Cup Final Report - Haringey Borough Women v Cambridge City Ladies

 Onto the 2nd Final of the day at the County Ground, Letchworth the ERWFL Cup Final. Will be a league and cup double for whoever wins the trophy this afternoon with Premier Division Champions, Haringey Borough Women taking on Division One Champions, Cambridge City Ladies.

  A great season for both clubs at the top of their respective leagues all season going all the way to win the title and promotion. For Haringey Borough Women it was a poignant triumph to win the ERWFL Premier Division doing so for their former manager Steve Browne who tragically lost his battle with cancer over the New Year. The squad clinching the title with a final day win against challengers Acle United Ladies to achieve promotion to the FAWPL above for the 1st time in their history, now the chance to make it a double success with the league cup.

  So to for opponents Cambridge City Ladies however after they won the ERWFL Division One title in their 1st season playing at regional level following promotion as Cambridgeshire Women's Premiership Champions last season. Just the one defeat on their way to the title wrapped it up with 4 games to spare. An ambitious club are looking to follow Haringey Borough Women's success and reach the FAWPL. A good test of their credentials taking on the Champions from the league above.

Road to the Final

  All the sides from the ERWFL's two divisions enter the League Cup competition. The Division One sides contesting the 1st two rounds, the Premier Division sides entering in round 3.

  A Bye for Cambridge City Ladies in the 1st Round were drawn away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies in the 2nd Round a 1st half goal from Charlotte Gillies enough to send Cambridge City into the 3rd Round. Faced fellow Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies from the Premier Division away from home Cambridge advanced to the quarter finals with a 3-0 victory.

  A trip to Norfolk in the quarter finals to play eventual Premier Division runners-up Acle United Ladies. Won through to the semi-finals with a narrow 2-1 win to reach the semi-finals and another tough test away to another Premier Division high flyer AFC Dunstable Ladies. Bronte Rapley and Bella Simmons with the goals to send Cambridge City into the final.

  Haringey Borough Women were drawn away to Colchester Town Ladies in the 3rd Round, after a goalless 1st half strikers Klesha Darroux and Julia Carruthers both scored to seal a 2-0 win to put Haringey Borough into the quarter finals. 

 Were awarded a home win over Division One side Silver End United Ladies to advance to the quarter finals where they were away to Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies holding their own in 3rd place in the Division One table following promotion this season. Haringey Borough proving to strong in the end wrapping up a 4-1 win to reach the final.

  A 2 hour window between today's finals giving me the opportunity to devour a bacon sausage and egg bap very tasty it was too. All the cloud had burned away it was a hot sunny afternoon for the League Cup Final at the County Ground. 

  Haringey Borough Women starting XI - Cherkish Young, Brooke Hills, Shernelle Francois, Roisin Cormack (C), Robyn Reardon, Shaydean Gorman, Morgan Lundberg, Karesha Iton, Anele Komani, Klesha Darroux & Julia Carruthers.

  subs - Roxanne Eshun, Shanice Nourrice, Jaidene Brown, Martina Stankova & Stephanie Cooper

  Cambridge City Ladies starting XI - Tee Mhunduru, Amy Reed, Lauren Tomlinson, Becca Fay (C), Robyn Phillips, Emily Reed, Sarah Mosley, Grace Stanley, Charlotte Gillies, Stacey Fullicks & Bella Simmons.

  subs - Saffron Henry, Carla Penny, Rachel Pearce, Izzy Broadbent & Philippa Witherspoon.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 The sides gather on the centre circle before the match a minutes silence, Haringey wearing black armbands with their former managers name on. Cambridge to kick-off the ERWFL Cup Final wearing white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Haringey opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. A good atmosphere building the Haringey supporters in good voice willing their team on. 

  A competitive start to the match the ball pinging back and forth between the sides Anele Komani picking the ball up in the middle puts it over the top for striker, Julia Carruthers in behind, Cambridge goalkeeper, Tee Mhunduru off her line early gets to the ball 1st. Cambridge send the ball long out to the right Charlotte Gillies fouled in the corner gets the free-kick. Played into the box Haringey goalkeeper, Cherish Young claims at her near post.

 GOAL! Haringey take an early lead in the final the ball quickly releases by Young is helped on through the middle, Darroux after the ball bouncing high on the hard surface drifting right into the box gets the wrong side of the defender can't hold her off the striker seeing the ball into her feet smashes her shot low and hard past the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

An early set back for Cambridge push on with the ball down the right from the restart Emily Reed on for Sarah Mosley then Gillies down the line a spell of possession the ball rolled back to Mosley top of the area 20 yards out right side, shoots puts her strike wide of the near post. Komani receiving the ball from Morgan Lundberg goes forwards tries to put it on for Darroux again central into the box, Cambridge's Robyn Phillips gets in front of the striker this time shields the ball as Mhunduru comes to gather. 

  Bella Simmons up top for Cambridge sees the ball into her feet back to goal central 30 yards out rolls her marker sending Grace Stanley away on the left taking the ball down the line looks to turn inside get into the area, Haringey captain, Roisin Cormack closing her down cuts out the cross and clears. A free-kick for Cambridge inside the Haringey half in front of the centre circle captain Becca Fay over the ball looks to go for goal plenty of power behind her shot Young isn't troubled however as it flies past her right post.

  A free-kick for Haringey inside their own half wide right, Brooke Hills over it plays it into Komani who spins in behind the Cambridge defence right side taking the ball on into the box reaching the six yard box goes to shoot a vicious strike, Mhunduru makes a superb save with her leg going to ground the ball deflected out for the corner kick. Before the corner can be taken the trainer is called on with Komani down in the box, injured has to come off Jaidene Browne comes on.

