The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition Thirteen
The Thirteenth Edition of Women’s Football East, The Tuesday Round-Up is here. A huge amount of action and games to cover with the weather for a change not affecting too many fixtures across the East, even though well all felt the gusts from Storm Desmond. Every league across the east saw at least one match being played and with that we saw a couple of sides lose their undefeated status. Was also the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup with 8 sides featuring from the East across 6 ties. Catching up with postponements in other cup competition too, some delayed by 2 weeks already, in Norfolk, a re-run of a League Cup semi-final in Sufffolk too aswell as the Beds & Herts League Cup 2nd Round.
FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Proper
Let’s start with the FA Women’s Cup, entering the 1st Round Proper it was largely sides from the FAWPL Division One and a few regional sides that had made it this far after 4 rounds of qualifying. 6 ties featuring sides competing in the region and it to one of these sides that the Supporting Women’s Football Blog travelled to on Sunday with Old Actonians Ladies from the FAWPL South East Division One hosting Swindon Town Ladies their counterparts from the South West Division One, one of two back to back games between them as they have also been paired in the FAWPL League Cup, was postponed last Sunday and cant’ go ahead this with the FA Women’s Cup taking priority.
The venue was switched to a 3G pitch at Brunel University, with both sides playing on the surface for the 1st time. Was an evenly matched affair, with both sides looking to attack with purpose, the final ball not coming off with defences doing well, a game of few chances, Swindon edging those 1st half, Old Actonians coming out 2nd half and looking to press more higher up the pitch creating more opportunities, at 0-0 with just 3 minutes left to play, Swindon having a quick counter attack al through the match broke capitalised on a mistake in midfield with saw the ball played through to striker Ellie Maynard inside the box, hit the shot hard putting it past the diving keeper and in the back of the net to win the time and book their place in the 2nd Round where they have been drawn at home to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies. To view the whole match report simply click on the link below.
Old Actonians Ladies v Swindon Town Ladies 06/12/15
Two all FAWPL South East Division One ties next up, the 1st featuring 3rd v 1st in the league with leading side Crystal Palace Ladies travelling to play Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Alma Donohoe scored the opening goal to give Crystal Palace Ladies a 1-0 lead at half-time. Soon after the start of the 2nd half Crystal Palace Ladies, Rochelle Shakes was brought down inside the box to earn her side a penalty. Freda Holdaway stepped up to take and scored. Donohoe added her 2nd on 65 minutes with Gemma Bryan scoring in the final 10 minutes to give Crystal Palace Ladies a 4-0. Will be at home in the 2nd Round Proper playing West Ham United Ladies.
In the other all FAWPL South East Division One tie it was a Bedfordshire derby with 2nd placed Luton Town Ladies visiting Bedford Ladies. Luton Town Ladies went 2-0 with goals from Joanne Rutherford and Natasha Fensome. Bedford Ladies pulled one back through Chelsea Hunter before Luton restored the 2 goal cushion, Erica Byron scoring their 3rd goal. Rebecca Vaas scored for Bedford to make it 3-2. Luton held on for the win and have at tasty looking tie in the 2nd Round drawn away to FAWPL Southern Division leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.
FAWPL South East Division One side Gillingham FC Ladies were away in the 1st Round playing London Corinthians Ladies whom had knocked them out of the County Cup back in November. A different affair this time around Gillingham have made high scoring cup ties their forte at the moment. Took an early lead through Kallie Balfour. London Corinthians pulled the scores level midway through the 2nd half Hannah Tichener the scorer, the match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, onto extra time. A dramtic 30 minutes, Gillingham given a penalty early on scored by Madison North with Paige Baker-Carroll putting them 3-1 up, Danielle Harrison pulling it back to 3-2 for London Corinthians they drew level as Holly Ryde converted a penalty kick too. Baker-Carroll scored 22 minutes into extra time her goal proving the be the winner as Gillingham edged it 4-3. Face a long away trip in the 2nd Round playing Forest Green Rovers Ladies.
A high scoring match between Fulham FC Foundation Ladies and Enfield Town Ladies ending 3-3 after 90 minutes. Enfield Town were 3-1 up with 6 minutes left to play before Fulham FC Foundation came back to draw it 3-3 then went on to win the penalty shoot-out and make history by reaching the 2nd Round Proper where they will be at home to Lewes Ladies.
