Match Report Cambridge WFC v Denham United LFC SE Combination

    Hailstones are what greeted me as I arrived at the Unwin Sports Ground for todays football match between Cambridge WFC and Denham United LFC in the South East Combination league. Thankfully they weren't to last and between the black clouds the sun tried to make an appearance. After two successive 1 nil defeats in the league against teams at the top of the table Cambridge were looking for a much needed positive result against their visitors. Denham United LFC themselves were looking to continue a good run of recent results that had seen them progress up the league.
    
    Also at the ground were a few german speaking visitors who turned out to be the German Canaries as they unveiled their banner, undeterred by the lack of any canaries they were nevertheless in good voice and supporting the home team. Having seen Cambridge a few times it was clear they were without a few regulars and fielding a young squad striker Nuala Wayne needing a fitness test before match was able to lead the line as both teams took to the field Cambridge in their sky blue shirts and socks with navy shorts, and Denham kitted out in white shirts and navy shorts and socks with red and white banding.

      The opening exchanges were cagey as both sides playing 4 4 2 looked to suss each other out. Denham with the 1st effort at goal from a free kick delivered high into the box their captain and central defender Joanne Torr sending the ball wide. Soon after the visitors with a corner delivered in dangerously Cambridge keeper Liz Pamplin punches the ball over to clear. Denham were pushing Cambridge back as the home side struggled to get the ball up to their attackers.

     Cambridge though found an out ball in their wide players with their full backs providing good support. A ball delivered in from the left resulted in Cambridge's Bethan Jones being fouled just outside the box as she tried to jump for the ball. Central defender Jordan Holland took the free kick her powerful shot that rattling the crossbar.

    Denham were to have a shot of their own come down off the crossbar minutes later from a free kick central to the goal 40 yards out which was delivered into the area and flicked onto the bar. Action was end to end with Cambridge getting joy down the flanks full back Emma Jenkins had an effort blocked the ball cannoning out to Bethan Jones who tried to curl it back in from the edge of the D, Denham keeper Lizzy Rose well placed to catch the shot.

     Denham were looking a threat on the break both their strikers looking to beat the offside trap and peeling off her marker Denham's no10 Rebecca Scott burst into the box on the right and unleashed a shot. Pamplin got a hand to it but the ball fell loose in front of her and was met by midfielder Lauren Cox who gave Pamplin no chance to recover as she smashed it home from close range to make it 1-0.

    Cambridge looked a threat from their set pieces Jordan Holland was producing so good delieveries had an effort out on the left delivered hard to the near post Rose spilled her attempted catch the ball rolling out to Nuala Wayne who drilled her effort, it was straight at the diving Rose however who was able to divert the ball for a corner. Late in the half Cambridge's captain Hannah Goodchild is fouled the referee plays advantage as the ball rolls to Jones the winger with a snap shot put it wide.

                        Half time Cambridge WFC 0-1 Denham United LFC
   
    The wind had picked up at the start of the 2nd half and with it the black clouds were rolling in. Cambridge came out looking to press Denham higher up the pitch and were having more joy in their opponents half winning the ball back and trying to get it into the box for Wayne to attack. Denham looking to counter attack it was a real battle between Scott and Cambridge central defender Kayleigh-Anne Burt at times (pictured below).

   
     A few fouls were being given away by both teams one taken from the right by Denham met the head of Torr the effort sent wide of the post. Cambridge broke from the goal kick down the left the ball crossed in Wayne falling couldn't bring it under control allowing the Denham defence to clear. With Cambridge pressing forwards looking to equalise Denham were finding space to exploit one run out on the left bringing them a free kick 30 yards from goal the ball was delivered in fiercely bounced beating everyone in the middle coming out to Torr out on the right of the six yard box. Pamplin with no chance as she drilled her shot under her as she dove into the back of the net to double the visitors lead 2-0.

