Match Report - Haringey Borough Women v Acle United Ladies

  A huge game this Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division a final day title showdown with the top 2 meeting in their last fixture a point between them as 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women host Acle United Ladies.

  For both the ERWFL (Eastern Region Women's Football League) Premier Division title would see them promoted to the FAWPL for the 1st time. The scenario for a final day title decider has been on the cards for a few weeks and followers of my other women's football venture Women's Football East will have read the possibilities on the weekly Round-Up's. As it took shape the scenario said if either side were to win all of their remaining matches then they would be crowned champions.

  Haringey Borough Women have been in the top two in the Premier Division, along side Bedford Ladies the two sides got off to a flyer, Haringey winning their 1st 4 opening league games, Bedford went 8 unbeaten winning 7 before Haringey ended that run. Since then the pair have shared the lead at the top of the table. When Bedford played out their fixtures ending top on 40 points, Haringey knew they could catch them with 2 games left back on 37 points winning against Histon Ladies last weekend took them top on goal difference.

  An established side in the ERWFL, Steve Browne took on the ladies side bringing in several new faces to rejuvenate the side, very sadly he passed away over the New Year losing his battle with cancer. The team he had left behind in very good shape vowing to go and win the league for their former manager. Only met Steve Brown once back in 2015 when I saw Haringey play for the 1st time away to Brentwood Town Ladies. Was only too happy to help me out asking about his side, he told me they were young but full of talent once they settled as a team would do well in the league. As well as a potential league title it may yet be a double having also reached the final of the League Cup where they will face Division One Champions, Cambridge City Ladies.

  A remarkable run from Norfolk side, Acle United Ladies at the end of the season as low as 8th place just 6 weeks ago! A good start to the season were right behind the leading pair of Bedford and Haringey, falling victim to a few postponements along with cup matches were getting behind in their league games falling down the Premier Division table as a result, in 8th place that was when as other games were played the potential title decider was on the cards. 

  A big day for both sides. No doubt alot of excitement mixed up with alot of nerves... and that's just me!

  Easy on paper have to deliver on the pitch more often than not the side with games in hand on the leaders slips up, easy to have your eyes on the game at the end of the road drop points as a result before hand. Acle United didn't however each game won seeing them climb up the table moving into 2nd at the weekend 2 points behind Haringey, a midweek 3-1 away to Histon Ladies saw them lead the Premier Division table for the 1st time this season and Acle wanted to stay there.

  The venue for today's game Coles Park home to both Haringey Borough FC aswell as the women's side. North London parking was at a premium outside the ground the carpark inside home to a bustling market. Doesn't clear until 2pm. Risked parking in a permit holders area but told wardens were on patrol I returned to retrieve the car quicker than the traffic warden I spotted about to cross the road. Was allowed into the ground, the market traders only to helpful to assist me find a space. Their is a clubhouse with bar and refreshment booth situated beside the stadium itself. The changing rooms under the large mainstand offered covered seating with a good view over the pitch a good sized artificial surface recently put in. A nice sunny day a few clouds but the suncream was applied with the coat left in the boot of the car.

 Haringey Borough Women starting XI - Cherkish Young, Brooke Hills, Shaydean Gorman, Roisin Cormack (C), Robyn Reardon, Shernelle Francois, Morgan Lundberg, Anele Komani, Shanice Nourrice, Klesha Darroux & Julia Carruthers
 subs - Roxanne Eshun, Stephanie Cooper, Karen Nicholls & Karla Parker

 Acle United Ladies starting XI - Jody Wells, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodfield, Leah McGuire, Chloe Shields, Kate Pasque, Amber Rowland, Broghan Scully, Alice Ladbrooke, Meagan Todd & Rebecca Burton (C).
 subs - Jade Copeman, Bryony Knights & Lauren Bullard.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A blow for Acle on the eve of the biggest game in the clubs history with Joanne Hooper, player coach, playing anywhere she's needed most recently in goal damaging her MCL on crutches. Jody Wells normally a striker donning the gloves to today's match. It's the home side Haringey to kick-off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue trim and blue shorts. Acle lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts with black and white hooped socks. 

