Match Report - Charlton Athletic Women v Newcastle United WFC

 This Sunday it's the FA Women's Cup 3rd Round Proper. The draw had thrown up 14 very tasty looking ties, this is the round where the FAWSL 2 sides enter the competition. There was one tie that jumped out at me when the draw was made an opportunity to see two sides I have wanted to see play for some time so this tie was perfect, Charlton Athletic Women v Newcastle United WFC.

   Both sides compete in the FAWPL National Division's, Charlton Athletic Women in the Southern and Newcastle United WFC in the Northern. The FAWPL Northern and Southern Division sides entered the FA Women's Cup in the previous round. 

   Charlton Athletic Women won big, beating fellow Southern Division side Plymouth Argyle Ladies on home soil. Are riding high in the league in 3rd place several points behind current leaders Brighton & Hove Albion WFC but do have 3 games in hand. Have a potent strike force in Kit Graham and Gemma Shepherd who have both scored over 20 goals already this season.

  Newcastle United WFC were on home soil too in the previous round taking on Mossley Hill Ladies from the FAWPL Northern Division One, beat them 4-1 to advance to the 3rd Round Proper. Lay in 8th spot in the FAWPL Northern Division. Reached the semi-finals of the FAWPL League Plate travelling down south last Sunday to take on Gillingham FC Ladies won 3-0 a result that will give them confidence as they make the journey south again this Sunday.

   My 1st trip to Sporting Club Thamesmead and although I knew the way I wanted to go, my Sat Nav had a different approach so I decided to follow it, I didn't know there was a Woolwich Free Ferry across the River Thames until I drove onto it! Had I not had to wait for the ferry it would have been the quickest way, but going home the Sat Nav will be staying off. 

  Sporting Club Thamesmead is a nice recently renovated sporting complex, featuring a good sized carpark that was packed as the ground was a buzz with various other matches already taking place, a 3G pitch behind the main pitch and in between a smart clubhouse with bar and eating facilities upstairs leading down into the main stand. The pitch looked in good condition sees alot of action and despite the recent rain looked firm and drained. With the sun in my eyes I retreated to the opposite side to watch the match, few dark clouds about it was possible we'd get a shower and promptly did as soon as the two sides lined up for kick-off.

  Charlton Athletic Women starting XI - Megen Lynch, Katie Flack, Rosie Paye, Grace Coombs, Samantha Pittuck, Kimberley Dixson (C), Jenny Newman, Ellie Baxter, Nikita Whinnett, Kit Graham & Gemma Shepherd.
  subs - Stefanie Simmons, Charley Clifford, Amy Howlett & Ruby Southgate.

  Newcastle United WFC starting XI - Alison, Cowling, Megan McKenzie, Jessica Foster, Kate Brooks, Jessica Havelock (C), Alisha Smith, Ellen Turnbull, Millie Lambert, Elle Dobson, Bethanie Gardner & Emma Hewitt.
  subs - Emily Ellis, Laura Robson, Abbie Stevens, Danikka Purdham & Jade Anderson.

It's the home side Charlton to kick off this FA Women's Cup tie, are lined up in red shirts with white across the front and sleeves, red shorts and red and white hooped socks, with Newcastle kitted out in their traditional black and white vertical striped shirts black shorts and black socks with a blue band at the top. No sooner had the game got underway then it started raining the wind blowing it across the pitch, retreating to the opposite side had been a good idea as their was a high fence that offered some protection but two minutes later and it was gone a rainbow appearing above the stadium.

   GOAL! The heavy but brief cloudburst over, Charlton were about to inflict their own upon Newcastle. Having tested out the left flank early on and got no joy from Newcastle full back Jessica Foster the ball is back with their defence Grace Coombs plays the ball into Kit Graham in the centre circle the Newcastle defence is pushed up on halfway, Graham carries the ball into their half with strike partner Gemma Shepherd peeling away to her left she plays the ball forwards, releasing Shepherd in for a run at their opponents box left of the goal, Newcastle goalkeeper, Alison Cowling comes out, Shepherd pulls the trigger 20 yards out sending the ball past her as she dives in vain and puts Charlton 1-0 up with just 4 minutes on the clock.

  Newcastle look to respond straight from the restart, Millie Lambert playing the ball out to the right wing for Ellen Turnbull, showing good strength on the ball she takes the ball down to the byline wins her side a corner kick, the ball from the right is good into the middle of the six yard box, it's a Charlton head that gets it away for a throw.

   GOAL! 6 minutes on the clock and Charlton race into a 2 goal lead, pushing players forwards Jenny Newman plays the ball into Shepherd 30 yards out on the right side she sends her pass into the feet of Graham ahead of her and is immediately on the move looking to get into a central position as Graham holds the ball up right of the area, returns it to Shepherd who opens her body up to lift the ball up and around the keeper into the back of the net from the edge of the area 2-0.

  Fantastic start from Charlton going 2 nil up inside the opening 10 minutes players are looking to get in on the action all over the park as Coombs carries the ball out of defence is allowed to cover a lot of grass with it before sending it out wide left for Nikita Whinnett to chase down, surges into the box, Newcastle's Emma Hewitt has tracked all the way back and slides in with a perfectly timed challenge to win the ball. The match is being played at a high tempo, Charlton keep possession down that end from the resulting throw the ball is put into Shepherd inside the D she looks to hit it 1st time shouts for handball as it strikes Newcastle captain, Jessica Havelock's arm, did hit her elbow but looked accidental, nothing given. 

