Tag Archives: Wymondham Town Ladies

Cup Final Report – Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Friday 27th April

 Cup Final action this Friday from the FDC, Field of Dreams Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

  A contest between two sides currently at the top of their game in Norfolk. Both with an ambitious young manager at the helm, Bradley Mingay for Acle United, Alex Guy for Wymondham Town Ladies. 

 Acle United Ladies winners of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup in 2014/15, a currently 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division, amongst the title challengers games coming thick and fast at the end of the season. Two cup finals to contest the Norfolk Women’s County Cup this evening, have also reached the final of the ERWFL League Cup coming up on Sunday 13th May against AFC Dunstable Ladies.

   Wymondham Town Ladies are in their 2nd successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final and are looking to make it a double this season having already clinched the ERWFL Division One North title and promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division. Are unbeaten in the league drawing just the one of their 17 games so far and with just one game to play will be aiming to go the season without defeat. Scoring plenty of goals too Laura Nicholls top scorer with 40 goals this season to date. Hannah Waters joining the club midway through the season making an impact to with 22 goals from 15 appearances.

Road to the Final 

   Acle United Ladies received a bye in the 1st Round of the competition, whilst in contrast for Wymondham Town Ladies it was a repeat of last season’s final with a home draw against Thorpe United Ladies a 3-1 win for Wymondham knocking the County Cup holders out at the 1st hurdle. Onto the 2nd Round both Acle and Wymondham drawn away to Norfolk Women’s Division One opposition. Comfortable wins for both Acle putting 7 goals past Gorleston FC Ladies whilst Wymondham scored 8 without reply against Stalham Town Ladies.

  Frustration in the quarter finals for Acle after seeing their tie away to Aylsham Ladies previous County Cup Finalists postponed twice they were eventually awarded the away win to progress to the last 4 of the competition. Wymondham were already scoring plenty of goals when they were drawn away to Fakenham Town Ladies a crushing 15-0 win seeing them through to the semi-finals. Acle away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies who had seen off Norwich City Ladies at The Walks, Acle edging the result on the day 2-1 to reach the Final. Wymondham were drawn away aswell in the semi-final taking on Norfolk Women’s Division One leaders Sprowston Ladies. Unbeaten in the league and scoring plenty of goals Wymondham did so again a 7-0 win seeing them into their 2nd successive final. After missing out on the trophy last season Wymondham have added determination to lift it this time around.

 The venue for this evening’s final The FDC, Field of Dreams in Bowthorpe. Did wonder if we would see a game as the rain had been falling all day and heavy at times on the way there. However Norfolk FA declared the game on a slight concern about one goal mouth by the rain easing slightly. Not much cover beside the ground a small seated stand but despite the miserable conditions a good number had turned out most of the opinion this was going to be a good contest against two good sides.

 Acle United Ladies starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Anna Larkins, Naomi Cooper, Kate Pasque, Chloe Shields, Amber Rowland, Ceira Flatt, Lauren Bullard, Megan Todd (C), Kirstie Kindred & Laura Holden. Subs – Brogan Scully, Erin Wilson, Rhianne Brister, Grace Birchall & Leah McGuire.

Acle United Ladies

 Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Bethany Fretwell, Lauren Kett, Rachel Cossey (C), Alice Ladbrooke, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Nicholls & Hannah Waters. Subs – Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Alice Collins, Jorja Patterson, Rose Glendinning & Louise Hamilton-Rout.

Wymondham Town Ladies

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

  Acle centre back Kate Pasque a doubt before the game having pulled up early in the previous league match away to Royston Town Ladies last Sunday, however coming through the warm-up okay was okay to start. Lauren Kett at the back for Wymondham, starred for Thorpe United in last season’s County Cup Final success. Wymondham to get the first half kicked off wearing red shirts, black shorts and red and black hooped socks. Acle kitted out in white and black vertical striped shirts black shorts with black and white hooped socks. The rain briefly absent.

Both sides probing early on the ball knocked back and forth Wymondham play the ball up to Hannah Waters 30 yards out a speculative attempt from distance the ball landing wide of Cyan Fullbrook’s goal.  Megan Todd wide on the right likes to get the ball at her feet and drive at players, strong cutting inside Lauren Kett comes across to put in the tackle win the ball at the top of the area. Acle build from the left at the back Naomi Cooper bringing the ball on forwards for Lauren Bullard, Amber Rowland moving across from midfield receiving the ball sends Bullard on in behind her cross put behind at the near post.

   Close for Acle as the cross bar is struck early in the game a free-kick awarded in the centre of the Wymondham half, Rowland on the ball a good delivery up to the top of the area Todd the target right of the D gets up well, Ceira Flatt with a good run spinning clear of her marker, Todd’s header falling to her running into the six yard box at the far post catches the ball on the volley her strike smashing up against the bar, drops back into play Wymondham getting it clear.

GOAL! No sooner have Acle come so close to the opening goal Wymondham get up the other end and score. Winning a corner kick on the left side. The initial delivery in defended by Todd at the near post her header going back to the taker the ball shifted and crossed back in high Bethany Fretwell rising highest 8 yards out to get her head on the ball, Fullbrook jumping gets a glove up toward the ball as it smashed against the crossbar drops straight down into the middle of the six yard box straight to Laura Nicholls sends the ball over the line to put Wymondham into the lead 0-1.

  Acle are soon on the attack after the restart looking for a quick response Todd with a powerful run with the ball on the right fires a cross in low towards the near post the shot bu Kirstie Kindred into the side netting. Laura Holden see’s the ball come straight to her as goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan miscue’s her goal kick the ball striking the Acle attacker 25 yards out right of goal she shoots for goal looking to put the ball wide across the keeper too wide the ball runs wide of the far post. 

  Flatt picks up the ball in midfield for Acle takes it on Rowland going with her as she plays the pass out to Bullard getting in behind wide left her cross put back into the middle for Rowland top of the area she brings it inside before unleashing a shot her curling effort rising goes wide of the far post. Wymondham counter quickly the ball put over the top see’s Nicholls running clear in behind, Fullbrook quickly out to the edge of the area to slide in claim the ball at her feet. A good tempo to the game a good sized pitch conditions are tricky but players are keeping their feet well enough as the rain begins to fall once more. 

  Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey is down injured in midfield and cannot continue she is substituted, Jorja Patterson coming on a direct swap. Todd bursts forwards down the right with the ball her low cross in defended Fretwell clearing the ball. Bullard winning a corner on the left as she and Cooper combine well on the left. The ball driven in low towards the near post is deflected into the side netting a goal kick given. A good contest the sides fairly evenly matched the ball played up to Hannah Waters inside the Acle area her knock down back to Kayleigh Holloway on the left her ball back in charged down by Todd. 

  O’Callaghan saves with her legs as Acle attacking down the right send a cross in long across the six yard box Bullard arriving far side with the shot towards goal. Holden and Kindred try to force their way through the Wymondham defence Kindred winning the ball pushes it into Holden she takes t on as Holden tries to get in behind the ball intercepted the deflection taking it away for a corner. The ball attacked near post defended a crowd going for the ball two players down in the aftermath. 

Wymondham’s Alice Ladbrooke with the pass on to Mollie O’Callaghan left side, Anna Larkins with the challenge to break up the attack. Wymondham regain possession in the middle the ball out to the right the cross swung into the area Kate Pasque up to head it away, Alice Ladbrooke claiming the ball puts it forwards early as Acle look to clear the box, do so as Nicholls breaks clear on goal the offside flag halting her attack. Acle attack Cooper picking up possession on the left allowed to travel comes inside out for Bullard wide left her cross along the top of the area, Kindred meeting it her shot central inside the D played wide of the far post.  

 A substitution for Acle Bullard coming off, Grace Birchall coming on. Rowland is fouled on halfway the free-kick played forwards early Fretwell does well under challenge to get the ball safely back to her keeper. Kindred wins the ball 25 yards out Rowland getting forwards to support her right side the ball passed out to Todd her cross fired in near post, two Acle attackers going for the ball put behind for the goal kick. 

GOAL! Just over half an hour played and Acle get themselves back on level terms. Awarded a free-kick out on the right players forwards from the back is a very good ball into the six yard box O’Callaghan comes to punch the ball attacked by Todd it goes beyond her Pasque close behind bundles the ball over the line 1-1. 

GOAL! Wymondham are soon back in front the goal coming from another set-piece a free-kick on half-way the ball played up to the top of the area a push in the back spotted a 2nd free-kick awarded in a dangerous position central right at the top of the D. Mollie O’Callaghan to take, she goes for goal her strike clipping the Acle wall the deflection sending it up and looping over Fullbrook into the back of the net 1-2.

Flatt comes forwards her pass on for Todd on the right the ball into the area intercepted deflected back to Todd who strikes it from 25 yards out her effort bouncing wide across goal taking a nick off a Wymondham player on the way through a corner given. Acle press late on in the 1st half winning another corner right side the delivery into Holden good hold up play she turns he cross back in landing on the roof of the net. Kindred spins in behind, Fretwell quick to recover comes back on her to slide in put the ball out for a throw top of the area. Patterson gets hold of the ball for Wymondham sends it forwards for Waters in the area up against Pasque the defender wins the challenge. 

Half-time Acle United Ladies 1-2 Wymondham Town Ladies

  An entertaining 1st half comes to an end Wymondham holding the narrow advantage could quite easily have been the other way around. Both sides coping with the conditions well are evenly matched and all 3 goals ave come from a set piece. More of the same in the 2nd half and the game could go either way, maybe all the way Acle having been involved in a penalty shootout the last time they were here.

  Acle to get the 2nd half underway start the 2nd half brightly pressing forwards Rowland passing the ball left to Birchall her early diagonal ball into the area Todd closing in on the far post cant quite reach it. Flatt into Rowland as Acle come again she picks out Holden breaking away to the right her cross screws away behind at the near post. Birchall with the ball comes inside from the left digs a shot out from the edge of the area her strike racing wide across goal past the far post. Acle attacking with purpose at the start of the 2nd half, Holden with the ball 25 out Fretwell steps out of the back line to put in the tackle win the ball. 

  Todd with possession for Acle, Larkins races past her on the overlap drives a cross into the box Kindred has it at her feet looks to turn in behind Kett on top of her the defender winning the tackle. Todd takes the ball one cutting inside past one past two is stopped by Fretwell. Acle make a change Broghan Scully on for Flatt. Clarke intercepting the ball played up the line for Todd on the right. Larkins getting forwards on the right her cross going long Newcombe with the header to get the ball clear for Wymondham. A change for Wymondham Ladbrooke coming off, Brooklyn Cheal=Ferris on. 