  Acle press Haringey on the ball right from kick-off the ball closed down and won by Broghan Scully on the right side pushes on with it before playing a diagonal ball up towards the top of the area with Megan Todd making the forward run, Haringey captain, Roisin Cormack gets across the attacker puts the ball out for a throw-in on the right. From the throw level with the top of the area Scully brings the ball inside again her target is Todd inside the box rolls the ball into her striking it first time sends the ball up over the crossbar. 

  A strong start from the visitors win a free-kick in the Haringey half as Kate Pasque is brought down as she makes a powerful run through the middle of the park. Right back Anna Larkins over the ball a couple of yards in front of the centre circle looks to send a shot in towards goal her flighted ball dipping late but doesn't trouble Haringey goalkeeper, Cherkish Young as it flies over her crossbar.

Kate Pasque takes the ball forwards for Acle United Ladies

  Haringey have a potent attack with strikers, Klesha Darroux and Julia Carruthers scoring 19 goals each so far this season. Darroux moves out into the left channel to receive the ball bursting forwards, Larkins gets back on her sliding in to put the ball out for a throw. Taken quickly played into Carruthers she looks to get into the box knocking the ball past Leah McGuire as she goes into challenge can't catch up with the ball before it runs out of play. 

  Bringing the ball forwards Acle have captain Rebecca Burton available on the left side in space 25 yards out receiving the ball she is caught with a late challenge as she releases the ball, the referee plays the advantage as Todd latches onto the ball drives into the box, cuts it back towards the top of the area, doesn't quite reach Alice Ladbrooke having made a good run as Haringey's Robyn Reardon throws out a leg to intercept the ball and knock it out of her path. Burton feeling the challenge is up back on her feet after treatment.

  Returns to the field left side just a Scully picks up the ball on halfway pushing infield passes the ball into Burton who lays it into the box for Todd making a central to left run, Young reacts smartly getting forwards to claim the ball before it can be knocked past her. Is a physical battle Haringey committing a few fouls early on giving away free-kicks. A frustrating start for the home side passes not finding their targets Acle benefiting. 

  GOAL! Acle capitalise upon their good start to the game scoring the opening goal in the 15th minute. The build up on the right side pressuring the ball winning it back played on by Scully, Todd moving into the box that side gets to the ball first sending it across the advancing Young into the back of the net 0-1.

Megan Todd opens the scoring for Acle United Ladies

  GOAL! The lead is short-lived however as Haringey find an immediate response looking to get the ball forwards from the restart Shanice Nourrice played in on the right is fouled 30 yards out by Pasque. Brooke Hills comes forwards from the back to take the free-kick sends a high ball in towards goal, coming in near post on target a difficult on for Wells goes to palm it over, slips through her gloves and despite a desperate lunge can't keep it out 1-1.

Defender Brooke Hills scores from a free-kick to make it
1-1 an immediate response for Haringey

  The physical contest continues strong challenges coming in keeping the referee busy, so far letting things go. Acle press Ladbrooke 30 yards out latches onto a defensive clearance hits the ball on the half volley, Young quickly across to her left post can see the shot bounce wide. Nourrice on the attack with the ball on the right for Haringey, plays the diagonal pass forwards into Komani, collides with the onrushing Wells at the top of the box, the ball rolling into the net beyond, doesn't stand however as the striker had moved too soon flagged offside a blow to the back for Wells needs treatment before she can continue.

  Ready to take the resulting free-kick for the offside Wells' ball find Burton on the move up top 25 yards out looks to drive forwards, Hills gets back on her just as she is about to pull the trigger the ball out for a throw deep on the left. Luka Goodfield comes forwards to take gets the ball given back to her going to the byline whips a high cross into the six yard box the ball is plucked down safely by Young. 

