Match Report - Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies v Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

 For the 2nd successive Friday a trip south down to the John Hornby School in Basildon to watch another ERWFL Division One match under the lights, Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies the host side this time around playing Ipswich Wanderers Ladies.

  Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies were impressive last Friday against Hutton Ladies beating them 4-1 to win their 1st 3 points of the season building on a draw in their opening league match. Came unstuck just 2 day later away to Offley & Stopsley Ladies losing 5-1 currently in 7th spot in the table.

  Just a place above them are tonight's opponents, Ipswich Wanderers Ladies with the exact same record after 3 matches played having started with a win then drawing with Offley & Stopsley losing narrowly 3-2 to Silver End United Ladies last Sunday, in 6th spot in the table with 4 points like Little Thurrock Dynamos a win for either would lift them up to 3rd spot in the table.

   Has been a thoroughly wet day across the whole eastern region heavy rain and so was the case as I was leaving Norfolk, it was forecast to clear away by the evening and the further south I travelled the brighter the skies became with the rain having gone before the game started. Played on the large 3G pitch at John Hornby School in Basildon.
  
    Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies starting XI - Atlanta Fuwa, Courtney Fraser, Elle King, Taylor Parrish (C), Danielle Styles, Kerri Thomas, Taylor Adcock, Libby Clarke, Elouise Ives, Georgia Fraser & Sophie Dowman.
  subs - Rhianne Holmes, Sophie Darkins, Patrizia Leo, Robyn Mudd & Katy Judd. 

   Ipswich Wanderers Ladies starting XI - Danielle Lynch, Jessica Taylor-Allum, Kirby King, Leanne Derbyshire, Claire Turnbull, Kimberly Rex, Sophie Crane, Kristie Turner, Kathryn Parnell, Michelle Taylor-Allum & Tarnya McKew (C)
   subs -

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  No substitutes for Ipswich Wanderers, travelling with just the bare 11. Are looking to sign a new goalkeeper but as yet haven't filled the position. Manager, Danielle Lynch usually a centre back dons the keepers gloves tonight returning to football 10 weeks after having a baby. Little Thurrock have a full substitutes bench a large squad at their disposal, captain, Abbie Simmonds unavailable tonight, Taylor Parrish with the captains armband.

Ipswich to kick-off the 1st half wearing an all blue kit with white shirt sleeves, Little Thurrock wearing black and green shirts, black shorts and socks. Ipswich send the ball long down the right wing win an early corner kick, Tarnya McKew, Ipswich's captain to play the ball into the area whipped in across the six yard box evades everyone near post bouncing in the middle of goal comes through to Michelle Taylor-Allum far post three yards out gets her foot over the ball blasts it goalwards is blocked by Elle King covering the post then cleared.

  Up the other end Little Thurrock get a free-kick inside the D as Lynch handles the ball outside her area. King and Georgia Fraser over the ball, King pushes it forwards into the box for Fraser, lifts a shot in looking for the top corner, won't come down quick, goes over for a goal kick. Know from watching the match last Friday the ball will zip off the surface run through to the keeper, does just that as Ipswich break looking to provide the ball for McKew coming through the middle to run on to runs into the box for Little Thurrock goalkeeper, Atlanta Fuwa to gather before she can reach it.

  Taylor Adcock brings the ball up the field for Little Thurrock, passes it wide right for Elouise Ives who has space to run into fires a cross into the box looking to pick out Sophie Dowman, Jessica Taylor-Allum gets in front of her to clear for a throw on the right. Ives finds space to run into again on the right getting up the pitch sees her cross/shot end up behind at the near post from outside the box. 

  GOAL! The visitors take the lead with 10 minutes played the build up on the right of the pitch winning a throw the ball is worked in field before being swept on the diagonal into the box for McKew near side to bring down, her 1st touch wrong foots her marker flicks the ball inside and turning right strikes the falling ball into the back of the net 0-1.

  Kristie Turner bringing the ball into the Little Thurrock half has Kathryn Parnell to her left, receiving the ball rolls it inside to Taylor-Allum then burst forwards looking for the return ball down the left into the box, goes after it, King gets back to clear the ball for Little Thurrock. Counter attack the ball played into Adcock central switches play out to the right for Ives moving forwards a couple of yards squares the ball back central outside the box for Adcock who lifts it up into the area, Dowman right side of goal tries to control with her head bring the ball down falls to Fraser to her left, stretching to reach it pushes the ball wide of goal.

  Little Thurrock press the ball well in the middle Kerri Thomas with Adcock the ball played on with Dowman latching onto it racing for the box inside the D under challenge still manages to get a shot away squeezing the ball towards goal, Lynch gets across to cover the post can see in run wide. Libby Clarke plays the ball in towards the top of the box from the left side as Little Thurrock enjoy a spell of possession in Ipswich's final 3rd, the ball drops for Dowman inside the box headers it down back out with Thomas charging forwards meets it on the volley sends the shot over the crossbar.

   Clarke with a good switch of pace on the left brings the ball up towards the top of the area crosses inside for Georgia Fraser her 1st time strike is blocked by Leanne Derbyshire. Little Thurrock go on to win their 1st corner of the match on the left an inswinging delivery a glancing header off an Ipswich defender at the near post takes it across the goal face and away from danger. Courtney Fraser is allowed to bring the ball forwards from left back into the Ipswich half for Little Thurrock, plays the ball on down the left channel, Georgia Fraser is interested breaking away from the visitors defence the ball just skipping through into Lynch's gloves before she can latch on to it. 

