Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Ampthill Town Ladies

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Sunday 8th November

ERWFL Division One North

Heading east up the A47 this Remembrance Sunday to watch some action from ERWFL Division One North. A match featuring two of the promoted sides with Costessey Sports Ladies hosting Bedfordshire side, Ampthill Town Ladies at the FDC.

 The ERWFL Division’s One, North and South representing tier 6 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England, with the clubs joining making the step up from county level to compete at regional level. The ERWFL fully complimented in recent season’s with a 12 strong Premier Division and usually both 12 in Division One North and South. Division One North represented by 11 sides this season following the late withdrawal of Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, little time for sides to consolidate in what is usually a competitive league with 2 sides set to be relegated at the end of the season.

 Costessey Sports Ladies on a rapid rise since forming their women’s section competitive in Norfolk Women’s Division One from the on set finishing runners-up last season, also winning their 1st trophy the League Cup. Make the set-up into the regional set-up as they start the new season with a 2nd women’s side once again competing in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Have brought in some players with useful experience across Norfolk to compliment a squad built on a foundation of bringing up youthful talent through their squads into the 1st team.

 Drew 2-2 away to fellow newcomers, Ampthill Town Ladies on the opening day before going on a 3 game winning streak to put themselves in amongst the top teams in the Division. Has been a bumpy ride since coming up against the sides at the top with them hosting Real Bedford’s Development side, Stevenage FC’s Reserves and leaders Luton Town Development suffered 3 straight defeats pushing them back down to 5th in the table, a 4th straight home league match this Sunday will be hoping to arrest that run. Thea Hackney the top scorer so far with 7 goals, Hannah Campbell netting 5 goals.

 Ampthill Town Ladies formed just 3 season’s ago joining the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division in 2024 assembling a strong squad with players having represented both the heavy weight in Bedfordshire Luton and Bedford, finishing runners-up in their debut season. Involved in a 3 way tussle for the title the previous season the top 3 all finishing on 34 points AFC Welwyn Ladies piping Ampthill to the title courtesy of 3 more goals scored finishing runners-up, applied to join the ERWFL, receiving a late call up with other applicants pulling out. 

 Moving into Division One North to begin their journey at tier 6 began with 3 successive draws home and away followed by a run of 3 straight defeats before another high scoring draw and at last a 1st league win of the season at home to bottom side Newmarket Town Women. An up and down start to life in regional football not helped by injuries losing experienced defender Gemma Franklin to a fractured foot sustained in training. In 7th spot in the table have goals in the side top scorer, Matilda O’Keefe top scorer and 2nd top scorer in the league with 11 to her name so far from 12 appearances. Kirsty Walker next closest with 4 to her name.

 The FDC Norfolk, in Bowthorpe the venue for today’s match home to Costessey Sports Ladies, one of the football development centres run by Norfolk FA dotted about the county. Play on the large 3G Harrod Sport Arena. A multi pitch facility with a clubhouse and bar serving hot and cold drinks leading out to the pitches themselves. A 3pm kick-off the sun already low a foggy start to the day the cloud not really lifting dry though and mild. A small covered stand for spectators with standing viewing on 3 sides of the large pitch. The two sides gathering round the centre circle to hold a minute of reflection on Remembrance Sunday. 

The teams gathering round the centre circle to commemorate Remembrance Sunday

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Harriet Cotton, Sydnie Brown, Grace Wall, Phoebe Pierpoint, Abbi Nobbs (C), Sofia Odell, Hannah Campbell, Holly Williams, Alisha Juby, Chloe Moulton & Thea Hackney. Subs – Paige Barnard, Faye Bye, Amber Goddard & Lucy Wetherell.

Costessey Sports Ladies

 Ampthill Town Ladies starting XI – Destiny Pap, Britt Holdsworth, Lauren Saunders, Maisie Howard (C), Sienna Healey, Tasmin Gentle, Olivia Clark, Shauna Cole, Lydia Haslam, Kirsty Walker & Molly Blair. Subs – Karen Clark.

Ampthill Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Team captains, Maisie Howard and Abbi Nobbs with todays match referee Elise Carroll-Mileham

 Costessey fielding two strong squads this afternoon with the 1st team naming 4 on their bench, the 2nd team away to Shrublands Ladies in the Norfolk Women’s League Cup. Ampthill Town Ladies travelling up to Norfolk with a reduced squad with players out unavailable and injured including top scorer, Matilda O’Keefe, naming just the one substitute to call upon from the bench. It’s Ampthill to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts with blue across the shoulders and sleeves, blue shorts and yellow socks. Costessey lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. Played back to their defence the ball clipped out long into the left channel players rushing forwards longing to put the Costessey defence under pressure, goalkeeper Harriet Cotton rushing out to the top of her area to launch the ball clear.

  Ampthill quick to close it down the ball flashing back and forth as both sides look to get after it, Kirsty Walker taking hold of the ball out wide on the left feeding it through for striker Molly Blair to run onto takes on the shot from outside the box firing the ball wide of the near post. The visitors snapping in to press the ball in the Costessey half, Olivia Clark linking up with Lydia Haslam putting the ball into Walker wide left the ball fed on into the left channel once again, Costessey keeper, Cotton quickly out to the top of her area to slide down to claim the ball.

 Grace Wall winning the ball at the back for Costessey on the right getting it forwards for Hannah Campbell she in turn playing it on for Thea Hackney bursting up the right flank charging on to the by-line her cross cut out by Ampthill’s Lauren Saunders behind for a corner kick. Costessey practising their corners in the pre-match warm-up the ball curled in towards the near post attacked the header sent over the bar. 

Costessey’s Alisha Juby

 The ball never still popping back and forth as both sides look to get it on up the pitch quickly Costessey looking to get Hackney, right and Sofia Odell on the left forwards to support Chloe Moulton in attack, Ampthill playing 3 at the back. Hackney from a throw on the left breaking up the wing her low cross into the six yard box claimed low by stand in goalkeeper, Destiny Pap. A throw to Costessey high on the left, Odell getting it inside to Moulton top of the D, looks to take it into the box tackled by Ampthill’s captain, Maisie Howard.

Ampthill captain, Maisie Howard

 Pressure from Costessey as Alisha Juby and Holly Williams in the midfield close the ball down high, the former seeing her strike charged down as the ball is rolled into her from Campbell on the right of the D. Tasmin Gentle getting the ball on down Ampthill’s right into space players racing on through the middle the cross fired in across the top of the opposition area, Blair getting it into her feet closed down by Phoebe Pierpoint at the back for Costessey, lays it back to Clark in midfield, lines up a shot from range put wide of the mark.

 Williams sending the ball on for Campbell on Costessey’s right wing has Hackney ahead of her, the ball played on Hackney racing after it, Ampthill’s defence can get across her run to see the ball out for a goal kick. Hackney with another opportunity to attack from the right cutting inside this time laying the ball inside for Moulton to take on the 25 yarder, her strike taking a deflection off the leg of a blocking defender the ball behind for a corner out to the left. 

 Another inviting ball curled into the box from Juby dropping down into the mix inside a crowded six yard box, Ampthill scrambling it away to the top of their area, Costessey’s Campbell latching onto it central 20 yards out sending her half volley over the bar. Costessey getting some joy out on the wings, Odell given the ball from Sydnie Brown attacking up the line, her cross attempt cut out by defender, Britt Holdsworth turned behind for another corner kick.

 GOAL! Juby to play the corner into the box, Costessey with players running in to attack it the delivery on a plate for Hackney as she meets it with her head to drive the ball over the keeper to open the scoring 1-0.

Thea Hackney opens the scoring for Costessey

Thea Hackney

 Costessey taking the lead on 11 minutes, the hosts looking to capitalise pushing players forwards Odell out on the left taking the ball on into space getting a dangerous cross from the by-line across the face of goal Campbell making the run at the far post looking to get her foot up over the bouncing ball to send it back across the keeper, dragging it wide back past the left post. Ampthill looking to counter attack getting the ball out into Blair as she runs into space out on the right taking the ball on shooting on the  angle sends her attempt wide across the Costessey goal out past the far post. 

 Competitive in the middle Juby and Williams snapping in, Clark, Holdsworth and Sienna Cole for Ampthill the ball fed out to Walker left side as the visitors look to mount an attack, winning a corner kick, swung in towards the near post attacked by Blair headed wide of the upright. 

 GOAL! Played at a furious pace the game toing and froing as both sides close the other down Blair seeing the ball into her feed looking to hold it up up top for the visitors, Costessey captain Abbi Nobbs closing her down getting a foot in the ball cleared back out to the midfield, Clark latching onto it for Ampthill lining up the shot from all of 30 yards, catches it sweetly sending a powerful shot in on goal over the keeper before she can react to find the back of the net and level up the scores 1-1.

Olivia Clark celebrates after levelling the score from long range for Ampthill

 Costessey’s lead lasting just 5 minutes as Ampthill get the game back on level terms. Juby getting the ball on for Odell she in turn finds Hackney with the pass on the right driving forwards her cross cut out by Ampthill’s Saunders. Brown pushing on up the left for Costessey supporting Odell the ball into her feet sends a diagonal pass in towards Moulton top of the area, Pap rushing off her line to slide in and claim the ball before she can latch onto it.

Costessey’s Chloe Moulton

  Pap alert soon afterwards as Hackney gets in the clear to the right of the area the keeper rushing in to close the angle down making the blocking save as she goes to ground. Costessey getting players on well with Ampthill playing 3 at the back, the defenders kept busy, Holdsworth on the right side, enjoying a good contest with Odell. Ampthill looking a threat on the counter attack as Costessey with an attack minded midfield press forwards. An Ampthill player down with a nose bleed having been struck in the face with the ball giving both sides a brief pause as she receives treatment.

  Play resuming with Healey putting the ball on for Blair through the middle, Pierpoint getting across her run to shield the ball back to her keeper to clear. Odell taking the ball on from Juby up the left, Holdsworth diving in with the challenge to take the ball off her out for the throw in. The hosts putting pressure on the flanks Odell breaking up the left putting the cross into the box, Moulton central on for Campbell, Saunders in to close her down the ball rebounding back towards Juby her 20 yard effort taken cleanly by Pap back on her line.

 Costessey wining the free-kick as Holdsworth and Odell tangle wide on the left, the set-piece 25 yards out, Juby to play the ball in on the angle sending it in towards the far post knocked down inside the six yard box the snatched shot scooped up by Pap. The Ampthill keeper racing out of her box to get the ball clear alert as Costessey’s defence sends a long clearance forwards with Odell the willing runner out on the left. 

 Costessey with a throw on the left the ball working it’s way into the box, Holdsworth getting hold of it clearing the ball up the right wing with Healey breaking forwards into the gap taking the ball on whipping a quick fire cross in towards the penalty spot Blair looking to get onto the end of it her strike saved at point blank range by Cotton as she slides in to block it. 

Costessey goalkeeper Harriet Cotton

 Saves at both ends as Costessey’s Campbell brings the ball in off the right wing having a sight on goal from 25 yards out, Pap throwing up a glove to tip the ball over the bar for a corner out on the left. 

Ampthill goalkeeper, Destiny Pap

 GOAL! Costessey’s corners a threat Ampthill with plenty back in their box to defend, Juby’s initial ball in cleared out towards the left retrieved by Odell sending it back into the six yard box a defender getting her head into it looking to divert it away instead sees it loop up high over the keeper and drop into the back of the net, Costessey not reacting at first, then celebrating as the referee signals the goal scored 2-1  the hosts back into the lead.

 GOAL! Ampthill getting back on level terms 5 minutes after conceding the first goal waste not time getting it back level as the get on the offensive from the restart the ball out to Walker left played out of Wall for a throw, comes inside to Clark all of 30 yards out brings it inside before lining up another blistering effort firing a powerful shot over the keeper to make it 2-2.

Another long range blast from Olivia Clark to make it 2-2

 Clark getting back to help the defence as Odell breaks on with the ball for Costessey on the left side her cross played in to the crowd gathered at the top of the visitors area. Blair looking to attack a ball through the middle form Haslam, Cotton racing out the other way the keeper just about getting there to get the ball away to the left down after a coming together with the attacker as their momentum sees them collide, play stopped so she can receive treatment but is ok to continue. 

 Into the closing 5 minutes of a fast paced 1st half. Howard tackling Hackney as she looks to hold the ball up top of the Ampthill area. Williams getting on through the middle taking on the strike from 25 yards out putting her effort wide past the left post. Costessey push on up the left Odell’s cross flashed into the box over Hackney central, Juby beyond her going down as Costessey appeal for a penalty thinking they’ve seen a hand ball the ball cleared towards the top of the area met on the half volley struck over the bar.

Costessey midfielder, Holly Williams

 Blair taking the ball on from Gentle moving into space on the right turning inside, Brown on her shoulder taking on the strike from 30 yards out, lacks the pace to trouble Cotton. Into stoppage time at the end of the 1st half, Pierpoint defending on Blair as the ball is fed into the striker from the right the Costessey defender turning it behind for the corner kick. The ball in long to the far post defended by Wall. Remains an end to end affair, Odell seeing her cross form the left intercepted by Holdsworth. 

 Williams snapping after the ball through the middle for Costessey getting forwards space opening up before her 30 yards out unleashing a shot a low drive in on target, Pap right behind it however to collect it up into her gloves. The hosts with a late push in the 1st half Odell flagged offside as Juby wins it well in the centre. Moulton with a nice turn central on the ball laying it on for Hackney attacking the box right side just a little too much weight on the pass as Pap rushes out to get to it first.

Half-time Costessey Sports Ladies 2-2 Ampthill Town Ladies

 A lively first half coming to an end with the sides level at 2-2 as Ampthill head back to the changing rooms, the hosts staying out on the pitch for the interval. The ball closed down by both sides, Costessey able to apply pressure down their flanks with Ampthill playing 3 at the back, opening the scoring from a corner kick. The visitors looking dangerous on the counter, coming back to level things up within 5 minutes through a long range strike from Olivia Clark. An own goal seeing Costessey back into the lead in the 37th minute, only for them to concede straight away with Clark lining up another spectacular effort from distance. Both keepers called into action preventing more goals, the sides sharing a 2-2 on the opening day, can see more goals being added in the 2nd period.

 No changes for either side as Ampthill return to the pitch the fog descending the light rapidly fading the floodlights on, poor conditions for the camera but expecting to be writing plenty of notes as Costessey get the 2nd half underway, Moulton sending the ball back to her captain, Nobbs in defence lifted long into the left, Holdsworth defending up against Odell on the left. 

Ampthill defender, Britt Holdsworth

 Juby linking up with Williams in the middle for Costessey the ball finding its way out to Odell on the left her early cross into the box cleared by Howard. Juby fouled out on the right inside the Ampthill half. Nobbs over it playing the ball into the box from deep, no one attacking it bounces safely through to the keeper. Haslam taking the ball on for Ampthill into the right channel forcing her way into the area playing in inside for Blair to run onto attacking it under pressure from Pierpoint drives he shot wide at the near post.

Ampthill striker, Molly Blair

Walker getting the ball inside off of a throw in on the left breaking towards the box, Cotton rushing out to close the angle down, getting a hand up to make the save palm the ball away as Walker goes to shoot. Nobbs doing the defending up against Blair as she looks to get hold of a diagonal ball put in from Walker on the left. The game as frantic as it was in the first half. Ampthill having made a few adjustments at the break getting players up to support their attack better, Costessey still looking a threat out on the wings, Odell left driving for the by-line her cross behind at the near post.

Costessey captain, Abbi Nobbs

 

  Odell with support from Brown out on the left feeding the ball into Moulton top of the Ampthill box, Pap racing out to close her down getting hold of the ball first. Walker putting a great ball on through the left channel into the path of Blair as Ampthill press the attack from the angle Blair drives her shot across the keeper, but so too wide of the far post. Pap sharp out to the top of her area to get hold of the ball as Juby attempts to slide Hackney in on goal through the middle.

  Wall cutting the pass out as Healey looks to get Walker away on the left for the visitors. Walker linking up the attack well for Ampthill on the left a good flick on with her foot sending the ball through for Blair to attack left side, Pierpoint going with her the defender forcing her wide, getting her foot on the ball to take it away for a throw in the corner. Walker breaking away up the left in behind to cross frustrated as no one has gambled to attack the ball inside the six yard box. 

Lydia Haslam with Costessey’s Holly Williams

  Cotton pulling up after she makes the drop kick top of her area, not catching the ball cleanly, in some discomfort the ball put out of play so she can receive treatment a pause in play the floodlights behind the main pitch coming on with the fog starting to descend. Cotton tentatively back on her feet play can resume. Ampthill pushing up the right Clark putting the ball on for Haslam as she makes the run forwards into the box taking the shot on on the angle the ball in low, Cotton getting own behind it with her body to make the comfortable save.

 Hackney driving on up the right forcing Ampthill into conceding the corner kick. Played in short at the near post put back to the taker to create a different angle for the cross curled in central in front of goal two attacking it for Costessey, Pap initially blocking the ball snatching it up into her gloves as it bounces up off the turf. 

Sofia Odell

 Costessey making a double switch with Williams and Brown giving way, Faye Bye and Lucy Wetherell joining the action. Campbell on the ball for Costessey right side playing it down the line for Hackney her cross flashed in across the face of the Ampthill goal gathered by Odell beyond the far post drives the cross back in cut out by Saunders. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half.

 GOAL! The visitors having gotten players on better half to support Blair in attack find the attacker with a good through ball, to break in behind the Costessey defence central into the box gets her shot away early sending it past the keeper before she can set herself to fire Ampthill into the lead 2-3.

Molly Blair fires Ampthill into the lead

 Blair’s 4th goal of the season sending the visitors into the lead for the first time in the game. Clark with another pop form range sending the ball wide as Ampthill look to press the advantage. Costessey on the back foot the game a little stretched, Hackney in on the right whipping her cross into the near post collected by Pap as Moulton looks to close her down. Hackney strong on the ball turning infield driving towards the area feeding the pass on into Moulton top of the D, sending her first time strike up over the bar.

 GOAL! As with Ampthill in the first half Costessey are soon back on level terms Pierpoint pushed up with Bye joining the back line up into the box as Costessey build on the left Odell sending an angled cross in towards goal attacked, Pierpoint getting her head to the ball too drill it past Pap to score her 1st goal of the season to put the scores level for a 3rd time in the contest 3-3. 

Chloe Pierpoint levelling the scores back up for Costessey

 Costessey making another change bringing off Campbell, with Amber Goddard coming on to take a position on the right. The game stretched as Wall sends the ball up to Hackney in behind on the right cutting inside Pap starts to come, the ball fired past her as her defence race back beyond her, Saunders cutting out the shot clearing the ball off the line. 

Ampthill’s Lauren Saunders

 Pap taking the catch as the ball in lifted high into the area from the left. Goddard playing the ball to Hackney right side squaring her cross into the box, blocked by a defender lunging in, Costessey immediately rising up in appeal asking for a penalty claiming a hand ball, but the appeals are waived away by the referee. Costessey pushing up Goddard getting up on the right seeing her cross blocked turned behind for the corner. 

 The initial delivery from the corner on the right turned back out wide before being returned into the six yard box in front of the keeper attacked Pap getting something on it, knocking the ball down, a Costessey foot snapping in to try and turn it home, Pap throwing an arm out to her left somehow snatching hold of it a point blank range. Into the final 15 minutes the game looking like it could go either way. Ampthill busy in defence, Howard and Cole both blocking efforts before Odell drives an angled effort from the left wide of the mark. 

Ampthill’s Sienna Healey

Costessey with renewed energy having made three changes, Pap busy in her box racing out to the corner of her area to slide onto the ball as Odell looks to get after it from the left. Play brought back for a free-kick to Costessey outside the area even as Moulton takes on the shoot central seeing it held by Pap back on her line. Pressure applied by Costessey as they press for a goal Ampthill fighting hard at the back, Holdsworth challenging to win the ball back off Odell out wide. Campbell back into the action for Costessey replacing Juby. Paige Barnard also joining the action. Brown back on too for Pierpoint. 

 Ampthill making progress on the right winning a corner kick, swung in towards the near post Blair meeting it with her head twisting in the air looking to get it on across goal lands wide at the far post. 

 GOAL! Clark hit a sighter in the first half before going on to blast home a couple of spectacular efforts for Ampthill, and has tested her luck from range in the 2nd half, now as the ball comes into her in space again from all of 30 yards out she lines up another shot hit cleanly it looks good the moment it leaves her foot, the keeper can’t get near it as she scores her 3rd and sends her side back in front 3-4!

A hat-trick of long range strikes for Ampthill’s Olivia Clark

 Ampthill leading with less than 5 minutes on the clock a blow for Costessey, little time to find a reply, but that hasn’t been a issue so far in this game. Pressing forwards the ball put through the middle pap out to slide in to claim it caught accidentally by the attacking player as she goes to hurdle over her. A brief pause but safely back up on her feet. Wetherell putting the pass out to Wall pressed on up the right launches a diagonal ball into the area, Pap back on her line can collect it cleanly on the bounce. 

  Holdsworth kept busy on the left of defence throughout closing down Brown as she looks to go past Odell. Ampthill making a change at the death with Haslam coming off, replaced by Karen Clark, joining her hat-trick scoring daughter on the pitch. Into added time 2 minutes left for the visitors to hold out player staying back to protect the box, Costessey up around the area no way through. Wall pushed up sending a shot wide as she pulls the trigger from 25 yards out. Blair looking to relieve the pressure attempting to break away with the ball on the left, tackled by Wall and then Wetherell. The final whistle blows Ampthill celebrating as they come out on top in a 7 goal thriller.

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 3-4 Ampthill Town Ladies

 Could well have been 8-8 such were the opportunities both keepers making saves, and perhaps a draw would have been the fairest result however Ampthill got their noses in front at a vital point in the game and having pulled level themselves and lost the advantage once were determined to hold onto the lead claim a vital 3 points that puts them onto 10 points along side Costessey in the middle of the Division One North table. Played at a frantic pace both sides looking to get the ball on in attack, Costessey twice taking the lead in the first half only for their opponents to get straight back at them to level the scores 2-2 at the break, Ampthill getting themselves into the lead in the 2nd half only for Costessey to peg the scores back quickly, the 4th goal coming late in the game the visitors no letting the lead go this time.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a competitive contest performances across the pitch from both sides, starting with Costessey, Thea Hackney with several driving runs in attack taking the ball on a ready outlet opening the scoring. Sofia Odell likewise on the left finding space attacking with the ball getting crosses into the box. Alisha Juby winning the ball in the middle, some useful deliveries from the corner routines. Harriet Cotton with a couple of vital saves in goal. For Ampthill, Destiny Pap was also busy in goal, lively getting out to the ball making some crucial saves herself. Britt Holdsworth under constant pressure at the back defended resolutely getting her her tackles and blocking crosses. Kirsty Walker linking up the attack especially in the second half with some useful through balls. Molly Blair led the line creating opportunities in front of goal putting Ampthill into the lead 2nd half. 1 goal for Olivia Clark before today’s game, scoring a hat-trick and you won’t see many like this 3 screamers from midfield to find the back of the net her strikes never giving Costessey the opportunity to settle on their advantage and the 3rd sealing the win.

 An exciting 7 goal thriller from the FDC Norfolk, Ampthill travelling back to Bedfordshire with the 3 points. Another new side debuting on Women’s Football East, good to catch up with both sides rarely a dull game in the ERWFL. My thanks to both for their help with the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Crewe Alexandra Women

Sunday 25th October

Women’s FA Cup

 Heading down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a game from the 1st Round Proper of this season’s Women’s FA Cup. Crewe Alexandra Women making the 155 mile trip to play Royston Town Women in an all Regional premier Division clash.

 The regional sides battling through the qualifying rounds to reach the 1st Round Proper of the competition, with the potential to make history and earn valuable prize money for their respective clubs. 48 ties across the country. The prize money jumping up to £7,000 for the winners of todays match with the losing side collecting £2,500.

 Royston Town Women with fond memories of last season’s Women’s FA Cup with historic run in the competition reaching the 3rd Round Proper, eventually losing out to Championship side Southampton FC Women. Confident of making similar progress this season. Have started the season well, 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division having trimmed down the squad, losing some experienced players but retaining a strong core whilst bringing in new faces to freshen things up. Izzy Teague the current top scorer with 6 goals from 11 games with Frankie Pim claiming 4 goals in her 7 appearances to date. 

 Teague scoring for Royston in their 2-0 home win against fellow Premier Division side, Atletico London Women in 2nd Round Qualifying, Ailsa Heal also on target with the other. Drawn at home again in the 3rd Qualifying Round taking on Chesham United Women playing in the Southern Regional Premier Division. Frankie Pim firing Royston to the the lead on 17 mins before the visitors came back to lead 2-1 at the break. So it remained going into the last 5 minutes of the game Royston equalizing through Izzy Teague. 2-2 heading into stoppage time the hosts finding the winning goal with Hannah Bodily getting the touch to see Royston into the 1st Round Proper with a 3-2.

The Women’s FA Cup giving me the opportunity to see teams from further afield with Crewe Alexandra Women the visitors to Garden Walk this afternoon making the long trip across the country to Hertfordshire. Playing in the North West Women’s Regional Premier Division currently 9th in the table. An all tier 5 tie Crewe Alexandra Women regularly featuring in the 1st Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup but haven’t progressed beyond that round for over 20 years. Lola Taylor the current top scorer with 5 goals to her name with Rhianna Tomlinson and Emilia Edwards both on 4 each.

  Late goals from Rhianna Tomlinson and Emma Arrowsmith saw Crewe over come tier 6 side Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies 2-1 in 2nd Round Qualifying of this season’s Women’s FA Cup. At home in 3rd Round Qualifying taking on Droitwich Spa Women was a goal fest with the sides sharing 11 goals between them,, Crewe with the lions share in the finish, with Lola Taylor netting a hat-trick, along with a brace for Kyia Lancaster, plus a goal apiece for Emilia Edwards and Rhianna Tomlinson to clinch a 7-4 victory to send them through to the 1st Round Proper.

 Storm Boelo blowing in across much of the UK on Saturday bringing heavy rain and windy conditions following on from Storm Austin affecting the south of the country the day before. Still very blustery coming into Sunday but the rain disappearing allowing some much needed dry out before this afternoon’s fixtures, the game at Garden Walk unaffected. Still very windy with a chill in the air but otherwise bright and sunny, the wind no doubt having an impact of playing conditions. The pitch at Royston sloping from one goal mouth to the other. A good side the stadium surrounded by housing, the bar and clubhouse open along with the food truck serving hot food and drinks, a club that very much gets behind it’s woman’s team.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Dilly Haslehurst, Annie Georgiou, Amy Houghton (C), Kiaya Payne, Hannah Bodily, Phoebe Newman, Izzy Teague, Ailsa Heal, Amelie Sarll. Subs – Amy Martin, Katie Boyle, Chase Bembridge, Ailish Straver, Emma Slater, Annabel Hacker & Jordanne Sillitoe.

Royston Town Women

Crewe Alexandra Women starting XI – Emma Whitehouse, Emma Arrowsmith, Caitlin Campbell, Shanice Finbow, Emma Heath, Jessica Sheridan (C), Sophie Taylor, Lola Taylor, Rhianna Tomlinson, Emilia Edwards & Kyia Lancaster. Subs – Mia Hurst, Sophie Stockton, Iris Bray & Frankie Treanor.

Crewe Alexandra Women

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes then the tie will be settled by penalties.

Captains, Jessica Sheridan and Amy Houghton with today’s match officials lead by referee Elora Hardstaff.

  Royton busy in the transfer market in recent weeks adding to their squad bringing in Amelie Sarll from MK Dons Women and Annabel Hacker from Cambridge United WFC both on dual registration. Jordan Sillitoe also back at Royston after a brief spell with Sudbury, Chase Bembridge the latest addition to the squad joins from Chesham United Women. Sarll starting for Royston with Hacker, Sillitoe and Bembridge on the bench. Up to 7 substitutes can be named on the bench with clubs allowed to use 5 in the competition. The visitors with the kick-off 1st half attacking down the slope, Crewe wearing red coloured shirts with navy trim, white shorts and red socks. Royston lined up opposite wearing white shirts and socks with black shorts.

