Norfolk Women's County Cup Final - Norwich City LFC v Thorpe United LFC

  Today was Women's County Cup Final day in Norfolk. The final to be contested between Norwich City LFC who have won the competition every year since it's inception in 2010 and their opponents Thorpe United Ladies who were runners-up back in 2012. The venue the Norfolk FA's FDC (Football Development Centre) in Bowthorpe on the outskirts of Norwich. A smart up to date venue with a nice bar and facilities. A cup final the weather too had turned up bright and sunny perfect for a game of football.

     Having attended the final back in 2012 and other cup finals in the county over the past few years knew Norfolk FA did a very good job on a final's day. Produce a quality match programme and were happy to provide me with a team sheet. (pictured below)

   Norwich City Ladies are currently in 3rd place in the South East Combination league and had looked in impressive form in their midweek victory over rivals Ipswich Town Ladies. Thorpe United Ladies are the current leaders of Norfolk Division One. Two regional leagues separate them so Norwich were very much the favourites going into the final. Thorpe the underdogs knew they would have to work hard to get a result, and in any cup match let alone the final you never know.

     Having a team sheet with numbers was great as I could put a name to a shirt which makes writing a report a lot easier let me tell you. It was Thorpe United Ladies in their pink shirts and socks and black shorts that got the match underway. Their plan at the start to not let their opponents settle on the ball and look to steal possession that being so Norwich were happy to try out any long range opportunity that fell their way midfielder Paige Shorten with the 1st effort a drive that swept wide of the upright.

     With two or three players doubling up to win the ball Thorpe had little option to get it up the pitch with captain Rebekah Lake up top on her own much of the time. Norwich pushing their opponents back had numbers forwards defender Grace Parker intercepted a loose clearance and drove forwards with the ball to the right hand corner of the penalty box crossed the ball to the far post to team mate Anna Larkins her effort stabbed straight at Thorpe keeper Kirstie Andrews who parried it down and collected. Another chance a half volley from Norwich striker Natasha Snelling outside the box was caught by Andrews.

    Thorpe were caught out soon after as Grace Parker was brought down outside the box on the right, it was taken quickly by Norwich's Paige Shorten swept up and into the net to make it 1-0. The goal settled Norwich down they were looking to pass the ball across the pitch make it a big as possible meaning the Thorpe players having to work hard to close runners down and win back possesion. To that end Thorpe were getting results full back Shannon Miles and midfielder Sophie Jermy linking up well on the left and Rebekah Lake prepared to run into the right channel and look to cross the ball, clear chances on goal though were hard to come by.

     The competition has roll on roll off substitutions and both management teams were taking advantage of this giving everyone an opportunity. Norwich's Natasha Snelling had an opportunity to double her teams lead from a corner but could only slice the ball wide. Thorpe's best chance of the half came from a poor defensive clearance the ball hitting Rebekah Lake however the deflected effort swerved away from goal. Another long range effort from Norwich was easily collected by Kirstie Andrews whose positioning had been good throughout the 1st 45 mins and along with her teammates had worked very hard to keep the scoreline to just a single goal.

              Half time Norwich City Ladies led 1-0.

   Despite being a goal down Thorpe had put in a lot of effort and were still very much in the final. The question would be would their fitness levels hold up for another 45 minutes against their higher league placed opposition? The half couldn't have started any better for Thorpe as midfielder Sophie Jermy looking to play closer to striker Rebekah Lake pounced on a loose clearance from Norwich keeper Nina Scammel ran with the ball out on the left and lifted the ball over Scammel as she tried to save her shot finding the net and giving Thorpe an equaliser 1-1.

    Lifted Thorpe were winning the ball and looking a threat Becky Russell in the centre of midfield getting on the ball and able to pick out a team mate. Norwich are a very good counter attacking team and have willing runners who will track back to win the ball won a corner taken quickly and driven in low towards the six yard box striker Natasha Snelling slides in to catch the ball before the diving Kirstie Andrews can collect and makes it 2-1.

    Andrews was forced into a smart saving diving to her left minutes later from a Paige Shorten half volley on the edge of the D. Norwich captain Kate Parson's was booked for commiting a foul 40 yards out the ball delivered into the penalty box got a glancing header from Becky Russell to knock it down Rebekah Lake almost steals onto it but Scammel is sharper and gathers it in. Thorpe's Sophie Jermy beats the offside trap on the left makes a strong run into the box from the left shoots to the near post Scammel is well placed to save.

    Norwich's Anna Larkins wins possession from the Thorpe midfield plays to Piage Shorten and continuing her run her team mate plays her in as she enters the box and Larkins slots the ball past Kirstie Andrews to make the scoreline 3-1. The game was getting stretched now Norwich players were finding space on the ball were looking to go wide as they were having little success trying to beat Thorpe central defender Laura Wiseman. Pulling wide Natasha Snelling finds space for a shot her effort striking the Thorpe cross bar.