  Wymondham have stood firm against the early Acle assault at the start of the 2nd half. Attacking up the other end on the left side Waters cutting inside with the ball is brought down. A little further out this time for O’Callaghan left corner of the area sends the ball in long towards the far post, Todd up to head the ball away to safety. 

GOAL! Having weathered the storm Wymondham get forwards and score to extend their lead a good run from the back by full back Clarke as the ball won in the middle is spread out to Waters moving into the left channel, Clarke breaking into the box inside her the ball rolled into her sends it wide across the advancing goalkeeper at the top of the six yard box to make it 1-3.

Chasing the ball down on the right side Nicholls wins Wymondham a corner kick. The delivery in near post leaves a Wymondham player floored needing treatment. The Acle players rush to the bench to receive instruction. A change made Shields coming off at the back Erin Wilson coming on. Larkins moves inside to support Pasque, Cooper coming over to right back. Mollie O’Callaghan is struggling with injury needs to come off Ladbrooke is sent back on. 

Birchall plays the ball in from the left looking to put Holden through on goal, O’Callaghan can see the ball safely into her body. Todd with an attack on the right into the box the ball defended by Kett, deflected away. Holden with it on left is tackled by Newcombe top of the area. Holden is fouled by Kett 30 yards out Birchall placing the ball in a central position driving in low strikes the wall, then Clarke is fouled as she races out to clear the ball. Another injury Rowland taking the knock this time is taken off Flatt coming back on. 

  Cheal-Ferris cuts the ball out as Acle look to release Cooper into space on the right. Birchall bringing the ball down strikes it on the half volley form all of 35 yards out her effort not troubling O’Callaghan. Alice Collins comes on for Wymondham in place of Patterson with lass than 10 minutes left to play. Acle push forwards left side the ball into the area defended the deflection coming to Cooper on the right 20 yards out her 1st time shot put wide of goal..

 Birchall with the run into the area from the left the ball gets caught in the turf preventing her from striking it early hold’s onto possession taking it to the byline firing a cross in along the six yard box behind Cooper she tries to knock it back inside for Holden can’t find her Fretwell launching the ball up field. Ladbrooke tracking back into the area as Acle break forwards in attack is well placed to put in the block, the ball deflected out of the area Fretwell comes out quickly to clear the threat.

  A corner for Acle the ball as Holden wins the ball races forwards into the area Ladbrooke back there again to slide in to block put the ball behind. The delivery from the right into the middle Birchall getting to the ball looks to turn in towards goal, is shoved to the floor I’m right in line with it and it looks a clear penalty but the appeals are dismissed play goes on. More bad news for Acle moments later as they are reduced to 10 Flatt shown a red card as she commits a foul in the middle, poor judgement kicking the ball in frustration. 

  Wymondham make a change bringing on Louise Hamilton-Rout in the closing stages for Nicholls. Holloway giving way too Patterson back on. Birchall with run up the left tacked by Newcombe. The game moving into stoppage time 6 minutes added. Birchall fouled wide on the left players come forwards from the back, the delivery in towards the near post O’Callaghan taking it cleanly not distracted by the runners closing her down. 

GOAL! Acle press forwards looking for a goal attacking right play stretched Birchall and Kett are both down left side inside the six yard box as the defender puts in the challenge, the ball cleared comes back out to Cooper on the right play goes on, Kett struggling to her feet plays Cooper onside as she manages to get across into a central position to block Cooper’s initial strike the rebound coming straight back to her she shifts it inside and buries the ball into the back of the net this time 2-3. 

  Kindred returns to the field for Birchall as Acle have seconds left to try and find another goal. Is frantic out there, there isn’t time however the final whistle blows and Wymondham are triumphant winning the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history.

Full time Acle United Ladies 2-3 Wymondham Town Ladies

  A good contest between two strong sides. Wymondham with the narrow advantage at half-time weathering the Acle assault early in the 2nd half breaking away to extend their lead. Defended well on the whole Fretwell and Kett strong in the middle of defence. A late goal for Acle ending up a consolation. A hard game to call before kick-off the result could have gone either way in the finish. Wymondham having a fantastic season wining promotion now league and cup double. One more game to go in the league back in action in less that 48 hours away to Histon Ladies where they will want to end the season unbeaten I am sure. Acle are back in league action too on Sunday a long trip down to Hertfordshire to play Colney Heath Ladies. Have another chance for silverware with the ERWFL League Cup Final yet to come.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Several contenders once again for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, knew there would be. Megan Todd was excellent for Acle, Alice Ladbrooke strong in the middle for Wymondham as were their centre backs Lauren Kett doing well but like the Norfolk FA’s choice I’m going with Bethany Fretwell a very composed performance throughout the game.

2017/18 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners, Wymondham Town Ladies

 Congratulations to Wymondham Town Ladies on there league and cup success.

 Norfolk FA always put on a good final the staff always helpful and despite the awful weather a good number made the trip. An enjoyable game managed to keep my notepad dry somehow. 3 more finals coming up next week.

Match Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Ladies

Sunday 8th October

 Today’s match report features another game from this season’s FA Women’s Cup, 3rd Round Qualifying with Wymondham Town Ladies hosting Newmarket Town Ladies this Sunday afternoon. A personal milestone too with this being the 300th match report I’ve written since beginning the SWF Blog back in 2013, loved every minute of it so far and looking forwards to today’s action.

A place in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup up for grabs today history will be made for which ever side achieves it. Newmarket Town Ladies having got as far in the competition as they ever have before in a great vein of form. So too are Wymondham Town Ladies and they have enjoyed the FA Women’s Cup in previous seasons too beating FAWPL opposition along the way a chance to reach the 1st Round Proper this time around.

Wymondham Town Ladies are plying their trade in the ERWFL Division One North his season as the regional leagues 2nd tier has split into 2 divisions. Finished 3rd in the one league Division One last season after winning promotion as Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions. Will be aiming to top the table this time around achieve promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division. Manager Alex Guy is assisted by Luke Worley this season and will know plenty about today’s opponents having been Newmarket Town Ladies 1st team coach last season. Joining him from Newmarket are midfielder Kristin Hummel and striker Nadine Basson. Alice Ladbrooke joins the club having been with Acle United Ladies. Brooke Moreno is another new signing along with defender Lauren Kett, who impressed a number of opposition coaches with her performances for Thorpe United Ladies last season.

   Wymondham Town Ladies began their FA Women’s Cup campaign with a 4-0 away win against Norfolk Women’s Division One side Sprowston Ladies. Onto 2nd Round Qualifying were drawn at home to play Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies won through comfortable 7-1 to reach 3rd Round Qualifying drawn at home to face Newmarket Town Ladies who they knocked out of the competition in 1st Round Qualifying last season winning 7-2 away from home.

 Have followed Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side, Newmarket Town Ladies progress in the competition in the previous 2 qualifying rounds making history as they won their 1st ever game in the FA Women’s Cup being Histon Ladies in 1st Round Qualifying 4-2, then making more history in 2nd Round Qualifying at home coming back from 3-0 with 15 minutes left to win the tie 4-3 in extra-time and progress. Having twice beaten sides in the ERWFL Division One North they were drawn away to a 3rd in 3rd Round Qualifying. A tough contest but come into the game unbeaten in league and cup. Have a new signing of their own Millie Bales who starts up front for them this afternoon.

King’s Head Meadow the venue for today’s FA Women’s Cup tie. The bar and clubhouse overlooking to pitch on entry a Sunday Carvery on offer before the game. Newmarket bringing plenty of support to the game a good atmosphere building. A good sized pitch a little bobbly always looks a heavy pitch but is deceivingly well drained. Overcast but quite mild no rain forecast a light breeze. After missing last weekend due to illness I was keen to get some action in.

Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Lauren Kett, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Brook Cheal-Ferris, Rachel Cossey (C), Kristin Hummel, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kayleigh Holloway, Nadine Basson & Laura Wiseman. Subs – Laura Watson, Alice Collins, Laura Nicholls, Brooke Moreno & Alice Ladbrooke.

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Eloise Hope, Jess Linger, Jennifer Gray, Yasmin Woodfield, Beth Woodfield (C), Antonia Smith, Chloe Slater, Laura Bailey, Abbi Griffin, Brooke Wickens & Millie Bales. Subs – Dominika Szary, Cindy Ponder, Ellie Marshall, Sarah O’Rourke & Lauren Deller.

 It’s Newmarket to get this afternoon’s FA Women’s Cup tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. Wymondham lined up opposite wearing red shirts and black shorts with red and black hooped socks. Wymondham look to press Newmarket on the ball inside their own half, the visitors break the ball played up the left wing new signing Millie Bales running onto the ball down to the byline cuts the ball back sending it into the crowd gathered at the top of the area, Chloe Slater connects sending a low drive in towards goal, goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan diving to her left pushing the ball around the post to concede the corner. The corner comes in central Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey gets her head on the ball clearing it towards the top of the area dropping to Newmarket’s, Laura Bailey she strikes a shot over the crossbar. 

Wymondham Town Ladies captain, Rachel Cossey

An even start to the game both sides want to use the width the pitch offers. A throw in inside the Newmarket half for Wymondham on the right, Laura Wiseman 25 yards out flicks the ball on into the path of strike partner Nadine Basson her tough takes the ball on into the area right of goal shapes to shoot, Newmarket captain, Beth Woodfield throws out a leg to take the ball away from the striker, Basson retains possession turning puts the ball into Wiseman as she makes a run into the box connecting 1st time sends her shot over. 

Wymondham make ground on the right wing, Kristin Hummel linking with Kayleigh Holloway between them they work a cross along the face of the Newmarket area, an instinctive strike from 16 year old Mollie O’Callaghan younger sister to goalkeeper Ashleigh to turn the ball towards goal from inside the D, racing along the ground the ball swerves away from the far post wide. Basson is looking lively for Wymondham in the early stages peeling away to the right is almost away clear as Hummel plays her in, good recovering from Newmarket left back Jennifer Gray to slide in and win the ball.

