Named in memory of Chris Renshaw a former member of the Beds & Herts Women's Football Committee and the ERWFL beyond who gave so much to support the game before his passing this competition named in his honour, a secondary competition with the sides knocked out of the League Cup itself before the quarter final stage being entered.
It's a while ago now in the history of the blog but Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC was my 1st experience of women's football in the county leagues. Not that they were the clubs I had intended seeing that Sunday, stuck in traffic and no chance of getting to my game I rolled past the sign for Sandy and determined I was going to get a match in turned left. Arrived 15 minutes before kick-off and the 2 sides couldn't have been any more helpful to me. Nice to see them once again and give them a little more respect as they contest the 1st ever final for The Chris Renshaw Trophy.
A change of management for both since that game, Sandy Ladies have had a very strong season in what was a highly competitve Division One this season have led the table for most of the campaign entering the final weekend were 3 points clear of both 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies and 3rd placed Bishops Stortford Ladies who they faced just a week ago. Heart ache in the end as Sandy Ladies were beaten 4-2 ending up in 3rd on goal difference, Bishops Stortford Ladies pipping Sherrardswood Ladies to the title by a single goal! The Chris Renshaw Trophy an opportunity for Sandy Ladies to end the season with some silverware.
Sharnbrook WFC were relegated that season, but under new management bounced back at the 1st attempt winning the Division Two title. Had a strong start to the season upon their return to Division One getting games in where others didn't, injuries took a toll and lack of action saw them drop down the table as others got into their stride. Eventually finishing 7th, like Sandy have a great opportunity to end the season lifting a piece of silverware.
Road to the Final
Sandy Ladies were handed a Bye in the 1st Round of the competition progressing to the quarter-finals where they were drawn at home to fellow Division One side Letchworth Garden City Eagles won the match 2-1 to reach the semi-finals with an away trip to St Albans Ladies also from Division One both in title contention at the time it was a close game chances for both sides a single goal winning the game Chloe Reeves scoring it for Sandy Ladies to see them into the final.
Sharnbrook WFC were at home in the 1st Round taking on Division Two side Garston Ladies FC 96 progressed to the quarter finals with a comfortable 7-1 win. An away trip to Division Three side Evergreen Eagles, Sharnbrook WFC booked their place in the semi-finals with a 5-2 win. Away again took on Division Two side Flitwick Ladies winning the game to reach the final of the competition.
The venue for today's Finals, AFC Kempston Rovers FC in Bedfordshire, south west of Bedford itself. A large clubhouse with bar and refreshments booth on one side of the ground housing the changing rooms. A seated area along with terracing beside a wide pitch fairly firm and dry as are most pitches in the region after an unusually dry April. All weather training pitches on the opposite side. A hot and sunny afternoon little cloud around the breeze warm a good start to May.
Sandy Ladies starting XI - Amie Fage, Alicia Cobb, Meghan Roles, Pearl Houghton, Faye Prout, Kayleigh Bennett, Harriet Ford, Claire Ashwell, Katie Seldon (C), Kirstie Gavin & Chloe Reeves.
subs - Kirsty Bates, Grace Lavelle, Lauren Bullen, Abigail Stock & Kerrie Knight.
Sharnbrook WFC starting XI - Summer Ronayne, Sarah Fuller, Mel Harradine, Gemma Franklin, Laura Strange (C), Tracy Hutchinson, Claire Smith, Emily Clark, Charlie Mullins, Sian Cunningham & Emma Butler.
subs - Becky Dadd Scarlett Betts, Haley Traette-Reynolds, Chantelle Harris, Jackie Dadd & Helen Spalding.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
An injury blow for Sandy before today's final with top scorer Amber Williams out injured on 13 for the season she is one ahead of Chloe Reeves leading the line today. It's Sharnbrook to get the 1st half underway wearing their away colours, yellow shirts with blue shorts and socks with Sandy lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white across the chest and sleeves, red shorts and socks. An early chance for Sharnbrook the ball played out to Charlie Mullins on the left side plays the ball inside looking to thread the ball in behind as Mullins runs forwards takes a favourable slice in behind off a defender Mullins latches onto it on the edge of the area doesn't get a firm connection the ball runs straight along the ground into goalkeeper Amie Fage's gloves.
Sandy press forwards on the left the ball played inside helped on to Claire Ashwell on the left wins Sandy a throw in, Sharnbrook win the ball send it up field, Pearl Houghton collects at the back for Sandy plays it on for Ashwell on the right side she sends a long diagonal ball up into the area with striker Chloe Reeves looking to get on the end of the pass, does so but is halted in her attack by the offside flag.
