Match Report - Solihull Ladies v Burton Albion Ladies

  4th Round Qualifying of the FA Women's Cup this weekend, 64 teams vying for a place in the 1st Round Proper when the FA Women's Premier League Northern and Southern Division sides enter the competition, £600 prize money also up for grabs. Like to take a look at as many different women's football sides as I can upon the Supporting Women's Football Blog and the FA Women's Cup is a good excuse to explore somewhere new heading west this Sunday to watch Solihull Ladies v Burton Albion Ladies.

  I watched Solihull Ladies earlier this year in a pre-season trip at Mildenhall Town FC the Midlands Division One side taking on South East Division One, Cambridge United WFC. Manager Sarah Westwood had several new faces in her side that Sunday and has recruited more players including one of my favourite players Rachel Unitt back playing again after suffering a couple of serious injuries in recent times that have kept her out of the game for the best part of 2 years. 

  Are currently in 8th spot in the FAWPL Midlands Division One having started to pick up points after a slow start not helped by injuries. The club recently announced a partnership with Solihull MoorsFC whose ground hosts FAWSL side Birmingham City Ladies. Beginning next season the clubs will work together as Solihull Ladies look to build on last seasons highest ever 4th placed finish, Moors Academy running 3 girls youth sides that will benefit from a pathway into women's football. Entered the FA Women's Cup in the previous round beating Oadby & Wigston Ladies 6-0 away from home. 

   Burton Albion Ladies are lookng to join Solihull Ladies in the FAWPL, rising up the leagues are currenty 4 points clear at the top of the West Midlands Regional Women's Football League winnng 7 of their 8 league matches so far following promotion as Champions from the WMRFL Division One North last season. Also known as the Brewers Ladies play their home matches at St Georges Park. As well as the women's 1st team also field a reserves side and a strong youth section. Are one of the more pro-active women's football clubs on social media. Entered the FA Women's Cup in the 2nd Round of Qualifying beating Lye Town Ladies 3-1 at home before defeating fellow WMRFL Premier Division side Leamington Lions Ladies 4-0 away from home in the last round. A big test for Burton Albion today taking on higher league opponents.

  The venue for today's FA Women's Cup tie not Solihull Ladies usual home ground at Hampton FC, but instead the Studley Sports Centre. A large clubhouse housing a bar and other refreshments leads out onto the main playing pitch and the 3G ptch beyond where today's FA Women's Cup tie will be played. Fenced but ample room for some standing support beside the pitch. After a wet Saturday, Sunday was much better weather wise, bright and sunny rapidly cooling, no chance of rain.

 Solihull Ladies starting XI - Sarah Parkes, Kirsten Taylor, Rachel Unitt, Layla Salter, Ashlea Hargreaves, Donna Hawkins, Joanna Pointon, Carly Brown, Tanya Dickinson (C), Victoria Grieve & Carly Davies.
 subs - Bethany Bovan, Rachael Martin, Shannon Parkes & Natalie Courtney.

 Burton Albion Ladies starting XI - Aimee Sperry, Amelia Rob, Hayleigh Sutton, Charlotte Worth (C), Gina Rushton, Danielle Reade, Jamie-Leigh Fowler, Paris O'Connor, Charlotte Emery, Jordan Atkin & Grace Teah. 
 subs - Abigail Taylor, Annie Rushton-Butters, Charlotte Cresswell, Malikah Khan & Georgina Williams. 

    Remembrance Sunday a minutes silence was held before match in honour of the fallen service men and women that have died in armed conflict for this country. Lest we forget.

 It's Burton Albion to kick of the 1st half, wearing blue shirts with yellow trim on the shoulders and sleeves, blue shorts and yellow socks with Solihull lined up opposite wearing an all red kit. The visitors play the ball back to their defence keep possession working it out to the left up the line for Jordan Atkin plays the cross early into the box is headed clear of the area by Solihull's Rachel Unitt. 
   

Burton Albion's Amelia Robb with Solihull Ladies, Carly Brown

Counter attacking the ball is with Donna Hawkins bringing the ball on down the left looks to thread the pass on for Carly Brown down the left wing, Burton Albion's Amelia Robb gets across the attacker seeing the ball out for a throw. Pressuring the ball Solihull keep Burton Albion penned back inside their own half getting a throw wide right the ball is lifted into the area, Carly Davies near side gets up to head the ball down across the area, Brown coming in far side can't get anything on the ball as it runs wide for a goal kick.

  Playing a high line at times, Burton Albion striker, Grace Teah is flagged offside on 2 occassions early in the match as she tries to time her run in behind the Solihull defence. Solihull are looking to get the ball into their wide players when ever they attack, Brown on the left, captain Tanya Dickinson on the right. Davies passing the ball for Dickinson down the line whips a cross in as she reaches the byline, the ball is headed out of the area by Burton Albion captain, Charlotte Worth.

  GOAL! A little over 10 minutes on the clock and Solihull take the lead. The ball is cleared out from the back by the Burton Albion defence falling to Unitt on halfway the left back turns play around quickly sending it back over the top for Brown to go after on the left wing in behind the Burton Albion defence enters the area passing the ball into the centre Davies sliding in connects with the ball turning it past goalkeeper, Aimee Sperry into the far corner to score 1-0.

Carly Davies opens the scoring for Solihull Ladies

  Burton Albion respond getting up the pitch from the restart to balls put in from the left are dealt with by the Solihull defence. Teah gets in behind as a favourable deflection from a defensive clearance falls her way running clear through the middle 25 yards from goal is pushed out to the left lays the ball on for Atkin. Keeping possession is forced further wide out on the wing, turns her marker getting in to play a cross in low towards the near post Teah sliding in to get on the end of the ball with Solihull's Layla Salter, the ball saved by Solihull goalkeeper Sarah Parkes as she comes to close the angle.

  Bringing the ball on down the right Solihull's Kirsten Taylor puts the ball into the box early is headed back out by Gina Rushton, back with Taylor tries again Worth with her head under the ball this time, back to Taylor for a 3rd time lifts a high ball in towards the far side top of the box a difficult one for the Burton Albion defence to deal with prevent Brown getting a shot away bounces up for Joanna Pointon closing in from midfield for Solihull gets her foot over the ball to lash a shot in towards goal a swerving effort, Sperry well positioned in the goal beyond gets her gloves firmly around the ball.

  A few firm tackles coming in Solihull coming off the worst are awarded a couple of free-kicks inside their opponents half. Burton Albion dealing with the high ball lifted into their area. Solihull win the 1st corner of the match midway through the 1st half the ball played in from the left is cleared out of the area, Dickinson advancing from the back gets hold of it flashes the ball back into the area from the left side, comes at Worth quickly a reactive header knocking the ball up into the air, dropping Pointon gets a shot away for Solihull, is blocked inside the six yard box.

  Taylor meeting a defensive clearance from all of 40 yards out on the half volley on the right sends her attempt wide across the Burton Albion goal. Taylor linking up with Dickinson on the right as Solihull come on again with the ball rolls it inside to Davies 25 yards out back to goal in a central position, holding off her marker spins to her left to make room for a shot, lacks pace and power running safely into Sperry's gloves as she gets down to collect. 