   McKew is strong and looking to get in behind the Little Thurrock defence as the ball is played forwards through the middle, Taylor Parrish doesn't get drawn too close giving herself the space needed to get to the ball 1st whenever Ipswich look to turn the defence with the ball through the middle. Little Thurrock make a double change Ives and Styles the players off, Patrizia Leo and Rhianne Holmes making her debut coming on. Adcock passes the ball left to Courtney Fraser as she comes forwards again into the Ipswich half decides to have a crack at goal a long way out, gets plenty of power behind the ball it flashes wide across the goal. 

 Georgia Fraser brings the ball inside from the left lets fly with the shot 25 yards out, one bounce inside the six yard box drifts wide of the post. Thomas wins a 50/50 ball before passing it forwards into Fraser, she switches play out to the right with Leo inside. Bringing the ball inside travels into the box evading a challenge before hitting the ball with her left for in towards goal, Lynch makes a reactive save with her legs the ball deflected away from goal. Change for Little Thurrock, Styles back on replacing Thomas in midfield. A swift counter attack from Ipswich, Kimberly Rex on for Michelle Taylor-Allum running with the ball takes on the early strike, flies in towards goal dips late not enough to bring it down under the crossbar. 

  Parnell plays the ball up through the middle as Ipswich break forwards with purpose looking to pitch out McKew, Holmes back pedalling gets her foot on the ball 1st is unlucky as her clearance catches McKew on the side of the head the deflection taking it into the area, left of goal McKew gets control of it with Parnell bursting up the pitch is brought down by Leo right on the edge of the area. Left side McKew to take manages to lift it over the Little Thurrock wall as it jumps the ball dropping near post goes behind a corner is signalled the ball comes in near post is headed clear.

   Late pressure in the 1st half from Ipswich, Parnell on the ball inside the Little Thurrock half evades two tackles pushing in towards the box losses possession with the 3rd tackle the clearance coming to Turner, 30 yards out smashes in a shot a low drive runs wide across the box. Parnell bringing the ball on again has Sophie Crane in close support rolls the ball into her looks to lift the ball into McKew positioned at the top of the area, can't bring it down under control as Parrish closes her down puts it out for a throw last action of the 1st half.

Half-time Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies 0-1 Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

  A single goal the advantage for Ipswich after an entertaining 1st half the pace high tempo. Getting into the lead early Ipswich have tries to slow the pace down, Little Thurrock have pressed the ball not allowed it to slow breaking forwards finding space on the wings have created plenty of chances without overly tested Lynch in goal. A narrow lead an eventful 1st half, was nothing compared to what was to follow 2nd half.

  Little Thurrock making changes at half-time Thomas back on for Adcock. Robyn Mudd and Katy Judd are on to replacing Clarke and Dowman. It's the home side to kick-off the 2nd half Ipswich get control of the ball and after a spell of possession on the right win a corner. McKew lifts the ball in central, Crane gets up to head the ball towards goal is defended dropping back into the area, bodies everywhere a follow up shot comes flying in flashes over the bar. McKew capitalises on some uncertainty at the back from Little Thurrock turns inside from the left plays the ball into the area. Courtney Fraser hooks it clear out of the area with Taylor-Allum moving towards the ball. 

  GOAL! Attacking down the left, Little Thurrock win a corner the ball is swung in long across the six yard box dropping far post plenty of green and black shirts gathered there the ball is turned onto the post from close range then as it bounces back out the ball is fired back in across goal and over the line 1-1. Needed help to pick out the goalscorer in the melee, Parrish, Little Thurrock's captain with the goal.

  A free-kick to Little Thurrock inside the Ipswich half left of the centre circle, Georgia Fraser on the ball plays a lovely flighted ball into the box, runners coming in Judd can't get anything on it as she leaps in front of Lynch the ball pops out of the keepers gloves, Mudd tries to react lunging for the ball pushes it wide off target.

  GOAL! Ipswich get themselves back in front minutes after conceding the equaliser the ball played from back to front rapidly is up to McKew breaking in behind the Little Thurrock defence beating the offside trap left of the goal outside the box sees the dropping ball over her shoulder before hitting it on the half volley arrowing the ball over the static Fuwa into the back of the net 1-2.

 The game becomes very stretched, both sides going long, Turnbull making ground up the left crossing inside looking for McKew top of the area can't take the ball down cleanly as Holmes gets in close to tackle get the ball away.  

  GOAL! With Little Thurrock looking to push on create something at one end Ipswich counter attack and score up the other, Crane into Taylor-Allum in the middle plays the ball to Parnell out left side 25 yards out lines up the shot, puts plenty of pace into the shot drilled in rising Fuwa throwing herself at the ball as it smashes against the crossbar bouncing down the keeper is grounded as McKew closing in on the follow-up buries the ball into the back of the net to score her hat-trick 1-3.

 Little Thurrock come on, Styles is given time and space on the ball central 30 yards out goes for goal firing in a great strike towards goal, sees Lynch produce a superb save throwing up a glove to tip the ball over the crossbar. The resulting corner on the left side is swung in across the six yard box headed back across goal, Lynch palms the ball to the floor the grabbing hold of it launches it out of her area.

  GOAL! Styles scores for Little Thurrock to narrow the advantage back to a single goal. Starts and finishes the move as she brings the ball on into the Ipswich half plays the ball out to Leo on the left as she sprints forwards, attacks down the wing, Styles breaks to looking to get into the box. Leo turns inside firing the ball into the area, Lynch throws herself forwards to push the ball away, doesn't get enough on it runs inside past her Styles arriving to drill the ball over the line 2-3.

