The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition Eight
The season moves into November as we begin another bulging edition of The Tuesday Round-Up covering everything that’s happened in women’s football in the East of England this past Sunday. Back to a full league programme across the region as teams vie for the 3 points to lift them up the league, keep them on top spot or knock the leaders off their perch. Leagues are taking shape, a few have yet to get fully up and running some sides frustrated by the lack of action when all they want to do is get out there on the pitch and play the game, let’s plunge into the action.
FAWPL Southern Division
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC lost their unbeaten start to the season extending to 12 games last time out losing 2-1 to then bottom club Queens Park Rangers. Were at home this Sunday in a top of the table clash with 2nd placed Cardiff City Ladies just a point between them Cardiff City. took a 1 goal lead into the break Kelly Issac scoring on 28 minutes. Brighton restored parity early in the 2nd half Sophie Perry with their goal. Kerry Barlett put Cardiff City back in front from the penalty spot and despite Charlotte Gurr rattling a shot against their cross bar late on the Welsh side held out for a 2-1 to move to the top of the Division, inflicting on Brighton their 2nd league defeat in a row.
Worse for Brighton as not only do they lose top spot they are down to 3rd place with Charlton Athletic Women climbing into 2nd. Playing at home against 4th placed Portsmouth Ladies it was another close scoreline with Gemma Shepherd giving Charlton the lead on 29 minutes. Portsmouth’s Ini Umotong struck back for the visitors 10 minutes later to leave the scores level at half-time. Charlton went on to win the match 2-1, Kit Graham with the winner on 74 minutes. Chasing the leading pack 5th and 6th met at Cheshunt FC, neither side could find a goal as Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and Coventry United Ladies played out a 0-0 draw.
C&K Basildon Ladies capitalised on local rivals and fellow FAWPL Southern Division side West Ham United’s recent woes and player departures by signing onto their book 4 of their former stars ex captain Stacey Little along with Lily Mellors, Kerry Stimson and Kayleigh Xidhas. Were at home this Sunday to Lewes Ladies, scored twice with Claire Lacey and Zoe Rushen finding the back of the net, it wasn’t enough though as Lewes hit back scoring 3 times with Basildon putting the ball through their own net from a corner, Natasha Wells and Paige Walder bagging themselves goals in a 3-2 to lift them above Basildon into 7th.
Queens Park Rangers Ladies are up to the dizzy heights of 9th building upon last weekends surprise 2-1 win over Brighton by recording another home victory this Sunday winning 4-2 against new promoted side Forest Green Rovers Ladies. Joanne Wilson opened the scoring for QPR on 27 minutes, Forest Green were back on level terms not long after with Vanessa Nicholson slicing the ball into the wrong net 1-1 at half time. Juana Garcia gave forest Green the lead early in the 2nd half. QPR made a double substitution on 62 minutes with Wilson and Laura Cooper coming off for Cherrelle Albert and Elly Maggs. 3 minutes later Maggs scored the goal to bring QPR level and 4 minutes later even better for Maggs she scored again to make it 3-2. Albert got herself on the score-sheet too with a couple of minutes left to seal a 4-2. The match between Plymouth Argyle Ladies and West Ham United Ladies was postponed.
FAWPL South East Division One
Another clash between 1st and 2nd in the FAWPL South East Division One this Sunday with Luton Town Ladies welcoming leaders Crystal palace Ladies to the Stockwood Park Athletics Stadium. Luton Town had been on an impressive run closing the gap to the top to just 2 points going into the game. Went in at the break 1-0 down with Mary Robinson scoring for Crystal Palace. Wasn’t until late in the 2nd half before Crystal Palace could look to put the game beyond doubt substitute Alma Donohoe heading home from a free kick to make it 2-0 to the visitors. Luton Town got a goal deep in injury time Zara Carroll converting a penalty to make the final score 2-1 keep Crystal Palace unbeaten at the top of the table.