Burton Albion's Jamie-Leigh Fowler holds Solihull Ladies, Tanya Dickinson off the ball

 

Grace Teah

Burton Albion press the ball well in the middle of the park, Jamie-Leigh Fowler and Danielle Reade with Atkin left side the ball is played in behind the Solihull defence, Teah in behind no offside flag this time bears down on the box, Parkes comes racing out towards her sliding in, Teah gets the ball past her it runs along the ground towards goal, Parkes turns to see it roll a foot wide of the post. Up the other end Dickinson plays the ball up into the box early Worth getting her head on the ball knocks it away from Davies out to the far side of the area, Davies goes after the ball getting possession evading a challenge turns inside the six yard box looks to curl a shot into the top corner across the keeper, also wide of goal. 

  GOAL! 10 minutes left of the 1st half and Solihull double their advantage, play resuming after an pause in play for one of their players to recieve treatment. The ball is send out to the right early down the line Dickinson lifts the ball into the six yard box a difficult ball for Sperry to deal with coming near post can't quite get her gloves on the ball to knock it away from danger instead it falls behind her into the six yard box with Brown following in, in the perfect spot to meet the falling ball and turn it over the line from close range 2-0.

  Fowler battles her way forwards with the ball trying to play it through fro Charlotte Emery down the right channel, Salter gets across to tackle and win the ball for Solihull. The ball is played through the middle Hawkins up to Victoria Grieve outside the Burton Albion area looks to play a one two with Davies doesn't come off as Hayleigh Sutton intercepts for Burton Albion the ball cleared back to Hawkins who slices her shot away from goal. Picked up by Dickinson charging down the line, whips the ball in near post, Sperry claims with Davies rushing in.

  Sperry with a smart save getting down low to her right to push the ball around the post as Davies holding the ball up outside the box, spins and shoots. The corner on the left is met by Unitt near side turning her headed ball into the middle of the six yard box the ball is launched out of the area by Burton Albion, coming straight back in as the home side look to clear their area, Davies looking to see the ball down over her shoulder left of goal inside the box is forced wide by Sperry the goalkeeper staying on her feet back peddling towards her goal line as Davies lays the ball back to the advancing Salter outside the box hits the shot on the run swerving slightly, Sperry is able to take it cleanly as the ball comes straight at her.

   Into injury time in the 1st half Solihull press forwards Dickinson with the early ball into the area from the right is just out of reach for Grieve jumping near side can't connect looks to be dropping for Davies coming in behind, Worth with a timely interception to get the ball out of her area sets up a counter attack the ball into Paris O'Connor helped on through the middle, Atkin playing it on Fowler is in behind the Solihull defence through the middle carrying the ball towards the area gets her shot up over the advancing Parkes at the top of the area, her shot flies over the crossbar.

Half-time Solihull Ladies 2-0 Burton Albion Ladies

  A 2-0 lead for Solihull Ladies at half-time in this FA Women's Cup tie. Have been the dominant side in attack creating more chances, Burton Albion defending for the large part have done it well deep and time have dealt with most thing's flung into the box. Less of the attack but have had two chances one on one with the keeper getting in behind the home sides defence. The next goal in the game will be a crucial one.

  With a later 2:30pm kick-off the light is starting to fade the floodlights around the 3G pitch starting to come on. Solihull having stayed out on the field at half-time get the 2nd half underway. An early opportunity for the home side to extend their lead the ball played up into Davies breaking forwards up top as the ball is lifted up into the area, looking to latch onto the falling ball, Worth recovering gets across to throw herself into the path of the ball makes the block inside the area the ball spinning back out to Pointon meeting the ball blazes her shot over the bar.

Solihull Ladies, Joanna Pointon

   Dickinson down the right flashes a ball into the box, Reade back tracking heads the ball out of the area. Atkin finds space on the left for Burton Albion as she receives the ball high up the pitch shifts the ball between her feet before playing it in towards Reade coming forwards at the top of the area left outside the box, puts the cross in towards the far post, Unitt well positioned to get her head on the ball clear for Solihull. 

Solihull Ladies Joanna Pointon with Burton Albion's Danielle Reade

  Burton Albion have started the 2nd half well looking to press Solihull for the ball earlier, more of an end to end feel about the game with Solihull ready to counter. Davies wants a free-kick as she and Worth come together trying to get hold of a ball from Dickinson putup towards the top of the area, has to settle for a corner kick the defender getting the final touch to put it behind. The ball goes long across the six yard box, Hawkins drifting in behind everyone far post wide of goal has too much to do as she heads the ball behind.

  A fantastic save from Sperry to keep the ball out of her goal as an error at the back almost hands Solihull a 3 goal lead, Sutton has possession of the ball at the back inside her own box turns in field getting closed down looks to smash it away strikes it straight into a Solihull attacker 10 yards out the rebound racing along the ground towards goal, Sperry down smartly to her left gets a glove on the ball turning it around the post to concede the corner kick. 
 

Charlotte Emery looking to get the ball up field for Burton Albion

  Burton Albion make the 1st substitution of the match with Charlotte Cresswell coming on for Teah this sees a positional change with Atkin moving into a central attacking role Cresswell to the left. Atkin wins Burton Albion a free-kick on halfway players go forwards as Worth plays the ball up into the air towards the top of the area, O'Connor manages to bring the ball down onto her feet, attempts to drive forwards into the box, there is no way through the tackle coming in possession lost.

  Fowler brings the ball on through the middle a good ball on for Atkin the striker getting in behind shots from 20 yards out places the ball well wide of the Solihull goal. Atkin is causing all sorts of problems up top for Burton Albion as she moves across the pitch calling for the ball on the right is given it by Emery dribbling with it down the wing cuts the ball back inside towards Fowler arriving top of the area strikes the ball sending her low shot racing wide across goal. 

  Solihull press down the right, Brown and Dickinson now on the opposite flanks. Brown winning a corner kick the ball is played into the area Unitt coming towards the ball from a central position looks to header the ball in towards goal, a glancing header lacks any pace to trouble the Burton Albion defence. Salter fouls Atkin in front of the centre circle, a long way out nevertheless Worth looks to play the ball into towards goal, gets the shot on target is straight into Parkes standing on her line. 

 GOAL! 20 minutes left on the clock and Solihull capitalise to score their 3rd goal of the game. Winning a free-kick in front of the centre circle inside their opponents half after Grieve is brought down. Unitt is the player over the set-piece puts her foot through the ball sending it flying into the area bouncing on it's way through to goal comes at Sperry quickly the keeper behind the shot spills the ball and following in Davies is their 1st to tap the ball past her into the back of the net beyond to score her 2nd of the match 3-0.

   Solihull make their 1st change of the game, Taylor comng off with Bethany Bovan coming on. Grieve plays the ball into Davies inside the D, seeing the ball into her body turns well to get a shot around her defensive marker, not enough pace on the rising ball to worry Sperry who claims in goal beyond. Burton Albion bring on Annie Rushton-Butters for O'Connor as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. The game is stretched both side with opportunities to play the ball into the area, Dickinson's cross gathered by Sperry, Atkin up the other end flashing a cross along the six yard box.

