It was Newmarket Town Ladies who asked me a while back if I was interested in coming over to watch a match at youth level, their senior women's side is fairly new to the Cambridgeshire Women's County League set-up entering at the start of the 2014/15 season into the Championship South, they won the title to earn promotion to the Premiership above a young side the aim is to establish themselves in the league then build with players from their U18s side already playing regularly for the 1st team, more stepping up next season with a couple more Jordanne Sillitoe and Katie Webb playing at a higher level still in the ERWFL Premier Division with Great Shelford Ladies. The U18s are 2nd in their league with a record of 7 wins a draw and 2 defeats from 10 games played.
Tough opponents today with Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s (Purples) having a strong season in the league a 100% win record with 12 wins out of 12 are 3 points away from winning the title. The two sides have met in the league twice this season with Wisbech St Marys the side to give Newmarket their 2 defeats, both close games the 1st 2-0 the 2nd game just last Saturday where they came back from 2-0 down and 3-2 down to win the match 4-3 are aiming for a league and cup double. A handful of their players too have featured for the senior Wisbech St Marys Ladies side which competes in the Cambridgeshire Women's Championship North.
The venue for today's match, Dullingham Polo Fields, off the beaten track a little not too far out of Newmarket itself the place was a hive of activity when I arrived with plenty of cars parked on the wet grass, a pavilion with a row of child size pitches with plenty of games in progress, a catering trailer providing hot food and drink with the U18s warming up in the full sized pitch beyond. The weather was awful sleet and rain to start the day falling heavily as I left Norfolk I was expecting to hear the game was to be called off. The rain had just about stopped by time I parked, bitterly cold as I found and introduced myself to both sides coaches before kick-off.
Newmarket Ladies U18s starting XI - Lilli Estus, Katie Webb, Yasmin Woodfield, Ella Blowes (C), Jess Linger, Abbi Griffin, Olivia Orme, Molly Agnew, Dominika Szary & Jordanne Sillitoe
subs -
Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s starting XI - Courtney Pilbeam, Millie York, Ellie Nobbs, Chelsea King, Kayleigh Pilbeam, Kitty Whitacre, Bella Winn Jeorgia Carr, Amy Magnus (C) & Sophie Harris
subs - Lauren Cook, Carlie Knight, Alison Stokoe & Emily Woosnar
(roll on roll off substitutes)
If you were observant you would have noticed both sides starting XI's had 10 players not 11. Newmarket were struggling with injuries have only the 10 players available today, could have started with 9 however 10 was agreed as the two sides lined-up for the hand shakes. Newmarket have kick off 1st half are wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts an blue socks with white tops. With Wisbech St Marys lined up opposite wearing purple shirts, black shorts and socks. Newmarket have the wind at their backs as it starts to rain again, tricky day for taking notes...
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| Players shaking hands before the match |
The game starts at a furious pace with both sides looking to get the ball out to the flanks get in behind, Bella Winn carries the ball down the right for Wisbech St Marys her cross takes a deflection off a Newmarket boot taking it away from the run made by Sophie Harris towards the edge of the area, the ball comes to Newmarket captain, Ella Blowes in the centre of defence who launches it clear of her area.
Jordanne Sillitoe leading the line for Newmarket is looking to get hold of the ball and run at the Wisbech St Marys defence, coming down the right can't get the better of Millie York the two going shoulder to shoulder the defender timing her tackle perfectly to prevent Sillitoe crossing into the box. The pitch has seen alot of play and a light covering of snow has made it a little slick and bobbly. Dominika Szary is playing a little deeper than Sillitoe providing the link between midfield and attack for Newmarket, back to goal the ball is put into her feet by midfielder Abbi Griffin who then goes on the overlap wants the ball put down the right wing, Szary picks her out with the pass, Griffin takes the ball on but crossing sends the ball behind the goal.
A good ball down the line by Kitty Whitacre on the left as she brings the ball forwards for Wisbech St Marys, captain Amy Magnus makes the run from a central position to get onto the end of the ball whipping a great cross into the box, Newmarket's defence is prepared to drop deep and keeping a good shape head the ball clear. The ball is retrieved by Kayleigh Pilbeam for Wisbech St Marys who shoots from about 20 yards out on target coming in low, Newmarket goalkeeper Lilli Estus is right behind it and scoops the ball up into her gloves.