The end to end nature of the 2nd half continues, Ipswich have Turnbull on the ball plays it on for Taylor-Allum moving into space on the left side fires the shot in on the angle, Fuwa gets down smartly to make the save push the ball wide across her goal. The corner is conceded on the right. McKew plays in in high near post, Turnbull gets up to head the ball on across goal, Little Thurrock clear far stick and counter break in numbers with Judd on the ball through the middle, tracking back Turner tackles her before she can reach the area.

  GOAL! The goals keep coming, Ipswich getting the ball up the other end quickly to regain their 2 goal lead. Having found it difficult to get in behind the Little Thurrock defence 1st half Ipswich are taking shots from distance. The build up is on the right the ball played up to McKew then rolled across the face of the area with Parnell free 25 yards out to the left hits the shot as the ball rolls across her sending the ball angling back in across goal and into the far corner 2-4.

  Taylor-Allum stabs the ball wide of goal as Parrish for once is a fraction late getting in on McKew as she pushes the ball on into the box. A corner for the visitors on the left the ball played in central a bullet header the ball knocked down towards goal inside the six yard box, for a moment the spectators think it's in, however the ball is firmly in the hands of Fuwa making a fantastic save. Attacking for Little Thurrock both leo right and Styles coming to the left put their crosses into the side netting. Adcock comes back on replacing Thomas for Little Thurrock. 

  GOAL! No let up in the goals 2nd half as Little Thurrock battle back to close the scores once more. Pushing on into the Ipswich half Styles plays the ball out to the left, Mudd has come inside but gives chase to the ball retrieving it in the corner, Courtney Fraser races forwards to give her a passing option up the line gets the ball turns and moving inside fires the cross in long to the far post dropping Judd rushing in gets her boot on the ball sending it into the goal 3-4.

  Dowman comes back on for Little Thurrock late on replacing Georgia Fraser up top. The ball is played up field for the substitute to chase down outside the box right of the D, King steps out of the back line for Ipswich, beats Dowman to the ball runs back to Styles free inside the Ipswich half launches a rocket towards goal, Lynch has no chance of getting to it turns to her right as the ball cannons off the post.

  GOAL! Just as Little Thurrock almost bring it all square in the closing minutes of the match Ipswich get up the other end and score. From a throw on the right players drawn across the out ball is sent crossfield to the left with Turner the player in space 30 yards out takes on the shot drilling the ball in low it races across the six yard box striking the inside of the far post and bouncing over the line 3-5. 

  Turner tries another one from distance soon after the ball dipping late but straight into Fuwa's gloves. Time almost up the ball is launched up the pitch Styles and Judd burst clear giving chase to it, Lynch comes racing out to the edge of her area to kick the ball high into the night sky, the final action of the game.

Full-time Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies 3-5 Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

  Ipswich Wanderers win the game 5-3 to take the 3 points move up into 3rd in the ERWFL Division One table. An action packed 2nd half full of goals, an end to end game some quality shooting on display whether the ball went over the line or not. Little Thurrock dealing with McKew's threat through the middle 2nd half, backed off a little too much 2nd half allowing their opponents the opportunity to strike from distance Ipswich took their chances well. Little Thurrock battled all the way getting level early 2nd half almost got it back to 4-4 late on eventually losing 5-3. An exciting game to watch.

  Both sides are in action on Sunday, Little Thurrock making their bow in the FA Women's Cup a local derby at home at the Gateway Academy playing Brentwood Town Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying. Ipswich Wanderers Ladies are at home too in the 1st Round of the Suffolk Women's County Cup taking on last years beaten finalists, Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies, best of luck to both and thanks too to both for their help with the team details tonight.

Match Report - Hutton Ladies v Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

  Friday night football on the Supporting Women's Football Blog another trip down into Essex to watch more women's football from the ERWFL, this time in Division One with Hutton Ladies playing Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies.

  Hutton Ladies are the home side for tonight's fixture usually play their home fixtures at the Basildon Sports Club a short distance away. Are an established side in the Eastern Region Women's Football League set-up. Were among the title chasers last season in the old ERWFL Division One West, one of the few sides in the ERWFL I've yet to see play. Also have a Reserves side competing in the Essex Women's Premier Division. 

  Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies are late to the season didn't start their league campaign until this Sunday earn't a point scoring with the final kick of the ball at home to newly promoted Wymondham Town Ladies in a 3-3 draw. Aren't running a Reserves side this season, the club however has a large squad to pick from. Are looking push on this season challenge for promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division.

  A rearranged fixture from the start of the season with both sides having players unavailable, partying at the V festival. A Friday night kick-off the easiest way to secure a 3G pitch with floodlighting. The venue for tonight's game the John Hornby School in Basildon, I have been here before only I hadn't remembered because it was during a hurricane for my 1st match of 2016 when only 4 fixtures survived the weather got soaked through watching Billericay Town Ladies v Acle United Ladies. Is a decent sized 3G pitch with room for supporters to stand beside safely beside it. The weather much improved dry the evening still humid but cooling.

  Hutton Ladies starting XI - Krissie Glover, Danielle Jennings, Rianne Dimmock, Kelly Roberts (C), Hannah Page, Rhiannon Mallard-McHugh, Jessica Tuffen, Laura Allen, Amy Crumpler, Hayley Critchell & Danielle Cliffe.
  subs - Kaitlin Sugg & Keeley Walker.

  Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies starting XI - Jasmine Brooker, Courtney Fraser, Eloise Ives, Danielle Styles, Taylor Parrish, Abbie Simmonds (C), Kerri Thomas, Robyn Mudd, Libby Clarke, Georgia Fraser & Sophie Dowman.
  subs - Naomi Hayes, Taylor Adcock, Sophie Darkins, Katy Judd & Patrizia Leo

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   The floodlights starting to come on it's Little Thurrock to kick-off the 1st half, wearing black and orange shirts, black shorts and socks with Hutton lined up opposite in an all red kit with white collar and trim on the shirts. The ball is sent long out towards the left wing early on, Hutton get possession and look to try the same up the other end of the pitch. An energetic start from both sides the ball is exchanged between the sides without the precision needed to pick anyone out. 

  Krissie Glover keeping goal for Hutton is quick to react get out to the edge of her box as Little Thurrock captain, Abbie Simmonds in the centre of midfield plays the ball in behind the defence for Sophie Dowman to chase, the keeper getting hold of the ball launching a counter move the ball into Rianne Dimmock on the left played down the line for Hayley Critchell tries to knock it past the Little Thurrock defence get down the wing, Taylor Parrish from centre back comes to tackle put the ball out for a throw. 

  Neither side is letting the other have time on the ball, closing down in midfield, Laura Allen for Hutton turn cleverly evade a challenge, brings the ball on into the Little Thurrock half threads the ball between the opposition defence, goalkeeper Jasmine Glover is out to the top of her area to gather before Danielle Cliffe can reach it in attack for Hutton. Cliffe back to goal 25 yards out holds the ball up pushing it back to Amy Crumpler coming forwards to support her, has Critchell to her left looking to make a run in behind the Little Thurrock defence, tries to play her in over the top, the pass too straight is easily gathered by Brooker.

  GOAL! Little Thurrock push forwards win a corner on the right, players coming up from the back gathering at the far post area. Is a fantastic delivery into the box flashed with pace across the six yard box, straight at Danielle Styles hits the ball on the volley a sweet strike to send the ball back across the goal face and over the line 0-1.

   Plenty of zip and bounce on the artificial playing surface, Little Thurrock using the width Robyn Mudd attacking up the left wing driving on with the ball keeping Hutton right back Danielle Jennings busy. On the left side attacking for Hutton, Critchell is constantly looking to play the ball around the full back run in behind, but Parrish is always there to get across and tackle beyond. Hutton have a throw deep in the Little Thurrock half, Crumpler puts the ball into Cliffe standing outside the top left corner of the box rolls it into the path of the advancing Dimmock who looks to curl her cross into the area, too close to the keeper who catches it near post.

  Little Thurrock have settled into the game quicker than Hutton closing the ball down better, the back four dropping back as a unit the midfield squeezing the ball forcing Hutton to play it backwards rather than forwards. Kelly Roberts, Hutton's captain makes a vital interception at the back cutting out a Simmonds diagonal pass that would have seen Georgia Fraser clear to run in behind. When Hutton do go forwards Crumpler has space in the midfield as Little Thurrock drop off her, keeping tabs with those breaking forwards limiting the passing options. Crumpler very nearly threads the ball through the eye of the needle as Critchell tries cutting back inside through the centre Parrish just manages to get a toe on the ball to push it away from her.

  Getting up the left wing for Little Thurrock, Mudd gets her side a throw in, players push up the line the ball thrown long into the crowd, Dowman spins off the back knocking the ball on into the area gives chase, Hannah Page coming the other way gets to it 1st launching it out of the area for Hutton. Change for Hutton Rhiannon Mallard-McHugh comes off with Keeley Walker coming on. Little Thurrock make a substitution too, Katy Rudd on for Dowman. Hutton are awarded a free kick in a dangerous position a couple of yards outside the box on the left side indirect, Tuffen shifts it for Crumpler her strike is charged down by Simmonds the ball spins away to the right, Critchell puts her foot through it right of the D, the shot screws away from goal.

  Kerri Thomas is high up the pitch on the left side as Mudd driving forwards with the ball gets another throw in send long again Thomas receives turns inside and shoots from the top corner of the box, aiming near post Glover is behind it all the way makes the save. Thomas does well for Little Thurrock in the middle controlling the ball with her head before knocking it out to Eloise Ives on the right, she sends a long diagonal ball up towards the top of the area for Fraser, has Roberts with her the defender out muscling her headers the ball back to her keeper.

  Critchell pressing up the left forces Little Thurrock to concede the corner kick. Players come forward from the back taken from the left goes long, Roberts is under it can't get her head on the ball, Little Thurrock clear it, Allen picks it up for Hutton 30 yards out hitting the shot on the half volley, is off target. Little Thurrock bring on Patrizia Leo in place of Ives. A corner late in the 1st half for Little Thurrock on the left the ball is fizzed into the area with pace Simmonds with the header places the ball over the crossbar.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 0-1 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

  A narrow lead for Little Thurrock at half-time, in a 1st half that has seen little goal mouth action. Scoring from a set-piece have done well as a unit to frustrate Hutton and close the ball limit their attacks. A narrow lead Hutton have come forwards well enough but been a little slow in their build up play allowing Little Thurrock plenty of time to get organised cut out the final ball. It's Hutton to kick-off the 2nd half.

 Hutton play the ball up into the right channel win a corner straight away in the 2nd half, the ball into the box is cleared by Courtney Fraser as Little Thurrock launch a rapid counter attack the final ball hit with too much pace for Judd to get to is gathered by Glover inside the Hutton box. Judd involved in the next Little Thurrock attack the ball sent into the box from the right by Simmonds, Judd bursting into that side of goal sees the ball drop over hr shoulder, but trying to hep it goal wards does get a good connection with the ball runs on for Glover to scoop up.