     Having absorbed a good period of pressure from Cambridge the visitors with a two goal cushion were looking the more dangerous. Torr herself with a run out from the back line with the ball took a shot her effort blocked by a Cambridge body. Another free kick from Denham is net by Cox whose attempt at goal his smartly saved by Pamplin. At the other end Cambridge's attackers were trying their best to break through a solid Denham defensive line but the final ball just wouldn't come. Torr had the last effort of the match a long range drive that went wide of the post as the visitors claimed all 3pts and move into 4th place in the league table. Cambridge remain 9th.

    In todays other matches in the South East Comination league, leaders QPR were held to a 2-2 all draw at Ipswich despite taking a 2 goal lead. Leaving C&K Basildon to reclaim top spot after a 5-0 home victory against Ebbsfleet. Norwich ran out 4-1 winners away to Enfield and in the clash of the bottom two Brentwood moved off the bottom as they beat visitors Luton 3-2.

 

 

Women's FA Cup 4th Rd Gillingham LFC v Preston North End WFC

    This Sunday was the Women's FA Cup 4th and the draw for the competition had thrown up 8 intriguing match ups and with the weather having at last settled down and the sun shining looked like all of the ties might actually go ahead as planned. The tie I picked out was an all FAWPL clash and a North versus South tie too as Preston North End WFC had been drawn out to face Gillingham LFC. Both teams in the top 4 of their respective divisions.

    Gillingham had caught my attention by beating what I thought would be a hard opponent in Nottingham Forest in the previous round after I had seen them comfortably beat Wolves Women 3-0 in the 2nd round. Gillingham though came away victorious with a 1-0 win. Their opponents likewise had achieved an impressive victory in the previous round being the 1st WPL club to knock a new WSL 2 team out of the competition when they beat Yeovil 3-0. Locking horns in the 4th round it was one of three ties that guaranteed a non WSL club would reach the 5th round.

    The journey wasn't too bad from Norfolk to Kent over the Dartford Crossing the weather bright and sunny as I arrived at Chatham Town FC where the tie was to be played. A nice example of a non league ground with a good character to it, made all the better with having a bar and refreshments. Taking in both as I took a look around with both teams warming up it was clear that both were very much up for this tie and confident. I know little about both teams but had a feeling this was going to be a close game.

    It was Gillingham in their blue shirts with white sleeves, blue shorts and socks that got the game underway. Their opponents Preston kitted out in dark pink shirts and navy shorts and socks were the first to have an effort on goal and indeed put it into the back of the net however the linesman flag was up.. offside. The game started at a furious pace high tempo both teams looking to advance up the pitch with the ball quickly, Gillingham's Charlotte Gurr looked to play a thru ball onto striker Lisa Fulgence two Preaton defenders converging quickly to stifle the danger.

     Out wide on the left Gillingham's Fliss Gibbons had space to run into crossed from the edge of the box foinding the feet of the advancing Danielle Chartlon her shot straight at Preston keeper Danielle Brown and pushed over for a corner. Preston were on the attack soon after attacker Melissa Ball taking advantage of a defensive mistake runs into the box her shot however is pulled wide of the post. The end to end football is putting defenders under pressure on both sides the attacking players working hard to run the ball down.

   Fliss Gibbons has plenty of space to run into on the left flank and whenever her team mates get the ball to her feet she is able to run to the by line and cross or drive into the box a chance as she lays the ball off to Lisa Fulgence the strikers effort narrowly over but adjudged offside. Spell of pressure from the home side a corner is drilled in low and curl into the near post but Preston have a defender on the line to clear. Danielle Chartlon with another effort stabs her shot high forcing a stretching save from Danielle Brown to keep her goal intact.

     The high tempo continuing unabated meant there was very little time for any player to settle on the ball mistakes were giving opportunities to both teams form one defensive mis kick Preston's Sophie Jones was able to latch onto the loose ball and from the inside of the box tried to lob it over Gillingham keeper Faye Baker but in doing so cleared the bar too. Preston's Melissa Ball out on the left powers forwards into the box to deliver an inviting cross along the six yard line but no one is able to send it goal wards.

