Match Report - Sunderland AFC Ladies v Reading FC Women

  The new season of FAWSL football continues, with a 3rd trip up the A1 in the space of 4 days, a bit further this time into the North East to the Hetton Centre to watch Sunderland AFC Ladies play newly promoted Reading FC Women in FAWSL 1.

   The 1st side to earn promotion to the top flight of women's football winning the newly formed FAWSL 2 the season before not many thought Sunderland AFC Ladies would start so well as they did, took the league by storm, could say surprise, but then we shouldn't have been surprised came into the FAWSL on the back of successive FAWPL Northern Division Championships, knew how to win a league. Had a new manager in charge at the start of 2015, Carlton Fairweather, didn't tinker with the FAWSL 2 winning squad too much adding Brooke Chaplin and Victoria Williams. Beth Mead their star striker just 20 years old was the top scorer in FAWSL 1 last season scoring 14 goals. Helped Sunderland AFC Ladies get off to a good start then a purple patch in the middle of the season saw them in contention for the title, fell away at the end losing their last 3 league matches to finish 4th, nevertheless a great 1st season for the club in the top flight. 

   Added Irish International Stephanie Roche to their squad midway through the 2015.Have brought in 4 new faces during the close season, amongst those former Sunderland player, Lucy Staniforth who has missed two years of football with serious knee injuries. The midfielder will be hoping for an injury free spell and a dead ball specialist will add to Sunderland's attacking options. Defender Rachel Pitman returns to England after a spell playing in the United States, whilst Canadian defender Kylla Sjomen comes in from Celtic FC. Wide player Krystle Johnston also joins having been released by Manchester City Women her pace and ability to cross is perfect for Mead who will no doubt be closely marked this season, but that is easier said than done.

 A fantastic season for Reading FC Women as they pushed Doncaster Rovers Belles all the way to win the FAWSL 2 league title finishing on almost identical records 4 goals better off in the GD column the difference. Had Fran Kirby on their books at the start of the 2015 season was in irresistible form scoring 9 goals in their opening 3 league matches. Kirby was to move on later in the season as Chelsea Ladies put in a transfer bid for the England starlet. Reading FC Women had proved they could go on without relying in Kirby's goals as she was out injured before the move, Emma Follis a new signing herself from Aston Villa Ladies scoring the goals along with experienced Welsh International striker Helen Ward.

  Achieving promotion to the top tier of women's football has seen Reading FC Women reward alot of the squad with full-time professional contracts and in comparison with others have done less in the transfer market letting a handful move on whilst bolstering their forwards line bringing in Amber Stobbs who has been playing her football in the USA most recently with Washington Spirit Reserves before her return to the UK. Have also signed Jade Boho-Sayo who made an impact coming to and scoring for Bristol City Women last season.

  Also joining the Royals Ladies for the 2016 is Kayleigh Hines from Oxford United Women, brings a little finesse to what can be quite a combative Reading FC Women midfield. A useful player to have in a set piece situation too a very good header of the ball a threat inside the opponents penalty box. Mary Earps recently returned from the La Manga tournament where she kept goal for the England U23's joins the club after a season with Bristol is a goalkeeper with a big future in the game and will provide stiff competition for Grace Moloney who has done a fine job between the sticks for Reading FC Women a dilemma there for manager Kelly Chambers.

   Storm Katie is on the way later on over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, got an early dose of what's ahead as 45 minutes before kick off a monsoon blew across the pitch soaking the players warming up (summer league hey?) Supporters and Press alike packed into the main stand offering the only cover, blew through but left standing water on the pitch. With there now being 9 teams in FAWSL 1, with the league expanding to 10 in 2017, it was Sunderland AFC Ladies who were without a fixture in midweek, start their league campaign tonight whilst Reading FC Women had started with a defeat 3-1 away to Arsenal Ladies.

  Sunderland AFC Ladies starting XI - Rachel Laws, Abby Holmes, Kylla Sjomen, Stephanie Bannon (C), Victoria Williams, Rachel Furness, Lucy Staniforth, Brooke Chaplin, Abby Joice, Krystle Johnston & Beth Mead.
  subs - Hilde Gunn-Olsen, Kelly McDougall, Stephanie Roche, Megan Beer, Keira Ramshaw, Emma Kelly & Charlotte Potts.

  Reading FC Women starting XI - Grace Moloney, Rebecca Jane, Rachel Rowe, Kirsty McGee (C), Molly Bartrip, Kayleigh Hines, Lois Roche, Charlie Estcourt, Emma Follis, Jade Boho-Sayo & Helen Ward.
  subs - Mary Earps, Harriet Scott, Bonnie Horwood, Nia Jones, Lauren Bruton, Laura May-Walkley & Shelley Cox.

   3 new signings starting for Sunderland, Kylla Sjomen at left back, Lucy Staniforth in the middle with Krystle Johnston out wide on the right. Jade Boho-Sayo was up front in attack for Reading FC Women. The players came together on the centre circle as a mark of respect a minutes silence for everyone to reflect and remember the victims of the terrorist attacks in Brussels during the week.

   It's the visitors to kick off the match 1st half wearing blue and white hooped shirts blue shorts and white socks with Sunderland kitted out in red and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. Boho-Sayo is sent through down the left side early on wraps her foot around the ball to square the ball into the area, Sunderland's Victoria Williams is 1st to it clears the ball out of the area, is picked up by Helen Ward who looks to send the ball across goal, going wide goalkeeper Rachel Laws gets an early feel of the ball on the slick surface.

   Sunderland look to send Mead through for a run down the channel as the ball is played into Abby Joice on the left side Mead comes towards her the pass is rolled forwards into her run, coming across to meet her is Molly Bartrip the Reading defender tackles well to win the ball back. Staniforth get's her foot on the ball on the right and looks to send it long over the top for Mead, too long Grace Moloney in the Reading goal gets the ball into her gloves 1st. Bright start from Sunderland, as both sides get used to the wet playing surface. 

  Full back Rachel Rowe is caught by Staniforth, the free kick is taken quickly on the left with Ward taking the ball down the wing before sending in a deep cross to the far post, Laws gathers the ball into her body then sets up a counter attack Mead chasing it down up the other end winning her side a corner kick on the right. The corner is cleared at the far post for a 2nd corner kick. Again the ball is put long to the far post, Furness leaps highest to head the ball down back towards the penalty spot, comes to Williams but slipping she can't get hold of it to shoot as Reading scramble it away. Sunderland have another corner as Brooke Chaplin comes over to the left, wins the ball and plays Joice through to run into the area, closed down her shot is deflected behind for the corner.

  The Reading fans are in good voice as usual, braving the weather on the far side of the ground. See Moloney pull off a fantastic save diving to her right as Chaplin unleashes a shot from 25 yards out, the Reading goalkeeper turning it away for another corner. Kirsty McGee the Reading captain rises to head the ball away from danger.

  Sunderland are caught out at the back as Ward peeling off the last defender gets onto a through ball and squares it across the front of the area from the left with Boho-Sayo running into receive inside the area, Laws starts to come the ball gets stuck under Boho-Sayo's feet by time she does get the shot away Stephanie Bannon, Sunderland's captain is back to slide in take the ball away, however play is stopped by the linesman's flag. Emma Follis on the ball right for Reading tries to put the ball into the box for Boho-Sayo, Laws comes sliding out to gather the ball as Boho-Sayo lunges to get to the ball, the wet surface accelerating her slide carries her into the goalkeeper leaving her hurt needing treatment before continuing.

