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Cup Final Special – Wroxham Women v Haringey Borough Women

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Sunday 10th May

ERWFL League Plate Final

The final day of the ERWFL season, heading down to Bedfordshire for the regional leagues finals day, two tasty looking finals to look forward to, beginning with the League Plate final, this season an all Premier Division affair with Wroxham Women taking on Haringey Borough Women.

This morning’s prize.

 The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. Always entertaining and competitive the clubs and players within it getting better year on year as the women’s game continues to grow. The ERWFL League Plate contested by the sides knocked out of the early round of the League Cup itself. This years final being contested by the sides finishing 3rd and 5th in the ERWFL Premier Division respectfully and always a competitive side between these two Wroxham having the upper hand results wise this season beating Haringey 2-1 at home on the opening day and 1-0 in the away fixture.

Wroxham Women with Joe Simpson returning as manager this season, finishing the season strong with 2 successive 5 game winning runs to push up the table to finish in 3rd place. Carrying that momentum into the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final, at Norwich City FC’s Carrow Road stadium, to win the trophy for the 1st time, beating fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 2-1 with goals from Poppy Loveland and Hannah Fuller. Having the opportunity to make it a cup double to finish off the season. Hannah Fuller as ever prolific in front of goal top scorer for Wroxham once again with 22 goals to her name. Kathryn Stanley has 12 with Rebecca Stephenson coming in from Cambridge United WFC halfway through the season scoring 9 along with Maddie Green.

Haringey Borough Women like Wroxham one of the most established sides in the ERWFL Premier Division winning promotion from the Division back in 2017 to the FAWNL, a brief stay the side undergoing many changes since then but have always remained competitive more often at the top end of the league, the North London club, experiencing a mixed set of results this season winning as many as they have lost tailing off in the league having put some good runs together early on. A well supported club with a great community feel, with a great social media effort to help promote the club. The squad with plenty of goals in it, captain Ronnell Humes top scorer netting 17 from her 21 appearances. Nia Garwood has 14 and Renea Jarrett also into double figures for the campaign.

Road to the Final

  The sides contesting the Plate competition knocked out of the early rounds of the Cup itself, Wroxham and Haringey disappointed to exit one competition but certainly amongst the favourites entering the Plate. Byes for both in the 1st Round, Wroxham away to Division One South side, Hertford Town Women in the 2nd Round, Kathryn Stanley and Maddie Green both netting a brace in the game along with goals for Hannah Fuller, Lily Alexander, Lauren Bullard, Holly Farrow and Poppy Loveland seeing them comfortably through with a 9-0 win. Haringey also away to Division One South opposition in the 2nd Round taking on Wormley Rovers Ladies, goals from Fatima Husein and Ronnell Humes enough to see them advance to the quarter finals winning 2-1.

Both sides amongst the goals in the last 8 of the competition, Wroxham drawn at home taking on Division One North high flyers Stevenage FC Women Development, Hannah Fuller amongst the goals picking up a hat-trick, with Becca Stephenson, Kathryn Stanley and Anais Winney also bagging a goal each in a 6-2 victory. Haringey on home turf too taking on another Division One North side, Dunstable Town Women Lionesses, wracked up the goals with Ronnell Humes grabbing herself a hat-trick, a brace for both Shanique Brown and Renea Jarrett. Goals too from Shanice Taylor-Newsam, Connie Wakeford, Tayla Dennis and Fatima Husein in a crushing 11-1 win.

Into the semi-finals both sides having home advantage, Wroxham running out of weekends to get their fixtures in back to Aylsham’s 3G pitch to taking on another Division One North high flyer and potential banana skin, Real Bedford Women Reserves, in the end a singe goal was enough to clinch victory, with Becca Stephenson scoring to send Wroxham into the final. Haringey hosting Division One South side, Brentwood Town Women, Renea Jarrett getting Haringey into a 3rd minute lead went on to lead 3-0 at the break with Nia Garwood and Leila Hadari-Agaev also on target. Garwood adding her 2nd and Haringey’s 4th in stoppage time to send them into the final.

The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC the venue for today’s Plate final, hosting the ERWFL Finals day for the 2nd time. Bedfordshire itself becoming something of a hot bed for women’s football in recent season’s. The 3G pitch in a compact ground with a large clubhouse the bar and kitchen open, with hot food and drink being served leading into the ground, a seated stand with covered area at both ends and a small terraced stand behind the dugouts. The weather not as warm as last year, even the day before with a noticeable chill in the air, cloud cover the feature of the year so far keeping the sun at bay but no rain in the forecast as the two sides are led out onto the pitch by today’s Plate final referee Alice Braithwaite, assisted by Mark Howard, Pedro Cotela and Aneeta Gellen.

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Yaz Walford, Tigi Robson (C), Ella Gambell, Poppy Loveland, Elise Wade, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Holly Farrow, Becca Stephenson, Kathryn Stanley & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Lauren Bullard, Katie Green, Maddie Green, Hayley Kindred & Jorja Palmer.

Women Women

 Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Maelie Jay Rance, Zara Kirstein, Chloe Ions, Tayla Dennis, Elisia Huetson, Leila Hadari-Agaev, Connie Wakeford, Nia Garwood, Shanice Taylor-Newsam & Ronnell Humes (C). Subs – Amy Haynes, Shanique Brown, Jada Pollendine, Fatima Husein & Renea Jarett. 

Haringey Borough Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the Plate final will going to extra-time and if required a penalty shoot-out. 

Captain’s Tigi Robson and Ronnell Humes with today’s match officials.

Yaz Walford in goal for Wroxham with Bryony Williams picking up an achilles injury ruling her out of both finals. A few changes to the side that won the County Cup with defender Elise Wade back in the side, Holly Farrow, Kathryn Stanley starting with Hayley Kindred, Maddie and Katie Green on the bench. Haringey too with 5 to call on from the bench if required. It’s Wroxham to kick-off the first half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks, Haringey lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue trim, blue shorts and yellow socks with blue tops. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped long out to the right wing for Kathryn Stanley pushing forwards, too much on it full back, Chloe Ions can see it out for a throw to Haringey. 

  Wroxham moving in to press the ball early on squeeze Haringey’s defence, Katie Knights snapping in to close the ball down. Popping about Haringey look to counter the ball up to Shanice Taylor-Newsam, Ella Gambell in to close her down win the ball back in defence for Wroxham. Fed into Becca Stephenson top of the D looks to link up with Hannah Fuller in attack, Haringey with plenty back Leila Hadari-Agaev stabbing a foot out to get the ball away from danger.

  Haringey looking to counter attacking on the right Nia Garwood with support from captain, Ronnell Humes, Lily Alexander defending for Wroxham the ball out for a throw, Haringey press to win a corner kick on that side.

 GOAL! Players up from the back the delivery is spot on from Humes the corner floated in central dropping invitingly inside the six yard box, Zara Kirstein running in rising to meet it powering her header over the line to open the scoring 0-1.

Haringey open the scoring from their 1st corner of the game

Zara Kirstein heading Haringey into the early lead.

  Haringey with the perfect start into the lead scoring in the 4th minute from their 1st corner of the game. Wroxham look for a response the ball played on for Stanley attacking on the right, Ions putting it out for the throw taken quickly Fuller bringing it down turning for the by-line wrapping her foot around the ball to cross, Tayla Dennis cutting it out turning the ball behind for Wroxham’s first corner of the game. A good ball delivered into the box, Dennis getting her head on the ball to clear as a host of players rush in to attack the ball, Knights retrieving it for Wroxham but play stopped with a Haringey player own inside the area.

 A pause in play as Ions is treated, but up okay back to her feet ready to play on. Humes, Garwood and Taylor-Newsom all staying high ready to counter as Haringey break up a Wroxham attack the ball cleared long up to the attackers strong, Haringey are a physical side like to get stuck in pressure the defence Humes looking to get Garwood onto the ball right side, intercepted by Poppy Loveland at the back for Wroxham. Haringey quick to close the ball down back with Garwood on the right tackled by Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

 Lively Knights lifting the ball up over the Haringey defence with Fuller breaking in behind, goalkeeper, Maelie Jay Rance quickly out of her area to win the race for the ball. No quarter given by either side, Hadari-Agaev playing the ball on through the middle into Humes, looks to play it into the left channel for Taylor-Newsam, Alexander across to deal with the ball for Wroxham. The ball put up to Fuller heading it down into Stanley on the right is fouled by Hadari-Agaev winning the free-kick. Taken quickly by Stephenson worked down the line for Gambell racing on into the box taking the ball down to the by-line her cross into the near post taken by the keeper, however the flag is up for off-side.

  Haringey looking to get the ball into one of their front three at the earliest opportunity, Taylor-Newsam with it at her feet on the right, held up by Gambell as she tries to force her way in-field. Cleared into the middle, Hadari-Agaev playing it back in over the top, Elise Wade playing it out for Wroxham. A few free-kicks being given away. Stephenson fouled centrally for Wroxham played on into the right Gambell getting a throw high up the pitch. Put inside to Stephenson top right corner of the area turns into the D, taking the ball on looking for an opening, finds it unleashing a vicious left foot strike pace behind it the keeper diving to her right the ball cannoning back off the post, turned behind for the goal-kick.

  Shaping up to be a lively contest the two sides getting stuck into each other, Wroxham breaking up a Haringey attack the ball played up to Alexander has Gambell racing on past her the ball put into her path striking it from range powered into the box, intercepted by Dennis knocked up into the air before being cleared behind to concede the corner. Stephenson with the in- swinger curling the ball in to land on top of the net.

  Haringey’s front three staying up as they defend set-pieces the ball cleared long up towards them looking too turn the opposition, Garwood managing to get free out wide on the right 25 yards out to unleash a shot the ball racing in across goal wide past the far post. Alexander combining with Knights to get Wroxham moving forwards, into Stephenson as the Haringey defence drops back into their box clipped on for Fuller, Dennis cutting it out to clear for Haringey. 

Haringey’s Tayla Dennis with Wroxham’ Hannah Fuller

 Quick to get the ball up the other end into Garwood right side linking up with Kirstein the ball fired in to the angle towards the near post, Walford getting down smartly to make the save the ball lose however turned on across the face on goal, no one in the six yard box to attack it. Wroxham bring the ball on left side, Robson on for Farrow she takes it on before releasing it into Fuller who drives into the box, Dennis lunging in to defend putting the ball behind for a corner kick. 

 The ball from the left lifted into the near post attacked turned on across goal out past the far post another corner awarded. Players running in to attack the ball as it is dropped into the six yard box, Gambell running in to attack it with Fuller, knocking the ball over as she is bundled over with an arm in her back, landing awkwardly and in need of treatment the game paused. 

 Gambell up slowly feeling her shoulder, but okay to return as Haringey look to go left from the restart, Wade across to defend putting the ball out for a throw. Taylor-Newsam playing the cross-field ball into Garwood out on the right looking to bring it down is challenged well by Robson. Haringey getting themselves a corner on the left the ball played in dealt with by Knights out to the right for another corner kick.

 GOAL! Haringey capitalising on their corners as they go on to double their lead, Ions over on the right side to deliver curls the ball in close to the near post low, Walford diving forwards looking to try and collect doesn’t get there as the ball whips past her across the line into the bottom corner 0-2. Haringey doubling their lead midway through the 1st half.

Chloe Ions scoring straight from the corner to double Haringey’s lead

 Play sometimes a little rushed neither side willing to give the other time on the ball, Wroxham getting players on well as Haringey concede ground at times, Stanley putting the ball on for Fuller coming right, Lexi Wade getting a foot it to turn the ball away for a throw. Robson having a lively contest on the opposite flank with Garwood as Humes turns the ball into her from Connie Wakeford in the middle. Rance sharp again out to the top of her area to get to the ball as Fuller pulls off the defence.

  Wroxham pushing on Stanley over with Farrow on the left exchanging passes, cut out by Elisia Huetson comes back to Gambell in space on the right on the angle lifts the ball into the box, just over Fuller rising centrally dropping for Stephenson beyond the far post, can’t work it back inside to Fuller as Haringey rush to get players back around the ball, cleared out of the area straight to Gambell right of the D 20 yards out strikes the shot low and hard, Rance diving full stretch to her left keeping it out pushing the ball wide.

Haringey goalkeeper, Maelie Jay Rance

  Wroxham growing a little frustrated feel a few decisions aren’t going their way or not being dealt with, Fuller flagged offside as another ball from Stanley is angled in from the right. Kirstein winning the ball back as Farrow looks to take it on left wing. Wroxham exerting some pressure. Haringey strong in defence plenty back, Dennis and Huetson with blocking tackles. Their attackers always ready to receive the ball turn their markers. Humes and Garwood both closing the ball down forcing errors at the back. 

Haringey captain, Ronnell Humes with Wroxham defender, Elise Wade

  Wroxham get the ball on down the right Stanley into Fuller taking the ball on to the by-line cutting it back up the line to Stanley her strike blocked by Huetson, Gambell running in to take hold of the rebound charging down the line whipping the ball in across the six yard box, falling too Farrow her strike beat down by the keeper.

Wroxham’s Holly Farrow

 Robson fouled again by Haringey, Wroxham winning the free-kick deep on the left, Alexander to deliver sending the ball high into the box, Huetson dealing with it for Haringey. Knights winning it back for Wroxham attempting to put it back in Dennis clearing for Haringey. Wroxham making a change as  Robson has an issue with her contact lenses, Katie Green onto the field. Huetson getting a foot in to take the ball off Fuller as she looks to run in behind.

  Humes through the middle, Walford out to close her down top of her area, the ball knocked past the keeper, wide of goal however cleared by Wade. Wroxham loosing at the back, Humes looking to capitalise shooting from the right of the D however effort wide past the far post. Stephenson on for Stanley out on the right, to the by-line fouled but Wroxham furious the decision not given.

  Robson back on for Wroxham, press the ball Gambell in to defend on Humes putting the ball on for Stephenson to Fuller pulling out to the right, Dennis going with her lunging in to send the ball out for a throw. Ions down for Haringey in the middle hurt during their latest attack, looks in some discomfort hurting her ankle. Needs to come off can’t put any weight on her injured leg is carried off the field, Renea Jarrett coming on in her place.

  Play resuming with a throw to Wroxham on the right, Loveland dropping the ball into Fuller she plays Loveland on down the line to take the to the by-line before cutting a cross back into the penalty spot, attacked by Stanley she turns her attempt wide past the right post. Haringey working hard in defence Wroxham asking questions, Jarrett back to defend clearing the ball. Still a threat up the other end on the counter, Haringey have it in midfield, Hadari-Agaev having a go from range, Walford getting down behind it to save push the ball out to the left behind for a corner.

Haringey’s Elisia Hadari-Agaev

  Taken short, Jarrett to send the ball into the near post, claimed by Walford. Wroxham winning a free-kick to the left 25 yards out, Stephenson over it strikes for goal her shot hitting the post, scrambled clear to the left Wroxham with a throw the pressure building keeping players up, Gambell coming right whipping a cross into the box, over Stanley central but turned behind for a corner on the right.

Becca Stephenson hitting the post twice

 The corner fired into the six yard box, over Gambell and Fuller running in central to attack it cleared at the far post only to the top of the area. Knights latching onto it her low strike on target throw bodies blocked on the line out to the right Stephenson sending it back in Stanley towards the far post heading the ball over the bar. The chances mounting for Wroxham but Haringey holding the 2 goal advantage.

Poppy Loveland beating Haringey’s Ronnell Humes to the ball

 Gambell in the wars again a clash of heads with Taylor-Newsom another pause late in the game. Is back on her feet ready to go again, little time left in the half however Knights looking for Fuller pulling off the defence cut out by Dennis.

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-2 Haringey Borough Women

  Haringey with the early strike scoring in the 4th minute from their first corner of the game. Wroxham with the lions share of the ball getting players on well but Haringey keeping players up despite the defence getting pushed back, ready to launch the counter attack the front three looking to hold the ball up stretch the Wroxham back line, competitive and physical Haringey doubling their lead from another corner midway through the 2nd half. Wroxham frustrated hitting the post twice and forcing a save from the keeper. 2-0 the advantage for Haringey will be aiming for a 3rd to take control of the contest, Wroxham will feel confident of getting a goal themselves and coming back in the 2nd half despite their frustration with a few decisions.

 No changes for either side, Jarrett on for the injured Ions late in the first half for Haringey as they get the 2nd half underway the ball played long into the left flank too strong for Taylor-Newsam out of play for the throw. Both sides in to close each other down early in the 2nd period the ball given away. Gambell winning the ball well for Wroxham right side up the line into Stanley looks to drive with it, stopped by Huetson.

  Taylor-Newsam on the left getting the ball into the box, looking for Humes central, Walford getting hold t it for Wroxham. Kirstein closing the ball down in Haringey’s right puts it on for Humes attacking the top of the area right side, Walford racing out to drop down and smother the ball before the attacker can reach it. Free-kicks continue to be a feature of the game, Wroxham putting another ball in from deep won by Dennis. 

 Wroxham with the cross-field ball Gambell running not it taking the ball on down the right sending her cross into the side netting. Wroxham winning a free-kick in a central position roughly 25 yards out Gambell and Stephenson over the ball as Haringey set their wall, Stephenson with the strike, gets it over the wall but too much on it lifts the ball over the bar. 

 Gambell getting on the wrong end of another heavy challenge play stopped over on the right as she is treated another long pause in proceedings some concern has been on the end of some bruising challenges. Clearly not happy with thing’s makes a comment to the referee and gets shown a yellow card and sin binned, Wroxham down to 10 for 10 minutes as play resumes with a Haringey throw put back to the keeper. 

 Haringey looking to take advantage the ball from Jarrett on for Garwood into the right channel powers forwards her early cross into the box defended by Wade, cleared back out into the middle, Hadari-Agaev with the strike from range, hit straight into the keeper. Wroxham in need of a goal keep players forwards Wade with a cross from deep looking for Stanley central, Kirstein doing the defending for Haringey. Taylor-Newsam looking to take the ball on left, tackled by Wade, the ball played into Alexander looks to send it on for Fuller up on the right with Stanley, Dennis over to defend for Haringey force the error the ball behind for the goal kick.

Haringey’s Renea Jarrett

  Wroxham getting players up around the 18 yard box, Stanley putting it into the top of the area, for Stephenson her shot fired in on the angle wide past the far post. Wroxham wit a throw high on the right put into Fuller taking it on down the line her cross diverted behind by Dennis for the corner. Curled into the box headed clear dropping for Alexander whipped back into the mix Haringey with numbers back getting it clear. 

Wroxham’s Lily Alexander

 Haringey always ready for the counter the ball from Wakeford on for Garwood bursting clear right channel to take the ball on into the box, the angle going against her as she looks to lift her shot over the keeper, sending it up over the bar. Garwood strong on the right getting away again, Robson back with her slowing her down no cross comes back up the line to play the ball in central, Huetson getting forwards, Stanley back to defend for Wroxham top of the D. 

Haringey attacker, Nia Garwood

 Wroxham making a double change Hayley Kindred coming on replacing Farrow on the left side Maddie green on into the right replacing Stanley. Gambell back on Wroxham back up to 11 with the little over 15 minutes left to play the ball lifted into the box, Fuller attacking it, Rance sliding in to save get hold of it at her feet. Dennis across to defend tackling Fuller as she links up with Stanley on the right. Wroxham press Kindred onto the ball left inside for Stephenson 25 yards out on for Fuller back to goal she turns it back to Kindred wide on the wing, challenged the ball out for a corner kick.

 GOAL! Wroxham pushing players up the ball fired in with pace across the face of goal coming straight to Fuller who digs it out from under her feet to turn over the line to pull a goal back for the Norfolk side 1-2.

Hannah Fuller onto the ball to fire a goal back for Wroxham

  Into the final 15 minutes Wroxham looking to keep the pressure on Haringey look to release Garwood on the right she is fouled by Kindred winning the free-kick. The delivery swept into the area from the angle cleared by Wroxham’s Gambell. Knights up to Kindred on the left linking up with Fuller, Huetson closing her down the ball out for a throw.

Connie Wakeford

 The game opening up Haringey breaking forwards Humes coming right with the ball sending it on for Taylor-Newsam powering her way into the box striking it goal-wards rising  Walford throwing am arm up to turn the ball up over the crossbar for a corner. 

 Curled into the area from the right Gambell heading clear for Wroxham, Fuller taking the ball on from Knights taking it right challenge by Wade out for a corner kick. Dennis dealing with the threat from the corner for Haringey. Alexander getting back onto the ball for Wroxham wide her shot angled in beat down and claimed by Rance. Wade coming off for Wroxham, Katie Green coming on. 

 GOAL! Just as Wroxham were looking to exert some pressure get back into the game Haringey hit them on the counter as Garwood is played into space on the right charging on with the ball to the by-line sends her cross into the six yard box, Gambell going to clear it ahead of the keeper, turns in dismay as she diverts into the back of her own net 1-3.

 Haringey restoring their 2 goal lead in the most unfortunate of circumstances, Gambell crestfallen two finals 2 own goals, distraught Wroxham bring her off, sending Stanley back on football can be cruel at times. Haringey making a change Humes coming off, Shanique Brown coming on. Wakeford bringing the ball on clipping a deep cross into the area, collected by Walford. Garwood tangling with Robson as she looks to get away on the right.

 The game opening up now as Wroxham have to take a few chances Garwood away on the right combining with Brown, Loveland seeing it out for the goal kick. Jada Pollendine coming on for Haringey. Garwood bursts in behind through the middle with Wroxham pushed up racing after the ball central Walford comes racing out of her area to try and win the race for the ball sliding in gets a bit of both Garwood going over her the ball in beyond cleared by Katie Green. Play brought back for the free-kick however, Walford shown the yellow card. Jarrett placing the ball down for the set-piece 25 yards out central shooting over. 

Katie Green

 The game stretched, Brown getting a shot away from outside the box for Haringey taking a nick off a defender out for a corner kick. Taken short Haringey looking to keep possession, Brown fouled winning the free-kick wide on the right. Jarrett to put it in, claimed by Walford. Loveland winning the ball high for Wroxham, before being fouled the free-kick taken quickly, Jarrett winning it back for Haringey.

  The clock tickling down Haringey working hard at the back to keep Wroxham at bay, Dennis blocking a shot from the right, the intercepting a ball put in from Kindred on the left. Wroxham pushing on late on winning a throw deep on the right into the area cleared out to the left retrieved by Alexander strikes the ball on the angle her effort blocked the rebound out to Knights top of the area shoots over. 

  Haringey get the ball away from danger out to Garwood breaking right side, takes the ball into the corner looking to see the clock down supported by Brown, winning a corner, no need to play it in keep possession as the final whistle blows and celebrate as Haringey win this season’s ERWFL League Plate final.

 Celebrating in front of their fans gathered behind the goal

Haringey celebrating with their fans at the final whistle

Fulltime Wroxham Women 1-3 Haringey Borough Women

  Haringey winning the ERWFL League Plate final 3-1 to get their hands on the trophy getting off to a fantastic start scoring form the first corner of the game inside 4 minutes. Defended well often deep inviting pressure but dealing with it, ready to counter with their 3 attackers staying high ready to go. Wroxham frustrated seeing the post struck twice creating further chances, Haringey continued to be a threat from set-pieces Chloe Ions doubling the lead before having to come off injured, hopping around after the game hoping it’s nothing too serious no doubt a trophy win helping with the pain. 2-0 up at half-time Wroxham unhappy with some decisions always going to be a physical encounter, a few bruises to show for it. Wroxham fought to get a goal back, doing so through Hannan Fuller in the 74th minute, Haringey remained a threat on the break and Garwood bursting away down the right saw her cross turned into the back of the net for an unfortunate own goal to restore the 2 goal cushion and see the game out to clinch the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the day a few contenders but one standing out. A competitive game expected no less performances of note across the park. For Wroxham it will be a day Ella Gambell will probably want to forget but she stood out for Wroxham aggressive winning the ball at the back getting stuck in made some great forward runs, clattered more than once. Becca Stephenson unlucky hitting the post twice got on with the ball looking for opening in a tightly packed box at times. Katie Knights with some good ball winning tackles in the middle get Wroxham going forwards. Hannah Fuller lively kept the Haringey defence on their toes constantly looking for an opening. For Haringey it was a battling defensive performance got numbers back inviting a little pressure but for the large part dealing with it. Zara Kirstein with some strong tackling heading home the opener. Elisia Huetson with numerous interceptions and blocks.. Going forward Nia Garwood was strong on the right taking players on and a ready outlet throughout. Renea Jarrett coming on into the middle getting stuck in to win the ball. The award going to Tayla Dennis the pick of the defenders made several tackles and blocks, getting across to nullify threats and defend set plays.

Haringey Borough Women win this season’s ERWFL League Plate

 Congratulations to Haringey Borough Women on winning the 2025/26 ERWFL League Plate.

 A competitive final to start the day, expected no less between the sides finishing 3rd and 5th in the Premier Division. A fine end to the season for both should use it as a platform to push on next season. Wroxham missing out on one final are the new County Cup champions and if they continue the form they had towards the end of the season will be amongst the favourites for the the title. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today. as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Wroxham Women

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Sunday 3rd May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Sponsored by Harrod Sport

  The action switches back to Norfolk this Sunday with a another trip to Carrow Road to watch the final of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup, sponsored by Harrod Sport. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women into the final for the 1st time taking on fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Wroxham Women.

This evening’s prize

   The final between the two leading sides in Norfolk with Norwich City Women victors in the last 3 finals not entering this years competition, in action early today at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium playing Moneyfields Women in FAWNL South West/South East Play-off match. A dramatic end to the game drawing 2-2 the final whistle Norwich emerging victorious in a sudden death penalty shootout to clinch promotion to tier 3 for the first time in their history, many congratulations to all at the club. The ERWFL Premier Division representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid a strong and highly competitive league both Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Wroxham Women with strong campaigns finishing 6th and 3rd respectfully locking horns in the county cup final.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women have gone form strength to strength since joining the ERWFL 3 season’s ago, winning promotion in to the Premier Division in their 1st season at regional level, retained their Premier Division status the year after and have now clinched their highest ever league finish, 6th place. Playing at The Nest ground sharing with Norwich City Women got their fixtures in when others didn’t meaning an early finish their league campaign wrapped up back on the 18th of March, so a long spell without a competitive fixture leading into this evening final.

 Reaching the County Cup final to make their Carrow Road debut has been  an incredible journey having followed the group from their days as Sprowston Ladies to where they are now. Winning the Norfolk Women League Plate back in 2018, captain Calista Tink and striker Victoria Leyer the only two members of that squad still at the club along with Tink’s father Adrian who has led the side in all that time. Have grown as a club on and off the pitch. Leilah Gooding the top scorer with 11 goals, Holly Walker and Millie Baggott both with 9 each.

Wroxham Women reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final for the 1st time themselves two season’s ago beaten 6-0 by Norwich City Women, have been playing right up until the final day of the ERWFL campaign where a strong end to the season saw them clinch a 3rd placed finish, and the potential of a cup double as they have not only reached the final of this season’s County Cup but also final of this season’s ERWFL League Plate, taking on Haringey Borough Women next Sunday at Bedford Town FC. Tonight though all about the county cup will be slight favourites having gotten the better of Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women in both their midweek league encounters both game though won by a single goal 1-0 and 2-1 respectfully.

 Wroxham Women an established side playing at tier 5 with ambitions to push for promotion to the FAWNL above. Joe Simpson returning as manager, Wroxham suffered a slow start dropping points early on but since being knocked out of the League Cup have gone from strength to strength, 2 runs of 5 straight wins interrupted by a defeat to champions Stevenage seeing them power their way up the table to consolidate a top three finish will be hoping that momentum carries through to their cup final games. Hannah Fuller as ever prolific in front of goal top scorer for Wroxham once again with 21 goals to her name. Kathryn Stanley has 12 with Rebecca Stephenson coming in from Cambridge United WFC halfway through the season scoring 9 along with Maddie Green.

