Match Report - Copleston Ladies v Brantham Athletic Ladies

   A top of the table clash in the Suffolk Women's Division is the featured match on the Supporting Women's Football Blog with 3rd placed Copleston Ladies hosting leaders Brantham Athletic Ladies.

  The Suffolk Women's Division is one of the smallest in terms of number of teams competing as any in East, just the 7 sides in one division. That being said women's football in Suffolk is as strong as anywhere in terms of sides competing in the higher divisions. Out of the 7 sides contesting the Women's Division, Copleston Ladies and Brantham Athletic Ladies were amongst the pre season title favourites. Have both started the season strongly along with East Bergholt United who are looking strong too early on. 

  Copleston Ladies started the season superbly with 3 wins out of 3 to go top, have lost ground on the others above them simply because they haven't played a league game since the 11th of October with postponements and fixture scheduling. Play in Ipswich, Copleston in the north east of the town near the hospital, play their matches at the Copleston High School. Which is where I headed, I suspect I'm not the only one to do so as when you arrive at the closed, locked gates there is a sign with the sat nav directions to send you in through the right entrance to the playing fields. 

   Brantham Athletic Ladies are top of the league having won 5 of their 6 league matches to date just the one defeat that to East Bergholt United who have an identical record to them going into today's match. Battled Long Melford Ladies all the way to the league title last season before falling short at the final hurdle will be hoping they can go one better this time around.

  A proper high school football pitch for today's match seen plenty of boots as much soil as grass on display through the middle, in pretty good shape otherwise, not looking overly wet despite the recent rain but a strong wind blowing across it would have helped dry it out. The wind would keep the clouds moving but would make playing conditions difficult for both sides as they warmed up on the pitch.  

   Copleston Ladies starting XI - Daisy Hodgson, Megan Stock, Leanne Derbyshire, Anna James, Amy Trenter, Roxanne Middle, Hollie Akers (C), Elysia Young, Sophie Crane, Amelia Deuchars & Jade Horne.
   subs - Shannon Giles & Jade Carter

   Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI - Keri Burley, Shanice Leeks, Charlotte Partridge, Jo Hazelton, Katy Skinner, Merlin Watson, Lucy Dunnett (C), Lucy Elmes, Carra Seeley, Danielle Harvey & Kirsten Hutchings
   subs - Monique Peters

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It's the visitors Brantham to kick off the 1st half wearing their away kit colours of red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks with Copleston lined up opposite wearing light blue shirts, navy shorts and socks. Brantham are attacking into the wind at the start of the match in the windy conditions both coaches are stressing the importance of not letting the ball bounce deal with it 1st time, Lucy Dunnett, Brantham's captain has the ball in the centre of midfield looks to play it forwards with strikers Danielle Harvey and Kirsten Hutchings ready to break beyond the Copleston defence. Anna James in the centre of the Copleston defence between the 2 Brantham strikers makes sure she gets a firm head on the ball halt the attack.

Watch the bounce, Copleston's Anna James and Brantham's
Kirsten Hutchings keep their eyes on the ball

   Brantham win the ball back on the right the ball sent along the ground this time sends Hutchings clear right of the goal, has Amelia Deuchars on her shoulder the Copleston defender chases her into the box, does just enough to see Hutchings run the ball out of play before she can turn a shot towards goal. 

  Copleston's Elysia Young travels with the ball up the left wing looks to play the through ball into the middle of the area for Jade Horne, with the wind being a factor causing the ball to stand up for Brantham at the other end this time it picks up pace and carries through to goalkeeper Keri Burley before Horne can get anywhere near it. 

  A good example of the windy conditions happens when Brantham win a free kick over on the right side of the field, Dunnett over the ball looks to loft it high into the box, instead it gets held up in the wind and is almost blown back to Dunnett's feet. Is end to end early on Copleston finding joy up the left of the pitch the final cross not finding their attackers s Brantham bring it out from the back and look to counter the pass into Dunnett in the centre and she immediately looks to send Hutchings through with the low through ball, Copleston goalkeeper Daisy Hodgson is quick to react races out of her area to meet the ball 1st kick it up the field. 

  Copleston fail to deal with the bouncing ball at the ball as they drop off to defend with Dunnett rolling the ball out to Merlin Watson on the left, she plays the ball up into the air towards Harvey as it bounces across the defence 20 yards out Hutchings is the player who latches onto it skips into the box right of the goal pulls the trigger sends her shot wide across the face of goal.

  Good foot work from Horne on half way coming back down the right to help win the ball, get's it back shifts it inside before squaring the pass into Amy Trenter in the centre taking it forwards 5 yards lays the ball out to the left wing with Megan Stock racing up the pitch taking the ball to the byline wins her side a corner. Play is paused for a moment as a canine pitch invader sneaks on to give the home side an extra body inside the Brantham box. The corner from the left is swung in towards the near post, Brantham get it away.

Brantham captain, Lucy Dunnett on the ball

    Dunnett is always looking to drive forwards, take players on when she gets the ball at her feet, looks to chip the ball over James in the Copleston defence, both race after the ball rolling into the left channel James getting there 1st to put it out for a throw. Watson links up with Harvey from the throw the ball sent into the Copleston box is too close to Hodgson as the keeper comes towards her near post to collect. Dunnett on the ball once more turns her marker and with the outside of her boot plays the pass forwards for Hutchings to break beyond the Copleston defence, James recovers quickly to try and get back on her as she breaks into the box right of goal Hodgson comes out to close down the angle as she shoots saves with her leg to turn the ball away from goal isn't clear Dunnett cathes up with play inside the box lays it out to the left for Harvey, she looks to shoot hit it hard from an acute angle, Copleston captain Hollie Akers has tracked back blocks the shot the ball flying wide across the box.

    Brantham win a corner kick taken on the left is put into the centre of the box, Copleston head it clear, the ball is picked up by Watson 25 yards out lays it into Dunnett in the middle, she shifts it between her feet before taking on the shot 20 yards out, doesn't get any pace n the ball as it comes in low, Hodgson gets herself behind the ball and drops forwards to make the save.

  GOAL! Brantham have a free kick on the halfway line Dunnett over the ball looks to play it long to the right of the box the target Hutchings letting it drop over her shoulder she is after the ball as it falls into the area, right corner Hodgson comes racing out and collides with Hutchings the referee points to the penalty spot. Dunnett to take the penalty for Brantham puts plenty behind the kick a powerful strike wrong footing the goalkeeper who dives to her right, Dunnett buries it in the opposite corner 0-1.

Lucy Dunnett hitting Brantham's penalty into the back of the net

  Copleston haven't been able to get in behind the Brantham defence too often, the back four defending deep letting the midfield and attackers bring the ball forwards. The home side win another corner on the left with Akers playing the ball forwards into Sophie Crane in attack back to goal she sends the ball out to the left with Stock bursting up the wings again wins the corner kick. This one is delivered deeper into the middle, Dunnett is back to defend heads it back out to the left is retrieved by the corner kick taker, Roxanne Middle, looking to send it in to the box again hits the ball hard goes through the crowd Burley his her near post covered gathers the ball.