   A shirt pull is spotted by the referee as Sunderland attack, given in a dangerous position right of the D 20 yards out, it's Staniforth to take, a training ground routine, sent low past the wall across the area looking for a runner coming from deep to latch onto to, Mead tries to get on to it, doesn't the ball going out for a goal kick. Moloney is called into action again to make the save the ball whipped in from the right across her goal threatening to bounce in at the far corner the goalkeeper turning it on around the post. 

   Half an hour played the slick surface is seeing several misplaced passes, both sides looking to build quickly stretch defences, but when it comes to the final delivery, it's the defenders who are winning the ball. The crowd encourage right back Abby Holmes to take the ball on as she carries it into space in front of her, a good pass along the ground for Mead coming from left to right in front of the box she is brought down in a similar position to the earlier Sunderland free kick. Staniforth to take again, goes for goal this time up and over the wall, won't dip in time goes over the cross bar. Another save from Moloney to keep the Reading goal intact as Sunderland attack, Furness whips the cross in from the right Mead leaps tries to flick her header on Moloney gets her hands on the ball.

   GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half, Bannon brings down Boho-Sayo 25 yards out in a dangerous position left of the goal. Lois Roche is over the free kick. Hits it low a with plenty of pace pulling it to the left Laws is left stranded on her goal line as the ball rolls home unsure if it took a deflection on the way through, nevertheless Reading have the lead and Roche is credited with the goal 0-1. 

   Krystle Johnston has the ball at her feet on the right over the halfway line, turns inside and hits a shot from 20 yards out, bounces it's way through to Moloney who get's down to gather. Reading almost double their lead on the stroke of half time the ball given away in the midfield sees Boho-Sayo put through into the area again, Laws comes and sliding in makes the save with her legs the ball out for a corner kick. A great delivery from the right comes to Kayleigh Hines on the penalty spot headers the ball down into the ground bouncing Laws is right behind it claims.

 Half-time Sunderland AFC Ladies 0-1 Reading FC Women

  A competitive and fast paced 1st half, Sunderland despite having created more chances find themselves a goal down. Reading have rode their luck a little, Moloney producing the goods in goal to keep it 0-0 before they got themselves the advantage going into the dressing room at the break.

   Sunderland manager, Carlton Fairweather makes two changes at half-time bringing on Kiera Ramshaw and Emma Kelly for Johnston and Joice in attack as they kick off the 2nd half.

  GOAL! The home side get back on level terms straight from the kick off a brilliant through ball sending Mead through to attack the Reading goal central a challenge comes in Mead is caught but stays on her feet entering the box as Moloney comes gets completely stranded as Mead holds her composure to fire the shot past her and into the back of the net 1-1.

  Sunderland start the 2nd half strongly another up and over comes to Mead outside the box tries to catch it on the bounce slices it high and wide. An inviting cross put in from the right by Ramshaw but no one can get on the end of it. Should have been 2-1 to Sunderland just 3 minutes after getting it back to 1-1, Mead certainly thought it was, so did the crowd as the Sunderland striker is put through in on goal again charging towards the box Moloney has to come dives as Mead pulls the trigger edge of her box the shot goes under her is rolling in towards goal, Mead has wheeled away to her left arm raised, Reading defenders racing back, can't get there surely, but they do the ball is dramatically cleared off the line or was it? Remains 1-1.

  Mead tries to take on the entire Reading defence on her own again driving with the ball pushed right, 3 defenders prove too much for her and Reading regain the ball. Staniforth longs to lift the ball over the Reading back line, Mead is after it again, Moloney comes out of her area stands firm to block the ball, gets taken out by her own player as Bartrip slides in to try and distract Mead. Reading make their 1st change with Lauren Bruton coming on for Charlie Estcourt on 60 minutes.

   Bruton makes an impact straight away in an advanced position is tripped as she makes a run towards the Sunderland box, 20 yards out right of the D it's Roche to take a brilliant free kick up and over the wall dipping late, an equally brilliant save from Laws scrambling across her goal to throw herself up and tip the ball over for a corner kick. Delivered towards the far post Sunderland clear, Reading regain the ball come again down the left the shot comes in Bruton with the strike, Laws makes the save again with her feet to stop the ball.

   Boho-Sayo is fouled on the right side half way inside the Sunderland half, Roche over the ball sends it in low towards the face of the area, is cleared  comes back out to Ward goes to shoot 20 yards out pulls the effort wide of goal. Bruton has made a difference coming on Reading seeing more of the ball in the final 3rd as the game enters the final 15 minutes. Laws comes out off her goal line to charge down another Reading shot put in from the left.

  The ball is played up into Mead who holds it up this time with Ramshaw wanting it put into her run as she overlaps down the right, surges on down the wing into the area, has Chaplin available central, goes for goal hits the ball, Moloney coming across to that side of her goal, beats the shot down into the ground and claims. End to end now into the final 10 minutes Reading break the ball coming to Ward on the left side puts an inviting cross into the box Boho-Sayo closing in on the ball far post connects can't get it on target.

  The goalkeepers have earned their money tonight pulling off some fantastic saves, at the death another brilliant save from Laws with Reading attacking late on down the left the cross is whipped in dangerous through the six yard box bouncing as it arrives far post, Follis has gotten in front of the defence, meet it, Laws coming across throws up her hands to make the instinctive save lifting the ball over for the corner. 

  Into injury time 3 minutes signalled. Bruton brings the ball on down the right into Follis who carries the ball on into the area goes to put the cross along the six yard box, Laws makes the save. Sunderland have the ball up the other end quickly played across to Mead outside the area left of the D, two strides to her right to open up the angle for a shot, pulls the trigger the ball spins away from goal. Late change for Reading with Nia Jones on for Ward.

   The final whistle blows and the points are shared. Reading's 1st in the top flight of women's football, have Moloney to thank especially 1st half, taking the lead came back strongly late in the 2nd half could have won it. So too Sunderland chances were there again Laws with some fine saves. A scrappy game to start the season the wet surface not helping ball control. Both sides meet again next Sunday at the Hetton Centre in the 6th Round of the FA Women's Cup.

   

   

   

Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v Chelsea Ladies

  The new season of FAWSL football continues this Thursday evening with another run up the A17 to watch my first match in FAWSL 1 in 2016 with Champions Chelsea Ladies travelling up to the Keepmoat Stadium to play newly promoted Doncaster Rovers Belles.

  Doncaster Rovers Belles are back in the top flight of women's football in England after a 2 year absence the reasons for their 'relegation' having been long discussed, the club has recovered on and off the pitch in that time keeping together to seal Operation Promotion in 2015, just pipped to the FAWSL 2 title by Reading FC Women on goal difference nevertheless went up as runners-up as FAWSL 1 expands from 8 sides to 9 competing in 2016 with another club being added in 2017 to make it 10 sides in both divisions.