    Preston's Katie Anderton catches possession from Gillingham's defence and drives towards goal. Faye Baker is quick off her line goes to ground but keeping her arms up is able to smother the attempted lob enough to push the ball wide, Anderton tries to get to the ball to get a shot at the acute angle by then Gillingham have recovered to clear their lines. Gilligham's Lisa Fulgence brings the ball down superbly hooking it between two Preston defenders launches a shot beating the keeper but so too the post.

     At half time the score is 0-0

   Preston made a change at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Paige Forster for Alice Forshaw in midfield. It was Gillingham though that started the 2nd half stronger after an edgy few opening minutes Gillingham's Charlotte Gurr was fouled 30 yards out around the edge of the D. The free kick struck by Danielle Charlton beat the Preston wall getting the merest of touches and going wide for a corner. Preston were finding themselves penned back in their own half Gillingham though couldn't find that all important final ball.

    For all this pressure Gillingham were always vulnerable to a counter attack and it came through Preston captain Laura Walker winning the ball back played it to Sophie Jones who passes it forwards into the path of the advancing Paige Forster. Great defending from Gillingham prevents her from getting a shot away as the ball is taken from her feet and put out for a corner. Fliss Gibbons picks up an injury and is replaced by Nikita Whinett.

   It was the sub who was to help create the goal scoring opportunity as out on the left corner of the area Whinett has her feet taken out from under her and the referee awards a free kick. Jade Keogh to take she launches it at the perfect height towards the near post but doesn't need a touch as it goes in to make it 1-0. The dead lock broken with just 15 minutes left to play. Gillingham midfielder Emma Tune has a chance chased down she blazes it over the bar.

   Another chance for Lisa Fulgence hits the post but again the linesmans flag is raised. Preston are having to take chances leaving space at the back as they search for an equaliser. Katie Anderton battles with four defenders around her nearly squeezes through but can't beat five as the ball is cleared. Jade Keogh is taken off, replaced by Lauren Davies taking up Keogh's position on the right she has plenty of space to run towards goal drills a ball across the six yard box to Nikita Whinett to make it 2 but her 1st touch is poor and Preston clear for a corner. The visitors can't fashion another chance as the referee blows for full time and Gillingham beat Preston 1-0 to advance to the 5th round.

   A commited and competitive game and really for 75 minutes until the goal was scored it could have gone either way one goal always looked likely to settle it. Gillingham got it and well done to them for reaching the 5th round. Have to say well done to Preston too though for both teams put in a great effort and it was a great advert for both the FA Cup and WPL football.

    There were another 7 FA Cup ties that took place today and the results are summarised below,

   Sunderland v Watford, was the only all WSL 2 clash and Sunderland rolled out comfortable winners beating Watford 4-1

  Coventry v Brighton was another all WPL affair played at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry ran out 2-0 winners

   Crystal Palace v Portsmouth, the home side the only Regional league team left in the competition gave a spirtede performance but it wasn't enough to beat the WPL side as Portsmouth reached the 5th round for the 1st time in their history with a 3-2 win

   Doncaster v Copsewood, this was a huge occasion for the Midlands Combination side against their WSL 2 hosts at the Keepmoat Stadium who proved too strong as Doncaster ran out 4-1 winners.

  Reading v Blackburn, the 1st if three ties featuring a WSL 2 club against a WPL opponent I thought there could be an upset at one of these and indeed Blackburn ran Reading close taking it to extra time before Reading scored twice to beat Blackburn 2-0

   Durham v Sheffield, the visitors top of WPL North took the lead against Durham but the home side came back to win 3-1

   Cardiff v London Bees, the home side leading WPL South were the one to cause the upset beating London Bees 1-0 after extra time and make it 4 WPL teams along side 4 WSL 2 teams to be joined by the WSL 1 big guns in the 5th round draw.