    Thorpe were to get caught out for the fourth goal as Norwich this time took a short corner played to Natasha Snelling who shot from the left of the penalty box her effort going across Andrews and into the net to bring up a 4-1 scoreline. Thorpe kept going working hard to try and create something had a half chance from a free kick that keeper Fiona Coombes having replaced Scammel missed she was saved however by a covering defender clearing the ball off the line.

    Tired legs all over the pitch now Norwich's Natasha Snelling was to complete her hat trick with the cheekiest of strikes a long floating crossed delivered in from the right running onto it Snelling met it with the outside of her boot to send it back across Andrews and into the net 5-1. One late chance for Thorpe to try and get another goal captain Rebekah Lake had a run at goal being closed down by two defenders Coombes is rushing out the lob is the only option cannot however get enough lift to beat Norwich's keeper. One last corner for Thorpe is cleared and the referee blows for full time and Norwich 5-1 winners retain the Norfolk Women's County Cup.

    Congratulations to Norwich on their cup success had to work hard for their victory. Well done to, to Natasha Snelling on her hat-trick. Thorpe gave a great account of themselves a battling display a good cup final to watch.
   

                  

Match Report - Norwich City LFC v Ipswich Town LFC South East Combination

    Last night I attended my 1st women's East Anglian derby match between Norwich City LFC and Ipswich Town LFC in the South East Combination league. A match that had been postponed during the awful run of wet weather that affected the whole of the footballing calendar at the start of 2014. A match I was very much looking forwards too even if I had been made to wait. At Plantation Park a 7:45 kick-off it was getting decidely chilly by the time I arrived at the ground.
  
     Norwich City LFC as I'd highlighted in an earlier post are now through postponements playing catch up with the teams around them in terms of fixtures this meant that with a good number of games in hand on the leading pair of C&K Basildon and QPR LFC that they were still in the hunt for the title. Had beaten Enfield Town LFC away at the weekend 4-1 going into the match. Ipswich Town LFC laying in the bottom half of the South East Combination table had hosted the then leaders QPR LFC and had fought back from going  2-0 down to steal a point to make it 2-2, so both teams had a confidence boosting result going into the match.

    It was Norwich to kick-off in their yellow and green kit against Ipswich kitted out in white shirts and socks with black shorts. A local derby both teams would be up for the match, the opening minutes were frantic the ball spending little time on the deck. Norwich started the brighter looking to attack early and with pace with all their attacking players running at Ipswich's defense giving the visitors little time to settle. Just ten minutes had passed when the ball was given away through a loose clearance, Norwich's Paige Shorten latching onto the ball from the left and running into the box lifted it over the advancing keeper and into the net 1-0.

    Ipswich had little time to settle the game down and try to build a counter attack as Norwich were to quickly double their lead. The ball swung into the penalty box early no Ipswich defender could get her head to it, no10 Natasha Snelling brings it down and shoots quickly sending the ball under the diving keeper to make it 2-0. Ipswich were reeling battling hard to win the ball back any attack was started deep inside their own half there 1st chance coming from one such tussle as full back Roxanne Small won the ball and played it through to wide player Amy Cook on the left. Winning a throw high up the pitch Cook then ran with the ball into the box but was closed down by the keeper and the ball went behind for a corner.

    A Norwich free kick from 35 yards out was dragged wide by taker Paige Shorten at one end, at the other Amy Cook beats the offside trap but her attempt is closed down. Norwich were to beat the offside trap too Natasha Snelling running into the left channel she sent in a high cross towards the far post to her team mate Chelsea Garratt but she can only nudge the ball wide of the goal. The pressure was all coming from the home side now, Natasha Snelling with a 20 yards strike punched wide for a corner the resulting delivery cleared off the line the rebound blazed over the bar.

    Half time Norwich lead 2-0

     Ipswich needed to close the ball down higher up the pitch and that was their aim at the start of the 2nd half captain Danielle Bitten in midfield trying her best to influence the play and get her team back into the match. Norwich though were working hard too often doubling up on an opponent then laying the ball off and looking to turn and break quickly with willing runners in midfield Natasha Snelling was through on goal having beaten the keeper could only find the post as Ipswich cleared the danger.

    Ipswich were weathering a storm when it became a mountain to climb as they had a player sent off for a tackle from behind a 2nd yellow and the visitors were down to 10. Norwich midfeilder Ellie Smith had made several good forward runs now with a player advantage Norwich were really in control of the game, the referee awarded a penalty I think for a push, no14 Rosi Webb took the spot kick sending it high to the keepers left to make it 3-0.