 The newly promoted club has been busy in close season, investment has come in and the club will soon have it's own purpose built training facilty with a large number of their squad becoming full-time professionals for the 1st time. Manager Glen Harris has brought in a few new faces to the squad all bringing a different dimension to the side. Striker Natasha Dowie joins from Liverpool Ladies along with ex Belles player Becky Easton and Icelandic midfielder Katrin Omarsdottir. Jessica Sigsworth is back with the club after a season with Notts County Ladies. Young Arsenal Ladies starlet, Carla Humphrey is on loan to the club for the season and Anna Mooorhouse will provide the competition for Nicola Hobbs in goal. Australian, Alexandra Gummer on trial with the club during the close season will provide further options down the left side.

   Chelsea Ladies missed out on the title on the final day of the 2014 season, coming so close manager Emma Hayes recruited well during the off season to see her side lead the way from much of last season winning 10 of their 14 league matches

   The two sides met just 4 days ago at the Keepmoat Stadium, in the FA Women's Cup 5th Round. Chelsea knocking Doncaster out of the competition winning the game 4-1. Now they both begin their league campaign. Emma Hayes is a shrewd operator in the transfer market, happy to bring in experience to benefit the team as well as pick up younger players to develop. To that end they have brought in Karen Carney, with goalkeeper Becky Spencer also arriving from Birmingham City Ladies. Signed Millie Bright from Doncaster Rovers Belles last season have got another favourite with The Belles fans this season too, Bethany England who can play anywhere in the middle or attack and was instrumental in helping Doncaster to promotion last season. Another player arriving with huge potential is midfielder, Jade Bailey from Arsenal Ladies. 

  Busy at the Keepmoat Stadium tonight, along of people around, outside ground, and a lot of vehicles and cables around too with BT Sports filming the match live. Was a good night weather wise for the match felt like spring dry and clear.

  Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Nicola Hobbs, Emily Simpkins, Sophie Barker, Rhiannon Roberts, Leandra Little (C), Kasia Lipka, Sam Teirney, Becky Easton, Jess Sigsworth, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk & Natasha Dowie
  subs - Anna Moorhouse, Alexandra Gummer, Yasmin Mosby, Rachel Newborough, Izzy Little, Tilly Hallas Potts & Lauren Breen.

  Chelsea Ladies starting XI - Hedvig Lindahl, Hannah Blundell, Claire Rafferty, Gilly Flaherty, Niamh Fahey, Katie Chapman (C), Ji So Yun, Mille Bright, Bethany England, Karen Carney & Eniola Aluko.
  subs - Frances Kitching, Gemma Davison, Fran Kirby, Jenna Legg, Drew Spence, Jade Bailey & Laura Rafferty.

  Walking out under the lights at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Rovers Belles had a few players out through injury. Sue Smith most notable as she was in front of the camera doing punditry for BT Sports, missing too were Carla Humphrey and Katrin Omarsdottir with the bench filled with young development squad players. Dowie and Easton are both in the starting XI along with Sigsworth. Chelsea Ladies in contrast have a strong bench to compliment their starting XI which includes Carney and England making her 1st competitive start for the club in the wide attacking positions supporting Eniola Aluko. 

  It's Chelsea to kick of the match wearing their away colours white shirts and shorts with blue socks, Doncaster lined up opposite in their yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. There is little action inside the box in the opening minutes with both sides harrying each other on the ball in the centre of the park, neither able to get it down and play. Carney holding level with the shoulder of the last defender peels away running on into the area as the ball is sent over the top for her to chase, Nicola Hobbs in the Doncaster goal sees the threat and coming to meet Carney stays big does enough to keep her away from the ball.

Becky Easton

   5 minutes gone and Doncaster win the 1st corner of the match after a spell of sustained possession in the right deep inside the Chelsea half. The ball is whipped in with plenty of pace an in swinging ball into the centre of goal, Swedish International goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl punches the ball away. Breaking from right back, Chelsea's Hannah Blundell surges up the pitch looks to play the ball into the middle for Ji So Yun then continue on down the wing looking for the return ball, it doesn't come as the Korean star is tackled by Becky Easton playing in midfield tonight.

   Chelsea have their 1st corner of the match as captain Katie Chapman is put in on the right flank as she runs into the space behind, looks to send in a cross along the six yard line, Doncaster's Rhiannon Roberts intercepts heading the ball behind to concede the set piece. Carney to take the ball is flicked on by So-Yun but doesn't find anyone in a white shirt beyond as Doncaster bring it away.

  Aluko makes a run into get in behind as the ball is won in the middle the pass placed into her run right of goal heading for the area, Doncaster captain Leandra Little runs back to try and stop her as Aluko carries the ball into the box and hits it goal wards, a powerful hit Hobbs is beaten the rising ball past her smashes against the crossbar and over. 

   GOAL! Penalty for Chelsea following a surging run into the box on the right by former Belles player, Millie Bright is up ended by Little as she enters the box. It's Carney to take the spot kick. Hits it with plenty of pace the ball flying into the back of the net, right of the diving Hobbs who can't get near it. 0-1. 12 minutes played.

Karen Carney, gives Chelsea the lead from the penalty spot

  In defence for Chelsea, Niamh Fahey brings the ball on for the visitors with Blundell to her right setting on up the wing for a marauding run, gets the ball from Fahey and drives forwards pushing deep into Doncaster territory turns into the area, evading a half challenge to get in behind looks to fire her cross along the face of goal, squeezes pass Hobbs at the near post to reach England beyond the ball gets stuck under her feet, tries to flick it over the line with her heal the contact is soft the ball doesn't get very far before Hobbs is down to claim it.

  GOAL! Doncaster get back on level terms inside 5 minutes of falling behind. The attack starting in the middle of the park with Kasia Lipka tackling to win the ball play it quickly into Dowie ahead of her central, holding it up has Courtney Sweetman-Kirk calling for it on her left as she runs into space the ball is lifted over to her outside the area sends a fantastic cross in towards the far post area, Sigsworth leaps can't get her head to te ball comes at Claire Rafferty beyond with alot of pace she lifts a foot attempting to cut it out, ends up knocking the ball back down to roll across the face of goal and creep over the line, own goal 1-1.

   Carney has switched flanks with England coming across to the right side is played in by Aluko in the centre, running into the area with the ball, Little comes to her to try and prevent the cross, Carney with good foot work shifts it enough to get the cross around the Doncaster captain, her centre back partner Roberts is there beyond to cut out the ball. 

  GOAL! Time on the ball in the middle, Chapman has Blundell setting off on another surging run down the right. Sends a cross looping up towards the far post which is headed behind for a corner kick. Carney takes the set-piece on the left side comes in low towards the near post is turned behind for a 2nd corner. From this one Chelsea regain the lead Carney's delivery goes further this time picks out England who rises unchallenged in front of the six yard box to power her header into the back of the net 1-2. Her celebration is muted as she scores against her former club.

 

Karen Carney

Chelsea are starting to exert some pressure on the home side the crowd booing the ex-Belles players, fickle as both have been loyal and hard working for the club before moving on but you get that in football sure no true Belles fans were involved, 'Once a Belle always a Belle' is their motto. So Yun gets onto the ball straight from a Doncaster kick off left has Carney giving her the finger pointing to where she wants it as she makes her move to get in behind receiving it outside the box goes for the early strike lifts her shot over the crossbar. Aluko with superb close ball control inside the area turns Little inside out before sending her cross along the six yard box, Roberts is their to clear again, doesn't go far before ending up with Carney on the left shot from 20 yards out is on target this time, Hobbs is across her goal and has everything behind the ball.

