Ipswich based side, Copleston Ladies came from behind to emerge top of the league last season, always having games in hand on the leading group the Suffolk Women's League despite just having 7 teas competing was one of the most competitive over the season with anyone of 5 sides in the running for the title for a good portion of the campaign. Copleston fell behind in their fixtures due to postponements however as the others jostled for points the maths meant if they could win their games in hand they would lead the table when it really mattered on the final day. Games in hand and converting them into points isn't always easy, but Copleston stayed strong knew the prize and won the title. Have kept most of that title winning squad together with the exception of striker Jade Horne top scorer with 24 goals last season, who has moved to Brantham Athletic Ladies.
Walsham Le Willows Ladies are one of three new sides to join the Suffolk Women's Division this season as it increases to 10 sides, the others being London City Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side. Walsham Le Willows are the former Bury Town Ladies squad, having folded and moved to start a fresh with new backing and new colours, drop down a league from the ERWFL. An experienced group who were coached formerly by Jake Francis now with Copleston Ladies.
The venue for today's match, Copleston High School, situated west of Ipswich town centre. The pitch on the sports field behind the school, a very dry and wall used surface. A hot sunny afternoon with trees providing some much welcome shade on one side of the pitch, for the spectators at least.
Copleston Ladies starting XI - Gemma Crane, Megan Stock, Shannon Giles, Leanne Derbyshire, Sadie Cullen, Hollie Akers (C), Amy Trenter, Roxanne Middle, Elysia Young, Marta Amorim & Sophie Crane.
subs - Kara Smith & Toni Mott.
Walsham Le Willows Ladies starting XI - Charlotte Osborne, Shelly Cocksedge, Lisa Pratt (C), Zoe Klimcke, Emma Boreham, Norma Locker, Mia Banbury, Mikaela Talbert, Gemma Carter, Laura Brame & Stephanie Hanratty.
subs -
(roll on roll off substitutes)
No substitutes for the visiting side, and although Stephanie Hanratty is listed as a starter above for Walsham Le Willows she was running late, would join the action later. So Walsham Le Willows start with 10 on the field have kick off, wearing their new colours an all red strip. Copleston lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with navy shorts and socks.
A tentative start to the game with both sides testing the other with long balls up the wings the full backs winning the headers, Elysia Young in the middle of the park for Copleston looks to play in Marta Amorim up the left wing looks to knock it past Walsham's Shelly Cocksedge the defender throws out a leg takes the ball away from her. Walsham come forwards the ball with Norma Locker in midfield brings it on into the Copleston half sending the pass forwards into Laura Brame who in turn spreads play right with Gemma Carter surging down the wing hits the shot early outside the area places the ball wide of goal.
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| Copleston Ladies, Sophie Crane tussles with Walsham's Gemma Carter for possession of the ball |
Despite having just the 10 on the field at the start, Walsham are pressing forwards finding space, Mia Banbury and Locker combine in the middle moving the ball forwards as captain Lisa Pratt breaks from left back to receive the pass inside the Copleston half attempts the diagonal ball into the area from Brame, the pass is intercepted by Sadie Cullen at the back for Copleston concedes the 1st corner of the match on the left side. Is a great ball fizzed in across the six yard box by Carter plenty of pace on it Mikaela Talbert has a free header far past doesn't get it on target.
Applying the early pressure in the game Walsham have Copleston pushed back into their own half, their attacking players having to start from near the half-way line gives the visitors defence plenty of time to set itself. A free kick won inside the Walsham half gives Copleston a chance to push players up towards their opponents area the ball is sent high up towards the edge of the box, Sophie Crane goes up for it along with Walsham's Emma Boreham the defender getting enough on the ball to take it away from her area.
GOAL! Walsham have the ball inside the Copleston half, Brame drives forwards towards the area looks to lay it off to Carter, Cullen slides in to intercept the ball concede the corner. Is another great ball in from Carter whipped in from the right drops to Locker unmarked inside the six yard box, adjusts her feet and stabs the ball home with her left foot 0-1. 10 minutes played.
