Tomorrow the senior sides from both clubs meet in the Women's Invitation Cup Final both competitions sponsored by S-Tech Insurance who have supported women's and girls football in Cambridgeshire for 12 years now.
A potential league and cup double on the cards for Cambridge City Ladies Development a new side formed this season have won the Cambridgeshire Women's Championship South undefeated so far this season with a game left to play. With a strong and growing youth section the Development side a natural progression with players aiming for the 1st team that itself is enjoying a very successful 1st season at regional level.
A 4th successive Junior Invitation Cup Final appearance for Cambridge United WFC Reserves having won the final on the previous 3 occasions. Are also through to the League Cup Final as they were last season and are aiming to win both trophies this time around. Challenging for the title in the Women's Premiership too.
Road to the Final
Both sides were handed a Bye in the 1st round of the Junior Invitation Cup. Into the quarter finals, Cambridge City Ladies Development advanced without kicking a ball handed a walkover against Riverside Rovers Reserves. Cambridge United WFC Reserves beat Fulbourn Bluebirds from the Championship South 4-1 to reach the semi-finals.
Cambridge City Ladies Development played fellow Championship South side Cambridge Rangers in the semi-finals winning the match 7-1 to reach their 1st ever Cup Final. Was a repeat of last seasons final in the other semi-final with Cambridge United WFC Reserves playing Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies, won the game 3-1 to reach the final once again.
The venue for this evenings final, Ely City FC has been a year since I last visited the ground, just off the A10 a new business development is taking shape in the former entrance to the multi-sports facility housing not only the football club, but also rugby, squash and golfing facilities. Several food outlets as well as a cinema are proposed for the sight a new road leading to the football club already built. A dry start to April the pitch looked hard bobbly in places. A few dark clouds around with a brief shower before the match the temperature starting to drop as the floodlights took effect.
Cambridge City Ladies Development starting XI - Josie Cambridge, Lucy Hurst, Tegan Wyman, Gemma Clare (C), Amy Ozakpinar, Rachel Pearce, Erin Fox, Grace Stanley, Ellie Geoghan, Megan Tonks & Anna Wilson.
subs - Rachel Littlewood, Kayleigh Whitehead, Erin Walusimbi & Aniela Luxford
Cambridge United WFC Reserves starting XI - Sarah Carroll, Emily Ingle (C), Holly Northfield, Liz Pamplin, Carolyn Sarafian, Tahnee Perfect, Gabrielle Whitehurst, Lucy Gateson, Teonie Peyton, Ebony Rule & Lauren Gibson.
subs - Ellen Green, Kirsten Burt, Emma Roberts, Claire Kilmartin & MacKenzie McGregor
(roll on roll off substitutes)
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| Tonight's prize |
Two Cambridge's playing it's a challenge writing notes and to make thing's easier for those reading the report too I'll refer to the sides as City and United from now on. It's United to get the final underway kicking off 1st half wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts, City opposite wearing white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. United press early the ball won by Gabrielle Whitehurst in midfield played out to Teonie Payton making a run down the right wing taking the ball down the line wins a corner kick, the ball is delivered towards the top of the area City's Rachel Pearce to it first sends the ball up field.
An open start both sides looking to use the full width of the pitch, from a throw on the right inside the City half striker Lauren Gibson looks to drive inside towards the box, is tackled by Tegan Wyman at left back the ball played on City counter Ellie Geoghan up the left is stopped by United's captain Emily Ingle the a ball rolled into midfield helped on as Gibson looks to get in behind the City defence, goalkeeper Josie Cambridge is out quickly to reach the ball first. Gibson is played through as she comes across to the right to receive the ball unleashing a low shot from just inside the box, Cambridge behind it makes the save.
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| City captain, Gemma Clare challenging United striker Lauren Gibson for the ball |
United are beginning to see a little more of the ball keeping City out of their area the defence winning any through balls, bringing the ball down the right Peyton's long crossfield ball is gathered by Lucy Gateson looks to take it down the line, tackled by City's Lucy Hurst the ball out for a throw in taken quickly United win their first corner of the match the delivery in towards the top of he area, up from the back Liz Pamplin gets a glancing header on the ball knocking it down into the six yard box, City win the scramble to launch it clear.
City are left perplexed as they break forwards the ball from Pearce into attacker Megan Tonks 20 yards out is brought down by United's Carolyn Sarafian with Geoghan in behind on the overlap stealing in on the ball the referee plays advantage it comes to nothing and City feels play should have been brought back for the free-kick. City build another attack the ball from left to right across midfield Grace Stanley running into space on the right takes the ball on into the box, United's Holly Northfield gets back on her the pair tussle for the ball inside the box right corner, Stanley rolling the ball around the full back to get in behind is adjudged to have fouled Northfield.
