Hertfordshire Women's County Cup Final 2016/17
A trip to The County Ground, Letchworth this Sunday for my 1st Cup Final of the 2016/17 season. Stevenage Ladies playing Royston Town Ladies in this season's Hertfordshire Women's County Cup Final.
A league between the sides both sides were promoted as league champions last season to test themselves at a higher level. Stevenage Ladies winning the ERWFL Premier Division title to move up into the FAWPL South East Division One, are 3rd from bottom currently and picked up a good win away from home last weekend as they look to maintain their league status. This is Stevenage Ladies 3rd successive appearance in the Hertfordshire Women's County Cup Final winning it for the 1st time 2 season's ago, finished runners-up against Watford Ladies Development U19s last time around.
Royston Town Ladies were promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division this season after clinching the ERWFL Division One West title. Like their opponents in today's final currently sit 3rd bottom in the table but with more points on the board are 9 points clear of the bottom side. Have one of the league top hotshots in their squad, Sammy Tinsley who has scored 31 goals so far this season. Royston Town Ladies have enjoyed their County Cup run scoring 40 goals in 4 rounds to reach the final. Were beaten finalists in the 2013/14 season.
Road to the Final
Both sides entered the competition in the 1st Round. Stevenage progressing without kicking a ball awarded a home win. Royston were at home in the 1st Round taking on Beds & Herts Division Two side Panshanger Ladies, Sammy Tinsley hitting a double hat-trick as the club progressed with a 12-1 win.
In the 2nd Round, Stevenage were drawn at home to ERWFL Division One side, Colney Heath Ladies, won the match 5-0 with Daniela Martucci netting a hat-trick. Royston were drawn at home again in the 2nd Round, playing Beds & Herts Division One side St Albans Ladies. Tinsley with just the 1 hat-trick this time, however she was joined by Stephanie Hicks and Georgina Gannaway as Royston scored 12 again winning 12-4 to progress.
Into the quarter finals an away match versus Evergreen Eagles, playing 5 leagues below them in Beds & Herts Division Three, Stevenage winning 6-0 to reach the semi-finals with captain Donna McGuigan scoring a brace in the game. Scoring 12 goals in the previous 2 ties in the County Cup, Royston's goal scoring was far from over as they hosted Beds & Herts Division Two side Watton Ladies in the quarter finals won the game 14-0 with Tinsley top scoring in the game with 5 goals.
The semi-finals were much closer affairs for both sides. Stevenage were at home playing another Watford Ladies youth side their U17s Hornets their young side pushing them all the way for a large chunk of the game before Stevenage sealed a 2-1 win to set up a 3rd successive final appearance, McGuigan scoring both the goals. It could have been an all Stevenage final too as their Reserves side had also reached the semi-finals away to Royston it was another 2-1 winning scoreline with Tinsley scoring both the goals.
The County Ground, Letchworth headquarters of the Hertfordshire FA the venue for today's match. A good sized stadium, one main seated stand over looking a good sized pitch covered standing areas each end and on the opposite side the bar and clubhouse behind the main stand. The Pukka Tukka trailer their to provide hot and cold refreshments. Was an overcast day with a few spots of rain in the air slicked the pitch up a little before the match.
Stevenage Ladies starting XI - Katherine Long, Leah Dunnage, Tanya Blacksley, Dominique Godbeer, Jade Beckett, Lisa Milliken, Kristina O'Connell, Donna McGuigan (C), Cara Breckenbridge, Rosy Woodhams & Bolu Fisher.
subs - Hayley Wood-Thompson, Amy Josland, Daniela Martucci, Stephanie Mann & Kristi Burling
Royston Town Ladies starting XI - Emma D'Costa, Rebekah Fisk, Annie Chambers, Amie Jones, Amy Cooper (C), Grace Leslie, Hayley Graham, Paris Coldicott-Stevens, Georgina Gannaway, Sammy Tinsley & Harriet Smith.
subs - Katie Seymour, Paige Rolfe, Andrea Wright, Lucy Sende & Allyson Santini
(roll on roll off substitutes)
It's Royston wearing white shirts and socks with black shorts to get the final underway, Stevenage lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with black sleeves, blue shorts and socks. Royston push forwards right from the start the ball from Hayley Graham into Georgina Gannaway takes the ball on towards the Stevenage area, Leah Dunnage closing her down outside the box tackling to concede the throw. Winning the ball in the middle Paris Coldicott-Stevens plays it on to Sammy Tinsley on the right for Royston, cutting back in field as she carries the ball on looks to thread the ball into striker Harriett Smith making a run ahead of her into the box, defender Dominique Godbeer goes with her keeping Smith from reaching the ball lets it run across her through to her goalkeeper Katherine Long to safely gather into her gloves.