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| Norma Locker opens the scoring for Walsham Le Willows |
Walsham continue to press put the Copleston back line under pressure, Talbert wins another corner on the left, the delivery flashed through the crowded six yard box, catches Locker by surprise gets enough of a touch to deflect the ball towards goal, between goalkeeper, Gemma Crane her defenders the ball is smuggled out for a 2nd corner on the right. A high ball into the six yard box this time Leanna Derbyshire with a firm header gets it away from the area, picked up on the right by Walsham a shot comes in from distance flies over the crossbar.
Copleston make a change Toni Mott comes on for Amorim on the left side of attack. Amy Trenter gets hold of the ball in midfield for Copleston as the home side get a spell of possession going in the middle pushing on into the Walsham, manages to thread a pass through the defence with Mott pushing inside from the left, Charlotte Osborne in the Walsham goal is out of her area early and to the ball before Mott can reach it.
Up the other end, Crane does the same coming out of her area to kick the ball clear of the on rushing Talbert as Pratt plays a good ball over the top. Trenter plays the ball into Sophie Crane, good hold up play before looking to send the ball up the left with Roxanne Middle breaking forwards for Copleston, Zoe Klimcke comes across to lunge in to take the ball from her.
Very nearly an own goal from Copleston, play building up down the left side for Walsham, Locker playing Talbert in down the wing carries the ball into the corner before turning inside and firing a low cross in towards the near post, Brame misses her touch which catches the defender behind her by surprise the ball deflected goalwards comes back off the post before being cleared behind for the corner. The delivery from the left is sent up towards the top of the area, Locker rising to meet it heads the ball down towards goal, plenty of power behind the header, goalkeeper Crane saves but spills the ball which is cleared off the line by a defender.
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| Zoe Klimcke brings the ball forwards from the back for Walsham Ladies |
A hot day play pauses so the players can take on fluids. Kara Smith comes on for Copleston up top replacing Crane. A throw to Walsham on the right the pass down the line sees Carter get her head down and push on with the ball, Megan Stock gets across to put in the tackle and win the ball. Comes back too easily play spread crossfield into Pratt coming on with the ball plays it on for Talbert ahead of her cutting back in field rolls the ball into Banbury 30 yards out takes two strides with the ball before opening her body and attempting to curl a shot into the top corner, not enough high to trouble Crane in the Copleston goal, palms the shot down and gathers.
Strong running on the ball from Talbert down the left again, Shannon Giles keeps pace with her shoulder to shoulder prevents her getting inside into the area as she would like still manages to get a shot away, in low towards the near post, Crane is across and makes the save. Walsham are doing well with 10, now they have 11 on the pitch Hanratty arrived and changed to join the action. Brame sees a throw on the left into her feet, a good touch to knock it in behind then lays the ball into Talbert top of the area, jinks left then right to find a shooting opportunity instead Young gets back on her timing her tackle perfectly to put the ball behind for a corner.
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| Walsham Le Willows Ladies captain, Lisa Pratt |
GOAL! The 1st half moves into the last 5 minutes with Walsham having dominated throughout, now they double their advantage, is a fantastic assist by Pratt as she comes forwards with the ball on the left lobs the ball over the top of the Copleston defence with Hanratty breaking in behind, a race for the ball between her and Crane who comes rushing out to close her down, Hanratty gets there 1st lifting the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box and wheels away in celebration as the ball bounces into the back of the net 0-2.
Hollie Akers, Copleston's captain comes back into defence to win the ball back takes it forwards plays a good pass 25 yards into Smith just over half-way tries to force her way between the Walsham centre backs, Klimcke and Boreham close the door. Into added time in the 1st half, Middle plays the ball into Smith inside the Walsham half a long way from goal tries the shot none-the-less an easy take for Osborne who has had little to do.
Half-time Copleston Ladies 0-2 Walsham Le Willows Ladies
GOAL! Walsham extend their lead to 7 goals and it's Carter who gets her hat-trick. The build up from Locker in the centre, strong running on the ball carrying it out to the right passes it forwards for Carter to run onto, shifts it inside and shots from the angle outside the box a swerving ball that flies past the keeper and into the back of the net. 0-7.