 Natalie Coutney comes on for Solihull replacing Hawkins goes up top to support Davies with Grieve dropping deeper. Grieve carries the ball on through the middle puts the ball into Courtney free in space left of the D outside the box gets a shot away playing the ball wide across goal. Burton Albion make there final change with 8 minutes left on the clock, Abigail Taylor coming on for Emery wide right. Solihull make their final change too Hargreaves coming off Shannon Parkes joining the action. Grieve is fouled wide right to give Solihull a free-kick Courtney plays the ball into the area is attacked by Rushton-Butters who heads clear for Burton Albion on the penalty spot.

  A rapid counter attack from Solihull the ball brought up the left played into Davies outside the area, holds the ball up with Grieve bombing forwards plays the ball inside into her, Grieve in turn helps it further in field with Pointon 25 yards out making the run meeting the ball on the run strikes it goalwards racing along the ground Sperry throws herself to her left diving to claim the ball. Into the last minutes of the game a tired goal-kick from Sperry falls to Grieve outside the box goes on the attack looking to take it back into the area, Rushton-Butters gets back to lunge in taking the ball deflecting off Grieve for a goal-kick. 

  A late chance for Burton Albion to get something from the match into injury time the visitors get the ball down the right wing stretching the Solihull defence the cross is swept into the six yard box, Cresswell from close range under challenge from Bovan gets something on the ball turning it goalwards the ball coming back off the post before being gathered by Parkes. The referee blows the final whistle, Solihull Ladies winning to advance into the FA Women's Cup 1st Round Proper for the 1st time. 

Full-time Solihull Ladies 3-0 Burton Albion Ladies

  An intriguing contest, Solihull proving to be the stronger side on the day, the higher league side taking their chances well scoring at timely intervals during the game. A 2-0 lead at half-time looking comfortable for it. Burton Albion despite being 2-0 down at the break defended well for the majority of the 1st half, had limited chances up the other end got in behind but the chances needed to be taken. Came on 2nd half causing the Solihull defence a few problems the home side having more left in the tank if needed getting the 3rd goal to put the tie beyond doubt. Advancing into Monday's 1st Round Proper draw will update once their opponents are known.

  Good to see both sides in action, my thanks to both for their help with the team details always appreciated. Best of luck to Burton Albion Ladies in their push for promotion and to Solihull Ladies for the next round of the FA Women's Cup.

*UPDATE* the draw for the 1st Round Proper has been made and it will an away trip for Solihull Ladies and a derby match too taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers Ladies.

FAWSL 2016 - The Final Day

   An FAWSL double on the final day of the 2016 season with the final round of games taking place for both leagues this Sunday, FAWSL 2 1st the final matches of the season kicking off at 2 with FAWSL 1 kicking off at 6. Sure plenty of FAWSL fans will be trying to take in 2 games, I'm no different having worked out the logistics have opted for a trip to Abingdon United FC to watch Oxford United Women v Bristol City Women with a 30 mile drive east down the M40 to watch Reading FC Women v Doncaster Rovers Belles.

  FAWSL 2 - Oxford United Women v Bristol City Women

  Across the 2 FAWSL leagues pretty much everything is settled, 2 sides going up from FAWSL 2 to the top tier this season again, is a South West double too with both Yeovil Town Ladies and Bristol City Women winning last weekend to confirm the 2 promotion spots. All that remains is to decide which one of the two will go up as Champions. Felt that 40 points would be enough to secure promotion from the league this time around and with both on 36 points it will be less than that. Yeovil Town have a 6 goal advantage on goal difference so hold the advantage as they entertain, Sheffield FC Ladies at Huish Park. Drop points and Bristol City Women can capitalise so long as they get the right result away to Oxford United Women. A winning scoreline of 6 or more than Yeovil could also hand Bristol the title if both sides were to win.

  Saw them in action for only the 1st time this season away to Everton Ladies just over a week ago, 2nd v 3rd at the time with a 2 point gap between the 2 sides a win would seal Bristol City Women's promotion bouncing back after relegation last term. Got themselves into a 3-1 lead 2nd half before a late Everton Ladies fightback threatened to put the celebrations on hold, Caitlin Leach saving a 98th minute penalty to see Bristol City Women win 3-2 and secure promotion. 

  Finishing in 6th place in the FAWSL 2 table last season, Oxford United Women looked to have a platform to build upon for this season push further up the table. Needed to add a proven goalscorer to their squad did so bringing in Ini Umatong from Portsmouth FC Ladies and she has scored goals is the FAWSL top scorer with 13 goals to her name. The results haven't come with the goals and 4 defeats worse off than they were last season Oxford are 2nd bottom. 

  Abingdon United FC's stadium on Northcourt Road the venue for today's match a good crowd in attendance for the final home game of the season. Oxford's sister clubs playing at the ground before the match. A chilly day at the start of November with dark clouds dominating the sky.

 Oxford United Women starting XI - Demi Lambourne, Jess Frampton, Riva Casley, Rosie Lane, Madi Lee, Lauren Haynes, Katherine Nutman (C), Katja Hakala, Holly Pickett, Georgia Timms & Ini Umotong.
 subs - Hannah Cox, Ella Franklin-Fraiture, Sophie Barker, Charlie Deeley & Zoe Chung.

 Bristol City Women starting XI - Caitlin Leach, Megan Alexander, Flo Allen, Hayley Ladd (C), Frankie Brown, Chloe Arthur, Jodie Brett, Eloise Wilson, Clare Emslie, Georgia Evans & Millie Farrow.
 subs - Hannah Reid, Olivia Fergusson, Paige Sawyer, Emily Syme, Katie Jones, Poppy Wilson, Lily Woodham.

  Oxford get the 1st half underway wearing yellow shirts with navy shorts and socks, Bristol lined up opposite wearing a red kit. The visitors get after the ball straight from the start, hustling Oxford out of possession on the right Eloise Wilson sends the ball on for Millie Farrow to chase into the channel, getting the ball on the byline plays an early cross into the box, Oxford goalkeeper, Demi Lambourne, parrying the ball away with her gloves near post to concede an early corner. Played into captain Hayley Ladd top of the area, helps it through to the far side the shot far side along the ground is off target.

  Bristol's Jodie Brett, latches onto the ball from a goal-kick drives forwards through the centre, over runs the ball as she trips, manages to get back onto the ball lay it out to the left, Chloe Arthur receiving the ball shoots from 20 yards out her effort flying over the crossbar. All Bristol early on pushing players forwards with purpose, Wilson with an inswinging cross on the right looking to pick out Farrow, Oxford's Rosie Lane clears. Lane is on hand to put the tackle in on Farrow inside the D as the ball is played into her by Claire Emslie as she bursts down the left wing cutting inside with the ball at her feet.

Bristol City Women's
Frankie Brown

  Up top for Oxford, Ini Umatong is seeing little of the ball Oxford looking to pick her out Lauren Hayes in the centre of midfield gets the ball into her, a long way out back to goal she tries to spin in behind but is closely marked by Frankie Brown in the centre of the Bristol defence. Emslie with the ball at her feet on the left drives on down the wing moving into the box tries to lay the ball back into Arthur, Oxford's Riva Casley makes a timely tackle to win the ball. 