A competitive opening to the final, Royston pressing the ball early have kept Stevenage penned back in their own half without getting a shot away the midfield congested a few strong challenges. The ball runs favourably out to Cara Breckenbridge out wide left for Stevenage looks up attackers Bolu Fisher and Rosy Woodhams are both on the move sends the ball over the top Fisher closest breaks forwards after the ball, Royston goalkeeper, Emma D'Costa commits early rushing out towards the edge of her area to slide in and claim the ball before Fisher can reach it.
Stevenage are starting to find a few pockets of space to run into, Kristina O'Connell breaks from midfield moving to the left getting in behind wants the ball played into her, Royston captain Amy Cooper reads the threat getting across to win the ball play it out before O'Connell can get into a one on one position. Stevenage work the ball across the top of the area from the throw on the left the cross flighted in towards the far post sees Lisa Milliken flagged offside. It's Cooper's central defensive partner, Amie Jones who breaks up the next Stevenage attack as their opponents work the ball through the middle Jade Beckett playing it on for Fisher moving left has Stevenage's captain Donna McGuigan ahead of her they try to play the one/two Jones getting in between the to intercept the ball knocking it of McGuigan for the throw.
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| Stevenage's Jade Beckett looking to get ahead of Royston Town midfielder Paris Coldicott-Stevens |
A brave and vital save from D'Costa in the Royston goal as Woodhams battling for the ball in the middle gets it out to Breckenbridge left sends the pass over the Royston defence with Fisher on the moves getting in behind a race for the ball, sliding it to save at the top of her area D'Costa makes the save collides with Fisher the ball runs in behind, Fisher scrambling up goes after it as the Royston defence get back to cover the goal, before Fisher can turn the ball home however referee, Rebecca Fearns-Purdue stops play with D'Costa hurt. 15 minutes in a chance for both sides to have a breather. D'Costa is okay to continue after treatment.
Tanya Blacksley winning the ball at the back for Stevenage pushes forwards through the middle before sending it long for Fisher to go after having peeled away to the left side, Jones covers the ground well to get across on the cover to slide in and clear the threat for Royston. A corner kick for Stevenage on the left, Breckenbridge plays it short the cross delivered into the middle of the Royston area, Cooper gets up highest to head the ball from danger. Attacking down the right side another corner is conceded, Stevenage play the ball in high to the near post Jones up to head the ball out of the area, is fired across the D in towards McGuigan who hits the shot on the spin sending it goalwards, lacking height or pace the ball is gathered by D'Costa on her goal line.
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| Stevenage's Tanya Blacksley with Royston's Harriet Smith |
Little room on the ball for Royston in the final 3rd, Grace Leslie gets hold of the ball runs it on for Tinsley out right turns in field drives towards the Stevenage box, Blacksley on her shoulder runs her into Dunnage who wins the tackle gets it out to Breckenbridge moving down the left on for Fisher, reaches D'Costa coming to the edge of her area first. A free-kick for Royston on half-way the ball played up to the edge of the area is initially headed away by Breckenbridge, Royston win the ball back the diagonal ball from right to left picks out Gannaway outside the area left of the D shifts the ball between her feet well to make room for a shot, slips at the vital moment the ball rolling towards goal scooped up by Long.
Tinsley is stopped in her tracks by Dunnage as the Royston attacker dribbles the ball through the middle. Dunnage plays the ball forwards into space for Fisher to go after, Cooper with her both are beaten to the ball by D'Costa the Royston keeper out early to the edge of her box to slide onto the ball. From a throw in on the right Tinsley gathers the ball into her body turns and looks to find space in front of the Stevenage area for a shot, Blacksley goes with her, Tinsley sends the ball out to Annie Chambers on the left the full back rolling the ball into Gannaway ahead of her inside the box looks to square the ball across the six yard box with Smith making a central run, Dunnage gets across to clear the ball for the throw.