On the opposite flank Brooke Cheal-Ferris getting forwards for Wymondham sees her cross deflected up onto the roof of the Newmarket net a corner to the home side taken short up the line for Cheal-Ferris her driven shot from 25 yards is deflected behind for another corner, this time the inswinging ball is headed clear by Yasmin Woodfield. Bales looks to have plenty of pace in attack for Newmarket as she gives chase to a long cleared ball closing with Kett the defender looking to shield the ball as O’Callaghan advances from her area, right corner, Bales steals in between them both taking the ball wide tries to send a shot in towards the empty net beyond sees her attempt run wide at the near post.

   The match is being played at a good tempo the ball rarely still, Mollie O’Callaghan left into Basson top of the area left of the D her snap shot is split by Newmarket goalkeeper Eloise Hope but thankfully for her runs narrowly wide of her near post the corner given. Newmarket defend and get the ball moving forwards quickly winning a throw in left side the ball is played into Laura Bailey in a central position, drives forwards looking to get into the box, 4 Wymondham players converge on her no way through. 

Abbi Griffin looking to hold the ball up for Newmarket Town Ladies

  Newmarket working hard are disrupting Wymondham’s flow their final touch a little wayward giving the visitors defence time to recover. Getting forwards on the left Bales getting in behind squares the ball along the top of the area into Bailey she in turn helps in on for Abbi Griffin coming inside from the right strikes the ball from outside the area, she shot racing wide across the face of goal. 

  GOAL! 19 minutes played and Wymondham take the lead the game end to end in the opening period a chance is taken building from the back Cheal-Ferris left on for Mollie O’Callaghan her pass forwards finds Wiseman breaking into the area left of goal, latching onto the ball Hope comes sliding out to meet her Wiseman takes the ball around the keeper and turns it into the empty net beyond to open the scoring 1-0.

Laura Wiseman opens the scoring for Wymondham Town Ladies

Wymondham regain possession of the ball from the restart full back Leah Newcombe getting her foot wrapped around the ball on the touchline to send it up the right wing for Holloway her cross driven into the box is defended the cleared ball running straight back to her, Holloway tries again this time into Hummel outside the area she strikes the ball 1st time centrally the driven shot runs low and wide across goal. A great ball from Cossey from the right side sees Wiseman clear through the middle, her 1st touch far too heavy she rashly slides in to try and win the ball as goalkeeper Hope gets down low to claim. Hope is okay to continue after receiving treatment.

Wiseman with another opportunity to have a strike on goal making a left channel run into the area is played in from the wing wins the race to the ball with Beth Woodfield squeezing a shot away from the top of the six yard box, Hope makes a great save with her legs the ball deflected into the air just about cleared by Linger. Basson with a spin and shot from 25 yards out straight down Hope’s throat the goalkeeper palms the ball down safely as the game reaches the half hour mark. A good spell for Wymondham Holloway getting free on the right fires a cross along the face of goal Mollie O’Callaghan arriving far post tries to turn it back in towards goal, Both Beth Woodfield and Hope throw themselves at the ball between defender and goalkeeper one of them makes the save the ball behind for a corner. Another corner played up the line the ball into the box slices up off a defenders boot however Hope is well positioned to prevent the own goal.

Wymondham fullback Leah Newcombe tackling Newmarket’s Abbi Griffin

Good hold up play by Newcombe on the left touchline rolls the ball back to Betty Fretwell her long ball forwards rights Basson free on the right strikes the ball early the shot narrowly over. Newmarket send players forwards as they are awarded a free-kick inside the Wymondham half, Linger to take sends the ball in towards the top of the area cleared to the right possession is regained by Slater she lifts the ball in towards goal threatening to loop in over the keeper, O’Callaghan throws herself up and getting a glove on the ball diverts it wide of her far post. Linger has another opportunity to play a set-piece inside the Wymondham half 40 yards out as Griffin is upended. This time goes for goal a good delivery looping up and down destined for the top corner if only it was half a yard to the right.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 1-0 Newmarket Town Ladies

  An enthralling 1st half in this FA Women’s Cup tie, a narrow lead for Wymondham Town Ladies could have been 3 or 4 had they taken their chances however Newmarket have had their chances too and could have taken an early lead a competitive and even contest Wymondham getting more of the ball later on. One goal in it the tie is still wide open.

No changes for either side at half-time as Wymondham get the 2nd 45 minutes underway. The home side on the attack straight away Mollie O’Callaghan putting the ball forwards for Wiseman looking to break into the area, is a great tackle from Beth Woodfield to deny her a shooting opportunity. Mollie O’Callaghan with a chance to go for goal herself as she catches Linger in possession on the left side winning the ball pushing on comes inside finding room outside the area to shoot the ball racing in towards goal, Hope dives full stretch to her left, the ball turns away from goal and evades both the keeper and her goal beyond. 

Newmarket Town Ladies captain, Beth Woodfield

Holloway with a powerful run on the ball right side squares the cross into the area Wiseman near side 10 yards out turns the ball in towards goal, putting it straight into Hope’s gloves. Pressure from Wymondham with the ball right side worked into the middle, Cossey sees 2 shots blocked in quick succession. Play is getting a little frantic rushed passes going astray. A corner for Wymondham as Basson’s clever flick on plays Mollie O’Callaghan to her right into the box, Beth Woodfield tackling gives away the corner. The cross eventually comes in from deep long Fretwell jumping can’t control her header.

  Closing in on the hour mark Newmarket make a double substitution bringing of Smith and Bales send on Cindy Ponder and Lauren Deller. Newmarket get players forwards the ball with Wickens on the left she plays the ball into Bailey making a central run into the area, stretching for the ball she stabs it goalwards, rising the ball is played straight at O’Callaghan the goalkeeper claiming the ball. 

GOAL! Newmarket level the scores, getting players forwards attacking the ball is played into the box from the right the referee spots an infringement and points to the spot awarding the visitors a penalty kick. Up steps Linger to take opts for power and placement sending the rising ball to the left of the diving O’Callaghan 1-1.

Wymondham respond by making a substitution bringing off Basson up front send on Laura Nicholls to join Wiseman in the attack. 

GOAL! Newmarket turn the game around on it head 6 minutes after getting back on level terms go on to take the lead. Ponder is fouled inside the Wymondham half 30 yards out as she looks to bring the ball forwards. The free-kick awarded Newmarket’s set-piece specialist Linger comes forwards to take. A great connection sends the ball up over the wall and dipping late flies in over the keeper to land in the back of the net 1-2.

Jess Linger sees her set-piece go in to give Newmarket Town Ladies the lead

 A great run on the ball from Griffin right side moments later getting past two Wymondham players making it into the box is stopped by the challenge from Kett putting the ball away for the corner. Wymondham make their 2nd change bringing on Alice Ladbrooke for Hummel in the middle of the park. Nicholls hasn’t quite got her bearings since entering the game flagged offside on a couple of occasions as Wymondham threaten to break. Gets a shot away from inside the box right side as Wiseman goes on a run with the ball down the right puts the cross into her path lunging at the ball forces a good save from Hope with her legs at the near post.

GOAL! Wymondham have been on the attack since going behind seeing crosses flashed across the box they capitalise on a piece of lax defending from Newmarket trying to control the ball inside their box the headers between two defenders then back to to keeper sees Nicholls pounce closing all three down steals in between defender and ball to get her head on it and put it past Hope into the back of the net beyond 2-2. 

Newmarket Town Ladies, Cindy Ponder tackling Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls

Newmarket make their 3rd and final change bringing off Gray at left back and sending on Ellie Marshall. A vital interception from Yasmin Woodfield at the back with play stretched she cuts out Holloway’s diagonal ball with Wiseman ready to run in on goal behind her. Griffin finding room to cross on the right her ball into the six yard box clawed down by O’Callaghan with Deller ready to pounce beyond her. Cossey struggling comes off for Wymondham, Brooke Moreno their final substitution.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Kayleigh Holloway

The substitute making an immediate impact as she gets clear on the right driving for the corner wraps her foot around the ball sending a cross into the six yard box, falling for Nicholls she opts to go with the outside of her right boot ends up stabbing the ball directly into the keepers welcoming gloves. Up the other end Deller sends a shot wide across goal from 25 yards out as Ponder wins the challenge in the middle. Play continues to be stretched Newmarket starting to tire Wymondham win a corner on the left the ball in headed clear by Marshall, Mollie O’Callaghan gathers it outside the box puts her foot through the shot the strike deflected through to the keeper. Into the final 5 minutes of the match. 

Wymondham finding space up front with Nicholls playing through the middle Wiseman drifting right late on. Mollie O’Callaghan plays the ball on for Nicholls 20 yards out right of goal shoots the ball racing wide of the near post. Attacking down the right Wymondham looking strong as the game moves into stoppage time Moreno with the cross in Linger inside her box gets her head on the ball sending it back out to the near post area, Nicholls is there for Wymondham, Hope realising the danger goes to close her down, Nicholls gets her header over the keeper, dropping Linger on the cover clears the ball off the line. 

Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 2-2 Newmarket Town Ladies

  All square at 2-2 after the 90 minutes are up the tie heads into extra-time. Sometimes you can live to eat your words and this is one of those times predicted it could go either way and certainly in the 299 match reports I’ve written before nothing like what was to follow has happened before, but then Wymondham looked to have more energy left as the game drew to a close. Onto extra-time.

Extra-time

  All the substitutes have been used by both sides as Newmarket get the 1st 15 minute period of extra-time underway. Wymondham have possession get forwards down the right Moreno with an early cross the ball running across the area Holloway trying to close in from the left Hope can see the ball run wide.

Mollie O’Callaghan gives Wymondham Town Ladies the lead in extra-time

GOAL! Wymondham get the early break through in extra-time the pushing players forwards the ball is played into Mollie O’Callaghan left side outside the box she gets a shot away the ball running across the six yard box strikes the far post and is turned into the back of the net 3-2.

GOAL! A hammer blow for Newmarket as they concede again in quick succession the ball regained by Wymondham played through the middle early Nicholls in behind is onside after the ball, Hope comes racing out to close her down, the Wymondham attacker winning the race for the ball stabs the ball past the advancing keeper inside the D and sees it roll into the back of the empty net beyond 4-2.

Newmarket suddenly look very tired, Wymondham on the other hand are re-energised snapping for the ball win it back from their opponents Wiseman with a drive from outside the area her shot held by Hope. A great ball forwards by Ladbrooke finds Nicholls her touch drags the ball out to the right firing a cross back in the ball looking for Holloway the winger is flagged offside.

GOAL! Wymondham extend their lead further as Wiseman is played in behind from another great ball from Ladbrooke. Has the extra pace to take her beyond the Newmarket defence into the box right of goal sends her strike across the keeper and into the back of the net 5-2. 

