Match Report - Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies v North Walsham Angels Ladies

   A trip east across the county today to take in a match in Norfolk Women's Division Two and my 1st look at two new teams that have entered the league this season, Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and North Walsham Angels Ladies.

   The 2nd tier of women's football in Norfolk saw a number of new teams entering the league this campaign and both Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and North Walsham Angels Ladies have had solid starts to the season, both have played 11 games to date, North Walsham Angels Ladies are sitting in 3rd place in the league table on 23pts, Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies are 2pts further back in 5th place, both in need of the 3pts today if they want to catch the table leaders, Brandon Town Ladies or 2nd placed Lynn Ladies.

   Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies are a Suffolk based side situated south of Lowestoft and play their home matches at the same venue as the men's team, Walmer Road. A decent stadium with good facilties, clubhouse and refreshments. A small seated stand to one side of the pitch. The pitch looked like any pitch of this type at this time of year that sees plenty of play and poor weather a little cut up. The weather was dry but very chilly... that was only going to grow over the afternoon although the heavy rain that affected much of the region didn't arrive until after the match.

   Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies starting XI - Shauna Brunton-O'Neil, Maria Palmer, Lisa Sissen, Zalonia Warford, Kylie Butler, Sue-Lyn King, Gemma Farman, Selina Rowland, Nikki Wigg (C), Sarah Cunningham & Jodie Ashman.
    subs - Samantha Brown, Abbie Knights & Sianne Davies.

  North Walsham Angels Ladies starting XI - Cyan Fullbrook, Emily Farmer, Lucy Ellis, Robyn Steele, Sarah Fulcher-Arnold, Georgia Wager, Lauren Yarham, Imogen Carter, Sophie Hall, Luci Middleton & Georgia Bryant.
   subs - Jemma Bowles.

   Chilly and overcast, their was a stiff breeze blowing the length of the pitch that was only going to increase as the game wore on as Kirkley & Pakefield all in blue kicked off the 1st half with North Walsham lined up opposite in white shirts with blacks shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks.

  Kirkley & Pakefield take the ball out to the right and work it up the pitch, get an early cross into the area, North Walsham goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook is well placed to claim the ball at her near post. Fullbrook launches the ball forwards, wide right it's Luci Middleton getting onto the ball and taking it forwards, has team mate Georgia Bryant in support to her left passing the ball to her she prods it forwards into midfielder Robyn Steele who is looking to take the ball into the box, her run is halted by Sue-Lyn King at the back for Kirkley & Pakefield.

   The ball is travelling from one end of the pitch to the other early on with both teams finding it difficult to get the ball beyond the others defensive lines. Kirkley & Pakefield are trying to work the ball out wide then play the cross in, when North Walsham get hold of the ball and bring it out they are looking to put attacker Imogen Carter through centrally twice the ball is put beyond the Kirkley & Pakefield defence Carter is after it, both times goalkeeper Shauna Brunton-O'Neil is alert to the threat and out of her area to clear the ball before Carter can latch onto it.

   Kirkley & Pakefield captain Nikki Wigg gets hold of the ball in the centre circle spins and set's up a break as she plays in Jodie Ashman to her left Lisa Sissen holds her run wide left staying onside as Ashman passes the ball, one touch and Sissen looks to shoot from outside the box a low drive she puts the ball into the side netting.

   GOAL! North Walsham clear a Kirkley & Pakefield corner, the ball is reclaimed by the home side with Sissen bringing it forwards down the left, has Selina Rowland in front of her gives her the ball wide of the area Rowland looks to take on the North Walsham defence, skips past one, then two players is inside the box level with the six yard line running across it, is looking for an opportunity, racing into give her support Wigg is better placed takes the ball from Rowland and sends the ball across Fullbrook to score 1-0.

   Sue-Lyn King brings the ball out from the back for Kirkley & Pakefield unopposed she crosses the halfway line has Rowland making a run in front of her plays her in, Rowland in turn sees Kylie Butler peeling off into space on the left the pass is good, Butler with her 1st touch is into the box left of goal she looks to put her shot across Fullbrook's goal, this time though Fullbrook is down quickly to make the save.

   Kirkley & Pakefield are enjoying the majority of the attacking play have a corner on the right played into the box Rowland has it at her feet ten yards out tries to turn and shoot, North Walsham have players closing the door, Rowland keeps possession passes it out to Sarah Cunningham outside the box, her first time strike goes over the bar.

   Closing moments of the 1st half and Kirkley & Pakefield have another corner put in from the left headed clear of the area it falls to Cunningham again, she puts her foot through the shoot, is unlucky as her effort smashes against the cross bar.

                      Half-time Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 1-0 North Walsham Angels Ladies

   A dominant 1st half display from Kirkley & Pakefield, they have had the majority of the chances in front of goal, the front players making good cross field runs to open up spaces in the North Walsham defence. The visitors have defended well but far too often in the 1st half have struggled to get the ball up to their attacking players and make it stick. At 1-0 though they were still very much in the game.

   The wind had picked up steadily during the 1st half, it was bitterly cold blowing across the pitch it would be at North Walsham's back in the 2nd half as they got play under way. On the attack straight away this time it's Carter who holds up the ball, turning her marker she looks to play in her strike partner Emily Farmer, she can't get onto the ball before Brunton-O'Neil can gather inside her area.

   Steele is showing alot of determination to win the ball back for North Walsham in the centre, getting hold of it her pass forwards puts Carter through on goal, she is shoulder to shoulder with King who pushes the attacker wide of goal, Carter gets her shot away but off target as it rolls behind the goal.

    North Walsham are pressing the ball harder 2nd half trying to get numbers forwards are vulnerable to the counter attack as Kirkley & Pakefield's Wigg wins the ball back and sends it out to the left for Sissen, chasing towards the box, she see's Fullbrook racing out to close down the angle, get's her shot past her, but also narrowly wide of the far post.

   The wind is definetly a factor in the 2nd half any forward ball from North Walsham is gathering plenty of pace, twice the ball is past the Kirkley & Pakefield defence, North Walsham's Farmer is the one giving chase, it's in Brunton-O'Neil's gloves long before she can get there.

   North Walsham have a corner the ball put in from the right, falls into the crowded area, it's Sarah Fulcher-Arnold with the shot, hooks the ball wide of goal.

  Wigg is on the ball from a deep position puts team mate Cunningham through inside the box wide to the right of the six yard box she drags her cross/shot along the goal face it comes to Butler, she miscontrols the ball allowing Fullbrook the time to adjust her position and drops to make the save as Butler shoots.

