Cup Final Report - Cambridge United WFC Reserves v Netherton United Ladies

  Off to Cambridgeshire once again for another Cup Final on a Friday night the 3rd in the space of 10 days featuring Cambridge United WFC, their Reserves in action aiming for a cup double as they faced Netherton United Ladies, reaching their 1st ever final the Cambridgeshire Women's League Cup. Both sides currently 1st and 2nd in the Cambridgeshire Women's Premiership.

  A new format for the Cambridgeshire Women's League Cup sponsored by S-Tech Insurance this season. The early rounds played as a Group format as a pose to knockout the teams across the 3 leagues, Premiership and Championship North and South drawn into 8 Groups of 3 to 4 sides each playing the other once with the overall winners advancing to the quarter finals. At least one Premiership team in each with the others either from the North or South Championship.

  Road to the Final 

  For the 3rd successive season Cambridge United WFC Reserves have reached both the Junior Invitation Cup Final and League Cup Final have gone on to win the Junior Invitation Cup then ended up as runners-up in the League Cup. Want both this time around have defended the Junior Invitation Cup against the side they met in the group stage, Cambridge City Ladies Development winning that match 2-1 it was enough to progress as the other side in their Group, Great Paxton Ladies withdrew from the league despite winning the only league game they ever played 6-0.

  Awarded the home win Cambridge United WFC Reserves topping the group faced tough and familiar opponents Cambridge University Women at home in the quarter final, a single goal scored by Lucy Gateson seeing them into the semi-finals, where they were drawn away to another  Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies a 2-0 win putting them into another League Cup Final.

  Peterborough based side, Netherton United Ladies are into their 1st ever cup final. Were drawn against Championship North sides Wisbech Town Ladies, Ketton Ladies and Spalding United Ladies. A crushing 10-1 win at home to Wisbech Town Ladies saw them take control of their group early on, awarded wins against both Ketton who were struggling for numbers at the time and Spalding United who withdrew from the league progressed to the knock out stages.

   At home to another Championship North side Wisbech St Mary Ladies in the quarter finals a brace from Emily Johnson along with a goal for Megan Strickland saw them advance into the semi-finals with a 3-0 win. By the time the semi-finals came around Netherton United Ladies were in a good vein of form moving up the league table as they entertained fellow Premiership side Bar Hill Ladies at home a 5-0 victory putting them through to their 1st ever final.

  The League Cup Final venue Histon FC's Glassworld Stadium the pitch holding up well firm of course from the dry weather has seen plenty of action recently. Coming into the game off the back of 3 hours sleep from last nights trip down to Kent I needed refuelling the kitchen open a cheeseburger just what I needed. Little overcast but humid the floodlights on as the sides entered the pitch, decided to watch the 1st half from the opposite side to the main stand basically because I've never done it before. 

   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 - Kirsten Burt, Emma Roberts, Claire Kilmartin, Faith Hewitt & McKenzie McGranor.

   Netherton United Ladies starting XI - Katie Cooper, Lucy Johnson, Dita Upesjure, Hannah Johnson, Jenna Nairn, Megan Strickland, Natalie Gaches, Megan Parrett (C), Alice MacNicol, Yasmin Green & Emily Johnson. 
   subs - Emma Collett, Georgina Parrett, Lauren Johnson, Carmen Giles & Natalie Gibbs

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It's Cambridge to kick-off the 1st half of the League Cup Final wearing Amber shorts and socks with black shorts. Netherton kitted out in red shirts with black across the upper chest and sleeves, red shorts and black socks. Both sides look to play the ball long into heir wide players early without any success. Netherton captain, Megan Parrett brings the ball into the Cambridge half on the right lays the pass into Emily Johnson in the middle she looks to lift the ball up into the box with Yasmin Green making the run over the top, Cambridge centre back Carolyn Sarafian gets across her shield the ball for goalkeeper Sarah Carroll to gather.

 Cambridge long to put the ball up field with both strikers Lauren Gibson and Ebony Rule on the move looking to get in behind, Netherton goalkeeper, Katie Cooper comes racing out of her box to clear the ball, misses it however the defence tracking back reach the ball first put it behind for a corner. An inswinging ball from Teonie Peyton on the right Netherton head clear at the near post. 

  Another opportunity for the Cambridge attackers to get onto the ball outside the Netherton area play on the left Lucy Gateson with Tahnee Perfect the ball is slid through to towards the area left of goal both Gibson and Rule go after it, Netherton centre back Jenna Nairn manages to get in between the pair do enough to put Rule off as she goes to shoot the ball going out for a goal kick. An open start from both sides getting the ball moving Cambridge sitting deeper than Netherton their is room in behind Cooper prepared to come out of her area if needed.

 Perfect brings the ball out from the back as Cambridge break up a Netherton attack through the middle moving left sends the ball up the line with Gibson looking to run clear, Hannah Johnson comes across and diving in to tackle puts the ball out for a throw. Squeezing play in the final 3rd Cambridge the cross is swept in from the top of the area racing in from the right Peyton meets the ball as it drops a pointblank save from Cooper in front of her inside her six yard box blocking the ball it falls to the floor, Peyton tries to hurdle the grounded keeper to reach it turn it over the line, Cooper getting hurt for her efforts claims the ball.

  Netherton bring the ball down the left Alice MacNicol is brought down awarded the free-kick players go forwards into the box sent long towards the far post the ball is knocked back into the middle Megan Parrett under the ball, Carolyn Sarafian gets her head on the ball 1st knocking it ybehind for a corner kick. An inswinging ball from the right is a great delivery flashing across the face of goal no one can find the touch needed to put it home as it runs wide.

Netherton United Ladies
Hannah Johnson

  Rule plays a great ball forwards into Gibson's path in behind again through the middle Cooper comes a long way out of her area to meet her closing in on each other the ball deflects between the pair is behind everybody for an instance, Gibson would have been through to run the ball into an empty net only the striker has lost sight of the ball allowing Netherton to get back at her as she finds it plays it out to Peyton right side, Hannah Johnson across to put the tackle in play the ball out for the throw.