FAWPL Southern Division
All change at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division again as Brighton & Hove Albion WFC retake top spot from Charlton Athletic Women. It was Charlton Athletic Women they were playing too, to do it. A special occasion this Sunday from Brighton as they were getting to play at the Amex Stadium, the game was played in front of a record FAWPL crowd of 3256 and they witnessed a home win, Jay Blackie settling any nerves early on scoring 9 minutes in, Charlotte Gurr adding a 2nd just before half-time, that turning out to be the final score a 2-0 win moving them back into top spot. It finished goalless in the match between C&K Basildon Ladies and Coventry United Ladies.
One other FAWPL Southern Division game played this Sunday saw West Ham United Ladies travelling to the south coast to play Portsmouth Ladies. West Ham United were left shell shocked at half time after conceding six goals, Sarah Kempson scoring twice on 10 and 17 minutes, Nigerian international Ini Umotang adding 2 more herself on 36 and 39 minutes with Emma Sherwood (one of the six West Ham United players infamously departing the club earlier in the season) adding 2 more goals on 44 and 45 minutes. Sherwood went on to wrap up her hat-trick in the 2nd half Portsmouth Ladies winning the match 7-0.
FAWPL South East Division One
Cambridge United WFC are in a rich vein of form and it continued this Sunday with a trip to the East Coast to play Lowesfoft Town Ladies. The good run keeps going with Sarah Wiltshire opening the scoring, Faith Hewitt on hand to score a 2nd goal. Wiltshire scored for a 2nd time the final score 4-0, with Paige Logie getting the goal, the win see’s Cambridge’s unbeaten run in the league stretch to 7 mathes and lifts them up to 4th place in the table already equalling last season’s points tally of 20.
Norwich City Ladies have plenty of young players in their starting XI and they continue to do well consolidating their spot in the top half of the table were on the road this Sunday playing Denham United Ladies. Ellen Swift gave them an early lead opening the scoring on 2 minutes. Natasha Snelling added a 2nd goal just before the break. Denham pulled a goal back in the 2nd half but it wasn’t enough Norwich winning 2-1 to take the 3 points.
Eastern Regional Leagues
Unbeaten 100% winning starts were brought to an end in the Eastern Regional Leagues this Sunday. The first of those belonging to Premier Division leaders Stevenage Ladies. Were at home this Sunday the visitors Haringey Borough Women, played well to take the 3 points Zhane Amoaten amongst the goal scorers in a 3-1 win to put them up into 4th place level on points with 3rd placed AFC Sudbury Ladies.
AFC Sudbury Ladies themselves were looking to close the gap on 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies had beaten them at home earlier in the season to spark a 3 game winning streak to move them up into 3rd spot. Away to Billericay Town Ladies who needed to put some pressure on leaders Stevenage Ladies themselves it was the home side who took the 3 points winning the match by a single goal. Colchester Town Ladies could only muster 10 players for the trip to Brentwood Town Ladies that was soon reduced to 9 through injury, Brentwood Town Ladies used the player advantage to full effect winning 8-1, Chelcee Grimes netting a hat-trick with braces added by both Ashley Debnam and Emma Mackie along with Paidamoyo Dedza added a goal.
4 more Premier Division sides were involved in League Cup action playing 3rd Round ties. Acle United Ladies finally getting to play a football match having seen over a month without a competitive game. Were on their travels down into Essex to play Gt Wakering Rover Ladies. With a bare 11 available it was Acle who took the lead 18 minutes into the 2nd half, player coach Joanne Hooper putting the ball into the back of the net. Gt Wakering Rovers found an equalising goal with 7 minutes left to play forcing extra-time, went on to score again in the extra 30 minutes to win the tie 2-1 and advance.
In the other 3rd Round League Cup tie AFC Dunstable Ladies were hosting Gt Shelford Ladies, the home side scoring through Bethany Stanton. It wasn’t enough as Gt Shelford Ladies found the back of the net twice with goals from Alison Wright and Cindy Ponder.
It was in the ERWFL Division One East that the other unbeaten 100% record was lost as joint leaders Silver End United Ladies travelled to Suffolk to play Bury Town Ladies. Nadine Basson continuing to enjoy her return form a long injury lay off, scoring 2 for Bury Town. Rebecca Hollocks pulling a goal back in the last 5 minutes for Silver End United, it wasn’t enough as they lose in the league for the 1st time the season. The win for Bury Town Ladies lifting them up into 3rd spot in the table.
That leaves one unbeaten team with a 100% record in the ERWFL, Writtle Ladies moving 3 points clear at the top of Division One East over Silver End United Ladies. Abigail Fry scoring a hat-trick as they demolished bottom side West Billericay Ladies at home 8-0. The other goals scored by Courtney Clarke, Sophie Vale, Georgina Tucker and a brace by Charlotte Walker.
