Match Report - AFC Sudbury Ladies v Acle United Ladies

  The women's football action on the Supporting Women's Football Blog this Sunday comes from the Eastern Region Women's Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division a trip to Suffolk to watch AFC Sudbury Ladies play Acle United Ladies. 

  The ERWFL season kicked off last Sunday and both sides got off to a great start recording opening day wins. Suffolk side, AFC Sudbury Ladies enter their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division finished 3rd in their debut season at this level a position they held for most of the campaign. Will be hoping to push on challenge for the top 2 this time around have added to their squad bringing in Penny Everett and Megan Partridge who were with the now folded Long Melford Ladies last season. Started the season with an opening day victory at home, Sasha Diston scoring the goal as Sudbury beat newly promoted Royston Town Ladies 1-0.

  Acle United Ladies are beginning their 3rd season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division and the side from Norfolk having been at the wrong end of the table for the past two seasons are confident of better things this time around. The club has seen a change of coach and several new players joining the club during last seasons campaign coupled with fixture pile up due to early season postponements that never let the club gain any momentum on the field. The close season has seen a few more additions to the squad which got the season off to a great start last weekend winning 5-2 on the road against AFC Dunstable Ladies.

  Although AFC Sudbury Ladies have featured in match reports on the SWF Blog before this is the 1st time I've seen them play at home. Are very much an integral part of the men's club, play at the Wardale Williams Stadium on the outskirts of Sudbury. A state of the art 3G pitch with a large newly built clubhouse and stand on one side of the ground, refreshments hot and cold available. A covered terraced stand between the dugouts on the opposite side of the pitch with covered standing areas behind both goals. Still warm and sunny as we near the end of August, several dark clouds around with the chance of a heavy shower during the match.

  AFC Sudbury Ladies starting XI - Penny Everett, Holly Harrison, Charlotte Churchman, Rebecca Thrower, Sasha Diston (C), Phoebe Guiver, Hayley Turner, Charlene Roach, Sophie Jeffery, Mia Etheridge & Megan Partridge.
  subs - Stacey Teager, Georgia Lindon & Natalie Golding

  Acle United Ladies starting XI - Joanne Hooper, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodchild, Chloe Shields, Kate Pasque, Alice Ladbrooke, Amber Rowland, Rose Glendinning, Shannon Dade, Rebecca Burton (C) & Jody Wells.
  subs - Leah McGuire. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Sudbury kick off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts were without a few 1st team regulars unavailable for the game. Joanne Hooper, Acle's player/assistant coach can and has played in a number of positions for the side, today was in between the sticks keeping goal. Acle were wearing their new away kit red and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts with red and white hooped socks. 

  Straight from the kick off, Sudbury play the ball up the right channel with Hayley Turner giving chase to the ball, Acle's, Chloe Shields comes across to tackle and win the ball on the edge of the box putting the ball out for a throw. Receiving the ball from the throw in, Sudbury's Holly Harrison sweeps a high ball up into the Acle six yard box, Hooper sees it safely into her gloves. Playing the ball out quickly from the back, Anna Larkins on the right passes the ball on for Shannon Dade ahead of her attacking down the wing takes on the shot as she reaches to top of the box, hits the ball hard and low towards the near post, Penny Everett in goal for Sudbury has the angle covered, gathers the ball into her body.

AFC Sudbury Ladies, Holly Harrison

  Early pressure from the visiting side, winning the ball at the back get it up top through the middle quickly, Alice Ladbrooke playing the ball into striker, Jody Wells feet, back to goal 25 yards out looks to flick it over the top of the Sudbury defence with Dade making a run in behind to the right, Everett has seen the threat and coming off her line early clears the ball as it enters the area. Acle regain the ball and coming forwards win a free kick 30 yards from goal, Amber Rowland over the ball sends it long into the box towards the far post. Rebecca Thrower defending for Sudbury does well to stop Acle midfielder, Rose Glendinning get in round behind her concedes the corner. The set-piece goes long beyond the far post Ladbrooke gets up to head the ball, turns her effort behind for a goal kick.

Defender, Rebecca Thrower clears the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies

AFC Sudbury Ladies captain
Sasha Diston

  An end to end start to the game both sides looking to break quickly on the counter attack, Glendinning carries the ball with her through the middle of the park looks to put, Rebecca Burton the Acle captain through on goal, a good run, Sudbury's Charlotte Churchman gets across her path just in time to push the ball wide and clear. Sudbury attack up the left side of the pitch the ball played into Sophie Jeffery her diagonal pass through the middle almost has Turner clear to attack the Acle goal, with Hooper rushing out it's Kate Pasque who nips in ahead of Turner to intercept. Phoebe Guiver comes on for Sudbury.

  There are a few fouls being committed both sides getting a little physical, Sudbury in particular not happy with some of the refereeing decisions. Free kicks being given away, Sudbury are awarded one in the middle of the Acle half a chance for Charlene Roach to test out Hooper in goal gets the shot on target but not enough height to trouble the keeper. Another free kick to Sudbury on the left top of the area is played in towards the far post plenty of bodies there to attack it, it's an Acle head that gets it cleared out of the box.

  GOAL! 22 minutes played and the visitors take the lead. With possession on the right bringing the ball into the Sudbury half, Acle win a throw in the ball is put into Glendinning who plays a great ball forwards for Wells to turn onto and run at the Sudbury box, Everett comes racing out to slide in at the strikers feet, spills the ball escaping her rolling to the right, Wells having kept her feet goes after it and turns the ball into the empty net beyond 0-1.

Acle United Ladies, Jody Wells

  Sudbury are awarded another free kick inside the Acle half with no advantage coming as they press bodies forwards. To the right of the box 30 yards out defenders come up from the back as Roach plays the ball diagonally to the far post, Acle head the initial ball clear out to the left Sudbury close it down and regain possession an early cross into the box, Diston is still forwards in the area connects with her head 12 yards out places the ball wide of the near post. Sudbury continue to put the Acle back line under pressure keeping possession around their 18 yard box, Megan Partridge unable to find a way through with the ball left side plays it across to the right with Harrison having gotten forwards looking to hit it 1st time, can't keep her strike down.

  GOAL! Acle are attacking down the right the ball is flung into the area, Thrower gets across Wells to clear the ball, Ladbrooke reacts sharply coming forwards to intercept the ball fired into the box, Wells turns the ball across the six yard box an awkward ball for the defence to deal with facing their own goal, Everett comes for it with Burton closing her down doesn't gather cleanly as Burton challenges and manages to turn the ball over the line 0-2.