3rd placed Gillingham FC Ladies faced a long trip up to a fog enshrouded Norfolk this Sunday and had a 3-1 advantage in a match that was delayed by poor visibility throughout Emma Tune making it 3-1 on 49 minutes the match was abandoned on 50 to leave everyone frustrated, will have to go again another day. Enfield Town Ladies v Milton Keynes Dons Ladies was already postponed. This meant Old Actonians Ladies had a chance to close the gap on the leading pack as they welcomed Cambridge United WFC to their ground, high on confidence after finally picking up their 1st league win of the season. New signing Paige Logie struck twice in the 1st half to give Cambridge United a 2-0 lead at half-time, Laura Mills making it 3 a minute into the 2nd half. Simone Wan pulled 1 back for the home side late on, Cambridge United found the back of the net for a 4th time in injury time Isabella Simmons on target 2 wins out of 2 for Cambridge United now who join a host of teams in the middle of the table on 10 points.
Denham United Ladies also won 3 much needed points on Sunday at home against Lowestoft Town Ladies to move them away from the bottom. Natalie Murray, Vicky Birkby and Katie Phillipson all scoring in a 3-1, Hannah Waters with Lowestoft Town’s goal. A much needed win for Ipswich Town Ladies down at the wrong end of the table too. Put 9 goals past bottom side Bedford Ladies to move onto 7 points with games in hand on those around them still, braces for both Hollie Clement and Jasmine Cox with a goal each for Amanda Crump, Molly Hall, Aimee Harrison, Jo Foy and new signing Natasha Thomas.
Eastern Region
They’ve been leading the Premier League since the opening weekend getting their games in and getting the 3 points. Were unbeaten going into this Sunday with 6 wins and a draw were on the road away to AFC Sudbury Ladies who had started to slip down the table having not had much league action recently got a win under their belts today to lift themselves back into 3rd Rebecca Thrower and Sophie Jeffery with the goals in a 2-1 win Lucy Wyatt with the goal for Billericay Town who surrender top spot to new leaders Stevenage Ladies. Are unbeaten themselves chasing Billericay Town with a game in hand is now 7 out of 7 wins a 100% record so far at home to Colchester Town Ladies won the match 4-2, Nicole Perschky with 2, Hollie Jardine and Josie North also scoring. Megan Bamber and Chelsea Forde in reply for Colchester Town.
Acle United Ladies are another upward mover in the Premier Division climbing into the top half of the table recording their 2nd league win of the season a 4-0 home win against Brentwood Town Ladies who drop to 7th. Player coach Joanne Hooper scoring twice Alice Ladbrook and Kate Pasque also on target. Haringey Borough Women were enjoying a good run 3 straight league wins that came to an end on the road this sunday as they lost 2-1 against newly promoted side Gt Wakering Rovers Ladies who finally get their 1st 3 points of the season. Georgia Holdaway netting both the goals in either half, Zhane Amoaten with the goal for Haringey Borough. Gt Shelford also secure their 1st 3 point haul of the season (well it’s their 2nd really but the win against Leverstock Green disappeared when the Hertfordshire side folded earlier in the season) A 2-0 win against bottom side AFC Dunstable Ladies, Alison Wright and Rachel Pearce the goal scorers.
In the ERWFL Division One East Silver End United Ladies move level on points with leaders Writtle Ladeis who weren’t on league action this Sunday make it 4 wins out of 4 with a 6-2 away win against Long Melford Ladies. Michelle Taylor hitting a 1st half halt-trick after Paula Drane had opened the scoring. Lynsey Bowman adding 2 more goals to the tally in the 2nd half. Bury Town Ladies were on the road playing Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies in Essex were 1-0 down at half time with Abbie Simmonds scoring the goal. Bury Town battled back 2nd half levelling the scores then going on to score a last gasp winner to take the 3 points bring an end to Little Thurrock Dynamos recent good run of form. In the other match in the Division West Billericay finally get a point on the board after 5 games a 2-2 draw at home against Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, Kerri Thomas and Michelle Stoneman with their goals. Laura Tuley and Michelle Allum netting for Ipswich Wanderers.
