Cup Final Report - Colchester Town Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

 On to the 2nd of today's ERWFL Cup Finals a 3 o'clock kick-off between Colchester Town Ladies and Silver End United Ladies as they contest this season's League Cup.

  The ERWFL League Cup will belong to an Essex side after today's final with both finalists travelling west to the County Ground to contest the cup. Colchester Town Ladies the only ERWFL Premier Division representative on Finals day with Silver End United Ladies playing in just their 1st season at this level reaching the final. 

Road to the Final

  A straight knock-out competition open to all the clubs playing in the 3 ERWFL leagues the Division One sides in the East & West league contest the opening two rounds. Colchester Town Ladies entered the competition at the 3rd Round stage an away trip to the the ERWFL Premier Division leaders, Billericay Town Ladies. Won the game 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals drawn at home this time to face fellow Premier Division side, Haringey Borough Women. A single goal scored by Chelsea Forde seeing them into the semi-finals and another home tie against AFC Sudbury Ladies enjoying a good 1st season in the Premier Division. I went along to this game was a classic cup tie a 7 goal thriller Sudbury taking the lead only for Colchester to come back and lead twice themselves before eventually going on to win 4-3 to reach the ERWFL League Cup Final.

  Silver End United Ladies started the competition in the 1st Round away to Division One West side Sawbridgeworth Town WFC, won the game 3-2 in extra-time. Were on the road again in the 2nd Round a tough away trip to another Division One West side, Offley & Stopsley Ladies won the game 4-1 to set up a home tie against Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies in the 3rd Round. Emerged 2-1 winners to reach the quarter-finals and play fellow Division One East side West Billericay Ladies at home another 4-1 victory setting up a semi-final clash at home to Stevenage Ladies who would go on to be crowned ERWFL Premier Division Champions, Silver End United Ladies the underdogs found themselves a goal down battling hard going into the closing minutes of the game, Rebecca Hollocks scored 2 goals to see them win and reach the ERWFL League Cup Final.

  Again played at the County Ground a 2 hour break between matches, allowed me the chance to destroy a sausage, egg and bacon bap, refuelled to the 2nd Final of the day, still bright and sunny as the two sides were led out onto the pitch.

  Colchester Town Ladies starting XI - Nikita Runnacles, Elizabeth Blacklock, Zoe Smith, Ellen Powles, Lucy Jones, Charlotte Bryant, Alex Brewis-Shepard, Paige Wakefield, Megan Bamber, Georgia Box & Chelsea Forde.

  subs - Kira Fitzpatrick, Stacey Roper & Laura Guyon.

  Silver End United Ladies starting XI - Hannah Streetley, Abi Head, Georgia Raby, Lindsey Cowell, Roxanne Gardener, Jodie Osborne, Dani Warnes, Alex Bailess, Rebecca Hollocks (C) Lynsey Bowman & Rebekah Henderson.

  subs - Nikita Walker, Helen Alder, Paula Drane, Amy Evans & Michelle Taylor 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It's Colchester wearing red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks to kick off the 1st half in the ERWFL League Cup Final against Silver End who are lined up wearing sly blue coloured shirts with navy shorts and socks. The ball goes long to the left side early towards Megan Bamber on the left, wins a couple of throws as she makes progress down the wing before the ball eventually played into the area is headed clear. 

  A quiet start to the game the ball spending alot time being exchanged between the midfield players as they look impose themselves on the ball. Charlotte Bryant plays the ball out to Bamber making a run on the left wing again, lifts the cross in towards the Silver End goal rising towards the near post goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley is well placed to claim the ball. Paige Wakefield brings the ball forwards for Colchester has Georgia Box on her right rolls the ball out to her taking it further down the wing cuts back inside as she reaches the top of the box playing it back to Wakefield who then looks to play it into captain Alex Brewis-Shephard in a central position outside the box, misses her shot the ball running on to Bamber far side, left drives forwards lifting the ball into the area, Streetley calls for it and gathers.

   Wakefield gets herself on the ball for Colchester again coming forwards has Zoe Smith ahead of her in the centre, playing the ball to her she looks to hit the shot, Silver End defender, Abi Head gets her body in the way to make the block. Box gets in behind the Silver End defence on the right makes a run towards goal into the area, Jodie Osborne comes across to win the tackle put the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Silver End United Ladies, Georgia Raby looking to get ahead of Colchester's Georgia Box

  Silver End look to get the ball forwards themselves Alex Bailess plying it up to Silver End captain, Rebecca Hollocks, strong on the ball, holds it up well outside the Colchester area, turns back inside looking for an opening to send n a shot, none available plays the pass across to Rebekah Henderson free to the right, goes for the shot fires the ball straight at Colchester's goalkeeper, Nikita Runnacles.

  Lynsey Bowman out wide right for Silver End brings the ball forwards, Hollocks looks to provide a run ahead of her moving into the channel, can't get past Colchester's Lucy Jones the ball out for a throw, ending up back with Runnacles, Colchester hit Silver End with a quick counter attack the ball played long to Bamber on the left the early cross is fired in with pace, Wakefield furthest forwards in the middle improvises as the ball runs behind her run looks to deflect it towards goal with her heel,  doesn't get enough contact with the ball runs wide for a goal kick. Running with the ball on the right Box looks to come inside Wakefield is in the area looks to play her in, she slips as she goes to shot the ball rolls harmlessly in towards Streetley who gets down to see it into her gloves.

  An early change for Colchester as they bring Bamber off, Kira Fitzpatrick coming on to the wide left attacking position. Having rode out the opening 15 minutes of sustained Colchester possession Silver End are starting to find a little more time on the ball. The ball is put long into Bowman on the right 20 yards out meets it on the volley slicing the effort wide of goal. A free kick is won on halfway, Roxanne Gardner to play the ball up towards the Colchester area, Hollocks gets up highest to header the all across to Henderson to the left of goal takes on the strike smashes the ball against Colchester defender, Elizabeth Blacklock.

Silver End United Ladies, Lynsey Bowman

  Bowman finds some space to run into on the left as Hollocks central holds the ball up before laying out out into space for her to chase down, getting hold of it driving into the box let's fly her shot hits the side netting. Runnacles is out quickly to block Bowman as she is played in behind on the left again, blocking the ball it goes out for a throw on the left. Box and Fitzpatrick have switched flanks, Box is over on the left reaching the top of the area plays the ball inside into Bryant who hits the 1st time shot in towards goal lifts the attempt over the crossbar.

  Silver End get caught with numbers up the pitch as they lose the ball in attack Ellen Powles playing the ball through the middle Box is in clear to run at the Silver End penalty area, Head comes across and tackles well getting the ball away from Box out to the right side, Fitzpatrick looks to get to the ball smash it back into the area ends up smashing it into the Head's face leaves the defender pole-axed on the ground. Fear she might be knocked out but after a few moments is up albeit holding the right side of her jaw a painful one.

   Bryant passes the ball to Powles looks to go long hit the ball on the diagonal with Smith looking for it central making a run to get into the area, very nearly succeeds the pass just needs a touch and Smith is clear on goal, just evades her boot. Colchester get themselves a corner on the right fired in the ball is headed in towards goal, Streetley punches it away falls to the edge of the area , Osborne puts in the block as the shot is fired in. 

