Match Report - West Ham United Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

   A Tuesday night trip to London to attend a special occasion for West Ham United Ladies as they get to play a match at Upton Park before West Ham United FC move to their new home at the Olympic Park Stadium. A chance for the players of the ladies team to don the famous claret kit and play a match at this historic stadium.

   West Ham United Ladies come into this match on the back of a defeat that has seen them drop to 10th in the FAWPL Southern Division table as coupled with that loss 5-1 at home to Portsmouth FC Ladies the teams around them picked up vital wins to move them away from the bottom two. Fair to say their minds might have been looking towards tonight's game at the Upton Park coming just 2 days later not much time to recover.

 Tottenham Hotspur Ladies will be looking forwards to this game just as much getting to play at a top class men's stadium under the lights. Played Sunday too in and will be in buoyant mood having scored a last minute winner against FAWPL Southern Division leaders in the quarter finals of the FAWPL League Cup to make it to the last 4 of the competition. Have a few out through injury but a large squad with players ready to step up to the 1st team.

 The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park is one of the most famous stadiums in England with a rich history the club are doing well in the FA Barclay's Premiership and this is a great venue to showcase the women's game tonight. Under the lights, one stand open on a crisp clear night the atmosphere building nicely with both the ladies and men's clubs promoting the game.

  West Ham United Ladies starting XI - Beth Griffiths, Daniella Ritson, Katie Bottom (C), Hannah Wheeler, Olivia Sammons, Rosie Missen, Karen Ray, Erika Campesi, Gemma Abela, Whitney Locke & Cindy Ferreira.
  subs - Erica Turner, Chelsea Hinz, Laura Curtis, Liz Berkeley & Sasha Kelly.

  Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI - Toni-Anne Wayne, Molly Kmita, Jenna Schillaci (C), Alex Keown, Rosie Kmita, Shannon Moloney, Riana Soobadoo, Sophie McLean, Lucia Leon, Wendy Martin & Ronnell Humes
  subs - Chloe Morgan, Amy Cooper, Leah Rawle, Kelley Blanchflower & Leanne Mabey.

   The teams enter the pitch to plenty of noise from the crowd. It's Tottenham who will kick off the 1st half wearing white shirts and socks with navy shorts. West Ha lined up opposite wearing claret shirts with blue collar and sleeves, white shorts with claret socks. The ball is played long down the middle from the start, runs through to West Ham goalkeeper Beth Griffiths for an early touch of the ball.

  Tottenham start the brighter of the 2 sides the ball is played out into the left channel with Ronnell Humes making the run into space drives for the byline her cross closed down put behind for a corner kick, sent in towards the near post is a West Ham head who rises to head clear. Lucia Leon is fouled by Karen Gray as she looks to power her way with the ball down the right wing. Alex Keown comes up from the back to take it, whips in a good ball along the six yard line, Erica Campesi get's her head on the ball to clear it for West Ham. Opening 5 minutes and the ball hasn't been out of the West Ham half. 

   When West Ham do get possession inside the Tottenham half the move breaks down and the visitors bring it out with pace Sophie McLean carrying it through the centre of midfield has Rosie Kmita racing up the left to offer support for the pass, the ball is rolled into her path taking it to the edge of the penalty area looks to put the cross in for Wendy Martin to attack, delivers it too close to the goalkeeper Griffiths claims it.

   West Ham are looking to get the ball into Whitney Locke in attack to hold the ball up with Cindy Ferreira looking to make a run into the channels for her. Ray get's hold of the ball good pass into Locke back to goal in front of the D, is closed down by Keown and Tottenham captain Jenna Schillaci in the centre of defence, a Kmita in both full back positions for Tottenham both are looking to bring the ball forwards Molly Kmita up the right bringing the ball, Rosie Missen tracks back and charges down her attempted cross as she looks to pick out Martin and Humes inside the box.

   Molly Kmita bringing the ball down the right again turns inside this time heading for the corner of the area, several west Ham players converge on her by the time she shoots their are too many bodies to get through, the ball blocked rebounds out to Riana Soobadoo in the middle pulls the trigger her shot flies in towards goal, but straight into the gloves of Griffiths. 

Tottenham's Molly Kmita with West Ham's Karen Ray

   McLean receives the ball from Shannon Moloney in the centre as she makes a move to find space on the left her touch takes her past the advancing full back leaving her plenty of grass to run into, West Ham central defender Hannah Wheeler comes out to meet her timing her tackle perfectly to not only win the ball but the resulting throw as well. Locke is causing a few problems for the Tottenham defence but as yet hasn't been able to go beyond them from a west Ham throw inside their half Tottenham win the ball back and send it long down the right Humes get's onto it turns inside goes to shoot on the edge of the area west Ham captain Katie Bottom throws herself into the block. 

   Tottenham come again, Martin holding her run behind the centre backs is put through on the left, surges into the area coming in towards the six yard box shoots and fires her shot over the cross bar. Gemma Abela in the midfield for West Ham puts the ball into Locke coming to the left, drawing the centre backs out with her, there is space in behind Ferreira makes the run Locke tries to pick her out 20 yards out, through to attack the goal, except Rosie Kmita is round on the cover to tackle her and win the ball back.

   Locke is fouled by Keown in front of the dugout frustrated by the decision the defender kicks the ball out towards the dugout and instantly becomes public enemy number one inside the ground as a chorus of boo's rings out. Another free kick comes west Ham's way wide right, Ray to send the ball into the box is cleared out of the Tottenham penalty area, drops to Wheeler on the edge of the box, untangles her feet to get a shot away, is drifting wide, as Tottenham goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne comes across to gather.

  Keown is booed once again as she goes to take a free kick but anyone who has seen Keown play will know this is only going to motivate her, the crowd is lively good to hear enjoying it so far. West Ham are working hard to close Tottenham down trying their best to disrupt their flow. The ball is put into Martin in a central position 20 yards out Humes edge of the box to her right Martin passes to her then breaks in behind the defence wanting the ball back from Humes, gets it running to the right side of the goal, Daniella Ritson gets back to put the block in turning the shot behind for a corner. 

   Locke rolls off her marker as Abela plays the ball into her has Ferreira free on the left, lays the ball into her path, attacking carrying it into the area gets the shot away, heading in waist height Wayne get's everything behind it to bring the ball down and hold. Most of the attacking play has been with Tottenham so far 1st half however the longer the game has gone on and with the crowd behind them West Ham are growing in confidence. Bringing it up the right the cross is put along the face of the area Abela is there but the ball won't sit for her as she tries to control for the shot is closed off the ball. 

   Late into the 1st half Leon brings the ball down the right wins Tottenham a corner is played up the line for Humes who delivers a diagonal ball across the area high towards the far post area with Martin and Leon their to receive, Leon rises to meet the ball is under challenge turns it wide of goal. 

Half-time West Ham United Ladies 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

  A goalless 1st half comes to an end at Upton Park. Hasn't been too many clear chance, Tottenham have had more of the ball and created more going forwards, West Ham have done well closing down but Ferreira and Locke have often been isolated in attack no one in the wide positions looking to get in behind. 