  A corner to Bristol on the left taken quickly the ball up to the top of the area is whipped into the six yard box, Wilson jumps but can't meet the ball sails into Georgia Evans at the far post puts it into the side netting. Oxford captain Katherine Nutman is back to help her defence as Bristol full back Flo Allen getting forwards sends a cross into the box from the right. On the opposite flank Emslie surges down the left wing shoots aiming near post, Lambourne holds onto the ball near post.




  GOAL! Emslie likes to have the ball at her feet drive at players and her solo run and strike ends with a goal for Bristol on 12 minutes. Picks the ball up 40 yards out carrying it on coming inside shoots as she reaches the top of the area a low drive that flies past the diving Lambourne into the bottom corner of the net. 0-1.

Driving forwards with the ball, Claire Emslie opens the scoring for Bristol

  Bristol keep coming forwards, Allen linking up with Wilson on the right get the corner. Goes long is cleared by Umatong far post heading the ball back out to the right, Oxford look to clear their box, Brett plays the ball back in from the right her cross/shot kissing the crossbar drops into the six yard box for Millie Farrow, sends a looping header towards goal drops kindly into Lambourne's gloves. Oxford with a rare attack the ball out to Katja Hakala on the right wing gets in behind Megan Alexander crosses into the box, too close to Bristol goalkeeper Caitlin Leach who claims the ball at her near post.

  Up the other end Lambourne is tested by a 25 yard strike from Emslie, holds onto the ball. Bristol continue their onslaught, players pushing forwards Wilson and Emslie right and left getting the ball into the Oxford box. Oxford have a free-kick inside the Bristol half as Umatong is followed, Haynes plays the set-piece into the Bristol area far post looking for Umatong, the Bristol defence get it away from danger. 

 GOAL! Closing in on the half hour mark Bristol double their lead have a corner on the left following another determined run on the ball from Emslie. Will go down as an own goal the corner on the left taken quickly into the top of the area, helped on towards the far post area the ball strikes a back peddling defender inside the six yard box, Lambourne throws herself on the ball trying to keep it out but her momentum sees the ball cross the line the goal awarded 0-2.

  GOAL! Bristol go further into the lead straight from the restart winning the ball the pass is into Brett she runs through the middle with the ball surging into the box going right whips the cross in across the six yard box, Emslie coming in far post makes contact with the ball squeezing her header between defender and goalkeeper into the back of the net 0-3.

  Emslie on the ball again driving on down the left side cutting inside rolls the ball into Brett racing through the middle unleashes a shot from 20 yards, Lambourne dives to her right making the save pushing the ball away for a corner. The header from the corner far post is off target. Hakala coming on up the right for Oxford, has Umatong coming across to support her right side in the box, given the ball tries to lay it back for the advancing Haynes, Ladd steps into win the ball. Emslie on the move down the left has Farrow inside the box near side gives her the ball on the run tries to lob the ball over Lambourne the keeper snatches the ball down out of the air.

  Umatong is a hard player to shake off the ball,Holly Pickett plays the ball into her from the left she turns inside running across the front of the Bristol box, reverses the ball sending it in on goal running along the ground, Leach isn't troubled as she puts her foot on the ball. Arthur plays the ball on down the right for Wilson, Jess Frampton tackles winning the ball back tries to bring is out is fouled by Arthur. Close to being a penalty conceded by Frampton moments later as she trips Farrow inside the D just outside the box as she tries to wriggle her way into the area. Brett over the set-piece goes for goal over the bar, a hearts in the mouth moment for the supporters cars who are parked behind the goal.

   GOAL! Into stoppage at the end of the 1st half and having forced Leach into making her 1st save of the match in the Bristol goal the visitors counter attack the ball sent out to Emslie on the left a powerful run forwards plays the ball into the box, Farrow racing in near post headers the ball into the back of the net 0-4. Referee Sian Massey-Ellis signals the end of the 1st half.

Half-time Oxford United Women 0-4 Bristol City Women

  A dominant 1st half display sees Bristol with a comfortable and deserved 4-0 lead, if they are to out score Yeovil to the title they are well on their way there, their rivals with a 1-0 lead at half-time. A few spots of rain in the air as the two sides come out for the 2nd half Bristol getting things underway. Are on the attack early on Brett nips in to take the ball pushes on crossing the ball along the D tries to pick out Farrow, Haynes steps across her to win the ball. Brett moving out to the left side with the ball cuts it back inside for Emslie, 25 yards out looks to curl a shot into the top corner, the ball flies over the bar.

  Emslie on the move left side fires in a low drive towards the near post is deflected of Casley as she attempts to block, Lambourne making a smart save the ball behind for the corner kick. The set-piece is cleared far post put back across goal, Evans playing it back into the mix for Bristol, Umatong back defending heads clear. Allen goes on the overlap past Wilson on the right delivers a cross into the box, Lambourne claiming it near post. 

Oxford's Ini Umatong with Frankie Brown

  The rain is starting to fall steadily now, Oxford have started the 2nd half better, closing Bristol down quicker on the ball. Getting up the other end have a throw deep on the right played into the box the cross is over Georgia Timms near post falls to Umatong far side swings a leg at the ball rebounds off a defender, Nutman arriving inside the box right latches onto the ball but doesn't get any power behind the shot which is caught safely by Leach. Haynes is off the field for Oxford has picked a knock earlier in the match is substituted, Sophie Barker coming on.

  Bristol press on but aren't finding it quite so easy to break through the Oxford defence 2nd half, still ready to have a go from distance, Arthur has a try from 25 yards out a low effort bobbling along the ground, Lambourne gets down to save it. Wilson with Allen on the right flashes a cross along the six yard box. Oxford make their 2nd change with Ella Franklin-Fraiture coming on to replace Timms. Bristol make a change too Lily Woodham coming on for Wilson with a little over 20 minutes left.

 

Oxford captain, Kat Nutman

The rain heavy now making conditions slippery out on the field. Bristol make a double substitution, Olivia Fergusson and Emily Syme coming on for Alexander and Evans. The visitors putting pressure on the ball around the Oxford box get the pass into Arthur left side leaning back as she goes to strike the ball outside the box her effort lands straight into Lambourne's gloves. Woodham pressing with the ball on the left plays the cross long towards the far post arriving at her quickly Emslie chests the ball into the side netting.

  Umatong up top puts pressure on the Bristol defence almost capitalises as she goes after a back pass, charges Leach's kick down inside the box, back on her feet quickly Umatong is after the loose ball 8 yards out smashes her shot into Brown back to put the block in the rebound running out to Nutman top of the area her shot is blocked by Ladd. Ladd bringing the ball out from the back plays it long up the left for Woodham tries to play it inside for Emslie, Barker gets back on her with a strong sliding challenge before she can pull the trigger.

  GOAL! Into the final 10 minutes of the match, and Bristol get their 5th goal of the game. Good work from Farrow picking up the ball on the right side dribbles her way into the area running at goal plays the ball over the keeper and into the top corner to score 0-5.