GOAL! Moments later Wiseman scores again to claim her hat-trick the ball from Ladbrooke sending her through in behind again into the box keeps her composure to take the ball around the advancing keeper and slot it home for 6-2.

GOAL! A devastating spell from Wymondham as they go further ahead breaking from a Newmarket free-kick up to the top of their area the ball carried up the left players getting forwards, Cheal-Ferris fires the cross in going long across the face of goal Moreno is there far post to direct her header back across goal and in 7-2.

It’s all Wymondham, Ladbrooke winning everything in the middle. Holloway sees a shot from inside the box left side saved by Hope. Nicholls over runs the ball as she is sent clear through the middle.

GOAL! Wymondham have time in the 1st period of extra-time for one more goal cruel on a tired Newmarket defence as they give away a penalty the ball send diagonally across the park to Moreno arriving in the box from the right she looks to slide in on the ball, Marshall lunging into the challenge attempts to block her shot succeeds but in doing so her arm makes contact with the ball the referee points to the spot an opportunity for Nicholls to complete her own hat-trick in the game she makes no mistake sending her low shot to the keepers left 8-2. The 1st period of extra-time is over and Wymondham it’s fair to say are in full control.

Wymondham kick off the 2nd period of extra-time, Newmarket having put so much into the game are totally deflated. 

GOAL! It’s another goal to the home side early in the 2nd period of extra-time. Nicholls claims her 4th of the match as she is fed through the middle has the energy to beat Woodfield to the ball as the defender does her best to hold her up Hope comes out to the edge of the area to close the pair down, Nicholls gets the ball past her to make it 9-2.

Griffin with possession of the ball finds the energy to have a run at the Wymondham defence left side too many bodies to beat is stopped by Fretwell. Nicholls moving out to the right has the ball at her feet cuts it back towards the top of the area O’Callaghan racing in sends her 1st time strike over the bar. 

Hope makes the save as Wiseman gets clear running into the box right side looks to put the ball across the keeper, Hope gets down to grab hold of the ball. Ponder is has been struggling for a few minutes going down unwell, dizzy needs to come off Newmarket go down to 10 can’t be helped. 

  Holloway beats Hope on the left side of the box as the keeper comes out to try and stop her, putting the cross in to O’Callaghan she has an open goal to shoot at looks to place the ball, Woodfield recovers the ground to block the shot inside the six yard box.

Extra-time is over and Wymondham scoring a stunning 7 goals in the extra half hour win 9-2 to make history and advance to the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup for the 1st time.

A devastating spell in the 1st period of extra-time to totally dominate the tie after an entertaining 90 minutes before. Clinical in their finishing where they weren’t during regular play. Had plenty of chances but weren’t taken. In the end had the energy levels to maintain their momentum going into the closing stages of the game and into extra-time. Another great comeback from Newmarket 1-0 down at half-time to go on to lead 2-1 in the 2nd half couldn’t hold on to the lead Wymondham came back and finishing the game stronger had the extra energy to overcome a rapidly tiring Newmarket whose own valiant run in this season’s FA Women’s Cup comes to an end. A very harsh scoreline in the finish but they can be inspired by their performances all against higher league opposition can carry that into their league campaign their aim to win the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   This never gets any easier picking the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match is another tough one, leaving the ground I still hadn’t picked one and sometimes it’s only when I go through my notes whilst preparing a match report do I come to a decision and in this case one player did stand out, so today’s Player of the Match goes to Wymondham Town Ladies, Laura Wiseman. A hat-trick in the end could well have claimed it in the 1st half of the game alone good runs and positioning to get herself into those scoring chances throughout the match.

300 match reports written and this one is as different as the 1st such an exciting game and so hard to predict that’s why I love it so much… think I’ve got a few more in me. My thanks to both clubs for their help today as always very much appreciated. The draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup will be made on Monday.

*UPDATE* The draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup has been made and Wymondham Town Ladies face an away tie against FAWPL South East Division One side Enfield Town Ladies who narrowly over came ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Sudbury Ladies 1-0 in 3rd Round Qualifying. Tie scheduled to be played Sun 12th November with a 1pm kick-off.

Match Report – Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

The latest match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup. With Acle United Ladies winners of the competition 2 season’s ago hosting Wymondham Town Ladies who were looking to reach the final for the 1st time.

Match Report – Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

 
  County Cup semi-finals day in Norfolk this Sunday and the Supporting Women’s Football Blog was there to watch the game between Acle United Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies.

  Both sides doing well in their respective leagues, 2 of the 3 sides in Norfolk who play their football outside of the County league set-up. Acle United Ladies well placed to mount a challenge for the title in the ERWFL Premier Division going into the latter end of the season. Won the Norfolk Women’s County Cup two season’s ago have beaten Norfolk Women’s Division One sides, North Walsham Angels Ladies in the 2nd Round 4-3 and King’s Lynn Town Ladies 5-3 in the quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals of this years competition.

  Wymondham Town Ladies play a league below in the ERWFL Division One having been promoted as Norfolk Division One Champions last season. Doing well in their debut season playing at regional level in 3rd place in the table and have reached the semi-finals of the league cup. Awarded an away win in the 2nd Round of the County Cup beat Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies 7-1 at home to reach the last 4 of the competition. Are looking to make their 1st ever final appearance in the County Cup.

  Seen Acle United Ladies at home several times, however this is just the 2nd time I’ve seen them play in their regular home venue at Bridgewell Lane in Acle due to weather issues. Is part of a multi-sports complex and recreation ground home of Acle United FC too. Tennis courts, bowling club and skateboard park. Headed the the large clubhouse and bar overlooking the main pitch. Had threatened to be wet and windy this afternoon and although the wind would pick up later in the game it was actually bright and sunny as the two sides walked out onto the pitch.

  Acle United Ladies starting XI – Joanne Hooper, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodfield, Megan Cletheroe, Leah McGuire, Kate Pasque, Chloe Shields, Amber Rowland, Lauren Bullard, Megan Todd & Rebecca Burton (C).
  subs – Jade Copeman, Jody Wells & Bryony Knights

  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Brooke Cheal-Ferris, Bethany Fretwell, Lily Ray, Rachel Cossey (C), Amber Cantwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Gemma Sanders, Alice Collins & Laura Wiseman.

  subs – Laura Nicholls, Chelsea Clarke & Laura Hamilton-Rout.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

    It’s Wymondham wearing red shirts with black trim, red shorts and red and white hooped sock to kick off the semi-final game with Acle lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts with black and white hooped socks. The ball is out wide early on Wymondham looking to attack down the left Kayleigh Holloway looking to take the ball on is tackled by Anna Larkins at right back for Acle, the ball played forwards up to captain Rebecca Burton is knocked out wide to Megan Todd on the right pushes inside looking to get into the Wymondham area, Brooke Cheal-Ferris makes the challenge wins the ball.
Kayleigh Holloway looking to attack for Wymondham Town Ladies
  Progress on the right for Wymondham the ball played forwards down the channel Gemma Sanders going after it get’s in behind the Acle defence lunging for the ball sends it in towards the middle of the six yard box with striker Laura Wiseman well placed to meet it, Larkins gets across in front of her to knock the ball wide of goal and behind for the corner kick. A good inswinging ball from the right side Acle goalkeeper, Joanne Hooper punches the ball away from under her crossbar, defender Leah McGuire clears the ball from the area.
 

Acle’s Kate Pasque tackles Wymondham’s Laura Wiseman
   Amber Cantwell on the ball in the middle of the park for Wymondham drives forwards is fouled 35 yards from goal, picks herself up to take the free-kick players forwards from the back flights the delivery towards the far post area six yards out Bethany Fretwell goes for the header can’t get anything on the ball as it drifts out of play. A good start from Wymondham, Holloway looks to get away on the right, Kate Pasque tracks her from midfield for Acle stops the early cross, Holloway’s 2nd attempt floors defender Megan Cletheroe the ball catching her in the face, play is stopped so she can receive treatment is alright to continue.
  Amber Rowland plays the ball out to Lauren Bullard on the move wide left for Acle covers alot of ground before cutting inside rolling the ball into Pasque 35 yards out lines up a shot sends her effort over the crossbar. Bringing the ball on up the left for Wymondham, Holloway looks for the give and go with Wiseman coming across to receive the ball, Wiseman attempts to send the return ball into Holloway as she goes beyond the full back, Larkins reading the move intercepts and plays it up the line to Todd a powerful runner on the ball goes in field heading to the box left of the D checks back and shoots the ball straight at Wymondham goalkeeper, Ashleigh O’Callaghan who catches cleanly.
Acle United Ladies, Anna Larkins
   Todd finds herself in a central position as Acle break up a Wymondham attack the ball played into her by Rowland she brings it on before firing it into Burton inside the D, back to goal she turns well looking to shoot the Wymondham defence close her down quickly the ball put behind for a corner kick on the left. Is a relatively open game both sides looking to attack with purpose whenever they have the ball Wiseman moving wide right to receive the ball plays it on for Sanders moving ahead of her her ball into the area going long towards the far post Holloway goes after it looks to cut back inside is dispossessed Acle look to counter attack Burton gets the ball on for Todd who takes it on into the right corner before crossing the ball back into Burton at the top of the area the striker dink the ball over the Wymondham defence, goalkeeper O’Callaghan calls for it spills the ball is Pasque bares down on her, but manages to turn and get her body between the Acle player and ball claim at the 2nd attempt. 
  Good hold up play from Alice Collins up front for Wymondham right side as she looks to get Sanders in on the ball the winger clipped and brought down as she looks to take the ball on. Cantwell on the ball wide right lofts the ball in towards the near post Hooper isn’t challenged as she claims the ball well. Chloe Shields goes on a forwards run with the ball for Acle through the middle moving left then right into the box sending the ball on with Todd clear to her left O’Callaghan comes sliding out to get the ball as Todd throws herself forwards trying to get to it 1st knocks the ball on into the keeper and behind for the corner. Is a vicious deliver from the left flashing through the six yard box no one can connect however.
  Shields gives away a free-kick inside the Acle half right of the centre circle Cantwell has Cheal-Ferris free to her left rolls the ball into her takes on the shot from distance, Hooper can see the ball wide of her left post. Few strong challenges coming in but the players are getting on with it. Todd is late on Cantwell as she attacks down the left the free-kick conceded it’s Cantwell to take. The ball is played in towards the far post area six yards out both Wymondham’s Fretwell and Acle’s Pasque go up to head the ball neither getting a firm connection it drops to Wymondham’s captain Rachel Cossey gets her header on target places the ball straight into the gloves of Hooper.
Acle United Ladies, Amber Rowland with Wymondham’s Amber Cantwell
  Rowland fighting for the ball in the middle wins it and plays the ball on for Bullard on the left drives forwards Wymondham right back Lily Ray goes with her close marking prevents the cross being made. A good contest all over the pitch the sides closely matched with 5 minutes of the 1st half left to play.
 GOAL! Acle break the deadlock in the County Cup semi-final a goal from back to front as Hooper kicks the ball forwards sending it up towards Bullard on the left near half way controls well bringing it on comes inside passing the ball into Todd inside the D central a fantastic 1st touch to take the ball on evade her marker behind her back to goal turns left and shoots, O’Callaghan has no time to react the ball flying past her inside the post Todd scores to give Acle the lead 1-0.
 