    Fullbrook produces a vital save off Wigg as the Kirkley & Pakefield captain latches onto a loose ball springing free from a midfield scramble to claim the ball, beyond the North Walsham defence, Wigg only has Fullbrook to beat the keeper coming out, she tries to place her shot pass her, too close to Fullbrook she dives to her left to smother the ball.

   Up the other end Farmer has been causing the Kirkley & Pakefield defence problems, get's a run with the ball into the area centrally, has King on her shoulder the defender is hard to shake off, puts in a good tackle to take the ball from her feet inside the box.

   Kirkley & Pakefield hit the bar for the 2nd time in the match, a strike from distance from Rowland who has been coming deeper to fetch the ball and drive forwards with it, central she puts her foot through the ball 40 yards out, it looks to be going over, is against the wind however and Fullbrook back pedalling jumps in vain as the ball suddenly dips, not enough though smashes against the bar and out of play.

   GOAL! She has seen alot of the ball in attack in the 2nd half and it's Farmer that scores the equalising goal for North Walsham. Winning a throw deep on the left the visitors keep the ball in and around the Kirkley & Pakefield box. With numbers forwards Farmer has the ball at her feet inside the D, head down she is looking to move it a couple of yards looking for an opportunity to have a strike on goal, stealing inside she gets her shot away, on the rise, Brunton-O'Neil has no chance of stopping it as the ball finds the top corner to make it 1-1.

   North Walsham have their tales up now have got back into the match are looking to go on and score again. Farmer is in again as she beats the offside flag opts to shoot early from 35 yards out, no problem for Brunton-O'Neil as the ball finds the side netting.

   Kirkley & Pakefield's Cunningham gets on the ball in midfield and brings it forwards, strong on the ball she drives on has Sissen in support plays the ball to her continues her run Sissen tries to play her in inside the box too strong a pass Fullbrook is able to save holding onto the ball as Cunningham closes her down.

    Sissen and Rowland link up on the edge of the North Walsham area, with Rowland putting in a shot towards goal from the left, Fullbrook is behind it all the way to make the save as the final whislte blows and the points are shared the result 1-1.

   The point keeps North Walsham in 3rd place, sees Kirkley & Pakefield move up into 4th. A competitive game with Kirkley & Pakefield strong in the 1st half taking the lead, had chances to extend it. 2nd half was a much improved performance from North Walsham, the wind in their favour helping they pressed the ball better got the equaliser.

   My thanks to both teams for helping me out with the squad details today.

  

 

Match Report - Long Melford Ladies v East Bergholt United Ladies

   After a few weekends of watching cup ties I was keen to get back to watching some league action and this Sunday I thought it would also be a good opportunity to check out a league in the East of England I have yet to see, county action from the Suffolk Women's Division, a clash between 2nd and 3rd in the league, Long Melford Ladies v East Bergholt United Ladies.

  Long Melford is close to the Suffolk/Essex border in the south of the county near to Sudbury, I actually managed to cross into Essex on my way there missing the turn to the ground and coming in over the river the long way round. Still the new sat nav didn't panic like the old one would have and I got there ok. A pleasant part of the county, Long Melford is a picturesque place, long as the name suggests. The ladies team plays their home matches at Long Melford FC's Stoneylands Ground.

   Long Melford Ladies are currently in 2nd place in the Suffolk Women's Division. Have been there or there abouts all season have played 9 matches so far winning 7 of those games drawing and losing the other with 22pts are 5pts behind leaders Brantham Athletic Ladies but do have a game in hand.

   East Bergholt United Ladies are another team situated close to the Suffolk/Essex border to the east of Long Melford. Are currently in 3rd place in the league, started the season well winning their opening 3 matches, since then their form has been up and down have 18pts from 11 matches played having won 6 and lost 5 so far.

  Was for a change a pleasant, sunny and warm afternoon for the match. Taking place on a pitch behind the ground itself, it was fair to say it wasn't in the best of condition, very worn and cut up little grass coverage and bumpy in places. I have seen worse however and it looked dry enough that keeping your footing wouldn't pose a problem. Was also a very narrow pitch not a lot of space for wingers to exploit.

    Long Melford Ladies starting XI - Penny Everett, Amy Harrington, Jodie Sharp, Kerry Humphries, Rachel Linsdell, Deben Howlett (C), Bethany Hurst, Jessica Clarke, Lottie Churchman, Sherral Williamson & Megan Partridge
   subs - Natasha Caine, Jo Marshall & Hannah Whiting.

    East Bergholt United Ladies starting XI - Cameron Hogg, Emily Lambert, Amber Brolin, Beth Nixon, Jessica Quinsee, Georgina Longden (C), Pippa King, Sadie Hurren, Sarah George, Alice Longden & Holly Prior.
    sub - Jessica Oxlade.

                                              roll on, roll off substitutes

   It's Long Melford to kick off the match lined up in black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks against East Bergholt lined up in green shirts with white trim, black shorts and socks. The home side are on the attack straight away with Jessica Clarke getting hold of the ball in the middle and spraying it out wide left for Jodie Sharp to run onto getting to the by line she tries to turn and put the ball into the middle falling back as she does the ball runs behind for a goal kick.

  The narrow pitch is making for a congested middle, East Bergholt are sitting deep with 2 midfielders sitting in front of the back four are allowing Long Melford's attacking players to come onto them running into traffic however most moves are snuffed out in front of the penalty box.

   Sadie Hurren to the right of the midfield is the player the visitors are looking to set free when they get hold of the ball. Getting the ball into Hurren the visitors break with pace as she brings the ball up the right looks to strike early from the corner of the box send the ball across the goal, Penny Everett, Long Melford's goal keeper, drops down quickly throws out and arm to make the save deflects the ball sidesways, the danger isn't cleared, East Bergholt's, Jessica Quinsee is racing in to support Hurren is after the rebound gets to it, Everett is up and dives across to make another save at point blank range.
   
 Long Melford get the ball up the pitch quickly play it into striker Megan Partridge's feet she holds the ball up well 35 yards out back to goal, has Jodie Sharp making the run down the left passes the ball to her racing to the by line she wins her team a corner.

  GOAL! Long Melford score an early goal from the corner, with the pitch being so narrow a well placed ball is going to travel further cause problems, inside the congested six yard box the ball is put on a plate for Lottie Churchman to head home from close range 1-0.