 A clumsy challenge from Sarafain on Emily Johnson gives Netherton a free-kick 30 yards from goal, Nairn over the ball sends in up in towards the top of the area Sarafain with the winning header for Cambridge a counter attack is launched Perfect up to Gibson looking to run in behind, Hannah Johnson gets across her inside the box sees the ball safely back to Cooper. MacNicol is clipped as she looks to drive down the left for Netherton. The free-kick is played in towards the near post Carroll starts to come for it but dropping short of the keeper Emily Johnson throws herself at the ball as it lands only succeeds in prodding it safely into the Cambridge goalkeepers gloves.
  

 GOAL! Getting the ball into the corner on the right Cambridge win a corner kick players coming up from the back as Peyton prepares to take a great inswinging ball into the centre of the six yard box Liz Pamplin gets up to head the ball goes back out towards the near post area, Rule jumps to meet it heading the ball back across the keeper to opening the scoring in the League Cup Final 1-0.

 

Cambridge United WFC Reserves
Ebony Rule

Netherton look for an immediate response from the restart getting the ball down the left win a corer kick, the delivery towards the top of the area Sarafian heads away, Nairn gathers right side plays a high ball back into the box, Carroll unchallenged takes the ball above her head. Play is stretched across the pitch Gabrielle Whitehurst out to Peyton on the move down the right wing squares the ball into the Netherton area Gibson a yard inside gets her head onto the ball but a long way out lacks power bounces as Cooper brings it into her gloves.

  Challenging for the ball inside the Cambridge half Nairn wins possession lifts it up towards the top of the area dropping in behind the Cambridge defence, Megan Parrett turning in behind gets her outstretched foot on the ball sending it up past the advancing keeper, her effort landing on the roof of the net. Lucy Johnson gets forwards on the right to support Parrett the ball off a throw in is played into the area, Green looking to get on the end of it the ball is won back by Sarafian.

 GOAL! Cambridge go on to double their lead Gateson bringing the ball on inside then forwards for Gibson breaking clear on the left, Cooper comes rushing out to the corner of her area slides in blocking the ball before Gibson with her legs it screws in behind however, Gibson past the stranded keeper keeps her composure as the Netherton defence rush back to defend their goal, picks her spot sending her shot between them to make it 2-0.

  A good spell spell for Cambridge the ball played up to Rule back to goal right side outside the ball lays it off into Whitehurst coming forwards plays the past right into the box with Peyton looking to get onto the end of it, Hannah Johnson blocking her shot deflects across goal to the far post retrieved by Gateson, Lucy Johnson closes her down as she tries to turn back inside for a shot the full back winning the ball. 

  Rule is played through on the left side carrying the ball into the the area shapes her body to send a shot away, Dita Upesjure gets across to block in the nick of time. Lauren Johnson comes on for Netherton late in the 1st half going up top. Cambridge looking the more likely to score however as they get the ball into Gateson on the left wing puts it forwards to Rule inside the box left of goal taking the ball down well sends her shot in towards goal, Cooper getting down low makes the save. 

  Holly Northfield with a great tackle to break up Netherton's attack on the right Parrett looking to play the ball inside with Emily Johnson coming for the ball. 3 minutes of added time in the 1st half. Gateson is allowed to run with the ball in the closing moments for Cambridge left side turned infield looking to shoot as she reaches the box, Nairn comes in to make the blocking tackle to deny her.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC Reserves 2-0 Netherton United Ladies

  2-0 the lead for Cambridge United WFC Reserves at half time have been the better side as the half moved on defending deep their isn't much space for Netherton to exploit, MacNicol left and Parrett right starting their attacks from deeper positions have found the Cambridge defence a tough nut to crack. A high line up the other end Netherton's defence is quick to recover the ground. 2 nil down think it was vital Netherton didn't concede a 3rd before the break.

  Netherton to get the 2nd half underway have made a change at the break, Georgina Parrett on for Natalie Gaches. A quiet start defences dealing with long passes sent forwards. Upesjure with a strong run on the ball down the left side, Cambridge captain Emily Ingle in to make the tackle. Coming forwards with the ball Megan Strickland plays the ball in the diagonal left to right with Georgina Parrett on the move knocks the ball back inside towards Megan Parrett looking to line up a strike from 20 yards out Cambridge are quick to close her down.

   Coming on again Netherton attack down the right Lauren Johnson the player this time picking out Megan Parrett inside her a little further out this time leaning back as she strikes the ball gets her attempt on target but straight at Carroll who holds onto the ball. A bright start to the 2nd half from Netherton as they look to reduce Cambridge's lead. Sitting a little deeper in the 2nd half the Cambridge attackers finding less room, get the ball out to the left and win a corner kick. 

 GOAL! A change for Cambridge to be made before the corner is taken, Faith Hewitt coming in in place of Whitehurst. Hewitt makes her way up towards the top of the area. The corner is taken it's Hewitt who makes an immediate impact coming to meet the flight of the ball get up to header it on towards the far post where the falling ball is bundled home by Rule for her 2nd of the match 3-0

  A 2nd change for Cambridge after they extend their lead bring of Sarafian who has appeared in all 3 of Cambridge United WFC's finals for both the Reserves and 1st team, send on Claire Kilmartin to join the defence. A blow for Netherton conceding from a 2nd corner kick early in the 2nd half. Cambridge get the ball forwards Perfect doing well in the midfield out to Rule drifting left side, Peyton central as the ball crossed in controls with her head, Lucy Johnson close on her wins the ball as it drops. 

 

Cambridge United WFC Reserves
Tahnee Perfect

Georgina Parrett has made an impact since coming on 2nd half, taking the ball on into the box right side fires a cross/shot through the six yard box, no one able to connect far post. Peyton comes off for Cambridge as they bring in Kirsten Burt. An open match Netherton pushing on Megan Parrett central now looking to feed the ball into Lauren Johnson, Northfield tackling plays the ball into Perfect on for Hewitt tries to send Gibson away down the left channel is quickly closed down by Lucy Johnson.