 A false start as referee, Elora Hardstaff gets the game under way the Crewe attackers bursting forwards too soon the ball brought back to the centre circle, the visitors with the same attacking intent sending the ball out into the left channel, the wind getting behind the ball Royston defender Dilly Haslehurst can let it run out behind for the goal kick. The ball squeezed in the middle as both sides move in quickly to close it down, Hannah Bodily for Royston getting it forwards into attacker Frankie Pim, Shanice Finbow closing her down hooking it clear for Crewe. 

 Ailsa Heal getting the ball into her feet out on the right for the hosts pushing up the wing drills a low cross into the near post, Emma Arrowsmith tracking back for Crewe cutting the ball out. Crewe looking to get the ball out onto the flanks, Rhianna Tomlinson knocking it on, Haslehurst just getting their ahead of Emilia Edwards to intercept at the back. The visitors with possession high on the left the pass inside to Edwards corner of the box, pulls the trigger 20 yards out, goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves can see the ball race wide of the far post. The ball from Phoebe Newman for Royston central into Pim outside the box right side of the D looks to burst into the box, Finbow getting the tackle in to take the ball off her feet away for a throw on the right.

  Heal with a long throw in her arsenal dropping a teasing delivery into the box right of goal, turned behind for the 1st corner of the game. Annie Georgiou to take curls the in-swinging corner into the side netting. The game a little scrappy as both side look to play with a high intensity early on closing each other down, the windy conditions playing their part. Crewe looking to set up defensively conceding ground allowing Royston to press up another ball played through the middle sees Crewe goalkeeper, Emma Whitehouse racing out to the top of her area to make a good high claim with Pim looking to run in behind her defence.

Heal looking to use the wind to enhance her long throw in’s as Haslehurst feeds her the ball up the right, Sarll looking to get it down into her feet corner of the area, turns into traffic, dis-possessed by Arrowsmith. Tomlinson sending the ball out into the right wing, Heath looking to get on the move is hauled over by Payne winning Crewe a free-kick. Deep on the wing, Crewe nevertheless bring players up from the back, looked a tall side as I saw them walk out of the tunnel onto the pitch before kick-off and with the wind any ball into the box carries an added threat. Heath to play it in doesn’t get hold of it, intercepted by Georgiou top of the D for Royston.

Crewe’s Rhianna Tomlinson

Kyia Lancaster gets forwards on the left for Crewe played on by Tomlinson, pushing up the line, Haslehurst with the challenge seeing the ball out of play. Georgiou onto a lose Crew ball plays it on for Izzy Teague on the left wing, getting the ball into her feet turns inside getting into the box getting a half yard free to unleash a shot, arrowing towards the top corner, Whitehouse diving a full stretch getting a hand to the ball to turn it wide behind for the corner kick.

Royston playing the corner short into Heal right side top of the area sees her strike charged down deflected behind for another corner. This delivery curled in towards the near post with pace striking the base of the upright, rebounding back out to the right, flashed back in near side, Finbow getting it away to safety for the visitors. Royston winning the ball at the back look to counter on their left Pim linking up with Sarll and Teague, Sophie Taylor getting the tackle in for Crewe to halt the momentum.

Crewe’s Sarah Taylor

 Royston quick to in the ball back snapping in, Newman into Bodily the midfielder lining up a shot from distance, the effort blocked top of the D, Pim latching onto the loose ball shifts it to her right pulling the trigger, another vital block the ball deflected behind to the right of goal for the corner kick. The box packed, Royston looking to curl the ball in close to goal, find the side netting. Crewe giving away a few free-kicks, with the windy conditions both sides looking to take advantage push players up drop the ball into the box, Finbow getting it clear for the visitors. 

Emilia Edwards with Royston midfielder, Hannah Bodily

 Crewe winning a set-piece deep on the right, looking to push players up from the back into the area, the ball flighted in Tomlinson the target, Bodily up with her for Royston winning the header. Heath getting on up the right wing for Crewe on the overlap looking to take the ball into the box, Georgiou racing back with her for Royston getting her tackle right to get her foot on the ball to bring it away from danger.

Annie Georgiou defending for Royston

 Edwards seeing a diagonal pass from Heath on the right into her feet top of the D 25 yards out, bringing it inside looking to line up the strike, Bodily closing her down charging her effort down, Haslehurst getting forwards on Royston’s right side feeding the ball central into Bodily, lines up another blast from range the ball blocked by the Crewe defence. Tomlinson knocking the ball down lifts it forwards looking for Lola Taylor as she makes the right channel run, Payne with the interception for Royston.

Lola Taylor

  Georgiou up on the left for Royston sends a diagonal ball up to Pim in attack, looking to take players on, Caitlin Campbell closing her down turning the ball out to the left for a throw in the corner. Crewe awarded the free-kick on half-way again players come forwards the ball sent out to the wing for captain Jessica Sheridan to chase down, Georgiou can get across the ball to see it safely behind for the goal kick. Royston keeping the ball moving, Crewe needing to be alert around their box as Teague and Pim both look to force their way through into the box get a sight on goal. Sophie Taylor into Sheridan on for Lola Taylor breaking right, Payne closing her down shielding the ball out of play.

Royston defender, Kiaya Payne

 Half an hour played a fairly even contest, Royston lively looking to gain ground, Crewe having to concede territory drop players back, limiting their attacks, a game of few clear cut chances with half and hour played. Heal high on the right with another long throw for Royston defended knocked out towards the left, Georgiou inside in space taking on the strike the ball on target but Whitehouse right behind it too save low for Crewe. Teague given the ball out on the left for Royston, twists and turns fighting to get inside unleashing a shot from 25 yards out put straight at the keep at a comfortable height.

  Teague played in on the left side cutting inside her strike taking a deflection turned behind for the corner kick. Dropped into the near post defended back out to the corner taker the ball crossed in again cleared by Finbow. Royston asking a few questions as the first half draws to a close. Crewe winning the ball at the back get it on up to Tomlinson lobs it on into Edwards in attack outside the box can’t get it down under control before being closed down by Royston’s Houghton. 

Pressure from Royston as they get players on in the final 3rd Pim putting it on into the box for Teague bearing down on the six yard box, Campbell on her shoulder, Whitehouse coming out to make the blocking save between defender and goalkeeper the ball turned behind for the corner kick. The delivery long across goal defended well at the far post. Heal and Teague switching flanks for Royston. Sophia Taylor moving out to the left for Crewe in attack trying to get inside Haslehurst. The ball stabbed clear regained in the middle by the visitors the ball sent up into the opposition box Lola Taylor making the run trying to get on the end of it lobs the ball over Reeves before the goalkeeper can get to the ball, her attempt smashing down off the crossbar

 Crewe attacking as the first half moves into stoppage time, Edwards linking up with Heath the ball forwards into Lola Taylor, Bodily snapping in with the tackle the ball half cleared a shot struck from range to the left, Reeves behind it all the way in the Royston goal. The hosts winning a throw high on the right in the dying moments of the half dropped into bodily corner of the area her shot fired in striking the upright. The last kick of the half.

Half-time Royston Town Women 0-0 Crewe Alexandra Women

 The first half ending in stalemate, the two sides heading back to the changing rooms having both truck the woodwork late on. The wind playing it’s part out there for sure. Crewe set up defensively soaking up a bit of pressure Royston coming on the ball won in the middle attacking the flanks, Teague turning inside forcing Whitehouse into a top draw save. The visitors defending leaving one up winning the ball in the box putting in the blocks. Looks to be shaping up to a game with few goals in it.

 The sides out for the 2nd period, the wind gusty at times, no changes from either side with Royston kicking off attacking down the slope the ball played long out to the left, defended by Sheridan for Crewe. Royston pushing up early closing the ball down swinging a diagonal ball into the area from the right, seen out for the goal kick. Newman snapping in to win the ball in the final 3rd out to Heal on the right, Arrowsmith putting it out for the throw. Heal dropping a long throw into the near post seen out for a corner kick. Played short between Georgiou and Sarll, the cross whipped in long over everyone attacking it at the far post.

  Arrowsmith winning the ball well at the back for Crewe up against the on rushing Pim as the attacker looks to get onto the end of a long ball forwards. Lola Taylor isolated up top nevertheless covering the ground looking to get onto the ball as her side battle to regain possession at the back, played in central looks to make a driving run into the right channel, Georgiou lunging in to deny her the ball. A little scrappy at times as both sides continue to snap at the ball. Heal having a go from distance out on the right sending her effort over.

Frankie Pim tackled by Crewe’s Emma Arrowsmith

 Heal linking up with Sarll on Royston’s right the pass on for Pim in attack, Finbow going with her getting the challenge in before she can work herself free to shoot. Finbow dropping off whenever Crewe are able to push out from the back give herself room to deal with the counter from Royston. Heal tracking inside with the ball at her feet closed down by Sheridan the hosts getting hold of the ball looking to pressure the Crewe defence around their box. 

Crewe captain, Jessica Sheridan

 Another long throw from Heal on the right causing chaos inside the six yard box as it drops down amongst bodies, legs everywhere the ball blocked before being scrambled outside Georgiou onto it 25 yards out to the left of the D, goes to shot her attempt blocked the referee seeing a hand involved awarding the free-kick. The set-piece from Bodily drilled in racing wide of the far post. Royston press Pim out to Heal right side, Arrowsmith into tackle the ball out for the throw, long into the box Edwards clearing it away to the left for the corner kick.

 Houghton fouling Lola Taylor as the Crewe attacker looks to drive with the ball on half-way. Royston making the 1st change of the game with 57 minutes played, bringing of Teague, Emma Slater absent at the start of the season back for the hosts, top scorer last season. Lola Taylor often isolated ready too receive the ball as the visitors win it back on half-way helped on into her feet as she drives into the box forced right getting her shot away on the angle, Reeves getting down behind it to save for Royston. 

Royston goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves

 Royston pressing hard looking to break the deadlock getting a throw in the corner on the right, Crewe with plenty back in the box to defend put back out to heal on the right lifts her cross in towards the far side turned away to the top of the area left side, the snap shot comes racing back in low in danger of creeping in inside the post, Whitehouse throwing herself down to her right making the save to ensure the ball runs out the wrong side of the upright conceding the corner. Plenty back for Crewe to defend tuned away at the top of the area.

Crewe goalkeeper, Emma Whitehouse

 Royston asking the questions, Sarll over to the left firing a cross into the area, Slater racing in on the penalty spot twisting her body to nod the ball down back towards Pim positioned top of the area, but won’t fall kindly to her feet before she’s closed down, the ball loose Newman latching onto it 20 yards out, taking on the strike, her effort brushing the roof of the net on it’s way over. Bodily to Heal on the right her cross dropped into the six yard box, Slater’s shot blocked before another attempt at the ball at the far post is deflected over for the corner kick. Royston making a 2nd change with Jordan Sillitoe coming on to replace Sarll.

 25 minutes played in the 2nd half as the corner comes in from the left defended at the near post, back out to the left. Crewe make their 1st change, up top in attack bringing off Lola Taylor sending on Iris Bray. Crewe having soaked up alot of pressure in defence holding players back pushing Edwards, Lancaster and Tomlinson further up to try and get some much needed momentum up the other end. Tomlinson carrying the ball away to the left bundled over winning the free-kick.

GOAL! Arrowsmith over it deep on the left inside the Royston half, players forwards to attack it, fired into the box, Tomlinson near side flicking it on towards the far post Edwards rushing in to attack it smashing the ball in across the keeper to score! Immediately jumped up by her joyous teammates in celebration 0-1!

Crewe take the lead, scorer Emilia Edwards under her joyous teammates somewhere

 A goal against the run of play but Crewe have taken their chance have the lead in the 68th minute, can see straight away the goal has given them a much needed boost of confidence and energy as they redouble their efforts to get after the ball, a blow for Royston, Heath closing down Heal as she brings the ball on left side sending it out for the throw. The delivery from the long throw falling to Slater stooping in to meet it with her head near side firing the ball onto the post!

Royston’s Emma Slater

 Slater busy in attack looking for the ball for Royston seeing it into her feet 20 yards out central turns to shoot firing the ball wide of the right post. Sheridan back in her box defending for Crewe as Royston push for an immediate response. Bodily sending a ball into Pim central top of the area lets it run under her foot onto Slater, turning to shot 10 yards out the ball flashed wide of the right post. Slater pro-active onto the pass from Newman driving into the box wide right closing in on the by-line her cross cut back into the six yard box, claimed well by Whitehouse getting down to catch it.

 Heal with another long throw in the right corner, bounces up at the near post, Whitehouse behind it snatching it cleanly into her gloves. Pim seeing the ball into her feet back to goal turning it on to the right with Haslehurst advancing into space corner of the area lifts her cross/shot onto the roof of the net. Royston making a 3rd change with Payne giving way, Annabel Hacker coming on. Slater bursting into the six yard box wide right of goal her cross cut out by Finbow for Crewe.

 Crewe digging in as the game moves into the 80th minute determined in defence, Pim fouled as she looks to drive with the ball, the referee showing a yellow card. The free-kick down the line Pim after it into the box right of goal sends the ball looping up in towards goal, claimed by Whitehouse. Newman on for Slater her pass into Pim driving into the box, shoots Whitehouse getting down sharply behind it to block and down to grab up the loose ball before Pim can pounce on the follow up.

Royston’s Phoebe Newman

  Houghton picking up a yellow card as she pulls down, Lancaster on halfway. The clock ticking down Royston pushing for a goal, a throw on the right leading to a corner. Fired into a crowded six yard box, Crewe defend the ball back out wide, sent back in under the bar Whitehouse under pressure dealing with it the ball away before the whistle blows for  foul on the keeper. Sillitoe coming inside from the left shooting from the angle 25 yards out her shot held by Whitehouse back on her line. 

Winning a free-kick on halfway Royston send everyone forwards as the ball is played into Georgiou to the left lifts the ball up into the area, Campbell defending for Crewe getting the ball clear. Hacker taking the ball on into the box right side to the by-line cutting her cross back in central into the six yard box, Sillitoe throwing herself at it can only turn the ball on wide past the far post. Deep into injury time when 3 minutes are signalled Crewe with everyone back determined to keep the clean sheet. Houghton up with the ball lifting in it in one goal, Whitehouse punching it away to the left. 

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

 Royston winning a corner fighting for a goal in the dying moments of the game fired in towards goal the post hit again the ball behind for a corner on the left. Fired into the near post helped on into the mix inside the six yard box, somehow turned over the bar. One final corner from the right Crewe battling get it clear before being hooked over the bar. The camera trained on Crewe’s captain, Sheridan as the final whistle blows the visitors holding on for the win to reach the 2nd Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup for the 1st time in over 20 years.

Crewe celebrate at the final whistle as they book their place in the 2nd Round Proper

Full time Royston Town Women 0-1 Crewe Alexandra Women

  Crewe getting the result scoring the only goal of the game in the 2nd half to win the game and move onto the 2nd Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup. Took their chance when it came as they fought at the back to keep a relentless Royston from scoring. Backs to the wall at time but everyone did their job, leaving one up top for much of the half inviting pressure, Whitehouse with another vital save the woodwork coming to their rescue too. Royston will certainly feel aggrieved by the result had by far more chances but didn’t make one count in the finish despite all their attacking play. A long trip home for Crewe but will certainly be a happy one.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, two contrasting performances played in difficult conditions, a competitive tie performances of note from both sides. Firstly for Royston, Annie Georgiou played well on the left defending and getting on to support the attack. Izzy Teague lively especially first half taking players on looking to get into the box very unlucky not to be on the score sheet. Hannah Bodily winning the ball well in the middle keeping Royston on the front foot. Emma Slater coming on 2nd half adding to the attacking threat. A battling display in defence for Crewe working hard in the final 3rd to keep Royston at bay. Shanice Finbow winning her fair share of the ball, dealing with alot of balls put into the box from wide. Emma Arrowsmith with some vital challenges too. Emilia Edwards getting back to help in defence, getting forwards to score the wining goal. Lola Taylor often on her own up top putting in a shift, defended as a team the award going to goalkeeper, Emma Whitehouse under pressure with her defence pushed back on her at times dealt with the ball making a crucial save in both halves to ensure the clean sheet help her team progress in the competition.

  An enjoyable trip back to Garden Walk, not the result Royston wanted and will be wondering how they didn’t score the winner themselves. Crewe fought hard as a team to defend looked like a single goal would be enough to clinch the win and they took their chance. Will be eager to see who they get drawn against in the 2nd Round Proper. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Dartford FC Women

Sunday 18th October

FAWNL South East Division One

Continues to be a start, stop beginning to the season for myself alot going on but good to be back at it this Sunday and finally getting to see Cambridge United WFC in their new home as they host newly promoted Dartford FC Women in FAWNL South East Division One.

 The FAWNL representing the 3rd and 4th tiers of the women’s football pyramid, the 3rd being the Northern and Southern Premier Divisions with the 4th tier split between 4 regional sections, Northern, Midlands, South West and South East Division One, ex England striker, Ellen White amongst the names joining the FAWNL board as the FA looks to grow the game beyond the FAWSL and Championship, making it stronger and more competitive year on year the 4th tier very much part of those plans.

 Have followed and supported Cambridge United WFC since the creation of Women’s Football East over a dozen years now, and they are the only side to have been a constant at that level during that time, going all the way back to when the FAWNL was still the Combination league and they were just Cambridge Women. Not fully part of the Cambridge United FC family, playing some of their games at the Abbey Stadium the one thing the women’s side has never had in all that time is a home within Cambridge itself, have seen them play at Ely, Mildenhall and most recently St Neots but like so many others felt they needed to be in the city proper to truly grow a fanbase. Now they are at last, at Grange Road, traditionally a rugby stadium now shared with Cambridge United WFC.

 A new era, beginning with a new manager at the helm, following a dismal run in the 2nd half of last season that saw Cambridge take just 4 points in 2026. Ethan Scott comes in to take charge of the 1st team, having been Andy Cook’s assistant at Norwich City Women playing a crucial role in helping the Norfolk side again a long time stalwart of tier 4 finally win promotion to tier 3. A bizarre decision by Norwich you think to let Cook and Scott go, but to Cambridge’s advantage as look to finally build a squad capable of achieving the same feat themselves. A huge turn over in players over the past few season’s and this season no exception, Defender’s Hope Strauss and Ceri Flye following Scott to Cambridge along with midfielder Olivia Cook, Sophie Jeffery joins from AFC Sudbury. Ella Gambell impressing with Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division makes the step up to join Cambridge, Renai Bennett, Cheyanna Norman and goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon also coming in with Kaci-Jai Bonwick the latest addition joining this past week. Alot of new faces, am familiar with them all and know what they can bring, tier 4 more competitive than ever you need to hit the ground running. 2 wins from their opening 2 matches, a disappointing run of 3 defeats has seen Cambridge fall to 9th in the table will be looking to get back to winning ways at Grange Road.

 Now from a side I know quite a bit about to one that is a newcomer to myself and Women’s Football East, with Kent side Dartford FC Women achieving promotion to the 4 tier of the woman’s football pyramid for the 1st time in their history. Clinching the London & South East Regional Premier Division title by a single point beating Saltdean United Women by a single goal on the final day of the season become Champions. Have been knocking on the door in recent season’s but as is the case with so many leagues only one side able to go up achieved it this time around. Ironically that close tussle with Saltdean United seeing them promoted to at one of the best regional side runners-up as the FA looks to balance the league with the expansion of the leagues above. 

 Won 19, drew 2 and suffered just one defeat during their promotion winning season, Abbey Davies top scorer with 12 goals with Paris Smith also into double figures, with goals spread throughout the squad. Jess Francis-Weir, Sarah Sparrow and Katie O’Brien amongst the new faces joining the squad as they make the step up to the FAWNL. Have yet to record  win in the league but are proving hard to break down drawing 4 and losing 2 games so far by small margins, Currently in the bottom two though and like Cambridge could do with the 3 points to get themselves up into the mix in the middle of the table. 

 The Grange Road Stadium, the new home for Cambridge United WFC, traditionally a rugby venue with an new artificial pitch with a traditional wooden seated stand running along one side of the ground with the clubhouse with covered seating before and above on the opposite side. The dugouts as far apart as I’ve ever seen at the venue so the risk of a flare up from the benches very low. The bar and café open inside the clubhouse, Cambridge United WFC looking to make it a matchday experience to attract fans new and old with food trucks and stands serving food and drink, activities and merchandise for sale. Well into October beginning to feel like autumn, a chill in the air with a cloudy sky with rain in the forecast. Took to the stand for my first outing to Grange Road.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb (C), Sophie Jeffery, Josephine Jarvis, Hope Strauss, Abbie Jackson, Lauren Tomlinson, Tally Miles, Renai Bennett, Ella Gambell, Jade Bell & Mollie Coupar. Subs – Daisy Jeckell, Isabel Beeson, Olivia Cook, Cheyanna Norman, Eleanor Townsend, Shannon Shaw & Kaci-Jai Bonwick.

Cambridge United WFC

 Dartford FC Women starting XI – Jade Charlton, Georgie Davies, Abby Delves, Mercedes Bromfield, Dulcie Galbally, Xayla-Rae Alberts (C) Ellie Dolby, Gabriela Howell, Shauni Griffiths & Liz Adams & Abbey Davies. Subs – Maya Lewis-Powell, Paris Smith, Katie O’Brien, Rochelle Mayne, Sarah Sparrow, Leila Awan & Molly Smith.

Dartford FC Women

Captain’s Lauren Webb and Xayla-Rae Alberts with today’s match officials led by referee Emma Beevor

 Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb named as the clubs new captain under Ethan Scott. A new start and new look side in front of her sadly minus defender Ceri Flye, instrumental in Norwich’s success has unfortunately suffered an ACL injury and wish her well on the road back to recovery. Cambridge with the kick-off in their traditional home colours amber shirts with black shorts and socks, Dartford lined up opposite wearing white shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks. The hosts with the kick-off lining up to make a fast start to proceedings the ball played back to Abbie Jackson in defence as everyone races forwards she sends it long into the right channel, Dartford seeing it out of play safely for the throw in. 

 The hosts keeping players up as the throw drops to attacker Jade Bell right side of the area drops it down to Ella Gambell wide on the right moving into the corner linking up with the throw taker, full back Josephine Jarvis, the latter delivering a lopping cross into the Dartford penalty area, Renai Bennett looking to attack it central, under pressure can’t get a telling touch with her header as Dartford scramble it away to safety. The visitors quick to get on the counter attack the ball out to the right Dulcie Galbally playing it on for Shauni Griffiths carrying the ball on down the wing her cross into the Cambridge area cut out by defender, Hope Strauss.

  Both likes looking to get the ball on quickly play with intensity Cambridge breaking left Lauren Tomlinson linking up with Sophie Jeffery, her cross charged down. As a collective both teams pushing up when they have the ball, Abbey Davis flagged offside for Dartford as she runs in behind from the left looking to get onto the end of a diagonal ball from midfield. Georgie Davies getting on up the left for Dartford exchanging passes with Griffiths whipping a long cross into the Cambridge box, Jeffery clearing it for the hosts.

Dartford’s Shauni Griffiths

 

 The ball moving quickly a few mis-timed tackles coming in Tomlinson upended in midfield presenting Cambridge with a free-kick, if anything both sides need to settle down both clearly wanting to keep the tempo up forward passes rushed at times. Strauss across to the put in the challenge as Galbally comes on with the ball right side out for a throw. Bell seeing the ball down into her feet holding it up as Cambridge come forwards playing it back too Tally Miles in the middle she clips a diagonal pass into the left channel looking to play the on rushing Jeffery in, the ball into the area however too close to the keeper as Jade Charlton advances to claim hold of the ball.

  Cambridge getting the ball on through the middle into Bell spins off her marker central laying the pass on for Mollie Coupar up ahead of her positioned left of the D, Mercedes Bromfield at the back for Dartford closing her down the ball away to the left retrieved by Tomlinson playing it on for Jeffery down the line swings her cross into the near post, attacked by Bell ten yards out sends her header wide of the left post. 

 Gambell looking to get hold of the ball for Cambridge in the middle bundled over winning a free-kick right of the centre circle, Miles over the set-piece looks to drop a long ball in at the far post, a cluster of players running in to attack it, no one getting a telling touch as it runs out for a goal kick. Bromfield with a vital interception at the back with Dartford’s defence pushed up from a previous attack, preventing Cambridge’s Bell stealing in behind as the hosts turn play around quickly.

  The free-kick’s mounting up, Tomlinson up ended in midfield again, earning Dartford’s Gabriella Howell the first yellow card of the match. Bennett to play the ball on into the Dartford area, defended out behind for the first corner of the game. The initial ball in defended cleared out to the right, Gambell retrieving it for the hosts putting it on down to the line for Coupar to play the early cross into the box, Abbey Davies deflecting it behind for another corner. On the right this time Cambridge play it short into Tomlinson right corner of the box, the move breaking down however as Dartford close the ball down well look to get on the break, players racing back, Strauss recovering the ground to challenge Liz Adams see the ball out for the throw.

  The intensity of the contest is making it physical as Dartford rush on to try and close the ball down. Tomlinson onto Miles central the ball on through the middle up to Bell a good flick on sending the ball through for Coupar to attack left channel, Ellie Dolby lunging forwards with her leg getting in to block her strike, deflecting the ball away for a corner on the right.

GOAL! Cambridge with plenty up for the corner the delivery going long across the six yard box however the hosts quick to retrieve it out on the right knocked forwards for Coupar to carry it to the by-line digging a cross out lifting the ball into the near post, Charlton throwing her hands up longing to stop it, can only parry it on beyond her to drop invitingly into the six yard box, with Strauss positioned central seeing the ball drop to her, smashes the ball in high into the back of the net and runs away in celebration as she fires Cambridge into the lead 1-0.

 Cambridge opening the scoring with the game closing in on the 20 minute mark, bring the ball on up the left the cross long into the box Jarvis getting hold of it up on the right with Gambell, Georgie Davies putting in the tackle to win the ball back for Dartford bringing the ball on up the left looking for Griffiths with the pass, Jarvis getting back at her to defend as Howell looks to get past her on the overlap. Alberts defending at the back for Dartford with Cambridge getting players up well on their left, Tomlinson pro-active getting after the ball linking up with Bennett and Jeffery.

  Dartford moving forwards with pace getting players on in attack, Delves up with Galbally into the right channel looking to send the ball on into the box for Adams, Webb up quickly to get to the ball snatch it up into her gloves first. Gambell onto the ball for Cambridge with a driving run through the middle has Bell making a move into space in the right channel picking her out with the pass, fires it on into the box for Coupar running on central, can’t get a telling touch, as Bromfield closes her down well. 

Cambridge’s Mollie Coupar

 Charlton down for Dartford the keeper in need of treatment, the referee signalling a pause in play an opportunity for both sides to pause with nearly half an hour played take on fluids and instructions from the bench. Charlton okay to continue play can resume. Abbie Jackson in strong to win the ball at the back for Cambridge played long up to Coupar turning provider for Bell this time as the attacker receives the ball top of the area, putting her foot through it drags her shot wide of the left post.

 End to end play often condensed as players squeeze up Dartford always looking for the break through the middle, direct Webb needing to rush out to the top of her area as Adams looks to steal in on the ball, clears colliding with the attacker in the process, down play stopped, but is soon back up on her feet ready to play on. The heavens open a few drops of rain hitting the stand roof one second a moment later it’s a deluge supporters quickly retreating for cover, no such luck for the players. 

 Tomlinson getting back to help her defence as Dartford look to get on through the middle, Howell to Adams on for Griffiths as she looks to get on the move. Tomlinson with a pop from range left side, Charlton central down behind it to make the parrying save the ball loose for the moment but no one form Cambridge ready to pounce as the keeper pulls it safely into her body. The rain heavy the ball slick Dartford playing Griffiths in on the right wing taking the shot on from the angle driven into the near post, Webb like Charlton with the parrying save the ball again loose in the box but like Tomlinson’s strike earlier no one up to attack on the follow up.

 The pace of the attacks remains high Miles swinging the ball on for Bell positioned to the left, has Jeffery racing on past her on the overlap plays the pass into her feet, her momentum taking her to the by-line seeing her cross turned behind for the goal kick. The rain easing off as the first half draws to a close, Cambridge get on up the left, Dolby preventing the cross. Look to get moving in the opposite direction, Strauss clearing for Cambridge. 

