Match Report - Enfield Town Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

  The A10 derby is the featured match on the Supporting Women's Football Blog this Sunday a match from the FAWPL South East Division One, Enfield Town Ladies v Cambridge United WFC.

   A recently rearranged fixture, with the awful weather at the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016 wreaking havoc with the fixtures lists meaning alot of teams are still waiting to kick a ball in competitive action. Good news for Enfield Town Ladies who haven't played a match in the league since the 25th October last year! As a result of that have slipped down the league table into 9th place as others around them have played. A single cup match in both November then December but that's it. This their 1st competitive game of 2016, have a record of 3 wins, a draw and 5 losses from 9 league games played, well clear of the relegation battle at the bottom of the table will be looking to climb instead.

   Cambridge United WFC in comparison have played 15 league matches to date, the 2nd highest in the league. Have recovered strongly from a poor start to the season getting regular games in are on an unbeaten run that stretches 8 matches, 6 wins and 2 draws in that time since mid October. Manager Steve Edwards bringing in strikers Paige Logie along with Sarah Wiltshire on loan from Yeovil Town Ladies, the welsh striker scoring 10 goals in 5 games. Wiltshire's loan spell has ended, however the club has brought in another player with FAWSL 2 experience on another short term loan basis, Anneka Nuttall from Watford Ladies, to give her competitive minutes on the pitch to help her preparation for the new FAWSL 2 season.

  The venue for today's match, the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium on Donkey Lane. I missed out on a cheeseburger but compensated with a steak and kidney pie. For once I was fully wrapped up for a miserable winters day, however getting into the stadium it as a lovely bright afternoon, dry and sunny... I'm not complaining mind.

   Enfield Town Ladies starting XI - Kerrie Marlborough (C), Beth Demery, Jordan Ferdinand, Claire Ford, Holly Brandon, Victoria Lewis, Nuala McKevitt, Ayse Mustafa, Alena Beganovic, Regan Coleman & Chloe Bassett.
   subs - Sheryce Slater, Cara Newton, Lorraine Mason, Cally Browne & Kate Wilding.

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI - Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Lucy Du Plooy, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Tahnee Perfect, Hannah Goodchild, Anneka Nuttall, Faith Hewitt, Isabella Simmons & Paige Logie.
  subs - Liz Pamplin, Laura Baker & Becky Taylor.

  Enfield kick off the 1st half wearing white shirts, blue shorts with blue and white hooped socks with Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. 

   Enfield concede an early free kick in the centre of midfield as Anneka Nuttall looks to get on the ball bring in forwards, gets tripped. Cambridge captain Laura Bright to take sends the ball long towards the far post with Nuttall the player looking to get on the end of it, can't get a telling touch however wins a corner as the ball takes a knick off the defender sliding in with her. Swung in from the right the corner clears the crowd gathered at the near post is headed behind for a 2nd corner by Enfield's Claire Ford. This corner is played in form the right by Nuttall, Bright gets the touch near post lays the ball back out to Nuttall, wide right she goes for the shot aiming near post, Enfield goalkeeper and captain Kerrie Marlborough is across to cover and hold on to the shot.

   Both sides look to test the flanks early on, Isabella Simmons down the right for Cambridge on a couple of occasions as Bright looks to play her into space, whilst on that same side on the left for Enfield, Chloe Bassett looks to drive with the ball down the wing Cambridge right back Emma Jenkins keeping with her makes the tackle to win a goal kick off Bassett as they race to the byline. 

  A few rash challenges about, players lunging in, free kicks being given away, Cambridge have another just inside the Enfield half, Bright takes it early sending the ball long into space on the left, Faith Hewitt gives chase and getting her foot on the ball left of the box has Hannah Goodchild making up the ground to support her, passing the ball into her Goodchild turns and sends her pass into Paige Logie coming towards the ball at the near post inside the six yard box, has Ford at her back the central defender putting in a good tackle to prevent her turning for a shot.

  Enfield are competing with Cambridge for the ball, but not getting it into their opponents box, Victoria Lewis changes that with a great long range pass looking for the run of Regan Coleman coming in from the right, she can't get there but forces Cambridge to concede a corner, from the right swung in centrally, is a firm header by Cambridge's Kayleigh-Anne Burt to send the ball out of the area. 

  Driving with the ball at her feet deep into the Enfield half Hewitt wins a throw for Cambridge, level with the face of the box, the ball is played across the middle into Simmons 20 yards out wants to drive forwards attack the box, shifts the ball a couple to times too many white shirts in front of her Logie is available to her left prods the ball out to her a couple of yards inside the box Logie can see the ball into her leans back as she hits the shot looking to send it high loop over the keeper, the shot is just over the bar too.

  Goodchild steals in on the ball on half way as Enfield look to bring it out, moving forwards with the ball, Simmons is available on the right side Goodchild attempts to play her in sending the ball into the area, Marlborough is alert to the threat and off her line quickly coming out sliding in to claim. Cambridge continue to make progress on the right side from a throw Jenkins gets furthest forwards carries the ball into the box, Jordan Ferdinand gets back to put in the challenge concede a corner. Played into the near post from the right Cambridge's Bright rises with Enfield's Lewis for the ball loops up off one or the other, Marlborough behind them sees it safely into her gloves.

  Free kicks are being given away regularly and more decisions are going against Enfield much to the frustration of their bench, most on the half way line. Bright sends the next one into the face of the area, inside the D, Nuttall gets a firm header on the ball directs it curling towards goal, Marlborough has plenty of time to see it coming gets across to claim. Logie then has a chance to strike from distance as Cambridge break up another Enfield move send the ball long into the striker 20 yards out, takes on the early shot is rising but heading straight for Marlborough.

Loan signing on the ball for Cambridge United WFC

  In the opposition goal Cambridge goalkeeper Verity Crook has had little to do, is called into action as Bassett gets hold of the ball on the left for Enfield a strong run sees Alena Beganovic making a move centrally to get into the box looks to pick her out with the pass, Crook calls for it, gets it up into her gloves just before Beganovic can pounce. On the opposite flank good foot work from Aysa Mustafa in the corner from a throw in sees her whip a cross into the box, catches Coleman at the near post by surprise, does well to get her foot on the ball but can only turn it behind for a goal kick.

  Logie and Hewitt combine well on the left side as Cambridge attack Hewitt racing over halfway receives the ball from Logie as the striker holds it up, spins off her marker and wants Hewitt to play the ball into space behind on the left, Hewitt sends the ball long for her to chase down then goes forwards herself getting into the box left of goal, Logie fizzes the cross into her, is a good control and take down from Hewitt, the shot doesn't come off snatches the ball wide.

  Logie goes after the ball played in behind on the left once again, has Nuttall getting up to support, plays the ball into her feet inside the box, Nuttall swivels on the ball looking to send the cross through the six yard box, Marlborough gets down and throwing an arm out makes a vital save late in the half to push the ball away, had she not done so, Goodchild would have walked the ball into the net.