  GOAL! Colchester have been pressing for a goal and in the dying moments of the 1st half get themselves the lead the ball is played out to Box on the left side gets down the line before whipping a cross into the box, Brewis-Shephard has made the run from midfield and is unmarked on the six yard line the cross falling to her she heads it down towards the far post the ball rolling over the line 1-0.

Colchester Town Ladies captain, Alex Brewis-Shephard opens the scoring

Half-time Colchester Town Ladies 1-0 Silver End United Ladies

  Colchester have had the bulk of the attack 1st half, but for all of their possession Silver End have defended will, pressing the ball and putting in the blocks, haven't had much in the way of attacks themselves holding out before conceding so late in the 1st half. 

  Silver End get the 2nd half underway, Colchester get hold of it right from the start putting it out to Box on the left looks to play in Brewis-Shephard through the middle, Osborne closes in to tackle the ball sent out of play for a throw left.

  GOAL! Colchester keep Silver End pegged back from the throw get players into the left corner, the ball is laid back to the edge of the area before being sent in to Box inside the six yard box left of goal, going to ground gets she shot away the ball going across the goal face past the keeper and in 2-0. An early goal 2nd half just what Colchester wanted. 

  Silver End respond with a substitution, Helen Alder coming on for Henderson. Colchester are on the attack again Chelsea Forde playing the ball out to Fitzpatrick on the right side arriving with pace meets the ball on the corner of the area fires the shot it smashes into the boarding behind the Silver End goal. Colchester a pressing hard at the start of the 2nd half Box moving out to the right takes the ball into the area squares it along the face of the area with Brewis-Shephard, before she can get the shot away, Head gets back on her blocking the ball spinning into the gloves of Streetley. Colchester make another change sending on Stacey Roper for Forde who has picked up a knock. 

  Osborne matches up the bruises on team mate Head's face as her defensive clearance smashes her in the face again, another stinging blow needs a few seconds to recover holding her nose this time, but checking she's okay Head is happy to continue. Ducks out of the way of a third blow to the face as the ball is put out for a throw. Colchester work the ball across the box from the throw deep on the left comes through to Wakefield sends in a low shot towards goal, Streetley is down quickly to hold onto the ball.

Silver End United Ladies captain, Rebecca Hollocks

  Silver End with a free kick inside the Colchester half, Hollocks smashes a fierce drive into the wall the ball coming back to her is played out to the left, Bowmen gets onto it takes the ball on into the area wins her side a corner kick, Wakefield back defending the set-piece gets it clear drops outside the area Head looks to hit it on the half volley slices the shot wide. Silver End make a change taking off Lindsey Cowell and bringing Amy Evans on.

 GOAL! Brewis-Shephard picks up the ball in the middle makes a crossfield run right to left, full back Jones is already on the move bombing forwards the ball is played into her path taking it on down the flank crosses the ball in towards the near post with Box coming to meet it, hits the ball hard rising towards goal, a great save from Streetley throwing herself up getting her gloves to the ball doesn't get it away unfortunately as it falls to Wakefield at the far post to head the ball over the line 3-0. 60 minutes played Colchester with a strong start to the 2nd half have a 3 goal lead.

Paige Wakefield heads home to make it 3-0 to Colchester

 Laura Guyon is introduced to the action for Colchester. The Silver End defence is busy Colchester keep coming forwards, Fitzpatrick plays the ball into the area from the right side, Osborne defends well up against Box the ball pops free Brewis-Shephard is interested, Head goes up against her the close range effort blocked. 

  GOAL! A 4th goal for Colchester, Jones the scorer the ball with her on the left side high up the pitch sends in a high looping cross into the area, a difficult one for the keeper to deal with dropping down right under her crossbar dips late can't get anything on it as it hits the ground and bounces over the goal line at the far stick. 4-0.

Changes for both sides, Paula Drane and Nikita Walker come on for Silver End. Bamber comes back on for Colchester in place of Box. Silver End have had little of the attack 2nd half Hollocks wants to get the ball forwards, Walker looks to provide a run get into the box from the right side, the ball is sent up into the box, bounces through to Runnacles before Walker can get to it.

Amy Evans looks to get the ball forwards for Silver End United Ladies

 Wakefield picks up an injury after a challenge in the middle limps off for Colchester, Box sent back on. Bamber has the ball on the left, Box inside her is played in taking the ball into the area Evans tracking back does well to defend ease her off the ball. Hollocks knicks the ball off the Colchester defence on the left side looks to carry the ball into the area, Smith now in defence gets across to block her strike deflects the ball behind for a corner. The corner comes in central Runnacles calls for it and claims unchallenged.

Michelle Taylor comes on for Silver End, Bailess going off. The Silver End defence has battled hard 2nd half putting in alot of effort to try and stop the Colchester advance the game beyond them as it moves into the final minutes the back 4, Head, Osborne, Gardener and Raby come off, Bowman, Henderson, Bailess and Cowell come back on look to have a go late on Hollocks playing it long out to Bowman on the right her 1st time cross whipped into the box is cleared by Blacklock. Bowman has an opportunity to strike from distance the ball doesn't trouble Runnacles.

  The final whistle blows and Colchester Town Ladies win the ERWFL League Cup beating Silver End United Ladies 4-0. A strong 2nd half performance seeing them add 3 more goals to their half-time lead, gave the Division One East side little opportunity up the other end. A spirited performance from Silver End United just couldn't match Colchester 2nd half.

Colchester Town Ladies, 2015/16 ERWFL League Cup Winners 

Congratulations to Colchester Town Ladies on winning the 2015/16 ERWFL League Cup and once again my thanks to the both sides for helping me out with the team details today. An busy but enjoyable day attending the ERWFL Cup Finals day.

Cup Final Report - Colney Heath Ladies v Writtle Ladies

  On the road early Sunday morning heading for the County Ground in Letchworth home of the Hertfordshire FA to watch 2 Cup Finals today both from the Easter Region Women's Football League (ERWFL). The first an 11am kick-off for a new competition the ERWFL Division One Cup the two sides contesting it, Colney Heath Ladies and Writtle Ladies.

  The ERWFL Division One is the 4th tier of the women's winter football pyramid currently split into 2 leagues Division One East & West with 7 sides originally contesting each, the Division One Cup replaces the old League Plate format, runs along similar lines however with the sides contesting the 2 divisions split into two groups A & B to play a mini league, providing each side with more competitive matches. The top 4 from each group progressing into a knock-out stage, the quarter finals.

  Contrasting season's for both the finalists, Colney Heath Ladies were the beaten finalists in last season's ERWFL League Plate competition. A young side who I have often heard talked about as one to watch in the future this season has seen the sides progress hampered by injuries and like a good number of sides across the region the poor weather that saw them hardly play a game got no momentum going were rooted to the bottom of ERWFL Division One West for virtually the whole campaign. Towards the latter half of the season getting players back and entering the Division One Cup drawn in Group B this saw them find some form winning 3 of their 5 games to finish 3rd in the table to reach the quarter finals 2 successive league wins at the end of the season saw them climb off the foot of the table.