Newcastle United WFC's, Emma Hewitt looking to attack

  GOAL! Not so moments later this time Havelock does handle the ball her hands raised inside the box as Charlton building up a head of steam push forwards down the left side the ball is fed into Graham outside the box looks to lift it over the defence in front of her, the handball is spotted and the referee points to the spot. Shepherd steps up to take on a hat-trick with just 15 minutes on the clock, cool as you like sends the goalkeeper the wrong way 3-0. 

A hat-trick in the opening 15 minutes for Charlton's Gemma Shepherd

3 down in the opening 15 minutes has left Newcastle rattled, have more defending to do as a free kick is conceded wide on the right 30 yards out, Coombs over the ball lifts it in towards the far post, Havelock calls for it and with a fir header gets the ball away for a throw. The Newcastle captain with the ball at her feet brings it out from the back a powerful run is challenged until she reaches the edge of the Charlton area, left of the D looks to come inside for the shot, Hewitt there for the lay off, Charlton close both down get the ball up the other end.

  Winning a free kick inside their own half Newcastle play the ball long the target Hewitt, 25 yards out turns her header into the run made by Lambert on the right closing in on the area her shot is blocked and close range by Katie Flack the ball spinning away for a corner kick. The set piece from the right is aimed towards Havelock 10 yards out coming for it near post, looks to hit her shot on the turn, just too many bodies to get through. 

   With Newcastle pushing forwards trying to get themselves back into the match they are vulnerable to the counter, Graham is the player who springs the offside trap is through centrally for a run at goal. Cowling comes running out to the edge of her area, Graham looks to shoot send a right foot shot low past her, the Newcastle goalkeeper gets down throws out a glove making firm contact with the ball, isn't safe rolls out to the right, Newman is bearing down upon it looks to hit it 1st time across goal Shepherd has covered alot of ground on the left can't quite turn it home as she throws herself at it, wouldn't have counted if she had as the linesman has his flag up.

   Haven't mentioned Charlton captain Kimberley Dixson yet, however she is playing a huge role in the game, breaking up play in the middle preventing Newcastle getting much going from back to front as the home side look to be quick to close everyone down. Turnbull comes back into the centre to get her foot on the ball plays a pass forwards for Hewitt, who lets it run on for Bethanie Gardner coming in from the left side behind her outside the D, Gardner can't find away through, Coombs or her centre back partner Samantha Puttuck lays the ball back for Lambert racing in 20 yards out hits it hard no way through the shot is blocked. 

  GOAL! Shepherd has definitely got her shooting boots on today as she nets Charlton's 4th on the half an hour mark. The Charlton strike force links up again with Shepherd coming out to the left the receive the ball just over halfway passes it into Graham ahead of her, Graham looks to take the ball on, gets caught up under her feet for a moment, this actually benefits her as the Newcastle defence are drawn to close her down, Shepherd has raced beyond to her left Graham gets the ball through to her for a run at goal, Cowling starts to come but Shepherd takes the shot on sending the ball across her and into the back of the net 4-0.

  Charlton continue to attack, Newcastle's, Lambert has done alot of tracking back tackles well winning the ball from Whinnett 20 yards out as she looks to set her sights on a shot coming in from the left. 

  GOAL! 37 minutes gone and Charlton make it 5! This time though Shepherd is no where to be seen as Kit Graham gets her name on the score-sheet. Newcastle are attacking the ball is won back played through the centre comes into the feet of Graham on the edge of the box back to goal no one closes her down as she turns and hits it hard and low past the keeper into the back of the net 5-0.

Charlton Athletic Women's
Kit Graham 

   Megen Lynch in the Charlton goal has had little to trouble her, the defence in front of her putting in the blocks not letting Newcastle in behind. Is needed to make a save her positioning spot in as Newcastle's Lambert does get one on target from distance the ball rolling back to her 30 yards out a good connection the ball is rising, Lynch see's it all the way. Havelock with another storming run out from the back pushes her way deep into Charlton territory 25 yards out puts everything into the shot Coombs' gets her bottom in the way makes the block.

   GOAL! A minute left to play in the 1st half Shepherd and Graham combine again, the former the provider this time as she plays the ball through for Graham, Cowling starts to come has no chance as Graham lifts the ball over her to fill the empty net beyond 6-0. This I understand is Kit Graham's 100th goal for Charlton in all competitions so I happily add my congratulations to those she has already received. 

Half-time Charlton Athletic Women 6-0 Newcastle United WFC

 Well I'm probably as shell-shocked as Newcastle United WFC are sitting in their dressing room at half-time was not expecting quite such a dominant display from the home side. Charlton have been excellent, clinical and determined have created the chances and converted them to put themselves well in control of this FA Women's Cup tie with another 45 minutes to play. 

   Newcastle get the 2nd half underway, put the ball long from the whistle, Charlton make a mess of clearing it falls favourably for Lambert 25 yards out, is not afraid to have a strike on goal, does so sends it in low doesn't have the pace to worry Lynch who drops and holds.

 GOAL! Charlton start the 2nd half where they left off the 1st score again to make it 7 and it's Graham with her hat-trick now, (take away half-time and it's quicker than Shepherd's too). The ball is played long the Newcastle defence struggle to clear falls Graham unmarked on the right corner of the area takes on the early shot looping the ball up and over Cowling into the goal beyond 7-0, 47 minutes on the clock.

  Newcastle make a change Kate Brooks coming off for Abbie Stevens. Charlton win a free kick wide on the level, Dixson is over the ball, fires in a great delivery cutting through the six yard box, Shepherd coming in throws herself at it, there is a touch off her of the defender trying to track her run the ball is deflected wide off who I'm not sure a goal kick is awarded she has to go down as a Shepherd miss.