  Roberts is down in her area with a muscle injury, needs to come off to recover, Kaitlin Sugg comes on. Mudd and Judd link up well on the left side, the former winning a corner off Jennings. Another good delivery fired into the area with pace behind it, too close to the keeper this time, Glover with a confident claim. Hutton's frustration grows are a little static Cliffe goes down injured as she and Simmonds tussle for the ball in the middle of the park an ankle injury can't continue, is carried off, Roberts recovered from her knock ready to return to the action. Little Thurrock bring off Mudd send on Sophie Darkins.

   Hutton have alot of players up the pitch for a throw on the left, the ball is won back by Little Thurrock who attack quickly the ball given to Simmonds on half-way carries it on into the Hutton half Judd sprints forwards to her right wanting the ball played into the area, Simmonds tries the diagonal ball, Page in between the pair well positioned to intercept. 

  Simmonds is seeing alot of the ball 2nd half for Little Thurrock bringing it on down the right is brought down the referee playing the advantage as Courtney Fraser latches onto the loose ball takes it in behind the Hutton defence, lifts the cross into the box Glover coming towards the ball gets a firm hold of the ball at hr near post. Judd is flagged offside for Little Thurrock as Darkins attempts the ball through the middle of the Hutton defence.

  Critchell hasn't stopped running on the left for Hutton, has found it tough to get in behind the Little Thurrock defence the throws conceded are adding up, from one of those the ball is dropped into the feet of Hutton's Sugg shifts it and spinning inside drives towards the area before blasting a shot on the angle into the side netting. 

  GOAL! Little Thurrock double their advantage keeping up their pressing game the ball is won inside the Hutton half, Simmonds races forwards through the middle looking to support Judd as the attacker finds an extra burst of energy to get her clear of Page at the back, reaching the top of the area holds it up as the keeper starts to come Page gets back too, The ball popping out from the pair just as Simmonds arrives her touch taking it beyond everyone and into the back of the net 0-2.

   Glover comes out sliding in to save the ball at the feet of Judd as she breaks into the area from the right one more played in by Darkins. The corner deliveries from Little Thurrock have been excellent something they have been working hard at in training recently. Have a corner the ball in from the left is along the six yard box met by Parrish who heads it back across goal, Hutton have players marking the posts the ball is headed clear back into the box, after a scramble a 2nd corner is conceded, swung in too close to the keeper this time Glover calls for it and claims.

  Simmonds latches onto a goal kick takes a stride with the ball then unleashes a shot right of the goal 30 yards along the ground Glover a little off guard, flicks out a boot to gets something on the ball deflects it wide across her area conceding the corner.

  GOAL! Little Thurrock are on top at this point in the 2nd half creating chance extend their lead to 3 with another well taken corner, fired in long again dissecting the six yard box it's Styles up from the back who stoops to send a bullet of a header into the back of the net 0-3.

  Little Thurrock rotate their players making plenty of changes, Naomi Hayes coming on for Thomas. Dowman comes on for Simmonds. Critchell taking the ball up the left for Hutton, turns inside finding a half yard for a shot fires the ball in towards goal on target, Brooker is behind it palms the ball down and collects. Little Thurrock are awarded a free-kick inside the Hutton half 35 yards from goal, Georgia Fraser never-the-less takes on the shot places her effort over the bar. Ives returns the the field for Little Thurrock Fraser rested. 

  A mistake at the back from Brooker handling the ball outside her box gives Hutton an indirect free-kick right on the edge of the area, left side the ball is shifted for Crumpler to blast goal-wards powers the ball wide across the face of goal. 

  GOAL! Not long after Hutton do pull a goal back from a dead ball, have players up around the Little Thurrock area the ball is knocked into the box the referee spots a hand ball and points to the spot. Dimmock to take the penalty, sends the ball into the back lifting the ball to the keepers right 1-3. A little under 10 minutes plus stoppage to play.

  GOAL! No sooner have Hutton gotten a goal back then Little Thurrock go up the other end and add a 4th goal. A free-kick is give out wide right players pile forwards into the box the delivery is sent long Glover back pedalling as the ball looks to be going straight in top corner far post players converge from both sides the keeper can't keep it out collides with the post the ball is over the line, Judd credited with the goal 1-4

  The goal has floored Hutton have 2 players down injured both including goalkeeper Glover are OK to continue little time left to play in the game into a lengthy period of injury time, Little Thurrock continue to press forwards the ball comes into the feet of Ives in space in a central position outside the box puts her foot through the ball powering it goalwards, Dimmock is pole-axed briefly as she drops to block the shot with her head deflecting it away for the corner. The set-piece is cleared the referee blowing the final whistle.    

Full-time Hutton Ladies 1-4 Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies

  A 4-1 win for Little Thurrock, fully deserved put in a good performance full of energy, closing the ball down well and defensively solid keeping a good shape at the back. A real threat from set-pieces some quality balls from dead ball situations, pick up their 1st win of the season to move onto 4 points and join the chasing pack behind leaders Cambridge City Ladies. The opposite for Hutton a lack-lustre performance never really got going and heads dropped too early 2nd half. Showed some promising build up play the final ball needed to be put in quicker too often Little Thurrock were allowed to get back into position. Stay on 4 points in the chasing pack too, early days yet in the season..

 My thanks to both clubs for their help with the sides tonight, appreciated as always.

Match Report - Colney Heath Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies

  The mid-week football action on the Supporting Women's Football Blog starts with a Wednesday night match from the ERWFL Division One. A trip to Hertfordshire to watch Colney Heath Ladies v Cambridge City Ladies.

