The Round-Up
Sunday 26th August
ERWFL Premier Division
The ERWFL games probably had one thing in common this Bank Holiday Sunday, it was wet! Rain sweeping in across the East for the afternoon. A shortened fixture list as a few sides were involved in the Preliminary Round of the FA Women’s Cup which I shall get on with in a little while but 6 games across both the Premier and Division One to bring you first.
A perfect start to the season for Acle United Women who lead the way in the ERWFL Premier Division with 2 wins from 2 to start the season and have now scored 11 without reply too. Were at home for the 2nd successive Sunday this time taking on Suffolk side AFC Sudbury Ladies. Acle getting off to a flyer at the start of the game were 3-0 up inside the opening 15 minutes. Grace Birchall setting thing’s rolling with the opening goal on 5 minutes. Birchall adding another goal to her tally 7 minutes later, Naomi Cooper bringing up the 3rd goal on 15 minutes before being forced off with injury. A 3-0 lead for Acle at the break in terrible weather they held their lead adding a further goal in the 2nd half through defender Anna Larkins to win the game 4-0.
Colney Heath Ladies had a tough first season in the ERWFL Premier Division last season finishing bottom albeit with 3 withdrawals No wins to there name then either a much better start this time around as they begin their season having been involved in FA Women’s Cup action the weekend before with a solid home win over relegated Haringey Borough Women. Goals from Sophie Joseph and Nicola Hollick seeing Colney Heath leading 2-0 at half-time. Hollick with her 2nd of the game making it 3-0 at the start of the 2nd half. Lucy Hancock getting in on the goals scoring action to bring up 4-0. Sophie Joseph sending home a free-kick for her 2nd of the game to make it 5-0. Charlotte Grogan firing in a 30 yarder to see Colney Heath win the game 6-0 and that following on from a 7-0 win in the cup the weekend before.
Harlow Town Ladies won their first ever game in the ERWFL Premier Division 5-2 at home on the opening day of the season. Were at home too this Bank Holiday Sunday taking on Bedford Ladies who had drawn their opening game of the season. The visitors having the better of the 1st half were leading 2-0 at the break with Catalina Costas scoring both of Bedford’s goals. Harlow though were to mount a comeback 2nd half to take a share of the points Lily Bruno and Tayla Handscombe both on target with a goal each to see the game finish 2-2.
ERWFL Division One
3 games too played in ERWFL Division One on Bank Holiday Sunday, 2 sides winning their opening two matches to lead the table. Stevenage Ladies Reserves followed an opening day 5-0 away win against Bishops Stortford Ladies with a win at home against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies who themselves had also won on the opening day. With just the bare 11 available Stevenage had to work hard for the 3 points, goals from Katherine Calvert and Daniela Martucci the difference as Stevenage ran out 2-0 winners.
Also starting their season with 2 successive victories are Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies on the road again followed their 2-1 win against newly promoted Hatfield Peverel Ladies with another 3 points at Bishops Stortford Ladies. Kealy Farley on target with the opening goal to put Bowers & Pitsea ahead in the 12th minute. Bishops Stortford were back on level term 10 minutes later Rebekah Coppen with their goal. Back came Bowers & Pitsea retaking the lead with 10 minutes of the 1st half left Abbie Simmonds finding the back of the net. An own goal coming late in the half to put the visitors 3-1 up. Ebony Moore with a goal midway through the 2nd half to secure a 4-1 victory for Bowers & Pitsea.
Lawford Ladies newly promoted to the ERWFL started the season with a heavy defeat to fellow promoted side St Ives Town Ladies on the opening day of the season. Bounced back this Sunday to claim their 1st victory. At home the Essex side were taking on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies. Goals at either end of the 1st half from Jasmine Cox and Daisy Canny seeing Lawford leading 2-0 at half-time. Histon eventually scoring what would prove to be consolation goal through Katie Webb.