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News and Match Reports
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Arlesey Town v Sawbridgeworth Town 2 - 1
Probably the furthest away game I would like to make the team play with just over the hour travelling time from Sawbridgeworth meant that quite a few of the team had to finish work early or travel on their own to the pitch probably driving at the limit to get there on time. Having beaten Arlesey just a week or so ago it seemed strange that once again we were to battle them again in the league so soon.
The home side settled quickest and on 8 minutes Sarah Tayler managed to elude her marker and unleashed a shot from the edge of the box which was going goal ward until Debbie Williams produced a superb diving save and pushed the ball around the post for a corner. 15 minutes gone and the referee saw a foul that no one else did and awarded the free kick to Arlesey inside their own penalty box. The ball was dispatched long and after the ball had bounced it fell to Kim Clark who managed to slot the ball past Williams for the opening goal. The rest of the half became a midfield battle as both side looked for the next goal. It was not until the 44th minute that the goal came and it was the equaliser as Sawbo won a corner on the right Jackie Stott drove the ball into the box, Arlesey headed the ball clear but straight back to Stott who instantly put the ball back into the box. Vicky Silvester rose and glanced the ball towards goal and Emma Yarrien was on hand two yards out to put the ball in the back of the unguarded net.
The second half was much the same as the first with both side giving their all to get on top. First one way then the other at a frantic pace. With some 20 minutes of the half gone Arlesey got a player yellow carded for persistent infringements but it did not stop the contest. 75 minutes gone and Arlesey won two corners. From the second the ball was floated into the box and Jackie O'Keefe was on hand to head the ball home unmarked for Arlesey to get their noses in front again. Try as they might Sawbo were unable to get the goal back as desperate defending by Arlesey and also some wayward finishing by Sawbo saw the game end with a win for Arlesey. Sawbo players battled throughout and deserved at least a draw for their efforts but in the end it was down to three substitute players refreshing the Arlesey team at the right time whereas Sawbo travelled with just the bare 11 after work commitments prevented three players from being able to play at the last moment.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, K.Crump, J.Day, E.Yarrien, V.Silvester, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, H.Fraser
Sawbridgeworth Town v Billericay Town 2 - 1
With Billericay chasing a runners up spot in the division and having shown some good form prior to the visit to Crofters, Sawbo knew they were going to be up against it in this game. A stroke of luck just before the players met up as with the Sawbo Reserve game being called off because FC Clacton could not field a side meant that three Reserve player came onto the bench to give the home side a rare opportunity to have cover available if needed. An indifferent day with dark clouds at first but brightening up as the game went on was to greet the players as they entered the pitch.
A frantic start by both sets of players as each set looked for that early control. In these early exchanges it was noted that both sides wanted the game and no quarter was being given in the tackles as both sets of players went for the ball with conviction. 9 minutes in and Hannah Fraser was played in and she shot from inside the area but the keeper collected the ball at the near post. Sawbo were warming to the challenge as it seemed that Billericay were not quite up for the physical challenge before them and perhaps their pre match thought was that the game would be an easier game than they were getting because of the recent Sawbo results. 24 minutes gone and Beckie Gagg won the ball down the left and played in Carlye Stein who tried to lob the keeper from the edge of the box. With the keeper running backwards she managed to just get her hands to the ball as it was heading for the top corner and pushed it around the post for a corner. Jackie Stott took the resultant corner and the ball found Fraser on the far post who headed Sawbo in front for a well deserved lead. Billericay rallied and started to be more determined in the middle of the park but again the Sawbo defence stood firm and won the ball and again Sawbo were on the front foot again. just before the half time whistle on 44 minutes Sawbo won a free kick just to the right of centre about mid way into the Billericay half. Stott took the free kick and drove the ball towards the far post where Gagg rose above the crowd of players and headed the ball into the goal for Sawbo' second.
The second half started as the first finished with Sawbo taking the game to Billericay and 2 minutes into the half Stott was found on the Sawbo left and as she beat her marker she crossed the ball into the box where Judith Duffin had made a superb run into the space on the far side and she connected with the ball and volleyed towards goal beating the keeper but from nowhere a Billericay defender appeared and was able to head the ball off the goal line. 57 minutes gone and from the side line it looked as if Billericay got a soft decision in getting a free kick in the middle of the park just inside the Sawbo half. Sawbo's defensive line was up and square and for the first time in the game from the kick Billericay managed to lob the ball over the Sawbo defence and run through the wall and then chip Williams for their first goal on the hour mark. Sawbo continued to play as a solid unit and Billericay found it difficult to penetrate and for the rest of the half both teams looked for the next goal. Just before the final whistle Sawbo attacked down the right and the ball was crossed into the edge of the box where Stott won the ball but her left foot shot just missed the target as it slid past the post on 89 minutes. The final whistle saw a jubilant Sawbo team walk off the pitch with a broad smile as today they richly deserved the three points they had won.
Squad from: D.Williams, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, xox, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, B.Gagg, J.Stott, H.Fraser. Subs used: J.Gregory (Duffin), C.Poulton (Gagg) Sub not used: V.Silvester
Hoddesdon Owls v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 0
Sawbridgeworth travelled the short distance to Hertford to play the first of three night matches before the end of the season. Having beaten Hoddesdon earlier in the season and with their recent results the thought of three points to be gained was certainly in the mind before kick off. But with Hoddesdon fighting to stay in the division their determination was to prove to be a hurdle too far.