   West Ham get the 2nd half underway. Tottenham have made a change at half-time with Moloney coming off and Kelley Blanchflower an ex West Ham player on. An early free kick inside the West Ham half sees Keown come to take the crowd still giving her stick. Keown goes to play the ball long looking to catch the keeper out drop the ball over her under the bar, the floating ball doesn't quite come down drops onto the roof of the net. 

   West Ham's midfield players are higher up the pitch 2nd half working to close Tottenham down inside their own half the ball is won and sent out to the right with Ferreira bursting in behind running towards the area looks to shoot early lifts the ball over the cross bar. 

Tottenham's Riana Soobadoo with West Ham's Rosie Missen

   Losing possession as they look to attack Soobadoo sends the ball long for Humes to chase on the right picking the ball up coming to the edge, Bottom gets across to challenge the ball going out for a throw. Keeping the ball down that wing Tottenham get a corner kick. It's cleared out to half way before being rolled back into Martin back to goal sees Humes on the right side plays her in behind, trying to go around Ritson as she drives for the byline ends up turning her cross behind goal inside the area.

   Keown up to take another free kick is enjoying the banter gives the crowd a wave, get's even more boo's for it. Has a free kick in the middle of the West Ham half, The runners make there move from the edge of the box to get in on goal as Keown plays it in Leon drifts behind the defence at the right post and getting onto the end of the ball puts it into the back of the net, Tottenham celebrate but t's cut short as the goal is ruled out for offside. Not sure about that one didn't look offside but I'm a long way from it and without a replay it couldn't have been by much, but that'll do.

  West Ham make a change Abela coming off as they send on Laura Curtis who goes up top to join Locke and Ferreira in attack. Another Tottenham free kick on the right no need to look up see who the taker is going to be the boo's come again. Keown plays a fantastic high ball into the six yard box Martin jumps for it just misses it, falls to Leon behind her but catching her flat footed can't react before Wheeler takes it from her boots it clear of danger.

   Rosie Kmita is played onto the ball down the left by McLean Tottenham lifts her cross into the box looking to pick Leon out, just evades her West Ham don't clear properly comes to Soobadoo outside the box, takes on the shot lifts her effort over the bar. Humes with a strong run on the right powers her way into the area, up against Bottom she manages to get half a yards on her however the West Ham captain recovers well getting a kick on the foot as she blocks Humes attempted shot from 3 yards out. Is hurt needs treatment is off when the corner is taken. The ball is headed down near post falls to Humes 10 yards out to the right of goal puts the ball onto the roof of the net. .

   Humes is plays in through the middle her shot is blocked by the defence on the edge of the box the ball swerves into the path of Blanchflower left inside the area, who shoots forcing the save by Griffiths. With an extra attacker up top West Ham have another option, the ball is played from back to front quickly with Curtis getting in between the centre backs looking to get to the ball 1st, Wayne reads the danger comes quickly kicking the ball away outside her area. 

   GOAL! Penalty to West Ham. Travelling with the ball coming in from the left side Curtis is upended by Schillaci inside the box, the referee points to the spot. It's the captain to take the penalty, up steps Bottom hits it hard sending Wayne the wrong way and bungling the back of the net to give West Ham the lead on 69 minutes 1-0. 

   Curtis has made a difference since coming on, ready to break whenever West Ham win the ball back. The home side get a fee kick on the right level with the face of the area as McLean handles the ball. The ball is played high towards the middle of the six yard box, Wayne comes through the crowd to punch clear. West Ham soon win it back swept out to Ferreira left of attack edge of the box shoots places the ball wide of goal. 

  2nd change for Tottenham as they bring off Molly Kmita, with Leanne Mabey entering the field, sees McLean drop into the back line with a little over 10 minutes left to play. Tottenham continue to put the pressure on in and around the West Ham area the home side are really working hard to close the ball down shoots are blocked, bodies thrown in the way of everything. Crossing from the right the ball is headed down to the edge of the area again Soobadoo gets to it 1st her shot smashed into a West Ham body spns left picked up by Humes who shoots early drags wide.

   A vital challenge from Wheeler inside the box as Martin gets onto the ball as West Ham try to get out of there area. Left side Martin powers her way forwards wants to hit the shot Wheeler dives into the tackle puts the ball out for a corner, cleared. West Ham make another change bringing off Locke and putting Liz Berkeley on into the midfield with 5 minutes left to play. Curtis robs the ball off McLean at the back and is in behind taking the ball on into the area, Keown has alot of ground to cover but does it getting across to block the shot turn the ball behind for a corner. West Ham keep the ball in the corner a goal up these are 3 vital points.

   Late corner won for Tottenham, Humes plays the ball short into Soobadoo outside the box she plays the ball into the area Martin gets her head to the ball on target West Ham have bodies on the goal line get it cleared. Taking the ball into the corner once more Martin comes over to win it back launches it long for Humes on the break up the left, takes on the early shot slices it wide. Late change for West Ham Chelsea Hinz getting on in the closing moments for Ferreira.

  The final whistle blows and West Ham United Ladies win the match by a single goal, Katie Bottom's 2nd half penalty the difference between the 2 sides. The 3 points getting West Ham back up into 8th in the league table away clear of the relegation battle. Had to work hard for the win dug deep were put under alot of pressure by Tottenham, but defended well the whole defence doing a great job, Griffiths for all the Tottenham possession was rarely troubled. West Ham no doubt feeding off the energy of the occasion and the crowd getting behind them were much improved 2nd half especially with the introduction of Curtis. A frustrating night for Tottenham had so much of the ball and the chances but didn't capitalise.

   The match was played in front of a record crowd of 1741, great to see, they enjoyed the occasion hopefully West Ham United Ladies gain new support from the back of it. A great evening of football under the floodlights a it was good to visit Upton Park before West Ham United move to there new home. A special night for the West Ham United Ladies players one they with cherish for a long time.

Match Report - Colchester Town Ladies v AFC Sudbury Ladies

   On to my 2nd league cup semi-final of the weekend, this one from the Eastern Region Women's Football League (ERWFL) with Colchester Town Ladies taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies for a place in the final.

  The ERWFL has 3 leagues the Premier Division with 10 sides completing and two feeder leagues Division One East and West which both have 7 sides. The Division One sides contested round 1 and 2 of the League Cup before the Premier Division sides entered in round 3.

   Colchester Town Ladies have been something of a Jekyll & Hyde side this season in the Premier Division picking up some great results then not building on them, sit comfortably in mid-table and no doubt that when they have their full squad available to them can beat anyone on their day. Have saved their best form for the cup competitions. Beat Premier Division leaders Billericay Town Ladies in the 3rd round 2-0 away from home. A single goal at home against Haringey Borough Women scored by Chelsea Forde saw them through to the semi-finals.

  AFC Sudbury Ladies came up to the Premier Division this season and have had an excellent season so far in the top division of Regional football, in 3rd place in the table. Were given a Bye in the 3rd round of the League Cup. Drawn away from home to play Great Shelford Ladies in the quarter-finals winning the match 2-1 Sophie Jeffery and Stacey Teager with the goals. 