Rebecca Burton scores Acle
 United  Ladies 2nd goal

   Dade bringing the ball on down the right wing for Acle takes on the early shot, angling in low towards the near post, Everett is across and in place to make the save. The foul count is clocking up against Rowland as she gets a final warning from the referee. Hooper commits early to coming out to the edge of her area sliding in to claim the ball as Partridge tries to play Turner in over the top. A free kick for Acle inside the Sudbury half Larkins plays the ball long to the far post from the right, Everett jumping up amongst the players around her to lay claim to the ball. Acle make a change Leah McGuire coming on for Rowland. 

  Mia Etheridge steals in to win the ball off the Acle defence and run in behind down the right squares a good ball along the six yard box, no one attacking the near post, Hooper is able to throw herself forwards and get hold of the ball. Time running out 1st half to get themselves back into the match Partridge is flagged offside in the Acle box as she squeezes a shot past the on rushing Hooper. Luka Goodchild is left hurt on the floor as she loses the ball inside the Sudbury half, Etheridge dispossessing her races forwards down the right wing, Pasque covers the ground to get across to challenge plays the ball out for the corner kick.

  GOAL! Little time left to play in the 1st half the corner on the right is sent long towards the far post area goes over everyone, the referee blows his whistle and points to the penalty spot having spotted a push. Acle protest and Pasque gets yellow carded for dissent. Up steps Roach to take the penalty kick for Sudbury, puts plenty of power behind the ball Hooper guesses right, diving to her left the ball is wide of her and nestles into the corner of the goal 1-2.

Charlene Roach scores from the penalty spot late in the 1st half for AFC Sudbury Ladies

Half-time AFC Sudbury Ladies 1-2 Acle United Ladies

  A goal right on the stroke of half-time has gotten Sudbury back into the game having gone 2-0 down. Acle having the better of the attacking play for a good percentage of the half going ahead midway through the 1st half then doubling their lead looking comfortable at the back until conceding the late penalty, Sudbury haven't been at their best the goal back giving them a much needed lift. 

  Acle to get the 2nd half under way as Sudbury start the 2nd half with striker Stacey Teager who scored 16 goals last season on the pitch replacing Turner. Georgia Lindon is also on for Jeffery. McGuire has dropped into the defence for Acle with Pasque taking on a midfield role. Sudbury look to get Teager in on the action right from the start winning the ball the pass is played out to her making a run to the right of the box, Shields comes across and tackles well inside the box to win the ball. 

Charlene Roach and Kate Pasque battle for control of the ball

  Goodchild carries the ball out from the back for Acle on the left plays the pass up to Ladbrooke her crossfield pass looks to pick out Dade breaking forwards down the right trying to get into the box, Churchman staying on her shoulder puts in a well timed tackle to win the ball her clearance from the back is intercepted by Acle, Larkins having come forwards on the right to offer support for Dade takes the ball down the line sends a low cross racing along the top of the six yard box, Everett gets down quickly to smother the ball before it can reach Burton at the far post.

Acle United Ladies, Luka Goodchild

  Everett is well placed in her goal with Acle counter attacking the ball up the left is lifted up into the middle with Wells running into the area right of goal strikes the ball 1st time angling it in towards goal, Everett makes the save confidently taking the ball into her body. A busy spell for the Sudbury keeper with Acle stretching play, Dade finding space to run into on the right her cross is towards the near post, Everett is 1st to the ball. Burton controls a long pass sent up through the middle 20 yards out back to goal lays it back into the path of Wells, running onto the ball looks to curl her shot back in is straight into Everett's gloves.

  GOAL! Having been under a little pressure at the start of the 2nd half Sudbury get themselves back on level terms. Attacking the ball is lifted up into the Acle area, Teager goes after it as the ball runs to the byline on the left, has support from Guiver lays the ball back to her, is clipped just outside the box, staying on her feet gets inside sees her shot blocked at close range, the referee blows up and awards the home side the free kick outside the area. Roach is over the set piece goes for goal getting plenty of lift on the ball on target drops late an awkward one for Hooper to try and deal with on her line, can't keep it out and Sudbury equalise 2-2 Roach with her 2nd of the match.

Charlene Roach sends her perfectly weighted free-kick in towards goal to score her 2nd of the game

  Acle have good possession of the ball on the right, Larkins able to support Dade on the wing, both get the opportunity to cross into the box, both times the ball is sent in near post with Everett 1st to the ball. Sudbury are getting some joy out wide themselves as the game starts to get stretched players tiring, Etheridge is played in on the wing running with the ball into space fires a low cross into the box with Partridge making a run into the area connecting with the ball sends her shot wide across goal.

  Etheridge runs onto the ball put out to the right again and taking it forwards lifts her cross up into the six yard box with Teager attacking the near post, lifting her leg can't quite bring the ball down for a shot but improvises well preventing the defender behind her heading it clear hooks it over her with the outside of her boot looping up is straight into Hooper who catches the ball. 

Alice Ladbrooke wins the ball back for Acle United Ladies

  Pressing forwards with the ball Glendinning has Ladbrooke ahead of her in front of the Sudbury box links up with Larkins and Dade the trio in front of the D, crosses to Dade right with Larkins in between the pair, giving Larkins the ball she looks to pass back to Ladbrooke goes for the shot is blocked at close quarters by Diston the rebound back with Larkins she takes it on into the area, Thrower gets back on her to put in the challenge as Larkins shoots pulls the ball wide across the goal face. Pasque is off for Acle with Rowland returning to the action.

  GOAL! Wells sees a shot blocked the ball spinning behind for a corner kick on the right. It's Wells to take the set-piece the delivery long to the far post. A Sudbury head gets the ball away sent high up towards the edge of the area dropping, is an awkward ball to get under control even as Sudbury look to push up out of their area, Acle win the ball back push it out to Wells over on the right from a higher position sends the ball back into the box far post area again, Burton turns and spinning back in gets her foot over the ball and scores her 2nd of the match 2-3.

A brace for Acle United Ladies captain, Rebecca Burton

 Dade comes off for Acle with Pasque coming back on. Sudbury press forwards looking to get back into the match a powerful run on the right wing from Etheridge getting down the line squares the ball into the middle, running back the ball strikes the 1st defender inside the box, taking alot of pace of the ball deflects through to Teager beyond running onto the ball strikes it 1st time drills the shot wide.