Abbie Stevens on the ball for Newcastle United WFC

   Charlton are pressing hard at the start of the 2nd half looking for more goals, Whinnett is covering the ground on the right flank taking the ball down wing has both Graham and Shepherd breaking into the box wanting the cross she looks to sweep it in, Cowling has come to her near post gets in front of both Charlton strikers and claims the ball. 

  GOAL! Charlton get their 8th. The attack starting with Ellie Baxter in the centre of midfield a fantastic ball into the right channel to release Whinnett for a run into the area is closing down on Cowling covering her near post, could shoot but has Shepherd to her left unmarked lifts the ball into her and Shepherd lifts a leg high to turn the ball into the net 8-0.

  Whinnett blasts a shot high and wide as Charlton continue to attack, Dixson plays the ball forwards into Shepherd, she puts Graham through on goal, Cowling stays back on her line this time defenders close Graham down she lays the ball back to Whinnett coming in from the right inside the box her 1st time shot is off target. Last action of the tie for Whinnett as she is replaced by ex Ipswich Town Ladies player, Amy Howlett. 

  Newcastle's Turnbull manages to stay onside as Foster brings the ball out from the back spinning off her marker inside the D, Turnbull is moving away from goal manages to hook a shot back in towards goal, goes straight into Lynch's gloves. The goalkeeper set's up a rapid counter move the ball worked up the right quickly into Howlett her cross evades Cowling covering her near post rolls across the face of goal Newman lunges trying to turn it home at the far stick, misses. That's Newman's last action of the tie as she comes off for Stefanie Simmons.

Newcastle United WFC's, Jessica Foster

  GOAL! Super sub! Charlton make it 9! Simmons the scorer. Charlton have possession around the Newcastle area win a throw... (the rest of the build up I miss I'm trying to change the batteries on my camera) look up see the ball dropping for Simmons outside the box hits it on the volley smashes against the goal frame and over the line, I'm looking forwards to seeing this one on the highlights as everyone else 9-0.

   Cowling has found herself caught one on one several times in the tie is exposed again as Shepherd whips a ball over the top to send Howlett away on the right, reading the move, Cowling makes the decision to come early goes in on Howlett as she enters the box gets her legs on the ball 1st it loops past her Howlett stumbling tries to retrieve before it runs out of play but can't.  Final change for Charlton as Ruby Southgate comes on at right back replacing Rosie Paye with 25 minutes left to play.

  Gardner finds herself the furthest forwards for Newcastle in front of the D, Dobson plays the ball into her feet shows good hold up play with Turnbull making the run for her into the box on the left slides the pass into her, goes to shot the effort blocked by the newly introduced Southgate. Gardner comes off for Newcastle, Laura Robson coming on.

  Cowling with the best save of the match to deny Simmons as Charlton counter through the middle Graham given the ball rolling her marker and releasing Howlett on the right side Simmons makes the run far post, Howlett sweeps the cross in picks her out Simmons looks to shot on the volley play the ball over Cowling is on target, the Newcastle keeper throws herself backwards gloves the ball over the bar for a corner kick. Final change for Newcastle, McKenzie coming off, Emily Ellis coming on at right back. 

  GOAL! Couldn't be more crueller as Newcastle concede a 10th an own goal. Graham puts Shephard through on goal on the right into the box, Simmons is available far post, with the keeper caught between both, Ellis tries to intercept the cross ends up turning the ball into her net 10-0. 

  Charlton come again with Howlett carrying the ball down the right channel lofts a high cross in for Graham to attack closing in on the near post, gets a boot up to meet the ball try to hook it around Cowling the keeper gets as glove on it and falling claims at the 2nd attempt with good shielding from Ellis. Flack finds herself up with the attack for Charlton late on the ball falls favourably for her she bursts into the box  tires to lift it over Cowling the keeper gets a glove to the ball falls loose but Shepherd closest can't pounce before Havelock clears.

   Newcastle throw players forwards trying to get at least a consolation goal out of the tie Turnbull and Hewitt link up to good effect outside the box with Charlton sitting off them Hewitt getting the ball into Dobson right of goal 8 yards out she shoots the ball is palmed away by Lynch before her defence clears. 

  Cowling tips another Charlton shot over her bar late in the game as Simmons takes on the shot from distance. The 1st corner is headed behind for another corner the 2nd is planted near post a spot of head tennis ensues before the ball drops behind for a 3rd corner. This one is swept in centrally under the bar, Cowling looks to try and punch it over ended up going in however the referee awards a free kick against Charlton for fouling the keeper. 

  The final whistle blows and Charlton Athletic Women win the match 10-0 with a dominant display to reach the 4th Round Proper of the FA Women's Cup and based on this display no one will want to pull them out of the hat come the draw on Monday. Were clinical in front of goal and the early lead had them in a strong position for the whole 90 minutes.

  Certainly wasn't expecting to see a 10-0 today, haven't seen one for a while, but Charlton Athletic Women were by far the better side today. Sure Newcastle aren't a side that get's rolled over like that too often showed in patches what they can do just weren't able to settle on the ball the early goals certainly had them on the back foot, you can only look to put it right next game.

  Best of luck to Charlton Athletic Women in the next round, enjoyed my 1st trip to Sporting Club Thamesmead. 

  UPDATE : The draw for the 4th Round Proper of the FA Women's Cup was made earlier and Charlton Athletic Women will face North East opposition again this time on the road taking on FAWSL 2 side Durham FC Women, tie scheduled for Sun 28th Febuary.

  

   

   

Match Report - Hertfordshire FA Women v Kent FA Women

Trip down to Hertfordshire this Wednesday evening to watch my 2nd match from this season's East Anglian Counties Championship (The Fred Welham Women's Cup) at the County Ground in Letchworth, Hertfordshire FA Women v Kent FA Women.