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| Georgina Gannaway on the ball for Royston Town Ladies |
GOAL! Just over half an hour played and the deadlock is broken, Stevenage taking the lead after Long claims possession of the ball from a Royston attack the goalkeeper kicking the ball from the top of her area up towards the halfway line for once the centre backs fail to deal with the ball as it deflects favourably for Fisher sends the ball forwards getting up a head of steam drives towards the box left into the area plays from both sides racing to catch up with her, D'Costa comes closing down the angle saves well with her legs as Fisher looks to put the ball wide of her, grounded however the ball runs back to Fisher keeps her composure as the Royston defence get back to cover the goal instead rolls it across the penalty spot to Woodhams who sends the ball into the bottom corner of the goal to make it 1-0.
Royston make a change with Andrea Wright coming on up top for Smith. The substitute looks to hold the ball up as she takes it into the right corner is tackled by Blacksley playing the ball into O'Connell helps it on for Fisher to try and get in behind, Jones goes with her sliding in to take the ball away from the striker into Chambers to clear. D'Costa out to the edge of her area right corner saves well again sliding in to deny Fisher the ball rolls back out towards McGuigan, Leslie slides in to take the ball from her before she can line up a shot the ball running across the top of the box Coldicott-Stevens gets it up field.
Gannaway plays the ball on for Wright down the left channel cutting inside gets into the area her ball put in along the six yard box cut out and cleared by Godbeer. A set-piece for Royston on half-way players go forwards as Cooper plays the ball up towards the top of the area, Leslie heads the ball on into the six yard box, Dunnage is the quickest to react getting it out of the box for Stevenage. Breckenbridge finds herself with time and space in the middle as the ball is played across to her 35 yards out lines up a strike plays the ball straight into the keeper. Fisher has been in the wars 1st half clattered into several times a free-kick is awarded in 1st half injury time after she is brought down wide on the left inside the Royston half, O'Connell on the ball a corner is conceded on the left a good delivery into the box by Breckenbridge, Beckett gets her head on the ball sends her effort over the bar the final action of the 1st half.
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| Rosy Woodhams scores the opening goal in this seasons Hertfordshire Women's County Cup Final |
Royston make a change with Andrea Wright coming on up top for Smith. The substitute looks to hold the ball up as she takes it into the right corner is tackled by Blacksley playing the ball into O'Connell helps it on for Fisher to try and get in behind, Jones goes with her sliding in to take the ball away from the striker into Chambers to clear. D'Costa out to the edge of her area right corner saves well again sliding in to deny Fisher the ball rolls back out towards McGuigan, Leslie slides in to take the ball from her before she can line up a shot the ball running across the top of the box Coldicott-Stevens gets it up field.
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| Stevenage's Bolu Fisher with Royston Town' defender Amie Jones |
Gannaway plays the ball on for Wright down the left channel cutting inside gets into the area her ball put in along the six yard box cut out and cleared by Godbeer. A set-piece for Royston on half-way players go forwards as Cooper plays the ball up towards the top of the area, Leslie heads the ball on into the six yard box, Dunnage is the quickest to react getting it out of the box for Stevenage. Breckenbridge finds herself with time and space in the middle as the ball is played across to her 35 yards out lines up a strike plays the ball straight into the keeper. Fisher has been in the wars 1st half clattered into several times a free-kick is awarded in 1st half injury time after she is brought down wide on the left inside the Royston half, O'Connell on the ball a corner is conceded on the left a good delivery into the box by Breckenbridge, Beckett gets her head on the ball sends her effort over the bar the final action of the 1st half.
Half-time Stevenage Ladies 1-0 Royston Town Ladies
A 1-0 lead for Stevenage at half-time having been dominant once they got to grips with Royston's pressing game, a competitve contest especially in the middle of the park. Stevenage getting in behind the Royston defence on a few occasions eventually bringing the goal whilst up the other end have kept things tight at the back playing deeper preventing their opponents attackers from finding any room to exploit. Leading by just a single goal the Final is far from settled.
It's Stevenage to kick-off the 2nd half, Royston look to get hold of the ball right from the start, Stevenage instead get it forwards playing it into Fisher outside the box left of the D back to goal rolls in across the top of the area looking to pick out Woodhams, instead Chambers steps in to intercept the ball clear it up field for Royston.