Hard for Copleston to lift themselves know they have been out-played, Giles plays the ball onto Young as they build a counter attack down the right the ball is lifted up into the area with Smith inside running towards goal, six yards out just doesn't get the touch that would have taken it past Osborne the keeper seeing the ball into her gloves. Young closes down the ball on half way, Trenter provides the forwards run getting in behind the Walsham defence little chance of winning the race for the ball before Osborn can collect on the edge of her area, a slight fumble from the keeper, has Trenter interested goes to close her down, Osborne shielding the ball grabs it.
Talbert goes on a surging run up the left wing with the ball unleashes a low driving shot from just outside the box, Crane coming across to her near post makes a fantastic save. The ball is won back by Walsham outside the box Locker charging in goes to shot, Stock throws her body in the path of the ball blocks it.
A dominant 1st half from Walsham Le Willows have been in control from start to finish starting with 10, finding space making good runs off the ball, controlling possession haven't had to chase the ball. Not the game I was expecting certainly. Copleston haven't been at it at all no meaningful possession have defended deep making it hard to get anything going in attack. It can all change in football however the lead is 2-0 the next goal is crucial, Copleston need the belief it will be theirs as they kick-off the 2nd half.
The sun is low over the trees, the shade is nice but not a help for Copleston 2nd half the goal they are defending is facing it, posing an added threat. Sophie Crane is back on up top in place of Smith for Copleston at the start of the 2nd half. Early opportunity for Brame to break up the right wing for Walsham as Banbury wins the ball, plays it out to her squares her cross along to six yard box, Cullen heads the ball out for the corner kick. Carter sends in a great delivery, Derbyshire rises highest in the centre of the six yard box to clear the ball out left for a throw.
A strong start to the 2nd half by Walsham push forwards, Locker plays the ball up to Carter she headers the ball over the top with Hanratty bursting clear, went too soon the flag is up for offside. Up the other end Young plays Mott in down the left wing, a good run turns inside trying to get into the box, Klimcke comes across and going to ground slides in to make the challenge.
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| Copleston Ladies, Roxanne Middle evades a challenge from Walsham's Norma Locker |
GOAL! Walsham are awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal to the right of the area, it's Carter to take the set-piece, with the sun at her back takes on the shot hitting the ball up into the air towards goal on target dropping late, Crane is behind it throws her gloves up gets something on the ball but can't keep it out Walsham extend their lead 0-3.
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| Gemma Carter watches as her strike flies towards goal |
Young tries to make something happen for Copleston steals in to win the ball off a Walsham throw in the left brings it on before passing it forwards for Middle who has made a great run through the middle, closing down the Walsham area the attack ends as Boreham closes her down and tackling wins the ball back. Young with the ball at her feet pushes up the right wing lifts a high ball into the box, Osborne calls for it and catches the ball.
GOAL! Talbert with a rapid turn of place breaks inside from the left wing pulls the trigger from distance sending in a dipping shot towards the near post is instinctive from Crane in goal throwing out a boot to make the safe, the ball is put behind for a corner on the left. The ball in is superb flashing across the face of goal, Talbert is central a couple of yards out unmarked nods the ball home to extend Walsham's lead 0-4.
GOAL! Walsham continue to press keeping possession of the ball inside the Copleston half a shirt pull is seen by the referee the visitors have another free-kick in almost an identical position from the one before. Carter over it looks to go for goal again a little more height on the ball, drops late onto the crossbar, falls back into the six yard box players scramble to clear the ball is cleared out to the left, picked up by Hanratty 25 yards out brings it inside before pulling the trigger sending the ball into the far corner of the net 0-5.
The visitors are full of energy, Locker from the middle of the park plays the ball onto Banbury drifting away to the right, cuts the ball inside to Brame with Carter in close support outside the box, Cullen closes her down wins the ball. Banbury takes a throw in on the right inside the Copleston half Brame takes control of the ball top right corner of the area fires a ball across to Talbert on the opposite side she lays it into the path of Pratt advancing from deep meets the ball on the half volley 20 yards out powers the strike wide of goal. Smith returns to the action for Copleston.
