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 - Colchester Town Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

 On to the 2nd of today's ERWFL Cup Finals a 3 o'clock kick-off between Colchester Town Ladies and Silver End United Ladies as they contest this season's League Cup.

  The ERWFL League Cup will belong to an Essex side after today's final with both finalists travelling west to the County Ground to contest the cup. Colchester Town Ladies the only ERWFL Premier Division representative on Finals day with Silver End United Ladies playing in just their 1st season at this level reaching the final. 

Road to the Final

  A straight knock-out competition open to all the clubs playing in the 3 ERWFL leagues the Division One sides in the East & West league contest the opening two rounds. Colchester Town Ladies entered the competition at the 3rd Round stage an away trip to the the ERWFL Premier Division leaders, Billericay Town Ladies. Won the game 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals drawn at home this time to face fellow Premier Division side, Haringey Borough Women. A single goal scored by Chelsea Forde seeing them into the semi-finals and another home tie against AFC Sudbury Ladies enjoying a good 1st season in the Premier Division. I went along to this game was a classic cup tie a 7 goal thriller Sudbury taking the lead only for Colchester to come back and lead twice themselves before eventually going on to win 4-3 to reach the ERWFL League Cup Final.

  Silver End United Ladies started the competition in the 1st Round away to Division One West side Sawbridgeworth Town WFC, won the game 3-2 in extra-time. Were on the road again in the 2nd Round a tough away trip to another Division One West side, Offley & Stopsley Ladies won the game 4-1 to set up a home tie against Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies in the 3rd Round. Emerged 2-1 winners to reach the quarter-finals and play fellow Division One East side West Billericay Ladies at home another 4-1 victory setting up a semi-final clash at home to Stevenage Ladies who would go on to be crowned ERWFL Premier Division Champions, Silver End United Ladies the underdogs found themselves a goal down battling hard going into the closing minutes of the game, Rebecca Hollocks scored 2 goals to see them win and reach the ERWFL League Cup Final.

  Again played at the County Ground a 2 hour break between matches, allowed me the chance to destroy a sausage, egg and bacon bap, refuelled to the 2nd Final of the day, still bright and sunny as the two sides were led out onto the pitch.

  Colchester Town Ladies starting XI - Nikita Runnacles, Elizabeth Blacklock, Zoe Smith, Ellen Powles, Lucy Jones, Charlotte Bryant, Alex Brewis-Shepard, Paige Wakefield, Megan Bamber, Georgia Box & Chelsea Forde.

  subs - Kira Fitzpatrick, Stacey Roper & Laura Guyon.

  Silver End United Ladies starting XI - Hannah Streetley, Abi Head, Georgia Raby, Lindsey Cowell, Roxanne Gardener, Jodie Osborne, Dani Warnes, Alex Bailess, Rebecca Hollocks (C) Lynsey Bowman & Rebekah Henderson.

  subs - Nikita Walker, Helen Alder, Paula Drane, Amy Evans & Michelle Taylor 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It's Colchester wearing red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks to kick off the 1st half in the ERWFL League Cup Final against Silver End who are lined up wearing sly blue coloured shirts with navy shorts and socks. The ball goes long to the left side early towards Megan Bamber on the left, wins a couple of throws as she makes progress down the wing before the ball eventually played into the area is headed clear. 

  A quiet start to the game the ball spending alot time being exchanged between the midfield players as they look impose themselves on the ball. Charlotte Bryant plays the ball out to Bamber making a run on the left wing again, lifts the cross in towards the Silver End goal rising towards the near post goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley is well placed to claim the ball. Paige Wakefield brings the ball forwards for Colchester has Georgia Box on her right rolls the ball out to her taking it further down the wing cuts back inside as she reaches the top of the box playing it back to Wakefield who then looks to play it into captain Alex Brewis-Shephard in a central position outside the box, misses her shot the ball running on to Bamber far side, left drives forwards lifting the ball into the area, Streetley calls for it and gathers.

   Wakefield gets herself on the ball for Colchester again coming forwards has Zoe Smith ahead of her in the centre, playing the ball to her she looks to hit the shot, Silver End defender, Abi Head gets her body in the way to make the block. Box gets in behind the Silver End defence on the right makes a run towards goal into the area, Jodie Osborne comes across to win the tackle put the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Silver End United Ladies, Georgia Raby looking to get ahead of Colchester's Georgia Box

  Silver End look to get the ball forwards themselves Alex Bailess plying it up to Silver End captain, Rebecca Hollocks, strong on the ball, holds it up well outside the Colchester area, turns back inside looking for an opening to send n a shot, none available plays the pass across to Rebekah Henderson free to the right, goes for the shot fires the ball straight at Colchester's goalkeeper, Nikita Runnacles.

