Notts County Ladies Fold

  My next blog post was going to be a Preview for the new FAWSL 1 Spring Series which starts tomorrow. Running a little behind just needed a few finishing touches before posting when I got home from work today... lost my appetite somewhat to re-edit and publish with the sad news that has come out today the folding up of FAWSL 1 club Notts County Ladies.

  Breaking news earlier today it is a huge blow to the women's game in England and the top tier of the sport. Thoughts are with the clubs, staff, fans and players all affected by this terrible news.

  Know how the fans of the club will be feeling right now, those who have read the SWF Blog from the very beginning will know I started it upon the back of the news in 2013 that Lincoln Ladies was to re brand and move to Nottingham a new franchise in the FAWSL as it moved into the next phase creating two divisions. It was a huge blow to the clubs fans many not sharing the clubs reasoning for the move, fans left angry and disappointed, nothing could be done to prevent it however. Lincoln Ladies disappeared becoming Notts County Ladies.

  I chose not to go follow the new franchise, starting the SWF Blog helped me find a new way to support the game, and in time my bitterness towards Notts County faded has long since disappeared. Support the game from a different angle now for the players not a club name although I do have a soft spot for Cambridge United WFC.

  Didn't agree or like the franchise system clubs bidding for a licence almost got the feeling that when the FAWSL increased in size a couple of sides granted licences went 'Shit! What do we do now?' Fully behind expanding the FAWSL it was highly successful but has been forced to grow too quickly clubs encouraged to work in partnership and gain support from their men's clubs or educational institutions. 

  The danger with joining forces with a men's club is they have been generally badly run in recent years in the pursuit of Premier League billions with disastrous results in some cases. What protection then for the women's side the FA was adamant it wouldn't happen.. well now it has.

  Businessman, Alan Hardy took on Notts County FC from former owner Ray Trew who also owned Notts County Ladies. He inherited both a men's and women's club that were wracked with debt the HMRC issuing a winding up order earlier in the year the signs of trouble were there a delay obtained only a stay of execution with today's sad news coming out.

  The club issued a statement which you can read by clicking on the link below.  

http://www.nclfc.co.uk/news/club_statement_468138745.html#hAoo2U2iT0cCCyJw.97

 Alan Hardy appeared keen to sort the Ladies side out keep it as part of the club he had taken on, seemingly unsustainable the statement claims there was interest from other Premier League sides in obtaining the franchise but the FA wouldn't allow it, no clubs were named however having sanctioned one rebranding not sure the FA would have allowed another... well perhaps a Man Utd bid...

  A real blow to the women's game already facing the challenge of moving back to the winter the move having many critics have plenty of concerns regarding that myself. The club was allowed to sign players even though they were heavily in debt and you would have expected the FA to be more aware of financial problems within a club. Clubs have been encouraged to spend however money going in that clearly wasn't going to be made up from feet through the turnstiles. 

  Has grown but at an alarming rate, Manchester City Women making a huge loss but one the larger club can absorb. Since joining the FAWSL, the club has grabbed the media attention but the financial gulf the FAWSL was supposed to prevent stop one club dominating as with the FAWPL before has been allowed to creep back in other clubs trying to keep up getting into trouble. 

  The move to becoming Notts County Ladies was a success, but it appears now at a price, the clubs fans embraced the women's side turned up in large numbers and the club brought in some high profile players 4 players in Mark Sampson's group for the upcoming Euro's. Made history by becoming one of the 1st sides to play an FA Women's Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, league success not coming so much.

  Due to play Arsenal Ladies on Sunday the fixture cancelled permanently, FAWSL 1 down to 9 teams how the FA resolves this time will tell. Aren't the only women's side in trouble make no bones about it and others in the FAWSL are vulnerable, Sunderland AFC Ladies reverting back to a part time model also a blow for the game's top tier. Watford Ladies looked in real trouble too right on the eve of their season but thankfully have looked to stabilise since. When I'm not writing this Blog I'm doing Women's Football East and right across the leagues that covers 16 in all, 18 sides have folded this season!

  The women's game is growing and doing well in places, clubs are doing thing's the right way, but far far more has to be done to support everyone involved in trying to make that happen, everyone looks up to the FAWSL. A wake up call for the game, let's hope so.

  Today I feel real sympathy for everyone involved with Notts County Ladies have some very good friends amongst the supporters who cared passionately for the girls they wanted to see succeed on the pitch now they are without a club it hurts just a hard as any loss when you care so passionately. 

  Sympathy for the players and coaching staff not only the loss of a club but a livelihood too, moving to the area for fulfil their football dream, Kirsty Linnett only recently joined a new start for the striker in tatters now. Not only the 1st team either, all FAWSL sides have a Development side, those young players beginning their football adventure seeing a dream ended.