Acle United Ladies, Rose Glendinning looks to get away from
Sudbury pair Megan Partridge & Charlene Roach

  Glendinning tries her luck from distance running with the ball before pulling the trigger 25 yards out, the ball bouncing through into Everett. A double change for Sudbury with Jeffery and Turner returning to the action replacing Lindon and Roach. Partridge lines up a shot from 35 yards out a powerful drive is blocked by McGuire on the edge of her area. Players are tiring on both sides as the game moves into the final stages. 

 GOAL! Wells is in space some 30 yards or so out from goal as the ball is rolled into her, has time and space to line up a shot gets plenty of pace behind the ball as she fires it across the diving Everett into the back of the net to score her 2nd goal of the game and put Acle 4-2 up.
  
  Acle get the ball up into Burton, Pasque looks to get ahead of everyone gt into the box to receive the pass, Burton tries to play her in Everett coming out can get hold of the ball 1st set up a counter attack the ball up the field quickly played into Etheridge bursting clear to attack the Acle box shoots from outside the area as she sees Hooper rushing out to close her down fires a fierce shot past the keeper across the area, strikes the base of the far post cannoning back out across the six yard box, the Acle defence are 1st to it launch the ball clear.

Mia Etheridge running onto the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies

  Into added time, Sudbury push players on looking to put the Acle back line under pressure Partridge gets the ball in behind with Teager running onto it clear of the defence taking it to the edge of the box Hooper is charging out to meet her sliding in Teager shoots, Hooper gets something on the ball takes the sting out of the shot as it gets past her by then her defence has got back round on the cover to clear the ball as the referee blows the final whistle.

Full-time AFC Sudbury Ladies 2-4 Acle United Ladies

  A 4-2 victory for Acle sees them start the season with 2 wins out of 2 3rd in the table behind leaders Bedford Ladies and 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women who have started the season in similar fashion. A solid team performance getting themselves into a 2-0 lead. A physical match both sides battling hard to win the ball, some decisions baffling both sides, Sudbury will be the 1st to admit they weren't at their best today, did well to get themselves back into the game however, tiring towards the end Acle retook the lead with Wells securing victory late on. Long way to go yet but already the ERWFL Premier Division is shaping up nicely and both Acle and Sudbury will be hoping they can be in the title race come the end of the season.

  My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today, best of luck to both for the rest of the season. 

Match Report - Billericay Town Ladies v Acle United Ladies

  Let me start off by wishing your all a Happy New Year and all the best for 2016. Just 3 days into the year and I'm rearing to go again watch and support women's football. Missed just the one Sunday where there wasn't a game, has felt like an age. Starting the year with a trip down to Essex, a match from the Eastern Region Women's Premier Division with 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies hosting Acle United Ladies.

  Billericay Town Ladies are one of the favourites to win the league this season and started very well leading the pack early on were unbeaten in their opening 7 matches getting games in when others didn't. Two back to back defeats at the start of November allowed another unbeaten side with a 100% win record Stevenage Ladies to take over the lead. Stevenage Ladies lost their unbeaten record too in December allowing Billericay Town Ladies to close the gap to just 2 points going into 2016, both have a healthy points advantage over the sides below and with Stevenage Ladies match against AFC Dunstable Ladies falling foul of the weather they had the chance to retake the lead today.

  Acle United Ladies will be happy just to get a game under their belts haven't played a league match since the 1st November last year and have played just one match overall since then. Just the 6 matches played in the league have some catching up to do hard to judge their form with 2 won, 2 draws and 2 defeats. In 7th place in the ERWFL Premier Division have a new manager in charge of the ladies team this season, Bradley Mingay. Was a coach at Lowestoft Ladies previously and several Lowestoft Ladies players have moved with him to join Acle United Ladies.

  A wet and windy start to the year wreaked havoc with the fixture lists once again, pitches waterlogged all over the region, Billericay Town Ladies too, but wanting to get back to playing after a long lay off over the festive period booked a 3G pitch at John Hornsby High School in Basildon. Was raining heavily with a strong wind blowing the moisture across the pitch, needed to don the waterproof trousers for the 1st time at a match, umbrella up the camera wasn't going to like these conditions plus I'd left the spare batteries back in Norfolk too. We had a game on though and that was all that mattered.

  Billericay Town Ladies starting XI - Robyn Strauss, Charlotte Hopwood, Hayley Piggott, Kirsty Knight, Nicole Farmer, Katie Whitehead, Marie Barker (C), Frances Murphy, Lisa Robins, Lindsey Morgan & Paris Smith.
  subs - Vanessa Wilson, Stacey Smith, Sarah Bovington, Sabrina Campbell & Lauren Knight.

  Acle United Ladies starting XI - Chloe Nixon, Natasha Greenfield, Megan Cletheroe, Leah McGuire, Brogan Scully, Kelly Gray, Joanne Hooper (C), Alice Ladbrooke, Kate Pasque, Lauren Bullard & Rebecca Burton.
  subs - Gemma Bovington, Imogen Williams & Amber Rowland.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

The teams huddle before the match with the rain lashing down

  A gloomy cloudy day the floodlights are already on as Billericay kick off the 1st half wearing an all blue kit with white around the collar and sleeves of the shirts with Acle lined up opposite in their black and white vertical striped shirts with black sleeves (and gold numbers which strain my eyeballs to the limit) black shorts and black shorts. Right from the off Billericay are on the attack captain Marie Barker playing the ball into the run of Katie Whitehead down the right, looks to come inside taken on Acle left back Brogan Scully the defender keeps her eye on the ball puts in a good tackle as the pair enter the box to win the ball.

   Is a large 3G pitch and Billericay are looking to use it putting the ball out to their wide players. The ball is played quickly from left to right with Whitehead getting in behind this time into the box hits her shot early, Acle goalkeeper, Chloe Nixon drops quickly gets a hand on the ball doing enough to push it wide across the face of her goal and out for a corner kick on the left.

   Billericay are camped in Acle's half at the opening of the match win a series of corners which come to nothing, from the latest Acle half clear the ball, Billericay retain possession around the area the ball eventually coming to defender Hayley Piggott right of the D flicks the ball up and hits it on the half volley her attempt at goal off target.