  Hills sends the ball into the path of Nourrice breaking down the right wing turning inside moving into the fires looks to fire the ball across the face of goal, McGuire cuts the cross out conceding the corner right side. A good delivery from the set-piece Wells does well in the middle of her six yard box gloving the ball away from a throw on the opposite side. Haringey make a change Shernelle Francois giving way for Roxanne Eshun.

  Cormack is late with the challenge again bringing down Todd on the left as she is put in down the line by Burton giving away the free-kick outside the corner of the box it's Burton to take sends it long towards the far post Todd is under the ball as she goes to jump, knocked back in by the defender beyond her however Pasque inside six yards out before the post gets her head on the ball nodding it down puts it straight into the goalkeepers gloves. Acle have a player down on the far side, it's Scully looks in a lot of pain after a challenge can't continue is replaced by Bryony Knights who joins Todd in attack up front.

  Darroux seeing the ball across her body 25 yard out skips in behind evading Shields tackle as she enters the box left of goal gets a shot away as the angle closes against her a good glove on the ball from Wells diving to her right to save the ball behind for the corner kick. Haringey finish the 1st half strongly, Anele Komani getting the ball out to Gorman on the right a handball spotted by the referee gives the home side a free-kick as the winger looks to play the ball inside. Hills to put the ball into the area Pasque heads clear for Acle. Keeping the ball in the final 3rd moving it right a deflection sees Carruthers in behind into the area on the right Wells comes rushing towards her blocks the strikers shot. 

 GOAL! Haringey push players forwards Carruthers on the ball right side is fouled by McGuire, the referee plays the advantage as Gorman has the ball goes on into the area the shot fired across goal goes long retrieved by Darroux on the opposite side she carries it towards the top of the area before turning back around and firing the ball back across goal into the bottom corner 2-1 to give Haringey the lead inside the final 5 minute of the 1st half. 

  Haringey end the 1st half with a free-kick just outside the box on the right, Darroux to play the ball into the six yard box Wells makes the save getting her gloves on the ball palming it down then claims it as it is headed back towards her. 

Half-time Haringey Borough Women 2-1 Acle United Ladies

  A strong start from Acle saw them take the lead, Haringey finding an immediate response to level. Has been an open game a physical contest, and although both sides have tried using the width there's been so much energy put into closing players down it has looked small at times. A narrow advantage to Haringey scoring late in the 1st half the game remains delicately balanced.

  Acle to get the 2nd half started. Haringey have Francois back on in place of Lundberg. Burton plays the ball on for Todd drifting over to the right is fouled trying to knock the ball in behind. From the wide position Burton puts the ball long towards the far post area, it's Reardon who gets her head on the ball to clear for Haringey.

  Francois brings the ball forwards for Haringey through the middle before playing it up towards Darroux inside the box left of goal controls the ball well turning in behind with the keeper coming to meet her tries to lob her gets the ball over her, her effort dropping wide into the side netting. Larkins winning the ball inside the Haringey half on the right drives forwards squared the ball into the box Todd central, Cormack gets across her to win the ball. 

Haringey Borough Women's captain, Roisin Cormack

  Another opportunity for Larkins to skip in behind from a throw in on the right, puts a high ball into the box this time, Cormack is there once more to head the ball away, Haringey look to counter, Pasque breaks the attack up. A high temp start to the 2nd half both sides wanting the next goal. Haringey break forwards, Komani into Carruthers goes on through the middle, Darroux moving right into the box, Carruthers picks her out taking on the shot, Darroux's strike whistles over the crossbar.

Anele Komani on the ball for Haringey Borough

  Komani is making so good runs with the ball in the 2nd half bringing the ball on committing players. Driving on looks to power her way into the area is brought down just outside left of the D. Steps up to take the resulting free-kick, gets her strike past the wall isn't too far away as it flashes wide of the near post. Acle make a change Knights coming off for Lauren Bullard. Komani breaking forwards with the ball makes a run across the top of the Acle area looking for room to turn inside and take a shot, Pasque gets back on her to win the ball knocking it towards Larkins who sends it clear.