   Flare up between Gilly Flaherty and Dowie as the striker is bundled over tries to hold onto the ball, Flaherty makes two stabs for it before players converge on them both the referee sorts it out has a word with Flaherty. From the resulting kick on half way the ball is swept up to Little on the edge of the area, right attempts to control the header knock it down across the six yard box drops wide at the far post. 

  Rafferty gets forwards down the left linking up with Carney before the cross is played into the box with Bright inside getting hold of the shot, sends her strike high over the bar. 5 minutes left off the 1st half Doncaster are working hard to close Chelsea down but doing so deep inside their own half are struggling to get it up to their attackers, Dowie seeing little of the ball.

  Blundell is in again down the right, acres of grass to run into, Sigsworth tracks back to attempt to stop the cross, Blundell evades her challenge turns inside into the box, Hobbs had started to come to support Sigsworth outside her goal composes herself as Blundell hits the ball, keeps her eye in it and claims well even as England comes flying in trying to get in front of her.

   GOAL! Little cuts out a cross from Carney putting the ball out for a corner kick. Deja Vu as with the previous goal the 1st corner is put behind by Hobbs at the near post. Carney sends the 2nd corner longer out towards the far post on the edge of the six yard box Chapman is the player to rise without challenge to head the back home to give Chelsea a 1-3 lead in the closing minute of the 1st half. 

Katie Chapman

   Carney stands the ball up inside the box sending it along the six yard line is just too high for England leaping far post. Chelsea come again Hobbs punches the cross away rolls ball to Carney on the left, rolls it towards Bright bursting forwards from midfield meets it 20 yards out sends her arrowed shot wide of goal.

   Sam Tierney is followed as she looks to get forwards for Doncaster central outside the area the ball is sent spinning away into the box the referee playing advantage, brings it back as Lindahl sliding in beats Dowie to the ball. Dowie to take the free kick curls the ball aiming for the top corner, close but not close enough as it sails behind for a goal kick, last action of the 1st half.

Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-3 Chelsea Ladies

   Doncaster conceding from 3 set pieces in the 1st half have invited Chelsea onto them a little bit too much which has made it hard to get anything going in the final 3rd themselves. Sweetman-Kirk and Sigsworth putting in a lot of work tracking back. Chelsea have used the ball well given time on it at the back the full backs have supported the attack and particularly down the right Blundell has gotten into some good crossing positions.

 

Natasha Dowie

Doncaster to get the 2nd half underway. A give and go between Lipka and Dowie in the middle sees the midfielder send the ball in behind the Chelsea defence on the right, no one has gambled as Lindahl comes to gather. Carney gets onto the ball down the right carries it forwards before squaring to Aluko central in front of the box hits the pass on the turn sending it out left to England looking to charge into the area, a timely interception by Simpkins beaks up the attack. 


   Chelsea are popping the ball about well short triangles before spreading the play wide to either Carney or England. The latter is sent away down the left again closing on the corner whips the cross into the area, Hobbs throws herself down to grab the ball mishandles, but recovers quickly to reclaim the loose ball with white shirts closing in. Another England cross is squared into the Doncaster area, Aluko 8 yards out has both Little and Roberts in front of her tries to curl her shot around Little, Roberts has it covered blocks the shot behind her. 

  Flaherty and Dowie square up again the Chelsea defender furious as the decision goes against her, gets a long talking to from the referee whose not interested in her protests. The free kick is send it from the wide left position into the Chelsea box the visitors defend comfortably. Sigsworth and Lipka combine on the left as Doncaster attack keeping the ball between them eventually working Sigsworth into a good crossing position the ball is fired in along the six yard line Dowie coming near post twists and stoops trying to get her head on the ball doesn't connect Sweetman-Kirk closing in central can't get anything on the ball either as Chelsea scramble it away for a corner kick. Is another good delivery send in under the crossbar, again Lindahl is confident in the take on her line. 

  A double change for Chelsea, with Carney and Flaherty coming off, Gemma Davison and Fran Kirby enter the contest with 25 minutes left on the clock. The double substitution sees Millie Bright take up a defensive role along side Niamh Fahey. Fahey is the 1st player booked as she goes in rashly on Lipka, players from both sides come together the referee calls Fahey to him and brandishes the card.

   Little defending gets her head onto a Davison shot from distance heading for the top corner takes it wide for a corner kick. Chelsea pressing So Yun travelling into the box from the right, shoots firing the ball across the goal, Barker is back clears the ball off the line at the far post. Sigsworth is working hard up top not only to help defend but try and get something going for Doncaster, taking the ball on into space in front of the Chelsea defence is one on one with her old team mate Bright, a heavy touch as she tries to push inside the area gives Bright the chance to reclaim the ball. 

Ji So-Yun on the ball for Chelsea Ladies

   Free kick to Doncaster after what looked a fair 50/50 challenge on the right side, Roberts to play the ball into the area, Dowie makes a run looking to get across the keeper as Lindahl comes, never takes her eye off the ball claims well. Change for Doncaster as Tierney is subbed off with Rachel Newborough coming on to make her debut for the 1st team. Chelsea make their 3rd change with 15 minutes left sending on Jade Bailey for England. 

  Space for So Yun in the middle, takes advantage of it inside the Doncaster half, Kirby ahead of her right of the D wants it put into her body, controls and looks to turn drive into the area, Barker is in close proximity and tackles well. 

  GOAL! Davison pulling away to the right with the ball as Chelsea build up an attack cuts the ball back into the area, So Yun leaves it travels onto Aluko free inside the D wraps her foot around the ball and strokes it home into the goal to make it 1-4 with less than 10 minutes to play.

   Easton come off for Doncaster as they send on another youngster with Yasmin Mosby introduced to the action in the closing minutes. Kirby ends up on the ground inside the box after she and Aluko try to exchange passes inside the Doncaster area Kirby in from the right puts it back to Aluko, wants it back his challenged by Little as she receives the ball no foul Doncaster bring it out but are stopped as the referee blows for the trainer to come on for Kirby. 

Jess Sigsworth challenges Chelsea's Claire Rafferty

   Kirby is okay back on receives the ball from Davison in the middle as she brings it on, Kirby sends the ball wide left to Aluko with Rafferty going through on the overlap puts her cross along the six yard box, comes to So-Yun 3 yards out tries the back heel, doesn't get any pace on the ball, Hobbs is able to see it in time and throw herself on the ball.

  That's it the final whistle blows and it's as you were on Sunday at the Keepmoat Stadium Chelsea winning 4-1 to get their 1st 3 point haul of the new season. Good game played well having the movement and energy to keep Doncaster busy inside their own half. Scoring from 3 set pieces, look in good shape as they begin the defence of their title.

  A disappointing result for Doncaster in their 1st league game back in the top flight conceding from the 3 set pieces far from ideal. Still plenty to suggest they will be okay in the FAWSL this season a break now until their next match thing's to work on and getting players back to fitness. A record breaking night for attendance too at the Keepmoat Stadium for The Belles, 1165 coming to watch great to see and a testament to the work put in behind the scenes.

   

Match Report - Sheffield FC Ladies v Durham Women FC

  Starting my 2016 FAWSL adventure with a match in league 2 to see the new kids on the block Sheffield FC Ladies as they welcome Durham Women FC to Sheffield FC, The Home of Football.