   The 5th round will throw up some more fascinating match ups that's for sure.

   

Match Report - Stalham Town LFC v Bohemians LFC Norfolk Div Two

                                          WARNING!

                    This match report contains sunshine.
    
    18 degrees... that was the temperature that registered in the car as I arrived todays venue Rivers Park in the North East of Norfolk. No Coat. No Hat and No Umbrella required the sunglasses needed to be dug out in fact such was the turn around in the rotten wet and horrible weather the women's footballing calendar has suffered of late. At last the SUN was out! Plan this weekend had always been to go see a game in Norfolk and this time in Division Two to see two teams for the 1st time. Rivers Park is the home ground for Stalham Town Ladies. Their opponents today Bohemians Ladies (who play in Belton in South East Norfolk).

  With the weather set fair the match was to be against two reasonably matched teams in terms of results in the league so far this season. Bohemians were in 3rd place having played 15, W7, D4, L4 on 25pts. Stalham in 6th having played 14, W6, D4, L4 on 22pts with the middle of the table being very tight. Therefore I expected this to be a pretty tight encounter. Bohemians though were at a disadvantage as their goalkeeper was running late. Started the game with an outfield player in goal with the knowledge she was minutes away.
    
    Stalham in their all red strip got the match underway their opponents in pink shirts, black shorts and socks with the sun at their backs in the first half. An edgey start Stalham were unable to test the replacement keeper before their 1st choice arrived and quickly took her place between the sticks. Bohemians had the 1st chance a shot drilled wide of the post from a low driven corner. The visitors were pressing high up the pitch to win the ball Stalham got bodies back to help leaving one up top, looked to find her and beat the offside trap when they won the ball.

    It was from one of these balls that Stalham no7 Emma Ward had a fantastic chance to open the scoring driving with the ball had two Bohemians defenders on her as they squeezed the striker she was able the work the ball away to her right find the space to shoot inside the box but sent the effort wide. Ward was in again minutes later coming into the box from the left channel, the final shot tame Bohemians keeper was able to gather.

    At the other end Bohemians had a chance to take the lead a shot stabbed towards goal with the outside of the boot from the edge of the D went narrowly wide. Stalham's keeper rushing out of her box soon after to close down an attack as their offside trap was sprung. Stalham though with an extra body in the middle of the park were able to win back possession even though they could not find a through ball to capitalise. Pushing Bohemians back further to the edge of their box the visitors failed to clear it in quick succession finding a red shirt each time the ball came out to Stalham's no9 Kerri Eke on the right hand side of the six yard box and she drilled it into the back of the net 1-0.

Half-time and Stalham had the advantage 1-0

   It had gotten a little niggly in the 1st half Bohemians not happy with some decisions that had gone against them but at 1-0 they were still very much in the match, came out the strongest at the start of the 2nd half determined to win the ball but like the home side winning it and making it stick was proving elusive. Stalham were to have the 1st real scoring chance as they won possession back in midfield no14 Katie Clarke with a powerful 25 yard strike driven low along the ground had the keeper diving but the effort was wide. Clarke with another effort from the edge of the box heading for goal but the defender on the post did her job and cleared the danger.

    With roll on roll off subs both Kerri Eke and Emma Ward had been off the pitch now returning it was no7 Ward driving at goal that was to win a corner for Stalham. Taken from the left the ball came out back to that side and from close to the touchline near the top edge of the box Kerri Eke had a shot/cross that sailed over everyone and into the far corner to make it 2-0 to Stalham.

    Bohemians were having joy down the flanks their no7 Laura Furi was looking dangerous with the ball at her feet looking to drive forwards got into the box from the left drilled a ball across goal no team mate could meet it and Stalham cleared. Bohemians keeper was forced into a sharp save from a Stalham corner dropping down quickly to smother the ball from a shot six yards out. She had to come off a little while later as she collected a ball in the side of the face rushing out to stop a Stalham break.

