New Season - Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

 The new season is here! The FA Women's Premier League campaign get's underway this Sunday and the Supporting Women's Football Blog is starting with a trip south to watch newly promoted Crystal Palace Ladies as they welcome Coventry United Ladies to Bromley FC.

   Crystal Palace Ladies are the 'Invincibles' having won promotion from the FAWPL South East Division One last season with an unbeaten record, winning 20 of there 22 matches in the league. Enjoy a strong relationship with the men's club and are looking to make progress. Have done well to keep hold of players that brought them success last season and manager Dean Davenport has added players too, some with WSL experience, Megan Goss and Ciara Sherwood joining from Millwall Lionesses. Ellie Bailes joins from Charlton Athletic Women. Ex-Fulham goalkeeper, Lauren Allen has also signed for the club. Will be looking to make an immediate impact upon the league.

  Their 1st opponents in the FAWPL Southern Division, are Coventry United Ladies have won the league as recently as 2014 no play-off game for the FAWSL that year, switched to the Northern Division the following season finishing runners-up behind Sheffield FC Ladies. Back in the Southern Division last campaign were amongst the chasing pack that could do nothing to stop Brighton & Hove Albion WFC's charge to the title. Finishing 4th they did have success last season winning the FAWPL League Plate. Will be amongst the favorites to challenge for the title again this season.

  Bromley Arena is the venue for today's FAWPL season opener, home of Bromley FC, the non-league ground is a mixture of old and new look stands with the main one seated and covered down one side of the pitch housing the clubhouse and bar plus food facilities. The older stands surrounding the other 3 sides of the ground are a mixture off classic terracing and some seating behind one goal a good sized stadium surrounding a large pitch which looked as it should perfect at the start of the season, good grass cover and flat. Great weather to start the season too very warm and sunny, some dark clouds about that might hint at a spot of rain or two but a strong breeze was helping to blow them through.

  Crystal Palace Ladies starting XI - Chanell Yardley, Pamela McRoberts, Katy Morris, Freya Holdaway (C), Leesa Haydock, Ciara Sherwood, Ellie Bailes, Megan Goss, Alma Donohoe, Rochelle Shakes & Gemma Bryan.
  subs - Lauren Allen, Leanne Bell, Abigail Igbavboa, Francesca Ali & Tia Foreman.

  Coventry United Ladies starting XI - Susan Wood, Gina Burton, Nikki Miles, Natasha Lynch (C) Alexandra Buck, Laura Cooper, Jade Brook, Stephanie Smith, Amber Hughes, Marie Gauntlett & Alison Hall
  subs - Helen Dermody, Sami Ryder, Olivia Dougherty, Ellie White, Kathryn Pagan & Christina Torkildsen.

    It's the visitors, Coventry to get the game underway, wearing an all green away kit with Crystal Palace lined up opposite wearing red and blue shirts, with blue shorts and socks with a red vertical stripe down the sides. The home side close down the ball right from the start winning it push towards the Coventry area, defender Alex Buck steps up to tackle and play the ball out for a throw on the right. From the right the ball is lifted up towards the area this time Coventry captain Natasha Lynch headers clear, Nikki Miles looks to break from the back up the left but running out of room can't turn her cross back into the six yard box.

  Getting forwards from the back too, Crystal Palace's Pamela McRoberts on the right brings the ball on before playing a high ball across the top of the area, looking for striker Gemma Bryan comes at her quickly trying to adjust leaning back to get power on her header turns it towards goal the looping ball drops into the gloves of goalkeeper, Susan Wood. Is a pacy start to the game from both sides working hard to quickly close their opponents down on the ball. 

Rochelle Shakes holding the ball up in attack for Crystal Place Ladies

  Stephanie Smith brings the ball forwards for Coventry drifting towards the right plays the pass up the line into the area for Alison Hall to go after. Crystal Palace captain, Freya Holdaway gets across in front of her does well to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal-kick. Megan Goss receiving the ball turns well and plays the pass forwards into Bryan with room to run into on the left only a good tackle from Buck putting the ball out for a throw steps her breaking into the area. Bryan has the ball at her feet again on the left soon after charging towards the byline cuts back inside the area superbly to deceive her marker and takes on the shot from an acute angle sending the ball wide across the face of goal.

   10 minutes played and the early pressure is with Crystal Palace, have Coventry pushed back defending the top of their area, closing down the ball the midfielders looking to win it create an opportunity, Ciara Sherwood almost does just that as she latches onto the ball just outside the box left of the D hitting it sweetly on the volley, Wood shifts across to try and get to it does need to as it flashes just past the post striking the advertising boards behind the goal. 

Crystal Palace Ladies, Ciara Sherwood

  Coventry's Miles is getting some joy on the left side providing and outlet when the visitors and get the ball released from the back, taking it on up to the top of the area squares the ball into the middle, Leesa Haydock heads the ball clear, Coventry's Smith looks to lift it over the defence into the area for Hall, goalkeeper Chanell Yardley gets to it 1st. Miles comes again this time Hall looks to break out early providing a passing option, Holdaway reading it just about gets her foot on the ball to intercept. For a 3rd time Miles is available for the ball in quick succession as Jade Brook passes from the centre of midfield to send her away up the left wing into the box cuts the cross back towards goal too close to the near post Yardley has the angle covered and goes down to gather the ball.

  GOAL! Crystal Palace take the lead as the game closes in on the 20 minute mark. It comes from a Coventry throw deep in their half on the right side, Rochelle Shakes is quick to put pressure on the receiver winning the ball and fires the ball along the ground into the area with Bryan free just inside the box, good control hits the shot on the turn sending it flying across the diving keeper and into the back of the net 1-0.