GOAL! Stevenage waste no time getting the ball back into Royston's final 3rd win themselves a corner on the left side, Breckenbridge to take as players come up from the back the delivery in towards the near post Godbeer gets her head on the ball inside the six yard box at the near post nodding the ball into the ground it bounces into the back of the net to see Stevenage double their advantage 4 minutes into the 2nd half 2-0.
Royston come very close to pulling a goal back right from the restart the ball passed into Tinsley in a central position 25 yards from goal, good footwork to make room for a shot let's flying the ball arrowing towards the top corner, Long throws herself to her right as it dips late strikes the post before rebounding out of play. Royston make a double substitution Jones and Gannaway the players coming off, Lucy Sende and Paige Rolfe come on. A throw in for Royston on the left the ball is played across the pitch by Graham out towards Fisk plays it forwards for Wright making a move down the right channels to get in behind the Stevenage defence, Long comes rushing out from her goal to slide in and claim the ball before Wright can take it past her.
Stevenage counter attack from a Royston free-kick the ball played out to Woodhams on half way drives forwards before sending the ball into Fisher's path moving right looking to get into the Royston box is forced wide by Cooper tracking back with her the angle against her as she tries to get a shot away sends her effort high over the crossbar.
GOAL! 10 minutes into the 2nd half and Stevenage extend their lead a moment D'Costa will want to forget unfortunately the keeper having had fantastic game up to that moment, Stevenage get the ball forwards into the run of Woodhams left side pushing towards the area knocks the ball on into the area, coming out to slide in and claim the ball D'Costa doesn't take it cleanly pops out of her gloves, Woodhams knocks it past her and gives chase to send the ball into the empty net beyond to make it 3-0.
D'Costa is distraught but her teammates are quick to pick her up and get her focused with over half an hour of the final still to play. A comfortable lead for Stevenage now. Royston push players on Fisk supporting Tinsley out wide right receives the ball squares it into Graham in a central position 20 yards from goal, shifts the ball between her feet making room to curl a low shot in towards goal, travelling towards the bottom corner not enough pace on the ball as Long comes across her goal to claim it. Fisk pushes on again with Wright holding the ball up in the left corner for Royston plays it up towards the full-back who has Tinsley making a run across the D in front of the Stevenage box, Fisk picks her out the attacker meeting the ball 1st time sending the ball in towards goal flies wide of the post.
A change for Stevenage as they bring off Milliken with Amy Josland coming on into the midfield. Involved in the action straight away a ball over the top has Woodhams in behind same run that led to her goal, D'Costa comes rushing out to sliding takes the ball confidently into her body. Pressing on the right wing Stevenage win a corner kick, Breckenbridge plays it up the line with O'Connell available the midfielder sends a sweeping cross in towards the near post just behind Dunnage's run the defender turns getting her chest on the ball to help it on, bouncing up for Beckett, she tries to get some power on her header but plays it straight into D'Costa in goal.
Changes for both sides, Royston bring on Katie Seymour in place of Fisk, Stephanie Mann comes on for Stevenage replacing Beckett midway through the 2nd half. Woodhams looks to bring the ball on through the middle for Stevenage is tackled by Rolfe 25 yards out the ball deflects wide to Breckenbridge on the right plays a great early ball into the Royston area, bouncing in front of the six yard box, D'Costa claims the ball well above her head not distracted by Josland racing in try and reach the cross. Allyson Santini come on for Royston in place of Coldicott-Stevens. 70 minutes played.
Royston are awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position just outside the box top left corner, Wright over the ball as players come forwards from the back. Is a great ball in towards the players lining up at the far post picking out Leslie 12 yards out gets a firm header on the ball turning it towards goal, pace on the ball it is heading for the bottom corner, Long throws herself across her goal to make an excellent save. Stevenage bring off Woodhams sending on Daniela Martucci to join the attack for the final 15 minutes.
