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

  The midweek football on the Supporting Women's Football Blog comes from Cambridgeshire, two Cup Finals this evening and Thursday. The action this evening from the Cambridgeshire Women's Junior Invitation Cup Final with new side Cambridge City Ladies Development in their 1st ever final taking on Cambridge United WFC Reserves the current holders of the trophy. 

 Tomorrow the senior sides from both clubs meet in the Women's Invitation Cup Final both competitions sponsored by S-Tech Insurance who have supported women's and girls football in Cambridgeshire for 12 years now.

  A potential league and cup double on the cards for Cambridge City Ladies Development a new side formed this season have won the Cambridgeshire Women's Championship South undefeated so far this season with a game left to play. With a strong and growing youth section the Development side a natural progression with players aiming for the 1st team that itself is enjoying a very successful 1st season at regional level.

  A 4th successive Junior Invitation Cup Final appearance for Cambridge United WFC Reserves having won the final on the previous 3 occasions. Are also through to the League Cup Final as they were last season and are aiming to win both trophies this time around. Challenging for the title in the Women's Premiership too.

  Road to the Final

  Both sides were handed a Bye in the 1st round of the Junior Invitation Cup. Into the quarter finals, Cambridge City Ladies Development advanced without kicking a ball handed a walkover against Riverside Rovers Reserves. Cambridge United WFC Reserves beat Fulbourn Bluebirds from the Championship South 4-1 to reach the semi-finals.

  

 Cambridge City Ladies Development played fellow Championship South side Cambridge Rangers in the semi-finals winning the match 7-1 to reach their 1st ever Cup Final. Was a repeat of last seasons final in the other semi-final with Cambridge United WFC Reserves playing Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies, won the game 3-1 to reach the final once again. 

  The venue for this evenings final, Ely City FC has been a year since I last visited the ground, just off the A10 a new business development is taking shape in the former entrance to the multi-sports facility housing not only the football club, but also rugby, squash and golfing facilities. Several food outlets as well as a cinema are proposed for the sight a new road leading to the football club already built. A dry start to April the pitch looked hard bobbly in places. A few dark clouds around with a brief shower before the match the temperature starting to drop as the floodlights took effect.

  Cambridge City Ladies Development starting XI - Josie Cambridge, Lucy Hurst, Tegan Wyman, Gemma Clare (C), Amy Ozakpinar, Rachel Pearce, Erin Fox, Grace Stanley, Ellie Geoghan, Megan Tonks & Anna Wilson.
  subs - Rachel Littlewood, Kayleigh Whitehead, Erin Walusimbi & Aniela Luxford

  Cambridge United WFC Reserves starting XI - Sarah Carroll, Emily Ingle (C), Holly Northfield, Liz Pamplin, Carolyn Sarafian, Tahnee Perfect, Gabrielle Whitehurst, Lucy Gateson, Teonie Peyton, Ebony Rule & Lauren Gibson.
   subs - Ellen Green, Kirsten Burt, Emma Roberts, Claire Kilmartin & MacKenzie McGregor

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Tonight's prize

   Two Cambridge's playing it's a challenge writing notes and to make thing's easier for those reading the report too I'll refer to the sides as City and United from now on. It's United to get the final underway kicking off 1st half wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts, City opposite wearing white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. United press early the ball won by Gabrielle Whitehurst in midfield played out to Teonie Payton making a run down the right wing taking the ball down the line wins a corner kick, the ball is delivered towards the top of the area City's Rachel Pearce to it first sends the ball up field.

  An open start both sides looking to use the full width of the pitch, from a throw on the right inside the City half striker Lauren Gibson looks to drive inside towards the box, is tackled by Tegan Wyman at left back the ball played on City counter Ellie Geoghan up the left is stopped by United's captain Emily Ingle the a ball rolled into midfield helped on as Gibson looks to get in behind the City defence, goalkeeper Josie Cambridge is out quickly to reach the ball first. Gibson is played through as she comes across to the right to receive the ball unleashing a low shot from just inside the box, Cambridge behind it makes the save.