Cambridge City Ladies goalkeeper
Tee Mhunduru

 GOAL! Haringey double their lead as the corner kick by Hills from the right is played long across the six yard box falling to the far post, power and accuracy on the header by Darroux arriving late sends the ball home to make it 2-0.

  15 minutes played Haringey look dangerous going forwards, Stacey Fullicks tracks back to tackle Lundberg as she looks to play the ball into Carruthers go on beyond her. Keeping the ball Haringey win a corner on the right, Hills with another long deliver, Emily Reed gets her head on the ball for Cambridge. Lauren Tomlinson fouls Lundberg as she looks to get away on the right the set-piece half way inside the Cambridge half Hills on it puts it up into the box, Mhunduru calls and gets up to claim.

Bella Simmons fouled by Robyn Reardon as she tries to protect the ball

   Fay sends the ball up field for Stanley on the left her first touch sends her in behind the Haringey defence wide of the area, Cormack recovers the ground well getting in on Stanley to play the ball out for the corner. The delivery towards the top of the area is gathered by Mosley looks to put it back into the six yard box, Robyn Reardon wins the header for Haringey knocks it out to the right, Simmons on it takes the ball into the area before shooting her low strike in towards the near post saved by Young.

   GOAL! Haringey go straight on the counter attack getting players forwards as Cambridge look to get back into position from the corner, the diagonal ball put long out to the right is send long into the box Karesha Iton arriving unmarked meets the ball on the volley far post buries it into the back of the net 3-0. 

Haringey's Karesha Iton up to win the header

  3 goals conceded after the opening 20 minutes Cambridge are well and truly on the back foot, manager Tim Rapley calls for a positive response, getting the ball out to Gillies on the right she takes it down the line twisting and turning back inside the lay off for Mosley a long way out meets the ball on the volley puts the shot wide of goal. 

  Haringey get in behind on the right Browne taking it on plenty of pace, into the box Tomlinson recovering well manages to close her down just as she goes to shoot the strike swerves away from goal out for the goalkick. Tomlinson wins the ball of Lundberg on the left puts it long for Stanley to go after running into space Cormack coming to close her down concedes the corner kick. Curled in towards the near post the low ball strikes the post and goes behind. 

Cambridge City Ladies, Lauren Tomlinson

  A turn and shot from Iton inside the D as the ball is put into her by Lundberg from a throw in on the right her shot up over the crossbar. Cambridge make their 1st change, Simmons coming off up top Phillipa Witherspoon coming on. Browne latches onto a goalkick from Cambridge right side lays the ball inside for Carruthers knocked up into the air the striker looks to strike the bouncing ball as it falls 25 yards out her looping shot sails over the crossbar.

  Lundberg has taken a knock hurt her arm or shoulder is taken off, Roxanne Eshun coming on for Haringey. Cambridge make a change at the same time Saffron Henry coming on for Emily Reed. Another knock for Haringey's Shernelle Francois a few minutes later sees her replaced by Shanice Nourrice. Haringey are awarded a free-kick inside the Cambridge half, central, Hills to play it forwards into the top of the area, Klesha Darroux is through on goal as the Cambridge defender going to clear the ball slips, the Haringey attacker stabbing the ball up off the surface outside the six yard box lifts her shot up over the goal. 

  Browne strikes the near post from close range as she cuts into the area from the right the ball out for a goalkick. Nourrice looks to take the ball past Tomlinson down the line the left back with a robust tackle takes out the winger and the linesman as she crashes into him, Nourrice coming off the better on her feet, it takes the linesman several minutes to get back to his feet. From the resulting free-kick Hills sends the ball in towards the top of the box, knocked out to the left Darroux sends in back into the middle, Iton onto the ball is flagged offside.

Haringey Borough Women's
Shanice Nourrice

  Haringey finish the 1st half strongly the ball from Nourrice into Carruthers through the middle in behind, shoots as Mhunduru comes racing out to close her down, the ball past the keeper she might have gotten her fingertips in the ball, enough to take it wide of her empty net beyond.

Half-time Haringey Borough Women 3-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  A fantastic start to the 1st half from Haringey Borough Women sees them in control of the ERWFL Cup Final with a 3-0 lead could have added more goals power and pace players on the move early when possession is regained at the back, Cambridge have been on the back foot as they looked to find a response, a lot of work to do if they want to find a way back into the game 2nd half. 

  A change of personnel at the start of the 2nd half the linesman injured late in the 1st half not returning, a replacement available as one of the officials from this mornings Plate Final is still in the ground. A change too for Cambridge with Fullicks substituted, Carla Penny on taking up a left attacking position with Stanley now in behind Witherspoon through the middle. Haringey to get the 2nd half underway. Amy Reed wins the ball for Cambridge plays it up towards Witherspoon lays it onto Mosley 25 yards out her 1st time strike is wide. 

  Cambridge press forwards early 2nd half the ball towards the D, Stanley and Witherspoon try the one two get the free-kick a dangerous position left of the D, Penny over the ball lines up a shot her attempt over the bar. Pushing forwards Cambridge have to watch they aren't caught on the counter attack Reardon with the ball plays it up to Eshun who looks to slide Nourrice through into the box right side, Mhunduru is rapidly out sliding in to claim the ball at the attackers feet. 