  Burton holds the ball up well shielding it 20 yards from goal turns inside finding a yard of room to strike the ball her low drive skipping off the surface is gathered cleanly by Young. Both sides are putting alot of energy into the game. Good defending from McGuire inside the box as Carruthers gets hold of the ball on the left fires her cross into the middle looking to pick out Darroux, the Acle defending getting in front of her to win the ball. Carruthers attacking with the ball right side lets fly from outside the box puts her effort into the side netting.

Haringey's Klesha Darroux with Acle's Anna Larkins

 Pasque wins the ball for Acle rolls it on for Rowland ahead of her tries to lift it over the top of the Haringey defence with Burton getting in behind, Young coming towards the ball can claim it first. Larkins pushing on more 2nd half as Acle look to equalise sends a ball into the area, Todd goes up for it with Cormack the defender putting the ball out for a corner on the left. 

  The game moves into the least 20 minutes Haringey still with the narrow 2-1 advantage. Coming forwards for Haringey Hills wins her side a corner kick. The inswinging ball drops over Wells falling into the six yard box beyond is cleared by the Acle defence, Carruthers latches onto it 20 yards out blasts the ball back in is blocked runs back to Francois, she shoots the ball through everyone on target, Wells has started to go to her right adjusts fantastically to get her foot on the ball to save, knocking the ball wide Larkins sends it up field.

  GOAL! Penalty! Komani with a strong run on the ball going down the left turns inside to get into the area is fouled by McGuire, brought down the referee pointing to the spot. Down after the challenge with a little cramp, it's Komani herself who is to take the spot kick. Runs up strikes the ball straight down the middle, Wells gets everything behind the ball makes the save pushing the ball back out Komani is quickest to react hitting the ball hard past the grounded Wells to make it 3-1

Wells saves Anele Komani's initial strike but is unable to stop the followup going in

  A hammer blow for Acle as the game moves into the last 10 minutes, make a change Scully back on replacing Burton. Todd is clattered on the right, Larkins over the free-kick from a wide position looks to float it into the box near post for runners to attack, too close to Young the goalkeeper claims without challenge. Larkins finds herself the furthest forwards as Ladbrooke gets the ball up into the box the Acle full back getting in between Reardon and the advancing Young as they look to deal with the ball, gets a touch deflecting the ball wide, Bullard is their the ball just won't fall for her to get a shot away before being closed down by Hills.

  From a throw in from a deep position on the right, Larkins works the ball inside lifts a cross in towards the near post Todd gets up for the header places the ball wide of target. Eshun comes of for Lundberg late on for Haringey. Acle needing 2 goals in the last 8 minutes push forwards risk leaving space in behind. Todd fires a low cross in along the top of the area, Ladbrooke meets it first time her strike taking a deflection on it's way through to the goalkeeper. Pasque has a go from 25 yards out drives her shot wide across the goal. 

 Bullard gets possession plays the ball out to Larkins on the move down the right cuts the ball back along the six yard box, Todd rushing in far post throws herself at the ball can't connect. Komani on for Francois on the left going forwards plays the ball on for Carruthers, heading for the box, Wells comes sliding out to meet her, the striker getting the ball beyond the goalkeeper cuts it back towards the top of the box trying to pick out Darroux, Goodfield closes her down wins the tackle. 

  Acle get the ball up into Todd, driving on through the middle, Gorman gets across to challenge her as she enters the box. Eshun returns to the action in the closing stages for Francois. Komani still has pace to burn as the game moves into the final minute getting down the left plays it on for Darroux inside the box, Wells comes sliding in does enough to put the striker off as she knocks the ball forwards but can't catch it before it runs out of play.