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Dartford FC Women

 A high tempo first half drawing to a close the rain gone as quickly as it came as both side head back to the changing rooms, Strauss’ strike in the 19th minute the difference between the sides. Have been few clear cut chances, Cambridge with a couple of decent half chances, both sides closing the ball down through out looking to get the ball on. Dartford breaking quickly not getting as many into advanced positions Cambridge’s defence winning the majority of crosses doubling up well on the flanks to support their attack. Could have down with being slowed down at times with the game toing and froing be interesting to see if both sides maintain that pace in the 2nd half, still only a goal in it.

 Rain starting to fall again as Dartford head out onto the pitch first at the start of the 2nd half ready too get the game underway, the visitors making a change with Mya Lewis-Powell coming on joining the attack replacing Delves. Cambridge unchanged. The ball played long out to the right Cambridge able to see it out safely for a goal kick. Dartford starting the first half with purpose looking to get after the ball take the game to Cambridge Bromfield putting in on for Dolby lobbing the ball on through into the box for Adams to attack but Webb can see the ball bounce wide of her left post out for a goal kick.

  Cambridge mounting an attack on their left Tomlinson up high with Jeffery linking passes the latter seeing her cross taking a deflection off Dolby into her keeper’s gloves. Lewis-Powell adding to Dartford’s attack breaking on through the middle with Griffiths her early cross cut out by Miles for Cambridge. Gambell getting on up Cambridge’s left with Coupar forcing an error at the back too win a corner kick. Swung into the middle of the area cleared down to the top, Coupar attacking it her shot charged down, the ball out to the right lofted back into the area pulled down into her gloves by Charlton.

Cambridge’s Jade Bell with Dartford’s Georgie Davies

 Tomlinson getting on well for Cambridge from the middle coming left with Coupar in attack getting her side a corner kick. Played short from the left back to the taker the cross dropping down into the six yard box, Strauss looking to attack it quickly charged down by Bromfield. Miles on for Bell plays the ball out to Tomlinson left side, Dolby getting across to close the ball down see it out for a goal kick. Tomlinson known for her long throws sending one into the top of the area from the left, Jackson seeing it into her body turning to strike the ball on the angle left of goal her effort rising but not enough pace on it to threaten the keeper as Charlton pulls it down safely into her body. 

 

Cambridge enjoying a good spell in attack with Dartford opening up looking to  get players on to join the attack, Gambell hooking the ball on into Coupar pulling free to the left 20 out sending the ball on into the box for Bell, getting her shot away, Charlton down sharply behind the low effort to save knocking the ball away, before being cleared by Georgie Davies. The hosts building momentum looking to add to their tally, Alberts tackling Tomlinson as she drifts inside with the ball. Free-kicks given away by the visitors beginning to show a little frustration towards the referee.

Tally Miles

 A 2nd change for Dartford with Howell coming off, Paris Smith entering the action with 57 minutes played. Gambell pushing up on the right combining with Bell in attack to win Cambridge a corner kick, the delivery into the mix defended cleared back to the right, Cambridge sending the cross back across the face of goal, Jackson looking to attack it at close range, Charlton with the blocking save the ball hastily cleared. The two benches in line with the penalty areas as a pose to the half way line, Dartford’s growing increasingly frustrated as another set-piece goes against them as they push players up around the 18 yard line looking to push the Cambridge defence back.

 Jackson and Strauss both winning crosses fired in from the flanks. Adams played on on the right by Lewis-Powell her cross flung into the box, cleared by Cambridge’s, Jeffery. Lewis-Powell adding an injection of pace into the Dartford attack presses on right side, clipping a cross long into, Jarvis holding off a challenge to get the ball clear. Another Dartford player going into the referee’s book as tempers flare. The game remains high intensity, Dartford pushing for a reply. A 3rd change for Dartford, Bromfield coming off with more changes at the back as Leila Awan enters the action in midfield. 20 minutes left on the clock. Cambridge resilient at the back defending looking for an opportunity to get forwards find a 2nd goal as Dartford work had to pull the scores level.

Dartford’s, Mya Lewis-Powell with Cambridge’s, Sophie Jeffery

  Decisions continue to go against them frustrating the visitors as Tomlinson gets fouled again bringing the ball away to the left. Cambridge make their first change a debut for Kaci-Jai Bonwick as she comes on in midfield replacing Bennett. Smith into Lewis-Powell driving on into the right channel with Adams up in support playing the ball into her Jeffery moving in to make the challenge sending the ball out for a throw. Cambridge busy at the back dropping off as Dolby gets on up the right with Lewis-Powell her cross intercepted by Strauss. 

Dulcie Galbally battling with Cambridge’s Renai Bennett for possession of the ball

 The ball popping back and forth in the midfield, deflects on over the top of the Cambridge defence to see both Lewis-Powell and Adams race in behind to attack it, Lewis-Powell latching onto it inside the box striking the ball across the keeper, to the left, past Webb, the keeper turning to see the ball cannon off the base of the post back out into play cleared by Jarvis. The visitors pushing for a goal getting players on a diagonal ball swung into the box, Jeffery in close on Adams to defend as she looks to get onto the end of it. 

 Strauss intercepting the ball through the middle as Galbally sends it on. A 2nd change for Cambridge with Tomlinson giving away replaced by Olivia Cook. Dartford making their 4th change bringing on Molly Smith in place of Galbally. The hosts winning another corner on the right curled into the box, Georgie Davies up to defend it for Dartford falling to Bell outside the area, looking to hit it one the volley sends it over the bar. 

 Abbey Davies sending the ball on up to the top of the area knocked down into Smith left of the D looking to get the ball under control releasing a low shot, doesn’t get enough pace on it as Webb gets down behind it comfortably. Cambridge prepared to concede ground determined at the back as Dartford press for a goal, risk leaving space at the other end. Space squeezed the final ball not clinical enough, Strauss sending it clear. The counter on the ball fed on through the left channel, Bell threatening to burst in clear into the box, Georgie Davies getting back on her with a superb tackle to deny the shot.

  Molly Smith onto Paris Smith taking the ball to the by-line on the left, the cross headed out by Jeffery for Cambridge. Into the final 10 minutes Dartford making a 5th change, Griffiths coming off, with Katie O’Brien coming on. Cook getting hold of a loose ball at the back from Dartford 20 yards out right side blasts her strike wide of the near post. Bonwick defending for Cambridge at the top of the area as Paris Smith brings the ball inside from the left channel.

 Dolby playing the ball on for Awan as she comes over to the right for the visitors, Strauss over to close her down winning the ball back for Cambridge. Miles looking to feed the ball on through the middle into Cook as she makes a right channel run to get into the box, Charlton up to close the angle down getting to the ball first. Jackson holds onto the ball at the back for Cambridge as Lewis-Powell looks to steal in through the middle.

 Gambell taken out as she looks to get Cambridge on in attack out to the left, Miles over the set-piece fired in long to the far post, Charlton collecting it safely for Dartford. The game entering stoppage time no let up in the games intensity, Dartford giving it their all looking for a late reply with a throw high on the left, Molly Smith heading the ball on into the box, Strauss under it to clear for the hosts. Lewis-Powell bursting into the box onto the end of a long diagonal ball from the left, volleying wide from close range, the offside flag up early against her. 

 Quite a bit of stoppage time being played the crowd getting restless as Cambridge drop deep in defence determined to keep their 1 goal lead intact. Dartford swarming around the box frustrated finding no way through. The final whistle seeing the 3 points secured, crucial ending a 3 game losing run a 3rd win of the season lifting Cambridge back into the mix in the middle of the FAWNL South East Division One table. Dartford missing out by a single goal again stay in the bottom two.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Dartford FC Women

 Hope Strauss’ 1st half strike proving to be the difference between the sides in a highly competitive game played at a furious pace from start to finish. Lacked quality at times as both sides sought to keep the ball moving. Dartford trailing at the break coming out fast in the 2nd half making regular changes as they looked to build momentum in attack, Cambridge not getting a 2nd goal to give themselves some breathing room naturally dropping deeper in defence as they looked to keep the clean sheet in attack. Lewis-Powell striking the post for the visitors the closest they came to drawing level. The host defence winning the ball well at the back satisfying when you win by a single goal. Dartford still searching for their 1st win in the league frustrated in the 2nd half giving their all not finding the break through.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a close result picking a single name out tough, defences on top for the majority with few clear cut chances. A few performances to mention, firstly for Dartford. Georgie Davies with some good tackling at the back getting after Cambridge as they attacked the channels. Shauni Griffiths getting hold on the ball central looking to get the ball on in attack. Mya Lewis-Powell coming on 2nd half adding pace and determination to the Dartford attack looking to get onto the ball create chances. Cambridge will be pleased with their defensive performance the 2nd goal not coming 2nd half were determined to keep a clean sheet, the whole defence playing their part, Josephine Jarvis and Sophie Jeffery at full back also joining the attack well. Lauren Tomlinson getting about the middle with some good tackling. Abbey Jackson winning the ball the award going to her partner in defence Hope Strauss won the ball throughout at the back and on hand to score the all important winning goal.

 Great to finally get to Grange Road to see Cambridge United WFC  in their new home and see some action from the FAWNL a highly competitive tussle. Dartford pushed for a reply just couldn’t get the break through. My thanks to both teams for their assistance this afternoon as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Cambridge City Women

Sunday 4th October

ERWFL Division One North

The football action this Sunday comes from ERWFL Division One North, a short trip to Thetford to the Lomax Spiral Systems Stadium to watch Thetford Town Ladies play Cambridge City Women.

ERWFL Division One North and it’s counterpart Division one South representing tier 6 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. Been leagues featuring 11 sides this season with the winners of both promoted to the Premier Division above.

Thetford Town Ladies entering their 4th season playing at regional level, not an easy league to get established in with 3 sides going down in recent seasons as the pyramid looks to grow above, the regional set-up a vital cog in that with county league teams making the step up to compete at a higher and more competitive level. The Norfolk side comfortable in mid-table since joining the league looking to kick on become one of the leading clubs in the county.

Can be a disjointed start to the league for the tier 6 sides entering the Women’s FA Cup in the early qualifying rounds, a good run though can do wonders for a grassroots clubs finances Thetford reaching the 2nd Qualifying Round this time losing away to Enfield Town Ladies. Have lost a few players with experience over the close season, have added new faces in the likes of goalkeeper, Laila Zina, Maddison Cummings, Molly Stevenson coming in from Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies and striker Ellie Nicholls who joins having moved up into the area having played for ERWFL Division one South side, Southend United Ladies where she scored 13 goals last season. Thetford have played 3 league games so far winning 1 and losing 2 to lay 7th in the current table. New signing Ellie Nicholls top scorer with 4 from 4, Erin Robinson also joining over the summer netting twice.

Cambridge City Women are beginning a new era under new manager, Kevin Francis formerly with fellow ERWFL Division one North side, Newmarket Town Women. The two clubs having one thing in common a strong ethic on developing youth and bringing them up through the age groups into the women’s teams. Their youth players having to learn fast as Cambridge City Women have had to rely on them heavily as they struggled with the loss of experienced players dropping out of the FAWNL and ERWFL Premier Division. Making the move at last to Cambridge City FC’s new home stadium in Sawston, is back looking to rise up the pyramid again.

Still have the strong emphasis on youth running 3 women’s sides this season having run two u16 sides last campaign, an U23s in Cambs Division One and a development side in Cambs Division Two. Francis bringing in some familiar faces with useful experience in the ERWFL from Newmarket, Abbi Griffin, Katie Walker and defender Holly Dryland all coming in along with defender Jess Morley most recently with ERWFL Premier Division side Royston Town Women. Currently 5th in the ERWFL Division One North table having played 4 winning 2, drawing 1 and 1 loss. Abbi Griffin leading the goal scoring charts early on with 4 from her 3 appearances. Jess Wood, Izzy Storrie, Jess Morley and Alice Elphick all have 2 each.

Thetford Town FC’s, Lomax Spiral Systems Stadium the venue for today’s league encounter the women’s side enjoying good relations and support from the main club. The grass pitch offering plenty of width with a slope from one corner of the ground to the other, seeing plenty of action. A main seated stand with the changing rooms beneath, the new clubhouse and bar beside, with standing viewing all round. Into October the temperatures still above average bright and sunny with no rain in the forecast.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Laila Zina, Jess Marriott, Maddison Cummings, Fran Peeling (C), Hannah Rogers, Jess Queimado, Megan Chandler, Molly Stevenson, Liv Dunne, Ellie Nicholls & Gabrielle Cobb. Subs – Amber Browne & Emily Birt.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Cambridge City Women starting XI – Emily Maving, Holly Dryland, Juliet Russell, Kaya Penaluna, Emily Trezise, Jessica Morley (C), Alice Elphick, Athene Ross, Zoe Demetriou, Jess Wood & Sophie Billing. Subs – Izzy Storrie, Abbi Griffin, Lexa Feary, Ella Redford & Tilly Almeida-King.

Cambridge City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Fran Peeling and Jess Morley with todays match official, Andrew Bullen

Thetford have had variable numbers in terms of match day squad availability at the start of the season and today have the bare bones with Emily Birt the only player available on the bench with manager Amber Browne in as goalkeeper cover. Unavailability and injuries playing there part, key defender Sausha Levy-Twomey suspended following at late red card during last weekends FA Cup match, a few carrying knocks and having to play out of position. Cambridge City in comparison travelling with a squad of 16 naming 5 on the bench. It’s the hosts Thetford to get the 1st half underway wearing all all claret kit with sky blue trim on the shoulder of their shirts. Cambridge City wearing white coloured shirts with black shorts and socks.

Thetford see the ball back into their captain, Fran Peeling in the heart of defence, played to Maddison Cummings on the right side, Cambridge moving on quick to press, Juliet Russell from left full back with the blocking tackle taking the ball on delivering an early diagonal ball into the box goes long Thetford able to see it out safely for the goal kick. Cambridge lively from the off prepared to get p-layers on quickly press the ball inside the Thetford half, their captain Jess Morley in midfield over to the left linking up with Russell going past Jess Wood on the overlap driving down the wing, Peeling coming across to close her down lunging in to challenge the cross prevented the ball turned up off Russell behind for the goal kick.

A bright start from Cambridge, pushing up as Thetford look to hold back keep a solid line in defence and midfield, Alice Elphick onto the ball for the visitors taking it left played on to Wood looking to charge down the wing, Maddison Cummings getting back at her for Thetford to close her down see the ball out for the throw. Thetford under pressure at the back early look to relieve the pressure with a long clearance forwards, Gabrielle Cobb giving chase the offside flag raised bringing Thetford’s attempted counter attack to an end.

Thetford’s Megan Cummings

 

Cambridge build on their right Holly Dryland on for Zoe Demetriou inside for Athene Ross 30 yards out moving central plays the reverse pass into the box to release Sophie Billing in behind clear left of the Thetford goal, rushes her shot pulling in wide across the six yard box, Jess Marriott clearing it at the far post for the hosts. Peeling marshalling her defence busy early on looking to plug the gaps across to defend putting the ball out for a throw as Wood looks to gain ground on the left.

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling

Cambridge pushing players on Thetford’s midfielders needing to back up the defence, Megan Chandler back to win the ball carrying it forwards into space sends a long diagonal ball in central as Cobb provides the run, Emily Trezise going with her at the back for Cambridge intercepting the pass. Thetford prepared to concede possession early on inviting Cambridge on, Dryland and Russell from full back overloading the flanks. Wood lively for Cambridge seeing the ball into her feet wriggling free of her markers tracking inside looking for Ross, her pass into Billing top of the D cut out by Thetford’s Hannah Rogers.

Cambridge City’s Emily Trezise

10 minutes played Cambridge with the lions share of the ball knocking in around looking to keep the passing crisp in front of the Thetford defence, Wood spinning on the ball sending it on for Russell charging past her down the left, clips a high cross into the near post, pulled down well and claimed by Thetford goalkeeper, Laila Zina. Thetford’s attacks limited, Liv Dunne taking the ball inside from left wing her cross into the top of the D cut out by Morley. Thetford spending most of their time in their own half looking to frustrate Cambridge in the final 3rd.

GOAL! The Cambridge forward offensives mounting, attacking right side Demetriou putting the ball on for Billing the striker drives down to the by-line before cutting back up into the right of the Thetford area getting her shot away before being challenged, firing a low effort with pace in at the keeper, Zina going to ground quickly looking to get her foot out to divert the ball only getting a glancing touch seeing the ball run past her into the back of the net to open the scoring for the visitors 0-1.

Sophie Billing congratulated as she opens the scoring for Cambridge City

Cambridge into the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, Thetford look for an immediate response getting the ball on through the middle drawing the foul, awarded left of the centre circle, Rogers t take for the hosts flighted on towards the near post, Cambridge goalkeeper, Emily Maving moving across her line pulling it down into her body before a runner can attack it. Thetford regain possession in the middle the ball put into Cobb plays it to her right into fellow attacker, Ellie Nicholls back to goal 25 out lays it back into the path of the advancing Cobb left of the D leaning into the strike clips her 20 yarder up over the crossbar.

Thetford’s Gabrielle Cobb with Cambridge’s Kaya Penaluna

 GOAL! No sooner have Thetford had a chance at one end Cambridge turn play around and get straight on the attack the ball into the right inside for Billing takes in into the middle before squaring in forwards into the box into the path of the pacy Wood central drives out to the right holding off a challenge before cutting her shot back across the keeper to plant the ball into the corner of the goal to double the lead 0-2.

Sophie Billing with the opening goal for Cambridge City providing the assist for the 2nd

Jess Wood holding off the challenge to shoot and score the 2nd for Cambridge City

20 minutes in Cambridge lively getting players forwards pulling Thetford out of position to create pockets of space to run into. Thetford on the back foot Cummings on for Molly Stevenson on the right inside taken on by Nicholls right corner of the Cambridge area pulls the trigger, her shot in low to the near post Maving has the angle covered saving as she gets down low behind the ball.

Thetford’s Ellie Nicholls

Dryland supporting the Cambridge attack on the right on for Demetriou inside to Ross her ball lifted on towards the D, intercepted by Thetford’s Chandler. Billing tracking inside with the ball at her feet on the right moving central shooting from all of 25 yards out, the ball on target plenty of bodies in front of her Zina diving to her right getting her body behind it well to save.

Thetford get the ball long from the middle into Stevenson breaking into the Cambridge area on the right brings the ball down well wrong footing her marker plays it back across the area to the top of the D into Nicholls, pulls the trigger her shot charged down by Trezise in the Cambridge defence the rebound popping back to Cobb left of the D, shoots her effort low wide past the far post.

 Cambridge quick to get the ball moving up the other end Russell getting on up the left flank closing in on the by-line firing a cross into the six yard box, Chandler racing back to help her defence cutting the ball out clearing for Thetford. The ball soon back with Cambridge as they push up with nearly everyone inside the opposition half. Morley playing the ball out to Demetriou on the right racing up the wing her cross into the box intercepted by Thetford’s, Rogers. 

Wood proactive seeing the ball into her feet twisting and turning to get away from her markers, coming inside from the left tracking across the top of the area looking for an opening to shoot, drags the ball back to get it onto her left foot, pulling the trigger, Peeling on hand to block the strike the ball charged down. Peeling busy in the heart of defence dropping off at times as she anticipates a Cambridge attack, Elphick coming left combining with Wood for the visitors exchanging passes, Peeling coming round putting in the blocking tackle to see the ball away for a throw in.

Cambridge City’s Alice Elphick

 Cummings having her hands full with Wood as the Cambridge wide player drives with the ball to the by-line, stays with her lunging in to tackle prevent the cross the ball behind for a corner kick. A good ball curled into the six yard box, defended by Rogers for Thetford, back out to the left retrieved by Russell, sends another cross in long over the attackers rushing in at the far post.

 Queimado into Nicholls for Thetford allowed to travel from halfway strikes the ball from all of 25 yards out on target Maving behind it beating the ball down into the ground collecting it on the bounce. Russell linking up with Wood on the left evading Cummings challenge skipping inside to charge towards the area, Peeling having dropped back in defence across quickly to snuff out the threat. Closing in on the half hour mark Thetford under pressure need to get a foot hold ibn the final 3rd, Stevenson on the right looking to get forwards keep Russell occupied.

Juliet Russell

 Cambridge seeing plenty of the ball moving it quickly Thetford pushed back in defence, the hosts stealing it back look to hit their opponents on the counter, Chandler up to Cobb back to goal 25 yards out right of the . lays it into the path of the onrushing Nicholls moving into the box left side bearing down on goal Penaluna and Trezise both going in to close her down, getting the one then another block in quick succession the ball spinning behind for a corner kick. 

 A rare opportunity for Thetford to get players up into the area the corner fired in from the left side long defended by Morley for Cambridge, comes back out to Dunne on the left 30 yards out unleashes a strike her attempt over the crossbar. Cambridge making a double change Demetriou and Ross off, on come Abbi Griffin and Lexa Feary. Wood jinking free on the left surging up the wing whipping a ball into the Thetford box, Peeling tracking back there to intercept. Cobb looks to release Stevenson on the right, sends an early diagonal ball up into the area looking for Nicholls, too close to the keeper though, Maving catching it safely.

Ellie Nicholls looking to attack for Thetford

 Wood taking the ball inside from the left for Cambridge across the D prods it on for Billing, turning the shot in on goal, Zina getting down sharply to get her body behind the ball to make the save. Wood playing the ball on for Russell on the overlap on the left for Cambridge lifts her cross long past the penalty spot into Griffin at the far post looking to bring the ball down, her touch a little heavy giving Marriott the chance to shield the ball let it run back to her keeper. 

 Zina by far the busier of the two goalkeepers, Cambridge allowed to come on at will late in the 1st half Wood a constant threat coming in off the left travelling with the ball moving central into traffic, sends the ball on for Billing towards the right of the D, pulls the trigger her snap shot turned in on goal with pace, Zina throwing herself at full stretch down to her left pushing the ball away to the right then back up on her feet quickly as Griffin retrieving the ball right side fires a rising shot in on the angle getting her fingertips to it to turn the ball up over the bar for a corner kick.

 Peeling out again to block Russell’s cross turn the ball behind for the corner kick. Cambridge piling players into the box as the delivery comes in dropping into the mix inside the six yard box, the ball loose the Thetford defence putting in a double block before the ball rebounds to the top of the area, a long range strike racing back in through legs, Zina alert getting down behind it to collect. 

 GOAL! The game heading for stoppage time in the 1st half, Cambridge lively up top pulling Thetford’s defence out of shape with some dynamic runs, Billing fed the ball into her feet running left inside the box to the by-line drawing Peeling with her before cutting the ball back into the six yard box to find Wood drifting in unchecked to smash the ball home from close range for her 2nd and Cambridge’s 3rd of the contest 0-3.

Jess Wood scoring Cambridge’s 3rd goal.

 Cambridge with their tails up have Thetford on the ropes late in the half Chandler back in defence with Peeling putting in the block as Billing looks to bring down a looping cross from the right hand side. Feary moving left linking up with Wood down the wing taking the ball down to the by-line her cross collected by Zina pulling it down into her midriff.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-3 Cambridge City Women

  A 3rd goal late in the 1st half seeing Cambridge take full control of the game as they head back to the changing rooms for the half-time interval. Thetford for the majority of the game on the back foot inviting Cambridge on looking to keep it tight at the back limit the final balls. Cambridge allowed to have the ball able to get players on on the overlap create pressure, taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Thetford’s chances limited at they counter attacked creating one only to get hit with 2nd Cambridge goal. A couple more half chances for the hosts you’re thinking if they can get to half-time with only conceding two they given themselves a chance to pull it back in the 2nd half, only the pressure told as Cambridge stretched them at the back to score their 3rd. An uphill task for the hosts now to get back into the game in the 2nd half.

 Cambridge making another double change at the start of the 2nd half with Ella Redford and Tilly Almeida-King coming on replacing Billing and Elphick in the attacking line up. Thetford unchanged as the visitors get the 2nd 45 underway Thetford pressing the ball forcing Cambridge to play it back to their keeper, bringing the ball out from the back Penaluna right side looking to travel with the ball fires a diagonal ball up into the Thetford area, defended by Peeling out for a corner to the right. Griffin to take curls her delivery into the side netting for a goal kick.

Cambridge City’s Kaya Penaluna

 GOAL! Thetford get caught out attempting to play the ball out from the back, Wood rushing in to nick the ball left of goal inside the area firing it it past the keeper to score her hat-trick a with it Cambridge’s 4th right at the start of the 2nd half 0-4.

Jess Wood scoring her hat-trick early in the 2nd half

 A hammer blow for Thetford already on the back foot conceding a 4th goal. Make a change right away with Cummings coming off for Emily Birt taking up a position on the right. Linking up with Stevenson straight away taking the ball on up the wing her early cross cut out by Russell. The game stretched with Morley playing the ball to Redford in the left channel, lifts it long into the box looking for Griffin inside it to the right, Zina out to close her down throwing herself down in front of her to knock the ball away to safety.

   Queimado getting hold of the ball centrally for Thetford out to Birt right side has Cobb ahead of her looking to make progress up the flank Cambridge getting numbers back around her to close down the ball. Russel and Dryland able to get on join the attack with Almeida-King linking up with Griffin on the right. 

Thetford’s Jess Queimado

 GOAL! Penaluna travelling into space with the ball for Cambridge to the right plays it on for Almeida-King up with Griffin on the right getting hold of it as she arrives in box from the top corner on the angle sends in a rising shot, Zina reacts late getting her fingertips to it, but not enough as it deflects over her under the bar into the far corner to see Almeida-King score her 1st goal of the season at Cambridge’s 5th 0-5.

Tilly Almeida-King scoring Cambridge City’s 5th goal

 Cambridge rampant at the start of the 2nd half getting forwards at will, scoring twice looking for another Almeida-King getting up with Griffin on the right, Griffin with the ball inside the box shooting on the angle a low drive, Zina covering the post down sharply to make the save turn the ball behind for the corner kick. 

 GOAL! The corner played in from the right by Griffin dangerous bouncing in across the face of goal, on out to the far post met by Morley nodding it down back across goal into the back of the net to bring up Cambridge’s 6th 0-6.

Cambridge captain, Jess Morley scoring the visitors 6th goal

 Barely 10 minutes played in the 2nd half and Cambridge have doubled their 1st half score line in full control of the game. Thetford reeling struggling to find a reply. Birt with the fresh les taking the ball on up the right winning Thetford a corner kick. Played in near side, Maving calls for it coming out past her near post to collect high. Griffin making a run through the middle for Cambridge looking to get in behind, Marriott coming back at her to defend for Thetford. The hosts have gone quiet, flat footed as Cambridge full of energy continue to make runs into the gaps.

 Wood taking the ball on centrally playing it out to Almeida-King on the right carrying the ball to the by-line plays her cross behind. Birt on the attack for Thetford right hand side lifting a diagonal ball up into the box Cobb closing in on the keeper, Maving unfazed jumping up to grab hold of the ball. Birt getting forwards winning Thetford another corner, flung in near side the keeper coming for it arms up doesn’t get hold of it, drops centrally in front of goal Queimado looking to get it under control, however a hand ball is spotted by the referee awarding Cambridge the free-kick. 

  The game stretched Cambridge hit Thetford on the counter attack, Griffin right side sending a cross into the box, Stevenson defending as Redford looks to get on the end of it. 

 

 GOAL! A flash of hope for Thetford as they win a throw high on the right, Nicholls in possession closed down the ball popping loose into Chandler sends it back up the line into Birt’s feet level with the top of the area drives inside before pulling the trigger shooting across the keeper before Maving can get down to it the ball running on to strike the inside of the far post and in for the goal, Birt’s 1st of the season 1-6.

Emily Birt pulling a goal back for Thetford

A pause in play after the goal, Peeling down having treatment for Thetford, as Cambridge make another switch Russell coming off, Ross back into the action. Another blow for the hosts as Peeling can’t continue, Cobb with the armband now dropping back into defence with Cummings back on with 25 minutes still to play. Play resuming Cambridge getting on the attack right side winning a corner kick. Fired into the near side, Dryland with the run pulling free of her marker to twist back in meet the ball on the volley firing her strike up over the crossbar.

GOAL! Cambridge in possession Almeida-King with the ball at her feet not closed down space opening up before her 30 yards from goal central takes on the strike, catching the ball sweetly launching it in on goal looping up and down to fly over the keeper and under the bar to score her 2nd of the match 1-7.

Tilly Almeida-King celebrates after scoring Cambridge City’s 7th goal from range

Thetford at sixes and sevens at the back reeling as Cambridge regain possession in the middle look to turn play around at every opportunity give no respite, a long pass fired up into the area, Zina poised to collect into her body even as Redford looks to close her down, the pair colliding, Zina doing well to keep hold of the ball prevent it spilling loose. 