    Ipswich chances were few and far between there best outlets were their wide players, and both Danielle Bitten and striker Nadine Basson who'd dropped to a deeper role after the sending off were looking for that pass. When ever Amy Cook had the ball at her feet she looked to drive forwards options though were limited the ball often cleared for a corner which Norwich were able to defend.

     Eventually Ellie Smith's attacking runs brought her the reward of a goal winning the ball out on the left the midfielder ran in on goal wasn't chased down and slotted the ball into the back of the net to double the 1st half scoreline 4-0. Natasha Snelling and captain Kate Parsons had efforts saved late on for the home side. The score however was to finish 4-0 and round off what was a dominant display from Norwich, ruthless at times. Ipswich in turn will be bitterly disappointed never really got going on the night.

South East Combination
Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	C&K Basildon LFC	18	13	3	2	52	18	34	42
2	QPR LFC	17	12	4	1	52	11	41	40
3	Norwich City LFC	14	10	0	4	41	24	17	30

    This result moves Norwich up into 3rd place in the South East Combination table behind leaders C&K Basildon and 2nd placed QPR LFC. 12pts back on the leaders they have some 4 games in hand and 3 on QPR LFC who they still have to play at home. Still with a chance I think they will need maximum points from their remaining matches to hunt the title down either way the season end will be thrilling to watch.

Birmingham City Ladies v Arsenal Ladies Champions League last 8 1st leg match summary

    Nearly 24 hours has passed since Birmingham City Ladies and Arsenal Ladies locked horns in the the Champions League quarter final, so I hardly think you need another match report I'm sure you all know what happened by now. Getting home during the small hours and needing to be up for work left little room for blogging so we'll settle for a match summary.
   
   Had this match taken place just six months ago I think very few outside of the Birmingham faithful would have seen anything other than Arsenal progressing through to the semi-finals of the competition. Such has been the movement of players in the WSL and in particular departing the long time dominant woman's football team in England. Birmingham too though had lost some of their more experienced players had in their place invested in youth, where as Shelley Kerr at Arsenal has moved to fill her squad with experienced internationals.

    Most now really couldn't call a result in this all English Champions League tie with so many new faces on display on both teams. Also going into the tie Arsenal were without midfield maestro Jordan Nobbs due to an injury picked up during the Cyprus Cup. The 1st leg was to be played at St Andrews the home stadium of Birmingham City. Thankfully being one of the last cars squeezed into the carpark inside the ground we were all set for what I expected to be a fantastic night for women's football.

    The note of personal interest from my point of view were both teams were fielding a former Ladyimp, Casey Stoney in the red and white of Arsenal and Remi Allen in the blue of Birmingham two of my favourite players (this is a list that continues to grow). Casey Stoney is a fantastic defender and a leader on the pitch tonight her defensive partner was Yukari Kinga a vastly experienced player in her own right. Remi Allen's position was of interest to me at Lincoln she was deployed mainly as a defensive midfielder, but there is far more to her game than that. Signed by Birmingham who already had a solid midfield partnership in Jo Potter and Jade Moore I was hoping to see manager David Parker play her in front of the pair where I felt she could really make an impact.

     And so she did right in the heart of the action with Melissa Lawley and Karen Carney on the flanks she was to operate behind lone striker Kirsty Linnett. Had the first real chance at scoring. Kelly Smith was playing in a deeper role in midfield with Shinobu Ohno looking to support striker Danielle Carter for Arsenal. It didn't really work Birmingham to there credit were working hard to make sure Arsenal couldn't find any flow on the ball.

     Birmingham's chances were stacking up and it was Remi Allen who popped up with a goal on her debut for her new club on 26 minutes. I was taking notes as I usually do even though I hadn't planned a match report the chances were all going to Birmingham. Arsenal had plenty of space Carter was making herself available and with Linnett up front on her own both full backs could bomb on. Birmingham though defended stoutly working hard as a team to frustrate and then break with purpose.

     The game was to end with Birmingham taking a 1 goal lead into the 2nd leg and an all important clean sheet, largely due to Arsenal failing to register a shot on target. Birmingham were on song bouyed on by a healthy crowd of 2671 making it a great atomosphere. Arsenal were below par, they will know that and be frustrated things didn't click, certainly missed the passing ability and driving runs of Jordan Nobbs but they have a wealth of experienced players who can put on a display with only one goal in it are far from out of it but know they will have to lift their game. Birmingham too know the job is only half done a confidence boosting performance they will have to do it all over again in the 2nd leg this Sunday at The Hive.