Rolfe gets back to tackle Martucci as she takes the ball down the right channel conceding the corner kick. Breckenbridge plays the ball into the area going long is just over McGuigan falls to Josland beyond who meets the ball on the volley sends her attempt wide of target. Smith rejoins the action for Royston with Graham coming off. McGuigan is away down the right as the referee plays the advantage after Breckenbridge is clattered driving inside into the box closing in on goal McGuigan blasts the ball into the side netting a corner is signalled however, the delivery swung in towards the near post is headed clear of the area by Santini, falling to O'Connell outside the box snatches at the shot cutting the ball wide across the area.
Breckenbridge is the next player substituted by Stevenage, Kristi Burling coming on with a little over 10 minutes left to play. Godbeer comes across to slide in and take the ball inside the area from Smith as she is played in behind on the left side by Chambers. Fisher comes off in the latter stages of the game with Stevenage sending on Hayley Wood-Thompson. Josland tussling with Leslie for the ball in the middle of the park gets it forwards for McGuigan, advances towards the top of the area before blasting a shot wide of the far post. Milliken returns to the action in place of O'Connell for Stevenage.
Late pressure from Royston as they search for a goal, Smith is played in down the right carries the ball on into the box Long comes to close the angle, Godbeer too, between them squeeze the Royston attacker off the ball. A great reverse ball down the line from Santini gets Chambers in behind on the left for Royston sends a long ball in across the six yard box towards the far post Wood-Thompson defends well against Wright heading the ball out of the area falls to Leslie 20 yards out running onto the ball hits it back into the area her strike blocked.
Into the final couple of minutes of normal time Royston get the ball forwards into Smith right of goal shifts the ball before pulling the trigger, Long gets down sharply to make the save the ball deflects across her six yard box, no one following in as Stevenage launch it up field. Another late chance for Smith as Tinsley rolls the ball into her path outside the area hits the ball hard towards goal Long throws herself to her left, the ball flies narrowly wide of the post.
GOAL! In injury time Stevenage hit Royston on the break to score a 4th goal the ball played out to Milliken is space on the right plays the ball in towards the top of the area just behind Wood-Thompson has Josland beyond her McGuigan is running on towards the top of the box Josland rolling the ball into her opening up her body McGuigan meets the ball perfectly sending it angling into the top corner 4-0. Virtually the last action of the game the final whistle blows and Stevenage celebrate winning the County Cup.
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| Dominique Godbeer is mobbed by her team mates after putting Stevenage 2-0 up |
Royston come very close to pulling a goal back right from the restart the ball passed into Tinsley in a central position 25 yards from goal, good footwork to make room for a shot let's flying the ball arrowing towards the top corner, Long throws herself to her right as it dips late strikes the post before rebounding out of play. Royston make a double substitution Jones and Gannaway the players coming off, Lucy Sende and Paige Rolfe come on. A throw in for Royston on the left the ball is played across the pitch by Graham out towards Fisk plays it forwards for Wright making a move down the right channels to get in behind the Stevenage defence, Long comes rushing out from her goal to slide in and claim the ball before Wright can take it past her.
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| Royston Town Ladies, Rebekah Fisk |
Stevenage counter attack from a Royston free-kick the ball played out to Woodhams on half way drives forwards before sending the ball into Fisher's path moving right looking to get into the Royston box is forced wide by Cooper tracking back with her the angle against her as she tries to get a shot away sends her effort high over the crossbar.
GOAL! 10 minutes into the 2nd half and Stevenage extend their lead a moment D'Costa will want to forget unfortunately the keeper having had fantastic game up to that moment, Stevenage get the ball forwards into the run of Woodhams left side pushing towards the area knocks the ball on into the area, coming out to slide in and claim the ball D'Costa doesn't take it cleanly pops out of her gloves, Woodhams knocks it past her and gives chase to send the ball into the empty net beyond to make it 3-0.
D'Costa is distraught but her teammates are quick to pick her up and get her focused with over half an hour of the final still to play. A comfortable lead for Stevenage now. Royston push players on Fisk supporting Tinsley out wide right receives the ball squares it into Graham in a central position 20 yards from goal, shifts the ball between her feet making room to curl a low shot in towards goal, travelling towards the bottom corner not enough pace on the ball as Long comes across her goal to claim it. Fisk pushes on again with Wright holding the ball up in the left corner for Royston plays it up towards the full-back who has Tinsley making a run across the D in front of the Stevenage box, Fisk picks her out the attacker meeting the ball 1st time sending the ball in towards goal flies wide of the post.