  Lynsey Bowman out wide right for Silver End brings the ball forwards, Hollocks looks to provide a run ahead of her moving into the channel, can't get past Colchester's Lucy Jones the ball out for a throw, ending up back with Runnacles, Colchester hit Silver End with a quick counter attack the ball played long to Bamber on the left the early cross is fired in with pace, Wakefield furthest forwards in the middle improvises as the ball runs behind her run looks to deflect it towards goal with her heel,  doesn't get enough contact with the ball runs wide for a goal kick. Running with the ball on the right Box looks to come inside Wakefield is in the area looks to play her in, she slips as she goes to shot the ball rolls harmlessly in towards Streetley who gets down to see it into her gloves.

  An early change for Colchester as they bring Bamber off, Kira Fitzpatrick coming on to the wide left attacking position. Having rode out the opening 15 minutes of sustained Colchester possession Silver End are starting to find a little more time on the ball. The ball is put long into Bowman on the right 20 yards out meets it on the volley slicing the effort wide of goal. A free kick is won on halfway, Roxanne Gardner to play the ball up towards the Colchester area, Hollocks gets up highest to header the all across to Henderson to the left of goal takes on the strike smashes the ball against Colchester defender, Elizabeth Blacklock.

Silver End United Ladies, Lynsey Bowman

  Bowman finds some space to run into on the left as Hollocks central holds the ball up before laying out out into space for her to chase down, getting hold of it driving into the box let's fly her shot hits the side netting. Runnacles is out quickly to block Bowman as she is played in behind on the left again, blocking the ball it goes out for a throw on the left. Box and Fitzpatrick have switched flanks, Box is over on the left reaching the top of the area plays the ball inside into Bryant who hits the 1st time shot in towards goal lifts the attempt over the crossbar.

  Silver End get caught with numbers up the pitch as they lose the ball in attack Ellen Powles playing the ball through the middle Box is in clear to run at the Silver End penalty area, Head comes across and tackles well getting the ball away from Box out to the right side, Fitzpatrick looks to get to the ball smash it back into the area ends up smashing it into the Head's face leaves the defender pole-axed on the ground. Fear she might be knocked out but after a few moments is up albeit holding the right side of her jaw a painful one.

   Bryant passes the ball to Powles looks to go long hit the ball on the diagonal with Smith looking for it central making a run to get into the area, very nearly succeeds the pass just needs a touch and Smith is clear on goal, just evades her boot. Colchester get themselves a corner on the right fired in the ball is headed in towards goal, Streetley punches it away falls to the edge of the area , Osborne puts in the block as the shot is fired in. 

  GOAL! Colchester have been pressing for a goal and in the dying moments of the 1st half get themselves the lead the ball is played out to Box on the left side gets down the line before whipping a cross into the box, Brewis-Shephard has made the run from midfield and is unmarked on the six yard line the cross falling to her she heads it down towards the far post the ball rolling over the line 1-0.

Colchester Town Ladies captain, Alex Brewis-Shephard opens the scoring

Half-time Colchester Town Ladies 1-0 Silver End United Ladies

  Colchester have had the bulk of the attack 1st half, but for all of their possession Silver End have defended will, pressing the ball and putting in the blocks, haven't had much in the way of attacks themselves holding out before conceding so late in the 1st half. 

  Silver End get the 2nd half underway, Colchester get hold of it right from the start putting it out to Box on the left looks to play in Brewis-Shephard through the middle, Osborne closes in to tackle the ball sent out of play for a throw left.

  GOAL! Colchester keep Silver End pegged back from the throw get players into the left corner, the ball is laid back to the edge of the area before being sent in to Box inside the six yard box left of goal, going to ground gets she shot away the ball going across the goal face past the keeper and in 2-0. An early goal 2nd half just what Colchester wanted. 

  Silver End respond with a substitution, Helen Alder coming on for Henderson. Colchester are on the attack again Chelsea Forde playing the ball out to Fitzpatrick on the right side arriving with pace meets the ball on the corner of the area fires the shot it smashes into the boarding behind the Silver End goal. Colchester a pressing hard at the start of the 2nd half Box moving out to the right takes the ball into the area squares it along the face of the area with Brewis-Shephard, before she can get the shot away, Head gets back on her blocking the ball spinning into the gloves of Streetley. Colchester make another change sending on Stacey Roper for Forde who has picked up a knock. 