   Stock tries to put a ball through the Brantham centre backs to release Horne in the middle for a run and goal the wind taking it away from the striker. Young is presented with a chance to have a shot as Brantham lose possession, 30 yards out, gets plenty behind the shot the ball flashing across the box and wide of the goal. Winning a few more tackles in midfield Copleston are enjoying a good spell of possession as the 1st half draws to a close. Middle gets onto the ball on the left sends it up the right channel for Horne to chase, with no one available for the cross into the box she wins her side a corner kick. From the right Middle plays it in towards the near post Brantham defend sending it over the bar for another corner to be taken from the left.

  GOAL! Middle runs across the pitch to take the 2nd corner kick. The delivery is put into the same near post area six yards out plenty of bodies there, somehow the ball squeezes through all of them and falls favourably for Horne central to goal, hits the shot as hard as she can, the back of the net most definitely bulges 1-1.

   The goal has lifted Copleston's confidence, they press forwards putting pressure on the ball around the Brantham area are almost caught out late on when Jo Hazelton steals in to rob them of the ball in the middle brings it out the pass into Dunnett, her pass sends Hutchings clear off the Copleston defence who get caught defending a high line, has Harvey in the centre running up with her opts to shoot early sends the ball over the bar from the edge of the box.

 Half-time Copleston Ladies 1-1 Brantham Athletic Ladies

  The honours even after a competitive 1st 45 minutes the wind is sadly playing it's part making conditions tricky for both sides, a committed battle going on in the middle of the park. Dunnett a treat whenever she has the ball at her feet has the pass in her locker to release the strikers in front of her. Copleston have battled hard haven't been able to get their strikers in on goal as much as Brantham however the scores are level as they kick off the second half.

Copleston captain, Hollie Akers

  The wind has only grown stronger whipping across the open playing field. Copleston have made a change at the start of the 2nd half with Shannon Giles coming on for Sophie Crane in attack. Young and Trenter combine well in the middle for Copleston the latter opening up her body to send a great into Horne left of the D, no shot on has Stock making a run into a central position gives her the ball, slices her 1st time shot wide. Trenter taking the ball on again in the middle attempts to play it into the box with Giles breaking off her marker to race into space beyond, Burley rushes out of the six yard box to gather before Giles can reach the ball.

  From a throw halfway inside the Copleston half on the right, Elmes looks to play the ball over the top with Harvey making a run in behind Deuchars, the ball doesn't clear the Copleston defender who heads it out wide to the right is picked up by Dunnett 20 yards out goes for the shot hitting the ball hard the shot flashing across the six yard box. With the wind behind them 2nd half stronger than in the 1st half anything struck from distance by Brantham, might well cause a problem.

The captains battle for control of the ball

   The captain's both contesting the midfield have enjoyed a good battle all afternoon, (well perhaps not enjoyed). Stock charges down Hazelton at the back as she tries to bring the ball forwards, the ball ricochets, behind Hazelton as Stock runs past her, the two close in on the Brantham box, Burley has come reading the threat and clears the ball outside her box. A change for Brantham as they bring on Monique Peters for Watson. 

  Dunnett on the ball drives out to the right side of the area before turning back inside and unleashing a shot from 25 yards out, wind assisted it flies straight into the gloves of Hodgson well placed in the centre of her goal. Copleston bring off Trenter, sending on Jade Carter. The visitors have a free kick 30 yards out right side having had a couple of tasters, Dunnett has a pop at goal plenty of pace behind the ball, won't come down in time to drop under the bar, over.

  GOAL! Brantham retake the lead, the wind has only gotten stronger the ball is played out from the back by Copleston out into the middle drops to the bright orange boots of Dunnett a yard in front front of the centre circle, she goes for the shot, send the ball in towards goal over Hodgson inside the box and into the back of the net 1-2.

   Deuchars is now up front to support Horne and Giles in attack for Copleston the ball is played high into them neither Horne nor Deuchars can bring the bouncing ball under control in front of the Brantham box, with Shanice Leek caught between them doing well to bring the ball into her body and dig out a clearance. Up the other end Elmes sends Dunnett through, evading two challenges she flashes a shot from the left of the box across the face of goal. Dunnett then turns provider sending Hutchings through into the box, riding a challenge herself stays on her feet, just runs away from her as Hodgson gets down to save at her feet. 

Brantham Athletics, Kirsten Hutchings

  Copleston send crane back onto the field with Horne coming off. Brantham win a series of corners late on, taken from the left Copleston win the 1st ball but can't get it up the other end. One corner comes into the crowd gathered at the near post the ball drops amongst everyone is stabbed goal wards, Deuchars clears it off the line. Copleston break the ball put into the left channel, Giles goes after it as the defender tries to see it out for a corner, wont go, Giles wins it back whips her cross into the box along the byline doesn't evade Burley coming to her near post.

 Copleston press late on a throw the right the ball is swept into Deuchars inside the D, puts her foot through the shot Charlotte Partridge gets her body in the way to make the block the ball spinning out the the left, the cross comes back in Partridge takes a knock defending it, virtually the last action of the match as the referee blows for full time, very little light left and Brantham stay top of the league with the 2-1 win, move 6 clear of Copleston who lose for the 1st time in the league this season stay 3rd with 2 games in hand on the leaders.

  Been treated to some good football matches of late this one just as good competitive and committed from both sides, the wind definitely had a large roll to play very difficult for both sides to complete the passes they would have liked, would be good to see both sides again when the weather's calmer, and I might well do that as Brantham booked their place in the Suffolk Women's League Cup Final last Sunday. Copleston might have done too, the semi-final was played last Sunday finishing 2-2 after extra-time against Witnesham Wasps Ladies only it was too dark to take the penalty shoot-out the match was called off and they go again next Sunday with a slightly earlier kick-off 1:30pm. 

  Brantham have another top of the table clash next Sunday as they take on East Bergholt United at home a 2pm KO. 

  My thanks to both clubs managers for their help with the teams today will be watching the season closely to see how it all unfolds at the top.

  

  

Match Report - Gillingham FC Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

   A midweek trip down into Kent on the Supporting Women's Football Blog, my 2nd look at Gillingham FC Ladies in 4 days as they play host to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies in the quarter finals of the Ryman Women's Cup.

  For both sides the Ryman Women's Cup represents an opportunity to contest for a piece of silverware. Saw Gillingham FC Ladies play in the 1st Round of the competition a little over a month ago as they travelled up to Suffolk to take on Bury Town Ladies. Made short work of their lower league opponents coming away with a convincing 10-0 victory with Paige Baker-Carroll scoring 7 of their goals. Tonight they face higher league opponents themselves.

  Tottenham Hotspur Ladies lost out to Charlton Athletic Women in the Ryman Women's Cup final last season and the FAWPL Southern Division side will fancy their chances of reaching the final and maybe going one better this time around. This is their 1st match in this years competition having had a bye in the 1st Round. 

  The venue for tonight's match Chatham Town FC, a nice little non league stadium with a clubhouse, bar and refreshments adjacent to a terraced stand behind one goal as you walk in through the turnstiles, with two covered seated stands running part way on either side of the pitch which itself is a good size. A cold but clear night, time to think about digging the hat out. 

   Gillingham FC Ladies starting XI - Sarah Quantrill, Lauren Williams (C), Madison North, Charlotte Thurston, Rachel Ahern, Emma Tune, April Bowers, Katie Hardaker, Ashleigh Loosemore, Paige Baker-Carroll & Kallie Balfour

   subs - Lydia Wills, Jade Keogh, Fiona Constable, Imogen Alabaster.

   Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI - Barbara Holman, Sophie McLean, Molly Kmita, Jenna Schillaci (C), Alex Keown, Shannon Moloney, Meegan Wynne, Maya Vio, Wendy Martin, Katie O'Leary & Lucy Loomes.

   subs - Bianca Baptiste, Rosie Kmita, Kelley Blanchflower & Lucia Leon.

  It's Tottenham in there usual home kit colours, white shirts and socks with Navy shorts to kick off the 1st half with Gillingham wearing red tonight with the vertical blue and white stripe on the shirt and horizontal blue and white stripe on the right leg of their shorts. Players who have been involved with FAWSL 2 clubs this season in both starting line-ups, Sarah Quantrill on loan from Millwall Lionesses in goal for Gillingham, whilst Lucy Loomes from London Bees was starting for Tottenham in attack tonight.

   A tentative start from both sides as they try to work the ball into the wide channels, Loomes on the right side for Tottenham having a run at Gillingham's Madison North, the left back getting the tackle in to rob her of the ball bring it out from the back tries to release Paige Baker-Carroll up the left as she looks to break into space on the left inside the Tottenham half, centre back Alex Keown gets across the pitch to halt her progress.

   Shannon Moloney in the centre of midfield for Tottenham win the back for the visitor's spreads the play out to the right with Loomes available, driving inside this time looks to thread the ball into the box with Wendy Martin looking to get behind the Gillingham centre backs, Charlotte Thurston steps up to intercept the pass, Tottenham are putting a lot of work into hustling Gillingham's back line and midfield for the ball winning it back are looking to spread the play right or left early. Bombing forwards from left back covering a lot of grass out wide for Tottenham Sophie McLean gets the ball at her feet driving to the byline crosses the ball in towards the near post with Loomes the player closing in, Quantrill has come across to defend the angle gets hold of the ball 1st.

   GOAL! Putting pressure on the Gillingham back four, Tottenham force a throw in deep in their territory on the right of the pitch, the ball is put into the area flashing across the face of goal, Martin is looking to get on the end of it with Gillingham captain Lauren Williams in close attendance the ball ends up in the back of the net turned in off Williams for and own goal 0-1.

   15 minutes gone opportunities for Gillingham's attackers Baker-Carroll and Kallie Balfour are limited the ball not reaching them in the final 3rd, strong on the ball when she has it at her feet Baker-Carroll holds it up well on the left, turns her marker 20 yards out pushing inside sees Balfour in front of the D looks to set her up for a shooting opportunity, instead Keown lunges out a leg and takes the ball away from the striker.

   Moloney on the ball plays the pass out to Loomes on the right side from half way she gets her head down and races forwards coming inside, Martin is making the run in front of her coming across to the right side of the area, Loomes threads the pass though into her path six yards out right of the goal Martin pulls the trigger, smashes her shot straight into Quantrill as the goalkeeper gets across to cover the post, Gillingham get the ball away.

  GOAL! Can't keep it for long as Tottenham win it back on halfway over on the left side of the field Megan Wynne plays a great pass forwards over the Gillingham defence with Martin making another fantastic run to get in behind left of the area the ball falls nicely for her she can hit it on the run sends the shot low and hard across the area and into the back of the net 0-2.

   Very competitive in the middle of the park, Katie O'Leary comes back into the heart of the action to win the ball back for Tottenham looks up sees Loomes making a run for her looking to run across the Gillingham defence and turn into the box from right to left, Williams stays with Loomes throws herself forwards to win the tackle. 

  Tottenham win a corner on the left is played in towards the near post, Martin rises the highest, knocks the ball down towards the edge of the area, falls to Keown who takes on the shot the ball cutting it's way through the bodies, rebounds off the goal post, Gillingham scramble it away for another corner this one on the right. Thurston gets in front of Martin this time to head the ball over for a 3rd corner, this one is cleared.

  O'Leary with a powerful run coming in from the left wing as she drives towards the box gets into the area, getting closed down squeezes the ball out to the edge of the area with Mayo Vio available in space, goes for goal a looping effort not enough height to trouble Quantrill who plucks it down for a comfortable save.

  Emma Tune comes across to the left wins the ball for Gillingham looks to release Baker-Carroll down the wing, Keown comes across to slide in win the ball Baker-Carroll tumbling over her, a good tackle however Keown stays down in a lot of pain needs treatment holding her ankle play is paused. Is able to continue, Gillingham lose the ball from the throw Tottenham counter attack Wynne almost sending Loomes through, Thurston the only player between her and the box gets the timing of her challenge spot on. Quantrill has to race out to the edge of her area smother the ball at the feet of the onrushing Martin after O'Leary plays the through ball wide left.

   Out of nothing Gillingham get bodies forwards as Katie Hardaker gets onto the ball in the centre plays a great pass into Tune running towards the Tottenham box right side she takes on the shot early sending it across the goal face leaving Tottenham goalkeeper Barbara Holman stranded, she turns to see the ball hit the bottom of the far post before the visitors get it clear.

  Tune on the ball drives over the halfway line, Baker-Carroll arm up wants the ball played into her path on the left getting it her 1st touch gives her a yard on Tottenham captain Jenna Schillaci the angle is acute as she shoots inside the box looking to put the ball across Holman the keeper gets down makes the save hold onto the ball. Tottenham are forced into making a chance as Vio is down in the middle of the park, can't carry on Bianca Baptiste comes on goes out wide right with Loomes pushed forwards Martin dropping deeper into the centre of midfield.

  GOAL! With half-time fast approaching Tottenham extend their lead Loomes closing down the Gillingham defence inside their own box robs them of the ball comes to the feet of O'Leary left of the goal hits the shot plenty of pace into the back of the net 0-3.

   Into 1st half injury time Ashleigh Loosemore brings the ball down the right for Gillingham, players racing forwards with her Baker-Carroll is on that side of as the ball comes to her she breaks into the box shoots, Holman makes the blocking save at her near post the ball flies back out into the centre of the box Tottenham don't clear, Gillingham regain the ball Bowers with the shot from outside the box is heading for the top corner, Holman throws herself up into the air turns the ball wide for a corner. Tottenham defend the set piece.

Half-time Gillingham FC Ladies 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

  A clinical display from Tottenham in the 1st half looking dangerous whenever they attack finding space on the flanks haven't given the Gillingham defence any time on the ball the home side struggling to build anything from the back. At 2-0 down there were signs Gillingham might find a way back into the game before Tottenham added a 3rd goal late on, a lot to do for the home side as they kick off the 2nd half.

   Both sides have made a change at the start of the 2nd half both substituting a centre back, Keown is off for Tottenham with Rosie Kmita on at left back as Sophie McLean moves into the middle of defence. Charlotte Thurston is the player off for Gillingham with midfielder Jade Keogh on, the move sees April Bowers drop into the defence.

  1st chance in the 2nd half falls to Tottenham with Loomes racing onto a ball lofted into the left channel, on the run hits the shot on the half volley from outside the box drills the ball wide of goal. Loosemore has some space to exploit out on the right drives forwards crosses the ball early sweeping it across the face of the six yard box, Baker-Carroll is sprinting into the area to get there throws her boot forwards but can't get anything on the ball to turn it home. On the over lap from left back substitute Rosie Kmita gets clear of the Gillingham defence her 1st touch a little heavy gives Quantrill a chance coming out to the edge of her area to slide in and claim the ball at her feet.

