box by Mercer, Hebborn up well pushing it down out away from her goal, runners closing in no one can get a touch the ball hooked clear.

Amy Jo Hebborn up to save, Ella Mercer’s free-kick

Wormley getting on the counter attack the ball long through the middle with Marshall providing the run strong into the box looking to get between the back tracking centre backs, Wilson getting it back to Fox, the keepers clearance striking Fox Baker full in the face leaving her floored in the box, play stopped immediately as she is treated a lengthy pause players taking on fluids.

Fox Baker back up on her feet, as the game rolls into the final quarter hour, Fleming coming for the ball, turns and pushes into the right channel, Southam getting back into her to tackle for Stevenage. Burling in to break up a Stevenage attack clears the ball long up to Fleming breaking into the right channel, Fox Baker running back into the box after her getting her foot on the ball to play it behind for a corner kick. The delivery short into Howell curls a cross in towards the far post, headed behind.

Stevenage’s Holly Southam

Wormley with the ball left in the corner Gallagher up the line for Fleming played in central, Mehmet latching onto the shot, dipping right in front of her Fox almost wrong footed adjusting quickly to get hold of the ball. Lang linking up with Marshall though the middle, on for Fleming the pass cut out by Southam. Oguntuga defending for Stevenage on the left stays on Marshall well as she looks to get onto the ball fed into the right channel getting a foot on the ball to block as Marshall crosses. the ball out for a throw in the corner.

Stevenage’s Amana Oguntuga with Worley’s Taila Kirkpatrick

Dropped into Marshall on the by-line holds it up before rolling it back for Fleming to send a cross in across the face of goal, Gallagher attacking it at the far post inside the six yard box twisting to head the ball sees it cannon back off the post before the Stevenage defence scramble clear.

Wormley’s Niamh Gallagher

Fausse getting onto the end of a diagonal ball played across to her as she pulls away to the left squaring her cross into the top of the Wormley area, Burling doing the defending on Corrigan as she goes for the ball. Howell coming off for Wormley, Lily Marie Hanlon coming on. 85 minutes on the clock. Ruse sending the ball out to Fausse on the left angles the ball into the area, Hebborn letting everyone in the stadium know it’s hers as she comes out to gather the ball into her gloves.

Another change for Wormley Manning coming off at the back, Church back on. Marshall fouled for Wormley on halfway as she looks to bring the ball on. The free-kick looping up into the area, dropping sharply in front of Fox, shoves the ball away, falls straight to Fleming on the penalty spot, her shot charged down.

Mercer’s knee injury flaring up again, needs to come off, Martin sent on. Wormley have managed the game well their attackers pulling out wide, Marshall pushing on from midfield with space to run into, Fleming a ready outlet going forwards. The attacker seeing the ball into her feet dribbling forwards through the middle unleashing a shot 25 yards out, low into the box gathered by Fox. 10 minutes of stoppage time to be played, the game halted with an injury to Mehmet at the back for Wormley.

GOAL! The defender back up on her feet play resuming with a drop ball, knocked long up towards the Stevenage box, bouncing in the area, Fox can’t get to it as Fleming central looks to get a touch knocked past Fox into the goal beyond 0-3.

Chelise Fleming forcing the ball home for Wormley’s 3rd goal

A 3rd goal surely sealing the win for Wormley with the game into stoppage time. Kirkpatrick carrying the ball out to the right forwards for Fleming her touch to heavy the pass running out of play. Wormley keeping the ball well in stoppage time driving forwards looking to get the ball into the box, Gallagher wide left seeing her cross blocked, comes back up the line to Lang then Hanlon a shot fired in on the angle, straight at Fox.

Fleming shooting narrowly wide of the right post as she controls the ball 30 yards from goal. Time almost up Stevenage lifting the ball forwards up to Corrigan in attack, turns on the ball driving into the left channel, riding a tackle stays on her feet to stab the ball on for Thomas O’Keefe racing into the box on the angle fires her shot wide across goal. The final whistle blows and Wormley celebrate winning the ERWFL League Plate in their debut season in regional football.

Full time Stevenage FC Women Development 0-3 Wormley Rovers Ladies

An entertaining final between two contrasting sides, Wormley using their experience and strength will making a brilliant start to the 2nd half, doubling their lead in the 46th minute to press the advantage. Got the ball into their attacking players quickly and drove at the Stevenage defence forcing them back stretching play at times. Stevenage’s youngster kept going looking to pick out their attacking players in the channels, Wormley though comfortable at the back for the large part, Hebborn with a couple of useful saves too.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time for the 1st Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, asked to choose the player of the match on the day too. Luckily this one an easy decision in the finish a clear contender emerging early on. A few performances of note to mention. Firstly for Stevenage, Ella Mercer having to play through the pain barrier at times got about the pitch well looking to find space up top and link up with the attackers, won the ball well. Izzy Ruse too getting her tackles in to win the ball in the middle, Sophie Afshar and Mistie Fox Baker with some vital tackles at the back. For Wormley, Amy Jo Hebborn with a couple of important stops in the 2nd half to ensure Wormley’s two goal lad remained intact. Charis Howell getting about the middle of the park into some great positions a great strike for the 2nd goal. Monique Marshall making an impact coming off the bench for the 2nd half, strong with some forceful runs on the ball linked up well with the attack. The award though goes to Chelise Fleming. Made some fantastic runs up top. Pulling into the channels strong on the ball putting the Stevenage defence under pressure opening the scoring a willing runner throughout.

Wormley Rovers Ladies 2023/24 ERWFL League Plate winners

Congratulations to Wormley Rovers Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Plate.

An enjoyable first final of the day. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today. Stevenage disappointed, but have another final to prepare for next weekend, Wormley ending their season on a high. Time to find something to eat, get ready for this afternoon’s match.