The match is free flowing, end to end, players not spending much time on the ball, the women's game is usually played at a high tempo the U18s is much faster, now sooner has Sillitoe won a corner for Newmarket, the ball whipped in from the right side, Whitacre rises to head clear for Wisbech St Marys the counter attack is on Winn racing up the right flashes a cross along the six yard line inside the Newmarket box.
Midway through the 1st half Wisbech St Marys have the substitutes to bring on mix thing's up and are using them Lauren Cook and Alison Stokoe introduced to the action. For all the action neither goalkeeper has been seriously tested yet. Sillitoe comes close to opening the scoring for Newmarket as a Wisbech St Marys goal kick drops favourably for her 25 yards out, goals for goal getting swerve on the shot, Courtney Pilbeam in goal for the visitors doesn't move turns to her left sees it sail a foot wide of the post.
A corner on the left for Newmarket, is send it low towards the near post, Sillitoe making a run towards the ball, turns it goalwards 3 yards out, however Pilbeam has comes across and is well placed to plant herself on the ground and gather the ball. Newmarket come again with the ball fed out to Sillitoe on the right, help from Molly Agnew the ball is sent in towards the box looping up Szary is under it at the near post, is unchallenged as she goes to head the ball sends it wide of the goal.
From the next Newmarket corner, the ball is cleared out into the midfield, the ball is hotly contested players drawn into the melee it rebounding around it pops clear for Szary and she is ahead of everyone, free for a run at the Wisbech St Marys box, travels with the ball right Pilbeam comes racing out to charge her down at the edge of her area, charging the attempted shot down recovers faster to throw herself over the loose ball before Szary can latch onto it with her goal exposed behind.
GOAL! Penalty! Newmarket are awarded a spot kick, with the ball out on the right win a series of throws to move them down the line the last sees a high ball whipped into the Wisbech St Marys box, Szary is under it when she is shoved over the referee immediately pointing to the penalty spot. Up steps Sillitoe to take, goes for power sending the ball high to the left giving Pilbeam no chance to save, 1-0
Sillitoe is covering alot off grass for Newmarket in attack going right and left, running at the Wisbech St Marys defence isn't getting much luck up against York, coming across to the opposite wing shoulder to shoulder with Whitacre the defender pushing her wide Sillitoe manages to get a shot away, as they enter the area, Pilbeam has to keep her eye on the bouncing ball does well to shift her feet and see the ball up into her midriff.
Carlie Knight and Emily Woosnar have both come on for Wisbech St Marys. Attacking up the right Harris is clipped as she looks to turn inside towards the box, Jeorgia Carr is over the free kick, looks to whip a cross along the six yard line for runners chasing in to attack, just a little too close to Estus gives the keeper the opportunity to drop on the ball. Whitacre bringing the ball forwards slides the pass in for Magnus to make a run at the Newmarket defence, back tracking Yasmin Woodfield makes the challenge to win the ball outside the box. Carr picking up the ball in midfield comes forwards for Wisbech St Marys, jinking left then right opening up room for a shot 20 yards out the shot is blocked by Blowes rushing out to close it down.
Szary get's a print of the football plastered across her back as bombing forwards down the left team mate Jess Linger lets fly from distance Szary can't get out of the way, a painful one needs treatment but isn't long returning to the action. Attacking down the right Newmarket come again Olivia Orme bringing it forwards before sending Sillitoe away, coming inside Agnew is available for the cross inside the D, the ball rolled into her takes on the shot sweeping the ball up his over the bar.
Closing moments of the 1st half, Newmarket applying late pressure to the Wisbech St Marys defence as they struggle to get the ball out of their area with Sillitoe getting her boot on the ball just inside the box carries it to her right before letting fly, on target waist height Pilbeam produces a fantastic piece of goalkeeping as she dives full stretched to her right brings the ball down and traps it under her body.
Jordanne Sillitoe leading the line for Newmarket is looking to get hold of the ball and run at the Wisbech St Marys defence, coming down the right can't get the better of Millie York the two going shoulder to shoulder the defender timing her tackle perfectly to prevent Sillitoe crossing into the box. The pitch has seen alot of play and a light covering of snow has made it a little slick and bobbly. Dominika Szary is playing a little deeper than Sillitoe providing the link between midfield and attack for Newmarket, back to goal the ball is put into her feet by midfielder Abbi Griffin who then goes on the overlap wants the ball put down the right wing, Szary picks her out with the pass, Griffin takes the ball on but crossing sends the ball behind the goal.