Nobody wants to keep the lead in ERWFL Division One West as it changes hands for the 4th week in a row Stevenage Ladies Reserves getting the win after 2 straight league defeats winning 4-3 away to Hoddesdon Owls Ladies. leah Littlechild and Sarah Payne with a goal each, with a pair from Chloe Rouse to seal a last minute win. Rebecca Scola and Kristi Burling finding the back of the net for Hoddesdon. Hutton Ladies leading last weekend are now 2nd on goal difference to Stevenage Ladies Reserves after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Sawbridgeworth Town WFC, Rachael Agombar with their goal, Dempsey Favell netting for the visitors. Offley & Stopsley Ladies form is up and down in the league this weekend it was up and they move into the middle of the closing the gap to Royston Town Ladies whom they were playing today to 2 points. A 2nd straight league defeat for Royston Town were leading 2-0 at half-time but Offley & Stopsley came back in the 2nd half to win the match 4-2 take the 3 points.
Norfolk
Wymondham Town Ladies had taken advantage of everyone else not playing last weekend in Division One to climb to the top of the table, but they themselves weren’t in action this weekend fall down to 3rd spot with previous leaders Alysham FC Ladies reclaiming top spot, only by a point however as they drop their 1st of the season on the road against fellow title contenders Thorpe United Ladies the match finishing 2-2 all the goals scored in the 1st half, Alicia Lacey and Leanne Woodward with the goals for Aylsham, Thorpe’s goal scorers, Charlotte Groves and Rebekah Lake. Moving into 2nd spot are Brandon Town Ladies still with a 100% record 5 wins now the latest a 7-0 away victory over bottom side Mulbarton Belles, Kerry Murray x2, Tiffany Forshaw, Rebekah Finch and Chloe Slater amongst the goals.
Lynn Ladies hadn’t won a game since the opening day of the season after 4 defeats in a row finally won 3 points this weekend at home to Bungay Town Ladies, Shelley Woods for Lynn and Michelle Stanborough with 2 each making it 2-2 at the break before Woods went on to score 3 more goals 2nd half with Elle Bocking adding a 6th to make the final score 6-2. Long Stratton Ladies shared the points at home to Fakenham Town Ladies the match ending 1-1.
In Division Two, Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies were finally back in league action and with leaders North Walsham Angels Ladies seeing their match postponed they didn’t waste the opportunity to reclaim top spot maintain their 100% start to the season winning 5-2 at home to 3rd placed Red Rose Ladies who had a 2-1 lead at half-time. Nikki Wigg with the goal for Kirkley & Pakefield went on to score 3 more times in the 2nd half with Jody Wells also scoring in the 5-2 win.
Sprowston Ladies climb up to 4th in Division Two with a resounding 7-0 victory away to Bungay Town Ladies Reserves, Shanice Sutton finding the back of the net on 5 occasions with Millie Cursons and Laura Jenkins also picking up a goal apiece. Stalham Town Ladies were also on the road and recorded only their 2nd win of the season following 4 successive defeats beat Bohemians Ladies 4-2.
In Division Three, Gorleston FC Ladies were finally back in league action having played just the one cup match in the whole of October. Carried on were they left off to keep up a 100% win rate at the start of the season beating Freethorpe Ladies 9-1 at home, Bethany Turner hitting 5, Samantha Hunn helping herself to a hat-trick and Kayleigh Bryne also scoring. Freethorpe’s Claire Garner did something no other side has been able to do so far this season against Gorleston and that is breach their defence to score a goal.
How many sides will score 7 goals in a match and still lose the game? Dereham Town Ladies did just that at the weekend away to Red Rose United found the back of the net 7 times, however in a goal filled encounter Red Rose United hit back to win the match 10-7 to record their 2nd league win of the season whilst Dereham remain bottom still looking for their 1st points. A side that did record their 1st league win of the season in Division Three were Sprowston Ladies Reserves home winners against Cromer Town Ladies the final score 3-1.