  A sad day for all. Try to keep the faith those girls will always be the Ladypies wherever they go from here. The women's games needs it supporters more than ever and I hope everyone of you finds another way to continue your support as you come to terms with today's news. 

FAWSL 2 - Spring Series Preview

   A new season of FAWSL football starts this weekend, however it is a prelude, a one off event as the league prepares to return back to the traditional winter season in line with the rest of the women's football pyramid after 5 years of playing during the summer months. To bridge the gap between seasons the sides will play a Spring Series, both FAWSL 1 and 2, with FAWSL 2 getting underway on Saturday with London Bees who kicked off the 1st ever FAWSL 2 match back in 2014 playing league newcomers Brighton & Hove Albion WFC at The Hive. 

  Mixed feelings certainly, always a casual fan of the women's game the inception of the FAWSL in 2011 really got me involved falling in love with the game, initially a supporter of Lincoln Ladies, anyone who has read the blog knows where the journey has taken me since. In the early seasons feel the FAWSL was going in the right direction, latter seasons lost its way, with chaotic fixture scheduling that wasn't good for players or their fans. Can't deny attendances have grown hugely positive in that regards and hope that they will continue to do so, moving back to the winter has its challenges, know how it can work, but whether it does is another matter I'm an optimist. Before then however we have the Spring Series. 

  The Spring Series will see all the teams from FAWSL 2 play each other once between the season opener on Feb 11th till Sun 21st May. The FAWSL 1 kick-off isn't till April and that preview will be saved for a later date. For now the focus is on FAWSL 2. The Spring Series has been described as an extended pre-season with the 10 sides in the division more or less playing friendlies. A trophy for the top side of course, nothing to lose at the other end of the table. I would disagree and am excited by the Spring Series actually think it will be a very useful exercise for all the clubs. 

  An opportunity to bed in new players, try new things, play without pressure to a degree afterall a good run in the Spring Series could carry momentum into the 2017/18 season. May or may not give an indication as to how things may go later in the year guess that comes down to how you gauge things? Suspect it will benefit, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC the most as it will give the newly promoted side time to find their feet in the new league. Took Sheffield FC Ladies a few games to get going in FAWSL 2 last season, improving in the latter half of the season. Watford Ladies too following their recent troubles as they look to rebuild following a troubling period recently. Will come on to both further in the preview below a look at each club, the In's and Out's and so forth. Predictions? I think I'll keep them to myself for the Spring Series. 

Aston Villa Ladies

 Head Coach - Joe Hunt

 Players In - Alice Hassall (Notts County Ladies)

 New Contracts - Bethan Merrick, Jade Richards Elisha N'Dow, Mollie Rouse, Amy West, Katy Moran, Chloe Jones, Maddy Cusack, Hannah George, Chloe Beattie, Tash Baptiste, Kerri Welsh, Lucy Porter, Lucy Shephard, Alys Hinchcliffe, Grace Smith, Nicola Potts

 Players Out - Sarah Mayling (Birmingham City Ladies)

 

Mollie Rouse an excellent 1st season with the
Aston Villa Ladies 1st team

Aston Villa Ladies have on the whole retained the services of much of their squad from last season with the exception of Sarah Mayling joining Birmingham City Ladies. Have a young and exciting squad and players coming through from the youth sides. Mollie Rouse came into the side last season from the youth set-up and did very well for the 1st team will be an influential player this time around to an England Youth International, two more make the step up to 1st team football for the Spring Series, Lucy Porter and Lucy Shephard. Alice Hassall is another England Youth International joins the club from Notts County Ladies and played very well for Aston Villa Ladies in the FA Women's Cup last weekend. 

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC celebrating the FAWPL Play-off win to earn promotion to the FAWSL

Head Coach - George Parris (interim manager)

Players In - Emma Byrne (Arsenal Ladies), Laura Rafferty, Jenna Legg, Alessia Russo (all Chelsea Ladies), Sophie Perry (Reading FC Women)

Players Out - Lily Agg (Bristol City Women)

  Winning last May's FAWPL Play-off match to earn their place in the FAWSL 2, FAWPL Southern Division Champions make their league bow this Saturday in the Spring Series. Retaining much of the squad that won the title last season have added highly experienced Irish International goalkeeper, Emma Byrne from Arsenal Ladies to their squad with Faye Baker recovering from injury available. Sophie Perry returns to the club after a short spell with Reading FC Women, along with Laura Rafferty, Jenna Legg and Alessia Russo joining from Chelsea Ladies. As I said I think Brighton will benefit the most from the Spring Series as it will give them the time to adapt to playing at a higher level and prepare them well for the 2017/18 season later in the year.