    Remi Allen had a debut to remember it was pleasing to witness. Special mention must go to another debutant for Birmingham, left back Jessica Carter who at just 16 years old was named player of the match didn't look fazed by the occasion at all and certainly one to look out for in the future.

      It's rare these days for me to take pictures at a match but I did have the camera out last night, below is a link to my set on facebook I hope it works okay...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/edit/a.10203014771322084.1073741869.1588770906/#!/darren.gilham/media_set?set=a.10203014771322084.1073741869.1588770906&type=1&notif_t=like

Match Report Cambridge WFC v Denham United LFC SE Combination

    Hailstones are what greeted me as I arrived at the Unwin Sports Ground for todays football match between Cambridge WFC and Denham United LFC in the South East Combination league. Thankfully they weren't to last and between the black clouds the sun tried to make an appearance. After two successive 1 nil defeats in the league against teams at the top of the table Cambridge were looking for a much needed positive result against their visitors. Denham United LFC themselves were looking to continue a good run of recent results that had seen them progress up the league.
    
    Also at the ground were a few german speaking visitors who turned out to be the German Canaries as they unveiled their banner, undeterred by the lack of any canaries they were nevertheless in good voice and supporting the home team. Having seen Cambridge a few times it was clear they were without a few regulars and fielding a young squad striker Nuala Wayne needing a fitness test before match was able to lead the line as both teams took to the field Cambridge in their sky blue shirts and socks with navy shorts, and Denham kitted out in white shirts and navy shorts and socks with red and white banding.

      The opening exchanges were cagey as both sides playing 4 4 2 looked to suss each other out. Denham with the 1st effort at goal from a free kick delivered high into the box their captain and central defender Joanne Torr sending the ball wide. Soon after the visitors with a corner delivered in dangerously Cambridge keeper Liz Pamplin punches the ball over to clear. Denham were pushing Cambridge back as the home side struggled to get the ball up to their attackers.

     Cambridge though found an out ball in their wide players with their full backs providing good support. A ball delivered in from the left resulted in Cambridge's Bethan Jones being fouled just outside the box as she tried to jump for the ball. Central defender Jordan Holland took the free kick her powerful shot that rattling the crossbar.

    Denham were to have a shot of their own come down off the crossbar minutes later from a free kick central to the goal 40 yards out which was delivered into the area and flicked onto the bar. Action was end to end with Cambridge getting joy down the flanks full back Emma Jenkins had an effort blocked the ball cannoning out to Bethan Jones who tried to curl it back in from the edge of the D, Denham keeper Lizzy Rose well placed to catch the shot.

     Denham were looking a threat on the break both their strikers looking to beat the offside trap and peeling off her marker Denham's no10 Rebecca Scott burst into the box on the right and unleashed a shot. Pamplin got a hand to it but the ball fell loose in front of her and was met by midfielder Lauren Cox who gave Pamplin no chance to recover as she smashed it home from close range to make it 1-0.

    Cambridge looked a threat from their set pieces Jordan Holland was producing so good delieveries had an effort out on the left delivered hard to the near post Rose spilled her attempted catch the ball rolling out to Nuala Wayne who drilled her effort, it was straight at the diving Rose however who was able to divert the ball for a corner. Late in the half Cambridge's captain Hannah Goodchild is fouled the referee plays advantage as the ball rolls to Jones the winger with a snap shot put it wide.

                        Half time Cambridge WFC 0-1 Denham United LFC
   
    The wind had picked up at the start of the 2nd half and with it the black clouds were rolling in. Cambridge came out looking to press Denham higher up the pitch and were having more joy in their opponents half winning the ball back and trying to get it into the box for Wayne to attack. Denham looking to counter attack it was a real battle between Scott and Cambridge central defender Kayleigh-Anne Burt at times (pictured below).

   
     A few fouls were being given away by both teams one taken from the right by Denham met the head of Torr the effort sent wide of the post. Cambridge broke from the goal kick down the left the ball crossed in Wayne falling couldn't bring it under control allowing the Denham defence to clear. With Cambridge pressing forwards looking to equalise Denham were finding space to exploit one run out on the left bringing them a free kick 30 yards from goal the ball was delivered in fiercely bounced beating everyone in the middle coming out to Torr out on the right of the six yard box. Pamplin with no chance as she drilled her shot under her as she dove into the back of the net to double the visitors lead 2-0.

     Having absorbed a good period of pressure from Cambridge the visitors with a two goal cushion were looking the more dangerous. Torr herself with a run out from the back line with the ball took a shot her effort blocked by a Cambridge body. Another free kick from Denham is net by Cox whose attempt at goal his smartly saved by Pamplin. At the other end Cambridge's attackers were trying their best to break through a solid Denham defensive line but the final ball just wouldn't come. Torr had the last effort of the match a long range drive that went wide of the post as the visitors claimed all 3pts and move into 4th place in the league table. Cambridge remain 9th.