  Frampton breaks forwards for Oxford getting up the pitch lifts the ball into the box trying to pick out Umatong, Leach coming off her line jumps in to claim the ball before it can reach her. Persistent rain falling now Bristol work the ball up the right the cross is sent in square along the top of the area, Syme unmarked outside the box left of the D coolly turns the ball towards goal, Lambourne dives to her right the ball striking the base of the post bounces into her before she throws herself on top of it. 

  The game moves into injury time, Frampton picking the ball up from a throw on the left deep in the Bristol half drives on into the box, flashes a shot wide across the face of goal. Franklin-Fraiture picks up the ball from a clearance sends it out to the right with Umatong giving chase picking it up on the byline turns inside and crosses, Leach holding onto the ball is sent up field out to Emslie still full of running on the left side comes back inside plays her shot wide across the six yard box. Game over winning 5-0 Bristol did their part, so to did Yeovil the title going their way after a 3-0 home win over Sheffield.  

Full-time Oxford United Women 0-5 Bristol City Women

  A dominant display to end the season for Bristol went for it right from the off, tried to score the goals to close the gap between themselves and Yeovil, ultimately proved to much. Return to the top flight after just a season's absence, the celebrations can begin. Congratulations to both Bristol and Yeovil on winning promotion.

FAWSL - Reading FC Women v Doncaster Rovers Belles

   The rain has just about stopped, time to hot foot it over to Adams Park to watch my 2nd match of the day, the blowers in the car set to hot to dry me out. A 45 minute drive becoming more like 1 hour 15 minutes thanks to roadworks on the M40, joy. Got there in the end however. With Manchester City Women winning the FAWSL 1 title going the season unbeaten finishing the season a week early with 9 teams in the league pretty much everything is sorted, a bit of mid-table jostling it's to the bottom off the FAWSL 1 table i am drawn to to watch the 2 sides promoted to the top tier last season with Reading FC Women still looking for their 1st hoe win of the season playing Doncaster Rover Belles still in search of their 1st point of any description on the league.

  Reading secured their top flight status a few weeks back getting their only win of the season to date away to Doncaster Rovers Belles in a relegation 6 pointer. 6 draws coming at the top end of the season meaning they have 9 points on the board, a home win in front of their fans the perfect end to their 1st ever campaign in the top flight.

  A tough season for Doncaster Rovers Belles had looked so promising at the start of the season returning to FAWSL 1 after a 2 season absence. Looked to have made some good signings the squad going professional, however injuries and departures affecting pretty much all their strike force have seen them struggle. 15 played 15 lost one more game left to see if they can at least end on a positive note take something forwards into the close season avoid going down on zero.

  More cover at Adams Park than Abingdon, under cover in the press area it was dry now, still cloudy and cold the pitch looked good if slick from the rain fall.

  Reading FC Women starting XI - Mary Earps, Rebecca Jane, Harriet Scott, Kayleigh Hines, Kirsty McGee (C), Emma Follis, Remi Allen, Lauren Bruton, Rachel Rowe, Amber Stobbs & Melissa Fletcher.

  subs - Grace Moloney, Lois Roche, Charlie Estcourt & Helen Ward.

  Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Anna Moorhouse, Mayumi Pacheco, Sophie Barker, Leandra Little (C) Rhiannon Roberts, Kasia Lipka, Emily Simpkins, Carla Humphrey, Katrin Omarsdottir, Sam Tierney & Christie Murray.

  subs -Nicola Hobbs, Rebecca Rayner, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Rachel Newborough & Marta Bakowska-Mathews.

  Reading to kick off the 1st half wearing blue and white hooped shirts, blue shorts and blue and white hooped socks with Doncaster kitted out in yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. The visitors press the ball early force reading to play it backwards, coming forwards attacking on the left Katrin Omarsdottir is brought down an early chance for players to come forwards with Rhiannon Roberts to take the set-piece, sends it up towards the far post, Reading goalkeeper Mary Earps comes through bodies to try and punch it away, misses it, drops safely beyond Reading launching it clear ends up with Anna Moorhouse in goal up the other end.

   Both sides probing early the ball doesn't find it's way into either area out on the flanks, play is swept across field out to Emma Follis on the left side of attack plays it into the box looking for Melissa Fletcher, Leandra Little, Doncaster's captain gets a foot in to win the ball back. Follis is put clear on the left once more driving on coming into the box shoots putting the ball behind the goal. Doncaster's full backs aren't afraid to go forwards, on the right Sophie Barker makes a forward run receiving the ball takes it into her stride lifting the ball into the box, Christie Murray inside the area is leaning back as the ball falls to her right side plays her shot straight at Earps who holds onto the ball.

   Carla Humphrey finds space on the right delivering a cross into the Reading box in cleared by Kayleigh Hines coming near post to intercept. Reading counter attack the ball into Lauren Bruton in the centre of midfield drives forwards tries to lay the ball into Amber Stobbs moving inside from the right into the box, Roberts gets to the ball 1st to win in for Doncaster. Play is switched by Sam Tierney out to Omarsdottir wide on the left a clever back heel almost puts Mayumi Pacheco away on the overlap is stopped by Rebecca Jane sliding in to tackle.

   Moorhouse holds onto the all as Follis breaking down the left with the ball shoots putting the ball in low towards the near post. Reading starting to get a little more of the ball as the game moves towards the 20 minute mark. Stobbs with a couple of useful runs into space on the right gets the ball into the box both times the ball is headed out by Little. Good footwork on the ball from Omarsdottir in possession deep on the left side outside the Reading area brings a corner kick, swept in across the six yard box Earps leaps and just about gets her fist to the ball deflecting it out to the right with players rushing in towards her.

Reading FC Women's Lauren
Bruton with Kasia Lipka of
Doncaster Rovers Belles

  Reading push players forwards Harriet Scott bringing the ball up the left plays it forwards, the cross is swept long into the Doncaster area, Jane arriving at the far post inside the six yard box meets it on the volley, Moorhouse with a reactive save pushes the ball over, however Jane was offside when she struck the ball. Rachel Rowe is doing well in the middle for Reading breaking up play and getting forwards, tries to find Stobbs on the right, Pacheco tackling wins the ball back. Stobbs does get in behind the next time cutting the cross into the area with Bruton on hand to meet it her shot comes in low too many bodies in front of goal the ball is cleared.

  Fletcher lays the ball out to Follis left as she brings in forwards through the middle, Follis crosses early, Roberts heads it away from danger back out left Follis nips in to retake possession flashes a low cross into the six yard box Fletcher is in their the ball is blocked rolling back out to the left side and blazed over. Little taking control of a long ball played up into the area sends it long looking for Omarsdottir left, falling central a miscued header from Reading captain, Kirsty McGee puts the ball into Murray in field lines up a shot 25 yards out isn't too far over the crossbar.