Sian Cunningham is finding some space on the right for Sharnbrook, captain Katie Seldon picks her out taking the ball up the line her cross is easily gathered by Fage at her near post. Kirstie Gavin links up with Ashwell on the right side from a throw in moving forwards Gavin cuts the ball back for Ashwell to send forwards up towards Reeves centrally positioned back to goal outside the box looks to head the ball on and get in behind the Sharnbrook defence, marking her captain Laura Strange has backed off reading the strikers intention giving her the room she needs to reach the ball 1st and clear.
An early change for Sharnbrook an injury to Cunningham, she comes off, Chantelle Harris comes on. From a free-kick on halfway Sharnbrook's Emma Butler chases the ball up the left has support from Mullins knocks the ball on as she goes past her closely marked by Sandy's Alicia Cobb, Mullins turned back as she reached the top of the area plays the ball back into Butler taking it inside looks to pull the trigger, her shot from outside the box is charged down by Sandy's Faye Prout.
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| Emma Butler on the attack for Sharnbrook WFC |
Off a throw in on the left Butler and Mullins combine again this time Mullins playing the ball up the line for Butler squares the ball across the six yard box, Prout is there to cut the cross out. Attacking up the right for Sharnbrook, Tracy Hutchinson sees her cross claimed by Fage at her near post. Sharnbrook give away a free-kick inside their own half wide right, Kayleigh Bennett to take her ball up towards the area is deflected into Gavin's path strikes it early looping up into the box right of goal, Sharnbrook keeper, Summer Ronayne comes for it doesn't take her eye of the ball despite runners from Sandy closing in takes the catch cleanly.
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| Kirstie Gavin bringing the ball down for Sandy Ladies |
Harriet Ford coming on for Sandy plays the ball into Gavin moving left side outside the Sharnbrook box shifting the ball between her feet takes a shot the strike closed down and blocked by Sharnbrook's Mel Harradine. Sandy retaining possession inside the Sharnbrook half as the game moves into the 20th minute. Butler latches onto a miscued goalkick from Fage, takes it on into the box, Prout on her shoulder, Fage recovers well slides in to save the ball at the strikers feet.
Attacking down the left Sandy fire the ball into Reeves 25 yards out back to goal brings it down superbly rolling her marker and getting a shot away, comes in quickly towards the near post, Ronayne has it covered gloves the head height ball down and gathers. Sharnbrook make a 2nd change taking of Richardson bring on Haley Traette-Reynolds. Reeves pressuring the ball up top wins Sandy a corner kick taken short up to Reeves outside the box on the right plays it in for Gavin inside the D, goes to barge her way through into the box 2 defenders all converge on her no way past.
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| Sharnbrook WFC's Gemma Franklin with Sandy's Harriet Ford |
Ford does well in the middle seeing the ball into her body turns and sends Gavin away down the left, taking the ball into the box looks to stab it past Ronayne as she starts to come the Sharnbrook keeper makes a great save with her foot. Sandy make a change Ashwell comes off, Kirsty Bates enters the game. Moving into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half a hot afternoon a wide pitch Sandy are seeing more of the ball win a corner on the left the ball an in swinger comes in centrally, Ronayne calls for it the ball pops out of her gloves she recovers smartly to claim the ball at the 2nd attempt.
GOAL! Sandy take the lead late in the 1st half the ball form the left rolled into Reeves 30 yards out controls well holding of her marker, Gavin furthest forwards moves to her right top of the D, Reeves turning picks her out, Gavin has room in behind, Ronayne comes rushing out to the edge of the area in an attempt to stop her shot, Gavin's strike is almost stopped by the keeper but instead is deflected on behind into the goal beyond 1-0.
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| Kirstie Gavin with the opening goal in the final |
Harris defends well from a corner kick heading the ball clear of her area for Sharnbrook. Harris getting up field wins a corner for Sharnbrook as the 1st half moves into the final minute. A good delivery Houghton heads it away from the six yard box falling for Strange back peddling at the top of the area she lift her leg attempting to wrap her foot around the ball connects her effort is charged down by the onrushing Sandy defence. Sharnbrook push forwards for one last attack in the 1st half Mullins on the ball left side sends a diagonal ball up towards the penalty spot but Gemma Franklin furthest forwards for Sharnbrook can't get her head on the ball before Fage can claim it.