   Acle captain Joanne Hooper looks to bring the ball out of their half, a strong run has Kate Pasque making a move to get up in front of her tries to put her through on goal the ball is deflected out to Lauren Bullard on the left as Acle get bodies forwards, puts the ball back inside to Hooper who switches play to the right the cross is sent in low into the box, Billericay goalkeeper Robyn Strauss reacts quickly coming off her line to dive on and smother the ball before it reaches Pasque. 

  Acle are starting to get on the ball more play is in the middle, Kelly Gray tries her luck from 25 yards out blazes her shot wide for Acle. Pushing up the visitors are almost caught out at the back as the ball is played through over the top for Frances Murphy on the left of the attack for Billericay close call but she has strayed offside. Pasque and Gray link up on the right corner of the Billericay area from a throw the ball put into Pasque's feet her lay off presents Gray with a shooting opportunity she takes it hits the ball towards the near post, Strauss has it covered holds onto the shot. Amber Rowland has come on for Acle in place of Lauren Bullard.

 GOAL! Paris Smith looking to get hold of the ball on the right side loses possession as she reaches the edge of the box, Acle are looking for a rapid counter attack putting it up the left side of their attack Billericay win it back on half way, turn things around as Lisa Robins plays a great ball forwards for Smith getting in behind into the box right of the goal picks her spot sending her shot across the keeper and into the back of the net 1-0. 

  Mid-way through the 1st half and Billericay have the lead. Acle win a free kick inside the visitors half on the left, Scully to play the ball in towards the edge of the box, Gray looks to rise and head the ball on takes a knick off a defender to turn it wide for a corner kick. Put in to the near post area the home side have plenty of bodies back to defend. 

  The wind has picked up markedly in the past few minutes the note pad gets a drenching from the umbrella fighting to keep me dry from above. Whitehead is on the attack for Billericay on the right pushing on past the edge of the box looks to whip a ball into the box, the cross turns violently towards goal hits the crossbar and drops kindly for Nixon to get clear.

Paris Smith scoring 2 goals for
Billericay  Town Ladies

  GOAL! Billericay double the score 5 minutes after taking the lead and it's the same combination again as Robins has the ball centrally winning it back as Acle look to bring it forwards, plays the ball forwards with Smith peeling off the visitors back line to steal in on the ball put into the area hits her shot on the run sending it over Nixon and into the roof of the net to score her 2nd goal of the match 2-0.

  The wind is blowing across the pitch with a few strong unpredictable gusts both sides aren't afraid to try a shot from distance. An error at the back from Piggott gives Acle's Rebecca Burton a chance to steal the ball and go beyond the home defence opts to shoot early 20 yards out pulls her effort wide of goal. Burton then turns provider to set up Alice Ladbrooke as she lays the ball back to her 25 yard out, the no 11 wrapping her foot around the shot sending it in low and arrow straight towards goal, Strauss is well placed as she drops to the floor to make the save.

  Up the other end and Whitehead puts another cross in from the right too close to Nixon at her near post the keeper bringing the ball down into her chest. Billericay win the ball back and attack down the left Smith doing well to hook the ball back off the byline and into the centre of the six yard box, Scully is cool under pressure to defend needing the softest of headers to put the ball back to her keeper even with Whitehead on her back.

   When Billericay attack they push up as a unit the whole side moving forwards which in turn pulls their opponents back are on the counter attack late in the half Smith is played through the middle again 20 yards out Nixon starts to come Smith gets the ball past her a low effort takes an age to reach the line beyond just wide of the post.

Half-time Billericay Town Ladies 2-0 Acle United Ladies

  Terrible conditions to play in but both sides have done well to keep the ball on the ground and make it a free flowing contest. Billericay have a two goal advantage with Smith getting in beyond the Acle defence on two occasions to score a brace, have counter attacked well moving forward as a unit. A 2 goal lead is nice to have but keeps the opposition interested in a comeback with another 45 minutes to play.

  Acle kick off the 2nd half have been using their substitutes regularly in the 1st half but being on opposite sides of the pitch and with a wet notepad keeping track of them hasn't been easy, Rowland is still on the pitch along with Imogen Williams wide right, Hooper is off with Pasque dropping into the back line. Billericay get hold of the ball right from the off Robins again looking to put Smith through on goal, this time though Scully gets across to get to the ball 1st.

  Attacking down the right as shot is struck from distance takes a deflection putting it behind to give Billericay a corner kick on the right. A good delivery from the corner played into the middle of goal six yards out coming in it's Whitehead who gets her head on the ball put at the keeper, Nixon throws her gloves up knocks the ball down, but it needs a clearance from her defence off the line to get it away from danger, Billericay keep it alive however the referee stops play with an Acle player down inside the box.

  Acle are pressing the ball harder in the middle of the park, breaking up Billericay's possession limiting the chances to put the ball over the top for Smith, when the chance comes Nixon is out of her area quickly to kick the ball away. Gemma Bovington comes to at right back for Acle. Play is much more congested to the middle of the park challenges coming in free kicks breaking up play. Whitehead on the ball down the right for Billericay holds it up well in the 18 yard line before laying it back to Smith on the edge of the box to hit goalwards sends her shot wide.

  Last action of the match for Whitehead as Billericay make their 1st change bring on Lauren Knight. Soon after Sarah Bovington also comes onto the pitch for the home side to replace Frances Murphy. Scully comes off for Acle too with Hooper retuning to the action moving up top into the attack. 

   Great chance for Acle to get themselves back into the match the overload the left side of the park as they attack the ball is fed inside to Hooper 20 yards out produces a great turn and hit to send her low shot past the diving Strauss inside her six yard box the ball cannons off the inside of the post but back out for the keeper to pluck back into her body.

  Acle are pushing hard for a goal from an earlier attack on the right defender Leah McGuire demonstrated she has a good throw on her. Level with the edge of the box this time sends the ball into the area for Hooper, strong on the ball pushes inside and shoots places the ball into the side netting.

   Robins is the next player off for Billericay with Vanessa Wilson coming on, however Robins has barely put her tracksuit top on when she is sent back on for Lauren Knight who has picked up a knock and needs to be assessed. Billericay are trying to hard from distance putting shots well wide of the mark in the last five minutes, Robins finally gets to rest with Stacey Smith being sent on. 