Both sides have players in their squads who have won the county cup before, Kathryn Stanley with Norwich, Katie Knights with both Norwich and Wymondham, Hayley Kindred also in the Wymondham squad back in 2022 along with Hannah Fuller all playing for Wroxham this evening. Anna Larkins playing for Dussindale & Hellesdon appearing in multiple finals. This evening’s referee, Alice Parker also a winner of the county cup in her playing days with Norwich City Women.

Road to the Final

 Norfolk FA seeding their senior women’s sides to enter in the later rounds of the competition, both Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Wroxham Women joining at the quarter final stage. Dussindale & Hellesdon having home advantage in the last 8 as they took on ERWFL Division One North side, Thetford Town Ladies. Goals for Leilah Gooding, Calista Tink and Holly Walker sealing a 3-0 win. Wroxham drawn away to Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Sprowston FC Women. Kathryn Stanley rattling home a hat-trick, Rebecca Stephenson scoring a brace plus a goal each for Hannah Fuller and Ella Gambell seeing the game won comfortably 7-0.

Into the semi-finals, the big guns kept apart, both taking on county league opposition with the NWGFL having two representatives in the last four of the county cup, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Costessey Sports Ladies conquerors of Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies who had reached 4 of the last 5 county cup finals. Leilah Gooding on target to score twice, plus a goal for Isla Thorne securing a 3-1 victory to book Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 1st county cup final appearance. Wroxham away taking on UEA FC Women. A single goal enough for Wroxham winning through to the final 1-0 courtesy of a goal from their captain, Tigi Robson.

Carrow Road

Carrow Road the venue once again the premier football stadium in Norfolk, home to Norwich City FC. A busy Sunday hosting 3 finals the Junior an Senior men’s county cup finals along with the women’s showpiece. The pitch looking immaculate as you’d expect a carpet compared to most of the pitches in the county which could do with some rain, none expected again this evening however, a warm and sunny day the temperature pleasant heading into the evening. The fans from both clubs situate in the South Stand opposite the dug outs. Both teams out on the pitch enjoying a look round the stadium no doubt excited for the occassion.

 Alice Parker this evenings match referee assisted by Elise Carroll-Mileham and Alex Vasey with Edwards Colman the 4th official.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Addi Gregory, Yve Mitchell, Anna Larkins, Calista Tink (C) Maddie Goodenough, Chloe Shipman, Isla Thorne, Ella Kruez, Holly Walker, Leilah Gooding & Kyla Langan. Subs – Rosie George, Lauren Baxter, Millie Baggott, Abbie Gilchrist & Alexia Cooke.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Yaz Walford, Katie Green, Tigi Robson (C), Ella Gambell, Poppy Loveland, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Hayley Kindred, Becca Stephenson, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs- Lauren Bullard, Jordan Arnoup, Kathryn Stanley, Jorja Palmer & Holly Farrow.

Wroxham Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be settled on penalties.

Captains Tigi Robson and Calista Tink with this evening’s match officials

Both sides with goalkeeping issues leading up to the game without regular keepers, Amber Locker or Tyla Cole, Addi Gregory usually an outfield player donning the gloves. Yaz Walford between the sticks for Wroxham with Bryony Williams out injured. A long wait for the final for Dussindale & Hellesdon the build up over the game finally here, have the kick-off 1st half wearing an all clear kit with Wroxham lined up opposite not in their usual blue and white kit but a kit harking back to their time as Acle prior to joining the Wroxham family white shirts with black diagonal striping and a red slash through the middle, with black shorts and socks. The ball put into the middle sent long out to the right flank out of play for an early Wroxham goal kick.

A little tentative at the start Dussindale & Hellesdon up to press the ball, given away at the back by Wroxham on the left, Kyla Langan nipping onto the ball linking up with Leilah Gooding in attack on Dussindale & Hellesdon’s right taking the ball on a shot struck in on the angle from 30 yards, Walford behind it all the way. Wroxham come forwards Katie Knights central long out to Becca Stephenson attacking on the right takes on the early cross squaring the ball into the box, cleared by Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink.

Both sides into each other the ball closed down not much head way made, Wroxham getting a series of throws on the left, defender Poppy Loveland has a long throw in her arsenal, launched into striker Hannah Fuller down near the by-line left of goal, tracked by Maddie Goodenough the defender getting it away for Yve Mitchell to clear up field. Testing balls launched into the channels early on by both sides, Langan and Gooding looking to combine up top for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Maddie Green right side and Hayley Kindred left for Wroxham breaking forwards. Tink winning the ball at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Ella Kruez playing the ball on for Langan over on the right her strike into the box collected by Walford. Tink coming across to tackle Fuller as the Wroxham striker goes after the ball fed on into the right side, the pitch watered before kick-off slick the ball skipping on. Holly Walker closing the ball down on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting in crossed into the area, cleared by Loveland for Wroxham. A few niggly fouls given away competitive in the middle, Knights with Lily Alexander for Wroxham, Isla Thorne snapping in for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Wroxham midfielder, Katie Knights

Tink pro-active in defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting out to the ball closing down Maddie Green as her sister Katie sends the ball on up the right. A throw for Wroxham on the right played inside into Stephenson’s feet top of the D, turns going left looking for an opening to strike the ball, Kruez getting in the tackle before she can attempt it. Kindred up ended for Wroxham outside the box top left corner, the set-piece launched into the box headed clear by Tink. Back out to the left a shot from the angle punched back into the area racing wide past the far post.

Wroxham’s Becca Stephenson with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Anna Larkins

Knights carrying the ball on through the middle for Wroxham fed out to Maddie Green on the right, Tink across to offer Anna Larkins support as she slows the attacker down the ball cleared as it is played into the box. Dussindale & Hellesdon defending deeper working hard to regain possession at the back, lifted up to Langan and Gooding in attack the pair combining well causing the Wroxham defence a few issues, breaking forwards into the right channel the ball prodded on towards the box, diverted behind by Loveland for the first corner of the game.

Leilah Gooding

The corner swung in on goal landing on the roof of the net. Ella Gambell taking a knock for Wroxham as the defender fights to win the ball back for Wroxham as Walker brings it on up the left fed inside for Langan. A pause in play while she receives treatment both sides over to the benches for fluids and instructions rom their respective coaches. Gambell up ok to play on, the opening quarter hour seeing both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Stephenson taking the ball on into the left channel, Kreuz tracking back to put in the challenge for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

 

Is a good sized pitch both sides looking to test the other on the flank, so far without much success, Tink clearing up most ball played into her box, Dussindale & Hellesdon attack starting deeper Loveland and Gambell both stepping up to tackle as Langan and Gooding drive on through the middle. Larkins putting the ball on for Walker left side, Gambell giving the foul away seeing referee, Alice Parker awarding the free-kick. A dangerous ball curled into the area cleared well by Loveland over to the right, won back Dussindale & Hellesdon sending the cross back into the six yard box, Walford claiming it unchallenged.

Alice Parker, winning the county cup with Norwich now officiating the final

Gregory racing out to the top of her area as Fuller steals in behind on the left, the keeper just getting there ahead of her to get it away. Alexander getting hold of the ball for Wroxham links up with Knights, Thorne snapping back to win the tackle for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Stephenson moving about the top of the 18 yards box probing for an opening, her short pass into Fuller, Tink stabbing out a foot to take it away from her. Katie and Maddie Green linking up on the right, Larkins into challenge the ball out for a throw.

Wroxham starting to build a little momentum going forwards the ball chased down in the final 3rd, Katie Green lifting it over the top for Stephenson breaking away right channel, again it’s Tink back at quickly doing the defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. The crowd making themselves heard, Dussindale & Hellesdon look to have the greater number, Wroxham with their band present not to be out done. Langan onto the ball left channel pushes on knocking the ball into the area, cut out by Loveland for a throw. Dussindale & Hellesdon getting players on the cross into the box Gooding onto the end of it sending a shot in to the near post blocked turned behind for a corner on the right.

Wroxham’s Katie Green

The result the same as the previous corner, curled in on goal looking to test the keeper with a ball under the crossbar, it instead nestles on top of the net. Wroxham up on the left with a throw high, Goodenough getting it back for Dussindale & Hellesdon into Shipman turned on up field, the break is on 2 v 2 at the back Langan after the ball rolling on into the left channel, Gooding powering her way into the box the cross curled in invitingly, just too far ahead of Gooding.

Half an hour gone in the first half a game of few chances so far none on target Wroxham have a throw out on the right brought down played inside to Alexander 20 yards out sends it on across the top of the D, for Kindred to attack left of the D, her 1st time effort curling away from Gregory’s left post. No quarter given in midfield, Thorne busy closing players down on the ball, Knights attempting to add thrust to Wroxham’s attack driving on with the all central running into a dead end as 3 Dussindale & Hellesdon players close her down top of the D.

Katie Green on for Stephenson pulling out to the right, Larkins tackling the ball out for the throw. Inside for Stephenson linking up with Fuller outside the Dussindale & Hellesdon 18 yard box, no way through lays it back into Alexander 25 yards out takes on the strike the ball racing wide of the left post. With Dussindale & Hellesdon dropping off in defence, Katie Green and captain Tigi Robson are able to get on support Wroxham as they get the ball on up to the final 3rd, Tink a little reckless sliding in to win the ball top right corner outside the area fouling Stephenson as she gets inside off a throw picking up the first yellow card of the game.

Kindred on the free-kick, strikes it in towards the far post, too much on it however, flies over the bar. The ball hooked up field by Dussindale & Hellesdon, Langan can’t make it stick as Gambell closes her down, Wroxham quick to get it back up the pitch out to the left flank Robson up with Kindred sending the cross into the near post, claimed by Gregory. Gambell pushing up from the back to get stuck in to win the ball back for Wroxham on for Knights in the middle lifted out to Stephenson combining with Maddie Green the cross cut out by Tink, not clear, struck back in from range taking a deflection out behind for a corner on the right.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Chloe Shipman

GOAL! 40 minutes played players up from the back for the Wroxham corner, taken short the delivery fed back out to corner taker who lifts the cross up over the crowd gathered at the near post, to fall into the six yard box which is met by Loveland unmarked to smash past the keeper to open the scoring 0-1.

The ball dropping down into the box for defender Poppy Loveland to run onto a blast home to put Wroxham into the lead

 

Poppy Loveland

Wroxham having gathered some momentum towards the end of the first half taking the lead. Both sides continue their midfield tussle, Thorne into tackle Stephenson, Gooding brought down as she looks to travel through the middle. A good distance out Walker looking to send the ball on over the top for the goal kick. Katie Green with the diagonal ball into Fuller back to goal left side turns it on for Kindred attacking on the wing, to the by-line tackled by Mitchell the ball out for a corner kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Yve Mitchell

Played in low to the near post turned behind for a goal kick. Into 2 minutes of stoppage time. Goodenough putting the tackle in on Fuller as she looks to attack the left channel taking the ball on from Kindred.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-1 Wroxham Women

  The first half drawing to a close, Wroxham scoring late in the half to take a slender advantage into the break. Has been a half of few chances with defences largely on top. Dussindale & Hellesdon dropping deeper giving Wroxham very little room to get in behind, protecting the keeper. Both sides competitive a close contest snapping into the other not much between them, clear both sides have players who can hurt the other but the final ball hasn’t been there, little between the sides in their 2 league fixtures and looks to be the case here too, a single goal in it still very much all to play for.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon ringing the changes at half-time making a triple switch sending on Rosie George, Millie Baggott and Abbie Gilchrist to replace Langan, Gooding and Larkins. Wroxham making a change too with Kathryn Stanley coming on in place of Katie Green. Wroxham to get the 2nd period underway, a reminder should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will go to penalties. The ball launched out to the right seen out of play by Gilchrist for a throw. George and Baggott leading the attack for Dussindale & Hellesdon now play switched quickly up the left channel with George getting in behind to chase the ball down, Walford rushing out to the corner of her area just about getting there to knock the ball out to the touch line, kept in Dussindale & Hellesdon are quick to get players up, for a moment the goal open, but takes too long to get the angled ball played, Walford back by then recovering to push the ball away from danger.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to make a positive opening to the 2nd half. Knights for Wroxham playing the ball into Maddie Green right side her cross put into the top of the area intercepted by Tink. Thorne onto the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Wroxham’s defence pushed up space opening up to play the ball into a little wild with her release doesn’t capitalise as George looks to pull clear right side. 

 The 2nd half already having a different feel about it both sides looking to be more direct, Alexander central for Wroxham putting the ball into the left for Stephenson down the line held up by Mitchell forced back up the line squeezing a cross into the D, Stanley running onto it her strike charged down by Goodenough. 

Maddie Green

 The game opening up space to run into George is put away out on the right the ball at her feet surging into the box wide of goal fires a low shot in on the angle, Walford down smartly to make the save the ball pushed out to the top of the six yard box, Baggott on the follow getting hold of the ball Walford making another fantastic blocking save the ball knocked up onto the crossbar and out to keep Wroxham’s lead in tack.

Goalkeeper Yaz Walford with a brilliant double save for Wroxham

 Dussindale & Hellesdon creating chances Baggott and George looking to take over where Gooding and Langan threatened in the 1st half. Gambell fouled as she looks to tackle Baggott as the attacker tries to force her way through the middle. Kindred combining with Stephenson out on Wroxham’s left the ball inside for Fuller outside the box, Goodenough challenging to get the ball out into the middle, Thorne taking it on sending the ball out to George on the right, Robson tackling to win it back for Wroxham.

  Loveland with a vital touch at the back volleying the ball clear as George looks to spin in behind as the ball from Kruez is played into her feet. Baggott almost stealing in behind central moments later 30 yards out but for another crucial challenge from Loveland. Battles all over the pitch Shipman getting a free-kick as she and Kindred come together. 

Wroxham’s Hayley Kindred

 Fuller making several runs into the channel looking to draw defenders out, Tink out to the right to close her down. Dussindale & Hellesdon’s defence staying deep, Wroxham able to get players on but have to be wary of losing it, starting from halfway however the attackers have alot of work to do, with Loveland, Gambell and Robson quick to read the danger. Stephenson seeing a shot from the top of the D struck over as the ball comes into her from Green on the right. 

Becca Stephenson

  Loveland getting across to close down Baggott as she brings the ball down from Shipman in the middle. Thorne continues to get about the midfield breaking up play for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Gambell at the back getting her head on a high ball to clear as Dussindale & Hellesdon look to counter on the right. Gilchrist putting the ball into Thorne central for Dussindale & Hellesdon, has Baggott ahead of her looking to run in behind the threaded pass just the wrong side of her allowing Gambell tracking back with her to intercept. 

 Dussindale & Hellesdon getting the ball back out on the left Walker to George from the angle 25 yards out striking her shot over. Robson bringing the ball on right side for Wroxham chipping it up to Fuller making the run out into the wing, Kruez getting back to help Mitchell in defence the ball out for a throw. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Maddie Goodenough

 Alexander getting a shove in the back as she rises to head the ball the free-kick awarded deep on the left. Kindred on it played short fed back to the winger who places the cross along the top of the D, Fuller running onto it 20 yards out firing a vicious strike wide past the right post.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller

  Moving into the final 20 minutes the game still in the balance. Wroxham keen to extend their advantage prepared to take a few risks keeping Dussindale & Hellesdon penned in trusting they will have too much to do to get players out to support any counter attack. Gambell again with the header as a free-kick won by Dussindale & Hellesdon is launched up from half way. Tink going out to close Fuller down as she gets onto the ball right side concedes the corner kick.

 Wroxham with another short corner routine the ball back with the taker, Dussindale & Hellesdon look to clear their lines as the cross is whipped in with pace attacked by Fuller central burying it into the back of the net runs away in wild celebration, the lead doubled! No! The flag up for offside, the famous canary goal celebration music there for a split second but quickly curtailed that was an extremely close call.

Hannah Fuller’s goal ruled out for offside

Robson in the wars for Wroxham brought down, stays down taking a knock to the ankle, treatment given the players with a chance to catch their breath the game has a nervous edge to it. Play resuming Robson ok to go on Dussindale & Hellesdon advance on the left Walker sending a looping cross into the box, George striding in central jumping for the ball can’t quite get there over her to be cleared on the opposite side. Robson pulling up again feeling her injury, Wroxham unwilling to make the change Robson determined to play on.

 George keeping a throw in on the by-line cutting it back up to the corner of the area for Kruez, goes for goal sending the ball over the bar. Less than 10 minutes on the clock Fuller on the left up with Stanley, played back for Robson plays the ball in central Stephenson knocking it forwards into the box left of the D, Stanley bursting in behind, the flag up straight away as Gregory dives in bravely to get the ball, colliding with the onrushing attacker, Stanley hurdling over the keeper who stays down. Treatment needed a pause in play, 743 in attendance for the final. Gregory up back on her feet. 

 

 GOAL! The game getting stretched opening up suits Fuller as the attacker sees the ball into her path as she breaks into the left flank surging on taking the ball into the box, Tink coming to close her down Fuller with a neat touch to drag the ball inside the defender and moving in central puts her right foot through the ball rifling it past the keeper, to score wheeling away in celebration running over to supporters to celebrate with her teammates 0-2.

Hannah Fuller checking inside to set herself up to rifle home Wroxham’s 2nd

 GOAL! Wroxham finally doubling their lead but it is undone straight away as Dussindale & Hellesdon get the ball out quickly too George on the right down the line whipping a pacy cross into the six yard box, Gambell lunging in to try and clear only succeeding in diverting it into the back of her own net 1-2.

  A lively end to the game Dussindale & Hellesdon getting it back to a single goal straight away. Gilchrist getting a foot on the ball to stop Green getting in behind as Knights plays a diagonal ball out to the flank. Both sides re energised Dussindale & Hellesdon going for it throwing their attackers back on Gooding and Lagan back on the pitch replacing Goodenough and Kruez off. 

 Wroxham playing the ball up to Fuller in attack heads it down for Stephenson making the run to the left taking the ball on digs the cross out dropping it into the six yard box, Fuller in place to nod the ball down towards goal, Gregory getting hold of it for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Wroxham strengthening their defence, Katie Green back on replacing Maddie Green. A lively end to the game the supporters over on the far side encouraging their teams, Gooding trying to get the ball through to Baggott, Loveland cutting it out. 

5 added minutes to be played, a goal for Wroxham will surely seal the win, one back for Dussindale & Hellesdon and we go to penalties. Have a throw out to the left work a shot in from range wide at the near post. Wroxham playing the ball up the left for Fuller who used her experience to take the ball into the corner eat up time. Shipman fouled picking up a knock, the set-piece put in from deep cleared by Stanley for a throw. 

 Wroxham dropping back for the first time in the game defending, Katie Green getting her head ball to clear for Wroxham off of a throw on the right. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a corner at the death everyone up bar the keeper, but don’t make it count as the ball is curled into the side netting, the final whistle blows and Wroxham have done it getting their name of the trophy winning the Harrod Sports Women’s Cup for the first time.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 1-2 Wroxham Women

  The 2nd half bringing the game to life Dussindale & Hellesdon making changes forcing Wroxham goalkeeper, Yaz Walford into a fantastic double save. Both looking for a goal Wroxham continuing to get players on, Fuller seeing a goal ruled off for offside only spurring her on to get into the box and rifle the ball home to double lead. Short lived as an own goal gets Dussindale & Hellesdon back into it setting up a nervy finish, Wroxham seeing the game out clinching victory over Dussindale & Hellesdon by a single goal for the 3rd time this season. Can’t help feeling this the the beginning of a new rivalry in the county cup Wroxham getting their hands on the trophy Dussindale & Hellesdon can be proud of their Carrow Road debut.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders and I’m going away from the winner of the award on the night. Strong performances all over the pitch for Dussindale & Hellesdon it was a strong game at the back from their captain, Calista Tink won the ball and read the game. Isla Thorne was busy in midfield getting after the ball several good balls up to the attackers. Lilah Gooding did well in the number 10 shirt useful runs looking to link up with Kyla Langan both causing issues for the Wroxham defence as did Rosie George coming on in the 2nd half providing a good outlet for the ball. For Wroxham Katie Knights took the ball on well through the middle joining up the attack. Becca Stephenson covered the ground in the final 3rd looking for openings and ready to receive the ball. Yaz Walford’s double save was crucial. Hannah Fuller won the award on the night and for that winning goal I can see why made some great runs into the channels a defence dropping deep space limited found the opening. But this was a close one and defenders all played their part Ella Gambell put herself about challenging to win the ball close players down. I’ve gone for Poppy Loveland made so important last ditch tackles didn’t let players pass her on too many opportunities and scored the opening goal.

Wroxham Women 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulations to Wroxham Women on winning the 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

  The season over for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women a 6th placed finish and county cup final appearance there’s more to come from this side and will be hungry to reach the final again. Wroxham Women winning one of their two finals off to Bedford next Sunday, for the ERWFL League Plate final know Haringey Borough Women well as they look to make it a cup double. My thanks to all at Norfolk FA for their help this evening and allowing me to cover the final always appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Real Bedford Women Reserves

Sunday 1st March

ERWFL League Plate semi-final

Back at it at last, wasn’t planning in taking a month off, but that’s how it went, fell ill with some mystery bug that has really laid me low left me, took a while to get over but am right again now and ready to go again. Watched a match last weekend without the camera and notepad so keen to get back at it now march is here and we move into the business end of the season with league titles and cup final spots to challenge for. Off to a semi-final match this afternoon as Wroxham Women take on Real Bedford Women reserves looking to reach the ERWFL League Plate final.

The sides losing in the early rounds of the ERWFL League Cup going on to compete for the League Plate. A blow for Wroxham getting knocked out of the League Cup this season having reached the League Cup final in both 2022 & 2024. Have nevertheless responded well to push on in the League Cup getting to the semi-finals and potentially one game away from another final and a double final appearance having reached the final of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup. Real Bedford Women Reserves too have the potential to make it a cup final double having reached the final of the Bedfordshire Women’s Senior Cup for the first time where they will take on the Real Bedford Women’s 1st team.

Captain, Tigi Robson’s long range strike fumbled by the keeper to see Wroxham beat UEA FC Women by a single goal in the 2nd half to book their spot in Norfolk Women’s Cup Final last weekend aiming to make it a cup final double appearance this Sunday. The ERWFL Premier Division side currently 7th in the table but with games in hand on the sides above them have a busy run in till the end of the season. With that in mind manager Joe Simpson has bolstered the squad by bringing in a few new faces, defender. Elise Wade joins from Needham Market. Rebecca Stephenson comes to Wroxham having had spells at both Cambridge City Women and Needham Market and most recently has gained valuable experience playing in the FAWNL with Cambridge United Women. Also joining on a dual registration from Norwich City Women is attacking midfielder Lauren Hailes.

  A hat-trick from Hannah Fuller, plus goals from Anais Winney, Rebecca Stephenson and Kathryn Stanley seeing Wroxham beat, ERWFL Division One North side, Stevenage FC Women Development in the quarter finals of the League Plate to book their spot in the last 4. Fuller, Wroxham’s top scorer once again this season leading the way with 13 goals, while Maddie Green and Kathryn Stanley joining the club this season have 8 and 7 goals respectfully.

  In any other season, Real Bedford Women Reserves would be challenging for the league title such has been their form, however with Histon Ladies continuing their 100% record at the top of the table, they are in a tight battle trying to clinch runners-up spot in the table currently 3rd neck and neck with Stevenage FC Women Development. Looking strong with one of the youngest squads in the league this just their 2nd season playing at this level. Real Bedford Women featuring 3 sides, the 1st team investing strongly in their squad reaching the 3rd tier of women’s football, The Reserves playing regional football while the Development squad has joined the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football League this season. A 3 squads going strong, Real Bedford Women Reserves unbeaten in 9 matches.

  Beating Biggleswade United Women 2-0 at home in their League Plate quarter final, Amelia Proctor and Ellie McGirl with the goals. Lauren Hawkins leading the goal scoring charts, netting 16 goals in her 18 appearances. Ellie McGirl has 8 goals to her name with Georgie Oliver on 6 so far this season. 

 Wroxham FC’s Ginger Pickle Arena (Trafford Park) unavailable due to the rain earlier in the week, Wroxham Women making the call early to move the semi-final tie to an all-weather pitch at Aylsham’s Sports Hub. Played their quarter final here too and with Sunday’s running out to get their fixtures in could ill afford another postponement, situated on the outskirts of Aylsham one a new housing development the sports facility offering an all weather pitch, limited viewing for spectators on one side, the 1st day of March hopefully bringing better weather a little overcast with a keen wind, rain wasn’t forecast but still it came, so too would the sun later on.

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Tigi Robson (C), Ella Gambell, Poppy Loveland, Elise Wade, Lily Alexander, Anais Winney, Rebecca Stephenson, Holly Farrow, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Yasmine Walford, Lauren Bullard, Katie Green, Katie Knights & Kathryn Stanley.

Wroxham Women

 Real Bedford Women starting XI – Izabella Bruci, Carol Cripps, Connie Medri, Zara Labastide, Marli Frederick, Freya Stichbury (C), Ellie McGirl, Georgie Oliver, Madison Flowers Amelia Proctor & Lauren Hawkins. Subs – Phoebe Matthews & Destiny Pap.

Real Bedford Women Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Tigi Robson and Freya Stichbury with today’s referee, Davis Lewiss and his two assistants

 Wroxham despite having a few out with injury including defender, Jordan Arnoup and winger Hayley Kindred still naming a strong substitutes bench. Elise Wade starting in defence making her debut. Real Bedford Women Reserves with just the two substitutes to call upon having lost a player due to illness before the game. Wroxham to take the kick-off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks with Bedford lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball fed out to the right, Ella Gambell playing in on up the line for Maddie Green to whip a cross into the box, defended by Bedford, comes back to Gambell right side who strikes a diagonal ball back into the area, Bedford seeing it safely behind for a corner kick.

  The corner curled in towards the near post, Carol Cripps comes off the post to intercept and clear for Bedford the ball away for a throw out on the left. Wroxham looking to make a positive start the throw dropped into the feet of striker, Hannah Fuller, 20 yards out left of the D, turns to hit the ball her effort blocked by Marci Frederick, rebounds back off Fuller and runs behind for a goal-kick. 

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller 

The Premier Division side moving in to close the ball do preventing Bedford getting out of their half early doors, the ball being moved quickly, Lily Alexander on for Anais Winney in the middle out to Holly Farrow charging on down the left her cross cut out by Cripps. Wroxham’s captain Tigi Robson closing down the ball at the back sending it into Alexander central she plays it out too Ella Gambell bursting forwards on the right, the full back allowed to travel turns inside 20 yards out slicing her shot the ball flashing wide of the near post. 

Wroxham full back, Ella Gambell

  Bedford getting onto the ball centrally sending a good diagonal ball into the right wing for Madison Flowers to attack, Farrow tracking back helping out the defence out for a throw. Both sides showing plenty of energy flying into their tackles, Bedford captain, Freya Stichbury with a strong tackle on Gambell as the ball goes out for a throw. Georgie Oliver for Bedford seeing the ball into her feet and driving on through the middle, closed down is upended as the Wroxham defence clears the ball, the visitors appeals for a foul waved away.

Real Bedford’s, Georgie Oliver

  Robson on the left sends the ball on down the line for Farrow to attack, Cripps moving in to close her down force her down the line forces the ball out for a throw, taken quickly Wroxham getting players into the box is helped on in towards the near post for Winney, the midfielder looking to bring it down and hit on the turn, Bedford’s. Zara Labastide in close to her getting a toe on the ball to take it away from her. 