  15 miles separate the two sides, league results equal a home win for both, however league form counts for nothing with a cup final place up for grabs. The venue for today's match The Boxted Sports Ground, situated in Boxted north of Colchester itself. A multi-sports facility the bar is currently undergoing redecoration, although there was a kitchen available for tea and coffee. It was finally nice to be standing beside a pitch with sunshine bathing down, few dark clouds around but reasonably warm for a change. The pitch has seen alot of action fairly bobbly.

 Colchester Town Ladies starting XI - Nikita Runnacles, Victoria King, Lucy Jones, Elizabeth Blacklock, Ellen Powles, Megan Bamber, Paige Wakefield, Charlotte Bryant, Kerry Stimson, Alexandra Brewis-Shephard (C) & Chelsea Forde.
 subs - Zoe Smith

 AFC Sudbury Ladies starting XI - Helena Brodie, Rebecca Thrower, Marie Seabrook (C), Holly Harrison, Sophie Pink, Sasha Diston, Phoebe Guiver, Natalie Golding, Emma Squirrell, Sophie Jeffery & Stacey Teager. 
 subs - Kayleigh Steed, Jessica Oxlade & Charlotte Golding.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Colchester have kick off 1st half, have two dual signed players in their starting line up today, Kerry Stimson also with C&K Basildon whilst Paige Wakefield is with London Bees. Whilst Sudbury have Jess Oxlade dual signed with Suffolk Women's Division leaders East Bergholt United amongst their substitutes scored 5 goals for them in last Sunday's league game. Colchester are kitted out in red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks with Sudbury lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. 

   Colchester work the ball up the right early on winning a throw the ball comes to Paige Wakefield level with the area turns an lifts a high ball into the centre of the area, Alexandra Brewis-Shephard, Colchester's captain rises to get her head to the ball leans on Sudbury central defender Rebecca Thrower to do it knocking her headed ball drops into the area, Sudbury captain Marie Seabrook along side Thrower gets her body in the way of the attempted shot, then clears the ball out of her area.

   Megan Bamber carries the ball up the left, plays it on for Brewis-Shephard ahead of her, race to the ball with Thrower as she comes across to win it, gets ahead of the Colchester captain plays the ball back to her goalkeeper, Helena Brodie, she kicks the ball out of her area, no height on the ball rolls straight to Chelsea Forde 20 yards out in the centre, a cheeky back heel beats the defender coming in to challenge her giving her room to shot sends the ball in towards goal curling to the right it won't come back enough to turn inside the post out for a goal-kick.

   Thrower brings the ball out from the back for Sudbury plays it wide right for Natalie Golding to take on into the Colchester half, launches a high diagonal ball into the area for Stacey Teager to attack, is muscled out of the way by Elizabeth Blacklock as she goes to challenge for the ball, Teager ends up on the floor the ball rolling through to Colchester goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles, nothing doing the referee waves play on. 

  Sudbury attack again Golding with the ball wide right again higher up the pitch this time picks out Teager in the middle 20 yards out sends the ball out to Sophie Jeffery on the left then spins off her marker looking to get into the box. Jeffery sends a great ball in across the six yard box bouncing evades Runnacles, Teager tries to control won't sit for her knocks it wide of goal.

   Kerry Stimson with a great pass to put Bamber away up the left side takes the ball high into the Sudbury half before whipping a high cross along the face of the area dropping far side Brewis-Shephard leaps up to head it down centrally for Forde, is closed down the ball looping up towards goal Brodie steps forwards and gathers it into her body. The referee's not putting up with any swearing and Stimson's reasoning for it doesn't get her anywhere.

  GOAL! Breaking up a Colchester attack in the middle Sasha Diston brings the ball forwards through the middle sends it out into the path of Jeffery wide left surges forwards turning inside to drive into the box with the ball reaching the six yard box has Teager making a run near post plays the ball into her feet the striker beating the defence to the ball to turn it home and give Sudbury the lead 1-0.

AFC Sudbury Ladies striker Stacey Teager

  Straight from the restart Colchester get the ball out to the left full back Lucy Jones playing it into Stimson with Bamber ahead of her left looks to play her in inside the box, Brodie comes to close her down sliding in blocks the shot the ball spinning away behind her for a corner kick. Next attack for Colchester is with Brewis-Shephard on the right her cross into the box too close to Brodie with Forde rushing in central the keeper brings it down into her body. Forde then has a go from 20 yards out running central, the shot taking a nick off Seabrook as she looks to  stop it rolls through to Brodie. 

Lucy Jones on the ball for Colchester Town Ladies

  GOAL! Colchester get back on level terms, win a corner kick as Thrower throws herself at the ball inside the box to take it away from the boots of the advancing Forde. The 1st corner put in from the is put out for another corner from this one Colchester score an in swinging ball sent into the centre of goal comes at Brodie quickly instinctively punches the ball sending it swerving out towards the far post area, Colchester get the ball back in across the face of goal with Forde central to bundle the ball home 1-1. 

Chelsea Forde puts Colchester Town Ladies
back on level terms

  Diston commits the foul against Stimson on halfway, from the free kick Ellen Powles plays the ball high to the edge of the area for Forde to attack goes over the Colchester attack, Sudbury clear the ball out to the right Brewis-Shephard gets hold of it and from the angle goes for goal hitting the ball hard sending it across the six yard box and wide far post. 

   Stimson takes the ball from Seabrook at the back and is in behind her to take the ball in towards goal, Brodie comes racing out to meet her sliding in to pounce on the ball, releases it quickly back to Seabrook who brings it forwards overrunning it slightly on halfway she and Wakefield are hurt as they both lunge in for it neither get it end up hurt on the deck needing treatment a painful blow to the knee for Seabrook she is helped off Kayleigh Steed coming on whilst she recovers. Wakefield limping off to is able to come back on. 

   Sophie Pink and Steed look to combine down the right the full back, Steed holding the ball up with Pink coming for the ball gets it as Steed rolls off her marker looks to go down the line, Pink plays the ball forwards, Steed turns towards the area, Jones tackles her brings the ball forwards looking to put the ball long for Forde, Thrower closes her down preventing the shot. Seabrook is ready to go again Steed appearance for now brief.

  Penalty! Late into the 1st half Colchester have a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. A powerful run with the ball from Stimson up the right riding a challenge turns inside as she reaches the touchline, gets into the box Seabrook lunges in from behind trying to win the ball, brings down Stimson the referee pointing to the penalty spot. It's Stimson herself to take, hits it low and hard to Brodie's right the keeper doesn't move however the ball smashes against the bottom of the post and spins out of play... miss.

Half-time Colchester Town Ladies 1-1 AFC Sudbury Ladies

  An entertaining 1st half played under the sunshine, two sides that are very much up for it battling hard to win the ball and create chances. Sudbury to kick off the 2nd 45, with the game perfectly balanced will we have a winner in normal time or will it go to extra-time?