    In todays other matches in the South East Comination league, leaders QPR were held to a 2-2 all draw at Ipswich despite taking a 2 goal lead. Leaving C&K Basildon to reclaim top spot after a 5-0 home victory against Ebbsfleet. Norwich ran out 4-1 winners away to Enfield and in the clash of the bottom two Brentwood moved off the bottom as they beat visitors Luton 3-2.

 

 

Women's FA Cup 4th Rd Gillingham LFC v Preston North End WFC

    This Sunday was the Women's FA Cup 4th and the draw for the competition had thrown up 8 intriguing match ups and with the weather having at last settled down and the sun shining looked like all of the ties might actually go ahead as planned. The tie I picked out was an all FAWPL clash and a North versus South tie too as Preston North End WFC had been drawn out to face Gillingham LFC. Both teams in the top 4 of their respective divisions.

    Gillingham had caught my attention by beating what I thought would be a hard opponent in Nottingham Forest in the previous round after I had seen them comfortably beat Wolves Women 3-0 in the 2nd round. Gillingham though came away victorious with a 1-0 win. Their opponents likewise had achieved an impressive victory in the previous round being the 1st WPL club to knock a new WSL 2 team out of the competition when they beat Yeovil 3-0. Locking horns in the 4th round it was one of three ties that guaranteed a non WSL club would reach the 5th round.

    The journey wasn't too bad from Norfolk to Kent over the Dartford Crossing the weather bright and sunny as I arrived at Chatham Town FC where the tie was to be played. A nice example of a non league ground with a good character to it, made all the better with having a bar and refreshments. Taking in both as I took a look around with both teams warming up it was clear that both were very much up for this tie and confident. I know little about both teams but had a feeling this was going to be a close game.

    It was Gillingham in their blue shirts with white sleeves, blue shorts and socks that got the game underway. Their opponents Preston kitted out in dark pink shirts and navy shorts and socks were the first to have an effort on goal and indeed put it into the back of the net however the linesman flag was up.. offside. The game started at a furious pace high tempo both teams looking to advance up the pitch with the ball quickly, Gillingham's Charlotte Gurr looked to play a thru ball onto striker Lisa Fulgence two Preaton defenders converging quickly to stifle the danger.

     Out wide on the left Gillingham's Fliss Gibbons had space to run into crossed from the edge of the box foinding the feet of the advancing Danielle Chartlon her shot straight at Preston keeper Danielle Brown and pushed over for a corner. Preston were on the attack soon after attacker Melissa Ball taking advantage of a defensive mistake runs into the box her shot however is pulled wide of the post. The end to end football is putting defenders under pressure on both sides the attacking players working hard to run the ball down.

   Fliss Gibbons has plenty of space to run into on the left flank and whenever her team mates get the ball to her feet she is able to run to the by line and cross or drive into the box a chance as she lays the ball off to Lisa Fulgence the strikers effort narrowly over but adjudged offside. Spell of pressure from the home side a corner is drilled in low and curl into the near post but Preston have a defender on the line to clear. Danielle Chartlon with another effort stabs her shot high forcing a stretching save from Danielle Brown to keep her goal intact.

     The high tempo continuing unabated meant there was very little time for any player to settle on the ball mistakes were giving opportunities to both teams form one defensive mis kick Preston's Sophie Jones was able to latch onto the loose ball and from the inside of the box tried to lob it over Gillingham keeper Faye Baker but in doing so cleared the bar too. Preston's Melissa Ball out on the left powers forwards into the box to deliver an inviting cross along the six yard line but no one is able to send it goal wards.

    Preston's Katie Anderton catches possession from Gillingham's defence and drives towards goal. Faye Baker is quick off her line goes to ground but keeping her arms up is able to smother the attempted lob enough to push the ball wide, Anderton tries to get to the ball to get a shot at the acute angle by then Gillingham have recovered to clear their lines. Gilligham's Lisa Fulgence brings the ball down superbly hooking it between two Preston defenders launches a shot beating the keeper but so too the post.

     At half time the score is 0-0

   Preston made a change at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Paige Forster for Alice Forshaw in midfield. It was Gillingham though that started the 2nd half stronger after an edgy few opening minutes Gillingham's Charlotte Gurr was fouled 30 yards out around the edge of the D. The free kick struck by Danielle Charlton beat the Preston wall getting the merest of touches and going wide for a corner. Preston were finding themselves penned back in their own half Gillingham though couldn't find that all important final ball.

