Match Report - Norwich City Ladies v Lowestoft Town Ladies

  A midweek trip up the A47 to watch a local derby match from the FAWPL South East Division One with Norwich City Ladies battling to avoid relegation hosting already relegated Lowestoft Town Ladies at Plantation Park under the lights.

  The bottom 2 in the league both have had a difficult season. Most FAWPL fixtures completed just a handful of games remain but for Norwich City Ladies their final 2 league games are must win fixtures, know what they have to do if the want to assure their safety in the league after results at the weekend 2nd bottom are 5 points from 10th placed Stevenage Ladies with 2 home games against Lowestoft Town Ladies tonight and Luton Town Ladies on Sunday to come maximum points needed. 

  Come into the ground off the back of a heavy home loss to Actonians Ladies on Sunday. Have been at the wrong end of the table all season, have lost players to injury notably captain Kate Parsons who will be on the sidelines for some time to come, her experience a huge loss to a squad alot of young players coming into the 1st team this season, plenty of talent and potential throughout. 

  Like Norwich, Lowestoft Town Ladies have experienced a difficult and testing season. At the bottom of the table for much of the campaign. Off field problems, 3 managerial changes, players coming and going their relegation was confirmed at the weekend as they lost to Enfield Town Ladies only 2 days after playing in the Suffolk Women's County Cup Final to Ipswich Town Ladies. Ending a 2 season's playing FAWPL football.

  Like their opponents tonight have plenty of young players in their squad, thrown in at the deep end somewhat, stronger for it however, a solid core of players to regroup and rebuild around. Tonight's game the last of their season, a local derby raise themselves one last time and end on a high.

   Half expected this game to be called off however as heavy rain was forecast for Norfolk this Wednesday coming in from the west, was soaked at work rain pretty much falling all day, but travelling east along the A47 it was clear to see the area approaching Norwich had see alot less rainfall. Was dry at the ground, although that wasn't going to last. The large pitch at Plantation Park looked in good nick solid under foot and dry. Dark clouds making for a dull night the rain was coming.

 Norwich City Ladies starting XI - Fiona Coombes, Brooke Osborne, Bryony Radley, Grace Parker (C), Millie Daviss, Jodie Drake, Paige Shorten, Aimee Durrant, Kyla Love, Natasha Snelling & Chelsea Garrett.
 subs - Elle Swift, Emily McErkert, Erin Wilson.

 Lowestoft Town Ladies starting XI - Eilish Brogan, Lyndsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall, Lilly Bueggein, Abbie Everson, Cassie Craddock, Ciera Flatt, Amy Evans, Kayleigh Steed, Tiffany Forshaw & Hannah Waters. 
 subs - Ellie Froud, Gemma Moore & Lacey Andrews.

   It's Lowestoft to get the 1st half underway tonight wearing  an all blue kit with white trim. Norwich lined up opposite wearing green shirts with vertical yellow piping, yellow shorts and green socks. Norwich get hold of the ball early on Jodie Drake winning it in the middle played out to Aimee Durrant who looks to play a high ball up through the middle from striker Natasha Snelling to run onto, dropping to towards the top of the Lowestoft area, defender Abbie Everson watching the ball carefully volleys it clear .

 GOAL! Isn't long before Snelling finds her way in on goal as Norwich take the lead in the 4th minute of the game the ball won in the middle pushed on into Chelsea Garrett, puts the ball on her pass splitting the Lowestoft defence, Snelling getting a half yard ahead is on the ball taking it towards the top of the box, shoots sending a low drive past goalkeeper Eilish Brogan into the bottom corner of the net 1-0.

  A strong start to the game from Norwich, closing the ball down left side Kyla Love brings it on up the wing inside for Garrett, looks to turn inside get into the area is stopped by Lowestoft's Lyndsey Adams. A burst of pace from Durrant on the right wing for Norwich knocks the ball on getting in behind left back Charnelle Riggall, the defender recovering well getting back on the winger as she enters the box putting in the tackle nudging the ball out to concede the 1st corner of the game. 

  Paige Shorten on the corner fires a pacey ball into the six yard box missing everyone near post, Lowestoft clear the ball coming back out to Shorten at the top of the area, putting it back into the mix, Garrett gets up to put her head on the ball knocking it down across goal, Brogan can gather easily as it lands in her six yard box. Bryony Rapley carries the ball on for Norwich from the back on the left sending it on for Durrant as she runs in behind whips the cross into the area Brogan taking the catch above her head.

 GOAL! Norwich extend their lead with just 8 minutes played, the ball contested in midfield a shot is unleashed from distance, falling short of the mark Brogan is coming out towards the top of her area to gather, slips as she does so, not having full control of the ball Garrett racing in on the follow up connects with the ball sending it into the back of the empty net 2-0.

  The rain begins to fall the sky darkened noticeably the floodlights are switched on. Ciera Flatt is fouled inside the Norwich half right of the area as she tries to put the ball on into the path of captain Hannah Waters peeling into space on the right. Over the set-piece the ball is fired in towards the near post skipping up off the surface Norwich goalkeeper Fiona Coombes gets something on the ball but not bringing it under control can't prevent the ball running out for the corner kick. The delivery hit with pace into the near post area is knocked up into the air, dropping to the top of the box Lowestoft's Tiffany Forshaw onto it brings down well and turning strikes the ball her shot charged down.

  Norwich attack the ball with Rapley played on into Shorten finding room in the middle helps the ball on to Durrant already on the move wide right in behind crosses from deep the ball fired across the six yard box no runner coming in central finds Snelling beyond the far post, places her shot wide of the far post. Snelling has her shirt pulled as see tries to run through into the box as Garrett hooks the ball on into the area, the referee awarding the free-kick. Shorten over it smashes the ball into the Lowestoft wall looping up and on into the area, players attack the ball Lowestoft defend as the referee spots an infringement and awards the visitors the free-kick.