   Colchester have the visitors pinned in their own half early on keep the pressure on for several minutes without finding the final ball to send someone in on goal a free kick relieves the pressure. Sudbury come back into it, Jeffery with good work up the left plays it across the pitch looking for Golding her diagonal ball into the box is headed away by Elizabeth Blacklock. Stimson gives away a foul on halfway, Thrower to take lifts it high towards the edge of the box with Jeffery looking to get onto the end of it can't get to it a deflection off a defender sends the ball in behind rolls right Teager coming in latches onto it is blocked spinning out for a corner kick on the right. 

  Brodie makes a save at the feet of Forde as she and Thrower are involved in a chase at the back Thrower getting in front of Forde as they enter the area tries to header it back to her keeper, doesn't get the carry with Forde looking to close it down, Brodie comes to her diving in to make the save. Sudbury bring Guiver off with Steed returning to the pitch.

  GOAL! Colchester take the lead early in the 2nd half and it's from another penalty. Starts at the other end a Sudbury have a free kick in the centre circle the ball is played long into the area headed clear the break is on, Stimson is released as she breaks over halfway, running towards the box the defender closest to her can't get the tackle in Thrower racing back comes across and clatters into Stimson leaving the referee with an easy decision. Stimson is hobbling after the challenge, it's Wakefield to take the spot kick the ball is hit low and hard, Brodie guesses right and dives across can't reach it as Colchester lead 2-1.

Paige Wakefield challenges AFC Sudbury Ladies Sophie Jeffery for
the ball with Marie Seabrook looking on

  Sudbury bring off Golding, sending on Jessica Oxlade. Attacking down the right Jeffery bringing the ball on squares her cross along the face of the Colchester area is just behind Teager, rolling on for Emma Squirrell she looks to hit the shot, Brewis-Shephard is back to challenge just about does enough to put Squirrell off the ball deflects wide to the right Teager lunges at it turns it wide of goal.

  GOAL! The visitors get the score all squared up again, a controversial one leaving the Colchester fans unhappy, Sudbury break from the back Colchester have over committed bodies in their last attack the ball is sent long into space up the left with Jeffery bolting after it, Victoria King gets into her stride as Jeffery reaches her the two racing for the ball left of the area shoulder to shoulder Jeffery puts her body into King sending her tumbling and runs on with the ball closing in on goal sends her shot across the goal face past the diving Runnacles, it comes back off the far post into the centre of goal Jeffery's momentum has carried her their and sliding in sees the ball over the line 2-2.

Sophie Jeffery scores to make it 2-2 for AFC Sudbury Ladies

   GOAL! No sooner have Sudbury got themselves back into the match then Colchester go up the other end and retake the lead. Stimson is on the ball put through in the middle for a run at the Sudbury box evades Seabrook's challenge, carrying the ball on has Brewis-Shephard to her right lays the ball off to her and continues on into the area, Brewis-Shephard returns the ball into Stimson's run and she shoots powering it past the diving goalkeeper into the back of the net 3-2.

Colchester Town Ladies, Kerry Stimson

  GOAL! Direct from the restart Sudbury bring it back level, Squirrell with the ball on the left puts it into the area Colchester don't clear it far enough is picked up by Holly Harrison 20 yards out central puts the ball back in over the top towards the right of goal Teager lunges for it getting the touch needed to evade Runnacles and put it over the line 3-3. A goal feast midway through the 2nd half still no clearer to seeing who will come out on top.

  King and Brewis-Shephard link up down the right for Colchester carrying the ball down the line King gives it to Brewis-Shephard then going on the overlap whips a high cross in towards the far post Wakefield is under it heads it down towards the edge of the area with Stimson coming in looking to meet it, good connection powering in towards goal fantastic save from Brodie throwing herself to her right pushes the ball wide of goal, Brewis-Shephard is 1st to the ball hits her shot wide across the six yard box.

   GOAL! 10 minutes left on the clock and another goal is scored. The ball is pinging around in the centre of midfield neither side able to get hold of it when a header is won the ball put forwards with Stimson springing the offside trap in the middle 25 yards out to run through towards the box Brodie starts to come, Stimson shoots early 20 yards out lifting the ball over the keeper it drops behind her into the back of the net as Colchester lead for the 3rd time in the 2nd half 4-3.

   Can they hold onto the lead this time around, as I told you in yesterdays match report the U18s from Newmarket had no intention of running the ball into the corner late on hold the lead, few more experienced head out on the field today, Colchester have the opportunity to attack instead carry it the opposite way into the corner, 1st Stimson then Brewis-Shephard keep Sudbury their own half. The visitors get a free kick the ball is played up into the Colchester half. Jeffery puts it into Oxlade attacking through the middle with Teager running in behind ahead of her Oxlade looks to slide the ball into her run, back pedalling Powles in between Teager and the ball manages to cut out the pass. 

Colchester Town Ladies captain Alexandra Brewis-Shephard takes the ball
towards the corner flag late into the game defending a 4-3 lead

   Into injury time Colchester do a good job to keep the ball inside the Sudbury half, and celebrate as the final whistle blows and they make it into the final of the ERWFL League Cup. A highly entertaining game, but then I would say that as a neutral, a 7 goal thriller with neither side getting the better of the other for long the game ebbed and flowed and the win could have gone either way right till the end.

   In the other ERWFL League Cup semi-final played this afternoon, Division One East newcomers Silver End United Ladies beat Premier Division title hopefuls Stevenage Ladies 2-1 both goals scored by Rebecca Hollocks to set up an all Essex final, date and venue to be announced.

  Congratulations to both Colchester Town Ladies and Silver End United Ladies on reaching the final. My thanks to both Colchester and AFC Sudbury Ladies for their help with the team details today. 

  

  

Match Report - Newmarket Ladies U18s v Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s

   Readers of the Supporting Women's Football Blog will know I like to cover as much women's football as I can across the country, like to see new sides for the 1st time. Today though is my 1st taste of women's football at youth level with a game from the Cambridgeshire U18s League Cup a semi-final Newmarket Town Ladies U18s v Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s.

   It was Newmarket Town Ladies who asked me a while back if I was interested in coming over to watch a match at youth level, their senior women's side is fairly new to the Cambridgeshire Women's County League set-up entering at the start of the 2014/15 season into the Championship South, they won the title to earn promotion to the Premiership above a young side the aim is to establish themselves in the league then build with players from their U18s side already playing regularly for the 1st team, more stepping up next season with a couple more Jordanne Sillitoe and Katie Webb playing at a higher level still in the ERWFL Premier Division with Great Shelford Ladies. The U18s are 2nd in their league with a record of 7 wins a draw and 2 defeats from 10 games played.

   Tough opponents today with Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s (Purples) having a strong season in the league a 100% win record with 12 wins out of 12 are 3 points away from winning the title. The two sides have met in the league twice this season with Wisbech St Marys the side to give Newmarket their 2 defeats, both close games the 1st 2-0 the 2nd game just last Saturday where they came back from 2-0 down and 3-2 down to win the match 4-3 are aiming for a league and cup double. A handful of their players too have featured for the senior Wisbech St Marys Ladies side which competes in the Cambridgeshire Women's Championship North.