Doncaster Rovers Belles

Head Coach - Emma Coates

Players In - Sophie Walton (released by Notts County Ladies), Mayumi Pacheco, Kirsty Hanson (both Liverpool Ladies)

New Contracts - Emily Simpkins, Sophie Barker, Samantha Tierney, Rachel Newborough

Players Out - Katrin Omarsdottir, Sue Smith, Carla Humphrey  (end of loan Arsenal Ladies)

Mayumi Pacheco impressed on loan last season,
makes the moves to Doncaster permanent 

  After winning promotion back to FAWSL 1 last season I was opptimistic that Doncaster Rovers Belles would not only be safe from relegtion but even challenge for a place in the top half of the table. Got it completely wrong as did so many other. Having signed some high profile names and having a very strong looking attack things just didn't work out early losses saw the depature of manager Glen Harris. Emma Coates taking over as Head Coach. Were unlucky with injuries up front, top scorer last season Courtney Sweetman-Kirk fracturing her leg in a friendly. Sue Smith was out injured all season, Natasha Dowie left and late on Jessica Sigsworth was ruled out too. Doncaster Rovers Belles nearly went the entire season without a point on the board finally getting a win away to Reading FC Women 0n the last day of the season. Relegated back to FAWSL 2 the Spring Series gives them the opportunity to get rid of any relegation blues. Have a strong squad, Sweetman-Kirk, not getting the opportunity to shine in FAWSL 1 is a proven striker in FAWSL 2 and back to full fitness. Defender, Mayumi Pacheco was a stand-out player coming in on loan from Liverpool Ladies has now signed with the club on a permanent basis. Sophie Walton also joins after being released by Notts County Ladies, having recently had a baby she is working her way back to full fitness and will be a very good addition to their squad. 

Durham FC Women

Head Coach - Lee Sanders

Players In - Grace McCatty (Bristol City Women), Zoe Ness (Mallbackens IF)

New Contracts - Sarah McFadden, Emily Roberts, Sarah Wilson, Jen Jennings, Natalie Gutteridge, Rebecca Salicki, Helen Alderson, Nicola Gibson, Ellie Christon, Annabel Johnson, Beth Hepple, Nicki Gears, Tyler Dodds, Jordan Atkinson, Rachel Lee, Megan Brothwick, Mercy Darkoah

Players Out - 

  Durham FC Women are a side that has grown as the FAWSL 2 has developed, getting better year on year and involved in the race for the title for a good portion of last season will be strong again this time round in the Spring Series. Have again retained much of their squad from last season. Have made two signings bringing in former Bristol City Women captain, Grace McCatty although she has undergone surgery recently and is unlikely to future in the Spring Series, aiming to be ready for the new 2017/18 season. A wealth of experience is fantastic signing for Durham. Also signing for Durham is Zoe Ness returning to the club after 2  years playing in Sweden for Mallbackens IF. Had a great debut season FAWSL 2 for Durham in 2014 the Scottish International will be one to look out for in 2017.

Everton Ladies

Head Coach - Andy Spence

Players In - Amber Stobbs (Reading FC Women) Olivia Chance (Breidablik)

New Contracts -

Players Out - Ellie Stewart (Blackburn Rovers Ladies), Millie Turner (Bristol City Ladies) Jenna Dear, Rosella Ayane (end of loan Chelsea Ladies)

  Missed out on promotion to FAWSL 1 last season with a 3rd place finish pushing the eventual top two Yeovil Town Ladies and Bristol City Women all the way. A few departures
Ellie Stewart and Jenna Dear not having their contracts renewed. Millie Turner has signed for Bristol City Women. Have strong squad adding attackers Amber Stobbs and Olivia Chance to the front-line. Head Coach Andy Spence always looking to develop young players and bring them through into the 1st team the club will be amongst the contenders for the Spring Series trophy you would think.

London Bees

Head Coach - Dave Edmondson

Players In - Lucy Loomes (Millwall Lionesses), Anne Meiwald (Chelsea Ladies), Laura-May Walkley (Reading FC Women), Amber Tullett, Jordan Littleboy, Mollie Burgess (all Watford Ladies) Evie Clarke

Re-signed - Jo Wilson, Sophie Forgarty, Emma Beckett, Ashleigh Goddard, Paula Howells, Sophie Harris, Rebecca Anderson, Aoife Hurley 

Players Out - Anoria Georgiou, Danielle Scanlon, Deanna Cooper, Nikki Watts, Meghan McKeag (Watford Ladies)

 

Jordan Littleboy joins London Bees
for the Spring Series

Fair to say it took London Bees a while to find themselves in FAWSL 2. A difficult couple of 1st seasons with a high player turn over and managerial change, Dave Edmondson took on the role last season and London Bees found some stability and form playing so good attractive football with a memorable win over Chelsea Ladies in the Continental Cup along the way. Have resigned several of their top performers from last season, have strength in depth adding to the squad to bringing in Watford Ladies trio, Amber Tullett, Jordan Littleboy and Mollie Burgess. Lucy Loomes rejoins the club after a season with local rivals Millwall Lionesses. Anne Meiwald is a good signing from Chelsea Ladies and Laura-May Walkley brings with her experience from playing in FAWSL 1 with Reading FC Women. The Spring Series will give London Bees a platform to further improve and set themselves up for perhaps a promotion push when the 2017/18 season begins.