Gibson closes the ball down on the right from a throw in getting hold of the ball travels into the area hitting the shot on the run, plenty of pace on the ball, goalkeeper Cambridge saves instinctively with her feet. Keeping possession in the final 3rd United eventually win a corner kick. High into the middle of the area, Stanley heads the ball out of the area for City, falls to Peyton outside the box closed down quickly gets a snapshot away the ball flying wide of the near post.
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| Cambridge City goalkeeper Josie Cambridge warming up before the match |
Bringing the ball on through the centre of midfield Stanley threads a great pass into Tonks up top in behind takes the ball on into the area, looking to shift the ball onto her favoured foot to take a strike, gives Northfield the opportunity to nip in to get her toes on the ball nullify the threat for United.
GOAL! The opening goal of the Final comes midway through the 1st half, United pile players forwards as they attack with purpose with Gibson having come over to the right side the ball down to the touchline is cut back in towards strike partner Ebony Rule unmarked inside the box opens her body up taking the shot looking to put the ball across he goalkeeper, Cambridge gets a glove on the ball but pushing it away into the centre of the six yard box, Payton is quickest to react reaching the ball and smashing it home to give United the lead 0-1.
Peyton winning the ball at the back for United sees her deflected clearance fly over the top with Gibson alert after it running clear of the City defence, heading for the box, Cambridge is out quickly sliding in to stop the ball getting beyond her. City make a change, Amy Ozakpinar coming off at the back, Anelia Luxford coming on. Soon after Erin Walusimbi comes on for City in place of Erin Fox.
Pearce rolls the ball on into striker Anna Wilson pressuring the United defence she squeezes the ball into Tonks to her right shooting from outside the area her strike is blocked the deflection coming to Walusimbi on the right pushes on into the box her cross turned behind for a corner. A good delivery in towards the penalty spot it's United's Pamplin who wins the header. Geoghan comes off for City, Rachel Littlewood coming on. Gateson bringing the ball on down the right flashes a cross along the face of the City area comes all the way through to Peyton who takes on the shot from distance, Cambridge is right behind it to hold comfortably.
United very nearly double their lead a long ball played on through the middle, Gibson closes City captain Gemma Clare down as she looks to control, tries to head the ball back to her advancing keeper Cambridge gets too close Clare under pressure knocks the ball past her the ball heading towards goal the City defence win the race to clear the ball off the line. A corner on the left conceded City are down to 10 as Walusimbi is sent to the dugout to deal with a plaster on her nose. Kayleigh Whitehead being readied for a substitution comes on even as United take the corner, Clare dealing with the ball inside the box played out for a throw in.
Peyton winning the ball at the back for United sees her deflected clearance fly over the top with Gibson alert after it running clear of the City defence, heading for the box, Cambridge is out quickly sliding in to stop the ball getting beyond her. City make a change, Amy Ozakpinar coming off at the back, Anelia Luxford coming on. Soon after Erin Walusimbi comes on for City in place of Erin Fox.
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| Cambridge City's Rachel Pearce |
United very nearly double their lead a long ball played on through the middle, Gibson closes City captain Gemma Clare down as she looks to control, tries to head the ball back to her advancing keeper Cambridge gets too close Clare under pressure knocks the ball past her the ball heading towards goal the City defence win the race to clear the ball off the line. A corner on the left conceded City are down to 10 as Walusimbi is sent to the dugout to deal with a plaster on her nose. Kayleigh Whitehead being readied for a substitution comes on even as United take the corner, Clare dealing with the ball inside the box played out for a throw in.
GOAL! Moving into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half United double their advantage, Gibson having been a constant outlet for the ball in the game receives the ball played across from the left as United come forwards knocking it down into space in field, Whitehurst runs clear striking the ball from 25 yards out her shot whistling past the keeper into the back of the net 0-2.
The City bench aren't happy the referee stops play to have a word. Walusimbi returns to the action replacing Hurst late on. City are very nearly undone for a 3rd goal as the defence looks to shield the ball played on by United as it trickles towards the edge of the box for Cambridge to pick up has her gloves on the ball just as Rule nips past the defence to take it from her, clear on goal play however is brought back by the officials.