  A new look to the Eastern Region Women's Football Leagues (ERWFL) 2nd tier this season with there previously being two Division One's, geographically North & South, or East & West as they were last season, for the 2016/17 there will be a single Division One with 11 teams competing. Both Colney Heath Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies began their league season on Sunday with contrasting results, a busy week for both playing tonight then again on Sunday.

  Colney Heath Ladies have been competing in the ERWFL since the start of the 2014/15 season merging with Colney Heath FC, having previously been St Albans City Ladies. Have one of the youngest squads in the league, one to watch. Struggled in the league last season one of many suffering from a lack of matches unable to get any momentum due to the high number of postponed matches, injuries too. Have showed their best form for the cup competitions reaching the final of the ERWFL League Plate for 2 successive seasons. Having seen them in then finish runners-up on both occasions this will be my 1st look at them at their home ground in league action. Have made additions to the playing squad over the close season, one of which, Ria Gray returning to the game after a spell away is in the starting XI tonight. Haven't got everyone available at the start of the season, have injuries too, notably to their goalkeeper. Suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat away to newly promoted Norfolk Champions, Wymondham Town Ladies on Sunday having just 10 players available.

  Cambridge City Ladies are newly promoted to the  ERWFL set-up going up as Cambridgeshire Women's Premiership Champions. Achieving a league and cup double in their 1st season playing adult football, a side that has risen together through the youth leagues. The League Cup success back at the end of last season the final game for now for several with the club as they head off to attend university. Applying for promotion it was with the knowledge the club may have to and were willing in push some of their U16 into the senior squad. Have been busy over the close season however the club bolstered by a host of new arrivals pulling players away from city rivals Cambridge United WFC having been with the club at youth level. Gemma Clare with Bar Hill Ladies previously and coach of the Cambridge City U14s team has also joined along with Stacey Fullicks making the switch from Netherton United Ladies. Began life in the ERWFL with a comfortable 5-0 win at home against Beds & Herts Women's Division One Champions, Hertford Town Ladies.

  The venue for tonight's game The Recreation Ground in Colney Heath home of Colney Heath FC. Easy to find in the way into St Albans off the A1. A large clubhouse and bar housing the changing room facilities off to the side of the pitch a small seated area built off it along the side with the dugouts further down. A good sized pitch, wide has a distinct slope from one goal mouth to the other, training pitches further on. Got the feeling of a community based club as soon as I arrived the women's side very much an integral part of the club. Has been a dry August on the whole and the pitch did look a little dry in places but then so does my lawn, bit of rain it'll soon green up again. After another hot day to end the month there were some dark clouds around that hinted at a shower that wouldn't materialise.  

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI - Annie Hickey, Viki Allen, Eustacia Randles, Rachel Sherlow, Kirsty Feasey, Lucy Hancock, Sophie Joseph (C), Kelly Hancock, Ria Gray, Sammy May & Holly Sheridan.
 subs - Georgia Knight.

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI - Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Liv Abbott, Lauren Tomlinson, Robyn Phillips, Becca Fay (C), Emily Reed, Stacey Fullicks, Carla Penny, Sarah Mosley, Charlotte Gillies & Grace Stanley.
 subs - Jade Powell, Bella Simmons, Rachel Pearce & Emma Littlewood.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A 7:30pm kick-off the floodlights warming up as the sun starts to set low in the sky it's Cambridge City to get the game underway wearing their away strip, sky blue shirts and socks with white shorts with Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. The home side are attacking down the slope 1st half. 

  Annie Hickey is the stand-in goalkeeper for Colney Heath this evening, gets an early kick of the ball as Cambridge City force the ball to be played back to her. A quiet start the ball toing and froing between the sides as they probe each others defences. On the ball for Cambridge City, Stacey Fullicks spreads the play out to the right wing, Charlotte Gillies running onto the ball wins the visitors a corner kick. The set-piece finds its way through to Carla Penny positioned on the top of the area, bouncing the ball won't sit for the shot as Colney Heath close her down win the ball and clear it.

  Cambridge City come again, Sarah Mosley on the ball through the middle bringing it on into the Colney Heath half picks out Gillies run on the right goes for the early strike drilling the ball towards the near post from outside the box, Hickey has the angle covered sees the bouncing ball up into her gloves. The pace of the game is quickening up,Colney Heath play the ball through the middle with pace try to put over the top for striker, Holly Sheridan to go after, Cambridge City captain, Becca Fay closes her down to tackle and win the ball back before Sheridan can wind up a shot.

  Fullicks links up with Gillies on the right going on past her and getting the return ball reaching the top of the box doesn't get the connection on the ball she was looking for as she goes to shoot the ball trickles safely into the keepers gloves. With five across the middle Colney Heath are energetic, closing Cambridge City down and winning the ball looking to get it up to Sheridan at every opportunity. 

  GOAL! That pressing brings about the opening goal as the ball is cleared into the midfield by Cambridge City, it's Colney Heath's Kirsty Feasey who closes the ball down and winning it plays it forwards, Sheridan timing her turn perfectly to break clear of the Cambridge City defence and carry the ball towards the box, Tafadzwa Mhunduru starts to come off her line, Sheridan goes for the chip outside the box the ball clearing the advancing keeper and nestling in the back of the net 1-0 Colney Heath take the lead on the 12th minute.