  Osborne matches up the bruises on team mate Head's face as her defensive clearance smashes her in the face again, another stinging blow needs a few seconds to recover holding her nose this time, but checking she's okay Head is happy to continue. Ducks out of the way of a third blow to the face as the ball is put out for a throw. Colchester work the ball across the box from the throw deep on the left comes through to Wakefield sends in a low shot towards goal, Streetley is down quickly to hold onto the ball.

Silver End United Ladies captain, Rebecca Hollocks

  Silver End with a free kick inside the Colchester half, Hollocks smashes a fierce drive into the wall the ball coming back to her is played out to the left, Bowmen gets onto it takes the ball on into the area wins her side a corner kick, Wakefield back defending the set-piece gets it clear drops outside the area Head looks to hit it on the half volley slices the shot wide. Silver End make a change taking off Lindsey Cowell and bringing Amy Evans on.

 GOAL! Brewis-Shephard picks up the ball in the middle makes a crossfield run right to left, full back Jones is already on the move bombing forwards the ball is played into her path taking it on down the flank crosses the ball in towards the near post with Box coming to meet it, hits the ball hard rising towards goal, a great save from Streetley throwing herself up getting her gloves to the ball doesn't get it away unfortunately as it falls to Wakefield at the far post to head the ball over the line 3-0. 60 minutes played Colchester with a strong start to the 2nd half have a 3 goal lead.

Paige Wakefield heads home to make it 3-0 to Colchester

 Laura Guyon is introduced to the action for Colchester. The Silver End defence is busy Colchester keep coming forwards, Fitzpatrick plays the ball into the area from the right side, Osborne defends well up against Box the ball pops free Brewis-Shephard is interested, Head goes up against her the close range effort blocked. 

  GOAL! A 4th goal for Colchester, Jones the scorer the ball with her on the left side high up the pitch sends in a high looping cross into the area, a difficult one for the keeper to deal with dropping down right under her crossbar dips late can't get anything on it as it hits the ground and bounces over the goal line at the far stick. 4-0.

Changes for both sides, Paula Drane and Nikita Walker come on for Silver End. Bamber comes back on for Colchester in place of Box. Silver End have had little of the attack 2nd half Hollocks wants to get the ball forwards, Walker looks to provide a run get into the box from the right side, the ball is sent up into the box, bounces through to Runnacles before Walker can get to it.

Amy Evans looks to get the ball forwards for Silver End United Ladies

 Wakefield picks up an injury after a challenge in the middle limps off for Colchester, Box sent back on. Bamber has the ball on the left, Box inside her is played in taking the ball into the area Evans tracking back does well to defend ease her off the ball. Hollocks knicks the ball off the Colchester defence on the left side looks to carry the ball into the area, Smith now in defence gets across to block her strike deflects the ball behind for a corner. The corner comes in central Runnacles calls for it and claims unchallenged.

Michelle Taylor comes on for Silver End, Bailess going off. The Silver End defence has battled hard 2nd half putting in alot of effort to try and stop the Colchester advance the game beyond them as it moves into the final minutes the back 4, Head, Osborne, Gardener and Raby come off, Bowman, Henderson, Bailess and Cowell come back on look to have a go late on Hollocks playing it long out to Bowman on the right her 1st time cross whipped into the box is cleared by Blacklock. Bowman has an opportunity to strike from distance the ball doesn't trouble Runnacles.

  The final whistle blows and Colchester Town Ladies win the ERWFL League Cup beating Silver End United Ladies 4-0. A strong 2nd half performance seeing them add 3 more goals to their half-time lead, gave the Division One East side little opportunity up the other end. A spirited performance from Silver End United just couldn't match Colchester 2nd half.

Colchester Town Ladies, 2015/16 ERWFL League Cup Winners 

Congratulations to Colchester Town Ladies on winning the 2015/16 ERWFL League Cup and once again my thanks to the both sides for helping me out with the team details today. An busy but enjoyable day attending the ERWFL Cup Finals day.

Match Report - Colchester Town Ladies v AFC Sudbury Ladies

   On to my 2nd league cup semi-final of the weekend, this one from the Eastern Region Women's Football League (ERWFL) with Colchester Town Ladies taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies for a place in the final.

  The ERWFL has 3 leagues the Premier Division with 10 sides completing and two feeder leagues Division One East and West which both have 7 sides. The Division One sides contested round 1 and 2 of the League Cup before the Premier Division sides entered in round 3.