  A miscued clearance at the back from Wroxham see’s the ball swerve up into the air and Bedford’s Flowers race onto it taking it forwards with pace, the home defence recovering quickly to squeeze her off the ball allowing goalkeeper, Bryony Williams to clear. Wroxham regain the ball in the middle, Winney into Fuller moving right looks to combines with Green up the line wanting the return ball played into her as she drives for the area, Labastide does well at the back for Bedford intercepting the pass. Oliver taking the ball right for Bedford looking to pick out Flowers ahead of her, Alexander cutting the ball out for Wroxham.

  Williams with a loose ball out of her box, sees Bedford’s Lauren Hawkins run onto the ball looking to take it left into the area, Gambell, closing her down eases her off the ball. The game being played at a fast pace, both sides keen to close the ball down keep it moving, Wroxham build on the left Robson with a diagonal ball into the box for Fuller left of goal knocks it out to Farrow wide on the wing she returns it inside to Fuller who attempts to tee up Green positioned central top of the area, Proctor getting back on her in the nick of time to take the ball off her feet as she is about to line up a strike.

Maddie Green

 

  Wade bringing the ball out of defence for Wroxham with space to run into as Bedford drop off sends it on up the right for Green, Connie Medri stretching out a leg getting hold of the ball for the visitors. Bedford with pace in their attack quick to break launching a counter attack on the right, McGirl on for Flowers, the cross taken early flung into the box, Williams throwing herself forwards getting a fist on the ball enough to take it away from Hawkins running in unmarked central.

Wroxham’s Elise Wade with Real Bedford’s, Lauren Hawkins

  Gambell able to come on with the ball on the right offer support to Green on the right, the attacker winning Wroxham a corner kick. The delivery curled into the middle off the defence, goalkeeper, Bruci having Fuller for company shaking her off well to get out and claim the ball.

  Some players vocal in not getting decisions, with the game continuing at a fast pace, Fuller getting a telling off from the referee. The hosts with a throw on the right inside the Bedford half, Loveland with a long throw in her arsenal, launched into the top of the area, Frederick heading it clear for Bedford. The wind bringing in the rain despite the forecast blowing at my back so at least I can keep the camera and notepad reasonably dry. Stephenson linking up with Winey through the middle turning to send the ball into Fuller up top, tries to turn on the ball closely marshalled by Labastide.

  Alexander bringing he ball on for Wroxham moving left sending it out to Farrow on the wing plays it inside to Fuller, 20 yards out left of the D, is fouled as she goes to strike the ball, the hosts awarded the free-kick. Gambell over the set-piece goes for goal her low shot driven in wide of the left upright. 

  Oliver sending the ball into Flowers on the right for Bedford cuts it back inside for Stichbury running in across the top of the D, Wade moving out to close her down. Wroxham looking to make a rapid counter attack, Stephenson helping the ball on through the middle her target Green, a vital interception from Labastide for Bedford. The rain falling heavier now. Gambell charging on with the ball into space right side feeding it on for Green up the line Labastide going with her in ahead of her edge of the box to divert the ball back to her keeper, Bruci clearance however played straight back to Green, her 1st touch heavy, Labastide lunges it with a well-timed tackle to get her foot on the ball send it behind for the corner kick.

Rebecca Stephenson with real Bedford captain, Freya Stichbury

  Swung into the area from the right the keeper punching the ball up and away for a throw out on the left, Wroxham take it quickly looking to keep the pressure on, players up and around the box, Gambell upended inside the D, frustrated as no foul is awarded. Cripps clearing the ball away to the left. Remains a busy game, Bedford the busier in defence but Wroxham for all their possession not carving out any clear cut chances. The rain slowing even if the game isn’t, Gambell’s turn to get a warning from the referee to halt the back chat as she is involved in a good completive tussle with Hawkins.

  Loveland at the back playing the ball on for Robson travelling on the left plays it on for Fuller out on the left wing wide of the area, Frederick at her back throwing out a leg to take the ball away from her. Winney snatching hold of the ball for Wroxham 20 yards out left of the D, plays it on in central to Green inside the D. her low shot safely claimed by Bruci. 

Wroxham midfielder, Anais Winney

 McGirl tacking back to help defend for Bedford on Gambell as the full back looks to get on join the Wroxham attack. Winney with Stephenson in the middle the ball rolled back to Alexander to lay forwards into the left wing for Farrow, Cripps in quickly to prevent the cross. Bedford soaking up a fair bit of pressure at the back, always ready to launch a counter, up on the right forcing Williams to run out to the corner of her area to defend picks up a knock in the process. 

  Cripps coming into the middle to win the ball back for Bedford playing the ball on for Oliver bursts forwards playing it on for 9 up top, turns, her shirt pulled by Loveland the visitors awarded the free-kick 25 yards out. Proctor over it to the left of the D, pass the wall curled in low on goal, Williams getting down sharply to save block the ball turn it away behind to the right for a corner kick. Bedford yet to make the most of their corners.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams

  Labastide getting in ahead of Fuller to cut the ball out outside her box as Stephenson plays it on through the middle. Wroxham able to get players on to support the attack as Bedford drop back, not much room to get in behind the ball from the left comes inside to Stephenson, 30 yards out lines up the strike angled in low and fast at the near post, Bruci had started to move the opposite way but adjusts her body fantastically twisting enough to throw a glove out to her right to block the ball and turn it behind for a corner kick. Wroxham dropping another corner into the six yard box, Gambell rising highest to nod the ball down towards goal, somehow, Bruci gets her hands on the ball to prevent it dropping over the line.

Real Bedford goalkeeper, Izabella Bruci

  Bedford quickly launch a counter from the corner as Bruci releases the ball forwards, Wroxham short at the back the ball into Oliver right side looks to take it on, Wade moving in quickly to close her down sliding in to put the ball out for a throw. Into the closing moments of the 1st half Wroxham with one last attack pushing bodies on, Robson with Farrow left side inside to Stephenson, is brought down, no foul awarded as she throws her arms up in appeal 25 yards out, however a split second later, Alexander is similarly upended and gets the decision. Stephenson over the free-kick takes on the shot, strikes the ball over the bar.

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-0 Real Bedford Women Reserves

  The sides heading back to the changing rooms goalless at the break, Bedford working hard in defence keeping it tight dropping deep at the back, conceding possession whilst limiting Wroxham’s chances inside the box, Wroxham positive throughout looking for the break through the final ball not quite there as both side play at a fast pace looking to close the ball down and run players off the ball. Chances limited although both keepers have been called into action will be interested to see if Bedford can keep it up 2nd half, extra-time and penalties if required.

  The rain gone at the start of the 2nd half albeit the dark clouds remain, Wroxham making a change at the start of the 2nd half, Kathryn Stanley on on the left replacing Farrow, with Stephenson moving right as Green takes up an attacking position on the left as Bedford get the 2nd 45 underway. The ball out of play for a throw on the left, Loveland sending it long for Green to attack, Cripps moving in to close her down the ball out for another throw. A quieter start to the 2nd half as both sides work to close the other down. Hawkins moves in quickly to press, Wade at the back nearly succeeds in dispossessing the defender, stealing in behind however Wade recovers well to get back at her challenging to win the ball back.

  Stichbury bringing the ball on for Bedford feeding it on for Oliver ahead of her central 25 yards out takes on the strike her effort taking a hefty nick off a blocking defender seeing the string taken out of it as it runs on safely through to the keeper. Wroxham’s Green and Stephenson look to link up on the left Green inside to Stephenson who plays it on down the wing for Green to attack, Labastide going with her looking to shield the ball out of play for the goal-kick gets a shove in the back for her efforts. 

 Stanley onto the ball central inside the Bedford half driving on with the ball at her feet pushes it on for Fuller up top Cripps sticking a leg out marking her to get the ball into Frederick to launch clear. Bedford continue to be hard to break down even as the game begins to open up more, Wroxham not finding the clinical final ball. Proctor coming together with Stephenson bringing her down hard as she looked to turn in the ball in the middle, picks up the 1st yellow card of the game. 

 Alexander finds Stephenson as she drifts in from the right, is tackled by Bedford’s Stichbury before she can pick out Green as she breaks away on the left. Lively Cripps getting the ball back for Bedford out on the left looking to send it on for Flowers bursting on up the wing, Robson cutting the ball out for the visitors. Wroxham preparing a double change just past the hour mark with Katie Knights and Katie Green coming on to replace Winney in midfield and Wade in defence. 

Real Bedford’s Carol Cripps

 Knights straight into the action giving away a free-kick against, Oliver. The flag going up for offside however as Bedford sweep the ball into the top of the area. Hawkins combining with Flowers for Bedford on the right side, Loveland in between doing well in defence for the hosts. The sun’s out, a very welcome appearance has been a dull old start to the year. Bedford making a change, Proctor coming off to be replaced by Phoebe Matthews. The visitors win the ball back centrally, McGirl out to Flowers right drives on her cross charged down by Loveland out for a throw.

Wroxham’s Katie Knights

  The clock ticking down, moving into the final 20 minutes both sides looking a little tentative, Wroxham frustrated by Bedford can’t find that final pass, Katie Green defending a bouncing cross inside the box the ball cleared on up through the middle, Labastide in ahead of Fuller to see the ball back to her keeper. Wroxham winning a free-kick top of the circle the ball sent into the area dipping in front of the keeper, turned out back to the top of the area Knights appearing to be pulled down inside the D, the advantage played as the loose ball comes to Maddie Green left of the D her low shot drilled in across the keeper, Bruci down to save it.

  Stanley picks up a yellow card for Wroxham after tripping Cripps. Bedford with a free-kick half-way to the left the ball sent long up into the area, brought down well by Hawkins but before she a put her foot through the ball, Katie Green nips in to clear the ball sending it out for a throw on the left. Loveland doing well in defence for Wroxham as Hawkins looks to shake her off break on in behind into the box. 

 Into the final 15 minutes of the game Wroxham build an attack, Gambell taking the ball on up the right wing as players push on through the middle, a cross flashed into the D, Frederick with the challenge on Fuller as Alexander is upended, a strike coming in from the left of the D narrowly wide of the left post, play however brought back for the foul on Alexander inside the D.

 GOAL! Alexander picking herself up to take the free-kick central inside the D, strikes it low with pace to the diving keepers left can’t reach it as the ball cannons off the base of the post and back out across the six yard box to the right off goal, Stephenson first to react breaking forwards on the follow-up latching onto the ball to smash it back in across goal and into the back of the net to fire Wroxham into the lead 1-0.

Lily Alexander’s strike about to strike the base of the post and cannon back across goal for Rebecca Stephenson to score

Wroxham mob Stephenson as she fires them into the lead

Wroxham with the break through with 15 minutes left on the clock, keen to press for another goal as the game resumes pushing players on nearly catching Bruci on the ball at the back as she mis controls a back pass dragging it out across her six yard box, scrambling it away before Fuller can take advantage. Wroxham’s substitutes giving them the extra edge Winney coming back on as Fuller is rested. Labastide defending inside her area well as Stanley looks to run inside from the left.

Real Bedford defender, Zara Labastide

  Stanley fouled out on the left giving Wroxham another set-piece, 25 yards out the shot drilled in takes a deflection of the wall and another defender before being stopped by Cripps inside the six yard box and cleared. Wroxham with their tails up finding an extra burst of energy after scoring Knights playing the ball up to Maddie Green in attack, Labastide looking to go with her as both wrestle for the ball top of the area, Green squirming inside Labastide to throw a leg up to prod the ball on towards goal, Bruci too close can save as the ball comes straight at her.

  Oliver back to defend on Knights as she looks to take on the shot 20 yards out as Stanley picks her out travelling with the ball on the left. Wroxham looking in control now, Bedford tiring, Loveland with a long throw on the left into Stanley taking it inside 20 yards out left corner of the Bedford box sends it on for Knights central her strike screwed wide of the far post. Into stoppage time Labastide defending on Maddie Green left side as she looks to get onto the end of a pass from Knights. 

Wroxham defender, Poppy Loveland

 Gambell pressing on with the ball right side crossed low into Stephenson inside the area right of goal the keeper rushing out to try and close her down, strikes the ball past her but also wide beyond the far post. The clock ticking down Wroxham looking to keep the ball in the corner take no risks. Bedford frustrated can’t find a way out late on the Wroxham back line intercepting the ball as the hosts see out the game to win 1-0 to make it to two cup finals this season.

Full time Wroxham Women 1-0 Real Bedford Women Reserves

  Wroxham breaking the stalemate in the 75th minute to score and book their place in this season’s ERWFL League Plate final. Real Bedford proving a tough side to break down working hard in defence, making it tough for Wroxham in the final 3rd. The game payed at a furious pace as both sides looked to get after the ball, rarely still. Wroxham’s substitute’s giving them an advantage 2nd half, bringing on fresh legs and with it crucial experience found the extra edge to break the dead lock. A fine effort from Rea Bedford just ran out of steam late in the game struggled to create chances of their own the goal knocking the stuffing out of them can nevertheless be proud of their effort.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, a tough one as is more often the case with several contenders. For Real Bedford, Zara Labastide with the pick of the defenders winning a number of crucial tackles and marshalling her side throughout. Carol Cripps too with a number of vital tackles get stuck in to win the ball back. Madison Flowers looked a threat whenever she got the ball into her feet and drove forwards. For Wroxham, Ella Gambell was competitive and got stuck in to win the ball bringing in forwards well looking to link up with the attack. Maddie green whether operating on the left or right made herself available for the pass throughout and created some good opportunities. Poppy Loveland with some good tackling hard to shake off the ball. Anais Winney with some good positional play in midfield got on well to support the attack adding an extra dimension going forwards, linking up well with Rebecca Stephenson who got into some good positions and scored the all important winning goal. The award though goes to Lily Alexander covered the ground, working well with the defence and using it well whenever she came forwards, bringing others into the game kept Wroxham on the front foot.

Good to be back at it after a month off, most unusual for me but sometimes that’s how it goes just needed the rest to recover, an exciting end to the season to be sure. An entertaining semi-final, my thanks to both clubs for their assistance today as always much appreciated. 

 by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Hashtag United Women Reserves

Sunday 12th October

ERWFL League Cup

Back at it this Sunday with a game from the ERWFL League Cup, the competition into the 2nd Round, Hashtag United Women Reserves, newly promoted to the ERWFL, 2nd in Division One South travelling to Norfolk to face Premier Division side, Wroxham Women.

The clubs knocked out in the opening 2 rounds of the ERWFL League Cup going on to contest the League Plate.

Wroxham Women, seeing Joe Simpson return to take on the managers role this season following the departure of Adam Race, the Norfolk club doing well in the League Cup in recent season’s since making the switch from Acle to join Wroxham, finalists in 2022 & 2024. Simpson very busy on the coaching front at the moment also interim manager at King’s Lynn Town FC. The club having something of a rebuild with a few senior players moving on, such as former captain Becky Russell. Tigi Robson formerly vice captain stepping up to the role. Currently 9th in the Premier Division table will be looking to push on into the top half challenge the leading pack.

A host of new faces joining the side this season, a younger squad full of players with great potential to go on grow in the game. Some experience added too, Kathryn Stanley formerly playing for FAWNL side, Norwich City Women joining this season. Alice Collins another with a wealth of experience playing for Wymondham, King’s Lynn and most recently Thetford in the ERWFL. Sister’s Katie and Maddie Green made a name for themselves in Norfolk starring for Fakenham Town Ladies last season. Lucy Bradford re-joining the squad this season. Holly Farrow comes to Wroxham having been at Mulbarton last season with Milly Weddle joining having played for Ipswich Academy. Rachel Skinner the most recent recruit previously with King’s Lynn Town. Hannah Fuller always amongst the goals for Wroxham still leading the line has 3 to her name so far this season, Hayley Kindred one ahead netting 4.

  Hashtag United football club bursting onto the football scene in Essex, a new concept showing lots of ambition, on the women’s side taking over the C&K Basildon Women’s side that had reached the 3rd tier of the women’s football pyramid, pushing hard for promotion too from the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, becoming the leading force for women’s football in the county. First saw their Reserves side in the final of the Essex Women’s County Cup back in 2023, played well suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Billericay Town Women. Reserves sides within the FAWNL struggling to find a settled path in recent season’s.

 Led by Declan Murphy, Hashtag United Women Reserves joined the Essex Women’s Premier Division last season, were a strong outfit emerging out on top to clinch both the league title and lift the league cup making the progression up into the ERWFL and regional football, joining Division One South, with a already strong Essex presence. Performing best amongst the newly promoted sides. winning 4 of their opening 6 league matches with just the one loss to sit 2nd in the table amongst the sides looking to chase down leaders Chelmsford City Women. The highest scorers in the league too finding the back of the net for 29 goals in those 6 matches including 15 in their last 2 matches. Chelise Fleming top scorer so far with 13 goals from 6 matches. Sophia Mylona with 7 from the 2 games she has featured in.

  The Ginger Pickle Arena at Trafford Park the venue for today’s league cup encounter, home to Yachtsmen and Yachtswomen, Wroxham one of a number of clubs that gives great promotion and support to their women’s side. The large grass pitch sloping from one goal to the other, a small covered stand with seating on one side with standing viewing all-round the clubhouse and bar open serving both hot and cold drinks and food. The weather somewhat overcast today but settled and still mild for the time of year.

Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Katie Green, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Jordan Arnoup, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Jorja Palmer, Lauren Bullard, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Kathryn Stanley, Milly Weddle, Hayley Kindred, Holly Farrow & Rachel Skinner.

Wroxham Women

Hashtag United Women Reserves starting XI – Aulona Xhema, Macey Rothon (C), Emma Clark, Emily Galea, Sarah Finch, Raissa Taborda, Charis Howell, Leonnie Telford, Motunrayo Ojobaro, Chelise Fleming & Sophia Mylona. Subs – Emily Hamlin, Leyla Priest, Erin Radburn, Mimi Ouacel & Gracie Oxby.

Hashtag United Women Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Wroxham having played 4 successive away fixtures, glad to be back on home turf, giving a few players a rest have a few missing through injury, new signing Collins and defender Ella Gambell who recently suffered a broken collar bone amongst them. Defender Albany Hodgson, recently announcing her pregnancy, sending her my congratulations. Hashtag themselves a young side, just captain, Macey Rothon and defender Chloe Galea remain from the squad that played in the County Cup final. 

   Wroxham to kick-off the first half attacking down the slope, wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks, Hashtag lined up opposite in their away colours, red and blue patterned halved shirts, red shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Katie Knights in midfield lifts it forwards into the right channel for Lauren Bullard rushing forwards the ball cleared by captain, Macey Rothon for Hashtag, the hosts looking to press forwards early on get after the ball inside the Hashtag half, Wroxham forcing it on into the left channel, Hannah Fuller, bursting through into the box looking to get onto the ball, goalkeeper, Aulona Xhema rushing forwards to put her foot through the ball to launch clear.

 

  Looking highly competitive in the middle, Charis Howell getting hold of the ball for Hashtag lifting in on into the right wing for Motunrayo Ojobaro to attack breaking forwards with pace, Poppy Loveland moving across to defend for Wroxham sliding in to tackle the ball out for a throw. Lily Alexander battling for the ball in the middle for Wroxham pushed up along side Katie Knights the latter clipping the diagonal pass on for Bullard attacking down the right flank, stands a cross up to the near post, taken cleanly above her head by Xhema. 

  Physical too both sides getting stuck in Alexander and Chelise Fleming tussling for the ball. Wroxham winning throws on either flank inside their opponents half. Jorja Palmer on the left for Wroxham getting help from her captain Tigi Robson the ball squared into the middle for Alexander, send on to the right Katie Green latching onto it sending a high ball into the area claimed by Xhema.

Wroxham’s Jorja Palmer

  Hashtag under pressure, break away with pace the ball from Raissa Taborda in the centre forced on into the path of Leonie Telford charging forwards on the left, takes on the strike early her angled shot from all of 25 yards out racing wide past the far post. 

  Ojobaro back to help in defence as Wroxham build on the left Knights linking up with Palmer and Fuller, Ojobaro snapping in to regain possession for the visitors. 

 GOAL! Hashtag look dangerous on the counter and so proves the case as the ball is cleared out of defence, up to halfway the bounce misread by the defence, sees Fleming break clear with the ball at her feet storming on through the middle pulls the trigger from 20 yards out fiercely struck the ball flies past goalkeeper, Bryony Williams into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Chelise Fleming breaking away to open the scoring for Hashtag.

  Hashtag into the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Wroxham look to regroup the ball into Maddie Green played on for Fuller in attack, working hard to close the ball down in the final 3rd comes left, her cross cut back to the top of the area, cleared by Hashtag’s Chloe Galea. The hosts pressing the ball in the final 3rd Palmer squared to Knights left corner turns, looks to play the ball on for Fuller attacking through the middle, cut out by Galea who sets her side away on the counter the ball launched forwards through the middle for Fleming to try and chase down, Williams starts to come, but stays inside her box as she realises the ball has just about enough on it for her to gather safely. 

  Wroxham winning a throw on the right Katie Green putting the pass into Knights inside right 25 yards out looks to line up a strike, Fleming back in the way to charge the ball down for Hashtag. The visitors come away with the ball on the right, Emma Clark taking the ball on from the back launching a diagonal ball into the box, Sophia Mylona the target racing in on goal, Loveland with her even as Williams comes to get hold of the high ball, does well, her momentum however seeing her collide with her own defender, Loveland floored and in need of treatment. A pause in play but she is okay to play on.

 Wroxham come down the left Palmer sending the deep cross into the middle, taken down by Alexander she looks to push on towards the area appears to have her shirt pulled, play goes one however, Sarah Finch in to make the challenge the ball deflected away to the left Palmer latching onto it shooting on the angle low into the near post. Xhema across to cover the angle scooping up the ball. 

Hashtag defender, Sarah Finch

 GOAL! Pushing for a reply get the ball forwards into Palmer out on the left she cuts it back into Maddie Green who plays it in central for Alexander, Hashtag quick to move in close her down, she still gets the ball back out to Palmer left outside the box her cross back in central latched onto by Knights inside the D who makes good contact with the ball smashing her shot past the keeper before she can react to level the scores. 1-1.

Katie Knights fires in the equaliser for Wroxham

  Wroxham back on level terms with 20 minutes on the clock. Shaping up to be a lively cup contest. Loveland with a crucial interception stretching a leg out to cut the ball from Fleming out as she looks to send it on for Mylona through the middle. Rothon sliding in to challenge, Bullard and Katie Green sends the ball on for her down Wroxham’s right wing. 

 Fleming with an over zealous challenge on Loveland getting a stern talking too from the referee, Wroxham awarded the free-kick. A loose goal-kick form Hashtag presenting the ball straight to Maddie Green 25 yards out sweeps the ball out to the left for Palmer, looks to take the ball inside, Clark closing her down well tackling to see the ball out for another Wroxham throw.

Jorja Palmer with Hashtag’s Emma Clark

 Katie and Maddie Green combine on the right as Wroxham attack the deep cross into the near post dealt with well by Hashtag’s Finch. Wroxham sending a shot over from range as they move in rapidly to regain possession. Hashtag with pace to burn in attack, Ojobaro getting hold of the ball on the right surging forwards driving into the box right of goal close to the by-line cuts it back into the middle, just behind the on rushing Mylona. Multiple shots from the top of the area blocked by the Wroxham defence one taking a wicked deflection wide of the right post for a corner kick. 

Hashtag’s Motunrayo Ojobaro

 The corner played into the near post from the right, good pace on the ball, Fleming stretching out a leg looking to strike it on the volley. Alexander close in on her in the way to block the ball. Fleming a real handful to deal with when she gets hold of the ball looking to push on through the middle, strong, Robson does well to stay on her getting a block in as she pulls the trigger top of the area the sting taken off the ball runs on for her keeper to snatch up.

  Arnoup in defence for Wroxham cutting the ball out as Taborda and Fleming combine through the middle the latter’s pass forwards not reaching Mylona bursting in behind. Loveland sends the ball long for Wroxham into the left channel, Fuller moving across to link up with Palmer in attack. Clark snapping on to win the ball back for Hashtag launching a rapid counter…

Emma Clark

 GOAL! … Clark’s ball rolled forwards into Ojobaro with the ball at her feet drives on up the wing before squaring a dangerous ball into the six yard box, Mylona the first to arrive getting onto the end of it to coolly turn the ball past the keeper from close range to put Hashtag back into the lead 1-2. 

Sophia Mylona scoring to put Hashtag back into the lead

  The visitors back into the lead as the first half closes in on the half hour mark. Wroxham frustrated several free-kicks being given away, Fleming with another robust challenge gets another warning from the referee. Fuller taking the ball on from Maddie Green in the right channel looks for force her way through into the Hashtag box, 4 players closing her down, there’s no way through. 

Wroxham’s Hannah Fuller

  Finch getting her head on the ball to defend a Bullard cross from the right gives away the corner kick. Wroxham look to mix things up with a short corner but mess it up losing possession on the left Taborda coming away with the ball for Hashtag pressing forwards, Katie Green across to get back at her defend for Wroxham. Some bruising battles out there, the ball contested strongly through the middle, Arnoup getting there first as Fleming looks to knock the ball on for Ojobaro on the right. 

Jordan Arnoup

  Bullard receiving the ball into her feet on the left plays it on for Palmer, gets inside Clark, but not Finch as the centre back comes round on the cover. Loveland doing the defending for Wroxham at the back as Taborda looks to send Ojobaro clear on the right. Rothon intercepting the ball on the left for Hashtag looks to send Telford away on the wing, Katie Green closing her down to put the ball out for a throw. 

  All action a lively cup contest, Loveland with another good tackle to deny Fleming this time as the attacker looks to plough her way into the left channel. Wroxham with the ball on the right Maddie Green playing it on for Fuller to race onto inside the box right of goal, Finch going with her even as Xhema comes rushing out to slide in try and claim the ball, instead collides with her own defender the ball loose beyond them both Fuller trying to get to it, Rothon back on the cover winning the race instead to clear the ball across the face of goal out to the left. 

  Xhema stays down after the collision in need of treatment, have a replacement keeper in Emily Hamlin on the bench, time taken however and is up and ready to continue. Moving into the final 5 minutes of the first half. Hashtag breaking clear to attack on the right Fleming storming on with the ball her cross into the area deflected by Knights, allowing Robson to clear, only as far as Ojobaro on the right, shifts the ball inside getting into the box to shoot on the angle her low strike saved by Williams as she drops getting her body behind the ball. 

Lily Alexander with Raissa Taborda

 Fleming making a nuisance of herself, a coming together with Arnoup on the left, sees the Wroxham defender penalised shown a yellow card, the visitors presented with the free-kick. Telford over the ball, goes for goal getting her shot on target at the near post, lacks the height though to trouble Williams who has the angle covered.

 Mylona seeing the ball from Howell into her feet turns to play the ball on for Telford on the left, Katie Green lunging in for Wroxham to see the ball out for a throw. The throw finding its way on through to Taborda central 25 yards out has a swing at the ball her shot over the bar. Taborda getting stuck in to her tackles in the middle for Hashtag breaking play up getting her side back on the front foot.

  Wroxham continue to win throws high on both flanks, Finch making a couple of interceptions inside the box as Wroxham press players on around the box. Fleming passing the ball out to Telford left side squares it back into Taborda in the middle 30 yard out goes for another strike on goal, Robson charging it down for Wroxham. 

  Fleming strong holding the ball up well on the right for Hashtag turns to cross into the box, Robson sticking a leg out to cut it out turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Once again flashed into the near post, Fleming the target trying on connect on the volley, evades Knights close on her this time, but not Arnoup covering the post sees the ball wide for another corner kick. 

 Telford to clip another corner into the box from the right, defended by Wroxham’s Bullard, cleared back out to Telford on the right, strikes the ball back into the area on the angle her effort dropping wide past the far post. Loveland sends the ball on from the back for Wroxham into Fuller in the left channel plays it central for Knights is chopped down the free-kick awarded the hosts furious a card hasn’t been shown. Alexander over the set-piece 25 yards out her strike hitting the wall away for a corner on the right. Flung into the near post Hashtag successfully defend as the whistle blows up for half-time.