   Half-time Enfield Town Ladies 0-0 Cambridge United WFC

  Goalless at the break, no doubt Marlborough has been the busier of the 2 goalkeepers, Cambridge have the better chances to open the scoring. A competitive match, but then I'm told it always is. Enfield's build up play is being disrupted by the number of free kicks that are going against them in the middle, but that is only firing them up.

  Cambridge get the 2nd 45 underway, looking to go left, Enfield's Beth Demery puts in a great tackle to win the ball, play it into the middle, Lewis then puts the ball out to Coleman on the left, she puts the early cross along the face of the box for Bassett, in space 20 yards out opens up her body to put her foot through the ball meets it perfectly the ball angling away heading for the top corner, Crook responds throwing herself up and back to tip the ball over and around the post, the resulting corner comes to nothing.

  Hewitt looks to play the ball over the top for Logie as she breaks on the half way line, Ford is an experienced defender reading the ball has given herself a couple of yards on the striker to get into position to throw a leg out take the ball from her as she looks to control for a shot. Nuttall wanting the ball put out to her on the right wins Cambridge a corner kick, takes it sending the ball into the area looking for Bright standing on the penalty spot goes beyond her, Burt is at the back of the pack breaks away after the ball retrieving looks to get into a crossing position ends up putting the ball behind for a goal kick.

Cambridge's Tahnee Perfect battles for the ball with Enfield's Ayse Mustafa
(photo credit - Kevin Richards)

  The game is more stretched Enfield are using the width more themselves 2nd half win a corner on the right side. The ball is sent in towards the back of the area, Nuala McKevitt gets her head on the ball sends her header wide across the face of goal. 

Enfield's Nuala McKevitt sends he header wide across goal.

  GOAL! Bassett's early shot has given Enfield a huge boost as they look to take the game to Cambridge more, Holly Brandon wins a corner of Jenkins as she attempts to get onto the end of a cross whipped in from the right side. From the corner on the left Cambridge are caught out no body tracks Coleman as she drifts from the centre of the six yard box towards the near post the delivery is good straight at her she lifts a boot and hooks the ball straight over Crook and into the back of the net 1-0.

Enfield Town Ladies, Regan Coleman 

  Soon after conceding Cambridge make a double change, taking off both wide players, Simmons and Hewitt, bringing on Becky Taylor who goes out to the left and Laura Baker out to the right with Nuttall put closer to Logie. 

  Enfield's Beganovic get's her head down and runs with the ball on the right taking on her marker, cuts the cross back inside to the edge of the area with Coleman arriving, can't get the shot out from under her feet Cambridge block the ball rolls loose to McKevitt 20 yards out only one thing on her mind hit it! The Cambridge centre backs converge and block the shot. Enfield make their 1st change with Lewis the player coming off, Cally Browne coming on.

  Cambridge win another free kick in the middle, Crook wants to take it launches it towards the face of the Enfield box, is headed clear by Demery, Cambridge regain the ball Tahnee Perfect laying it out to Taylor on the left she looks to carry the ball into the area, Ford comes across to get on her shoulder and roll the ball out for a corner. A good delivery into the centre of the box Baker rising can't connect, Taylor tries to control the ball at the far post just won't settle before Enfield close her out.

Cambridge's Hannah Goodchild winning the header against Enfield's Cally Browne
(photo credit - Kevin Richards)

  Perfect puts a good ball into Nuttall central her back to goal spreads her pass out to Baker coming in from the right, shifting the ball inside to get a yards on the defender in front of her shoots with her left foot inside the box the ball rolls into Marlborough's gloves. Ferdinand has grown into the game with Cambridge looking to pick out Baker on the right the left back stays on her defends well denying her a 2nd shooting chance as they enter the box.

  With Cambridge pushing forwards looking for the equaliser, Enfield are finding more space in round the back, Bassett up the right fires a good ball into Coleman in the box, tries to turn and get the shoot away, is marked closely the ball blocked. Bringing the ball out Perfect and Baker link up a 1:2 before Perfect looks to slide Logie through in the middle, Ford has kept with her again and gets her tackle right.

2nd change for Enfield as they bring on Sheryce Slater for Beganovic with a little under 10 minutes to play. The home side are keeping hold of the ball taking it deep into the Cambridge half, win a corner on the right, the ball whipped in towards the near post is headed wide across goal, think it was Ford with the touch as she jogs back to her defensive position. Bright trips up Coleman winning Enfield a free kick on the right, Demery to take plays the ball into the box, Bright headers clear, only as far as Demery who takes on the shot angling in towards the near post Crook palms the ball down and holds.

  Closing minutes of the game and Enfield with the advantage are looking to see it out run the ball in the corners and frustrate Cambridge, they bring off their goal scorer Coleman with Cara Newton coming on as the game goes into injury time, the home side see it out and after so long without a game resume with a win and 3 points.

  A competitive match some good battles going on Enfield were much improved 2nd half the early strike by Bassett lifting them they got their noses in front and held on to the lead. Cambridge will rue not taking one of the chances they had in the 1st half always looked like it was going to be a tight match that a single goal would settle it and it did their unbeaten run coming to an end. Tale of two halves.

  Nice to see a game in some sunshine, my thanks to both clubs with their help with the teams today.

  

Match Report - Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v West Ham United Ladies

  Semi-final action from the Ryman Cup this Thursday evening on the Supporting Women's Football Blog a trip down to Cheshunt FC to watch Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United Ladies.

    This fixture is already a week late having been postponed from last Thursday, rearranged for tonight, both sides are rearing to go, just get a competitive match under their belts as neither has played since the 20th December 2015. A cup semi-final, a London derby too.

  Tottenham Hotspur Ladies reached the final of the competition last season, ended up runners-up as Charlton Athletic Women went on to lift the trophy. Entered the competition at the quarter final stage with an away trip to take on Gillingham FC Ladies a match I went along to watch back at the end of November 2015. Turned out to be a real thriller with Tottenham looking good at 3-0 up before Gillingham came back to make it 3-2, one more each to make it 4-3 to Tottenham who went on to seal it 5-3 with a goal from Lucy Loomes. One game away from another final.

   So too are West Ham United Ladies, and this is their 1st game in the Ryman Women's Cup. No fault of their own were drawn away in the quarter finals too, only for their opponent having to withdraw from the competition after infringing the rules. One game away from a final and a chance to win some silverware. This is the 1st time I will have seen West Ham United Ladies play. One of the more proactive clubs on social media has been a turbulent  season so far a new manager in and a player dispute that saw 6 1st team regulars leave including their captain and vice captain, said my piece on that at the time, not the PR they wanted. Everything has to move on and the club has been busy recruiting new faces from England and overseas, goalkeeper Lauren Picton has come in along with Elizabeth Berkeley formerly with Millwall Lionesses. Italian and French players too, Giulia Ferrandi came in earlier in the season, more recently Cindy Ferreira has joined the club, with two more Llona Dronne and Claire Lallant sent to join from across the channel. A large influx of players will cause a transitional phase but with the season well under way West Ham United Ladies have to hit the ground running.