  A frantic start to the 2nd half the action at both ends of the pitch, Loomes is through after a long pass dropped into the Gillingham box, Madison North gets across in front of her defends well getting onto the ball and carrying it out to safety. Wynne is caught late by Bowers as the centre back sets out of defence to deal with the next Tottenham attack, the referee plays advantage with Wynne's ball setting up Kmita racing through on the left bursting into the box blasts her shot straight into Quantrill who holds onto it. 

  Great ball control from Loomes outside the Gillingham area turns inside from left to right head over the ball gets the shot away 20 yards out a great strike destined for the top right hand corner off the goal, takes a superb save from Quantrill to get her fingers on the ball tip it onto the crossbar and over for a corner kick. The corner is delivered into the crowded near post drops down into the pack a scramble ensues before Gillingham launch it clear.

  GOAL! Gillingham pull a goal back, just 6 minutes have gone in the 2nd half, Loosemore out on the right gets in behind the Tottenham defence bursts down the line before sending the cross in low along the front of the area, Baker-Carroll is in a central position her back to goal shields the ball well has Balfour out to her right plays the pass out to her, Balfour goes for goal hitting the shot across Holman and into the far corner 1-3.

  GOAL! No sooner have Gillingham got themselves a goal back they make it 2! Bowers stepping out of defence intercepts a Tottenham pass plays it into Keogh on halfway she passes it forwards into Hardaker who looks to slide Baker-Carroll through beyond the Tottenham defence making a run across the D is bundled over, the referee blows up, from my position I thought it was a penalty at 1st however it's a free kick right on the edge of the box instead. North is the player over the ball, goes for goal a well struck set piece up and over the wall and into the top corner of the net 2-3. Game on.

  Gillingham make a 2nd change bringing off Balfour with Lydia Wills joining Baker-Carroll in attack. A much more even contest 2nd half, Tottenham win a free kick on halfway wide left, Schillaci to deliver the ball sends it into Martin inside the D she leaps knocks it down with Loomes wide of her left of the goal inside the box gets her head on the ball directs her effort wide of goal. Breaking up a Gillingham attack the ball is played into Martin inside their opponents half is falling as she looks to turn and play the through for Loomes racing out to the left, Ahern comes across to defend, Loomes shifts the ball between her feet and turns inside, Ahern stays on her keeping her out of the box, Loomes gets the shot away, North is across to help Ahern and gets her body in the way of the shot deflects it wide for a corner which the home side clear.

  GOAL! Tottenham have a throw on the left the ball is played down the wing for O'Leary 3 Gillingham players are drawn towards her as she holds it up before nutmegging the closest player giving her room to play the ball back to Loomes coming to her left of the area she looks to drive across the face again goes for the shot low with the pace to take it across Quantrill and nestle in the bottom corner of the goal 2-4.

  GOAL! Just as Tottenham give themselves a 2 goal cushion, Gillingham hit back, with Tune travelling out to the right side of the pitch whips her cross along the face of the goal, Baker-Carroll is there along with a Tottenham defender not sure who got the final touch to set the ball over the line but I'm sure Baker-Carroll will be happy to claim it 3-4.

  Final change for Gillingham with Fiona Constable coming on for Ashleigh Loosemore. Tottenham go forwards win a throw on the left inside the Gillingham half, Loomes wants it, turns inside sends the square ball into Moloney 30 yards out, has Wynne to her right rolls the ball into her path, Wynne tees up the shot puts the ball straight into Quantrill's gloves.

  Loomes driving into the box from the left is denied a shot on goal as Williams slides in to put the ball behind for a corner kick. Schilaci plays the set piece in towards the near post six yards out Martin leaps to head the ball, turns it over the bar. Gillingham give away another free kick on half way wide left again, Schillaci looks to deliver the ball to the far post this time, Loomes gets clear of everyone her header takes the ball wide of the post.

  GOAL! 10 minutes of normal time left to play, Loomes is causing all sorts of problems for the Gillingham defence harrying them on the ball a back pass is played back to Quantrill, lacks the pace to reach Quantrill, Loomes is after it, the goalkeeper comes throws herself down to get hold of the ball a yard inside the box, the referee has no choice but to awards an indirect free kick to Tottenham. Gillingham put everyone back on the goal in front of Quantrill. Martin with her back to goal shifts the ball to her left with Loomes in front of her to hit the shot, smashes it through the bodies in front of her to hit the back of the net 3-5.

  Gillingham press hard for another goal, Williams with a ball over the top for Baker-Carroll, Holman races out of her box to kick the ball away. Molly Kmita with a great run on the right for Tottenham plays the ball into the run of Martin in the middle blasts the shot on the run outside the box lifts the strike over the crossbar. 

   The game finishes a frantically and fast paced as it started but neither side can find another goal as the final whistle blows and Tottenham book their place in the Ryman Women's Cup semi-finals with a 5-3 win.

  What a game, great entertainment to watch, 8 goals scored Tottenham having the better of the 1st half by far going in at the break 3-0 to the good. Gillingham did much better 2nd half fighting back to 2-3 then 3-4 to make for a thrilling finish.

  Two more semi-finalists were sorted this week to, played on Tuesday night, holders Charlton Athletic Women beating Essex Women's Division One leaders Harlow Ladies 10-0 whilst Herne Bay Ladies beat Carshalton Athletic Ladies 4-1. 

  Had a feeling this match would be a good one to watch, wasn't disappointed, thanks to Gillingham and Tottenham for their help with the teams.

  

  

  

  

   

Match Report - Cambridge United WFC v Gillingham FC Ladies

    Football action today from the FAWPL South East Division One, with 3rd placed Gillingham FC Ladies travelling north to take on an in form Cambridge United WFC.

  Has certainly not been the start to the season Cambridge United WFC had been hoping for after their summer merger with Cambridge United FC following on from bring Cambridge WFC before. A slow start in the league and early exits from both the FAWPL League Cup and FA Women's Cup. Went 8 games at the start of the league campaign without recording a victory with 4 losses and 4 draws. However since their last draw, 1-1 at home against league leaders Crystal Palace Ladies the side has hit a hot vein of form that has seen them win their last 3 league matches in a row and as a result start to move up the table, 10 points from 4 games played lifting them up into the top half of the table, at least another point today would see them up to 5th spot and closing on on the chasing pack behind runaway leaders Crystal Palace Ladies. Have added a couple of new addition's to the squad recently too, both in attack, Paige Logie a player whom manager Steve Edwards knows well and asked to come and play for Cambridge has done well scoring 3 goals in her 4 appearances to date although was unavailable today. Sarah Wiltshire has also come in on a short term basis from Yeovil Town Ladies to add firepower, cunning and experience to the attack. 

   Gillingham FC Ladies are one of the sides in that chasing pack are sitting in 3rd spot on 18 points. Have played less matches than any other side in the top half just 7 to date have won 6 of those with just the one defeat against Crystal Palace Ladies at the start of the season. Were relegated from the FAWPL Southern Division last season and had the FAWPL Play-off final in May gone in Portsmouth Ladies favour would still be in the FAWPL Southern Division. Instead they were relegated and are looking to bounce back at the 1st attempt. Haven't seen much league action of late just the one game in October did have a league game away to Norwich abandoned due to heavy fog at the start of November, have however played plenty of matches in various cup competitions in that time. Now back into league action are looking for 3 points to close the gap upon the leaders and 2nd placed Luton Town Ladies. Goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill has joined the club on loan from Millwall Lionesses and starts for Gillingham today.