   Getting on the ball more winning it in the middle Acle launch a counter attack the ball pushed out wide for Burton on the left with Hooper running into the box can't control under challenge as the ball is fired into her, rolls loose to the edge of the area with Burton coming inside to support gets plenty behind the shot fires the ball wide across the face of goal. Sabrina Campbell comes onto the pitch late on for Billericay with Nicole Farmer coming off.

  Rowland has a shot at goal from 25 yards out as she intercepts a ball from the Billericay defence, an arrowing ball on target plays it straight at goalkeeper Strauss who holds on to it confidently. Rowland has the ball at her feet in a similar position minutes later this time looks to pick out Burton on the right as she makes a move to get into the box behind the Billericay defence, Sarah Bovington is the last defender and she produces a superb tackle to take the ball away from Burton to deny her a shot on goal putting the ball out for a corner kick.

   Pushing forwards needing a goal in is inevitable Acle would be vulnerable to a late counter attack and it's Bovington herself with the ball at her feet taking it over the halfway line hitting the shot early a vicious swerving effort which catches Nixon flat footed, somehow the goalkeeper produces a fantastic save the ball is past her as she somehow twists her waist and gets her gloves firmly on the ball to knock it wide of the post for a corner kick. 

  Late into the game holding onto their 2 goal lead Billericay can see the ball into the corner flag the final whistle blows and they get the win to move them back to the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Stevenage Ladies have 2 games in hand but both sides have yet to face each other in the league this season. Do so next Sunday when Billericay are due to travel to Stevenage. Took their chances well were the better side 1st half, a more even 2nd half defended well giving Acle little opportunity to get in behind.

  Acle stay 7th will be glad to get a game under their belts an evolving squad that will be a competitive force in the ERWFL Premier Division several games to catch up on will be a busy 2016, but I'm sure they won't mind that. Got caught out at the back in the 1st half to let in the 2 goals tightened it up 2nd half, hit the post. They are at home next Sunday taking on AFC Dunstable Ladies.

  Not quite the wettest match I've attended but I'd rather do without, good match to start the year plenty more to come. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today and Billericay for the sandwiches.

Match Report - Brentwood Town Ladies v Haringey Borough Women

  Action form the Eastern Region Women's Football League this Sunday a trip down the Len Forge Centre in Essex to watch the Premier Division fixture between Brentwood Town Ladies and Haringey Borough Women.

  A milestone for the Supporting Women's Football blog to as Brentwood Town Ladies and Haringey Borough Women are the 99th and 100th women's football sides to feature in a match report on the blog for the 1st time.

  Also the 1st look at a football match in the ERWFL this season. Still early days in the Premier Division with only a handful of games played. The early leaders are Billericay Town Ladies having had an unbeaten start to the season on 10 points after 4 matches played. Brentwood Town Ladies are in 4th place in the table 1 of 3 teams on 6 points after starting the season with a win and a loss, were awarded the 3 points last weekend after their opponents failed to field a team. Have the opportunity to move into 2nd spot in the table with a victory today. Is Brentwood Town Ladies 2nd season back in the ERWFL following relegation from the FAWPL South East Division One (or Combination as it was known then) at the end of the 2013/14 season. Finished 6th last season.

   Haringey Borough Women are an established side in the ERWFL Premier Division have been playing in the Premier Division for the past decade with one relegation to Division One before going straight back up. Playing their football in North London have been at the wrong end of the Premier Division in recent seasons. Have played just the 1 league match this season lost 7-1 at home to leaders Billericay Town, have inbetween enjoyed two good results in the early Qualifying Rounds of the FA Women's Cup.  

  Brentwood Town Ladies play their home matches at The Len Forge Centre, near the airport I was told (and it is very close). Nice little ground with a good sized clubhouse that offers food as well as drink. Leading out onto the newly laid 3G pitch. Looked very nice and unlike several 3G pitches I've been to, to see women's football this one had provision for spectators beside it with two small covered stands on one side. Several dark clouds around but nevertheless it was a bright sunny afternoon as the two teams walked out onto the pitch.

     Brentwood Town Ladies starting XI - Layla Prior, Emma Hooker, Amy Vernon, Nicola Allen, Nicole Manning (C), Jessica Tuffen, Charlotte Twydell, Jessica Mills Danielle Butler, Zoe Lipley-Hinton & Carla Rose.
  subs - Chelcee Grimes, Ashley Debnam Piadamayo Dedza, Katie Bowman & Ria Toovey

  Haringey Borough Women starting XI - Cherkish Young, Roisin Cormack (C), Brooke Hills, Shaydean Gorman, Zhane Amoaten, Klesha Darroux, Aleah Headley, Jaidene Browne, Morgan Lundberg, Anele Komani & Ellena Finneran. 
  subs - Shannon Carter, Karen Nicholls, Hollie Cox, Khadijat Lawal & Robyn Reardon.

                                              (roll on roll off substitutes)

  Brentwood manager Rob Budd was without a few players today particularly in defence. It's the home side to kick off the 1st half wearing light blue shirts and socks with navy shorts. With Haringey lined up opposite wearing a bright luminous yellow strip. The opening exchanges are a little cagey neither side keeping hold of the ball with a few tackles flying in early on. Both sides give away free kicks in the middle both deliver the ball to the face of the area defences win the ball both times. The referee makes a point of telling the captains to calm their teams down.

Told you the airport was close.

   Brentwood get hold of the ball in the middle Zoe Lipley-Hinton slides the ball out to the right for Charlotte Twydell driving with the ball up the wing she cuts back inside fires a fierce cross into the area Haringey clear, only to a light blue shirt the pass is back out to right back Emma Hooker coming over the halfway line plays a high diagonal ball into the box Lipley-Hinton is up there, chests the ball down to her left back to goal, tries to get the shot away Haringey put the block in.

   Haringey are a young looking side something there manager would confirm at the end with several players in their teens. Have players full of pace who want to run with the ball. The ball is rolled into the path of Anele Komani getting onto the ball she runs with the bit jinking right then left before pulling the trigger on the edge of the box fires the shot wide of goal. Komani has another chance soon after as Haringey win a free kick on half way, Brooke Hills plays it long to the edge of the area Komani knocks the ball down, is pushed out wide to the left of goal by Brentwood captain Nicole Manning the angle is tight with Brentwood goalkeeper having her near post covered, Komani gets a shot away the attempt goes over the bar.