 Cambridge full of energy keep the ball moving Ross putting it on for Almeida-King right side up the wing whips a threatening ball in across the face of the Thetford goal bouncing on to the far post Redford rushing in can’t quite get there to turn it home. Birt back in defence helping out Stevenson as Redford looks to plough her way into the area getting across her to see the ball back to her keeper. Dryland making way for Cambridge, no let up for Thetford as they take off a defender for an attacker with Billing coming back on.

  Nicholls looking to get over to the right for Thetford link up with Birt, winning her side a corner kick. Can’t make it count as Cambridge find Almeida-King high on the right lays the pass back to Griffin 25 yards out striking it on the angle, the ball swerving through the drifting wide past the top corner. Billing fed onto the ball inside the area left of the Thetford goal stabs a shot wide past the near post. The game petering out Thetford tiring, Cambridge still with energy to burn carrying the ball forwards. 

 GOAL! Ross racing away with the ball in the right channel powering her way into the box closing down the angle at the near post before pulling the trigger her shot with pace behind it striking the keeper as she gets down to block it is unfortunate as it skips up off her body to deflect into the net beyond as Ross celebrates scoring Cambridge’s 8th goal 1-8.

Dunne lining up a strike from range for Thetford blocked by Cambridge’s Almeida-King. Dunne forwards into Birt on the right Trezise defending for Cambridge the visitors straight on the attack the ball up for Feary looking to run clear through the middle, Cobb in to close her down the ball behind for the corner kick. Another vicious delivery in across the face of the Thetford goal, no one with a telling touch as the clock runs down.

Lexa Feary on the ball for Cambridge City

 GOAL! Billing breaking clear played into the ball out on the left wide of the near post shooting low across the keeper to score her 2nd of the game wheels away in celebration 1-9.

Sophie Billing wheeling away in celebration after firing in Cambridge City’s 9th

 Demetriou back on for Cambridge. Marriott clearing the ball behind for a corner in stoppage time as Almeida-King makes the riving run on the ball through the middle. Flung into the near post from the left Redford looking to attack it, Cobb winning it for Thetford clearing the threat. Thetford mount a late attack with Chandler finding Stevenson taking the ball on up the right flank squaring a cross into the box Birt there closing down the keeper, squeezing her touch past Maving as they come together but frustratingly the spinning ball rolls just wide of the near post. 

 GOAL! Into the dying seconds of the game Redford breaking away with the ball on the right sending a deep cross into the box falling to Demetriou under challenge gets enough on the ball to lift it in on goal up and over the keeper to score at the death 1-10. The final whistle blowing up straight after to bring the game to an end.

Zoe Demetriou scoring at the death to make it 10 for Cambridge City

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 1-10 Cambridge City Women

 Cambridge rampant in the 2nd half quickly adding 3 more goals to their 1st half tally to knock the stuffing out of their opponents. Relentless coming forwards Thetford struggling to stem the tide couldn’t get a foot hold going forwards themselves growing tired and losing their shape a game to write-off reset and go again. Cambridge climbing up to 3rd in the ERWFL Division One North table with a double figure score.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders in the finish. A few performances to mention, a tough day at the office for sure for Thetford who will want to forget this and move on. Captain, Fran Peeling did all she could at the back to marshal the defence dropping off well, reading the Cambridge attacks to get across to win the ball. Emily Birt coming on 2nd half looking to get the hosts moving in attack getting on the score sheet. Cambridge allowed the lions share of the ball kept up the attack throughout overloading the flanks at times. Juliet Russell providing good support on the left getting her tackles in at the back. Tilly Almeida-King with some great runs in the 2nd half took her goals well. Sophie Billing with a brace too, with some good positional runs up top pulling defenders out of position. The award going to hat-trick scorer, Jess Wood was a handful throughout setting the early tone for the visitors, lively taking on players getting down the wing and turning in field to link up with her fellow attackers, scoring the 2nd, 3rd and 4th gaols taking the game away from Thetford.

  Great to catch up with both sides even if Thetford won’t want to see this report a tough day with numbers light. Good to see Cambridge City looking on the up have had few tough days themselves in recent seasons. My thanks to both for their help with the team details today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Soham Town Rangers Ladies

Sunday 27th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 Back to Cambridgeshire this Sunday to take in my first game from the county leagues in the East. From Division One as Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds finally get their league campaign underway host Soham Town Rangers Ladies. 

 There are some interesting county league divisions across the east this season, Division One in Cambridgeshire no exception, several tasty looking match-ups to look forward to over the season with no clear favourite, certainly a few contenders with 12 sides competing.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds are the longest established club without a break competing in Cambridgeshire, won the Division One title two season’s ago to and with it have a stab at playing at regional level in the ERWFL. Ultimately wasn’t to be, gave it their all but with 3 sides set to come down it’s a tough league to consolidate yourself in. Relegated but all the better for the experience the danger was in keeping the squad which has to be fair always been a close knit group together.

 That they have done have a rich history with experienced players at this level, A potent strike force when their confidence is high aren’t setting any goals for the new campaign, will be considered one of the favourites for the title but the aim is to just get back to enjoying the football and see where that takes them. The season in Cambridgeshire entering it’s 3rd week, Fulbourn have yet to get going despite an early exit in the FA Cup have prepared for two league outings only for both to be called off, so find themselves starting their season over, keen to hit the ground running.

 Soham Town Rangers Ladies are up and running, making their debut in the FA Cup losing out to Cambridge City Women have gotten their league games in a draw and a narrow defeat so far. Relative newcomers rising up the league the core of the old Isleham United Ladies side moving to Soham Town Rangers FC keen to get involved with a women’s side providing strong support, signed a number of experienced players at this level rising up to Division One last season.

 Finishing 6th in their debut season in Division One are looking to become an established force at that level get amongst the title challengers. Also reached their first ever cup final last season the Junior Invitation Cup losing out to Newmarket Town Women Development. Have been several player departures over the summer with a good turn around of the squad but new faces coming in too, the women’s section still retaining its two sides. Several of those new faces featuring in the Newmarket side that beat Soham in the final with dead ball specialist Jess Linger joining along with attackers, Evie Stackhouse and Eden Kirby-Cook and goalkeeper Mairi Robinson. 

 The Fulbourn Recreation Ground the venue for today’s game, has been too long since I was last here. A multi-sports venue with clubhouse and carpark leading out to the sports pitches and pavilion, the football pitches to the rear a long way from the changing rooms a little worn in places with the dry summer, the grass pitch offering good width. A warm end to September close but a good amount of cloud cover around wasn’t expecting a shower before kick-off but I’ve been doing this for a while and the rucksack is usually equipped with both sun cream and an umbrella just in case.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Verity Crook, Amy Smith, Lydia Mason, Jess Anderson, Catherine Henderson, Grace Muffett, Hollie Colling, Marie Stubbings (C), Katie Chaudhry, Ebony Crook & Eleanor Woodley. Subs – Daniella Quinn, Bronte Rapley, Amelia Thompson & Freya Turner.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Soham Town Rangers Ladies starting XI – Mairi Robinson, Chloe Dunn, Elsie Holroyd Davison, Amelie Kent, Hannah Marsh, Jess Linger, Rachel Pearce. Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls (C), Emelia Bates, Eden Kirby-Cook & Evie Stackhouse. Subs – Ester McTrusty, Kara Firek & Eloise Booty.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Marie Stubbings and Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls with today’s match referee Rocco D’Ammaro

The rain largely gone with the sides lining up for kick-off, Verity Crook in goal for Fulbourn persuaded to don the gloves after packing it in 9 season’s ago (really doesn’t feel that long) a wealth of experience coming in as goalkeeping cover having played for 4th tier side Cambridge United WFC. Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls captaining Soham a quality keeper in her own right having featured for Soham and Newmarket previously in that position, outfield now an extremely versatile player. Marie Stubbings captaining Fulbourn. Soham to get the 1st half underway wearing green and white vertical striped shirts with green shorts and socks, Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing an all navy kit with white trim.

The ball rolled back to captain Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls in the middle looks to lift it out to the right wing for Emelia Bates to attack, Lydia Mason dealing with it for Fulbourn at left back the ball pressed right away in the middle both sides rushing in to gain possession the ball popping back and forth, favours Soham as Bates looks to gain ground on the wing high her cross charged down, Fulbourn immediately on the counter the ball clipped on for Katie Chaudhry on the right side gets her foot under the ball lifting a high diagonal ball up into her opponents box, bouncing up off the turf in front of the six yard box an awkward one for goalkeeper Mairi Robinson to deal with but plucks it down well safely into her gloves.

  Fulbourn getting players forwards quickly with intent captain Marie Stubbings through the middle with Ebony Crook left, Eleanor Woodley running into the right channel, winning a corner out on the left curled into the box, Soham with numbers back to defend, Elsie Holroyd Davison getting her head on the ball to clear. The visitors playing the ball up to Rachel Pearce turns it on for Bates surging on up the right wing, her cross cut out by Fulbourn centre back, Catherine Henderson. 

Fulbourn defender, Catherine Henderson

 Eden Kirby Cook taking the ball out to the right for Soham squaring a cross into Evie Stackhouse right of the D, goes to attack it on the volley skipping up just as she connects the ball not hit cleanly running wide across goal out to the left. Hollie Colling tackling in the middle winning the ball for Fulbourn, Stubbings looking to feed off her take the ball on the hosts with a good understanding the through ball for Woodley bursting into the right channel over hit. 

An open game played at a frantic pace the ball toing and froing between both sides, Holroyd Davison finding Bates high on the right her cross in close to the near post caught by Fulbourn keeper, Verity Crook. Competitive some aggressive challenges across the pitch, Jess Anderson fouling Stackhouse in the middle, both getting a talking too from the referee. Jess Linger to take sends a long ball up into the area, Crook behind it all the way collecting on the bounce. Grace Muffett in the middle for Fulbourn with Colling put on for Stubbings, attempts to put it over the top for Crook with Soham’s defence high a vital interception from Chloe Dunn for the visitors. 

 Anderson cutting out a cross for Fulbourn as Kirby Cook turns it on for Bates bursting away on the right. Colling on for Stubbings through the middle, plays it in behind, Crook and Woodley both evading the offside flag, Robinson reacting quickly rushing out of her area to clear. Stubbings carrying the ball on puts the pass into Woodley breaking in behind pulled down outside the box to the left of the D, the free-kick awarded. Ebony Crook over it goes for goal her effort over the bar from 20 yards. 

 Fulbourn gaining some momentum looking to have a fluid understanding going forwards, winning a through high on the left, the cross forced into the near post Hannah Marsh getting her foot in first to scramble it away from danger before Woodley can pounce. Soham getting a little frustrated on the side-lines as they a penalised for another free-kick on the left, played into Chaudhry top of the D, her touch a little strong, gives Quinn-Nicholls the opportunity to steal in to intercept launch it clear.

Soham captain, Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls

 Up to Bates, whipping a cross into the area from the right claimed by Crook. From the resulting counter attack, Woodley making the run into the channel looks to play in Chaudhry on the right, just a little too much weight behind it. Colling putting herself about for Fulbourn winning the ball central getting her team on the move in attack Ebony Crook with the ball looking to get away on the left, tackled by Soham’s Dunn the ball out for a throw. 

Fulbourn’s Hollie Colling

 Quinn-Nicholls central linking up with Pearce the ball on for Kirby Cook, cut out by Anderson for the hosts. Fulbourn quicker to the 2nd ball getting players on through the middle Stubbings taking it on from Colling rolled on into the box, Robinson getting there to clear as Woodley rushes in to close her down. A lively opening 20 minutes Fulbourn putting the Soham defence under a little pressure, the hosts defence winning the ball back, Anderson and Henderson both winning challenges, Pearce with the ball for Soham her pass turned on for Kirby Cook right side her cross cut out by Anderson.

  Pressure from Stubbings running forwards as Woodley receiving the ball from Colling right side turns it on in behind for her captain to chase wining a corner kick. Curled in central, Stubbings looking to get in under control around the penalty spot, Kirby Cook getting her foot in to clear for Soham. Robinson making the save for Soham as Stubbings plays it on for Woodley racing into the area right of goal. 

Mairi Robinson getting down to make the save

 The referee awarding a hand ball to Fulbourn some 35 yards out to the right as the ball is fired into towards the box. Soham making a change bringing off Stackhouse up top sending on Kara Firek. Fulbourn’s Chaudhry over the set-piece firing a diagonal ball in through the Soham area towards the far post, a good ball in no one able to run onto it out for the goal kick. Free-kicks breaking up play Soham feeling they are not going there way. Colling and Muffett fighting for the ball in the middle for the hosts freeing up Stubbings to get on join the attack, Mason getting back at Bates on the right to deny the cross. Muffett fouled central, Henderson putting the ball on up into the box for Fulbourn, Kent defending for Soham.

Soham’s Amelia Kent

  A good contest between the captains Stubbings spinning off Quinn-Nicholls outside the box, Quinn-Nicholls stretching snapping back at her the ball turned back towards goal, close to an own goal but cleared in the nick of time. The pace fast, Fulbourn getting their attacking players on quicker exerting more pressure, Bates the outlet for Soham on the right the visitors not getting as many up in support in their attacks Anderson and Henderson for the large part winning the ball back, Crook in goal composed.

GOAL! Fulbourn quick to get an attack moving through the middle the ball played up to Woodley she turns it on for Chaudhry making a run into the right channel a great first touch seeing her cut back inside across the top of the D 20 yards out catching the ball sweetly shoots, the ball rising inside the right post past the diving keeper before she can get there 1-0.

Katie Chaudhry lining up the strike for Fulbourn

 Fulbourn opening the scoring just past the half hour mark, Soham on the back foot, Quinn-Nicholls winning the free-kick as she looks to combine with Pearce through the middle. top of the centre circle Linger over it looks to play it on in towards goal at the far post, Crook behind it all the way collecting unopposed. Woodley played on down the right flank, but on her own as Marsh doubles up with Holroyd Davison to defend for the visitors. 

Soham’s Elsie Holroyd Davison

 Fulbourn getting on top wining the ball in the middle Colling finding Woodley on the right p with Chaudhry taking it to the by-line her cross into the near post Ebony Crook running in the attack halted by the raised offside flag. Soham making a double change bringing off Marsh and Holroyd Davison shuffling the pack as Eloise Booth and Ester McTrusty enter the action. Quinn-Nicholls dropping back into defence. 

 Crook claiming the ball off of a Linger free-kick wide on the right as Bates is up ended, the ball launched upfield to Ebony Cook straying offside. 10 minutes left to play in the 1st half Fulbourn winning the ball at the back, Colling with some useful forward passes, Stubbings running on looking to join the attack. Anderson dealing with a difficult bouncing ball top of the area as Kirby Cook looks to apply pressure. Kent diving in to take the ball out for a throw as Ebony Crook looks to take it on down Fulbourn’s left.

GOAL!  Fulbourn cut open the Soham defence, Colling with the inch perfect pass to play Stubbings on through on goal central taking the ball on into the box gets her shot away past the onrushing keeper before she can set herself and turns away in celebration as she doubles the lead opening her account for the season 2-0.

Marie Stubbings wheels away in celebration as she doubles Fulbourn’s lead

  Mason being kept on her toes by Bates on Soham’s right, closing her down well this time to deny the cross. Chaudhry wide right seeing the ball into her feet turning it on for Stubbngs as she surges past her on the overlap into the box right of goal shooting on the angle her attempt held low by the keeper as Robinson gets down behind the ball to save. 

 Dunn in to close Ebony Crook down as Mason finds her with the pass on the left the ball out for a throw. Robinson out well to deal with the threat as Woodley looks to set up Stubbings for Fulbourn. The host defence having more time at the back Soham not getting players on in numbers often able to double up Smith with support from Anderson as Kirby Cook looks to find a way through on the left.

Captains, Marie Stubbings and Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls

  Dunn lunging in to tackle Ebony Crook as Woodley attempts to turn the ball over the top to her through the middle. Firek, combining with Bates and Booth for Soham as they build an attack on the right late in the first half the cross fired in top of the area too strong for Kirby Cook racing out to the left retrieved by Pearce gets a shot away from distance collected by Crook from all of 30 yards out. Into the closing seconds as Bates gets on Henderson’s shoulder right trying to burst into the box, Crook racing out to slide in blocks the shot at her feet.

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-0 Soham Town Rangers Ladies

  Fulbourn with a deserved 2-0 lead at the break, getting players forwards with intent creating opportunities in front of goal and asking Soham questions. A side familiar with each others play the ball won in the middle put on in the final 3rd. The break through coming on the half hour with a great touch and strike from Katie Chaudhry for Fulbourn’s first goal of the season. Hollie Collin putting captain Marie Stubbings in on goal to double the lead. Soham getting a little disjointed as the half wore on feeling they weren’t getting the rub of the green, getting the ball on well enough but not using it as effectively in the final 3rd. Both sides staying out during the interval, Fulbourn will be looking for more of the same, Soham with a few issues to address if they are to get themselves back into the game and at 2-0 the next goal is often the most vital.

 The visitors making changes to personnel and position at the start of the 2nd half Marsh back on for McTrusty moving up top to join the attack, Bates dropping to right back with Dunn over on the left side of defence. Fulbourn to get the 2nd half underway making a change too on the right with Chaudhry off replaced by Freya Turner. The ball into Colling out to Smith on the right, Soham quick to press the ball forced back to the keeper, Crook launching it up field. Bates with the ball travelling up the right for Soham fed on for Firek into the wing, takes the ball on, Mason staying with her well not giving away any room for the cross the ball out for a throw.

  Soham with numbers up working the throw into a cross dealt with by Fulbourn’s Henderson inside the box. Fulbourn counter the pass on for Turner breaking up the right her shot on the angle hooked into the side netting. Marsh pushing on from a diagonal ball played into her path top of the box, scuffs her shot seeing it lack the pace to trouble Crook in the Fulbourn goal. Bates getting back at Ebony Crook on the left taking the ball off the attacker as she breaks for the by-line out for a corner kick. 

Ebony Crook holding off Rachel Pearce

 Crook herself to take the corner a great ball in curled into the near post, striking the upright deflected across the goal face half cleared at the far post falling to Stubbings top of the area to the right of goal firing it back in wide of the near post. Woodley and Ebony Crook combine up on the right exchanging passes, Crook falling back as she goes to pull the trigger screwing her shot away from goal. Frantic at times both sides wanting to get the ball moving, Linger into Pearce, her pass to Firek right side intercepted by Anderson.

Soham’s Jess Linger

  End to end as Fulbourn counter with pace out to Ebony Crook over on the right taking on the shot on the volley from the angle driven in smashes against the crossbar. Fulbourn getting on top Soham with all their positional changes a little disjointed. Ebony Crook with an ambitious diagonal pass over the top form the left looking to send Turner away through to attack the box from the right, Robinson has to come running out of her area to clear the ball. 

 Pearce seeing the ball into her feet in attack for Soham looking to make something happen old the ball up get players up around her  outside the box, Henderson in to close her down tackling from behind winning the ball. Fulbourn making another switch with Daniella Quinn coming on to replace Muffett in the middle. 

 Fulbourn winning another free-kick deep on the right much to the annoyance of the Soham bench, Crook over it sending a flighted ball in on goal, cleared on the line by Kent for the visitors. Getting a bit feisty, Marsh and Anderson tangling as the attacker tries to get into the box, as Crook comes to scoop up the ball. Tensions high the referee having a word with the Soham coaches as another decision goes against them. Make a change with Linger coming off, Holroyd Davison back into the action. 

  End to end as Kent clears long at one end forcing Crook to come running out of her area to kick clear as Firek looks to run it down. Soham putting themselves about looking to apply more pressure in the final 3rd, Fulbourn not getting the joy through the middle they had in the 1st half, win a corner on the left, Crook to curl it into the near post again this time Robinson covering the angle can see it land in the side netting. 

Rachel Pearce

 Marsh powering on towards the box right of goal getting a shot away, Crook right behind it back on her line. Henderson defends on Firek as the striker looks to get on her shoulder drive towards the box. McTrusty back on for Soham out on the left. Mason taking a ball to the stomach nursing the blow as Fulbourn make a substitution, Ebony Crook coming off, Amelia Thompson coming on midway through the 2nd half. Woodley over on the left whipping a cross on the angle into the six yard box just a little too high for Turner running in at the far post out for the goal kick.

Fulbourn’s Eleanor Woodley

  The game is stretched Fulbourn feeling an urgency to get a 3rd goal effectively put the game to bed, Soham scrapping looking for the opening at the other end, Pearce getting amongst it to hold up the ball finding herself closed down from all sides 20 yards out as Booth makes the run beyond her. Booth and Pearce linking up moments later the ball sent on into the box with Firek racing on on the keeper, just a little too high Crook unfazed taking it cleanly. 

 Woodley nicks the ball off the Soham back line top of the D but as she goes to strike it it takes a wicked bobble seeing the half volley miscued wide of goal. Mason struggling from her earlier blow coming off for Fulbourn with Muffett returning to the action. Stubbings deeper in the 2nd half tackling Booth as she brings the ball on into the final 3rd. Quinn over to the left playing the ball up the line for Woodley inside for Thompson, Bates winning the challenge for Soham bringing the ball on played on for Firek, Muffett cutting it out for the hosts.

  Quinn-Nicholls pushing up for Soham sends it on through the middle for Pearce, Crook reading it however quick to react out to get hold of the ball first. Fulbourn continue their push to find a 3rd goal sees Stubbing break right with the ball on with Turner the cross flashed in across the face of the Soham goal, Woodley throwing herself at it on the on the line can’t quite get there as Bates turns it away for a throw on the left. 

 McTrusty in to press Quinn on the ball left side as she looks to find the attackers for Fulbourn. Another free-kick to the hosts wide right sees the ball driven in to the corner of the area striking a Soham hand another set-piece given. Colling over it 25 yards out drive a rasping shot in low across the face of goal out past the far post. The game moving into the final 10 minutes, Soham moving players around looking to find a telling formula, Booth left side on for McTrusty wide on for Marsh central, Muffett getting across her path to see the ball back to her keeper. 

 Stubbings across to take Fulbourn’s corner on the left with Crook off the field, whipped into the near post defended by Dunn out for a 2nd corner. This one flashed on across the face of goal cleared at the far post. Muffett doing the defensive work for Fulbourn strong against Marsh as she attempts to force her way into the box. Marsh coming off soon after with Kirby Cook back on, Bates moving from right back to take up an attacking role on the left. 

 Pearce seeing the ball into her feet sending it on for Firek right side wide of the box digs the cross out looping into the box, hooked clear by Smith for Fulbourn, Pearce winning the ball back top of the area sends it back in Crook gathering safely.

GOAL! into the final 5 minutes of the game stretched with all the changes both sides have made Soham with the ball fed out to the left in behind, Bates evading the offside flag to race on with the ball full of pace taking on the shot early driving a vicious ball low under the diving keeper before she can set herself to find the back of the net with her first goal for the club 2-1.

Emelia Bates through on goal to pull a goal back for Soham

 A double change for Fulbourn with Woodley and Colling coming off, Bronte Rapley and Chaudhry coming on, Soham with a goal back setting up a nervy finish to an already frantic contest. McTrusty left taking the ball on seeing her cross snubbed out away for a throw as Soham look to apply late pressure. Bates left side outside the box firing in a shot as the Fulbourn defence back pedal, blocked by Muffett more in the way than anything else. 

 The goal from Soham unsettling Fulbourn, questions over whether Bates was onside or not was given none the less. Kirby Cook with a snap shot 20 yards out held by Crook. The Fulbourn keeper looking to clam things down give her side time to compose themselves. Anderson winning the header inside her box as Soham send the ball long with 4 minutes of stoppage time to be played. 

GOAL! Out of nothing Soham get themselves back on level terms at the death, Crook out wide o the right post in her six yard box waiting for the attacker to run in to pick up the ball shielding it as Firek obliges wanting to get on with the game takes the ball out of the keepers fingers before she has it under control and turns inside to walk the ball in across the face of goal and slot it home before the onrushing defenders can get back, is pulled back as she goes to celebrate Soham equalise in dramatic fashion 2-2.

Kara Firek scoring the late equaliser for Soham

 Controversial too as Firek having been pulled back after scoring something must have been said over at the Soham bench as the referee rushes over to brandish the red card to their manager send him form the touch line. Little time left a huge blow for Fulbourn unsettled from the first goal conceding a 2nd so quickly hardly any time left to find a reply, the ball back with Soham as the pacy Bates breaks left wing to the by-line lifting a cross into the box, Kirby Cook running onto it lifting her shot over the bar. Fulbourn with a last gasp corner out on the right bouncing in across goal cleared Soham break, Quinn defending as the final whistle blows and the points are shared.

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-2 Soham Town Rangers Ladies

Fulbourn for the large part in control of the game for 85 minutes with chances to extend their lead not taken a 3rd goal most certainly sealing the 3 points. Soham kept plugging away mixing it up trying to find a way through on goal, Bates switched over to the left wing put in behind no flag to shoot early pull a goal back for the visitors, unsettled Fulbourn who had little time to regroup as miscue from the keeper leading to Kara Firek stealing the ball and sending it into the back of the empty net at the death to secure a point. Tough on Fulbourn but finally getting their season started have plenty of positives from their 1st outing in the league. Soham struggled to get a foot hold in the game 1st half, fought hard in the 2nd to try and find a way back rode their luck but stuck at it kept going till the end will gain plenty of confidence from their late goals.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match several contenders but one did emerge early on as my standout. Performances on both sides, firstly for Soham, Emilia Bates was a handful all game her pace and dribbling setting her apart as the ready outlet for the ball, dropping back into defence 2nd half doing the job before being unleashed on the left to score. Rachel Pearce getting about the final 3rd trying her best too get the ball into her attackers, Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls working hard to close the ball down in both midfield and defence. Chloe Dunn making several winning challenges at the back. For Fulbourn both Catherine Henderson and Jess Anderson won the ball well in defence tackles and interceptions, captain Marie Stubbings with some defence splitting passes and runs especially in the 1st half. Katie Chaudhry doing well on the right some great touches took her goal well to open the scoring. The award goes to midfielder, Hollie Colling won the ball in middle getting about the park, set the tone to a degree for Fulbourn in the first half with some excellent passes.

 A great first taste of county league action of the season, good to catch up with both sides, Cambridgeshire Division One will be an interesting watch this season for sure. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details as always greatly appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Histon Women v Wroxham Women

Sunday 20th September

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Heading into Cambridgeshire this Sunday to catch some action from the 2nd Qualifying Round of this season’s Women’s FA Cup. The sides from tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid entering the competition at this stage and it’s an all ERWFL Premier Division clash with Norfolk side, Wroxham Women travelling to play newly promoted Histon Women.

 95 ties on total with so tasty looking clashes on offer, the prize money although still no where near the men’s competition improving in recent season’s today’s winners collecting £3,500 with the losing side taking away £1,500. A good run in the Women’s FA Cup for any grassroots side offering a huge financial boost.

 The ERWFL Premier Division sides entering the competition at the 2nd Qualifying Round stage all having a 6 match unbroken run in the league to get their season’s underway. Histon and Wroxham already meeting once at Histon with the home side winning the contest 3-0.

 Now Histon Women as a pose to Ladies, promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division after a hugely successful campaign last season under the management of ex-Cambridge United WFC manager, Darren Marjoram. Winning the title with a 100% winning record not dropping a single point finishing 14 points clear of the rest of the pack and going on to beat Cambridge United WFC on penalties in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup to make it a double. Evie Nicholls rattling in the goals for Histon bagging 38 last season.

 Have retained much on that promotion winning squad as they move up to tier 5 a big step up in competition level. Tia Everdell joins the squad having previously been with St Ives. Also making the move to Histon this season, Tia Johnson and Remy Hudson-Clements both previously involved with the youth setup at Cambridge, Lauren Court back from university also joins along with 16-year-old Charlotte Freestone who has put in some impressive performances in Histon’s early season games. Were soundly returned to earth on the opening day going 5-0 down too established Premier Division side Haringey Borough. Bounced back well however drawing 1-1 at home to Royston Town Women, that the beginning of a run of home matches 5 to date picking up successive wins against St Albans City and then Wroxham followed by 2 draws against AFC Sudbury Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. Evie Nicholls once gain emerging as the top scorer with 4 so far.