 Writtle Ladies are very much a side on the rise newly promoted to the ERWFL this season having had 100% league win record in Essex they continued that form in the league holding onto that 100% right up until the penultimate league games against local rivals Silver End United Ladies, who we will talk about more in the next match report, edged the win in a 7 goal thriller 4-3. By then however Writtle Ladies were already crowned champions of the ERWFL Division One East and will be competing in the Premier Division next season. Were also runners-up in this seasons Essex Women's County Cup Final. Drawn in A in the Division One Cup topped the group going through unbeaten with 4 wins and a draw.

Road to the Final

  Onto the knock-out stages the quarter-finals predetermined by the final placing in Groups A & B with 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd. That saw Colney Heath Ladies travelling from Hertfordshire to play Essex side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies, who had gone through the group stages unbeaten themselves. Colney Heath Ladies ran out 3-1 winners to reach the semi-finals to play Hoddesdon Owls Ladies a single goal scored by Christina Freestone was enough to see them reach the ERWFL Division One Cup Final.

  Writtle Ladies were to face familiar opponents in the quarter-finals were at home to Silver End United Ladies knocked them out of the competition with a 3-1 victory. Reaching the semi-finals they were on the road taking on Offley & Stopsley Ladies had a 3-2 advantage at half-time before going on again to score 2nd half to win the game 4-2 and set-up the potential of a league and cup double.

  The venue for today's ERWFL Finals, Hertfordshire FA's County Ground, been here a few time this season for various games, easy to access, a good sized pitch with a large seated stand running along one side behind the dugouts, small covered terraced stands behind the goals with another covered stand on the opposite side. The weather for the finals day couldn't be better, bright, sunny and warm.

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI - Natalie Hilton, Molly Slade, Rachel Sheridan, Victoria Hill, Eustacia Randles, Sammy May, Kirsty Feasey, Sophie Joseph (C), Kelly Hancock, Adrienne Milton & Holly Sheridan.
 subs - Lucy Hancock, Annie Hickey & Jael Muzzi. 

 Writtle Ladies starting XI - Beth Griffiths, Caroline Brown, Kayleigh Franklin, Hannah Mold, Faith Candice, Courtney Clarke, Georgina Tricker, Leanne Stubbings, Amy Simmons, Abigail Fry (C) & Sophie Vale.
 subs - Amelia Murphy, Charlotte Walker, Kimberly Ripton, Rachel Weller & Nicola Medici. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   It's Writtle wearing green and white horizontal striped shirts with green shorts and socks to kick off the 1st half with Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, with black shorts and socks. Writtle press Colney Heath right from the start getting the ball out on the left, look to get the ball into the area Colney Head central defender intercepts the ball and launches it far from her area. Writtle regain possession and try their luck on the opposite flank, captain Abigail Fry running into space receiving the ball squares her cross in towards the near post area, Colney Heath goalkeeper Natalie Hilton has come across and is there to scoop the ball up into her gloves.

  Colney Heath look to teat Writtle out through the centre, play the ball long looking for striker, Adrienne Milton first, looks to get into the box onto the ball, Faith Candice gets her foot on the ball first. Peeling away to the right Milton's strike partner, Holly Sheridan does find herself played in on the ball taking it into the box on the right side, Writtle goalkeeper Beth Griffiths comes charging out to close her down, Sheridan smashes her shot straight at the keeper, spins away from danger.

  GOAL! An early lead for Writtle, the ball is rolled into Sophie Vale on the right holding the ball up initially, spins off her marker and turning in behind puts in an early cross into the Colney Heath area, along the six yard line, Leanne Stubbings is there having made a midfield run, unmarked the ball comes into her she connects to turn it 90 degrees on target, is past Hilton before she can react, a late dive to her left in vain the ball already over the line 0-1.

Leanne Stubbings opens the scoring in the ERWFL Division One Cup Final

   From a throw on the left side on half way the ball is sent across field picking out Amy Simmons on the left for Writtle, carrying the ball on towards the area unleashes a shot from 25 yards out left of the D looking to across the diving keeper, Hilton sees the ball run wide at the far post. Simmons is played through again left side by Courtney Clarke has Colney Heath defender, Rachel Sheridan on her shoulder as they run into the are, Simmons attempts to lob the keeper, Sheridan does enough to deflect the ball wide for a corner kick. The corner is cleared out to the left, winning a 2nd corner Writtle go short this time Caroline Brown receiving the ball comes to the top corner of the area and aims for the top corner her shot landing on the roof of the net.

   Writtle have started well, Colney Heath haven't gotten going yet. Plenty of energy on show from both sides especially Colney Heath who are looking for Holy Sheridan or Milton whenever they win the ball, Sheridan finds room on the right sends a driving ball into the Writtle area no one is making a run to get onto the end of it. Colney Heath captain, Sophie Joseph gets onto the ball winning a 50/50 on halfway left side drives forwards with the ball laying the pass into Holly Sheridan coming left side back to goal on the edge of the box, turns playing the ball on with Milton the pass a little heavy Milton does well to win a corner. Comes in long from the right far post players there but no one can get a touch.

    Clarke wins Writtle a corner as the Essex side wins a throw deep on the right Kayleigh Franklin putting the ball into her feet inside the box, Eustacia Randles closing her down to concede the corner, played into the box from the right, Simmons back to goal can't control it Stubbings far side goes to retrieve and shoot but Colney Heath have pushed out quickly the offside flag is raised. Stubbings linked up with Vale through the middle inside the Colney Heath half, the midfielder playing the ball forwards into  Vale outside the box, looks to turn inside and hit the shot, is blocked by Kirsty Feasey as she tracks back to help defend the rebound rolling back to Stubbings her strike back in towards goal is straight into the gloves of Hilton.

Writtle Ladies, Courtney Clarke

   Is a warm day the referee lets the players take on fluids as Vale receives treatment in the middle after the affects of a robust challenge in the middle of the park. As play resumes Colney Heath press the ball high Holly Sheridan winning it and putting the pass through the middle for Milton, up against Candice the two chase the ball into the box, Griffiths is coming forwards, Milton stretches trying to get it past her sends her attempt high and wide. 

 

The captains tussle for the ball, Writtle's Abigail Fry with Colney Heath's, Sophie Joseph

Fry is brought down by Joseph wide right as she attempts to take the ball on around her a free kick in a dangerous position the ball is sent into the box long, Rachel Sheridan winning the header gets the ball clear. Colney Heath have gotten better over the last 10 minutes Sammy May playing the ball to Milton moving across the the right side an early cross into the area from high up the pitch aiming near post with Holly Sheridan making the run Griffiths can gather before the striker can pounce. Slade with a defensive clearance out from the back finds Sheridan who has Randles making a surging run from left back into space rolls the ball gets her team a throw high up the pitch the ball is worked into the Writtle area Kelly Hancock tries to get onto the ball can't bring it under control to shoot Writtle's Hannah Mold gets it out of the area. 

  Changes for Colney Heath with Joseph and Holly Sheridan coming off, Annie Hickey and Jael Muzzi come on. Colney Heath are putting alot of effort into pressuring the ball when Writtle hit them on the counter Georgina Tricker latching on to the ball and taking it down the left wing, cutting back inside into the area her shot is charged down by the advancing keeper, Hilton runs back to Tricker she is closed down no shot on lays it back to Vale edge of the box bouncing she can't quite get her foot over the ball, turning it in, Randles is able to head it clear. 