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| Wisbech St Marys, Kitty Whitacre |
A good ball down the line by Kitty Whitacre on the left as she brings the ball forwards for Wisbech St Marys, captain Amy Magnus makes the run from a central position to get onto the end of the ball whipping a great cross into the box, Newmarket's defence is prepared to drop deep and keeping a good shape head the ball clear. The ball is retrieved by Kayleigh Pilbeam for Wisbech St Marys who shoots from about 20 yards out on target coming in low, Newmarket goalkeeper Lilli Estus is right behind it and scoops the ball up into her gloves.
The match is free flowing, end to end, players not spending much time on the ball, the women's game is usually played at a high tempo the U18s is much faster, now sooner has Sillitoe won a corner for Newmarket, the ball whipped in from the right side, Whitacre rises to head clear for Wisbech St Marys the counter attack is on Winn racing up the right flashes a cross along the six yard line inside the Newmarket box.
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| Sophie Harris attacking for Wisbech St Marys |
Midway through the 1st half Wisbech St Marys have the substitutes to bring on mix thing's up and are using them Lauren Cook and Alison Stokoe introduced to the action. For all the action neither goalkeeper has been seriously tested yet. Sillitoe comes close to opening the scoring for Newmarket as a Wisbech St Marys goal kick drops favourably for her 25 yards out, goals for goal getting swerve on the shot, Courtney Pilbeam in goal for the visitors doesn't move turns to her left sees it sail a foot wide of the post.
A corner on the left for Newmarket, is send it low towards the near post, Sillitoe making a run towards the ball, turns it goalwards 3 yards out, however Pilbeam has comes across and is well placed to plant herself on the ground and gather the ball. Newmarket come again with the ball fed out to Sillitoe on the right, help from Molly Agnew the ball is sent in towards the box looping up Szary is under it at the near post, is unchallenged as she goes to head the ball sends it wide of the goal.
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| 50/50 challenge between Sophie Harris & Jordanne Sillitoe |
GOAL! Penalty! Newmarket are awarded a spot kick, with the ball out on the right win a series of throws to move them down the line the last sees a high ball whipped into the Wisbech St Marys box, Szary is under it when she is shoved over the referee immediately pointing to the penalty spot. Up steps Sillitoe to take, goes for power sending the ball high to the left giving Pilbeam no chance to save, 1-0
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| Jordanne Sillitoe scoring from the penalty spot to give Newmarket the lead |
Carlie Knight and Emily Woosnar have both come on for Wisbech St Marys. Attacking up the right Harris is clipped as she looks to turn inside towards the box, Jeorgia Carr is over the free kick, looks to whip a cross along the six yard line for runners chasing in to attack, just a little too close to Estus gives the keeper the opportunity to drop on the ball. Whitacre bringing the ball forwards slides the pass in for Magnus to make a run at the Newmarket defence, back tracking Yasmin Woodfield makes the challenge to win the ball outside the box. Carr picking up the ball in midfield comes forwards for Wisbech St Marys, jinking left then right opening up room for a shot 20 yards out the shot is blocked by Blowes rushing out to close it down.
Szary get's a print of the football plastered across her back as bombing forwards down the left team mate Jess Linger lets fly from distance Szary can't get out of the way, a painful one needs treatment but isn't long returning to the action. Attacking down the right Newmarket come again Olivia Orme bringing it forwards before sending Sillitoe away, coming inside Agnew is available for the cross inside the D, the ball rolled into her takes on the shot sweeping the ball up his over the bar.
Closing moments of the 1st half, Newmarket applying late pressure to the Wisbech St Marys defence as they struggle to get the ball out of their area with Sillitoe getting her boot on the ball just inside the box carries it to her right before letting fly, on target waist height Pilbeam produces a fantastic piece of goalkeeping as she dives full stretched to her right brings the ball down and traps it under her body.
Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies U18s 1-0 Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s
An exciting and fast paced 1st half, Newmarket have the slender lead but have created more going forwards and haven't offered Wisbech St Mary too many opportunities to get in behind a defensive unit that is working hard keeping a good shape. I'm hungry and with a catering trailer calling me risk going to get a bacon roll, going to be 2 minutes I can't wait the players are already on the way back out, so I put it on hold till the end and get back as Wisbech St Marys get the 2nd half underway.
GOAL! Had I have waited for my bacon roll I would have missed this. Newmarket double their advantage early in the 2nd half winning a throw inside the Wisbech St Marys half on the left the ball comes to Sillitoe who getting her head down drives inside towards the edge of the box, looks up Agnew is to her right edge of the box in space, Pilbeam races out to try and close her down as Agnew pulls the trigger the ball squirms under the keeper as Agnew trips over her, stays on her feet, to get onto the ball and knock it over the line 2-0.
Newmarket have started brightly 2nd half Katie Webb tackling Harris brings it out from the back plays the ball into Griffin in the centre her pass forwards releases Agnew on the right, Stokoe gets across to tackle win the ball as she reaches the area. Winning the ball ball is given to Agnew on the wing once again whips a good cross into the box, Szary get's her foot to the ball the shot is sliced favourably swinging in towards Pilbeam to claim.
Harris carries the ball 20 yards into the Newmarket half, coming inside Magnus is making the run for her to get into the box Harris looks to put her through on goal Magnus can't quite take it into her stride. Griffin puts Sillitoe through on goal, York gets round on the cover putting in a strong challenge to take the ball away from her, Sillitoe goes after it out on the left two strides looks to shoot looks to be drifting away from the goal, Pilbeam can't be sure with the post behind her and knocking it into the ground falls bringing it into her body.
Carr travels with the ball on the right of attack for Wisbech St Marys sends a high ball across the face of the six yard box with Lauren Cook coming in far post her touch laying the ball back to the edge of the area with Magnus free she puts her foot through the ball the shot blocked by the Newmarket defence. Carr out on the right again squares her next cross low into Magnus waiting for it just inside the box looks to hit it on the spin again Newmarket throw a body in the way of the shot the loose ball spins into the path of the onrushing Cook she goes for the strike again Newmarket put the block in.
With Wisbech St Marys pressing on looking for a goal the counter attack is on Sillitoe is given it on halfway beating the last defender heads for the area right side Pilbeam comes out to met her inside the area stays up blocking with her legs as Sillitoe tries to knock it past her, and again the goalkeeper is the quicker to pounce on the loose ball. Sillitoe has the ball on the left gets the ball into the box with Szary running into the centre six yards out shoots, a defender just about gets there as the ball deflects up over the bar, corner awarded. The 1st corner from the right is put behind for a 2nd this one is send in towards the near post 10 yards out Szary coming to meet it gets her head on the ball turns it towards goal but over the crossbar.
Wisbech St Marys are having a frustrating game the final ball just isn't happening at the moment as they press players forwards picking the ball up from a deeper position Magnus drives inside with Cook and Woosnar ahead of her looks to put the ball through into the area, Estus reading the threat sprints off her goal line to get hold of the ball as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Newmarket aren't interested in running the ball into the corner holding play up.
Free Kick for Newmarket wide on the left with the wind against her Sillitoe goes for goal near post the wind is a problem holds the ball up tricky one for the goalkeeper to deal with Pilbeam does well throwing a glove up turning the ball round the post for a corner kick.
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| Molly Agnew scoring Newmarket Town Ladies U18s 2nd goal |
Newmarket have started brightly 2nd half Katie Webb tackling Harris brings it out from the back plays the ball into Griffin in the centre her pass forwards releases Agnew on the right, Stokoe gets across to tackle win the ball as she reaches the area. Winning the ball ball is given to Agnew on the wing once again whips a good cross into the box, Szary get's her foot to the ball the shot is sliced favourably swinging in towards Pilbeam to claim.
Harris carries the ball 20 yards into the Newmarket half, coming inside Magnus is making the run for her to get into the box Harris looks to put her through on goal Magnus can't quite take it into her stride. Griffin puts Sillitoe through on goal, York gets round on the cover putting in a strong challenge to take the ball away from her, Sillitoe goes after it out on the left two strides looks to shoot looks to be drifting away from the goal, Pilbeam can't be sure with the post behind her and knocking it into the ground falls bringing it into her body.