   East Bergholt work the ball out from the back up the left with Emily Lambert providing good support and racing up the pitch as Quinsee lays the ball off into her run. Pushing towards the by line she can't get inside Amy Harrington, but manages to get a shot away low towards the near post keeper drops low to make the save parries it behind for a corner

  Up the other end of the pitch Partridge can't believe she misses out of scoring Long Melford's 2nd goal as the ball comes to her free inside the box after East Bergholt make a mess of clearing the ball, can place it either side of Cameron Hogg in the East Bergholt goal, throws her hands up to her face as she sends the ball wide of the mark.

  GOAL! It isn't long before Long Melford do add a 2nd goal however with numbers forward pushing East Bergholt back along their 18 yard line play has been pulled to the right, Long Melford play the ball across to Sharp on the left of the area, she looks to control the ball bring it down as she strides into the area, stabs her shot over Hogg, it smashes against the crossbar and down over the line to make it 2-0.

   East Bergholt's attacks are limited, are working hard to close down Long Melford, passes are rushed a little too much not finding a green shirt often enough. Have some joy down the right Hurren has a good throw on her getting one high up the pitch level with the penalty area she launches the ball into the box where midfielder Pippa King receives it, hits the ball on the turn drags her low shot across the face of the Long Melford goal and out for a goal kick.

 On the left hand side of the pitch, Sharp gets on the ball in her own half goes on a mazy run skipping past 2 East Bergholt players, can't get past the 3rd as centre back Holly Prior comes across to put in a good tackle to stop her getting in on goal.
   
GOAL! Long Melford score a 3rd goal, a large slice of fortune about this one, the home side have a throw deep on the left Sharp on the ball has Megan Partridge in support near the by line to the left of the area putting the ball into her feet Partridge looks to send the ball into the area lifting it over goalkeeper Hogg covering her near post, gets it over her the ball drops down over the line in the centre of goal to make it 3-0.

    Pippa King is getting hold of the ball in the middle for East Bergholt is looking for players to make runs ahead of her to play the pass, Hurren provides one coming in from the right, King does well to thread it through the Long Melford centre backs, the ball though is just a little to close to Everett who collects before Hurren can meet it inside the box. Late on Hurren has a chance to put a free kick in towards goal from the right sends it in towards the near post, Everett with the save.
                             
                 Half-time Long Melford Ladies 3-0 East Bergholt United Ladies

    A comfortable 1st 45 for Long Melford have had the lions share of the attack, scored an early goal to put East Bergholt on the back foot. The visitors have done well working hard to win the ball back but have been to quick to get rid of it allowing Long Melford to regain possession.

 East Bergholt get the 2nd half under way. Jessica Oxlade is now on the pitch for the visiting team in the centre she has the ball at her feet, good close control she brings it forwards for a run at the Long Melford back line her shot is blocked at close range as both centre backs converge shut the door in front of her.

Sharp is attacking from the right 2nd half for Long Melford high up the pitch she latches onto an East Bergholt defensive mix up, looks to take her shot from 20 yards earlier takes a nick of an East Bergholt boot to deflect it wide for a corner.

  Hogg makes a great save holding onto the ball well as Partridge looks to place her header over her inside the box as Long Melford put a long ball forwards for her inside the box she sees Hogg coming out to close her down stretches her neck muscles to try and direct the ball over the keeper, leaning back Hogg throws her gloves up smartly to snatch the ball down.

   The East Bergholt midfield are winning the ball more regulary 2nd half with King and captain Georgina Longden getting good support from Oxlade. King wins a tackle in the final 3rd pushes on towards the box gets her team a corner. Played in from the right, Georgina Longden flicks the ball on at the near post sending it across the six yard box, Long Melford get hold of it and break with purpose with their no 7 Rachel Linsdell getting the furthest forwards she is stopped by East Bergholts last defender.

  On the opposite side of the pitch to Sharp, Sherral Williamson has been getting into some good areas looking to play others in rather than have a strike on goal she tries an effort from outside the box doesn't get enough pace on the shot to beat Hogg. Is a more even game at the start of the 2nd half.

   GOAL! No sooner have I written that in my notes than Long Melford go and add a 4th goal to the score line, from a corner played in from the right, the defenders are up from the back it's another great delivery, timed with a fantastic run from Long Melford's captain, Deben Howlett who runs from the middle of the area towards the near post to jump and meet the ball perfectly turning to place a bullet of a header into the back of the net 4-0.

    Williamson on the ball wide left passes it into Partridge on the edge of the East Bergholt area, she flicks the ball up looks to hit it on the volley, doesn't get any power in the shot, Hogg has an easy claim. Williamson tries to curl a shot in towards goal from 35 yards out wide left, a high looping ball it is dropping towards the far corner of the goal, Hogg back pedalling throws a glove up to put it wide for a corner. Howlett meeting the ball nearly scores from a header again this time Hogg parries the ball wide of her goal, Williamson is coming in far post looks to strike the rebound, East Bergholt block get the ball out of their box.

  
   GOAL! Sharp scores her 2nd goal of the match, Long Melford stretch the East Bergholt defence as they break down the visitors attack, Williamson out on to the right has the vision to spot the run from Sharp wide on the left plays a good cross field ball for her to run onto, she takes on and skips past her marker wide of the box the angle is tight as she fires her shot in low across Hogg and into the net at the far post 5-0.
  
     GOAL! A few East Bergholt heads have dropped they are pushing on trying to make something happen have lost their shape, Long Melford capitalise with midfielder Linsdell getting control of the ball and letting fly from 35 yards out, looking to send the ball over Hogg the goalkeeper is back pedalling throws a despairing glove up but can't get enough on the ball to stop it sailing past her and into the net to make it 6-0.
  
    East Bergholt attack late on but Long Melford are determined to keep a clean sheet, the closest the visitors come is through King as she battles her way through the Long Melford defence on the right fires a shot/cross along the goal face, Hurren wide right has made the run just can't get the touch needed to give East Bergholt a consolation goal as the ball goes out of play.

   The final whistle blows and Long Melford Ladies wrap up the 3pts with a convincing 6-0 win to move onto 25pts consolidating 2nd place in the table close the gap to 3pts on leaders Brantham Athletic Ladies as they were held to a 3-3 draw away to Witnesham Wasps.