 Norwich dominating the opening 20 minutes, Love and Durrant coming on well on the wings, Durrant in particular finding her way in behind again cuts the ball back towards the top of the area Garrett inside with the deft lay off for Daviss coming on doesn't get a firm connection on the ball. Opportunities limited up the other end for Lowestoft, but Norwich are playing a high line room for strikers Forshaw and Waters to get in behind if the ball can find them, Waters breaks as the pass is put on for her to chase, no flag is clear on goal right side knocking it on Coombes comes racing out of her area sliding in makes the save as Waters smashes the ball against her deflecting it wide across the pitch cleared on the left. 

  Norwich captain, Grace Parker makes a vital tackle to deny Waters again as she aims to get onto a ball played on over the top from Cassie Craddock moving left Parker closing her down putting the ball out for a throw in. Norwich come on attacking Love inside to Shorten her strike from distance not troubling Brogan. A corner out of nothing for Norwich on the right the ball is cleared out of the six yard box comes to Durrant on the right miscues her cross slicing it away from goal however the ball is sliced behind for another corner as Lowestoft's defence goes to clear it. A great delivery from Shorten flashing across the six yard box players gathers far post the shot comes in the ball blocked on the line by the defender covering the post, skips up for Brogan to claim as she gets across her goal.

 Coombes with another blocking save at the top of her area as Waters is put on through the middle holding off Drake, the goalkeeper sliding in bravely taking a knock as the ball is stopped. A throw won on the right put into Forshaw fires it into Waters feet, lays the ball into the middle with Flatt bombing on striking the ball from all of 30 yards getting plenty on the shot the ball rolls wide across the box out for a goal kick.

 GOAL! 30 minutes on the clock and Lowestoft pull a goal back having been on the back foot early on. Coombes comes running out a long way outside her box seeing the threat as Flatt threads the ball through the Norwich defence with Waters timing her run in behind perfectly the keeper going to ground 30 yards from her goal does enough to thwart Waters as she goes to hit the ball, loose however Coombes scrambles to her feet back peddling to get back in her goal, is Forshaw who gets hold of the ball knows the keeper is off her line, doesn't rush the shot however taking time to knock it to her right opening up a yard of space to shoot fires the ball past Coombes who can only turn see the ball hi the back of the net 2-1. 

  A throw won on the left for Norwich as Brooke Osborne comes forwards to support Love. Love has the ball as her feet going on up the left rolls it on into the area with Snelling in behind, the keeper coming, Snelling stretching lunges for the ball manages to knock it past the advancing keeper but sees her shot run wide of the goal beyond.   
 GOAL! From 2-0 down Lowestoft come back to level the scores the ball from Everson into Flatt her pass into Forshaw left side over halfway helps it inside with Waters getting in behind the Norwich defence taking it on towards the box, Coombes comes racing out to the edge of her area to slide in and make the block as Waters goes to strike the ball. Both grounded the deflection comes straight to Flatt 20 yards out right side of the D, strikes the ball into empty net to make it 2-2.

  Durrant with more good running on the right wins Norwich a corner kick the delivery from Shorten is just over the leaping Garrett near post, dropping into the middle Parker stooping to head the ball puts it straight at Brogan the goalkeeper claiming the ball. Love coming forwards with the ball left side cuts infield lifts the ball on for Durrant right side just inside the box brings the ball down well on her chest and volleys it into the middle, Daviss helping it on falls to Snelling closing in on the far post her shot looping up spins away from goal.

  Playing a high line the Lowestoft attackers know Coombes is likely to be off her line if the ball can be played into them quickly, the rain falling heavily Kayleigh Steed on the left puts the ball on for Lowestoft the defensive header falls straight to Forshaw in front of the centre circle striking the ball early sends it looping up into the air, has Coombes in trouble the goalkeeper back peddling rapidly the ball dropping late bounces off her crossbar.

  Lilly Bueggein makes a god interception as Durrant goes forwards tries to pick out Snelling inside the area, the ball back with Durrant puts the diagonal ball long towards the far post Garrett throwing herself at it can't connect from close range the ball running wide.

Half-time Norwich City Ladies 2-2 Lowestoft Town Ladies

  All square at 2-2 at the break, Norwich could easily have had the game wrapped up out of side starting superbly going 2-0 up inside the opening 8 minutes had good chances to extend the lead might have gone 4-0 up. Lowestoft found a way back into the game, Waters often played as a lone striker getting support up front tonight with Forshaw the strikers have been a threat both natural goalscorers taking advantage of Norwich's high line with Coombes prepared to come and go in bravely to stop the ball. Forshaw on hand to put the ball home from distance, Flatt levelling it up at 2-2 the 3 points there for the taking for either side. 

  Norwich to get the 2nd half underway the rain still falling persistent, sorely needed the dry pitch drinking it up. Lowestoft press the ball early getting possession in and around the box, Rapley defends as the ball is played into area by Flatt. Winning a throw high on the left the ball is put over the top Waters getting in behind the Norwich defence into the box on the left, Coombes makes a fantastic save to deny her as she comes to close Waters down the striker trying to head the ball past her Coombes flying in grabs the ball bringing it down into her body as the drops.

  Lowestoft have the momentum bringing the ball on up the left Steed inside for Waters in behind once again left side Coombes with another great save sliding in to block her effort grounded however the ball goes straight to Flatt outside the area, her 1st time shot is on target, Love with good work getting round on the cover heads the ball off her goal line to keep the scores level. Flatt and Craddock combine in the middle for Lowestoft the shot from distance by Craddock flies wide of the Norwich goal.