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-2 Hashtag United Women Reserves

 A hard fought cup tie sees the visitors from Essex leading 2-1 at the break. Wroxham making a strong stat looking to get after the ball inside their opponents half, fiercely contested in the middle Hashtag looked dangerous on the counter attack with plenty of pace in the final 3rd, took advantage to open the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, Wroxham coming back to level the scores midway through the half, another counter saw Hashtag retake the lead. Created further chances, both sides look a threat going forwards, just a single goal in it still all to play for in the 2nd half.

  Hashtag making a change at the break, captain, Macey Rothon picking up a knock in the first half replaced at left back by Mimi Ouacel. Wroxham unchanged the visitors out early wanting to get back underway. The ball played on into the left channel, Katie Green getting hold of it for Wroxham coming forwards played into Knights right of the D to cross in central looking to pick out Fuller, Finch intercepts well for Hashtag.

  The hosts looking to get on with the ball at the start of the 2nd half Maddie Green into Fuller ahead of her on the right, Galea lunging in to defend win the ball back for Hashtag. Galea winning the ball at the back soon after for Hashtag looking to get Ouacel away on the left, Katie Green closing her down well for Wroxham. 

Hashtag’s Chloe Galea

 Maddie Green taking the ball on up the right for Wroxham squaring a cross into the top of the area for Bullard looks to play it into Fuller ahead of her closely marked by Galea the ball stabbed clear out to the left, Robson getting hold of it striking in a shot on the angle from outside the box her effort over the bar. 

 Fleming making a run into the right wing sees the ball into her feet drives down the line before flashing a shot in at the near post, Williams with a sharp save getting a glove on the ball to turn it into the side netting for a corner kick. The corner defended by Wroxham the hosts break quickly the ball with Maddie Green on the right sends it on for Fuller pressing on into the box his held up by Clark, lays it back for Green to clip in towards goal on the angle, not enough on it as Xhema can see it down into her gloves. 

Maddie Green

 Williams comes racing out of her area to slide in and clear the ball away for a throw as Ojobaro threatens to burst clear attacking on the right for Hashtag. Wroxham quick to advance as they play the ball long into Maddie Green right wing pushing on her cross low into the box taking a deflection coming into Bullard top of the area, leaning back as she shoots her effort over the crossbar.

Lauren Bullard

  Hashtag working hard in defence to keep Wroxham out as the hosts look to push up the flanks, Ojobaro back to defend on Palmer as she takes the ball on from Alexander up the left. Hashtag remain a constant threat on the counter attack, Howell getting the ball on for Mylona lifts it into Fleming drifting right her cross into the opposition area, too strong for Telford charging on from the left. 

Charis Howell after the ball for Hashtag

 Knights threading the ball on for Fuller positioned top of the area, Finch stabbing a foot out to take it away from her for Hashtag. Katie Green up with sister, Maddie on the right the cross into the box too close to the keeper, Xhema taking the catch. Wroxham ringing the changes 15 minutes into the 2nd half making a quadruple switch, Robson, Palmer, Arnoup and Bullard coming off, on come Kathryn Stanley, Holly Farrow, Milly Weddle and Rachel Skinner. Fuller now wearing the armband. 

 Knights doesn’t get the connection she wants on her strike from 20 yards out left of the D as the ball bounces up off the turf into the keepers gloves. Taborda fouls Skinner on half way the set-piece leading to a corner being conceded. Played in goes through everyone inside the six yard box. Cleared the ball forwards won by Katie Green into the right flank, Fuller after it as Ouacel turns to defend, looking to get around the defender onto the ball Fuller, accidentally clips her heels bringing her down for the free-kick. 

Katie Green

  Ojobaro with the ball at her feet on the right attacking for Hashtag squares it in central for Taborda, Weddle quickly across her path the deny her the strike from 25 yards out. Wroxham with fresh legs on the pitch looking to press the advantage good link up play between Katie Green, Maddie Green and Skinner on the right the ball crossed into the box for Knights she rolls it outside back to Maddie Green who strikes over from 20 yards out.

  Taborda picking up a blow for Hashtag comes off to be replaced by Leyla Priest. Fuller fouled in the left corner as she is played onto the ball by Knights. Alexander over the free-kick, curls the ball in on the keeper, Xhema throwing an arm up to turn the ball over for a corner kick. Delivered into the area from the right is cut out for a 2nd corner. Taken short to Katie Green looks to exchange passes with Alexander, Hashtag’s Ouacel moving in to close them down the cross angled high into the box taken cleanly by Xhema.

Mimi Ouacel

  Williams rushing out of her box to slide in try and win the ball before Mylona can reach it as Hashtag counter through the middle, the pair coming together the goalkeeper coming off worse. Hashtag’s turn to complain to the referee. A long pause in play so the keeper can receive treatment but is up and okay to continue. Into the final 20 minutes, the clock ticking down as Wroxham look to level the game. 

 

  Howell giving away a free-kick inside her half, Wroxham play it back for Knights to clip a long ball into the right channel for Skinner bursting forwards just a little too much on it Skinner can’t keep it in play. Wroxham winning a throw high on the right, Maddie Green linking up with Skinner a teasing cross flung into the six yard box, Knights jumping for it central can only get a glancing touch with her header not enough to turn it past the keeper travels on out to the left cleared by Clark.

Rachel Skinner up to head the ball for Wroxham

Wroxham making another switch, Fuller the player coming off, Hayley Kindred coming on. Finch defends for Hashtag as Skinner tries to pick out Stanley drifting into the box from the left. Ojobaro coming off for Hashtag, Erin Radburn sent into the action. 

Poppy Loveland

 GOAL! Wroxham have been pressing all 2nd half looking for a 2nd goal, find it as they build on the right, Katie Green on for Maddie Green her lay off seeing Kindred race on up the flank with the ball at her feet digging a cross out dropping into the six yard box for Stanley at the far post to nod down past the keeper and into the goal beyond 2-2.

Kathryn Stanley makes it 2-2 for Wroxham

  Wroxham equalising with a little over 5 minutes of regular play left. Hashtag get straight on the attack from the restart the pass finding Fleming pulling away on the right to strike the ball in on the angle, Williams down sharply at her near post to make the save. Fleming out on the right again, evading a challenge from Loveland to shoot her effort wide across goal past the far post.

  Fleming down with a knock after the attack but back on her feet seeing more stoppage time added. A tense finish to the game. Skinner charging on with the ball right side for Wroxham taking on the early cross into the top of the area cut out by the Hashtag defence, comes back to Alexander, striking it on the volley, over the bar.

Lily Alexander

 Loveland defending well at the back for Wroxham, with the challenge on Fleming as the attacker looks to see the ball into her feet spin away to the right. Skinner carries the ball on up the right for Wroxham playing it on for Kindred, she turns it back into Skinners feet as she checks inside to shoot from the top of the area her looping shot dipping onto the roof of the net.

  GOAL! The 90 minutes almost up Wroxham having fought their way back into the game are undone chasing a winning goal the ball cleared by Xhema at the back finding its way through to Mylona stealing into space in the left channel, getting hold of the ball drives on into the box before striking a rising shot on past the keeper to strike the back of the net and fire the Essex side back into the lead 2-3!

Sophia Mylona fires Hashtag back into the lead late in the game

A hammer blow for Wroxham late in the contest get back on the attack the ball from Alexander into Stanley out side the area top of the D, puts her foot through it the ball taking a couple of deflections off the Hashtag defence on its way through out wide for a corner kick. Fuller sent back into the action for Wroxham. Maddie Green right has Skinner ahead of her, plays her in, Ouacel dives in to see the ball out for a throw in. 

Into stoppage time, plenty to be added, Fuller strong in possession wide left her shot into the near post held by the keeper. Katie Green with the block on Mylona as the visitors threaten another dangerous counter. Kindred on the left now for Wroxham driving up the wing her cut back cut out by Telford back in defence for the visitors. Wroxham throwing players on looking for a 3rd reply with time running out, Kindred on for Fuller left her cross intercepted by Finch.

  Knights with a strike from distance straight at the keeper as Fuller’s cross from the left in cleared straight into her feet. The hosts winning a late corner on the right flung into the box near side, Howell clearing for Hashtag. Howell slides in soon after on Kindred as she attacks on the right the ball away for a throw. Fleming always ready to receive the ball off the counter as Hashtag break, Mylona looking to play her on right side, Loveland on her to tackle see the ball out for a throw. 

 Fuller attacking left flank sees her cross turned behind off a defender for a corner kick. Plenty up in the six yard box, players coming together, the referee needing to have words to calm things down the cross not finding its mark. Deep into injury time Hashtag working hard determined to keep Wroxham out get the ball forwards a run into the corner not a option for Fleming as she blasts a shot in on the angle from the right wide across goal. Hashtag with the ball up the right end with a corner turned behind at the near post from the left, no time for the 2nd corner as the final whistle blows and Hashtag beat higher league opposition to advance in this season’s League Cup.

Full time Wroxham Women 2-3 Hashtag United Women Reserves

  A combative game, Wroxham working hard to find a reply in the 2nd half coming back to level the game as Hashtag worked just as hard to try and keep them out, counter attacks limited in the 2nd half but just as dangerous, Mylona breaking clear into the left channel to fire the visitors into the lead for the 3rd time in the match. Wroxham having fought so hard to get back on level terms suffering a hammer blow tried to level the match up for the 3rd time but to no avail as Hashtag worked hard as a unit to keep them out. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as is often the case another tough decision several contenders on both sides in both attack and defence. A few to mention, firstly for Wroxham, Poppy Loveland make several important tackles in defence covered the ground and stayed focused throughout, Katie Green too strong at the back with a number of vital tackles played some great balls forwards too. Lily Alexander got into some good positions centrally used the ball well and got stuck in was a lively midfield. Katie Knights too in the middle making some good runs on hand to score the first equaliser. For Hashtag was a strong team effort from back to front. Chelise Fleming a real handful all game strong on the ball, always available for the quick counter firing her side into the lead. Sophia Mylona with a brace with some good runs in attack too. Leonie Telford and Motunrayo Ojobaro with pace on the flanks get forwards well to join the attack, both doing their part to defend 2nd half. Raissa Taborda get stuck in closing the ball down in the middle, winning her fair share of tackles got the ball moving. Emma Clark with several well timed tackles on the right of defence. The award goes to central defender Sarah Finch, read the game well getting into the right positions to win the ball inside the box, closed down well and as Wroxham squeezed the defence and midfield together in the 2nd half didn’t let anything through.

 An entertaining and heartily contested cup tie from the ERWFL League Cup, my first trip to the Ginger Pickle Arena this season, good to catch up with Wroxham, see Hashtag United Women Reserves in action too, will certainly be a threat for whoever they face in the next round. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Sunday 19th January

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

sponsored by Harrod Sport

Into the New Year, which means we’re into the business end of the various county cup competitions across the East, with most into the quarter final stage. Several tasty ties in the last 8 of those competitions too, none more so than in Norfolk and the all ERWFL Premier Division clash between Wroxham Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women.

Both sides receiving a bye to the quarter final stage of the competition.

Wroxham Women reaching the final of the competition for the 1st time in their history last season. getting to play at Carrow Road. Missing out to Norwich City FC, will be aiming to repeat the run this season, but know they have a tough quarter final ahead of them. Has been a frustrating season so far this season, with a number of games postponed and 2 abandonment’s, which has left them down in 10th position, but like most of the sides in the bottom half of the table have games in hand and the potential to push for a top half finish. Injuries playing their part too are the draw specialists in the league, with 5 of their 9 league games ended all square to date.

  Hannah Fuller, Wroxham’s star striker often prolific in front of goal again top scorer so far this season with 12 goals from her 14 appearances. A good return from defender, Chelsea Clarke too, netting 8 goals so far this campaign. Captain, Becky Russell recently announcing she is pregnant with her 2nd child sees vice captain Tigi Robson taking on the captain’s armband. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women, piping Harpenden Town Women to the ERWFL Division One North title last season as they stepped up to regional football for the 1st time in their history to win promotion to the Premier Division (step 5). Very sadly the club has loss one of it’s founder coaches with Andy Hutchin passing away to cancer last year, with the club since it’s youth beginning with Sprowston, was a likeable and well thought member of the woman’s football community in Norfolk with his whole family involved in the club, very sadly missed. 

  Winning promotion at the first attempt meant stepping up another level in quick succession. Have always thought the ERWFL Premier Division is where you notice a extra quality, a competitive league with alot of talented players. Dussindale & Hellesdon’s aim very much to retain their place in the league. A heavy loss to start, before seeing their 1st home game, against Wroxham abandoned due to injury. A couple more narrower defeats following the club has slowly started to find it’s feet in the league getting games in where other haven’t due to having an all weather pitch, picked up their 1st win at home to St Albans, and another against bottom side Cambridge City. Back to back win in November pulling them away from the danger zone at the bottom of the table, drawing 2-2 at Wroxham in December, having led 2-0 before seeing a player sent off. Starting the year with a win to climb to 5th feeling in go shape to complete their main goal of staying up. Now to see if they can make progress in the county cup. Anais Winney and Kyla Lagan the top scorers with 6 apiece with Rosie George netting 5.

Always good to see a club sign acknowledging their women’s team too.

The venue today the Ginger Pickle Area, or Trafford Park, home of Wroxham FC know as The Yachtsmen & women. The large grass pitch sloping slightly offers lots of space, a little cut up with the recent poor weather, but having seen their first 2 games of the year called off due to the weather, Wroxham haven’t played since their 2-2 with Dussindale & Hellesdon. The clubhouse and bar open serving hot and cold drinks. Standing all round the ground with a covered seated stand opposite the dugouts. The weather miserable, grey and overcast, not overly warm but still with no rain forecast.  

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Rachel Cossey, Jennifer Drummie, Chelsea Clarke, Hayley Kindred, Lily Alexander & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Albany Hodgson, Rio Dobbie & Leilah Gooding.

Wroxham Women

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Holly Walker, Jess Barnes, Calista Tink (C), Rachel Jermy, Chloe Shipman, Kari Kowalcyzk, Sofia Odell, Alisha Juby & Kyla Langan. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Calista Tink and Tigi Robson with today’s match officials

Wroxham welcome back defender, Albany Hodgson making her return after a long spell out with injury, on the bench today. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris starting for Wroxham is dual signed with FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC. Chloe Shipman having played for Wroxham in the sides 2-2 draw back in December, starts for Dussindale & Hellesdon this afternoon. It’s Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the quarter final tie underway wearing an all claret kick with the hosts Wroxham lined up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the defence played out to Holly Walker on the left, Wroxham closing in to immediately chase the ball down charged down for a throw in.

  Wroxham looking to press the ball inside their opponents half right from the off, pushed up, Cheal-Ferris from left back clipping a diagonal ball up towards the top of the D aiming for Hannah Fuller in attack, Jess Barnes getting to it first to head clear for the visitors. A lively opening Dussindale & Hellesdon not settled, Wroxham pushing up looking to disrupt push the midfield back onto the defence. Chelsea Clarke operating ahead of Cheal-Ferris on the left for Wroxham pulling wide to receive the ball. Rachel Bussey getting the block in to deflect the cross out for a throw.

  On the opposite flank, Ella Gambell is pressing on from right back to support Hayley Kindred on the wing, Kindred turning into the box running into traffic, the ball rebounding out to Gambell who lines up a strike from range the ball whistling low through to keeper, Tyla Cole. Dussindale & Hellesdon struggling to get the ball to stick up to pushed back the Wroxham defence winning any clearances. Kari Kowalcyzk getting onto the ball in the centre looking to travel before attempting to thread the ball through for Kyla Langan making a run for her centre, Wroxham’s captain, Tigi Robson turning with her sticking a boot out to cut out the pass.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

  Jennifer Drummie winning the ball for Wroxham in the middle putting a diagonal ball into the right wing for Kindred to attack, her first touch a little heavy, gives Holly Walker the opportunity to clear for the visitors. Wroxham getting players forwards showing intent, Fuller seeing the ball down into her feet right side of the area lays it inside for Kindred who sees Cheal-Ferris free out on the left flank plays the pass, Bussey stretching for it taking the ball out of Cheal-Ferris’ reach. 

 Sofia Odell brings the ball on up the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Alisha Juby looking to provide support, as Clarke comes back to defend sends the ball out for a throw, Dussindale & Hellesdon not making it count Wroxham hit the on the break, the ball sent out to the right, Fuller bringing it under control combining with Gambell and Kindred down the wing, Kindred’s run blocked winning the set-piece. Swung into the box from wide, headed clear, Wroxham quick to get the ball back, Cossey into Kindred right side, drives on attempts the cross, Walker getting something on it, turning the ball out for a throw.

  Both Gambell and Cheal-Ferris able to come on double up on the flanks, keeping the momentum with Wroxham, as yet creating no clear cut opportunities. Fuller turning on the ball from a throw on the right sends a teasing ball in across the top of the D, Kindred looking to attack it, Barnes getting it clear in the nick of time. Dussindale & Hellesdon with little opportunity to get the ball into the final 3rd get hold of the ball high on the left, threaded though into the Wroxham box, Juby attacking it near post, Robson lunging in to send the ball out for a corner.

 Cheal-Ferris getting on up the left linking up with Clarke going beyond her on the overlap the cross swung into the Dussindale & Hellesdon box, Barnes up to head clear. Drummie central with Cossey on for Clarke in a central position play drawn away from the left, Cheal-Ferris running into space, Clarke picking her out down into the corner, held up on the by-line twists and turns getting room so send in a low ball to the near post, cut out by Tink, conceding the corner. Clarke sending the ball into the mix half cleared Poppy Loveland getting it back for Wroxham top of the area playing it back out to Clarke to fizz another ball into the congested near post area, the ball driven in wide of the post for a goal-kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Alisha Juby

  Robson bringing the ball on from half-way for Wroxham into the left channel looking to play Cheal-Ferris in down the wing is caught late, winning the free-kick. Clarke over the ball 25 plus yards out to the left of the area, curled in towards the near post, Drummie running onto the ball her shot blazed over. Chloe Shipman attempting to relieve the pressure on her defence clipping a ball upfield aiming for Juby, the Wroxham centre backs pushed up the the halfway line, it’s Loveland with the header to send the ball back the opposite direction. 

  Clarke getting hold of a misplaced pass 25 yards out for Wroxham left of the area fires it inside for Drummie making a central run lays it on for Fuller right of the D before continuing her run towards the area, Fuller attempts the return pass into her feet, Barnes winning it instead for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Rachel Jermy looking to get stuck into the ball get Dussindale & Hellesdon going forwards the visitors pushing on up the left the a hopeful ball played forwards behind the Wroxham defence has Langan racing forwards, as Bryony Williams starts to come to the top of her area, can’t quite reach it as Langan knocks it past her giving chase as Robson tries to recover the defender able to see the ball run wide of goal, another warning for Wroxham for all their play, Dussindale & Hellesdon have almost found a way through.

  Cole up the other end rushing out of her area to clear as Wroxham turn play around quickly launching the ball up top for Fuller to burst beyond the defence. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick on halfway to the left, fancy it as they send players up from the back lining up across the top of the area. The ball flighted in towards the top of the are headed clear with the break on as Drummie comes away with the ball driving through the middle, lifted on for Fuller in attack, Cole rushing out of her area has to get there to clear, and does.

Wroxham’s. Rachel Cossey

 Wroxham showing a strong determination to get the ball, winning most things fired forwards, Loveland with a couple of strong headed clearances, Clarke covering the ground finding some good positions, Cheal-Ferris and Kindred ready outlets on the flanks. Cossey seeing the ball on for Drummie sweeps a long ball out to Clarke breaking left into the corner her cross lifted into the six yard box claimed by Cole. The hosts with a throw on the right, Kindred taking it on powering into the box, a coming together, Kindred goes down the ball running through to the keeper, but no complaints.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon get the ball on left side knocked into the middle, Clarke attempting to hook the ball away with Bussey closing her down, gets penalised for a high boot the visitors winning the free-kick, 35 yards out central Dussindale & Hellesdon again bringing players forwards the ball fired into the area, Williams calling for it comes into the crowd making a confident catch. 

  Shipman on for Jermy presses though the middle, Loveland sliding in with the challenge slowing Dussindale & Hellesdon’s progress, the ball coming out to the right on for Langan plays the ball into the box for Juby left of goal, tackled by Robson the ball behind for a corner kick. A good delivery dropping into the mix near post, a Wroxham player going down in the melee, a free-kick awarded. 

  Loveland intercepting at the back for Wroxham sends a great ball out to Kindred on the right, Walker closing her down. Dussindale & Hellesdon having found it tough going to get some momentum in the final 3rd starting to find their passes, Jermy getting after the ball helping, Odell coming on right side, Cheal-Ferris slowing her up as Kowalcyzk gets up to support, Clarke back to defend too the crossing opportunity won’t come the ball out for a throw. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Kari Kowalcyzk

  Fuller linking up with Kindred high on the right exchanging passes before Kindred looks to turn into the box, Jermy nipping in on her to take the ball off her foot send it behind for a corner kick. Curled into the mix at the near post knocked don into a six yard box a snap shot, blocked, deflected to the top of the area, Odell attempting to break for the visitors, the ball forwards won back by the hosts.

Sophie Odell bringing the ball on for Dussindale & Hellesdon

GOAL! Into the closing stages of the first half Wroxham looking for the break through have the ball central rolled out to Clarke on the left lays it back for Robson who clips a great ball down the line for Cheal-Ferris to attack, power her way down into the corner before firing a pacy cross into the box, coming on to the right post Kindred meets it inside the area catching it sweetly to drive the ball low under the diving keeper, inside the post 1-0.

Hayley Kindred surrounded by her teammates as she scores the opening goal

Hayley Kindred

  Wroxham with the lead in the 43rd minute. Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to get on the attack as the clock ticks down the ball through the middle, Kowalcyzk getting up field sending the ball in towards Langan inside the D, Loveland cutting it out for the hosts.

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-0 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Wroxham heading into the changing room leading at the break. The break through coming late in the first half. Overall a deserved lead on the balance of play, Wroxham setting the tone early on came out of the traps fast looking to close the ball down squeeze play into the opposition half, getting on well down the flanks, has presented Dussindale & Hellesdon with a few problems, unable to get the ball forwards and make it stick, coming back the defence has put in a dogged shift limiting clear cut opportunities and if anything two of the best chances have fallen to the visitors with a couple of dangerous ball finding their way into the box exposing the hosts. Talking to both camps before the game expected nothing else. Just the one goal in it could still go either way and if all square after the 90 we go straight to penalties.

No changes for either side at the break. Wroxham to kick-off the 2nd period the ball played out to Cheal-Ferris left side, sends it long looking for Fuller up top, Barnes under the ball to clear for the visitors. Both sides battling for possession in the middle of the park, Gambell bringing the ball up the right for the hosts feeding it on for Kindred, charging forwards looks to go inside, Walker closing her down getting her foot on the ball.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Holly Walker

Jermy taking the ball on through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Robson stepping out of defence to close her down, the ball quickly forwards swept out to Cheal-Ferris surging up the left wing into the corner angling a cross into the area, claimed by Cole in her six yard box. The visitors finding space on the left running in behind to swing a cross into the box over the Wroxham defence falls to Juby beyond the far post, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away before being closed down, manages instead to squeeze it back into Langan central top of the area, rushed into her shot the ball racing wide of the right post.

Rachel Jermy

  Wroxham remain lively out on the flank, Clarke linking up with Cheal-Ferris breaking up the line forcing a throw off Bussey in the corner, leading to a corner kick. Clipped into the near post, cut out a launched clear by the Wroxham defence. Isn’t long before Wroxham have it back same result Clarke into Cheal-Ferris up the line to win the corner. Again into the near post, but this time it’s knocked on through the crowd to bounce up before Gambell in front of goal goes to strike it on the half volley, Cole having little time to react the ball coming in fast reacts brilliantly to produce a fantastic save batting the ball away to her left before being clear, Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to counter before play is stopped with Cole down in her area.

  A pause in play while Cole is see to. A lively opening 10 minutes to the 2nd half, Wroxham coming close to doubling their lead, but for Cole who after treatment is able to continue. Play resuming with a drop ball, Drummie passing to Gambell right side forwards into Kindred, powers her way up the wing tracking infield to fizz a cross into Fuller central, Tink cutting it out for the visitors. Loveland getting hold of the ball at the back for Wroxham bringing it on sending a through ball into Kindred breaking up the right to the by-line her cross swung into the six yard box taken cleanly by Cole. 

 

  Dussindale & Hellesdon making the first change of the game bringing on Maddie Goodenough to replace Bussey in defence, sees a change in formation with Odell pushed further up to make it a 4-3-3. Fuller going in to win the ball with Walker seeing the pair coming together, Walker coming off worse landing awkwardly on her ankle. Another break in play needs looking at. While Walker is being assessed Wroxham make their first change bringing of Cossey in the middle with Leilah Gooding coming on.

  Walker not happy with the challenge, is ok to continue play resumes, Kindred wit the ball into Alexander up the right off a throw in the corner looking for a corner, don’t get it. Tink forced into conceding a corner moments later however, from the right curled in across goal to the far post attacked knocked down towards the top of the area left of goal a strike blazed back in on the volley, blocked, Dussindale & Hellesdon with the ball threaten the break with players caught up field. Odell with the ball on her own left channel, Gambell does well to hold her up as Gooding comes round on the cover to clear the ball.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell

  Gambell down having taken a knock seeing another break in play. Kindred with the ball attacking right side for Wroxham plays the ball inside for Fuller, Barnes going with the striker getting her foot on the ball to clear for a throw. Another change for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Shanice Sutton joining the attack in place of Odell. 

  Fuller nicks the ball as a loose pass from the back 25 yards comes in her direction right of the D, opens the visitors defence up with a dangerous ball into the area, finding Clarke stealing inside unmarked to the left of goal, takes on the shot, driven in low towards goal, Cole diving on her line to pull off anther fantastic save blocking the ball, loose for a moment centrally, Kindred can’t  get free of the recovering defence to follow up. The hosts with a determined display looking for a 2nd goal.

Goalkeeper, Tyla Cole

  Jermy taking the ball on from Kowalcyzk in the middle lifting it high up towards the Wroxham defence an awkward one Loveland heading the ball up  into the air, Wroxham can’t get it clear, as Juby rushes in to try and take it in behind, Williams out to the top of her area seeing the threat out to kick the ball to safety. The game opening up a little Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to push on force the Wroxham defence back give their own defence a little respite.  

Wroxham defender, Poppy Loveland

  Clarke coming off for Wroxham, with Rio Dobbie sent on. Attacking left side the ball played into the box, cut out Wroxham appealing strongly for a penalty, but nothing doing. Dussindale & Hellesdon frustrated with a few decisions going against them, Tink penalised for a shoulder barge presenting Wroxham with a free-kick outside the box left of the area 20 yards out. Kindred on the set-piece angles the ball in towards the far post, no one can get a touch as it runs wide for a goal kick.

  Fuller taking on an Alexander pass into the right channel surging into the box, Barnes on her shoulder, gets to the ball to play it back to the keeper, coming onto her quickly little reaction time slices it behind for a corner to the right. The delivery in central knocked down off a defender towards her own goal, Kindred sticking out a leg inside the six yard box, Cole with another point blank save to block well on her line, the ball cleared out to the left for another corner. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink

  Tallulah Bell coming on for Dussindale & Hellesdon to join the attack replacing Juby. Into the last five minutes of regular play, the game stretched as Dussindale & Hellesdon fire a long ball up to Sutton outside box knocks it down well into the path of the advancing, Jermy, looks to fire it forwards for Langan pulling in behind the defence, Robson cutting it out. Cheal-Ferris up with Dobbie on the left for Wroxham players drawn over to the ball as the cross field ball comes straight to Gambell free 30 yards out from goal central look to get her head down drive forwards see’s her collide with Jermy as she goes to close her down, going down, Dussindale & Hellesdon incensed as the free-kick is awarded against them.