Emily Simpkins

  The Reading crowd goes up in celebration thinking they have taken the lead in the 34th minute but it is ruled out by and offside flag. Reading surge forwards as the ball is taken down the right, the cross is whipped in fiercely over two players leaping in front of goal drops to Follis far stick who send it home, only to see her celebrations cut short. A free-kick for Doncaster on the left another chance for Roberts to play the ball into the box, Little gets her head to it far post drills her header across the face of goal. Moorhouse is hurt after she collides with Fletcher just inside her box as the striker is played in behind by Bruton coming on through the middle making the painful stop Moorhouse is okay to continue after treatment.

  Into the closing minutes of the 1st half another free-kick for Doncaster the ball sent long looking for Little, she leans on her player committing the foul as she heads the ball back across goal. An excellent strike from Emily Simpkins all of 30 yards out produces an excellent save from Earps in the Reading goal the ball heading for the top corner the keeper diving to her right pushes it wide for the corner. Coming in from the left McGee heads it out of the area, Doncaster play it back in Earps gets her gloves around the ball as the referee blows for half-time.

Half-time Reading FC Women 0-0 Doncaster Rovers Belles

  A goalless 1st half both goalkeepers called into action Reading having a goal ruled out for offside, neither has broken the dead lock yet both looking for goals wanting to end with a win. Doncaster get the 2nd half underway, Roberts sending the ball long for Omarsdottir left the ball going out of play. Simpkins is booked for a strong challenge on Remi Allen on half way. Rowe sends the ball long up into the area, Moorhouse claims well as Fletcher jumps into her at the far post. 

  Scott getting forwards for Reading shoots from the edge of the box on the left places her strike over the crossbar after the ball rebounds back into her path as Fletcher tries to wriggle her way through the Doncaster defence. Jane getting forwards down the right wing plays the cross in towards the near post Fletcher running onto it places her header wide of the target. Another chance for Fletcher as she is played through by Bruton in the middle into the box Doncaster defenders converge she squeezes a shot through, lacking any pace doesn't trouble Moorhouse beyond. 

  Humphrey plays the ball crossfield from the right for Pacheco coming on down the left plays it inside to Murray back to goal 25 yards out lays it back for Omarsdottir, shoots her effort running along the ground wide of goal. 15 minutes of the 2nd half played a lull in play. Follis seeing the ball drop over her shoulder on the left tries to  take it inside into the box, Barker stretches a leg wins the ball for Doncaster. Humphrey with support from Kasia Lipka the ball is played up into the box for Omarsdottir central, McGee jumps in front of her to win the header. 

  A corner for Doncaster on the left an inswinging ball Earps comes and gets a strong fist on the ball. Doncaster retain possession the ball is with Lipka right tries to put the ball over Earps the keeper with a good save to tip the ball away near post. Earps then claims well at her far post as the ball is sent back in. Humphrey plays an early cross into the Reading box, Omarsdottir the target gets her head on the ball six yards out knocks it down blocked by a defender.Reading make a chance on 68 minutes Follis coming off to be replaced by Helen Ward.

  GOAL! Doncaster score! Reading have been warned a few times already by Roberts deliveries into the box from any free-kick given away, concede one wide on the right inside the Reading half, the ball is swept long by the central defender out to the far post area, running onto it is Omarsdottir, connects as it hits the ground sending the ball back in towards goal and over the line 0-1.

Katrin Omarsdottir with the winning goal

  Lipka plays the ball on through the middle for Murray moving right plays the diagonal ball into the area Omarsdottir in the middle gets her head to the ball plays it straight a Earps, the goalkeeper reacting sharply to save tipping the ball over her goal for the corner kick. 15 minutes left on the clock, Reading try to up the tempo, Doncaster have something to hold onto and close the ball down quickly play is a little scrappy now. Reading make another change bringing on Charlie Estcourt for Stobbs.

 

Courtney Sweetman-Kirk

Lipka is hurt as she fouls Bruton inside her half. Off field to receive treatment Rowe over the ball places it into the centre of the are, under pressure Moorhouse gets to the ball pops out of her gloves but is awarded the free-kick after being fouled. Reading press forwards the ball is played into the Doncaster box 1st Little then Roberts slide in to stop a Reading boot finding the ball in the area. Jane turning inside with the ball 30 yards out has a shot from distance Moorhouse dropping forwards falls onto the ball to claim.

  A free-kick for Reading 35 yards out Rowe to play up into the box, McGee with the flick on Little beyond her heads it away from the box. Doncaster make a change bringing on Marta Bakowska-Mathews for Simpkins. A penalty shout for Reading as Roberts sticks out a leg on the edge of the area and Rowe coming on goes over it, hearts in mouths from the Doncaster fans however it's Rowe who is booked for a dive. A welcome sight for Doncaster fans with 2 minutes of normal time left as Courtney Sweetman-Kirk comes on to the field having fractured her leg early in the season, they've missed her goals. Replaces Murray up top. 

  Backs to the wall from Doncaster they are defending for their lives keeping Reading at bay as the game moves into stoppage time the ball is put up into the box Allen inside back to goal holds it up knocks it out to the top of the area, is laid back to her, however she slips at the vital moment doesn't get a shot away Doncaster launch it long Omarsdottir tries to hold it up in the corner. Reading get it long one last time Roberts coming across marshals it out of play for a goal-kick. The final whistle sounds and it's the bells that are ringing in celebration as at last Doncaster win and get those much sort after 3 points on the final day

Full-time Reading FC Women 0-1 Doncaster Rovers Belles

  A huge win for Doncaster and something to give to the fans who have stood by the team through a difficult season. The game in truth could have gone either way neither settling for a 0-0 on the final day had chances to win in one goal enough in the end

  After 6 seasons of summer football the FAWSL 2016 comes to an end with the league switching back to the winter next season after a Spring Series to bridge the gap will be sad to see it go. Having only been a casual women's football follower before the inception of the FAWSL in 2011, I decided to get behind a team, Lincoln Ladies when it all began loved it but sadly the club was to be rebranded. We all move on the blog was born the rest is history think the early years of the FAWSL were heading in the right direction, grew to include the 2nd league in 2014. After that the fixture scheduling became a nightmare and returns to the winter. Reservations yes, know it can work well if delivered right is strong enough and will benefit the England team and those qualifying for Europe. So here's to the summer (just pretend it's not November) been fun, see you in the spring.

Match Report - Essex FA Women v Kent FA Women

  A Thursday evening trip down into Essex to watch the 2nd match from this season's East Anglian Counties Championship with Essex FA Women hosting Kent FA Women at AFC Hornchurch.

   Essex FA Women's county representative squad were unlucky not to get anything from the opening game of this season's East Anglian Counties Championship losing away from home against Suffolk FA Women the current holders of The Fred Welham Cup, 4-3 two weeks ago. With 2 games left to play both at home again Kent tonight and Hertfordshire in the New Year, Essex need to get something from the game if they want to remain in contention for the trophy. Have a squad of largely, Billericay Town Ladies and Writtle Ladies players. Injuries to the Silver End United players involved with the squad last time out see call-ups for Colchester Town Ladies, Sasha McDonald and Georgia Box.

