Match Report - Stevenage Ladies Reserves v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

 A match this Sunday from the last round of group matches in the ERWFL Division One Cup, taking a look at two new sides for the 1st time, too with Stevenage Ladies Reserves hosting Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies.

 The competition involves the sides competing in the ERWFL (Eastern Region Women's Football League) Division's One East and West drawn to play each other in two groups with 6 in each following West Billericay Ladies pulling out of the league and Sawbridgeworth Town WFC not taking part. Originally I was led to believe it was the top two from each group A & B going into a semi-final knock-out stage and for weeks have been putting that info out without being corrected, today I have found out there is actually a quarter final stage hence the top 4 from each group progress with 1st playing 4th from the opposite group, as well as 2nd v 3rd. 

  So I turned up today thinking this was a winner takes all match in Group A with Little Thurrock Dynamos in 2nd spot needing just a draw to progress, Stevenage Ladies Reserves needing the win. As it is both are jockeying for final position in the Group with the top two having home advantage in the quarter-finals.

ERWFL Division One Cup - Group A
Pos	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Writtle Ladies	5	4	1	0	17	3	14	13
2	Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies	4	2	2	0	7	3	4	8
3	Stevenage Ladies Reserves	4	2	0	2	10	7	3	6
4	Ipswich Wanderers Ladies	5	1	1	3	5	14	-9	4
5	Hutton Ladies	4	1	0	3	7	9	-2	3
6	Bury Town Ladies	4	1	0	3	6	16	-10	3

 That was of course if there was a match taking place at all. Heavy over night rain and more forecast meant there was a good chance it wouldn't survive with Storm Katie on the horizon too. Headed for Hertfordshire dark clouds ahead of me. The venue Codicote Social Club a few miles outside Stevenage where both Stevenage Ladies 1st and Reserve sides play. 2 pitches both sides were scheduled for a game today and the squads were doing their best working to get water off the pitches trying to get their games on even as more heavy rain fell. A lot of water on the ground in the goalmouth and before the penalty area where the pitch dips a little half an hour to go before kick off it didn't look promising. Final decision with the referee who was last to arrive needed the rain to stop falling for a couple of hours or so, it did slow and thanks to the hard work put in by the Reserves side their match was on albeit a few minutes late kicking off.

Credit to the Stevenage Ladies Reserves players for the work put in to get the game on.

    Although I've seen Stevenage Ladies in action before, who play in the league above the ERWFL Premier Division and are looking a good bet for promotion to the FAWPL, I haven't seen their Reserves side, the club works closely with the men's team. The Reserves play in the ERWFL Division One West and with 2 league matches left to play can overhaul leaders Hutton Ladies for top spot. The Codicote Social Club boasts a large newly built clubhouse with bar over looking the pitches with a good sized changing room block beside it with further plans to improve the playing grounds in the near future. 

   The visitors today are Essex side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies they compete in the ERWFL Division One East, along with 6 other sides have played out their league fixtures finishing 5th in the table. Have shown much better form in the Division One Cup Group stage are 2nd in Group A, unbeaten in their previous 4 games a draw or better today guarantees 2nd and gives them home advantage in the quarter finals. A growing club also runs a reserve side competing in the Essex Women's County League along with a number of youth sides.

 Stevenage Ladies Reserves starting XI - Emily Goodacre, Netice Chalkright, Jade Beckett, Keri Green, Chloe Rouse, Cara Breckenridge, Rebecca Brooker, Megan Evans, Sherrie Evans, Dani Friel & Leah Littlechild.
 subs - Steffany Cowell, Kelly Hannington, Isabelle McAree, Kerry Milton & Sarah Payne.