Hutton Ladies were 4 points clear at the top of ERWFL Division One West going into this weekends fixtures were on the road playing 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies, they close to within 2 points of Hutton Ladies following a 5-1 win. Samantha Tinsley scoring 2, with their other goals from, Emma Phipps, Hayley Graham and Georgia Gannaway. Hayley Critchell scoring for Hutton.
Hutton Ladies lead is now down to a single point as 2nd placed Offley & Stopsley Ladies also win 3 points at the weekend. Were on their travels playing 2nd bottom Hoddesdon Owls, Rachael Lewis, Charlene Moreton, Sheree Oliver and Shanice Sanderson all on the score sheet following a 4-1 win. In the other match in the division, Stevenage Ladies Reserves were hosting bottom side Colney Heath Ladies who had picked up their 1st league point last Sunday got a 2nd this time around after a high scoring draw final score 4-4 Stevenage Ladies Reserves levelling it late on their 4 goals scored by Leah Littlechild and an Alexandria Moir hat-trick. Faith Trounce netted twice for Colney Heath Ladies with their other 2 goals scored by Eustacia Randles and Adrienne Milton.
Norfolk
Were still two ties from the 2nd Round of the Women’s League Cup that needed to be settled having both been postponed twice it was a case of hoping it would be 3rd time lucky. Division Two high flyers North Walsham Ladies faced a tough test at home taking on the League Cup holders Wymondham Town Ladies. The holders progress winning the match 4-2. The other tie was an all Division Three affair with the top two facing one another, Gorleston FC Ladies hosting Harleston Town Ladies, both haven’t played a competitive game for over a month going into this game. Gorleston proving too strong advance winning the match 4-0, Bethany Turner scoring 2 goals with a goal each for Sophie Gillett and Tina Carter.
Norfolk Women’s Division One has new leaders again, with Thorpe United Ladies claiming top spot for the 1st time this season, were on the road away to Bungay Town Ladies and with the 3 sides above them not in league action. Capitalised edging out Bungay Town in a 3-2 win Judith Bloomfield, Kimberly Broom and Charlotte Groves all on target for Thorpe United. Bungay Town scorers Michelle Stanborough and Emily Fusco.
Bottom side Mulbarton Bells finally got their 1st league point on the board in Division One this season following a 2-2 draw away to Fakenham Town Ladies. Turned up at Clipbush Park with just 10 players again came back from going a goal down twice, Sain Sands on target for Fakenham Town Ladies both times, former Fakenham player Lauren Matthews and Holly Baker scoring for Mulbarton Belles.
Lynn Ladies were away to Long Stratton Ladies, came out the better of a high scoring contest 2-1 down at the break went on to win the match 4-3 to move back into 5th spot, Shelley Woods scoring another hat-trick with Lisa Wilson getting the other goal, Stephanie Lund also saw her penalty saved. Charlie Head, Summer Moore and Ellie Sostman scored for Long Stratton Ladies.
In Division Two, Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies hadn’t played a league match since the start of November in that time had been nudged off top spot by North Walsham Angels Ladies. Had started the season well 5 wins out of 5, were away to Bohemians Ladies this Sunday, made it 6 wins out of 6 to retake top spot. Went 1-0 down however Joanne Ogogo scoring for Bohemians Ladies. Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies came back 2nd half finding the back of the net 4 times through Gemma Farman, Nikki Wigg, Jody Wells and Sophie Martin.
Out of no where Sprowston Ladies have snuck up on the leading pair in Division Two, in 3rd place, are now a point behind 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies and 3 behind leaders Kirkley & Pakefield. Have now won 4 league matches in a row scoring 7 goals in each of their last 3 league games the latest this Sunday at home to bottom side Morley Ladies winning 7-1 Millie Cursons and Beth Cornwall both getting 2 each with the other goals from Lauren Norstead, Rebecca Kirby and Paige Wright.
Was another high scoring match in the other Division Two with Stalham Town Ladies winning 6-2 at home to Bungay Town Ladies Reserves. Kiera Brown finding the back of the net 3 times for Stalham Town with 2 more goals scored by Marie Meale and the 6th from Amber Mayhew. Taylor Whiting and Nicola Hazell on target for Bungay Town Ladies Reserves.