Gemma Bryan scorer of the opening goal for Crystal Palace Ladies

  Bryan is causing the Coventry defence all sorts of problems attacking down the left looks to get onto the end of a long ball from the back, Gina Burton gets to it first to put the ball out for a corner kick. Coming to nothing, Crystal Palace appeal for a penalty as Bryan ends up on the deck as she charges into the box, nothing given by the referee. Up the other end Holdaway and Haydock are clearing up thing's with the Coventry attack having little opportunity to get in behind them. 

  A chance for Coventry to get players forwards as Ellie Bailes brings brook down as she closes down on the area on the left the free kick just outside the box, Laura Cooper over it. sends a great delivery on towards the far post players running in to attack it Hall amongst those gets a touch the ball strikes the post before Crystal Palace scramble it clear. Better from Coventry after conceding the goal go forwards with more pace and purpose, Hall forces Crystal Palace into conceding a corner kick on the left. A great ball sent invitingly into the six yard box is headed down into the ground by Lynch unmarked in the centre bouncing through bodies is blocked on the line saved by Yardley pushed out, Lynch gets another chance to go for goal puts the ball over the crossbar.

Coventry United Ladies captain, Natasha Lynch sees her header cleared on the line

  Marie Gauntlett and Amber Hughes link up as they attack down the left flank exchanging passes as they try the work the ball into position for a cross win Coventry another corner kick. The set-piece is almost spilt by Yardley as she comes to claim it near post but reaching out behind her as she falls somehow keeps hold of it as Gauntlett closes in. Alma Donohoe on the left plays a great ball into the area for Goss who has got herself into a central position, good control to bring it down on her 1st touch, Miles gets back to defend nudging Goss off the ball and getting it away from the area. 

  GOAL! A contrasting game since Crystal Place took the lead on top during the opening 25 minutes have been forced back in the last 10 minutes as Coventry look to fight their way back onto level terms, do so on the 37th minute Comes from a well worked move good build up the ball played across the midfield before being passed on to the advancing Burton on the right sends the ball into the area along the six yard box, Smith jumps up to meet the ball with her head knocking it down back across the keeper and in 1-1.

 Crystal Palace go on the offensive straight from the restart the ball into the Coventry half with urgency, played on the diagonal from the left with Shakes making a run into the area goes to strike it on the volley, connects but under challenge smashes the shot into the side netting. Coventry go forwards themselves Miles getting the better of McRoberts as she goes on the move on the left takes the ball on Hughes comes towards her to offer the close passing option gets it on the corner of the box goes for goal the strike over the bar at the near post. 

Coventry United Ladies, Marie Gauntlett with Pamela McRoberts

  Late into the 1st half Bryan reacts sharply to a lazy Coventry back pass to the goalkeeper getting in behind looking to take a touch as she closes in on the box, Lynch gets back to put in a well timed tackle to take the ball away from her. Into injury time Crystal Palace with one last attack Donohoe on the left sweeps a cross into the box with Shakes the target running in on goal looks to hit it on the volley turn it wide across the keeper, is also wide of the goal.

Half-time Crystal Palace Ladies 1-1 Coventry United Ladies

  An entertaining and lively start to the FAWPL season at Bromley FC, newly promoted Crystal Palace starting the far better of the two sides capitalising by getting the goal. Coventry had to ride out a storm at the start improving late in the half after going a goal down pushing the host back and creating a few chances of their own bringing the scores level. The game very much evenly poised for the 2nd half. 

   A half-time substitution for Crystal Place as they kick off the 2nd half with Leanne Bell on the field replacing Goss. An early foray up the field for McRoberts making a move to get into the box as Bryan comes out wide right holds the ball up attempts to lay the ball into the full-back inside the box, Hughes has tracked back with her and tackling gets her foot on the ball. Substitute, Bell on the right side herself is allowed to travel a long way with the ball reaching the top corner of the area takes on the strike, plenty of pace on the ball, Wood covering her post is right behind it.

Leesa Haydock takes control of the ball at the back for Crystal Palace Ladies

   A good start to the 2nd half from Crystal Palace, Bryan runs at the Coventry defence winning the ball high up the pitch goes forwards has support with her from Shakes as she enters the box looks to set her up, her 1st time strike is blocked, the rebound falls to Sherwood deeper who also sees her effort blocked the ball eventually running out behind for a corner kick on the left. A good delivery played along the six yard box, Holdaway heads the ball into the back of the net, but not before the referee spots an infringement blows up for the foul.

   Penalty! Crystal Palace's bright start to the 2nd half is almost undone as they concede a penalty. Attacking down the right wing the ball is played forwards for Hall to chase down is just inside the area wide right as goalkeeper Yardley comes racing out to kick clear and despite getting to the ball 1st her follow through brings down Hall the referee points to the spot. Gauntlett steps up to take looking to lift the ball up to the keepers left, Yardley guesses the right way and throwing herself across gets two big hands on the ball to make the save.

Chanelle Yardley saves Marie Gauntlett's penalty kick

 Pressurising the Coventry back-line, Bryan gets hold of the ball and stealing in behind has a run at goal pulls the trigger from inside the D the strike off target. Coventry win a corner on the right Hughes makes a run from the top of the area to receive the ball from the taker playing it back to her, receives the return pass inside the box right corner turns and shoots the shot flying over the crossbar.