A strong end to the 1st half from United breaking down the right the ball squared in towards Gibson outside the D hits the shot on the turn as the ball comes into her the strike looping up over the crossbar. Tahnee Perfect breaks with the ball through the middle rolling it on for Gibson peeling off the shoulder of the last defender shoots from the top of the box the ball sent wide of the near post.
The City bench aren't happy the referee stops play to have a word. Walusimbi returns to the action replacing Hurst late on. City are very nearly undone for a 3rd goal as the defence looks to shield the ball played on by United as it trickles towards the edge of the box for Cambridge to pick up has her gloves on the ball just as Rule nips past the defence to take it from her, clear on goal play however is brought back by the officials.
A strong end to the 1st half from United breaking down the right the ball squared in towards Gibson outside the D hits the shot on the turn as the ball comes into her the strike looping up over the crossbar. Tahnee Perfect breaks with the ball through the middle rolling it on for Gibson peeling off the shoulder of the last defender shoots from the top of the box the ball sent wide of the near post.
Half-time Cambridge City Ladies Development 0-2 Cambridge United WFC Reserves
GOAL! Cit's positive start to the 2nd half is undone as United extend their lead in the 5th minute. breaking up at attack through the middle from City the ball from defence is played long up into Rule 30 yards out back to goal controls well his close support from Gibson to her left rolls the ball into her Gibson's first touch gives her a yard on her marker as they race for the area, Cambridge coming out to meet her Gibson knocks the ball to the right taking her by the keeper clear to shoot putting the ball home off the inside of the post from 10 yards 0-3.
City attack from the restart the ball into Stanley moving left drives into the box looks to fire the ball across goal deflected off a defender the ball comes into Wilson at pace can't adjust to turn it towards goal. Wyman plays the ball on for Littlewood to attack on the left side squares the ball along the top of the area looking to pick out Wilson, Whitehurst gets back to tackle the striker before see can line up a shot.
A throw for United on the right Gibson helping the ball in as Rule makes the run in behind takes the ball on into the area, Walusimbi trying to get across lunges in a wild attempt to win the ball, Rule caught could have gone to ground, doesn't keeping control of the all sends her shot across the keeper, the ball striking the base of the far post, still in play cleared for a throw on the opposite side a long ball is swept in towards the near post, Cambridge coming towards it makes the claim.
A knock for United's Ingle as they defend a City corner comes off to be replaced by Claire Kilmartin. A good tackle from City's Wyman as Gibson brings the ball under control and looks to spin in behind off the full back to get into the box. Peyton brings the ball inside as she attacks down the right side rolled into Gibson her touch helps the ball on with Rule stealing in behind the City defence into the box puts her strike wide of goal. Another change for United with Payton giving way for Kirsten Burt.
GOAL! 25 minutes played in the 2nd half and United go further in front. Possession on the left from a throw in inside the City half Gateson and Gibson link up the ball played long in towards the far post Rule times her run perfectly arriving to head the ball in at the near post inside the six yard box 0-4.
Tonks sees a shot from 20 yards charged down the ball deflecting wide to the left Littlewood winning a corner kick the ball flashes in through bodies gathered at the near post a snap shot far side swoops up over the bar. Ingle returns to the action replacing Sarafian at the back for United. Fox comes back on for City in place of Wyman. McKenzie McGregor also on for United Gateson the player off. A high ball played in from the left is chested down by McGregor as she comes across the D left to right knocking it on into the area, shoots wide as she is closed down.
More changes late on Ozakpinar back on for Clare for City, Ellen Green replacing Pamplin. Fox skips past two players in the middle sending the ball through for Tonks, Ingle gets across her run shields the ball back into the keepers gloves as the game moves into the last couple of minutes.
A good 1st half from United having the bulk of the attack, getting the ball forwards Gibson a threat through the middle, Peyton too on the wing firing herself up with a bit of banter with the crowd. Up the other end their defence as snubbed out any threat winning the final ball little for goalkeeper Sarah Carroll to deal with. 2-0 always an interesting score United good for it as is often the case the next goal will be crucial.
It's City to get the 2nd half underway looking for a positive start. Littlewood with a run on the ball into the left channel her cross into the area cleared by Sarafian. A diagonal ball played long up into the United area is headed clear falling to Pearce outside the area, won't sit kindly as she looks to bring it under control adjust for a shot, is closed down the chance gone. Gibson goes after a heavy through ball running out to the left gathering on the line, Cambridge has come out to the edge of her box that side seeing the striker will reach the ball before it runs out of play, the angle is against Gibson as she tries to put the ball wide of the keeper runs wide behind the goal beyond.