   Long Melford looked very good, played well scored at regular intervals used the limited space on a tight pitch well. East Bergholt worked hard did well to close the ball down will be disappointed in the score line and the manner in which they conceded some of the goals, needed to settle on the ball early on. Fast paced as any game of women's football I have seen, enjoyed my 1st taste of league action from the Suffolk Women's Division.

 Thanks to both clubs for helping me out with the squad details.


   
 
   

Match Report - Millwall Lionesses v Lowestoft Town Ladies

    A third dose of football action from the FA Women's Cup 3rd Rd for myself this weekend catching up with one of the ties that fell foul of the weather last weekend. An intriguing line up too with Lowestoft Town Ladies of the Eastern Region Women's Premier Division travelling down to London to take on Millwall Lionesses of FA Women's Super League 2.

     Lowestoft Town Ladies reward for beating Luton Town Ladies 2-1 in the previous round of the FA Women's Cup, a plum tie against a Women's Super League Club playing three divisions above them. Lowestoft Town Ladies having come through all the preliminary and 2 rounds proper of the FA Women's Cup are having a strong season so far are undefeated with a 100% win record in their league and are going strong in two other cup competitions. The tie against Millwall Lionesses though represents the biggest test yet the squad has faced this season.

   Millwall Lionesses like all the other FAWSL 2 clubs, enter the FA Women's Cup at the 3rd round stage. Are only now returning to pre season with their league campaign starting in March, the 3rd round tie with Lowestoft Town Ladies represents their 1st competitive match. Are fine tuning their squad with players leaving and a few new faces coming in. The club also has a new manager for this season with Dan Milnar taking charge of the 1st after being with the club for a number of years.

   A tricky tie for Millwall Lionesses to negotitate a tough test for Lowestoft, but one both clubs will relish.

   My 1st trip to Beckenham Town FC, is Millwall Lionesses 2nd home as they play most of their home games at The Den. A nice little ground in an urban location, driving that deep into London is an experience for a country boy such as myself but I got there ok. The pitch had a big Keep Off sign upon it the players warming up next door, it did look in pretty good condition the temperature said different but it was bright and sunny as the teams took to the pitch.

    Millwall Lionesses starting XI - Sarah Quantrill, Frankie Strugnell, Naomi Cole, Dionne Lennon (C), Leanne Cowan, Lily Agg, Francesa Ali, Megan Goss, Grace Fisk, Lillie Billson & Rinsola Babajide.
     subs - Frankie Gibbs, Charelle Albert, Naomi James, Shirvae Edwards & Ciara Sherwood.

   Lowestoft Ladies starting XI - Chloe Pearce, Marcie Prettyman, Anna Larkins, Megan Cletheroe, Kate Pasque (C), Broghan Scully, Kelly Gray, Natasha Thomas, Chloe Hoffman, Paige Shorten & Hannah Waters.
   subs - Amy Bell, Georgia Paul, Amber Rowland, Zoe Cossey & Paige Baker.

   Two of Millwall Lionesses new signings were starting the match, Megan Goss who spent last season at London Bees and 16 year old Rinsola Babajide who was playing at Crystal Palace Ladies.

   It's Lowestoft to kick off the tie wearing white shirts, blue shorts and socks with Millwall lined up in navy shirts, white shorts and socks. The visitors waste no time in trying to get forwards and attack win a free kick inside the Millwall half, Paige Shorten to take she looks to test Millwall goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill early on, the ball coming into the box poses no problem Quantrill see's it all the way.

   Millwall break with pace and purpose the ball being fed into the feet of Babajibe breaking into space on the left, has Goss up with her in support plays her in, Goss goes for the early strike, Lowestoft goalkeeper Chloe Pearce is down quickly to save at her near post. Both sides are showing good energy Lowestoft looking to get the ball from their opponents and get it forwards. Get a ball beyond the Millwall back line, Shorten is the one giving chase, Quantrill is quick out of her area to slide in and win the ball before the Lowestoft attacker can get it.

    Millwall's, Lily Agg gets hold of the ball in the centre, plays the ball out to the left, Babajide gives chase has Lowestoft right back Marcie Prettyman for company as she drives to the by line inside the box manages to get a cross into the centre, Lowestoft block the ball going away for a corner. Naomi Cole is up from the back for the set piece fired into the box it is a fraction to high as she rises to try and send it goalwards.

   Millwall are getting joy down the flanks Lillie Billson always a hard player to shake off the ball pushes on wraps her foot around the ball putting it into the box with Agg having made a great run from midfield, gets her head to it, puts the ball over the crossbar. Billson and Agg combine again this time though Agg recovers the ball as Billson scuffs her shot from outside the box, picking it up from the left Agg looks to send it goalwards from the corner of the area, between the posts Pearce is well positioned to make the save.

    Agg is a constant threat looking to go forwards, escapes her marker and looks to surge into the box, Lowestoft captain and central defender Kate Pasque stays on her shoulder and makes a great sliding tackle to deny her inside the box, gives away a corner. Pearce jumps well from the crowd jostling around her to punch the ball away.

   Babajide has sprung the offside trap a few times looking to break off the shoulder of the last defender. As play builds down the right with Billson and Goss linking up well, Babajide makes a run into the centre of the box the ball is fired into her doesn't get clean contact with the ball screws her shot wide of goal. Agg on the ball again in the Lowestoft box with a back heel and turn to give room to shoot fires it in low but straight at Pearce.

Lowestoft's Broghan Scully and Millwall's Lily Agg both covered a lot of ground in midfield

    Broghan Scully is all over the place in the middle of the park looking to break up play and get something going for her team, wins the ball from Billson on the right puts it into Shorten in the middle who lays it off left to Anna Larkins, Shorten turns heading for the area and hoping to get a return ball. Larkins sends it flashing towards her Shorten has little option looks to try an ambitious over head kick meets the ball, gets no control on the shot which goes high and wide.

    Agg has another shot from outside the box the ball played into her she controls well, flicks it up to hit on the half volley, once again she picks out Pearce in the Lowestoft goal.

   GOAL! Francesa Ali on the ball in the centre of midfield sends it out to the right where Agg has made the run into space, shifts it before putting the ball into the area where Billson has made the run to the six yard line, she hits the ball on the turn aiming for the near post, Pearce can't get down quick enough the ball squirms under her and in to give the WSL2 side the lead 1-0.




Lillie Billson on the ball for Millwall

       Chloe Hoffman does well to keep hold of the ball in the middle skips past a couple of Millwall challenges before sending a looping pass out to the left for Natasha Thomas to chase with pace she bursts forwards attempts an early strike with the outside of her boot looking to catch out Quantill who is coming out to close the angle, her attempt is off target.