    Stalham scored a 3rd goal and Emma Ward's play derserved the opportunity. Shaking off her marker in the box was able to fashion a shot as she fell the effort was drilled hard at the replacement keeper who didn't move struck her legs and went in. Will probably be classed as an own goal but I would give it to Ward. 3-0 with just a few minutes to play Stalham had the points in the bag. Bohemians though kept coming perserved down the flanks both sides were tiring (someone informed everyone she wanted to go to the pub) Another cross was drilled across Stalham's goal this time Laura Furi having moved out to the right wing was on hand at the far post to bundle the ball over the line and make the final score 3-1 to Stalham.

     The result sees Stalham move up to 5th level on points with Bohemians who drop to 4th as another middle placed team Red Rose moved above them after a 4-0 over Earlham Colney. The top two places are being contested by Mulbarton Belles (top) and Long Stratton Ladies who both won comfortably today, Mulbarton 4-0 at home to Freethorpe Ladies and Long Stratton again at home to bottom side Harleston 9-0.

    Enjoy coming down the leagues to watch a game not always taken as seriously but then you do see more often the enjoyment and fun the players get out of playing the game.

SWF Blog 50 Match Challenge Update - The 1st 10

   At the start of 2014 I set the challenge of attending a minimum of 50 women's football matches in the year, and with plenty of great matches to attend over the coming months I have never the less gotten off to a great start despite the terrible wet weather that has played havoc with the footballing calender up and down the land have found a match on somewhere albeit on several occassions game B, C, D..... or even H, have seen a variety of leagues from county to combination, cup and friendly and have written a report on several have certainly been some entertaining games, and been an educational experience to as I look to broaden my knowledge of the traditional winter leagues that I hadn't previously followed in any great depth, so here is a roll call of the matches attended so far;-

                   Game #1 - Aylsham Town LFC  7-0  Attleborough Town LFC
                                                 (Norfolk Division One) 5th January

                   Game #2 - Nottingham Forest LFC  3-0  Wolverhampton Wanderers WFC
                                               (Women's FA Cup 2nd Round) 12th January

                   Game #3 - UEA WFC  4-3  Fakenham Town LFC
                                           (Norfolk Women's Cup QF) 19th January

                   Game #4 - Mulbarton Belles FC  0-13 Norwich City LFC
                                           (Norfolk Women's Cup QF) 26th January

                   Game #5 - QPR LFC  2-0  MK Dons LFC
                                          (South East Combination League) 2nd February

                   Game #6 - Aston Villa LFC  0-2  Doncaster Rovers Belles
                                          (Women's FA Cup 3rd Round) 9th February

                   Game #7 - Bungay Town LFC  1-5  Gorleston Rangers LFC
                                              (Norfolk Division One) 16th February

                   Game #8 - Nottingham Forest LFC  0-5  Arsenal Ladies
                                                 (Friendly) 20th February

                   Game #9 - Nettleham LFC  2-1  Rise Park LFC
                                              (East Midlands Regional Premier) 23rd February

                   Game #10 - Cambridge WFC  0-1  MK Dons LFC
                                             (South East Combination) 2nd March

next update in 10 matches time....

Match Report Cambridge WFC v MK Dons LFC SE Combination

   The terrible wet weather that had marked the start of 2014 has played havoc with the women's football calender up and down the country the South East Combination league being no exception with just 4 games managed between the 11 teams before this weekends fixture. Today's venue was Ely City FC's Unwin Sports Ground where Cambridge WFC play their home games hadn't played a home match since November last year and there last SE Combination fixture was back on the 15th December. Their opponents today MK Dons LFC who had faired little better had played one SE Combination fixture in 2014 against QPR LFC where they lost 2-0.
  
    Having seen that fixture knew MK Dons LFC would prove a tough opponent for Cambridge WFC. Over cast and bitterly cold the wind had picked up steadily into the afternoon and would cause both teams some problems as MK Dons in their all red kit got the game underway, Cambridge in their sky blue shirts and socks and navy shorts.