   The venue tonight Tottenham Hotspur Ladies new home ground this season, Cheshunt FC, a great stadium to host FAWPL football, a large pitch surrounded by a ground that is under going redevelopment new club house and refreshments with hot food available is on going but not affecting the supporters enjoyment of the football. A clear and cold evening my 1st midweek match of 2016.

  Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI - Toni-Anne Wayne, Sophie McClean, Leah Rawle, Alex Keown, Jenna Schillaci (C), Shannon Moloney, Lucia Leon, Wendy Martin, Rosie Kmita, Avilla Bergin & Bianca Baptiste.
  subs - Chloe Morgan, Riana-Devi Soobadoo, Molly Kmita, Ronnell Humes & Lucy Loomes.

   West Ham United Ladies starting XI - Lauren Picton, Elizabeth Berkeley, Olivia Sammons, Hannah Wheeler, Chelsea Hinz, Katie Bottom (C), Gemma Abela, Karen Ray, Whitney Locke, Giulia Ferrandi & Romina Pinna.
   subs - Cindy Ferreira, Georgia Miller, Daniella Ritson, Erika Campesi & Rosie Missen.

  Under the lights it's West Ham to get the tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing claret and blue shirts, white shorts with claret socks against Tottenham lined up opposite wearing white shirts and socks with navy shorts. Lauren Picton in goal for West Ham tonight with Indian international goalkeeper Aditi Chaunan away with her national side.

   The visitors look to spread play out to the left from the start Olivia Sammons pushing up the pitch from left back, looking to bring the ball down and take on Sophie McClean the Tottenham right back closes her down wins the ball, the home side set up a rapid counter attack the ball play switched out to Avilla Bergin to attack down the left side, takes on Elizabeth Berkeley the pace on the ball allowing her to get round the full back she bursts into the area closing in on the byline pulls the trigger as she enters the six yard box, West Ham goalkeeper Lauren Picton dives at her near post, the shot is under her, bulges the side netting.

   Tottenham soon impose themselves on the match with possession inside the West Ham half pushing their defence back using the width on both wings, a throw from the left is brought down and the cross swept into the area at the far post Wendy Martin gets her head on the ball sending it back into the centre, drops for Bianca Baptiste around the penalty spot, she looks to turn it goalwards put Martin through, instead places it too close to Picton the keeper scooping up the ball. 

  Tottenham's build up play is fast and fluid players executing short passes then moving quickly to get past West Ham make themselves available for the return ball, Rosie Kmita out right has Martin in front of her rolling her in she squares her cross along the face of the box, a yard inside the pass is just behind Baptiste, the striker recovers well spinning back and getting over the ball to get a shot away is dragged wide of the post. Baptiste is the player coming in from the right side as Tottenham regain possession on half way in behind the West Ham back line she unleashes her shot Picton dives to try and reach it, the shot flashes across the face of goal and out the other side, a corner is signalled, Picton getting the faintest of touches. The corner is delivered to Martin at the far stick again, her header down into the area is met by Lucia Leon looks to hit the ball as it falls to her plants the ball straight into Picton's gloves.

   West Ham cannot make it stick up top with all of their players back in their own half at times, when they do try and push up they risk Tottenham getting in behind, both centre backs are busy, Chelsea Hinz having to keep an eye on Martin, whilst Hannah Wheeler does well against Baptiste as the striker attempts to try and steal in behind her. Martin has a go from distance with Baptiste getting hold of the ball on the left travelling at speed wraps her foot over the ball sending a fierce ball across the park coming at Martin fast her 1st touch is very good sets up the half volley meeting it sweetly lifts her shot over the bar. Baptiste and Martin are linking well tonight with the pair looking to move the instance the ball is won back, the pass fired in towards Baptiste her back to goal allows the ball to roll with Martin making a run to get into the area on the right side, Baptiste turns and diverts the ball through to her, Picton seeing the threat is already on the move throws herself down in front of Martin making the save at Martin's feet.

   West Ham's attackers have had little of the ball Whitney Locke playing on the right side makes progress up the wing gets her side a throw, from there the ball is swept into the area, Tottenham's Alex Keown heads the ball out falls to Italian, Giulia Ferrandi 25 yards out looks to send a strike in on goal, the ball drops into the gloves of Toni-Anne Wayne well placed in the Tottenham goal. The home side set up a quick fire counter the ball put out to the right early Rosie Kmita sending the ball into the area with Martin the sole target, up against Berkeley she gets in front of her with the ball dropping, has to stoop to get her head on the ball, good contact however the ball is turned wide of the post. 

   West Ham bringing the ball out from the back encourage players to make runs, in the middle Gemma Abela spreads play with a long ball from just inside her half with Locke bombing up from the right to get into a central position, Wayne comes racing out of her area and get's there 1st to clear, needed too. From the throw on the right, Locke is put in down the channel, wrapping her foot around the ball sends her cross along the face of the goal, just a little too high for Romina Pinna coming in at the far post.

   Bergin ploughs forwards on the left looking to come inside as she enters the area, the corner kick is conceded, Baptiste to take it looks to curl one in towards the near post, is going in, Picton under pressure with white shirts around her does well to get it away standing on her line, another corner is conceded this one Baptiste plays long to the far post looks to head the ball down towards goals, West Ham have bodies in the way the shot is blocked.

   GOAL! 30 minutes played and Tottenham finally break the dead lock have been putting the West Ham defence under alot of pressure with their pace and player movement, Bergin has been over on the right side for the past few minutes getting onto the ball she surges down the wing as the home side easily regain possession, sends an early ball into the area with just Baptiste to aim for, the striker coming in from the left gets herself in front of Berkeley as the two enter the six yard box, directs her shot past Picton off the post and it's in 1-0.

  Pinna and Katie Bottom the West Ham captain try to build an attack up the right, Bottom playing the ball into Pinna, the Italian sends the ball back into her then spins looking to get in behind, Bottom gets the ball over the top into her run, Jenna Schillaci, Tottenham's captain reads the move prevents Pinna getting into the box. Ferrandi with a burst of pace does put Pinna through on goal moments later cutting in from the right side the striker is onto the ball put over into the area closing in on Wayne coming across to cover her near post, smashes her shot against her, tries to get something on the rebound knocks the ball out of play. West Ham make a change bring on Erika Campesi for Berkeley with Bottom dropping in at right back Campesi in front of her. 

  GOAL! Penalty to Tottenham! Another rapid counter move from the home side see's Martin on the ball and powering forwards towards the area, bursting inside she is brought down the referee points immediately to the penalty spot. Martin gets up and it's her to take the spot kick, cool as you like outside of the foot sends the ball to the right and into the back of the net 2-0 with 5 minutes of the 1st half left to play

Wendy Martin making it 2-0 to Tottenham from the penalty spot.