    For all this pressure Gillingham were always vulnerable to a counter attack and it came through Preston captain Laura Walker winning the ball back played it to Sophie Jones who passes it forwards into the path of the advancing Paige Forster. Great defending from Gillingham prevents her from getting a shot away as the ball is taken from her feet and put out for a corner. Fliss Gibbons picks up an injury and is replaced by Nikita Whinett.

   It was the sub who was to help create the goal scoring opportunity as out on the left corner of the area Whinett has her feet taken out from under her and the referee awards a free kick. Jade Keogh to take she launches it at the perfect height towards the near post but doesn't need a touch as it goes in to make it 1-0. The dead lock broken with just 15 minutes left to play. Gillingham midfielder Emma Tune has a chance chased down she blazes it over the bar.

   Another chance for Lisa Fulgence hits the post but again the linesmans flag is raised. Preston are having to take chances leaving space at the back as they search for an equaliser. Katie Anderton battles with four defenders around her nearly squeezes through but can't beat five as the ball is cleared. Jade Keogh is taken off, replaced by Lauren Davies taking up Keogh's position on the right she has plenty of space to run towards goal drills a ball across the six yard box to Nikita Whinett to make it 2 but her 1st touch is poor and Preston clear for a corner. The visitors can't fashion another chance as the referee blows for full time and Gillingham beat Preston 1-0 to advance to the 5th round.

   A commited and competitive game and really for 75 minutes until the goal was scored it could have gone either way one goal always looked likely to settle it. Gillingham got it and well done to them for reaching the 5th round. Have to say well done to Preston too though for both teams put in a great effort and it was a great advert for both the FA Cup and WPL football.

    There were another 7 FA Cup ties that took place today and the results are summarised below,

   Sunderland v Watford, was the only all WSL 2 clash and Sunderland rolled out comfortable winners beating Watford 4-1

  Coventry v Brighton was another all WPL affair played at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry ran out 2-0 winners

   Crystal Palace v Portsmouth, the home side the only Regional league team left in the competition gave a spirtede performance but it wasn't enough to beat the WPL side as Portsmouth reached the 5th round for the 1st time in their history with a 3-2 win

   Doncaster v Copsewood, this was a huge occasion for the Midlands Combination side against their WSL 2 hosts at the Keepmoat Stadium who proved too strong as Doncaster ran out 4-1 winners.

  Reading v Blackburn, the 1st if three ties featuring a WSL 2 club against a WPL opponent I thought there could be an upset at one of these and indeed Blackburn ran Reading close taking it to extra time before Reading scored twice to beat Blackburn 2-0

   Durham v Sheffield, the visitors top of WPL North took the lead against Durham but the home side came back to win 3-1

   Cardiff v London Bees, the home side leading WPL South were the one to cause the upset beating London Bees 1-0 after extra time and make it 4 WPL teams along side 4 WSL 2 teams to be joined by the WSL 1 big guns in the 5th round draw.

   The 5th round will throw up some more fascinating match ups that's for sure.

   

Match Report - Stalham Town LFC v Bohemians LFC Norfolk Div Two

                                          WARNING!

                    This match report contains sunshine.
    
    18 degrees... that was the temperature that registered in the car as I arrived todays venue Rivers Park in the North East of Norfolk. No Coat. No Hat and No Umbrella required the sunglasses needed to be dug out in fact such was the turn around in the rotten wet and horrible weather the women's footballing calendar has suffered of late. At last the SUN was out! Plan this weekend had always been to go see a game in Norfolk and this time in Division Two to see two teams for the 1st time. Rivers Park is the home ground for Stalham Town Ladies. Their opponents today Bohemians Ladies (who play in Belton in South East Norfolk).

  With the weather set fair the match was to be against two reasonably matched teams in terms of results in the league so far this season. Bohemians were in 3rd place having played 15, W7, D4, L4 on 25pts. Stalham in 6th having played 14, W6, D4, L4 on 22pts with the middle of the table being very tight. Therefore I expected this to be a pretty tight encounter. Bohemians though were at a disadvantage as their goalkeeper was running late. Started the game with an outfield player in goal with the knowledge she was minutes away.
    
    Stalham in their all red strip got the match underway their opponents in pink shirts, black shorts and socks with the sun at their backs in the first half. An edgey start Stalham were unable to test the replacement keeper before their 1st choice arrived and quickly took her place between the sticks. Bohemians had the 1st chance a shot drilled wide of the post from a low driven corner. The visitors were pressing high up the pitch to win the ball Stalham got bodies back to help leaving one up top, looked to find her and beat the offside trap when they won the ball.

    It was from one of these balls that Stalham no7 Emma Ward had a fantastic chance to open the scoring driving with the ball had two Bohemians defenders on her as they squeezed the striker she was able the work the ball away to her right find the space to shoot inside the box but sent the effort wide. Ward was in again minutes later coming into the box from the left channel, the final shot tame Bohemians keeper was able to gather.