  Coombes is keeping Norwich in the game with Lowestoft coming on again makes another vital save as Forshaw steals in on the ball getting in past the Norwich defence into the box the goalkeeper racing out to meet the striker slides in saving well with her shins the ball cleared up field is helped on by Drake on wide right with Snelling in space, shoots on the angle, the crowd go up to celebrate thinking it's in however her shot has run wide behind goal. All action at the start of the 2nd half. 

  Flatt is clattered by Parker the referee awarding the free kick. Flatt okay after treatment the set-piece is a dangerous position 22 yards out left of the D. It's Craddock to take going for goal gets the ball over the wall dips late but lands on the roof of the net. Norwich absorbing the early attacks from Lowestoft begin to find a little more time on the ball Shorten picking Love out on the left side pushes forwards looking to get into the area, Adams comes back on her does well to shield the ball from the winger giving Everson the opportunity to get across a play it away.

 A double change for Lowestoft switching both their wide players, Evans ad Steed coming off, Gemma Moore and Ellie Froud coming on. Garrett with a strong run with the ball on the right side getting into the box wins a corner as Bueggein comes to challenge. The corner flashes through the six yard box no one from either side able to get a touch. Coombes comes racing out of her area again as Waters gets in behind the goalkeeper just managing to win the race for the ball outside her box, Forshaw after it again, this time is very quickly closed down.

  Adams tackles winning the ball from Love as she looks to link up with Shorten coming on with the ball. On the opposite side Riggall does a good job cutting out the crossfield ball from Drake left trying to put Durrant in behind on the right.An opportunity for Garrett to go for goal as the ball is fed into he from the left central top of the area slices her strike wide of goal. Shorten is brought down on the left flank, the ball put long towards the far post inside the box, Adams defends for Lowestoft.

   Coming forwards Durrant plays the ball on for Garrett moving into space on the right, plays the ball into the area for Snelling near side her lay off finds Drake outside the box hits the shot first time powering the ball in races wide past the far post. Into the last 15 minutes, Norwich's turn to make a double switch, bring off Daviss and Osborne. Ellen Swift and Erin Wilson coming on. Swift to join the attack Snelling dropping deeper, Wilson a straight swap at the back. 

 Another good tackle by Adams at right back for Lowestoft, as Love drives at her with the ball tries to cut inside the defender putting her foot in takes the ball cleanly. Up the other end Parker closes down Forshaw as she looks to bring the ball down carry it through the centre into the box. 

 GOAL! Into the closing minutes, Norwich need to win to keep their hopes of guaranteed safety in the league alive pushing on down the left the ball inside to Snelling the attacker is brought down around 25 yards from goal, left Brogan sets up her wall as Durrant comes across to take. Is a fantastic strike as good a free-kick as you'll see, right behind it as Durrant hits the ball up and over the wall moving quickly curls away from the diving Brogan as she throws herself across and into the top corner of the net. Durrant starts to run away in celebration but her shirt is grabbed and hauled to the floor is buried under her celebration team mates 3-2. 

 Little time left Lowestoft conceding a late goal having put in a good 2nd half performance push bodies forwards, Norwich regain possession the ball put down the left wing Shorten tries to hold it in the corner, Adams wins it for Lowestoft plays it up field but having just scored Norwich have found the extra energy win the ball back.

 GOAL! Norwich make sure of the 3 points as they hit Lowestoft on the counter the ball on from Snelling finding Love in a central position her touch knocking the ball in behind the defence into the area the keeper coming stays composed slides the ball past her into the goal beyond 4-2.

Full time Norwich City Ladies 4-2 Lowestoft Town Ladies

4-2 the final score Norwich get the 3 points taking them onto 13 points, 2 points behind Stevenage, play Luton Town Ladies at home on Sunday knowing there fate is still in their hands victory will see them safe. An entertaining local derby played in good spirit in the pouring rain, however the players for the whole were determined to stay on their feet play the ball around. Norwich getting off to the perfect start two early goals might have led 4-0 at half-time instead Lowestoft fought back to level it at 2-2. The visitors working really hard started the 2nd half well and might well have taken the lead themselves but for some excellent and brave goalkeeper from Coombes. The winning goals coming late on Durrant's free-kick a top quality strike. Love's the icing on the cake although a little unfair from Lowestoft's point of view having pushed so well 2nd half.

SWF Blog- Player of the Match

  Tonight's SWF Blog - Player of the Match goes to Norwich City Ladies goalkeeper Fiona Coombes making so very important saves, rushing out of her area when called upon going in bravely, keeping her side in the game early 2nd half as Lowestoft created some great opportunities in on goal.

  My thanks to both clubs for the team details tonight.

Cup Final Report - Haringey Borough Women v Cambridge City Ladies

 Onto the 2nd Final of the day at the County Ground, Letchworth the ERWFL Cup Final. Will be a league and cup double for whoever wins the trophy this afternoon with Premier Division Champions, Haringey Borough Women taking on Division One Champions, Cambridge City Ladies.

  A great season for both clubs at the top of their respective leagues all season going all the way to win the title and promotion. For Haringey Borough Women it was a poignant triumph to win the ERWFL Premier Division doing so for their former manager Steve Browne who tragically lost his battle with cancer over the New Year. The squad clinching the title with a final day win against challengers Acle United Ladies to achieve promotion to the FAWPL above for the 1st time in their history, now the chance to make it a double success with the league cup.

  So to for opponents Cambridge City Ladies however after they won the ERWFL Division One title in their 1st season playing at regional level following promotion as Cambridgeshire Women's Premiership Champions last season. Just the one defeat on their way to the title wrapped it up with 4 games to spare. An ambitious club are looking to follow Haringey Borough Women's success and reach the FAWPL. A good test of their credentials taking on the Champions from the league above.