  A different venue for today's game for Cambridge United WFC usually play at Ely City FC but with the ground unable this Sunday a new venue was found so instead of heading down the A10 it was the A11 instead to Mildenhall Town FC. Have been there recently to watch the Women's County Representative match between Suffolk and Hertfordshire. A nice clubhouse beside and large sized pitch that has seen alot of football of late, still has plenty of grass cover mind a distinct slope from one goal mouth to the other. Refreshments available a hot cup of tea always welcome on a cold day like today, plus a very good tasty hot cheeseburger too. A cold but bright day, a little cloudy few spots of ran in the air as the two teams walked out onto the pitch.

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI - Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Lucy Du Plooy, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh Anne Burt, Tahnee Perfect, Hannah Goodchild, Sarah Wiltshire, Laura Mills, Isabella Simmons & Becky Taylor.
  subs - Liz Pamplin, Laura Baker, Carrie Bennett & Faith Hewitt.

  Gillingham FC Ladies starting XI - Sarah Quantrill, Lauren Williams (C), Madison North, Charlotte Thurston, Rachel Ahern, Emma Tune, April Bowers, Jade Keogh, Shannon Redhouse, Paige Baker-Carroll & Kallie Balfour.
  subs - Courtney Shanley, Katie Hardaker, Ashleigh Loosemore & Lydia Wills. 

   It's Cambridge to get the 1st half underway wearing their home kit, amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks with Gillingham lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with a red and white vertical strip down the right side of the chest, along with blue shorts again with a red and white horizontal stripe on the left leg as well as white socks with a blue band. 

  Is a competitive start with play congested to the middle 3rd on the far side of the pitch to which I'm standing, in front of both dugouts. Cambridge are attacking down the slope 1st half, have Becky Taylor playing on that side in attack look to send the pass forwards for her to chase down, Gillingham captain Lauren Williams defends well, her long ball forwards brought down by Jade Keogh her back to goal in a central position 25 yards out has striker Kallie Balfour ready to make the run into the area to her left looks to roll the ball into her feet, Cambridge right back Emma Jenkins gets across Balfour to make the blocking tackle inside the D.

   With play getting attracted to the far side of the pitch there is space on the near side for players to exploit, Cambridge win the ball in the middle the ball is played out into space on the right for Laura Mills to run onto getting her feet on the ball delivers the cross early sweeping it in towards the far post, Taylor has made up the ground to get to the ball, left of goal inside the six yard box turns her effort wide.

   Both sides are working hard to close the ball down, looks like little chance of getting beyond the others defence either as both are quick to drop back towards their own box when the opposition get hold of the ball. The space is their on the opposite flank for Gillingham in their next attack with Balfour seeing Paige Baker-Carroll available on the right, driving forwards on the ball can't find a way past Jenkins as the full back dives in to take the ball from her feet before she can get the cross away.

  Mills on the right for Cambridge surges down the wing, Madison North halts her progress sliding in to win the ball put it out for a throw. Halfway inside the Gillingham half Sarah Wiltshire comes towards the throw wants it put into her feet, gets it, turns and runs into a central position 25 yards out hits the shot on the run the spin on the ball takes it wide of the goal. Wiltshire sets up the next chance as the ball is put into her feet out on the left, drives into the centre with Mills coming towards her wanting the ball, 30 yards out she gets it shoots 1st time, several people thought it was in, very close but just over the bar.

Cambridge United WFC's Laura Mills

  Balfour is a powerful player hard to stop when she gets in full stride on the ball, April Bowers plays a beautiful pass to dissect the Cambridge defence, she is clipped as she bursts into the box, stumbles slightly but stays on her feet the ball has just gotten away from her enough to allow Cambridge goalkeeper Verity Crook to race out and gather the ball at her feet.

  GOAL! Has been a fast paced start to the match not even quarter of an hour played and the deadlock is broken. Cambridge are the side celebrating as they take the lead a rapid counter attack the ball put into Mills in a central position lofts the ball forwards with Wiltshire catching the Gillingham defence flat footed breaking clear, Sarah Quantrill races out of her area to try and close her down, Wiltshire with the outside of her boot lobs the ball over her and it rolls into the back of the empty net 1-0.

   Emma Tune is getting plenty of time on the ball in the centre of midfield for Gillingham, Cambridge are allowing her to travel a good distance with the ball without challenge reaching the edge of the area before running into traffic Tune slides a great pass through to try and set up a chance for Balfour, Crook is off her goal line quickly slides in to smother the ball at the strikers feet inside the six yard box.

Emma Tune on the ball for Gillingham FC Ladies

  Joining the Cambridge midfield in winning the ball back Taylor takes it into the middle her pass releasing Mills into space on the right again, North makes up the ground the two go shoulder to shoulder into the area North pushing Mills wide of the goal, the Cambridge attacker still manages to get a shot away, Quantrill has the post covered dives to her right makes the save.

Rachel Ahern bringing the ball out from the back for Gillingham FC Ladies

   Both Gillingham centre backs Charlotte Thurston and Rachel Ahern are both comfortable on the ball when they bring it out from the back and are prepared to travel with it when the opportunity arises, in this attack it's Thurston who brings the ball forwards passing it into Bowers in front of her the midfielders picks up her pace looks to send the ball into the box with Balfour breaking forwards, Crook comes once again the two collide as she makes the save, Balfour stays down the ball isn't cleared finds it's way to Baker-Carroll on the left takes on the shot aiming for the near post, Crook has her angles right is well placed to claim the ball.

Balfour needs some treatment, Gillingham continue with 10 on the field. There are a few strong challenges coming in the Cambridge bench in particular aren't happy, the referee is giving the free kicks but happy to keep the cards in his pocket, tell everyone to calm down. Baker-Caroll and Jenkins are having a good contest on one side of the pitch whilst on the other Shannon Redhouse is getting little joy against Lucy Du Plooy. The home side win a free kick 35 yards out after Thurston brings down Mills, left of the box it's Cambridge captain over the ball, goes for the shot, good effort, dips late on not enough to worry Quantrill who watches it all the way just over.

Gillingham FC Ladies Paige Baker-Carroll battles Cambridge's Emma Jenkins for the ball

  Gillingham's North takes the ball up the pitch into the Cambridge half the left back covering alot of ground unchallenged before playing the pass into Baker-Carroll, getting beyond Jenkins this time, looks to surge into the box, Bright has to get her tackle right, does well as she slides in to take the ball away from Baker-Carroll. Good combinations all over the pitch from both sides, Taylor on the left for Cambridge once again coming inside and finding Mills on the right with the pass, this time it's Ahern who goes shoulder to shoulder with her into the area pushing her wide making the angle for a shot or cross difficult, when Mills does get across it's Ahern's centre back partner Thurston that is across to win the header clear the danger. 

  Bowers on the ball inside the Cambridge half plays the pass out to Baker-Carroll on the left, she plays the early cross on the diagonal in towards the far post a high looping ball which Balfour is under, waits for the ball to drop to her feet snatches the shot wide of goal, took a deflection off a Cambridge boot, corner given. Form the left the corner is headed over at the near post by a Cambridge head for a 2nd corner. This one is played deeper over the crowd drawn to the near post, Balfour is beyond everyone on the penalty spot the ball drops to her hits it on the volley smashes it against the crossbar!  Drops back into play a Gillingham boot makes firm contact outside the box smashes the shot wide across the face of goal.

 Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Gillingham FC Ladies

  An action packed 1st half as good as any I've seen in the FAWPL South East Division One a great game to watch so far from two competitive and committed sides, attacking down the slope 1st half Cambridge have edged the contest so far have the advantage, Gillingham haven't found too many gaps down the home sides flanks in the 1st 45, would having the slope in their favour give them more opportunities 2nd half as they get the 2nd 45 minutes underway.

  Redhouse getting onto the ball on the right side of the pitch for Gillingham looks to turn inside drive towards the box, is stopped in her tracks by Kayleigh Anne Burt. Play is broken up by both defences as the 2nd half starts as frantically as the 1st. Perfect with a good interception gets onto the ball inside the visitors half plays the pass into Wiltshire who holds the ball up well before sending it out to the left of Taylor making the run to the byline, gets the cross away, Thurston tracking back has the near post covered rises to meet the ball with her head get plenty behind the clearance.

Gillingham FC Ladies, Charlotte Thurston

  Midfielder's making surging runs from the middle towards the box are the feature of the day, Hannah Goodchild is the next to win the ball and bring it up the pitch for Cambridge her pass looking to put Wiltshire through in the centre, Thurston stays on her lunges forwards to take the ball out of her path. Thurston bringing the ball out from the back travels over halfway puts the ball into Keogh who shoots early, Burt makes the block. Cambridge launch a counter attack with Mills after the ball on the right is fouled the free kick awarded right of the area. Wiltshire is over the ball whips it in towards the crowd at the near post, it's a Gillingham head that meets it to head the ball clear.

Jade Keogh get's hold of the ball for Gillingham FC Ladies

  Might be a great match to watch, but I'm trying to write it down, barely getting one attack on paper before the action is in the opposing half, Balfour has come towards the ball with Bowers making the run looking to go beyond her 25 yards out in front of the Cambridge box, a good turn and slide sees Balfour put the ball in front of Bowers, only Bright getting across to make the blocking tackle prevents her being in on goal. 

  Tune with another good run from the middle has support from Baker-Carroll on her left, looks to play the ball into her path as the Cambridge defence back pedal to the edge of their area, Bright is closest gets something on the ball, can't control the clearance plays it straight against Tune, running forwards she attempts to control the ball flick it up to hit on the volley, a difficult attempt gets the shot away the spin on the ball turns it away from the goal wide.

  Gillingham are starting to find a little more possession playing it out wide to Redhouse she drives towards the byline wins her team a corner kick. Making herself available for a short one has the ball at her feet 25 yards out sweeps the cross in to the near post area, Goodchild back to defend rises the highest to clear the ball, it drops favourably for Tune outside the box puts everything into the shot on target Du Plooy was defending the far post for Cambridge clears the ball.

 Keogh is the next Gillingham player to have a strike at goal from distance 20 yards out wraps her foot over the ball, sends her effort wide. Is her last action of the game as the visitors make their 1st change, Keogh coming off, Katie Hardaker the player to come on. Ahern get's across in front of Wiltshire to head the ball away after Taylor looks to put one over the top from the left into the Gillingham box for her to chase. Cambridge make their 1st change too, bringing on Laura Baker to join the midfield in place of Goodchild.

  On the of the attack for Cambridge her back to goal Taylor shields the ball well with Du Plooy looking to join up with the play rolling the ball back to her the left back hits a long ball over the Gillingham defence with Wiltshire ready to break beyond into the area, Quantrill converges on her left of the goal 8 yards out to put her off does enough as they meet Wiltshire's touch taking the ball wide of the post. 

   Gillingham captain Williams is the next substitution hands the armband to Thurston as she makes way for Ashleigh Loosemore. Cambridge with another change to, Du Plooy coming off with Carrie Bennett taking on the role at left back. Baker drills a shot wide from 35 yards out after Gillingham clear a Taylor cross put in from the left. Bowers with the lay off to the right into Redhouse as she bombs forwards the angle is tight she takes on the shot sends the effort over the crossbar.

  GOAL! Gillingham have been knocking on the door shots blocked this time they find the space behind the Cambridge defence and score the equalising goal. North is the player to bring the ball out from the back over half way plays the pass into Bowers ahead of her, Bowers sees Balfour moving into the space on the right, Crook commits herself has to come towards the Gillingham striker close her down, Balfour hits the shot the ball going past the diving keeper, looks to be heading in, Bright racing back throws herself at the ball on the line can't get anything on it as Baker-Carroll sliding it at the far post gets the final touch to ensure the ball goes over the white line 1-1. 

  Cambridge make a change before the restart bringing on Faith Hewitt, to play on the left with Taylor the player off. Perfect fizzes a pass into Wiltshire her back to goal outside the area, controls and hits the shot on the turn smashes it 3 yards wide of goal. The end to end action continues, Redhouse on the right looks to put the ball into the feet of Hardaker making a great midfield run, Burt gets to the ball 1st on the edge of the area. Redhouse with another chance to cross the ball in from the right plays it across the front of the box, comes to Baker-Carroll, she hesitates the chance to shoot gone rolls it back to Bowers in the middle turns rolls her marker before hitting the shot sends it wide. 

  Crook has to be alert late on as Gillingham send a long ball forwards from inside their own half, with a a group in front of her inside the box looking to attack the ball, no one gets a touch bounces in front of her has kept her eye on the ball drops forwards to claim the ball. Both sides with half chances towards the end neither keeper is troubled as the referee blows the final whistle the points shared the game ending 1-1.

  Gillingham come back to claim a point to stay in 3rd place grew stronger as the 2nd half progressed found the equaliser were pushing hard for a winner towards the end finding a little space behind the hard working Cambridge defence.

  A good point earned for Cambridge worked hard all over the pitch to close the ball down. A great game to watch, the Mildenhall crowd not one to have seen alot of women's football had plenty of positive comments to say about this one. 

    *Updated fixtures - Cambridge United WFC are no away to Ipswich Town Ladies this coming Sunday, not playing Gillingham FC Ladies back to back as previously written on the blog.

  My thanks to both clubs for their help today. 

  

Match Report - Panshanger Ladies v Welwyn Garden City Ladies

 The Supporting Women's Football Blog is all about showcasing women's football at all levels of the game. I really enjoying watching games up and down the women's football pyramid and getting to see new teams for the 1st time in the process. Today it's a trip down into Hertfordshire to Welwyn Garden City to watch a local derby match in the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Women's Division Three, Panshanger Ladies v Welwyn Garden City Ladies.

   Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire run a combined women's football league comprising of 29 sides competing in three divisions, there was a large influx of new sides to the league this season and it has seen a great deal of movement between leagues 4 going up from Division Two into Division One with the 3 going up from Division Three into Division Two. Division Three itself grown from 9 sides last season to 11 competing this season with 5 new sides joining the league. 