City captain, Gemma Clare challenging United striker Lauren Gibson for the ball

  United are beginning to see a little more of the ball keeping City out of their area the defence winning any through balls, bringing the ball down the right Peyton's long crossfield ball is gathered by Lucy Gateson looks to take it down the line, tackled by City's Lucy Hurst the ball out for a throw in taken quickly United win their first corner of the match the delivery in towards the top of he area, up from the back Liz Pamplin gets a glancing header on the ball knocking it down into the six yard box, City win the scramble to launch it clear.

  City are left perplexed as they break forwards the ball from Pearce into attacker Megan Tonks 20 yards out is brought down by United's Carolyn Sarafian with Geoghan in behind on the overlap stealing in on the ball the referee plays advantage it comes to nothing and City feels play should have been brought back for the free-kick. City build another attack the ball from left to right across midfield Grace Stanley running into space on the right takes the ball on into the box, United's Holly Northfield gets back on her the pair tussle for the ball inside the box right corner, Stanley rolling the ball around the full back to get in behind is adjudged to have fouled Northfield.

  Gibson closes the ball down on the right from a throw in getting hold of the ball travels into the area hitting the shot on the run, plenty of pace on the ball, goalkeeper Cambridge saves instinctively with her feet. Keeping possession in the final 3rd United eventually win a corner kick. High into the middle of the area, Stanley heads the ball out of the area for City, falls to Peyton outside the box closed down quickly gets a snapshot away the ball flying wide of the near post. 

Cambridge City goalkeeper Josie Cambridge
warming up before the match

   Bringing the ball on through the centre of midfield Stanley threads a great pass into Tonks up top in behind takes the ball on into the area, looking to shift the ball onto her favoured foot to take a strike, gives Northfield the opportunity to nip in to get her toes on the ball nullify the threat for United. 

  GOAL! The opening goal of the Final comes midway through the 1st half, United pile players forwards as they attack with purpose with Gibson having come over to the right side the ball down to the touchline is cut back in towards strike partner Ebony Rule unmarked inside the box opens her body up taking the shot looking to put the ball across he goalkeeper, Cambridge gets a glove on the ball but pushing it away into the centre of the six yard box, Payton is quickest to react reaching the ball and smashing it home to give United the lead 0-1.

  Peyton winning the ball at the back for United sees her deflected clearance fly over the top with Gibson alert after it running clear of the City defence, heading for the box, Cambridge is out quickly sliding in to stop the ball getting beyond her. City make a change, Amy Ozakpinar coming off at the back, Anelia Luxford coming on. Soon after Erin Walusimbi comes on for City in place of Erin Fox. 

 

Cambridge City's Rachel Pearce

Pearce rolls the ball on into striker Anna Wilson pressuring the United defence she squeezes the ball into Tonks to her right shooting from outside the area her strike is blocked the deflection coming to Walusimbi on the right pushes on into the box her cross turned behind for a corner. A good delivery in towards the penalty spot it's United's Pamplin who wins the header. Geoghan comes off for City, Rachel Littlewood coming on. Gateson bringing the ball on down the right flashes a cross along the face of the City area comes all the way through to Peyton who takes on the shot from distance, Cambridge is right behind it to hold comfortably.

  United very nearly double their lead a long ball played on through the middle, Gibson closes City captain Gemma Clare down as she looks to control, tries to head the ball back to her advancing keeper Cambridge gets too close Clare under pressure knocks the ball past her the ball heading towards goal the City defence win the race to clear the ball off the line. A corner on the left conceded City are down to 10 as Walusimbi is sent to the dugout to deal with a plaster on her nose. Kayleigh Whitehead being readied for a substitution comes on even as United take the corner, Clare dealing with the ball inside the box played out for a throw in. 

  GOAL! Moving into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half United double their advantage, Gibson having been a constant outlet for the ball in the game receives the ball played across from the left as United come forwards knocking it down into space in field, Whitehurst runs clear striking the ball from 25 yards out her shot whistling past the keeper into the back of the net 0-2. 

  The City bench aren't happy the referee stops play to have a word. Walusimbi returns to the action replacing Hurst late on. City are very nearly undone for a 3rd goal as the defence looks to shield the ball played on by United as it trickles towards the edge of the box for Cambridge to pick up has her gloves on the ball just as Rule nips past the defence to take it from her, clear on goal play however is brought back by the officials. 