Road to the Final

  All the sides from the ERWFL's two divisions enter the League Cup competition. The Division One sides contesting the 1st two rounds, the Premier Division sides entering in round 3.

  A Bye for Cambridge City Ladies in the 1st Round were drawn away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies in the 2nd Round a 1st half goal from Charlotte Gillies enough to send Cambridge City into the 3rd Round. Faced fellow Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies from the Premier Division away from home Cambridge advanced to the quarter finals with a 3-0 victory.

  A trip to Norfolk in the quarter finals to play eventual Premier Division runners-up Acle United Ladies. Won through to the semi-finals with a narrow 2-1 win to reach the semi-finals and another tough test away to another Premier Division high flyer AFC Dunstable Ladies. Bronte Rapley and Bella Simmons with the goals to send Cambridge City into the final.

  Haringey Borough Women were drawn away to Colchester Town Ladies in the 3rd Round, after a goalless 1st half strikers Klesha Darroux and Julia Carruthers both scored to seal a 2-0 win to put Haringey Borough into the quarter finals. 

 Were awarded a home win over Division One side Silver End United Ladies to advance to the quarter finals where they were away to Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies holding their own in 3rd place in the Division One table following promotion this season. Haringey Borough proving to strong in the end wrapping up a 4-1 win to reach the final.

  A 2 hour window between today's finals giving me the opportunity to devour a bacon sausage and egg bap very tasty it was too. All the cloud had burned away it was a hot sunny afternoon for the League Cup Final at the County Ground. 

  Haringey Borough Women starting XI - Cherkish Young, Brooke Hills, Shernelle Francois, Roisin Cormack (C), Robyn Reardon, Shaydean Gorman, Morgan Lundberg, Karesha Iton, Anele Komani, Klesha Darroux & Julia Carruthers.

  subs - Roxanne Eshun, Shanice Nourrice, Jaidene Brown, Martina Stankova & Stephanie Cooper

  Cambridge City Ladies starting XI - Tee Mhunduru, Amy Reed, Lauren Tomlinson, Becca Fay (C), Robyn Phillips, Emily Reed, Sarah Mosley, Grace Stanley, Charlotte Gillies, Stacey Fullicks & Bella Simmons.

  subs - Saffron Henry, Carla Penny, Rachel Pearce, Izzy Broadbent & Philippa Witherspoon.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 The sides gather on the centre circle before the match a minutes silence, Haringey wearing black armbands with their former managers name on. Cambridge to kick-off the ERWFL Cup Final wearing white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Haringey opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. A good atmosphere building the Haringey supporters in good voice willing their team on. 

  A competitive start to the match the ball pinging back and forth between the sides Anele Komani picking the ball up in the middle puts it over the top for striker, Julia Carruthers in behind, Cambridge goalkeeper, Tee Mhunduru off her line early gets to the ball 1st. Cambridge send the ball long out to the right Charlotte Gillies fouled in the corner gets the free-kick. Played into the box Haringey goalkeeper, Cherish Young claims at her near post.

 GOAL! Haringey take an early lead in the final the ball quickly releases by Young is helped on through the middle, Darroux after the ball bouncing high on the hard surface drifting right into the box gets the wrong side of the defender can't hold her off the striker seeing the ball into her feet smashes her shot low and hard past the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

An early set back for Cambridge push on with the ball down the right from the restart Emily Reed on for Sarah Mosley then Gillies down the line a spell of possession the ball rolled back to Mosley top of the area 20 yards out right side, shoots puts her strike wide of the near post. Komani receiving the ball from Morgan Lundberg goes forwards tries to put it on for Darroux again central into the box, Cambridge's Robyn Phillips gets in front of the striker this time shields the ball as Mhunduru comes to gather. 

  Bella Simmons up top for Cambridge sees the ball into her feet back to goal central 30 yards out rolls her marker sending Grace Stanley away on the left taking the ball down the line looks to turn inside get into the area, Haringey captain, Roisin Cormack closing her down cuts out the cross and clears. A free-kick for Cambridge inside the Haringey half in front of the centre circle captain Becca Fay over the ball looks to go for goal plenty of power behind her shot Young isn't troubled however as it flies past her right post.

  A free-kick for Haringey inside their own half wide right, Brooke Hills over it plays it into Komani who spins in behind the Cambridge defence right side taking the ball on into the box reaching the six yard box goes to shoot a vicious strike, Mhunduru makes a superb save with her leg going to ground the ball deflected out for the corner kick. Before the corner can be taken the trainer is called on with Komani down in the box, injured has to come off Jaidene Browne comes on.

Cambridge City Ladies goalkeeper
Tee Mhunduru

 GOAL! Haringey double their lead as the corner kick by Hills from the right is played long across the six yard box falling to the far post, power and accuracy on the header by Darroux arriving late sends the ball home to make it 2-0.

  15 minutes played Haringey look dangerous going forwards, Stacey Fullicks tracks back to tackle Lundberg as she looks to play the ball into Carruthers go on beyond her. Keeping the ball Haringey win a corner on the right, Hills with another long deliver, Emily Reed gets her head on the ball for Cambridge. Lauren Tomlinson fouls Lundberg as she looks to get away on the right the set-piece half way inside the Cambridge half Hills on it puts it up into the box, Mhunduru calls and gets up to claim.

Bella Simmons fouled by Robyn Reardon as she tries to protect the ball

   Fay sends the ball up field for Stanley on the left her first touch sends her in behind the Haringey defence wide of the area, Cormack recovers the ground well getting in on Stanley to play the ball out for the corner. The delivery towards the top of the area is gathered by Mosley looks to put it back into the six yard box, Robyn Reardon wins the header for Haringey knocks it out to the right, Simmons on it takes the ball into the area before shooting her low strike in towards the near post saved by Young.