Megan Todd on the ball for Acle scores the opening goal of the match
  Ray has taken a knock for Wymondham and needs to come off, Chelsea Clarke comes on a switch of personnel Sanders drops to right back as Holloway switches wings, Clarke over to the left side. Larkins challenges for the ball inside the Wymondham half sends the ball in towards the top of the area with Burton coming in stretches for the ball trying to bring it down under her control, doesn’t and Bullard coming in beyond her may have been better placed, hurt as she falls Burton needs treatment but is okay to play on. 
  Into injury time in the 1st half Acle finish strongly Rowland playing the ball on for Burton through the middle slides it through into the area with Todd breaking in behind, O’Callaghan out of her six yard box quickly slides in to claim the ball. Pasque is fouled as she looks to power her way forwards. Rowland on the set-piece plays in up towards the top of the area Shields attacks the ball gets her header on target a good distance from goal O’Callaghan has time to get across behind the ball and save.
Half-time Acle United Ladies 1-0 Wymondham Town Ladies

 A competitive semi-final in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup but expected it would be, two sides determined to reach the final. Wymondham started the game well and had the bulk of the early attacks. A fierce battle in midfield wide both sides have wanted to use their wide players but on the whole the full-backs have kept them quiet. As Acle grew into the game and Todd started to drift into more central areas the home side started to create a few opportunities of their own. Todd scoring the goal to give Acle the advantage going into the changing rooms at the break. 
 It’s Acle to kick-off the 2nd half the sun has disappeared behind dark clouds the wind starting to pick up a little. A fast tempo to the start of the 2nd half an early free-kick for Wymondham, inside the Acle half the ball played into the area by Cantwell is claimed by Hooper. Up the other end Burton is knocked to the ground as the ball cleared by the Wymondham defence in the area catches her in the face. A pause for treatment Acle’s captain is okay to continue. Rowland presses the ball in the middle, on for Pasque out to Bullard wide left looks to pick out Burton making a move to get into the box she is closed down quickly the ball cleared for a throw. 

  A throw in on the left inside the Wymondham half Goodfield plays the ball into Burton returning it to Goodfield the full back plays the ball up the channel with Bullard looking to get on the end of it inside the box, O’Callaghan is quickly out to the edge of her area to slide in a claim the ball. Wymondham get players forwards win a corner on the left a high ball in towards the top of the area is too high for Collins as she jumps for it over her there a cries for hand ball inside the box off Bullard as the ball comes into her bouncing in front of her she clears it the referee isn’t interested. 

Acle’s, Todd leaps as Wymondham’s Cantwell closes her down to win the ball

  The visitors are doing well at the start of the 2nd half Cantwell going forwards receives the ball from Wiseman holding it up back to goal outside the area, played out wide left for Holloway the winger goes forwards squaring a cross into the area headed behind for a corner. Todd defends the 1st corner for Acle a 2nd corner given away the ball is played up to the top of the area Fretwell gets her head to the ball puts her header over the bar. 

 Cheal-Ferris has the opportunity to bring the ball forwards over the half way line for Wymondham left side is brought down the free-kick given away Cantwell is a long way from goal sends the ball in bouncing into the area, controlled by Clarke gets a shot away angling near post lacks pace Hooper is able to get down and make the save. Wymondham are pushing Acle deeper as the dark clouds return and the wind starts to pick up blowing from one goal to the other the direction the visitors are attacking.

  Building a attack Acle win a free-kick as Burton is caught in the face. a central position 35 yards out it’s Burton who takes the set-piece lifting the ball up into the area Todd is in behind gets her head to the ball too early however the flag is up for offside. Wymondham make their 1st change of the game bringing on Laura Nicholls for Collins with 68 minutes played. A knock for Larkins see her come off Jody Wells coming on going up front with Shields dropping deeper and McGuire moving across to full back.

 GOAL! Wymondham have been threatening to score an equaliser and get it in the 70th minute the attack building down the right with pace as Holloway brings the ball on squares the cross along the face of the area into Clarke far side fires in a diagonal ball towards the near post players from both sides dive in to win the ball it’s substitute Nichols who gets on the end of Clarke’s ball and turns it into the back of the net 1-1.

  Sanders is taken out by McGuire as she looks to drive forwards through the middle the free-kick given away 25 yards out in range for a shot Cantwell left of the D goes for the strike sends the ball wide of goal. Pasque comes forwards with the ball for Acle has Cletheroe to her right getting forwards sends the pass out to her, crosses early a high ball looping towards the near post the swirling wind sees Todd misjudge her attempted header doesn’t make clean contact with the ball falls into the box Wymondham are quickly on it to launch clear. 

  Rowland is eased off the ball by Cossey seeing Acle have a free-kick 25 yards out in a good position. Wells to take goes for goal places her attempt over the crossbar. Wymondham go forwards the ball from Cantwell into Sanders plays the ball on for Wiseman has Nichols free to her right before she can pass the ball Cletheroe throws a leg out to tackle and win the ball.

 GOAL! Wymondham take the lead as Cantwell scores a 35 yard screamer to make it 2-1 as the game closes in on the final 10 minutes receives the lay off from Nichols 25 yards from goal in a central area as the ball is rolled into her Cantwell meets the ball on the run sending her strike looping in towards the top corner dipping to sail under the bar.

  Wymondham bring on Laura Hamilton-Rout as they look to hold onto their lead with 10 minutes of normal time left on the clock. Larkins back on for Acle, Shields gets forwards as Todd attacks on the right plays the ball into her feet outside the area goes for goals sends the ball wide across goal. Wymondham very nearly give a penalty away as Todd attacking down the left comes inside drives for the box, Sanders slides in gets the ball as Todd goes over her, the referee awarded the free-kick right on the edge of the area left of the D. Burton on the free-kick gets it up and in towards the goal, O’Callaghan is right behind it tips the ball over the bar. The corner taken from the left is fired into the area at a good pace, Sanders wins the header as it comes to her inside the six yard box.

  Up the other end a double save from Hooper as Wymondham bring the ball down the left Clarke sending a long ball in towards Nichols coming in far post 3 yards out looks to try and place the ball across Hooper, getting a glove to the ball the goalkeeper pushes it away from goal but straight into the path of the onrushing Wiseman lunges for the ball Hooper is down quickly to make the save.

 
 GOAL! A yellow card for Rowland as she brings down Cantwell in a dangerous area outside the box. Cantwell picks herself up and is ready to take it Hooper is setting her wall. A goal scoring opportunity have the camera pointed and ready. The referee’s whistle appears to blow a split 2nd after Cantwell strikes the ball either way the ball clears the wall and looping up flies in under the bar to give Cantwell her 2nd of the match and see Wymondham into a 3-1 in the 90th minute.

Amber Cantwell sends in her free-kick to make it 3-1 to Wymondham
 GOAL! A moment later and Wymondham extend the lead have a free-kick on half-way haven’t got the camera pointed ready for this one as Fretwell stands over the ball but I should have no-one expects her to shoot the wind is in her favour the ball is sent long with plenty of pace behind it  sails over Hooper and into the back of the net making it 4-1 Fretwell is buried under her joyous team mates as they know they have reached their 1st ever County Cup Final.

Bethany Fretwell mobbed by her team mates after scoring from the halfway line
 

Wymondham Town Ladies
Bethany Fretwell

Frustration gets the better of Rowland a rash challenge she has already been booked and a 2nd yellow from the referee sees her sent off. Plenty of stoppage time to be played Acle continue to press forwards looking to pull a goal back. Have a corner on the right goes long to Burton far post fires the ball back into the middle Todd goes for it but is closed down quickly a 2nd corner conceded on the left this time.

 
 GOAL! Plenty of players in the box for both sides as Wells sending in an excellent delivery comes in towards Pasque central inside the six yard box twists her body the send her header flying past O’Callaghan into the back of the net 4-2. 

  Into the 8th minute of stoppage time Wymondham press forwards for one last attack the lay off running back to Hamilton-Rout 30 yards out meets the ball on the half-volley her shot racing wide of the post. That’s the last action of the game and Wymondham celebrate as they reach the County Cup Final.

Full time Acle United Ladies 2-4 Wymondham Town Ladies

A good 2nd half performance from Wymondham coming back from 1-0 at half-time to win the match 4-2 plenty of late drama 2 free-kicks in the 90th minute sealing the win. Overall 2 evenly matches sides the wind stronger in the 2nd half proving both a problem and an advantage. Wymondham Town Ladies opponents in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final will be the current holders Thorpe United Ladies after they beat Aylsham FC Ladies whom they played in last season’s final 5-0. The final scheduled to be played Friday 28th April with a 7:30pm KO. 
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  Today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Wymondham’s Amber Cantwell a strong contender before she scored 2 goals in the last 15 minutes of the final a, competitive on the ball in the middle and a threat going forwards as well as from set-pieces.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Amber Cantwell
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the sides today always a pleasure to see both play. Congratulation to Wymondham Town Ladies on reaching their 1st ever Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog will be there.

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

The 2nd game from the Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog on Sunday comes from the Ridgeons Stadium in Newmarket where Newmarket Town Ladies now play their home games on a brand new state of the art cork based 3G pitch. Were taking on higher league opponents with Norfolk Division One Champions Wymondham Town Ladies looking to progress in the competition enjoy a run like they had last season.

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

 
 The Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying action continues on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this weekend with a trip down the A11 to the Ridgeons Stadium to watch Newmarket Town Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies.

  Is a match up between two ambitious women’s football clubs looking to grow and progress up the football pyramid, both with large playing squads starting up reserve sides this season.