  GOAL! The free-kick in a good position 25 yards from goal roughly right of the D. It’s Drummie to take it, runs in hitting a superb strike angling in on goal over the keeper to see Wroxham at last double their lead 2-0.

Jennifer Drummie sending her free-kick over the keeper to double Wroxham’s lead

Wroxham midfielder, Jennifer Drummie

  With all the stoppages however there is a good chunk of stoppage time to be played. Albany Hodgson making her return for Wroxham coming off the bench to replace Alexander as Wroxham look to see out the game goes into the middle. Dussindale & Hellesdon need to push players on, Kindred looking to exploit the space on the right driving to the by-line, Barnes going with her looking to run the ball out of play, Kindred attempting to play it off her try and win the corner can’t get it.

 Cheal-Ferris too on the opposite flank driving into the corner, getting Wroxham a corner. Drilled in to the near post area, scramble clear, Dussindale & Hellesdon can’t get the break going. Juby back on for Dussindale & Hellesdon as they look to make a push to get a late late goal force some last gasp pressure, Gambell doing well in defence to win the ball as the ball is lifted up top into Langan.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris

  Jermy driving on with the ball out to the right the cross swung in from deep the Wroxham defence tracking back into their own box, it’s Hodgson who gets her head on the ball to clear. Play stopped Kindred taking a knock down concern around her neck but time taken is slowly back to her feet. 5 minutes of stoppage time already played more to come, Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to mount a late charge, Fuller offside as Barnes steps up to clear on halfway launching the ball forwards.

 GOAL! Into the 9th minute of stoppage time Dussindale & Hellesdon pushed up Jermy through the middle squeezing a ball in behind the defence to the right of the area, Williams racing out to try and close down Bell, the attacker nicking the ball past her to roll on into the back of the empty net to set-up a nervous finish 2-1.

Tallulah Bell pulling a goal back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

  2 minutes left the call from the referee, William hurt as she came together with Bell but alright to play on. Gooding sending the ball up to Fuller who runs the ball into the corner, playing for time Kindred up to support, the ball scrambled clear but brought back for Dussindale & Hellesdon free-kick. The ball into the middle helped on almost sees Sutton pulling into the left channel stealing in behind, but for a vital cut out from Loveland. Everyone up for Dussindale & Hellesdon bar Barnes as they look to force the game into a penalty shootout, Robson fouled by Bell the ball sent up to Fuller in attack running through the middle Barnes on her shoulder has to time her tackle well, and does.

Full time Wroxham Women 2-1 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Wroxham winning the game 2-1 to advance to the last for of the county cup. A determined performance right from the off taking the game to their opponents pushing players on unsettling Dussindale & Hellesdon early on. Scoring late in the first half. Looked to press the advantage 2nd half double the lead early but goalkeeper Tyla Cole produced a number of top draw saves to deny them and keep her side in contention, the visitors changing things up looking to score themselves the game opening up, Wroxham having to wait till the 87th minute to get the 2nd goal. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a dogged defensive display, kept going finding a goal late in stoppage time to set up a tense end to the contest.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time for this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. This is certainly a hard one to call some strong performances out there today. Firstly for Dussindale & Hellesdon, goalkeeper Tyla Cole pulling off several quality stops to deny Wroxham in the 2nd half to keep the score line down and her side in the game right till the end. Defender Jess Barnes with some good challenges timing her tackles well limiting opportunities through the middle. Rachel Jermy covering the ground in the middle getting after the ball making some good runs. Wroxham with a determination in their performance up for the game from the off on the front foot. Poppy Loveland winning the ball well at the back, both with her head and on the floor. Chelsea Clarke playing further forwards lively finding space and linking up well with the attack. Allowed Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris to bomb on on the left flank, got forwards throughout never giving Dussindale & Hellesdon a break. Hayley Kindred likewise, driving on with the ball lively scoring the opening goal. Pressing the game higher up the pitch Wroxham won the ball well, Jennifer Drummie in the thick of the action getting hold of the ball setting up numerous attacks. A great free-kick to double the lead wins todays award.

  A cracking contest, Dussindale & Hellesdon getting stronger every time I see them never out of the game despite Wroxham piling on the pressure. My thanks to both teams for their help with the teams, I might be familiar with all the players but those numbers always help.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Chelmsford City Women

Sunday 27th October

ERWFL League Cup

A trip to Trafford Park this Sunday to watch a game from the 2nd round of this season’s ERWFL League Cup, Wroxham Women reaching the final last season hosting ERWFL newcomers, Chelmsford City Women making the long trip up to Norfolk from Essex.

  All 36 (now 35) teams across the ERWFL’s 3 divisions contesting the League Cup with those knocked out in the early rounds going on to compete for the League Plate. Wroxham Women one again hoping to go deep into the competition having reached two of the last three League Cup finals. Chelmsford City Women amongst a host of new sides joining the ERWFL this season taking part in the competition for the first time.

  Wroxham Women with a mixed bag of results to start the season winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2 in the Premier Division, playing catch up with their fixtures too with the club also seeing 2 matches abandoned too. Ambitious Wroxham are aiming to compete at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division on a consistent basis an challenge for promotion to the FAWNL above as well as aiming to go deep into League and County Cup respectfully. Building a strong squad as manager Adam Race begins his 2nd season with the club.

 Hannah Fuller has long been one of the best strikers in the region and already has 10 goals to her name this season from her 8 appearances. Have assembled a squad with a strong blend of youth and experience. Leilah Gooding and Hayley Kindred both with ERWFL experience having played for Needham Market last season. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman an influential player for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women last season as they won promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division in their debut season in tier 6. Rio Dobbie and Poppy Loveland young players with lots of potential. Rebecca (Becca) Russell the latest recruit, knowing several members of the squad from her days at Wymondham comes to the club after a spell with Norwich City Women. Means the two Rebecca Russell’s in Norfolk are now on the same side knew it would happen one day, but one’s always been Becky (Wroxham’s captain now) so that makes life easier for those writing match reports!

 Chelmsford City Women were patient in their ambition to reach the ERWFL, wanting to do so as Essex Premier Division champions. That feat achieved last season after a number of years coming close to achieving that goal. Not only that, a club has to be ready to step up to regional football, there’s alot more to it that having a talented squad, as others have discovered. Dussindale & Hellesdon a good example, ready player wise possibly three season’s ago wanted the behind the scenes set up right too and that has paid off with them winning promotion straight from tier 6 to tier 5. Chelmsford going up as champions followed by a host of Essex sides that sees 8 of the 11 sides competing in the ERWFL Southern Premier Division from the county. 

 Chelmsford City Women fairing the best of the newly promoted sides currently sitting 6th in the Division One South table having played 6, making a losing start bounced back well to win 3 on the bounce to climb up the table, pegged back in recent games with narrow defeats against Hutton and leaders Colney Heath Ladies. Victory in the county cup last weekend travel to Norfolk as the underdogs with a few out through injury. Have signed some valuable experience and quality to their squad with the likes of midfielder Jay Blackie and Zoe Rushen who most recently featured for Billericay Town Women in the FAWNL. Zoe Rushen top scorer so far with 6 goals to her name while Blackie has 4. Broghan Kelly too with 3 goals to her name from the 3 matches she has featured in so far.

 Trafford Park the venue for this afternoon’s cup tie. Chelmsford making the trip up to Norfolk the day before staying overnight an extra hour in bed with the clocks going back. A glorious autumn day, make the most of them while they last. Bright sunshine beginning to sink behind one end of the ground likely to cause a few issues for the side defending at the bottom of the sloping pitch The grass pitch a decent size offering good width. viewing all round with a small seated stand opposite the dugouts and clubhouse beyond, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. 

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Jennifer Drummie, Leilah Gooding, Becca Russell, Hayley Kindred, Lucy Eagle & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Becky Russell, Rachel Cossey, Chloe Shipman, Lily Alexander & Lauren Bullard.

Wroxham Women

 Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Hannah Streetley, Shannon Kelly, Kaci Crook, Lauren Butcher, Gaby Freedman (C), Kerry Stimson, Rosie Coe, Jay Blackie, Evie Payne, Ellie Dopson & Zoe Rushen. Subs – Emma Rushen & Heidi Lacey.

Chelmsford City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains’ Gaby Freedman and Tigi Robson with today’s referee, Michael Clark

  Chelmsford to kick-off the 1st half facing into the sun setting low behind the trees up the opposite end of the ground, with Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams goal already in the shade. The visitors wearing their all claret strip with Wroxham wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The players ready to go, the DJ however not the sound system still blaring out the tunes a quick run to the clubhouse and silence as referee, Michael Clark gets the game underway. The ball fed into the middle put out to the left, Hannah Fuller rushing on to close the ball down for Wroxham, Chelmsford under pressure at the back scramble the ball out to Kaci Crook on the right sends it on for Zoe Rushen pulling onto the wing looks to lay the ball back inside to Crook, Chelsea Clarke nipping in to cut the pass out for Wroxham.

 The hosts looking to turn play around quickly played forwards into Leilah Gooding in the middle sprays the ball out wide to the right wing with Hayley Kindred on the move, Shannon Kelly sliding in to make the tackle for Chelmsford sending the ball out for a throw in. Wroxham squeezing possession in the middle getting the ball out to the right flank, Fuller across to link up with Kindred the ball fizzed into the area, Gooding near side looking to get in down under control get a shot away before being closed down, snatches her shot wide of the right post.

  Clarke getting up on the left for Wroxham on for Lucy Eagle with Fuller pulling into the left channel, the ball into the corner crossed into the box, cleared by Kerry Stimson at the ear post for the visitors. A lively start to the game both sides looking to get forwards quickly. Becca Russell with the diagonal ball out to Kindred looking to get on down the right her cross cut back to the top of the D, Eagle looking to meet in her glancing header turning the ball wide at the far post. 

Wroxham striker, Lucy Eagle

  Ellie Dopson dropping back to help in defence for Chelmsford as Clarke breaks forwards for Wroxham, gets fouled as she looks to shield the ball back to her keeper, Hannah Streetley. Chelmsford get hold of the ball on the right Crook up with Dopson the ball rolled on for Rushen to latch onto right channel as she drives into the area closing in on goal from the angle looks to lift her shot over the keepers head, Williams right behind it plucking the ball down comfortably to make the save. 

 Rushen going down under a heavy challenge in the middle of the park, down in need of treatment looks to have ben caught by a flailing elbow, some concern but after a long pause in play is up and ready to play on. Chelmsford battling for the ball in the middle, Jay Blackie the Rosie Coe with the tackles before Coe releases Crook into space on the right drives forwards checking inside to take aim from 25 yards out sends her strike over the bar. 

  The Chelmsford camera filming the game is nearly killed as Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson comes across to the right to clear the ball ball as Rushen looks to get it under control on the wing, a operator with a good save as the tripod legs get struck . Chelmsford encouraged on the right with Crook and Dopson linking up will with Rushen, Crook on for Rushen wide has Dopson inside her gives her the ball as she drives into the box looking to get in behind the defence, Jennifer Drummie tracking back from midfield sliding in on Dopson with a well timed tackle to send the ball behind for a corner kick.

Chelmsford’s Rosie Coe with Wroxham’s Leilah Gooding

  The corner curled into the near post, Clarke doing the defending for Wroxham. Williams out of her area sharply to get to the ball first ahead of Rushen as she springs the offside trap to run in behind. Chelmsford gaining some momentum asking Wroxham a few questions as Blackie sends the ball into Rushen attacking the box left of goal, forcing the hosts into conceding a corner. The ball once again defended at the near post, by Ella Gambell cleared out of the box, Chelmsford quick to regain possession come right with Crook pushing up her pass fed inside looking for Rushen cut out by Drummie.

Chelmsford’s Zoe Rushen holding of Wroxham’s Tigi Robson

  Robson bringing the ball out from the back for Wroxham looking for Clarke advancing down the wing who in turn feeds it down the line for Eagle, Lauren Butcher coming across from the middle of defence to get across the Wroxham attacker see the ball out safely for a goal kick. Wroxham press players forwards Becca Russel out to the right, Gambell on for Kindred to race after down the flank into the corner, getting inside her marker to send a cross into the near post, Gaby Freedman, captaining Chelmsford up to head the ball clear.

  Both keepers called into action to rush out of their boxes to kick the ball clear as Fuller steals in on the ball at the back for Wroxham, then as the ball is launched clear high over the defence at the other end, Williams needs to react to get to the ball ahead of Rushen. Crook bringing the ball on with pace for Chelmsford right side sending it forwards for Dopson on the wing, checks her run, before sweeping a cross into the box, Poppy Loveland intercepting on the penalty spot for Wroxham, clearing the ball.

  Fuller putting herself about up top for Wroxham, a competitive tie with little quarter given both sides willing to mix things up a few over exuberant challenge being made. Fuller pressuring Streetley on the ball as it is rolled into her inside the six yard box, winning her side a corner kick. The corner played into Gooding top of the area left of goal meets the ball on he volley, sending her first time hit wide of the top left corner. 

Hannah Fuller

Wroxham finding Clarke as she gets up on the left links up with Eagle puling out wide the ball from Eagle played back to Clarke left corner of the area, sweeps a cross into the six yard box, Fuller stooping into the header, planting the ball straight at Streetley the keeper grabbing hold of the ball. Streetley playing the ball short out from her box into her defence sees Fuller reacting smartly to steal in to nab the ball right of goal and power her way into the box, the keeper quickly across her area to throw herself down across the striker block the ball at her feet and pull it safely into her body.

Jennifer Drummie

  Drummie into Becca Russell turns on the ball central to lay it on for Fuller, who looks to send, Kindred away down the left, Freedman with a timely interception for Chelmsford. Clarke taking the ball on down Wroxham’s left wriggling free of a couple of challenges to send a cross into Fuller at the near post back to goal lays it out to the top of the area for Gooding 20 yards out, looks to shift inside to make room for a strike, Coe charging her down for the visitors the ball deflected away for a corner. Curled into the near post and cleared.

  Chelmsford working hard at the back to keep Wroxham out, Stimson throwing herself into block as Eagle lines up a strike from all of 25 yards, the ball coming into her from the left. Chelmsford dealing with a couple of knocks, Rushen from her earlier blow. Blackie in the wars too. Wroxham pressing the ball well getting players up around the 18 yard box forcing a corner on their right. Swung in at the near post, Rushen heading away for Chelmsford this time.

  Fuller fouled out on the left giving Wroxham a free-kick from deep, sent into the top of the area cleared out to the right wing Kindred looking to attack, Evie Payne closing into win the ball back for the visitors. The tackles keep coming in, a competitive tussle in the middle, the referee having a word with Blackie for a foul on Drummie. Coe finding Dopson as she charges forwards on the right for Chelmsford, Clarke getting back at her to get in front of her see the ball back to her keeper. 

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

 Butcher and Fuller are enjoying a good battle as the defender looks to keep tabs on the Wroxham striker. Kindred with a shot from all of 30 yards out as the ball is rolled into her from the right, struck in low on target, Streetley is a tall keeper, throws herself to her right across her goal to make the save. Chelmsford get the ball on through the middle out to Dopson on the right up with Rushen, the ball played into her Robson coming across to close her down appeals for a handball as the Chelmsford attacker looks to spring in behind her, Robson pulling her back aggrieved as the appeals are ignored and Chelmsford win the free-kick, the Wroxham captain going into the book too.

 GOAL! The free-kick in a useful position to the right wide of goal, Rushen over the ball, players coming up from the back, Rushen with a fantastic delivery firing the ball in at the far post corridor asking to be attacked players closing in, Blackie amongst those getting a touch to turn the ball back across the keeper and into the bottom corner to put the visitors into the lead with 5 minutes to play in the first half 0-1.

Jay Blackie congratulated as she fires Chelmsford into the lead

 GOAL! It’s an odd cliché, but you’re never more vulnerable than when you score, straight from the restart Wroxham get the ball out to the right, move the ball sharply before turning it inside straight to Becca Russel unmarked 30 plus yards out central, catches the shot well on the turn sending the ball up over the keeper and under the bar to level the scores with a superb strike 1-1.

Becca Russell striking from distance to put Wroxham quickly back on level terms.

  Play stopped soon after the goal with injury concerns for both Blackie and Rushen who has gone down still suffering from the effects of the heavy challenge early on. Time taken for both Rushen in particular before play goes on. Rushen playing the ball up the right for Dopson to race on up the wing getting inside Clarke to attack the box, Robson with the blocking tackle the ball striking Dopson but rebounding safely through for the keeper to scoop up.

Chelmsford’s Ellie Dopson

Blackie fouling, Gooding in the middle the hosts with a free-kick right of the circle played on down the right for Kindred to sweep a cross in at the near post, Streetley coming to punch the ball out of her box, falls to Clarke 25 yards out central fires her strike over the crossbar. Both sides pushing for a goal at the end of the first half the match end to end, Robson lunging in to challenge Dopson as she attempts to carry it through into the box in the right channel. Rushen holding the ball up turning to release Dopson ahead of her on the right, Robson closing her down before Loveland gets onto the ball attempting to carry it out of the back for the hosts. 

Poppy Loveland

  Clarke getting hold of the ball as Chelmsford give it away at the back coming inside form the left 25 yards out drags her shot wide. Kindred put away down the right for Wroxham by Gambell in the closing seconds of the first half fires a cross into the six yard box, Freedman getting to it ahead of Fuller. 

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-1 Chelmsford City Women

  All square at the break as the sides head into the changing room for the half-time interval. Had written in my notes earlier (if Chelmsford can go into the break level they’ll be the happier of the two sides). As it was they went on to score the opener, only to concede straight away that slightly shifting thing’s in Wroxham’s favour as the Premier Division side have come up against a tenacious opponent. Chelmsford working hard at the back with some useful attacking runs, Dopson and Crook linking up well with Rushen up top creating a couple of chances. That said Wroxham have pressed well as a unit the midfield getting up to support the attack creating opportunities themselves and with some good options to bring on from the bench will be interesting to see if they can find the extra edge in the 2nd half with extra time and penalties if needed to settle the tie.

  Chelmsford out first 2nd half making a change, Zoe Rushen having picked up an injury in the 1st half substituted with Emma Rushen coming on. Wroxham attacking up the slope 2nd half with no changes as the hosts get the 2nd half underway. The ball rolled back into Drummie in the middle laid on for Clarke on the left attacking the by-line Chelmsford defending.

  Emma Rushen fouled as she is backed into as she attempts to hold the ball up to the right of the circle. The ball plays up into the top of the Wroxham area, defended Chelmsford keep possession laying the ball to the right the cross curled into the area by Dopson, hooked clear by Robson. The diagonal ball finding Gambell on the move up Wroxham’s right side, Kelly moving into close her down for Chelmsford. 

Shannon Kelly tackling Wroxham’s Hayley Kindred

 Chelmsford fighting for the ball in the middle of the park Coe knocking it forwards, Blackie bursting after it right of the D, Williams racing out of her area to clear as Gambell looks to get in front of Blackie the keeper, clearing the ball as she slides in but colliding with Gambell in the process both down hurt as Blackie walks away unscathed. Another pause in play as both players are accessed, Gambell up first then Williams both okay to play on.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell

 

  Both sides looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half passes rushed Kelly sliding in to clear the ball fed up the right channel for Wroxham looks to have fouled Wroxham’s Kindred the winger hurt as she hurdles the challenge, however the decision goes the other way a free-kick to Chelmsford. Kindred hobbling a little but okay to play on.

 Blackie trying her luck from distance sending a looping shot from 30 yards out straight at the keeper.

Chelmsford midfielder, Jay Blackie

 Drummie threading the pass through to Fuller pulling right beating the offside trap to run on into the area wide of goal fires her cross into the six yard box looking for Eagle at the far post, Butcher with a vital interception for the visitors. Wroxham making a double switch early in the 2nd half as they bring off both Gooding and Eagle send on Becky Russell and Lauren Bullard, straight swaps for both with Russell into the middle, Bullard attacking from the left. 

 Wroxham looking to push on get Kindred on the ball central lays it back for Drummie to strike on the run left of goal, fires her low shot wide of the post. Chelmsford pushed back, Coe getting stuck in to help out her defence bring the ball away for the visitors ending it up to Dopson and Rushen up top, Robson winning it back for Wroxham. The ball pinging back and forth as both sides look for the killer pass to send someone in clear to attack the opposing box. 

Becky Russell

  Stimson fouled top of the circle for Chelmsford. Kelly to play the set-piece in towards the top of the area defended by Loveland, the ball out to the right Chelmsford getting hold of it to send a cross back into the area Williams up to claim the ball. Chelmsford frustrating Wroxham battling hard to win the ball pushed deeper, allowing Wroxham’s full backs to push on. Gambell right side up to Becky Russell coming wide for the ball linking up with Fuller the striker turning into the box right off goal closing down the near post firing the ball across the goal, Streetley down to save as Bullard races in at the far post the ball pushed up though, Bullard attempting to reach it sees her shot charged down by Freedman.

Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman

  Wroxham knocking on the door ringing the changes as they make a triple switch bringing on Rachel Cossey, Chloe Shipman and Lily Alexander to replace, Loveland, Drummie and Becca Russell. Clarke pushing on up the left flank sweeping a cross into the six yard box, gather by Streetley. Clarke up on the left again to play Bullard onto the ball taking it into the box on the by-line lifts a cross in across goal, cut out and cleared by Butcher for Chelmsford.

  Becky Russell getting hold of the ball for Wroxham lifting the pass on for Clarke out on the left wing sends her cross into the near post dropping into Fuller in front of Streetley the attacker lifting her shot over the bar from close range. 

 Chelmsford making their 2nd change as they relieve Heidi Lacey from her lineswoman duties, bringing off Bishop, goes in to right back. Wroxham with fresh legs on the pitch pressing the advantage getting players on.

GOAL! The substitutions making the difference as Wroxham come on through the middle the ball put on for Kindred on the right lays it forwards for Fuller chasing into the box to the by-line Fuller turns to lay the ball back to Kindred top corner of the area, curls her cross into the mix dropping for Becky Russell on the spot closed down before she can get a shot away Lily Alexander latching onto the ball top of the area rifles a shot in towards goal cannoning off the under side of the crossbar to bounce over the line into the back of the net to put the hosts into the lead 2-1.

Lily Alexander coming off the bench to fire Wroxham into the lead

 Wroxham with the lead 24 minutes into the 2nd half. Alexander off the bench to score. Wroxham quick to regain possession back as Chelmsford drop deep to defend, the ball played up to Fuller sprinting in behind on the right her cross looping into the six yard box, just over Bullard running in to attack central. 

Chelmsford’s Kerry Stimson

  Stimson sliding in to make the challenge is hurt as she goes in to tackle Fuller, top of the area. Up gingerly as Gambell puts, Kindred away on Wroxham’s right her cross cut back inside for Alexander 25 yards out attempts to meet it on the volley hooking the ball goal wards but straight into the arms of Streetley. Chelmsford pushed back tiring as Gambell surges on with the ball laying it on for Fuller taking it to the by-line on the right her cross cut out at the near post by Butcher turned behind for a corner kick.

Wroxham winger, Hayley Kindred

  Gambell sliding in to win the ball back for Wroxham on the right putting it on for Kindred lifting a cross into the box, met by Alexander, heads over. Stimson and Coe fighting for the ball for Chelmsford working hard though the middle, Coe lifting it up to Dopson in attack, has limited options as Robson gets across her to play the ball back for her keeper to clear. 

Kaci Crook challenging Hayley Kindred for the ball

  Clarke out on the left for Wroxham sending a deep cross into the box for Fuller attacking centrally, under challenge from Freedman drags her shot wide of the visitors left post. Wroxham on top as Chelmsford tire pushing their opponents back coming on at will Kindred taking the ball on right knocking the ball into the area, cleared by Freedman. Some late tackles coming in Gambell feeling a couple, then Kindred as the advantage is played on the right, Kelly across to defend for Chelmsford. Into the final 10 minutes. 

GOAL! Wroxham getting bodies up and around the Chelmsford penalty spot the ball knocked out of the area falling to Clarke 25 yards out to the left of the D looks to drag the ball inside for shifting back left and letting loose a strike getting power behind the low shot to send it angling into the bottom right corner to double the hosts lead 3-1.

Chelsea Clarke firing home Wroxham’s 3rd

  Wroxham making a change straight after the goal ending Loveland back on into the back line to replace Robson. Clarke advancing with the ball on the left for Wroxham is tackled well by Chelmsford’s Lacey. Cossey fouled as she looks to bring the ball on for Wroxham through the middle. To the left 30 yards out Clarke to play the set piece up into the top of the area won by Fuller lays it back to Clarke running in on the ball her attempted strike charged down. 

  Kindred putting the ball inside for Cossey as she breaks forwards, Cossey sending it out to Becky Russell on the right flank her cross cut out by Kelly for Chelmsford. Stimson carrying  knock putting her body on the line as she works hard to defend in front of the back line for the visitors as Wroxham push on late in the game looking for another goal. Gambell laying the ball into Alexander 20 yards out looks to turn on the ball drag herself into the box, Butcher moving in to close her down with a well timed tackle.

Wroxham’s Rachel Cossey

  All Wroxham as the hosts push on with less than 5 minutes left to play. Butcher trying to make the ball stick up top for Chelmsford is fouled by Gambell. left of the circle the free-kick played forwards by Kelly, defended by Shipman. Kindred racing away on the right for Wroxham scooping a ball into the area, Stimson stretching managing to get a leg up to hook the ball away from immediate danger. 

Into the closing stages of the tie Wroxham on top Gambell linking up well with Kindred the ball played forwards into Becky Russell coming out to the right side up the line to send a cross into the far post, Lacey defending as she gets in front of Bullard to head the ball clear. The final whistle blows and Wroxham celebrate as they advance in this season’s league cup having overcome a stern test from Chelmsford. 

Full time Wroxham Women 3-1 Chelmsford City Women 

   Wroxham with a strong 2nd half finding the extra edge to overcome their opponents to score twice to advance in the league cup having a strong bench to call upon, manager Adam Race used his substitutes well to find the extra edge to go on to take the lead and secure the win. Pushing players on well as Chelmsford dropped deeper, their options limited through injury and lack of numbers the Essex side nevertheless battled hard throughout. Gave a good account of themselves against higher league opponents. Asking a few questions first half creating opportunities going on to score the opening goal. Unfortunately conceded straight away to lose that advantage. Forced into changes didn’t have the players to refresh things from the bench and as they tired Wroxham were able to press in numbers.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is a tough one once again even to single out a player from both sides let alone overall but their is one of course. Several performances of note even if so I must give credit to both sides for their all round team performance. Firstly for Chelmsford, Ellie Dopson made some very good attacking runs especially first half linking up well with Kaci Crook and Zoe Rushen who herself found some good pockets of space to exploit before having to come off in the 2nd half. Lauren Butcher with some vital tackles at the back along with Shannon Kelly, while Kerry Stimson and Rosie Coe covered alot of ground attempting to win the ball and get their side moving forwards. Again Wroxham with a strong pressing game as a unit. Hannah Fuller leading the line getting into some great positions bringing other into play. Hayley Kindred attacking on the right using the ball well. Tigi Robson and Poppy Loveland with some good tackles and interceptions at the back. The full backs enjoying a good game Ella Gambell getting in some good tackles as well as collecting a few bruises for her efforts linking up play well. The award going to her opposite  number on the left Chelsea Clarke got forwards well putting some useful balls into the box and scored the 3rd goal to secure the result.