 GOAL! The game is sealed in injury time, Wells' goal kick falling sort goes straight to Eshun 25 yards out in a central area moves the ball to her right and with the keeper out of position places it into the back of the empty net. 4-1.

  A hammer blow for Acle they send everyone forwards nevertheless, Haringey defend, Cormack bringing the ball out plays it long for Carruthers arriving at the top of the box strikes the ball her powerful shot smashing against the crossbar, the last action of the match as Haringey celebrate at the final whistle. League Champions.

Full time Haringey Borough Women 4-1 Acle United Ladies

 Haringey Borough Women celebrate winning 4-1 to win the ERWFL Premier Division title coming out on top in a physical contest, played with plenty of energy a nervous start however going 1 nil down as Acle dominated the early exchanges. Pulled the scores back straight away before taking the lead themselves late in the 1st half. 2nd half Komani made alot of difference to the home sides her runs on the ball causing Acle problems as they pushed on looking to find a levelling goal conceding a penalty the late goal a making the scoreline a little harsh. Runner-up in the finish Acle United Ladies can be proud of the season they have had a great run to end the season and a highest ever league place finish.

Haringey in the top 2 all season clinch the title and promotion to the FAWPL a fantastic achievement with a cup final to come. 

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

 Today's SWF Blog - Player of the Match award goes to Haringey's Anele Komani a great midfield performance, especially in the 2nd half driving forwards on the ball looking to take on players, winning the penalty and scoring to give Haringey a valuable 2 goal cushion in the latter stages of the game. 

Haringey Borough Women, 2016/17 ERWFL Premier Division Champions

 Congratulations to Haringey Borough Women on becoming ERWFL Premier Division Champions.

 My thanks to both clubs for all their help today have watched some great football in the ERWFL this season, a couple of cup finals left to come.

Match Report - Colchester Town Ladies v Writtle Ladies

 A midweek trip down to Essex to watch a derby match in the ERWFL Premier Division with Colchester Town Ladies hosting Writtle Ladies both playing their 3rd match of the new season.

  Is a new look Colchester Town Ladies side too starting the 2016/17 season. Had a good end to last season winning the ERWFL League Cup Final. Much of that side has now left the club. Former manager Rosi Webb and a couple of others have gone to fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Billericay Town Ladies, others have joined Lowestoft Town Ladies and C&K Basildon Ladies whilst former captain Alex Brewis-Shephard has retired from the game. 

  Adam Firman is now 1st team coach and taking charge of a new look side, Colchester have a strong youth set-up and several of their U18s have stepped up to the 1st team. Goalkeeper Molly Povey joining the club from C&K Basildon Ladies starts in goal tonight making her debut. A side still getting to know one another. Started the season with an opening day win scoring the winning goal late on, suffered the opposite in their 2nd game losing out to a last gasp winning goal. 

  Writtle Ladies are newly promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division, have had a rapid rise up the football pyramid 3 successive promotions from the Essex Women's County Leagues up into the ERWFL Division One East last season had a 100% for almost 3 seasons in that time to lost one game towards the end of last season to end that amazing record by then however they were Champions and going up, got more silverware too winning the ERWFL Division One Cup last season aswell as finishing runners-up in the Essex Women's County Cup. 

  Have a settled and stable playing squad backed up by a good youth set-up have made new signings, two former Colchester Town Ladies players in their ranks now, Charlotte Bryant and Lucy Jones. Lost their opening league fixture before bouncing back to win 5-1 last Sunday, both sides on 3 points going into tonight's Essex derby.

  The venue for tonight's game Stanway Rovers FC, not far off the A12 between a residential and industrial area. Bar and clubhouse out front beside the carpark the ground beyond. A large pitch, not the most level of playing surfaces by any means rises sharply towards one corner. Hot drinks available a cup of tea the 1st order of business. Has been another warm sunny day the evening dry, cooling slightly the floodlights taking effect as the two sides walk out for kick-off.