   A strong end to the 1st half from United breaking down the right the ball squared in towards Gibson outside the D hits the shot on the turn as the ball comes into her the strike looping up over the crossbar. Tahnee Perfect breaks with the ball through the middle rolling it on for Gibson peeling off the shoulder of the last defender shoots from the top of the box the ball sent wide of the near post.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies Development 0-2 Cambridge United WFC Reserves

  A good 1st half from United having the bulk of the attack, getting the ball forwards Gibson a threat through the middle, Peyton too on the wing firing herself up with a bit of banter with the crowd. Up the other end their defence as snubbed out any threat winning the final ball little for goalkeeper Sarah Carroll to deal with. 2-0 always an interesting score United good for it as is often the case the next goal will be crucial.

  It's City to get the 2nd half underway looking for a positive start. Littlewood with a run on the ball into the left channel her cross into the area cleared by Sarafian. A diagonal ball played long up into the United area is headed clear falling to Pearce outside the area, won't sit kindly as she looks to bring it under control adjust for a shot, is closed down the chance gone. Gibson goes after a heavy through ball running out to the left gathering on the line, Cambridge has come out to the edge of her box that side seeing the striker will reach the ball before it runs out of play, the angle is against Gibson as she tries to put the ball wide of the keeper runs wide behind the goal beyond.

  City have started the 2nd half well more energy getting extra bodies forwards to put pressure on the ball. Pearce plays the ball on through the centre for Tonks, closed down outside the box as she goes to strike the ball spins across to Littlewood on the left plays the ball back across the top of the area, Perfect wins the header knocking the ball outside the box comes at Wyman quickly tries to connect with the ball 1st time slices her effort away from goal. 

  Up top for United, Gibson and Rule combine well both pressuring the ball Gibson almost playing Rule in behind, Clare with the tackle to stop her running clear. Awarded a free-kick wide right City send the ball up into the area, again it's Perfect who wins the header clearing for United. 

Cambridge United WFC Reserves striker
Lauren Gibson

 GOAL! Cit's positive start to the 2nd half is undone as United extend their lead in the 5th minute. breaking up at attack through the middle from City the ball from defence is played long up into Rule 30 yards out back to goal controls well his close support from Gibson to her left rolls the ball into her Gibson's first touch gives her a yard on her marker as they race for the area, Cambridge coming out to meet her Gibson knocks the ball to the right taking her by the keeper clear to shoot putting the ball home off the inside of the post from 10 yards 0-3.

  City attack from the restart the ball into Stanley moving left drives into the box looks to fire the ball across goal deflected off a defender the ball comes into Wilson at pace can't adjust to turn it towards goal. Wyman plays the ball on for Littlewood to attack on the left side squares the ball along the top of the area looking to pick out Wilson, Whitehurst gets back to tackle the striker before see can line up a shot. 

 A throw for United on the right Gibson helping the ball in as Rule makes the run in behind takes the ball on into the area, Walusimbi trying to get across lunges in a wild attempt to win the ball, Rule caught could have gone to ground, doesn't keeping control of the all sends her shot across the keeper, the ball striking the base of the far post, still in play cleared for a throw on the opposite side a long ball is swept in towards the near post, Cambridge coming towards it makes the claim.

  A knock for United's Ingle as they defend a City corner comes off to be replaced by Claire Kilmartin. A good tackle from City's Wyman as Gibson brings the ball under control and looks to spin in behind off the full back to get into the box. Peyton brings the ball inside as she attacks down the right side rolled into Gibson her touch helps the ball on with Rule stealing in behind the City defence into the box puts her strike wide of goal. Another change for United with Payton giving way for Kirsten Burt.

 

Cambridge United WFC Reserves
Ebony Rule

GOAL! 25 minutes played in the 2nd half and United go further in front. Possession on the left from a throw in inside the City half Gateson and Gibson link up the ball played long in towards the far post Rule times her run perfectly arriving to head the ball in at the near post inside the six yard box 0-4.