   Lowestoft's Thomas steals in on the Millwall backline knocking the ball up headers it forwards into the area, is pushed to the right of goal, still under challenge gets her shot away, Quantrill is behind the ball to make the save and set up a Millwall counter attack.

  GOAL! No sooner is one goal under attack then the ball is up the other end of the pitch and Millwall double their lead. A defensive error sees Pearce present the ball out to Babajide on the left. Taking the ball further down the line Pearce is caught out of position her goal exposed behind her the angle is tight, needs composure from Babajide she is cool as she sends the ball past Pearce to roll just inside the net at the far post 2-0.

    Prettyman is fouled late in the half just inside their half Lowestoft's Scully strikes the free kick sending it towards the area Pasque rise's to head the ball down, comes to Shorten 25 yards out on the turn she smashes the ball goal wards, but over.

                           Half-time Millwall Lionesses 2-0 Lowestoft Town Ladies

   Despite the 3 division gap between the teams Lowestoft have given as good as they'd got for long periods in the half, have been on the back foot but have defended well for the most part all of the back line putting in a vital tackle when needed. Millwall have been disciplined to, prepared to attack in numbers but the defenders have been alert given Lowestoft's attacks no room to exploit. If the Suffolk side want to get back into this tie then an early goal would give their confidence the power of good.

    Millwall to kick off the 2nd half with Lily Agg minus her blue undershorts now (the referee would be checking later). The half starts fairly evenly the ball travelling between defences, Babajibe gets in on the left looks to fire a ball into the box with Billson coming in, Pasque slides in to intercept the ball.

    Ali brings the ball forwards lays it out wide to Babajide on the left her cross fired along the six yard line is too long, the ball is retrieved and put back into the danger area coming to Billson to the left of the D she drills her shot wide of goal.

Megan Goss had a good 1st competitive game for Millwall

   Babajide has had good support from Francesa Strugnell behind her all game this time she gives the ball back to Strugnell who plays the ball into the box from a deep position, at her near post Pearce keeps her eye on the ball makes the save holding onto the ball with Goss rushing in to close her down.

   Up front for Lowestoft, Hannah Waters has had very little of the ball, done her best to make herself available for any out ball wins her team a corner as she controls a ball played out from the back plays it against her marker running it out of play. Hoffman plays it into the area from the right, peeling off the crowd in front of goal it's Thomas who leaps and tries to turn her header goal wards sends the ball over the bar.

Lowestoft's Natasha Thomas with Millwall's Frankie Strugnell

    Shorten with the ball passes it out wide left for Thomas to run down taking on her marker she gets into the box firs the ball across the goal face, the Millwall defence slides in one getting the block. Millwall make the 1st change of the match with Babajide coming off and Ciara Sherwood coming on.
Lowestoft make a change too with Amber Rowland coming on for Broghan Scully.

   Thomas pushing up against Millwall captain Dionne Lennon at the back manages to win the ball from the central defender, looks to break head for goal, Lennon recovers quickly though and catching up with Thomas gets the tackle in to deny her a shot on goal.

   The ball is played out to Goss peeled away into space on the right, turns and puts the ball into Agg's feet 25 yards from goal, Agg puts her foot through the ball, finds Pearce well placed once more to make the save. Both teams make a 2nd change, Lowestoft bringing off Waters with Zoe Cossey coming on. Millwall bring on Shirvae Edwards for Goss.

   The game is fast moving end to end the ball being put forwards by Lowestoft looking for an opening Milllwall winning it back looking to exploit the spaces that are opening up as Lowestoft start to tire. The home side make their 3rd change with Billson coming off and Charelle Albert coming on up front.

   Shirvae Edwards has the ball in the right channel looking to come inside runs across the 18 yard line is presented with an opening to shoot looks to curl one towards the top corner doesn't get enough lift on the ball to beat Pearce in the Lowestoft goal.

   GOAL! Both Millwall full backs Leanne Cowan on the right and Strugnell on the left have had space to run into 2nd half as Lowestoft tire late on it's Strugnell who gets on the ball plays it forwards to Charelle Albert wide of the goal she has time to line up her shot get's plenty of pace on the strike as she fires it across Pearce and into the back of the net to add the 3rd 3-0.

    Millwall win a corner late in the game played in from the right it's Lennon who jumps for the ball in the centre meets it but sends it wide of the far post. Last action of the match Albert chasing the ball down at the by line wins another corner played in deep it's Agg who leaps, doesn't trouble Pearce this time puts it wide. The final whistle blows and it's Millwall who progress to the 4th round of the FA Women's Cup as they beat Lowestoft 3-0.

   Millwall will play FA Women's Premier League South side Portsmouth Ladies away in the 4th round. A good, solid performance from the WSL2 side today, created lots of chances a good work out weren't giving Lowestoft much at the back either.

    Lowestoft's great cup run comes to an end, they did the Regional leagues proud, worked hard were never fazed by playing a team 3 tiers higher, matched them for commitment and work rate, I'm sure they have enjoyed the occasion and will be hungry for more.

    Best of luck to Millwall in the 4th round.


  
                     

Match Report - Oxford United Women v Coventry City Ladies

   The 2nd match report from this weekends FA Women's Cup 3rd Round ties. Following on from last evenings all FAWSL2 tie between Doncaster Rovers Belles & London Bees (see previous match report), it was time to head out of Norfolk in a different direction to take in another game. The poor weather leading up to today had seen a number of FA Women's Cup ties called off, I had a few interesting matches to choose from and when the draw for the 3rd Round was made Oxford United Women v Coventry City Ladies was one that caught my eye.

  One of a handful of ties pitting an FA Women's Premier League team against an FA Women's Super League 2 team. I get asked regulary whether I think there's a gap between the two and right now personally I don't think there is much of a gap whether that will grow is another question, today though was a chance to find out. I don't get to see many teams play in the FAWPL top divisions but when I do have always been impressed by the skill and pace on show.

   Of course this is a cup match a stand alone game, Oxford United Women like all the FAWSL teams are only now entering pre-season the FA Women's Cup 3rd Round weekend being one of their first matches and a competitive one at that. Oxford like a few other FAWSL2 teams took a little while to adjust to life in the newly created Super Leagues 2nd tier, towards the end of the season though they were starting to build some positive results and got points on the board. Had a large and young playing squad last season and have retained alot of those players going into 2015.