Millwall Lionesses

Head Coach - Lee Burch

Players In - Ellie Mason, Phoebe Read (both Watford Ladies), Sarah Kempson (Portsmouth FC Ladies)

Re-signed - Ashlee Hincks, Jordan Butler, Sarah Quantrill, Amber Gaylor, Megan Wynne, Billie Brooks, Leighanne Robe, Georgie Giddings, Leigh Nicol

Players Out - Lucy Loomes (London Bees) Rinsola Babajide (Watford Ladies)

 Striker Ellie Mason joins from Watford Ladies

  Millwall Lionesses have had a turbulent time in FAWSL 2 looking to have a strong competitve squad went it began have under-performed in recent seasons, player turn over and manager departures haven't helped. Have the makings of a decent squad and have resigned several key players from last season, adding Phoebe Read and Ellie Mason from Watford Ladies to bolster their attacking options having lost Lucy Loomes and Rinsola Babajide to their London rivals. Sarah Kempston also joins the club getting a chance to impress in the FAWSL having done very well in the FAWPL with Portsmouth FC Ladies. Momentum will play a vital role in the Spring Series and Millwall Lionesses could be a side to benefit from this one off competition.

Oxford United Women

Head Coach - Karl Milgate

Players In - Emily Donovan (Yeovil Town Ladies)

New Contracts - Jess Frampton, Sophie Baker, Madi Lee, Lauren Haynes, Holly Pickett, Riva Carsley, Ini Umotong

Players Out - Katherine Nutman, Hannah Cox (Oxford City Ladies)

   Oxford United Women ended up finishing 2nd bottom in FAWSL 2 last season which was something of a surprise especially when they had 13 goal striker Ini Umotong in their side. Had looked to have been improving season after season since the FAWSL 2 began in 2014 a set back in 2016. All change at the start of the Spring Series manager Les Turner departing, Karl Milgate takes of the Head Coaches role. Little player movement, club captain Kat Nutman leaving after 3 years with the club along with experienced goalkeeper Hannah Cox who joined Oxford City Ladies. Have signed Emily Donovan from Yeovil Town Ladies. Umotong re-signing with the club is a huge boost a powerful striker their opposition defenders will continuing leaving Abingdon with a few new bruises. The Spring Series a good opportunity for Milgate to assess his squad and prepare for the 2017/18 season.

Sheffield FC Ladies

Head Coach - Zoe Johnson

Players In - Natasha Flint, Lagan Makin (Flyde Ladies) Hannah Dale (Liverpool Ladies - loan)

New Contracts - Carla Ward, Juliana Draycott, Danielle Cox, Rhema Lord-Myers, Billie Murphy, Emma Johnson, Chloe Dixson, Sarah Jackson, Sherry McCue, Ellie Gilliatt, Emma Lipman, Hannah Cain, Sophie Jones, Suzanne Davies, Kennedy Owen

Players Out - Olivia Wild ( Flyde Ladies) Kirsty Hanson (end of loan Liverpool Ladies)

  The 1st side ever promoted to the FAWSL, Sheffield FC Ladies took a few games to find their feet in the league last season getting into better form late on in the campaign eventually sealing a top half finish. Will be looking to improve on this during the Spring Series and could be dark horses for top spot. Have retained the services of pretty much all last season's squad who have certainly grown after their debut season in the FAWSL. Have brought in Natasha Flint from Flyde Ladies, at Manchester City Women previously doing well for both will get the goals for Sheffield, Also joining Flint from Flyde is Lagan Makin with Hannah Dale joining on loan from Liverpool Ladies.

Watford Ladies

Head Coach - Keith Boanas

Players In - Cherrelle Albert, Rinsola Babajide (Millwall Lionesses), Leah Cudone (Milton Keynes Dons Ladies) Lilli Maple (Crystal Palace Ladies) Meghan McKeag, Vicky Neal

New Contracts - Ruby Baxter, Anneka Nuttall, Adekite Fatuga-Dada, Lucy Gillett, Charlotte Kerr, Lauren Jordinson, Chloe Bassett, Kerry Walklett, Caoimhe O'Reilly

Players Out - Anne-Laure Davy (ASJ Soyaux), Amber Tullett, Jordan Littleboy, Mollie Burgess (all London Bees)

15 goals from 21 appearances for
Leah Cudone for MK Dons Ladies
prior to joining Watford Ladies