 Half-time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 2-0 West Ham United Ladies 

  The referee brings the 1st half to a close with Tottenham continuing to press forwards looking to add to the scoreline. The goals coming late in the half the home side have been dominant 1st half their pace, movement and reading of the play far better than West Ham's who have lacked fluidity and communication been unable to retain possession of the ball needed a spell to settle thing's down didn't come 1st half. 2-0 down however the tie is far from over, need to be better 2nd half if they want to get back into the match.

 

   West Ham have made a change at the start of the 2nd half with one of their new signings Cindy Ferreira on in place of Karen Ray the French player a more attacking option. Tottenham get the 2nd half under way. One of the thing's West Ham needed to do was press the ball higher up the and straight from the start you can see this is exactly what they are trying to do with Ferrandi in particular looking to get after the Tottenham defenders when they look to bring it out from the back. 

   GOAL! An early goal in the 1st half would go along way to deciding the tie and it's the last thing West Ham wanted as they find themselves 3-0 down. Trying to push up the West Ham defence is caught out as the ball is put into Martin 25 yards out taking the ball on into the area moving away to the left of the goal, takes on the shot lifting the ball over Picton it crashes against the cross bar and drops favourably inside the six yard box for Bergin coming in from the right to send over the line.

  Play is brought back for a Tottenham free kick 30 yards out as Baptiste looks to bring the ball forwards is brought down. The free kick is put in towards the crowded penalty spot, Hinz with a firm defensive header gets it clear. A few strong challenges flying about the referee stops play to have a word calm it down in the middle. A mis-cued clearance from the back for Tottenham presents Ferrandi with a half chance 22 yards out left side fires the shot back in the ball travelling along the ground straight at Wayne.

  Ferreira with good hold up play on the right for West Ham wins the visitors a corner kick the delivery is swept in towards the far post both Pinna and Wheeler are their the ball is turned on target Tottenham have plenty of white shirts in front of the ball to block. Ferreira links up with Pinna on the right side squaring the ball into Pinna she looks to turn and hit from the corner of the box doesn't get the contact she wants the ball running along the ground claimed by Wayne. 

  Campesi is brought down in the middle of the park, West Ham play the set piece into the area on the right side Pinna gets the ball across towards the far post, Locke is coming in to meet the ball, looks to place her headed ball past Wayne coming across ends up putting it straight into the keepers gloves. Tottenham bring off Shannon Moloney, bring on Molly Kmita who goes to right back with McClean moving into the midfield. The 2nd half a lot more even than the 1st half both sides looking for the quick counter attack, the ball is fired into Pinna 20 yards out back to goal looks to turn and hit the shot, blasts it wide. West Ham lose the ball as they move forwards straight away Martin is off looking to get in behind wanting the ball put through to her, into the box right of goal, looks to see the ball across her hit the shot, Picton comes racing out to close her down sliding in the shot is smashed against her.

  Georgia Miller comes on for West Ham, Locke the player giving way. Soon after Tottenham make another change with Baptiste coming off, Ronnell Humes coming on to join the attack. Ferreira has given the West Ham attack a little more bite 2nd half as she looks to get on the ball and drive at the players in front of her, a good run coming in from the left fires her cross in towards the six yard box, Wayne gets down to claim it gets hurt as Pinna tries to steal in before her, needs treatment play is held up West Ham having a corner, Wayne is okay to continue, the corner is defended cleanly at the near post. 

   GOAL! The game enters the last 10 minutes a 3 goal advantage Tottenham are in control attacking down the right side Rosie Kmita is sent tumbling. The free kick is awarded.the ball right side of the area is sent into the centre of the six yard box comes into Martin who looks to control and turn it past Picton close on her, Picton gets herself down to make the save, can't hold onto the ball and spilling loose falls to Humes beside Martin, she sends the ball back crossing the line to score her 1st senior goal for the club 4-0. 

  West Ham now 4-0 down push players forwards trying to get something out of the match, Pinna wins her side a corner kick on the right. The ball is fired into her feet, shifts it before playing it back towards Campesi outside the box she hits the shot 1st time Tottenham again have the bodies back to put in the block. With play stretched Tottenham have space in behind and the players to exploit it Rosie Kmita has made two or three runs out to the left without being spotted, get's it this time and racing in around the full back cuts the ball back into the box with Martin arriving on cue to meet the ball with a strong header, over the keeper the ball smashes against the bar, falls back down into the area, Leah Rawle having gotten up to support the attack is leaning back as she lunges to try and turn it home sends the ball wide. 

  GOAL! Into the 90th minute Tottenham attack down the right side with Molly Kmita bringing the ball forwards rolling it into Humes peeling out towards the wing, taking on her marker gets in behind and sends the cross into Bergin making a move towards the near post, clever play from Bergin knows where Picton is she sees the ball into her feet then produces a neat little turn to whip the ball home across the face of goal 5-0. 

  Injury time is all Tottenham's as they see out the final whistle and win the semi-final to reach their 2nd successive Ryman Women's Cup Final. Dominated very early on and although West Ham improved 2nd half they got the early 3-0 cushion in the 2nd half always in control of the tie. Will find out next Wednesday who their opponents will be as holders Charlton Athletic Women take on Herne Bay Ladies at home. Whoever they face Tottenham will want to go one better this time around.

   

  Win or lose both sides have some much needed competitive minutes under their belts. Both are in FA Women's Cup action this coming Sunday, having seen their 2nd Round Proper ties postponed twice will be hoping it's 3rd time lucky, West Ham with another London derby away to Crystal Palace Ladies, whilst Tottenham have an away match against Swindon Town Ladies.

   My thanks to both clubs for their help with their teams tonight.  

   

Match Report - Wymondham Town Ladies v Brandon Town Ladies

  A trip over to Kings Head Meadow this Sunday afternoon to watch a top of the table clash in Norfolk Women's Division One with 3rd placed Brandon Town Ladies travelling to 4th placed Wymondham Town Ladies. 

  At the start of the 2015/16 season, Norfolk Women's Division One looked like it would be highly competitive at the top of the table with up to 4 sides all looking like they could be title contenders, defending champions Alysham FC Ladies amongst those, currently lead the way with Thorpe United Ladies champions themselves the season before in 2nd place. Laying 3rd in the table going into today's game are Brandon Town Ladies moved across from the Suffolk Women's Division last season to join the Norfolk Women's leagues, won Division Two last season to earn promotion to the top tier of women's football in the county and have started strongly. In 4th place are Wymondham Town Ladies the only side in the league with a 100% record still intact going into today's game have played less league games than the 3 sides above them.

   Part of the reason for Wymondham Town Ladies having played less league games than everyone else is their extended run in the FA Women's Cup back in 2015 so very nearly making it to the 1st Round Proper 3 of those matches featuring on the Supporting Women's Football Blog. Manager Alex Guy has a strong and stable squad to call upon, a few out with injury but will be keen to play having not seen any competitive football since 13th December 2015.