The visitors are full of energy, Locker from the middle of the park plays the ball onto Banbury drifting away to the right, cuts the ball inside to Brame with Carter in close support outside the box, Cullen closes her down wins the ball. Banbury takes a throw in on the right inside the Copleston half Brame takes control of the ball top right corner of the area fires a ball across to Talbert on the opposite side she lays it into the path of Pratt advancing from deep meets the ball on the half volley 20 yards out powers the strike wide of goal. Smith returns to the action for Copleston.
GOAL! Walsham extend their lead and it is a brilliant individual goal from Carter, the ball fired into her feet from midfield his in a central position outside the box, holds off her marker moving to the right, looks to turn back inside before shifting the ball right gets a half yard of space spins and hits the ball goalwards a looping effort heading for the top corner, Crane tries to get to it throwing herself across her goal the ball dipping under the bar and in 0-6.
Middle and Trenter keep going for Copleston tough tackling to win the ball, options forwards are limited, Middle tries to pick out Smith in a central position, brings the ball down, tries to push it beyond the Walsham centre backs, Klimcke throws a leg out towards the ball pushing it away from the striker.
Middle and Trenter keep going for Copleston tough tackling to win the ball, options forwards are limited, Middle tries to pick out Smith in a central position, brings the ball down, tries to push it beyond the Walsham centre backs, Klimcke throws a leg out towards the ball pushing it away from the striker.
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| Gemma Carter, pictured with Copleston's Toni Mott scores a hat-tick on the opening day of the season |
Hard for Copleston to lift themselves know they have been out-played, Giles plays the ball onto Young as they build a counter attack down the right the ball is lifted up into the area with Smith inside running towards goal, six yards out just doesn't get the touch that would have taken it past Osborne the keeper seeing the ball into her gloves. Young closes down the ball on half way, Trenter provides the forwards run getting in behind the Walsham defence little chance of winning the race for the ball before Osborn can collect on the edge of her area, a slight fumble from the keeper, has Trenter interested goes to close her down, Osborne shielding the ball grabs it.
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| Copleston's Amy Trenter get's the ball past Walsham's Mia Banbury |
Talbert goes on a surging run up the left wing with the ball unleashes a low driving shot from just outside the box, Crane coming across to her near post makes a fantastic save. The ball is won back by Walsham outside the box Locker charging in goes to shot, Stock throws her body in the path of the ball blocks it.
GOAL! Late into the 2nd half and time for Walsham to score another goal, good work from Brame on the right tries to dribble her way into the box wins the corner kick. The delivery is vicious again whipped in with pace across the goal face, Talbert is free in the centre to turn the ball over the line for her 2nd of the game 0-8.
Copleston with some good build up play down the right get the ball forwards as the game moves into injury time Stock playing a good diagonal ball into Young central, Middle makes a run out to the right, receiving the ball swings a flighted ball into the Walsham box, Smith can't get to it before Boreham heads it clear. The ball is picked up by Akers her pass picks out Smith outside the box right of the D, 20 yards out, gets a shot away past Osborne runs wide of goal. The last action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle.
Copleston with some good build up play down the right get the ball forwards as the game moves into injury time Stock playing a good diagonal ball into Young central, Middle makes a run out to the right, receiving the ball swings a flighted ball into the Walsham box, Smith can't get to it before Boreham heads it clear. The ball is picked up by Akers her pass picks out Smith outside the box right of the D, 20 yards out, gets a shot away past Osborne runs wide of goal. The last action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle.
Full time Copleston Ladies 0-8 Walsham Le Willows Ladies
Far from the start to the defence of their title than Copleston wanted, a tough result to take on the opening day of the season, can't have too many complaints however were out played never got into the game. Their players upset and dejected, little you can do, sometimes in football these results will happen, all you can do is pick yourself up and find the determination to put it right next time. Having seen them in action before know they are more than capable of doing that.
Take nothing away from Walsham Le Willows a great start to the season for the new club, an energetic display, getting control of the ball, moving it quickly using the wings and able to play a high line pushing Copleston back into their own half prevented their opponents from getting the ball forwards with any purpose.
My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details today, best of luck to both for the rest of the season.
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