  New blood entering the FAWSL the first side to do so through promotion from the FA Women's Premier League. Sheffield FC Ladies, Champions of the FAWPL Northern Division in the 2014/15 season playing in a play-off match with the Champions of the FAWPL Southern Division that same season, Portsmouth FC Ladies. A last gasp winner from Sheffield FC Ladies, Lisa Giampalma seeing Sheffield FC Ladies win the match and win a place in FAWSL 2 in 2016.

  That was back in May 2015 and since then the club has had a long wait to play a competitive match. Plenty of time to prepare for life in the new league, had announced the arrival of former Sunderland AFC Ladies head coach, Mick Mulhern as first team manager, however Mulhern has since left the club for personnel reasons with Zoe Johnson taking over the role. 

     With Mulhern in charge the club had been busy recruiting new faces to add to their squad to compete in the FAWSL, bringing in England youth international, Sherry McCue previously captain of Aston Villa Ladies, joining McCue from Aston Villa Ladies is defender, Emily Owen. The back line is further strengthened by the arrival of Emma Lipman who was released by Manchester City Women. Goalkeeper Jules Draycott comes to the club having had a spell at Notts County Ladies along with winger Emily Roberts who was on loan at Doncaster Rovers Belles last season helping them to promotion. Midfielder, Hannah Dale comes to Sheffield on loan from Liverpool Ladies, With two young forwards bolstering the front line, Hannah Cain and Chelsea Flanagan. 

   Lisa Giampalma one of Sheffield FC Ladies longest serving players announced her retirement but the club retains a large portion of the squad that won the FAWPL Northern Division for 2 successive seasons following Sunderland AFC Ladies joining the FAWSL in 2014, will be hoping they can follow in their predecessors footsteps and achieve promotion to FAWSL 1 with 1st and 2nd going up in 2016.

  Their opponents tonight in the opening match of the league in FAWSL 2 are Durham Women FC. Part of the original FAWSL 2 line up when the 2nd tier of the women's super league was introduced in 2014, The Wildcats were along with several other sides took time to adjust to what was a new beginning. After a solid 1st season had looked to build on that last season with a top half finish ultimately fell short in 7th place, however this time around feel they are stronger and better prepared their aim is to break into the top four. 

  Have added some new faces to their squad bringing players in from the North East clubs surrounding them, goalkeeper Megan Borthwick to add competition for Helen Alderson. Plus two from Sunderland AFC Ladies, Sarah McFadden who played a prominent role in getting them promoted to FAWSL 1 as well as defender Becky Salicki who has been out injured for a long period. Have a young squad overall and have retained the services of most who played in 2015.

  The FAWSL 2 league has a different feel about it as it enters it's 3rd season, before it contained a strong pair of favourites for promotion, AFC Sunderland Ladies in 2014, Reading FC Women and Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2015. Two more go up this season and it's not so easy to call, relegated Bristol City Women will be looking to bounce straight back, whilst Everton Ladies and Yeovil Town Ladies look good bets. Could either of tonight's sides emerge as a dog horse as the season develops.

   The Home of Football is the venue tonight. Was busy around the ground tonight plenty of people turning up to see Sheffield FC Ladies opening game. A good non-league ground, a large pitch with a seated stand behind one goal, a covered terraced area along side one side opposite the dugouts, club shop, and hot and cold refreshments available. Backing onto the ground is the Coach and Horses pub for any thirsty fans to gather before and after the match. A cool and clear spring night to welcome the start of the FAWSL season let's hope it continues.

  Sheffield FC Ladies starting XI - Claire Wallhead, Emma Lipman, Lynn Goodman, Billie Murphy, Danielle Cox, Kerry Parkin, Sherry McCue, Ellie Gilliatt, Rhema Lord-Mears, Carla Ward (C) & Jodie Michalska.
  subs - Emily Own, Hannah Dale, Chloe Dixon, Emily Roberts & Jules Draycott.

  Durham Women FC starting XI - Helen Alderson, Ellie Christon, Becky Salicki, Sarah Wilson (C), Sarah McFadden, Rachel Lee, Beth Hepple, Natalie Gutteridge, Amelia Pereira, Jordan Atkinson & Nicky Gears.
  subs - Megan Botherwick, Chloe Macek, Sarah Eadon & Nicola Gibson.

   It's Sheffield to kick off the game wearing red shirts, black shorts and socks with Durham lined up opposite wearing and all blue kit. Sheffield have 2 of their new signings starting, Emma Lipman in defence at right back, Sherry McCue in the centre of midfield. Likewise for Durham who have both Becky Salicki and Sarah McFadden starting at right back and central defence. Play starts down the flanks both sides playing it long for their wide players to chase, out left for Sheffield, Ellie Gilliatt full of pace with an early drive at the Durham defence can't get the better of Salicki. Same for Jordan Atkinson for Durham wide left her attempt to drive with the ball on the right s brought to a halt by Lynn Goodman.

   Sheffield attack bringing the ball down the right over half way is lifted high into towards Jodie Michalska in the middle 20 yards out flicks the ball on with Gilliatt making the run in behind on the left looking to get onto the end of it as she bursts into the area her shot is blocked at close range by McFadden. The action is end to end both sides attacking and countering attacking with pace and purpose. Sheffield get themselves another corner, is cleared by Durham striker, Kicky Gears back inside her area to help defend the set piece, Sheffield regain the ball, out on the left the cross is swept into the area, Durham keeper Helen Alderson punches it away near post the ball dropping to the edge of the area Gilliatt is looking to connect, hits it hard the ball is charged down as Durham block.

   In attack Gears is making herself available across the front to receive the ball, peeling away to the left Natalie Gutteridge plays the ball into her path, Gears takes it on carrying it inside looking to get into the Sheffield area, isolates herself against Billie Murphy tries to shift the ball to find half a yard for the shoot the Sheffield central defender times her tackle perfectly to win the ball. Gears comes again with the ball this time sends the pass out to the right with Atkinson bombing on, whips her cross in towards the near post Sheffield's Danielle Cox defends the near post area tracking back the ball out for a corner kick. 

   Gutteridge is inside the box as Durham win a throw deep inside the Sheffield half the cross is lofted high in towards the area right a couple of yards inside, Gutteridge tries to pull off an acrobatic overhead kick, meets the ball as she falls, manages to get it on target, but without any power or height is an easy take for Sheffield keeper, Claire Wallhead. 15 minutes played a corner kick for Durham on the right a good delivery from Beth Hepple sees the ball met by their captain Sarah Wilson rising unchallenged at the near post looks to head the ball across the goal put it in far side, Wallhead is well placed to gather the headed ball into her body.

   Up the other end Alderson is called into action to make a save, Michalska is released down the left side into the channel a powerful run sees her surge into the area closing in on the byline she get's her shot away under the sliding defender looking to block the shot fizzes in near post, Alderson is down quickly turning it behind for the corner kick. Wilson rises highest inside the Durham box to get the ball away for the visitors. Sheffield enjoy a spell of sustained possession inside the Durham final third winning a succession of corners 1st left, then on the right side the ball is cleared up the halfway line, Sheffield getting it ball lay it out right to the corner taker Gilliatt coming to receive, looks to come inside 20 yards out and release her shot, get's it on target low bouncing along the ground doesn't trouble Alderson.