  1st change for Coventry as Hall is replaced by Helen Dermody. The visitors win a free kick inside the Crystal Place half a chance for Cooper to play the ball long up into the box sends it out towards the far post, Yardley comes to clear it, misses clattering into her own defender as Miles connects with her head drills the effort wide. 2nd change for Coventry with Christina Torkildsen coming on to replace Burton with a little over 20 minutes left to play. Good spell from the visitors, Smith bringing the ball on holds up well outside the Crystal Place box left side as Miles makes a run down the line, Smith with the pass plays her into the area, Yardley rushing out to meet her saves well at her feet.

  GOAL! Crystal Palace retake the lead as Bryan scores her 2nd of the match, latching onto a Shakes flick on as the ball is played long from the back, Bryan is in behind played through on goal, shoots from outside the box right of the D power and pace on the ball to drill is past Wood, strikes the base of the far post back spin seeing it roll over the goal-line 2-1.

An opening day brace for Crystal Palace Ladies, Gemma Bryan

  Crystal Palace make a 2nd change straight after the goal bringing on Abigail Igbavboa for Bailes. Coventry look to respond attacking down the right Hughes drives forwards whips the ball into the box, Dermody coming towards it looks to hit it 1st time but under challenge can't get enough on the ball. End to end, Bell has the ball wide right for Crystal Place pushing forwards turns inside is tackled well by Buck. A heavy challenge on Shakes by Lynch as she powers her way forwards sees a free-kick given away right on the edge of the area a balls width outside right of the D it's Igbavboa over the ball, goes for goal the strike over the top.

   GOAL! Once again Coventry come back from a goal down to equalise, a goal out of nothing and like Bryan from Crystal Palace it's a 2nd goal of the match for Smith. Has possession of the ball some 30 yards out left side in front of the area a snap shot goes for goal sends the ball flying into the top corner, little chance of Yardley diving at it can do stop it as it brushes her fingertips and goes in 2-2.

Stephanie Smith controlling the ball with 2 goals for Coventry United Ladies

  Sets up an intriguing final 10 minutes of play. Torkildsen bursts forwards down the right for Coventry puts a good crossfield pass out to Smith on the left in front of the box, looks to play in Dermody ahead of her, she is unfortunate to slip as she goes to strike the ball on the edge of the area the attempt rolling tamely through to Yardley. 3rd change for Crystal Palace, Fran Ali coming on to replace Haydock.

  Attacking down the left side for Coventry as the game moves into the final minutes of normal time, Gauntlett rolls the ball into Dermody inside the box, she plays it across with Hughes behind her, sees her attempt at goal closed down the ball is won back as Crystal Place look to counter attack, Brook takes on the shot from distance looks to be heading top corner once again this time though Yardley has time to get across and pluck it down.

Coventry's Jade Brook and Crystal Palace's Ellie Bailes battle for the ball

  Into injury time Holdaway picks up a yellow card after fouling Hughes, a chance for Cooper to put the ball into the box, Smith is there to attack it far post sends her header wide of goal. Coventry very nearly win it at the death as rare moment of carelessness at the back sees Brook steal in to take the ball charging in behind left of goal shoots hitting the ball along the ground, Yardley dives to her right makes a great save turning the ball behind for the corner kick. Claims the set-piece as it comes in the referee blows the final whistle.

Full time Crystal Palace Ladies 2-2 Coventry United Ladies

 The points shared on the opening day fixture an entertaining match to watch from a neutrals perspective. A positive start to life at a higher level for Crystal Palace dominated the game for a good portion of both halves, scoring when they were on top too. Coventry were a little slow to get going 1st half but fought their way back into the game equalising twice after going behind. 

  A good day out at Bromley, my thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Pre-season friendly - King's Lynn Town Ladies v West Ham United Ladies

  It's a short journey west along the A47 today to watch a pre-season friendly of special significance for King's Lynn Town Ladies today as they begin a new era under the banner of the men's club, playing at The Walks Stadium. Their opponents, West Ham United Ladies. 

  It was announced at the end of last season that the current Lynn Ladies side formed 2 seasons ago and playing across the river in West Lynn would come under the banner of King's Lynn Town FC and become King's Lynn Town Ladies FC, wear the Linnets colours. The men's club competing in the Evo-Stik Southern Division keen to build a sense of community around the club, having a ladies side a natural step to take. 

  A prestige friendly game to herald a new era for the Ladies side a special occasion for the players to savour and enjoy. Very much an opportunity for women's football to grow on the western side of Norfolk having long be dominated from clubs around Norwich and to the east of the county. New players in the squad, notable among them Becky Russell a talented midfielder who has starred for Thorpe United Ladies in recent seasons. Had a season at Cambridge WFC too as did Bethan Jones who rejoins King's Lynn having recently been playing in the USA.

  West Ham United Ladies are their opponents today, have sent up their Development squad to face King's Lynn today. Their 1st team competes in the FAWPL Southern Division 4 leagues higher than King's Lynn and this is where their young players aspire to be. A good test for both sides as they begin pre-season several new faces in the West Ham line-up to, one of those I know having too played for Cambridge last season and doing well making several starts for their 1st team, Bella Simmons.

  Been a long while since I've been to The Walks stadium myself is a pleasant walk from the town centre itself through historic park land. The ground boasts on huge stand along one side of the pitch housing the bar, cafe and shop beneath, standing areas at either end behind the goals with a covered standing area running the length of the opposite of the pitch. The pitch itself ready for a new season looked immaculate, a good size. A very warm August afternoon for the game bright sun shining down on the pitch as the two sides walk out of the tunnel between the dugouts.