   Their opponents today Coventry City Ladies would be very tough opposition, this is my 1st time seeing them in action. Are the current FAWPL Southern Division Champions, but this season through a geographical tweek find themselves competing in the FAWPL Northern Division, hasn't unsettled them at all though as they currently lead the way from Sheffield FC Ladies.

    Arrived in Oxford United Women's home ground The Northcourt which they share with Abingdon United in good time, the weather was bitterly cold (colder then at last nights match) mind you I have got a cold which is perfect timing...not.. as I've a week off work now. Haven't been to see Oxford United Women at home since the early stages of last season was overdue a return trip, cheeseburger and chips with a cup of tea to warm me up as I took a seat in the small stand on the side of the pitch to watch the match action unfold.

    Oxford United Women starting XI - Demi Lambourne, Laura Nichol, Amy Chivers, Sahara Osbourne-Ricketts (C), Rosie Lane, Kayleigh Hines, Katie Stanley, Katherine Nutman, Holly Pickett, Ella Franklin-Fraiture & Lauren Allison.
   subs - Hannah Cox, Laura Low, Helen King, Gemma Simmonds, Sarah Teirney & Lindsay Pinker.

   Coventry City Ladies starting XI - Susan Wood, Annabel Johnson, Samantha Quayle, Jade Formaston, Natasha Lynch (C), Nikki Miles, Amber Hughes, Callan Barber, Ashleigh Neville, Helen Dermody & Destiny Toussaint.
   subs - Marie Gauntlett, Jade Mellor, Libby Piggott, Emily March & Eleanor Towers.

  It's Oxford to kick the tie off in the 1st half in their home kit, yellow shirt with navy band cross the chest, navy shorts and socks up against Coventry lined up in sky blue shirts and socks with navy shorts.

   GOAL! Oxford are just back preparing for the new season there's a chance Coventry might catch them cold and the visitors do that in the opening minute as the ball is won in the centre of midfield and played into the right channel for Amber Hughes to run onto plenty of pace she is past the full back and squares the ball into the box zipping across the six yard line Oxford goalkeeper Demi Lambourne is down quick enough to get a glove to it, only succeeds in pushing it wide to the far post area into the path of Coventry's Destiny Toussaint who is racing in to support, sends it into the back of the net and they take an early lead 0-1.

   Coventry are harrying Oxford at the back and midfield getting hold of the ball and looking to play one of their attacking players through, Oxford reclaim the ball it is launched forwards, striker Lauren Allison getting onto the ball sprays it out to the right for Katie Stanley she opts to cross early sending the ball back across the 18 yar line, Coventry's captain at centre back Natasha Lynch intercepts. Stanley is getting some joy down the right looking to take players on opts to shoot from distance this time sends the shot wide of goal.

   Oxford are pushing up to half way a risky move as Coventry have pace are looking to get players running off the defence into space, in goal Lambourne has to be alert as Helen Dermody finds herself in on goal Lambourne comes rushing out of her area Dermody scoops the ball over her, it is off target though goes behind for a goal kick. It's Hughes turn to beat the offside flag bursting down the right she flashes another cross low along the face of the Oxford goal no one running in this time.

Coventry City Ladies Amber Hughes

  Coventry have a free kick in their own half Lynch plays a great ball forwards it's Hughes that gets onto it as it falls inside the box right of goal she gets a shot away even as Lambourne rushes forwards to close the angle dropping the goal keeper does well to throw her arms up and claim the ball before it can get past her.

  Lambourne has the ball passed back to her has to get her kick away as she is closed down, is poor no height it comes to Hughes, a good way out she opts to run with the ball rather than shoot early as Lambourne back pedals towards her goal, Hughes shoots Lambourne saves with her legs.

  GOAL! Coventry extend their lead as both Toussaint and Hughes peel off the Oxford back line and into space as the ball is threaded through, Hughes has the ball at her feet takes it out the the left has Toussaint with her, Lambourne his exposed two players closing her down Hughes passes the ball across her for Toussaint to put the ball into an empty net 0-2.

   Coventry are turning the screw Oxford are struggling to cope with the pace and movement up front. A few strong challenges have been coming in from both sides Oxford captain Sahara Osbourne-Ricketts isn't one to back out of a challenge, she and Toussaint have a coming together, putting the tackle in Toussaint takes exception lashes out with a kick the referee spots it and Toussaint is given her marching orders a straight red with little over 20 minutes played.

   The sending off gives Oxford a lift with Coventry backing off a little as the adjust to being a player light. With Stanley doing well on the right the ball comes to Holly Pickett in the centre she slips into the box fires a shot, Coventry's Lynch makes the block the ball cannons back to Pickett for a 2nd bite this time it's Annabel Johnson who slides in to make the block.

    Another Oxford move breaks down as Stanley's cross from the right is once again headed away by Lynch, the break is on as the ball is put through to Dermody now the lone attacker, Lambourne hestitates for a moment then commits herself to rushing out slides in to win the ball.

    Oxford have a corner played in from the right, rising to meet it is Kayleigh Hines a good header but off target she places it wide of Coventry's goal. Hines is the target for another Oxford corner but this time Coventry get it away. With Hughes deeper now Oxford's left back Amy Chivers is able to get forwards a little more looks to send a high looping ball into the box it is dropping into space, Katherine Nutman is trying to cover the ground to reach it slides but can't get anything on it to devert it past Coventry goalkeeper Susan Wood.

   Lambourne is lucky to still be on the pitch herself as again Coventry get the ball over the Oxford back line into space with Dermody racing after it, Lambourne has to come they come together Dermody prodding the ball wide of her, Lambourne gets a talking to from the referee and a yellow card, only seen it once but itlooked like Oxford had players getting back on the cover. It's Dermody to take the free kick in front of the D, hits a fierce shot Lambourne dives to her right, the shot is narrowly wide.

                               Half-time Oxford United Women 0-2 Coventry City Ladies

   A fast paced 1st half with plenty of incident, Coventry taking an early 2 goal lead looked to have Oxford in all sorts of bother could only see more goals then came Toussaint's red card and since then the visitors haven't been able to commit the numbers forwards taken the pressure off giving Oxford a chance to draw breath. 2-0 at half time would they be able to turn it around against Coventry's 10 as they kick off the 2nd 45.