   Brandon Town Ladies laying 3rd in the league table have lost just the once this season and that in their very 1st match of 2016 last Sunday going down 3-1 at home to Aylsham FC Ladies, having inflicted the 1st defeat on the defending champions themselves on their own patch in their last match of 2015. All very tight at the top 4 points separating the top four every game between any of them is huge.

  The table has seen some readjustment at the start of 2016 with the unfortunate news that bottom side Mulbarton Belles has dropped out of the league, and both sides having beaten them earlier in the season saw 3 points lost.

  Another weekend where postponements were to dominate, finding a game that was on was going to be tricky. Snow covered many parts of the country whilst elsewhere it was frozen or waterlogged pitches. The pitch at King's Head Meadow was frozen, but lays favourably towards the early morning sun which reached most of the pitch softening up the surface enough to make it playable. Looked a little cut up but has seen a lot of action if not women's football of late. Looked bobbly and running with the ball wouldn't be easy. It was dry at least if still bitterly cold the hat was on protecting the ears for the 1st time this season.

  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI - Gemma Hamilton-Rout, Brooke Cheal, Mary Cann, Polly Tarrant, Gemma Sanders, Rachel Cossey (C), Laura Hammerton, Kelly Ayers, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Wiseman & Sally Hammerton.
  subs - Gabby Stone, Louise Hamilton-Rout & Emily Anderson.

  Brandon Town Ladies starting XI - Shannon Oderbrecht, Leanne Sloan, Melanie Talbot, Laura Grove, Eleanor Marshall, Chloe Slater, Frankie Torrance, Natasha Patten, Brooke Wickens, Nettie Stillinger & Tiffany Forshaw (C)
  subs - 

( roll on roll off substitutes )

  A few out injured for Wymondham gave others a chance in the starting line up with Gemma Sanders and Brooke Cheal coming into the defence, named 3 on the bench in contrast to Brandon who had brought just the bare 11 with them, no substitutes. It's the home side, Wymondham to kick off the 1st half wearing red shirts, black shorts and socks against Brandon lined up in yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts.

  Wymondham look to get the ball out to the left early on into the feet of Kayleigh Holloway, a player who likes to get on the ball and take on players, pushes down the wing before cutting inside sending a diagonal ball into the box with striker Laura Wiseman making the run for her, Brandon defender Laura Grove, gets across Wiseman and clears the ball for an early corner. Sent into the box from the left comes in central Brandon keeper, Shannon Oderbrecht calls for it and claims confidently.

  Holloway with another strong run on the ball down the left sets up a Wymondham counter attack, her cross into the box is too heavy for Wiseman to get to coming towards the ball, rolls through the the right side of the area, Gemma Sanders has surged up the pitch from right back gets onto the ball looks to shift it inside a yard and pull the trigger, Natasha Patten having tracked back for Brandon puts her body in the way of the shot.

   The home side win a fortunate free kick after Brandon's Frankie Torrance slips over. With the ball in the centre circle Brooke Cheal sends the ball long towards the edge of the area, Wiseman stepping forwards controls the ball on her chest looks to bring it down and hit on the turn, gets in up and over the players around her but drops short of goal into the arms of Oderbrecht. Lively opening to the match.

 

Brandon Town Ladies, Nettie Stillinger attempting
to hold the ball up against Wymondham captain
Rachel Cossey

 Brandon are getting the ball forwards themselves enjoying some sustained possession in and around the Wymondham penalty box leading the line early on Nettie Stillinger is covering alot of ground and can hold it up to allow others to get up in support play is switched from the left side across the face of the box out to Brooke Wickens on the right before she puts it back into the feet of captain Tiffany Forshaw 20 yards out goes for goal, gets no pace on the shot rolls through to Gemma Hamilton-Rout in the Wymondham goal. 

  

The corner count is rising for Wymondham are looking to take the ball down the flanks, Brandon though are getting plenty back when they lose the ball, tracking the runners not finding a way in behind the cross is often cut out deflected away for the corner kick and when the ball does come into the box it is usually a yellow shirted player that gets it away. The game is being played at a brisk tempo both sides getting it out from the back quickly and possession is fairly even. 

Wymondham Tow Ladies, Laura Hammerton looking to get past Brandon Town Ladies attackers

   Laura Hammerton pushes over the halfway line with the ball for Wymondham sends a great ball straight through the middle into the box for Wiseman back to goal around the penalty spot, with a turn and hit she blasts her shot goalwards is straight at Oderbrecht who going down saves at close range, the ball is loose inside the six yard box, one of her defenders gets to the ball to clear even as Wiseman swoops for it.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Laura Wiseman

   Holloway is held back by Wickens on the left, wins the free kick, from the wide position the ball is swept into the box, Forshaw back to defend for Brandon gets her head to the ball 1st puts it out for the corner. The set piece played in from the left falls to the edge of the box, Wiseman latches onto it her shot is blocked the loose ball is picked up by Forshaw plays it long for Stillinger 25 yards out she controls it well looking to spin to her left drive at goal, a last ditch lunge from Cheal to put her toe on the ball takes it away from the attacker. 

  Patten having to keep an eye on Sanders bombing forwards, has the opportunity to bring the ball up the pitch, has Torrance making a run through the middle wanting the ball lays it into her path, Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey has gone back with her makes the challenge to win the ball as the pair enter the area. 

Brandon Town Ladies captain, Tiffany Forshaw

  On the counter attack Brandon pile players forwards with Torrance on the ball putting it through into the run of Forshaw ahead of her 20 yards out right of the area Forshaw sends the ball out to Wickens wide right and continues her run into the box, Wickens gives her the ball back, Hamilton-Rout comes racing out to try and put her off sliding in, Forshaw gets her shot past her looking for the far corner the ball rolls narrowly wide across the goal.

   Wymondham make their 1st change bringing off Kelly Ayers who has just hurt herself going in for the ball Emily Anderson is the player coming on. Brandon win a free kick just inside their own half the ball is put long towards the Wymondham area Cheal rises to head the ball away miscues knocking it down into the ground straight at Stillinger who takes two strides then pulls the trigger looking to shoot across the keeper, Hamilton-Rout is down sharply pushes the ball wide out to the left, Patten out there senses a chance races in to get onto the loose ball, a Wymondham defender just beats her to the ball smashing it against her to go out for a goal kick. 

   Forshaw battles her way through the Wymondham midfield then knocking the ball on finds the extra yards in her legs to get after it catch the defenders in front of her flat footed with Hamilton-Rout already on her way Forshaw shoots 20 yards out leaving the keeper stranded turns to see the ball is off target. Louise Hamilton-Rout is the next to come on for Wymondham with Laura Hammerton coming off.