  GOAL! Vale gets another chance to shoot at goal moments later an takes it doubling Writtle's lead late in the 1st half. Writtle turn the play around quickly the ball through the middle sending Vale through determined to reach in lunges for the ball outside the area digging it out of the ground sends it in rising towards goal comes at Hilton quickly throws her gloves up at it but can't get a firm grip as it squeezes through and dropping behind her over the line. 0-2.

Sophie Vale scores to make it 2-0 to Writtle Ladies

  A late free kick for Colney Heath on half way, Slade to play the ball long in to the Writtle area, Hickey throws herself at the ball may have got a touch but either way bouncing on Griffiths pushes the ball wide of goal conceding the corner kick. Played in from the left, long again to the far post Milton rising cranes her neck to try and turn the ball on target sends the attempt over the bar.

Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 0-2 Writtle Ladies

  A 2-0 lead at half-time Writtle Ladies started the brighter and took an early lead, Colney Heath slow to get started improved as the half wore on, both sides creating chances Writtle doubling their lead 5 minutes before the break. A usual lead to have at half-time another goal would put a hand firmly on the cup.

   Colney Heath to get the 2nd half underway, Holly Sheridan and Joseph are back on the pitch, Randles and Milton off, Lucy Hancock has also been introduced to the action. Straight away they are pressing Writtle on the ball get the ball into the area, Griffiths gets the ball into her gloves. Both keepers are out of their area in the opening minutes with play congested in the middle the ball popping free to send an attacker through. Both keepers come and kick well. Fry attacking down the right wins Writtle a corner kick put in Stubbings looks to help the ball on into the crowded six yard area in front of goal, Rachel Sheridan gets the ball away.

Colney Heath's Sophie Joseph in a race for the ball with Writtle's Courtney Clarke

 Hickey going after a ball played through the centre nods it on with her head looks to chase it down into the Writtle area, Mold gets back on her the shot deflected wide out to the right is picked up by Kelly Hancock her ball sent back into the box is cleared. Colney Heath are awarded a free kick wide right 25 yards out May to play into the area a good delivery whipped in with pace an inviting height, Holly Sheridan goes up for it can't quite get the connection to turn the ball in towards goal.

   Writtle have players ready to burst on when the ball is won back, Fry makes the move on the right wants the ball, gets it taking it on turn inside closing in on the area fires the shot in low and with power, Hilton gets down to stop it, pops out of her grasp for a second Simmons closing in from the left is interested, the keeper snatches the ball back into her body. Candice is in alot of pain from a tackle in the centre the defender is unable to carry on Charlotte Walker comes on goes up top in attack with Stubbings dropping into defence.

   The stand behind the dugouts is shielding the fans from the sun over on the far side but it is a potential problem for the keepers when any ball is put in from the opposite with any height, Vale does just that attacking down the right for Writtle, up high and dropping down close to her crossbar Hilton on her line does well to get hold of the ball. In the opposite goal Griffiths comes charging out of her box as Holly Sheridan as played in through the middle sliding in fully committed gets everything behind the ball to deny Sheridan the chance to shoot.

   Tricker gives away a free kick wide on the left close to 30 yards out, may is standing over the ball goes for goal gets plenty of pace on the shot smashes against the woodwork coming back out into play, Writtle hurry the clearance get the ball up the other end. Colney Heath are seeing more of the ball getting it up the field with urgency have a throw on the right taken quickly by Kelly Hancock she plays Holly Sheridan into the Writtle area, Mold gets the tackle in putting the ball out for a corner kick. Taken from the right Tricker defends the ball near post then fouls the corner taker Joseph outside the box. The set-piece is launched long to the far post a crowd of Colney Heath players after it one connects the header is wide took a knick a corner on the left is given this ball is cleared out only as far as Joseph standing on the edge of the area, snatches at the ball her shot well off target.

Colney Heath Ladies, Kirsty Feasey looking to get hold of the ball

   More substitutions, for Writtle Amelia Murphy comes on for Vale whilst Colney Heath bring Randles and Milton back on for Lucy Hancock and Muzzi. Tricker brings the ball out from the back and covers alot of grass knocking it past the full back ahead of her before playing the ball into the area, Rachel Sheridan comes across to win the ball putting it behind for a corner.

   A break for Colney Heath, the attacking 3 looking to combine as Holly Sheridan plays Milton into the box from the right side, looks to flash a cross into Hickey chasing in far post along the six yard box, Griffiths throws herself on the ball making the save in front of Hickey. Both sides are fashioning chances as Writtle play Fry in on the right attacking with the ball drives inside running along the front of the Colney Heath area rolls the ball across to Murphy waiting for it left of the D, looks to turn the shot in towards goal, curls it over the crossbar. 

   Lucy Hancock is back on for Colney Heath replacing Kelly Hancock. Writtle's Caroline Brown plays a superb ball out to the left for Simmons to chase down into the Colney Heath box, the angle is fading fast as she closes in on the six yard box Hilton coming to close her down goes to shoot across the face of the goal, sees the effort run wide at the opposite post. Hilton needs some treatment after she ribcage is rattled coming to claim a Writtle free kick put in from halfway gets her gloves to the bouncing ball before being clattered - is okay to continue. 

  Corner for Colney Heath played in from the right side into the box dropping to Sheridan unmarked central on the six yard line headers the ball in towards goal, Griffiths looks beaten as the ball flies to her left, somehow produces an amazing piece of agility to throw herself at the ball is past her as she plucks it away from a certain goal. 

Beth Griffiths produces an amazing save to keep Writtle's 2-0 lead intact

  Muzzi and Feasey return to the pitch for Colney Heath Hickey and May the players coming off. Colney Heath are running out of time to get a goal back and get themselves back into the final. Win a corner on the left the ball put in is headed clear by Clark for a throw in the left the ball is retained by Colney Heath is played across the face of the area, running across her Feasey opens up her body to turn the ball in towards goal, Griffiths is caught static turns to see the ball bounce off the base of the goal post and roll across the six yard box before being cleared.

  Another Colney Heath free kick on half way, Slade over it is encouraged to shoot, goes for goal on target but Griffiths has plenty of time to shuffle across and claim it. Kelly Hancock comes back on for Colney Heath, Milton comes off. With Colney Heath pushing players on looking for a goal the game is stretched, Writtle patient are ready to hit them on the break the ball is fed out to Simmons now on the right having switched with Fry, squares the ball in to the near post with Murphy running onto it lifts the strike over the crossbar. The ball is sent out to the right again as Writtle counter the early ball sent in long is past Hilton hits the crossbar and then the far post looks certain to drop over the goal line however Rachel Sheridan gets back on her line to hook it away.

 GOAL! Closing in on stoppage time and the goal Colney Heath have been pushing so hard for 2nd half finally comes. The game is stretched late on Writtle aren't interested in taking it into the corner want a 3rd goal themselves to seal it, Colney Heath win it back play the ball through the middle, Holly Sheridan is after in racing after the ball gets plenty of power behind the shot from the edge of the box the ball coming at Griffiths is rising flies over her and hits the back of the net 1-2.