Haringey's Jaidene Browne looking to get hold of the ball

   Taking the ball up the left side of the pitch for Brentwood Danielle Butler makes up alot of ground before rolling it to Carla Rose making the run across to support her entering the area it's the turn of the Haringey captain Roisin Cormack to push the attacker away from goal before getting a foot in to take the ball. Fast paced game both sides looking to get it into their attacking players quickly, Haringey's Aleah Headley is given the ball her back to goal 20 yards out, good control and turn to set up the strike let's fly Prior in the Brentwood goal is well placed to take it. More good play from Haringey down the right with Komani pulling wide receiving the ball driving down the flank cuts back level with the 18 yard line before sending the cross into the middle, Jaidene Browne is their to receive the ball looks to hit it 1st time can't get the shot away as both Brentwood centre backs Manning and Jessica Tuffin converge on her.


   GOAL! Haringey open the scoring and it comes from a Brentwood corner the 1st of the match swept into the six yard box from the right Haringey head clear the ball is put out to Ellena Finneran on the right side of the pitch drives forward has players racing up with her checks her run before laying it back to Komani behind her she rolls it square to Headley who takes the ball forwards is pushed to the left across the Brentwood area but keeping the ball turns back inside hits the cross along the D where it is picked up by Finneran 20 yards out takes on the shot lifts the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net 0-1.

Ellena Finneran opens the scoring for Haringey 

  Haringey have Brentwood on the back foot their attackers are alternating between coming to look for the ball and running out into the channels looking for space. Finneran with another probing run down the right crosses the ball into the path of Komani she sends it into the feet of Browne inside the box, turning she lifts her shot over the bar.

   GOAL! Haringey double their lead within 5 minutes of going in front. Win themselves a corner on the right the ball is swept in drifting into the six yard box central it's Komani who leaps to meet the ball heading it into the net to make it 0-2.

   Brentwood are finding it difficult to get the ball to stick up front allowing others to get up to join the attack, Rose comes deep to get hold of the ball looks to take the shot on some 30 yards out Haringey goalkeeper Cherkish Young has plenty of time to set herself and collect the ball. Double change for Brentwood as they win a corner, with Chelcee Grimes and Amy Debnam coming into the wide positions for Twydell and Butler. The corner is good delivered into the centre of the six yard box, it's Haringey's Hills who jumps to head it clear. The break is on with Browne on the ball racing down the right sweeps the cross in as she reaches the edge of the area, a vital claim by Prior as she comes out to snatch the ball before Komani racing up the pitch, can get onto the end of it.

Brentwood Town Ladies captain Nicole Manning

  Rose is tripped as she attempts to hold up the ball with her back to goal, 22 yards out a free kick is awarded left in front of the area Lipley-Hinton is over the ball goes for the strike hits it low and hard getting it through the crowd, Young sees it all the way calls and gathers the ball up into her gloves. 

                Half time Brentwood Town Ladies 0-2 Haringey Borough Women 

  Game took a little time to settle with a few niggling challenges flying in early on but once Haringey settled on the ball they had the better of the attacking play with their attackers pace and movement getting the better of the Brentwood back line on a few occasions took 2 of those chances to lead at the break. However 2-0 has been the score at half-time in the previous 2 matches I've covered on the blog and the 2nd half result differed in each match. 

  Change for Brentwood at the start of the 2nd half with Piadamoyo Dedza joining Rose in attack with Twydell also back on the pitch as Haringey kick off the 2nd half, are on the attack early on Finneran driving up the right, Komani with her in support Brentwood's Amy Vernon wins the tackle but at the expense of a corner. The set play delivered from the right is put in towards the congested near post, Prior comes through the bodies to confidently claim.

   The home side are having a little more joy down the wings at the start of the 2nd half with Amy Bednam making up ground on the right before delivering a ball across the six yard area the cross is in front of the attackers goes long but is retrieved by Grimes out on the left inside the six yard box turns and looks to fire it into Dedza and Rose, the ball is knocked back to the outside of the area Twydell races onto it 20 yards out hits the shot puts the ball a foot over the cross bar.

   Grimes is on the ground soon after in the middle following a tackle, Brentwood ready Ria Toovey as Grimes hops off the pitch unable to continue. Toovey comes on takes up the right sided position with Bednam going out to the left. The free kick from just inside halfway is delivered long to the far post by Rose, Young calls commandingly again and rises to catch the ball before anyone can get to it. 

   Haringey get the ball up into Browne and Komani in front of the Brentwood area the two exchange passes with Komani playing it out to Browne on her left holding it up has both Morgan Lundberg and Finneran joining the attack on the right rolls the ball into Finneran with Lundberg in front of her is played through inside the box by Finneran pushing on goes for goal plants the ball into the side netting.

Haringey's Khadijat Lawal hold's off the challenge of Nicole Manning

  Khadijat Lawal has come on for Haringey in place of Browne. Finneran is involved in the build up play driving forwards into the right channel before turning inside pushes ball into feet of Lawal who holds it up before laying it back to Finneran who flights her shot over the Brentwood cross bar. Robyn Reardon joins the play for the visitors.

  GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half and Brentwood pull a goal back. Is a strong run by Rose from the halfway line towards the Haringey box is forced wide right by Hills but still manages to fashion a cross sending the ball across the penalty spot comes to the feet of Debnam left of the goal looking to come back inside shifts it to beat the defender in front of her moving into a central position in front of goal  hits the ball on the spin lifting it into the top corner 1-2.

Amy Bednam front of picture pulls a goal back for Brentwood

   Haringey attack right from the restart I'm still writing the notes for the Brentwood goal as they take the ball forwards, Finneran is in a central position has the ball at her feet edge of the Brentwood area hits the strike lifts the shot onto the cross bar, bounces back down into the six yard box before Brentwood scramble it away. The visitors then win a free kick in a dangerous position 25 yards from goal right side of the D, Zhane Amoaten is over the ball gets it up and over the wall, Prior is sharp dives low to her right to push the ball round the post for a corner kick. The delivery from the left is put in close to goal at the far post Komani chests it up into the air, Prior comes to claim it before it drops for a shooting chance.

   GOAL! Haringey restore their 2 goal cushion and it's Komani with her 2nd of the match an individual effort as the ball is put into her feet 35 yards from goal on the right looks to take on Tuffen in front of her the 2 are toe to toe as they surge into the area Tuffen is doing her best to force Komani wide, the angle is tight 2 yards from the by line Komani gets a shot away the ball flying chest height across the face of goal and in of the far post 1-3.

Anele Komani with 2 goals for Haringey today.