  Late in the half and Sanders is racing up the right wing the ball sticking to her foot Marshall comes across and going shoulder to shoulder makes the sliding challenge to put the ball out for a corner. Initially cleared from the area back out to the right, the ball is with Sanders again right corner of the area she drives inside looking for an opening none available smashes her shot into the Brandon defenders in front of the her.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-0 Brandon Town Ladies

  An entertaining and competitive 1st 45 minutes the game has been fairly even in terms of possession with neither side able to find the break through. Wymondham playing at a high temp are looking to make joy with their wide players but Brandon are dropping everyone deep to defend when they do meaning there is no way in round the back, crosses getting cut out before they can reach the attackers in front of goal. Both keepers have made a vital save, Brandon have worked had created a few openings themselves but with just the bare 11 would they be able to match Wymondham's tempo 2nd half?

  It's Brandon to kick off the 2nd half, Wymondham have made a change during half time with Sanders now on the bench with Gabby Stone on. Brandon attack right at the start, with Stillinger linking up with Forshaw sending her through into the box, Tarrant comes across timing her challenge perfectly to slide in on the ball take it away from Forshaw and out for a corner, the ball is sent in low towards the near post from the corner gets a touch the ball ends up in the side netting.

  Wymondham have set up slightly differently 2nd half with Cossey dropping into the back line allowing the full backs to push higher up the pitch. In an advanced role Cheal on the left bombs forwards as Wiseman having had the ball played into her feet holds it up Cheal runs across her Wiseman sends the ball into her run, driving into the area Cheal shoots early aiming near post, Oderbrecht is across has the angle covered holds onto the shot. The 2nd half has started at the same high tempo as seen in the 1st half. Forshaw is leading the line for Brandon now with Stillinger in a deeper role in midfield. 

Brooke Cheal found herself able to get forwards more 2nd half here the defender is looking to stop
 Brandon Town Ladies, Brooke Wickens doing the same.

  Attacking down the right Wymondham win a corner, Forshaw is back to defend head the ball out for another corner. This one is played out to the edge of the area is fizzed back into the box and comes out again just as quick heading straight for Wiseman 20 yards out right of the D, only one thing on her mind meet the ball on the volley, hits it hard, but sends it wide.

   Melanie Talbot brings the ball out from left back for Brandon before laying it out to Forshaw peeling out to the left herself makes good progress with the ball as Wickens makes a run towards the near post with Stillinger behind her as Forshaw crosses the ball in too high for Wickens it goes wide across the six yard box is retrieved by Stillinger on the right, looks to drive into the six yard box and shoot Wymondham block it the ball comes out to Anderson she travels along way with the ball, Brandon find themselves stretched at the back for once as she almost over runs the ball but slides in to prod it into Wiseman's run peeling out to the right of the area, Grove gets a last ditch lunging tackle in take the ball off her toes.

Kayleigh Holloway always a threat for Wymondham
Town Ladies when she has the ball at her feet

  The game is beautifully poised could go either way, Holloway driving with the ball at her feet down the right this time having worked her way across the pitch, fires her cross in low into the feet of Wiseman, just inside the box looks to swivel and shoot, comes in fast at Oderbrecht and a yard either side of her the keeper would have been in trouble as it is she drops to her knees and just about holds onto the ball.

  

 

16 year old Chloe Slater has come all the way
through the youth ranks at Brandon Town Ladies

 Midway through the 2nd half and Wymondham are pressing hard pushing the full backs on it looks as if Brandon are starting to tire a little, Wymondham respond by making changes with Laura Hammerton and Kelly Ayers returning to the action in place of Stone and Cann. Brandon's Patten wins the ball back from Cheal and surges forwards down the left flank, keeping hold of the ball in the corner gives a chance for players to get up in support, one of those is Slater who receives the ball on the edge of the box, takes on the shot, takes a knick of a Wymondham leg taking the pace off the ball rolls through into Hamilton-Rout's gloves.

   Cheal bringing the ball into the Brandon half again passes it out to the left with Wiseman seeing space onto the ball she pushes on to the byline before whipping a high cross looping up into the area, a difficult one of the keeper to deal with in danger of dropping under her crossbar Oderbrecht has Sally Hammerton bearing down on her by keeps her eyes on the ball is distracted firmly claiming the ball. The final ball isn't going Wymondham's way this afternoon, Brandon finding a 2nd wind have plenty back to read and intercept. Wymondham put Sanders back on the pitch in an attacking role with Sally Hammerton coming off.

  Forshaw picking up the ball in the centre takes it forwards looking to push for the box over runs the ball, Stillinger racing to help her goes after it even as Tarrant comes the other way to clear it a 50/50 both sliding in the ball pops out to the left, Stillinger is up quicker shifts the ball between her feet but slices the shot swinging it away from goal. 

  Cheal with the space to run into offers the attackers in front of her an extra option is put on the ball as she races into the area wide left of goal Marshall throws herself into the sliding tackle to try and stop her, Cheal jumps to get out of the way goes over Marshall the ball runs out of play, shouts for a penalty the referee waves them away. 

   As Forshaw gets hold of the ball wide left again everyone is drawn across to the half of the pitch all except Wickens who is in acres of space on the right, Forshaw wraps her foot around the ball attempting to get it over to her, Hamilton-Rout has to get to the ball first does so conceding the corner. Swept in from the right Hamilton-Rout with bodies around her gets a fist up to punch the ball wide across the six yard box, drops favourably for Patten who hits the ball towards goal, Ayers covering the far post clears off the line.

 5 minutes left to play Talbot plays the ball up the line for Patten, a rapid turn around of the ball Patten places it neatly into the run of Forshaw inside the box left of goal, takes on the shot the keeper is beaten the ball runs across goal wide of the far post. In the closing stages of the match and it could still go either way. Holloway and Cheal link up down the left for Wymondham Holloway squaring the ball into Cheal left corner of the box squeezes a shot through the two defenders converging on her, Oderbrecht is down early and makes the save. 

   Injury time being played and Brandon find time for another quick counter attack the ball played into Torrance central out to Patten on her left send forwards for Forshaw breaking into the box whips the early shot across goal keeper beat is it in? No another narrow one rolling is wide of the post, the referee blows the final whistle and it ends goalless a fair result on the balance of play both sides would certainly have felt hard done by had they lost it by a single goal. Wymondham played with a high tempo throughout, Brandon did well to match it.

   As competitive and compelling  a game I've watched to date even though it ended in a goalless draw both sides taking a point Brandon move into 2nd on goal difference 2 points behind leaders Aylsham FC Ladies, whilst Wymondham still unbeaten this season though dropping their 1st points stay 4th 3 points back on the leaders but crucially with 2 games in hand on them all. Looks like it'll be a title race that will go all the way with all 4 sides fancying their chances of becoming champions.

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

  

Match Report - Bury Town Ladies v Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

  The football action on the Supporting Women's Football Blog this Sunday comes from Suffolk, a match in the Eastern Region Women's Football League, Division One East - Bury Town Ladies v Ipswich Wanderers Ladies.