Holly Sheridan is held aloft by Molly Slade after she scores in the Cup Final for Colney Heath Ladies

  Into stoppage time so little time left Writtle get hold of the ball and keep it late on inside the Colney Heath half-time don't let their opponents have it have the lead and are going to keep it the final whistle blows and Writtle Ladies win 2-1 to end their season with a league and cup double winning the ERWFL Division One Cup.

  A good contest played at a fearsome pace, chances at both end Writtle Ladies started the better and got the lead 2-0 at half-time were patient knew Colney Heath had to come at them both sides created chances wasn't till late on Colney Heath got a gaol back 10 minutes sooner maybe it could have been game on however Writtle defended well for the most part and won the game.

Writtle Ladies 2015/16 ERWFL Division One Cup Winners

  Congratulations to Writtle Ladies on winning the ERWFL Division One Cup and making it a double success with the Division One East title too. My thanks to the management of both sides for their help with the teams today.

   

Match Report - Chelsea Ladies v Manchester City Women

 A Thursday night trip down to Staines Town FC to watch a top of the table clash in FAWSL 1 as the leading pair both with a 100% winning start to the league go head to head with 2nd placed Chelsea Ladies taking on leaders Manchester City Women.

  A perfect start to the new season for both sides at the start of the 2016 FAWSL season, Chelsea Ladies having won the title last season have begun the season with 4 straight league wins, manager Emma Hayes adding more depth to an already strong squad has a lot of attacking options to chose from. Suffered a blow at the weekend losing the FA Women's Cup Final having been defending the trophy to Arsenal Ladies in what was an uncharacteristic below par performance.

  Manchester City Women travel to Staines Town FC with a perfect start to the league campaign themselves as they look to mount a challenge to win the FAWSL title for the 1st time. 5 wins out of 5 to date 3 points clear at the top have yet to concede a goal either. Early days yet but a win tonight would put them 6 points clear a massive advantage in a 16 game league.

  Any evening trip in midweek from Norfolk down to Staines Town FC is going to be a challenge, allow plenty of time cause you'll get held up somewhere. 3 hours on the road and arrived at the ground. Expecting a good sized crowd for this game, several had travelled from Manchester too. Sat up in the main stand over looking the pitch for a change instead of standing behind the dugouts on the opposite side. An overcast sky but still reasonably warm as the two sides walked out of the tunnel onto the pitch the floodlights on.

 Chelsea Ladies starting XI - Hedvig Lindahl, Hannah Blundell, Claire Rafferty, Niamh Fahey, Gilly Flaherty, Katie Chapman (C), Drew Spence, Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Eniola Aluko & Beth England. 
 subs - Becky Spencer, Gemma Davison, Karen Carney, Ji So-Yun, Jade Bailey & Laura Rafferty.

 Manchester City Women starting XI - Karen Bardsley, Lucy Bronze, Demi Stokes, Steph Houghton (C), Abbie McManus, Jill Scott, Jennifer Beattie, Kosovare Asllani, Nikita Parris, Toni Duggan & Jane Ross.
 subs - Marie Hourihan, Megan Campbell, Izzy Christiansen, Daphne Corboz, Georgia Stanway, Zoe Tynan.

 Manchester City to kick off the game wearing sky blue shirts and socks with white shorts. Chelsea lined up opposite wearing blue shirts and shorts with white socks. The ball is with righ back Lucy Bronze, plays it forwards into the right channel with Jill Scott making the run ahead of her, taking the ball on down the line squares the cross in towards the near post area, tracking back centre back Gilly Flaherty gets her head to the ball to send it clear out of the area.

  Getting her foot on the ball in the centre of midfield, Manchester City's Jennifer Beattie plays a great crossfield ball from left out to Lucy Bronze surging forwards on the right taking the ball into her stride 25 yards out cuts inside driving across the face of the Chelsea box unleashes a shot, drilling the ball in towards goal, rolls wide of the near post goal kick.

  A bright start from Manchester City as they attack again Jill Scott getting the better of Millie Bright and going on with the ball right side her cross into the area is a little too strong for Toni Duggan. The players lined up in midfield for both sides suggest it will be a combative contest and the challenges are strong, too strong from Drew Spence on Beattie she picks up an early yellow card. Beattie needs treatment from the physio  but is able to continue.

  Travelling with the ball into the Chelsea box Scott wins her side a corner, taken from the right Swedish International Kosovare Asllani to play the ball in the target is captain Steph Houghton up from the back too long fro her comes to Jane Ross the Scottish International striker passes the ball back to Houghton back on the edge of the area gets her foot over the ball sending the shot in towards goal the ball bounces through to Chelsea goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

Manchester City's Jane Ross

  Manchester City are pressing the ball well as a unit, Chelsea aren't matching them in the opening 15 minutes Bright gets the ball forwards a half chance for Fran Kirby hitting the ball on the half volley sends the shot wide of goal. The midfield contest continues to be heated Asllani and Chelsea captain Katie Chapman square up to one another on the far side. Asllani is out to the left side as Manchester City go forwards winning from Hannah Blundell at right back rolls the ball back to Ross making a move towards the left corner of the area, turning inside goes for goal 20 yards out striking the ball across the goal, looking for the top corner, flies just wide of target.

  Eniola Aluko has had little opportunity to get on the ball for Chelsea, a willing runner always ready to run into the channels right or left, is left side as Chapman winning the tackle in the centre tries to play her in coming round the back of the Manchester City defence into the area, goalkeeper Karen Bardsley rushing out of her goal slides in to get her gloves around the ball before she can get to it.

  On the right for Manchester City Nikita Parris has the ball played into her inside the Chelsea half holds it up will before springing clear of her marker and driving forwards goes on a mazy run down the line before drilling the ball into the box, Flaherty is there to clear it again putting it behind for a corner at the near post. The corner from Asllani is sent long into the area, Bright gets up to head the ball away, Manchester City get it back and play the ball back out to Asllani on the right side sweeps the cross into the area Duggan in a central position gets her head on the ball the effort going over the crossbar. 

Manchester City's Kosovare Asllani battle with Chelsea captain Katie Chapman for the ball

  Beth England and Spence have possession of the ball deep on the right for Chelsea wining the throw the ball is turned inside along the face of the area Bright latches onto the ball firing in a shot the strike going over the bar. Kirby out on the left side sends a cross into the area, England making the run tries to get onto the end of the ball right of goal, can't quite get there. 

Toni Duggan

  Duggan flashes a shot in from the left hitting it on the half volley after getting it from a throw, sent in towards the near post Lindahl makes the save punching the ball away for a corner kick. Asllani looks to play the ball in towards Duggan making a move to the ball near side 10 yards out looks to turn the shot in 1st time puts it well wide of goal. 

Nikita Parris looking to get past, Claire Rafferty

  Has taken Chelsea a while to impose themselves on the game getting stronger as the game reaches the half hour mark, Spence a powerhouse on the ball rides two challenges as she surges forwards, bursting into the box right of goal shoots, Bardsley makes the save. Another chance falls to Spence moments later sends the shot over the bar this time. Up the other end Asllani central 30 yards out look to lift the ball over the top into the Chelsea box with Ross providing the run, Lindahl reading it early is out to the edge of the area rapidly and gets her gloves on the ball first. 