   Oxford have adjusted the pack a little with Hines going further forwards to support Allison and Stanley with Nutman dropping into Hines place in midfield. Oxford start on the attack get Stanley on the ball down the right, gets her cross into the box Nutman has covered the ground to get there her shot is blocked at close range comes back out to Hines outside the box who looks to curl a shot towards goal not enough on it Wood is able to palm it down for a comfortable take.

Oxford United Women's Kayleigh Hines

   Hines with another blast from distance this on heading for the top corner Wood gets a glove to it to send the ball behind for a corner kick. Oxford are looking to get bodies forwards pressure Coventry around there box, need to score and with a 2 goal lead Coventry can sit back and soak it up, look to launch a counter attack have pushed Hughes up top with Ashleigh Neville to her left, Dermody over on the right. Hughes pace can cause problems isolated though Oxford get players around her to reclaim the ball.

   Hughes takes the ball from Oxford defender Amy Chivers, is through for a run at goal with Osbourne-Ricketts racing across to try and stop her Hughes shot is high and wide of the mark. In attack Oxford are getting the ball into the area but whenever a yellow shirted player has the ball she is closed down Coventry putting bodies in front of the ball.

   Oxford have the ball inside the Coventry box again the shot comes in is blocked by a defender on the line, comes back out to Laura Nichol waiting on the edge of the box she strikes the ball back in hits the post and spins behind, the referee must have spotted a Coventry touch as a corner is given. Looking for Hines from the set piece Coventry have her marked this time and get the ball out.

   Osbourne-Ricketts now over on the left of defence up against Dermody gets a yellow card. Dermody is patient waiting for any Oxford attack to be broken up then attack with the ball puts in a deep cross to the far post looking for the run from Neville retrieving the ball she puts it back across goal too close to Lambourne. Neville is substituted with Marie Gauntlett coming on up front.

   Samantha Quayle goes into the referees book as she brings Stanley down on the right of the area the ball into the box finds Hines at the far post jumping she puts the header over the bar. Again Hines gets her head to another corner played in from the right same result over. Oxford make a triple change with Laura Low, Helen King and Gemma Simmonds coming on for Pickett, Nichol and Ella Franklin-Fraiture.

   Coventry break with Hughes on the ball, Gauntlett in close support she plays her in she takes an early shot looking to put the ball across Lambourne the goalkeeper dives and makes a good save, gets up quickly launches the ball setting up an attack from which Allison blazes over the bar from 20 yards out.

   GOAL! Bringing the ball forwards from the back Coventry play it out wide into space on the right, Dermody latches onto the ball surges forwards from the corner of the box puts her foot through the shot sending the ball across Lambourne and into at the far post to make it 0-3 with 10 minutes to go.

Coventry City Ladies Helen Dermody

   Oxford have a free kick on the left with Osbourne-Ricketts to play the ball in defender Rosie Lane at the far post heads the ball back in dangerously across goal at the near post Coventry defender Nikki Miles is on the post to block the ball as bodies close in, gets hurt in the process and play is brought to a halt whilst she recieves treatment. Jade Mellor has come on late on for Coventry replacing Hughes.

   Oxford attack in the closing minutes but can find no way through as Coventry defend solidly to win the tie 0-3 and progress into Monday's 4th Round draw where they will be a strong opponent for anyone. A good performance from the FAWPL Northern Division leaders, power and pace, worked hard as a unit not to concede with 10 players gave Oxford ground but left no room to get in behind.

   Oxford looked rusty early on and will want to get this result out of their system a good workout thing's to work on came up against an inform opponent today.

  

  

  

   

Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v London Bees

   The 3rd Round proper of the FA Women's Cup had seen plenty of mouth watering ties drawn, this is the round when the clubs from the FAWSL2 enter the competition. A potentially tricky round to negotiate for all of them too as they have only just returned to prepare for the upcoming summer season, with 6 of the 10 clubs drawn home or away to lower placed league clubs that were well into their season, there were also 2 all FAWSL2 ties. Tonights encounter was one of them as Doncaster Rovers Belles played host to London Bees.

   Start of a new season this was to be the 1st competitive game in charge for Doncaster Rovers Belles new head coach Glen Harris, returning to top flight women's football having previously been in charge of Lincoln Ladies. A number of ex Lincoln players aleady at Doncaster, Harris was quick to secure the signature of an ex Lincoln player Sophie Barker, along with winger Emily Roberts who has come in on loan from Notts County Ladies along with the experienced goalkeeper Danielle Hill and Jody Handley from Everton Ladies. Have lost two fans favourites to FAWSL1 with Jess Sigsworth and Millie Bright moving onto Notts County Ladies and Chelsea Ladies respectfully.

   Was a tough debut season in FAWSL2 for the London Bees, struggled to pick up points, manager Julian Broomes has retained 10 players from last season, whilst adding new faces with Samantha Miller coming in from West Ham, Ashleigh Goodard and Leigh Nicol from Reading FC Women along with defender Jemma Connor-Iommi joining from Oxford United Women. A new season London Bees will hope it's less turbulant, victory in the 3rd round of the FA Women's Cup would give both clubs the perfect boost.

   The fixture moved from it's original Sunday slot meant I was able to travel up to the Keepmoat Stadium on a cold and chilly Saturday evening, a chance to catch up with a few old friends from my Lincoln Ladies supporting day too. The snow that was falling in Norfolk cleared as I headed up the A17 onto the A1 and arrived at the stadium.

    Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Nicola Hobbs, Lyndsey Cunningham, Leandra Little (C), Rhiannon Roberts, Lauren Cresswell, Kasia Lipka, Bethany England, Sophie Barker, Hope Knight, Sue Smith & Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.
   subs - Reanne Thomas, Danielle Hill, Nicole Dale, Ashleigh Mills & Molly Johnson.

    London Bees starting XI - Sophie Harris, Jemma Conner-Iommi, Jade Dempster (C), Loiuse Fellows, Aoife Hurley, Rebecca Anderson, Paula Howells, Leigh Nicol, Ashleigh Goddard, Amber Gaylor & Lucy Loomes.
   subs - Paula Hoya, Paige Wakefield, Samantha Miller, Andria Georgiou & Billie Brooks.

  With Doncaster beating London Bees 9-0 on the final day last season they were in most people's eyes favourites to progress into the 4th round. New season though forget old results as London Bees all in blue kicked off the match with Doncaster lined up in opposition in yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts.

   London Bees are lined up with 4 at the back then 2-3-1 in front with Lucy Loomes the lone attacker, with Doncaster playing 4-3-3 with Sophie Barker in the middle with Bethany England in front of Kasia Lipka in the holding role. A tentative start from both sides as they look to test each other out a heavy back pass puts Doncaster goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs under unnecassary pressure, she gets the ball clear with Loomes sencing an opportunity to steal in.