    At the other end Bohemians had a chance to take the lead a shot stabbed towards goal with the outside of the boot from the edge of the D went narrowly wide. Stalham's keeper rushing out of her box soon after to close down an attack as their offside trap was sprung. Stalham though with an extra body in the middle of the park were able to win back possession even though they could not find a through ball to capitalise. Pushing Bohemians back further to the edge of their box the visitors failed to clear it in quick succession finding a red shirt each time the ball came out to Stalham's no9 Kerri Eke on the right hand side of the six yard box and she drilled it into the back of the net 1-0.

Half-time and Stalham had the advantage 1-0

   It had gotten a little niggly in the 1st half Bohemians not happy with some decisions that had gone against them but at 1-0 they were still very much in the match, came out the strongest at the start of the 2nd half determined to win the ball but like the home side winning it and making it stick was proving elusive. Stalham were to have the 1st real scoring chance as they won possession back in midfield no14 Katie Clarke with a powerful 25 yard strike driven low along the ground had the keeper diving but the effort was wide. Clarke with another effort from the edge of the box heading for goal but the defender on the post did her job and cleared the danger.

    With roll on roll off subs both Kerri Eke and Emma Ward had been off the pitch now returning it was no7 Ward driving at goal that was to win a corner for Stalham. Taken from the left the ball came out back to that side and from close to the touchline near the top edge of the box Kerri Eke had a shot/cross that sailed over everyone and into the far corner to make it 2-0 to Stalham.

    Bohemians were having joy down the flanks their no7 Laura Furi was looking dangerous with the ball at her feet looking to drive forwards got into the box from the left drilled a ball across goal no team mate could meet it and Stalham cleared. Bohemians keeper was forced into a sharp save from a Stalham corner dropping down quickly to smother the ball from a shot six yards out. She had to come off a little while later as she collected a ball in the side of the face rushing out to stop a Stalham break.

    Stalham scored a 3rd goal and Emma Ward's play derserved the opportunity. Shaking off her marker in the box was able to fashion a shot as she fell the effort was drilled hard at the replacement keeper who didn't move struck her legs and went in. Will probably be classed as an own goal but I would give it to Ward. 3-0 with just a few minutes to play Stalham had the points in the bag. Bohemians though kept coming perserved down the flanks both sides were tiring (someone informed everyone she wanted to go to the pub) Another cross was drilled across Stalham's goal this time Laura Furi having moved out to the right wing was on hand at the far post to bundle the ball over the line and make the final score 3-1 to Stalham.

     The result sees Stalham move up to 5th level on points with Bohemians who drop to 4th as another middle placed team Red Rose moved above them after a 4-0 over Earlham Colney. The top two places are being contested by Mulbarton Belles (top) and Long Stratton Ladies who both won comfortably today, Mulbarton 4-0 at home to Freethorpe Ladies and Long Stratton again at home to bottom side Harleston 9-0.

    Enjoy coming down the leagues to watch a game not always taken as seriously but then you do see more often the enjoyment and fun the players get out of playing the game.

SWF Blog 50 Match Challenge Update - The 1st 10

   At the start of 2014 I set the challenge of attending a minimum of 50 women's football matches in the year, and with plenty of great matches to attend over the coming months I have never the less gotten off to a great start despite the terrible wet weather that has played havoc with the footballing calender up and down the land have found a match on somewhere albeit on several occassions game B, C, D..... or even H, have seen a variety of leagues from county to combination, cup and friendly and have written a report on several have certainly been some entertaining games, and been an educational experience to as I look to broaden my knowledge of the traditional winter leagues that I hadn't previously followed in any great depth, so here is a roll call of the matches attended so far;-

                   Game #1 - Aylsham Town LFC  7-0  Attleborough Town LFC
                                                 (Norfolk Division One) 5th January

                   Game #2 - Nottingham Forest LFC  3-0  Wolverhampton Wanderers WFC
                                               (Women's FA Cup 2nd Round) 12th January

                   Game #3 - UEA WFC  4-3  Fakenham Town LFC
                                           (Norfolk Women's Cup QF) 19th January

                   Game #4 - Mulbarton Belles FC  0-13 Norwich City LFC
                                           (Norfolk Women's Cup QF) 26th January

                   Game #5 - QPR LFC  2-0  MK Dons LFC
                                          (South East Combination League) 2nd February

                   Game #6 - Aston Villa LFC  0-2  Doncaster Rovers Belles
                                          (Women's FA Cup 3rd Round) 9th February

                   Game #7 - Bungay Town LFC  1-5  Gorleston Rangers LFC
                                              (Norfolk Division One) 16th February

                   Game #8 - Nottingham Forest LFC  0-5  Arsenal Ladies
                                                 (Friendly) 20th February

                   Game #9 - Nettleham LFC  2-1  Rise Park LFC
                                              (East Midlands Regional Premier) 23rd February

                   Game #10 - Cambridge WFC  0-1  MK Dons LFC
                                             (South East Combination) 2nd March

next update in 10 matches time....