   A shot from the top right corner of the box from Burt, straight at Cooper a good height for the keeper to take. Perfect drives forwards on the ball has Burt on the move to her right as she closes in on the box, Upesjure in between the pair is well placed to intercept the pass. Emma Roberts in introduced from the bench for Cambridge coming on to replace Pamplin in the centre of defence. Gateson and Georgina Parrett tussle for the ball on the right as Netherton attack, Gateson left bemused as the free-kick goes against her. A chance for Megan Parrett to play the ball into the box sends in long towards the far post is met by Georgina Parrett who stabs the ball wide across the face of goal. 

  Cooper does well coming forwards to pluck the ball off Rule's head as looks to bring a diagonal ball put in from the right under her control. Netherton push players on looking to find a goal, Nairn looks to hit a shot in towards goal as the ball runs across her path outside the box, a low drives swerves inwards Carroll getting low traps the ball. Cambridge bring Rule off, McKenzie McGranor coming on. 

 

Emily Johnson pushes forwards with the ball left for Netherton has MacNicol on her outside giving her the ball goes on into the area getting the return ball leaning back as she goes to strike it sends her shot up over the crossbar. MacNicol's last action of the game as she is substituted, Green coming back on. Emily Johnson sends a high ball up into the box from the right, Lauren Johnson central gets in between Northfield and Carroll as the ball drops, the keeper doesn't gather as the ball drops to the right Johnson after it has to turn inside doing so drags her shot wide of the near post from 8 yards out the keeper getting across to cover the post can't be sure makes the save.

  Cambridge with a corner up the other end put long from the left the ball cleared Netherton look to clear their box, Cambridge retrieve the ball put out to Burt on the right fires the ball in towards the near post area, the defensive clearance is missed the ball coming at Gibson quickly inside the six yard box sends her snap shot up over the bar. A double change for Netherton Natalie Gibbs and Carmen Giles sent on for Strickland and Upesjure as the game moves into the final minutes. Peyton returns to the field for Cambridge after a knock for Northfield.

  4 minutes of added on time. A good take for Cooper inside her six yard box with McGranor closing in looking to get onto the end of Gibson's cross as she takes the ball away to the right. Emily Johnson spins in behind for Netherton on the right looks to put her cross central for Lauren Johnson Kilmartin cuts out the cross, the ball cleared by Roberts. Netherton push all the way to the end but the Cambridge defence hold firm. The final whistle blows and Cambridge United WFC Reserves complete a cup double winning a 3rd trophy for the club in the a space of 10 days.
  

Full time Cambridge United WFC Reserves 3-0 Netherton United Ladies

  An entertaining final, open play with both sides attacking, Cambridge happy to absorb Netherton's attacks in the 1st half exploit the space left in behind. Leading 2-0 at the break a 3rd goal was always going to be needed just to be sure as Netherton pushed early 2nd half for a reply, Cambridge extended their lead from a 2nd goal from a corner. A good advert for football in the county played in a good spirit. 

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

  There are a few contenders for tonight's SWF Blog - Player of the Match award, had it down to 3 names, a good performance at the back from Sarafain for Cambridge, also Perfect with some great link up play and passing in the middle. In the end though I've chosen striker Ebony Rule worked really hard especially 1st half to use the room ahead of her, link up with Gibson and come back to receive the ball along with being in the right place to score 2 goals in the League Cup Final.

Cambridge Women's League Cup Winners, Cambridge United WFC Reserves

  Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC Reserves on their League Cup success and cup double. Could yet be a treble with the league have a massive game on Tuesday evening away to Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves. Going to be there too...

  Always a busy end to the season for the County FA's and in Cambridgeshire, Chris Abbott along with the rest of their team do a great job their help is always appreciated.

Match Report - Newmarket Town Ladies v St Ives Town Ladies

  Trip to Newmarket today to the Ridgeons Stadium to watch the deciding match in the group stages of this seasons, Cambridgeshire S-Tech Women's League Cup with Newmarket Town Ladies hosting St Ives Town Ladies tied at the top of the table on 6 points in Group F vying for a place in the quarter final knock-out matches in the New Year.

  A new look for the Cambridgeshire Women's League Cup this year with the early stages being held in a group format the sides across the three leagues in the County the Women's Premiership and Championship North and South drawn to face each other in 8 Groups A-H with 3 or 4 sides in each playing each other once a Premiership side in each against Championship opposition. With 9 sides competing in the Premiership one Group has 2 sides in it and that is Group F featuring both Newmarket Town Ladies and St Ives Town Ladies along side Championship South sides Isleham United Ladies and Fulbourn Bluebirds.

  A good start to the season for both sides in the Premiership. Newmarket Town Ladies currently 2nd in the table won their 1st 4 league games before suffering their 1st defeat against Cambridge United WFC Reserves who took over at the top 2 weeks ago. Drawn into Group F were on the road for their 1st 2 games against Championship South sides, Fulbourn Bluebirds and Isleham United Ladies winning their 1st game 9-0 the 2nd 3-0 hold the advantage over St Ives Town Ladies on goal difference.

  St Ives Town Ladies are into their 2nd season as a club having formed for the 2015/16 season, recognise a few of their squad from the Sawtry Ladies side I covered on the blog in it's very early days. also a few players in the squad who used to play for Huntingdon Town Ladies too. With St Ives Town already having youth sides in girls football the platform was in place to form a women's team. Did well in their 1st season winning promotion up to the Premiership and of the 3 sides promoted from the Championship's North and South this season are doing well in 3rd place in the table. Have also played Isleham United Ladies and Fulbourn Bluebirds in their 1st 2 group F matches winning 4-0 and 4-1 at home to have 6 points, today a must win game if they wish to advance to the knock-out stages of the Cambridgeshire League Cup the 2 sides have met in the league already this season Newmarket Town Ladies winning 2-0 away from home. 
   