   The venue for today's match, Dullingham Polo Fields, off the beaten track a little not too far out of Newmarket itself the place was a hive of activity when I arrived with plenty of cars parked on the wet grass, a pavilion with a row of child size pitches with plenty of games in progress, a catering trailer providing hot food and drink with the U18s warming up in the full sized pitch beyond. The weather was awful sleet and rain to start the day falling heavily as I left Norfolk I was expecting to hear the game was to be called off. The rain had just about stopped by time I parked, bitterly cold as I found and introduced myself to both sides coaches before kick-off.

   Newmarket Ladies U18s starting XI - Lilli Estus, Katie Webb, Yasmin Woodfield, Ella Blowes (C), Jess Linger, Abbi Griffin, Olivia Orme, Molly Agnew, Dominika Szary & Jordanne Sillitoe
   subs - 

   Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s starting XI - Courtney Pilbeam, Millie York, Ellie Nobbs, Chelsea King, Kayleigh Pilbeam, Kitty Whitacre, Bella Winn Jeorgia Carr, Amy Magnus (C) & Sophie Harris
   subs - Lauren Cook, Carlie Knight, Alison Stokoe & Emily Woosnar

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  If you were observant you would have noticed both sides starting XI's had 10 players not 11. Newmarket were struggling with injuries have only the 10 players available today, could have started with 9 however 10 was agreed as the two sides lined-up for the hand shakes. Newmarket have kick off 1st half are wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts an blue socks with white tops. With Wisbech St Marys lined up opposite wearing purple shirts, black shorts and socks. Newmarket have the wind at their backs as it starts to rain again, tricky day for taking notes... 

Players shaking hands before the match

     The game starts at a furious pace with both sides looking to get the ball out to the flanks get in behind, Bella Winn carries the ball down the right for Wisbech St Marys her cross takes a deflection off a Newmarket boot taking it away from the run made by Sophie Harris towards the edge of the area, the ball comes to Newmarket captain, Ella Blowes in the centre of defence who launches it clear of her area.

   Jordanne Sillitoe leading the line for Newmarket is looking to get hold of the ball and run at the Wisbech St Marys defence, coming down the right can't get the better of Millie York the two going shoulder to shoulder the defender timing her tackle perfectly to prevent Sillitoe crossing into the box. The pitch has seen alot of play and a light covering of snow has made it a little slick and bobbly. Dominika Szary is playing a little deeper than Sillitoe providing the link between midfield and attack for Newmarket, back to goal the ball is put into her feet by midfielder Abbi Griffin who then goes on the overlap wants the ball put down the right wing, Szary picks her out with the pass, Griffin takes the ball on but crossing sends the ball behind the goal.

Wisbech St Marys, Kitty Whitacre

  A good ball down the line by Kitty Whitacre on the left as she brings the ball forwards for Wisbech St Marys, captain Amy Magnus makes the run from a central position to get onto the end of the ball whipping a great cross into the box, Newmarket's defence is prepared to drop deep and keeping a good shape head the ball clear. The ball is retrieved by Kayleigh Pilbeam for Wisbech St Marys who shoots from about 20 yards out on target coming in low, Newmarket goalkeeper Lilli Estus is right behind it and scoops the ball up into her gloves.

  The match is free flowing, end to end, players not spending much time on the ball, the women's game is usually played at a high tempo the U18s is much faster, now sooner has Sillitoe won a corner for Newmarket, the ball whipped in from the right side, Whitacre rises to head clear for Wisbech St Marys the counter attack is on Winn racing up the right flashes a cross along the six yard line inside the Newmarket box. 

Sophie Harris attacking for Wisbech St Marys

  Midway through the 1st half Wisbech St Marys have the substitutes to bring on mix thing's up and are using them Lauren Cook and Alison Stokoe introduced to the action. For all the action neither goalkeeper has been seriously tested yet. Sillitoe comes close to opening the scoring for Newmarket as a Wisbech St Marys goal kick drops favourably for her 25 yards out, goals for goal getting swerve on the shot, Courtney Pilbeam in goal for the visitors doesn't move turns to her left sees it sail a foot wide of the post.

  A corner on the left for Newmarket, is send it low towards the near post, Sillitoe making a run towards the ball, turns it goalwards 3 yards out, however Pilbeam has comes across and is well placed to plant herself on the ground and gather the ball. Newmarket come again with the ball fed out to Sillitoe on the right, help from Molly Agnew the ball is sent in towards the box looping up Szary is under it at the near post, is unchallenged as she goes to head the ball sends it wide of the goal.

50/50 challenge between Sophie Harris & Jordanne Sillitoe

  From the next Newmarket corner, the ball is cleared out into the midfield, the ball is hotly contested players drawn into the melee it rebounding around it pops clear for Szary and she is ahead of everyone, free for a run at the Wisbech St Marys box, travels with the ball right Pilbeam comes racing out to charge her down at the edge of her area, charging the attempted shot down recovers faster to throw herself over the loose ball before Szary can latch onto it with her goal exposed behind.

    GOAL! Penalty! Newmarket are awarded a spot kick, with the ball out on the right win a series of throws to move them down the line the last sees a high ball whipped into the Wisbech St Marys box, Szary is under it when she is shoved over the referee immediately  pointing to the penalty spot. Up steps Sillitoe to take, goes for power sending the ball high to the left giving Pilbeam no chance to save, 1-0

Jordanne Sillitoe scoring from the penalty spot to give Newmarket the lead

  

  Sillitoe is covering alot off grass for Newmarket in attack going right and left, running at the Wisbech St Marys defence isn't getting much luck up against York, coming across to the opposite wing shoulder to shoulder with Whitacre the defender pushing her wide Sillitoe manages to get a shot away, as they enter the area, Pilbeam has to keep her eye on the bouncing ball does well to shift her feet and see the ball up into her midriff.

   Carlie Knight and Emily Woosnar have both come on for Wisbech St Marys. Attacking up the right Harris is clipped as she looks to turn inside towards the box, Jeorgia Carr is over the free kick, looks to whip a cross along the six yard line for runners chasing in to attack, just a little too close to Estus gives the keeper the opportunity to drop on the ball. Whitacre bringing the ball forwards slides the pass in for Magnus to make a run at the Newmarket defence, back tracking Yasmin Woodfield makes the challenge to win the ball outside the box. Carr picking up the ball in midfield comes forwards for Wisbech St Marys, jinking left then right opening up room for a shot 20 yards out the shot is blocked by Blowes rushing out to close it down.

  Szary get's a print of the football plastered across her back as bombing forwards down the left team mate Jess Linger lets fly from distance Szary can't get out of the way, a painful one needs treatment but isn't long returning to the action. Attacking down the right Newmarket come again Olivia Orme bringing it forwards before sending Sillitoe away, coming inside Agnew is available for the cross inside the D, the ball rolled into her takes on the shot sweeping the ball up his over the bar.