 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies starting XI - Atlanta Fulva, Courtney Fraser, Elysia King, Danielle Styles, Taylor Parrish, Sydney Killick, Patrizia Leo, Libby Clarke, Abbie Simmonds, Georgia Fraser & Katy Judd.
 subs - Robin Mudd, Naomi Hayes, Kerri Thomas, Kaylee Warwick & Martine Smith

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   We had a game on the rain had stopped the dark clouds moving around the ground actually had blue skies beyond, the 1st team weren't so lucky their match against AFC Dunstable Ladies getting called off. A quarter of an hour late it's Stevenage playing in an all blue strip with black sleeves on the shirts get the 1st half underway, with Little Thurrock wearing lime green shirts with black across the front and sleeves, black shorts and socks. Play is congested in the midfield before Stevenage flight the ball long for striker Leah Littlechild breaking into the area has strayed offside. Up the other end, Little Thurrock's striker Katy Judd, hustles the Stevenage back line looking to take the ball off a toe and steal into the box.

The match kicks-off as the dark clouds in the distance disappear.

  Picking up the ball in central midfield, Sydney Killick plays the ball in over the top for her Little Thurrock team mate Georgia Fraser, 20 yards out wants to get into the area but is pushed wide by Stevenage's Cara Breckenridge, puts in the challenge lunging to take the ball away from Fraser who goes after the ball wrapping her foot around it on the byline sends high cross into the area is pulled down out of the air by Stevenage goalkeeper, Emily Goodacre with Judd coming in behind her. Little Thurrock come again down the left side Courtney Fraser onto Libby Clarke ahead of her reaching the edge of the box unleashes a shot, fires it straight at Goodacre who holds onto the ball.

   Little Thurrock get the ball into the area from the flanks on a couple of occasions, Stevenage's Jade Beckett gets her head on both to clear. Bright sunshine all around, grounds still wet the ball now carrying but players keeping their feet well enough, those that don't want to go for a slide in the mud that is. Judd springs the offside trap and runs in behind the Stevenage defence from the right the ball getting held up as she goes to shoot from inside the box doesn't get the contact to take it past Goodacre the goalkeeper sees the bouncing ball into her gloves.

  GOAL! Stevenage get the early advantage going ahead a striker Littlechild steals in on the ball taking it off the Little Thurrock defence carries it towards the area, Courtney Fraser tries to get across from left back to put in the challenge slides in takes the ball away from Littlechild but she stays on her feet gets after the ball rounding left and turns her shot across the Little Thurrock keeper Atlanta Fulva and in at the far post 1-0.

Leah Littlechild carrying the ball forwards for Stevenage Ladies Reserves

  Stevenage have another goal chalked off for offside moments later a high ball sent across the pitch from the left sees Rebecca Brooker racing into the box from the right looks to knock her header across the goal, falls far post and is turned home, however the flag is up. Testing ball played in from the right for Little Thurrock by Patrizia Leo, little too high for Judd, will carry through to Georgia Fraser beyond, Stevenage's right back Netice Chalkright attempts to hook it clear smashes the ball into Fraser but the rebound spins away from goal out for a goal kick.

  GOAL! Little Thurrock get themselves back on level terms as Judd is followed out wide on the right the set piece halfway inside the Stevenage half, right back Elysia King to take. Sends a high ball floating in towards the near post. too high for a runner to head on Goodacre goes up to put a glove on the ball set it wide mishandles and to her dismay the ball drops behind her into the back of the net 1-1.

   Judd goes after a ball put through into the left channel by Little Thurrock captain, Abbie Simmonds, taking it down to the byline her 1st cross is cut out by Chalkright, the ball comes back to Judd steals around the Stevenage right back into the area as she tries to recover, takes on the shot sends the ball high and wide across the goal face. Little Thurrock make a double change switching the wide players Leo and Clarke come off for Martine Smith and Robin Mudd.

Little Thurrock Dynamos captain, Abbie Simmonds

  Strong run through the middle by Littlechild taking the ball into the area, Little Thurrock central defender Taylor Parrish recovers well to get back on her slides in to send the ball out for a throw. Stevenage's Keri Green defends well against Smith trying to bring the ball down the right as she is send down the line by Judd. Georgia Fraser is subbed by Little Thurrock which sees Smith move into the middle with Naomi Hayes going right. 