   Colchester Town Ladies have been something of a Jekyll & Hyde side this season in the Premier Division picking up some great results then not building on them, sit comfortably in mid-table and no doubt that when they have their full squad available to them can beat anyone on their day. Have saved their best form for the cup competitions. Beat Premier Division leaders Billericay Town Ladies in the 3rd round 2-0 away from home. A single goal at home against Haringey Borough Women scored by Chelsea Forde saw them through to the semi-finals.

  AFC Sudbury Ladies came up to the Premier Division this season and have had an excellent season so far in the top division of Regional football, in 3rd place in the table. Were given a Bye in the 3rd round of the League Cup. Drawn away from home to play Great Shelford Ladies in the quarter-finals winning the match 2-1 Sophie Jeffery and Stacey Teager with the goals. 

  15 miles separate the two sides, league results equal a home win for both, however league form counts for nothing with a cup final place up for grabs. The venue for today's match The Boxted Sports Ground, situated in Boxted north of Colchester itself. A multi-sports facility the bar is currently undergoing redecoration, although there was a kitchen available for tea and coffee. It was finally nice to be standing beside a pitch with sunshine bathing down, few dark clouds around but reasonably warm for a change. The pitch has seen alot of action fairly bobbly.

 Colchester Town Ladies starting XI - Nikita Runnacles, Victoria King, Lucy Jones, Elizabeth Blacklock, Ellen Powles, Megan Bamber, Paige Wakefield, Charlotte Bryant, Kerry Stimson, Alexandra Brewis-Shephard (C) & Chelsea Forde.
 subs - Zoe Smith

 AFC Sudbury Ladies starting XI - Helena Brodie, Rebecca Thrower, Marie Seabrook (C), Holly Harrison, Sophie Pink, Sasha Diston, Phoebe Guiver, Natalie Golding, Emma Squirrell, Sophie Jeffery & Stacey Teager. 
 subs - Kayleigh Steed, Jessica Oxlade & Charlotte Golding.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Colchester have kick off 1st half, have two dual signed players in their starting line up today, Kerry Stimson also with C&K Basildon whilst Paige Wakefield is with London Bees. Whilst Sudbury have Jess Oxlade dual signed with Suffolk Women's Division leaders East Bergholt United amongst their substitutes scored 5 goals for them in last Sunday's league game. Colchester are kitted out in red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks with Sudbury lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. 

   Colchester work the ball up the right early on winning a throw the ball comes to Paige Wakefield level with the area turns an lifts a high ball into the centre of the area, Alexandra Brewis-Shephard, Colchester's captain rises to get her head to the ball leans on Sudbury central defender Rebecca Thrower to do it knocking her headed ball drops into the area, Sudbury captain Marie Seabrook along side Thrower gets her body in the way of the attempted shot, then clears the ball out of her area.

   Megan Bamber carries the ball up the left, plays it on for Brewis-Shephard ahead of her, race to the ball with Thrower as she comes across to win it, gets ahead of the Colchester captain plays the ball back to her goalkeeper, Helena Brodie, she kicks the ball out of her area, no height on the ball rolls straight to Chelsea Forde 20 yards out in the centre, a cheeky back heel beats the defender coming in to challenge her giving her room to shot sends the ball in towards goal curling to the right it won't come back enough to turn inside the post out for a goal-kick.

   Thrower brings the ball out from the back for Sudbury plays it wide right for Natalie Golding to take on into the Colchester half, launches a high diagonal ball into the area for Stacey Teager to attack, is muscled out of the way by Elizabeth Blacklock as she goes to challenge for the ball, Teager ends up on the floor the ball rolling through to Colchester goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles, nothing doing the referee waves play on. 

  Sudbury attack again Golding with the ball wide right again higher up the pitch this time picks out Teager in the middle 20 yards out sends the ball out to Sophie Jeffery on the left then spins off her marker looking to get into the box. Jeffery sends a great ball in across the six yard box bouncing evades Runnacles, Teager tries to control won't sit for her knocks it wide of goal.

   Kerry Stimson with a great pass to put Bamber away up the left side takes the ball high into the Sudbury half before whipping a high cross along the face of the area dropping far side Brewis-Shephard leaps up to head it down centrally for Forde, is closed down the ball looping up towards goal Brodie steps forwards and gathers it into her body. The referee's not putting up with any swearing and Stimson's reasoning for it doesn't get her anywhere.