Colchester Town Ladies starting XI - Molly Povey, Tamesha Blackwood, Chloe Dunn, Elizabeth Blacklock, Georgia Lockerbie, Sasha McDonald, Katie Bruce, Rebecca Donnelly, Millie Wilding, Miagh Downey & Georgia Box (C).
subs - Lauren Bourne, Nancy Butler & Erin Hornby.

Writtle Ladies starting XI - Jamie-Lee Bamford, Kayleigh Franklin, Lucy Jones, Niamh Gamble, Lynette Jones, Charlotte Bryant, Ellie Bowdidge, Courtney Clarke, Leanne Stubbings, Abigail Fry (C) & Sophie Vale.
subs - Hannah Mold, Charlotte Walker, Georgia Tricker, Amelia Murphy & Mia Brisley.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It's Colchester to get the game underway kicking off 1st half wearing red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks with Writtle lined up opposite wearing white and green horizontal striped shirts, green shorts and socks. The home side move the ball quickly into the Writtle half, captain Georgia Box giving chase to it into the right channel forces Writtle to concede a throw in the ball is given to Chloe Dunn the full-back firing a diagonal ball into the box near side is met by Miagh Downey her 1st touch a header powers the ball wide of goal.

  GOAL! It's a goal to the away side early on as they hit Colchester on the counter attack, goalkeeper, Jamie-Lee Bamford having collected the ball from a free-kick gets it moving quickly the ball is with Leanne Stubbings in a central position as she drives forwards with the ball centrally as she drives into the Colchester half, has Writtle captain Abigail Fry making a run on the left rolls the ball into her, players pile forwards towards the top of the area, Fry squares the ball along the top of the Colchester box, Stubbings helps it on with Courtney Clarke beyond opens her body to turn the ball towards goal keeping the shot low, Molly Povey in the Colchester goal can't get down quick enough the ball inside the post and in 0-1.

   Both sides are looking to build a quick attack get the ball into their attackers, Sasha McDonald for Colchester tries one over the top for Box to go after, the bounce carrying it through to Bamford in the Writtle goal. Charlotte Bryant on the ball moving forwards for Writtle through the centre of midfield plays the ball on with Stubbings making a run in behind the Colchester defence, the attack halted by the offside flag. 

  Colchester bring the ball out from the back the pass up field into Millie Wilding bringing the ball up the right passes inside to McDonald she switches play out to the left, Downey with Rebecca Donnelly, win a throw level with the top of the area, taken quickly the ball is played into Downey's feet outside the top left hand corner of the Writtle area, her turn and hit is charged down. 

  Niamh Gamble in the Writtle back line turns defence into a attack as she tackles Box to win the ball back for the visitors and plays it long down the left wing with Fry breaking down the line, picking up the ball dribbles her way into the area closing in on goal her touch to move the ball inside is too strong gives Povey the chance to pounce on the ball send it clear of her area. Writtle are using the full width of the pitch Fry left and Sophie Vale on the right stretching the Colchester defence, Vale gets in behind looks to drive towards the area, Georgia Lockerbie closes her down a good tackle to win the ball back. 

  Throw on the right for Colchester inside the Writtle half, Dunn to take throws in towards Box near the top right corner of the area, good hold up play before laying the pass back to the advancing McDonald she looks to swing a diagonal ball into the area, Downey and Donnelly up there, in between them Writtle's Lynette Jones rises highest to head the ball out of danger. 

  GOAL! The game is being played at a rapid tempo the ball played up field quickly as an attack is broken down, Writtle win the ball back push it on into midfield the ball then put long for Vale to receive on the right, getting in behind the Colchester defence turns inside to close down the area, Povey starts to come, Vale opts to shoot from outside the area blasting the ball across the advancing keeper and into the far corner of the net 0-2.