    It was MK Dons with the 1st attacking play good build up down the right lead to Kelly Bingham putting in a cross to the far post but the resulting shot was drilled into the side netting. Both teams were working out the wind conditions their were few chances in the opening exchanges Cambridge making in road on the right but unable to find a final ball, MK Dons likewise looking to break in numbers but unable to find the needed through ball.

   A surging run from Cambridge captain Hannah Goodchild saw her continue her run as she laid the ball off to striker Laura Baker the attempted pass through was intercepted by the MK Dons defence. Cambridge had another chance soon after Sophie Thompson breaking free of her marker then beating the MK Dons keeper Clare Farron as she raced out of her box did enough to force the striker wide of goal her shot easily dealt with by the covering defender. MK Dons were allowing both Cambridge full backs time and space up the pitch during this spell the home side was on top.

   However it was to be MK Dons who were to take the lead after soaking up Cambridge's building pressure the visitors had an opportunity to break their striker Emily Mann out muscling her marker to run through on goal. Cambridge's keeper Verity Crook charged out but was beaten as Mann lobbed the ball from just inside the box over her and into the empty net. 1-0 to MK Dons.

     MK Dons were on top for a spell another Kelly Bingham cross snatched out of the air by Verity Crook as Emily Mann closed in. Cambridge struggled to get attacks going couldn't get the ball up the pitch quick enough allowing MK Dons to get players back in support. Strikers Sophie Thompson and Laura Baker were working hard trying to hold the ball up the latter battling hard against two markers to make room for a cross which Sophie Thompson tried to get onto the contact was light and keeper Farron was able to gather.

   Half Time Cambridge WFC 0-1 MK Dons LFC

   Cambridge made a change at half time and a slight shift in personel the effects were almost immediate as Sophie Thompson was through on goal from a long ball the shot lacking any strength. The home side were getting more joy pressing MK Dons higher up the pitch the midfielders particulary Laura Bright looking to better support the strikers. Sophie Thompson was in again minutes later two defenders closing her down and winning the ball.

    For all there pressing of MK Dons at one end the visitors were always a danger on the break Kelly Bingham won the ball played the ball forwards Emily Mann striking the side netting. Soon after Mann had a run across the face of goal tried an effort with the outside of her boot Verity Crook however was well positioned to dive to her left and make the save.

    Subs Bethan Jones and Liz Pamplin came on as the 2nd half wore on it was the latter with a great chance to score a half volley from the edge of the D the effort spun away from goal, Pamplin was body checked however and the referee awarded a free kick in a very dangerous position. Laura Baker took the kick the effort on target needed the outstretched glove of Clare Farron to push it over the bar.
 
    MK Dons brought on Eden Washington and Leah Cudone to see out the game. The former with her pace kept Cambridge pinned back as they looked to attack. A late free kick wide on the left was Cambridge's last chance to find an equaliser the ball was caught by Clare Farron and the final whistle blew, MK Dons win 1 nil take the 3 points, Cambridge might feel they had done enough to earn a point.

     It was a full programme in the South East Combination today with more games taking place than in the whole of the previous two months with a top of the table clash between QPR LFC and current leaders C&K Basildon which ended in a 1-1 draw. Norwich City LFC were beaten at home by Enfield Town LFC 1-0 and there were away wins for both Denham United LFC winning 3-0 at Luton Town LFC and Ipswich Town LFC who claimed a 2-0 victory at Ebbsfleet United LFC.