   GOAL! Haringey go straight on the counter attack getting players forwards as Cambridge look to get back into position from the corner, the diagonal ball put long out to the right is send long into the box Karesha Iton arriving unmarked meets the ball on the volley far post buries it into the back of the net 3-0. 

Haringey's Karesha Iton up to win the header

  3 goals conceded after the opening 20 minutes Cambridge are well and truly on the back foot, manager Tim Rapley calls for a positive response, getting the ball out to Gillies on the right she takes it down the line twisting and turning back inside the lay off for Mosley a long way out meets the ball on the volley puts the shot wide of goal. 

  Haringey get in behind on the right Browne taking it on plenty of pace, into the box Tomlinson recovering well manages to close her down just as she goes to shoot the strike swerves away from goal out for the goalkick. Tomlinson wins the ball of Lundberg on the left puts it long for Stanley to go after running into space Cormack coming to close her down concedes the corner kick. Curled in towards the near post the low ball strikes the post and goes behind. 

Cambridge City Ladies, Lauren Tomlinson

  A turn and shot from Iton inside the D as the ball is put into her by Lundberg from a throw in on the right her shot up over the crossbar. Cambridge make their 1st change, Simmons coming off up top Phillipa Witherspoon coming on. Browne latches onto a goalkick from Cambridge right side lays the ball inside for Carruthers knocked up into the air the striker looks to strike the bouncing ball as it falls 25 yards out her looping shot sails over the crossbar.

  Lundberg has taken a knock hurt her arm or shoulder is taken off, Roxanne Eshun coming on for Haringey. Cambridge make a change at the same time Saffron Henry coming on for Emily Reed. Another knock for Haringey's Shernelle Francois a few minutes later sees her replaced by Shanice Nourrice. Haringey are awarded a free-kick inside the Cambridge half, central, Hills to play it forwards into the top of the area, Klesha Darroux is through on goal as the Cambridge defender going to clear the ball slips, the Haringey attacker stabbing the ball up off the surface outside the six yard box lifts her shot up over the goal. 

  Browne strikes the near post from close range as she cuts into the area from the right the ball out for a goalkick. Nourrice looks to take the ball past Tomlinson down the line the left back with a robust tackle takes out the winger and the linesman as she crashes into him, Nourrice coming off the better on her feet, it takes the linesman several minutes to get back to his feet. From the resulting free-kick Hills sends the ball in towards the top of the box, knocked out to the left Darroux sends in back into the middle, Iton onto the ball is flagged offside.

Haringey Borough Women's
Shanice Nourrice

  Haringey finish the 1st half strongly the ball from Nourrice into Carruthers through the middle in behind, shoots as Mhunduru comes racing out to close her down, the ball past the keeper she might have gotten her fingertips in the ball, enough to take it wide of her empty net beyond.

Half-time Haringey Borough Women 3-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  A fantastic start to the 1st half from Haringey Borough Women sees them in control of the ERWFL Cup Final with a 3-0 lead could have added more goals power and pace players on the move early when possession is regained at the back, Cambridge have been on the back foot as they looked to find a response, a lot of work to do if they want to find a way back into the game 2nd half. 

  A change of personnel at the start of the 2nd half the linesman injured late in the 1st half not returning, a replacement available as one of the officials from this mornings Plate Final is still in the ground. A change too for Cambridge with Fullicks substituted, Carla Penny on taking up a left attacking position with Stanley now in behind Witherspoon through the middle. Haringey to get the 2nd half underway. Amy Reed wins the ball for Cambridge plays it up towards Witherspoon lays it onto Mosley 25 yards out her 1st time strike is wide. 

  Cambridge press forwards early 2nd half the ball towards the D, Stanley and Witherspoon try the one two get the free-kick a dangerous position left of the D, Penny over the ball lines up a shot her attempt over the bar. Pushing forwards Cambridge have to watch they aren't caught on the counter attack Reardon with the ball plays it up to Eshun who looks to slide Nourrice through into the box right side, Mhunduru is rapidly out sliding in to claim the ball at the attackers feet. 

Haringey Borough Women's, Robyn Reardon

  A fast tempo to the beginning of the 2nd half, Nourrice with a driving run with the ball down the right wing whips the cross into the area cleared by Phillips at the back for Cambridge, getting it up the other end a throw deep on the right played long into the area by Henry, cleared by Hills, trying to bring it forwards Amy Reed comes onto the ball getting hold of it pushing forwards lifts it up in to the box, dropping for Witherspoon the striker turns as the ball falls puts her foot through it, straight at Reardon who makes the block. 

Cambridge City Ladies striker, Phillipa Witherspoon

  Amy Reed is fouled wide on the right wing as she gets forwards with the ball the set-piece is played long into the box Penny coming in far post plants her header wide of the goal. Mosley comes on with the ball evading a challenge space for Gillies to move into right, Mosley picks her out getting into the box her low drive is hit hard, Young right behind it gets down holds onto the shot. A change for both sides Komani returning to the field for Haringey in place of Caruthers. Tomlinson off for Cambridge, Izzy Broadbent on. 

Amy Reed bringing the ball forwards for Cambridge City Ladies

 A chance for Haringey to extend their lead Komani in the thick of the action as soon as she returns to the pitch the ball into her feet slides it on for Carruthers into the area left side of goal, is closed down by Reed stabs her shot narrowly wide of the post. A give and go between Gillies and Stanley through the middle, Gillies with the shot from 25 yards out Young scrambling across her goal sees it whistle past the top corner of her goal.