  This is Newmarket Town Ladies 1st competitive match at their new home the Ridgeons Stadium on Cricket Field Road in Newmarket, home of the men’s side and a stark contrast to the Dullingham Polo Fields where they played previously. The ground has undergone alot of development since the last time I was there, have in place a state of the art cork based 3G pitch. 

  Newmarket Town ladies compete in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership and are looking to push on up the table this season, with their League Cup winning U18s side stepping up to the senior squad this season, plus a few new signings the 1st team is complemented by a new reserve side competing in the Championship South. Started the league season last weekend, Nadine Basson scoring the goal in a 1-0 win away to Netherton United Ladies. A good test for a young squad today playing higher league opposition. 

  Wymondham Town Ladies had a great run in the Women’s FA Cup last season winning through to 4th Round Qualifying beating FAWPL Division One side Cambridge United WFC along the way. Eventually losing to another FAWPL Division One side, Bedford Ladies. Followed their FA Cup adventure on the Blog last season. Wymondham Town Ladies went on to win the Norfolk Women’s Division One title and as Champions of Norfolk have been promoted to the new look ERWFL Division One where they have started well laying 2nd in the table after 4 games played going into the weekend. A league above Newmarket, Wymondham have nearly a month more competitive football under their belts.

  May have been a little premature calling summer over last evening in the cold and drizzle at Bishops Stortford for today was a lovely warm sunny afternoon. Boasting a new state of the art 3G pitch the rest of the ground is coming along nicely to, room for spectators around the whole pitch, has a good sized seated stand beside the clubhouse, with a bar and hot refreshments available. 

The new cork based state of the art 3G pitch at the Ridgeons Stadium

  Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Eloise Hope, Yasmin Woodfield, Olivia Orme, Beth Woodfield (C), Kristin Hummel, Abbi Griffin, Jess Linger, Antonia Smith, Joeli Kirby, Abbie Marshall & Nadine Basson.
  subs – Sian Tatum, Molly Agnew, Natalia Evangelou, Dominika Szary & Jodie Woodfield.

  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Kelly Ayers, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Brooke Cheal-Ferris, Rachel Cossey (C), Amber Cantwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Gemma Sanders, Alice Collins & Laura Wiseman.

  subs – Summer Moore, Hannah Johnson, Lily Ray & Ella Swift.

  It’s Newmarket to get this 2nd Round Qualifying tie underway wearing yellow shirts with blue shoulders and trim, blue shorts with yellow trim and yellow socks with blue and white hoops. Wymondham lined up opposite wearing red shirts, black shorts and red and black hooped socks. The visitors win possession of the ball early played into Kayleigh Holloway down the left wing crosses the ball in curling it towards the near post with Laura Wiseman making the run to get on the end of it gets a touch but not enough to take it past Newmarket goalkeeper, Eloise Hope who claims well covering the angle.

Kristen Hummel tackles, Gemma Sanders for the ball

  On the right inside the Newmarket half Gemma Sanders closes Joeli Kirby down to win the ball and run in behind shooting from 20 yards out sends the ball wide of goal. Newmarket make progress up the right Wymondham’s Brooke Cheal-Ferris closing Antonia Smith down to give the opposition a throw in the ball is played into Olivia Orme who holds the ball up outside the area before laying back into the path of Kristen Hummel central running onto the ball shoots, blasted into the area is blocked by Kelly Ayers for Wymondham.

 Sanders coming forwards again down the wing is tripped a free kick on the right inside the Newmarket half players go forwards as Amber Cantwell stands over the ball, plays it long towards the far post, looks like it might evade everyone then Bethany Fretwell gets a stooping head on the ball, at Hope quickly a yard away does well to get a glove on the ball push it around the post to concede the corner kick. 

  GOAL! The corner delivery from Holloway on the left isn’t dealt with, dropping into the centre of the six yard box lands at Sanders feet, fall backwards she stabs the ball in over the line, scrambling to her feet to run away in celebration 0-1 an early lead for the visitors 7 minutes played.

Gemma Sanders pictured scores the opening goal for Wymondham Town Ladies

  Newmarket carry the ball into the Wymondham half, Kirby left in field to Abbi Griffin sends it out right to Smith the crossfield pass up to Nadine Basson in attack doesn’t get a good connection with the ball as she shoots from the top of the area, the ball runs harmlessly through to Wymondham goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan. 

  Wiseman gets hold of the ball inside the Newmarket half dribbles it on looking wriggle her way through the Newmarket defence, the tackle comes in the ball out for a throw left, played into the advancing Cheal-Ferris she whips an early ball into the box, Newmarket captain, Beth Woodfield kicks it clear out of the area is picked up by Cantwell 25 yards out takes on the shot the ball flying straight into Hope the goalkeeper gloves the ball safely to the floor. Wiseman moves to the right supporting Sanders in attack the pair working the ball on Sanders receiving it from Wiseman cuts the ball back along the top of the Newmarket box Alice Collins shoots as the ball arrives at her feet inside the D drives the ball wide.

Laura Wiseman makes it 0-2 to
Wymondham Town Ladies

  GOAL! Wymondham are causing Newmarket all sorts of problems early on moving the ball well the home side struggling to get any meaningful possession inside their opponents half, the ball is won back by Cantwell ion halfway is a quality pass over the top for Wiseman to chase down, winning the race against the Newmarket defence inside the area to hit a left foot strike across the six yard box and into the bottom corner of the net 0-2. The lead doubled inside the opening 15 minutes.

  Moments later Cantwell comes on with the ball again not closed down pulls the trigger in a central position 20 yards out, Hope makes the save punching the ball over her crossbar. From the resulting corner on the left, Fretwell gets her head on the ball inside the six yard box from Holloway’s delivery pushes the ball wide of the far post. Wymondham keep coming on with the ball Newmarket pushed deep in their own half can’t mount a counter attack.

 GOAL! The clock passes the 20 minute mark and the visitors extend their lead winning a corner on the right, Cheal-Ferris to take the initial ball is dealt with well by Beth Woodfield headed out of the box the ball is retrieved by Fretwell played back out to Cheal-Ferris as players try to get out of the area the ball is lifted in towards the far post, might be dropping in as Hope tries to get across to deal, Sanders rushing in nods the ball over the line to make sure, doesn’t get up quite so quickly to celebrate this time as she got as much of the post as she did the ball 0-3. 

  Cantwell brings the ball on over halfway tries to thread the pass through for Wiseman in the middle again, Hummel makes a vital interception at the back to win the ball for Newmarket outside her area. Hope produces another fantastic save to deny Cheal-Ferris as the defender bringing the ball on shoots from the left angling the ball in near post heading for the top corner Hope tips it over her crossbar. More good defending from Newmarket, Orme this time up against Sanders as the ball is sent into the area from Holloway on the left gets in front of Sanders to shield the ball and clear, possession regained by Wymondham’s captain Rachel Cossey she shoots from distance but straight down Hope’s throat.

Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey wins the battle for the header with Newmarket’s, Abbie Marshall

  A rare attack 1st half for Newmarket, Griffin plays the ball up to Basson central holding off her marker releases Smith in the wing attempts the through ball into the box with Abbie Marshall making to run, Ayers inside the box gets there 1st for Wymondham to clear. Ayers forwards to take a throw on the right puts the ball into Wiseman moving to the byline, turning hooks the ball high into the air, a dangerous bounce at the far post Collins ready to turn it in, Hummel gets her boot under it 1st to launch away from danger.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Antonia Smith

  Wymondham having time at the back on the ball work it forwards well players moving into space to receive, Ayers plays the pass inside to Cossey sends the ball on for Wiseman on the shoulder of the Newmarket defence a race for the ball into the area again this time the left foot strike is screwed wide across the face of goal. Wymondham attack down the left side the ball is lifted high in towards the top of the box inside the D, Sanders tries to get to the dropping ball under challenge makes contact more of a deflection than a shot nevertheless the ball loops back up towards goal, Hope on her goal line keeps her eye on it, drops onto the top of the crossbar bounces twice before rolling back onto the roof of the net.

  The ball is won back by Wymondham in midfield played up into the box with Wiseman on the move left, wants the ball to drop over her shoulder then strike it, Hope comes to close the attacker down, does enough to put Wiseman of as she scoops the ball up over the goal beyond. From a corner kick played in by Cheal-Ferris on the right, Fretwell with another stooping header gets under the ball pushes it up over the bar inside the six yard box. Sanders catches Hope accidentally late in the 1st half inside the box as she tries to get in around Woodfield shielding the ball, Hope calls comes sliding in just as Sanders throws a leg around the defender catches the goalkeeper on the ground right of goal, a painful collision but the Newmarket goalkeeper is okay.
   

Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-3 Wymondham Town Ladies

 A dominant 1st half display from Wymondham sees them in control of the tie leading 3-0 keeping better possession of the ball and using the width well, have Newmarket penned back in their own half with Basson isolated on halfway unable to get involved in the game at all to influence things up top. A lot to do at half-time if they are to find any response in the 2nd half.
  A double switch for Newmarket at the start of the 2nd half the wide players Kirby and Smith off with Molly Agnew and Natalia Evangelou coming on. Positional changes too, Evangelou going to right back see’s Yasmin Woodfield move inside to centre back, Hummel into midfield with Griffin wide right, Agnew wide left. Evangelou is called into action straight away as Wymondham kick off the 2nd half play the ball to Holloway on the left wing driving forwards, the substitute tackling to put the ball out for a throw in. 
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin
  Straight away Agnew makes an impact on the left for Newmarket driving down the wing cutting inside to evade a tackle curls a cross into the box along the six yard line no one there to turn it goalwards. Wymondham press up the left Cantwell out to Holloway up the wing cuts the ball back to Collins at the top if the area the ball is deflected through to the far post area, Sanders chasing in sees the ball saved by Hope at close range.
 GOAL! 3 minutes into the 2nd half and Newmarket pull a goal back. Jess Linger gets the ball into Hummel takes on the shot 25 yards out puts it straight into O’Callaghan’s gloves the keeper kicks the ball out of her area up field, Hummel’s wins the challenge for the ball, sends a great ball through the middle for Basson where she’s most effective in the opponents box, the defence turned Basson gets to the ball 1st sliding onto it to propel it on past the diving keeper into the back of the net 1-3.
 