                                            

Match Report Nettleham LFC v Rise Park LFC East Midlands Regional Premier

   Todays match saw me taking in another new league this season the East Midlands Regional Premier Division and return to Lincolnshire to see a women's football match since Lincoln Ladies played their last ever gamebefore their rebranding and move to Nottingham. The team who have taken their place as the premier women's team in Lincolnshire is Nettleham Ladies FC situated just north of Lincoln there home ground Mulsanne Park. For once the weather had been reasonably good although the wind had been steadily growing and bitingly cold too. It was also a chance for me to catch up with some fellow former ladyimps fans and friends who have become Nettleham supporters.
    Nettleham are having a pretty successful league campaign to date sitting 2nd in the East Midlands Regional Premier having played 11, won 9 and lost 2. Rise Park LFC their opponents from neighbouring Nottinghamshire were the bottom placed team in the league having yet to seal a win had played 11, drawn 4 and lost 7. Has to be noted however closer examination of Rise Park's results shows they are only getting beaten by the odd goal and are not getting rolled over in matches so Nettleham certainly couldn't take anything for granted as kitted out in sky blue their opponents in dark blue shirts and socks with black shorts got the match under way.
     Nettleham had the strong wind at their back as they attacked Rise Park's goal I was told this was a much changed starting XI for the home side with players away or unavailable and two loanee's were making debuts others playing out of their usual position. Stacey Ainsthorpe was one player I recognised from her Lincoln days and it was she up front who was causing Rise Park some problems shaking off her marker to receive the ball then turn and drive at goal. With the wind in their favour corner kicks would cause problems if well delivered one whipped in from the left early on was knocked down in the box only for the keeper to parry it away finding a Nettleham player the shot was blazed over the bar.
    Soon after another corner from the right found Ainsthorpe at the back post but she could only nod the ball wide of goal. In fact Ainsthorpe was looking to get a shot in on goal at the earliest opportunity ran off her marker into the box then dragged the shot wide. Play was well and truly in Rise Park's half of the pitch the away side could not find an outlet. That said for all their dominance Rise Park's keeper had had very little to save the home side's attempts often early were long range and off target. The visitors had a rear foray into Nettlehams penalty box but captain Katie Davison playing a centre back was quick to intecept the ball and clear the danger.
    The half was coming to a close Rise Park had done well to frustrate Nettleham it looked like the half would end goalless however Nettleham won a corner from the left the previous deliveries had been dangerous this one was perfect into the six yard box came off the back of Ainsthorpe's head and into the net.

Half time 1-0

    Nettleham kicked off the 2nd half without Ainsthorpe with loan signing Ashton Crouch moving into the advanced role the game was instantly more open Rise Park had been working hard to frustrate Nettleham and keep them out with a goal conceded it seemed to open them up had players willing to make runs use the wind now in their favour like Nettleham had. Nettleham in turn were having plenty of joy down the flanks particulary the right play was spread further on the pitch Nettleham no longer able to defend the half way line made for a more even contest.
    Rise Park got players up and around the box Nettleham allowed them to have space for a shot but the effort rolled just the wrong side of the post. Nettlehams Zuzana Pramukova out on the left wing had a run on goal the shot was lifted over the bar. Some determined blocking of Nettleham shots kept them in the game It was another set piece that was to bring Nettlehams 2nd goal this time from loan signing Ashton Crouch pictured below the ball driven from the edge of the box through the crowded penalty box and into the net the 2nd picture is that rare occasion where I actually capture the moment a goal is scored...

 

    At last Nettleham had their 2nd goal Rise Park to their credit kept going as they had all 2nd half there efforts bringing about a mistake from Nettleham's defence that led to a free kick being given out on the left about 35 yards from goal and with the wind you knew if delivered well the set piece could cause problems. The delivery was spot on the header met perfectly a bullet into the net from Rise Park's Amy Lester to make the score 2-1 and ensure a not so comfortable finish. Nettleham got the ball out to Pramukova her run and shot brought a sharp low save from Rise Park's keeper at the other end the away side had a player tugged back the resulting free kick bringing a corner that cleared the final kick of the match and Nettleham win 2-1 to claim the 3pts.
     This result leaves Nettleham on 49 goals so far this season and I understand a box of chocolates is the prize for the player who gets the 50th... so the next game might be a little competitive I shall be looking out to see who wins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Match Report 16/02/14 Bungay Town LFC v Gorleston Rangers LFC