  GOAL! Breaking up a Colchester attack in the middle Sasha Diston brings the ball forwards through the middle sends it out into the path of Jeffery wide left surges forwards turning inside to drive into the box with the ball reaching the six yard box has Teager making a run near post plays the ball into her feet the striker beating the defence to the ball to turn it home and give Sudbury the lead 1-0.

AFC Sudbury Ladies striker Stacey Teager

  Straight from the restart Colchester get the ball out to the left full back Lucy Jones playing it into Stimson with Bamber ahead of her left looks to play her in inside the box, Brodie comes to close her down sliding in blocks the shot the ball spinning away behind her for a corner kick. Next attack for Colchester is with Brewis-Shephard on the right her cross into the box too close to Brodie with Forde rushing in central the keeper brings it down into her body. Forde then has a go from 20 yards out running central, the shot taking a nick off Seabrook as she looks to  stop it rolls through to Brodie. 

Lucy Jones on the ball for Colchester Town Ladies

  GOAL! Colchester get back on level terms, win a corner kick as Thrower throws herself at the ball inside the box to take it away from the boots of the advancing Forde. The 1st corner put in from the is put out for another corner from this one Colchester score an in swinging ball sent into the centre of goal comes at Brodie quickly instinctively punches the ball sending it swerving out towards the far post area, Colchester get the ball back in across the face of goal with Forde central to bundle the ball home 1-1. 

Chelsea Forde puts Colchester Town Ladies
back on level terms

  Diston commits the foul against Stimson on halfway, from the free kick Ellen Powles plays the ball high to the edge of the area for Forde to attack goes over the Colchester attack, Sudbury clear the ball out to the right Brewis-Shephard gets hold of it and from the angle goes for goal hitting the ball hard sending it across the six yard box and wide far post. 

   Stimson takes the ball from Seabrook at the back and is in behind her to take the ball in towards goal, Brodie comes racing out to meet her sliding in to pounce on the ball, releases it quickly back to Seabrook who brings it forwards overrunning it slightly on halfway she and Wakefield are hurt as they both lunge in for it neither get it end up hurt on the deck needing treatment a painful blow to the knee for Seabrook she is helped off Kayleigh Steed coming on whilst she recovers. Wakefield limping off to is able to come back on. 

   Sophie Pink and Steed look to combine down the right the full back, Steed holding the ball up with Pink coming for the ball gets it as Steed rolls off her marker looks to go down the line, Pink plays the ball forwards, Steed turns towards the area, Jones tackles her brings the ball forwards looking to put the ball long for Forde, Thrower closes her down preventing the shot. Seabrook is ready to go again Steed appearance for now brief.

  Penalty! Late into the 1st half Colchester have a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. A powerful run with the ball from Stimson up the right riding a challenge turns inside as she reaches the touchline, gets into the box Seabrook lunges in from behind trying to win the ball, brings down Stimson the referee pointing to the penalty spot. It's Stimson herself to take, hits it low and hard to Brodie's right the keeper doesn't move however the ball smashes against the bottom of the post and spins out of play... miss.

Half-time Colchester Town Ladies 1-1 AFC Sudbury Ladies

  An entertaining 1st half played under the sunshine, two sides that are very much up for it battling hard to win the ball and create chances. Sudbury to kick off the 2nd 45, with the game perfectly balanced will we have a winner in normal time or will it go to extra-time?

   Colchester have the visitors pinned in their own half early on keep the pressure on for several minutes without finding the final ball to send someone in on goal a free kick relieves the pressure. Sudbury come back into it, Jeffery with good work up the left plays it across the pitch looking for Golding her diagonal ball into the box is headed away by Elizabeth Blacklock. Stimson gives away a foul on halfway, Thrower to take lifts it high towards the edge of the box with Jeffery looking to get onto the end of it can't get to it a deflection off a defender sends the ball in behind rolls right Teager coming in latches onto it is blocked spinning out for a corner kick on the right. 

  Brodie makes a save at the feet of Forde as she and Thrower are involved in a chase at the back Thrower getting in front of Forde as they enter the area tries to header it back to her keeper, doesn't get the carry with Forde looking to close it down, Brodie comes to her diving in to make the save. Sudbury bring Guiver off with Steed returning to the pitch.

  GOAL! Colchester take the lead early in the 2nd half and it's from another penalty. Starts at the other end a Sudbury have a free kick in the centre circle the ball is played long into the area headed clear the break is on, Stimson is released as she breaks over halfway, running towards the box the defender closest to her can't get the tackle in Thrower racing back comes across and clatters into Stimson leaving the referee with an easy decision. Stimson is hobbling after the challenge, it's Wakefield to take the spot kick the ball is hit low and hard, Brodie guesses right and dives across can't reach it as Colchester lead 2-1.