Haringey Borough Women's, Robyn Reardon

  A fast tempo to the beginning of the 2nd half, Nourrice with a driving run with the ball down the right wing whips the cross into the area cleared by Phillips at the back for Cambridge, getting it up the other end a throw deep on the right played long into the area by Henry, cleared by Hills, trying to bring it forwards Amy Reed comes onto the ball getting hold of it pushing forwards lifts it up in to the box, dropping for Witherspoon the striker turns as the ball falls puts her foot through it, straight at Reardon who makes the block. 

Cambridge City Ladies striker, Phillipa Witherspoon

  Amy Reed is fouled wide on the right wing as she gets forwards with the ball the set-piece is played long into the box Penny coming in far post plants her header wide of the goal. Mosley comes on with the ball evading a challenge space for Gillies to move into right, Mosley picks her out getting into the box her low drive is hit hard, Young right behind it gets down holds onto the shot. A change for both sides Komani returning to the field for Haringey in place of Caruthers. Tomlinson off for Cambridge, Izzy Broadbent on. 

Amy Reed bringing the ball forwards for Cambridge City Ladies

 A chance for Haringey to extend their lead Komani in the thick of the action as soon as she returns to the pitch the ball into her feet slides it on for Carruthers into the area left side of goal, is closed down by Reed stabs her shot narrowly wide of the post. A give and go between Gillies and Stanley through the middle, Gillies with the shot from 25 yards out Young scrambling across her goal sees it whistle past the top corner of her goal.

 GOAL! The high tempo from Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half has caused Haringey some problems not as able to bring the ball out from the back now it brings them the goal they were looking for the ball fired into Witherspoon inside the box back to goal control and strikes it on the turn, straight at Reardon the defend with instinctive stab to try and clear the ball puts it straight into Stanley's path far post the no 11 blasting the ball into the back of the net, quickly retrieving the ball and running back to the centre circle. 

  Has been a bit of niggle between the sides throughout some strong challenges both sides up for it however the referee keeping a lid on things. Midway through the 2nd half Cambridge make a double switch, Simmons coming back on along with Rachel Pearce, Witherspoon and Mosley the players taken off. Haringey send Darroux back on for Hills. Iton picks up a knock and is replaced by Francois.

  Eshun comes off for Haringey, Lundberg back on as Cambridge pile everyone forwards a 2nd goal their for the taking would get them right back into the final have switched to 3 at the back now. Play is stretched Cambridge win a corner of Cormack taken from the right Haringey scramble it away near post launch a counter Browne bursting forwards moving right her cross looping up into the area cleared by Fay. 

  Fay over a free-kick on the left delivers the ball into the top of the area, Lundberg headers clear for Haringey. Haringey have some of the loudest supporters I've heard at a women's game in a long while, they are loving it willing their team on. Hills comes back on in place of Nourrice for Haringey. Simmons gets bowled to the ground in the middle players go forwards into the box from the back for Cambridge, Stanley to put the ball into the mix falling to Fay on the penalty spot the Cambridge captain puts her head in her hands in despair as her turn and strike goes over the bar. Lundberg is injured again in alot of pain holding her arm has to come off, Iton comes back on.

  GOAL! Late into the game desperate to find a 2nd goal Cambridge are hit on the counter to concede a 4th goal, Haringey getting Komani in behind on the right travelling towards the box, Mhunduru comes racing out of her area looking to kick the ball away, miscues her strike putting off Komani as she falls the grounded keeper knocks the ball away from Komani before she can recover unfortunately the ball rolls straight into the onrushing Iton 25 yards out an empty goal to aim at she doesn't miss 4-1.

  Into stoppage time Cambridge keep going get the ball down the other end have a corner on the left, Henry gets her head on the ball knocking it down inside the six yard box Haringey clear.

  GOAL! Penalty! Haringey launch a rapid counter attack players from both sides racing up the pick put on for Komani she drives into the box, Henry gets back on her but leaning in brings the attacker down and the referee points to the spot. Browne to take it, roars in celebration and it buries under her team mates as she powers the ball into the corner of the goal 5-1

Jaidene Browne lets out a roar as she scores from the penalty spot late in the game

Full time Haringey Borough Women 5-1 Cambridge City Ladies

 Not long after the final whistle blows and Haringey Borough Women complete a league  cup double winning the ERWFL Cup Final 5-1 to cap off a great season one for their former manager looking down upon them. A strong performance 1st half had Cambridge on the back foot right from the start with a 3 nil lead in control of the final. Cambridge did rally 2nd half and put in a great effort to try and fight their way back into the game scored had other chances only to be hit on the break with 2 goals as they sacrificed space at the back. 

Haringey Borough Women celebrate their league & cup double after the final whistle

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

 A determination about Haringey Borough Women today to get the job done and win the double, that spirit shown throughout the side none more so than Jaidene Browne she is the SWF Blog - Player of the Match.

 Congratulations to Haringey Borough Women on a memorable season winning the ERWFL Premier Division and League Cup. 

A tribute to former manager Steve Browne the Haringey players and supporters releasing balloons into the sky

 A great 1st season playing at a higher level for Cambridge City Ladies too, winning the Division One title and getting all the way the League Cup final.

 An entertaining League Cup final to cap of an enjoyable if long day out at Letchworth. My thanks to both clubs for their help with today's teams and to the ERWFL committee members for their help today. Three cup double Sunday's in a row I'd sleep well tonight if I didn't have two match reports to write up! But you know I love it really.

Cup Final Report - Colney Heath Ladies v Hutton Ladies

  Another busy Sunday on the Supporting Women's Football Blog heading to the County Ground, Letchworth for this season's ERWFL Final's day, 1st up an 11am kick-off for the Plate Final between Colney Heath Ladies and Hutton Ladies.