  4 Counties are competing in the 2015/16 season, with Suffolk and Essex the other counties involved. Hertfordshire won the East Anglian Counties Championship 2 season's ago with Cambridgeshire the current holders not entering a representative side this time around. Kent although not an East Anglian county have been invited to join the competition as they look to give their footballers more representative football.

		Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Suffolk	1	1	0	0	5	1	4	3
2	Kent	1	1	0	0	4	2	2	3
3	Essex	2	1	0	1	6	5	1	3
4	Hertfordshire	2	0	0	2	2	9	-7	0

 Hertfordshire have not gotten off to a good start this time around losing both their opening matches 5-1 away to early leaders Suffolk and the 4-2 at home to Essex in November. This is the 1st time Hertfordshire have faced Kent at home as they look to find their 1st win of the competition. Have a large pool of players that can be called upon, tonight's squad is largely represented by ERWFL Premier Division side, Stevenage Ladies.

  Kent started their East Anglian Counties Championship campaign with a home match winning 4-2 against Essex. Their squad tonight is from a wider pool of sides several plying their trade in the FAWPL with players from the likes of Charlton Athletic Women, West Ham United Ladies, C&K Basildon Ladies as well as Gillingham FC Ladies. Millwall Ladies FC Centre of Excellence along with Herne Bay and Meridian Ladies have players representing.

The Country Ground pitch looking good under the floodlights a good size on a chilly but clear and dry evening.   
  Hertfordshire FA Women starting XI - Chrissy Roberts (Stevenage Ladies), Chloe Rouse (Stevenage Ladies), Hayley Wood-Thompson (Stevenage Ladies), Tanya Blacksley (Stevenage Ladies), Dominique Godbeer (C) (Stevenage Ladies), Rebecca Day (Hitchin Town Ladies), Donna McGuigan (Stevenage Ladies), Holly Jardine (Stevenage Ladies), Nicola Perschky (Stevenage Ladies), Jo Rutherford (Luton Town Ladies) & Sammy Tinsley (Stevenage Ladies).
  subs - Sarah Payne (Stevenage Ladies), Amy Josland (Stevenage Ladies), Abi Cartwright (Stevenage Ladies) & Steph Palfrey.

  Kent FA Women starting XI - Molly Povey (C&K Basildon Ladies), Emma Brown (Herne Bay Ladies), Georgia Pearch (Charlton Athletic Women), Paige Bradley, Hannah Wheeler (West Ham United Ladies), Katie Gilligan (Millwall Lionesses FC C of E), Danielle Ritson (West Ham United Ladies), Sammy Brooker (Millwall Lionesses C of E), Jade Keogh (C)(Gillingham FC Ladies), Lydia Wills (Gillingham FC Ladies) & Amy Russ (Meridian Ladies FC).
  subs - Charlie Spice (Charlton Athletic Women) & Victoria De-Waal

(roll on roll off subsititutes)

Hertfordshire kitted out all in blue have the kick off 1st half with Kent in an all orange kit ready opposite to take them on. The home side look to work the ball through the middle, played forwards into striker Jo Rutherford she holds the ball up with Donna McGuigan looking to make a run to get in behind the Kent defence, Rutherford rolls the ball into her path, is closed down by Kent's Hannah Wheeler the defender getting hold of the ball.

   A rapid counter attack from the visitors the ball played out into space on the right with Amy Russ leading the line for Kent going after it and winning a corner kick. The set piece is played to the edge of the area comes to Jade Keogh wearing the captains armband can't get the ball under control before the Hertfordshire defence close her down. 

   Kent midfielder, Sammy Brooker brings the ball over half way sends her pass forwards for Paige Bradley 20 yards out left side of the D has Keogh on the overlap gives her the ball, she looks to hit her shot on the run the effort charged down by Hertfordshire captain Dominique Godbeer. Kent have started the brighter getting players forwards Russ always looking for space to run into is given the all shifts it to make herself room for a shot outside the box, hooks the shot wide of the goal.

  Hertfordshire are struggling to get anything going through the middle, having more joy down the wings, Holly Jardine linking well with Nicola Perschky, takes the ball down to the byline, can't pick out anyone with her cross as Kent retrieve and bring the ball out. Russ travels with the ball through the middle, sweeps her pass out to Brooker moving ahead of her on the right, he attempted cross is put out for a corner by Godbeer. Given the ball from the corner right 20 yards out Georgia Pearce looks to play a high ball into the box, Tanya Blacksley heads clear for Hertfordshire.

 Nearly 20 minutes on the clock neither goalkeeper has been tested, Chrissy Roberts in the Hertfordshire goal is the 1st to get a feel of the ball as as Russ, wins the ball from Chloe Rouse at the back and carries t 5 yards further on before hitting her shot bouncing as it reached Roberts lacks any power to trouble her. Blacksley does well for Hertfordshire keeping her eye on a dropping ball sent up the pitch for Russ to attack, and despite the attackers presence, Blackley does well to get a firm header on back-pedalling to get it cleared.

   McGuigan looks to hook the ball on from the middle with Rutherford making a break for the box, controls the dropping ball excellently nodding it down into her path right of the goal looks to stab a shot, Kent goalkeeper coming to close her down get's down well to save.

  Kent winning a good number of throw ins as they look to progress down the right, from one the ball is swept on the diagonal clears everyone flocking to the near post area dropping behind no orange shirt is ready to pounce on the ball Hertfordshire look to clear it the ball lands at the feet of Bradley 25 yards out in the centre drags her shot well wide of the goal. Hertfordshire make a change bringing on Amy Josland.