Match Report Cambridge WFC v MK Dons LFC SE Combination

   The terrible wet weather that had marked the start of 2014 has played havoc with the women's football calender up and down the country the South East Combination league being no exception with just 4 games managed between the 11 teams before this weekends fixture. Today's venue was Ely City FC's Unwin Sports Ground where Cambridge WFC play their home games hadn't played a home match since November last year and there last SE Combination fixture was back on the 15th December. Their opponents today MK Dons LFC who had faired little better had played one SE Combination fixture in 2014 against QPR LFC where they lost 2-0.
  
    Having seen that fixture knew MK Dons LFC would prove a tough opponent for Cambridge WFC. Over cast and bitterly cold the wind had picked up steadily into the afternoon and would cause both teams some problems as MK Dons in their all red kit got the game underway, Cambridge in their sky blue shirts and socks and navy shorts.

    It was MK Dons with the 1st attacking play good build up down the right lead to Kelly Bingham putting in a cross to the far post but the resulting shot was drilled into the side netting. Both teams were working out the wind conditions their were few chances in the opening exchanges Cambridge making in road on the right but unable to find a final ball, MK Dons likewise looking to break in numbers but unable to find the needed through ball.

   A surging run from Cambridge captain Hannah Goodchild saw her continue her run as she laid the ball off to striker Laura Baker the attempted pass through was intercepted by the MK Dons defence. Cambridge had another chance soon after Sophie Thompson breaking free of her marker then beating the MK Dons keeper Clare Farron as she raced out of her box did enough to force the striker wide of goal her shot easily dealt with by the covering defender. MK Dons were allowing both Cambridge full backs time and space up the pitch during this spell the home side was on top.

   However it was to be MK Dons who were to take the lead after soaking up Cambridge's building pressure the visitors had an opportunity to break their striker Emily Mann out muscling her marker to run through on goal. Cambridge's keeper Verity Crook charged out but was beaten as Mann lobbed the ball from just inside the box over her and into the empty net. 1-0 to MK Dons.

     MK Dons were on top for a spell another Kelly Bingham cross snatched out of the air by Verity Crook as Emily Mann closed in. Cambridge struggled to get attacks going couldn't get the ball up the pitch quick enough allowing MK Dons to get players back in support. Strikers Sophie Thompson and Laura Baker were working hard trying to hold the ball up the latter battling hard against two markers to make room for a cross which Sophie Thompson tried to get onto the contact was light and keeper Farron was able to gather.

   Half Time Cambridge WFC 0-1 MK Dons LFC

   Cambridge made a change at half time and a slight shift in personel the effects were almost immediate as Sophie Thompson was through on goal from a long ball the shot lacking any strength. The home side were getting more joy pressing MK Dons higher up the pitch the midfielders particulary Laura Bright looking to better support the strikers. Sophie Thompson was in again minutes later two defenders closing her down and winning the ball.

    For all there pressing of MK Dons at one end the visitors were always a danger on the break Kelly Bingham won the ball played the ball forwards Emily Mann striking the side netting. Soon after Mann had a run across the face of goal tried an effort with the outside of her boot Verity Crook however was well positioned to dive to her left and make the save.

    Subs Bethan Jones and Liz Pamplin came on as the 2nd half wore on it was the latter with a great chance to score a half volley from the edge of the D the effort spun away from goal, Pamplin was body checked however and the referee awarded a free kick in a very dangerous position. Laura Baker took the kick the effort on target needed the outstretched glove of Clare Farron to push it over the bar.
 
    MK Dons brought on Eden Washington and Leah Cudone to see out the game. The former with her pace kept Cambridge pinned back as they looked to attack. A late free kick wide on the left was Cambridge's last chance to find an equaliser the ball was caught by Clare Farron and the final whistle blew, MK Dons win 1 nil take the 3 points, Cambridge might feel they had done enough to earn a point.

     It was a full programme in the South East Combination today with more games taking place than in the whole of the previous two months with a top of the table clash between QPR LFC and current leaders C&K Basildon which ended in a 1-1 draw. Norwich City LFC were beaten at home by Enfield Town LFC 1-0 and there were away wins for both Denham United LFC winning 3-0 at Luton Town LFC and Ipswich Town LFC who claimed a 2-0 victory at Ebbsfleet United LFC.