Half-time Sandy Ladies 1-0 Sharnbrook WFC
A narrow advantage for Sandy Ladies as the 2 sides leave the field for half-time a 1st half of few chances, Sandy have had more of the ball particularly at the end of the half pushing on Reeves always on to receive the ball, well supported by Gavin up top. Neither goalkeeper overly worked Sharnbrook defending well the ball not sticking further forwards. 1 goal in it however all to play for 2nd half. Sandy to get it under way. Sharnbrook move in on the ball quickly turn play around, Butler is flagged offside as she gets in behind into the area from the left.
Traette-Reynolds gets hold of the ball for Sharnbrook left side outside the box, twists and turns looking for a way in, Butler makes a run inside through the middle, Traette-Reynolds tries to pick her out goalkeeper Fage coming off her goal line can get to it first. Sandy get forwards up the right Ford sending the ball up the line getting a throw in players moving up the pitch level with the top of the area the ball is played into the feet of Seldon right corner sends a shot in towards goal dipping Ronayne getting down to meet it makes the save.
Fuller defends for Sharnbrook as the ball is played up the line Gavin looking to get hold of it on the left winning the ball the defender clears up into the centre of midfield the ball helped on to Traette-Reynolds breaking down the left side a powerful to take her into the box her shot is blocked by Cobb deflected beyond her runs straight into her keepers gloves. A fast start to the 2nd half Bennett in the middle for Sandy has the ball cleared from her defence into her sends it long with Reeves looking to get in behind is away, Ronayne is on the move too gets the the ball just outside her area to kick clear before the striker reach it.
Sharnbrook get the ball up the other end slotted through the middle into Butler plays an early pass out to Mullins peeling in behind on the left into the box with the ball takes on the shot, Fage across to cover her near post takes the ball into her body dropping low. Sandy make a change bringing off Seldon, Grace Lavelle coming on. Traette-Reynolds wins Sharnbrook a corner kick on the right the ball is swung in near post Sandy's Meghan Roles gets her head on the ball to clear, Emily Clark getting hold of the ball outside the box looks to send it back in her volley flies wide. Sharnbrook make a change up top Butler comes off with Cunningham coming back on.
Sandy break getting the ball into space on the left for Lavelle to run into drives all the way into the box closing in on the six yard box looks to use the outside of her boot to square the ball into the centre for Reeves, Sharnbrook's Harradine cuts the ball out runs back to Lavelle strikes it 1st time the rising ball striking the side netting. Good running from Traette-Reynolds down the right wing getting in behind the Sandy defence sends a cross into the middle too close to the keeper Fage catches before Mullins coming in from the left can reach it.
Bates gets on the ball for Sandy taking it forwards has Lavelle aiming to get into the area lifts the ball over the top, lands of Lavelle's shoulder as she is tracked into the box dropping to her right loses sight of it momentarily giving the Sharnbrook defence a chance to recover it and clear. A free-kick for Sharnbrook as Traette-Reynolds is brought down on the right inside the Sandy half the ball is send long up to her inside the bo, ducking under the ball, Cunningham has made the run in behind the angle against her strikes the ball on the half volley a good effort however the ball screws away from goal.
Changes for both sides Lauren Bullen on for Sandy replacing Gavin. Jackie Dadd on for Sharnbrook in place of Betts. Sandy are finding a little bit more energy getting forwards now Bullen with a central run is stopped by Clark. Reeves picks up the ball from the right time and space 30 yards out sends her shot over the bar. Roles comes off for Sandy, Kerrie Knight coming on as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. Traette-Reynolds is substituted for Sharnbrook, Smith going back on soon after Helen Spalding comes on to replace Strange.
Traette-Reynolds gets hold of the ball for Sharnbrook left side outside the box, twists and turns looking for a way in, Butler makes a run inside through the middle, Traette-Reynolds tries to pick her out goalkeeper Fage coming off her goal line can get to it first. Sandy get forwards up the right Ford sending the ball up the line getting a throw in players moving up the pitch level with the top of the area the ball is played into the feet of Seldon right corner sends a shot in towards goal dipping Ronayne getting down to meet it makes the save.
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| Haley Traette-Reynolds getting the ball under her control. |
Fuller defends for Sharnbrook as the ball is played up the line Gavin looking to get hold of it on the left winning the ball the defender clears up into the centre of midfield the ball helped on to Traette-Reynolds breaking down the left side a powerful to take her into the box her shot is blocked by Cobb deflected beyond her runs straight into her keepers gloves. A fast start to the 2nd half Bennett in the middle for Sandy has the ball cleared from her defence into her sends it long with Reeves looking to get in behind is away, Ronayne is on the move too gets the the ball just outside her area to kick clear before the striker reach it.