Group F
Pos	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Newmarket Town Ladies	2	2	0	0	12	0	12	6
2	St Ives Town Ladies	2	2	0	0	8	1	7	6
3	Isleham United Ladies	2	0	0	2	0	7	-7	0
4	Fulbourn Bluebirds	2	0	0	2	1	13	-12	0

 The venue for today's match, Newmarket Town FC's Ridgeons Stadium. A brand new state of the art cork based 3G pitch. A very good playing surface and one of the best artificial surfaces I've seen. A covered stand with seating on one side of the pitch, along side the clubhouse and bar with hot food and drink available, Barry's Snack Shack served up one of the best cheeseburgers I have had in a while. A bright sunny end to November, a few dark clouds around and these would grow to make it chilly and gloomy over the course of the game.

 Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI - Eloise Hope, Jasmine Woodfield, Olivia Orme, Jess Linger, Beth Woodfield (C), Abbie Marshall, Cindy Ponder, Abbi Griffin, Joeli Kirby, Nadine Basson & Lauren Deller.
 subs - Lauren Blackaby & Molly Agnew

 St Ives Town Ladies starting XI - Kira Markwell, Steph Ransome, Penny Ford, Molly Berryman, Molly Flack, Megan Stow, Sophie Marheineke, Georgia Stancombe, Amy Seymour-Shove, Hannah Seymour-Shove & Sasha Smith (C).
 subs - Connie Liddiard, Chloe Stefanelli, Jade Carpenter, Leigh Chatten & Jorgie Hall.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Newmarket to kick off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts with blue trim on the shoulders and sides blue shirts with yellow trim on the sides and yellow socks with two blue and white bands with St Ives Town lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. The home side look to attack from the off the ball played up through the middle looking for Joeli Kirby making a run on the left, Molly Flack stepping forwards to get her head on the ball clear for St Ives. Newmarket trying again on the right, Abbi Griffin on the ball getting down the line and putting a cross into the box, St Ives goalkeeper, Kira Markwell claiming confidentially at her near post. 

  Markwell is out to the edge of her area, clearing the ball as Cindy Ponder plays Kirby in up the left, puts the ball into the middle along the ground trying to pick out Lauren Deller running through the middle the St Ives goalkeeper getting to the ball 1st. A fast start to the match both sides looking to get the ball out to their wide players attack down the wings. A free-kick for Newmarket inside the St Ives half on the right side Jess Linger on the ball plays it long up into the box, the header clear putting the ball out for a throw on the right is by St Ives Molly Berryman.

The Newmarket Town Ladies defence, Olivia Orme in the front of the picture, Jess Linger and captain Beth Woodfield
beyond keep their eye on the in coming ball, pictured with St Ives Hannah Seymour-Shove

  From the throw the ball is cleared out to the left comes to Newmarket, left back Olivia Orme looks to send it back in quickly towards the top of the area with striker Nadine Basson making a move from right to left across the D, colliding with the St Ives defender challenging her manages to get the ball on into the box races away behind for a goal kick before Kirby can chase it down. Ponder has a strike on goal from all of 30 yards out, the shot straight at Markwell who takes it cleanly. Coming forwards on the left side Griffin sends the ball high into the box, Deller arriving sees the ball over her shoulder hitting it on the volley trying to pick out the top corner curls wide of the mark.

  St Ives are working hard to close the ball down, Megan Stow winning possession in the middle gets it forwards, helped on St Ives captain, Sasha Smith leading the attack is fed in down the right on the run hits a shot from the edge of the box in low towards the near post, Eloise Hope in the Newmarket goal makes a comfortable save. Georgia Stancombe brings the ball down the right, loops a cross up into the Newmarket area Beth Woodfield Newmarket's captain heads the ball away from danger. 

St Ives Town Ladies, Megan Stow is beaten to the ball by Newmarket's Abbi Griffin

  Orme getting forwards with the ball on the left for Newmarket plays the pass in field getting Basson onto the ball running through the centre, rolls it forwards into the box with Ponder getting up field to her right, Markwell off her line quickly gets to the ball and slides in to claim. Griffin up the right wing for Newmarket crosses early the ball along to top of the St Ives area for Deller who attempts to bring it down and turn to shoot, Flack is on her shoulder the defender doing well to prevent the shot the ball going out for a goal kick.

  A little to casual at the back from Hope as the goalkeeper with the ball at her feet loos to pass it out of her area inside to Woodfield, St Ives, Hannah Seymour-Shove bursting forwards latching onto the ball drives into the box, Hope recovers quickly and getting across throws herself into a full long dive to make the blocking save as Seymour-Shove shoots. Hope makes a good catch inside her six yard box moments later not put off as Hannah Seymour-Shove throws herself forwards trying to get onto the end of a Stancombe cross put in from the right.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Nadine Basson

  Basson plays the ball on for Kirby on the left, a little long, Kirby does well to keep it in before she can get her head up and cross, Steph Ransome gets back at her and tackling wins the ball for St Ives, Newmarket prevent the break keeping the ball on the left rolled into Basson left corner outside the box curls a ball over the defence dropping into the six yard box, Markwell down low makes the save pushing the ball out to the right, Penny Ford getting it away as Griffin closes her down.

  Ponder wins the ball in the middle of the park gets the pass into Kirby on the left in behind squares a cross along the floor into the six yard box, Markwell down to see it into her gloves before Basson or Deller can arrive. Griffin tries her luck from 25 yards out a curling effort lacks the height to trouble Markwell. Newmarket make a double switch, Kirby and Ponder come off, Lauren Blackaby and Molly Agnew come on. 