  Kent FA Women joined the East Anglian Counties Championship last season making an impact finishing 2nd behind Suffolk FA Women as the 2 faced each other in the final game to decide the winner. Were due to start this season's competition off at home at the start of October their game against Hertfordshire FA Women ending up being postponed begin their campaign tonight. A squad made up largely by players from Gillingham FC Ladies, Millwall Lionesses, Meridian Ladies and Barking Abbey all have representation.

  The venue for tonight's game AFC Hornchurch. Doubles up as an athletic's venue a running track around the pitch a good size, seated stands on both sides the clubhouse and bar overlooking the ground one end. A chilly night cloudy with a hint of rain in the air.

  Essex FA Women starting XI - Beth Griffiths (Writtle Ladies), Nicole Farmer, Charlotte Hopwood, Hayley Piggott (C) (all Billericay Town Ladies), Aysha Bentick (Barking Abbey), Charlotte Bryant, Abigail Fry, Courtney Clark (all Writtle Ladies), Lindsey Morgan, Katie Whitehead & Paris Smith (all Billericay Town Ladies).
  subs - Charlotte Twydell (Brentwood Town Ladies), Leanne Stubbings, Sophie Vale (both Writtle Ladies), Sasha McDonald & Georgia Box (both Colchester Town Ladies).

  Kent FA Women starting XI - Katie Startup, Lauren Williams, Ellie Manning (C), Vanisha Patel, (all Gillingham FC Ladies), Catherine Cooper (Brighton & Hove Albion WFC). Sammy Booker (Millwall Lionesses), April Bowers, Jess King, Ricky Turner, Millie Waud (all Gillingham FC Ladies) & Amy Russ (Meridian Ladies).
  subs - Lydia Wills (Gillingham FC Ladies).

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Just the one substitute for Kent on the night with Essex having 5 available. Kent kitted out all in blue get the 1st half underway with Essex all in red. Not a lot of room between the touch line and the running track players needing to be mindful as they go into challenge for the ball on the touchline. Courtney Clarke up front for Essex on the left at the start of the match peels away to the left corner as Lindsey Morgan puts the ball down the line for her to chase, gets an early ball into the box is headed clear by Kent captain, Ellie Manning. A scrappy start to the match the ball being moved quickly everyone getting a touch passes being cut out.

  Essex attack down the right the ball is played on into path of the advancing Katie Whitehead on the right wing picking up the ball travels into the area has Clark on her inside, goes it alone unleashing a shot in towards the near post, Katie Startup in the Kent goal saves with her legs the ball deflected behind for a corner. 

  Essex are starting to find some rhythm pressuring Kent in possession winning the ball back and turning it around quickly. Morgan links up with Russ as she wins the ball in midfield rolls in into the attacker coming over to the left to receive the ball, looks to play it over the top for Whitehead advancing far side the ball is too close to Startup the keeper gathering it into her body. Kent attack down the left side Millie Waud crossing early Essex captain, Hayley Piggott at the back goes to clear outside her area, slices her clearance behind her looping up towards goal, Beth Griffiths is in the right place to catch the dropping ball in goal.

  Amy Russ playing through the centre in attack for Essex comes over to the left to receive the ball gets fouled. Outside the box on the left Clarke sends the set-piece into the area, Manning gets up for Kent to head the ball clear of the area. A rapid counter attack for Kent, Lauren Williams bringing the ball on into the Essex half from right back plays the diagonal ball long up towards the area players bursting forwards to get into the area Waud slides onto the ball as it bounces turning it towards goal from just inside the area, Griffiths dives to her left making the save pushing the ball away for a corner. Griffiths then comes confidently through bodies at the near post to lay claim to the ball launches a counter the ball into Morgan passes on to Russ, who is forced left as Kent's Vanisha Patel stops her from spinning in behind, Russ manages to launch the ball up into the area, Startup getting their before Clarke can attack it. 

  Morgan is instrumental for Essex in midfield busy breaking up alot of play gets the ball into Paris Smith left they play a one two Morgan feeding it into Clarke up top tries to spin away from Catherine Cooper marking her closely the defender prevents her getting in behind to attack the goal beyond. Griffiths is called into action to make a save as Kent attack doen the left Waud crossing into Russ inside the D, shifts the ball between her feet well to avoid a tackle, hits the shot Griffiths throwing herself at the rising ball pushing it away for a corner. 

  Charlotte Bryant plays the ball into Morgan as Essex push forwards through the middle the ball is helped on for Clarke central, lets it run through her on for Paris Smith unmarked coming in left of goal meeting the rolling ball, leans back as she attempts to curl it into the top corner across goal goes over the crossbar. Sammy Booker with several good challenges in the centre of midfield for Kent brings the ball on this time plays the pass out wide to Waud advancing left, sliding to get to the ball diverts it into the middle with Russ trying to get into the box, Piggott gets her boot on the ball clears. The ball is with Kent's Rikki Turner 25 yards out goes for goal the shot flying over the Essex goal.

  Williams looks to release Jessica King on the right wing for Kent getting in behind tries to carry the ball inside, Nicole Farmer gets back on her to lunge in put the ball away for a corner. Swung in near post, it's King who gets her head on the ball near post knocking it down int the ground is cleared at the post by Essex. Good running from Waud down the left for Kent played in by Booker an early ball into the box as Russ times her run to burst in behind the Essex defence, Griffiths is off her line quickly to slide in and take the ball at her feet.

 Manning plays the ball up the left for Waud ahead of her, the visitors get players forwards Waud putting it inside for Booker helps it on for April Bowers she plays it out to King wide right and immediatly makes a run into the box wanting the return ball, King attempts to pick her out, Essex's Aysha Bentick reads it and gets in ahead of Bowers to intercept the cross inside the box. End to end Farmer plays her clearance long over the top of the Kent back line Clarke after it shoots from 20 yards, Startup behind the shot takes it cleanly on the bounce.

  A Kent ball lifted up into the box on the right sees an error made between Bentick and Griffiths inside the six yard box with Russ hustling the ball Bentick tries to shield it for Griffiths the keeper diving doesn't get it as Russ pokes a toe at the ball to knock it away from her gloves pushed away from goal 2 yards out turns back inside shoots puts the ball straight at Bentick who blocks and clears it. 

  10 minutes of the 1st half left Griffiths comes rushing out to the edge of her box as Russ is played in through the middle bearing down on the area she smashes her shot straight at the advancing keeper, gets a 2nd bite at the cherry as the ball rebounds back to her, the shot blocked by a defender drops to Bowers further out puts her strike over the bar. Waud whips in a early cross long into the area looking for King breaking forwards on the opposite flank, Farmer with her beats her to the ball conceding the corner. Essex deal with the initial corner try to get out of the area the ball is won back played out to the right the cross delivered into the area far post Charlotte Hopwood rises to head the ball out of danger for Essex.  

  Clarke out on the right for Essex carries the ball up the wing lifts a cross into the area, Patel heads it back out towards Clarke turning inside drives into the box her shot at the end of her run lacking the power to avoid Startup getting down at the near post. Startup is well placed in her goal to collect a 25 yard shot from Morgan after Whitehead rolls the ball into her from the right. Attacking late in the 1st half Turner bringing the bal through the middle passes to the advancing Waud on the left fires the cross in along the face of the box, King inside the D tries to bring it under control, the Essex defence close her down, as the referee blows the 1st half to a close.