  Well had I started writing this Preview a week ago then I' have been saying "Will Watford Ladies even be starting the Spring Series?" Forfeited their FA Women's Cup match away to Doncaster Rovers Belles last Sunday, it happens but this is an FAWSL side we are talking about. Players told they can leave find new clubs several have. I'm pleased to say there was much better news during the week starting with the appointment of a new head coach Keith Boanas. The highly experienced women's football coach returning to the English game after looking after the Estonian Women's National side in recent years. A real coop for Watford Ladies and a much needed slice of good news 2 difficult seasons seeing them finish bottom of FAWSL 2 this is a new beginning. With players departing the club announced just today who they had managed to retain and sign up for the Spring Series. 5 players from last seasons squad with 3 more from the youth set-up stepping up signed 5 more with experienced striker Cherrelle Albert coming in having previously represented Millwall Lionesses, West Ham United Ladies and QPR Ladies. A surprise but really exciting is the capture of young striker Rinsola Babajide from Millwall Lionesses a huge talent and threat in front of goal. Joining her in attack Leah Cudone getting her chance in the FAWSL after several prolific seasons in FAWPL South East Division One with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies doesn't go too many games without getting her name on the scoresheet leaves the club sitting top of the table having scored 15 goals from 21 appearances so far this season. Lilli Maple joins from Crystal Palace Ladies. Meghan McKeag has previously played for Watford Ladies. Defender Vicky Neal also joins Watford Ladies for the Spring Series had been with them in 2015 however a serious injury kept her from getting her chance in FAWSL 2 is a quality defender and it's good to see she will have another opportunity to show what she can do. The Spring Series now becomes a vital opportunity for the club to rebuild and move forwards.

  At the end of the Spring Series a Head Coach can say the season's only half finished which might sound odd but you've only played each other once so it's true, it'll be a case of continuing what they have acheived or improving sharply because come the 2017/18 season relegation is real. Sure their will be a few more In's and Out's to add will do so as they get announced. Will be interesting to see how the next few months unfold. Best of luck to the 10 sides involved.

   

100 Women's Games in a Year

  PHEW!!! I did it! 100 women's football matches watched in a calendar year. Probably should be an 'At Last!' in there somewhere too as it's taken me 3 years to get there after I came up with the idea back when I started the blog back in 2013.  

  In 2014 opted for a more modest target of 50 games in a season the SWF Blog 50 Challenge began, the women's football being played for much of the year with the winter leagues and 'summer' FAWSL there was plenty of games to chose from got to 50 with ease in August that year eventually making it to 88 matches. In 2015 I attended almost as many matches again getting to 90. 

 This year it's been 'Game Day (SWF Blog)  #' (then the number of the match and who I'm watching plus a bad pic of the two teams warming up) so you've been able to keep tabs on me and see my progress, helps me keep count too. Getting to watch 100 matches wasn't really a set in stone target, doing what I do I enjoy getting about seeing as much football as I can at all different levels, relocating in the summer of 2015 from Kings Lynn to Swaffham put me more central in Norfolk and alot closer to a dual carriageway which certainly shortened journey times especially heading south. With my other endeavour Women's Football East growing too, more 'local' games being covered as interest increases. The other factor in my favour although most fans would disagree was that the FAWSL fixture schedule was all over the place so the opportunities were there to get to alot of matches. It began....

January

#1 Sunday 3rd - ERWFL Premier Division

Billericay Town Ladies 2-0 Acle United Ladies

 Watched the 1st match of 2016 in the middle of a hurricane! Was one of just 4 fixtures to survive the weather that weekend, all weather pitches might be good for getting a game on but football perhaps shouldn't be played in all weather's, still if that didn't put me off then nothing would. Holding an umbrella, plus a notepad and a camera isn't easy. Billericay Town Ladies winning the game 2-0 against Acle United Ladies 

#2 Sunday 10th - ERWFL Division One North

Bury Town Ladies 2-2 Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

#3 Sunday 17th - Norfolk Women's Division One

Wymondham Town Ladies 0-0 Brandon Town Ladies

#4 Wednesday 21st - Ryman Women's Cup

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 5-0 West Ham United Ladies

#5 Sunday 24th - FAWPL South East Division One

Enfield Town Ladies 1-0 Cambridge United WFC

#6 Sunday 31st Jan - Norfolk Women's Division Two

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 2-2 North Walsham Angels Ladies

February

#7 Wednesday 3rd - East Anglian Counties Championship

Hertfordshire FA Women 3-4 Kent FA Women

#8 Sunday 7th - FA Women's Cup

Charlton Athletic Women 10-0 Newcastle United WFC

#9 Sunday 14th - FAWPL South East Division One

Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Old Actonians Ladies

#10 Wednesday 17th - East Anglian Counties Championship

Essex FA Women 0-4 Suffolk FA Women

#11 Sunday 21st - Cambridgeshire Women's Invitation Cup

ICA Sports Ladies 3-3 Riverside Rovers Ladies (aet)

ICA Sports Ladies won 3-2 on penalties

#12 Sunday 28th - FA Women's Cup

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 2-3 Aston Villa Ladies (aet)