  Good to visit Trafford Park again and to catch up with both sides. Chelmsford said they’d give it a go and certainly did asking Wroxham a few questions, and having waited to make their ERWFL bow are a strong addition to the regional set up. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups today as always is appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Wroxham Women

Sunday 25th August

ERWFL Premier Division

Bank holiday weekend and a trip over to The Nest this Sunday for my first taste of football action from the ERWFL Premier Division, an all Norfolk affair with newly promoted Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Wroxham Women.

The ERWFL representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England, up to full strength with two Division One’s North and South featured 12 sides apiece all vying for a place in the 12 strong Premier Division. Looks the strongest it ever has been with the talent pool growing in depth and quality throughout the game. Tier 5 onwards and the step up in quality becomes ever steeper.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women one of a number of county league sides applying for promotion to the ERWFL the season before last. Made sure thing’s were in place behind the scenes before making the move and it certainly paid off with a young talented squad more or less at the top of Division One North all season, enjoyed a tight race for the title with another newly promoted side, Hertfordshire’s Harpenden Town Women. Edging them to the title by a single point. From county football to step 5 in two season’s, have always said this is a huge jump up.

A baptism of fire for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women on the opening day, doesn’t come much tougher than a away trip to play Haringey Borough Women who are amongst the favourites for the Premier Division title this season. Proved to be a tough game with Haringey powering into a 6 goal lead at half-time. A goal back for Dussindale & Hellesdon in the 2nd half eventually going down 8-1. Now with their first home fixture of the campaign will be looking to put thing’s right albeit with another challenge from Wroxham. Have brought in a number of new faces to bolster the squad ahead of the Premier Division season. 8 in all including, Ellen Piggott, Kyla Langan, Ella Kruez. Holly Walker comes into the club having played for Wroxham previously. Jess Harper joins having previously played for Norwich City Women. Defender Rachel Jermy joins after an impressive debut season with Mulbarton Wanderers Women along with twins Lily-Ann and Anais Winney who gained valuable experience with then FAWNL side Cambridge City Women.

Wroxham Women are a long established side within the ERWFL Premier Division, keen to push on an challenge for the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL above, but with one place up for grabs winning the league is far from easy. Adam Race begins his second season in charge off the back of a 5th placed finish along with reaching the finals of both the County and League Cup.

The squad trimmed down with a few departures over the summer including striker Luci Middleton retiring from the game and Lara Densley going back to Norwich after an impressive season playing for Wroxham. However retain a strong core of experienced players and have added 5 new faces to the bring depth to the squad. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman played a vital role in Dussindale & Hellesdon’s promotion last season, comes into Wroxham off the back of those performances. Leilah Gooding previously with Norwich, joins having had a spell at fellow ERWFL Premier Division side Needham Market Women. Also joining from Needham Market attacker, Hayley Kindred. Poppy Loveland from Mulbarton and Rio Dobbie form North Walsham, two young players with lots of potential.

The Nest, a community footballing facility newly built in Horsford on the outskirts of Norwich home to both Norwich City Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. An ever growing site close to the airport to the north of the city. With Norwich also at home today, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women are playing Wroxham on the new Lauren Hemp Community 3G pitch before the main pitch. Opened by Lauren Hemp herself just last month. The pitch offering viewing along one side and goal end. Supporters able to visit the café for hot and cold food and drinks. After a rain filled day on Saturday, the weather much more pleasant today bright albeit with some dark clouds around but no rain forecast a strong breeze blowing across the pitch likely to cause issues during the game.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Ellen Piggott, Jess Harper (C), Addi Gregory, Lily-Ann Winney, Kari Kowalcyzk, Holly Walker, Rosie George, Alisha Juby & Anais Winney. Subs – Siesha Humphries, Izzy Noakes, Ella Kreuz, Shanice Sutton & Sofia Odell.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson (C), Breanna Rudd, Chloe Shipman, Rachel Cossey, Lily Alexander, Rio Dobbie, Hayley Kindred & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Lucy Eagle & Poppy Loveland.

Wroxham Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Today’s captain’s Jess Harper and Tigi Robson with the match officials

  Both sides missing several key players through unavailability and injury. Dussindale & Hellesdon without their 1st choice centre backs captain, Calista Tink and Jess Barnes. Wroxham with a few out with longer term injuries including their captain, Becky Russell and defender Albany Hodgson. Midfielder Jennifer Drummie out since March though is close to making her return. The wind is certainly stronger a kick-off approaches, Wroxham to take the kick-off 1st half will attack with the wind at their back wearing their away colours, mint coloured shirts with black sleeve and shoulders with black shorts and socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon wearing their all claret home kit. The ball rolled back to Lily Alexander in midfield plays it into her right back, Ella Gambell, the visitors patient keeping the ball at the back, captain Tigi Robson threading a pass into Chloe Shipman in the middle looks to drive forwards, tackled by captain, Jess Harper at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Wroxham quick to regain possession lift the ball out to the right with Hayley Kindred on the move, takes the ball down the line whipping a cross in on the angle the ball inches over the crossbar. Chelsea Clarke coming on from left back for Wroxham tracking inside before laying the ball on for striker Hannah Fuller pulling wide into the left channel, her cross put back in along the top of the area cut out by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s, Addi Gregory.

The hosts look to launch their first attack, Harper into Kari Kowalcyzk with Lily-Ann Winney pushing on through the middle, Rachel Cossey getting her foot on the ball to get Wroxham back on the offensive. A little congested in the middle, not alot of room to get hold of the ball both sides snapping at each other. Wroxham winning a throw on the left as Rachel Bussey steps in to take the ball away from Rio Dobbie. Played inside Alexander turns powering her way infield 25 yards out puts her foot through the ball her effort wind assisted flying up over the bar.  Wroxham looking to impose themselves on the game early on getting forwards with the ball.

Wroxham’s Lily Alexander

Attacking down the left Clarke on for Dobbie on the in sends the pass forwards into Fuller turning on the by-line to fire a cross in along the face of goal, cut out at the far post, turned into the top of the six yard box, Kindred is looking to latch onto the ball, getting taken out by an outstretched foot as she does, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty!

GOAL! Kindred picking herself up to take the penalty kick. Hits it well low and hard to race into the bottom left corner giving the keeper no chance as she celebrates her first Wroxham goal. 0-1. Wroxham with the lead inside 6 minutes.

Hayley Kindred sends Wroxham into an early lead from the spot

GOAL! No sooner have Wroxham taken the lead they double their advantage getting down the other end to win a corner kick on the left, Kindred coming over to play the ball into the area curled into the six yard box a mix up in the middle seeing the ball go all the way in at the far post 0-2.

Hayley Kindred is congratulated as she doubles Wroxham’s lead

Two goals for Hayley Kindred

Two goals in 3 minutes to see Wroxham gain control of the match. Dussindale & Hellesdon looking for at outlet up top play the ball over the top into space on the left, Rosie George bursting forwards, Clarke coming across brings her down outside the area top corner earning herself the first booking of the game. Harper coming up from the back to take the free-kick, strikes the ball in towards the near post, Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams right behind it taking the ball low into her body as she drops forwards.

Anais Winney closing down Robson at the back on the right side, steals possession to run in behind attack the area, goes early with her angled shot 20 yards out , looping doesn’t have the height to trouble the keeper, Williams with the easy catch. Gambell into Cossey, played right for Kindred to attack, charging down the wing drives into the box, Ellen Piggott timing her tackle well to deny the shooting chance the ball behind for a corner kick.

The delivery floated into the six yard box, cleared out to the top of the area straight to Alexander left of the D, puts her foot throw the ball her strike racing wide through the crowd behind past the far post. Clarke left putting the ball on into Fuller up to left channel, has Alexander making an overlapping run lays the ball on for her, the cross flung into the near post cleared by Harper for a throw in.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women captain, Jess Harper

The wind definitely favouring Wroxham n the 1st half, particularly from corners, see another inviting curled delivery from the left fall narrowly wide of the far post. The next opportunity swung in towards goal crashing out off the crossbar. Gambell  bringing the ball on down the right, tackled by Piggott, Shipman quickly regaining possession putting it cross-field into Dobbie, has Clarke racing past her on the overlap wanting the ball closing in on the by-line her cross caught in the wind flying to the far post, Fuller rising can’t quite get her head on the ball. George having picked up a knock for Dussindale & Hellesdon is replaced by Izzy Noakes.

Lily-Ann Winney with Chloe Shipman

Alisha Juby with the ball at her feet on the drive through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon attempts to thread the pass in behind for Walker, intercepted by centre back Breanna Rudd for Wroxham. Wroxham comfortable at the ball, Dussindale & Hellesdon moving the ball quickly but cramped up for space, with Alexander, Cossey and Shipman closing it down in the middle for Wroxham. Is space in behind with Wroxham pushing up it’s a case of whether Dussindale & Hellesdon can pick out the pass, they do with a good diagonal ball out to the left for Walker to run onto the winger on the move taking they ball on into the area rapidly closing down the six yard box, goes to pull the trigger, Robson diving in to charge the attempt down force it behind for a corner kick.

Tigi Robson moving across to close down Holly Walker as she bears down on goal

The corner from the left swung in towards the near post over everyone attacking that side drops to Robson beyond to clear safely at the far post.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

GOAL! Just as Dussindale & Hellesdon get an opportunity at one end they are hit on the counter attack the ball cleared into midfield played forwards into the box right post side cut out, Fuller nipping in to get hold of the ball lashes it home from six yard out to make it 3! 0-3.

Hannah Fuller latching onto the ball inside the box to turn and score

Almost a half hour played in the 1st half Wroxham with a 3 goal advantage, work for Dussindale & Hellesdon to do, Lily-Ann Winney finding Noakes on the right wing pushes on has good support from Anais Winney, look to play a one two expose Clarke as they turn the full back, Clarke though is one on the best full backs in the league and reads the pass to halt the attack.

Chelsea Clarke

Kindred has Fuller up with her on the right feeding the striker the ball, Fuller gets down the line to win a corner kick. Curled in across the six yard box comes all the way through to Robson at the far post her stooping header put back in towards goal, Cole right behind it to save for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Another change for Dussindale with Siesha Humphries on at the back in place of Piggott.

Wroxham’s Rachel Cossey

Fuller brought down on halfway winning Wroxham a free-kick. Clarke over the ball sends it long into Kindred attacking the right post, Cole with a sharp save down to get a glove on the ball turn it away from goal. Harper playing the ball out to Noakes on the right, Anais Winney making a run into the right channel ahead of her wanting the past played in behind, Noakes attempted through ball cut out by Robson. Dobbie seeing the ball into her feet on Wroxham’s left comes inside, Bussey coming back at her to put in the challenge, wins the free-kick as Dobbie comes back after the ball.

Alexander travels out to the left with the ball, Dobbie racing on down to the by-line wanting the pass, Bussey tracking back with her to win the tackle, the ball away for a throw in. Wroxham pressing late in the first half, Fuller 30 yards out right of the D, has Dobbie in ahead of her lays the ball forwards Dobbie striking the ball low and hard from outside the box, Cole with a fantastic save, getting down to glove the ball behind for a corner kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole

Curled into the mix from the right, dropping down outside the six yard box, Kowalcyzk looks to bring it away for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Wroxham quick to get the ball back find Kindred out on the right pressing forwards stopped by Humphries. Kindred receiving the ball from the resulting throw in spinning inside from the right striking the ball on the angle the effort crashing into the side netting. The visitors pushing hard for a 4th goal late on attacking through the middle Cossey with Shipman forwards for Alexander to the right of the D, 25 yards out unleashes a strike, Cole with another vital save diving to her left to push the ball away from her goal.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-3 Wroxham Women

  Wroxham end the first half in a strong position leading 3-0. Have been strong on the ball right from the off, the wind at their backs aiding their play at times, taking an early lead from the penalty spot quickly adding a 2nd goal to put Dussindale & Hellesdon on the back foot. Play often congested in the middle of the park Wroxham pressing pushing their opponents back the hosts have struggled to get the ball into their attackers impose any pressure of their own. Alot of work to do if they are to find a way back into the game, will have the win advantage 2nd half will be interesting to see if they can make it count.

Dussindale & Hellesdon making a double switch at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Ella Kreuz and Sofia Odell in place of Kowalcyzk and Williams. The hosts getting the 2nd period underway the ball put back into midfield, Wroxham move in to press, play stifled in the middle of the park. The ball eventually clipped long out to the right for Noakes, Clarke seeing it safely out of play. 

Izzy Noakes

  Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to be positive winning a free-kick inside the Wroxham half from deep Harper floats the ball up into the box seen behind by the Wroxham defence for a corner. Curled in across the six yard box from the left, through everyone out beyond the far post for a goal kick. 

 Shipman bombs on from midfield to the left looking to combine with Kindred the ball knocked forwards, Humphries in with a firm challenge to slow the ball down, Harper coming across to hold it up and launch clear. Humphries bringing some energy onto the pitch on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting stuck in and taking the ball forwards, running into a challenge wins her side a free-kick, 30 yards out to the left of the box. Harper on it lifts the set-piece high in towards goal. Williams back on her line keeping her eye on it claims cleanly.

  Wroxham press the attack the ball cleared at the back, Clarke latches onto it 25 yards out in a central position striking the ball is over the bar. not by much as it lands on the roof of the net. Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to be more competitive getting stuck in trying to regain possession both sides giving fouls away. Robson breaking from the back with the ball at her feet for the visitors moving into the right channel prods it wide for Dobbie, Bussey winning the challenge for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Rio Dobbie and Rachel Bussey

Alexander bringing the ball left combines with Clarke and Dobbie as they move up the wing, Alexander with the ball again to send a cross in low towards Fuller poised on the penalty spot, Gregory covering though the defender in front of the attacker to cut the ball out and clear. Gambell breaking away on the right for Wroxham receiving the ball the middle as she runs inside from 25 yards out, a wild swing at the ball sees her screw her effort wide.

Lily Alexander

  Wroxham making a double switch as they prepare to bring on Poppy Loveland and Lucy Eagle, Alexander and Dobbie the players coming off. Shipman playing the ball to Fuller up top outside the box knocks it down off her head to Kindred running on down the right wing whips her cross into the box, across the top of the six yard box just over Eagle as she runs in to attack it.

 Gambell sending the ball up the right for Loveland plays it forwards looking to release Kindred in behind, Harper racing across to lunge in win the ball out behind for a corner kick. Harper on hand to block as shot from outside the box by Clarke as the full back receive the cut back from Kindred on her right 25 yards out. 

  Little for Anais Winney to feed on up top, hasn’t stopped her trying to get after the ball, forces an error at the back as she charges down the keeper as Williams goes to kick the ball clear top of her box, striking Winney it rebounds behind, however his cleared behind for a corner before she can capitalise. Swung in low from the left the ball is defended at the near post. 

 Wroxham launch a quick counter Shipman bringing the ball on lifted up towards the top of the box, Dussindale & Hellesdon stretched as Fuller breaks in behind stretching to get her foot on the ball, falling forwards even as Cole saves with her legs the ball loose rebounding back towards the attacker Fuller lunges forwards trying to get to the ball brushes her head even as Humphries comes diving in herself to try and clear the pair colliding heads, in the immediate aftermath with both players down their is a little confusion however it’s another penalty!

 Before it can be taken though both players are in some discomfort and their treatment is the priority, Fuller slowly back up the first to her feet, Humphries has come off the worse an icepack strapped to her head she can’t continue and is helped off the pitch with Piggott back on.

  GOAL! A long pause between the penalty award and play resuming it’s Gambell placing the ball down on the spot. No fuss a low hard strike into the bottom left corner sending the keeper the wrong way to extend the advantage 0-4.

Ella Gambell firing home Wroxham’s 2nd penalty to make it 4-0

 The 4th goal coming midway through the 2nd half Wroxham with possession attacking on the left Eagle after ball Bussey closing her down the pair com together, Bussey coming off the worse appears to come down hard hurting her back in the process. Play stopped immediately the physio on, alot of concern. So much so an off duty paramedic is found inside the ground and calls an ambulance for the stricken player. Unable to be move until medics arrive the decision and it is the correct one is taken to abandon the match with 69 minutes played.

Game abandoned in the 69th minute 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-4 Wroxham Women at the time.

 Player safety is of paramount importance at the end of the day. You go out there to play and enjoy the game the last thing anyone wants to see is a serious injury occur, but it will sadly from time to time. Wish Rachel Bussey all the very best hoping the injury is not as serious as it appears and for a full and speedy recovery.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  No Player of the Match award this Sunday, just a few performances to highlight. Some fantastic saves from Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole. Jess Harper making some vital challenges and clearances at the back. Rachel Bussey too dealt with the threat on Wroxham’s left well with Chelsea Clarke supporting Rio Dobbie. For Wroxham, Clarke was superb in defence and getting forwards supporting and encouraging Dobbie. Lily Alexander made some fantastic runs created opportunities too. Tigi Robson solid at the back winning the ball and timing her tackles.

 My thanks to both sides for their assistance today. A challenging day in the finish on a sad ending. Chances are the game will have to be replayed but that is for a committee to decide. Credit to everyone at The Nest for the support and help in dealing with the incident and let’s hope for good news.

*UPDATE* Pleased to say Rachel has suffered no lasting damage and after a short period of rest and recovery will be back playing football.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Real Bedford Ladies v Wroxham Women

Sunday 19th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Onto the 2nd final of the day from Newmarket Town FC’s, Tristal Stadium, hosting this season ERWFL finals day, an all Premier Division clash for the League Cup, Wroxham Women taking on champions, Real Bedford Ladies, looking to win an impressive treble in their first season playing under their new banner.

The League Cup contested by all the clubs across the 3 divisions in the ERWFL, a Division One North and South (tier 6) feeding into a 12 strong Premier Division (tier 5). Often featuring some highly competitive matches with alot of talent on display, The League Cup Final itself no less so.

This afternoon’s prize

Real Bedford FC owned by Peter McCormack, bringing the Bedford Ladies side already competing in the ERWFL Premier Division in to the club becoming Real Bedford Ladies this season retaining their league status, Dean Perrett initially brought in as first team manager the club signing on a host of ne players with experience playing in the ERWFL and the FAWNL above. Indeed hit the ground running winning to go top of the Premier Division and stay there all season 15 straight wins in the league. Perrett moving on, with assistant Georgia Clarke heading up the side for the rest of the season. Their first defeat coming at home to FAWNL side Billericay Town Women in the FA Cup. Haringey Borough Women finally ending their 100% record with a strong 1st half performance (happened to be the two games I attended).

That did little to dent the charge to the Premier Division title secured with a 3-2 win against local rivals Luton Town Ladies, the league title secured and with it promotion to the FAWNL. Soon becoming a league and cup double as Real Bedford continued where Bedford Ladies has previously been on several occasions winning the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup. League results tailing away at the end of the season, the job done however have one more game to play to achieve a historic treble. Natasha Fensome always prolific in front of goal for Bedford, once again top scorer netting 33 goals so far this campaign with new signings, Francesca Partridge and Gemma Croucher on 23 an 19 respectfully with 16 different scorers amongst the squad.

Wroxham Women securing a 5th placed finish in the ERWFL Premier Division this season, the first in charge for new manager, Adam Race, joining the club from Long Stratton Women. The Norfolk club under going another small period of transition have brought in players with plenty of ERWFL experience to build up a squad with a good blend of talent as they look to challenge at the top of the league. Success too in the cup competition’s not only reaching the League Cup final, but the final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the first time.

That at the start of a busy week for the club on Monday evening the squad getting to play under the lights at Norwich City’s, Carrow Road Stadium. Losing in the end to a strong Norwich City Women’s side. Injuries not helping to key players at the business end of the season, need to regroup and focus on today’s game. One of those injured out for the County Cup final striker Hannah Fuller one of the leading scorers in the county often top scorer wherever she’s been and so too this season netting 25 goals. Lara Densley enjoying a good campaign with 10 goals to her name as does Luci Middleton the attacker joining Race from Long Stratton where she was the top scorer in Division One last season with 35 goals.

Road to the Final

 A bye for both sides in the 1st Round of the competition. Real Bedford at home in the 2nd Round taking on Division One North and fellow Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue cross Lionesses. Starting the season strong that form continuing into the League Cup, Neve Mayes and Natasha Fensome both scoring a brace, with goal each for Chloe Martin and Erin Price in a 6-1 win. Wroxham making the long trip down to South Essex to play Division One South newcomers, Southend United Ladies, amongst the goals too with Holly Connell bagging herself a brace there were goals too for Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, Hannah Fuller and Keela Olive the score 6-1.

Into the 3rd Round, Real Bedford staying in Bedfordshire away to fellow Premier Division side, AFC Dunstable Ladies. Goals from Fensome and Gemma Croucher securing a 2-0 to send them into the quarter finals. Wroxham at home taking on fellow Norfolk side and Division One North leaders, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women, their opponents showing great form, Wroxham taking their chances however to secure a comfortable 5-1 win. Hannah Fuller bagging a hat-trick with a goal apiece for Ella Gambell and captain, Becky Russell.

Real Bedford at home in the last 8, Watford Ladies Development leading Division One South, like Real Bedford with a 100% start to the season. The gulf between the sides soon apparent and Real Bedford raced into a commanding lead racking up a double figure score line. Fensome netting 4 goals with Francesca Partridge firing home a hat-trick. There were braces too for Mayes and Croucher the final score 11-2. Wroxham staying in Norfolk a trip to Mulberry Park to play Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL. A tricky opponent, Wroxham getting the only goal of the game in the 2nd half, vice captain, Tigi Robson’s goal sending them into the semi-finals.

Real Bedford coming up against their Bedfordshire rivals all the way through their League Cup run drawn away to fellow Premier Division side and potential league rivals, Luton Town Ladies. Looked to be a close game on the cards and proved so on the day, Andie Dickens scoring for Luton, but a goal in each half for Fensome and Chloe Martin was enough to send Real Bedford into the League Cup final. Wroxham having home advantage in their semi final tie, taking on Hertfordshire side Stevenage FC Women, Stevenage scoring twice, Hannah Fuller with 2 goals for Wroxham seeing the sides all square after 90 minutes to head into extra-time, Fuller going on to complete her hat-trick to send Wroxham through to today’s final.

In need of food during the break between game, headed to the kitchen hatch to order a double cheeseburger. As you know I do like a cheeseburger and know a good one when I taste one have to say Newmarket’s offering is right up there with the best. Fuelled up and ready to go for the 2nd game, a walk round the pitch the sun bright the temperature in the early twenties. Great weather for the final, the crowd building nicely.

Real Bedford Ladies

Real Bedford Ladies starting XI – Destiny Pap, Amy Reed, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin, Sophie Mulvihill, Georgie Giddings, Gemma Croucher, Erin Price, Amber Smith, Francesca Partridge & Natasha Fensome (C). Subs – Sophie Billing, Neve Mayes, Chloe Martin, Izzy Crooks & Lauren Coppin.

Wroxham Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Albany Hodgson, Lauren Kett, Rachel Cossey, Becky Russell (C), Lily Alexander, Ella Gamble, Lara Densley & Luci Middleton. Subs – Tigi Robson, Lauren Bullard, Lucy Eagle and Hannah Fuller.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 

Captain’s Natasha Fensome and Becky Russell with today’s match officials

 Players out for both sides, captain Zara Carroll missing for Real Bedford, her set plays offering another dynamic to their play. Without goalkeeper Sarah Hudson too, Destiny Pap usually an attacking winger by trade has 5 goals for the Reserves this season keeping goal in recent games. Wroxham with injury problems late in the season missing midfielder Jennifer Drummie, Hannah Fuller out for the County Cup final on Monday makes the bench this time around. Both with attacking options to bring on from the bench.

  Wroxham with the kick-off in the first half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Real Bedford lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. Played back to Chelsea Clarke, lifted across field to the right, Lara Densley looking to attack, Lisa Milliken in to challenge for Real Bedford, played into Natasha Fensome captaining the side today, gets on the move, Lily Alexander across to close her down.

  Wroxham pick out Ella Gambell coming inside from the right up with Luci Middleton in attack linking up the ball rolled out to Densley on the right plays it back inside to Gambell 25 yards out, she shot blocked by Real Bedford’s Gemma Franklin. Fensome making a positive start to the game looking to run into the channels take on the Wroxham defence coming left drives on with the ball checking inside into the top corner of the box unleashes a shot rising for the top corner Bryony Williams covering her near post throwing a glove up to push the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

  GOAL! Players up into the box as Lisa Milliken prepares to fire in the corner, curled into the six yard box, Wroxham look to head it clear, only to see the ball driven into the back of their own net, to concede an own goal inside the opening 3 minutes 0-3.

  Real Bedford lively at the start Georgie Giddings getting stuck in in the middle to win the ball on for Gemma Croucher played through to Fensome up top looks to angle her pass right into the path of Amber Smith racing on down the flanks, Wroxham holding their line catching her offside. Amy Reed closing down Gambell as she attacks on the left the ball put into the middle for Erin Price who is fouled the free-kick on halfway launched up towards the area, headed clear by Wroxham defender, Albany Hodgson.

Amy Reed

   Real Bedford find Fensome central, clips the ball on into the box giving chase left of goal, Williams out smartly to slide in grab the ball into her body. A lively opening 5 minutes Real Bedford pressing well, Fensome’s runs causing issues. Leah Newcombe at right back for Wroxham sending the ball on for Densley attacks on the wing putting it inside to Middleton, turns looking to fight her way through into the box, Sophie Mulvihill in to close her down for Real Bedford. 

  Milliken playing the ball on for Fensome to gather on the left makes a surging run forwards, getting inside the box, Hodgson on her shoulder looking to hold her off, Fensome gets a shot away sending the ball across the goal wide past the far post. 

Real Bedford captain, Natasha Fensome

  Rachel Cossey with the ball for Wroxham in the middle out to Gambell left sprays the ball long out to the right for Newcombe making her way forwards, sends it down the line for Middleton pulling wide to receive, Milliken getting across the attacker to see the ball out for a goal kick. Fensome a threat whenever she has the ball at her feet driving forwards prepared to take on players, Wroxham forced to drop back to defend. Francesca Partridge turning on the ball sweeps the pass out to Fensome on the left, Newcombe doing enough to put the attacker off see the ball run out of play. 

  Wroxham finding Densley up on the right, Middleton coming to offer support, Franklin doubling up with Milliken prevents the cross coming in. Wroxham regain possession central flighted on down the right with Densley still forwards fires the cross into the box, Reed tackling, Gambell on the penalty spot to deny her the shooting chance.

Real Bedford clearing the ball up to the left, Partridge looking to cause havoc get control of the bouncing ball inside Kett turns in field, Hodgson holds her ground turning to shield the ball Partridge clattering into her shoulder, left in a heap on the ground. Needs lengthy treatment a head injury, has to come off, will be sporting a nasty looking black eye later on. Real Bedford sending on Sophie Billing to join the attack on the left. Fensome looking to attack the resulting free-kick wins Real Bedford a corner on the left, the delivery curled in over the cross bar.  

  GOAL! 20 minutes played Real Bedford in possession central Giddings out to Smith right put back inside for Croucher to lift out to the left with Billing attacking on the wing sends her cross in blocked by Newcombe at close range, appeals for handball and the referee points to the spot! Penalty! Croucher lacing the ball on the spot and makes no mistakes sending the keeper the wrong way drilling it into the left side of goal to double the lead 2-0.

Gemma Croucher doubling Real Bedford’s lead from the penalty spot.

Wroxham get the ball up the right, Middleton up with Densley winning their side a corner kick. The ball put in close to the near post defended by Price put out for a 2nd corner. This delivery curled in central Pap on her line reacting instinctively knocking the ball up into the air, her defence scrambling it away to the right a high ball put back into the mix dropping to Alexander beyond the far post looks to head it back in across the penalty spot just over Middleton, the Real Bedford defence clearing the danger.