  Wilson setting up to cut out a Sheffield through ball on halfway rings the ball on has Gutteridge back to goal 25 yards out ahead of her puts the ball into her moving right wanting it back, get's it as Gutteridge spins off her marker looking to get inside the area, Wilson tries to put the ball back into her, Cox has closed Gutteridge down and gets a foot on the pass to break up the move. Durham's Rachel Lee is getting time on the ball in the middle, has good movement in front of her Gears central with Pereira and Atkinson on the flanks. Plenty of energy on show from both sides is seeing the match played at a furious pace, that is seeing several attempted final balls getting wasted. 

   Counter attack from Sheffield, Lipman on the right winning the ball and lifting it up to Michalska central tries the flick on again with Gilliatt coming in from the left behind her, the bounce of the ball just won't fall for her inside the D, gives Durham's Salicki a chance to get hold of it and clear. The ball is sent up the right with Gears racing after it takes it on before taking on the early shot 25 yards out wide the ball flashes across the Sheffield area and out for a goal kick far side of the goal. Hepple latches onto the ball after a frantic passage of play from both sides trying to get control of the ball in the centre of the park Hepple gets hold of it on halfway and powers her way forwards unleashes a shot 20 yards out, gets plenty behind the ball, is close but flashes wide of goal.

   Michalska is clipped as she looks to turn on the ball and play Gilliatt down the line on the left side, the referee plays advantage with Gilliatt on the ball taking it to the byline, shows good footwork to make space for the cross, bodies between her and the goal however Wilson is back to cut it out. Rhema Lord-Mears comes inside to join the Sheffield attack the ball helped on to her by captain Carla Ward Lord-Mears heads it wide to Gilliatt who looks to header the ball back across into the middle with Michalska breaking into the area, McFadden gets her head on the ball before the striker.

   GOAL! 2 minutes of normal time left in the 1st half and the deadlock is broken. Durham have possession of the ball on the right inside the Sheffield half, getting onto the ball Atkinson turns in field and carrying the ball in towards the Sheffield area sends a curling shot across the goal and into the far corner 0-1.

   Time at the end of the 1st half for Lee to pick up the 1st yellow card of the night following a robust challenge on Ward in the middle but at half-time it's the visitors who lead.

Half-time Sheffield FC Ladies 0-1 Durham Women FC

  Durham get the 2nd half underway as the attendance is announced as 474, a good crowd getting behind the teams under the floodlights. Sheffield win the ball back early put it down the right for Lord-Mears the ball is played into the area Michalska gets something on it the ball ends up behind for a goal kick. Not long after Michalska a shot blocked by Salicki as she looks to come inside from a left position. Early pressure applied by the home side the ball put long as Durham look to counter, sees Michalska run clear after the ball, Alderson has to come racing out of her area to kick the ball clear her kick is charged down by the Sheffield no 9 rebounds off her up into the area beyond but away from goal, Salicki is 1st to it and clears. 

   Wilson plays a high ball up on half way into the area with Gears inside looking to control, good defending from Lipman as Gears tries to play in Pereira coming in from the left. Kerry Parkin in the middle of the pitch for Sheffield releases Michalska down the right channel, a powerful run on the ball she wraps her foot around the shot, firing the ball in towards the near post, good save from Alderson down quickly momentarily loses the ball but recovers.

   The frantic nature of the game is seeing both sides lose the ball and no one is interested in keeping hold of it looking for the quick release stretch the opposition. Ellie Christon has been making good runs from left back for Durham all game looking to join in the play linking up well with Pereira ahead of her, getting forwards crosses into the area, Cox rising get's her head onto the ball to clear with Hepple coming in beyond her. Ward has a pop for a good way out rolls through to Alderson. End to end the ball is played through the centre Hepple putting it up for Gears into the box looks to bring it down on her chest and hit on the turn, her touch is a little heavy the ball running away from her giving Sheffield the chance to defend.

   Best chance of the night for Sheffield to get back on level terms with play developing down the right side players are drawn across, Lord-Mears right of the area see's Gilliatt is free over on the left side inside the box plays a great pass into her six yards out she looks to meet the ball as it lands has all the goal to shoot at, the contact is heavy the ball is put high and wide. 

  Corner kick for Sheffield on the left a great ball is put into the six yard box dropping amongst bodies in front of goal a scramble for the ball, Alderson saves twice putting her body in the way to save on the line even as the Sheffield fans behind the goal went up in unison to celebrate. Play is halted as in the melee Durham have a player down on the goal line with a head wound, blood, it's Gutteridge who needs lengthy treatment with 20 minutes gone. Needs to replace her shirt and returns to the field heavily bandaged up. 

  Sheffield make a change bringing on Hannah Dale for McCue with 15 minutes left plus what will be a long period of injury time following treatment for Gutteridge and now Gilliatt who is hurt as she builds up a head of steam and collides with the defender coming across her. Despite her head wound Gutteridge is putting herself about, spreading play out to the right as Gears demands it be fed into the channel she races after it getting in behind Sheffield, flashes a cross through the six yard box, Pereira is trying to get in at the far post just beyond her reach. Chloe Macek comes on for Durham replacing Pereira.

  Gutteridge goes up for a header, and you're thinking 'don't do that!' but she does anyway but her efforts bring her side a corner kick as Goodman is forced to concede with Gears on her shoulder inside the area. The ball is half cleared to the edge of the area, Gears gets hold of it looks to turn and find space for a shot, shifts it left the right, scuffs the final ball rolls tamely through to Wallhead. 8 minutes of injury time to be played. Late possession is with the visitors as Sheffield can't get anything to stick up top, Atkinson down the line for Gears on the right the pass is heavy however the attacker gets hold of it closing in on the byline cuts the ball back in towards goal, Wallhead is covering her near post doesn't go beyond her. 

  Late into the game Sheffield are piling players forwards, the ball played down the line for Lipman ahead of play in the right does well to win a corner kick. A fantastic delivery swinging into the centre of goal, Alderson makes a brilliant save falling on her line the ball threatening to creep in under the bar, punches it away to the edge of the area, Macek tackles to put the ball out for a throw. Late into the game Atkinson comes off for Durham as they introduced Nicola Gibson to the action. Lipman sends a high ball into the Durham area, McFadden under it puts her headed clearance out to the edge of the area, Dale latches onto it but fires wide.

  Final action of the match as Durham hold on to win the game 1-0 courtesy of Jordan Atkinson's 1st half strike to open their 2016 FAWSL 2 campaign with 3 points. Put in a solid performance Wilson and McFadden with a solid base at the back to build from. Sheffield FC Ladies had the chances to get themselves at least a point and will be disappointed to start with a lose but look good will have no problems competing in FAWSL 2 this season. Both sides know they gave the ball away too much.

   Enjoyed my 1st FAWSL game of 2016 another ground ticked off will no doubt venture back up to Sheffield again. My thanks to the club for the hospitality and help tonight always appreciated.

  

  

Match Report - Bury Town Ladies v Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies

  A trip to Walsham Le Willows FC to watch a semi-final match in the Suffolk Women's County Cup contested between Bury Town Ladies and Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. The incentive not only to reach the final but also the opportunity to play at Portman Road home of Ipswich Town FC.