March

#13 Thursday 3rd - East Anglian Counties Championship

Suffolk FA Women 2-1 Kent FA Women

Suffolk FA Women topping the group to win the East Anglian Counties Championship

#14 Saturday 5th - Cambridgeshire Women's U18s League Cup

Newmarket Town Ladies U18s 4-0 Wisbech St Mary Ladies U18s

#15 Sunday 6th - ERWFL League Cup 

Colchester Town Ladies 4-3 AFC Sudbury Ladies 

#16 Tuesday 8th - FAWPL Southern Division

West Ham United Ladies 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

#17 Sunday 13th - Hertfordshire Women's County Cup Final

Stevenage Ladies 0-2 Watford Ladies Development U19s

#18 Sunday 20th - Suffolk Women's County Cup

Bury Town Ladies 1-2 Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies (aet)

#19 Wednesday 23rd - FAWSL 2

Sheffield FC Ladies 0-1 Durham Women FC

  Started the 2016 FAWSL season at the Home of Football to watch league newcomers Sheffield FC Ladies in their 1st game ever in FAWSL 2 were beaten 1-0 by visitors Durham Women FC on the night.

#20 Thursday 24th - FAWSL 1

Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-4 Chelsea Ladies

#21 Saturday 26th - FAWSL 1

Sunderland AFC Ladies 1-1 Reading FC Women

#22 Sunday 27th - ERWFL Division One Plate

Stevenage Ladies Reserves 3-3 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

April

#23 Sunday 3rd - FAWPL South East Division One

Luton Town Ladies 2-1 Cambridge United WFC

#24 Wednesday 6th - Suffolk Women's League Cup Final

Witnesham Wasps Ladies 0-2 Brantham Athletic Ladies

#25 Sunday 10th - FAWPL Southern Division

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies

 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC winning the FAWPL Southern Division title with this result

#26 Wednesday 13th - Cambridgeshire Women's Junior Invitation Cup Final

Cambridge United WFC Reserves 2-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

#27 Sunday 17th - Norfolk Women's County Cup Final

Aylsham FC Ladies 0-2 Thorpe United Ladies

#28 Wednesday 20th - Friendly Match

Bungay Town Ladies 0-1 Acle United Ladies

#29 Thursday 21st - Essex Women's County Cup Final

C&K Basildon Ladies 3-0 Writtle Ladies

#30 Saturday 23rd - FAWSL 1

Liverpool Ladies 2-2 Sunderland AFC Ladies

#31 Sunday 24th - FAWPL Reserve League Cup Final

Blackburn Rovers Ladies Reserves 6-0 Bradford WFC Reserves

#32 Sunday 24th - FAWPL League Plate Final

Enfield Town Ladies 1-5 Coventry United Ladies

Coventry United Ladies winning the 2015/16 FAWPL Plate

#33 Wednesday 27th - FAWSL 1

Birmingham City Ladies 2-1 Doncaster Rovers Belles

#34 Thursday 28th - Cambridgeshire Women's Invitation (County) Cup Final

Cambridge United WFC 3-0 Great Shelford Ladies

May

#35 Sunday 1st - Norfolk Ladies Plate Final

North Walsham Angels Ladies 4-0 Red Rose Ladies

#36 Sunday 1st - Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final 

Wymondham Town Ladies 1-2 Aylsham FC Ladies

  Two finals in one day was a challenge, an enjoyable one mind a quick turn around North Walsham Angels Ladies winning the Norfolk Ladies Plate Final was followed by Wymondham Town Ladies v Aylsham FC Ladies in the League Cup Final. Wymondham Town the holders leading 1-0 with less than 5 minutes left Aylsham coming back to level and then win the game with a last gasp goal.

#37 Wednesday 4th - Cambridgeshire Women's U18s League Cup Final

Newmarket Town Ladies U18s 3-1 Netherton United Ladies U18s

#38 Sunday 8th - FAWSL Continental Tyres Cup

Oxford United WFC 1-0 Millwall Lionesses

#39 Sunday 8th - Beds & Herts Women's League Cup Final

Garston Ladies 2-2 Sherrardswood Ladies (aet)

Garston won 3-2 on penalties

#40 Monday 9th - Suffolk Women's County Cup Final

Ipswich Town Ladies 0-8 Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies

  A fantastic occasion for both Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies to play at Ipswich Town FC's Portman Road ground in the Suffolk Women's County Cup Final. Ipswich Town Ladies winning the game 8-0.