  The 2015/16 season saw a change in the make up of the ERWFL Division One leagues below the Premier Division, previously a North and South Division One, this season the split is East and West with 7 sides contesting each league. Division One East is made up of teams from Suffolk and Essex. Writtle Ladies are the runaway leaders of the league the newly promoted Essex Women's Premier Division champions are unbeaten with a 100% win record that stretches way back before 2015. 

  Going into today's league match Bury Town Ladies lay in 4th place in the table with 11 points from 7 games played to date with 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Have a few new faces in their squad this season, Laura Brame and Jennifer Gray joining the team along with striker Nadine Basson who has been out of the game long term  recovering from a serious knee injury, returned to the pitch in late November, made a scoring return too coming off the bench has scored in all 3 of the matches Bury Town Ladies have played since.

 This is the 1st time I have seen Ipswich Wanderers Ladies in action. Are a place and 3 points above Bury Town Ladies in 3rd spot, have played 3 games more with a record of 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from 10 played are ahead of everyone else in the league in terms of games played, won their home match against Bury Town Ladies 3-2 back in November.

  A different venue for today's match with this Sunday, seeing another raft of postponements across the region due to waterlogged pitches Bury Town Ladies were switched from their usual home venue Ram Meadow, the match today taking place at Oakes Road, an open space recreation area on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds. The football pitch looking very well drained and firm despite all the wet weather of late. Not the most even of surfaces which could cause unpredictable bounce but great to see a facility such as this available. Was a dry day which was something in itself, a chilly breeze the sun setting low behind one of the goals would pose a few problems especially in the 1st half.

Bury Town Ladies starting XI - Charlotte Osborne, Lisa Pratt (C), Stephanie Hanratty, Norma Locker, Jennifer Gray, Mia Bambury, Gemma Carter, Gabrielle Whitehurst, Laura Brame, Emma Baldry & Nadine Basson.
subs - Roberta Ibbison-Steele, Shelby Beveridge & Catherine Upton.

Ipswich Wanderers Ladies starting XI - Ellie Bird, Charlotte Pettman, Kirby King, Jess Taylor, Kristie Turner, Jess Whurr, Tarnya McKew (C), Kimberly Rex, Michelle Allum, Claire Turnbull & Leanne Parker.
subs - Alice Ager & Laura Tuley

( roll on roll off substitutes )

  Ipswich Wanderers switch ends at the coin toss putting Bury Town goalkeeper Charlotte Osborne in the goal facing the setting sun. Bury Town kick off the game wearing an all blue strip with white trim on the collar and sleeves with Ipswich Wanderers lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks.Both sides test the wide area's early on playing the ball out to the left side of the pitch on both occasions the defences come out on top.

3

  Ipswich Wanderers captain Tarnya McKew leading the line for the visitors gets hold of the ball looks to turn the Bury Town defence power her way through the middle into the area, closest to her is Mia Bambury, times her tackle well to get her foot on the end of the ball take it away from McKew. Neither goalkeeper is called into actin in the opening 5 minutes.

 The first to get hold of the ball is Ipswich Wanderers goalkeeper, Ellie Bird as Bury Town attack down the right, Gemma Carter looking to drive up the pitch take on the player directly in front of her, her 1st attempt to cross is blocked the ball rolling back to her captain Lisa Pratt up in support from right back, sends the ball back out to Carter who takes on the shot wide of the area aiming near post, Bird is in position to bring the ball into her chest.

  Carter is doing well out on the right for Bury Town wins the ball back as Ipswich Wanderers look to play it out from the back, taking two steps is 25 yards out takes on the early shot coming in high, Bird flings herself at the shot turning it around the post for a corner kick. Bury Town are playing a high line in defence which is leaving alot of space between them and their goalkeeper, McKew is working hard to cover all areas in and behind the Bury Town defence making herself available for the long pass when her side win the ball back, almost capitalises on an error at the back a loose pass putting the defence under pressure but Norma Locker not usually playing in defence keeps composed with McKew lurking to head the ball safely back to her keeper. 

   Jess Whurr bringing the ball into the opposition half for Ipswich Wanderers, slots the ball forwards for Claire Turnbell making a run off the right to get inside outside the box under pressure from the Bury Town defence puts her shot straight into Osborne who gathers up the ball.

Ipswich Wanderers, Claire Turnbull getting in on goal

   A free flowing game, Carter with the ball at her feet on the right covers plenty of grass before squaring her cross back to the players racing in towards the edge of the area, up with play midfielder Gabrielle Whitehurst meets the cross hitting her shot 1st time drilling the ball wide of the right post. Up the other end Ipswich Wanderers, Jess Taylor steals the ball from the Bury Town defence getting in behind them right of the area hits a shot from just outside the box places the ball directly into Osborne who holds on to the shot.

  Osborne is having problems with the sun one glove up shielding her eyes as Ipswich Wanderers build an attack. The visitors ar enjoying a spell of keep ball around the Bury Town area the ball eventually going out for a throw deep in the right, comes in long across the face of the box, central Kristie Turner lets the ball roll across her before knocking it on a yard the space opens up for her to take on the shot might have been angling just wide of the top corner but Osborne can't know that as rising ball arrows in produces a fantastic save throwing herself up and back to tip the ball behind for the corner kick. 

  Is a good contest both sides having spells of possession but neither dominating 20 minutes gone and Bury Town are on the attack Laura Brame bringing the ball forwards, plays a great pass out to Basson peeling out to the left, looking to get her head down and make a run into the box, she runs into Kirby King one of the three at the back for Ipswich Wanderers, is a firm challenge to win the ball back and bringing it out sets up a counter attack...

  GOAL! King plays it long down the right with McKew moving out into space to receive it gets up to the area quickly, with her team mates piling forwards, comes inside pushing hard to get across the area sends the ball out to the right with Leanne Parker looking to get in behind is pushed to the ground by Pratt the referee immediately pointing to the penalty spot. Up steps Turner to take it, sends the ball to the right of the diving Osborne the ball nestling in the back of the net as Turner wheels away in celebration 0-1.

Kristie Turner wheels away in celebration after scoring the penalty for Ipswich Wanderers

  Bury Town making joy up the right with Carter on the ball once more get players forwards the ball is put across the face of the area again, Basson closest can't get contact on the ball, rolls into Emma Baldry behind her looks to wrap her foot over the ball, her shot looping up but lacking any power bounces before Bird who takes it cleanly. McKew latches onto another poor ball from Bury Town at the back as a throw is presented straight to her 25 yards out goes for goal misses by a yard. Bury Town make a change with Baldry coming off for Catherine Upton in attack.

   Kimberly Rex getting hold of the ball in the centre of midfield for Ipswich Wanderers sends a great pass over the top of the Bury Town defence with Michelle Allum making the run to get in behind, the ball dropping over her shoulder doesn't bounce favourably wanting to hit the shot on the half volley sends her effort wide of goal. Allum then has a chance to go for goal from 25 yards out wide on the left from a free kick, gets the ball on target coming in low, Osborne is well placed in the centre of her goal to save.