  GOAL! Newmarket have been pressing forwards looking for the opening goal of the match, however it is the visitors who get themselves in front 25 minutes into the 1st half, Sophie Marheineke along side Stow in the middle of the park has been getting the tackles in to win the ball break up play, gets forwards carrying the ball on towards the Newmarket box has Stancombe ahead of her looking to get in behind the defence threads the pass into her run taking it on into the box, Hope comes rushing out goes to ground Stancombe takes the ball past her and sends it into the empty net beyond 0-1.

Georgia Stancombe pictured getting back to help in defence
gives St Ives Town Ladies the lead

 

St Ives Town Ladies
Sophie Marheineke

 Newmarket get straight back on the attack from the restart Abbie Marshall playing the ball into Griffin who looks to play the ball into Agnew on the left top of the area looks to cut inside, Ransome defends well to deny her a goal scoring opportunity. Orme up field passes the ball into Deller central back to goal outside the box, looks to lay it to Agnew on the left coming into the box again Ransome puts in the challenge. A great ball over the top with Basson getting in behind the St Ives defence hits the falling ball on the half volley outside the box the shot straight at Markwell the keeper dropping forwards onto the bouncing ball.

 GOAL! 4 minutes after going in front, St Ives double their lead. The visitors launching a counter attack with Marheineke getting forwards again the ball is played up field, a back heel to help it on Marheineke plays it on trying to pick out Smith as the Newmarket defence try to clear, Smith gets in to challenge win the ball top of the area shifts the ball to her right and curls her shot around the keeper into the goal beyond to score 0-2.

St Ives Town Ladies
captain Sasha Smith

  St Ives enthused by 2 quick goals press forwards Smith out to the left strong on the ball drives into the box, Beth Woodfield stands her ground and wins the tackle before a shot can be released. Another double switch for Newmarket with Ponder and Kirby back on for Basson and Deller. Agnew bursting down the left wing sends in a low cross for Newmarket into the six yard box Markwell calls and gathers as Berryman misses her attempted clearance in front of her.

  Marshall with the ball at her feet for Newmarket on the right plays the diagonal ball into the box with Kirby breaking forwards into the area, hits the shot puts the ball wide behind the goal. Ponder gets in behind the St Ives defence on the left squares the ball along the six yard box too many bodies to get through before the cross can reach Kirby at the far post the ball is cleared out of the box Griffin 1st to it 25 yards out goes to shoot sends her strike over the bar. 

Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-2 St Ives Town Ladies

  A 2-0 lead for St Ives at the break as the 2 sides head to the dressing room. A busy 1st half, the advantage with St Ives now hold onto the lead and they will progress to the knock-out stages of the league cup at Newmarket's expense. Have put in alot of work 1st half defending well at the back, Markwell confident behind her defence. Their goals coming as Newmarket were pressing for the lead themselves, had created more chances in front of goal, it's the ones that cross the line however that count and St Ives took both their goals well to do that.

  Has got decidedly chilly as the sides come out for the 2nd half the sky full of dark clouds the light starting to fade. St Ives to kick-off the 2nd half Deller is back on for Newmarket. The home side press early a strong run on the ball from Griffin on the right wing whips the ball into the box trying to pick out Deller trying to bring it down is closely marked by Flack the ball is pushed out of the area with Linger getting forwards strikes the shot looping into the air is touched by Markwell. A corner on the right put in towards the top of the area, players making runs the ball isn't picked up runs through to Blackaby who hits a shot up and over the crossbar. 

Abbie Marshall on the ball for Newmarket Town Ladies 

  Ford tackles to win the ball for St Ives at the back up field into Stow on for Smith a quick break the ball in passed into Stancombe racing in behind from the right shoots early the ball flying wide at the near post. Newmarket bring Ponder back on replacing Linger who has taken a knock. Pressure from Deller forces an error form the St Ives defence outside the box gets the ball and rolls it into Kirby inside the box closed down gets it squared centrally to Marshall who shoots puts the ball straight at Markwell the keeper getting her gloves wrapped around the ball. Basson returns to the action for Newmarket with Agnew coming off.

Kira Markwell in goal for St Ives Town Ladies

   A delay in play as Stancombe comes off the worst as she and Ponder come together inside the box as the ball is punched away by Markwell in front of the pair as Griffin lifts a cross into the box. A free kick to Newmarket outside the box to the right as Deller's run is impeded. Ponder on the set-piece sends the ball up towards the far post, Markwell with the call backpedalling plucks the ball out of the air. St Ives make their 1st chance of the match Marheineke the player coming off Connie Liddiard comes on. Another foul in the middle of the St Ives half gives Ponder another opportunity to put the ball into the box, central lifted up into the air Markwell isn't challenged as she catches the ball.

   Amy Seymour-Shove with a run on the left takes the ball in behind the Newmarket defence cuts back inside plays the ball into Smith top of the area, a good 1st touch to take the ball away from her marker then spinning to meet the ball as it drops to the floor plays her shot straight at Hope well placed in her goal. One Seymour-Shove to the other as Hannah getting hold of the ball in the middle lays it forwards to Amy on the left getting forwards wins her side a corner, the ball is attacked at the near post, everyone misses it but despite the melee in front of her Hope claims well. 

Georgia Stancombe with Newmarket Town Ladies, Molly Agnew

  A free-kick for St Ives in the middle, Liddiard on the ball sends it long into the box, runners breaking into the area, bounces on into Hope's gloves before it can be attacked. A 2nd change for St Ives, Leigh Chatten comes on replacing Ford at left back with a little under 20 minutes left of normal time. Griffin gets a corner for Newmarket on the right the ball put in near post is cleared behind by Berryman for a 2nd corner going longer this time flies across the six yard box Blackaby leaping can't get her head on the ball. 