  The Plate competition for the sides from ERWFL Division One in it's various guises over the past few seasons that don't go beyond the quarter-finals of the league cup, Colney Heath Ladies have reached the last 3 finals in succession, runners up in the previous two will be looking to go one batter this time and win the final. Have grown as a side over those past 3 season's having had their best season to date clinching 2nd place in the Division One table.

  Will play Essex side Hutton Ladies this time around into their 1st ERWFL Plate Final have had an up and down season in the league flirting with the top 4 at one point fell away in the end to eventually finish 9th. Behind on their fixtures have had competitive football right up to this weekends final. Colney Heath have kept thing's ticking over with friendly matches over that same period.

Road to the Final

Beginning with the quarter-finals this seasons plate competition saw Colney Heath drawn at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies edged the score 3-2 to reach the semi-finals. Opponents Ipswich Wanderers Ladies couldn't field a team for the semi-final Colney Heath advancing without kicking a ball to the final itself.

  A Bye for Hutton Ladies in the quarter-finals were drawn at home to Stevenage Ladies Reserves in the semi-final always looked a close contest on paper and proved so on the day the scores level at 2-2 after 90 minutes the semi-final went into extra-time, Hutton Ladies finding the winning goal to make it into the Plate Final.

 The County Ground in Letchworth, Hertfordshire once again the venue for this season's ERWFL Finals. The large grass pitch has seen alot of cup final action recently but with the unusually dry weather in April has held up well looks in good shape a large pitch. The mainstand providing covered seating down one side behind the dugouts the bar situated at one end the Pukka Tukka trailer the other 1st stop upon arrival for a bacon bap. Rain to start the day however this was clearing and the sun warming things up a slight breeze chilly in the shade.

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI - Amy Mullett, Kelly Hancock, Adrienne Milton, Rachel Sherlow, Kelly Glynn, Kirsty Feasey, Lucy Hancock, Annie Hickey, Sophie Joseph (C), Holly Sheridan & Christina Freestone.

 subs - Jennifer Mansfield, Sammy May, Molly Slade, Eustacia Randles & Victoria Allen.

 Hutton Ladies starting XI - Krissie Glover, Kirsten McLeavy, Amy Crumpler, Kelly Roberts, Rianne Dimmock, Amy Reed, Kaitlin Sugg, Hannah Page (C) Kate Lowen, Hayley Critchell & Laura Allen.

 subs - Sam Kuski.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  An 11am kick-off for the Plate Final, Hutton to get the match started 1st half wearing red shirts with white across the shoulders and collar, with red shorts and socks. Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts. A quiet start to the game both sides looking to put the ball out wide test the others back line. 

  Hutton's Kate Lowen goes after a high ball put forwards by Kaitlin Sugg  out to the right wing is tracked by Colney Heath's Adrienne Milton makes the tackle putting the ball out for a throw deep in the corner. From the throw the ball helped on loops up into the area Sugg has the ball headed into the side of her face as the Colney Heath defence win the header comes back out to the right the return ball into the box cleared by Rachel Sherlow. 

"We'll have that!"

  A positive start from Hutton pressing Colney Heath for the ball inside their own half, win a corner on the right, then the left side the inswinging ball striking the post coming back out into play is scrambled clear. Colney Heath get the ball wide out to the right winning a throw high up the pitch the cross is fired into the six yard box behind the strikers attacking the ball, Amy Reed gets the ball out of the area for Hutton goes straight to Lucy Hancock all of 30 yards out central, meets the ball sweetly with her boot sending it arrowing back in towards goal, Krissie Glover in goal for Hutton can't stop it strikes the crossbar smashed down into the six yard box, Colney Heath striker Christina Freestone is on it in a flash gets her foot up to met the ball in the air is straight at Glover into her body the keeper gets a firm grip on the ball to save.

Colney Heath Ladies striker, Christina Freestone knocks the ball on into the box

  Colney Heath continue to come on with the ball 10 minutes played Milton is fouled by Hutton's Amy Crumpler wide left on halfway the ball played up into the box is headed away by Rianne Dimmock a throw in the left the ball played up into the area Freestone strikes it as it falls at her feet is blocked deflected behind a for corner. Hutton defend look to break, Anne Hickey tackles to regain possession in the middle the ball on into Freestone takes a pop from distance her curling shot only finding the goalkeeper.

  Colney Heath captain, Sophie Joseph holds the ball up as it is played into her feet on the left, Milton goes past her on the overlap the pass finding her her cross into the box finds Freestone near post, looks to find room for a shot no way past Hutton's Kirsten McLeavy marking her closely put back out to Joseph arriving left side of the box the ball is played back into the area, knocked back out centrally comes to Hickey strikes the ball from outside the box the shot whistling over the crossbar.

Colney Heath Ladies captain, Sophie Joseph

  A vital interception from Hutton's McLeavy at the back as Freestone seeing the ball into her feet 30 yards out turns spotting Holly Sheridan on the move on the right, had the ball found her would have been one on one with the keeper. A competitive start, Hutton do't want Colney Heath to settle on the ball as working hard to hustle the ball. Get up the other end Lowen winning a corner on the right the ball sent in near post is cleared by Colney Heath's Kelly Hancock. 

  Milton and Joseph link up on the left side going forwards the cross played in early across the top of the area finds Sheridan on the right outside the area, leaning back as she goes to strike the ball sends her shot across goal looping up starts to dip, not enough to fall under the crossbar. Hutton make an early switch Sam Kuski coming on for Reed midway through the 1st half. 