   Panshanger Ladies are a newish side themselves having only competed in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Women's County Leagues one season prior to this. East of Welwyn Garden City play at Moneyhole Lane Playing Fields a council owned open space and sports complex. A good facility with a clubhouse and changing rooms, five playing pitches, and a pretty cool looking and massive climbing frame on site which my nephew would have loved to have a go on. Panshanger Ladies have played 5 games in the league so far losing on the opening day, have since won 2, followed by 2 defeats to leave them currently sitting in the middle of the table in 6th spot.

 Their local rivals and opponents today, Welwyn Garden City Ladies have yet to win in the league this season have a single point on the board after 6 league matches played, 1 draw 3-3 with Hatfield Town Ladies in their 2nd league match of the season has since seen a run of 4 defeats to leave them down in 9th place early on. Established in 2009 with the ladies side entering the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Women's Division Three in the 2011/12 season. 

  Very much a local derby match, I would be an interested observer today. The match had survived the weather Saturday being pretty wet and horrible across the country a few matches called off in the region, a damp start to the day overcast but getting brighter as I headed south for the game. The sun was trying to make an appearance as everyone headed across the playing fields to where the match was to take place. Dry but very windy a large open space it was obvious the blustery conditions would play a part in today's match blowing across the pitch which had a slope from one goal mouth to the other a good size too. 

  Panshanger Ladies starting XI - April Spang, Allyson Santini, Ruth Foo, Kathryn Light, Fiona Roberts (C), Shannon Twigg, Catherine Regan, Kerry Twigg, Sarah Mair, Ellie Burke & Georgina Harvey.
  subs - Patience Ndlovu, Laura Taylor, Janiece Allen, Olivia Sheehy & Tenyl Dembrauskas.

  Welwyn Garden City starting XI - Lara Mackie, Alexis Clare, Rebecca Waring, Katie Parkin (C), Kelly Harrison, Lucy Forbes, Megan Rossington, Tasha Ashman-Banks, Jenna Wynne, Claire Cranfield & Maria Dennehy
  subs - Katy Harper, Claire Biermann-Wheatley, Leah Harrison, Simone Wager.

  (roll on roll off substitutes)

  A minutes silence before the match today the players united standing together for a period of reflection and remembrance for those innocent lives that were so tragically taken away by a terrorist attack on Friday night.

The players from both sides lining up together prior to the minutes silence

  It's the home side Panshanger kitted out in green shirts and socks with black shorts to take kick off in the 1st half with Welwyn Garden City lined up opposite wearing pink shirts, black shorts and socks. Panshanger have the wind behind them to a degree as they attack the Welwyn Garden City goal. A tense start with players from both sides closing the ball down early play confined to the right side of the pitch. Maria Dennehy is the 1st player from both sides to get the ball beyond their opponents defence as the Welwyn Garden City playing wide right takes the ball up the flank, sweeps a cross into the box looking to pick out team mate Claire Cranfield making a run into the centre of the six yard box, however the wind slows the ball turning it into the gloves of Panshanger goalkeeper April Spang at the near post.

  Welwyn Garden City continue to pressurise the Panshanger defence at the start a corner kick is won on the right, Katie Parkin, Welwyn Garden City's captain up from the back for the corner heads the ball to the edge of the area a shot comes in, is deflected rolls free to Megan Rossington at the far post six yards out doesn't get any power behind her shot as Spang coming across drops and smothers the ball. With Cranfield left of the attack, Dennehy right and Rebecca Waring looking to run through the centre the visitors are pushing forwards, the offside flag stopping them in their tracks on a couple of occasions.

 

Panshanger Ladies, Kerry Twigg

Panshanger haven't been able to hold the ball up top early on but with Welwyn Garden City pushing players forwards their is space behind, In the centre of midfield Kerry Twigg sees Allyson Santini to her right ready to burst into space on the right attempts to slide her in, Lara Mackie in the Welwyn Garden City goal is alert to the threat and comes out quickly to clear on the edge of her area. Good link up play between Ellie Burke and Shannon Twigg on the left in attack for Panshanger with Twigg looking to play the ball into the box for Georgina Harvey, instead it's Welwyn Garden City centre back Kelly Harrison who finds the extra yard to beat Harvey to the ball and get it away before she can latch onto the pass.

  

 Under challenge in the centre Kerry Twigg controls the ball well and turning sprays the pass out to the left releasing Santini into space once more, taking the ball into the corner sends the cross along the face of the six yard box wind assisted no one can get on the end of it. Early change for Panshanger as they send on Janiece Allen for Burke.

  GOAL! Panshanger open the scoring with a little over 15 minutes played, a midfield pass through the centre gives Sarah Mair a chance to attack the Welwyn Garden City box as she goes beyond the visitors defence, Mackie is quick to come out and meet her again edge of the area she doesn't go to ground stays on her feet does well enough making a blocking save with her legs off Mair as she shoots the ball loose though spins across the face of the D is picked up by Shannon Twigg 20 yards out puts her foot through the shot lifting it over the rapidly back pedalling keeper and into the back of the net 1-0.

GOAL! Welwyn Garden City hit back almost immediately I'm still writing up the notes for the 1st goal when they equalise. It's a determined run from Cranfield through the centre that sees her score for the visitors, put through drives with the ball getting a yard on the Panshanger defence into the box, Spang closes the angle stays big gets the blocking save with her legs as Cranfield pulls the trigger just inside the area the ball spins loose again to the left of goal, Cranfield is after it, and reaching it has the simple job of rolling the ball into the empty net 1-1.

Claire Cranfield with Panshanger Ladies captain Fiona Roberts

   Is a fast paced match, but then when aren't they? End to end action Panshanger with the ball up the left win a corner kick the delivery is nodded on at the near post, cleared off the line, dropping into the crowd a 2nd attempt is kept out another clearance plenty of distance on it, falls to Panshanger captain Fiona Roberts 30 yards out central goes for the shot, I'm behind it looks to be going over, Mackie doesn't look concerned, the wind however catches the ball it dips late smashed off the cross bar dropping back into play left of the ball before being cleared.

   Up the other end good defending from Panshanger's Kathryn Light to intercept the ball as Dennehy brings it up the right with Cranfield looking to get into the area behind Light, reads the ball well gets her foot on the ball. Few niggly fouls starting in creep into the game. Allen is a tall, strong player hard to shake off the ball as she drives forwards for Panshanger into the Welwyn Garden City box right of goal gets the shot away, Mackie covering her near post makes another good save, is almost an own goal however as the ball hits her own player and comes back off against the post. Santini is off for Panshanger with Patience Ndlovu coming on to play down the left wing.

   Cranfield with another drive through the middle making for the Panshanger box her run takes her into the path of Dennehy who takes the ball off her as she enters the box, shoots early, Spang saves well. Rossington is the furthest forwards for Welwyn Garden City in the next move clear of the Panshanger back line entering the d has more time but opts for the early shoot low Spang is well placed to get down and claim the ball.

  GOAL! Dennehy scores the goal to give Welwyn Garden City the lead with 35 minutes played. Jenna Wynne plays the ball out to Dennehy making her move into the right channel she powers forwards with the ball closing in on the area, Spang comes to meet her doesn't go to ground the two close in on each other come together the ball sticks with Dennehy she digs it out of her feet rounds the keeper to place it into the back of the net 1-2.