Ella Gambell looking to take the ball on for Wroxham

  Midway through the first half a drinks break called. Gambell seeing the ball into her feet left coming infield looking for Middleton up top, Franklin nipping in ahead of her to steal the ball. Middleton working hard up top to get across the back line supporting Densley on the right Real Bedford working just as hard to prevent the cross. 

 Clarke sending the ball into the middle for Russell, Wroxham’s captain playing the pass into Middleton up top has Alexander up with her central lays the ball into her then out to Gambell wide left her cross launched into the box too close to the keeper, Pap claiming the ball. 

 Real Bedford played on Fensome plays in cross the pitch to Smith on the right who in turn drops it into the middle for Price free 25 yards out top of the D, goes to put her foot through the ball, misses her kick, Cossey snatching it away to safety. Reed bombing on right side goes past Smith on the over lap bursting into the box, Gambell tracking back with her getting a toe on the ball to prod it back to her keeper, Williams kicking it clear.

  Fensome tricky to pick up as she’s constantly pulling of one defender or another, think you’ve got her then she’s gone. linking up well with Smith looking to get on down the right her cross lifted into the box, over Fensome making a central run. Croucher onto the ball central releases a shot from all of 30 yards out her effort straight at the keeper. Newcombe the furthest forwards for Wroxham on the right flagged offside as Densley plays the ball into Gambell 25 yards out looks to put the full back away down the line.

  GOAL! Real Bedford turn play around quickly lifted out to Fensome on the move up the left wing drives on pace, whips a dangerous ball in across the face of the Wroxham goal, Smith running in unchecked at the far post burying her header into the roof of the net 3-0.

Amber Smith roars in celebration as she heads Real Bedford into a 3 goal lead.

  Real Bedford scoring at regular intervals, making Wroxham’s efforts look laboured as a response, Fensome’s runs causing problems, 12 minutes left to play in the first half. Real Bedford winning the ball at the back Price up to Croucher shoots 25 yards out, on target but lacking the pace to trouble Williams as she moves across her goal to catch the ball. Wroxham feeling aggrieved decisions not going their way, Middleton brought down having a word with the referee.

Gemma Franklin

 GOAL! Real Bedford through the middle Giddings on for Croucher up to Fensome in attack drops her shoulder to break into the box central in behind, Williams racing out to close her down goes to ground, Fensome knocking the ball out of the keepers path to the left to round her and slot the ball into the back of the empty net 4-0.

Natasha Fensome getting her goal to put Real Bedford 4 up

  Wroxham pushing on getting the ball on central Gambell coming inside up to Middleton back to Alexander who shoots from range her effort not troubling Pap. The referee stopping play wanting to talk with Gambell and her captain, as the wide player vocally complains about the decision making. 

 

  Russell on the ball for Wroxham out to Densley right, Franklin sliding in playing the ball off Densley for a free kick. Price playing the ball to Billing on the left, Milliken going past her on the overlap the ball rolled into her path crosses into the box, Hodgson clearing at the near post. The ball back with Real Bedford on the left, Fensome coming to receive the ball lifted into the area, Kett the defender under it for Wroxham this time.

Wroxham’s Lauren Kett

 Into first half stoppage time Wroxham vexed as they concede another free-kick on half way to the left, launched up into the top of the area, Williams comes for it gloves up eyes on the ball, Fensome looking to run in see it over her shoulder, clattering into the keeper, unintentional, Williams going down does well to keep hold of the ball as play is stopped immediately so she can receive treatment A blow to the chest looks to be winded more than anything else need a few minutes to recover. Clarke getting on up the left with Gambell for Wroxham but Real Bedford close in leaving no way through as the whistle blows to bring the half to an end.

 Half-time Real Bedford Ladies 4-0 Wroxham Women

 Real Bedford head into the changing rooms, in control of the game with a healthy 4 goal lead. Scoring early and at regularly slots during the first half have looked a constant threat going forwards while limiting Wroxham’s opportunities up the other end. Wroxham stay out on the field gather on the pitch have a mountain to climb if they are to get back into the match. Hannah Fuller warming up hard before the break looks to be coming on. Clarke the player taken off. Tigi Robson on too for Cossey.

 Real Bedford to get the 2nd half underway, put out to the left, Wroxham see the ball out of play. The throw played inside to Giddings, Russell stepping in to steal the ball rolls it back into the defence for Kett to clear. 

Georgie Giddings

  Fuller seeing the ball into her feet turns inside looking to release Newcombe as she attacks down the right, Billing stretching out a leg t intercept the ball puts it into Milliken’s path the defender fouled as she looks to carry the ball forwards. 

 

  A competitive start to the second half Wroxham looking to close the ball down, win a free-kick on half way. Hodgson over the ball floated up into the box, Franklin under it knocking the ball up into the air, dropping right post Pap under it to make the catch. Fuller bringing a different dimension to Wroxham’s play straight away her presence alone giving her side confidence as she takes the ball into the box right side squares it central looking for Middleton closed down squeezes it out to Gambell on the left, Real Bedford shielding the ball out for a throw.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller.

  Fensome ready to make her move whenever Real Bedford have possession, the ball rolled into her turns it to the left for Billing, drives on stopped by Hodgson. Gambell determined on the ball pushing inside from the left fires the ball into Densley, Milliken challenging to in the ball back for Real Bedford. 

Lisa Milliken

 Smith racing away down the right wing for Real Bedford in behind to send a cross into the box, Fensome overcooking her far post run the ball whipping behind her then cleared. Real Bedford defending a 4 goal lead can sit back a little pick their moments to break forwards the ball with Giddings in the middle played on for Croucher outside the box makes a run across the D, cutting her shot back in towards goal, Williams down low to push the ball behind for a corner kick. Put long to the far post Wroxham dealing with it Gambell fouled as she looks to bring the ball out.

Ella Gambell

  GOAL! Gambell fouled again in a much more dangerous are as she drives inside from the left, taken out outside the area 25/30 yards from goal. Standing over the ball with Russell, as the whistle blows Russell runs in to strike the ball angled in on target fizzed in at Pap back on her line hitting her looping up Pap can’t get hold of it as it loops up over her into the back of the net beyond 4-1. A goal back for Wroxham.

Wroxham scoring from the free-kick

Wroxham captain Becky Russell

The game restarts in the middle but is soon stopped with Pap down inside her box, Russell’s strike looking to have struck her in the face is a long pause in play but thankfully she is up back on her feet and able to continue. Wroxham putting the Real Bedford defence under pressure winning a corner on the left played in across the six yard line nocked back across goal to the left side falls straight to Kett who lifts her attempt on goal over the bar.

  GOAL! Wroxham pushing on down the left Fuller taking the ball to the by-line check back up the line turning into the box left corner to flash a cross into the middle, Middleton up with a defender near side making minimal contact, enough to deflect it on into the path of Alexander free to the right to rifle her shot past the keeper into the back of the net and score. 4-2.

Lily Alexander scoring Wroxham’s 2nd goal

  Two goal in 7 minutes Wroxham looking to get themselves back into the game ask Real Bedford a few questions. Wroxham finding an extra gear getting forwards well Fuller making the ball stick up top, Mulvihill getting a foot in to take the ball off the striker as she looks to drop her shoulder inside the D. 

Real Bedford’s Sophie Mulvihill

  Real Bedford still carrying plenty of threat in attack the ball played out to Billing on the left powers forward her cross claimed at the near post by Williams. Some of the decisions continue to vex Wroxham, Kett pulling up with a knock another pause while she receives treatment. Smith attacking down the right her cross blocked back to her puts it inside for Croucher out to Billing on the left her high ball into the box has Fensome interested, however Williams keeps her eye on the ball taking it cleanly above her head. 

Real Bedford attacker, Sophie Billing

  Middleton coming off for Wroxham with 20 minutes of regular play left, Lauren Bullard on to join the attack. Reed clearing the ball at the back for Real Bedford as Kett’s clearance has Fuller running to attack on the left. Gambell off a throw in the left inside to Russell, Alexander taking on the ball, looking to thread it into Fuller, cut out by Franklin. Russell taking the ball inside off of another throw on the left her shot on the angle straight at Pap.

  Russell laying the ball on for Densley out on the right, Newcombe bursting on to support her on the flank, Milliken isolated does well to get in between the pair to win the ball lift it forwards, Fensome looking it down knock to the left, Hodgson throwing out a leg to turn the ball away from her. 

Albany Hodgson

 Alexander up with Gambell central forwards to Russell inside the D her shot blocked by Mulvihill. Real Bedford spring the counter attack Price to Fensome releasing Billing on the left her cross cleared by Kett. A drinks break called alot of energy expanded out there. Play resuming Gambell taking the ball inside from the left laying it on for Densley top of the area, Franklin tackling, Gambell going down pulling up in alot of pain needs to come off Lucy Eagle joining the action with 10 plus stoppages to play.

  Eagle linking with Bullard on the left the ball clipped into the box, Mulvihill heads clear. Real Bedford dropping back intent on protecting their lead. Wroxham with a throw in the corner into Densley her cross cut out by Croucher inside the box, stays with Wroxham right up the line into Newcombe inside for Russell right corner digs the ball out from under her feet to cross too close to the keeper, Pap seeing the catch into her body. 

Wroxham’s Lucy Eagle

  Real Bedford with a rapid counter move getting the ball up to Fensome drifting left plays the one two with Billing wide getting the return pass inside the box to shoot on the angle, her strike fired in straight at the keeper. Billing taken off as Real Bedford send on Chloe Martin. One end to the other Eagles seeing Williams goal kick down left side, putting the defence under pressure the cross into the six yard box headed over for a corner. 

 Densley to take on the right dropping invitingly into the six yard box, think Russell gets her head on the ball drives the ball onto the crossbar, before a free-kick is called awarded Real Bedford’s way. 12 minutes of stoppage time in total. Real Bedford clear Price up to Fensome dinks the pass into Martin on the move left side her cross angled into the side netting, a Wroxham touch spotted, the corner awarded much to the annoyance of the fans. 

Erin Price

 Dropped into the six yard box from the left the ball headed down towards goal at close range, Williams with the sharp save little time to react straight at her knocks it up into the air dropping far post and dives down amongst legs to push the ball away to the right a goal kick awarded. 

Bryony Williams with a superb double save for Wroxham

  Real Bedford get on the attack Martin pushing inside with the ball at her feet from the left, played in central, Kett stopping it, knocked down, Fensome ready to pounce latching onto it inside the D pulling her shot wide of the right post. Eagle sees the ball into her feet lays it in to Bullard 20 yards out, Franklin out to close the attacker down. Eagle pulling up then taking a blow Wroxham take her off send Middleton back on for the final minutes of the game as Real Bedford look to get the ball forwards into the channels.

 

  Fensome breaking away still full of running coming in from the right across the top of the area her shot narrowly over from 20 yards. Fuller central looks to send the ball on turn and attack, Franklin sliding in to take the ball away from a throw in. A frantic finish to the game however Real Bedford see it out to celebrate winning the League Cup and completing a history making treble in just their first season.

Full time Real Bedford Ladies 4-2 Wroxham Women

  Treble wins aren’t common so to see two clubs do it in as many days is impressive, Real Bedford matching Whittlesey Athletic in that regards. Impressive. A strong first half seeing them race into a 4 goal lead. The damage done, it was nevertheless a spirited fight back from Wroxham in the 2nd half two goals in 7 minutes putting a different complexion on the game. Had further chances but Real Bedford were determined in defence not to concede again and remained a threat going forwards on the counter throughout William with a brilliant double save to deny them extending the lead. A treble won and FAWNL football to look forwards to next season, under a new manager. Georgia Clarke leaving her role, a treble winner in her first managerial role. Wroxham can be pleased with their 2nd half performance but will be disappointed to lose two cup finals. Nevertheless a great achievement to get there in the first place and a good platform to carry into next season. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again there was a clear contender early on although as the game wore on a few other get themselves into the mix with some good performances on both side. Firstly for Wroxham, goalkeeper Bryony Williams pulling off a superb double save with some brave goalkeeping to keep Wroxham in the hunt. Hannah Fuller came on 2nd half lifted the whole team got hold of the ball allowing other to get forwards creating chances. Ella Gambell frustrated in the first half used that positively in the 2nd half getting hold of the ball and linking up well with the forwards with some useful runs. Real Bedford out of the blocks well in the first half taking the game to Wroxham, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin and Sophie Mulvihill all making good tackles at the back. Gemma Croucher linking up the midfield and attack well. Sophie Billing and Amber Smith lively down the wings. That drive coming from their captain Natasha Fensome wins the award got hold of the ball and drove at the Wroxham defence creating chances got into some great positions and was always ready to receive the ball.

Real Bedford Ladies 2023/24 ERWFL League Cup winners

Completing a historic treble in the process

 Congratulations to Real Bedford Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup and winning the treble.

  Look forward to seeing Real Bedford in the FAWNL, another huge step up and I hope the club can sort out their ground issues with Bedford council before then. A busy but enjoyable day at Newmarket for the ERWFL Finals Day two entertaining matches. my thanks to both clubs for the help with the teams today and the ERWFL committee and staff at Newmarket for their hospitality. Into the final week of the season 3 more games to go…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Wroxham FC Women v Norwich City Women

Monday 13th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by Harrod Sport

No time to rest after a busy Sunday covering two finals on NWGFL Finals Day, the cup finals keep rolling on in May with a Monday evening trip to Carrow Road, home of Norwich City FC for this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, with Wroxham FC Women reaching their 1st county cup final taking on current cup holders, Norwich City Women. 

The Norfolk Women’s County Cup enjoying a record crowd last season, played at Carrow Road. Had to wait and see how Norwich City FC’s, Championship season was going to turn out before announcing a date this time around. The competition proudly sponsored by Harrod Sport….

This evenings prize

Wroxham FC Women reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history. One of two finals the ERWFL Premier Division outfit has reached this season with the ERWFL League Cup final to follow this coming Sunday at Newmarket Town FC against league champions Real Bedford Ladies. Another new manager at the start of the season the club bringing in, Adam Race from Long Stratton Women. New faces added to the squad, have a good balance on youth and experience, with several of their players having featured in finals at Carrow Road before.

Wroxham securing a 5th placed finish in the Premier Division, have goal scorers throughout their side. Hannah Fuller once again leading the goal scoring charts, firing home 25 goals so far this campaign. Lara Densley has had a fantastic season for the club scoring 10 goals. 10 goals too for Luci Middleton, doing well having come with race from Long Stratton stepping up to play regional football.

Norwich City Women fully merged with Norwich City FC now, dominated the county cup in it’s early years before stepping back from the competition, returning in recent season’s have won 2 of the last 3 finals to make it 5 in total. Winning at Carrow Road last season, the club is ambitious and aiming for promotion out of the 4th tier where thy have long been established. Bringing in Martin Herdman to manage the team, pushed eventual champions, AFC Wimbledon Women all the way. Herdman leaving part way through the campaign, Scott Emmerson from within the club taking on the job for the rest of the season were unbeaten, right up until the final day of the season losing out 1-0 away to Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women.

This evening’s final will be captain. Anna Larkins last game for the club, announcing she will be leaving the club she joined 16 years ago has been a fantastic servant for the club in that time. Natasha Snelling has enjoyed a prolific season in front of goal, the 3rd highest scorer in FAWNL South East Division One scoring 21 goals. Player of the season, Ellie Smith has scored 12 goals, with goal scorers scattered though out the side.

Road to the Final

 Norfolk County FC, using a seeding system in the competition meaning the higher ranked clubs don’t enter until the latter stages, in the case of both of this evenings opponents that being the quarter finals. Wroxham drawn away in the last 8 taking on Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Caister FC Ladies. Wroxham amongst the goals leading 4-0 at the break going on to add a further 3 in the 2nd half to cruise into the last 4 courtesy of a 7-0 win. Hannah Fuller on target for a brace, with a goal each for Chelsea Clarke, Lucy Eagle, Tigi Robson, Lara Densley and Luci Middleton. Seven goals too for Norwich City Women as they entertained, ERWFL Division One North leaders, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. Both, Hope Straus and Rachel Lawrence scoring 2 each. With goals too for Megan Todd, Eloise Morran and new signing Holly Kennard, joining from AFC Sudbury Women.

Both clubs amongst the goals in the semi-finals too, having home advantage, Wroxham were taking on ERWFL Division One North side, Fakenham Town Ladies. Fuller bagging herself a hat-trick, with goals too for Densley, Middleton and defender, Albany Hodgson, seeing Wroxham into their first county cup final. Norwich hosting Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, their county cup opponents in their previous two finals, newly promoted to ERWFL Division One North, Norwich were determined to progress, with Natasha Snelling scoring twice. Shannon Shaw, Freya Symonds, Katie Knights, Lauren Hailes and Anna Larkins all on target too as Norwich won 7-0 to book their spot in a 2nd successive Carrow Road final. 

 Carrow Road hosting two of Norfolk FA’s County Cup finals this season on successive nights, starting tonight with the women’s cup and the men’s senior county cu on Tuesday. The pitch looking fantastic a brilliant surface to play on the teams out having a look round taking it all in pre-warm up. The Sir Geoffrey Watling Stand being used for spectators this evening, filing up nicely. The weather a little cooler after another warm day with some cloud cover but still pleasant.

Wroxham FC Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Lauren Kett, Albany Hodgson, Rachel Cossey, Becky Russell (C), Ella Gambell, Lara Densley, Lily Alexander & Luci Middleton. Subs – Holly Connell, Tigi Robson, Lauren Bullard, Lucy Eagle & Summer Copland.

Norwich City Women

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill, Anna Larkins (C), Hope Strauss, Ceri Flye, Alice Parker, Eloise Morran, Lauren Hailes, Katie Knights, Holly Kennard, Ellie Smith & Natasha Snelling. Subs – Millie Daviss, Freya Symonds, Lauren Tomlinson, Shannon Shaw & Charlotte Pernet.

Wroxham FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Anna Larkins and Becky Russell with this evenings match officials

Huge injury blows for Wroxham for this evening’s county cup final with striker Hannah Fuller out, along with midfielder Jennifer Drummie. Both not only influential for the team but with experience playing at Carrow Road in previous final too. Still the opportunity for others to step up. Norwich with a strong line-up, missing Megan Todd who has enjoyed county cup success in the past. Pre match ceremonies complete it’s Norwich to kick-off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with green striping, green shorts and yellow socks. Wroxham lined up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Eloise Morran in turn to Hope Strauss at the back. Ella Gambell running at her looking to close the ball down, comes out to the right, Katie Knights on the drive up the wing her pass inside cut out by Lauren Kett.

Norwich push players on winning a corner on the right. Appling early pressure players up the ball swung into the six yard box, goalkeeper Bryony Williams previously with Norwich deal with the threat the ball put out of the box. Ellie Smith looking to keep it alive closing down scrambled out for a throw on the right. Up level with the penalty area played inside by Natasha Snelling fires it across the D to Lauren Hailes left side pulls the trigger, defender, Albany Hodgson putting in the block the ball spinning behind for a corner on the left.

A flurry of Norwich chances as the ball fires in near post is deflected on into the middle of the area, Wroxham’s defence blocking one shot on the line then a follow up scrambled back out to the left curled back in the ball striking the base of the post! Norwich showing attacking intent right from the off. Wroxham clear the ball up their right, Lara Densley able to travel with it bursting down the line, sends wide high past the goal out for a throw in the left corner.

Play stopped an injury concern in midfield following the early Norwich attacks Gambell down treatment required, comes off to be assessed as play resumes. Hope Strauss at the back alongside captain Anna Larkins with time on the ball as Wroxham back up lifted out to the left for Hailes, plays a diagonal ball from deep into the area, Kett heading clear for Wroxham. Gambell back on the pitch, Norwich able to push their full backs right up to join the attackers adding to the pressure applied. Ceri Flye taking the opportunity to run with the ball up the line.

Lauren Kett

Hailes lively turning a throw in across the top of the area, headed away by Densley for Wroxham. Snelling across to the right looking to link up with Flye, Chelsea Clarke  under pressure ends up being fouled. A strong opening 7 minutes for Norwich. Gambell sliding in on half way with a heavy challenge on Flye, referee Lorraine Catchpole having word. Flye up okay.

Luci Middleton leading the line for Wroxham, is isolated up top as Norwich push Wroxham back, Strauss and Larkins often the only two players bar goalkeeper, Sarah Quantrill still in their half. Flye playing the cross into the area off of a throw on the right, Hodgson heading clear for Wroxham at the far post. Norwich win it straight back on the left driven into the area turned behind for a corner.

Lara Densley

Wroxham looking for an outlet, Densley the most likely on the right as she steal in on the ball gets the Norwich defence turned around as she races forwards putting it inside for Middleton looking to break into the box near side, closed down the ball rebounding out to captain Becky Russell free 30 yards out looks to take on the shot a high ball looping in towards goal, however Quantrill backing up onto her line makes a comfortable catch.

Lauren Bullard

Strauss lifting the ball long up the right as Holly Kennard powers forwards racing on with the ball roared on by the crowd plays the ball into the box, Hodgson dealing with it for Wroxham. Hodgson lunging in on Snelling giving away a free-kick in a dangerous area left side out to the right for Kennard to attack, Clarke getting across her run, defending seeing the ball out for a goal-kick.

Clarke looking to wiggle clear on the left for Wroxham beats the ball down with her hand as it’s deflected up in front of her, everyone in the stands roaring up seeing it, all except the referee on the opposite side, Clarke taking the ball on, Larkins across to challenge. Wroxham absorbing a lot of pressure, doing okay unlikely to get many opportunities up top, need to make them count. Densley pushing on well on the right, Middleton offering support as she looks to make herself available for the counter.

Smith flagged offside as the attacker looks to break into the box off a Hailes ball put on through the middle. Rachel Cossey getting the ball into Middleton back to goal spins away to the left putting the ball into the on rushing Densley taking the ball on towards the top of the area, Strauss manages to trap the ball between her legs, not clear though, Lily Alexander tries to snatch it, Strauss’ momentum gets her back onto ball to force clear.

Wroxham midfielder Rachel Cossey

Norwich break up the left Parker crossing in low near post Smith the target, Kett sliding in to challenge gets the ball behind for a corner but hurt as Smith falls on top of her, another pause in play Kett needing lengthy treatment comes off with the trainer needing to be waved back on as Norwich resume with the corner kick. The offside flag putting the end to another spell of Norwich pressure.

Norwich looking lively players racing forwards often exchanging positions, Smith and Snelling floating pulling wide at times, dropping deeper in others allowing others to run on. Flye amongst those pace to get into the box, runs into Kett who puts in the blocking tackle. Densley winning the ball on the right gets on the move linking up with Alexander who gives her the return pass as she breaks down the wing striking the ball on the angle, Quantrill right behind the ball.

Flye excites the fans as she pulls off a nutmeg on the right, skipping in behind the full back to drive at the box, once again Kett is there to halt her run. Leah Newcombe putting the ball on for Densley ahead of her, Norwich sliding in on her brought down the free-kick given away. Floated into the box Quantrill coming into the crowd to punch the ball clear, Norwich take it forwards on the counter, Kennard racing away down the right Clarke looking to get back at her squeezes a cross in along the top of the area Snelling in position left side, her strike charged down by Newcombe.

Norwich strong going forwards Flye right into the middle for Hailes, Russell getting in the tackle the ball coming to Middleton looks to get away from Strauss, Norwich as quick to get players back as they are to race forwards crowd the striker off the ball.

Luci Middleton looking to get away from Hope Strauss

Middleton getting n with the ball central has Densley up with her on the right channel playing the ball into her the ball into the box tame off target as Quantrill dives forwards onto the ball. Parker down on with a knock for Norwich receiving treatment. Wroxham under pressure holding out for the first half hour.

GOAL! Norwich attack pushing down the left the cross lifted up to the top of the area, Hailes inside the D going to shoot, her effort taking a deflection looping up in front of goal, Snelling on the line seeing the dropping ball onto her boot to side foot into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1. 

Natasha Snelling opening the scoring for Norwich

Kennard driving on up the right wing for Norwich down to the by-line turns the ball in to the box, snuffed out by Hodgson, Kett clears the ball. Wroxham a little unsettled after conceding Norwich sharp getting up the flanks Parker left firing a ball through the six yard box. Smith getting about looking to get onto the ball cause Wroxham problems. Middleton up with Densley on the right exchanging passes, Parker back to defend, as Strauss comes to challenge for the ball.

Knights on for Flye on the right on the attack her cross taking a deflection up off a defender seeing in loop dangerously in towards goal, Williams cool back on her line to take the ball high above her head. Norwich making a change bringing off Parker, Lauren Tomlinson coming on. Wroxham too with a change Middleton replaced up top by Lauren Bullard. Play with Wroxham on the left have a free-kick after Kennard shoves Gambell over., Lifted into the D by Clarke, Russell under it knocks it in behind across to the far post, Bullard running in looking to get onto the end of it Norwich see the ball out.

Hodgson fouling Tomlinson in a central position 22 yards out a dangerous position as Snelling and Smith stand over the ball, it’s Smith who takes on the shot over the wall high looping in towards goal destined to drop in under the bar but for an excellent save from Williams throwing her arm up to glove the ball over the bar.

The resulting corner into the top of the area, Densley does well defending on Strauss to clear the ball. Winning the ball back Strauss gives the ball to Larkins played on for Kennard racing away up the right whips a vicious ball in across the face of goal, Williams diving forwards to claim it vital with Snelling racing in to attack it beyond.

Russell finding Densley with the ball on the right, has Newcombe getting up with her laying it wide looks to break inside into the box, Newcombe unable to pick her out with her cross. Hodgson shown a yellow card as she tugs on Snelling’s shirt as the attacker attempts to skip past her left of the D. Hailes over the resulting free-kick, curled in towards goal not troubling Williams. A few wild challenges flying in Wroxham need to settle, Smith brought down. Winning a corner on the right Norwich play the ball short up the line the angled ball turned in towards goal, Williams right behind it.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams

Into stoppage time 5 minutes to be played, Wroxham with Alexander into Densley right channel inside for Bullard in the D, looks to wriggle free to get a shot away, Morran tracking back from midfield in to win the ball back. Smith carded as she slides in on Kett as the defender loos to clear the ball in the box. Norwich with a corner on the left played in far post cleared out of the area a fouls spotted as Wroxham attempt to bring the ball out, Hailes picks up a booking for kicking the ball away, the crowd booing the decision Hailes gesturing playing up to the crowd, good natured engaging with the support.

Lauren Hailes engaging with the crowd after picking up her booking

Morran giving away a late free-kick wide left into the top of the area Larkins in to block the ball as the half-time whistle blows.

Half-time Wroxham FC Women 0-1 Norwich City Women

  A strong first half performance from Norwich, getting forwards at will at times, still have just the one goal to show for it. Williams playing her part in keeping that number down with a fantastic save. Have been able to get on pushing the full backs up to join the attack throughout. Wroxham battling at the back dealing with a lot of pressure, getting forwards when they can Densley looking their best outlet if she can get support.

The sides out ready for the 2nd half

Wroxham making a double substitute as the 2nd half resumes, Middleton back on for Gambell, Tigi Robson on for Hodgson at the back. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway in front of another fantastic crowd of 922. Norwich immediately in to close the ball down run out of play for a throw on the left, break away down the wing, Tomlinson flashing a cross into the six yard box, Snelling at the far post down to Smith central, can’t get her shot away, comes back to Snelling, Williams saving with her legs the shot put over.

GOAL! Norwich attacking at the start of the 2nd half threatening to overwhelm Wroxham pushing on up the right the ball comes into the top of the area, Knights to receive it strikes a rising shot in past the keeper to double Norwich’s lead 0-2. Knights definitely a fans favourite running over to the crowd to celebrate.

Katie Knights turns in celebration as she double Norwich’s lead rushing over to cheering crowd

A blow for Wroxham right at the start of the 2nd half. Get on down the right to win a corner. fired into the near post low Norwich defend turned out to the top of the box, Robson looks to lift the ball back in towards goal, Quantrill claiming it high. Cossey in the middle picking out Densley on the left travels forwards for Wroxham her cross into the box headed away by Larkins, Norwich getting it up quickly on the right for Kennard, evades Clarke, Kett coming into the corner to put the ball out for a corner.