  King's Lynn Town Ladies starting XI - Cristina Vivas Artacho, Vikki Budulyte, Katie Garner, Millie Wilson, Chloe Burch (C), Marly Lawson, Bethan Jones, Becky Russell, Steph Lund, Shelley Woods & Josie Turner.
  subs - Natalie Bunton, Elle Bocking, Jade Kelly, Lisa Wilson & Emma Corbyn

  West Ham United Ladies starting XI - Latoya Smith, Natalie Strange (C), Shanyi Mariner, Dani Sillitoe, Courtney Lumley, Megan Waters, Rhianne Holmes, Rachel Blythe, Hayley Peacock, Bella Simmons & Shyontae Weekes. 
  subs - Maddie Wright, Lucy Bronze & Pauline Adeyemo.

(roll on, roll off substitutes)

  It's the visitors West Ham to get the game underway, wearing the clubs away colours of sky blue, with a claret band across the front of their shirts and sleeves. King's Lynn lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts, with blue shorts and socks. West Ham test the King's Lynn defence early sending the ball long out to the right channel, goalkeeper Cristina Vivas Artacho out of her area clears the ball. Deals well with a difficult ball sent into the box from a throw deep on the left moments later the ball played back to Courtney Lumley, 30 yards out looks to lift it into the box for the strikers to attack, bounces up sharply inside the six yard box Vivas Artacho adjusts well to claim the ball.

  King's Lynn are awarded a free kick wide right a chance to play the ball up into the West Ham area, a good delivery, defender Hayley Peacock climbs highest to head the ball out for a corner. Taken from the left by Becky Russell the ball is fired in towards the near post a stooping header from Katie Garner as she attempts to turn the ball goalwards, goalkeeper Latoya Smith gets down to stop the ball, can see it bounce wide of her near post for a goal kick.

   An even start to the match both sides moving the ball quickly some promising build up play. Coming through the centre in attack King's Lynn's, Josie Turner nips in to take the ball from the West Ham defence bursts clear in behind her run taking her out to the right of goal, is leaning back as she strikes the ball, screws her shot away from target. The ball is on it's way up the pitch as West Ham attack with purpose have possession on the left driving forwards Lumley plays the ball into Bella Simmons holds her marker off the ball out wide top of the area before shifting the ball and turning inside, pulls the trigger as she enters the ball sees her effort charged down. 

West Ham United Ladies, Bella Simmons

  West Ham's Shyontae Weekes times her run perfectly as the ball is played over the top for her to chase down bursts clear of the King's Lynn defence right of the goal into the box, Vivas Artacho is quick off her line and throws herself at the strikers feet to lay claim to the ball before she can take on a shot. Almost identical up the other end with King's Lynn's next attack Smith coming out to the edge of her area on the right to slide in and claim the ball before Turner chasing after it can get there. The lively opening continues West Ham attack down their right, Rachel Blythe plays the ball into the area looking to pick out Weekes, she looks turn the ball towards goal with her 1st touch puts it behind at the near post.

 GOAL! King's Lynn open the scoring on 15 minutes, the ball is sent long up field through the middle, West Ham have pushed up centre back Rhianne Holmes is looking to shield the ball from Turner with her goalkeeper coming out of her area to launch the ball with Turner almost on top of her the ball is deflected out to the left as keeper and striker come together. Turner is quicker to her feet races after the ball, know the goal is undefended, as Smith gets up tries to get back, Turner wraps her left foot around the ball and sends it home from outside the box 1-0.

Josie Turner scores the opening goal for King's Lynn Town Ladies

  Captain, Natalie Strange gets forwards from defence for West Ham on the left bringing the ball on looks to play a deep cross in on the angle towards the far post, it's King's Lynn captain, Chloe Burch tracking back who rises up to head the threat clear of her area. Bringing the ball into the West Ham half, Bethan Jones plays the ball out to Turner wide right, good hold up play with Russell coming towards her wanting the ball, gets it turning inside finds room to shot 25 yards out looking to send a low strike into the far bottom corner, Smith has it covered gets down to gather the ball into her body.

West Ham United Ladies, Courtney Lumley

  West Ham are prepared to have a go from distance both Holmes and fellow centre back Dani Sillitoe taking on shots, both put straight at Vivas Artacho. A hot afternoon a drinks break pre-arranged by both sides. West Ham ring the changes bringing on Lucy Bronze, Maddie Wright and Pauline Adeyemo. The latter of the 3 gets in on the action straight away, playing through the centre of attack is played in behind the King's Lynn defence, the ball gets stuck under her feet for a moment with Vivas Artacho charging towards her, manages to dig the shot out getting the ball past the advancing keeper but also wide of her goal beyond.

  GOAL! A free kick for West Ham 40 yards out on the right, the ball is lifted up into the area towards the far post excessive bounce on the ball as it lands in the centre of the box looping up Sillitoe running in keeps her eye on it and as it comes over her headers the ball on up over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net to score 1-1.

  The open nature of the game continues, Turner is a constant threat for King's Lynn ready to race in behind the West Ham defence, Smith comes racing out to slide in and bravely save at her feet as Shelley Woods puts her through on the right once again. Up the other end the ball is played across the face of the King's Lynn area Peacock looks to take on the shot hitting the ball with the outside of her boot lifts the strike up over the crossbar.

  GOAL! West Ham take the lead building up some positive momentum since Adeyemo entered the action. Attacking down the right have players piling into the box the cross is lifted in towards the near post Blythe is their tries to help it on knocks it up his headed up into the air by the King's Lynn defence falls to Adeyemo arriving on the top of the area, she strikes the ball hard and low towards goal, Vivas Artacho throws herself towards the ball, can't get there 1-2.