 Tonks sees a shot from 20 yards charged down the ball deflecting wide to the left Littlewood winning a corner kick the ball flashes in through bodies gathered at the near post a snap shot far side swoops up over the bar. Ingle returns to the action replacing Sarafian at the back for United. Fox comes back on for City in place of Wyman. McKenzie McGregor also on for United Gateson the player off. A high ball played in from the left is chested down by McGregor as she comes across the D left to right knocking it on into the area, shoots wide as she is closed down. 

More changes late on Ozakpinar back on for Clare for City, Ellen Green replacing Pamplin. Fox skips past two players in the middle sending the ball through for Tonks, Ingle gets across her run shields the ball back into the keepers gloves as the game moves into the last couple of minutes.

 GOAL! Pushing forwards looking to find themselves a goal late in the game City are hit on the counter the ball won back and sent up field by Perfect into Rule in space 25 yards out turns and sends her shot in up over the goalkeeper to score her 2nd of the game 0-5.

 GOAL! Another goal soon follows as Gibson capitalises on some hesitant play at the back from City the ball closed by Gibson as the keeper starts to come between goalkeeper and defender Gibson closes down the ball knocking it wide of both into space inside the box and sends the ball into the goal beyond to score her 2nd of the game 0-6. 

Full time Cambridge City Ladies Development 0-6 Cambridge United WFC Reserves

 It's Cambridge United WFC Reserves who celebrate at the final whistle winning comfortably 6-0  with a good all round team performance that gave their opponents little opportunity to make an impact in the final 3rd. A harsh scoreline for Cambridge City Ladies Development conceding 2 late goals as they became a little ragged looking for something up the other end. Cup Final runners-up and league Champions is a fantastic achievement for a side in it's first season.

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

  A good all round team performance from Cambridge United WFC Reserves the SWF Blog - Player of the Match goes to striker Lauren Gibson, scoring 2 goals was a constant threat and outlet up front working the space in the channels well keeping the opposition defenders from bringing the ball out.

 Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC Reserves on another Junior Invitation Cup success.

Cambridgeshire Women's Junior Invitation Cup Winners
Cambridge United WFC Reserves

  My thanks to Cambridgeshire FA's Chris Abbott for his help tonight. A quick turnaround for all do it again tomorrow night.

Cup Final Report - Cambridge United WFC Reserves v Wisbech Town Ladies

 A midweek trip into Cambridgeshire to watch the final of the Women's Junior Invitation Cup sponsored by S-Tech Insurance, with defending cup holders Cambridge United WFC Reserves taking on Wisbech Town Ladies for the trophy.

  Cambridge United WFC Reserves are currently top of the Cambridgeshire Women's Premiership. Beat Milton Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women's Championship South in last years final 4-0. Defend the cup once again against lower league opposition from the Championship North this time around, Wisbech Town Ladies, have dropped to 5th in the table after the weekends results despite holding the current league leaders Bourne Ladies to share the points in a 2-2 draw.

Road to the Final

 It was an away tie to start the defence of the trophy for Cambridge United WFC Reserves taking on Championship North side Wisbech St Marys Ladies a comfortable 4-0 win saw them through the quarter finals. Drawn away from home they met Milton Ladies in a repeat of last seasons final scored 4 goals again to win the game 4-2. Drawn at home to Isleham United Ladies in the semi-finals they were awarded a home win with their opponents unable to field a side to book their spot in the Women's Junior Invitation Cup for the 2nd season running.

 The opposite for Wisbech Town Ladies they started the competition by being awarded a home win in the 1st round against Comberton Ladies. In the quarter finals faced a tough away draw against Premiership side Fulbourn Bluebirds. the game ending all square at 2-2 after extra-time the game went to a penalty shootout Wisbech Town Ladies winning 2-0 to progress to the semi-finals. Were drawn away from home to face Park Ladies from the Championship South, an interesting match up Wisbech Town Ladies proved too strong on the day taking the tie with a 3-0 victory to set up a final showdown with Cambridge United WFC Reserves.

 The venue for tonight's final Ely City FC, the regular home venue for Cambridge United WFC's 1st team. Tonight it hosted their Reserve side and Wisbech Town Ladies who had brought a good number of supporters with them. The pitch which has seen alot of football was a little worn in places but overall showed good grass coverage. A large pitch surrounded by a railing a clubhouse with built in seated stand on one side opposite the dugouts. A cool but dry evening, good weather conditions for a Cup Final.