Katie Knights

 

Curled in towards goal Williams right behind it to catch unchallenged. Smith attempts to thread a diagonal ball into Kennard coming in to attack inside the box on the right, Williams rushing out to making the blocking save with her legs the loose ball running in across the penalty spot, Snelling running in to attack it Wroxham’s defence rushing back to cover their goal, get the block in to turn the ball away for a corner.

A change before it’s taken, Kennard off with Parker back on, her first job to take the corner kick, Densley defending for Wroxham. Morran running onto the ball 30 yards out lashes a shot up over the crossbar. Clarke coming off for Wroxham, Holly Connell coming on to join the defence. Middleton jumping with Strauss gets the better of the defender turning to get onto the ball break into the right channel, Morran tracking back to get in to close her down, blocking her attempted cross turned behind for a corner.

Norwich back to defend at their near post. A double change for Norwich, Freya Symonds and Millie Daviss coming on, Hailes and Knights coming off. Newcombe playing the ball up the line for Bullard on the right the Wroxham attacker looking for Middleton in the box, pulls her diagonal ball into the keeper. Parker surging down the right for Norwich lifting a cross in near post attacked by Daviss, Kett on her defending well for Wroxham.

GOAL! Tomlinson knocking the ball on down the left wing getting in behind to square a great delivery into the six yard box, Snelling closing in on the far post, placing her head on the ball to ram home her 2nd of the game and Norwich’s 3rd. 0-3.

Natasha Snelling celebrates with cross provider, Lauren Tomlinson

Smith getting hold of the ball through the middle driving forwards, hauled down. The free-kick out to the right for Parker, eased off the ball by Russell inside the box. Cossey coming off for Wroxham on comes Gambell back into the action. Middleton the latest player to go into the book for a foul out on the wing. A free-kick in from the wide position won by Densley, another infringement spotted however Norwich keep the pressure on, Parker curling the delivery wide.

Ella Gambell

GOAL! Norwich looking strong full of running, Tomlinson deep cross from the left into the box Smith looking to attack it  dragged down as she goes to shoot, the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Penalty! Strauss to take the spot kick, a short run up but a powerful hit smashing the ball into the right side of the goal, Williams dives the right way but can’t get close to it 0-4.

Hope Strauss fires home Norwich’s penalty

Hope Strauss

Strauss has has had a fantastic season for Norwich. Can recall a time in the early days of Women’s Football East, when she was a young up coming player within the Billericay Town Women’s set-up, Kim Coster telling me how good a player she was, great to see that development. Under 20 minutes left to play it’s all Norwich.

Wroxham struggling to get the ball into their attackers in the 2nd half forced onto the back foot. Lucy Eagle coming on to go up top for Wroxham, Middleton coming off. Gambell booked for Wroxham after she brings Tomlinson down. Tomlinson subbed off moments later, Charlotte Pernet. Norwich in full control how Wroxham tiring pinned back, a high ball in from the right taken by Williams.

Norwich pushing on up the right to the by-line the cross cut back into the near post Snelling looking to get on the end of it, Alexander in to block for Wroxham. Kett coming off at the back for Wroxham, Hodgson sent back on. Snelling brought off, by Norwich Shannon Shaw going on up top. Pernet on the left level with the top of the area puts in into Shaw top corner of the box rolls her defender to send a shoot arching in towards goal, William s diving to push the ball away from goal falls straight to the onrushing Smith smashes her first time shot wide past the far post.

Eagle seeing he ball down into her feet turns to clip a diagonal ball long into the Norwich area looking for Densley breaking forwards, Strauss heading the ball clear. Symonds getting on with the ball on the left running into the box sees her cross blocked by Robson.

GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes Norwich press on the right the ball inside to Symonds bursts into the area her shot blocked the loose ball running across the face of goal, Smith rushing in to blast the ball home to get herself on the score sheet 0-5.

Ellie Smith gets her goal

Morran grabbing hold of the ball 25 yards out unleashing a strike, put straight at Williams back on her goal line. Knights returning to the pitch as the club brings off their captain Anna Larkins for one last time, rightly getting a standing ovation from the Norwich faithful.

Knights running onto the ball played into Shaw who send a shot racing past the far post on the angle. Hodgson defending closing in on Symonds as she looks to turn on the ball right side of the D.

GOAL! A corner conceded on the right, Norwich play it short rolled back to the taker played up the line Daviss firing the ball back into the area, the ball deflected for a moment the crowd are silent as no one reacts the ball creeping inside the right post however, a 6th goal scored, unfortunately an own goal 0-6.

An unfortunate own goal as the ball creeps in inside the post

Wroxham’s opportunities in attack few and far between in the 2nd half late on Densley gets on down the right, but can’t pick out Alexander inside the box from her cross. Norwich with one last push the ball fed into Symonds right side looks to send it on for Shaw making a move to get into the box, Williams running out to the top of her area getting there first. That’s it all over the final whistle blows and Norwich win 6-0 to retain the County Cup.

Full time Wroxham FC Women 0-6 Norwich City Women

  Norwich ramped it up 2nd half getting straight on the attack to quickly double their lead though Katie Knights, ringing the changes Lauren Tomlinson crossing the ball in for Natasha Snelling to head in Norwich’s 3rd. Wroxham fought hard at the back, but often penned in their box found it difficult to get anything going the other way. Norwich kept coming a 4th coming from the penalty spot, a couple of late goals sealing a dominant win to retain the county cup. Wroxham had injuries but will be hugely disappointed feel they could have posed a few more questions going forwards if they were prepared to give it a go still at 1 nil at half-time did okay and had the early goals not gone in the 2nd half might have fancied their chances. Still have to pick themselves up another huge game around the corner the ERWFL League Cup still to contest. A fifth placed league finish and two cup finals giving the club and excellent base to build on for next season whatever the out come. Will be there to see them in action at Newmarket on Sunday. Norwich finishing their season on a high retaining the county cup after a strong FAWNL campaign finishing 2nd losing just the one game by a single goal. Looking for a new manager to take the club forwards as they aim for promotion to the 3rd tier.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the 3rd and final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of a busy spell of cup finals, a few contenders but won’t veer from the player awarded on the night. Wroxham battle hard were pinned back for most of the game little room for defenders to manoeuvre, Lauren Kett in particular making a number of vital blocks and tackles. Bryony Williams understandably distraught to concede 6 goals but nevertheless made some critical saves and no doubt kept her side in it 1st half. Lara Densley a threat on the right got forwards when she could just needed more support. Norwich were rampant in attack right from the start taking the game to Wroxham, powering down the wings doubling up at times players rotating positions. Katie Knight getting about to win the ball high, Ceri Flye surging forwards linking up with Holly Kennard. Hope Strauss comfortable at the back ready to stifle any threat used the ball well. Natasha Snelling getting into some great scoring positions. The award though goes to Ellie Smith moved about the back line looking for the ball and to set up chances for herself and others.

Ellie Smith collecting her player of the match award

 Congratulations to Norwich City Women on retaining the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

Norwich captain, Anna Larkins collecting the county cup trophy in her final game for Norwich

Norwich City Women 2023/24 Norfolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Another fantastic occasion at Carrow Road. Norfolk FA doing a great job, very grateful to get the opportunity to cover the final once again. Thanks for the help this evening. 3 finals in two days, makes for a busy schedule, 3 reports done, sleep sacrificed but it’s all done and dusted for another year… well till next weekend anyway 5 more finals to come… wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Wroxham FC Women

Sunday 28th Jan

ERWFL League Cup

Back at it after a much needed weeks break, heading over to Mulberry Park this afternoon to watch Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies take on fellow Norfolk side Wroxham FC Women in the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Cup.

 A strong line up reaching the last 8 of this season’s competition with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies one of two Division One sides to progress this far, with the other being Division One South leaders Watford Ladies Development away to the Premier Division’s runaway leaders Real Bedford Ladies. defending cup holders Luton Town Ladies are away to St Albans City Women next week. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies taking on Stevenage FC Women in the remaining quarter final tie. A different format to the League Cup this season with all the clubs entering at the 1st Round stage, previously the Premier Division sides entered in the 3rd Round.

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies moving up into regional football after back to back titles in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Building a strong women’s section in their relative short history bringing in a high level of talent from Norfolk. Have made a good start to life in tier 6, whilst suffering the frustration of a lack of league fixtures for various reasons, that had seen them a low as 2nd bottom purely through lack of game time, but with just 13 points separating top to bottom a 3-2 at home to Fakenham last weekend push Mulbarton up to 5th and with plenty of game in hand on the sides above are more than capable of putting pressure on the top two whom they have yet to face in the league.

 Rebekah Lake amongst the best strikers playing in the county has been top of the scoring charts for Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies since their beginning and is out in front again this season finding the back of the net for 14 goals from 9 appearances. Sam Walker another leading goal scorer in the county joining Mulbarton from Long Stratton last season has 5 so far from 8 played. A bye for the club in the 1st Round of the League Cup drawn at home to Division one South side Billericay Town Women Development, Lake on target for a brace with Walker also scoring in a 3-0 victory. Away to another Division One South side in the 3rd Round taking on Lawford Ladies, goals from lake, Lucy Kean, Atlanta Griffith, Laura Hedtke and Charlotte Groves sealing a 5-2 win to send Mulbarton into the last 8.

 Wroxham FC Women currently 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division table, amongst a cluster of sides in the top 5 separated by just two points challenging for what looks like runners-up spot with runaway leaders Real Bedford Ladies yet to drop a point so far this season. Adam Race taking on the managerial role this season having moved from Long Stratton, inheriting a strong squad with a great blend of youth and experience have added a number to their ranks with the most recent signings being talented young goalkeeper Bryony Williams and experienced defender Mary Croft both dual signed from Norwich City Women.

 Hannah Fuller (previously Waters) can easily go toe to toe as one of the best strikers in the county. Both are a nightmare to defend against finding great positions to run in behind and take on players. Leading the goal scoring charts for her club once again netting 20 goals so far from 15 matches . Lara Densley enjoying a great season for Wroxham on the scoresheet for 8 goals from 16 played. Luci Middleton and captain Becky Russell both with 7 goals. Like Mulbarton a bye for Wroxham in the opening round, an away trip to Essex to play newly promoted Southend United Ladies in the 2nd Round, Holly Connell striking twice with goals from Hannah Fuller, Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley and Keela Olive securing a 6-1 win. A home tie in the 3rd Round against fellow Norfolk side and Division One North leader, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. Fuller on target to bag herself a hat-trick with Ella Gambell and Russell getting a goal apiece in a 5-1 victory.

 Mulberry Park the venue for todays game the weather much improved after the stormy conditions at the beginning of the week. Warm and bright, with no wind. The pitch seeing a lot of action, the ground still damp heavy in places. A small seated stand opposite the dugouts with the tee hut open serving hot drinks and snacks. The sun low behind the stands moved from my opposite flank to view the game so I had it at my back to help with the camera. 

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Jody Todd, Lauren Bumstead, Rachel Jermy, Megan Belsey, Ellie Hunter, Leah Brown, Lanta Griffith, Sam Walker, Sophie Jermy, Molly Ryan & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Melissa Belsey, Laura Hedtke, Poppy Loveland & Olivia Smith.

Wroxham FC Women

 Wroxham FC Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson, Albany Hodgson, Becky Russell (C), Jennifer Drummie, Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, Luci Middleton & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Ella Gambell, Rachel Cossey, Keela Olive, Ellie Overton & Sumer Copland.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Mulbarton to get this afternoon’s quarter final underway kicking off the first half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Wroxham lined up opposite in their away colours aquamarine coloured shirts with black across the top of the chest and shoulders, black shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle, Wroxham break forwards quickly to pressure the ball out on the left the ball won pushed back towards captain Becky Russell outside the box clips a high ball in towards goal dropping down cannons off the bar back into play the Mulbarton defence launching it clear.

Wroxham captain, Becky Russell

  Wroxham setting the tempo early doors getting at the Mulbarton back line keeping the hosts pinned in the final 3rd Chelsea Clarke combining with Lara Densley on the left flank on for Luci Middleton wide her cross blocked behind for a corner kick. Curled into the area defended headed back out to the left the 2nd ball in deflected away for a throw in. Wroxham threatening left side Russell with Densley forwards for Middleton to attack running into the box, tackled the ball prodded out of play for another corner.

Lara Densley crossing the ball for Wroxham

   Ellie Hunter looking to take the ball on through the middle spark Mulbarton into life played on for captain Rebekah Lake up to, Albany Hodgson stepping in to intercept the pass. Wroxham come right Jennifer Drummie off a throw in forwards for Lauren Bullard to travel the the by-line before squaring a ball into the six yard box, cut out and cleared by Megan Belsey at the back for Mulbarton. All Wroxham winning the ball inside the Mulbarton half push players into the final third the ball rolled into Densley top of the D, struck on the half volley, dipping in front of goalkeeper Jody Todd does well to get her palms behind it make the blocking save. 

Mulbarton yet to get a toe hold in the Wroxham half yet a meaningful attack registered, Drummie in to win the ball in the middle, Clarke left and Leah Newcombe on the right getting forwards to push the hosts back. The ball sent long on the left in behind for Fuller to attack  from the left channel a strong run, Lauren Bumstead and Belsey going with her as she powers her way into the box the ball won well and cleared. 

Lauren Bumstead clears the ball for Mulbarton

 Wroxham dictating the play able to push their defence up play the ball across the back, Lake up top alone with a lot to do if her teammates can get the ball into her. Newcombe taking the ball on up the right forwards for Bullard looking to turn in behind, Hunter tracking back well getting to the ball to take it clear for a throw. 

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

  Hodgson plays the pass along the ground into Densley left side, lines up a strike from range her shot flashing wide of the far post. The visitors forwards on the left Clarke on for Densley into Fuller left of the D, gets the ball across the top of the area for Middleton central ready to shoot, Hunter gets back on her in the nick of time to win the ball the opportunity gone. Sam Walker goes into the book for an off the ball offence with Drummie. 

Wroxham attacker, Luci Middleton

  Walker with a ell timed challenge a few moment later to halt Densley’s progress as she looks to make ground on the left. Belsey out to block Densley as she lines up another strike 25 yards out top of the D. Walker find Leah Brown on the right as the winger looks to get away down the line pushing inside, Densley closing her down stops the cross, Brown winning Mulbarton their first corner of the game. Taken short, Mulbarton dally on the ball too long as Wroxham rush out to close it down threaten to counter, Belsey standing her ground on halfway to make sure that doesn’t happen. 

  Midway through the first half, Wroxham dictating play creating chances around the box, Mulbarton yet to have in theirs working hard at the back, getting the ball out and keeping it their proving difficult. Middleton seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out to the left of the D, turns well to hit the shot her effort flashing over the crossbar. Drummie out to Newcombe right on for Bullard, Rachel Jermy stretching to win the ball clears for Mulbarton. 

Mulbarton defender, Rachel Jermy.

  Russell sending the pass on for Bullard wide right squares it across the top of the area, Drummie running onto the ball her shot charged down by Belsey. Newcombe taking the ball in behind for Wroxham on the right, Sophie Jermy running back to challenge on the by-line clearing for the hosts falls straight to Russell positioned right of the area 25 yards out, looks to thread a diagonal ball on for Middleton spinning off the defence into the area central, Bumstead getting back at her to lung in take the ball away from her. 

  Sophie Jermy pushed back needing to slow down Newcombe help Rachel Jermy out with Bullard looking to run in behind her. Walker on for Hunter through the middle, Lake pulling out wide on the left into space brings the ball down whipping a cross into the area, Molly Ryan cutting in of the right channel looking to attack it the ball though cleared by Hodgson. 

  Mulbarton finding a little momentum in the middle as Lanta Griffith, Hunter and Sophie Jermy combine getting forwards on the left, Jermy sending the ball on for Hunter bursting into the left channel the ball crossed in cleared back out to Griffith, lifted back into the box, Tigi Robson heading clear for Wroxham out to the right of the box, Ryan looking to latch onto it, Clarke in to block her shot. 

Sophie Jermy

  Clarke on from the left with Densley played into Fuller left of the area turns inside bursting into the six yard box putting it in across goal, Todd their first to snatch the ball down, vital with Middleton lurking ready to turn it home. Clarke getting up on the left receiving the lay off from Fuller left of the D, shots her shot blocked defecting harmlessly through to the keeper. Wroxham upping the ante pressing forwards as a pack the ball played into Fuller up top left side flicks the ball into the path of Middleton putting her clear right side to attack the goal, shoots, Todd down smartly gloving the ball away for a corner kick. 

Luci Middleton played in on goal

  The ball dropped into the box scrambled away by Hunter for Mulbarton. Sophie Jermy alert on the left taking a quick throw looking to set Griffiths away, Newcombe getting back at her to tackle see the ball out for a throw. Clarke putting Fuller through in behind to run into the box, and score won’t count however the flag early against her as Mulbarton’s defence hold a good line. Fuller hungry for a goal, so too Clarke as the ball comes back to her on the left, as soon as it arrives you can see she’s going to take the shot on hit on the angle a vicious ball in low dipping late on Todd does well to block with her legs as she falls forwards doesn’t get hold of it as Fuller rushes in on the follow up, strikes the ball looking to get it over the keeper, Todd getting enough of her body in the way to deflect it over the bar!

Hannah Fuller in to follow up Clarke’s strike seeing her shot deflect over of the keeper

  Bryony Williams has largely been a spectator in goal for Wroxham in the first half but need to remain alert pushing up from the back Mulbarton winning it back launch a pass long for Lake to try and chase down, Williams needing to come hurtling out of her area to clear the ball. Wroxham attack right Bullard sending it on for Newcombe on the overlap to the by-line back to Bullard turning into the area right lifts a cross into the mix, Hunter trapping the ball top of the six yard box, but not away Fuller taking a swing at it as it rolls forwards doesn’t get a clear hit scuffed as Megan Belsey gets the block in and taken away to the left for a corner kick.

Wroxham full back Leah Newcombe

Lauren Bullard preparing to cross

Megan Belsey into block Hannah Fuller’s attempted strike

  Mulbarton making a change bringing off Ryan with Poppy Loveland coming on. Russell seeing the ball onto her feet for Wroxham outside the D, puts her foot through the shot rising in on goal, Todd with the spectacular save gloving the ball up over the bar for the corner kick.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Jody Todd

  Swung into the area knocked down into the mix, cleared by Bumstead, the counter on as Sophie Jermy takes it on for Griffiths who bombs forwards into the left channel making for the box is clipped as she looks to drive into the area, goes down play brought back for the free-kick, Bullard goes into the referees book. Loveland on the set-piece gets it past the Wroxham wall in towards goal, Williams though right behind seeing the ball into her mid-riff as she drops forwards. 

Lanta Griffith driving on for Mulbarton

 Into first half stoppage time Wroxham still prepared to push player forwards Drummie winning in in the middle on for Russell, playing the ball forwards as Rachel Jermy and Walker collide allowing a gap for Fuller to turn and run into looking to get onto it as it races towards the box, Todd sharp diving forwards onto the ball in the nick of time Fuller leaping up letting out a cry of frustration. 

a coming together at the back sees Hannah Fuller break after the ball

Jody Todd getting to the ball before Fuller can strike

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-0 Wroxham FC Women

  As one sided a goalless first half as you will ever see, Wroxham will be wondering how they are not in front have pushed hard for the opening goal, seeing one disallowed and the woodwork struck. Mulbarton goalkeeper Jody Todd called into action for a number of saves. The hosts have had to work hard at the back to keep Wroxham at bay right from the off a gutsy performance under pressure. Rebekah Lake up top on her own getting little to fed on. Wroxham pushing up will getting their full backs advanced to keep Mulbarton pushed back looking to move the ball about the park. Still with nothing in the goal scored column all to play for 2nd half.

  Changes for both sides at the break, Mulbarton staying out on the pitch making two changes bringing on Laura Hedtke and Melissa Belsey for Bumstead and Griffith. Ella Gambell coming on for Wroxham on the right replacing Bullard. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway, played into Russell looks to clip the ball out to the left for Densley, Brown can see it safely out of play for Mulbarton. 

  Gambell into the attack early on racing down the right into the corner winning a free-kick. Looped into the near post headed on across goal headed goal wards the ball claimed by Todd in goal. Russell gathering the ball into hr feet on the right tracking inside for Wroxham fires it into Densley running in central to curl a shot from 20 yards out wide of the right post.

Wroxham midfielder, Jennifer Drummie

  Wroxham looking to start of the 2nd half where they left off the first. Middleton drifting right seeing her cross cut out turned behind for a corner. The corner curled into the middle of the area by Densley headed back out to the right inside the box snatched hold of by Gambell strikes a shot on the angle saved by Todd knocked down into the ground and cleared by the defence. 

  Hedtke sending the ball on for Lake pulling out to the left for Mulbarton wide has limited options as she looks to cross the ball into the area, the ball intercepted by Hodgson. Drummie on through the middle, Middleton and Fuller running in ahead of her towards the area plays it on for Middleton central as Fuller peels away to the right of goal, Middleton lays the ball into her Megan Belsey getting across to lunge in to put in the block as she goes to pull the trigger the ball spinning away for a corner kick.

Rebekah Lake looking to cross the ball.

  The corner count rising Densley putting so useful balls ball in from that side, in central cleared back to Gambell right this time sends her shot behind. Mulbarton making another change bringing on Olivia Smith to replace Walker. Brown storming forwards with the ball on the left for Mulbarton, sending it inside to Lake 20 yards out, Clarke in to challenge her before she can look to spin in behind to shoot. 

Leah Brown coming forwards with the ball for Mulbarton

 Clarke running into space on the left found by Russell striking in a shot on the angle held by Todd. Mulbarton’s back line remain pinned back, Megan Belsey and Rachel Jermy both making a blocking tackle on Middleton and Fuller respectfully. Gambell adding to Wroxham’s threat going forwards with some driving runs on the right, sees a cross snuffed out by Rachel Jermy as he breaks for the by-line.

Ella Gambell attacking for Wroxham

  Clarke adding to the threat going forwards from the back on the left for Wroxham, bursting forwards plays a one two with Fuller as she continues her run past her into a central position to shoot from 20 yards out her effort fired straight at Todd who claims the ball. 

Chelsea Clarke getting forwards on the left for Wroxham

 Wroxham make their 2nd change bringing Rachel Cossey on to replace Middleton. Densley tracking in from the left appears to be bundled over, the visitors appealing for the fouls as the ball runs through to Gambell 25 yards out right side, Rachel Jermy rushing out to meet her win the challenge for Mulbarton. Wroxham win a corner on the right swung in near post Todd comes out into the mix to try and get hold of it doesn’t as the ball is turned behind for a 2nd corner.

  GOAL! The corner deliveries from the right have been dangerous and this one brings the opening goal the ball fired in with pace into the six yard box met by Robson making her 50th appearance for Wroxham gets her head under the ball powering it into the back of the net 0-1.

Wroxham celebrate scoring the opening goal

Tigi Robson scoring on her 50th appearance for the club

  The deadlock finally broken in the 65th minute. Play resumes Ryan and Griffith back on for Mulbarton the ball played up the left sent into the area, cleared. Robson down needing treatment. Wroxham suddenly down to 10 as Clarke finds herself sent to the sin bin the game had gotten a little testy. The visitors adjusting to the player disadvantage by making a change bringing of Densley, with Ellie Overton coming on the fill in at the back. 

Wroxham’s Albany Hodgson

   Gives Melissa Belsey less to worry about on her flank the full back getting forwards as Hedtke picks her out with the pass up the pitch lifts a cross into the box knocked clear by Hodgson. Mulbarton a goal down with a player advantage need to come out attack, have to remain wary of Wroxham’s attack still lively Gambell on the drive central closed down well by Megan Belsey. The ball swept out to Fuller pulling right side of the box lay the cross into the D with Drummie on the move Ryan going with her getting enough of a challenge in to slow her down force the ball left as Megan Belsey comes to clear the ball.

Melissa Belsey

  Wroxham competing well with one less player keeping the ball away from their exposed left flank. Russell on the left of the box heading the ball down into Fuller central turns to run out to the right, Smith stretching to stop her cross. Robson going down under a heavy challenge picking up a knock Wroxham on the attack Drummie clipped out to Fuller right her cross chipped into the box cleared by Megan Belsey.

  Griffith getting hold of the ball driving forwards through the middle for Mulbarton aiming to thread the ball through the Wroxham defence for Lake to hunt down, Williams though ready racing out to the top of her area to dive onto the ball.

Bryony Williams winning the race to claim the ball

  Mulbarton pressing on trying to find a break through to get them back on level terms Hedtke on for Lake to attack, Williams again going down to claim it spills the ball however no one is close enough to capitalise as the ball is made safe. Clarke’s time up is allowed back onto the pitch eager to resume, Overton pushed on ahead of her. Hunter and Gambell battling for the ball come together a bit of afters quickly dispelled, Hunter hurt in need of treatment can’t continue, Bumstead coming back on.

   Fuller with a drive on the right smashing the ball against the crossbar from the angle. Robson is down feeling the effects of her earlier knock, needs to come off with Newcombe returning to the game. The clock ticking down Wroxham continue to dominate the attack, yet while the score remains 1 nil Mulbarton only need one moment to turn the game on its head, looking unlikely though with Fuller driving on with the ball into the area, Melissa Belsey and Bumstead combining to defend see the ball out for a corner. 

 Gambell from the right cutting inside lays the ball in central, Loveland cutting it out for Mulbarton playing it forwards the left, Clarke latching hold of it coming straight back at them. The final whistle signalling the end of the game Wroxham clinch the win to send them through to the last 4 of this season’s ERWFL League Cup

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 0-1 Wroxham FC Women

  Tigi Robson’s 65th header proving to be the difference between the sides as Wroxham find a goal in the 2nd half to win the match. Doesn’t tell the whole story, Wroxham no doubt the dominant side going forwards right from the opening whistle creating chances getting players forwards to keep Mulbarton penned back limited their opportunities going forwards in the process. An intriguing yet tense contest. Mulbarton on the back foot never really found the spark to get ignited going forwards that left Lake isolated in attack, no doubt part of Wroxham’s game plan. Credit to the defence however who played well making some vital challenges under a lot of pressure. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match as more often than not a difficult one and one I don’t thankfully have to make on the final whistle, even if one or two players are in prime position in my thought the notes help immensely. Some great and battling performances out there. Firstly for Mulbarton, Ellie Hunter  really covered the ground in the middle getting back to help the defence and winning the ball doing her all to get her side going forwards. Credit to the defence for a hard fought display particularly Megan Belsey for some vital blocks and tackles. Goalkeeper Jody Todd too her saves and positioning undoubtedly keeping the score down. For Wroxham was a strong attacking performance  without necessarily getting the rewards. Both full backs got forwards well Leah Newcombe on the right, Chelsea Clarke strong on the left with some great runs and passing, getting into good shooting positions. Hannah Fuller up top would have scored a hat-trick on another day made some great runs pulling into the channels setting up others. Luci Middleton deeper with some fantastic runs with and without the ball to create chances. Tigi Robson scoring the winning goal in her 50th appearance for the club. As is often the case when one side is pushing the other back it’s how the ball is won back in the middle that often keeps the pressure on and for that today’s award goes to Jennifer Drummie a strong performance in the middle to win the ball and keep Wroxham pressing forwards getting into some good positions to have herself a shot too.

  Well rested after a week off, didn’t know how much I needed it. A great game to come back to. Always a good contest between the sides who might well end up facing each other in the County Cup should they win there respective quarter finals. My thanks to both for there help with the teams today and to catch up with a few footballing friends.

by Darren Gilham