   The visitors have a goal disallowed for offside. Lydia Wills plays the ball in from the left just over half way with Russ racing through on goal gets her stooping header in before Roberts can gather to turn the ball past her into the back of the net, went too early the offside flag is raised. Has become a more even contest as the 1st half enters the last 15 minutes. Keogh plays a long pass over the Hertfordshire defence with Russ looking to peel off the last defender, right side is pushed wider by Rebecca Day, Russ still attempts the shot and angle against her can't get it back across goal goes wide near post.

  Jardine takes the ball forwards force her way into the Kent area, the visitors forced to concede the corner. The ball put in from the right his headed on at the near post Katie Gilligan  headers clear Kent counter Keogh putting it long for Russ to chase, getting the ball at her feet midway inside Hertfordshire's half has Georgia Pearch making a fantastic run down the right, Russ looks to sent her away, Blacksley gets across to put in the ball winning tackle, Kent keep the pressure on as they have the throw deep in Hertfordshire territory, get a cross into the box cleared drops for Jardine 20 yards out flicks the ball up to hit on the half volley the swing on the shot takes the ball away from goal.

  GOAL! Late in the 1st half Hertfordshire are awarded a free kick on the left just inside their own half. Day plays the ball long looking for Rutherford to attack and head on, gambling she will get it, Perschky makes a move coming from right to left across the D to burst into the box as Rutherford does get her head to the ball nods it down into her run now left of goal closing in on the six yard line, Perschky shoots sending the ball across the keeper and scores 1-0.

Half-time Hertfordshire FA Women 1-0 Kent FA Women

  The stale mate is broken just before half-time with Hertfordshire getting their noses in front slightly against the run of play with Kent pushing players forwards, nevertheless a well worked set-piece to give them the narrow advantage. A relatively quiet 1st 45 minutes as the teams returned to the pitch the 2nd half was going to be anything but...

   Hertfordshire make a change at half-time with Sarah Payne being introduced to the action. Kent get the 2nd half underway. 

  GOAL! Just 2 minutes into the 2nd half and Kent come back to get themselves level get players forwards quickly, the move starts with Danielle Ritson the West Ham United Ladies midfielder on the ball brings it into the Hertfordshire half left side she plays a fantastic crossfield pass out to Wills on the right side, Keogh is in front of her wants it rolled into her reaching the corner of the area looks to cross put the ball in for Russ to attack central, the striker looks to turn her header back across the keeper, closing her down Roberts just about manages to get a glove to it, the ball drops is loose at the post as Brooker charging in gets her laces over it to fire it over the line 1-1.

   A good run down the right from Payne for Hertfordshire covering alot of grass, turns inside evading two challenges as she looks to enter the third challenge just about stops her, however Hertfordshire retain possession of the ball played out to the right corner McGuigan see's her cross turned behind for a corner, a good height put in from the right it's a Kent head that latches onto it as Keogh brings the ball out running the length of the pitch before sending her shot/cross wide across the face of the Hertfordshire goal. Kent make a change sending Charlie Spice on.

  Keogh with the ball on the right coming over half way puts her pass into the feet of Russ back to goal right corner of the area comes inside, shifts the ball between her feet, left, then right opening up the shooting opportunity hitting it low towards the near post, Roberts gets down sharply to make the save pushing the ball behind for a corner. The corner comes to nothing Kent are soon back on the attack Emma Brown winning the ball back putting it into Ritson who sends it long down the line for Wills to chase, left side she cuts the ball back for Keogh corner of the box, looks to hit her shot 1st time swept wide across the six yard box.

   GOAL! Hertfordshire get themselves back into the lead. Good work from Rutherford down in the right corner get's her side a corner. Rutherford to take is a fantastic ball swept into the box cutting across the six yard box comes through to Godbeer who unmarked rifles her header into the back of the net 2-1.

   Game has livened up 2nd half both sides having plenty of willing runners when they win the ball look to attack. Rutherford slips the ball forwards with McGuigan looking to get into the box, Kent's Pearch stays on her shoulder, tackle well timed to reclaim the ball. More good defending up the other end with Brooker putting Russ through centrally Godbeer tracking back with her manages to hold her off see the ball into her keepers gloves. Abi Cartwright enters the field for Hertfordshire. 

   GOAL! PENALTY! Kent are on the attack down the left Keogh giving the ball to Spice out wide taking it to the byline looks to cut her cross back in a metre high across the six yard box, Godbeer is adjudged to handle the ball and the referee points immediately to the spot. A no nonsense penalty kick from Russ she sends Roberts the wrong way smashing the ball into the net to put Kent back on level terms for the 2nd time in the match 2-2

  70 minutes played the referee pulls play back with no advantage on for Russ as she was fouled 25 yards out left side looking to run the ball into the box. Ritson is the player over the free kick, is encouraged to have a go on goal from her bench, get's it up and over the wall is going to drop over the line inside the post, but for Roberts her gets across to save with her knee the ball out for a corner.

   Roberts is needed again to make the save as Russ wins a difficult bouncing ball off the Hertfordshire defence on the right rushes in on goal with Keogh up with her on her left Roberts satys big saves Russ's shot with her legs, the rebound flies a foot wide of Keogh who can't react in time. Sammy Tinsley is back on for Hertfordshire.

  GOAL! 15 minutes to go and Kent score to have the lead for the 1st time in the match. Keogh and Russ have linked up well all game. The ball is put into Russ back to goal edge of the box spins off her defender laying the ball out to Keogh coming to support on the right, playing the 1-2 Keogh returns it to Russ closing in on the near post, turns and hits her shot across the goal and scores her 2nd 2-3.