  GOAL! Initially it is a fantastic tackle from Little Thurrock's Danielle Styles to deny Stevenage's Megan Evans a shot on goal as she is put through into the area, Styles committing to the sliding challenge has to get it right the ball goes out for a corner on the left. The defending for the corner isn't great the ball whipped in by captain Sherrie Evans is missed by the defender at the near post squeezing through and goes in at the far side to put the home side back into the lead 2-1.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves
captain, Sherrie Evans

  Simmonds plays a great ball though the middle dissecting the Stevenage defence with Mudd making a run around the back from the left side to get into the area, Goodacre has read it and off her line quickly is onto the ball before Mudd can connect. Good build up play from Stevenage, Dani Friel putting the  ball into Littlechild 20 yards out back to go rolls it left to Evans, who passes back to Friel her pass releasing Breckenridge on the left wing, she looks to put the cross into the box for Littlechild the is challenged the ball turned behind for a corner. Stevenage make a change bringing on Kelly Hannington for Breckenridge who took a knock in their last attack.

   Hannington attacks down the right for Stevenage as they finish the 1st half strongly, whips a cross in near post, is cut out by Styles, rolls back to Hannington looks to curl her 2nd cross in towards the far post, too close to Fulva the keeper claims the ball. Late chance for Little Thurrock as Simmonds goes long with the pass, Smith is after it closing in on the left corner of the Stevenage box goes for goal hits it wide across the six yard box.

Half-time Stevenage Ladies Reserves 2-1 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

 Amazingly despite all the rain before kick-off we've had a 1st half played in bright sunshine, blue skies the pitch has held up well, little tricky with the white lines faded but can't be helped, players have been able to keep their footing. Stevenage have the advantage Littlechild a threat through the middle. Little Thurrock have used the width more got the ball into the box however the Stevenage defence has been winning the headers. 

  Changes at the start of the 2nd half for both sides Kaylee Warwick and Kerri Thomas on for Little Thurrock. Three changes for Stevenage with Kelly Milton, Isabelle McAree and Steffany Cowell on as they look to try and build on their lead. Little Thurrock to kick off the 2nd half. Evans wins the ball in midfield looks to send Littlechild in the centre through on goal, Parrish gets across to challenge her for Little Thurrock sees the ball out for a throw. Stevenage are pushing Little Thurrock back at the start of the 2nd half have players up around the front of their area spreading play right to left comes to Hannington stabs the ball up for Evans just inside the area, central heads the ball down sees it bounce wide of the goal. 

Little Thurrock Dynamos Sydney Killick looking to beat
Stevenage's Megan Evans to the ball

  Little Thurrock relieve some pressure launch the ball long for Judd to go after running central, Goodacre had been carefully marking the edge of her area where the water had sat before kick off at the start of the 2nd half comes racing out to close Judd down out of the area gets her boot to the ball 1st as the pair come together. Stevenage break down the right Littlechild with possession drives on, has players up with her for the cross lining up along the area, is rolled though to Hannington in a central position shoots, a low effort Fulva gets down to her right to stop it, is loose but her defence helps to clear as Milton tries to latch onto the ball.

Stevenage's, Megan Evans won't be shoved of the ball as she drives forwards

  Both sides are making full use of the roll on roll off substitutes, Clarke returning to the action for Little Thurrock with Judd rested sees Mudd go up to support Smith in attack. Breckenridge is back on for Stevenage with Brooker the player coming off. Play on the right the cross is from Milton into the area, Littlechild looks to flick it on, Little Thurrock half clear the ball coming to Hannington left side of the area closing in on the near post lifts her shot high over the bar, took a knick corner given. The ball drops into the middle of the area, bit of pinball between the sides before Little Thurrock get it away. Evans won't be knocked off the ball as she pushes her way through the middle, Hannington is coming in from the left side wants the ball put into the area, Evans turns the ball inside, Fulva is closest to it get's her gloves on it before Hannington can connect.