Paige Wakefield challenges AFC Sudbury Ladies Sophie Jeffery for
the ball with Marie Seabrook looking on

  Sudbury bring off Golding, sending on Jessica Oxlade. Attacking down the right Jeffery bringing the ball on squares her cross along the face of the Colchester area is just behind Teager, rolling on for Emma Squirrell she looks to hit the shot, Brewis-Shephard is back to challenge just about does enough to put Squirrell off the ball deflects wide to the right Teager lunges at it turns it wide of goal.

  GOAL! The visitors get the score all squared up again, a controversial one leaving the Colchester fans unhappy, Sudbury break from the back Colchester have over committed bodies in their last attack the ball is sent long into space up the left with Jeffery bolting after it, Victoria King gets into her stride as Jeffery reaches her the two racing for the ball left of the area shoulder to shoulder Jeffery puts her body into King sending her tumbling and runs on with the ball closing in on goal sends her shot across the goal face past the diving Runnacles, it comes back off the far post into the centre of goal Jeffery's momentum has carried her their and sliding in sees the ball over the line 2-2.

Sophie Jeffery scores to make it 2-2 for AFC Sudbury Ladies

   GOAL! No sooner have Sudbury got themselves back into the match then Colchester go up the other end and retake the lead. Stimson is on the ball put through in the middle for a run at the Sudbury box evades Seabrook's challenge, carrying the ball on has Brewis-Shephard to her right lays the ball off to her and continues on into the area, Brewis-Shephard returns the ball into Stimson's run and she shoots powering it past the diving goalkeeper into the back of the net 3-2.

Colchester Town Ladies, Kerry Stimson

  GOAL! Direct from the restart Sudbury bring it back level, Squirrell with the ball on the left puts it into the area Colchester don't clear it far enough is picked up by Holly Harrison 20 yards out central puts the ball back in over the top towards the right of goal Teager lunges for it getting the touch needed to evade Runnacles and put it over the line 3-3. A goal feast midway through the 2nd half still no clearer to seeing who will come out on top.

  King and Brewis-Shephard link up down the right for Colchester carrying the ball down the line King gives it to Brewis-Shephard then going on the overlap whips a high cross in towards the far post Wakefield is under it heads it down towards the edge of the area with Stimson coming in looking to meet it, good connection powering in towards goal fantastic save from Brodie throwing herself to her right pushes the ball wide of goal, Brewis-Shephard is 1st to the ball hits her shot wide across the six yard box.

   GOAL! 10 minutes left on the clock and another goal is scored. The ball is pinging around in the centre of midfield neither side able to get hold of it when a header is won the ball put forwards with Stimson springing the offside trap in the middle 25 yards out to run through towards the box Brodie starts to come, Stimson shoots early 20 yards out lifting the ball over the keeper it drops behind her into the back of the net as Colchester lead for the 3rd time in the 2nd half 4-3.

   Can they hold onto the lead this time around, as I told you in yesterdays match report the U18s from Newmarket had no intention of running the ball into the corner late on hold the lead, few more experienced head out on the field today, Colchester have the opportunity to attack instead carry it the opposite way into the corner, 1st Stimson then Brewis-Shephard keep Sudbury their own half. The visitors get a free kick the ball is played up into the Colchester half. Jeffery puts it into Oxlade attacking through the middle with Teager running in behind ahead of her Oxlade looks to slide the ball into her run, back pedalling Powles in between Teager and the ball manages to cut out the pass. 

Colchester Town Ladies captain Alexandra Brewis-Shephard takes the ball
towards the corner flag late into the game defending a 4-3 lead

   Into injury time Colchester do a good job to keep the ball inside the Sudbury half, and celebrate as the final whistle blows and they make it into the final of the ERWFL League Cup. A highly entertaining game, but then I would say that as a neutral, a 7 goal thriller with neither side getting the better of the other for long the game ebbed and flowed and the win could have gone either way right till the end.

   In the other ERWFL League Cup semi-final played this afternoon, Division One East newcomers Silver End United Ladies beat Premier Division title hopefuls Stevenage Ladies 2-1 both goals scored by Rebecca Hollocks to set up an all Essex final, date and venue to be announced.

  Congratulations to both Colchester Town Ladies and Silver End United Ladies on reaching the final. My thanks to both Colchester and AFC Sudbury Ladies for their help with the team details today.