 Wroxham Women are firmly established in the ERWFL Premier Division with ambition to win promotion up to the FAWNL. Enjoyed a successful campaign themselves last time out playing catch up with their fixtures to eventually finish 3rd in the table. Reached both the finals of the County Cup and League Plate, with mixed fortunes, winning the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history, missing out on the League Plate though beaten by Haringey Borough Women.

  Evie Nicholls with the goals for Histon, Hannah Fuller playing for Histon is well established as one of the leading attackers in the Division prolific in front of goal over the season’s top scored last season with 21, has 3 to her name so far this season. Mixed results to start the season certainly not where they would want to be in the table losing 3 of their opening 6 fixtures a draw and a win in their last two outings giving them a little momentum coming back to face Histon. Have retained most of their squad from last season with a good blend of experience and young talent have added full back Ella Kruez to their ranks with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women previously, Faith Wakefield makes the move to Wroxham have been with Ipswich academy. Millie Docking also signing on for the season having been with Cambridge United at youth level gaining good ERWFL experience with Newmarket Town Women.

 The Camtech & Caprice Stadium the venue for today’s tie, home to Histon FC and the Cambridgeshire FA headquarters. Features a large grass pitch in great condition these days offering plenty of width, a main seated elevated stand over the changing rooms with the bar open above. Seating along the opposite side of the pitch too with standing viewing at both ends. The weather set fair as we close in on autumn a light breeze but other wide bright and sunny.

Histon Women starting XI – Tara Fitzjohn, Charlotte freestone, Gabriella Giussani, Laura Leyland (C), Jessica McCrae, Molly Banks, Tia Everdell, Sophie Hopkin, Ella Marden, Tash Collins & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Mollie Childerley, Belle Howard, Tia Johnson, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Lauren Court, Remy Hudson-Clements & Sabrina Ghosh.

Histon Women

Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Kruez, Holly Farrow, Tigi Robson (C), Elise Wade, Lily Alexander, Lauren Bullard, Rebecca Stephenson, Maddie Green, Hannah Fuller & Millie Docking. Subs – Faith Wakefield.

Wroxham Women

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes to tie will be settled on penalties.

Captains, Laura Leyland and Tigi Robson with today’s match officials led by referee Graham Wilson

 Wroxham travelling back to Histon with a few unavailable through injury, suspension and other commitments, only able to name 1 of the allowed 7 substitutes on the bench. Missing a few of their more experienced players. Histon in comparison naming the full compliment on their bench, able to use 5 of their 7 substitutes. Goalkeeper Keeley Robinson unavailable for this afternoons match, Tara Fitzjohn a more than capable deputy donning the gloves. The sun high over one end of the ground might cause a few issues, Wroxham defending with it in their faces 1st half, the visitors taking the kick-off, wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks with Histon lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shorts, black shorts and socks. 

  The back pushed back into midfield clipped long out to the right for Maddie Green to attack, Gabriella Giusanni defending the ball out for a throw, Wroxham press the ball high forcing an early corner kick and opportunity to get players up into the box. A good ball delivered into the box at an inviting high central headed on towards the far post, Charlotte Freestone covering the post blocking the ball on the line turned back out into the mix, Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson getting her head on the ball to drive into the back of the net but celebrations a cut short as the goal is ruled out due to an infringement. 

Charlotte Freestone blocking an early chance for Wroxham on the line

 An early warning for Histon, both sides starting brightly looknig to get after the ball get it forwards with pace, Molly Banks in the middle for Histon passed forwards into Sophie Hopkin 25 yards out holds the ball up as Charlotte Freestone makes a bursting run up the right the pass finding her feet as she drives on before whipping a cross into the area, Elise Wade up in defence to head clear for Wroxham. Both pressing some passes being rushed a little Histon pushing players on Tash Collins right and Ella Marden left looknig to get on to support Evie Nicholls in attack. 

 Freestone sending a diagonal pass long into the top of the D, again Wade gets her head on it for the visitors. Freestone looking to link up with Collins ahead of her on the right, the ball stabbed on down the line Collins looking to roll her marker, Holly Farrow in close not letting her get away stabbing a foot out to take ball off her feet out for a throw. The ball pinging about in the middle a spot of head tennis before Banks gets onto it to attempt a through ball into the right channel for Collins pulling off the Wroxham back-line just a little too much on it giving goalkeeper Bryony Williams the edge out to claim hold of the ball.

Wroxham’s Holly Farrow

  Wroxham dropping off in defence looking for the long ball out to relieve pressure give striker Hannah Fuller something to attack seeing the ball into her feet moving left turns well to get away from her marker drive for the penalty area, Jess McCrae recovering quickly getting back on her shoulder playing the ball off Fuller behind for the goal kick. A vital interception from Wade at the back as Nicholls looks to break in behind as the ball in played on from the left. End to end action Histon captain Laura Leyland with the headed clearance at one end sending the ball up over the Wroxham defence as they push up, Nicholls giving chase Williams forced to come rushing out to the corner of her area sliding in to clear the ball.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller with Histon captain, Laura Leyland

  Histon lively quick to retrieve the ball, a good tempo look to get the ball forwards, a little too quickly sometimes. A big pitch players getting drawn across is space available to run into for the winger or full back that hang back. Competitive in the middle Banks for Histon and Lily Alexander for Wroxham giving no quarter closing down the ball, Tia Everdell bringing the ball away right side rolls in on for Collins in behind her cross snuffed out by Farrow. 

 Wade keeping a close watch on Nicholls, a crunching 50/50 between the pair, Histon come through the middle the ball forwards into Hopkin inside the D shifts it out to the left into Marden’s feet on the angle she takes on the strike drilling a low effort wide past the far post. Farrow putting the ball on for Fuller in attack as she breaks into the left wing getting past Leyland driving to the by-line sends the ball into the six yard box the cross intercepted by McCrae as Histon get it clear. 

Jess McCrae

  A good contest the sides evenly matched Wroxham working hard at the back prepared to concede ground allowing Hopkin to get on influence play in the final 3rd. Banks diving in with a strong tackle getting the ball on into Nicholls pulling into the right channel pace to take her in behind 20 yards out clips a rising shot on the angle up over the bar. 

 The game flowing well Wroxham getting a throw on the left played into Fuller left of the D, sends it on across the top of the area looking for striker partner Millie Docking, before she can turn into the shot Giusanni closes her down with the challenge the ball out to the wing, Maddie Green latching onto it for Wroxham powering forwards unleashing a vicious shot on the angle smashes against the crossbar and down back into play. Wroxham with players up keep hold of the ball Farrow left with Rebecca Stephenson the ball played central Lauren Bullard getting hold of it shooting from 25 yards her attempt blocked.

  Everdell coming right to support Freestone and Collins the latter played in down the line into the corner with the cut back to the top corner of the Wroxham box, Everdell there looking to hit it 1st time hits her strike up over the bar. The ball rarely motionless Bullard for Wroxham coming over to the left getting the ball from Farrow looking to drive in, Freestone lunging in to take the ball from her get Histon moving in the opposite direction. Back and forth in the middle, Alexander lifting it on through the middle, Leyland up well to head clear for Histon. 

Histon’s Charlotte Freestone

 Closing in on the half hour mark Histon on the attack Banks to Everdell forwards into Hopkin moving right looking to combine with Collins play the one two the return pass for Collins into the box a little to straight quickly gathered by Williams. The hosts almost appear too eager at times getting players on well enough but wasteful with the final ball. Alexander on through the middle for Wroxham into Bullard, McCrae defending for Histon the ball out to the right collected by Green up the wing banks across with the blocking tackle. Wroxham win a corner

kick.

 GOAL! Wroxham with plenty up into the box for the corner a great delivery curled in central at an inviting height, Kruez drifting in free to meet it with her head drive the ball past the keeper before she can react to send the visitors into the lead and score her 1st goal for the club in the process 0-1.

Ella Kruez central opening the scoring for Wroxham

Ella Kruez

Wroxham with their tails up from scoring press the ball winning in left Farrow taking it on from Stephenson powering up the wing, McCrae across to close her down lunging in to put the ball behind for another corner kick. This one from the left sent long across the area, Leyland up well to head it away from danger for the hosts. Bullard up on the right linking up with Farrow and Stephenson, Freestone with the timely foot to break up the move the ball out for a throw. 

Wroxham’s Rebecca Stephenson

  Wroxham caught a little light at the back having over committed in the earlier attack as Banks releases the ball for Everdell bursting into the right channel, Robson on her shoulder lunging in too take the ball off her feet out for the throw. Hopkin with a turn and hit from distance straight at the keeper. Wroxham attack left Stephenson up with Farrow the ball crossed in along the top of the D, Docking meeting it with her head a great knock down into the path of Fuller making a run inside to the left of goal, Fitzjohn out to close her down sliding in gets something on the ball but as it runs wide beyond her Fuller keeps on her feet looking to get around the ball to slide it into the net, a fantastic recovering run and slide from McCrae blocking the ball.

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

 Wroxham with the momentum looking to finish the half strong. Fuller pulling away too the left looking to get the better of Freestone, initially getting past the youngster Freestone gets back at veteran striker in the box to slide in with a timely tackle to deny the shooting chance. Giusanni on for Marden on Histon’s left her diagonal ball intended for Nicholls central, Wade dropping off well to get onto the end of the pass deal with it for the visitors. Moving into stoppage time little to be played the game has flowed despite the competitive nature with the trainers from both sides not called upon.

Wroxham’s Elise Wade

 Green taking the ball on from Kruez up Wroxham’s right clipping a useful ball into the area, Bullard running in free to attack it looking to drop her header up and over the keeper, not quite as it drops safely into Fitzjohn’s gloves. 

 GOAL! Time almost up in the 1st half Histon mounting a late attack getting the ball on into Marden left in the final 3rd lifts her cross up into the box, clearing Nicholls jumping for it central, but not Collins drifting in unmarked beyond meeting it on the volley as it falls to send it back across the keeper to level up the scores with her 1st goal of the season 1-1.

Tash Collins levelling up the scores for Histon late in the 1st half

Half-time Histon Women 1-1 Wroxham Women

 Histon grabbing a late equaliser in the 1st half to see the two sides head back to the changing rooms all square at 1-1  at the break. Both sides busy throughout the ball hardly still the game flowing competitive, Wroxham sending an early warning across the hosts bows, Histon getting forwards well looking to get on the front foot Wroxham defending deeper, plenty of individual contests. Histon with some good build up play if a little rushed at times not quite executing the final ball. Wroxham defending well getting a set-piece up the other end on the half hour mark and sending in a good delivery to open the scoring. The visitors pushing hard for a 2nd after that the game end to end, Histon finding the break through with a well worked attack to get the cross in for Tash Collins to send home at the end of the half. Certainly has the feel of a proper cup tie. 

 No changes for either side at the break with Histon getting the 2nd half underway, the ball lifted long up through the middle, dealt with by Wroxham’s Wade. The 2nd period starting as the 1st finished both looking to get the ball up top quickly, Fuller the focal point for Wroxham, McCrae in to challenge win the ball back for Histon. 

GOAL! Histon bringing the ball on rapidly through the middle slid on up to Nicholls central turns the ball on into the box to the left of goal with Collins supplying the run her touch taking it past the advancing keeper and behind to slide the ball on into the empty net to fire Histon into the lead straight away in the 2nd half 2-1. 

Tash Collins going past the keeper to score her 2nd of the game

 Lively a few niggly fouls creeping in Hopkin looking for Nicholls in attack for Histon central turning on the ball is quickly closed down by 3 Wroxham defenders. Wade and Nichols tangling as the attacker looks to get on with the ball at her feet. Wroxham on the counter the ball over the top for Fuller to chase down left side, Fitzjohn rushing out to the top of her area, left corner sliding in to clear colliding with Fuller, appeals but the referee waves them away.

GOAL! Wroxham winning a free-kick out on the left level with the top of the Histon area, players coming forwards from the back, good movement as the ball is played in central on goal, Robson evading her marker to jump get her head onto the ball and nod it down past the diving keeper to find the back of the net for her 1st of the season and level the scores quickly after conceding 2-2. 

All action between two committed sides Histon looking to make ground on the left Banks holding up the ball upended awarded the free-kick as Wroxham protest.

GOAL! Out wide on the left players up from the back as Banks looks to play the ball into the box, hits a good strike high into the box dipping late on the keeper as Histon look to attack it, Hopkin applying pressure as Williams looks to bring it down in her six yard box doesn’t get it cleanly the ball evading her to continue on into the goal beyond and see Histon get immediately back into the lead 3-2.

Molly Banks puts Histon back into the lead

10 minutes played in the 2nd half a busy start to the 2nd half, Histon making a double change with Everdell and Marden coming off, on come, Hannah Seymour-Shove and Sabrina Ghosh. Kruez on for Green on Wroxham’s right sends a diagonal ball up towards the top of the D for Bullard looking to get it down under control link up with Fuller, Freestone with a foot in to defend for Histon. The game certainly opening up both sides confident they can get a goal Wroxham fighting for possession, Docking coming back into the middle to help win the ball back.

Millie Docking

 Williams rushing out to the top of her area to clear the ball as Ghosh threatens to send Nicholls clear through the middle from the left, Nicholls picking up a knock coming together with the keeper, but as is the nature of the game picks herself up keen to get on with thing’s. Hopkin linking up with Banks getting the ball forwards Wroxham prepared to risk a higher line more in the 2nd half Nicholls seeing the ball Robson moving in to make the tackle against her.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson with Histon’s Evie Nicholls

 Collins played in for Histon wide on the right racing up the line squares a cross into the box, Kruez intercepting to clear out to the top of the area, Nicholls hanging back latching onto it lifting her attempt up over the bar. Alexander putting herself about in the middle, getting it on for Stephenson, her pass out to Green cut out by Giusanni. Histon making a few errors at the back as Wroxham’s attackers press, Green forcing a throw to be conceded high on the right, dropped into Docking getting her head down driving to the by-line cuts her cross back up towards the penalty spot, just over Fuller, Leyland getting her head on it to clear for the hosts.

  Farrow putting the ball on into the left channel for Fuller to attack in behind, Fitzjohn again having to come rushing out to close her down corner of the box, colliding with the attacker to get the ball away to safety. Fuller down for a moment but alright to play on. Hopkin up the other end sending the ball into Ghosh looking to break clear left channel, Williams out to close the angle blocking with her leg, the ball out into the middle Alexander imposing herself puts the ball out to Green on the right, Seymour-Shove rushing in to challenge cutting out the cross picking up a slight knock.

Lily Alexander

 Play resuming with Histon giving the ball back to the keeper, almost leads to goal scoring chance Williams kick out to her defence wrong footing Robson, Nicholls snatching hold of it taking on the early shot, pulling her effort wide of the left post from 25 yards. Wroxham making a change with Bullard coming off, Faith Wakefield coming on taking up a position on the left of attack. Histon getting a little careless at the back, Wroxham pressing well Fuller letting fly from distance central the shot wide of the hosts left post. The visitors working hard giving it a good go fancying they can get a goal while risking leaving a few gaps at the back.

Elise Wade and Sophie Hopkin

 A free-kick awarded to Wroxham inside the Histon half played up into the box from the left, taken on the bounce by Fitzjohn. Ghosh released into space on Histon’s left the substitute with fresh legs bursting forwards whipping a cross into the area, Hopkin running on to attack it with her head can only plant the ball into the keepers gloves. 

 Continues to be end to end no time for anyone to pause Alexander lifting the ball out to Green on the right sending on a teasing cross into the six yard box, Fuller rising central can’t get a telling touch with her head glancing down towards the far post, Wakefield racing on to support not quite able to get a touch out behind for the goal kick. Into the final 15 minutes Histon with the narrow lead as they give away a free-kick out to the left corner of their area. Stephenson over the ball looks to place it into the top corner, wide past the far post.

  Histon guilty of not putting their foot through the ball at the back inviting trouble with the Wroxham attackers up to close the ball down. A throw to the visitors on the right Green linking up with Fuller down the line the cross cut out. Histon straight on the attack the ball on through the middle finding Collins on the right her cross cut back into the area intercepted by Wade for Wroxham. Fuller running in behind up the other end taking on the early shot as she breaks into the left channel, 25 yards out angles the ball in on goal, Fitzjohn right behind it.

Wroxham’s Maddie Green

  Docking into Stephenson coming right combining with Green in attack for Wroxham the cross swept in towards the penalty spot, Fuller the target, Leyland defending well to clear the threat for the hosts. Getting a little physical both sides scrapping for the ball the clock ticking down, time running out for Wroxham to level up the scores, Histon in need of another goal to put the game to bed. Make a change at the back, Mollie Childerley coming on at left back replacing Giusanni. 

Sabrina Ghosh

 Robson across to deny Ghosh the crossing opportunity on the left. Robson stays down briefly having picked up a couple of knocks. Into the final 5 minutes The cup tie still very much in the balance both sides feeling they can score, still fighting for the ball, played high over the Histon defence Fuller running in behind looking to see it down over her shoulder nod it down into the path of Wakefield rushing on to her left in support, the momentum of the ball seeing it scooped up in the box by the advancing Fitzjohn before she can reach it.

  Banks on for Nicholls the ball turned on for Ghosh moving on up the left cutting inside shooting on the angle a stinging shot in on goal, Williams behind it beating the ball down with her fists. The hosts pressing the game stretched Nicholls onto the ball driving for the box, Wade on her shoulder, Williams out rapidly to the top of her area to close her down, going to ground making the blocking save the ball deflected central, as Wade round quicker to get to the loose ball to clear Nicholls slightly impeded by the keeper, doesn’t go to ground force the referee into a decision. 

 Into stoppage time Wroxham build on the right Green on for Docking powers on to the b-line evading a challenge to surge into the box right of goal the angle closing down blasts her strike into the side netting. 

GOAL! Time almost up Histon with the ball at the back out to the left, Green rushing on to close down Childerley steal the ball plays a great reverse pass into Stephenson as she races past her on the overlap carrying the ball on into the box, right momentum taking her into the six yard box, Fitzjohn across going to ground to make the blocking save at her feet, the ball still with Stephenson however as she takes it inside her to rifle the ball home and level up the scores at the death 3-3!

Rebecca Stephenson seeing her initial strike blocked by the keeper, latching onto the loose ball to rifle home a last gasp equaliser

 A blow for Histon late in the contest jubilation for Wroxham, the hosts winning a free-kick central inside their opponents half, Banks behind it drives a powerful ball in at goal, Williams behind it beating the ball away spinning away for the corner kick. Played in near side, Kruez doing the defending for Wroxham as the final whistle blows up, Wroxham with the last gasp goal sending the FA Cup tie to penalties!

Full time Histon Women 3-3 Wroxham Women

  Proper cup tie this one played at a high tempo throughout, both sides giving it their all, Histon coming straight out of the block 2nd half having scored at the end of the 1st to level it at 1-1. Tash Collins played through to score her 2nd of the game firing Histon into the lead. The game opening up the ball never still, Wroxham came back into it to get it back to 2-2. Only for Histon to find an immediate reply to retake the lead from a set-piece of their own. Both sides fancying more goals created some good chances Histon not able to take one to put the contest to bed Wroxham not letting up a few errors creeping in at the back for Histon Maddie Green stealing onto the ball at the death to set up Rebecca Stephenson to score what was also her 1st of the season to make it 3-3 to send the game into a shoot out.

Penalties

 Onto the penalty shoot out, 5 penalties for each, should the scores remain level it then enters sudden death. Wroxham to take the 1st penalty Lily Alexander placing the ball on the spot, scores driving a low shot to the left under the diving keeper. 0-1.

 Evie Nicholls walking forwards from the middle to take Histon’s 1st penalty, cool as you like sends the keeper the wrong way placing the ball to the left 1-1.

  Millie Docking up next for Wroxham puts her foot through the ball good placement sending the ball in high to the keepers left 1-2.

 Sophie Hopkin up 2nd for Histon, controlled blasting the ball high to the left to score 2-2.

 Hannah Fuller taking Wroxham’s 3rd penalty placing it low into the bottom right corner 2-3.

  16-year-old Charlotte Freestone stepping up for Histon with the 3rd penalty, calm and controlled low to the left of the goal 3-3.

  Wroxham’s captain up next Tigi Robson to strike the 4t penalty looks to slot it into the right of the goal, Fitzjohn diving the right way down behind the ball well to save 3-3.

 Hannah Seymour-Shove up next for the hosts a chance to give Histon the advantage, misses blasting her penalty over the bar remains level 3-3.

 Faith Wakefield to take the 5th penalty for Wroxham, no messing low into the left side of goal 3-4.

  Pressure shifts back to Histon, have to score their 5th penalty as captain Laura Leyland steps forwards to take it, goes to the right, Williams diving to get behind the ball and save! Wroxham rush forwards in celebration from the middle joyous… but NO the officials discussing the keeper having adjudged to come off her line to make the save has to be retaken. Drama, Leyland needing to compose herself goes the same way, same result Williams diving down onto the ball, but again the celebration a curtailed came off her line again seeing a 3rd retake. Leyland places the low strike to the left this time Williams doesn’t move 4-4, we head to sudden death.

 Rebecca Stephenson coming forwards to take the penalty kick for Wroxham puts her foot through the ball, rising to the left, Fitzjohn throwing herself at it getting her gloves on the ball turning it wide, Stephenson’s hands go to her head in dismay but relief as the keeper didn’t get enough on the ball pushes it onto the inside of the side netting 4-5.

 Mollie Childerley to take Histon’s 6th penalty has to score, and does burying a power strike to the left of goal 5-5. 

 Maddie Green up next for Wroxham running in opens up her body to place her penalty to the right of goal to score 5-6.

  Tash Collins forwards to place the ball on the penalty spot for Histon, has to score shoots to the right of goal, Williams diving down getting behind it to make the save, this time no retake as Wroxham can rush forwards for the 3rd time the celebrations real this time winning the shoot out 6-5.

Bryony Williams with the save to send Wroxham into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Plenty of strong contenders out there a great cup tie to watch all action the ball never still some great individual battles. Singling one out isn’t easy. Firstly for Histon, captain Laura Leyland was strong at the back commanding winning the ball in the air. Beside her Jess McCrae put in a number of vital blocks and tackles. Molly Banks scrapping for the ball in the middle getting the ball on into the attackers. Sophie Hopkin getting up to join the attack influencing player in the final 3rd, Tash Collins to in attack making some great runs on the right. Wroxham had several out with only one substitute but the starting XI put in a determined display working hard in defence, Tigi Robson with some great tackles, Elise Wade enjoying a good contest with Evie Nichols positioned herself well throughout to win the ball. Rebecca Stephenson getting about the pitch to link up the attack. Hannah Fuller probing looking to find an opening throughout bring others into play. The award goes to Lily Alexander in the heart of the action in the middle covering the ground to win the ball back, using it well allowing Wroxham to press further forwards.

  That was an enjoyable cup tie, plenty of action, goals and could have gone either way a penalty shoot out never ideal to settle thing’s but the game had to be decided. Great to catch up with both sides and many thanks for the team details. looking forwards to the draw for the 3rd Qualifying round and what ties it offers up.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Lowestoft Town Ladies v Needham Market Women

Sunday 6th September

Women’s FA Cup

Heading to the east coast this Sunday along the A47 to catch of action from this season’s Women’s FA Cup, from the 1st Qualifying Round with Norfolk Women’s Division One champions, Lowestoft Town Ladies taking on Eastern Regional side, Needham Market Women. 

 The FA Cup capturing the occasion a special competition steeped in history, the clubs playing this weekend although highly unlikely to get there taking the first steps to Wembley Stadium. 101 ties across the country with the tier 6 and 7 sides playing in the early rounds of the cup. The prize money increased in recent season’s meaning a good run for a lower league side could result in a significant cash boost for the club, £1,800 on offer for the winning side today with the losers guaranteed £450.

  Lowestoft Town Ladies re-establishing their women’s side at the start of last season. The club with a long record supporting the women’s game through various sides over the decades with a certain amount of history too, including the Women’s FA Cup. Their new woman’s side formerly the Bungay Town Ladies 1st team making the move to the coast off of the back of double league success, hitting the ground running as Lowestoft going on to make it 3 title on the trot albeit under a different name.

 A strong squad full of experience some having previously represented Lowestoft, the club has ambitions to climb the pyramid once again, holding off from joining the ERWFL this season, wanting to make sure everything was in place to make the move successful on and off the pitch. Have made a few new additions to the squad for the new season, Taylor Cooke with experience at Ipswich and Ellie Hunter joining from Mulbarton, a box to box midfielder with a good engine will add steel to the middle of the park. Today their 1st competitive game of the season.

  Needham Market Women are already 4 games into their season with the ERWFL kicking-off back on August 16th. Moving into Division One North this season having finished 4th in Division One South last season following relegation from the Premier Division the season before. Has been a transitional period for the Suffolk club in that time having lost a good chunk of experienced players to rivals Sudbury which has seen them blood alot of youthful talent from their academy.

 Have a strong set-up with a Development side competing in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership. Have player 1 game in the Women’s FA Cup already beating fellow Suffolk side, Woodbridge Town Ladies 1-0 thanks to a goal from captain Mia Etheridge Golding to advance. Etheridge Golding leading the goal scoring charts early on with 2 to her name, with last season’s top scorer Annie Posnett also on 2 having bagged 19 last season.

  Crown Meadow, the home of Lowestoft Town FC the venue for today’s match. Has been a while since I was last here covering a women’s game. Opened way back in 1894, the clubhouse leading into the stadium itself the bar open today for the women’s FC A Cup match. The tea hut open too serving hot and cold drinks and snacks. A covered seated stand on one side of the ground with standing viewing around a large grass pitch that will see plenty of action over the season. In the heart of the community always a warm welcome whenever I attend. The weather still warm and mild into September, a little breeze but otherwise a sunny afternoon.

Lowestoft Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Marcie Prettyman, Charnelle Riggall (C), Mia Wilson, Francesca Heaney, Ellie Hunter, Beatriz Silva, Zoe Gibbons, Louise Nichols, Lauren Goulder & Beth Turner. Subs – Mia Rose, Brooke Osbourne, Imogen Smith, Erin Stocking & Sofia Serghiou.

Lowestoft Town Ladies

 Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Chelsea Brett, Sophia Gillingham, Libby Mann, Lily-Jo Hilton, Isabella Haste, Mia Etheridge Golding (C), Chloe Brame, Esme Marsh, Ella Edwards & Keira Topple. Subs – Amy Brunning, Darcey Bloss, Millie Lumden, Jae Lewis-Samuel, Anna Sullivan, Adele Stalnionis & Millie Bloom.

Needham market Women

  Ellie Hunter making her debut for Lowestoft this afternoon in the starting line-up. Annie Posnett unavailable for Needham Market, referee Sarah Clark leading the two teams out onto the pitch. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the tie going straight to penalties.

Captains, Mia Etheridge Golding and Charnelle Riggall with todays match officials.

 A moment of silence held before kick-off in memory to two Lowestoft fans and volunteers, Fred Nixon and Phil Belton who passed away recently.

  It’s Lowestoft to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing an all light blue kit, Needham Market lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black trim, black shorts and red socks with black piping. The ball rolled back to Ellie Hunter in midfield, Needham Market rushing on to squeeze the ball, Beatriz Silva looking to take it on out to the left, play brought back for a free-kick top of the circle awarded to the visitors a chance for Needham Market to put players forward test the Lowestoft back line.

 Libby Mann sending the ball in low cut out by Lowestoft’s Silva, look to counter the pass almost setting up Louise Nichols as she races on up the left flank. Needham Market always a side who like to keep the ball moving exchanging passes and looking to run in space create opening, Isabella Haste played in on the right driving forwards with the ball, Lowestoft captain, Charnelle Riggall rushing across to put the challenge in see the ball out for a throw.

Needham Market’s Isabella Haste

  Play a little scrappy at the start as both sides rush in to get hold of the ball, Hunter into Zoe Gibbons for Lowestoft carrying the ball on through the middle threads it forwards for Beth Turner up top looking to force her way into the box, Chelsea Brett just getting to it ahead of her in defence for the visitors sending it back for goalkeeper Danielle Clarke to launch clear.

Lowestoft’s Zoe Gibbons

 Lowestoft conceding a little ground to their higher league opponents with Needham Market’s defence holding a high line captain Mia Etheridge Golding in midfield spraying a pass out to the right for Ella Edwards to attack taking the ball on squares her cross along the top of the opposition area, plenty back for Lowestoft, Hunter there to intercept see off the threat. Needham Market seeing plenty of the ball in front of a compact Lowestoft side with Turner operating as the lone attacker.