Ipswich Wanderers, Kristie Turner.

  McKew gets in behind the Bury Town back line as they get caught out trying to push up, Osborne dealing with the sun looks to have reacted too late as she comes rushing out to close McKew down the keeper slides in at the edge of her area as McKew pulls the trigger, the keeper gets something on the ball as it goes past her rolls towards the goal but just wide of the far post corner given. Ipswich Wanderers are pushing Bury Town back ate in the half, McKew with her back to goal 20 yards out holds the ball up well before laying the pass out to Parker on the left, she has Allum behind her giving her the ball she goes for goal from the corner of the box angling the ball in towards the near post Osborne has it covered.

Half-time Bury Town Ladies 0-1 Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

  A good contest between two evenly matches sides. Ipswich Wanderers edging the 1st have have the advantage by a single goal. Have found space in behind the Bury Town defence with McKew using the space well making herself available for the ball when her team mates win it back. Osborne in the Bury Town goal has dealt well with having the sun in her eyes 1st half and it looks a good call from the visitors as by the time the 2nd half kicks off and Bird is standing in that goal the sun has fallen behind the Asda supermarket over the road.

   Ipswich Wanderers kick off the 2nd half, have Bury Town pushed back in their own half in the opening couple of minutes. A cross is fired into the box from the right straight at Locker who does well to keep it from escaping past her clearing it back out to the right, Allum is first to the ball hits a cross/shot in towards the near post Osborne jumps up to grab it. Both sides when they win it at the back look to get on with the game get it forwards quickly, Carter looking the biggest threat for Bury Town attacking down the right.

  GOAL! Bury Town get themselves back on level terms early in the 2nd half, the home side winning a free kick wide on the left, 30 yards out from goal. Carter crosses the pitch to take the set-piece players are lining up far post for her as she angles the ball in to that area. The ball is a good one doesn't need a touch, has Bird in trouble as it comes in too high for her to save dipping late to drop under the bar 1-1.

  Turnbull attacks down the right flank for Ipswich Wanderers gets into a good position to cross sends the ball in too close to Osborne the keeper grabbing the ball before McKew can get to it. The action is end to end driving through the middle Whitehurst puts the ball into the run of Basson in front of her driving for the area again, runs into King again the defender tackling well. From a throw deep on the right played long into the area Basson under challenge from King at the far post does well to get a shot away the ball looping up into the air drops wide of the far post.

Gabrielle Whitehurst bringing the ball forwards for Bury Town Ladies

  Bird with some brave goalkeeping on the edge of her area slides in to save, as Bury Town's Brame looks to get in on a ball put forwards by Basson, Brame coming in from the left looks to have beaten the defender to the ball, Bird sensing danger comes out well to slide in and save. Ipswich Wanderers bring on Alice Ager for Parker.

Ipswich Wanderers goalkeeper Ellie Bird making the save.

 Turnbull wins her side a corner on the right side the ball is played long over to the far post Bury Town heading it away for a throw on the left, Ipswich Wanderers take it quickly the cross comes in a yard out flashing across the face of goal, Turner charging in at the opposite post lowers her head to try and turn it home, can't get the needed touch. 

  Bury Town are playing deeper 2nd half and this is keeping McKew quieter with now space to exploit behind, that doesn't mean they have quietened the threat she poses now coming deeper to ask for the ball moving out to the right of the pitch gets the ball at her feet and rolling her marker get's in for a shot at a tight angle, looking to fire the ball across the keeper at the near post Osborne gets down throwing a leg forwards to take the ball wide and out beyond the far post. 2nd change for Ipswich Wanderers, Laura Tuley on for Whurr.

Bury Town Ladies, Jennifer Gray battling with Ipswich Wanderers Tanya McKew for the ball

  Basson wins Bury Town a throw deep on the right, Pratt comes forwards to take it has a good long throw on her places it into the area, Charlotte Pettman heads it clear for Ipswich Wanderers, possession is regain for Bury Town by Jennifer Gray on the left side puts a brilliant ball forwards cutting the visitors defence open with Brame getting in behind would have been through on goal but as she did earlier on Bird is off her line in a flash and sliding in to smother the ball at her feet before the shot can even be made.

  Bury Town bring on Shelby Beveridge who goes into an attacking position with Upton coming off. Brame on the ball for Bury Town on the left inside the Ipswich Wanderers half jinks right then left their are calls for her to shoot but she has Beveridge making a good run into the box down the left switches the ball sending it into her path, Bird makes the decision to come again sliding across the grass doing enough to put Beveridge off.

   Ipswich Wanderers call for a penalty as McKew storming forwards on the ball drives into the area, goes down but the referee waves the appeals away. Bury Town go up the other end and win a corner, this one is a good delivery played out to the edge of the area, locker is the play stepping forwards onto the ball gets good contact with her header but off target. 

  GOAL! Ipswich Wanderers retake the lead, with the end to end nature of the match the rapid counter attack was always on for both sides, breaking up a Bury Town attack the ball is delivered through the middle with McKew making the run the ball rolled into her feet, Osborne seeing the danger has to come commits on the edge of her area sliding in, McKew takes the ball around her to the left and sends the ball home into the empty net 1-2.

Ipswich Wanderers captain Tarnya Mckew with
Bury Town defender Stephanie Hanratty

  Almost immediately from the restart Ipswich Wanderers have an opportunity to make it 3 and give themselves a huge advantage in the game, Turner wins the ball plays it long with Allum the playing getting into the box to receive it, central to goal Osborne in front of her six yards out lunges looking to sweep the ball over the keeper, falling back Osborne flings a glove up a fingertip save lifting the ball over the crossbar a vital save.

Gemma Carter scorer of both
goals for Bury Town Ladies

  GOAL! 10 minutes left on the clock and time for more drama as Bury Ton bring the scores level again. Basson never one to back down from a challenge wins a 50/50 inside the Ipswich Wanderers half, gets the ball into the feet of Beveridge back to the goal in front of the D, sprays the ball out to the right with Carter bursting a lung to get in behind takes on the shot from an acute angle placing the ball across the keeper to nestle into the back of the net at the far post 2-2.

   Roberta Ibbison-Steele comes on late on for Bury Town in place of Brame on the left. Late into the match both sides continue to press hard the final ball just won't come and it ends all square 2-2 the points shared. Overall a fair result, a good contest between two energetic sides, as evenly matched as I've seen, both could have won it and both keepers pulled off some fantastic saves, another great game to watch and what's more it didn't rain either.

  

 A long lay off for Ipswich Wanderers now as they wait for everyone else to catch up won't play a competitive match again until Febuary. Bury Town have two more home matches coming up next Sunday against fellow Suffolk side Long Melford Ladies before taking on league leaders Writtle Ladies on the 24th January.

  My thanks to both teams managers for their help with the teams today.