  There's a King's Lynn player down on the edge of the box, Burch was hurt in the build up to the West Ham goal and is in alot of discomfort, a player who has been out with a long term injury it isn't good to see the stretcher called for as she can't continue. Lisa Wilson comes on to join the action.

  Penalty! Right on the stroke of half-time West Ham are awarded a penalty as Adeyemo on the ball drives into the box from the left, has King's Lynn defender Millie Wilson on her shoulder lunges in to win the ball, looks like she gets there but takes out Adeyemo to, bringing her down the referee points to the spot. A chance for West Ham to take a 3-1 lead into the dressing room, it's Adeyemo to take looks to lift the ball wide of Vivas Artacho to the right of goal places it wide.

Half-time King's Lynn Ladies 1-2 West Ham United Ladies Dev Squad

  A very entertaining 1st half, an even contest overall, King's Lynn doing well to match West Ham and capitalised on a mistake to take the lead. West Ham fought back making the changes and seeing them go on to equalise then take the lead. Blow for King's Lynn losing their captain and it's never nice to see an ambulance arrive at a ground can only wish Chloe Burch all the best and hope it's not too serious an injury and for a speedy recovery.

  The 2nd half get's underway, King's Lynn taking the kick off. Elle Bocking is on King's Lynn. Simmons is back on the pitch for West Ham. Woods now wearing the captains armband. Get's the ball back from Wilson carrying the ball on down the left 30 yards out Woods looks to try and place the ball in the top corner, Smith in the West Ham goal sees it safely into her gloves. Woods and Wilson combine again in King's Lynn's next attack, picking the ball up on half way Woods places the ball into Wilson's run down the left cuts the ball inside into the box with Turner arriving the ball won't sit for her bouncing up as she tries to lift it over the advancing Smith can't get the power needed puts it straight at her.

King's Lynn Town Ladies, Becky Russell holds West Ham's Megan Waters and the referee off the ball

  Again Wilson is free on the left as Russell plays the ball into her plays the cross into the box again for Turner to attack deeper this time she slips as she goes to strike it the chance gone. Good start to the 2nd half by King's Lynn, Bocking getting up the pick on the left plays the pass inside to Wilson who is brought down in a dangerous position outside the box 20 yards from goal. Woods is over the ball, gets it over the West Ham wall, Smith diving to cover her near post gets a touch on the ball taking it out for a corner kick.

King's Lynn Town Ladies, Bethan Jones

   Natalie Bunton comes on to the pitch for King's Lynn whilst West Ham make a double switch Mariner and Holmes back on for Lumley and Strange. The visitors haven't had as much joy in attack 2nd half as the 1st, Adeyemo powerful on the ball is being well marshalled by the home defence. Simmons wins her side a corner on the left side comes in at a good height, Vivas Artacho jumps through the crowd at the near post to punch the ball out for a 2nd corner, taken short comes all the way back to Sillitoe takes on the strike from all of 35 yards out Vivas Artacho can easily palm it down to safety. 

   GOAL! It's 2-2 and it's a complete horror for West Ham, Smith will come out of her area a thousand times and this will never happen again. The ball is played long by King's Lynn through the middle Holmes is shielding the ball from the attacker as Smith goes to put her foot through the ball, hits her own player and the rebound sends the ball straight back towards goal, the race to stop it is in vain as the ball rolls over the line for an unfortunate own goal. 

   Turner is playing off the last defender always looking like she can burst in behind and that is exactly what King's Lynn are trying to do, Woods with the pass, Turner latches onto the shot on the top of the area, a low effort, Smith throws herself to her left and lays claim to the shot. Lumley replaces Sillitoe for West Ham. Plays the ball out to Weekes wide right plays the cross on the diagonal into the box putting Adeyemo clear of her marker into the box, looking to line up a shot, Millie Wilson get's back coming across to take the ball off her toes.

Josie Turner looking to get ahead of West Ham's Rhianne Holmes

  Russell brings the ball on in midfield for King's Lynn her pass dissects the West Ham defence as turner beats the offside trap, the ball won't sit for the shot as she breaks into the area, drags it wide of the left post. Another chance for Turner as Steph Lund makes progress with the ball down the left cuts the ball back to Turner inside the D, a clever turn sees her evade her marker, get a shot away places it straight into Smith well placed for the strike.

  More good build up play from the home side with Jones at the back now putting the ball into Woods central a neat turn sees her release the ball into the box with Lund cutting in from the left, on the ball looks to strike it across the face of goal, too close to Smith the keeper saves it. 

Shelley Woods with the ball for King's Lynn Town Ladies

  Carrying the ball on Megan Waters coming through the middle of the park for West Ham plays the pass to Adeyemo on the left side, hard to knock off the ball she pushes forwards getting into the box unleashing a shot along the ground, Vivas Artacho gets down to her left and holds onto the ball at her near post. 

Megan Waters bringing the ball on for West Ham United Ladies

   Late pressure from King's Lynn, Russell getting ahead of play breaking into the West Ham box on the right sees Smith slide in to take the ball at her feet before she can take on the shot. Further out it's Russell on the ball again who strikes from distance sees her effort drift wide of goal. Closing moments of the match Turner still has the energy to beat the offside trap as Russell wins the ball back on the left side plays it into Turner entering the box doesn't make a clean connection with the ball her shot lacks the pace to trouble Smith.