  A great chance for Colney Heath to open the scoring in the Plate Final as Hickey bringing the ball on through the middle puts it into Freestone before bombing forwards getting the ball returned to her left outside the area, Hutton's Kelly Roberts goes to ground making the tackle, The ball isn't away Hickey wriggles clear with it in behind into the area, looks to pick her spot across the keeper coming to close the angle, Glover makes a fantastic stop with her leg to deflect the ball away across her six yard box. 

Annie Hickey wins the header under challenge from Hutton's Sam Kuski

  Colney Heath continue to create chances as they look to break down a stubborn and organised Hutton defence, Kirsty Feasey carries the ball on through the middle evading a challenge plays a great ball into Sheridan moving to the right into the box is closed down by Kuski as she goes to shoot the ball put a yard wide of goal. Amy Mullett has been little troubled in the Colney Heath goal Glynn and Sherlow winning most thing's in front of her.

  The same two players involved as Colney Heath come forwards again this time it's Sheridan with the ball taking it down the left puts the cross in along the top of the Hutton area runners coming on from midfield, Feasey arriving right side hits the ball 1st time straight at Glover in the Hutton goal the keeper claiming the ball. Kelly Hancock joins the build up on the right side going on with the ball cuts it back into the area Sheridan just inside shoots from the angle again the shot goes straight into Glover. 

Front of picture, Colney Heath Ladies, Kirsty Feasey

  Into the final minutes of the 1st half Colney Heath are stepping it up a level looking to find the break through, Dimmock and Roberts closing down any attempt made to get though the middle. If Colney Heath find a way through the shot is going straight into Glover the keeper well positioned throughout. Feasey plays the ball on for Sheridan with acres of space to run into on the right, puts the ball into the area, Roberts clearing for Hutton in front of Freestone.

Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 0-0 Hutton Ladies

  Goalless at the break as the two sides head back to the dressing room. An intriguing 1st half, Colney Heath on another day might be leading 3-0 however Hutton have defended well kept a good shape and Glover has been in the right place everytime Colney Heath have gotten a shot away from the edge of the area. Little opportunity up the other end Critchell and Lowen getting on the ball left and right trying to thread the ball through the middle Colney Heath's centre backs, Kelly Glynn and Sherlow have converged quickly to close the door in front of goal. All to play for 2nd half. 

Colney Heath Ladies, Annie Hickey tackling Hutton's Amy Crumpler

 Colney Heath to get the 2nd half underway. Attacking down the left the cross is cut out cleared by Dimmock, Kelly Hancock picks it up coming forwards down the right, cutting inside rolls the ball into Feasey, time to line up a shot from 25 yards out, same as in the 1st half is straight at the keeper Glover making a comfortable save. Hickey comes forwards with the ball into the middle has Sheridan drifting out wide right top of the area plays the ball into her, she puts it into Freestone inside her right of the d 20 yards out her shot is blocked by Hutton's Roberts rebounds back out to Hickey 25 yards out right side of goal shoots the ball fired wide of the far post. 

  Freestone gets hold of the ball turning centrally the pass finds Sheridan to her right, looking to drive at the Hutton defence is closed down by Dimmock, with support from Critchell the pair regain possession of the ball. Lucy Hancock plays the ball into Freestone holding it up well right, Sheridan makes a run into the area, Freestone looks to thread the ball into her feet, Roberts does well closing her down and winning the ball in the six yard box. A risky back pass from Dimmock as Colney Heath put the ball straight up through the middle, bouncing Freestone flicks it on for Sheridan falling down into the area Dimmock holding the striker off volleys the ball into her keeper, little time to react Glover meets the ball in the air volleys it out of her box. 

Hutton Ladies, Kelly Roberts

  Hutton's Kuski charging down the ball inside the Colney Heath half on the right goes on before sending it long on the diagonal for Lowen left side, gets the down and manages to keep hold of the ball as Kelly Hancock goes to ground for the challenge moving into the box left looks to shoot, Sherlow recovers getting back throwing her herself across Lowen's path to make the block. 

 Both sides make a change, Hutton bringing Reed back on for Kuski. Eustacia Randles coming on for Colney Heath replacing Freestone. The substitute filling in at left back with Milton coming across to right back, Kelly Hancock pushed higher up the field. Colney Heath have a free-kick in a dangerous position 22 yards out left of the D, Feasey over the ball goes for goal, Glover calls for it and claims at her far post. 

Hutton Ladies captain, Hannah Page getting hold of the ball

  20 minutes left on the clock Hutton get players forwards Allen winning a throw on the left put in long into the area, Sherlow heads away for Colney Heath, Joseph picking up the ball looks to counter, Page comes in to tackle her wins the ball back as they continue to defend.

 GOAL! Against the run of play it's Hutton who break the deadlock finding the back of the Colney Heath goal, the ball won in the middle by Page is played up top with Critchell on the move left side getting onto the ball looks to take the defender on in front of her is pushed wide as she enters the area then unchallenged in the box  sends a looping ball in towards goal up and over the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

  A blow for Colney Heath attack straight from the restart winning a corer kick on the left the ball floated in centrally, Glover comes for it going to push takes it off Feasey's head on the penalty spot, catches the player aswell as the ball but is okay after treatment. Jennifer Mansfield comes on for Colney Heath replacing Hickey. Dimmock with a controlled header back to her keeper a Sheridan tries to flick the ball on a Kelly Hancock coming forwards plays the ball into her.