Carr travels with the ball on the right of attack for Wisbech St Marys sends a high ball across the face of the six yard box with Lauren Cook coming in far post her touch laying the ball back to the edge of the area with Magnus free she puts her foot through the ball the shot blocked by the Newmarket defence. Carr out on the right again squares her next cross low into Magnus waiting for it just inside the box looks to hit it on the spin again Newmarket throw a body in the way of the shot the loose ball spins into the path of the onrushing Cook she goes for the strike again Newmarket put the block in.
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| Yasmin Woodfield bringing the ball out from the back for Newmarket |
With Wisbech St Marys pressing on looking for a goal the counter attack is on Sillitoe is given it on halfway beating the last defender heads for the area right side Pilbeam comes out to met her inside the area stays up blocking with her legs as Sillitoe tries to knock it past her, and again the goalkeeper is the quicker to pounce on the loose ball. Sillitoe has the ball on the left gets the ball into the box with Szary running into the centre six yards out shoots, a defender just about gets there as the ball deflects up over the bar, corner awarded. The 1st corner from the right is put behind for a 2nd this one is send in towards the near post 10 yards out Szary coming to meet it gets her head on the ball turns it towards goal but over the crossbar.
Wisbech St Marys are having a frustrating game the final ball just isn't happening at the moment as they press players forwards picking the ball up from a deeper position Magnus drives inside with Cook and Woosnar ahead of her looks to put the ball through into the area, Estus reading the threat sprints off her goal line to get hold of the ball as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Newmarket aren't interested in running the ball into the corner holding play up.
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| Amy Magnus on the ball looking to make something happen for Wisbech St Marys |
GOAL! Game is into the closing minutes, Wisbech St Marys have everyone bar the goalkeeper inside the Newmarket half as they search for that one chance to get a goal back. Griffin wins the ball back for Newmarket her pass out to halfway releases Sillitoe on the left side tired legs no one can catch her travels towards the box release her shot aiming near post the ball skidding along the wet grass, Pilbeam gets across to the near post is unlucky as the ball squeezes under her to go into the back of the net 3-0.
GOAL! Wisbech St Marys know it hasn't been their day but still push forwards from the restart the cross is swept into the box Orme wins the header the ball played long for Sillitoe to go after as she sprints over the halfway line bearing down on goal Pilbeam has to come, Sillitoe shoots early this time slotting the ball past her from outside the past to score her hat-trick 4-0.
The final whistle blows and Newmarket Town Ladies U18s win the match 4-0 to make it to the final of the League Cup. Were the better side today although they didn't put the tie beyond doubt until the closing minutes. Sure I didn't see the Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s side that has been dominating the league all season today were outplayed a frustrating morning the Newmarket defence didn't give much away. Netherton United Ladies U18s or Sawtry Ladies U18s await them in the final date and venue yet to be announced. Time to go get my bacon roll.
My thanks to both clubs coaches for their help with the teams today, enjoyed my 1st look at youth football despite the bitterly cold weather. The action never stopped and it was hard work for the pen to keep up. Congratulations to Newmarket Town Ladies U18s and best of luck for the final.
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| Wisbech St Marys Bella Winn with Newmarket Town Ladies Jordanne Sillitoe |
GOAL! Wisbech St Marys know it hasn't been their day but still push forwards from the restart the cross is swept into the box Orme wins the header the ball played long for Sillitoe to go after as she sprints over the halfway line bearing down on goal Pilbeam has to come, Sillitoe shoots early this time slotting the ball past her from outside the past to score her hat-trick 4-0.
The final whistle blows and Newmarket Town Ladies U18s win the match 4-0 to make it to the final of the League Cup. Were the better side today although they didn't put the tie beyond doubt until the closing minutes. Sure I didn't see the Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s side that has been dominating the league all season today were outplayed a frustrating morning the Newmarket defence didn't give much away. Netherton United Ladies U18s or Sawtry Ladies U18s await them in the final date and venue yet to be announced. Time to go get my bacon roll.
My thanks to both clubs coaches for their help with the teams today, enjoyed my 1st look at youth football despite the bitterly cold weather. The action never stopped and it was hard work for the pen to keep up. Congratulations to Newmarket Town Ladies U18s and best of luck for the final.
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