  A hand ball spotted against Colney Heath by the referee as Cambridge City play the ball up the left channel for Penny to chase the set-piece 25 yards from goal to the left of the goal, Penny is the player over the ball for Cambridge City, goes for goal looking to send a high ball in hasn't enough lift Hickey with time to set herself and make a comfortable save. The battle for the ball in the middle continues to be frantic, Kelly Hancock tackling does the splits manages to get the ball out to Sheridan who has come over to the right gets the Cambridge City defence turned again the ball put out for the throw. Cambridge City win possession of the ball counter attack, the ball played up through the middle for Grace Stanley to go after, Hickey makes the decision to run out of her area kicks the ball clear before Stanley can reach it.

  Sammy May with the ball at her feet gets her head down and drives through the middle of the park, is clipped 30 yards from goal wins the free-kick. Takes it herself looking to play it up towards the far post area to be attacked, a little too straight Mhunduru can come and claim it. Up the other end Hickey moves smartly to the edge of her box on the right to slide in and gather the ball with Gillies looking to turn inside from a throw-in. A double save from the stand-in keeper in the next attack Gillies put clear through the Colney Heath defence on the right closes in on the box pulls the trigger, Hickey making the save with her feet, the ball cleared back out towards Gillies tries again this time the keeper gets her gloves firmly around the ball.

   Rachel Sherlow is winning the majority of ball fired up towards her area, keeping Stanley well marked. Her clearance is headed on through the centre by Lucy Hancock picking out Sheridan who tries to power her way on into the box, is tackled by Robyn Phillips. Colney Heath regain the ball inside their opponents half getting the better of the 50/50 balls 25 yards out one challenge sees the ball pop into the box favourably for Sheridan to latch onto right of the goal lifts her strike over the cross bar.

  Fay brings the ball out from the back for Cambridge City, Tomlinson goes on the move from left back is given the ball, plays it up the line for Stanley who pulls the Colney Heath defence with her on the right, a clever turn gives her room to lay the ball inside with Mosley calling for it a fair distance out doesn't hesitate to shoot, hitting a low drive on target, straight at Hickey the keeper able to set herself and gather. Double change for Cambridge City with Bella Simmons and Rachel Pearce coming on to replace Fullicks and Penny. 

  Kelly Hancock and Ria Gray link up on the right side of the pitch a good give and go the pass forwards picking out Sheridan moving into space on the wing squares the cross along the face of the area, a vital interception from Phillips as May was in space behind her. More great defending from Sherlow the game continuing to be played at a high tempo, Mosley hooks the ball on up front trying to pick out Stanley, Sherlow keeping an eye on both the attacker and the falling ball as she runs back towards her box does well to see the ball over her shoulder and hook it clear. Colney Heath bring off Sheridan up top replacing her with Georgia Knight.

  The 1st half drawing to a close Cambridge City are starting to find a little more of the ball more possession inside the Colney Heath half. Going forwards Tomlinson delivers a high ball into the box, headed down fall straight to Stanley top of the area hits the ball on the volley drills the ball back in but wide of goal. Colney Heath captain, Sophie Joseph gets the ball into Knight moving away to the left, May makes a run through the middle, Knight looks to play the pass into her run, tracking her Phillips slides in timing her tackle wins the ball. 

  Mosley has been covering plenty of ground for Cambridge City in the 1st half moving out to the left gets the ball from Reed fires in the cross along the top of the Colney Heath area, gets past Sherlow this time but not Eustasia Randles behind her clearing the ball with Simmons trying to get in beyond her. Cambridge City have the impetuous lat in the half pushing players into the Colney Heath half a throw won deep on the left is put into Simmons feet, turns getting into the area, her shot charged down the ball finding Stanley 20 yards out right of the D a turn and hit fires the shot wide across the goal. 

Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 1-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  Colney Heath hold the advantage at half-time having worked hard for the lead, an energetic display have closed the ball down well and tried to turn the Cambridge City defence, May trying to get forwards to support Sheridan when she could. Have expanded alot of energy in doing so. The visitors have had the better of the chances without really testing Hickey in the Colney Heath goal, getting to grips with the pace of the game were showing signs late in the 1st half that they were starting to find more of the ball inside their opponents half. A 1-0 lead a narrow advantage.

   Colney Heath to kick-off the 2nd half, Fullicks is back on at the start for Cambridge City replacing Reed in the midfield. Play the ball up into the Cambridge City half Liv Abbott tackling to win the ball plays it up the line for Gillies taking the ball on, turns inside before squaring it into the middle, Simmons coming to meet it hits the shot on the spin sees her effort blocked by Randles inside the D. A bright start 2nd half from Cambridge City pressing Colney Heath inside their own half.

  Hickey scoops a shot up into her gloves as Simmons fires in from distance. Simmons involved again from a Cambridge City free kick won on the right inside the Colney Heath half, Abbott on the ball sends it long towards the far post. Simmons amongst the crowd gathered there gets her head on the ball turns the ball wide of goal. Pearce pressing the ball for Cambridge City gets hold of it 25 yards out picks out Simmons ahead of her moving to the right into the box, well marked by Sherlow can't find any room for a shot as she tries to drive inside instead lays the ball across the box with Stanley free to the left of the D 1st time strike as the ball comes into her sees her shot rise over the bar.

  Fullicks on the drive with the ball through the middle sees her shot charged down, getting on the rebound Hickey parries the ball away, Colney Heath managing to get it long up the pitch into the Cambridge City half after an intense spell of pressure from the visitors. Colney Heath get themselves a free-kick wide on the left inside the Cambridge City half a good delivery from Lucy Hancock up into the area, it's Simmons back defending who gets up to head the ball away. 