City have started the 2nd half well more energy getting extra bodies forwards to put pressure on the ball. Pearce plays the ball on through the centre for Tonks, closed down outside the box as she goes to strike the ball spins across to Littlewood on the left plays the ball back across the top of the area, Perfect wins the header knocking the ball outside the box comes at Wyman quickly tries to connect with the ball 1st time slices her effort away from goal.
Up top for United, Gibson and Rule combine well both pressuring the ball Gibson almost playing Rule in behind, Clare with the tackle to stop her running clear. Awarded a free-kick wide right City send the ball up into the area, again it's Perfect who wins the header clearing for United.
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| Cambridge United WFC Reserves striker Lauren Gibson |
City attack from the restart the ball into Stanley moving left drives into the box looks to fire the ball across goal deflected off a defender the ball comes into Wilson at pace can't adjust to turn it towards goal. Wyman plays the ball on for Littlewood to attack on the left side squares the ball along the top of the area looking to pick out Wilson, Whitehurst gets back to tackle the striker before see can line up a shot.
A throw for United on the right Gibson helping the ball in as Rule makes the run in behind takes the ball on into the area, Walusimbi trying to get across lunges in a wild attempt to win the ball, Rule caught could have gone to ground, doesn't keeping control of the all sends her shot across the keeper, the ball striking the base of the far post, still in play cleared for a throw on the opposite side a long ball is swept in towards the near post, Cambridge coming towards it makes the claim.
A knock for United's Ingle as they defend a City corner comes off to be replaced by Claire Kilmartin. A good tackle from City's Wyman as Gibson brings the ball under control and looks to spin in behind off the full back to get into the box. Peyton brings the ball inside as she attacks down the right side rolled into Gibson her touch helps the ball on with Rule stealing in behind the City defence into the box puts her strike wide of goal. Another change for United with Payton giving way for Kirsten Burt.
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| Cambridge United WFC Reserves Ebony Rule |
Tonks sees a shot from 20 yards charged down the ball deflecting wide to the left Littlewood winning a corner kick the ball flashes in through bodies gathered at the near post a snap shot far side swoops up over the bar. Ingle returns to the action replacing Sarafian at the back for United. Fox comes back on for City in place of Wyman. McKenzie McGregor also on for United Gateson the player off. A high ball played in from the left is chested down by McGregor as she comes across the D left to right knocking it on into the area, shoots wide as she is closed down.
More changes late on Ozakpinar back on for Clare for City, Ellen Green replacing Pamplin. Fox skips past two players in the middle sending the ball through for Tonks, Ingle gets across her run shields the ball back into the keepers gloves as the game moves into the last couple of minutes.
GOAL! Pushing forwards looking to find themselves a goal late in the game City are hit on the counter the ball won back and sent up field by Perfect into Rule in space 25 yards out turns and sends her shot in up over the goalkeeper to score her 2nd of the game 0-5.
GOAL! Another goal soon follows as Gibson capitalises on some hesitant play at the back from City the ball closed by Gibson as the keeper starts to come between goalkeeper and defender Gibson closes down the ball knocking it wide of both into space inside the box and sends the ball into the goal beyond to score her 2nd of the game 0-6.
GOAL! Another goal soon follows as Gibson capitalises on some hesitant play at the back from City the ball closed by Gibson as the keeper starts to come between goalkeeper and defender Gibson closes down the ball knocking it wide of both into space inside the box and sends the ball into the goal beyond to score her 2nd of the game 0-6.
Full time Cambridge City Ladies Development 0-6 Cambridge United WFC Reserves
It's Cambridge United WFC Reserves who celebrate at the final whistle winning comfortably 6-0 with a good all round team performance that gave their opponents little opportunity to make an impact in the final 3rd. A harsh scoreline for Cambridge City Ladies Development conceding 2 late goals as they became a little ragged looking for something up the other end. Cup Final runners-up and league Champions is a fantastic achievement for a side in it's first season.
SWF Blog - Player of the Match
A good all round team performance from Cambridge United WFC Reserves the SWF Blog - Player of the Match goes to striker Lauren Gibson, scoring 2 goals was a constant threat and outlet up front working the space in the channels well keeping the opposition defenders from bringing the ball out.
Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC Reserves on another Junior Invitation Cup success.
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| Cambridgeshire Women's Junior Invitation Cup Winners Cambridge United WFC Reserves |
My thanks to Cambridgeshire FA's Chris Abbott for his help tonight. A quick turnaround for all do it again tomorrow night.
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