  Sanders running up the right wing with the ball sends the cross along the top of the area looking for Holloway coming inside from the left, Hope coming out to intercept the ball takes it away from the winger, the ball races in quickly to Wiseman inside the D can’t get it under her control before both Woodfield’s close her down.
  GOAL! Newmarket’s joy at pulling a goal back at the start of the 2nd half lasts barely 5 minutes as Wymondham open it back up to 3 goals. Holloway is on the ball allowed to travel along way with it turns inside before firing in a shot from outside the area the ball sailing through the air across the goal to nestle over the line off the far side netting 1-4.
 
Wymondham Town Ladies, Kayleigh Holloway
  GOAL! 3 minutes later Wymondham go further ahead, are awarded a free-kick on the right halfway inside the Newmarket half. Cantwell on the ball plays a great delivery up towards the near post, Fretwell has had a few chances to bag a goal, gets one to her name as she connects with the ball sliding it under Hope as she dives in vain to stop it crossing the line. 1-5.
 
Bethany Fretwell with the goal to make it 5 for Wymondham Town Ladies
 Two changes for Wymondham both on the right side bringing of both Ayers and Sanders, Lily Ray and Ella Swift. Wiseman strong as she receives the ball inside the D spins away to her left before reversing the shot across the face of goal just wide at the far post. Ray moving with the ball up the right sends a shot flashing over the bar from the angle. 
 Up the other end Newmarket are pushing on more, Agnew left and Griffin right running at the Wymondham defence with Hummel up the pitch to, passes the ball into the right channel, Basson gets after the ball tries to take it on around Fretwell  the centre back gets back well to time her tackle and regain possession. Wymondham make their 3rd change Cantwell comes off, with Summer Moore coming on into the centre of midfield. 
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbie Marshall
  Agnew ball at her feet drives forwards an inside run from the left fires the ball into Marshall inside the D, Newcombe squeezes the ball taking it away from the attacker, Basson to the left latches onto the loose ball outside the area her 1st time strike swerves away from the goal wide. Hummel plays the ball long into the box for Basson to give chase, pressures the defence enough to win Newmarket their 1st corner of the game. Swung into the six yard box from the right the ball drops into the six yard box, Hummel lunging for it doesn’t make any meaningful contact Wymondham see it cleared up field. Newmarket bring on Sian Tatum for Hummel with around 15 minutes left to play.
  Basson has picked up a knock from the corner is struggling a bit as the ball is won back by her defence played long up to her, 20 yards out Newcombe comes in to close her down, manages to get the ball in towards goal lacks any pace O’Callaghan scoops it up into her gloves. Marshall makes a good run with the ball in the middle for Newmarket has Tatum moving into the box to her right tries to play her in Fretwell closes her down puts the ball out for a throw on the right. 
Nadine Basson with Wymondham’s Ella Swift
 GOAL! Into the last 10 minutes of the tie, Newmarket with the throw on the right push players on is played up to Tatum top corner of the area not a clean take but helps the ball on towards the top of the area inside the D, Marshall latches onto the ball shoots the ball blocked from 2 yards comes straight back to her takes it on into the area turns to her right Tatum is there instead she back heel the ball straight into Basson behind needing no invitation Basson shoots sends the ball into the bottom corner past the diving O’Callaghan 2-5.
 
 GOAL! No sooner were Newmarket celebrating a well worked goal then they are hit on the counter attack up the other end Wymondham from the restart getting the ball up field is fired in from the wing taking a deflection runs on to Collins outside the area opens up her body and turns the ball in towards goal into the top corner 2-6.
 
  Into the last 5 minutes both sides a still looking for a goal, Wiseman still has the legs to carry the ball up the right wing before unleashing a shot sending the ball behind for a goal kick near post. Cossey and Moore in the middle combine to win the ball back a spot of head tennis before pushing it on for Wiseman central, strength on the ball to push her way through the middle before shooting sending the ball over the bar. 
 GOAL! The 90 minutes are virtually up the game stretched late on Newmarket having lost possession in their opponents half, Holloway plays the pass up to Wiseman takes the ball down into the box left of goal pulls the trigger sending the shot across the six yard box and in to make it 2-7.
 
   One last attack for Newmarket in injury time, Griffin with the energy to bring the ball on down the right wing  swings the ball into the area with Tatum inside running near post, Newcombe gets across her path and brings the ball out of the area. The final whistle blows and Wymondham advance to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup.
Full-time Newmarket Town Ladies 2-7 Wymondham Town Ladies

 A strong performance from the visitors played well dominating possession early and having the lead to show for it. Newmarket rallied early 2nd half the changes having an impact, took their 2 goals well. Just didn’t keep it at 3-1 long enough in the 2nd half Wymondham hammering home their advantage with 2 more quick goals. Scoring 7 goals have a feeling not too many will want to be drawn against them in the next round. 
  Good to see both sides in action, thanks to both clubs for their help today, had great entertainment in my 1st 2 Women’s FA Cup games this season looking forwards to the next round. The draw if it follows form should be on Monday.

*Updated* The draw for 3rd Round Qualifying has been made and it will be a repeat of last seasons tie with Wymondham Town Ladies, travelling to play Cambridge United WFC this time around, both sides have strengthened since that game. The tie is scheduled to be played Sunday 9th October.

Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final – Wymondham Town Ladies v Aylsham FC Ladies

A busy afternoon on NWGFL Finals day with North Walsham Angels Ladies still celebrating their Plate Final win it was onto the next final for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog with Wymondham Town Ladies (the current holders) taking on Aylsham FC Ladies in the League Cup Final.

Cup Final Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Aylsham FC Ladies

 
The dust has barely settled on North Walsham Angles Ladies 4-0 Plate Final win then we’re onto the 2nd women’s final being played at Plantation Park this afternoon this one for the Norfolk Ladies League Cup, with Wymondham Town Ladies playing Aylsham FC Ladies. 

  Wymondham Town Ladies are the current holders of the Norfolk Ladies League Cup beating Brandon Town Ladies in last seasons final Have featured in the last 4 finals. Are looking to defend the trophy and currently leading Norfolk Women’s Division One will be hoping to celebrate a league and cup double come the end of the season. 

   Aylsham FC Ladies are contesting their 2nd cup final of the season having reached the final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, were beaten by fellow Division One side Thorpe United Ladies 2-0. Want a better result this time around, last season Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions will they finish the season with some silverware.

Road to the Final
 
      Wymondham received a bye in the 1st Round of the Norfolk Ladies League Cup. Were drawn away to Norfolk Women’s Division Two title chasers North Walsham Angels Ladies in the 2nd Round a tricky tie they had beaten higher league opposition in the 1st Round. Wymondham Town Ladies came out on top getting the result beating them 4-2 to reach the quarter finals and set up a repeat of last seasons final as they were drawn away to Brandon Town Ladies. Won by the same scoreline beating them 4-2 to advance to the semi-finals. At home to fellow Norfolk Women’s Division One side Lynn Ladies was a comfortable victory on the day beating them 6-0 to ease into the final.
  Aylsham FC Ladies were at home to fellow Norfolk Women’s Division One side Bungay Town Ladies in the 1st Round. A 2-0 win saw them into the draw for the 2nd Round a trip to the Norfolk coast to play Division Three side, Cromer Town Ladies, cruised to victory racking up the goals in a 9-0 win. It was a trip to the coast again for the quarter finals and Division Three opponents once again, a different test unbeaten and going for the title the result was still as emphatic another 9-0 victory to set up a home semi-final against Thorpe United Ladies. Was a fierce battle between the 2 sides a 7 goal thriller from which Aylsham FC Ladies emerged the winner beating them 4-3 to reach this seasons League Cup Final.

  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Gemma Hamilton-Rout, Kelly Ayers, Mary Cann, Rachel Cossey (C), Brooke Cheal, Laura Hammerton, Louise Hamilton-Rout, Kayleigh Holloway, Amber Cantwell, Alice Collins & Sally Hammerton.
  subs – Gemma Sanders, Leah Newcombe & Laura Wiseman.

  Aylsham FC Ladies starting XI – Becky Hibbert, Di England, Aneliese Smith, Vicki Bird (C), Alicia Lacey, Emma Gillespie, Lisa Ferdani, Sophie Burr-Walpole, Becky Hills, Leanne Woodward & Abbie Charlton. 

  subs – Debbie Kelly, Michaela England & Kiera Squires. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   It’s Wymondham to get the Cup Final underway kicking off 1st half wearing red shirts, black shorts and socks with Aylsham kitted out in orange shirts with a blue and white horizontal band across the front, blue shorts and orange socks. The opening passage of play is fairly tentative the ball being exchanged between the two sides as they test each other out neither getting any joy in behind. 
   Aylsham’s Emma Gillespie puts the ball into the feet of striker Abbie Charlton 20 yards out back to goal, marked closely she looks to spin and turn around Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey, who read the move and going with her leaves no way through into the box, tackling to win the ball. Both sides have players who can do damage on the ball, is seeing the game played at a fierce tempo as the ball is closed down. Gillespie runs the ball on for Becky Hills on the right side, coming inside tries to play the ball on for Charlton into the bx Brooke Cheal intercepts bringing the ball out of the box. 
Aylsham’s Sophie Burr-Walpole with Wymondham’s Louise Hamilton-Rout
  Wymondham attack the ball played through the midfield, Amber Cantwell with the ball to send Alice Collins in behind the Aylsham defence in the middle looking to meet the ball as it rolls to the edge of the area, Becky Hibbert is keeping goal for today’s final and rushing off her line to the edge of the area closes Collins down blocking her shot at point blank range. Aylsham turn the Wymondham defence get possession deep on the right winning a throw the ball is given to Gillespie right side of the Wymondham area plays the ball across the front coming to Sophie Burr-Walpole left of the D, hits the ball in towards goal 1st time the volley looping up comes down short safely into the gloves of Wymondham goalkeeper, Gemma Hamilton-Rout.
  A constant threat out wide on the left of the attack for Wymondham, Kayleigh Holloway is always ready to take on a player, spin off them and drive forwards with the ball, Laura Hammerton challenges for the ball in the centre, Holloway makes her move springing away to break clear of the Aylsham back line, Hibbert sniffs the danger and wastes no time getting up out of her box to to clear the threat before Holloway can close the ball down. The Hammerton’s link up in Wymondham’s next attack, Laura in the middle playing the ball up through the centre for striker Sally Hammerton into the box, Aylsham captain Vicki Bird gets across her to tackle well the ball running behind a goal kick the decision.
Aylsham goalkeeper, Becky Hibbert claims the ball as Wymondham surge forwards
  Defences on top all around for the large part of the game, Bird and Alicia Lacey in the middle for Aylsham winning alot of balls, at right back for Wymondham today, Kelly Ayers isn’t letting anything past her, is prepared to carry the ball forwards when she regains possession. Bird gets caught in possession at the back left corner of the area, Sally Hammerton closing her down takes the ball from her and bursts forwards, pulls the trigger sends her shot rolling wide across the goal.
Kelly Ayers carries the ball forwards for Wymondham
  Aneliese Smith fouls Cantwell deep on the right giving away a free kick that’s as good as a corner the ball is put into the area by Cheal, flying over the players coming to meet it near side is cleared by Aylsham out of the area falling perfectly for Cantwell central 20 yards out, smashes the ball back into the area, their are cries for handball as the shot strikes an Aylsham player, nothing doing the protests come to nothing play continues. Up top Sally Hammerton sends the ball further on for Collins coming in to attack the box from the left side, a vital touch from Lacey, unintentionally slices the ball taking it away from Collins into the area, Hibbert comes racing out and sliding in smothers the ball. 
   Holloway plays the ball into the right channel with Louise Hamilton-Rout after it gets a corner as Burr-Walpole tracks back to defend. The ball played in high drops into the middle of the box, Hibbert coming for it get’s lost amongst the crowd Aylsham scramble the ball out, Wymondham pick it up again right side rolled into Ayers up with play looks to lift a  shot up towards the far corner of goal, Hibbert back in position comes across at gathers the ball.
Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-0 Aylsham FC Ladies