   Bury Town playing their football in the ERWFL Division One East, have made it into their 2nd successive Suffolk Women's County Cup semi-final and will be hoping to go one better and reach the final this time around. Receiving a bye in the 1st round of the competition. In the 2nd round were drawn away to Suffolk Women's Division side Witnesham Wasps Ladies won the game with a double figures score 11-0 to make it to the quarter finals where they were drawn at home to the leaders of the Suffolk Women's Division, East Bergholt United. Another clean sheet winning the match 4-0 to book a spot in the semi-finals.

   Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies formed 2 season's ago, compete in the Norfolk Women's Football League, in Division Two where they are undefeated and on course for promotion. Just over the boarder in Suffolk they qualify for the County Cup competition. A bye in the 1st round like Bury Town were drawn at home to Suffolk Women's Division side Leiston St Margarets Ladies, won big racking up a 14-0 win. Were awarded a home win over Brantham Athletic Ladies in the quarter finals to advance to the semi-finals.

  Today's match is being played at a neutral ground, Walsham Le Willows FC. A multi-purpose sports ground that has seen some and has on going renovation work a new seated stand along one side of the pitch between the dugouts. A good sized clubhouse in one corner. Pitch looked a little worn in places but is that stage of the season has seen alot of football. A bright dry day few clouds around, got all the way here and realised I'd left my coat at home, good job it was the start of spring.

  Bury Town Ladies starting XI - Charlotte Osborne, Jennifer Grey, Mia Banbury, Laura Bloomfield, Lisa Pratt (C), Norma Locker, Kate Silva, Gabrielle Whitehurst, Shelly Cocksedge, Laura Brame & Gemma Carter
  subs - Steph Hanratty & Shelby Beveridge.

  Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies starting XI - Shauna Brunton-O'Neill, Peta Belson, Maria Palmer, Nikki Wigg (C), Sue-Lyn King, Samantha Brown, Gemma Farman, Jodie Fewkes, Jody Wells, Sophie Martin & Selina Rowland.
  subs - Sarah Meades, Lisa Sissen & Jordan Harris.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Both teams usually play in blue, virtually identical kits, unfortunately this hadn't been communicated to either team before the game. A solution was found Kirkley & Pakefield would done the Walsham Le Willow FC men's shirts, red in colour with yellow trim with yellow sock tape placed around their blue socks and it's Kirkley & Pakefield to kick off the 1st half.

  Is a quiet opening to the match the play congested in the middle 3rd over on the far side of the pitch to the stand. Both sides trying to release players down the channels, Bury play it long with Laura Brame making the run on the left, looks to thread a diagonal ball across the area for Gemma Carter on the opposite side, reaching the ball tries to cut it back across the six yard box before it runs out of play slices it behind for a goal kick.

Kirkley & Pakefield's Peta Wilson modelling their improvised oversized kit

  Bury are enjoying more of the ball early on as Kirkley & Pakefield get used to playing in red, Selina Rowland plying through the centre is the focal point of their attack Gemma Farman looks to send her through on goal centrally, Bury central defender Laura Bloomfield is on her shoulder goes to ground to make the tackle and wins the ball back. 

  A spot of head tennis inside the Kirkley & Pakefield half sees the ball put over the top of the defence with Brame racing clear after the ball, goalkeeper Shauna Brunton-O'Neill is out to the edge of her area gets there 1st to kick clear. Brame has the ball out left in the next attack getting to the byline her attempted cross is deflected behind for a corner kick. Swung in towards the far post the target Norma Locker rising to meet the ball clatters into Kirkley & Pakefield captain Nikki Wigg as she meets it the referee stopping play Wigg needing treatment, but is able to return to the pitch.

  Kirkley & Pakefield are starting to get themselves into the contest, counter attack with Jodie Fewkes bringing the ball out from the back up the left has Rowland coming across offering support the throw is won taking quickly releasing Rowland up the right wing drives on with the ball crosses it in towards the near post, Bloomfield racing back intercepts puts it behind for a corner kick. 

  Much of the play is taking place on the far side of the pitch the right for Bury as they bring it forwards winning a throw the ball is played in field before being launched in towards the far side of the area, Kate Silva is wide left for Bury runs onto the ball into the area going away from goal does well to cut a shot back in towards the post rising, Brunton O'Neill has got across to cover the angle and is well placed to make the save holds onto the ball. 

  Kirkley& Pakefield break the ball put into Rowland inside the Bury half turns inside the circle and takes on the bury defence, shifts the ball between her feet left, right travels to the edge of the area then pulls the trigger the ball arrows in towards goal rising Charlotte Osborne keeping goal for Bury is beaten the ball smashes against the crossbar and bouncing down doesn't cross the line, Sophie Martin racing up the left for Kirkley & Pakefield tries to get to the on the follow up, Jennifer Grey is back with her wins the tackle for Bury.

  The bar is rattled again moments later, Kirkley & Pakefield breaking up another Bury attack bring the ball out into Rowland, tries to help the ball on with Jody Wells making the run in midfield to get beyond her Bury get bodies in the way of the ball however it is deflected out to the left side with Martin in the clear, Osborne had started to come the the edge of her area sensing the threat through the middle is back peddling as Martin takes on the shot 25 yards out, flies over the keeper strikes the crossbar and bounces back into Osborne's gloves as the keeper gathers.

  After Bury's early dominance on the ball, Kirkley & Pakefield have grown into the game and it has become a much more even contest. Playing the ball out from the back left side Bury captain Lisa Pratt sends Silva away down the left wing taking the ball into the corner shifts it to get half a yard on her marker before delivering a cross into the six yard box, Carter making a great run far post, Brunton-O'Neill gets down in front of her to claim the ball.

  Everyone is inside the Bury half bar Brunton-O'Neill as Kirkley & Pakefield win a series of throws on the right, the ball is put into the centre, cleared back to Wigg just over the halfway line her pass forwards clears everyone puts Rowland through springing the offside trap to run in towards the area get after it, Osborne races out towards the edge of her area sliding in saves at the strikers feet.

   Bury taking the ball up the right win a corner. The ball is flighted in towards the near post side of goal for Locker to meet 10 yards out, rising heads the ball down into the ground, on target bouncing up Brunton-O'Neill saves, flicks her left hand out to turn the ball wide for another corner, this one towards the far side is defended. 

  Brunton-O'Neill has to make another save off her own player this time around with Carter carrying the ball on down the right side again for Bury, lifts a high ball into the box near post, Wigg is under it heads the ball up into the air going behind her is in danger of dropping down centrally just under the bar, Brunton-O'Neill keeps her eye on it touches it over the bar. 

  Bury's turn to hit the crossbar, build up on the right again Carter with Gabrielle Whitehurst moving the ball down the channel the pass is cut back into the middle of the park with Mia Banbury racing to get onto the end of the ball 25 yards out connects well the ball flies towards goal, nothing Brunton-O'Neill can do except watch it sail past, smashes against the bar down into the area, Fewkes getting to it 1st before it can be turned home out for a corner.

  GOAL! 5 minutes before half-time and the dead lock is broken. Bury win another corner kick on the right. The ball is send in head head height in towards the front of the area the target is Locker coming towards the ball meets it with a bullet header that flies into the back of the net 1-0.