#41 Tuesday 10th - Cambridgeshire Women's League Cup Final

Cambridge United WFC Reserves 3-4 Cambridge City Ladies 

#42 Sunday 15th - Essex Women's League Cup Final

Harlow Town Ladies 5-3 Runwell Hospital Ladies

#43 Monday 16th - FAWSL 2

Watford Ladies 0-5 London Bees

#44 Thursday 19th - FAWSL 1

Chelsea Ladies 0-2 Manchester City Women

#45 Saturday 21st - Friendly Match

Peterborough United Ladies 1-5 West Ham United Ladies

#46 Sunday 22nd - ERWFL Division One Cup Final

Colney Heath Ladies 1-2 Writtle Ladies

#47 Sunday 22nd - ERWFL League Cup Final

Colchester Town Ladies 4-0 Silver End United Ladies

#48 Wednesday 25th - FAWSL 1 

Chelsea Ladies 2-1 Sunderland AFC Ladies

#49 Saturday 28th - Northamptonshire Women's League Cup Final

Northampton Town Ladies 0-2 Peterborough United Ladies

#50 Sunday 29th - FAWPL Play-off Final

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC 4-1 Sporting Club Albion Ladies

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC will be playing in the FAWSL next season

  A busy spell to end May took in plenty of Cup Finals across the leagues in 2016 watched 19 in all.

June

#51 Sunday 12th - FAWPL Charity Match

Ex-England All-Stars 1-5 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

#52 Sunday 26th - FAWSL 2

Watford Ladies 2-1 Everton Ladies

#54 Thursday 30th - FAWSL 2

Oxford United Women 2-2 Yeovil Town Ladies

July

 In July it was announced the FAWSL was switching back to a winter format from next year so that news made me realise if I was to actually do a 100 games in a calendar year it had to be this year as a 10 week gap in the summer will make that harder, albeit give the opportunity to have a rest.

#54 Sunday 3rd - FAWSL Continental Tyres Cup

Doncaster Rovers Belles 2-1 Sunderland AFC Ladies

#55 Sunday 10th - FAWSL 1

Arsenal Ladies 2-0 Notts County Ladies

#56 Saturday 16th - FAWSL 1

Liverpool Ladies 0-0 Notts County Ladies

#57 Sunday 17th - FAWSL 2

Everton Ladies 3-0 Yeovil Town Ladies

#58 Sunday 24th - FAWSL 2

Sheffield FC Ladies 2-2 Millwall Lionesses

#59 Wednesday 27th - Pre-season Friendly

Ipswich Town Ladies 9-1 Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

#60 Saturday 30th - FAWSL 1

Doncaster Rovers Belles 0-1 Birmingham City Ladies

#61 Sunday 31st - Pre-season Friendly

Cambridge United WFC 3-1 Solihull Ladies

August

#62 Wednesday 3rd - FAWSL 1

Reading FC Women 1-2 Manchester City Women

#63 Sunday 7th - Pre-season Friendly

Kings Lynn Town Ladies 2-2 West Ham United Ladies Development

  More and more men's clubs after are embracing their women's side, several sides getting both friendlies and competitive games at the clubs stadiums to showcase women's football attracting good crowds too. Peterborough United Women (#45) at the ABAX Stadium earlier in the year and Kings Lynn Town Ladies (above) at The Walks both testing themselves against West Ham United Ladies who themselves got to play a league game at the Boleyn Ground (#16) before the club moved to the Olympic Stadium.

#64 Wednesday 10th - Pre-season Friendly

Bungay Town Ladies 3-11 Acle United Ladies

#65 Sunday 14th - Pre-season Friendly

Thorpe United Ladies 1-5 Lowestoft Town Ladies

#66 Wednesday 17th - Pre-season Friendly

Brandon Town Ladies 3-1 Newmarket Town Ladies

#67 Sunday 21st - FAWPL Southern Division

Crystal Palace Ladies 2-2 Coventry United Ladies

#68 Thursday 25th - Pre-season Friendly

Kings Lynn Town Ladies 3-3 Wisbech Town Ladies

  Didn't matter whether it was a competitive match or a friendly and I got a few of these in along the way. Don't always do a match report for a friendly, just nice to enjoy a game without the notepad once in a while but then you don't get to hear what goes on sometimes and I do remember kick-off for a match being delayed because the player in charge of bringing the goal nets turned up with a six-man tent instead! (Can't think why I slipped that in here). 

#69 Sunday 28th - ERWFL Premier Division

AFC Sudbury Ladies 2-4 Acle United Ladies

#70 Wednesday 31st - ERWFL Division One

Colney Heath Ladies 1-3 Cambridge City Ladies

September

#71 Thursday 1st - FAWSL 1

Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-4 Sunderland AFC Ladies

#72 Sunday 4th - FAWPL Cup Determining Round

Cambridge United WFC 2-2 Lewes Ladies (aet)
Cambridge United WFC won 4-2 on penalties