  GOAL! The lead doesn't last for long as from the restart Hertfordshire take it up the other end win a corner. On the left played into the near post is put behind a 2nd corner awarded. Same again put into the crowd at the near post squeezes through this time Povey right behind makes the save but coming at her so quickly can't get hold of the ball, falls to the ground his pushed out towards the face of the box, Payne is there her eyes light up as she races towards it, hits the ball hard takes a deflection but ends up it the back of the net none the less 3-3.

  Chance for Russ to claim her hat-tick as the visitors break away Wills up the right gives the ball to Keogh who looks to play the diagonal ball between the Hertfordshire centre backs with Russ looking to make the run the  pass looks a little heavy however Russ finds an extra yard of pace gets to the ball just before the onrushing Roberts sends her shoot wide across the six yard box.  

  GOAL! 4 minutes of injury time have been played the visitors have been pushing hard as they look for winning goal. Kent have it down in the left corner Hertfordshire back defending concede the corner. Kent send players forwards from defence. The delivery is whipped in low evading the players gathered at the near post Kent have runners charging in behind and the ball is turned home at close range with Wheeler the play getting the telling touch and with it the winning goal as the final whistle blows and Kent take it 3-4 to put them at the top of the table.

   A thrilling end to the match 7 goals scored, the game coming alive 2nd half. Edging a 4-3 thriller especially with a last gasp goal feels brilliant, losing it though hurts alot. Hertfordshire will no doubt feel hard done felt they had done enough to earn the draw as it is suffer 3 defeats. Kent with 2 wins out of 2 in the East Anglian Counties Championship.

   My thanks to the staff at Hertfordshire FA for their assistance with the teams tonight.

Match Report - Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies v North Walsham Angels Ladies

  The Supporting Women's Football Blog takes in a in top of the table clash in Norfolk Women's Division Two this Sunday 1st v 2nd as Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies welcome North Walsham Angels Ladies to their Walmer Road Recreation Ground.

  Both sides are unbeaten this season so far and look hot favourites to win the two promotion spots up for grabs to Division One. Promotion the goal for both sides would be extra special to do it as Champions.

   Both sides were formed last season assembling good squads full of talent. That season saw an influx of new sides with Lynn Ladies being another new side whilst Brandon Town Ladies moved across to Norfolk from the Suffolk Women's Division both sides ran away with the Division Two that season whilst Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies and North Walsham Angels Ladies finished 3rd and 4th. A further influx of new sides into the Norfolk Women's Football Leagues has seen the creation of a 3rd Division this season. 

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies have a 100% win record in the league to date, played 8 won 8 and are 2 points ahead at the top a with 8 wins from 8. Have also reached the semi-finals of the Suffolk Women's County Cup. 3 points today and they open up a huge gap in the race for the league title.

  North Walsham Angels Ladies also boast an unbeaten record in the league, drew one of their matches to leave them 2 points behind both having played 8 league games a win today and they move to the top of the table. Watched this fixture between the two sides last season almost a year ago an entertaining game the honours were even 1-1.   
  The venue today, Walmer Road, Recreation Ground, home of Kirkley & Pakefield FC, The Royals, who run a number of teams through all age groups, bustling with activity with plenty of youth matches having taken place. Boasts a number of pitches, with a clubhouse in the centre with a bar and refreshments. A wet start to Sunday morning, ain't that a surprise, raining heavily all the way there, but the match was on. Played on the main pitch with a small seated stand on one side the rain was driving steadily from one goal to the other it was thankfully to clear up soon after kick off.

   Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies starting XI - Shauna Brunton O'Neill, Jordan Harriet, Peta Belson, Sue Lyn KIng, Sam Brown, Gemma Farman, Jody Wells, Chantelle Keevil, Sophie Martin, Nikki Wigg (C) & Selina Rowland.
  subs- Jodie Fewkes, Abbie Knights & Lisa Sissen.

  North Walsham Angels Ladies starting XI - Cyan Fullbrook, Emily Farmer, Sian Wager (C), Megan Champion, Robyn Steele, Sophie Hall, Amy Hemp, Emma Allsopp, Lauren Yarham, Rachel Bussey & Luci Middleton.
  subs - Bethany Childs & Imogen Carver.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Kirkley & Pakefield have the kick off in the 1st half a kitted out in blue shirts with white across the right shoulder, blue shorts and socks with North Walsham lined up opposite in white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The rain has already started to lighten.

  The ball is out on the left side of the pitch from a throw Kirkley & Pakefield look to make ground up the flank played into Chantelle Keevil gets her head down looks to drive forwards, no way past North Walsham captain Sian Wager the ball is won and launched forwards striker Luci Middleton is already on her way seeing the ball drop over her shoulder half a yard on the Kirkley & Pakefield defence right side converging on the area, goalkeeper Shauna Brunton O'Neill comes rushing out to close her down on the corner of the area, Middleton gets her shot past her the ball is rolling towards goal, central defender Sue Lyn King is racing after doesn't look like she can get there, but she does throwing herself down to sweep the ball off the line.

   Kirkley & Pakefield get on the ball retain possession in their opponents half Gemma Farman looking for movement ahead of her left and right get's it from captain Nikki Wigg places her pass into her feet edge of the box she looks to spin of her central defensive marker, runs into Wager behind blocks and wins the ball back.

  Beside Farman in the Kirkley & Pakefield, Jody Wells latches onto a loose ball out from the back 20 yards out shifts the ball well between her feet to give herself room for the past looking to thread it into the run of Sophie Martin, North Walsham's Emily Farmer gets across the face of her box to tackles and clears, the ball is collected by Farman 25 yards out left side of the area looks to go for the strike, places her shot straight into the gloves of North Walsham goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook.