  Newmarket's Marshall moving forwards with the ball lays the pass inside to Ponder 35 yards from goal shoots as the ball runs across her body the ball bounces a yard wide of the St Ives goal. The floodlights are switched on the clouds making it very dark above, Griffin is tackled by Chatten as she tries to go past her down the right the ball runs out for a corner, a change for St Ives before it is taken Chloe Stefanelli on for Ransome. Flack defends the corner heading away at the near post. Another change for St Ives, Smith coming off, Jade Carpenter entering the pitch.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Lauren Blackaby with St Ives Town Ladies, Amy Seymour-Shove

  Newmarket push on searching for a goal to get themselves back into the match with less than 5 minutes left the ball is played into Deller back to goal inside the D, shifts it well between her feet to find a yard of space on the turn can only pick out Markwell in the right space to claim hold of the ball in goal. Newmarket bring the ball on down the right the diagonal ball into the box is sent in low Basson breaking into the area throws herself at the ball trying to get onto the end of it as Markwell coming forwards closes the space down the ball hitting her as she and Basson come together. Basson stays down is in alot of discomfort another lengthy spell for treatment, having suffered from a nasty knee injury in the past it is a concern as she is carried off the pitch can't continue, Agnew is readied and sent on. St Ives make another change too Jorgie Hall coming onto the pitch replacing Hannah Seymour-Shove as the game moves into injury time. 

  GOAL! Late in the game St Ives score a 3rd goal to ensure the victory and it comes from an error at the back from Newmarket have a throw at the back the ball is thrown to Hope top of her area on the left, at her feet doesn't get rid of it as Carpenter moves to challenge for the ball nips in to get her toe on the ball, moves down the line the angle inside the area acute she opens up her body opting for placement as Hope backpedals trying to get back in her goal, sends the ball curling up towards the top corner and in to make it 0-3. A good finish.

  Hope knows it was her error holds up her hand in acknowledgement, harsh but you have to move on goalkeepers make fair more saves than errors anyone will tell you. The game moves into injury time. Newmarket keep pushing forwards the ball is with Griffin on the right running onto the ball strikes it early 30 yards out her shot/cross flashing across the face of the St Ives goal. Marshall win seconds left plays the ball on for Griffin moving in from the wing hits the ball with the outside of her boot the ball flying across the six yard box and wide at the far post as the final whistle blows. 

Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-3 St Ives Town Ladies

  A 3-0 win for St Ives Town Ladies sees them top Group F and advance to the quarter finals of the Cambridgeshire Women's League Cup will be joined by Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Bar Hill Ladies and Wisbech St Marys Ladies with the other 4 groups to be decided next Sunday. Recent history shows the league cup is a wide open competition and on today's performance St Ives Town Ladies should fancy their chances. Put alot into the game defended well, Newmarket starting well creating opportunities but not breaking the St Ives defence down the visitors growing in confidence and 2 well taken goals seeing them hold the advantage a half-time. A good all round team performance keeping Newmarket at bay 2nd half nicking a goal late on to make sure of the win.

  Disappointment for Newmarket going out of the league cup and a blow to see Nadine Basson leaving the pitch on a stretcher will be missed hoping it's not too serious an injury and wish her all the best and for a speedy recovery. My thanks to both Newmarket's Luke Worley and St Ives, Darren Majoram for their help with the teams today.

  

Cup Final Report - Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC Reserves

  The busy start to the week continues with a 3rd Cup Final in 3 days a return trip to Histon FC to watch the final of the Cambridgeshire Women's S-Tech Insurance League Cup, and it's a local derby too with Cambridge City Ladies playing Cambridge United WFC Reserves.

  Cambridge City Ladies will be hoping to make it a league and cup double tonight, having clinched the Cambridgeshire Women's Premiership title in their debut season playing women's football having progressed as a side through the Cambridgeshire youth leagues together. Cambridge United WFC Reserves have their sights set on the League Cup too, beaten finalists last season have retained the Cambridgeshire Women's Junior Invitation Cup already and want to add this trophy too having wrapping up the league season with a 3rd place finish.

 Road to the Final

  Cambridge City Ladies were at home in the 1st Round of the League Cup playing fellow Cambridgeshire Women's Premiership side Cambridge University Women, Grace Stanley scored 4 goals as they racked up an 8-0 victory. A trip to another Premiership side followed in the 2nd Round at Netherton United Ladies a match I covered on the Supporting Women's Football Blog, Stanley was on target again along with Carla Penny as Cambridge City won 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals a some what delayed tie away to Bar Hill Ladies another Premiership side, Stanley and Penny the scorers once again winning 3-0. Reached the Final without kicking a ball in the semi-final after Huntingdon Town Ladies the current holders of the League Cup called time on a troubled season in the Premiership.

  A Bye for Cambridge United WFC Reserves in the 1st Round of the League Cup. At home in the 2nd Round playing Deeping Diamonds Ladies newly promoted to the Premiership although they would later fold. Catherine Hanley, Hayley Turner and Monique Christian scoring in a 3-0 win. Christian was also on the scoresheet along with Gemma Clark and Sarah Mosley in the quarter-finals at home playing Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies winning 3-2 setting up a semi-final again on home soil against fellow Premiership side Fulbourn Bluebirds, Emily Ingle amongst the goals with a hat-trick a 6-1 win putting them through to their 2nd successive League Cup Final.

  The venue for the Cambridgeshire Women's League Cup Final once again Histon FC, was put back to accommodate other finals and with heavy rain falling for much of the day was a concern the game could be in jeopardy again however the Histon FC pitch looked in fairly good shape had absorbed the water the rain stopped by the time the two sides stepped out on the grass to warm up, seen alot of action of late a little worn. An overcast and gloomy sky above thankfully the rain would stay away for the match. 

  Cambridge City Ladies starting XI - Emily Bevens, Lauren Ambrose, Olivia Fraser, Lauren Tomlinson, Izzy Broadbent, Anna Wilson, Emma Littlewood, Grace Stanley, Bronte Rapley (C), Carla Penny & Philippa Witherspoon.

  subs - Ellie Geoghan, Saskia Capetti, Miriam Amrani, Jade Drain & India Duffy

  Cambridge United WFC Reserves starting XI - Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Sarah Carroll, Robin Phillips, Becca Fay (C), Emma Roberts, Emily Reed, Liz Pamplin, Emily Ingle, Gemma Clark, Laura Mills & Hayley Turner.

  subs - Catherine Hanley, Monique Christian, Kelly Docrwa & Clara Greed.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   A note takers nightmare with two Cambridge's out there so to save typing it over and over it's City v United from here on in. It's City to kick off the 1st half wearing white shirts and socks with black shorts with United lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. City are on the offensive right from the off the ball sent long for Philippa Witherspoon leading the line up front to attack.