Colney Heath Ladies, Kelly Hancock

   Closing in on the final 10 minutes Colney Heath make a triple substitution as they try to break down Hutton's stubborn defence. Molly Slade, Sammy May and Freestone returning come on for Glynn, Kelly Hancock and Joseph. Lucy Hancock on through the middle for Sheridan the tackle made by Dimmock outside the box. With room at the back now as Colney Heath push on Allen taking the ball down the right wins a corner. coming in near post is knocked on towards goal, back on her line Mullet punches the ball away.

  Feasey makes ground with the ball coming through the middle, fires the ball up towards Freestone chests down and turning rolls it into Sheridan right of her into the area, closed down she slides in gets to the ball 1st, her strike narrowly wide of the post. Hutton bring Kuski back on for Crumpler. A long ball from right to left falls to Mansfield inside the box on the left, looks to bring it down and shoot, Reed gets back in time to close her down tackling put the ball behind for the corner. A good delivery going long to the far post, no one can connect sails out for a goal kick. 

 All out attack from Colney Heath as the game goes into stoppage time players swarming around the box but Hutton defend for their lives protecting their lead, Glover coming well plucks the ball of Feasey's raised foot as the midfield tries to bring down a high ball put in from the right. That's it the final whistle blows and Hutton Ladies celebrate winning the ERWFL Plate Final.

Full time Colney Heath Ladies 0-1 Hutton Ladies

    Joy for Hutton Ladies winning the final. Heart break for Colney Heath Ladies suffering defeat for the 3rd successive final would have gone in confident after their successful league campaign, and created a host of chances especially 1st half just couldn't get the ball past Glover in goal. Hutton the underdogs performed well battled hard were resilient and took the lead with one of the few chances they fashioned in the 2nd half.

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

 It's that resilience and determination in defending that sees today's SWF Blog - Player of the Match go to Hutton Ladies, Rianne Dimmock defended superbly winning the ball, getting across Colney Heath attackers and making some vital interceptions.

Hutton Ladies, ERWFL Plate Final Winners 2016/17

 Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning the ERWFL Plate Final today.

  My thanks to referee Chris Abbott for helping me out with today's team line ups.

Cup Final Report - Ipswich Town Ladies v Lowestoft Town Ladies

 The Friday night football on the Supporting Women's Football Blog comes from the Colchester Community Stadium hosting this season's Suffolk Women's County Cup Final with defending cup holders Ipswich Town Ladies playing Lowestoft Town Ladies. 

  A clash between the two highest league placed sides in the county, both competing in the FAWPL South East Division One. Ipswich Town Ladies looking to win the Suffolk Women's County Cup for a 3rd successive season. 

  Lowestoft Town Ladies in a struggle for survival at the bottom of the table have had a difficult season 3 different managers, with players coming and going been hard to get a settled team but despite their difficulties have reached the County Cup Final. 

Road to the Final

  The two sides were drawn against each other early on in the competition last year an early exit for Lowestoft then Ipswich going on to win the County Cup on the hallowed turf of Portman Road beating Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies.

  Both sides had a Bye in the 1st Round this season entering at the 2nd Round stage. Ipswich were drawn at home to AFC Sudbury Ladies from the ERWFL Premier Division a league below a 5-0 win sending them through to the quarter finals. Lowestoft away to Brandon Town Ladies won the game 4-0 to progress.

  A comfortable 7-1 win away from home against Newmarket Town Ladies in the quarter finals for Ipswich. A tougher game for Lowestoft Town Ladies at home to Bungay Town Ladies the game finishing 2-2 after the 90 minutes went into extra-time Lowestoft finding 2 goals in the extra period to win 4-2 to reach the semi-finals.

 A local derby for Ipswich drawn away to Ipswich Wanders Ladies in the semi-finals the ERWFL Division One side giving them a tough game Ipswich came through to win 2-0 to reach the final once again. Lowestoft also away in the semi-finals playing Suffolk Women's Division side Bacton United Ladies a 4-0 win taking them into the final.

 The venue for tonight's final the Weston Homes Community Stadium, home of League Two side Colchester United FC. Just off the A12 a newly build stadium a large carpark outside, modern facilities 4 large all seater stands open in the corners a large pitch in very good condition despite it being the end of the season. Starting to chill a little after another warm sunny day.

 Ipswich Town Ladies starting XI - Leanne Smith, Jac Ball, Eva Hubbard, Aimee Harrison (C), Lyndsay Cooper, Sian Fagg, Hollie Clement, Natasha Thomas, Sophie Welton, Amy Howlett & Jade Henry.
 subs - Ellie Bird, Roxanne Small, Laura Guyon, Zoe Cossey & Joyce Mlambo.

 Lowestoft Town Ladies starting XI - Eilish Brogan, Lyndsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall, Lilly Beuggein, Ellie Froud, Abbie Everson, Ciera Flatt, Cassie Craddock, Gemma Moore, Amy Evans & Hannah Waters (C).
 subs - Alicia Lacey & Kayleigh Steed.

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

1st final I've watched this season where all the officials are female left to right
Ali Rampling, Emily Heaslip, Mary Harmer & Harriet Young good to see

It's Lowestoft to get the Suffolk Women's County Cup Final kicked off 1st half wearing their all white away strip with Ipswich are all in blue. The ball is played down the right wing, Lowestoft captain Hannah Waters leading the line up front going after it, closed down by Ipswich's Eva Hubbard the ball out for a throw in. The ball helped on in towards the top of the area is cleared up field by Ipswich captain Aimee Harrison. Retrieving the ball in the middle Gemma Moore tries to put the ball into Waters feet in a central position back to goal flicks it on in behind, Harrison's centre back partner Lindsay Cooper has dropped off Waters giving her the room to intercept the ball.