 Edwards for Needham Market out to the right laying in inside for Etheridge Golding pushed forwards, Lily-Jo Hilton providing the short passing option the cross flung into the six yard box, Lowestoft goalkeeper Chloe Pearce flexing an arm to knock the ball away from her goal her defence clearing. Lowestoft get the ball forwards into Nichols left fired up to Turner holding the ball up well in the corner that side played back into the advancing Gibbons she jinks inside 20 yards out looking too send a shot into the top corner, curled in collected safely by Clarke. 

  Edwards with the ball out on the right for Needham Market drawing the foul. Mann on the set-piece played in towards the near post, Keira Topple meeting it with the deft header looking to guide it goal wards instead placed wide of the upright. Needham Market continue to see plenty of the ball in front of Lowestoft but with their opponents deep finding a cutting pass is tricky some a little wayward. Etheridge Golding with the diagonal ball out to Edwards right side, again Riggall is out quickly to close her down.

Ella Edwards

 Turner strong looking to hold the ball up whenever it is played up to her drifting out to the left forcing Needham market into conceding a corner kick. An in-swinging delivery just lands the wrong side of the post in the side netting. Quarter of an hour played Chloe Brame linking up with Topple central for Needham market the ball payed out to Edwards right wing her cross into the box cleared by Lowestoft’s Francesca Heaney. 

Lowestoft attacker, Beth Turner

Mia Wilson, volleying another Needham market cross behind to give away the corner. Put in near side cleared away before the goal kick is awarded. The visitors quick to regain possession as Silva can’t pick out Lauren Goulder as she looks to make the run up the right wing. Quick to feed the ball forwards for Topple looking to run in behind a vital interception from Wilson at the back for the hosts.

GOAL! Lowestoft defend on the right Marcie Prettyman getting the ball on quickly turned on through the middle into Goulder beating the offside trap on the right. Driving forwards with the ball the attacker cutting inside 20 yards out to unleash a low shot towards goal pace behind it past the diving keeper before she can get to it at her near post to put Lowestoft into the lead 1-0. 

Lauren Goulder breaking away on the right to open the scoring for Lowestoft.

 The hosts with the lead with the game closing in on the 20 minute mark. Needham Market caught out at the back the flag staying down. Pearce with a good take high inside her box as the cross from Edwards comes in from the right, Etheridge Golding making the central run. Topple across to the right combining with Edwards, Nichols back to help Riggall in defence the ball out for a throw. Needham Market a little rattled after conceding rushing their passes not finding their mark. 

 Turner causing problems up to looking to force her way forwards, Gibbons looking to get on from the middle to join her. Sophia Gillingham closing her down to get her foot in deny the opportunity inside the box. Goulder carrying the ball inside off the right finding Gibbons central, head down looking to take the ball on towards the box runs into traffic crowded off the ball. 

Lauren Goulder

 Lowestoft feeling a little more confident now getting players forwards lifted up towards the top of the area, Brame getting her head on it to clear for Needham Market. Regaining possession Hunter getting the ball out to Goulder right side, Prettyman up with her looking to get into the box, no cross the pass back out of the area, Lowestoft continue to press, Gibbons squeezing a pass through the defence, Prettyman escaping clear to shoot, the flag up against her even as she slides the ball into the back of the net.

Ellie Hunter making her debut for Lowestoft

  Needham Market caught out again on the right as Goulder escapes the offside flag the cross dealt with by Mann comes back out to left Nichols up with Gibbons looks to take on the 25 yard strike slicing the ball off target into the box across goal, Turner latching onto it to send the ball into the back of the net but was offside in the build up an it won’t count. Lowestoft enjoying a good spell putting an unsettled Needham Market under a little pressure. The game scrappy at times Needham Market linking up well in the middle Brame into Etheridge Golding laying the pass out to Haste right side Edwards up with her Riggall putting in the tackle preventing the cross.

  Hilton finding Edwards with a good pass out to the right the ball squared back in central Hunter gathering it into her feet inside the D getting it clear for the hosts. Topple seeing the ball into her feet in attack for Needham market looking to lay it off for Brame looking to to past her central, Heaney getting her foot in to win it back for Lowestoft. Frustration for the visitors their passing play getting them no momentum, little space to exploit in behind, Edwards right playing it inside to Mann in space 30 yards out leading back into her shot sends her effort over the bar. 

Needham Market’s Libby Mann

 Marsh taking the ball left for Needham Market her evading Prettyman’s challenge her cross cut out by Wilson. Edwards coming central with a direct pass through the middle intended for Topple top of the area, past her, Pearce with a good starting position out to grab it before the attacker can react. Etheridge Golding pulls out to the right overlapping Edwards as getting the ball into her feet sends the cross into the area dealt with by Lowestoft’s Heaney. 

Zoe Gibbons with Needham market captain Mia Etheridge Golding

The 1st half drawing to a close, Lowestoft with a late free-kick as Prettyman is upended on the right. Fired in towards the D, Gibbons looking to get hold of it off her on beyond into the box, Nichols for a moment free in behind but the flag is quickly up to stop her getting the shot away. Lowestoft attacking late on Gibbons on for Nichols pushing well up the left flank cuts inside her cross driven into the box, the Needham Market defence holding well to catch Turner offside in front of goal.

Half-time Lowestoft Town Ladies 1-0 Needham Market Women

 Lowestoft heading back to the changing rooms with the slender lead at the break. Lauren Goulder’s 20th minute strike the difference between the sides, the hosts with the ball in the back of the net twice more but ruled off for offside. Frustration for Needham Market towards the end of the 1st half, have enjoyed more of the ball Lowestoft defending deep at times but have been wasteful with their passing not finding the mark with the final ball. Lowestoft patient working hard to keep thing’s tight against their higher league opponents finding joy on the flanks leading to Goulder being released in behind to score their goal. Plenty for Needham market to think about going into the 2nd half, Lowestoft will be expecting a response early in the 2nd half.

  Needham Market mang 3 changes at the break as they look to get themselves back into the tie with Haste, Marsh and Hilton coming off, Darcey Bloss, Adele Stalnionis and Anna Sullivan coming on. A change for Lowestoft too with Brooke Osbourne on the field replacing Silva. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway the ball fed out to Bloss as the substitute gets on the move up the right firing an early cross into the box, Heaney with the clearance for Lowestoft.

  Needham Market showing clear intent at the start of the 2nd half getting players forwards, Stalnionis bursting on up the left wing laying the pass inside to the advancing Edwards

Needham market’s Adele Stalnionis

Wilson lunging in with the tackle for the hosts. Pressure from the visitors in the final 3rd Topple fouled outside the D. Mann up from the back to take the free-kick wraps her foot around the ball, Pearce across her goal can see it safely out past the left post. Bloss taking the ball on up the right winning her side a corner kick.

 GOAL! Plenty up into the box for Needham Market as the corner is swung in on goal under the bar scrambled away past the far post hitting Etheridge Golding on it’s way down and sent back across goal over the line to level the scores 1-1.

Captain Mia Etheridge Golding turning home the corner to level the scores for Needham Market

 Needham market back on level terms within the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half, a blow to Lowestoft who have found themselves under the cosh early n the 2nd period. Wilson called on to defend in the box for Lowestoft as Topple looks to get onto the end of a Bloss cross fired in from the right, Prettyman in support launching the loose ball clear. Little opportunity to get the ball forwards for Lowestoft launched through the middle for Turner, Clarke comes rushing out of her area to try and clear, just colliding heavily with Turner in the process the striker staying down afterwards in need of treatment. Gets up slowly and heads over to the bench for further attention.

  Needham Market brighter pressing well Brame and with Etheridge Golding and Sullivan in the middle the ball played out to Stalnionis on the left into the box, Wilson in to close her down with Prettyman, Stalnionis looking to make a nuisance of herself as the ball in eventually scrambled away. Comes back quickly though Edwards getting up the right winning the visitors another corner. Is another good in swinging delivery in across the face of goal turned on at the far post blocked on the line, by Osbourne covering the post pops up off her safely for Pearce to claim.

 Edwards on for Bloss her cross off the right into to the advancing Sullivan inside the box, looks to met it on the volley, no control however the ball looping up and it safely caught by the keeper. A change for Lowestoft with Goulder giving way to be replaced by Mia Rose.

 GOAL! The game opening up with Lowestoft looking to get players on to press, Etheridge Golding exploiting it with a precise pass over the top into Topple central getting herself one on one with Heaney top of the area central good control to get the better of the defender turn inside her to wrap her foot around the ball and drive a low shot across the diving keeper into the bottom corner to send the visitors into the lead 1-2.

Kiera Topple firing Needham Market into the lead with her 1st of the season.

  Needham Market on top Sullivan getting hold of the ball pushing on through the middle, looking to send Stalnionis away up the left, Prettyman diving in with the tackle for Lowestoft. Topple getting players up with her causing a few issues for the hosts defence, Heaney and Riggall doubling up on her to get the ball back as the cross comes in from the left. Osbourne taking the ball on from Hunter finding Rose on the right looking to get on into the channel, Brett winning the ball back for Needham Market.

  Stalnionis clipping an attempt over the bar outside the box as Topple tees her up. Pearce down sharply to her left full stretch to save as Brame lets fly from all of 25 yards out as Needham market build well on their right the initial cross from Bloss just behind Sullivan cleared into the midfielders path.

Lowestoft goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce

  A corner awarded on the left. Is another vicious ball curled in under the bar, Pearce getting a glove up to it to flash it away to the right side a corner given. Flung into the box, cleared, play stopped though with Gibbons having pulled up with a knock. Is seen to and ok to continue.

 

 GOAL! Needham Market find themselves stretching their lead with a goal out of nothing a hopeful ball forwards from Bloss past the defence into the box looks a straight forwards claim for the keeper, Topple nevertheless looking to apply some pressure closing Pearce down forcing the error the ball not gathered Topple charging it down to see the ball rebound past both into the back of the net beyond to make it 1-3.

A brace for Kiera Topple

Needham Market opening up a 2 goal lead with the game moving into the final 20 minutes. In control 2nd half make another change with Jai Lewis-Samuel coming on replacing Edwards. Turner coming off too for Lowestoft with Erin Stocking entering the game. Stalnionis keeping Prettyman busy as she attacks on the right, the full back diving in to take the ball from the winger out from a throw as she looks to race past her to deliver the cross.

 

 Heaney winning the tackle as Topple looks to go left inside the box. Pressure maintained by the visitors, Stalnionis up on the left, Heaney out to tackle, Prettyman putting it behind for the corner. From the left the corner low into the near post cleared out to the left the cross back in smashing Prettyman in the face deflected behind for another corner. This one going long half cleared, Bloss striking it from range a low drive flashed wide of the far post.

Darcey Bloss

 A game of 2 halves for sure, Lowestoft on the back foot through the 2nd half with limited opportunities to get forwards, Gillingham and Mann little troubled at the back. Gibbons looing to make things happen getting on the ball driving into the right channel before being challenged drawing the foul. Heaney tracking back cutting out the cross from Bloss as she looks to play Lewis-Samuel through on goal.

Lowestoft defender, Francesca Heaney

 Sullivan coming back into defence to tackle win the ball from Gibbons as she takes the ball on from Stocking on the right. Lowestoft bring players forward for the set-piece, the delivery into the six yard box cleared out to the top of the area, Wilson free latching onto it striking a low shot in on goal through legs, Clarke down well nevertheless to save getting behind the ball.

Mia Wilson

 Prettyman diving in with a strong tackle on Topple getting a talking too from the referee as Needham Market are awarded the free-kick 20 yards out to the eft side of the D. Mann to take looks to go for goal her effort striking the wall. sent back in from distance, Pearce behind it all the way. Gibbons coming off for Lowestoft, Imogen Smith coming on. Needham Market continue to throw players forwards as the game draws to a close, Stalnionis out on the right seeing her cross headed behind at the near post by Heaney for a corner kick. 

  Cleared, another shot from range blasted over the bar. Pressure from Lewis-Samuel as she rushes in to close the keeper down the ball striking her looping back over the keeper and thankfully over the bar too. Riggall closing Stalnionis down as she attempts to get on up the right. A miscued attempt  Topple left side turning into an inviting cross to Stalnionis right of goal inside the box her effort blocked turned behind for another corner kick. 

 GOAL! Needham Market have carried a threat from their dangerous in swinging corners all game players up into the six yard box the ball curled in from the right Ethridge Golding in the mix the ball dropping down into the six yard box in front of goal, Sullivan throwing herself at it to turn the ball over the line to score her 1st of the season and fire Needham market into a 1-4 lead.

The ball dropping for Anna Sullivan o score Needham market’s 4th

 The 4th goal coming in the 87th minute Needham Market in full control haven’t given Lowestoft a look in 2nd half. Millie Bloom coming on for the visitors for a few minutes of action replacing Brett. Topple bursting into the box left of the Lowestoft goal sending a  cross in central to Lewis-Samuel her 1st touch giving Heaney a look in to stab the ball away to safety. Needham Market full of running late on the game into stoppage time winning another corner on the right, Lowestoft can’t get it forwards, tiring in the closing stages.

Full time Lowestoft Town Ladies 1-4 Needham Market Women

  Needham Market with a much improved 2nd half performance getting the job done over turning a 1-0 deficit at the break to equalise early in the 2nd half and go on to win the game 4-1 and advance into the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup. Very much a game of two halves this one. Needham Market although seeing plenty of the ball in the 1st half somewhat wayward with their final balls finding tough to open up a Lowestoft side defending deep looking to hit on the counter. That paid off for the hosts as they exposed Needham market at the back to break clear to open the scoring through Lauren Goulder in the 20th minute. Lowestoft growing in confidence as a result. Needham Market responding by making 3 changes at the start of the 2nd half getting on the front foot early on and never looked back, Bloss and Stalnionis getting on up the flanks, Etheridge Golding turning home a corner to quickly draw the sides level with striker Kiera Topple firing the visitors into a 3-1 with midfielder Anna Sullivan making it 4-1 late in the game. Lowestoft defending hard, couldn’t get any momentum going forwards becoming the frustrated party in the 2nd half.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a few contenders here difficult to choose strong performers on both sides. Firstly for Lowestoft, Ellie Hunter was strong in the middle getting about the pitch to win the ball get Lowestoft going forwards. Zoe Gibbons looked to get hold of the ball make things happen. The defence busy Francesca Heaney and Mia Wilson with some vital tackles. A complete turn around in the 2nd half from Needham Market with all 3 of the half-time replacements, Darcey Bloss, Adele Stalnionis and Anna Sullivan making a huge impact to get the ball forwards with purpose. Kiera Topple finding room to receive the ball 2nd half getting on the scoresheet for two goals. The award going to captain Mia Etheridge Golding. Strong in middle throughout keeping the ball moving back to win it and ensure Lowestoft had little to fed on up top in the 2nd period scoring the equalising goal.

 Good to make the trip back to Crown Meadow at last having not had the opportunity last season. A new era for women’s football in Lowestoft a solid squad to build on will be favourites for the Division One title once again. Looking forwards to the draw for the next round of the Women’s FA Cup, Needham Market in the hat. My thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the team details today. Good to get my season started even if I can’t do a game next week.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Sunday 30th August

ERWFL Premier Division

Finally! Time to get back at it, hadn’t planned on taking a nearly 3 month hiatus but life throws things your way sometimes that you just have to take stock, step back. Primarily the death of my grandfather just after the season ended, passed away at 92 years of age, always a fit and active man loved his garden and tinkering away in his workshop, the past year age finally catching up with him found it tough, lived a great life nonetheless. Took it’s toll had alot to do the family coming first.

 So I come into the new season as rusty as hell, haven’t even watched a pre-season game and am nervous about jumping in cold writing a report, but this is the 650th so I’m thinking it’ll all come back to me, lots of catching up to do, starting with a game from the ERWFL Premier Division, a trip down into Hertfordshire to watch Royston Town Women taking on Norfolk side, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women.

 The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 & 6 0f the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. Always competitive with strong talent on show and improving all the time. A new logo for the league this season as for the  regional league unified as the FA looks to strengthen the pyramid, the ERWFL up to it’s full compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, a 12 strong Premier Division representing tier 5 with a Division One North and South representing tier 6. 

 Royston Town Women one of the longest established sides playing in tier 5 in the East. A strong showing in recent season’s as the Hertfordshire side looked to make a concerted effort to win the title and achieve promotion to the FAWNL above. Not easy to do when only one side an win promotion. Finishing 4th, 3rd and then runners-up in the past 3 season’s winning the county cup for the 1st and 2nd time along the way, manager Lewis Endacott celebrating his 350th game in charge for the club last weekend in their 1-1 away to newcomers Histon.

  Enter the new season with a high turn over of players, having assembled a large playing squad have seen several move on, some key performers too in the likes of Laura Mills and Ria Badel and Amy Reed. Retain a solid squad with proven experience and have been busy recruiting too over the summer with Lily Hall, Katie Hayes and Becky Charter all returning to the club. Goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves joining having had spells with St Albans and Stevenage. Defender Katie Boyle also joining from Stevenage. Madison Coloma has previous experience with Luton. Aoife Loriga moves to the club from Ware United. Mia Gilbert stepping up from the youth set-up with midfielders, Phoebe Newman and Izzy Teague also coming in. A Hannah Bodily strike sealing a 1-0 win on the opening day at home to Wroxham Women, drew 1-1 last weekend away to Histon with Rachel Dugdale on target to lay 4th in the fledgling Premier Division table. 

  Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women enter their 3rd season competing in the ERWFL Premier Division and just their 4th overall competing in the regional set-up. Winning promotion from Division One North in their debut season, went on to consolidate their spot in tier 5 in the following campaign. A strong showing last season, never looking in danger of being pulled into the bottom half of the table securing a comfortable 6th placed finish as well as reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final played at Carrow Road for the 1st time. Looking to grow year on year.

 Enter this season like Royston with a host of players leaving the squad some experienced heads too, other moving to university or other work commitments. Have always been a club going back to their days as Sprowston that has promoted and been driven by youth, captain Calista Tink one of the few left at the club from those early days. Strong in Norfolk waited till the environment was right to make the step up into the ERWFL the club as a whole growing adding experienced players along the way. Begin this season with a crippling injury list with as many as 8 potential starters missing from the todays squad, a few long term injuries others picked up in pre-season. Not ideal, some younger players needing to step up faster than development would have suited. Have added the vastly experienced midfield talent, Becky Russell to the squad, one on the best in the middle in on the ball in the county at Thetford Town Ladies last season following the birth of her 2nd child. A host of youth talent coming in plenty of potential as they look to get through these early games get numbers back to bolster the squad. Starting with 2 defeats will be keen to get some points on the board.

  Garden Walk the venue for this afternoons match, a busy ground hosting the Royston team surrounded by housing compact very much has a community feel about it. The club getting behind their women’s side, had over 500 in the ground recently for their pre-season friendly against Arsenal. The clubhouse and bar open, along with the food truck. A small seated covered stand with some terracing dotted around is a wide grass pitch with a distinct slope, looking in great shape despite the heatwaves over the summer. The weather remains pleasant towards the end of August, the rain coming at last (had hardly any in Norfolk for the past 6 weeks) A few clouds around but any rain likely to stay away until after the final whistle.

 Royston Town Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Katie Boyle, Dilly Haslehurst, Amy Houghton (C), Kiaya Payne, Hannah Bodily, Erin Davies, Phoebe Newman, Annie Georgiou, Izzy Teague & Katie Hayes. Subs – Amy Martin, Lily Hall, Ailsa Heal, Madison Coloma & Aoife Loriga.

Royston Town Women

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Shayna Kendle-Johnson, Rosie George, Holly Walker, Gracie Pollard, Poppy Francis, Orla Riches, Becky Russell (C), Jess Armstrong, Natasha Youngs, Alexia Cooke & Lauren Baxter.  Subs – Izzy Hutching, Maya Ellis, Sophie McIntosh, Chloe Shipman and Calista Tink.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Covered Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women versus Royston Town Women on virtually the same date a year ago in my opening ERWFL game of the 2025/26 season, Royston narrowly winning 2-1. Just 9 players from that game across both squads feature in todays squads, 5 for Royston and 4 for Dussindale & Hellesdon that is quite some turn over in just 12 months, but they aren’t the only clubs out there and it does happen everywhere. So you could argue we have two sides still getting to know each other for sure. Amy Houghton captaining Royston now as she was a year ago, Becky Russell donning the armband for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Calista Tink recovering from injury.

Captains, Becky Russell and Amy Houghton with today’s match officials

The players lead out onto the pitch by today’s referee, Mike Davis. A switch of ends before kick-off with Royston attacking down the slope to get the game underway wearing their home colours white shirts and socks with back shorts. Dussindale & Hellesdon lined up opposite in their away strip and all light blue coloured kit. The hosts clipping the ball into the right wing as players surge forwards to attack, full back Holly Walker rising well to get her head on the ball knock it back into the middle, Royston rushing on to press the ball going left, Rosie George operating at right back for the visitors at the start defending seeing the ball out for a throw in.

Both sides closing the ball down as Royston look to get players on, Phoebe Newman tackling to win the ball back central passing to Annie Georgiou getting up on the left, her cross not finding it’s mark in the box, cleared by the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence. Competitive through the middle, Newman getting stuck in linking up with Erin Davies the ball over the top seeing attacker, Katie Hayes just break in behind too early, the flag raised for offside, a close call.

Royston midfielder Phoebe Newman

  Walker fouled for Dussindale & Hellesdon as she looks to get on with the ball on the left exchanging passes with Jess Armstrong ahead of her. The set-piece left of the centre circle played up to the top of the Royston area by Walker dropping into the mix Royston heading it clear. The hosts looking to break quickly get the ball on the move players racing on through the middle the Hayes looking to cushion the ball down off her head into the path of Newman as Izzy Teague carries it forwards, Orla Riches putting the tackle in against her for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Jess Armstrong

  Armstrong getting hold of the ball on the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon, driving up the wing sends a diagonal ball on into the channel for Alexia Cooke to chase, Dilly Haslehurst moving in to close her down defending for Royston. Royston lively early on if anything need to calm down a little rushing their forward passes, showing good intent but giving the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence the opportunity to get the ball clear are however quick to win the 2nd ball back in the middle keep the pressure on. Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Becky Russell snapping in to get hold of the ball trying to release Natasha Youngs out on the right, Georgiou doubling up with Kiaya Payne in defence to regain possession for Royston.

 Another strong run by Walker on Dussindale & Hellesdon’s left, sees them win the first corner of the game. The delivery hit long across the box Royston can see it out for a throw on the opposite side.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Holly Walker

GOAL! Having threatened such a move earlier Royston are quick to get the ball on through the middle, Erin Davies on the ball, lobs it over the defence to see Izzy Teague burst in behind through the middle taking the ball on into the top of the area, one on one with goalkeeper Shayna Kendle-Johnson, strikes her shot early to wrong foot the keeper and send the ball past her into the back of the net to open the scoring and her account for the season 1-0.

Izzy Teague breaking clear to fire Royston into the lead

 The hosts into the lead with 10 minutes on the clock. Newman continuing to put herself about in the middle for Royston pressing on finding Georgiou on the left, claims she is fouled play waved on as George with support from Gracie Pollard in defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon get the ball clear. Russell finding Armstrong on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Walker bombing on to get up with her taking the ball on pressing for the by-line her cross turned into the near post hooked clear by Royston captain, Amy Houghton.

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

 Teague proactive looking to get on support Hayes in attack for Royston, making a run through the middle as Hayes aims to play the pass from Hannah Bodily into her feet, Poppy Francis getting her foot on the ball to intercept at the back for the visitors. Winning the initial clearance however Dussindale & Hellesdon aren’t able to keep the ball for long, Bodily, Davies and Newman all snapping after it to regain possession keep the hosts on the front foot. 

 Newman getting up on the right to press the ball nips in to steal possession play it on for Teague chasing it to the by-line her low cross squared into the six yard box, Kendle-Johnson down sharply to stretch an arm out push the ball away from her goal, Pollard getting it clear before Hayes can react. 

 Georgiou and Teague providing good attacking support left and right for Royston pushing Dussindale & Hellesdon back working hard to win the ball back aren’t finding their own attackers too often Riches lunging in gets it on for Lauren Baxter, Bodily is quick to close her down as Haslehurst forces her out to the right. The ball given away at the back, by the visitors, Teague latching onto it aiming to release Hayes, the defence holding their nerve catching her offside. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Orla Riches

The pace of the game seeing a few niggling free-kicks being given away. George bringing the ball up to halfway on the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon putting it on for Youngs on the flank, takes it on pushing up the line, Payne getting onto her shoulder looking to defend playing the ball off Youngs behind for the goal kick.  

 GOAL! Royston extend their lead getting players up well overloading the left seeing a throw won high, dropped into edge of the box, knocked forwards to see Georgiou escape in behind to whip a cross in along the face of goal attackers rushing in Hayes central runs on for full back Boyle clear at the far post connects with the ball at close range to fire it high into the roof of the net to score he 1st goal for Royston and make it 2-0.

Katie Boyle with her 1st Royston goal to double the lead

 A blow for Dussindale & Hellesdon a few nerves at the back under pressure with Royston quick to close the ball down with 23 minutes played. A goalkeeping miscue presenting the ball straight to Hayes inside the D, her unexpected touch diverting the ball back over the keeper drops wide past the left post cleared upfield by Pollard. Again it doesn’t stick, Bodily on for Davies out to the left with Georgiou the ball squared in across the top of the area Boyle rushing in to meet it 20 yards out right of the D, seeing her snap shot blocked by Francis turned behind for the corner kick.

Royston’s Annie Georgiou

  The corner delivery curled in long past the far post George getting her head on it to clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon, regained outside the area a shot driven on on goal, bodies in the way the ball striking Boyle drops down into the six yard box, the visitors scrambling it clear. Royston applying all the pressure looking likely to add to their tally, Dussindale & Hellesdon with their backs up against the wall, scrapping for the ball working hard at the back. 

Midfielder, Erin Davies

  Teague getting hold of the ball coming into the left channel for Royston creating issues bursting on into the area fires a cross in central, Boyle arriving sees her shot blocked turned right behind for the corner kick. Another ball curled in through the six yard box, Newman getting up to put her head on it far side, drops the ball just over the bar onto the roof of the net. All Royston at the moment, Dussindale & Hellesdon pressed back with limited options in attack. Boyle bringing the ball on right side Walker with the blocking tackle, Teague coming away with the ball into the corner turns her cross behind.

  Boyle into Teague right holding off her marker escapes to clip a cross into the top of the area, Hayes looking to hit it on the volley screws the attempt wide of the mark. Russell getting about the middle to try and get the ball back for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Riches in with her the pass out to Youngs cut out by Bodily looks to get it on through the middle up to Hayes, intercepted by Francis.

Hannah Bodily

 Teague busy getting up to support Hayes in attack the ball turned into Georgiou left side into the box closed down by Pollard before the ball can be released. Francis in well to defend too get the ball back to her keeper as Teague looks to get hold of a pass from Newman. Hayes fouled by Walker 40 yards out, Houghton up to take the set-piece the ball flighted into the area taken cleanly by Kendle-Johnson unperturbed by Georgiou rushing in to try and meet it.

 Russell fighting hard for the ball in the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, but so too is Newman for Royston looking to play the through ball on for Hayes the past cut out well by Pollard. Into the final 5 minutes on the first half Royston coming on well looking to add to their tally. Youngs on the right taking the ball on getting help from George, the pass put forwards, Georgiou tracking back to help in defence lunging in to make the tackle. 

 

 Boyle linking up with Teague on the right sending the diagonal pass in central to Hayes positioned top of the D, looks to turn on the ball spin into the area, Pollard in close attendance nicking the ball off her toe to stop the threat. However Royston are once again quick to regain the ball Bodily central sending it back into Hayes in attack moving right, lines up the shot Pollard throwing herself into the block the ball turned off the defender for a throw in. 

Gracie Pollard

 GOAL! Into stoppage time in the first Royston keeping the pressure on till the end getting the ball on the left played on for Georgiou on into Hayes making a run into the area left corner holding off a defending to turn inside to release her shot and put the ball across the keeper into the back of the net to score her 1st of the season and put the hosts into a 3 goal lead, 3-0.