   Grimes has recovered from her knock and is sent back on in place of Rose with Bednam going up top as the match enters the last quarter. Grimes wins her team a corner the ball is played in from the left to the edge of the box Dedza hits it in towards goal is swinging wide but the defender coming of the post isn't sure kicks it back out into play drops to Toovey 20 yards out her shot is straight into Young's gloves.

GOAL! Out of Young's gloves and launched up the pitch Haringey break the ball is played into the feet of Klesha Darroux 25 yards from goal in a central position no one comes to close her down takes on the shot gets plenty behind it on the rise as it reaches Prior she throws herself at it can only brush her glove is past her and in to give Haringey a 1-4 lead.

   Darroux comes off then along with Komani in the closing stages with Karen Nicholls and Hollie Cox coming on. Brentwood attack Butler is back on the pitch down the right as the pass is played centrally into Bednam good turn on the ball sends Butler away gets her cross into the box Young is out of her line to claim the ball.

   Closing stages Haringay attack down the left their captain Cormack on the drive as she looks to come inside enters the area she is brought down and the referee points to the penalty spot. Is Hills to step up take the spot kick goes for power looking to hit it to Prior's left smashes the ball against the woodwork, the ball is cleared outside the box before the shot comes back in high over the bar.

   End of the match and Haringey win 1-4 their 1st 3 points of the season which lefts them up from bottom to 6th in the table. A good performance from the visitors taking a 2 goal lead after getting into their stride in the 1st half. Brentwood did pull a goal back to make it 1-2 but Haringey kept going hit back with 2 further goals to seal the win.

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

   
    

   

   

   

    

   

Match Report - Acle United Ladies v Leverstock Green Ladies

  Heading east along the A47 this Sunday to take in a match in the Eastern Region Women's Football League Premier Division, just a handful of games left with the league title won a while back it's the battle at the bottom of the table to avoid relegation could be decided today as Acle United Ladies play Leverstock Green Ladies knowing a point will ensure they keep their status in the league for a 2nd season.

   I haven't see Acle United Ladies in league action yet this season, on the previous 2 occasions they have been away from home in the Norfolk Women's County Cup the last game I watched them in the Final itself at the FDC Norfolk where they over came Thorpe United Ladies on penalties to lift the cup.

  A brief recap of their season to date, newly promoted to the Premier Division this season they struggled for points at the beginning going into Christmas were in real trouble. Since the start of the year though their results have drastically improved coinciding with bringing in a new coach went on a long unbeaten run in 2015 eventually being stopped by League Champion's Lowestoft Ladies, a win 5-1 away win against Gt Shelford Ladies has lifted them off the bottom of the table on goal difference with 17 points over AFC Dunstable Ladies and with the Bedfordshire side having completed all of their fixtures Acle United Ladies know at least a point today will be enough for safety.

  Leverstock Green Ladies travel up to Norfolk from Hertfordshire with their Premier Division status secured, are making the trip for the 2nd time after the original league fixture was abandoned due to lightning and torrential rain making the pitch unplayable before the 1st half was completed. Is their final game of the season currently in 8th place in the table with 21 points a point or better can lift them above Barking Ladies into 7th.

   A change of venue for Acle United Ladies means I won't see them play at their Bridewell Lane home with the pitch being unavailable this Sunday, instead it was a few miles further up the Acle straight into Gorleston, the Lynn Grove Academy's 3G pitch where it looked like the groundsman had enjoyed a liquid lunch before returning to finish marking the pitch.

  Despite the interesting pitch markings the 3G pitch was as large as any I've seen would prove to be a zippy surface on a bright sunny Sunday afternoon although there was a brisk breeze blowing about.








  Acle United Ladies starting XI - Chloe Nixon, Georgina Beckwith, Helen Emmerson (C), Kelly Gray, Natasha Greenfield, Kate Pasque, Rose Glendinning, Luka Goodfield, Francesca Lambert, Leonie Daulby & Jenna Thurtle.
  subs - Imogen Williams.

  Leverstock Green Ladies starting XI - Lucy Tape, Stephanie Palfrey, Mia Hickey, Natasha Sherriff, Kim Mulgrew, Donna McAvoy, Natalie Burrows, Giselle Randall (C) & Nicola Hollick.

   The eagle eyed amongst you will notice straight away Leverstock Green were at a numerical disadvantage right from the off having travelled up from Hertfordshire to the east Norfolk coast with just 9 players. Would be a challenge right from the off as the visitors kitted out in green and white hooped shirts, green shorts and socks kicked off the match against the 11 of Acle wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks.

  The home side are on the attack straight away with the ball played from the middle releasing Francesca Lambert into space on the left, Leverstock Green goalkeeper Lucy Tape though is quickly out of her area to challenge for the ball, Acle regain possession send it out to Luka Goodfield on the opposite flank into space on the right, the ball though picks up pace upon the 3G surface and Goodfield can't chase it down.

 

Leonie Daulby

GOAL! with just 9 players the last thing Leverstock Green wanted to do was concede an early goal, however that is exactly what they do as Acle come forwards again the pass is put into striker Jenna Thurtle on the edge of the area, with the ball at her feet she turns and takes it into the right channel closing in on the by line she whips a cross in along the face of goal looking for team mate Leonie Daulby at the far post, Tape has gotten across and initially saves Daulby's 1st shot from point blank range, the ball though isn't safe pops back up for Daulby to send it into the back of the net to open the scoring 1-0.

  Leverstock Green are prepared to bring the ball out of their half enjoy some possession on the ball in the Acle half as the home side drop deep it's Natalie Burrows who attempts to put the ball into the box looking for the run of Natalie Sheriff on the right, the ball is collected by Acle goalkeeper Chloe Nixon before she can get there.

   With the numerical advantage Acle can afford to keep players out wide looking to break beyond when the ball is played forwards, this time though when Goodfield is fed the ball on the right she looks to drive inside squares the ball to Rose Glendinning in the centre taking two strides she releases a shot can only pick out Tape in the Leverstock Green goal.

   Another Glendinning shot is deflected behind for a corner on the right the set piece is sent in low to Kate Pasque on the edge of the area she shoots, hits the ball against her own team mate Daulby before Leverstock Green clear.

  The visitors are willing to bring the ball forward in number captain Giselle Randall a lively and pacey player hustling the Acle defence for the ball has both Kim Mulgrew and Donna McAvoy up with her and the game has settled down into a more even rhythm.