   

  Cambridge United WFC Reserves starting XI - Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Emma Roberts, Becca Fay (C), Robyn Phillips, Liz Pamplin, Emily Ingle, Sarah Mosley, Emily Reed, Hayley Turner, Kelly Docrwa & Monique Christian.
  subs - Catherine Hanley, Gemma Clark, Sarah Carroll, Kirsten Burt & Ebony-Jade Rule.

  Wisbech Town Ladies starting XI - Abbie Venni, Danika Moss Papke, Emily Stephenson (C), Elizabeth Simpson, Faye Kowalewsky, Annie Rooks, Kyra Clarke, Polly Baird, Chelsea King, Albany Hodgson & Sophie Gutteridge.
  subs - Jasmine Luckett, Amy Hempting, Becky Bourlet & Leah Hall

(roll on roll off substitutes)

The floodlights start to come on as Wisbech wearing red shirts with black running along the sleeves, black shorts and red socks get the 1st half underway with Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. The ball is sent long down the right flan early on the attempted cross charged down turned out for a throw. A relatively quiet open to the match as both sides look to test the other out putting the ball into their attacking players without anyone finding any joy finding space behind.

   From a throw on the right inside Wisbech's half, Cambridge central midfielder Liz Pamplin longs to play a pass dissecting the centre backs with Hayley Turner looking to make a run in behind right of goal chasing the ball can't catch it be the ball runs out of play. Making progress into Cambridge territory winning a series of throws down the left the ball eventually comes to the feet of Wisbech's Polly Baird who passes the ball down to Sophie Gutteridge moving into the left channel, looks to try and drive inside pick out Kyra Clarke pushing to get into the Cambridge area, Sophie Ingle tracks back for Cambridge and closing Gutteridge down wins the ball back on the edge of the area. Passing forwards into Sarah Mosley who plays a great ball up the right side for Turner to go after she wins Cambridge the 1st corner of the match the ball is sent in low and fast to the back of the area, met on the volley by Monique Christian the shot is sent over the crossbar.

   Both sides are playing it long from the back their attackers trying to win the ball in the air, Clarke goes up for the ball inside the Cambridge half under challenge for the ball bashes her head against her opponent and goes down. A lengthy pause as she receives treatment a nasty blow to the head unfortunately her cup final is over as the stretcher is brought on and she is taken off. No chances taken with concussion, an ambulance is called and after being seen to by the crew is taken to hospital for further checks, wish her a full and timely recovery.

  Play goes on Jemma Adams coming on to replace Clarke. Mosley takes a free kick won on the right inside the Wisbech half puts it long towards the area with Turner making the run to get onto the end of it inside the box, Wisbech central defender Elizabeth Simpson stays with Turner and keeps her from connecting with the ball as goalkeeper Abbie Venni comes to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Gutteridge is the focal point of the Wisbech attack and is busy working across the Cambridge back line probing for an opening as the midfielders try to play the ball into her feet. 

  Closing down the ball in the middle, Mosley coming to the right side sends Kelly Docrwa away down the wing, has Ingle up in support coming inside into the box the ball is played into her headers it down, Venni reacts going to her left and pushing the ball behind for a corner kick.Cambridge keep the pressure on from the corner kick as Wisbech struggle to clear it pops back to Emily Reed left outside the area fires the shot back in again Venni saves throwing herself to her right to put the ball behind for another corner kick. A firm header inside the six yard box sees Wisbech clear the ball set up a counter attack with Annie Rooks bringing the ball on forwards into Gutteridge who peels left again, isn't getting much joy against Cambridge's Robyn Phillips as she tackles to win the ball.

   A free kick inside the Cambridge half 30 yards out for Wisbech sees Albany Hodgson on the ball, a good delivery sent into the area, Cambridge's Emma Roberts puts her name on the ball and headers it away. Wisbech retrieve the ball and attack down the right whip a cross into the area, Cambridge goalkeeper, Tafadzwa Mhunduru moving to that side of her area brings the ball down into her gloves. Up the other end Venni is called into action again Reed putting Christian through on the left side pulls the trigger from 20 plus yards, the shot coming in low is turned around the post as Venni throws herself to her right.