 GOAL! The high tempo from Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half has caused Haringey some problems not as able to bring the ball out from the back now it brings them the goal they were looking for the ball fired into Witherspoon inside the box back to goal control and strikes it on the turn, straight at Reardon the defend with instinctive stab to try and clear the ball puts it straight into Stanley's path far post the no 11 blasting the ball into the back of the net, quickly retrieving the ball and running back to the centre circle. 

  Has been a bit of niggle between the sides throughout some strong challenges both sides up for it however the referee keeping a lid on things. Midway through the 2nd half Cambridge make a double switch, Simmons coming back on along with Rachel Pearce, Witherspoon and Mosley the players taken off. Haringey send Darroux back on for Hills. Iton picks up a knock and is replaced by Francois.

  Eshun comes off for Haringey, Lundberg back on as Cambridge pile everyone forwards a 2nd goal their for the taking would get them right back into the final have switched to 3 at the back now. Play is stretched Cambridge win a corner of Cormack taken from the right Haringey scramble it away near post launch a counter Browne bursting forwards moving right her cross looping up into the area cleared by Fay. 

  Fay over a free-kick on the left delivers the ball into the top of the area, Lundberg headers clear for Haringey. Haringey have some of the loudest supporters I've heard at a women's game in a long while, they are loving it willing their team on. Hills comes back on in place of Nourrice for Haringey. Simmons gets bowled to the ground in the middle players go forwards into the box from the back for Cambridge, Stanley to put the ball into the mix falling to Fay on the penalty spot the Cambridge captain puts her head in her hands in despair as her turn and strike goes over the bar. Lundberg is injured again in alot of pain holding her arm has to come off, Iton comes back on.

  GOAL! Late into the game desperate to find a 2nd goal Cambridge are hit on the counter to concede a 4th goal, Haringey getting Komani in behind on the right travelling towards the box, Mhunduru comes racing out of her area looking to kick the ball away, miscues her strike putting off Komani as she falls the grounded keeper knocks the ball away from Komani before she can recover unfortunately the ball rolls straight into the onrushing Iton 25 yards out an empty goal to aim at she doesn't miss 4-1.

  Into stoppage time Cambridge keep going get the ball down the other end have a corner on the left, Henry gets her head on the ball knocking it down inside the six yard box Haringey clear.

  GOAL! Penalty! Haringey launch a rapid counter attack players from both sides racing up the pick put on for Komani she drives into the box, Henry gets back on her but leaning in brings the attacker down and the referee points to the spot. Browne to take it, roars in celebration and it buries under her team mates as she powers the ball into the corner of the goal 5-1

Jaidene Browne lets out a roar as she scores from the penalty spot late in the game

Full time Haringey Borough Women 5-1 Cambridge City Ladies

 Not long after the final whistle blows and Haringey Borough Women complete a league  cup double winning the ERWFL Cup Final 5-1 to cap off a great season one for their former manager looking down upon them. A strong performance 1st half had Cambridge on the back foot right from the start with a 3 nil lead in control of the final. Cambridge did rally 2nd half and put in a great effort to try and fight their way back into the game scored had other chances only to be hit on the break with 2 goals as they sacrificed space at the back. 

Haringey Borough Women celebrate their league & cup double after the final whistle

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

 A determination about Haringey Borough Women today to get the job done and win the double, that spirit shown throughout the side none more so than Jaidene Browne she is the SWF Blog - Player of the Match.

 Congratulations to Haringey Borough Women on a memorable season winning the ERWFL Premier Division and League Cup. 

A tribute to former manager Steve Browne the Haringey players and supporters releasing balloons into the sky

 A great 1st season playing at a higher level for Cambridge City Ladies too, winning the Division One title and getting all the way the League Cup final.

 An entertaining League Cup final to cap of an enjoyable if long day out at Letchworth. My thanks to both clubs for their help with today's teams and to the ERWFL committee members for their help today. Three cup double Sunday's in a row I'd sleep well tonight if I didn't have two match reports to write up! But you know I love it really.

Cup Final Report - Colney Heath Ladies v Hutton Ladies

  Another busy Sunday on the Supporting Women's Football Blog heading to the County Ground, Letchworth for this season's ERWFL Final's day, 1st up an 11am kick-off for the Plate Final between Colney Heath Ladies and Hutton Ladies.

  The Plate competition for the sides from ERWFL Division One in it's various guises over the past few seasons that don't go beyond the quarter-finals of the league cup, Colney Heath Ladies have reached the last 3 finals in succession, runners up in the previous two will be looking to go one batter this time and win the final. Have grown as a side over those past 3 season's having had their best season to date clinching 2nd place in the Division One table.

  Will play Essex side Hutton Ladies this time around into their 1st ERWFL Plate Final have had an up and down season in the league flirting with the top 4 at one point fell away in the end to eventually finish 9th. Behind on their fixtures have had competitive football right up to this weekends final. Colney Heath have kept thing's ticking over with friendly matches over that same period.

Road to the Final

Beginning with the quarter-finals this seasons plate competition saw Colney Heath drawn at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies edged the score 3-2 to reach the semi-finals. Opponents Ipswich Wanderers Ladies couldn't field a team for the semi-final Colney Heath advancing without kicking a ball to the final itself.

  A Bye for Hutton Ladies in the quarter-finals were drawn at home to Stevenage Ladies Reserves in the semi-final always looked a close contest on paper and proved so on the day the scores level at 2-2 after 90 minutes the semi-final went into extra-time, Hutton Ladies finding the winning goal to make it into the Plate Final.

 The County Ground in Letchworth, Hertfordshire once again the venue for this season's ERWFL Finals. The large grass pitch has seen alot of cup final action recently but with the unusually dry weather in April has held up well looks in good shape a large pitch. The mainstand providing covered seating down one side behind the dugouts the bar situated at one end the Pukka Tukka trailer the other 1st stop upon arrival for a bacon bap. Rain to start the day however this was clearing and the sun warming things up a slight breeze chilly in the shade.