A change for Stevenage as they bring off Milliken with Amy Josland coming on into the midfield. Involved in the action straight away a ball over the top has Woodhams in behind same run that led to her goal, D'Costa comes rushing out to sliding takes the ball confidently into her body. Pressing on the right wing Stevenage win a corner kick, Breckenbridge plays it up the line with O'Connell available the midfielder sends a sweeping cross in towards the near post just behind Dunnage's run the defender turns getting her chest on the ball to help it on, bouncing up for Beckett, she tries to get some power on her header but plays it straight into D'Costa in goal.
Changes for both sides, Royston bring on Katie Seymour in place of Fisk, Stephanie Mann comes on for Stevenage replacing Beckett midway through the 2nd half. Woodhams looks to bring the ball on through the middle for Stevenage is tackled by Rolfe 25 yards out the ball deflects wide to Breckenbridge on the right plays a great early ball into the Royston area, bouncing in front of the six yard box, D'Costa claims the ball well above her head not distracted by Josland racing in try and reach the cross. Allyson Santini come on for Royston in place of Coldicott-Stevens. 70 minutes played.
Royston are awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position just outside the box top left corner, Wright over the ball as players come forwards from the back. Is a great ball in towards the players lining up at the far post picking out Leslie 12 yards out gets a firm header on the ball turning it towards goal, pace on the ball it is heading for the bottom corner, Long throws herself across her goal to make an excellent save. Stevenage bring off Woodhams sending on Daniela Martucci to join the attack for the final 15 minutes.
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| Royston's Grace Leslie get her header on target |
Breckenbridge is the next player substituted by Stevenage, Kristi Burling coming on with a little over 10 minutes left to play. Godbeer comes across to slide in and take the ball inside the area from Smith as she is played in behind on the left side by Chambers. Fisher comes off in the latter stages of the game with Stevenage sending on Hayley Wood-Thompson. Josland tussling with Leslie for the ball in the middle of the park gets it forwards for McGuigan, advances towards the top of the area before blasting a shot wide of the far post. Milliken returns to the action in place of O'Connell for Stevenage.
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| Royston Town Ladies, Harriett Smith |
Into the final couple of minutes of normal time Royston get the ball forwards into Smith right of goal shifts the ball before pulling the trigger, Long gets down sharply to make the save the ball deflects across her six yard box, no one following in as Stevenage launch it up field. Another late chance for Smith as Tinsley rolls the ball into her path outside the area hits the ball hard towards goal Long throws herself to her left, the ball flies narrowly wide of the post.
GOAL! In injury time Stevenage hit Royston on the break to score a 4th goal the ball played out to Milliken is space on the right plays the ball in towards the top of the area just behind Wood-Thompson has Josland beyond her McGuigan is running on towards the top of the box Josland rolling the ball into her opening up her body McGuigan meets the ball perfectly sending it angling into the top corner 4-0. Virtually the last action of the game the final whistle blows and Stevenage celebrate winning the County Cup.
Full time Stevenage Ladies 4-0 Royston Town Ladies
A 4-0 win for Stevenage 2 early goals 2nd half putting them in control of the final, the better side on the day their defence giving Royston very little opportunity in behind whilst up the other end had players always ready to break forwards. Royston battled hard a competitive contest especially in the middle of the park but eventually ran out of energy. A few late chances to pull a goal back hit on the counter on concede a 4th goal. A good game watched by a decent sized crowd.
SWF Blog - Player of the Match
With two goals in the final the SWF Blog - Player of the Match is Rosy Woodhams. Made life difficult for the Royston defence with so forceful runs on the ball. Good hold up play to bring others into the attack aswell as making intelligent runs to make space for others to exploit.
Congratulations to Stevenage Ladies on winning this season's Hertfordshire Women's County Cup Final.
My thanks to the Hertfordshire FA staff today, especially Callum Riley for his help with the team line-ups. Enjoyed my 1st Cup Final of the season plenty more to look forwards too.
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| Hertfordshire Women's County Cup Winners, Stevenage Ladies |
Congratulations to Stevenage Ladies on winning this season's Hertfordshire Women's County Cup Final.
My thanks to the Hertfordshire FA staff today, especially Callum Riley for his help with the team line-ups. Enjoyed my 1st Cup Final of the season plenty more to look forwards too.
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