Katie Hayes with the strike to fire Royston into a 3 goal lead on the stroke of half-time

Half-time Royston Town Women 3-0 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

  Little time left in the first half for Dussindale & Hellesdon to mount a reply as the referee blows up for the half-time interval. A 3rd goal right at the end of the half putting Royston in complete control of the match as they head back into the changing rooms. A strong first half showing got forwards well, winning the 2nd balls constantly to keep the pressure on. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a horrendous injury list forced to play players out of position have had to battle hard and finding it hard to get the ball to stick in attack have found little relief up the other end, Royston goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves as yet untroubled. A mountain to climb if they are to get anything from the game in the 2nd half.

  Both sides making a change at the break, Ailsa Heal coming on for Royston replacing Georgiou out on the left. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman only just returning from injury herself for Dussindale & Hellesdon coming on dropping into defence replacing Youngs with Francis over to the left to support Walker. The visitors attacking down the slope now kicking off the 2nd half, the sky clouding up, the ball played forwards out to the right, Royston moving into get hold of it release substitute Heal out on the wing up the left delivering a cross into the near post, catch low by Kendle-Johnson. 

  Royston getting players up Bodily stealing into the box left of goal, Russell tracking back with her getting in the block as she goes to pull the trigger, the ball not clear Bodily after the rebound fired in at the keeper, Kendle-Johnson down getting something on it to take the sting out of the ball as it nevertheless spins on beyond her threatening to roll over the line, George across quickly to clear the ball for the corner kick. 

Royston midfielder Hannah Bodily

The delivery whipped into the near post Dussindale & Hellesdon have plenty back to clear the threat. Hayes taking the ball on from Newman through the middle sending it on to Heal cutting in from the left, takes on the 20 yard strike on the angle sending her shot in across the keeper wide beyond the far post. 

 Teague onto the ball on Royston’ right pressing forwards, Francis closing her down, Walker back to sliding in too take the ball, the ball clipped into the middle the free-kick given away awarded to Royston players moving up to the top of the area as Houghton looks to send the ball into the mix, Walker getting her head on it to clear for the visitors. Walker and George looking to try and get on better to support the attack in the 2nd half George linking up with Armstrong ahead of her, Payne with the tackle the ball out for the throw.

Kiaya Payne

  George being kept busy in defence too with Hayes finding Heal out on the left with the pass gets her foot in to take the ball out of play deny the cross. Walker on the drive carrying the ball on up Dussindale & Hellesdon’s left, Boyle tracking her run preventing the cross. The hosts quick to turn play around on up through the middle releasing Hayes to take the ball on to the top of the area left of the D, Kendle-Johnson rushing out to slide in make the blocking save at her feet, the ball popping loose to the left, Hayes attempting to latch onto it get a shot away, Pollard can leave it as it runs wide of the upright.

Shayna Kendle-Johnson

  Royston with opportunities in the 2nd half getting the ball wide to Heal turning inside 25 yards out shifting the ball between her feet before striking a curling right foot shot wide of the top corner. Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to battle, Shipman intercepting a cross from Teague on the right, the ball played into Russell, finds Cooke tries to release Armstrong on the right the Royston defence stepping up just in time to catch her offside.

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Becky Russell

  Bodily getting forwards more in the 2nd half for Royston breaking into the top of the area as Teague plays it into her, under pressure snatching at her shot put on low stopped by the keeper. Walker taking the ball on from Riches left side taking on the shot from all of 25 yards out her effort on target Reeves right behind it to claim the ball. Walker then taking a ball in the face from a defensive clearance from close range. A stinging blow but is soon back up on her feet. Royston making another change with Davies coming off, Lily Hall entering the field. 

 Russell working hard getting across the pitch to try and win the ball break up play finding Armstrong right side is pulled back by Payne winning the free-kick. Walker to send it into the box from deep, Payne rising highest to get her head on the ball knocks it behind for a corner kick. Having rode out a strong Royston start to the 2nd half, Dussindale & Hellesdon are beginning to find a little momentum in attack, Walker and Russell both getting forwards the latter finding George right side pushing on attempts the through ball on for Armstrong, Payne in to defend against her for the hosts.

 Riches in to charge down a strike from Teague right channel as she lines one up from 25 yards out. Royston getting another free-kick on halfway as Dussindale & Hellesdon make another change, out on the right with Armstrong coming off for, Izzy Hutching sees George move forwards into a more familiar attacking role. Houghton to play the free-kick from just inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half up into the area across to the far post, Teague pulling free looking to turn strike the ball on the half volley, closed down by Pollard.

Royston’s Lily Hall

 Baxter winning the ball central as Royston look to advance through the middle, Newman snapping back in to regain possession, Walker cutting the pass out as she looks to play Teague on up the right. 

Lauren Baxter

 Hutching right side playing the ball inside to Russell 25 yards out seeing the ball across her takes on the shot driven in low straight at the keeper. Midway through the 2nd half Royston with another substitution, Hayes making way with Madison Coloma coming on. Shipman defending at the hear post heading the ball away as Teague fires it in from the right. Coloma taking the ball left plays it forwards into Heal attacking the left channel, Pollard defending the ball put behind for the corner. George back to defend the corner winning the ball and carrying it out of defence looking to gain ground on the left, Haslehurst and Payne converging to close the ball down take it out for the throw. 

Lily Hall with Rosie George

The throw worked in across the top of the area, Russell can’t get her half volley away before being closed by the Royston defence. Russell pushing on to win the ball linking up with Hutching on the right the substitute taking it up the line before whipping a cross into the six yard box, Houghton tracking back getting her leg high to cut the cross out, Reeves across to throw out an arm prevent it going for the corner despite Dussindale & Hellesdon’s appeals.

 The game opening up a little with the changes being make Cooke pressing well on the right to force the ball out for a throw. Into Russell looks to combine with Hutching, Payne tackling to send the ball out for another throw. Haslehurst with the ball right played on for Teague looks to pick out Coloma inside, Shipman defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. George out wide clips a shot in on goal wide of the top corner. Into the final 15 minutes Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change Cooke coming off on comes Maya Ellis.

 Hall playing the ball into Teague as she goes past her on the overlap on the left flashes a cross in along the six yard box, just behind Heal making a central run. Bodily fouled inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half presenting her side with a free-kick left of the circle.

 GOAL! Houghton to whip a high ball into the crowd of players set up at the far post dropping down into the mix, Dussindale & Hellesdon fail to clear it as the ball pops loose for Teague wide on the near post close on goal to drive a shot in hard and low past the keeper to score her 2nd of the game an make it 4-0.

Izzy Teague adding a 4th goal for Royston late in the game

 Teague coming off soon after her 2nd goal being replaced by Aoife Loriga. Dussindale & Hellesdon holding out from conceding a further go until the latter stages of the 2nd half receive a further blow as Pollard is hurt in a heavy 50/50 challenge with Hall, coming off the worst as Hall breaks away with the ball, credit to the Royston bench quick to alert to referee to the injured player, the trainer on quickly but Pollard is in alot of pain and needs to come off, another injury blow for the visitors as she is helped off the pitch, Youngs coming back on.

 Shipman getting onto the ball at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon with a good ball through to George up in attack, Haslehurst closing her down quickly to intercept well for the hosts. George holding the ball up in attack as Walker sends it into her, Haslehurst diving in with the challenge as she looks to cut inside work room for the shot. Into stoppage time Royston with another opportunity for Houghton to send a free-kick into the box from deep, a looping ball in on goal, Kendle-Johnson taking it cleanly into her gloves. 

Full time Royston Town Women 4-0 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

  The final whistle blows and Royston win the game 4-0 to make it 7 points from their opening 3 games lifting them up to 2nd in the early ERWFL Premier Division table. Dussindale & Hellesdon falling to a 3rd consecutive defeat remain bottom, hardly the start they were hoping to make but with their injuries knew it wasn’t going to be easy, will hope to get a few back and dig themselves out of trouble. Royston getting on top early in the game winning the ball, especially in the 2nd phase to keep players up in attacking areas opening the scoring in the 10th minute going onto add two more before half-time looked in control. Making a good start to the 2nd half were a little wasteful with their chances in the 2nd period but as the game opened up late on Teague broke clear from a free-kick to extend the lead. Dussindale & Hellesdon battled hard throughout, were on the back foot for much of the first half, rallied a little in the 2nd finding some forward momentum as the game opened up but never found the break through to apply pressure too the Royston back line.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season, as more than often the case a few contenders for this one with several good performances to mention. Firstly for Dussindale & Hellesdon it was a tough afternoon but they fought hard, captain Becky Russell leading by example getting about the pitch too win the ball trying to give her side something going forwards. Gracie Pollard with some vital tackles, Rosie George and Holly Walker preferring more advanced roles doing well in defence. Royston with a strong performance in midfield and attack. Katie Boyle in defence getting forwards well to add numbers to the attack with several useful tackles, on hand to score the 2nd goal. Erin Davies and Hannah Bodily winning the 2nd balls throughout in midfield. Joined by Phoebe Newman who got stuck in well to win the ball keep Royston on the front foot with some useful link up play. The award goes to Izzy Teague, scoring 2 goals caused Dussindale & Hellesdon alot of problems driving with the ball and her link up play with Katie Hayes ready to receive the ball and found some good positions.

 Good to be back at it at last, 650 match reports up. It did indeed come back to me even if I still have alot of catching up to do. My thanks as always to both clubs for their help with the team details, up and running… ish.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Waveney Ladies A v Dereham Town Women

Sunday 31st May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

I was planning on wrapping thing’s up last weekend looking forwards to a rest after a long season but have become absorbed with the title battle going on in Norfolk Women’s Division Three, the only title still to be decided with just a handful of games left to play, and is going all the way to the final day, saw Bungay Town Ladies finish on 52 points to top the table last weekend, knowing only 2 wins from 2 for Dereham Town Women would see them pip them to the title in their remaining fixtures, got the first of those vital wins at home to Dersingham Rovers Women on Thursday evening, now Dereham travel to play Waveney Ladies A knowing nothing short of a win will do.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three standings

One game left for Dereham Town Women, currently on 50 points know only a win will do from their final game of the season, that away to 5th placed Waveney Ladies A who themselves can get back up the table into 3rd spot if they can win the 3 points instead a draw gets them up to 4th and would see Bungay Town Ladies clinch the title.

Waveney Ladies A one of two Waveney sides playing in the NWGFL, the 1st team playing in Division One. Waveney Ladies A into their 2nd season, previously Waveney FC Ladies Development last season. Have had a highly successful 2nd season playing in Division Three, getting off to a flyer winning their opening 6 matches were sitting at the top of the pile for a good portion of the season getting games in when other’s didn’t. 4 of their 5 losses coming in their final 10 games seeing them drop away from the title hunt, have played their pat however drawing 3-3 at Dereham 2 weeks ago. A win today would seal a 3rd place finish. Have a potent strike force with Lauren Robbins and Maria Palmer netting 39 goals between them, Robbins with 22 from 18 players and Palmer 17 from her 22 appearances. Waveney setting up a joint U15 & U16 with Lowestoft Town Ladies to strengthen the pathway for players in the local area.

 Dereham Town Women reforming this season under the umbrella of Dereham Town FC, playing at Aldiss Park, bringing in a good number of players from Fakenham Town Ladies, have added further experience to that squad, and their U15’s have just celebrated a highly successful treble winning season. Were on most eyes the favourites to clinch the title but having always been behind in their fixtures have never been out in front, games in hand a couple of high scoring draws the 3-3 with Waveney and a 5-5 with Wymondham have set up a tense finish to the season, moving onto 50 points with a dramatic late 2-1 win at home to  Dersingham on Thursday evening little time to recover, a few carrying knocks at the end of the season need all three against Waveney if they are to become champions. Captain Gina Pooley racing ahead at the top of the goal scoring charts for Dereham and the league itself with 43 to her name so far. Katie Hart-Copsey always prolific in front of goal for Dereham, wading in with 27 this season while Alice Collins joining later in the season has 13 from her 9 games. Losing just 1 of their 21 league games played to date.

 Today’s match taking place in Lowestoft’s, Benjamin Britton Academy, on their new 3G pitch, plenty of rubber making for a softer surface than some of the dry hard pitches around due to the recent heatwave. A compact size the fenced pitch with a standing area down one side for spectators, Dereham bringing a few supporters with them hoping to see their team complete the job. A sunny, bright day on the east coast, no rain in the forecast.

Waveney Ladies A starting XI – Tilly Kitchen, Ruby Benson-Smith, Olivia Clarke. Elizabeth Eaton, Hannah Limbach, Kayleigh Molloy, Shauna Brunton-O’Neil, Libby Colbridge, Paige Baker, Maria Palmer (C) & Lauren Robbins. Subs – Lucy Breadman, Emily Cooper, Lucie Harper, Lili Stevens & Isabelle Thornton.

Waveney Ladies A

 Dereham Town Women starting XI – Karina Townsend, Talya Ewles-Belton, Zuleika McMullan-Laffitte, Lucie Taylor, Kirstie Rusted, Amie Hutchinson, Hayley Marjoram, Lisa Ferdani, Eloise Peek, Gina Pooley (C) & Katie Hart-Copsey. Subs – Sophie Shapter & Holly Websdale.

Dereham Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Maria Palmer & Gina Pooley with today’s referee Joshua Holland

  An 11am kick-off both sides relaxed prior during warm-up the season almost done, it’s Waveney with the kick-off 1st half wearing pink coloured shirts with white across the shoulders and sleeves, black shorts and white socks, Dereham in their all green away kit. Played back into Shauna Brunton-O’Neil she sends it long out to the right flank, Zuleika McMullan-Laffitte defending for Dereham seeing the ball out for a throw. Waveney getting a good distance on the throw defended edge of the area by captain Gina Pooley for Dereham out for a 2nd throw, this won dealt with by Dereham’s Hayley Marjoram.

  Dereham look to get the ball moving quickly up on the right fed on for striker, Katie Hart-Copsey bursting up the line, Kayleigh Molloy getting back on her to pressure run her off the ball. Dereham’s Talya Ewles-Belton getting the tackle in on Waveney attacker, Lauren Robbins as she drives on with the ball left side put out for a throw in. Another long one helped in towards goal collected safely by Dereham goalkeeper, Karina Townsend.

 Both sides wasting no time in getting the ball on Lisa Ferdani in the middle looking to play in Pooley as she bursts on up the left wing. Ewles-Belton with the ball inside the Waveney half right side clips a diagonal ball in towards the top of the D, won by Waveney’s Libby Colbridge. The ball popping about in the middle of the park as both sides nip in to close the other down, Waveney’s captain Maria Palmer getting hold of it attempting to thread it through in behind for Robbins, a close one but the flag is raised for offside.

Waveney captain, Maria Palmer

   Paige Baker getting hold of the ball from a Dereham clearance hooks it high out to the left channel, Ewles-Belton dealing with it for Dereham as Robbins puts he under pressure. Waveney looking a threat as they win throws high up the pitch from the left the ball dropped into Robbins inside the box on the turn angles a shot in across goal, Townsend down sharply to get behind the ball turn it wide for a corner kick. Played into the near post Ferdani dealing with it for Dereham out for a throw in the corner.

Dereham goalkeeper, Karina Townsend

 A rapid turn around for Dereham as Ferdani sends the ball long into the right channel for Hart-Copsey steaming forwards into the box, Ruby Benson-Smith getting back to close her down turn the ball behind for a throw in the corner. The game end to end both sides keen to get on Dereham using the ball well Amie Hutchinson with Marjoram and Ferdani through the middle out to the left Clarke seeing the ball out for a throw as Pooley looks to gain ground. The throw dropped into Pooley left side looks to hit it on the spin into the middle of the area the ball turned safely back to goalkeeper, Tilly Kitchen.

  Ewles-Belton for Eloise Peek on the right for Dereham sends it on looking to put Hart-Copsey in behind again another close call but the flag is raised against her. Dereham starting to ask a few questions winning the ball high Hutchinson up with play on the right getting it back from Peek on the angle sends a vicious ball racing across the face of goal, Pooley running in unchecked at the far post can’t quite reach it out for a goal kick. 

 

 GOAL! Chances building early n in Thursday evenings game against Dersingham, before Dereham conceded against the run of play, not this time though as Marjoram hooks the ball on from midfield, Hart-Copsey running onto it right inside the D breaking into the box to send the early shot past the keeper and on into the back of the net to fire Dereham into the lead with her 28th goal of the season 0-1.

Katie Hart-Copsey sends Dereham into the lead

  11 minutes played Dereham getting the early goal, looked fairly relaxed prior to scoring taking her chance in front of goal Hart-Copsey giving her side a much welcome edge. Dereham energised, Hutchinson on for Hart-Copsey making a run into the left channel into the box goes early again with the outside of her boot, plays the shot into the keeper covering the near post.

  Waveney under a little pressure at the back the ball not sticking in the middle Marjoram into Pooley drives into the box closing down the angle hits a rising shot into Kitchen closing her down. Hannah Limbach back in defence turning another cross behind for the corner kick to Dereham. Ewles-Belton to take puts it long across the six yard box no one at the back post to attack it. 

 Robbins in to close McMullan-Laffitte down at the back on the the attackers right, surges forwards, McMullan-Laffitte forcing her wide under challenge from the defender as she goes to strike the ball wide at the near post. Limbach looking to link up with Colbridge as Waveney go right, McMullan-Laffitte lunging in to see the ball out of play for the throw. Dereham certainly look up for it moving the ball Ewles-Belton clipping a diagonal ball in central, Molloy intercepts for Waveney. 

Dereham’s Talya Ewles-Belton

 Ferdani with a 25 yard effort at goal, Kitchen down to save it pushed behind for a corner kick on the right. Another inviting ball in Hart-Copsey rising her glancing header turned on across the area off of a defender behind for a corner on the left. Put in again a bit of head tennis before the ball is cleared back to taker, Ewles-Belton fires it back hard into the mix, Colbridge diverting it away for a 4th corner in quick succession. Into the near post Benson-Smith blocking for Waveney not away Pooley lifts it back in dropping far post, Hart-Copsey taking a knock to the head as the defend get the ball to safety, but picking herself okay to play on.

Waveney’s Libby Colbridge

  The corner count building for Dereham as we approach the mid-point of the first half Peek up on the right getting the set play players up into the box another teasing ball in from Ewles-Belton, Hutchinson up to get her head on the ball power behind it turns it wide over at the far post. Referee Joshua Holland calling for a drinks break is warm out there and close fluids needed.

  Waveney look to try and gain ground on the left after the restart Baker winning a throw in the corner, linking up with Palmer and Colbridge the cross played into the box, McMullen-Laffitte going to clear Limbach charging the ball down inside the D, the rebound favouring the keeper as Townsend scoops it up into her gloves. Pooley breaking on with the ball at her feet on the left driving on Clarke looking too close her down Pooley squeezing a cross into the six yard box, Kitchen going to catch, pops out of her gloves, Hart-Copsey looking to get after the ball even as the keeper grabs it at the 2nd bite and gets the decision Waveney winning the free-kick.

  The resulting kick out falling straight to Pooley 25 yards out to the left, get’s on into the box with the ball checking inside to shoot, scuffs her effort seeing it lack any pace too worry the keeper.  Play compact Dereham doing well to close the ball down not giving Waveney time to build. Hutchinson on for Hart-Copsey, has Peek bursting past her on the right wing getting the ball into her feet the cross comes into the six yard box, too close the the keeper, Kitchen down on it as Pooley runs in central unmarked. 

Waveney goalkeeper, Tilly Kitchen

Kitchen getting behind another Pooley cross in from the left to turn it behind for a corner on the right. Curled into the mix Kitchen doing well getting up amongst bodies to get her fists on the ball to punch once then twice to see it land for Baker right to get hold of the ball and set Waveney up on the counter taking the ball on feeds it on up the line for Robbins looking to steal in behind, Townsend reading it out to the top of her area early to get hold of the ball before Robbins can reach it.

 GOAL! Dereham get the ball up into the box quickly as Pooley finds herself in the clear right of goal closing in on the near post, shoots her strike charged down by the advancing keeper, Pooley trying to get the loose back back in sees it cut out again as Clarke throw herself in to block, one more time Pooley gets a bite at it, firing the ball wide across goal, but in the process was held by the grounded keeper, the referee pointing to the spot… Penalty! Hutchinson to take does play in goal too and likes to put her foot through the ball, little run up but plenty of power behind the ball smashed high under the bar giving the keeper no chance as she doubles Dereham’s lead 0-2.

 Waveney getting the ball on well enough, just finding the final ball a little too strong as Townsend claims another through ball from Palmer aiming to set Robbins in behind. Brunton-O’Neil putting her foot through the ball launches it out to the left, Robbins after it, Ewles-Belton diving in to see it out for the throw. Into the D, Lucie Taylor clearing for Dereham. Peek up high on the left squaring a ball back across the face of the Waveney goal, Pooley closing in far side but can’t reach it.

Ewles-Belton latching onto the ball right side having a crack from distance her attempt straight at the keeper. Waveney getting up on the right winning a throw, Limbach turning it on for Robbins in attack, Taylor getting a nibble at her the attacker holding her off getting a shot away into the near post. Townsend covering the angle. Rusted in to make the challenge on Robbins as she takes the ball on into the left channel from Palmer. 

Waveney attacker, Lauren Robbins

 The corners tallying up for Dereham, Benson-Smith forced to concede as Pooley gets the ball on for Hart-Copsey breaking into the box left side. 

 GOAL! Ewles-Belton swinging the corner from the left into the near post blocked by the covering defender, the ball popping out loose to the top of the six yard box, Hutchinson coming round to get hold of it and striking it on the volley blasts it past everyone into the back of the net to score her 4th in 2 games putting Dereham into a 3 goal lead late in the first half, 0-3.

Amie Hutchinson with another brace for Dereham

  A further blow for Waveney who look to get on the offensive from the restart the ball on for Baker charging on right side, holding off Taylor as she breaks into the box gets a shot away on the angle, Townsend saving at her near post. 

Paige Baker

 GOAL! A chance for Waveney at one end Dereham quickly get the ball up the other end of the pitch into Pooley racing away on the left taking the ball forwards turns her cross in with pace across the face of goal and Peek arriving at the far post turns it in a close range to score her 8th of the season 0-4.

Eloise Peek sending home Dereham’s 4th goal

 GOAL! Into stoppage time at the end of the first half Waveney get the ball into Robbins on the left winning a corner, the ball played into the centre of the box, Baker getting a free hit swinging her leg at it playing the ball on towards the far post, Townsend turning trying to keep it out as it comes back of the upright and crosses the line to see the hosts grab a goal back 1-4.

Paige Baker pulling a goal back for Waveney

 Townsend staying down after the goal in need of some treatment, a lengthy pause but seen too as up on her feet and ready to continue. 

 GOAL! Dereham break from the restart the plan clearly for Pooley to race away left side the ball put into her sees it under control getting into the box, full back and keeper coming to close her down gets the early shot away turning it inside to find the empty net beyond and score Dereham’s 5th and her 44th goal of the season! 1-5.

Gina Pooley getting the shot away to score Dereham’s 5th

Half-time Waveney Ladies A 0-0 Dereham Town Women

 A frantic end to the first half Dereham racing into a 5-1 lead, Waveney get the ball out to Baker on the right wing taking it on sends a shot in on the angle, Townsend getting behind it to save punching the ball away for a corner kick. Goes long across the six yard box, Colbridge rising highest can’t quite connect. Amie Hutchinson from the penalty spot doubling the advantage going on to add Dereham’s 3rd a 4th quickly following from Eloise Peek, Waveney getting one back through Paige Baker, Dereham restoring their 4 goal advantage straight away to lead 5-1.

 Both sides staying out on the pitch for the half-time interval keen to get the 2nd period under way. Waveney making a triple switch at the start of the 2nd half, Lili Stevens, Lucie Harper and Emily Cooper coming on for Clarke, Palmer and Molloy. Dereham unchanged to get the 2nd half underway played up to Pooley left side top of the box sends a snap shot wide of the near post.

   Up to Hart-Copsey lifted into Peek on the right flank, Lucie Harper going with her the defender getting the challenge putting the ball out for a throw. Hart-Copsey seeing the ball into her feet on the by-line turns inside plays the ball off a defender to win the corner. Ewles-Belton busy up from the back to delivery another corner-kick. This one put behind. Dereham showing attacking intent from the start of the 2nd half, Hutchinson finding Peek on the right wing, Harper getting her foot in turning the ball out for another corner kick.

 GOAL! Ewles-Belton gets this one perfect flashed in central, Hutchinson the target can’t quite get to it, the ball running on however is met by Hart-Copsey level with the far post gets her head on the ball and sends it back in across goal through bodies to score her 2nd of the game and put Dereham further into the lead 1-6. 

Katie Hart-Copsey scores to put Dereham 6-1 up

 A fast start to the 2nd half for the visitors racing into a 6-1 lead with barely 3 minutes played look comfortable now, confident too, Waveney frustrated keep going the ball played on through the middle sees Emily Cooper press into the box has Limbach up with her close in sees the ball into her Limbach looking to send the ball back under the keeper, Townsend gets down quickly manages to get hold of the ball before it can evade her. 

Ewles-Belton is covering alot of ground for Dereham mainly as she is the corner taker and Dereham are winning plenty this one on the right curled into the mix, Kitchen up well to punch the ball back out to the right Ewles-Belton gathering to send it back in on the angle defended by Eaton falls to Rusted inside the D, shifts it onto her right foot to hit on the half volley her strike straight into the keepers arms.

 Dereham making a change, McMullan-Laffitte coming off at the back Sophie Shapter coming on going into an advanced position on the right Peek dropping back into defence. Peek sending the ball into the top of the area, Hart-Copsey’s shot blocked by Colbridge pops out to Ferdani 25 yards out blasts her strike over the bar. Brunton-O’Neil coming off for Waveney, Isabelle Thornton coming on. 

 Taylor defending at the back for Dereham as baker looks to get on with Robbins up the right side. Dereham on through the middle Ferdani into the box for Hart-Copsey to see into her feet back to goal hit on the turn, Kitchen rushing out to close her down with the blocking save, the ball spinning loose inside the box Peek up with play latching onto it turning her strike wide of the right post.

  Harper kept busy on the right for Waveney, Shapter taking over where Peek left off looking to get on with the back comes inside the full back tackling, Shapter back on the ball laying it back to Hutchinson, who curl the ball in to the left of the D, Pooley under it Kitchen rushing out gets it away collides with Pooley in the process leaving Dereham’s captain with a bloody nose. 

Comes of for treatment, Holly Websdale joining the action. Thornton breaking on the right channel for Waveney as Robbins puts the ball on, goes in to charge down the keeper rebounds off Townsend behind for a corner kick. Played into the near post attacked by Colbridge headed on across the box gathered by Baker top of the area looks to curl a shot into the top corner, just wide. 

 Ferdani winning a corner for Dereham out on the right. Played in long across the six yard box. Eaton diving in defends for Waveney top of the area as Shapter cuts in from the right gives away another corner. Ewles-Belton putting it in to Hutchinson in front of goal outside the six yard box, strikes it in on goal, Harper with the block on the line covering the near post getting the ball away. 

 Dereham keep up the pressure winning a free-kick high on the right, wide, Ewles-Belton to send the ball in, launched into the far post attacked Hutchinson getting her head of the ball drives it wide across the face of goal. Waveney ringing the changes Limbach and Palmer back on for Baker and Robbins. Thornton played on up the right flank blasting an angled shot into the side netting for Waveney. Marjoram gives way for Dereham as Pooley is ready to return, just as the 2nd drinks break is called.

 The clock ticking down 20 minutes left to play, Dereham with a comfortable advantage no last minute winner needed today… probably. The game restart with Ewles-Belton sending a free-kick forwards, knocked on for Shapter to race after it right side into the box but a good starting position from Kitchen sees her at the top of her area to claim.

Sophie Shapter with Waveney’s Kayleigh Molloy

  GOAL! Thornton sees the ball played into her path through the middle racing on towards the top of the area shoots outside the D, Townsend looking to get down behind it doesn’t take the ball cleanly as it pops out of her gloves and runs on behind to creep over the line to pull it back to 2-6.

Isabelle Thornton through to shoot sees it back to 6-2 for Waveney

  Cooper off the pitch not feeling well for Waveney, they make the change with Baker back on with 15 minutes left to play. A throw to Dereham in the corner on the left put up the line for Hutchinson angles the ball in towards the far post dropping wide. Pooley getting hold of the ball for Dereham on the left getting on to win a corner kick. Played into the near post Palmer defending for Waveney, Back to the left the cross angled back into the box headed out for a corner on the right. Whipped in with pace across the goal too strong for Hart-Copsey at the far post.