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| Chloe Reeves looks to get away from Sharnbrook WFC captain Laura Strange |
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| Sarah Fuller with the defensive header for Sharnbrook WFC |
Sandy break getting the ball into space on the left for Lavelle to run into drives all the way into the box closing in on the six yard box looks to use the outside of her boot to square the ball into the centre for Reeves, Sharnbrook's Harradine cuts the ball out runs back to Lavelle strikes it 1st time the rising ball striking the side netting. Good running from Traette-Reynolds down the right wing getting in behind the Sandy defence sends a cross into the middle too close to the keeper Fage catches before Mullins coming in from the left can reach it.
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| Grace Lavelle brings the ball forwards for Sandy Ladies |
Bates gets on the ball for Sandy taking it forwards has Lavelle aiming to get into the area lifts the ball over the top, lands of Lavelle's shoulder as she is tracked into the box dropping to her right loses sight of it momentarily giving the Sharnbrook defence a chance to recover it and clear. A free-kick for Sharnbrook as Traette-Reynolds is brought down on the right inside the Sandy half the ball is send long up to her inside the bo, ducking under the ball, Cunningham has made the run in behind the angle against her strikes the ball on the half volley a good effort however the ball screws away from goal.
Changes for both sides Lauren Bullen on for Sandy replacing Gavin. Jackie Dadd on for Sharnbrook in place of Betts. Sandy are finding a little bit more energy getting forwards now Bullen with a central run is stopped by Clark. Reeves picks up the ball from the right time and space 30 yards out sends her shot over the bar. Roles comes off for Sandy, Kerrie Knight coming on as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. Traette-Reynolds is substituted for Sharnbrook, Smith going back on soon after Helen Spalding comes on to replace Strange.
GOAL! Sandy double their lead the ball from Ford into Bullen sees her drive on towards the area 25 yards out hits a powerful shot in towards goal, Ronayne saves it with her foot deflecting the all away to her right, retrieved on the byline by Reeves is sent back in towards the near post area inside the six yard box Bullen is their following up and turned the ball past the keeper blasting the ball into the back of the net 2-0 her 1st goal for the club too.
Bates comes off for Sandy Abigail Stock coming on with less than 10 minutes left. Ashwell returns to the action after Houghton takes a knock at the back. Ford and Reeves are rested too, Gavin and Seldon back on Seldon blocking a strike from outside the box by Mullins as Cunningham gets the ball into her from the right. Sharnbrook push forwards late on Mullins putting a shot wide across the face of goal a she is slide in left side into the box.
Sandy have dropped deep late on despite the 2-0 lead inviting Sharnbrook onto then, Prout intercepting a ball played forwards by Franklin. Pushing up are caught on the counter as trying to clear the ball it in deflected in behind Cunningham after it clear to run at goal, Fage racing out to the top of her area saves well with her legs. Despite the late pressure from Sharnbrook, Sandy hold on and celebrate winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy at the final whistle.
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| Lauren Bullen scores to makes it 2-0 for Sandy Ladies |
Bates comes off for Sandy Abigail Stock coming on with less than 10 minutes left. Ashwell returns to the action after Houghton takes a knock at the back. Ford and Reeves are rested too, Gavin and Seldon back on Seldon blocking a strike from outside the box by Mullins as Cunningham gets the ball into her from the right. Sharnbrook push forwards late on Mullins putting a shot wide across the face of goal a she is slide in left side into the box.
Sandy have dropped deep late on despite the 2-0 lead inviting Sharnbrook onto then, Prout intercepting a ball played forwards by Franklin. Pushing up are caught on the counter as trying to clear the ball it in deflected in behind Cunningham after it clear to run at goal, Fage racing out to the top of her area saves well with her legs. Despite the late pressure from Sharnbrook, Sandy hold on and celebrate winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy at the final whistle.
Full time Sandy Ladies 2-0 Sharnbrook WFC
Hot out there a great effort from both sides Sandy claiming the win leading by a single goal at the break created the better chances not making the result safe until the latter stages of the match end their season on a high with a 3rd place finish and silverware. Sharnbrook had their opportunities but not clinical didn't convert them.
SWF Blog - Player of the Match
A solid defensive display from Sandy Ladies in today's final and Faye Prout is narrowly beaten to the SWF Blog - Player of the Match by fellow centreback Pearl Houghton good positioning making some important interceptions and cutting out through balls winning more than her fair share of tackles too.
Congratulations to Sandy Ladies on winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy Final.
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| The Chris Renshaw Trophy Winners, Sandy Ladies |
My thanks to both clubs for helping me out with the teams today very much appreciated.
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