   Closing moments of the 1st half, Newmarket applying late pressure to the Wisbech St Marys defence as they struggle to get the ball out of their area with Sillitoe getting her boot on the ball just inside the box carries it to her right before letting fly, on target waist height Pilbeam produces a fantastic piece of goalkeeping as she dives full stretched to her right brings the ball down and traps it under her body.

   Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies U18s 1-0 Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s

   An exciting and fast paced 1st half, Newmarket have the slender lead but have created more going forwards and haven't offered Wisbech St Mary too many opportunities to get in behind a defensive unit that is working hard keeping a good shape. I'm hungry and with a catering trailer calling me risk going to get a bacon roll, going to be 2 minutes I can't wait the players are already on the way back out, so I put it on hold till the end and get back as Wisbech St Marys get the 2nd half underway.

  GOAL! Had I have waited for my bacon roll I would have missed this. Newmarket double their advantage early in the 2nd half winning a throw inside the Wisbech St Marys half on the left the ball comes to Sillitoe who getting her head down drives inside towards the edge of the box, looks up Agnew is to her right edge of the box in space, Pilbeam races out to try and close her down as Agnew pulls the trigger the ball squirms under the keeper as Agnew trips over her, stays on her feet, to get onto the ball and knock it over the line 2-0.

Molly Agnew scoring Newmarket Town
Ladies U18s 2nd goal

Newmarket have started brightly 2nd half Katie Webb tackling Harris brings it out from the back plays the ball into Griffin in the centre her pass forwards releases Agnew on the right, Stokoe gets across to tackle win the ball as she reaches the area. Winning the ball ball is given to Agnew on the wing once again whips a good cross into the box, Szary get's her foot to the ball the shot is sliced favourably swinging in towards Pilbeam to claim.

   Harris carries the ball 20 yards into the Newmarket half, coming inside Magnus is making the run for her to get into the box Harris looks to put her through on goal Magnus can't quite take it into her stride. Griffin puts Sillitoe through on goal, York gets round on the cover putting in a strong challenge to take the ball away from her, Sillitoe goes after it out on the left two strides looks to shoot looks to be drifting away from the goal, Pilbeam can't be sure with the post behind her and knocking it into the ground falls bringing it into her body.

  Carr travels with the ball on the right of attack for Wisbech St Marys sends a high ball across the face of the six yard box with Lauren Cook coming in far post her touch laying the ball back to the edge of the area with Magnus free she puts her foot through the ball the shot blocked by the Newmarket defence. Carr out on the right again squares her next cross low into Magnus waiting for it just inside the box looks to hit it on the spin again Newmarket throw a body in the way of the shot the loose ball spins into the path of the onrushing Cook she goes for the strike again Newmarket put the block in.
 

Yasmin Woodfield bringing the ball out from the back for Newmarket

  With Wisbech St Marys pressing on looking for a goal the counter attack is on Sillitoe is given it on halfway beating the last defender heads for the area right side Pilbeam comes out to met her inside the area stays up blocking with her legs as Sillitoe tries to knock it past her, and again the goalkeeper is the quicker to pounce on the loose ball. Sillitoe has the ball on the left gets the ball into the box with Szary running into the centre six yards out shoots, a defender just about gets there as the ball deflects up over the bar, corner awarded. The 1st corner from the right is put behind for a 2nd this one is send in towards the near post 10 yards out Szary coming to meet it gets her head on the ball turns it towards goal but over the crossbar.

   Wisbech St Marys are having a frustrating game the final ball just isn't happening at the moment as they press players forwards picking the ball up from a deeper position Magnus drives inside with Cook and Woosnar ahead of her looks to put the ball through into the area, Estus reading the threat sprints off her goal line to get hold of the ball as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Newmarket aren't interested in running the ball into the corner holding play up.

Amy Magnus on the ball looking to make something happen for Wisbech St Marys

  Free Kick for Newmarket wide on the left with the wind against her Sillitoe goes for goal near post the wind is a problem holds the ball up tricky one for the goalkeeper to deal with Pilbeam does well throwing a glove up turning the ball round the post for a corner kick. 

  GOAL! Game is into the closing minutes, Wisbech St Marys have everyone bar the goalkeeper inside the Newmarket half as they search for that one chance to get a goal back. Griffin wins the ball back for Newmarket her pass out to halfway releases Sillitoe on the left side tired legs no one can catch her travels towards the box release her shot aiming near post the ball skidding along the wet grass, Pilbeam gets across to the near post is unlucky as the ball squeezes under her to go into the back of the net 3-0.

Wisbech St Marys Bella Winn with Newmarket Town Ladies Jordanne Sillitoe

  GOAL! Wisbech St Marys know it hasn't been their day but still push forwards from the restart the cross is swept into the box Orme wins the header the ball played long for Sillitoe to go after as she sprints over the halfway line bearing down on goal Pilbeam has to come, Sillitoe shoots early this time slotting the ball past her from outside the past to score her hat-trick 4-0.

  The final whistle blows and Newmarket Town Ladies U18s win the match 4-0 to make it to the final of the League Cup. Were the better side today although they didn't put the tie beyond doubt until the closing minutes. Sure I didn't see the Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s side that has been dominating the league all season today were outplayed a frustrating morning the Newmarket defence didn't give much away. Netherton United Ladies U18s or Sawtry Ladies U18s await them in the final date and venue yet to be announced. Time to go get my bacon roll.

  My thanks to both clubs coaches for their help with the teams today, enjoyed my 1st look at youth football despite the bitterly cold weather. The action never stopped and it was hard work for the pen to keep up. Congratulations to Newmarket Town Ladies U18s and best of luck for the final.

Match Report - Suffolk FA Women v Kent FA Women

  The East Anglian Counties Championship 2015/16 comes down to one match, a title decider to see who will lift The Fred Welham Women's Cup, Suffolk FA Women or Kent FA Women.

  Both with 2 wins out of 2, Suffolk FA Women lead the way on goal difference with Kent FA Women travelling up to play them at Brantham Athletic knowing nothing but a win will do if they want to lift the cup in their debut season as entrants. Suffolk FA Women know a draw will do tonight, but having scored 9 goals in their opening two matches under new manager Emma Manning they will want to finish in style.

East Anglian Counties Championship Table
Pos	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Suffolk	2	2	0	0	9	1	8	6
2	Kent	2	2	0	0	8	5	3	6
3	Essex	3	1	0	2	6	9	-3	3
4	Hertfordshire	3	0	0	3	5	13	-8	0

  The Suffolk FA Women's County Representative squad is largely made up from players from Ipswich Town Ladies the leading women's football club in Suffolk who themselves are enjoying a good run of form at the start of 2016. Suffolk FA Women started this season's East Anglian Counties Championship campaign at home at Mildenhall Town FC, Hertfordshire FA Women the visitors back in October, got off to a flyer Zoe Cossey netting in the opening minute, conceded a minute later but went on to win the match 5-1. Tonight's fixture was meant to be played before tonight but got postponed leaving a gap of nearly 4 months till Suffolk FA Women were in action again a trip to Stanway Rovers FC to play the Essex FA Women's County Representative side a little over 2 weeks ago, both with one win in the competition to date it was Suffolk FA Women who came out on top a strong 1st half performance giving them a 3-0 lead before substitute Hannah Waters netted late in the match to seal a 4-0 victory to make give them 6 points to lead the table. Keeping the goals out the other end has given them a superior goal difference going into their final game a draw would be enough to see them lift The Fred Welham Cup.