  Throw on the left side for Chelsea inside the Manchester City half, Aluko has the ball at her feet turns inside before switching play back out to the left side with Kirby running into space looking to get onto the end of the ball sent into the area, Abbie McManus comes racing across to slide in on the ball send it away for the corner. Taken on the left the corner is cleared at the near post, Chelsea retrieve and the ball is sent back up into the area Bright gets hold of the ball goes for goal flashes her shot wide from just inside the area. 

  Flaherty isn't happy as she adjudged to have tripped Parris on the right giving away a free kick in a wide position, not sure their was too much contact. Nevertheless Asllani has a chance to play the ball up towards the edge of the box, Chelsea head clear. Penalty call for Manchester City as Asllani picking up the ball on the left side drives into the area Blundell is with her shoulder to shoulder, Asllani ends up on the deck, the referee waves the appeals away was well positioned to have a good view of it. Bright is yellow carded after she fouls Beattie inside the Manchester City half. 

 GOAL! A minute left to play in the 1st half and Manchester City get themselves a goal. From the free kick Manchester City get the ball out to Asllani out on the right cuts back inside and plays a great ball into the box far side with Stokes making the run hits the ball hard and low across the face of goal into the far corner 0-1. 

Demi Stokes scores the opening goal her 1st for Manchester City

   1st half injury time 2 minutes to be played Chelsea have the ball deep on the left, Aluko and Rafferty combine the full back playing the ball into the box, Bright the target, Manchester City defend and bring the ball away as the whistle blows for half-time.

 Half-time Chelsea Ladies 0-1 Manchester City Women

 Manchester City by far the better side 1st half have been well organised and their movement has caused Chelsea some problems have battled well in midfield and got the ball into their attackers taking the lead on the stroke of half-time. Emma Hayes has the harder team talk at half-time but the lead is just a single goal, they are not out of it by any stretch and improved late in the half. No changes at half time as Chelsea kick off the 2nd half.

 Look to play Aluko through the middle straight away, the ball too strong rolls through for Bardsley to gather 1st. A sweeping ball from Beattie in the centre out to Parris on the right side sees the attacker take the ball into the box, good tackle from Rafferty, puts the ball out for a corner on the left.

  GOAL! Manchester City double their lead with just 3 minutes played in the 2nd half, players crowding the six yard box the ball flung in from Asllani goes long to Beattie far side, gets her head on the ball knocking it back in central, comes at Duggan quickly striking her the ball it deflected off her head in towards goal, dropping, Chelsea have bodies there but can't get it away as it goes over the line 0-2.

Jennifer Beattie's header is deflected in for Manchester City's 2nd goal

  Not long after Emma Hayes rings the changes a double substitution on 47 minutes, Bright and England are taken off, Ji So-Yun and Gemma Davison sent on. The substitutes make a mark on the game straight away, Korean International So-Yun putting her foot on the ball 25 yards out central plays the pass into Kirby holding position right corner outside the area, Davison provides an option right going past her Kirby sends the ball on for her then spins to get into the area, Davison fires the cross in along the six yard line is behind Kirby near post side runs through to So-Yun behind her lifts the shot and it smashes against the crossbar. Bouncing down and still in play cleared to the edge of the area the shot comes back in but is straight at Bardsley.

   More lively from Chelsea now, Davison will come to pick up the ball then look to take players on a drive through the centre, touches left and right taking the ball into the box, no room for the shot tries to lay it across the D for Spence making a forwards run, too much weight on the ball. Davison on the ball again gets it out to Aluko on the left, Rafferty is up with her looking to go past on the overlap travel into the box receives the ball fires her shot into the side netting.

   Much better from Chelsea now, and on 60 minutes Manchester City respond by making a chance of their own off comes Asllani who has played really well, on comes Izzy Christiansen returning to the pitch after an injury lay off. Aluko and Rafferty combine on the left side again, the full back flashing a cross along the six yard box no one there to get on the end of it. Good defending from McManus as Chelsea build an attack gives herself a half yard as the ball is played into Kirby in front of her, gives her the room to put in a clean tackle to stop her breaking clear on goal.

   A 3rd change for Chelsea as they replace Spence with Karen Carney in the middle. Stokes taking the ball on up the left plays it forwards into Parris ahead of her she cuts inside and looks to try and curl a shot into the top corner, doesn't get the bend to trouble Lindahl the shot comes straight into her midriff. Chelsea are having more of the ball s they look for a goal to get themselves back into the match however Manchester City continue to be well organised and are defending well. 

  Nearly a costly mistake at the back for Chelsea the back pass played back to Lindahl the keeper puts it straight into Parris on the edge of the box, surging forwards, right of goal looks to shoot the goalkeeper, reacting smartly comes to close her down going to ground gets her body in the way to block and save the ball out for a corner kick. Parris rises in the box to get onto the end of the delivery from the corner, heading the ball into the bodies in front of her the ball is launched clear.

  Aluko bursting into space on the right cuts the ball back into the area from the byline, Chapman can't get to it falls to Davison behind her goes for goal her shot takes a deflection as it goes wide a corner given. The set-piece sent in low cleared at the near post as the game enters the last quarter hour. 2nd change for Manchester City with Daphne Corboz coming on for Duggan.

  So-Yun plays the ball forwards for Kirby left side as she runs into the box, plays the ball back to the Korean who tries to find and opening moving across the front of the box left to right no way through cuts it back left playing Carney in sends her shot across the face of goal, won't curl back in in time but is very close as it goes out of play around the post. 

Katie Chapman rises with Jill Scott to win the ball

  Corboz is allowed to travel with the ball pushing forwards as she comes inside from the right, closing in on the area Parris is supplying a run from the left wanting the ball put through into the box Corboz delivers sending Parris clear lifts her shot over the advancing Lindahl and turns to celebrate as the ball drops into the back of the net only to see the linesman holding his flag aloft. 

  Beattie tracking back arrives in her own six yard box to head the ball away as Davison cuts a cross in from the byline on the right. Kirby and So-Yun play the ball to one another central as they try to work their way into the Manchester City area, the Korean running into traffic is crowded off the ball. Free kick for Manchester City inside the Chelsea half, Christiansen to play the ball long to the far post, Chapman and Houghton go up together the latter is left on the ground injured, needs treatment continue. Final change for Manchester City with Ross coming off, Georgia Stanway coming on with the 4th official indicating 4 minutes of added on time to be played. 

   Bronze finds the energy late on to get forwards and steal the ball from Aluko goes on looking to get into the box and cross, Aluko recovers quickly and gets back on the defender to put on the block and concede the corner.

  Into the closing moments of the game Aluko getting up the other end with the ball wins a corner on the left, Davison plays the ball into the area looking for Chapman can't turn her attempted header goalwards is pushed out wide right with Carney giving chase to the ball getting hold of it shifts it to her right to give herself room to pick out a cross, the target Chapman again central a better header this time leaping and knocking the ball down on target, Bardsley with her trade mark full stretch dive gets two big hands around the ball and saves keeping Manchester City's goal conceded column at zero as the final whistle blows and they make it 6 wins out of 6 to open up a formidable 6 point lead at the top of the FAWSL 1 table.

  Look in good shape, a disciplined, organised team performance out played Chelsea especially 1st half with a more combative line up which didn't disrupt their game plan as it was intended to. Chelsea have a range of options on the bench and using them were much better 2nd half came very close to pulling at least one goal back but wasn't their day today.