  Laura Mills is up top along side Hayley Turner for United the ball is sent up towards her, City defender Anna Wilson heads clear. The ball is played out to the right with City's Emma Littlewood getting onto the ball and driving down the line squares the cross into the United area with Witherspoon coming towards the near post, United captain Becca Fay gets to it first.

  A fast paced start to the final the ball is being moved quickly by both sides coming to Emily Ingle attacking on the right side for United her attempted through ball is cleared behind to give away the first corner of the match. On the right the ball is fed into the area near side with midfielder Liz Pamplin coming to meet it, connects on the half volley 12 yards out turning the ball in towards goal but over the crossbar. 

  Mills steals in behind the City defence for a clear run at goal carrying the ball forwards entering the box unleashes a shot the ball fired on runs low, coming quickly at goalkeeper Emily Bevens is straight at her saves well with her feet, deflecting the ball away from her goal. United come again the ball is retrieved out on the right Ingle powers her way forwards turning inside as she reaches the City area rolls the ball into the area, making the run from midfield, Emily Reed doesn't need to make any adjustment to her run meeting the ball goes for the strike again the attempt flies over the crossbar. 

  GOAL! 10 minutes played and City get themselves the opening goal the ball played though the middle coming to Grace Stanley in an advance position on the right 20 yards out, is getting closed down but manages to get a shot away the ball gathering pace as it is sent in towards the near post, goalkeeper Tafadzwa Mhunduru is a fraction late to react diving to her right the ball is past her and over the line 1-0

  GOAL! United don't take long to find a response right from the restart they try to get Mills in behind through the middle again, this time the ball is a little too heavy allows Bevens to gather. 2 minutes after conceding United draw level the ball picked up by Ingle on the right from the goal kick pushing forwards the ball is rolled into the area with Mills the player making the run to get onto the end of it this time, running onto the ball blasts the ball home 1-1.

Laura Mills scores for Cambridge United to make it 1-1

  Bringing the ball out from left back United's Emma Roberts plays it forwards to Gemma Clark she lifts the ball into the centre of the City half with Mills jumping to head the ball forwards, Turner making a run in front of her coming in from the left side of the area to try and get on the ball, City defenders Wilson and Izzy Broadbent shield the ball allowing Bevens to come between them and claim it.

Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Emma Roberts

  GOAL! It's raining goals at the start of the match 5 minutes ago United were a goal down now they get themselves in front. Have the ball on the right side players that side in number the ball from Ingle is sent into the box Turner over on that side 10 yards out turns with the ball and pulls the trigger smashing the ball into the back of the net 1-2.

  United have the City defence under a little pressure conceding a corner on the right the ball put in drops into the six yard box right Reed almost steals in on it however Bevens throws herself forwards and drops onto the ball. Pressure is relieved at the back by City captain Bronte Rapley in central midfield a seemingly innocuous long range punt from 30 yards out rolling wide is mis-controlled b Mhunduru giving away a corner. The set-piece causes panic in the United area as it pops out of Mhunduru's gloves and players from both sides scramble to get a toe on the ball, eventually ends up put wide for the goal kick. 

  Getting hold of the ball on halfway Stanley goes on a mazy run carrying the ball forwards before letting fly with the shot from 20 yards out the ball bouncing through towards the United goal, Mhunduru gets down to stop it. United counter attack the ball into Pamplin played wide to Ingle who plays the ball along the face of the City area with Clark meeting it left side of the D, turns the ball 90 degrees towards goal, Bevens scrambling across her goal sees it roll a half yard wide of the post. 

  Rapley has Witherspoon available on the right having found a little space to run into the ball is played out to her, Fay goes across to make the challenge gets the ball away for the throw. Pamplin is fouled on halfway a chance for United to launch the ball up towards the City penalty area, Fay on the dead ball plays it forwards City get to the ball but fail to clear it drops to Ingle who shoots from outside the box the ball flying straight into Bevens gloves. Substitute for City as they bring Carla Penny off on the left side bring on India Duffy. 

Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Liz Pamplin fouled by Cambridge City's Philippa Witherspoon

  

  GOAL! City's Stanley picks up the ball inside the centre circle plays it forwards early with Witherspoon making a move on the left side to get in behind chasing the ball into the area, Mhunduru comes racing out of her goal and sliding in tries to get something on the ball Witherspoon tries to stay on her feet as her run is impeded get on the ball, the referee blows his whistle and points to the penalty spot. Rapley to step up to take it, fires it in high to the keepers left she doesn't move the ball put into the top corner and in 2-2 with 35 minutes played.

Cambridge City captain Bronte Rapley makes it 2-2 from the penalty spot

United make a change bringing off Clark and sending on Monique Christian. The attacker wins a free kick almost immediately 25 yards out to the left side in front of the area, Ingle over it sends it through into the six yard box with runners ready to attack it one bounce in the six yard box and Bevens gathers the low ball into her body.

  Wilson defends well against Turner as United build an attack, backing up as they play the ball long through the middle giving herself the room to get her head on the ball outaide the area. City have a free kick just inside the United half on the left the ball is sent long into the box running long towards the far stick, Stanley briefly has a sight on goal Fay gets back on her quickly to put in the block turning the shot away for a corner kick. Comes into the area central bouncing Olivia Fraser lifts up a boot to turn it towards goal plays it straight at Mhunduru who holds onto the shot. A late injury to Rapley in the 1st haf sees her come off to be replaced by Jade Drain.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 2-2 Cambridge United WFC Reserves

  A cracking contest a lively 1st 45 minutes to the Cambridgeshire Women's S-Tech Insurance League Cup Final. Both sides creating scoring opportunities United on top early on City getting back into the game has been fairly even offensive minded players on both side wanting to get on with the game. Beautifully poised at 2-2 it could go either way.