  The referee blows up to end the game, an entertaining 2-2 draw between King's Lynn and West Ham played in front of a decent sized crowd at The Walks who will have hopefully enjoyed what they saw and come back for more. A good start to the match for King's Lynn taking an early lead, West Ham did very well dominating for a spell to come back to lead 2-1 at half-time. A mistake brought King's Lynn level 2nd half and from then on they looked the more confident fashioning more chances to find a winning goal.

  The Norfolk Women's County League kick-off in September dates and fixture yet to be announced, will list them upon the Supporting Women's Football Blog's sister site www.womensfootballeast.com when they are. A good pre-season game for both sides, my thanks to both sides for their help with the squads today and best of luck to both for the season ahead. 

Championship Play Off - Brighton & Hove Albion WFC v Sporting Club Albion Ladies

 One more game to to squeeze in before I take my own end/mid-season break and it's the biggest in the 2015/16 winter leagues calender the FAWPL Championship Play Off match between the Champions of the Northern and Southern Divisions playing each other fort the opportunity to join the FAWSL with Brighton & Hove Albion WFC playing Sporting Club Albion Ladies.

 The two Champions have have contrasting paths in their title successes, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC, have been the leader in the FAWPL Southern Division for the majority of the season, getting their games in when their rivals didn't. Were in a strong position going into their final league match of the season knowing a win away to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies would see them become the Champions. Was there to see them win the game and celebrate the title. That was back on Sunday 10th April and the club has been through a turbulent period since. Has seen 1st team manger James Marrs relieved of his post after an allegation was lodged with the Sussex FA and with his departure a number of 1st team regulars have left too, defender Deanna Cooper, top scorer Charlotte Gurr and captain Jay Blackie who all played a huge part in helping Brighton win the FAWPL Southern Division title. George Parris has taken on the role of interim 1st team manager in the long six week lay off in competitive matches as the club prepares for the biggest match in it's history.

  Sporting Club Albion on contrast have come from no where to win the FAWPL Northern Division a 10th placed finish this season has seen an almost Leicester City rise to the top of the table. Had games in hand on everyone else in the league due to an extended run in the FA Women's Cup ending up as the last FAWPL club in the competition in the quarter finals eventually beaten by Manchester City Women. That meant a fixture pile up and a lot of games to be played in a short space of time, rose to the challenge and when Preston North End WFC played out their league games knew if they won their they could over haul them and win the title. Unlike Brighton they finished their league campaign on the 15th of May and have a match sharpness Brighton for all their training may have lost.

  The two sides have met already once this season drawn together in the 5th Round of the FA Women's Cup, Sporting Club Albion Ladies making the trip to the south coast to play Brighton raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 17 minutes, Brighton fought their way back into the game to level it up at 3-3 before Sporting Club Albion went on to score the winning goal in the 83rd minute back in March.

  The venue for today's FAWPL Championship Play Off match, Adams Park, home of Wycombe Wanderers FC and this season Reading FC Women. Situated at the end of an industrial estate you wouldn't know it as the ground is in a dip surrounded by trees, a picturesque setting. It isn't the easiest to get to the M25 proving to be a pain in the... once again arrived 30 minutes before kick off okay I know but I like being there an hour before kick off. Not to worry I was there is a nice League Two ground, a decent crowd in attendance in good voice too, surrounded by Brighton fans and they had a bit of banter lined up for their Sporting Club Albion counterparts up the opposite end of the stand. The weather was great the pitch too everything in place for a great game of women's football. 

  Brighton & Hove Albion WFC starting XI - Faye Baker, Charley Boswell, Sophie Perry, Vicky Ashton-Jones (C), Catherine Cooper, Hollie Olding, Charlotte Young, Kirsty Barton, Lucy Somes, Kate Natkiel & Amy Taylor.
  subs - Lisa Fulgence, Phoebe Leitch, Danielle Rowe, Ellie Dorey & Nina Wilson.

  Sporting Club Albion Ladies starting XI - Rebecca Thomas, Samantha Conroy, Kelly Darby (C), Stephanie Smith, Kelly Highman, Summer Holmes, Trina Greaves, Paige Crossman, Hazzana Parnell, Leigh Dugmore & Abigail Cottam
   subs - Charlotte Edmunds, Amy Dicken, Billie Haynes, Kate Wright & Karen Clough. 

  It's Sporting Club Albion to get the Championship Play Off match underway 1st half lined up wearing red shirts, white shorts and socks with Brighton lined up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts, and blue socks with white tops. The ball is played long in towards the Brighton area straight from kick off, goalkeeper Faye Baker comes to collect getting an early touch on the ball. 

  Sporting Club Albion start the brighter making progress with the ball down the left side, Hazzana Parnell playing in down the line for Summer Holmes the throw is won deep in the corner, Kelly Highman comes forwards to take everyone set up for a long throw, doesn't come off as planned Charley Boswell getting it clear for Brighton on the edge of the box. Coming again down the left Leigh Dugmore has the ball at her feet this time passes the ball into striker Abigail Cottam, Brighton captain Vicky Ashton-Jones comes across to tackle puts the ball behind for a corner kick on the left. Played in long to the far post area Brighton get it out of the area.

   A scrappy start to the match Brighton haven't settled yet Sporting Club Albion are coming forwards with confidence. Parnell central squeezes the ball on into the Brighton area with Dugmore looking to get onto the end of it but Brighton's Boswell gets back on her defends well winning the ball. Played up to Sophie Perry out to the left brings the ball on before releasing Amy Taylor moving out to the right wing taking the ball on down the line unleashes a shot sending the ball in straight and fast towards the near post, Sporting Club Albion goalkeeper, Rebecca Thomas gets down sharply and smothers the shot. 