    Kent FA are new entrants to the East Anglian Counties Championship this season and have had a fine debut to date starting with a 4-2 home victory over Essex in October. A trip to play Suffolk was postponed later that month. There 2nd match in the competition didn't come until the start of February away to Hertfordshire, exciting match that came alive 2nd half Kent coming back from being 1-0 then 2-1 to lead 2-3 were pegged back to 3-3 only to win the match deep into injury time 3-4 to set up tonight's title decider between themselves and Suffolk. Only a win will do for Kent.

    The venue for tonight's match Brantham Leisure Centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC, the ground boasts a large clubhouse with bar and refreshments, leading out onto the large sized pitch sloping from one goal to the other looked a little bobbly under the floodlights a seated stand behind one goal and another along the pitch between the dugouts. A crisp clear evening, dry.

   Suffolk FA Women starting XI - Charlotte Osborne (Bury Town Ladies), Emma Boreham (Copleston Ladies), Marcie Prettyman, Sian Fagg, Amiee Harrison, Amanda Crump (C) (all Ipswich Town Ladies), Paige Shorten (Norwich City Ladies), Hollie Clement, Amy Howlett, Zoe Cossey & Natasha Thomas (all Ipswich Town Ladies).

   subs - Kristy Turner (Ipswich Wanderers Ladies), Nadine Basson (Bury Town Ladies) & Roxanne Small (Ipswich Town Ladies).

   Kent FA Women starting XI - Katie Startup (West Ham United Ladies), Emma Brown (Herne Bay Ladies), Madison North, Vanisha Patel (both Gillingham FC Ladies), Hannah Wheeler (West Ham United Ladies), Emma Tune (C) (Gillingham FC Ladies), Chelsea Wallace (Aylesford), Lydia Wills, Shannon Redhouse, Jade Keogh (all Gillingham FC Ladies) & Sammy Booker (Millwall Lionesses).

   subs - Amy Russ (Meridian Ladies) & Charlie Spice (Charlton Athletic Women)

(roll on roll off, substitutes)

   Suffolk kick off the 1st half attacking down the sloping pitch kitted out all in red sponsored by  Home Store UK. 7 of their starting line-up play for Ipswich Town Ladies with 6 of the starting side for Kent playing for Gillingham FC Ladies kitted out all in blue tonight. Right from kick off Suffolk look to release Charlton Athletic Women winger Amy Howlett down the right surging down the ground, whips an early cross in towards the far post, with Zoe Cossey looking to race in to meet it, Kent right back Emma Brown does well to lunge forwards to stop the ball, keep it in and get up quickly to launch it clear from danger.

   Kent bring the ball up the left with Jade Keogh passing it out wide to her Gillingham FC Ladies team mate Shannon Redhouse, Suffolk right back Emma Boreham, playing her league football for Copleston Ladies closes her down, tackles to win the ball back. Sian Fagg brings the ball out from the back for Suffolk as she deals with a long ball put into the box, Howlett is on the move on the right a good diagonal 30 yard pass picks her out, Natasha Thomas makes a move towards the near post area as she enters the Kent area, Howlett looks to pick her out, West Ham United Ladies central defender, Hannah Wheeler gets herself in front of Thomas to intercept the cross.

   Suffolk are working hard to close Kent down as they look to bring the ball out with Hollie Clement putting herself about. Cossey gets the ball back on the left as Kent look to bring it over the halfway line, carrying the ball into their opponents half squares the ball into Thomas central outside the box she looks to help it on for Howlett coming in from the right and then turn off her marker get into the box, Emma Tune captain for Kent tonight reads the pass and is 1st to the ball. 

  Deep in the Suffolk half Kent have a throw on the left, striker Sammy Booker comes over to that side to receive the ball corner of the area outside the box looks to curl a shot into the far corner of the Suffolk goal close but goes wide out of play. Suffolk attack from the goal kick the ball coming into Howlett on the right looking for Thomas inside the box once again it's Wheeler who gets in front to win the ball. Kent are over playing it at the back a little with Suffolk closing down, Cossey latches onto a lose pass left squares the ball along the area into Thomas 20 yards out, goes for the shot, low runs through to Katie Startup in the Kent goal.

   Lydia Wills is played in on the right for Kent, getting in behind whips her cross back along the face of the Suffolk area, inside the D, Keogh meets the ball on the volley, Bury town Ladies goalkeeper Charlotte Osborne gets her gloves on the ball as it looks to be running wide at her far post. Kent have a free kick 25 yards out, Tune to take it looks to pick out Madison North inside the box Aimee Harrison defends well against her, the ball stays high up the pitch left side is played back to Tune who shoots from distance Osborne gets something on it coming to her near post turns the ball out for a corner kick. Tune has another chance to shoot from distance as the corner is cleared out to her, this strike is high over the bar.

  An even contest both sides bringing it forwards looking to create Suffolk look a threat on the counter attack Cossey and Howlett providing options left and right for Thomas central when then ball is played into her. The 3 attempt to combine, Thomas back to goal turns the ball out to Howlett right her cross is long towards te far post Cossey racing in can't quite connect with the ball. Wills gets hold of the ball on the right for Kent as Suffolk fail to clear Booker makes a diagonal run inside the box looking to get in front of the goalkeeper, Wills looks to pick her out the ball a little too high as she leaps for it drops behind Osborne seeing it late knocks it down as she falls the ball is loose, Booker snatches for it, Harrison is back gets her toe to the ball 1st.

  The ball going out for a throw on the right as Kent attack, Booker retrieves it quickly to take with Keogh available lays the ball to her left for Redhouse coming into the middle then breaks in behind the Suffolk defence running into the area, Redhouse picks her out with the return all right side of goal Keogh pulls the trigger drags the shot wide across the goal. End to end Kent have a free kick on half way, Shorten puts her head on the ball clearing it, then bringing it out looks to send Thomas through the middle, Startup comes racing out to kick the ball away for a throw on the left. Marcie Prettyman plays the ball into Suffolk captain Amanda Crump 25 yards out a great ball puts Cossey through to attack the Kent goal, shifting the ball half a yard to evade the defender in front of her make space for the shot looks to curl the shot around the keeper but just wide of the far post.

  Kent's Wills sprints up the right wing, before laying the ball back into Tune who spreads play out to the left stretching Suffolk, Redhouse picks it up and dribbles the ball into the area closing in on the six yard box looks to hit the ball hard over Osborne the keeper get's a glove to the ball turning it wide across her goal and out for a corner kick. Suffolk defend the initial corner, Chelsea Wallace wins the ball back for Kent come back up the right win a throw, the ball is send in towards the near post with Booker looking to make the run again, gets her foot on the ball this time, sends her shot over the crossbar.