  GOAL! 10 minutes gone and the game is ebbing and flowing both sides pushing up and a unit their is space in behind for the rapid counter if the ball is won back and played forwards, Kirkley & Pakefield's, Wigg is the player sent through over halfway heading for the box, Fullbrook comes to meet her edge of her area goes down to save as Wigg looks to put the ball through he, the keeper saves the ball pops loose, Martin having gotten up with play gets to it first outside the box right of the D looks to send the ball in towards goal, sends it high up and dropping far post comes down quickly North Walsham get bodies back not alot they can do as the ball drops under the bar and in 1-0.

Sophie Martin (no11)  is congratulated by her Kirkley & Pakefield team mates after scoring the opening goal
(photo credit Steve Wood)

   Middleton is always looking to peel off the shoulder of the last defender for North Walsham if her team mates want to play the ball long, they do out to the right again, Brunton O'Neill was moving before the pass was made seeing Middleton move, the keeper get's her boot on the ball 1st smashing it away for a throw. 

   Wells with a driving run through the centre fires her pass into Wigg 20 yards out, protects the ball well with Farman getting up to support rolls the ball back to her 25 yards out, goes for the 1st time shot, again she picks out Fullbrook in the middle of the North Walsham goal. 

   Amy Hemp peels away to the left as Lauren Yarham plays the ball out to her the North Walsham midfielder covering alot of grass, wins her side a throw deep in the Kirkley & Pakefield half. Keep it down their are getting more of the ball was Kirkley & Pakefield try to play it forwards for Wigg or Martin, Rachel Bussey intercepts takes the ball forwards down the right wins a corner of King. The ball is cleared the game is flowing well both sides evenly matched. Wells has a chance to have a shot on goal as a free kick is won on the right outside the box gets the ball through the bodies in front but sends her attempt wide across goal.

   Taking the ball up the left Keevil gets deep into North Walsham territory cuts her cross back to the corner of the area where Wigg is waiting, the ball gets trapped under her feet, before she digs the shot out is blocked near post by Megan Champion, with Robyn Steele getting back to mop up the loose ball. 

  Yarham with a great ball out to the left picks out Middleton looking for space gets hold of the ball and looks to push for the box, again Brunton O'Neill makes the decision to come early is outside the box can't go to ground, does enough as Middleton is caught in two minds ends up running into her and loosing the ball. Emma Allsopp has hold of the ball in the North Walsham half, Hemp is making the run down the left for her the past is good allows Hemp to roll her marker and break in behind, King comes across, is a good little battle between the pair the defender eventually getting the ball out for a North Walsham throw, Kirkley & Pakefield win it from the throw King putting it long for Wigg moving to get into the area, Champion slides in to intercept needs to win the ball and does.

  GOAL! 10 minutes before half time and North Walsham get themselves back on level terms Steele with the long pass looking to pick out Middleton peeling away from the last defender again pushing the ball to the left of the area 25 yards out, Brunton O'Neill comes out of her area again, Middleton is just that bit quicker this time gets the ball past the keeper although it takes a knick off her slowing it down, Middleton almost over runs it control marvellously flicking up her heel to bring it under control send the ball into the area shifts it to her right and buries it into the back of the net 1-1.

Luci Middleton on the ball for North Walsham Angels Ladies scorer of the opening goal

 Kirkley & Pakefield look to respond, Selina Rowland pulling away to the right looks to force her way into the North Walsham box, wins her side a corner kick. The ball is put in at a great height flashes across the six yard box Wigg rises at the back stick can't turn her header on target the ball out behind. At the other end Hemp has made some good runs from midfield all 1st half finds herself the furthest forwards as North Walsham's Steele play it up to her 25 yards out Kirkley & Pakefield stand off her she goes for the strike puts her effort wide across the box.

   A late counter attack from Kirkley & Pakefield Keevil travelling along way with the ball up the wing, squares her cross into Wigg coming across to help her left side of the box, wraps her foot over the shot in low near post, Fullbrook saves with her studs as she goes to ground.

      Half-time Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 1-1 North Walsham Angels Ladies

  Great 1st 45 minutes entertaining the tone was set from minute one when the ball was cleared off the line. Both sides creating chances both with working hard to win the ball and these are two rivals that respect what the other can do.

  North Walsham get the 2nd half underway. Abbie Knights is on for Jordan Harriet at the start of the 2nd half for Kirkley & Pakefield. Hemp makes a good run early on in the 2nd half ball at her feet driving for the box central shifts the ball out to Middleton looking to come in from the right, given the ball inside the area gets her shot past King and she slides in to black, Brunton O'Neill has that side of her goal covered gets down to push the ball behind for a corner kick. The ball fired into the crowded near post area is put behind for a goal kick.

  North Walsham have started the brighter 2nd half, pushing forwards win another corner, played in from the right Wigg intercepts looks to header the ball away drops for Hemp 20 yards out jinks to her left to open up room to shoot, hits it hard her team mate Yarham far post can't get out of the way. Another North Walsham corner minutes later from the right fired in low with Middleton at the near post jumps over it the ball flying across the face of goal no one behind to capitalise.

   Keevil and Wager have enjoyed a fierce battle all game the Kirkley & Pakefield attacker a strong runner with the ball at her feet, drives down the left, wrong foots wager this time as she steps inside Rowland is free to receive the ball turns with Martin looking to run between the North Walsham centre backs, tries to play her though into the box, Champion keeps close tabs to get her toe on the ball 1st.