Leverstock Green Ladies Giselle Randall

  GOAL! Leverstock Green score an equalising goal, breaking from an Acle attack they bring the ball forwards on the left have players bombing forwards as the ball is swept in along the 18 yard line finding it's way through to Sheriff on the right, looking to take on the defender in front of her they come together Sheriff manages to keep her footing as the ball is deflected into space beyond entering the area she pulls the trigger sending her shot across the diving Nixon and into the back of the net 1-1.

  Goodfield out on the right again finds Glendinning in the middle she passes the ball forwards into Thurtle inside the D, she is pushed over, free kick awarded it's Thurtle over the ball, gets it beyond the wall, Tape though is well placed to claim the ball beyond.

   Acle with the counter attack this time bring the ball up from defence Pasque on the ball puts it out to Goodfield on the right, she turns inside looking to send her pass into Thurtle on the turn, Thurtle has Glendinning charging up on the left sending the ball through to her, Tape comes racing out to close Glendinning down sliding in blocks her shot.

   Thurtle and Goodfield link up with Acle attacking in front of the Leverstock Green box the ball ending up with Thurtle on the right of the area sweeps in a low cross swerving across the goal is cleared off the line another shot is blasted back in takes a nick out for a corner on the left. The corner finds it's way all the way through to the far side of goal, Pasque gets a foot to the ball can only turn it wide.

   Leverstock Green are working hard to defend the swirling breeze and zippy 3G surface causing unforced errors from both sides the visitors have a free kick on the half way line the ball is played into Randall central to goal good control she attempts to turn and shoot her effort is blocked.

   GOAL! Into the final minutes of the 1st half and Acle restore their lead, with Leverstock Green working hard to press the ball in the midfield it pops up beyond them and to Daulby who has been hovering in space to the right bringing it down the right flank she squares her cross along the six yard box evading Tape coming to defend her near post finds it's way through to Lambert who has covered the ground from the left to get into the box to tap home 2-1.

                  Half-time Acle United Ladies 2-1 Leverstock Green Ladies

    Acle have the lead going into the break a slender one scored late into the half has been a surprisingly open game considering Leverstock Green only have the 9 players, they have been determined and with Randall up top looking to win the ball has brought others into the game have found themselves 3 v 3 on a few occasions as Acle commit players forwards. Is a case of being patient from the home side the space is there the chances have built up.

Giselle Randall with Acle United Ladies Jenna Thurtle

  Acle kick off the 2nd half start on the front forwards with Pasque travelling forwards with the ball looks to release Lambert on the left for a run down the left, she elects instead to come inside runs into traffic in the centre as Leverstock Green crowd her off the ball.

   Daulby and Lambert almost combine again to score another goal as they did in the 1st half as again Daulby puts the ball in from the right, sends it over Tape this time is dropping behind in the centre of the goal six yard out Lambert is racing in the ball bouncing she goes for the karate kick to try and turn it home, misses.

   GOAL! Acle pressure has been building at the start of the 2nd half have more possession a little more patient hold onto it on the right, bringing it inside it's Goodfield who scores outside the area she drives inside the box and sweeps the ball past Tape to make it 3-1.

Acle United Ladies Luka Goodfield on the ball

   Acle are keeping hold of the ball more now especially inside the Leverstock Green half which is preventing the visitors from keeping players up with Randall when they try and bring it out. Acle make a substitution with Daulby coming off and Imogen Williams coming on to join Thurtle in attack.

   Randall is a lively player the mostly likely to make something happen for Leverstock Green peeling off into space she is given the ball on the right, sends her cross into Mulgrew in the centre inside the D she smashes a low shot through the crowd before her, good save from Nixon in the Acle goal to push it away behind for a corner as she dives to her left.

   GOAL! Another corner is won from a Glendinning shot which is deflected behind the Leverstock Green goal. The ball played in from the left comes through to Pasque to the left of the penalty spot looks to have been pushed as she tries to header the ball down, the referee doesn't blow as the ball drops down with Lambert and Williams converging on it, it's the substitute who stabs the ball into the back of the et to give Acle a 4-1 lead.

   GOAL! Leverstock Green pull a goal back barely a couple of minutes later out of nothing as the ball is played long looking for Randall out on the left the ball is allowed to bounce as Nixon comes racing over to her Randall gets something on the ball 1st at it is past Nixon and rolls into the back of the net 4-2.

   Glendinning good on the ball is always looking to bring it up from the middle travelling with it has Williams making a great supporting run in front of her slips the ball into her coming to the edge of the area has Mia Hickey on her shoulder as she entered the area shoots, Hickey gets her foot in to block it enough to take the pace off the shot allow it to run easily into Tape's gloves in goal.

   Thurtle has been a threat all game getting hold of the ball inside the Leverstock Green half catches them high turning has acres of space to chase the ball into coming to the edge of the area is right of the goal as she pulls the trigger sends her shot past the diving Tape only for the ball to smash off the bottom off the post and cleared. Moments later Thurtle is clear of the Leverstock Green defence again comes to the edge of the area with the ball, Tape has come to close her down she gets her shot past the keeper is frustrated as it rolls the wrong side of the post.

   Tape is well placed in her goal to claim a couple of long distance strikes by Acle from Kelly Gray and Williams. Gray then sends the pass through to Thurtle on the turn inside the D she whips a shot in aiming for the bottom corner Tape dives is beaten but again Thurtle can only look to the skies as the shot evades the goal. Gray seeing a lot of the ball at the ball fancies a pop at goal herself 30 yards out her effort is off target.

   Out wide right it's Thurtle on the ball keeps plugging away fires a shot in to the near post low Tape is their to save however the ball pops up from under her squirms free behind her in front of goal Lambert is their has a defender closing her in gets her foot under the ball sweeps it over the bar.

    Despite the late pressure though Acle cannot add anymore goals to the their total as the referee blows for full time they win 4-2 the win ensuring their Premier Division status for another season a great 2nd half to the season, encouraging going forwards into a new campaign. Had to be patient never as easy as it looks when you have more players on the pitch than your opponents.

   A great effort from Leverstock Green in their last game of the season the 9 players they brought up to Norfolk putting in a good determined effort to not only defend but take the game to Acle.

    One more game left for Acle against the league champion's Lowestoft Town Ladies

  My thanks to both clubs for helping me out with the team sheets and Acle for the sandwiches.