In Norfolk Women’s Division Three, Red Rose United are up into 3rd spot having now won 3 matches in a row following their poor start. Away to Freethorpe Ladies this Sunday won 3-1 all 3 of their goals coming in the 1st half, Sarah Miller pulling one back for Freethorpe Ladies who after a promising start are falling down the table. Another side recovering from a poor start to the season in Division Three are Dereham Town Ladies are now unbeaten in 3 have improved defensively not conceding so many, kept their 1st clean sheet of the season playing local rivals Toftwood Ladies for the 2nd successive Sunday following a 2-2 away draw last time out, got the 3 points this time winning 1-0 to move into 5th a point behind Toftwood in 4th.
Suffolk
A farcical situation led to the Suffolk Women’s League Cup semi-final between Copleston Ladies and Witnesham Wasps Ladies getting abandoned 2 weekends ago finishing 2-2 (aet) it was the too dark to take penalties. The match rescheduled for this Sunday with an earlier kick-off with Copleston Ladies travelling to Witnesham Wasps Ladies. Extra-time and pentalies weren’t required. Elysia Young gave Copleston Ladies a 1-0 lead at half time. Witnesham Wasps hit back 2nd half scoring 4 goals a brace for both Emma Long and Emily Steward, Young scored her 2nd of the match too. 4-2 the final score Witnesham Wasps Ladies win a place in the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final where they will face Brantham Athletic Ladies.
One league match also took place in the Suffolk Women’s Division and whilst Copleston Ladies were involved in their semi-final match, Bacton United Ladies took their opportunity to leap above them and take 3rd spot in the table winning 8-0 at home to bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies. Lois Balfour with 4 of their goals, Francesca Rainbird also scoring a hat-trick, Maria Walker also scoring.
Cambridgeshire
Let’s start with the ad news and I hate to report this, the 1st time on The Tuesday Round-Up can only hope it’s the last. A side has dropped out of the league, from the Women’s Premiership, Deeping Diamonds Ladies, achieved promotion only this season, sadly all the signs of a struggling club were their failing to field a team fixtures called off, not good. Having followed their progress there are some talented players there and I hope they all find another club and continue playing and maybe one day Deeping Diamonds will feature in women’s football again.
Knew something was amiss when I saw this weekends results and the league table didn’t read right, has of course been adjusted to compensate for the missing side. Points gained against Deeping Diamonds Ladies removed in the Premiership. With leaders Cambridge United WFC drawing and 2nd placed Cambridge University Women winning they should have been top but not in the adjusted table. Cambridge United WFC Reserves are a point clear at the top following a 3-3 draw at home to Bar Hill Ladies, Monique Christian, Gemma Clarke and Hayley Turner on target for the home side, whilst Anna Jepshon , Sam Reid and Natalie Wells scored for Bar Hill who climb up to 4th.
Cambridge University Women had 14 points last weekend to go 2nd still have 14 points losing 3 won against Deeping Diamonds they were hosting Netherton United Ladies this Sunday a close contest a single goal taking the 3 points scored by Lynn Jones-Taylor for Cambridge University Women. Moving back up into 3rd position are Cambridge City Ladies winning 5-0 at home to Newmarket Town Ladies, Saskia Capetti, Bronte Rapley, Grace Stanley and 2 from Philippa Witherspoon the goal scorers.
Just the one match in the Championship North this weekend with Stamford Ladies winning big at home against bottom side Tydd St Mary Ladies, won the game 11-0 halting their slide down the table and lifting them back amongst the chasing pack into 3rd spot.
A late fixture switch saw Park Ladies changing form a home game to an away trip to 2nd bottom Little Paxton Ladies who were still looking for their 1st league points of the season. Finally got a point with the spoils shared after a 2-2 draw, Erin Powell and Casey Ward with Park Ladies goals. 3rd placed Milton Ladies were hosting league leaders St Ives Town Ladies who are in a strong run off form winning 5 league games in a row before this weekend, made it 6 wins to extend their lead at the top, Hannah Seymour-Shove and Tierney Poore scoring in a 2-1 win. Shona Kelly, Laura Todd and Rebecca Webb were on goal scorers for Isleham United Ladies at the weekend, it wasn’t enough however to get anything from their home match as they lost out 5-3 to Comberton Ladies who finally get back to winning ways having suffered 4 straight league defeats previously Kerri Hilton-Taylor banging 4 goals into the back of the net with Molly Funge also getting herself a goal.