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI - Amy Mullett, Kelly Hancock, Adrienne Milton, Rachel Sherlow, Kelly Glynn, Kirsty Feasey, Lucy Hancock, Annie Hickey, Sophie Joseph (C), Holly Sheridan & Christina Freestone.

 subs - Jennifer Mansfield, Sammy May, Molly Slade, Eustacia Randles & Victoria Allen.

 Hutton Ladies starting XI - Krissie Glover, Kirsten McLeavy, Amy Crumpler, Kelly Roberts, Rianne Dimmock, Amy Reed, Kaitlin Sugg, Hannah Page (C) Kate Lowen, Hayley Critchell & Laura Allen.

 subs - Sam Kuski.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An 11am kick-off for the Plate Final, Hutton to get the match started 1st half wearing red shirts with white across the shoulders and collar, with red shorts and socks. Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts. A quiet start to the game both sides looking to put the ball out wide test the others back line. 

  Hutton's Kate Lowen goes after a high ball put forwards by Kaitlin Sugg  out to the right wing is tracked by Colney Heath's Adrienne Milton makes the tackle putting the ball out for a throw deep in the corner. From the throw the ball helped on loops up into the area Sugg has the ball headed into the side of her face as the Colney Heath defence win the header comes back out to the right the return ball into the box cleared by Rachel Sherlow. 

"We'll have that!"

  A positive start from Hutton pressing Colney Heath for the ball inside their own half, win a corner on the right, then the left side the inswinging ball striking the post coming back out into play is scrambled clear. Colney Heath get the ball wide out to the right winning a throw high up the pitch the cross is fired into the six yard box behind the strikers attacking the ball, Amy Reed gets the ball out of the area for Hutton goes straight to Lucy Hancock all of 30 yards out central, meets the ball sweetly with her boot sending it arrowing back in towards goal, Krissie Glover in goal for Hutton can't stop it strikes the crossbar smashed down into the six yard box, Colney Heath striker Christina Freestone is on it in a flash gets her foot up to met the ball in the air is straight at Glover into her body the keeper gets a firm grip on the ball to save.

Colney Heath Ladies striker, Christina Freestone knocks the ball on into the box

  Colney Heath continue to come on with the ball 10 minutes played Milton is fouled by Hutton's Amy Crumpler wide left on halfway the ball played up into the box is headed away by Rianne Dimmock a throw in the left the ball played up into the area Freestone strikes it as it falls at her feet is blocked deflected behind a for corner. Hutton defend look to break, Anne Hickey tackles to regain possession in the middle the ball on into Freestone takes a pop from distance her curling shot only finding the goalkeeper.

  Colney Heath captain, Sophie Joseph holds the ball up as it is played into her feet on the left, Milton goes past her on the overlap the pass finding her her cross into the box finds Freestone near post, looks to find room for a shot no way past Hutton's Kirsten McLeavy marking her closely put back out to Joseph arriving left side of the box the ball is played back into the area, knocked back out centrally comes to Hickey strikes the ball from outside the box the shot whistling over the crossbar.

Colney Heath Ladies captain, Sophie Joseph

  A vital interception from Hutton's McLeavy at the back as Freestone seeing the ball into her feet 30 yards out turns spotting Holly Sheridan on the move on the right, had the ball found her would have been one on one with the keeper. A competitive start, Hutton do't want Colney Heath to settle on the ball as working hard to hustle the ball. Get up the other end Lowen winning a corner on the right the ball sent in near post is cleared by Colney Heath's Kelly Hancock. 

  Milton and Joseph link up on the left side going forwards the cross played in early across the top of the area finds Sheridan on the right outside the area, leaning back as she goes to strike the ball sends her shot across goal looping up starts to dip, not enough to fall under the crossbar. Hutton make an early switch Sam Kuski coming on for Reed midway through the 1st half. 

  A great chance for Colney Heath to open the scoring in the Plate Final as Hickey bringing the ball on through the middle puts it into Freestone before bombing forwards getting the ball returned to her left outside the area, Hutton's Kelly Roberts goes to ground making the tackle, The ball isn't away Hickey wriggles clear with it in behind into the area, looks to pick her spot across the keeper coming to close the angle, Glover makes a fantastic stop with her leg to deflect the ball away across her six yard box. 

Annie Hickey wins the header under challenge from Hutton's Sam Kuski

  Colney Heath continue to create chances as they look to break down a stubborn and organised Hutton defence, Kirsty Feasey carries the ball on through the middle evading a challenge plays a great ball into Sheridan moving to the right into the box is closed down by Kuski as she goes to shoot the ball put a yard wide of goal. Amy Mullett has been little troubled in the Colney Heath goal Glynn and Sherlow winning most thing's in front of her.

  The same two players involved as Colney Heath come forwards again this time it's Sheridan with the ball taking it down the left puts the cross in along the top of the Hutton area runners coming on from midfield, Feasey arriving right side hits the ball 1st time straight at Glover in the Hutton goal the keeper claiming the ball. Kelly Hancock joins the build up on the right side going on with the ball cuts it back into the area Sheridan just inside shoots from the angle again the shot goes straight into Glover. 

Front of picture, Colney Heath Ladies, Kirsty Feasey

  Into the final minutes of the 1st half Colney Heath are stepping it up a level looking to find the break through, Dimmock and Roberts closing down any attempt made to get though the middle. If Colney Heath find a way through the shot is going straight into Glover the keeper well positioned throughout. Feasey plays the ball on for Sheridan with acres of space to run into on the right, puts the ball into the area, Roberts clearing for Hutton in front of Freestone.

Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 0-0 Hutton Ladies

  Goalless at the break as the two sides head back to the dressing room. An intriguing 1st half, Colney Heath on another day might be leading 3-0 however Hutton have defended well kept a good shape and Glover has been in the right place everytime Colney Heath have gotten a shot away from the edge of the area. Little opportunity up the other end Critchell and Lowen getting on the ball left and right trying to thread the ball through the middle Colney Heath's centre backs, Kelly Glynn and Sherlow have converged quickly to close the door in front of goal. All to play for 2nd half. 

Colney Heath Ladies, Annie Hickey tackling Hutton's Amy Crumpler

 Colney Heath to get the 2nd half underway. Attacking down the left the cross is cut out cleared by Dimmock, Kelly Hancock picks it up coming forwards down the right, cutting inside rolls the ball into Feasey, time to line up a shot from 25 yards out, same as in the 1st half is straight at the keeper Glover making a comfortable save. Hickey comes forwards with the ball into the middle has Sheridan drifting out wide right top of the area plays the ball into her, she puts it into Freestone inside her right of the d 20 yards out her shot is blocked by Hutton's Roberts rebounds back out to Hickey 25 yards out right side of goal shoots the ball fired wide of the far post. 

  Freestone gets hold of the ball turning centrally the pass finds Sheridan to her right, looking to drive at the Hutton defence is closed down by Dimmock, with support from Critchell the pair regain possession of the ball. Lucy Hancock plays the ball into Freestone holding it up well right, Sheridan makes a run into the area, Freestone looks to thread the ball into her feet, Roberts does well closing her down and winning the ball in the six yard box. A risky back pass from Dimmock as Colney Heath put the ball straight up through the middle, bouncing Freestone flicks it on for Sheridan falling down into the area Dimmock holding the striker off volleys the ball into her keeper, little time to react Glover meets the ball in the air volleys it out of her box. 

Hutton Ladies, Kelly Roberts

  Hutton's Kuski charging down the ball inside the Colney Heath half on the right goes on before sending it long on the diagonal for Lowen left side, gets the down and manages to keep hold of the ball as Kelly Hancock goes to ground for the challenge moving into the box left looks to shoot, Sherlow recovers getting back throwing her herself across Lowen's path to make the block. 

 Both sides make a change, Hutton bringing Reed back on for Kuski. Eustacia Randles coming on for Colney Heath replacing Freestone. The substitute filling in at left back with Milton coming across to right back, Kelly Hancock pushed higher up the field. Colney Heath have a free-kick in a dangerous position 22 yards out left of the D, Feasey over the ball goes for goal, Glover calls for it and claims at her far post. 

Hutton Ladies captain, Hannah Page getting hold of the ball

  20 minutes left on the clock Hutton get players forwards Allen winning a throw on the left put in long into the area, Sherlow heads away for Colney Heath, Joseph picking up the ball looks to counter, Page comes in to tackle her wins the ball back as they continue to defend.

 GOAL! Against the run of play it's Hutton who break the deadlock finding the back of the Colney Heath goal, the ball won in the middle by Page is played up top with Critchell on the move left side getting onto the ball looks to take the defender on in front of her is pushed wide as she enters the area then unchallenged in the box  sends a looping ball in towards goal up and over the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

  A blow for Colney Heath attack straight from the restart winning a corer kick on the left the ball floated in centrally, Glover comes for it going to push takes it off Feasey's head on the penalty spot, catches the player aswell as the ball but is okay after treatment. Jennifer Mansfield comes on for Colney Heath replacing Hickey. Dimmock with a controlled header back to her keeper a Sheridan tries to flick the ball on a Kelly Hancock coming forwards plays the ball into her.

Colney Heath Ladies, Kelly Hancock

   Closing in on the final 10 minutes Colney Heath make a triple substitution as they try to break down Hutton's stubborn defence. Molly Slade, Sammy May and Freestone returning come on for Glynn, Kelly Hancock and Joseph. Lucy Hancock on through the middle for Sheridan the tackle made by Dimmock outside the box. With room at the back now as Colney Heath push on Allen taking the ball down the right wins a corner. coming in near post is knocked on towards goal, back on her line Mullet punches the ball away.

  Feasey makes ground with the ball coming through the middle, fires the ball up towards Freestone chests down and turning rolls it into Sheridan right of her into the area, closed down she slides in gets to the ball 1st, her strike narrowly wide of the post. Hutton bring Kuski back on for Crumpler. A long ball from right to left falls to Mansfield inside the box on the left, looks to bring it down and shoot, Reed gets back in time to close her down tackling put the ball behind for the corner. A good delivery going long to the far post, no one can connect sails out for a goal kick. 

 All out attack from Colney Heath as the game goes into stoppage time players swarming around the box but Hutton defend for their lives protecting their lead, Glover coming well plucks the ball of Feasey's raised foot as the midfield tries to bring down a high ball put in from the right. That's it the final whistle blows and Hutton Ladies celebrate winning the ERWFL Plate Final.

Full time Colney Heath Ladies 0-1 Hutton Ladies

    Joy for Hutton Ladies winning the final. Heart break for Colney Heath Ladies suffering defeat for the 3rd successive final would have gone in confident after their successful league campaign, and created a host of chances especially 1st half just couldn't get the ball past Glover in goal. Hutton the underdogs performed well battled hard were resilient and took the lead with one of the few chances they fashioned in the 2nd half.

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

 It's that resilience and determination in defending that sees today's SWF Blog - Player of the Match go to Hutton Ladies, Rianne Dimmock defended superbly winning the ball, getting across Colney Heath attackers and making some vital interceptions.

Hutton Ladies, ERWFL Plate Final Winners 2016/17

 Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning the ERWFL Plate Final today.

  My thanks to referee Chris Abbott for helping me out with today's team line ups.