Suffolk
The top of the Suffolk Women’s Division is being eagerly contested mostly at the expence of the 2 new sides to the league this season, Ipswich Phoenix and Leiston St Margarets. East Bergholt United were the visitors this weekend at Ipswich Phoenix were resounding winners by 9 goals to 1, Jessica Oxlade with a hat-trick along with a brace each for Cameron Hogg and Georgina Longden, Alice Longden and Ella Knight with the other goals. Catherine Mason with the goal for Ipswich Phoenix. Title rivals Brantham Athletic Ladies were also on the road at Leiston St Margarets, Lucy Dunnett scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win Kirsten Hutchings with the other goal. One more match in the league a middle table meeting between Witnesham Wasps Ladies hosting Bacton United Ladies the match ending all square 2-2, Alice Rampling and Emily Steward for Witnesham, Samantha Walker and Francesca Rainbird bulging the back of the net for Bacton.
Cambridgeshire
Two postponements in the Women’s Premiership saw just the two matches played in the league this Sunday. Cambridge United WFC Reserves extended their lead at the top of the table going 6 clear of 2nd placed ICA Sports Ladies with a 4-0 victory away to Fulbourn Bluebirds. The goal scorers, Liz Pamplin, Emma Roberts, Monique Christian and Sarah Mosley. In the other match in the league Cambridge University Women move up into 3rd place in the table following a 6-1 win on the road away to Deeping Diamonds Ladies.
Just the one league match being played in the Women’s Championship North this weekend. George Lingham scoring all 4 goals in a 4-0 win for Downham Town Ladies hosting Swineshead Institute Ladies that sees them climb into 3rd place in the table 2 points behind leaders Wisbech Town Ladies.
In the Women’s Championship South, Milton Ladies stay top of the league, recording a big 8-0 win at home to Isleham United Ladies. Kirsty Lemon-Sparkes netting 3, Lauren Threadgold with 2 more, Olivia Thorogood, Felicity Price and an og giving them the slight advantage of goal difference at the top of the table. Joining them at the top level on points are new side Park Ladies was 3rd v 2nd this Sunday as they hosted Comberton Ladies, took the 3 points to climb above them winning the match 2-0 with goals from Gemma Hutton and Casey Ward. The defeat sees Comberton Ladies slip from 2nd to 4th after St Ives Town Ladies beat Cambridge Rangers 5-1 at home to lift themselves into 3rd spot. Their 5 goals shared amongst, Leigh Chatten, Tierney Poore, Georgia Rebane, Georgia Stancombe and Connie Liddiard.
Essex
Chelmsford City Ladies stay top of the women’s Premier Division in Essex despite not playing extend the lead after their opponents Hutton Ladies Reserves failed to field a team and they were awarded the home win. The scramble amongst the chasing pack continues, Hullbridge Sports Ladies who moved into 2nd last weekend consolidate the position with a good 7-0 win at home to Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies, Broghan Kelly scoring a hat-trick, Christina Fragnito and Jennifer Lidbury with 2 each. Collier Row Tigers are moving in the right direction up into 4th spot following a 1-1 at home to 3rd placed Runwell Hospital Ladies which sees them collect 7 points from their last 3 league matches. Walden Ladies pull themselves away from the bottom of the table following a 2-1 away win against bottom side Lawford Ladies.
In Division One it was 1st v 2nd as leaders Harlow Town Ladies travelled to 2nd placed Wickford Town Ladies who had scored 40 goals the previous Sunday, expected goals in this one, Wickford Town though had used their quota up, Harlow Town were in the goals however running out 9-0 winners to make it 7 wins out of 7 in the league. Nudging their way into 2nd spot following that result are Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves just a point clear of Wickford Town 5 behind Harlow after a 3-3 draw at Valley Green.
Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves climb into 5th spot in the table after they came out on top of a high scoring match away to Chigwell Ladies, who despite scoring 4 gaols themselves lost out 6-4. In the final match from Division One both Leigh Athletic and Southend Town Ladies were looking for just their 2nd league win of the season to move away from the bottom of the table. Played at Leigh Athletic it was Southend Town Ladies who claimed the much wanted 3 points winning 5-1.
Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire
In Beds & Herts Women’s Division One, Harvesters FC moved back to the top of the table maintaining their 100% start to the season moving up from 3rd on 12 points 4 wins out of 4 with a 3-0 home win over bottom side Toddington Rovers Ladies still seeking their 1st points after 6 straight league defeats following promotion last season. Shivani Bedi features regularly in The Tuesday Round-Up scoring 2 more goals for Harvesters FC this weekend, Megan Samuel with the other strike. Bishops Stortford Ladies could have held onto top spot with a win at home to Letchworth Garden City Eagles, instead they were held to a 3-3 draw 6 different goal scorers in this one, Sapphire Bennett, Ele Georgiou and Sophie Motton for Bishops Stortford. Letchworth’s goals scored by, Samantha Edgar, Jade Finch and Tayla Murray.
Garston Ladies climb up to 4th in Division One closing the gap on the leading 3 to 2 points following a 3-1 away win against Sandy Ladies, Vikki Duffy scoring 2 of their goals. In the other match in Division One 8 goals were scored at Flitwick Ladies as they took on Sherrardswood Ladies the home side coming out on the wrong side of a 5-3 defeat. Rhiana Rose scoring a hat-trick for Sherrardswood in that one.
In Division Two both Ciara Craig and Emma Hawkes bagged a hat-trick each for Houghton Athletic Ladies as they continue to lead the way at the top of the table 5 wins out of 5 the latest a home win 9-3 against Evergreen Eagles. Have Sharnbrook WFC hot on their heels keeping pace 2 points back in 2nd spot scored 8 goals on the road this weekend winning 8-2 at AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies, Sally Dayus with 3 of the goals, Charlotte Mullins win a pair, Emily Clarke, Ruth Derrick and Claire Smith also scoring goals.
Also another high scoring encounter in the other match played in Division Two this Sunday, Garston Ladies FC 96 climbing up into 3rd spot after a 9-2 away win against Watton Ladies. Garston went 2-0 down however before coming back to win in convincing fashion Natalie Powell the pick of the goal scorers with 4, Cassandra Chase, Juliette Westbrook, Jade Roberts and Lauren Berryman also netting goals.
In Division Three, Hitchin Belles remain top of the table following their 6th straight league win to start the season, a hat-trick from Emily Field and 2 from Shannon Page sealing a 5-0 home win against Welwyn Garden City Ladies. Hot on their heels still with a 100% start to the season themselves are Crawley Green Ladies 5 wins out of 5 to start their season ran out 7-0 winners at home to Panshanger Ladies this Sunday, Jessica McNamara with 4 of their goals, 2 more from Nina Service coming off the bench, Yasmin Wacey also scoring. Both sides finsihing with 10 however as Senel Chapman for Crawley and Sevsen Djetdev for Panshanger were shown red cards on 80 minutes.
Games in hand on the leading pair Evergreen Ladies are another team in Divison Three with a 100% winning start to the season 4 matches now were on the road to 2nd bottom Hatfield Town Ladies coming away with a 5-0 win and 3 more points, Rebecca Freeman with a goal in either half along with Vicky Slaughter, Louisa Johnson and Paige Lacey-Akers securing the points. The title is going to be hotly contested in Division Three, Ickneild Ladies are still very much in the mix back in 4th spot won 4-0 this Sunday away to bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies, the Molloy’s featuring in their goal scoring charts again, Jodie with 1 and Zoe with 2, Amber Hedges also helping herself to a goal. In the last match in Division Three, Bedmond Ladies make it 2 wins out of two winning big at home 7-1 against Bedwell Rangers FC, 5 goals from Molly Peters with 2 more from Abbie Harrison seeing them climb from 7th into 5th spot.
Plenty of goals scored some high scoring encounters across the region. Adds to the drama if not to the hair coverage of your managers. Several leagues are starting to take shape as we enter November the title contenders muscling into position, will be plenty of twists and turns no doubt as The Tuesday Round-Up continues to bring you as much of the action as it can. No report to bring you this time around as I was in Rotherham watching the Continental Cup Final. Women’s Football East would love to see a team from this region there one day and as the women’s game continues to grow who knows we might see it happen. Until next week thanks for reading.