Essex
In the Essex Women’s Premier Division it was a surprise defeat for leaders Chelmsford City Ladies only their 2nd defeat of the season were away to Collier Row Tigers who have enjoyed some great form themselves of late, was an 11 goal thriller the home side just edging it 6-5, would have love to read a report from that game. Collier Row Tigers open up a gap from the teams below them in 4th. 2nd and 3rd met this weekend Hullbridge Sports Ladies playing Eastern Avenue both on 17 points looking to close the gap on leaders Chelmsford City, they lost however the gap was only narrowed by a point as the title chasers played out a 1-1 draw, Hannah Warner giving Eastern Avenue a 1st half lead, Hullbridge Sports pulled it level in the 2nd half converting from the penalty spot to share the points. In the other Premier Division match played this weekend it was a valuable 3 points won by Walden Ladies at home against Runwell Hospital Ladies to move them away from the bottom of the table up into 6th.
In Essex Women’s Division One, runaway leaders a seemingly unstoppable force in the league were at home to their closest rivals at the weekend 2nd placed Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves regularly scoring double figures in games thought this might be a closer affair… wrong. Harlow Ladies made it 11 wins out of 11 to pull further clear at the top winning 12-0, Nene McInernery scoring 4 of their goals, 2 each for Tia Dye, Victoria Hall, and Philippa Stephens, Imogen Palmer and Catherine Kelly also getting in on the goal scoring act.
Wickford Town Ladies in 4th spot in Essex Women’s Division One also won comfortably at the weekend a home game against Valley Green the 3 points secured thanks to a 5-0 win. Chigwell Ladies climb up to 5th place following a 6-2 win over Hullbridge Sports Ladies Reserves.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
An ever changing picture at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with leaders Harvesters FC distracted by the League Cup this Sunday it was Hertford Town Ladies who took advantage were away playing Letchworth Garden City Eagles, 3rd v 4th going into the match a close contest, 7 goals scored Hertford Town Ladies taking the 3 points winning 4-3 to move a point clear at the top, Kerry Oldham scoring 2, Laveena Betts and Becky Shephard also getting a goal. Jade Finch, Tayla Murray and Emily Jamieson with the goals for Letchworh.
At the other end of Division One bottom side Toddington Rovers Ladies had lost their 1st 8 matches following promotion to the league were away this Sunday playing 2nd bottom Sandy Ladies who themselves had mustered just one point all season so far. Laura Day and 2 goals from Amy Summerfield finally gave Toddington Rovers a win in the league after 9 attempts their 1st 3 points lifting them off the bottom into 7th as they push Sandy Ladies to the bottom.
Displaced as leaders in Division One, Harvesters FC were also knocked out of the League Cup this weekend by last season’s beaten finalists, Sherrardswood Ladies the tie finshing 2-2 after extra time, Shivani Bedi and Ellie Lovelock on target for Harvesters FC the away side hit back with goals from Rhiana Rose and Majinder Atwal scoring in the 9oth minute to force extra-time, no goals in the extra period onto penalties Sherrardswood Ladies pinching it winning 5-4.
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two, leaders Houghton Athletic Ladies continue to lead the way, 7 matches, 7 wins, the latest on the road at Watton Ladies winning 3-1 courtesy of 2 goals from Ciara Craig with Emma Hawkes also getting a goal. Sharnbrook WFC are doing their best to keep up in 2nd spot were taking on Royston Town Ladies Reserves this Sunday an away trip. Sharnbrook edged it 3-2 at break, Claire Smith with a 1st half hat-trick, Angelica Fachechi and Amber Murray with Royston Town’s goals, then Annie Brierley levelled it up for the home side early in the 2nd half. Sharnbrook went on to score twice more to win the game, Emily Clarke and Charlotte Mullins with the goals to their name. Woburn Lionesses move up to 4th place in the table after they won 2-0 on the road taking on Evergreen Eagles, Jay Birse and Emma Payne with the strikes to score.
New leaders at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, where another intriguing battle for the title is unfolding. Evergreen Ladies take the lead have a 7 game 100% win record, this Sunday’s 5-0 at home to Bedwell Rangers the latest. Rebecca Freeman scoring a hat-trick with Samantha Jakson and Natalie Maher getting a goal each. A new side in 2nd spot to as Icknield Ladies move up the table winning by just a single goal at home to Panshanger Ladies the strike from Cyeanna Eaton enough to take the 3 points. Final game to take place at the weekend in the division saw bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies lose at home to Bedmond Ladies 4-1.
A lot of action covered and it just goes to show there is still plenty to play for across all the leagues with December here and team’s wanting to be ideally placed in the New Year, be it to make a promotion push or ensure safety at the other end. Start of the season you look at the fixtures and think it’ll all be over by March, but then the postponements start and looking at the fixtures now there will be a busy end to the campaign for some sides and we haven’t had any snow yet, just adds to the drama. Thanks for reading Edition Thirteen of The Tuesday Round-Up just a couple more to bring you in 2015 see you again next week.