  A change of positions for Colchester switching full-backs Dunn moving to the left, Tamesha Blackwood coming over to the left. Writtle press the ball high up the pitch, Stubbings has it right side puts the ball into Vale, Kayleigh Franklin from right back goes on the overlap the ball cut back in towards the top of the area looking to pick out Clarke near side, Blackwood gets back on her to prevent her getting the ball under control and unleashing a shot. On the opposite flank the ball is with Fry as she takes it down to the byline whips the cross on near post Clarke has made the run turning the ball on towards goal her effort is blocked. 

  Colchester make two substitutions, Donnelly and Katie Bruce off, on come Lauren Bourne and Nancy Butler. A corner for Writtle on the right side the ball played long towards the far post is met by Fry, can't keep her header down the ball going out for the goal-kick. 

  GOAL! Writtle are seeing more of the ball have possession inside the Colchester half win a free kick wide on the right the ball in a deep position, Vale over it as players come up from the back the ball is sent long into the box near post two green and white stripe shirted players look to attack it the ball instead is cleared out of the area comes to a Writtle boot knocked across to Ellie Bowdidge outside the area in a central position takes the shot on 20 yards out powering the ball into the back of the net over the keeper before she can react 0-3.

  A free kick from an almost identical position a moment later the ball sent up into the area again, more central this time comes to Bowdidge can't bring it under control before she is closed down by the Colchester defence. Fry keeps finding room on the left for Writtle swings in a good cross, Clarke the target, Elizabeth Blacklock clears the ball with her head. A free kick to Writtle wide left this time, Vale looks to go for goal sending a ball high, it drops late, too late however onto the roof of the net.

 Erin Hornby comes on for Colchester replacing, Blackwood at right back. Vale with another set-piece on the right lifts the ball up into the box Clarke central is challenged by Dunn the Colchester defender doing well against her to win the ball. The free-kick count for Writtle is adding up have another outside the box to the left of goal, Fry over this one curls the ball in aiming for the top corner near post on target, Povey does fantastically well to get a glove on the ball take it behind for the corner.

  GOAL! Is a fantastic delivery from the corner on the left, Vale whipping the ball in along the six yard box keeping it low, is met by Clarke coming in far post gets her foot on the ball to stab it in towards goal and over the line 0-4. 

  Colchester attack from the restart the ball played up the right wing by Bourne for Box to go after, a clever turn to take her inside into the box, looks to send it across the ball cut out by the Writtle defence comes back to Downey inside the D shifts it to open up a shooting opportunity, hits the ball hard takes a deflection taking it wide for the corner kick. The ball is swung into the area from the right just over Blacklock on the penalty spot the ball headed out only as far as Wilding 20 yards out right of the area hits the shot 1st time off target goes wide.

Half-time Colchester Town Ladies 0-4 Writtle Ladies

  A comfortable lead for Writtle at half-time as they remain on the field at half-time, Colchester head to the dressing room needing to sort a few things out. Have been stretched at the back by Writtle's movement the visitors switching play well, Fry and Vale using the wide pitch to their full advantage. 

 It's Writtle to kick-off the 2nd half, look for Fry on the left early, can't keep the ball in play. Franklin pushes forwards on the right side going past Vale wins her side a corner kick. Vale to delivery it swept in centrally, Clarke jumps can only brush the ball with her head, is cleared behind her, Writtle winning it back outside the box the ball is sent back in bounces through to Povey who gathers without challenge. 

  Colchester are playing a slightly higher line at the start of the 2nd half twice they catch Writtle offside. Clarke on the drive with the ball for Writtle through the middle of the park has Vale ahead of her outside the D lays the ball to Fry left side the pair exchange passes before the cross is swung into the box, Dunn gets it away for Colchester. Colchester look a lot tighter at the back 2nd half, closer and closing the ball quicker are penned in their own half not able to release Box up top.