  Brighton build up another attack the ball rolled into Perry in a central position 25 or so yards out, lines up the shot the ball sails over the crossbar. In the space of 3 minutes Brighton test try their luck from distance as the ball is sent out to Lucy Somes on the right by Kate Natkiel, Somes turns back inside with the ball 20 yards out looks to catch Thomas unaware off her line, takes on the shot a looping effort whipping into the air drops late but not enough as it lands on the roof of the net. A busy start to the match 10 minutes on the clock.

Catherine Cooper keeps her eye on the ball for Brighton 

  Sporting Club Albion have a free kick out wide on the right is played long into the area, Dugmore is after it managing to hook the ball back into the centre of the area from the byline, finds Cottam as she gets her head on the ball powers the header over the bar. Goalkeepers aren't just their to make up the numbers have to be skillful on the ball too, and Baker shows a neat piece of skill out side her area coming out to intercept the ball as Sporting Club Albion play it long putting Dugmore through, Baker keeping her cool to head the ball away from the advancing attacker.

   GOAL! Sporting Club Albion open the scoring in the Championship Play Off, have a corner on the right the initial ball in sent long is cleared by Brighton is regained by Sporting Club Albion finds it's way to Parnell out wide right as Brighton look to clear their area, the ball swept back in is at a perfect height to attack as Dugmore leaps up on the six yard line to nail her header into the back of the net 0-1 a bit of banter with the vocal Brighton fans at that end of the ground as she runs away in celebration.

Leigh Dugmore celebrates after opening the scoring in the FAWPL Championship Play Off

  Cottam wins the ball over on the left side of the pitch cuts back inside 25 yards out plays the pass into Holmes who looks to line up a shot, screws the effort away from goal. Brighton's Kirsty Barton plays the ball into Natkiel her pass spreads the play out to the right with Somes bursting forwards, stands the cross up towards the far post, Taylor out there stoops to head the ball a glancing touch can only turn the ball behind for a goal kick.

 Few lunging challenges coming in so far the referee is happy to let the game flow, Brighton counter attack up the left side the ball is played long for Taylor to chase looking to turn into the box is stopped by Sporting Club Albion captain Kelly Darby a great tackle to deny her a scoring opportunity. Up the other end Sporting Club Albion have a corner on the right a good delivery this time sent into the middle of the crowded six yard box is turned wide at the far post a goal kick the decision. Cottam getting into the Brighton area from the right, manages to get a shot away as she is tackled the ball running across goal is grabbed by the diving Baker.

  Cottam is looking a threat for Sporting Club Albion on the back attacking down the right, cuts back inside to beat her marker sends the shot in with plenty of power behind it aiming for the near post Baker is across the ball strikes the base of the post then is saved by Baker before being cleared for a throw. Again Sporting Club Albion are on the attack Cottam going after the ball played down into the left channel lays it back towards the top of the area with Highman racing forwards from the back to support her gets to the ball nipping past a Brighton player then with the outside of her boot lays it inside for Holmes 20 yards out takes on the shot, is blocked by Ashton-Jones inside the box. 

  End to end at the moment, Sporting Club Albion defending frantically on the edge of their area get it away, Somes is fouled on half way the ball played in long by Charlotte Young, Taylor chesting it down can't turn and hit the shot Sporting Club Albion break the ball coming to Cottam moving out to the left, turning inside coming into the area, Ashton-Jones ets back across on her to win the ball back. 

  GOAL! 5 minutes left to play in the 1st half and Brighton get themselves back on level terms. Not alot Thomas can do about this one in the Sporting Club Albion goal is just a terrific strike from distance from the boot of Natkiel a goal out of nothing but hugely important. the ball played into her centrally around 25 yards out makes good connection with the shot hitting the ball up and in towards the top corner the keeper doesn't move, goal 1-1. 

Kate Natkiel with a terrific strike levels things up for Brighton

  The goal has lifted Brighton late in the 1st half and they push forwards looking for another, Hollie Olding fancies her chances from distance too and going for goal lifts her effort up over the bar from outside the area. Free kick wide on the right side for Brighton after Somes is tripped up Perry is over the ball whips it in towards the centre of goal Darby gets her head on the ball turning it out wide left. Highman defends well inside her box as Taylor plays the ball out to Somes late on the winger looking to drive with the ball into the area.
  

Half-time Brighton & Hove Albion WFC 1-1 Sporting Club Albion Ladies

  That was a fast paced 1st 45 minutes, took Brighton a little while to get going and Sporting Club Albion took full advantage taking the lead have been the better side in the 1st half creating numerous chances. Brighton have had chances to and a brilliant strike from Natkiel sees them go in all square at the break all to play for 2nd half.

  Brighton to get the 2nd half underway. It's Sporting Club Albion who mount the 1st attack as Paige Crossman bringing the ball forwards wide on the right plays an early ball into the area is met by Trina Greaves on the volley turns the effort wide across the goal. Breaking up an Brighton attack Crossman comes on again on the right with the ball the ball is played into Dugmore making a run to get into the box from the right, Boswell gets back with the attacker won't let her turn into the box Dugmore plays it back up the pitch into Crossman who sends the cross long to the far post Cottam is there, Ashton-Jones heads the ball behind for a corner. 

Abigail Cottam looking to control the ball for Sporting Club Albion

   Crossman involved again as she brings the ball on once again for Sporting Club Albion the cross is sent in to the near post Cottam in amongst 3 Brighton defenders the ball goes over for a corner kick. Taken from the right plenty of pace on the delivery sent in near post Dugmore has come towards the ball unmarked drills her shot wide of goal.