  A change for United at the start of the 2nd half, Sarah Carroll off with Kelly Docrwa on the substitution seeing Ingle move into the back line on the right. United kick off the 2nd half.

  GOAL! United attack right from the whistle the ball played out to the left side they win a throw in a deep position, the ball is put into the feet of Christian on that side top of the area stands the cross up into the box heading in towards goal, coming at Bevens quickly the keeper going down spills it Mills is right on her coming in capitalises to turn the ball over the line 2-3.

  City have a free kick wide on the right side 20 yards out the ball fired into the area pops out of the advancing Mhunduru's gloves, running out towards the edge of her area the keeper races after it collecting City can pounce. Another awkward ball for the United keeper to deal with back on her goal line as Stanley lets fly from 25 yards out the ball is going to drop shot with no one closing in Mhunduru does well to make sure she kills the ball with her legs before getting her gloves around the ball.

  Reed plays the ball on through the middle for Mills making the run left side closing in on the City area fires in the shot plenty of venom behind it flies past Bevens before she can react turns sees it strike the base of the far post then bounce across her six yard box before being cleared. Mills on the right attacking with the ball at her feet again squares the ball into the area Lauren Tomlinson gets to the ball before Turner can latch onto it putting it behind for a corner on the right side. Clara Greed is on for United with Roberts coming off.

Emily Ingle on the ball for Cambridge United WFC Reserves

  United are pressing City back early on trying to extend their lead, keep them on the back foot, looking for Stanley up top more often than not when they do break she is fouled just outside the box in a dangerous position left of goal. Over the free kick curls the shot in past the wall towards goal Mhunduru is well position behind and claims the shot.

   GOAL! Another penalty for City as Stanley is brought down coming inside from the left with the ball her run taking her just inside the top corner of the area, the foul inside the box the referee pointing to the spot for the 2nd time. No Rapley on the pitch to take this one so up steps Stanley, discussion in the crowd as to whether they've seen her take one before, cool as you like she strokes the ball along the ground past the immobile keepers left to level it all back up midway through the 2nd half 3-3.

  Good piece of defending from Ambrose as Pamplin plays a good long range ball up to Christian on the left the right back getting the tackle in. A local derby there are a few robust challenges starting to creep into the game, both sides putting alot into it. Turner getting hold of the ball 30 yards out goes on a surging drive through the middle looking to power her way through the City defence into the box is stopped inside the D the ball taken from her boot runs back to Docrwa who has raced forwards to join her meets it 1st time turning the ball back into the area runs wide of goal. Changes for both sides Rapley comes back on for City with Clark returning to the action for United.

  A long throw on the left side puts Stanley through on goal inside the United box goes to put the shot across the keeper Mhunduru gets down sharply to make the save. City send on Ellie Geoghan with Duffy coming off 15 minutes left on the clock.

  GOAL! Stanley picks up the ball central and goes on another mazy run can travel quickly with the ball taking on players in front of her the slightest of touches takes her clear in behind to run at the United goal, Mhunduru is coming out to meet her has Witherspoon free on her left, there's only one thing on her mind as she enters the area sending the ball past the keeper and into the goal to complete a Cup Final hat-trick giving City the lead 4-3.

  Penny returns to the field for City with Witherspoon coming off. United push forwards on the back foot late on Mills stealing into space with the ball on the right side squares the cross into the area, is a little behind Turner nudged to the face of the area she goes after it looks to swivel and hit the shot just as Mills arrives to meet it pulls the trigger the shot is block, Mills is down hurt having clipped Turner on her follow through. City get the ball up the other end win a free kick wide left. United want to make a change delay whilst Mills is assessed needs extended treatment comes off with Ingle going back on. 

 The free kick from City is fired in towards the far post, Reed jumps and heads the ball clear of danger. Mills is ready to return and United bring off Turner with 5 minutes left to find at a goal to level things up. Reed is fouled in the middle of the City half by Broadbent. Ingle over the ball looks to send it into the six yard box, bouncing straight at Bevens as she goes down to collect, it pops out of her gloves briefly reclaims before Mills can get on to it. Closing in on stoppage time Saskia Capetti comes on for City replacing Littlewood. 

  A strike at goal from distance by Christian for United 25 yards out, Bevens dives to her right the ball runs wide of goal, must have been a City touch somewhere as the corner is awarded. The ball from the right is sent long City get to it 1st the ball headed high into the air, drops for Pamplin who gets her head to the ball, doesn't get it on target out for the goal kick. Miriam Amrani on as Rapley is hurt again with the 5 minutes of added on time almost up. United can't get hold of the ball late on finding the energy Stanley is back on the edge of her own box late on blocks a Christian strike. The final whistle blows and City celebrate as they win to end the season their season with a league and cup double beating United 4-3 to win the League Cup.

  A 4-3 defeat United are left floored at the end both sides having put so much into the match, a highly entertaining final and great advert for women's football in Cambridgeshire.
  

A double celebration for Cambridge City Ladies as they collect there league winners awards

and are the 2015/16 Cambridgeshire S-Tech Insurance League Cup Winners

  Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies on their League Cup win and doing the double Premiership Champions in their 1st season playing women's football. A tinge of sadness to the occasion as for a few of the squad it'll be their final game for the club.. for now at least as they go off to attend university. A great way to end things though.

  Thanks to Cambridgeshire FA's Chris Abbott once again for his help a busy time for himself and the rest of the staff within the County FA, 31 Finals in total in recent weeks and Chris has been at 29 of them, is ready for a rest so on behalf of everyone who plays and supports the game thanks for all that happens to get these finals on is greatly appreciated.