   Out on the right hand side of the pitch Sue Smith puts a cross in from deep looking for England who has sprinted into the box, bringing the ball down on the edge of the six yard box she has Hope Knight in close support tries to set her up, doesn't come off as London Bees recover to clear the ball.

The visitors are keeping a diciplined shape with everyone looking to keep it tight and harry Doncaster when they are on the ball, playing a high line at times both Smith and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk are caught offside. In attack Loomes pressing, gets hold of the ball has Amber Gaylor making the run into the box putting the ball into her feet Gaylor passes the ball to Leigh Nicol the no 8 places her shot wide of goal.

   From right back Doncaster's Lyndsey Cunningham is allowed to travel with the ball, has Smith in front of her, playing the ball into her feet, Smith cuts back inside and launches the ball into the area. In the box Sweetman-Kirk finds herself in space, gets her head to the ball, puts it over the bar.

   London Bees goalkeeper Sophie Harris is called into action as Smith coming into the middle plays the ball out to Lauren Cresswell, racing to the by line she does well to get a cross into the area is threatening to sneak under the crossbar and in, Harris get's a glove to it keep it out. Smith getting on the ball outside the area looks to take players on jinks her way into the box, Harris is out to close her down saves well as Smith shoots.

    Doncaster have a corner from the left put into the area, captain Leandra Little makes the run across everyone to meet the ball, getting her head on the ball drills her effort wide. From another corner London Bees win the ball and the break is on as they get the ball up the pitch to Loomes, head down she is looking to get into the box it's Rhiannon Roberts who races back covering alot of ground to get back and put the tackle in London Bees win a corner.

   Players up from the back the ball drops to Jemma Connor-Iommi six yards out, she can't dig the ball out from her feet to get the shot away as Doncaster get it out only as far as Rebecca Anderson on the right she fires it into the crowded near post area a blue shirt gets a touch the ball though goes past the wrong side of the post.

  Out on the right Sweetman-Kirk plays the ball across the 18 yard line into England with Knight on the overlap Aoife Hurley at right back finds herself outnumbered, does well to keep an eye on England doesn't let her past her wins the ball. As Smith looks to join the attack Hurley is on hand again to make the tackle see the ball back to Harris in goal.

   Hurley's not letting Smith past her so Doncaster play the ball across the pitch into Lipka out to the right with Cunningham in space, the cross is played low into the box with Sweetman-Kirk making the run she looks to place it into the bottom corner, Harris is down quickly to make the save.

                                Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 0-0 London Bees

   0-0 at the break had the feel of a pre-season friendly, with both sides returning to competitive action. A much improved London Bees performance, have created little in front of goal but have worked hard to maintain a good shape and have been disciplined in their approach. Doncaster have created chances had opportunities to take the lead would they break the deadlock as they kicked off the 2nd half.

  Starts pretty much the same as the 1st with Doncaster looking to use the width more, on the left Hope Knight puts a cross into the box with Sweetman-Kirk looking to meet it Harris comes off her line to intercept the ball, catches well.

   Paula Howells takes the ball out to the left, Amber Gaylor has made up the ground to get into the box, Howells gets her cross into her, with Little and Roberts squeezing her down Gaylor's attempted shot is blocked and danger cleared.

  Kasia Lipka is given the space inside the London Bees half to travel with the ball, 30 yards out she let's fly, Harris is caught flat footed as the ball sails past her, can only turn and look as the ball cannons off the post and flies along the face of her goal and out of play.

  GOAL! Doncaster finally bring the deadlock, with Barker and Lipka pressing hard in the centre to get the ball, it is played back to Roberts who launches a high ball towards the box England is up joining the attack glances the ball on and past Harris into the back of the net 1-0.

  Sweetman-Kirk running along the line manages to beat the linesmans flag this time is on the ball and through on goal, Harris denies her as she comes out and makes the save with her legs putting the ball out for a throw. It's all Doncaster at the moment, Smith almost steals in skipping over one challenge heads for the box Howells coming back puts in a fantastic tackle to stop her.

   Doncaster make the 1st change with Hope Knight coming off the pitch to be replaced by Reanne Thomas.

  GOAL! A well worked team goal from Doncaster for their 2nd of the match as the ball won at the back is passed to England in her own half she plays a great cross field pass out to the left for Smith to get onto, stretching London Bees Smith plays the ball into the area behind their defenders weighted perfectly for Sweetman-Kirk to run onto and stab past Harris to make it 2-0.

  Aoife Hurley has gone down is struggling with an injury London Bees make the change as she comes off with Andria Goergiou coming on. Doncaster make 2 more changes with Cunningham and Barker having a rest as Ashleigh Mills and Molly Johnson come on.

   Doncaster have a freekick wide right halfway between the box and centre circle, Smith over the ball plays it low into Lipka on the edge of the box she gets it back out to Smith who plays the ball back into the area with the outside of her boot, the ball is headed clear falling back to Smith...

GOAL! Smith is brought down again outside the box on the right corner a yard out. It's Smith standing over the ball as London Bees set up their wall. Smith curls the ball over the wall Harris shuffles across to meet it, one she will want to forget as getting her gloves to it the ball slips through and drops over the line to bring up the 3rd goal 3-0.

   Out wide left England has been all over the place 2nd half fires in a vicious cross towards the near post at head height, Harris' save is instintive throws a glove up does well as the ball is deflected up onto the crossbar, before being cleared.

   Doncaster have a good shout for a penalty as Smith is clipped inside the box as she attempts to find room to shoot after good work between Lipka and Mills on the right, the referee waves the appeals away.

   Late into the game Loomes has had little to chase, comes back to take the ball turns taking the ball right. Takes the shot from the edge of the area a good height, Hobbs in the Doncaster goal sees it all the way. Leigh Nicol stays strong not letting go of the ball as she gets it in front of the Doncaster defence plays a one two with Georgiou before striking it from distance, Hobbs though is again well positioned to make the save.

    The final whistle blows and Glen Harris wins his 1st competitive game in charge as Doncaster win 3-0 and progress into the 4th round of the FA Women's Cup. A strong 2nd half performance from the home side.

   A good 1st half performance from the London Bees working hard and keeping a good shape will be disappointed to concede 3 in the 2nd half but a good platform to build on going into the FAWSL2 season.