The Round-Up
Sunday 27th January
Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup
Both semi-finals in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup fell victim to the weather last weekend, held a week later it will be a repeat of last season’s final with Luton Town Ladies taking on the current holders Bedford Ladies on Sunday 17th March.
Luton Town Ladies were playing their first game at their new home The Brache, Luton Town FC’s training facility. Were taking on AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies from Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, a good test for the lower league side the newcomers to woman’s football playing 5 leagues lower than their FAWNL South East Division One opponents. Held Luton for nearly 40 minutes before the hosts took a quick two goal lead at the end of the first half. Dionne Manning making it 1-0, Erica Byron doubling the lead a minute later. Jess McKay extending Luton’s lead 12 minutes into the 2nd half. Into the last 20 minutes an the hosts were awarded a penalty Byron adding her 2nd of the game from the spot. McKay made it 5-0 soon after. Further chances came Luton’s way the woodwork struck twice before captain Zara Carroll’s long range strike found it’s way into the back of the net. McKay completing her hat-trick in the final minute to wrap up a 7-0 win for Luton.
Luton Town Ladies, Jess McKay
In the other semi-final in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup it was an all ERWFL Premier Division clash with holders Bedford Ladies away to AFC Dunstable Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Michelle Byrne, Amy Magnus and Eden Kibron seeing Bedford safely into the final where they will be aiming to retain the cup for a 2nd successive year against a Luton side keen to get the cup back in their trophy cabinet themselves. Venue and kick-off time to be announced.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
New leaders in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with Northwood Ladies climbing to the top of the pile in what is a competitive tussle for the title. Northwood playing in one of the two games to survive in the league on Sunday were away to Sherrardswood Ladies. A comfortable scoreline taking Northwood ahead of Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires on goal difference. Emma Steele leading the goal scoring charts netting a hat-trick against Sherrardswood to take her onto 14 for the season. Danielle Tyler scoring her 10th goal of the season along with a goal each for Leanne Jones & Samantha May in a 6-0 win.
Houghton Athletic Ladies in 4th were taking on 6th placed Sharnbrook WFC in the league on Sunday, both in a good position to put pressure on the sides above shared the points at the weekend the game ending all square a 1 goal a piece. Ciara Craig on target for Houghton Athletic with Claire Smith celebrating the goal for Sharnbrook.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Two of the scheduled 5 matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two fell foul to the elements including leaders Hitchin Town Ladies game away to 4th placed Letchworth Garden City Eagles that presented an opportunity for 2nd placed Hitchin Belles to close the gap to the leaders to just 2 points if they could secure victory at home to Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies. Hitchin Belles getting the result they wanted a strong first half saw them leading 4-0 matched that tally 2nd half. There is a battle going on for top scorers and all the contenders waded in with goals this Sunday, Katie White edging it scored a hat-trick to take her onto 14 for the season, Amy Jack and Charlotte Peters hot on her heels both netting a brace against Wheathampstead have 12 each. Gemma Smith also getting her name on the scoresheet for her 1st goal of the season.
Royston Town Ladies Development were away to bottom side Welwyn Pegasus Azures on Sunday. The 3rd placed side too with an opportunity to put pressure on the leaders. Had to settle for a point in the finish as Welwyn picked up their first competitive point of the season their previous points awarded. Scoring twice to match Royston whose goals were scored by Abby Laughlin and Nicole Cooper.
Evergreen Ladies 5th in Division Two were on the road on Sunday taking on Bedford Ladies Development, the visitors taking the lead through Ellie Smith only for Bedford’s Joanne Makin to equalise. Rebecca Freeman sending a free-kick into the top corner to restore Evergreen’s lead with her 7th goal of the season and ultimately the winning goal for Evergreen.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Three matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three at the weekend with away wins for the top two seeing them extend their lead at the top of the table. Leaders AFC Dunstable Ladies were taking on bottom side Bedwell Rangers Women. The visitors holding a narrow lead at half-time Bianca Vassell’s 26th goal of the season in the 19th minute the difference between the two sides. Bedwell Rangers coming right back into it in the 66th minute as Rachel Young struck to make it 1-1. Closing in on the final 15 minutes and Dunstable edged themselves back into the lead Kerry Mulvihill-Reed making it 2-1, the 3 points secured deep into injury time with Lakeisha Fazilahmed making it 3-1 in the 95th minute.
An equally close score for 2nd placed Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses as they clinched the 3 points away to Langford Ladies on Sunday. 2nd versus 3rd Giselle Randall’s 14th goal of the season the difference between the sides Woburn & Wavendon winning 1-0.
In the other game played in Division Three on Sunday 5th placed Biggleswade United Ladies secured the 3 points with a 2-0 win at home to Stotfold Juniors Ladies.