Match Report - Watford Ladies v London Bees

  Monday night football at Vicarage Road as Watford Ladies host London Bees in the league in FAWSL 2.

  Two sides that experienced a difficult 2nd season competing in FAWSL 2 both have seen much change over the close season and will hope to have a better campaign this time around. 

  A total change behind the scenes at Watford Ladies after a torrid campaign last season finishing bottom of the league picking up just a single league win, 5 points in total, player departures with John Salomon 1st team manager and the clubs General Manager stepping down from both positions at the end of the season. Were late to appoint successors to both roles, Ellie Kemp coming in to take on the General Mangers position whilst Kate Rowson is the new head coach. Have seen several player departures over the close season, the club has always had a strong youth set-up and have recruited new players, Natalie Richardson in from QPR Ladies, Sahara Osborne-Ricketts and Katie Stanley both from Oxford United Women and have recently signed Anne-Laure Davy and Italian Giulia Ferrandi.

  A difficult season last time out for London Bees too, although improved on the season before where they finished bottom, saw a slight improvement finishing 8th above Millwall Lionesses and Watford Ladies, like both were searching for a new manager over the close season their 3rd in as many seasons like Watford Ladies left it late making the announcement but have brought in a coach with FAWSL experience with Bristol Academy Women aswell as the W-League in Australia, Dave Edmondson. Have again see a high player turn over in the close season have brought several new faces in late too, QPR Ladies again losing players wanting to step up to the FAWSL, strikers Jo Wilson and Emma Whitter aswell as Sophie Forgarty. Ex Bristol players, Nikki Watts and Evdokia Popadinova who both played under Edmondson join and have a new signing themselves Deanna Cooper joining from FAWPL Southern Division Champions Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.

  Watford Ladies starting XI - Sophie Cheadle, Phoebe Read, Amber Tullett, Jordan Littleboy, Anneka Nuttall (C), Sahara Osborne-Ricketts, Stacey Donnelly, Giulia Ferrandi, Anne-Laure Davy, Kim Farrow & Ellie Mason.
  subs - Lucy Gillett, Victoria Wotton, Charlotte Kerr, Natalie Richardson, Chontele Lawrence, Katie Stanley & Chloe Gunn.

  London Bees starting XI - Imogen Riches, Aoife Hurley, Sydney Hinchcliffe, Deanna Cooper, Sophie Forgarty, Nikki Watts, Ashleigh Goddard (C), Emma Beckett, Paula Howells Evdokia Popadinova & Jo Wilson.
  subs - Sophie Harris, Rebecca Anderson, Danielle Scanlon, Emma Slater & Merrick Will.

  It's Watford to kick off the 1st half, wearing yellow shirts white black striping across the front and shoulders, back shorts and socks with a yellow vertical stripe down the sides, with London Bees lined up opposite wearing orange shirts, white shorts and socks. The visitors press the ball early on Watford force them to launch the ball long up to the London Bees  area, centre back Sydney Hinchcliffe gets a firm header on the ball to send it clear of danger.

   Watford get hold of the ball enjoy a spell of possession in and around the London Bees area comes to Kim Farrow on the right, fires a cross into the area running across the penalty area and out the far side. A free kick is awarded inside the London Bees half in front of the centre circle played long into the box by captain Anneka Nuttall is claimed by London Bees keeper Imogen Riches with Watford having runners looking to get onto the end of the dropping ball. 

  A quick fire counter attack by London Bees the ball from midfield by Emma Beckett swept out to Paula Howells wide on the left, running on with the ball her cross swept into the Watford area dissects attackers Jo Wilson and Evdokia Popadinova. Watford bring it out playing it into new signing Giulia Ferrandi, battles her way forwards regaining the ball from an attempted challenge eventually ends up screwing her cross behind on the left side. 

   Both sides are intent on moving the ball quickly using the width of the pitch with the centre backs prepared to carry the ball out from the back, Howells is ready to go on the left flank again, is tackled by Nuttall as she looks to turn in behind. Wilson gets onto the ball 25 yards out takes on the shot her effort rising over the crossbar. Wilson is  lively pressuring the Watford defence inside their ow box forces an error getting a corner kick. Swept in from the right side, Watford goalkeeper, Sophie Cheadle gets up in the middle of her six yard box to punch the ball away out to the left London Bees retrieve and send the ball back into the area Sahara Osborne-Ricketts gets her head on the ball the clearance falls to Wilson looks to head the ball back in towards goal, drops down onto he crossbar and over.

Jo Wilson on the ball for London Bees looks to line up a shot

  Deanna Cooper carries the ball forwards from the back for London Bees into midfield produces a great crossfield ball to pick out Howells on the left attacking once again in behind fires the shot in towards goal from an acute angle sends the ball narrowly over the crossbar 10 minutes played.

  GOAL! London Bees have been building up a head of steam, Popadinova picking up the ball in the middle dribbles it forwards, Howells is on the move again on the left, the ball played long out to her is perfectly weighted allowing her to run on make a move to get into the box from the wide position drills the cross in towards the near post, Wilson has come that side and opening up her body turns her shot across Cheadle and into the back of the net 1-1. 

   London Bees have Watford stretched with Howells left and Popadinova looking to peel right, Wilson in the centre it's the surging runs in the middle that are proving difficult for Watford to deal with, Beckett and Nikki Watts along with captain Ashleigh Goddard all taking it in turn to travel with the ball. Anne-Laure Davy hasn't seen much of the ball in the opening quarter of an hour for Watford, gets the ball from a throw on the left turns inside and closing in on the edge of the London Bees box gets a shot away a low strike that rolls wide of goal. A free kick for Watford a little closer to goal this time 30 yards out Nuttall goes to lift it into the area again, Riches does well to claim not getting distracted by the runners closing her down.

  GOAL! London Bees double their lead on 20 minutes Wilson capitalising on some Watford hesitancy at the back robbing the ball off the defence 20 plus yards to the left of the area charges forwards with it into the area, Cheadle has to come racing out towards her, Wilson releases her shot early the ball flying over the keeper and into the goal beyond  to make it 2-0.

   GOAL! Two minutes later and London Bees have a 3rd goal, Aoife Hurley carries the ball up the pitch from right back has Popadinova in support the two linking up move the ball into the final 3rd the pass is rolled into Wilson edge of the area right side, holds it up, Goddard is on the move from a central position, Wilson plays the ball back to her meeting it on the run gets plenty of pace behind the shot smashing it in towards goal flies pass Cheadle throwing herself to her left and scores 3-0.

  GOAL! Is a purple patch for London Bees they are rampant getting hold of the ball and going on the attack again make it 4, Wilson running away from goal as she complete a 1st half hat-trick her 1st for London Bees. The attack starts with Popadinova central bringing the ball on in the midfield, Howells available for the pass wide left goes after it in behind sends the cross into the six yard box over the players drawn towards the ball near post Wilson has hung back meeting the ball on the volley turns it home then wheels away in celebration her team-mates catching her up as they score 3 in 5 minutes to take full control of the game.