  GOAL! Cambridge take the lead from the resulting corner kick, although not many in the crowd initially release they have down so thinking the ball coming in low with plenty of pace from the corner taker Ingle has run behind the goal, but no it is in running through the players gathering at the near post and rolling over the line to nestle in the back of the net Cambridge lead 1-0. 

   Wisbech make a change bringing on Jasmine Luckett, combines with Faye Kowalewsky straight away the two working the ball into Gutteridge, tries to take the player on in front of her turn towards goal, too much to do, riding one challenge is stopped by the 2nd. 

 GOAL! Cambridge's lead lasts just 5 minutes as Wisbech pull it back all square just past the half hour mark, winning a free kick on halfway in a central position, Hodgson is over the ball looks to play it long into the area, Mhunduru comes towards the ball a it lands just inside the area, totally misreads the bounce as the ball skips up high over her falling behind to the left Wisbech have runners following in, Gutteridge is closest to the ball gets it, controlling inside her six yard box taps the ball home to make it 1-1.

   Is a scrappy contest with neither side really able to get their foot on the ball and keep any meaningful possession, Gutteridge is working hard in front of the Cambridge defence, Rooks trying to get up to support, whilst at the other end Cambridge are getting Docrwa, Christian and Turner in behind just not finding the right ball. Amy Hempting is introduced to the action by Wisbech with Elizabeth Simpson coming off. Winning a corner on the left Cambridge try to take it quickly catch Wisbech before they can set themselves, Danika Moss Papke is alert to it and the only play from both sides already set inside the six yard box as the ball comes in headers it clear, Pamplin steals in to pass to Roberts who shoot from outside the box rolls through to Venni.

   Kowalewsky turns her marker to bring the ball on over halfway down the left for Gutteridge back to the goal, tries to turn Phillips the defender is a tall player to get around stick out a leg and comes away with the ball. Cambridge break the ball put up the right into Docrwa drives into the Wisbech box, squeezes a cross along the six yard box to the far side of goal with Christian standing unopposed, looks to scoop the ball up and around Venni the goalkeeper parries the ball down falling right Docrwa tries to get to it but under challenge from Wisbech's captain Emily Stephenson can only slice her shot wide.

   Leah Hall joins the action for Wisbech. Luckett and Kowalewsky link up again in the middle played onto Hodgson, tries to bring the ball on is floored by a robust challenge in the middle. The ball is played up to the area again, Cambridge captain Becca Fay winning the header on the edge of the box. Cambridge make a couple of changes late in the 1st half on comes Gemma Clark and Ebony-Jade Rule for Christian and Mosley.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC Reserves 1-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

  Fair to say this hasn't been the most exciting 1st half of a Cup Final, has been scrappy but highly competitive both sides aren't letting the other sit on the ball, are not picking out the right balls when they win the ball back the goals given away softly. Two sides that know little about each other have spent much of the 1st half trying to suss each other out. Gutteridge has done well on her own in attack losing Clarke to concussion early on was a blow.

  Cambridge get the 2nd half underway and start brightly get a free kick in the middle as Hodgson fouls Turner. Towards the right the ball is sent long out to the far post across the Wisbech area, Clark operating wide left is coming in but can't connect to turn the ball in as it bounces wide out of play. Clark is played in down the left wing pushing on in behind with the ball cuts back on herself and rolls the ball along the face of the area into Ingle, closely marked she tries to wriggle free to get room for a shot ends up on the ground but no one claims for a penalty as Wisbech bring it away.

  Pamplin winning the ball inside the Wisbech half sees them continue to hold onto the ball early on Clark is put away down the left again, sends a pacey cross into Rule who meeting it on the volley cuts the ball high into the air and wide of goal. Reed with a good run through the middle plays the ball wide into Ingle her cross is turned behind for a corner kick, the ball is cleared out of the box back to the right sent back in Venni gathers this time. Good tackle from Stephenson on Rule as she gets the ball running into the area from the right.