   Ipswich go forwards pressuring the Lowestoft defence Sophie Welton on the left charges the ball down deflected in behind that side Welton goes after it taking it on towards the byline sends her cross into the box is met by Natasha Thomas her 1st time shot saved well by Eilish Brogan in the Lowestoft goal, still in place inside the six yard box Ipswich give the free-kick away trying to win the scramble for the ball. Ipswich have possession of the ball keeping it inside the Lowestoft half.

  GOAL! The early pressure from Ipswich in the ball brings the opening goal in the 6th minute. Winning a throw in deep on the left the ball is thrown in over the top for striker Jade Henry does well to bring it down under control close to the byline whipping a fantastic ball across the face of the Lowestoft goal up over Brogan falling far post Amy Howlett is there to meet the ball on the volley send it into the back of the net 1-0.

 

Amy Howlett opens the scoring
for Ipswich Town Ladies

Thomas moves out to the right with the ball getting ahead of Howlett plays the ball back up the line to her sends the cross into Henry inside the box right side tries to bring it under control to unleash a shot, Lilly Bueggein closes her down the ball prodded out of the area Howlett latches onto it pulls the trigger her low drive safely into Brogan's gloves as she drops forwards onto the ball. 

  Ipswich continue to dominate a 5 minute spell where the ball doesn't leave the Lowestoft half, midfielder Hollie Clement getting hold of the ball, good footwork to make herself room a long diagonal ball finds Howlett on the move on the right wing down the line, Charnelle Riggall closes her down giving away the corner. A good delivery from the corner into the near post is met by Cooper her header up over the crossbar. 

  Abbie Everson closes the ball down for Lowestoft in the middle takes it on down the right getting a throw in the ball finds Cassie Craddock inside the top corner of the Ipswich area hooks the ball on into the middle of the box, Harrison is under it to head the ball clear. Ipswich win the ball in the middle Sian Fagg playing it up top for Henry to chase down, in behind, Brogan is quickly out the the edge of her area to claim the ball 1st. Brogan with another good claim inside her box from an Ipswich free-kick wide right, Howlett floating the ball in towards the post Harrison coming round behind interested Brogan takes it high before the ball can be attacked.

Lowestoft's Ellie Froud with Ipswich's Natasha Thomas

  Hubbard has time on the ball bringing it on down the left plays the ball into Henry back to goal holds off her marker spinning in field fires a pacey ball into the area, Ellie Froud clears for Lowestoft with 23 minutes played. Lowestoft aren't retaining possession of the ball allowing Ipswich to come at them time and again, Jac Ball comes on from the full back position on the right overlapping Howlett as she lays the ball off gets the return, Riggall in to put away for the throw, Clement has it put into her feet sweeps a cross long towards the far post area, Welton there can't control her header the ball screwing away wide of goal. 

Ipswich Town Ladies, striker Jade Henry looking to find some room

  More great work from Clement in the middle, shifting the ball between her feet losing her marker, moving in field picks out Howlett with another good diagonal ball on the right, 25 yards out meets the dropping ball on the volley sends her strike a yard wide of the near post. Getting plenty of players forwards on the right as Thomas moves down the wing, cuts it back up towards Fagg outside the area right corner, Ball goes beyond her into the area Fagg tries the thread the pass into her run, is intercepted and cut out by Bueggein. 

Lowestoft Town Ladies, Lilly Bueggein

  Clement lets fly from 30 yards out the keeper beaten her strike smashed down off the crossbar still in play the ball is scrambled clear. Lowestoft make the 1st change of the match on the half hour, Amy Evans coming off for Alicia Lacey. Very little opportunity for Lowestoft's forward players to get anything going up top back in their own half as Ipswich continue to dominate possession. Moving inside Welton meets the ball put into her by Howlett from the right on the volley puts it straight at Brogan the keeper gathering. 

  Fagg slides the ball into Henry moving into space on the right into the box, clear on goal, Brogan comes sliding in to challenge her the pair collide the ball escaping in behind rolls wide a corner signalled. 

 GOAL! Ipswich double their lead from the resulting corner kick the delivery played in near post is attacked by Cooper this time her bullet of a header finds the back of the net to make it 2-0.

  Into the final 6 minutes of the 1st half Ipswich in full control Lowestoft with little in the final 3rd build an attack on the right as Waters gives chase to a ball played long by Everson winning it in the middle, Everson goes on as Waters gets hold of the ball on the touchline overlapping her Waters passes the ball on into the midfielders run holding it up gives it back to Waters as she goes past her into the corner closing on the byline plays the cross into the box over Lacey central top of the six yard box, falling to Craddock beyond strikes it as it fall the ball swerving wide of goal.

Lowestoft Town Ladies captain, Hannah Waters bringing the ball on

  Lowestoft enjoy a little spell of possession late in the 1st half winning a corner on the right the delivery into the near post is headed down by Ciera Flatt landing inside the six yard box Ipswich to it first kick clear. Craddock receives the ball from a throw in inside the top corner of the Ipswich area, right side loos to turn and charge her way through, no way past Harrison the ball is cleared Ipswich threaten to break the ball on the right played on a vital interception by Froud at the back.

Half-time Ipswich Town Ladies 2-0 Lowestoft Town Ladies

 A 2-0 lead for Ipswich as the two sides return the the dressing rooms at half-time. Have dominated the ball well holding possession with some good touches players always on the move up top Howlett right, Welton left, Thomas drifting, everything she tries coming off for Clement in the midfield. Waters isolated up top for Lowestoft is a willing runner but all to often the ball is rushed not finding her. Despite Ipswich's dominance the 2-0 lead isn't a surmountable score still all to play for 2nd half will need to get hold of the ball however.