A 1st half hat-trick for Jo Wilson  

  Osborne-Ricketts brings the ball forwards for Watford the defender playing it forwards into Ferrandi ahead of her takes on the strike from a close to 30 yards out sends the ball wide. Another run with the ball from a player at the back Phoebe Read covers alot of grass taking players on through the middle has an option to the left Ellie Mason is free with space ahead of her, Read hesitates just a fraction to long before releasing the ball, Beckett and Goddard closing her down winning the ball back.

Sahara Osborne-Ricketts bringing the ball forwards for Watford Ladies

    Cheadle makes a fantastic save to deny London Bees going further ahead as Watts takes the ball forwards moving right with Popadinova ahead of her into the box closing down on the six yard box stands the cross up towards the far post with Howells arriving unmarked looks to connect with her head send the ball down towards goal, Cheadle diving to her right gets her gloves on the ball pushes it wide then scrambling up lays claim to the ball.

     Howells receives the ball wide left takes on the defence the ball blocked runs in behind, Howells goes after it does well to screw a cross back in towards the middle of the Watford area, Popadinova first to it stabs a shot over the bar, took a knick on the way through corner awarded. Put in from the right side Osborne-Ricketts gets it clear, Beckett regains possession goes for goal 25 yards out places the ball straight at Cheadle.

  Davy gets her foot on the ball wide left for Watford has Amber Tullett looking to get up with her on that side, between them they get the ball inside to Ferrandi left on the edge of the area looks to curl a shot in towards the top corner drifts wide of goal. Watford's Nuttall has a strike from distance a good way out central the ball is hit wide of target. 

Watford's, Jordan Littleboy

  Good build up play late in the 1st half from Watford, Nuttall an attack minded player by nature bringing the ball forwards from the back, puts it forwards for Jordan Littleboy who spreads the play out to Farrow on the right side close to the edge of the London Bees box has Read charging up that side on the overlap between them the ball is played back in central to Littleboy who takes on the shot from 25 yards out drifts wide of goal. One last chance for Wilson and London Bees late in the half as Popadinova puts the cross in from the right, Wilson meets it six yards out the ball whipping past the diving Cheadle strikes the post and the rebound drops favourably for the goalkeeper to pounce on.

Half-time Watford Ladies 0-4 London Bees

  A powerful 1st half display from London Bees, scoring 4 goals, Jo Wilson hitting a hat-trick have looked ruthless on the ball going forwards leaving Watford shell-shocked their long range passing getting joy with players providing an outlet for the ball that has stretched Watford across the Vicarage Road pitch. 

   A change for Watford at the start of the 2nd half with London Bees kicking it off, Katie Stanley taking up a position wide right with Kim Farrow off. Obvious from the start that Watford's instructions are to close the ball down quicker especially in midfield. Pushing forwards Stacie Donnelly plays the ball into Ferrandi drifting to the right in front of the area looks to turn inside take on the strike Cooper gets in the way making the block deflects behind for a corner kick. The ball is sent in towards Nuttall standing back on the 18 yard line turns the shot goalwards, left back Sophie Fogarty heads clear covering the post for London Bees, back out wide Watford lift the ball back into the mix inside the box Osborne-Ricketts meeting the ball volleys over from inside the six yard box.

Giulia Ferrandi looks to get on the ball with London Bees
captain Ashleigh Goddard in pursuit.

   With a 4-0 lead London Bees don't need so much urgency in their play, Fogarty brings the ball ball up the left looks to send Wilson drifting out into the left channel on into the box, Nuttall reads the pass intercepts the ball. Good close ball control shown by both sides the Vicarage Road pitch a great playing surface. 

   Howells is enjoying herself out on the left side for London Bees getting in behind stands the ball up in towards the Watford goal dropping, Cheadle stretching knocks the ball up and away from her goal rolling on Watford get it clear. Referee Lou Saunders looks to play an advantage as Cooper drives forwards with the ball into the Watford half tripped by Nuttall when no advantage is forthcoming the play is brought back for the free kick to be take close to 30 yards out central Watts over the ball goes for goal puts it straight at Cheadle who claims the ball.

   A 2nd change for Watford as Charlotte Kerr comes on for Ferrandi on the 60 minute mark. Popadinova attacking right has Wilson ahead of her looking to get into the area is played in right side, opts for the cross instead of shot ten yards out standing the ball up for Howells coming in at the far post, marked closely by Read the fullback defends well knocking the ball out of the area, Beckett reacts quickest latching onto the ball outside the box fires the low strike back in, Nuttall in the way central blocks it. 

   London Bees hit Watford on the counter attack the ball brought out from the back on the left by Popadinova has Wilson moving out to the left side again ready to receive the ball is played in behind into the box closing in on the Watford goal looks to lift the ball over Cheadle, the keeper does well to snatch the all down out of the air and hold it. Change for London Bees, Rebecca Anderson coming on for Hinchcliffe the change sees Beckett drop into the defence. 

   Tullett brings the ball on up the left side for Watford, plays it inside to Mason then goes on the overlap, Mason rolling the ball on for her lifts the cross into the London Bees box, Kerr leaps trying to connect with the ball just evades her six yards out. Read has been kept busy in defence up against Howells all game but has stuck to her task shields the ball well inside her box as Watts looks to play Howells into the area, getting in front of her, allows Cheadle to come and slide in to claim the ball.

Watford Ladies, Amber Tullett with London Bees Evdokia Popadinova

  Read is called into action soon after as Cheadle comes racing out of her area to kick the ball away, missing it, Popadinova is after it left side, Read gets back on her forcing her to the byline then winning the goal kick. Natalie Richardson comes on for Watford as the game reaches the 80th minute mark Davy coming off. Kerr gets hold of the ball in the centre pushing forwards goes for the strike plenty of power behind the ball but not accuracy as it flies wide.

  London Bees make a 2nd change with Goddard coming off to be replaced by Merrick Will a young player I saw in action in Norfolk right when I began the Supporting Women's Football Blog playing for Gorleston it's good to see a her progression from county level to FAWSL an attacker that day comes on and goes into the right back position as London Bees are forced into another change Aoife Hurley hurt in a challenge on the far side of the pitch can't continue after lengthy treatment, Danielle Scanlon comes on to take a central midfield role.

   The game moves into injury time, several minutes left yet due to the Hurley's injury. A great run from Richardson for Watford taking the ball diagonally from left to right across the front of the London Bees area, cuts the ball back into the area, Beckett throws a leg out deflecting it away. Late chances fall Watford's way Mason volleying wide from outside the area. Has another shot moments later 25 yards out gets over the shot sending it in low Riches dives to her left and claims the ball. London Bees counter attack Howells winning a corner on the left the initial ball in is headed clear dropping outside the area Cooper senses a chance running onto the ball smashes a shot over the crossbar.

London Bees, Deanna Cooper

  GOAL! Deep into injury time and London Bees get themselves a 5th goal. Will travels with the ball up the right side covering plenty of ground before squaring it inside for Scanlon central 25 yards out, under challenge holds onto the ball sending it out for Howells breaking free into space wide left takes the ball on into the area lashing a fierce shot over Cheadle and into the back of the net 5-0.

  The final action of the match as London Bees seal a comfortable 5-0 victory over their London rivals with a dominant display of attacking football their 2nd win of the season lifts them up to 6th in the table. Watford Ladies remain at the foot of the table still looking for their 1st league win. A good crowd of 618 at Vicarage Road tonight.