  Sherlow comes across to deal with Tomlinson on the left side as she bursts forwards from full-back to get on the end of a high ball down the line the ball put out for a corner kick. The corner on the left comes in near post put behind for another corner, a better delivery this time Colney Heath defend well heading the ball away from their box. With Cambridge City putting their back line under sustained pressure Colney Heath aren't finding it as easy to find Knight up front in the 2nd half. 

  Making progress up the right Colney Heath manage to win themselves a corner. May comes to attack the ball near post, Cambridge City defend putting it out for another corner. Gray moving towards the ball plays it back to the taker, lifting the ball back up into the area Feasey knocks the ball down with her head towards the face of the area a chance for Joseph coming in on the ball to have a strike at goal sends the shot blazing wide. Feasey tackles well winning the ball in midfield playing it forwards into Knight taking it on through the centre she shoots the ball blocked by the Cambridge City defence spins left Kelly Hancock is forwards after it, Phillips is on her quickly to regain possession of the ball. Penny back on.

  A good spell from Colney Heath, very nearly double their lead as Joseph steals in to rob the Cambridge City defence of the ball racing on clear into the box right of goal drills a low shot in towards the near post, Mhunduru gets down sharply to make the save the ball squeezes under her body however and is trickling towards goal, Mhunduru scrambles to her feet inside her six yard box and makes a desperate lunge for the ball laying claim to it just before it can creep over the line.

   A fantastic ball from Tomlinson on the left on half way across the pitch picks out the run from Gillies having plenty of grass to run into getting her foot on the ball taking it into the box looks to turn inside get a better angle for a shot the touch a little heavy allows Randles to get back on her and clear it. 

  GOAL! The pressure Cambridge City have been applying in the opening 15 minutes of the 2nd half brings the equalising goal the clearance is fired up to halfway sent immediately back in towards the area by Fay, Simmons to the left side of goal the player closest to the ball isn't distracted by the advancing keeper, gets her head on the bouncing ball sending it past Hickey and into the back of the net 1-1. 

  Both sides make a change Sheridan coming back on to go up top in place of Knight. Emma Littlewood coming on at right back for Abbott for Cambridge City. On the left attacking Joseph and May look to link up make something happen for Colney Heath, Joseph passes the ball on for May who looks to knock it on run in behind the Cambridge City defence, Phillips wins the race for the ball inside the box tapping it back into the keeper to clear.

   The visitors launch a rapid counter attack the ball put long down the right wing Gillies the willing runner gets after it turning the ball square into the top of the box Simmons onto it leaning back as she strikes the shot screws it away from goal. With 4 on the bench Cambridge City can keep freshening things up another double switch with Simmons and Pearce coming off, Reed and Jade Powell coming on. The visitors stretching Colney Heath now as they look to get themselves into the lead. Gillies having covered alot of ground on the right for Cambridge City comes off Stanley returning to the action with 15 minutes to go.

  GOAL! An immediate impact for the substitute with the ball over on the right Cambridge City attacking, the cross is flashed in along the six yard box, Hickey who has been so solid in goal doesn't get to the ball this time as it evades her near post, Stanley is after it no one to get back to challenge her sees the ball over the line Cambridge City take the lead 1-2. 

  Joseph gets the ball into Sheridan as the striker makes a move to get down the left channel turn into the area, Phillips stays with her and slides in to take the ball cleanly, sets up a counter attack the ball put into the middle Fullicks on to Stanley making a run in behind the Colney Heath defence into the area pulls her shot wide across the six yard box. Th Colney Heath players are starting to tire not a quick to close down a couple down with knocks. Cambridge City have a corner kick on the left the ball is played up the line with Tomlinson making a good run catching the Colney Heath player ahead of her cold runs in behind with the ball and take on the shot from the edge of the area flies over the bar.

  Wide left Penny has the ball at her feet travelling into the Colney Heath half, Stanley provides a run coming in from the right to get into the box Penny looks to flight the pass into the area for her, Allen nips in just ahead of her to win the ball. Into the last 10 minutes Colney Heath are pushing players on taking chances looking to find a reply the game is stretched now. Have a free kick on half-way the ball sent long Sheridan heads the ball on into the box, Fullicks is back helping defend the set-piece launches it clear of the area.

  GOAL! A couple more players down for Colney Heath late on into the final 5 minutes when play resumes the ball on half way the ball fed into Stanley left side in front of the area is perfect, taking it into her feet and spinning off her marker has the extra yard of pace to break clear looks to pull her shot back across goal, Hickey dives to her right gets something on the ball but not enough as it squirms under her and over the line for Stanley to score her 2nd of the game as Cambridge City lead 1-3. 

  One last free kick for Colney Heath to put the ball up into the box it's cleared as the referee blows the final whistle

Full-time Colney Heath Ladies 1-3 Cambridge City Ladies

  Cambridge City come back from a goal down in the 1st half with a strong 2nd half performance to win the game 3-1 making it 2 wins from 2 in their opening league fixtures to see them go top of the fledgling ERWFL Division One table. A game of contrasting halves, Colney Heath came out of the blocks running, closing down their opponents and breaking forwards quickly taking an early lead. Had they been able to maintain that 2nd half could well have gotten something from the game.

  Took Cambridge City a little while to figure their opponents out wasn't till late in the 1st half they started to apply some good pressure to their defence. Different story 2nd half by far the better side with the extra bodies on the bench used their substitutes to full advantage keeping legs fresh equalising then going on to win the game. An entertaining, fast paced game end to end for long spells.

  My thanks to both teams for their help with the teams this evening. Thanks too to Colney Heath for their hospitality and the plate of sandwiches that won't survive for long. Best of luck to both sides for the rest of the season.