 Ipswich get the 2nd half underway go straight on the attack Henry moving out to the right wins a throw the ball comes all the way across to the left side a low cross fired into the box cutout by Flatt. Strong holding up the ball Henry gets in behind on the right side puts a high cross into the six yard box, Brogan is under it takes the catch above her head. Referee Emily Heaslip awards Ipswich a free-kick midway inside the Lowestoft half a Lacey brings down Thomas, Clement over the ball a good delivery in towards the far post no one attacks it runs wide for the goal-kick.

Ipswich Town Ladies, Jade Henry

  GOAL! A strong start to the 2nd half for Ipswich and it brings them a 3rd goal. The build up starts on halfway played into Howlett on the right, sends the ball on for Henry moving down the right wing into the corner whips a great cross into the box just over the leaping Thomas in a central position falls t Welton arriving far side she headers the ball back across into the back of the net to make it 3-0. A little under 10 minutes played in the 2nd half.

Sophie Welton extends Ipswich Town  Ladies
lead early in the 2nd half

  Lowestoft get forwards Lacey running with purpose in the Ipswich half right side sends the ball on for Waters making a run ahead of her, hitting the shot early 20 yards out the ball is deflected off a defender behind for a corner kick. Before it is taken both sides make a substitution, Ipswich sent on Joyce Mlambo to replace Henry up top. Lowestoft bring Moore off send on Kayleigh Steed.

Ipswich Town Ladies, Hollie Clement

  The corner is played in from the right towards Lacey near side top of the area lets it roll on arriving at Steed outside the area left of the D let's fly with a sweet strike, the substitute seeing her shot smash against the crossbar, dropping down into the six yard box their is a scramble for the ball a shot blocked inside the six yard box before Everson stabs it wide.


  Howlett taking the ball on has Thomas on the move in behind looks to thread the pass into her run, Riggall cuts it out for Lowestoft. Between them Clement and Fagg continue to dominate the midfield for Ipswich although Lacey has made a difference for Lowestoft with her work rate trying to close the ball down is giving away a few free-kicks. Another substitution for Ipswich, Zoe Cossey coming on for Welton on the left. A pacey player Cossey gets an early chance to have a run at the Lowestoft defence on the right into the box Adams closing her down tackles to put the ball away for a throw. Into the final 20 minutes. 

 GOAL! Howlett down the right wing fires a low cross into the six yard box, Brogan gets down low to get a glove on the ball as Thomas comes racing in the ball isn't secure and on top of the keeper, Thomas bundles the ball past her to score in the final 4-0.

  Ipswich make a change soon after bringing on Laura Guyon for Clement in midfield. Lowestoft bring Moore and Evans back on for Craddock and Flatt. Moore picking up the ball comes in from the right driving forwards sends the ball into the area goes long Hubbard far side heads the ball out of the area falling to Everson 30 yards out she takes on the volley drills the ball back in wide of goal however.

Howlett comes off for Ipswich replaced by Roxanne Small. One foul to many by Lacey, the referee totting them up issues her with a yellow card. Guyon to play it into the area from the right, Froud heads clear for Lowestoft. Moore with another strong run on the ball right side into the area for Lowestoft charging into the area too many bodies in front of her but wins a corner, the corner goes long Ipswich go on the attack the ball sent long up front Brogan comes racing out of her area ti kick clear the ball going straight to Guyon just over halfway tries to send it into the empty net, her effort curling is just over the bar.

Lowestoft Town Ladies, Amy Evans

  With a comfortable lead closing in on the final 5 minutes Ipswich make a keeper switch bringing off Leanne Smith who has been rarely called into action sending on Ellie Bird. Lacey and Everson off for Lowestoft late on Flatt and Craddock back on. 

 GOAL! Pushing forwards in the latter stages of the game Ipswich have the ball right the cross is along the top of the area Guyon inside the D lets it run on for Cossey outside the area left side, goes for goal a pearler of a strike looping up and into the top corner Brogan no chance as she dives across. 5-0.

Ipswich Town Ladies, Zoe Cossey warming up before the Final
puts the ball into hte top corner to make it 5-0

  The 90 minutes almost up Lowestoft get the ball into Moore on the right driving on lets fly from 25 yards out her strike blazing wide of the near post. Into added time 3 minutes to be played. Small is brought down in a central position as she looks to take the ball on through the middle. Guyon floats it into the box for players to attack far post runs behind for the goalkick. Ipswich have the ball late on Brogan comes rushing out to stop Thomas coming into the area from the right, A corner the result goes long the header isn't on target.

Full time Ipswich Town Ladies 5-0 Lowestoft Town Ladies

  Ipswich celebrate at the final whistle winning the Suffolk Women's County Cup for the 3rd consecutive season. In control of the game from start to finish dominant in possession and retention of the ball all 5 goals well taken were rarely troubled at the back by Lowestoft who worked hard without finding a foot hold on the ball.

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

Tonight's SWF Blog - Player of the Match goes to Ipswich Town Ladies Hollie Clement a terrific effort in midfield, some nice trickery and foot work and it was one of those games were everything she tried came off, a good performance.

Suffolk Women's County Cup Winners 201617 Ipswich Town Ladies

 Congratulations to Ipswich Town Ladies on retaining the Suffolk Women's County Cup for a 3rd season.

  My thanks to the staff at Colchester United FC and the Suffolk FA for all their assistance tonight an enjoyable experience at a great venue.