  Shapter inside to receive a ball put in from Pooley on the left top of the D meets it on the half volley lifting the effort over the bar. Peek closing down Baker as the Waveney attacker looks to take the ball on from Thornton on the left side. Taylor with the tackle on Thornton soon after as the Waveney attacker looks to get hold of the ball inside the D. Harper and Limbach off for Waveney with Eaton and Robbins back on along with Brunton-)’Neil replacing Kitchen in goal. Ewles-Belton sending the ball on for Pooley left side as Dereham attack fed on into the channel for Hart-Copsey her touch to play the ball into the box too strong Kitchen out kick clear.

 Stevens with the block for Waveney at the back as Pooley looks to get the ball down inside the box to the left of goal. Molloy winning the header at the back to clear for Waveney as the game moves into the final 5 minutes. Rusted getting her foot in to take the ball away from Robbins as she gets hold of it on Waveney’s right. Dereham lively late on Hart-Copsey clear on the right on the by-line coming into the box flashing a ball in across the face of goal Pooley running in can’t get a telling touch is deflected back towards the penalty spot, Ferdani racing on to meet in lifting the ball up off the turf in towards goal Brunton-O’Neil behind it to save.

  Into the closing stages of the match, Shapter sending the ball inside form the right into Pooley left side in the box running hits it up into the air on target Brunton-O’Neil without any gloves getting her hands up to save tip the ball away from danger. 

Shauna Brunton-O’Neil saves for Waveney

 Palmer playing the ball on through the middle for Waveney up for Colbridge into Thornton left side, the touch heavy Townsend out to get hold of the ball. A vital interception from Benson-Smith at the back for Waveney late on cutting the pass out as Hart-Copsey looks to get in behind to receive the through ball from Ferdani. The final whistle blows and Dereham win the 3 points to take them to the top of Division Three to be crowned Champions!

Full time Waveney Ladies A 0-0 Dereham Town Women 

 Never looked in doubt to be fair, saved all the nerves for Thursday evening looks like came to Lowestoft relaxed and got off to a positive start getting an early lead to boost confidence, a 2nd from the spot and then a flurry a the end of the 1st half putting Dereham in charge. Kept going 2nd half adding a 6th early on. Waveney couldn’t find any rhythm today had some good spells but Dereham broke up play well and kept coming forwards, Having led the table for so long a 5th placed finish feel harsh but they have a talented squad to take the club forwards. Dereham clinching the title on their debut season celebrating with their fans heading back to Aldiss Park to celebrate further.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. A few contenders as usual and performances to mention from both sides, firstly for Waveney found it tough this morning struggled to get going, Libby Colbridge looked to get in after the ball, Paige Baker made some useful runs as did Lauren Robbins in attack. Maria Palmer tried to get the attack going the final pass just not there today. For Dereham, the defence was solid won their tackles, Lucie Taylor winning the ball. Hayley Marjoram in midfield got after the ball kept Dereham on the front foot. Amie Hutchison busy in the middle to got two more goals to her name to put Dereham into a comfortable position. Katie Hart-Copsey too took her chance well to open the scoring settling any nerves Dereham had. Talya Ewles-Belton covered more ground than anyone up and down for the corners carrying a real threat from her deliveries into the box and defended strongly at the back. Giving today’s award to the captain, Gina Pooley 44 goals in any season is no mean feat a constant outlet on the left getting after the ball coming inside and putting in crosses, scoring Dereham’s 5th on the day

Congratulations to Dereham Town Women on winning Norfolk Women’s Division Three.

 That title battle kept me enthralled for one more week of the season, enjoyed every minute of it. Has been a long campaign however and I am certainly ready for a rest. Been a joy as ever thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today and all who have help throughout the season. You provide the entertainment I just write it down. Enjoy the summer.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Dereham Town Women v Dersingham Rovers Women

Thursday 28th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Popping up the A47 this Thursday evening to watch another game from the nail biting title battle in Norfolk Women’s Division Three. The title between 2 now with Bungay Town Ladies knowing only Dereham Town Women can catch them now, so long as they win their two remaining fixtures starting this evening at home to 3rd place Dersingham Rovers Women who saw their own title hopes dashed away to Bungay on Sunday.

Just 3 fixtures remain now in the East of England all in Division One with two of those having a massive bearing on the destiny of the league title itself, starting this evening in Dereham. Saw Bungay Town Ladies finish their own debut season with a 5-3 win against Dersingham on Sunday to end with 52 points at the top of the table, knowing only Dereham Town Women with two wins from their final two games could pip them to the title.

Current standings Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Dersingham Rovers Women dropping down to 4th in the table, following North Walsham Town Ladies 4-0 at home to Watton United Women yesterday evening. 

 Both Dereham Town Women and Dersingham Rovers Women amongst the new sides established in Norfolk Women’s Division Three this season, two sides packed with seasoned players having played across the county and at regional level above.

 Dereham, with a new women’s side this season, now under the umbrella of Dereham Town FC itself, playing in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division at Aldiss Park. The core of this new Dereham side brought over from Fakenham Town Ladies who had previously been a long established side within Norfolk, adding too plenty of players with experience playing in Norfolk, that put them amongst the favourites for the title. Hit the ground running with 3 straight wins before losing against North Walsham back in November, that their only defeat in the league itself.

  Cup games saw Dereham remain in the chasing pack rather than get out into a lead at the top of the table, winning 11 and drawing 5 to stay unbeaten, those draws particularly late on 5-5 away to Wymondham Town United Wolves and most recently 3-3 at home to Waveney Ladies A have set up a nail biting finish to their season especially with Bungay’s strong end to the campaign. Know what they have to do though on 47 points have 6 left to play for win and they are champions anything less and Bungay get the accolade. Certainly have the firepower to do it, captain Georgina Pooley, I have to say not previously known for her goal scoring prowess wading in with a magnificent 43 goals so far this season way out in front in the goal scoring charts in the league. Also amongst the leading goal scorers in the league is Katie Hart-Copsey, has always been prolific in front of goal when representing Dereham over the years and has 27 so far this campaign. Alice Collins also into double figures with 13 from the 9 games she has played for the club. 

 A 5-3 defeat against Bungay in a game with some controversial decisions saw Dersingham Rovers Women’s own title ambitions vanish on Sunday away to Bungay, a long trip from the North West of the County down to the Suffolk border, have another away fixture with a 6:30pm KO to end their season. Pushed down from 2nd to 4th, having been pretty much in the top 3 all season. A win this evening putting them back into 2nd and ending Dereham’s title ambitions feel they owe their opponents having been on the wrong end of an 11-1 loss early on in the season. 

 Dersingham Rovers FC establishing a women’s side for the first time sees a new club formed in an as of yet untapped area of the county, Norfolk is a large county but the North West area above King’s Lynn had no women’s football coverage until now. Building a squad full of experience a mixture of results at the start of their new era, Dersingham went on a run of 9 straight wins in the new year to cement their place at the top end of the table, Emma Leech the leading goal scorer with 23 goals to her name, captain Eliza McDonald has 10 goals and Crystal Hart with 8.

 An early evening KO at Aldiss Park situated, just off the A47 to the east of Dereham. Went to school in Dereham know the town well, good to see Dereham with a women’s side once again. Now playing at Aldiss Park the large carpark and clubhouse leading out to the main pitch itself with various training pitches beyond. The main grass pitch is a good size plenty of width a seat stand situated on the opposite side to the clubhouse the bar open with viewing all round. Another hot day, with temperatures above average for May, although a covering of cloud made it feel much cooler.

 Dereham Town Women starting XI – Amie Hutchinson, Lucie Taylor, Hayley Marjoram, Freya Adams, Kirstie Rusted, Sophie Shapter, Eloise Peek, Alice Collins, Talya Ewles-Belton, Georgina Pooley (C) & Katie Hart-Copsey. Subs – Karina Townsend, Laura Booth, Holly Websdale & Lisa Ferdani.

Dereham Town Women

 Dersingham Rovers Women starting XI – Shayla Kendle-Johnson, Molly Sands, Tiffany Ross, Holly Melton, Loretta Burrell, Emily Rix, Eliza McDonald (C), Chloe Melton, Crystal Hart, Carolyn Flowerdew & Emma Leech. Subs – Lyndsey Bunn, Chloe Bunn, Georgia Stephenson & Leeanne Smith.

Dersingham Rovers Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Eliza McDonald and Gina Pooley with this evening’s referee, Peter Bailey

 A small dispute over one of the Dersingham players edibility to play prior to KO resolved. Dersingham with 4 on their bench, Georgia Stephenson and Chloe Bunn unavailable for Sunday’s clash with Bungay. Dereham also with 4 on the bench, including a replacement keeper, in Karina Townsend with Amie Hutchinson starting between the sticks both more than capable outfield players in their own right. Dereham to kick-off the first half the sun setting behind the clouds of the goal they are attacking, wearing black and white vertical striped shirts black shorts and socks, Dersingham lined up opposite wearing light blue coloured shirts with white sleeves, blue shorts and socks. The ball played back clipped out to the left for captain Georgina Pooley to attack, Molly Sands closing her down for Dersingham.

Dereham looking to get forwards at the start, impose themselves on the game off the throw players forwards the ball fed on across the top of the area, Dersingham with plenty back as it comes to the right side, Emily Rix defends seeing it out for another throw. Good distance on the throw attacked near side turned behind for the goal kick. Is a big pitch players drawn to the ball, space to exploit if anyone wants to run into it, the diagonal ball finding Pooley on the left charging forwards to the by-line challenged by Sands the ball behind for a corner kick.

Molly Sands defending for Dersingham

The delivery long across the area turned out wide for a throw on the opposite side, Dersingham penned back early on struggling to get out of their half. The break out eventually coming, alot of work for attacker Carolyn Flowerdew to do as she gives chase to the ball through the middle, goalkeeper Amie Hutchinson rushing out of her area to strike the ball clear. Into the right channel, Alice Collins racing after it closing the defence down pressuring the ball to force a corner kick.

Holly Melton getting the corner away for Dersingham, the ball helped on up through the middle, Flowerdew’s touch taking in in beyond the Dereham defence, again see’s Hutchinson charging out of her box to volley the ball upfield. Players drawn to the ball condensed at times a large proportion out on Dereham’s right with Collins looking to link up with Eloise Peek through the middle and Katie Hart-Copsey in attack, Tiffany Ross getting the challenge in for Dersingham, the ball soon back with Dereham however.

An opportunity for Dersingham too finally get some players forwards as they win a free-kick high on the right, wide 35 yards out captain, Eliza McDonald over the ball…

 GOAL! McDonald fires the ball in with pace into the top of the area, races on towards the far side bypassing the defenders lined up inside the D, runs on for Emma Leech pulling in clear at the back post even as the keeper starts to make a move to close the ball down, hooks it up high over her and falls down beyond Hutchinson to land in the back of the net for put the visitors into the lead. 0-1.

Emma Leech, pictured with Dereham’s Hayley Marjoram opening the scoring for Dersingham

  Dereham’s bright start to the game undone inside the opening 10 minutes, look to get straight on the offensive, Talya Ewles-Belton up with Collins on the right winning a free-kick out wide Dereham’s turn to angle the ball into the top of the area, plenty back for Dersingham, the ball flighted in, cleared away to the left, Sands able to see it out for a goal kick. 

 Hart, Leech and Flowerdew looking to work the ball on up the left attacking for Dersingham, Kirstie Rusted closing the ball down, Dersingham look to get it back but the ball is behind for the goal kick. Collins getting hold of the ball for Dereham central looking to play Hart-Copsey in up top as she makes the run, the diagonal pass good, but the Dersingham defence hold their line catching the attacker offside. Certainly a little niggle in the game Dereham a little unsettled, Dersingham determined at the back.

 Sophie Shapter through the middle for Dereham finding Hart-Copsey up top who in turn plays it out to the right wing for Collins, Rix back at her to challenge for Dersingham the ball out for a throw. High up the pitch Dereham with numbers up on the right get the cross in along the face of goal, Pooley coming in at the far post looking to attack it, Kendle-Johnson rushing across her goal to throw an arm up punch the ball, colliding with Pooley. Picks herself up no complaints. 

 Dersingham look to get on through the middle, Chloe Melton out to Leech moving left, put on for Flowerdew, Rusted getting a foot in to defend for Dereham, play turned around the hosts pressing forwards the ball played long into Hart-Copsey into the right wing winning Dereham a corner kick. Swung in viciously under the bar, Kendle-Johnson getting her gloves up to punch the ball down into the turf inside her six yard box reacts sharply to fall forwards onto the loose ball as players rush in to attack it.

Dersingham goalkeeper, Shayna Kendle-Johnson

  Dersingham finding a little joy on the left as play seems to migrate to that side of the pitch, Leech’s cross cut out by Freya Adams, the 2nd bite cleared by Rusted as Dereham get their defence back. Leech surging on with the ball at her feet left side Ewles-Belton back at her to tackle conceding the corner. Players up from the back for Dersingham the delivery curled into the near post, Hutchinson coming through bodies with an arm out punching the ball away from immediate danger, then as a defender goes to hook it clear the referee sees a push in the back blows up for the free-kick to Dereham.

Dersingham attacker, Carolyn Flowerdew

  McDonald putting the ball on through the middle up to Leech in attack top of the D looks to put Flowerdew in behind the offside flag halting the attack. Pooley is a little frustrated out on the left play more to the right there is space to exploit, Collins finding her with the pass looks to get on down the wing with the ball, Sands going with her checks inside to get the ball onto her right foot, the shot from 25 yards angled in on goal, Kendle-Johnson behind it all the way.

  20 minutes played, Adams defending a cross for Dereham as Hart looks to get on up the left. The ball out for a throw on the far side the referee calling for a drinks break. Play resumes with Dersingham getting on the attack left Rix on for Hart up top with Leech the ball lifted into the area cleared by Dereham’s Lucie Taylor. McDonald snapping in with a strong tackle to win the ball back for Dersingham to the right looks to thread the pass through to Flowerdew in attack, however the move is halted by the raised flag.

   Hutchinson is quick to get out of her box to volley the ball clear as Dereham push Dersingham back neutralise the threat of their attackers running through onto the ball as the visiting defence clear. Hart-Copsey pushing on into the right channel with the ball looking to find a way through on goal, Rix tackling then Ross clears for Dersingham. Dereham continue to press en masse, Eloise Peek looking to get on with Shapter through the middle passing it into Pooley towards the left channel, Burrell lunging in with the challenge for Dersingham.

Dereham goalkeeper, Amie Hutchinson

   Collins finding Pooley out on the left her cross cut out by Sands, gets it back to fire a 2nd cross into the near post, Kendle-Johnson dropping onto it to kill the attack at her near post. Dereham soon wining it back in the middle Peek and Marjoram the ball coming to Shapter lets a shot loose from all of 30 yards out, Kendle-Johnson behind it all the way.

 Dereham making a change then as Shapter gives way for Lisa Ferdani. Dersingham making a change too, Lyndsey Bunn coming on in place of Rix. Burrell intercepting the ball as Pooley sends in an early delivery from the left. Dersingham are working hard in defence to limit Dereham’s opportunities in front of goal. Collins driving Dereham on up the right support from Hart-Copsey the corner kick won. Fung into the near post area helped on up to the top of the area, Bunn defending for Dersingham, the free-kick given away Dereham presented with a set-piece to the top left corner of the box 25 yards out. 

Dereham’s Alice Collins

 Ewles-Belton over the set-piece lines up the strike going for goal her attempt wide of the top right corner. The Dersingham defence soaking up alot, Dereham able to press, Holly Melton, Burrell and Sands all getting in a block doing a good job in frustrating Dereham. Marjoram defending for Dereham the ball out for a corner kick on the right, curled in central claimed well by Hutchinson.

 Dereham keen to get the ball up the pitch Collins pushing on right side linking up with Hart-Copsey, sends the diagonal ball in long across the area, Pooley rushing on at the far post can’t quite get onto the end of it. Dereham’s defence pushed up at times Hutchinson acting as a sweeper keeper out of her area to deal with any balls over the top confident in her volleying. One long clearance seeing Hart-Copsey run in behind right channel after the ball but a good starting position from Kendle-Johnson sees her get there first dropping onto the ball.

  Hart-Copsey looking to find an opening in the Dersingham back line as play is broken up at the other end, Taylor putting the ball long sees the attacker break in behind, Kendle-Johnson again out to close the ball down with a blocking save as she goes to ground at the top of her area, then as Hart-Copsey looks to get hold of the loose ball gives away the free-kick.

  Rusted coming in well to close Flowerdew down as the Dersingham striker looks to make ground on the right channel. Taylor left side sends the ball up the line for Pooley getting hold of the ball fires it in across the top of the D into Ferdani looks to shoot curling a low ball in on goal, Kendle-Johnson moving across her line to get behind it and save.

  Bunn gets back to help Sands in defence as Pooley looks to get inside from the left. Taylor pushing on for Dereham left side delivers the early cross into the middle, Burrell cutting it out for Dersingham. Competitive there is a tense feel about the game, Dersingham fighting for the ball central McDonald trying to make ground right side on for Flowerdew, tackled by Adams. Sands being kept busy in defence for Dersingham on the left by Pooley as she looks to get the ball into her feet make thing’s happen for her side.

  Burrell taking a painful blow as she is caught on the follow through going to clear the ball crossed in from the left. A pause in play as she receives treatment but is back up on her feet able to play on. The first half drawing to a close, Dersingham working hard at the back frustrating Dereham. A couple of defensive miscues at the back for Dereham seeing Dersingham with a throw up high on the right, Sands into Bunn, Ferdani getting it away for Dereham only as far as the top of the area, Flowerdew looks to turn into the box her touch heavy Hutchinson out to snatch it into her gloves. Taylor in to defend on Flowerdew as the Dersingham attacker looks to control the ball from a throw in top of the area to the right.

Half-time Dereham Town Women 0-1 Dersingham Rovers Women

 Dersingham head back into the changing rooms holding the advantage at the break leading 0-1. Leech putting them in front with her 24th goal of the season, against the run of play inside the opening 10 minutes. The visitors have worked hard at the back since limited their opponents chances getting numbers back to defend, have stifled their own attack to a degree as a result the plan is working so far. Dereham positive from the off keen to get after Dersingham impose themselves on the game the early break through not coming falling behind have toiled away but clear cut chances have been limited. Time yet to turn the game around but can ill afford to concede again.

 A half-time presentation at Dereham have heard a bit about Dereham girls U15’s side, celebrating this evening at Aldiss Park in front of a decent crowd, a triple success, a League and Cup double as well as winning the U16’s Norfolk girls county cup. A fantastic achievement and congratulations to all involved.

Congratulations to Dereham U15s girls

  Changes at the break Dereham looking to mix thing’s up knowing they need to win this evenings game to keep their title ambitions alive. Karina Townsend on for the hosts taking over in goal as Hutchinson moves into a midfield position. Hart-Copsey the player off. Dersingham putting Leeanne Smith on up top replacing Flowerdew. With the sun setting bright behind the ground, have headed over to the opposite side of the ground for the 2nd period as Dersingham get the game restart looking to defend their single goal lead. McDonald sending the ball out to the left Hart looking to get on up with Smith in attack, Adams defending for the hosts.

  Hutchinson operating in midfield now getting the ball up to Shapter pulling out to the right channel, Ross lunging into make the tackle for Dersingham. Dereham feeling a sense of urgency to score, Dersingham determined at the back to stop them a few niggly fouls being given away. Dersingham getting a free-kick on the left put on for Smith into Hart wide left the shot taken early wide at the near post. 

 Collins looking to get hold of the ball for Dereham make things happen finding Pooley pushing on up the left sending a cross into the box looking for Shapter top of the area, the ball intercepted by Holly Melton. Marjoram defending left side high putting the ball into Collins turns it on up the line for Pooley her pacy cross cut back across the top of the box behind Shapter at the far post, Chloe Melton clearing for Dersingham.

Molly Sands with Dereham’s Talya Ewles-Belton

  Ewles-Belton operating on the left for Dereham with Pooley up top turns the ball on for her captain, checks inside running into Burrell. Dereham pressing early in the first half as they did in the first winning a free-kick central played up to Ferdani outside the D shoots the ball past the keeper hitting the inside of the right post spinning along the goal line striking the opposite post before Dersingham scramble it clear. 

 Pooley bursting no into the right channel top of the box sees her shot charged down by Kendle-Johnson. Dereham have a corner on the right. Headed on across the six yard box at the near post, Leech bringing it away left side back defending for Dersingham. The offside flag stays down as Shapter bursts in on the right side, Burrell across to close her down putting the ball behind for the corner kick. A vicious ball into the six yard box met central, Kendle-Johnson right behind it gloves up saving at close range then dropping down to smother the loose ball. 

 Dereham intent the ball won in the middle, Hutchinson putting herself about, pops clear in behind for Pooley too escape free bare down on the keeper, Kendle-Johnson getting a strong hand on the ball as Pooley looks to place it to her left turned away that side Pooley goes after it, but Sands recovers the ground to snap in get the ball away to safety. 

 Townsend coming out to the top of her area to clear as Smith looks to spin in behind her marker in the left channel. Smith lively on the left of attack for Dersingham capitalising on a defensive mistake to run onto the loose ball cut away down the left, shooting on the angle, Townsends down well to throw out an arm turn the ball behind for the corner kick. 

  The corner for Dersingham played in central, Leech with the stooping header in on goal, Townsend instinctively throwing out a glove turning the ball away to her right hitting the post and back out into the mix is quick to drop down to claim the loose ball. 

  Dereham with a throw on the left Pooley seeing it inside to Collins 20 yards out central, Holly Melton making the challenge for Dersingham. Dereham pressing the Dersingham defence winning a corner on the right, midway through the 2nd half. 

Dersingham’s Holly Melton

 GOAL! Ewles-Belton putting the corner into the top of the area from the right side, Pooley looking to jump for it a defender on her shoulders preventing her leap, goes down, the referee spotting a kick on Pooley in the lead up blowing up for a Penalty! Dereham with an opportunity to level things up from the spot, Hutchinson up for it placing the ball on the spot, know she can strike a ball and this one is hit with force rising to the keepers left to burst the back of the net an level the scores 1-1.

Amie Hutchinson levelling thing’s up from the penalty spot for Dereham

 Dereham back on level terms but still in need of a 2nd goal making a change up top, Hart-Copsey back into the action replaces Shapter. Marjoram up to press in defence on the left for Dereham the ball into Ewles-Belton up the line her cross into the area headed away by Dersingham’s Sands. Dereham back on the ball Hutchinson inside for Ferdani central lines up the strike, Kendle-Johnson diving to her right getting behind the ball.

  Dereham asking the questions, Dersingham fighting at the back, McDonald in to close Collins down central top of the D as Pooley gets the ball into her feet from the left. Dereham for all their attacking intent need to be careful at the back Dersingham looking to overload the left Leech up with Smith the cross into the area, Townsend down to get behind it. Some refereeing decisions frustrating Dersingham their is a tense feel about the contest a partisan crowd vocal in their support willing Dereham on, the Dersingham manger yellow carded. The visitors making a double switch Georgia Stephenson and Chloe Bunn on replacing Hart and Lyndsey Bunn. 

 Dersingham getting players up into the final 3rd Smith forcing a corner on the left. Dereham defending it at the near post. Dereham attack off of a throw on the left the ball inside Collins driving on with it on into Pooley outside the D is brought down heavily by Burrell the advance played though as Collins bursts through into the area closing in on the keeper shoots Kendle-Johnson getting her glove up behind the ball to save at close range knocking it off Collins behind for the goal kick… afters though as the referee calls Burrell over to him and after a lengthy conversation the defender is incredulous as she is shown a red card and sent off, Dersingham down to 10.

 

 A further card issued to the Dersingham bench as Burrell headed off the pitch. Dereham with the player advance as they desperately look for the goal to keep their title ambitions alive, Collins strong on the ball throughout winning it left turning inside firing a diagonal pass in behind for Hart-Copsey right of the D, the keeper racing out to close her down releases the shot top of the area past her but so too agonisingly wide of the right post.

Dersingham’s Leeanne Smith with Dereham’s Lisa Ferdani

 

  McDonald dropping back into defence for Dersingham, the visitors are not content to just sit back and defend with Dereham needing the goal risk over committing the counter on as Leech gets away right inside for Stephenson her cross inside for Bunn attacking the near post wide off of a defender for a corner kick. Put into a congested near post Dereham bring it away to safety. Into the final 10 minutes.

 Holly Melton getting her head on the ball as Collins taking the ball from Ewles-Belton on the left looks to play in Hart-Copsey up top. A lively ending to the game you can feel the tension in the ground Dereham willing their team on. Collins constantly fighting to get hold of the ball for the hosts linking up with Pooley in attack through on goal one on one with the keeper shoots puts it straight at her Kendle-Johnson has proven in the 2 games I’ve seen her relishes such an opportunity. 

Dereham captain, Georgina Pooley

 Flowerdew back on late on for Dersingham as they feel they can get back in front themselves the game stretched little time on the ball. Hart-Copsey getting clear right of the D shooting on the run her effort close past the right post. Into the last minutes of the match Dereham throwing everything forwards winning a throw on the left Marjoram pushed high in defence, Ewles-Belton inside for Collins closed down by Ross the ball out to the right Dereham winning the corner kick.

 GOAL! Dereham sending players up to pack the box for the corner, Ewles-Belton to deliver and she sends in a peach of a ball rising near side, Hutchinson meeting it with a strong header turning the ball into a bullet blasting it past the keeper into the back of the net to send Dereham into the lead, runs away in celebration doesn’t get far before she is mobbed by her joyous teammates 2-1.

Amie Hutchinson wheels away in celebration as she sends Dereham into the lead with a beautiful header

 A change for Dereham after the goal Hart-Copsey feeling her ankle taken off, Shapter back on. A blow late on for Dersingham have battled so hard, Sands looks to get on up the right with the ball, Marjoram in to close her down out for a throw. Into stoppage time Dereham energised closing the ball down looking to get it forwards Pooley carrying it away up the left tackled by Holly Melton. A tense finish bit it’s Dereham now with the determination to defend as the final whistle blows and they celebrate grabbing the win at the death, to take the season to the final day.

Full time Dereham Town Women 2-1 Dersingham Rovers Women

 Dereham coming back from a goal down at the break to beat Dersingham at the death, Hutchinson with the bullet header to keep their title dreams alive, move onto 50 points 2 behind leaders Bungay, one more game to play away to Waveney Ladies A on Sunday, nothing short of a win will do, a few walking wounded out there but they know what they have to do. Waveney have led the table for a good while themselves and won’t be planning on going out with a whimper. Tough on Dersingham on the back end of two controversial matches leaving a bitter taste to the end of what was a successful debut season in Division Three, have been in the top three for pretty much all of it to drop out late on will hurt. Looked like it wasn’t going to happen for Dereham for a bit late in the game but they stuck at it the chances mounting up. Chances are a good chunk of Division Three sides will be promoted to Division Two next season with up to 6 new sides potentially joining the league next season and Dersingham have shown in the two games I’ve watched that they are capable of competing at that level.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. One clear winner here which is rarely the case but of course their were several performances of note players form both sides in contention. Shayna Kendle-Johnson put in a determined performance in goal for Dersingham thwarting several one on ones and getting hold of the ball. Holly Melton at the back won her fair share of headers and closed the ball down. For Dereham captain Georgina Pooley looked to provide the outlet on the left first half getting on with the ball in an advanced role that has lead to her scoring so many goals this season. Alice Collins was pro-active got hold of the ball, finding some good positions and looked to get the ball into the attackers throughout. But due to the context of the game and the result the award goes to Amie Hutchinson, Dereham needed the win and she took her two goals the penalty and header from the corner superbly, was pro-active in her role as goalkeeper first half and won the ball well in the 2nd from midfield to put Dereham win a win of becoming league champions.

 Have been looking to get to a Dereham match for a while so glad I got over to Aldiss Park this evening, the season’s not quite done yet in Norfolk one more game to finish my season have to make the trip to Waveney now to see how it all unfolds. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams this evening, will have to make a trip over to see Dersingham at home next season. Dereham have one more game win it and they clinch top spot.

By Darren Gilham