  A 1st half of few chances, two sides that are fairly well balanced both competitive and defending well no one is getting any time on the ball and the final passes are rarely finding their mark. Plenty of players out there that can turn it on change the game with one move of quality, but so far it’s been the defenders who have been on top. Aylsham stay out on the pitch during half-time Wymondham back in their dressing room make changes at the start of the 2nd half Laura Wiseman who has just been selected for the GB Deaf Women’s World Cup squad this summer along with team mate Gemma Sanders both coming on Wiseman up top replacing Sally Hammerton who took a knock clattering into Hibbert at the very end of the 1st half. Sanders comes into the midfield for Louise Hamilton-Rout.
   A double switch for Aylsham too with Debbie Kelly and Michaela England on at the start of the 2nd half, for Woodward and Smith as they get thing’s rolling 2nd half. Attack early on the ball put into Charlton wide left taking the ball deep to the byline, beats Cossey to come inside past Cheal, shoots the angle against her Hamilton-Rout has that side covered the ball isn’t cleared far Aylsham regain possession the ball swept into the box from the right side cleared for a corner, the set-piece initially cleared falls to Charlton outside the box goes to hit it hard striking bodies between her and the goal, it rebounds back to her, tries to lift it over everyone this time, Hamilton-Rout leaping up palms the ball down and claims.
 
 Holloway seeing the ball into her feet on the left spins away from the attentions of her mark to race with the ball down the wing sends in a early cross into the box coming along the six yard line Collins with the diving header sends the ball wide of the near post. Wiseman receiving the ball from Hammerton in the centre does well to put the ball out left with Holloway looking to steal in behind, has a couple of yards on Bird as the defender goes after her has the legs to get back on her tackle to win the ball before she can carry it into the area.
  Hammerton passes the ball out to Holloway wide left looks to play the diagonal ball early send Wiseman in on goal inside the box, Lacey clears it comes back out to Holloway who delivers the ball ball into the box looking for Collins racing in near post, Hibbert has the ball in her gloves a fraction before the striker arrives knocks it free, falling inside the six yard box ,can’t get onto the end of it as Aylsham get back to hook it away.
    Hamilton-Rout makes a great save in the Wymondham goal from a Charlton corner swung in from the left, curling in towards the near post the keeper pushes it away across the goal and out the other side for another corner. Another great delivery driven in low Burr-Walpole making the run towards the ball 10 yards out complete misses her shot the ball rolling into the crowd beyond is cleared. Another change for Wymondham with Cann coming off as Leah Newcombe returns to field having been out injured for a long period.
Leah Newcombe with Aylsham’s Becky Hills
  A surging run down the right side by Collins taking on and beating two Aylsham players closing in on the box her shot is blocked by Gillespie at the back. Sanders drives forwards with the ball for Wymondham right of the box crosses in looking for Collins, Lacey steps out of defence to get her toe on the ball bring it clear. 
Laura Wiseman scores to give
Wymondham the lead in the Final

  GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half and the deadlock is broken. Getting hold of the ball in the centre of midfield it is lifted over the top of the Aylsham defence with Wiseman running through central to connect with the ball on the move hitting it early sending her shot flying past the Hibbert from the edge of the box her team mates rushing over to congratulate her as Wymondham take the lead in the Cup Final 1-0.

  Holding the ball up high on the right, Hills gets help from Michaela England knocking the ball back to her she sweeps the cross in towards the far post area with Burr-Walpole racing into the area to meet it from the left, connecting on the volley sends the strike high over the bar. Leading one nil Wymondham make a change bringing off a striker, Collins and sending Louise Hamilton-Rout back on as they look to defend the lead with 20 minutes left to play. A chance to make it 2-0 as again Wiseman is put through from midfield to have a run at the Aylsham goal right side shoots early putting the ball wide of Hibbert, sees it roll wide of the goal too.

  A free kick to Wymondham on the right just outside the box Cantwell over the ball plays it into the area, Sanders turns the ball towards goal is cleared inside the six yard box comes straight back to Sanders who headers the ball over the crossbar. Good hold up play on the left between Wiseman and Holloway the cross is squared along the face of the area into Louise Hamilton-Rout, Lacey keeping close to her she  manages to get the shot away Hibbert parries the ball away from goal.Double change for Aylsham with Burr-Walpole and Kelly coming off to be replaced by Woodward and Keira Squires. The game is moving into the final 5 minutes. 

  High ball up into the box by Aylsham from Ferdani, Woodward is under it looks favourite to get there, Newcombe and Cossey do well to get in front of her and the ball smuggle it back to their keeper. Wymondham break the ball with Holloway on the left comes away with the ball riding a challenge pushing on goes to shoot 20 yards out putting the ball up into the air drops down into the side netting at the near post.

  GOAL! The game is into the closing minutes when Aylsham get themselves a corner kick on the right hand side, everyone has to go forwards fill the box the delivery is excellent from Charlton the ball flying in with pace at Lacey closest goes to attack it doesn’t connect, but her presence has left Bird behind her unchallenged to leap and power a bullet header into the back of the net to make it 1-1 and possibly send the final into extra time.

Aylsham FC Ladies captain Vicki Bird powering in the header to make it 1-1!
  GOAL! What a finish to the game. Aylsham were a goal down with less than 5 minutes left on the clock, pull it level, then would you believe it they take the lead! The goal coming from an seemingly innocuous free kick given away inside the Wymondham half in front of the centre circle right side, Charlton over the ball, decides to take on the strike a beauty too hits it hard flying towards goal a little swerve on it Hamilton-Rout can’t get anything on it as it sails past her into the top corner to send Aylsham into delirium as they all race over to and Charlton is buried under everyone 2-1.
 No more than a couple of minutes left, Sally Hammerton and Collins are immediately sent back on gone from a winning to losing position in the matter of minutes conceding from 2 set-pieces they attack pile forwards Aylsham defend the ball lifted into the box is launched up the pitch Wymondham have no time to come again as the final whistle blows and Aylsham FC Ladies pull off the spectacular winning the NWGFL League Cup winning 2-1. An amazing turn around to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat a fantastic way to win a game a heart breaking way to lose.
Aylsham FC Ladies, NWGFL Cup Final Winners
Congratulations to Aylsham FC Ladies winning the NWGFL Cup Final. 
The presentations didn’t end there today either 2 otherfinals taking place today, Sprowston Girls FC winning the U15s League Cup Final. In the Norfolk Women’s 7’s Final Hellesdon Belles beat Costessey Sports FC 2-0.
  Despite their heartbreak in today’s Cup Final, Wymondham Town Ladies are still top of Norfolk Women’s Division One and best placed to win the league title. In regards to Norfolk Women’s Division’s Two and Three the title has already been decided and the Champions from both were here to collect their winners plaque and player trophies.
 
Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies Champions of  NWGFL Division Two
  Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies were in a battle with North Walsham Angels Ladies all season from the NWGFL Division Two title, have gone the entire league campaign unbeaten to finish top in just their 2nd season as a club and have a Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final to look forwards to playing Ipswich Town Ladies at Portman Road next Monday 9th May. 
Gorleston FC Ladies NWGFL Division Three title winners
  Gorleston FC Ladies have won the NWGFL Women’s Division Three title with 2 games left to play with a 100% league win record in just their 1st season together.
  A busy, but enjoyable day at Plantation Park, 2 finals watched, a good sized crowd coming to support all the games played today. Thanks to Wymondham and Aylsham for their help with the teams and the NWGFL volunteers for their help today to doing a great job to grow the game.

Match Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Brandon Town Ladies

wb6

 The football on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday comes from Norfolk, a top of the table clash in Division One as 2 of the 4 battling it out for the title went head to head at King’s Head Meadow, 4th placed Wymondham Town Ladies the hosts going into the match with a perfect record, 5 wins out of 5 taking on 3rd placed Brandon Town Ladies the newly promoted outfit have lost just the once themselves that coming last weekend against another title rival Aylsham FC Ladies. How the top 4 fair against one another will go along way in deciding who will emerge as champions come the end of the season. For all of the match action click on the link below to take you to the SWF Blog.

Wymondham Town Ladies v Brandon Town Ladies

Match Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

wc4

FA Women’s Cup action this Sunday on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog from 3rd Round Qualifying. A host of cracking looking ties to choose from too. Saw Norfolk Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies in the previous round away to Moulton Ladies ran out 0-3 winners to set up a home draw against Cambridge United WFC who play 4 leagues above them in the FAWPL South East Division One. Wymondham have started the season brightly would they carry that form on and cause a giant killing in the process click on the link below to find out.

Wymondham Town Ladies v Cambridge United WFC 11/10/15

Match Report – Moulton Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

mw4

The football action on the Supporting Women’s Football blog this Sunday is from the FA Women’s Cup. 2nd Round Qualifying with Norfolk Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies travelling to Northamptonshire to take on Moulton Ladies who are newly promoted to the Regional League set up having won their own county championship the season before click on the link below to follow all the match action

Moulton Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies 20/09/15