Martine Smith on the ball for Little Thurrock Dynamos

  GOAL! It looked like only one side was going to score the next goal, however football isn't like that for all the pressure Stevenage have been applying at the start of the 2nd half Little Thurrock go up the other end and level thing's back up. Bringing it over half way the ball is fired into Smith midway inside the Stevenage half back to goal pulls off her marker and drives out right looking to get into the area the Stevenage defence can't get back on her as she clips the shot in sending it arrowing up over Goodacre the ball smashes against the crossbar drops back into play left side inside the six yard box, Mudd is running in on the follow up to turn it back in, Goodacre throws herself at it but the ball squeezes under her to make it 2-2.

Robin Mudd makes it 2-2 for Little Thurrock 

   Simmonds is back on for the visitors. The goal has lifted Little Thurrock's game they win the ball in the middle, Simmonds putting it long for Mudd to have a run at the Stevenage are a defender on her shoulder closing in on the left corner, Goodacre comes to close down, sliding in gets hurt as she takes out her own player, the ball is still alive rolling on, Clarke races onto it tries to put the ball into the empty net, Stevenage get back to intercept the ball. Goodacre is okay after receiving treatment. Gathers a shot lacking pace from Mudd as she is played onto the ball by Thomas bursting through the middle. 

  Smith and Mudd are replaced in attack with Judd and Georgia Fraser back on for Little Thurrock. Friel comes back on for Stevenage as the game moves into the final 10 minutes. Good defending inside the box from Leo for Little Thurrock on Stevenage's Hannington inside the box as she looks to control a high ball sent in from the right. Isn't long before Leo finds herself up the other end of the pitch Simmonds playing her in down the wing she looks to hit the ball the cross/shot straight at Goodacre at her near post.

 GOAL! 3 minutes left on the clock and Little Thurrock take the lead for the 1st time in the game, Parrish out from the back puts the ball up into the Stevenage half is helped out to the right side in front of the area with Georgia Fraser getting hold of it takes on the shot, sending the ball up and over Goodacre and into the back of the net 2-3.

Georgia Fraser scorer of Little Thurrock
Dynamos Ladies 3rd goal

  Into injury time Stevenage get the ball down into the Little Thurrock penalty box shouts for a penalty are waved away as they see a player go down in the box from a Styles challenge the ball out for a corner kick on the left.

  GOAL! The corner ball is fired in shoulder height near post their are plenty of bodies around trying to get something on the ball, is in Fulva's gloves memorially but doesn't stick and drops over the line, now idea who got the final touch possibly an own goal 3-3.

  Late drama Little Thurrock defend frantically as Stevenage come on, Breckenridge steals in on the ball with the visitors having a throw, takes the ball into the area left of goal sees her shot blocked deflected wide for another corner is cleared scrambled up to halfway as the referee blows the final whistle and the match ends in a 3-3 draw. Both sides into the quarter finals, Little Thurrock end the group stage unbeaten will hope to carry that form on into the knock-out stages were under a spell of pressure 2nd half but came back into the game well taking the lead before eventually conceding. Stevenage did well especially 2nd half dominant didn't convert their chances the draw sees them stay 3rd in the group.

  And if the quarter finals are as I've been told they should look something like this:

Writtle Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies v Colney Heath Ladies

Hoddesdon Owls v Stevenage Ladies Reserves

Offley & Stopsley Ladies v Hutton Ladies 

 A good contest today enjoyed it my thanks to both clubs for all of their help with the team details today. Thanks to for the Stevenage Ladies team and staff for their tremendous efforts in making sure we had a game on in the 1st place. Best of luck to both sides in the knock out stages.

Match Report - Sunderland AFC Ladies v Reading FC Women

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   

   

   

Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v Chelsea Ladies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Becky Easton

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

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

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

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

Karen Carney, gives Chelsea the lead from the penalty spot

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

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

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

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

 

Karen Carney

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

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

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

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

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

Katie Chapman

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

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

Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-3 Chelsea Ladies

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

 

Natasha Dowie

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


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

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

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

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

Ji So-Yun on the ball for Chelsea Ladies

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

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

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

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

Jess Sigsworth challenges Chelsea's Claire Rafferty

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

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

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