  A dangerous free kick is awarded to Brighton as Somes is up ended in front of the d as she looks to dribble the ball into the area. 20 yards out Perry is over the set-piece goes for goal getting the ball up over the wall, won't drop goes over the crossbar too. Continues to be an open game a good watch. Crossman gets forwards again on the right for Sporting Club Albion takes on the shot from the corner of the area, doesn't make a clean connection with the ball is collected by Baker.

  Another free kick goes Brighton's way further out this time, Barton over the ball sends it from 40 yards out into the area Olding gets her head on the ball but can only turn it down to the front of the area is cleared but not far before being lifted back in Taylor closely marked by Samantha Conroy edge of the box manages to turn inside get a shot away sends the ball wide. Young on the six yard line at the far post leaps highest inside the box as Brighton win a corner on the right can't keep the header down goes over the crossbar.

  Perry brings the ball forwards into the Sporting Club Albion half has Olding up with her in support, plays the ball inside to her, is a good way out when she winds up the strike goes for goal, Thomas pushes the ball away to her right Stephanie Smith concedes the corner kick which is cleared by Darby.

 GOAL! Closing in on the 70th minute mark Brighton get themselves into the lead, the open nature of the match means either side are likely to time the perfect ball through the centre to get an attacker in, Brighton manage just that the ball is slipped through the middle with Natkiel the player furthest forwards clear to run into the area unopposed is one on one with the advancing keeper, keeps her composure takes the shot early is past Thomas, don't see it cross the line as the crowd in front of me leap up in celebration 2-1.

2 goals for Kate Natkiel 

  GOAL! Brighton have worked hard since taking the lead to pressure the ball in search of a 2nd and barely 5 minutes after taking the lead double their advantage. Are attacking with Taylor on the ball is tackled as she gets the ball into the Sporting Club Albion area, Smith headers the ball out Taylor goes after the ball left side of the D and is fouled again this time the free kick is awarded, Perry is over it again, is a quality strike powered in towards goal, Thomas barely moves the ball finding the top corner 3-1.

Sophie Perry with a superbly delivered free kick makes it 3-1 to Brighton

  A double change for Sporting Club Albion after conceding the 3rd goal, Parnell and Cottam come off as Karen Clough and Billie Haynes come on. Have the ball out on the right side the cross is lifted in long to the far post, the header is turned in towards goal, Baker holds onto the shot. 

  GOAL! A sucker punch for Sporting Club Albion as they find themselves going 4-1 down as Brighton take control of the game scoring a 3rd goal inside 8 minutes, Perry is played in down the line on the left goes to take on a defender riding the challenge stays on her feet as she gets in behind cutting into the area lifts the ball up into the six yard box, Taylor is there to attack it gets her head on the ball turning it wide of Thomas into the top corner 4-1. 

Amy Taylor with the 4th goal for Brighton

  10 minutes left to play Brighton make a change Somes coming off with Ellie Dorey. Sporting Club Albion pick themselves up try to get the ball forwards, Dugmore tries to head the ball in towards goal from the edge of the box as the cross is fired into her from the left side. Rolls through to Baker in the Brighton goal. Sporting Club Albion look tired late on conceding 3 goals in quick succession having matches Brighton toe to toe for almost 70 minutes. Perry bursts down the left the cross is played in towards Taylor her looping header drops into the arms of Thomas. Brighton make another change bringing of Taylor for Lisa Fulgence in attack with 5 minutes of normal time left to play.

  GOAL! Sporting Club Albion to their credit have kept going and on 88 minutes get themselves a goal back. Pressing bodies forwards the cross is lifted into the box from the right glanced in on the middle falls to Clough at the far stick, sends the ball back in across goal and scores 4-2. 

  That late goal has lifted Sporting Club Albion and they push on feeling they can get another an make things really interesting. The ball played into Dugmore on the right holds it up as Smith comes towards the ball playing it back to her she goes for the 1st time ball into the area looking to lift it up high and drop under Baker's crossbar lands on the roof of the net. Rather than the comfortable finish to the game Brighton might have expected they have to defend frantically late on a determined however to prevent a 3rd goal going in blocking Sporting Club Albion shots on the edge of their area. Danielle Rowe coming on in injury time for Olding.

  Brighton don't concede again and as the final whistle blows celebrate winning the Championship Play Off beating Sporting Club Albion 4-2. A 3 gaol burst in the 2nd half enough to put them in control of the game knock the stuffing out of their opponents, although they had to absorb some late pressure held on for the win. Both sides playing their part on a great game to end the FAWPL season, could have gone either way and Sporting Club Albion had the better of the 1st half. A tough end to their season but they can hold their heads high, are FAWPL Northern Division Champions and have had an excellent season.

  Brighton & Hove Albion WFC, achieve their goal for the season to achieve promotion to the FAWSL winning the play off final. Now they can apply for an FAWSL license and so long as they meet the criteria, such as finances, marketing and ground they will be playing in the FAWSL 2 in the 2017 season. Were cheered on by a vocal crowd, who will be eagerly awaiting their FAWSL bow.

Sophie Perry celebrating after the final whistle

Long serving Brighton goalkeeper Faye Baker let's everyone know who the Champions are

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC are this seasons FAWPL Championship Play Off Winners

  One thing left and that's to add my congratulations to Brighton & Hove Albion WFC on their FAWPL Championship Play Off win.

  

  

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