Norma Locker scores the opener for Bury

   Late attack for Kirkley & Pakefield with Fewkes charging up the pitch wins the ball in the middle and lays it out to the right into space with Rowland calling for it, 25 yards out looks to drive towards the area its the shot early, Bloomfield getting across the line of the ball turns it behind for a corner. The ball is fired into the area a chest height angling across the six yard box, Osborne isn't distracted by Fewkes closing in on her as she sees the ball comfortably into her midriff.

Half-time Bury Town Ladies 1-0 Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies

  A good contest in the 1st half 2 sides working hard play has been congested to the right ending up out of play inside the roped off cricket square for the groundsman's liking. Both sides have hit the woodwork with stinging strikes, Bury have targeted Locker with almost every corner eventually one paid of as she got the goal to give them the slender advantage going into the 2nd half.

  Bury to kick off the 2nd half make a change at half-time with Locker the player coming off, Shelly Beveridge coming on takes up a central attacking role. Kirkley & Pakefield defender Sue-Lyn King winning the ball brings it out from the back laying her pass into Wells on half way she is tripped as she looks to release Rowland through the centre the referee brings it back for the free kick with no advantage on offer. Wells plays the free kick long into the box, Martin gets onto the ball but has strayed offside.

  Martin turns provider of Rowland in Kirkley & Pakefield's next attack threading the ball through the Bury defence to put Rowland clear to attack the area coming in from the left side trying to hit across the ball on the run slices it into the side netting. Bury make a 2nd change with Shelly Cocksedge coming off, Steph Hanratty coming on. 

  Wigg has been clattered inside the box again needing treatment Kirkley & Pakefield make a change Peta Wilson coming off with Jordan Harris coming on joining the defence. Brame attacks down the left side for Bury getting in behind her marker taking on the eraly shot from the corner of the area pulls it wide of the near post. Brame on the ball again carries the ball into the area this time getting closed down puts her foot on the ball and turning looks to hit the ball in across goal for Beveridge to head home, plays it too close to Brunton-O'Neill who claims the ball.

  Farman puts a fantastic ball through the middle dissecting the Bury defence with Rowland racing through in behind into the area Osborne comes towards her one on one Rowland looks to lift the ball around the keeper with the outside of her boot, drops to the floor with her head in her hands as the ball rolls agonisingly wide of the post.

  Kirkley & Pakefield introduce Lisa Sissen to the action with Martin having a rest. Bury have Kirkley & Pakefield stretched a quick build up through the middle see's Whitehurst put the ball up into Beveridge 20 yards out back to goal holding it up Brame makes a run for her on the left side rolls the ball into her path Brame sends the cross/shot along the six yard box, no one following in far post the ball rolls wide out of play. Cocksedge returns to the field for Bury with Bloomfield off.

  Wells is playing closer to Rowland up top now the two linking well causing Bury some problems, Wells looks to pass the ball into the box for Rowland peeling around the back of the Bury defence edge of the area, the initial pass is cut out but still squirms in behind, Rowland is after it the angle against her goes to shoot put the ball across the face of goal runs out the far side.

  GOAL! Just under 20 minutes left and Kirkley & Pakefield get themselves back on level terms. The ball is played out from a Bury goal kick doesn't get much clearance is won back 25 yards out and prodded forwards Wells is onto it racing clear to attack the area hits it early low and hard into the bottom corner of the net 1-1.

Jody Wells races through to equalise for Kirkley & Pakefield

 Bury have to deal with a spell of Kirkley & Pakefield pressure heads up after scoring the goal win a series of corners that are defended, Bury finally get the ball back into their opponents half winning a throw on the right the ball is played across the middle lofted up into Cocksegde central she slices her shot 20 yards out the ball spins wide to Silva she hits it in towards goal King gets across to clear.

  Bury are conceding a few free kicks in the middle and this is giving Wells the opportunity to launch it in towards the area, the target this time is Rowland looking to peel in behind as the ball drops, Brame gets in across her run to intercept the ball, clear the area for Bury. Late on Rowland and Wells have switched with the no 8 moving into the more advanced role. Rowland puts the ball through with Bury pushed up on half way far too much for Wells to do to reach the ball before Osborne can come out get to it 1st.

  Into the last 5 minutes of normal time, Bloomfield is back on for taking the place of Pratt as they switch to 3 at the back. Brilliant save from Osborne late on to keep Bury in the game as the ball is won in the middle Farman putting Rowland away through the centre, Banbury is win her but can't foul as they enter the box, Osborne having initially started to come back onto her line as Rowland shoots throws out a glove to her right to turn the shot around the post for a corner kick. The corner is swept in long towards the far post Wigg up from the back rises but turns the ball behind with her header.

  That's it the referee brings an end to the 90 minutes and the semi-final heads into extra-time.

  

Extra Time

  It's Bury who get the extra half hours play underway. Bury have the early ball but can't find the final ball into the area. Kirkley & Pakefield bring it out from the back a rapid counter move Fewkes putting the ball into Rowland's feet has Wells already on the move behind her looks to put the ball into her run, Bury's Hanratty lunges and cuts out the pass. 

Kirkley & Pakefield bring Wilson back on with Harris coming off. Bury have increased their tempo, the game has an urgency to it both sides are looking to score in extra-time. Sissen is put away down the left for Kirkley & Pakefield her cross too close to Osborne the keeper gathers. Sissen comes off with Martin going back on.

  Cool as you like from Brunton-O'Neill on her goal line as Bury's, Carter whips in a cross from the right a high ball with Beveridge and Silva running in either post in between the goalkeeper palms it down with one glove and gathers the bouncing ball. The 1st period of extra time comes to an end.

  Kirkley & Pakefield get the 2nd period underway. Pratt is back on for Bury who attack down the right Carter twisting and turning works the ball free for the cross squares it in for Beveridge, but Brunton-O'Neill gets in front of her to pluck the ball down. 

  Few players starting to cramp up. Wigg has been clattered all match, is a little more serious can't continue, Sarah Meades comes on. Kirkley & Pakefield have a free kick on half way the ball is played early with Martin away on the left side coming inside looking to get onto the end of it as it drops in the area, Osborne gets to it 1st Martin collides with her accidentally the keeper down keeps hold of the ball. Martin again for Kirkley & Pakefield rolls her marker on the left and drives with the ball down the line crosses into Rowland inside the box left sweeps her cross along the sx yard box Wells is there to head it in far post but is flagged offside even as Osborne saves it.

  GOAL! Another free kick is given away by Bury wide on the right half way inside their half, Wells over the ball sends it in towards the near post bouncing across the six yard box Kirkley & Pakefield have runners coming in and one of those is Sophie Martin who connects to turn the ball home and give Kirkley & Pakefield the lead with barely 4 minutes of time left on the clock 1-2.

Sophie Martin wins the game for Kirkley & Pakefield

  Defend like crazy for the closing minutes Bury can't get hold of the ball haven't much time left hold out and celebrate as they win the game 2-1 in extra-time to go through to the Final of the Suffolk Women's County Cup and the fantastic opportunity to step out and play at Portman Road. 

  A good contest for 2 hours both side battled hard, work rate was superb a late extra-time winner the difference. 

   Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies will face current holders Ipswich Town ladies after they beat AFC Sudbury Ladies 1-0 in extra-time themselves to go through to the Portman Road Final scheduled for Monday 23rd May with a 7pm KO. I will be there.

  Congratulations to Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and best of luck in the final. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today.