  It was certainly nice to wake up and for a change look out the window and think 'great it looks like the game might be on' such has been the problems weather wise at the start of the year. Plan had always been to take in a game in the Norfolk leagues this weekend and see two teams I haven't watched play before Bungay Town LFC and Gorleston Rangers LFC.
   Both teams sit comfortably in the middle of the table in Norfolk Division One on the same number of points... 16 going into this weekends league encounter. Bungay's Maltings Meadow pitch looked to be in fairly good nick after all the weather the sun was out it was for once perfect weather for football. Bungay in their purple kit lined up as their opponents Gorleston kitted out in green and white hooped shirts and socks and green shorts kicked off the match with the sun at their backs.
    It was the home side with the 1st chance a ball played high through the middle into their attacker who couldn't get any power behind the first time shot which Gorleston's keeper easily gathered. Play was end to end early doors as both teams looked to get the ball forwards as quickly as possible. Gorleston were having more joy down the wings, Bungay in turn were looking to get the ball down the middle to their attacking players. Gorleston found the side netting on two occasions as they broke clear of Bungay's defensive line, looked to have the advantage as a 3rd break came with only the keeper to beat the shot was blazed over.
    The 1st goal came then with Gorleston's strike force causing Bungay real problems the visitors no7 Courtney Chartlon making another run on the right surged past her markers and shot from the edge of the box sending the ball wide of the keeper and into the net to take the lead. 1 goal soon became 2 Bungay were giving the ball away far too easily allowing Gorleston to build pressure their strikers staying high up the pitch ready to receive the ball this time it was no12 Merrick Will who was in on goal with the keeper to beat she commited her to going to ground dribbled past her and rolled the ball into the empty net.. 2-0.
   Bungay had a half chance soon after got the ball into their striker once again but Gorleston's keeper was out quickly to claim the ball at her feet was up quickly and the ball was sent forwards Merrick Will was on hand beating the offside trap, evade the keeper and make it 3-0. Bungay were shell shocked, composure was lost for a spell and it proved costly Merrick Will completed her hat-trick bringing the ball down and this time turning and shooting early giving the keeper no chance 4-0.
   Bungay needed to try something else use their flanks and when they did they found some joy their attacker laying it down for their winger to run in on goal the shot however going over the bar. A well
delivered Bungay corner found the head of a team mate but the shot was straight at Gorlestons keeper who some how parried it behind for another corner. The late pressure counted for naught however with Gorleston keeping two attackers back any ball played through would present a problem it was Merrick Will again with the ball left her defenders standing and beat the keeper for her 4th goal to make the score at half time 5-0.
   Bungay's coach was hardly happy with his teams performance and I was surprised myself I had expected a much tighter game, it was a poor 1st half from the home side and Gorleston certainly capitalised. As I've said before and am quoting others football's a game of two halves so would this 2nd half be any different.
   Bungay were at it from the off win the ball and win it early, high up the pitch needed an early goal if they hoped to get anything. With players up in numbers the ball was won and played into striker Imogen Williams who shot inside the box to pull one goal back 5-1. The home side were on top for the 1st time in the match another chance this time the shot stinging the hands of the keeper to go behind for a corner.
    Gorleston beat the offside trap Courtney Charlton was through but further out this time Bungay's keeper rushed out and cleared the danger doing her confidence the power of good. Gorleston were sitting deeper but with a 4 goal cushion didn't need to keep the players forwards this actually suited Bungay who were allowed more time on the ball and now working it out wide got the ball into the box the keeper dropping low to stop a shot a defender beating the advancing Bungay forward to clear the loose ball. Another late effort was fizzed across goal but no one could get on the end of it.
     The 2nd half most definetly belonged to Bungay, but the match was Gorleston's the damage inflicted in a dominant 1st half as they win 5-1 and claim the points to move 3 pts clear of their opponents and perhaps have one eye on the teams at the top of the table.