  Free-kick for Colchester inside the Writtle half, Blacklock over the ball sends it up into the area, McDonald is under the bouncing ball, trying to bring it under control is closed down by 3 Writtle defenders the ball won back. Writtle make two changes firstly bringing on Georgia Tricker for Bryant, then Hannah Mold comes on for Franklin. Bourne battles her way through the middle with the ball for Colchester before playing the pass to Box on her left, tries to square the ball back to Bourne is squeezed off it the throw conceded, Dunn getting forwards has a chance to hit the ball into the area her cross to the far post is sliced back across the six yard box by Gamble as she attempts to clear, no one on had for Colchester to pounce the ball is safely away.

  3rd substitution for Writtle, Bowdidge is replaced by Charlotte Walker. A little flat from Writtle are looking to lift it still with a comfortable 4-0 lead, Colchester have upped their tempo the ball being contested at every opportunity. 4th change for Writtle, Clark coming off to be replaced by  Amelia Murphy. Colchester bring the ball on down the right, Butler passing into Box outside the area switches play to the right Downey shooting from outside the area slices hr shot straight into Bamford's mid-riff.

  A powerful run from Tricker in midfield, left of the goal hits the shot on the run from 25 yards out drills the ball wide across the area. Mia Brisley comes on for Writtle for Vale the move seeing Fry switch over to the right side. Colchester concede a free-kick outside their area to the left of the D 25 yards out, Tricker I think plays the shot in towards goal on target Povey looks to palm it down but it gets away from her rolling to the right 2 Writtle players are after it Walker nudging the ball onto the post, Gamble ensuring it goes over the line, the celebrations are cut short however it won't count the flag is up for offside.

   Downey central connects with the ball well sending a low shot in from 30 yards out as Box passes the ball in field from the left. On target Bamford dives to her right pushes the ball wide of her goal, Mold then getting onto it 1st and clearing before Box following up can latch on to it. Blackwood returns to the field for Colchester with Lockerbie coming off at the back. Butler over on the right outside the Writtle box hustles the defence to win the ball lays it back for Hornby to swing a ball into the middle Bourne can't quite bring it down outside the back before she is closed down and tackled by Jones. 

  The game continues to be played at a good tempo, Writtle's Tricker has space to take advantage of on the right, plays the cross into the box, Murphy closest to the ball attempts a back heel doesn't come off runs through Brisley beyond she opts for power blasting a shot at goal, Hornby is in the way throws her body into the shot blocking it. Bruce is back on for Colchester a straight switch for McDonald in the middle. Are working hard in defence to keep things tight, Writtle have threats all over the park now, Tricker latches onto a clearance on the right goes for goal some 30 yards out a low strike is off target but coming across to cover her near post Povey can't be sure dives to stop the ball then is up quickly to gather.

  GOAL! Colchester have been much improved 2nd half putting in a lot of effort to keep Writtle out up one end get forwards to pull a goal back, counter attack down the right the ball turned inside, Downey tries to help it on for Box in loads of space on the left the initial ball is cut out, Colchester squeeze it central win it back, Downey picking out Box with the pass this time to send her clear into the Writtle area, one on one with Bamford hits a composed strike up over the keeper to put the ball into the back of the net 1-4.

  Very nearly concede up the other end, Fry racing clear on the right is picked out by Stubbings taking the ball on down the wing turns inside into the box, Povey comes out to meet her sliding in at her feet to take the ball cleanly. Writtle with the attack late on Bowdidge plays the ball over the top for Fry to go after, Colchester concede the corner kick. Played in from the right, Stubbings near side chests the ball on into the middle, Colchester clear the referee blowing the final whistle. 

Full-time Colchester Town Ladies 1-4 Writtle Ladies

 A much improved 2nd half performance from Colchester 2nd half matching Writtle better after the visitors blew them away in the 1st half scoring an early goal and following up with 3 more. With a 4 goal advantage didn't need to press on as much 2nd half but were looking to add to the tally. Fry and Vale doing the damage in the wide positions. A 2nd win of the season for Writtle sees them up to 3rd in the Premier Division table, still very early days the season just 3 weeks old.

  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details today always appreciated.