   Changes all round with Simone Wager on for Welwyn Garden City, whilst Panshanger bring on Olivia Sheehy. The wind catches a well hit goal kick from Mackie as she launches the ball forwards, Cranfield is the player after it ready to run at goal, Allen now playing at the back for Panshanger does well to recover the ground and get the tackle in to put the ball out for a corner kick. From the corner Panshanger launch a counter attack with the cleared ball coming to Kerry Twigg she plays it over the top for Mair to give chase to, Mackie comes along way to put her foot through the ball.

  Rossington is fouled her shirt pulled as she tries to break into space on the left, 20 yards out corner of the box, Wynne over the ball goes for goal on target but straight at Spang in the centre of goal. 

   Mair has a shot saved as she shoots from outside the Welwyn Garden City left of the D, Mackie comes rushing out to the edge of her area slides down to block the shot is up quickly the ball still in play, blocks another shot with her legs 20 yards out the ball coming to Roberts now in the centre of midfield she goes for goal, however her opposing captain Parkin is back inside the six yard box to defend the goal in Mackie's absence, clears the ball.

  GOAL! The Welwyn Garden City goal is breached this time deep into injury time in the 1st half, late pressure around the box from Panshanger brings them a corner kick on the right, the 1st delivery into the near post is headed over for another corner, the 2nd time it goes longer dropping into the crowded six yard area in front of goal bodies everywhere, the ball is stabbed home, it's Georgina Harvey who races out of the box pumping her fists 2-2.

Half time Panshanger Ladies 2-2 Welwyn Garden City Ladies

A highly entertaining local derby so far plenty of action, the wind causing a few problems for both sides, both keepers with so good saves. The Panshanger back line has seen a readjustment of personnel to try and deal with the movement of Dennehy, Wager and Cranfield with the latter doing a good job holding up the ball allowing others to get up with her. the scores all square going into the 2nd half still all to play for with the wind seemingly getting stronger.

   Welwyn Garden City have Alexis Clare and Katy Harper on at the start of the 2nd half  for Rossington and Kelly Harrison as they kick off the 2nd period. Start brightly with Cranfield seeing plenty of the ball on the left hand side runs at the Panshanger defence but can find no way through with Allen getting across to win the ball. Through the middle Wager with her back to goal lays it out to her left for Dennehy on the right side, shoulder to shoulder with Allen see surges into the box gets a shot away the angle tight, hits it straight into Spang getting across to cover the post.

   

Panshanger Ladies, Sarah Mair

The defender wins the next battle up the other end as two more plays go shoulder to shoulder into the box, with Mair on the drive for Panshanger left side of goal into the area with Parkin keeping pace with her lunges forwards to get her toe on the ball take it away from Mair before she can shoot. Carina Biermann-Wheatley comes on for Wager goes into the centre of midfield for Welwyn Garden City. 

  Panshanger are getting more joy down the flanks 2nd half with Ndlovu attacking on the right, Shannon Twigg having a good battle with Tasha Ashman-Banks on the left, the Welwyn Garden City right back wins the ball this time and launches it down the wing with Dennehy looking to get after it the wind catches it making Spang the favourite for the ball. Ashman-Banks is back to defend the near post as play is pulled across to the opposite side with Ndlovu making a threatening run up the wing whips a great cross into the area Harvey looking to attack it, Ashman-Banks gets across her to win the header.

  More good running from Ndlovu on the right brings a throw, Panshanger keep possession the cross laid back to Harvey on the edge of the box, she shoots, the ball takes a wicked deflection off a defender going out to the left of the Welwyn Garden City goal, Ndlovu races in to get on the end of it sends her attempt behind the goal. 

GOAL! Initially it's a great save from Panshanger goalkeeper Spang as Biermann-Wheatley puts Dennehy in through the middle on the ball driving towards goal she pulls the trigger from outside the box looking to go across the keeper, Spang dives to her left gets plenty behind the ball sending it out wide for a throw on the left, Welwyn Garden City keep hold of the ball playing it all the way back to Wynne 5 yards inside the Panshanger half, she opts to put her foot through the ball sending it high into the air and heading towards goal, dropping dips late like Roberts effort 1st half only this time it drops under the bar and bounces into the back of the net Welwyn Garden City retake the lead 2-3. 

Jenna Wynne on the ball for Welwyn Garden City Ladies

   Biermann-Wheatley is finding time and space on the ball in the middle of the park looks to put Dennehy through in a central position once more closing in on Spang defending her goal she stays big gets the save in again with her legs the ball spinning out to the right, Catherine Regan is back to help her out gets to the ball before Dennehy can recollect it concedes the corner. Dennehy takes it on the right is defended well at the near post the headed ball comes back to Dennehy however, she lays it across to the front of the area with Biermann-Wheatley the player coming to meet it, hits the shot towards goal, Allen gets her body in the way of it clears for Panshanger.

Welwyn Garden City Ladies, Claire Biermann-Wheatley

  Santini and Burke return to the pitch for Panshanger with Regan and Harvey off, Ndlovu and Shannon Twigg switch sides with Ndlovu now up against Ashman-Banks on the left side of the attack. Cranfield gets hold of the ball pushes forwards through the middle for Welwyn Garden City, Spang comes out to close her down makes another one on one save the ball going away for a corner. Is getting a little heated out there challenges are coming in from both sides.

  Ashman-Banks and Ndlovu square up as the Panchanger winger tries to force her way past her to get into the box, nothing doing, it's not long after she goes in strong on Dennehy catches her in the knee, the two square up hands on chests, shoving one another, the referee has seen it all gives himself time, calls Ndlovu over 1st and brandishes the red card. Dennehy is shown a yellow card.

   Wynne hot on the heels from her spectacular goal tries her luck once more from the resulting free kick on half way, this time the ball drops into Spangs gloves. Mair who has played in attack and midfield for Panshanger is now centre back does well putting in the tackle to deny Cranfield another shooting opportunity as she drives with the ball into the area. 

   10 minutes left a goal down Panshanger switch to 3 at the back push an extra player up top with Kerry Twigg pushing on. Welwyn Garden City send Wager and Kelly Harrison back on. It's the visitors with the ball however have a corner on the right is played out the the edge of the 18 yard box with Parkin the player coming to meet it, wraps her foot around the shot sends it a yard wide of the post. 

Welwyn Garden City's Maria Dennehy trying to get the better of
Panshanger Ladies, Catherine Regan

   Allen stormed forwards from the back with the ball at her feet for Panshanger, rolls it into the path of Burke in front of her central her shot is deflected wide to the left, Shannon Twigg is looking to get onto the ball just as she does, Ashman-Banks gets back to put the tackle in and take the ball inside the box launch a counter attack, end to end in the final minutes. Back with Panshanger, Burke is taken out 20 yards from goal the advantage played as the ball falls to Harvey recently reintroduced to the action, goes for goal can't get it over Mackie well placed in her six yard box. 

  Up at the other end with Panshanger committing players forwards Wager is put through left of goal into the box both centre back and the goalkeeper converge on her sandwiched between all three she gets something on the ball sends it beyond them, also wide of the goal. 

  The referee blows the final whistle and one of the best local derby matches I have seen in ages finishes 3-2 to Welwyn Garden City Ladies who record their 1st league win of the season securing the 3 points against their local rivals.

  A highly entertaining contest, shame the wind had to play a part, nevertheless an enjoyable trip to Hertfordshire today, my thanks to both clubs for their help with the names and numbers today, and to Panshanger captain Fiona Roberts with some excellent directions to the ground. Wishing both clubs all the best for the rest of the season.