Chantelle Keevil attacking for Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies

  Wager brings the ball out from the back crossing the halfway line sends the ball into Middleton's feet back to goal edge of the D pokes it back to Hemp who slips as she looks to take on the shot the strike losing all pace rolls low and wide of the post. Hemp is on the move again out to the right this time plenty of space she whips in a good ball Yarham the target, Kirkley & Pakefield's Sam Brown rises highest to head the ball out of the area. 

   Another North Walsham corner won on the right the initial ball put into the near post area is cleared out to the corner of the box won back by North Walsham the shot comes in across the area is blocked Yarham tries to control the ball, no shot in lays it out to Hemp on the left she places it forwards for Middleton who pulls the trigger, Brunton O'Neill is there to make the save.

   GOAL! The pressure was building North Walsham are on top had brought a good crowd with them they were getting vocal too. Up and around the Kirkley & Pakefield box, King goes down nothing is given the ball still in play comes to the feet of Allsopp right of the D she pokes the ball forwards lifting it over Brunton O'Neill and into the back of the net to send the visiting support wild 1-2.

   Kirkley & Pakefield respond with a change bring King off sending Jodie Fewkes on she his pushed forwards up the right of the attack with Wigg dropping back into the centre of the defence. Wells looks to bring the ball on down the right, riding one challenge gets in behind come into the area but can't force the ball through past the near post, wins a corner which comes to nothing.

   Rowland is the player looking to go through the centre of attack for Kirkley & Pakefield now the ball is played from back to front through the middle to send her in behind the North Walsham defence, Fullbrook comes to meet her saving with her legs the ball swinging out to the right Rowland goes after it, she collides with Farmer as she tries to get hold of it inside the box the referee blows up the decision goes in favour of the visiting team free kick, not that Rowland is happy about it.

   Rowland fired up is out on the left as Farman gets the ball out to her, Rowland rolls her defender well to turn and have a run in towards the box coming inside squares it across the D with Fewkes in support cuts her foot across the ball as she goes to hit it pulling it away from the goal wide. 

  Middleton has he face in her hands in frustration as she misses an open goal. Does all the hard work breaking over the half way line behind the Kirkley & Pakefield defence is 30 yards out Brunton O'Neill has committed herself to the charge Middleton pushes the ball to her right to leave her stranded gets into the box defenders are racing to get back she shots, slices the ball wide of the near post.

   Up the other end Kirkley & Pakefield expose a gap on the right side of the North Walsham defence as they counter attack the ball in over the top for Rowland closing in on the corner of the area Fullbrook races out in meet her the both go to ground the keeper sliding in gets hold of the ball 1st Rowland can't stop clatters into her the whistle is blown even as Fullbrook hurt spills the ball and Rowland scrambles up to put the ball into the back of the net. Play is halted then Rowland goes back to check on Fullbrook the keeper is in a lot of pain, needs several minutes to recover not sure if she can carry one looks a painful one to the knee, takes her time getting back up but wants to continue even if she won't be taking the goal kicks as a precaution.

   Hemp plays a 30 yard pass for Middleton through the middle, the striker looks to shift the ball right then left between her feet before launching  a shot 20 yards out a yard over the crossbar. Kirkley & Pakefield make another change bringing of Peta Belson and sending King back on she goes back into the defence Wigg sent back up to join the attack. 

  Allsopp with more good running on the right is 20 yards out went she looks up sees Middleton on the move looks to play her in, Brown in front of Middleton does well to shield the ball get it back to her keeper inside the box. Keevil comes off for Kirkley & Pakefield with Lisa Sissen coming on going to the left of a front 3 with Rowland right, Wigg centre as the game enters stoppage time the home side push bodies forwards looking for the goal that will keep their unbeaten record in tack. 

  Get caught out the ball fed out to Hemp on half way she turns and powers her way into the Kirkley & Pakefield half has substitute Bethany Childs out to her left picks her out, Childs carries the ball out wide with Hemp continuing her run coming towards the left corner of the area, Childs puts the ball back into her, Hemp shoots, Brunton O'Neill makes a fantastic save getting a glove onto the ball to tip it onto the bar and over for a corner kick. 

   Wells on the drive through the centre hits the shot on the run is blocked by Champion just inside her box can't get it away the ball rolls to Farman she goes to shot gets it all wrong the shot high and wide the result a goal kick.

   GOAL! Heartbeat for North Walsham, joy for Kirkley & Pakefield at the death, the goal kick does get the needed clearance on the right side is latched onto by Wells pushes for the corner of the area before firing the ball in finds it's way through the crowded that side of the area rolling through to Wigg unmarked at the far post 3 yards out Fullbrook is there but little she can do as Wigg gets her foot over the ball and blasts it past her into the back of the net 2-2. 

Kirkley & Pakefield captain Nikki Wigg wheels away in celebration after getting the
equalising goal right at the death (photo credit Steve Wood)

 Kirkley & Pakefield with one more attack late in injury time Wells with the ball at her feet surging forwards on the left fires her pass into Martin who looks to hit it as she spins, is falling as she hits it the shot rolling wide, has taken a deflection corner. North Walsham defend and the final whistle blows the match ending 2-2, the gap at the top still 2 points between the 2 with 9 played, both still unbeaten this season, Kirkley & Pakefield drop points for the 1st time in the league.

   A great game to watch especially from a neutrals point of view both sides playing well, North Walsham will be disappointed that they didn't hold out so close to taking the 3 points but end of the day will take the draw. A fantastic advert for women's football in Norfolk by two emerging sides only in their 2nd seasons, the 2 meet again on the 21st February a 2pm kick off with Kirkley & Pakefield travelling to North Walsham, so if you want to see what women's football in Norfolk is all about then take a look at this one.

   My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams once again, and best of luck for the promotion race ahead.