  Wisbech have ridden out a testing 10 minute spell at the start of the 2nd half from Cambridge now getting more of the ball inside their opponents half, Kowalewsky bringing it right has Hodgson available, from the wide position she sends a high ball up towards the Cambridge area a tricky ball, Roberts sees it cleared with Gutteridge lurking. A surging run up the left wing from full back Moss Papke sees Wisbech earn a corner kick. The set piece comes to nothing, Wisbech don't let Cambridge bring it far winning the ball attempt to put Gutteridge in behind, Mhunduru comes racing out to get her gloves firmly on the ball 1st.

  Regaining momentum Wisbech have Baird on the ball wide right like Hodgson minutes before she looks to send a high ball into the box higher up the pitch this one is dropping into the six yard box Mhunduru must see Gutteridge coming in the corner of her eye but isn't distracted sees the ball safely into her gloves even as the striker leaps across her. Cambridge bring on Sarah Carroll and Kirsten Burt.

  Cambridge spring the offside trap turning play around quickly as it is won, at the back, both Rule and Docrwa turn and as the ball goes over the Wisbech defence are through on goal. Rule has the ball reaching the edge of the area hits the shot, put it too close to Venni, who needs to get down sharply with spin on the ball saves the ball deflecting out of play for a corner across the goal. The corner comes in long towards the far stick, Moss Papke brings the ball out for Wisbech.

  Good work from Clark on the left for Cambridge as Pamplin plays the pass out to her, driving with it to the byline, takes on and beating her marker gets into the area then looks to lift her cross up towards the near post, no one has gambled and the ball is brought out by Wisbech. Docrwa Hempting is back on for Wisbech. 15 minutes left to play and the game could go either way the action end to end Christian and Ingle work the ball up the right wing Ingle putting the ball into the area Stephenson intercepts and brings it out from the back sends the pass out to the left on for Rooks has Baird ahead of her rolling her in 20 yards out she slips as she goes to shoot the ball rolling tamely along the ground through to Mhunduru. 

   GOAL! The stalemate is broken as the game moves into the final 10 minutes, Cambridge win a free kick on half way the ball is sent up towards the Wisbech area by Fay the initial delivery is dealt with by Wisbech but as they attempt to play it out the ball strikes Carroll rebounds back into Christian on the edge of the box, connecting with the ball sends it high into the night sky, is falling towards goal, back on her line Venni can't keep it out as it drops under the cross bar and bounces over the line 2-1.

  Catherine Hanley comes on for Cambridge for Burt with 7 minutes left of normal time as they look to hold onto the lead. Get players back crowd Gutteridge off the ball as Luckett tries to send her through. Kowalewsky tries to do the same the ball played in over the top, Mhunduru is closer to it and claims before Gutteridge clatters into her. Cambridge break the ball swept out to the right by Fay into Carroll before the cross is put long out to Clark on the left opening her body for the shot shoots wide across goal from just inside the Wisbech box.

  Cambridge are looking to keep the ball when they can in the corner, Wisbech aren't letting them settle, Moss Papke bringing the ball out onto Luckett, Hodgson ahead of her is given the ball is allowed time and space 20 yards out but gets the shot all wrong sending the ball high and out of play. Cambridge defend well in stoppage time and celebrate as the referee blows the final whistle to see them win 2-1 to retain the Junior Invitation Cup. 

 Not a classic and the result was never certain could have gone either way, Venni was named player of the match for the vital saves she made for Wisbech Town Ladies who did the Championship North proud giving Premiership leaders Cambridge a run for their money. 

Cambridge Women's Junior Invitation Cup winners Cambridge United WFC Reserves
celebrating their trophy success

   The club will be hoping to make it a double cup success with their 1st team contesting the Senior Invitation Cup tomorrow night again defending the trophy, while the Reserves get are in another Cup Final later in the month on the 28th April taking on Cambridge City Ladies in the League Cup, beaten finalists last year will be hoping to go one better this time around.

*NB Cambridge United WFC Reserves will now face Cambridge City Ladies on the 10th May after the Senior Invitation Cup on Thursday was postponed due to bad weather

 Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC Reserves on their cup win. Best wishes to Wisbech Town Ladies injured player Kyra Clarke and thanks to Chris Abbott from the Cambridgeshire FA for his help with the squads tonight.