   GOAL! 3 minutes of normal time left to play in the 1st half and the dead lock is broken. Suffolk have players forwards inside the Kent half the visitors get the ball out towards halfway, Thomas has come deep to get hold of the ball, Paige Shorten bursting forwards from midfield is looking to get in behind the Kent defence edge of the box, Thomas tries to pick her out, Vanisha Patel gets her head on the ball denying Shorten however can;t get any elevation on the header as it drops kindly for Clement she goes for goal, lifting the ball high over the keeper it drops into the back of the net 1-0. 

Half-time Suffolk FA Women 1-0 Kent FA Women

  Two evenly matched sides has been a good contest, Kent calling Osborne into action more than Startup in their goal. Everyone has been involved the visitors over playing at the back sometimes has put them under pressure, Suffolk taking the lead just before half-time have the slender advantage Kent needing to score twice 2nd to win the East Anglian Counties Championship. The visitor kick off the 2nd half, have made a change at the start of the half with Amy Russ joining Booker up top in place of Keogh. 

   The game is free flowing moving from one end of the pitch to the other early on. Wallace plays a fantastic pass into substitute Russ on the edge of the Suffolk area, one touch gives the striker a yard on her marker, takes on the shot puts the ball straight into Osborne's gloves. Clement fizzes a pass into Thomas backing into her marker, releases Cossey on her left then spins in behind looking for the return ball, get's it shoots the ball sails wide of the goal. 

  A good turn of pace by Booker on the ball sees her skip past the full back puts the pass into Russ who shoots the ball is deflected wide for a corner kick. The ball is cleared from the area by Shorten who sends it long for Cossey to chase in a race for the ball with Patel the defender does a great job shielding the ball, allowing her keeper to come and kick to safety. Direct play from both sides Russ is in the heart of the action early on in the 2nd half The ball is played over the Suffolk defence, with Russ getting in behind, Osborne starts to come but is beaten as Russ hits the ball on the half volley outside the box lifts the ball over the keeper but off target goes wide.

   Russ again with the shot the ball sent up through the middle again picks out the attack outside the box, flicks the ball up and hits the shot on the half volley, high gathering pace is on target, Osborne does superbly throwing herself at the ball stretching gets fingertips to it to turn it narrowly over her crossbar fantastic save. Kent are pressing forwards in search of a goal, Wills over on the right sends her cross long across the face of the Suffolk area Redhouse left side latches onto the ball and puts it into Booker inside the D, turns and shoots lifts the ball over. Lifting the tempo Kent are risking leaving space in behind, Wills has a go for goal 20 yards out sends the ball in low looking for the inside of the post, Osborne dives and holds onto the ball.

   Double change for Kent with Brown and Wills coming off Charlie Spice coming on along with Keogh returning to the action. Fagg releases Cossey on the left with a great ball out from the back, goes to shoot as she turns inside 22 yards out the ball is blocked, cries for handball but nothing doing. Suffolk make a change Thomas has had a ball in the face minutes early from a defensive clearance needs to come off to recover, on comes Nadine Basson the striker only just back from a long term knee injury for Bury Town Ladies makes her debut for her county. 

   Great link up play between Cossey and Shorten on the left as Suffolk attack a give and go between the midfielder and winger Cossey's slide rule pass putting Shorten into the Kent box a strong run looks to get around the defence coming in from the left, hits the shot hard blasts the ball into the side netting. 

  Booker showing good hold up play has Tune coming towards her offering herself for the pass, has the vision to pick out Redhouse making a run on the left flank, Boreham has done well up against her for much of the night stays on her forcing her to turn away from the area take the ball into the corner. Kent win a throw deep in the Suffolk, Boreham looks to bring the ball out as the home side win in back looks to hit it long smashes of Wallace the ball rebounding favourably for Redhouse to turn and chase is free if she can get to the ball 1st, she can't as Fagg covers the ground to get across and throw herself at the ball taking it away from the winger. Suffolk make another change bringing in Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, Kristy Turner for Hollie Clement.

  Suffolk have a corner, a good delivery put in from the right, Basson running towards the near post throws herself at the ball meeting it with her head, puts the shot wide. Kent go up the other end the ball with Redhouse on the left surges forwards gets room to put the ball into the box with Russ making a central run, too close to the keeper, Osborne gets down to make the save. Boreham has gone down in her box looks to be struggling with cramp has had a busy game up against Redhouse. The ball goes out for a throw inside their half giving them a chance to make a change Roxanne Small being readied a zip issue means the throw is ordered to be taken before Small can get onto the pitch with Boreham off Suffolk are down to 10.

  GOAL! Doesn't matter, Small is a spectator on halfway as Suffolk work it out from the back the throw into the defence played into Crump then on for Cossey with Shorten making a run to go beyond the Kent defence, the pass from Cossey is weighted perfectly bursting into the box Shorten blasts the ball across the advancing keeper and into the back of the net to make it 2-0. Small runs on to celebrate the goal then get into position at right back with 18 minutes left to play.

  Kent don't let their heads drop keep coming, getting down the other end Russ is allowed too much time and space right side of the D sends a bouncing shot into towards goal, lacking any pace Osborne has time to set herself see it into her body. Out wide Tune plays a good cross into the six yard box Wallace is in the centre the shot is fired at Osborne close range instinctive save to get it away over the bar. Suffolk deal with the resulting corner.

  GOAL! 6 minutes left on the clock and Kent are offered a lifeline. Osborne doesn't get any distance on her goal kick, it travels to the edge of her box, Russ steals in on the ball muscling it of the defence trying to clear and shifting the ball to her right as she enters the box making room for the shot lifts the ball wide of the keeper and in 2-1. 

  Setting up a tense finish Kent continue to press, Suffolk have everyone back not letting any gaps appear late on, defend will Harrison putting her head on a ball lofted into the area by Tune. The home side break, Shorten with the burst of energy gets fouled as she goes over halfway, stays down suffering from cramp in both legs, comes off as the match enters injury time Thomas back on. 

  That's it, the referee blows the final whistle and Suffolk win 2-1, making it 3 wins out of 3 to top the table and win the 2015/16 East Anglian Counties Championship. A fantastic achievement for Suffolk as they looked to rejuvenate their women's football side at the start of the season Emma Manning new to the role with assistant Chris Smith seeing their side lift The Fred Welham Cup. Have played consistently throughout the tournament with everyone contributing. 

  Kent have done well too in their debut season in the competition and hopefully we will see them back next season, have watched a few matches in this seasons competition and enjoyed some great football, no doubt players enjoy representing their county, hopefully we'll see Cambridgeshire and Norfolk back in the not too distant future.

   My thanks to Suffolk FA's Darryn Marsh for his help with the team details tonight.

  And finally Congratulations to Suffolk FA Women on winning the East Anglian Counties Championship, I'd give you all the day off work if I could, enjoy the celebrations.