Half-time Essex FA Women 0-0 Kent FA Women

 Goalless at the break has been a competitive 1st 45 minutes, Essex starting well pressing Kent on the ball the passes rushed as a result not finding their mark, a large pitch both sides have used the space available, Waud in particular seeing a lot of the ball for Kent on the right, chances created by both sides, the keepers called into action, Griffiths denying Kent with some good saves, Startup well placed whenever Essex try a pop from range. 

  Changes for both sides at half-time, Kent bringing on Lydia Wills to replace King on the right. Essex with a double change bringing on Writtle Ladies, Sophie Vale and Sasha McDonald from Colchester Town Ladies for her Essex debut. Whitehead and Bryant the players rested. It's Essex to kick off the 2nd half. Straight away Kent win the ball back and play it long for Waud to chase down the left wing delivers the ball into the box, Bentick getting there ahead of Russ near side to play the ball out for a corner.

  The corner is played in deep towards the far post knocked down into ground Bowers latches onto it 6 yards out sees her shot charged down the rebound cleared to the top of the area Williams has a shot drags the low ball wide across goal. Kent have started the 2nd half well have Essex penned in their own half. Russ gets her foot on the ball 30 yards out drives forwards laying it wide to Wills on the right, bombs on into the box as Wills attempts to return the pass, Piggott gets across Russ to win the ball. Half cleared the ball falls to Kent's Turner, goes for the shot 30 yards out a dipping shot is straight at Griffiths. 

  The early pressure from Kent is relieved as they giveaway a free kick on half-way, players go forwards as Piggott sends the ball up towards the area right side 25 yards out Vale helps the ball on into the area dropping far side Clarke is in behind after it, Startup rushes out to meet her saves the shot blasted against her. Essex make another change with Georgia Box coming on up front to replace Smith. Great build up from Kent the ball with manning at left back brings it forwards Bowerd coming across from the middle receives the pass sending it down the left channel with Russ peeling away into space, sends a low cross in towards the near post Wills arriving, connects before Griffiths can gather puts the ball wide of the near post.

  Booker picking the ball up from deep dribbles it forwards into the Essex half not closed down lets fly from 30 yards out her shot whistles over the crossbar. Patel intercepts the ball at the back for Kent carries it out finds Waud on the left squares the ball into the middle early for Booker, tries to thread the ball in behind for Russ into the box Piggott goes with the attack sliding in to win the ball.

  Vale is fouled by Kent inside their half giving Essex a free-kick in a central position. Piggott with a long run up goes for goal, getting plenty behind the shot it flies over Startup who throws herself at it in vain the ball cannons off the crossbar, dropping down into the six yard box Kent scramble it away from danger a counter attack is on the ball fizzed into Waud inside the D, shifts the ball between her feet to evade a tackle, turning to shoot is off balance falling as she strikes the ball rolls wide of the target. Essex make a 4th change bring on Brentwood Town Ladies, Charlotte Twydell for Hopwood at right back. Bringing th ball on down the left Waud and Russ combine playing the ball across the face of the Essex area, the ball running into Turner 25 yards out an up and over strike Griffiths diving to her left claims the ball.

 GOAL! 22 minutes of the 2nd half played and the pressure Kent have applied bring them the opening goal. Russ is played in down the left wing by Waud the attacking moving down the line checks back inside as she reaches the top of the area, whips a cross into the six yard box, Bowers flying in throws an outstretched leg at the ball taking it past Griffiths and into the far side of the goal 0-1.

  For a spell after the goal the play is quiet neither side making any ground as the battle of possession remains as strong at it was 1st half. Essex fashion a chance as the ball is played crossfield to Vale, spinning in behind her marker plays the ball early into the middle, Morgan tries to help it into Box ahead of her the deflection taking the ball away to the right, Twydell is out there puts the ball back in along the six yard box a diving header near post from the Kent defence sees the ball come back to her, goes long this time the ball flashing along the six yard box Farmer rushing in can't get anything on the ball to turn it towards goal. Kent bring king back on in place of Manning.

 Booker is closed down by three Essex defenders at the top of the box as she receives the ball from Wills on the right. McDonald plays the ball forwards in to Fry plays it to Morgan ahead of her sends the pass out to Vale breaking forwards into space on the right into the box drives a shot in low near post, Startup gets down to save it but looses the ball from her gloves rolls behinds for a corner as the rain starts to fall, blowing across the pitch. Clearing that corner Essex press win a corner on the left side the ball is played up the line to McDonald send it height into the box near side Bentick gets up to head the ball down doesn't direct it on target.

 GOAL! 10 minutes left on the clock and Essex capitalise on a piece of slack play at the back to get themselves back on level terms, Georgia Box latching onto a misplaced back pass 30 yards out on the left and drives for the box, the Kent defence can't close her down in time, Startup comes rushing off her line, Box goes for powers trying to send the ball over the advancing keeper, Startup throws a glove up into the air gets something on the ball, falling looks back to see it bounce into the back of the net beyond 1-1.

  Another free-kick for Essex on half-way Piggott's ball in is cleared, comes back out to Fry drills it back in low into Morgan outside the box, the Kent defence immediately converge on her no way through into the box. Keeping possession Essex win a corner on the left played in near post is knocked down into the ground, Essex get a shot away from 3 yards the ball is blocked on the line. Kent get it away. Fry plays the ball on for Vale on the right side Waud back defending now since Manning left the field dives in to take the ball away from her put it out for a corner. The corner goes long to the far post is fired back across the six yard box Vale throws herself at it doesn't connect.

  Kent break up the other end with just a couple of minutes of normal time left, Booker bursting forwards ahead of play to get into the box after the ball, Twydell tracks back and gets to Booker tackling to play the ball behind for the corner kick. A vicious inswinging ball from the corner on the right threatens to go straight in under the bar Griffiths punches it away to the right, Kent appeal for hand ball as the ball is put back into the area the plea's ignored play goes on Kent putting the ball back in Turner trues the overhead kick connects with the ball 10 yards out can't direct it on target. Kent keep the pressure in late into injury time now Russ with a strike from 25 yards deflects off a defender's head over the goal for a late corner. Fired into the six yard box from the right Williams gets something on the ball turns it towards goal Essex clear off the line out of the box Waud picking it up shoots from 25 yards out her shot straight into Griffiths the keeper holding onto the ball as the referee blows the final whistle the game ending all square the points shared.

Full-time Essex FA Women 1-1 Kent FA Women

  An entertaining contest and a great showcase for Women's County Representative football, Essex doing well against a strong Kent side. Holding them to a goalless 1st half, Kent starting the 2nd half strongly got themselves into the lead, Essex manager Kim Coster had the players available on the bench to introduce fresh legs to the side and finishing strongly Essex pulled the goal back 1-1 a good result both have 1 point on the board. Kent have 2 matches left to play against Hertfordshire and Suffolk both at home in the New Year. 

A good game for the neutral, my thanks to both the Essex and Kent FA's for their assistance.