#73 Wednesday 7th - Pre-season Friendly

Bungay Town Ladies 6-0 Long Stratton Ladies

#74 Thursday 8th - ERWFL Premier Division

Colchester Town Ladies 1-4 Writtle Ladies

#75 Friday 9th - ERWFL Division One

Hutton Ladies 1-4 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

#76 Sunday 11th - Suffolk Women's Division

Copleston Ladies 0-8 Walsham Le Willows Ladies

#77 Wednesday 14th - FAWPL South East Division One

Cambridge United WFC 3-2 Stevenage Ladies

#78 Friday 16th - ERWFL Division One

Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies 3-5 Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

#79 Saturday 17th - FA Women's Cup

Bishops Stortford Ladies 1-3 Bungay Town Ladies

  Another game getting to be played at the men's stadium saw Bishop's Stortford Ladies host Bungay Town Ladies at the ProKit UK Stadium in the FA Women's Cup. Gives me a chance to see clubs from different parts of the region face each other and often a tie will jump out at me as the one to watch when to watch when the draw is made this was the game. Played on a Saturday night attracting a good crowd Bungay Town Ladies making history to advance into the next round with a 3-1 win.

#80 Sunday 18th - FA Women's Cup

Newmarket Town Ladies 2-7 Wymondham Town Ladies

#81 Saturday 24th - FAWSL 1

Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-4 Reading FC Women

#82 Sunday 25th - Norfolk Women's Division Two

Briston Wanderers Ladies 3-5 Gorleston FC Ladies

#83 Thursday 29th - Kick Cancer Cup Charity Match

Sam's XI 3-4 League Rep Side

(£5,235 was raised for Addenbrook's Oncology Day Unit)

October

#84 Sunday 2nd - FAWPL South East Division One

Actonians Ladies 5-4 Norwich City Ladies

  As dramatic a match as I've seen all year Actonians Ladies leading 4-1 at half-time only for Norwich City Ladies to come back in the 2nd half to level it at 4-4 only to concede straight away and Actonians winning it 5-4.

#85 Wednesday 5th - FAWPL South East Division One

Ipswich Town Ladies 3-2 Lowestoft Town Ladies

#86 Sunday 9th - FA Women's Cup

Histon Ladies 0-5 Peterborough Northern Star Ladies

#87 Sunday 16th - Cambridgeshire Women's Premiership

Netherton United Ladies 0-3 Cambridge United WFC Reserves

#88 Thursday 20th - East Anglian Counties Championship

Suffolk FA Women 4-3 Essex FA Women

#89 Friday 21st - International Friendly

England Women 0-0 France Women

#90 Sunday 23rd - FAWPL Cup

Gillingham FC Ladies 2-0 Milton Keynes Dons Ladies

#91 Saturday 29th - FAWSL 2

Everton Ladies 2-3 Bristol City Women

#92 Sunday 30th - Norfolk Women's Division Three

Freethorpe Ladies 1-8 Toftwood United Ladies

  Really enjoy getting up and down the leagues give the same coverage to a county division 3 side as I would an FAWSL or FAWPL game.

November

#93 Thursday 3rd - East Anglian Counties Championship

Essex FA Women 1-1 Kent FA Women

#94 Sunday 6th - FAWSL 2

Oxford United Women 0-5 Bristol City Women

#95 Sunday 6th - FAWSL 1

Reading FC Women 0-1 Doncaster Rovers Belles

#96 Sunday 13th - FA Women's Cup

Solihull Ladies 3-0 Burton Albion Ladies

#97 Sunday 20th - FA Women's Cup

Norwich City Ladies 3-3 Lowestoft Town Ladies
Norwich won 4-3 on penalties

#98 Thursday 24th - East Anglian Counties Championship

Hertfordshire FA Women 2-4 Suffolk FA Women

#99 Sunday 27th - Cambridgeshire Women's League Cup

Newmarket Town Ladies 0-3 St Ives Town Ladies

December

#100 Sunday 4th - FA Women's Cup

Cambridge United WFC 3-1 Queens Park Rangers

  Did it! 100 games watched. Can't tell you how happy and relieved I am. Exhausted too but I was determined to get there in the finish. Proud and have loved almost every minute of it, the football is afterall what makes the blog work. You never know how a game is going to pan out, you'll more often than not see goals, the games are all played at a fast tempo and good spirit. I get through a fair number of notepads throughout that time too. The travelling can make me tired and of course I write a match report for 99.9% of competitive games I watch plus the odd friendly one too, and another big milestone in that regards coincides with my 100th game. The car will welcome a rest too, had the brakes replaced all round this year, plus 2 front tyres, and a suspension arm, but it's looked after me well. Got there not the 1st one to watch 100 matches so hats off to those that have and maybe a few of you will in the future.

  I want to thank everyone that has helped me out throughout 2016, everyone is so supportive clubs, players, fans, managers and coaches I'm always after that team sheet got to get those names and numbers right, because if I get it wrong the player involved soon lets me know. Still a couple of Sunday's left it 2016 and I did suggest to my mate at work I might have one off to which he replied, "No you won't!" and of course he's right so I'll see you all at a ground somewhere. The travels will continue.