The game started in earnest with Hoddesdon applying most of the pressure which on 6 minutes saw a cross from their right was not picked up by Sawbo and the ball fell to a Hoddesdon striker who shot for goal from the edge of the box. Debbie Williams was ideally placed to collect the ball just inside the near post. 14 minutes and it was Sawbo's turn to apply pressure when Jackie Stott released Carlye Stein down the left and she got to the bye line and crossed into the six yard box where Hannah Fraser was inches away from converting as she slid in to make contact. 21 minutes and Hoddesdon up till now were the better side, they were quicker to the ball and seemed to have a fire in their belly and as they won the ball in the centre of the park the Owls forward shot with venom at goal and but for a superb diving save by Williams where she got both hands to the ball they could well have gone one goal up. 24 minutes and a similar situation when the ball was not won i9n the centre of the park. Hoddesdon won the ball and played it forward to Kristina O'Connell who although was quite well marked managed to get a shot off from just outside the box and with Williams diving upwards and backwards could only get fingertips to the ball as it squirmed under the cross bar for the opening goal. The goal really spurred Hoddesdon on and for the next 10 minutes were chasing everything as they went to extend their lead. Sawbo started to rally slightly just before the break and for the last 5 minutes started to pressure the Hoddesdon back line.
The second period saw a better performance from Sawbo as they got their game together and started to play the ball around but every effort to get the goal back failed at the last pass. Fraser was a continual nuisance to the Owls back line as she attacked with pace but time and again she found herself alone up front and was not able to capitalize on the situation. Several attempts at goal did not really test the Owls keeper and Hoddesdon held on for what for them was a life saving win.
Squad From: D.Williams, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, C.Stein, A.Anstey, J.Stott, J.Duffin, H.Fraser,, B.Gagg. Subs used: J.Gregory (Duffin), V.Silvester (Clifford)
Sawbridgeworth Town v Arlesey Town 2 - 1
The day started in bright sunshine but as kickoff approached the heavens opened and we were subjected to a downpour of rain. At least it settled the dust and sand which had been used during the previous week to get the pitch playable after the previous weekends snow fall. With Debbie Williams back in goal the Sawbo line up although down to a bare eleven certainly looked more solid than of late.
Sawbo taking their usual starting position of kicking up the slope were almost rocked back on their heels as Arlesey set about some very early pressure that saw two attempts on goal from Arlesey's Sarah Tayler which went wide of their target after being hit with power from the edge of the box and this was in the first three minutes. Sawbo came straight back into the game and as they pushed on to the 10 minute mark Jackie Stott was upended about 30 yards from goal just to the right of centre. Stott picked herself up and took the resultant free king and drove the ball towards the far post where Beckie Gagg and Hannah Fraser were inches from converting. With the game being played end to end it was Arlesey's turn to put the Sawbo defence under pressure and on fifteen minutes the ball failed to get cleared from the Sawbo box and it fell to Sarah Tayler who drove the ball just past Williams hand as she dived to her right. With this advantage Arlesey seemed to sit back and this gave Sawbo the impetus to push on and take control of the game. Although the middle of the park saw a lot of football Sawbo were coming out on top of the exchanges. As the half was coming to a close Carlye Stein attacked down Sawbo's left and she unleashed a shot that bounced just in front of Amie Fage in the Arlesey goal but she managed to get her hands to the ball and bring it into her body.
Sawbo came out for the second half in a very determined mood and it was going to be just a matter of time before a goal was scored to bring the scores level. Three minutes in and the marauding Jackie Stott drove into the right of the box and was unceremoniously upended and Sawbo were awarded a penalty. Stott placed the ball on the spot took a few steps back and then drove the ball into the top right corner of the goal with Fage well beaten. Sawbo now sensed a possible victory and mounted more and more attacks. Only a slightly poor set of finishing stopped Sawbo from scoring again and again but the winning goal came from extreme pressure that Sawbo had been building over a ten minute spell half way through the half. A corner from the right by opposition player of the match Ann Anstey was dispatched into the six yard box and it seemed that Fage had got control of the ball, but as she tried to bring the ball close to her chest she spilled the ball and Sawbo's selected player of the match Hannah Fraser was there to strike the ball home from 4 yards with some 12 minutes left to play. Arlesey tried to raise their game but all too often the ball was being given to Tayler who had been superbly marshalled by Jackie Day and Kerry Crump who had picked up the marking job directly after she had scored the opening goal. The final whistle saw a delighted manager and team walk off the park after an extremely well deserved victory. On Thursday night the Sawbo team travel to Hertford Town FC to play Hoddesdon Owls with an 8.00pm KO
Squad from: D.Williams, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, C.Stein, A.Anstey, J.Stott, J.Duffin, H.Fraser, B.Gagg.
League Plate Semi-Final Kings Sports v Sawbridgeworth Town 2 - 1
Semi-Final day and it was a beautiful day with snow on the ground but after a few frantic phone calls it was declared that our pitch at Eynesbury FC was fit to go and we travelled there with a expectancy of getting into another Plate Final. Having been Plate Finalists for the past three seasons a fourth visit was already being looked forward to.
The game started and before Sawbo had even settled into the run of the game they found themselves a goal down after a speculative long ball from Kings defence found Holly Flynn who had beaten the Sawbo back line to the ball and with the advancing Amy Piper in goal went around her and slotted the ball into the empty net after just 1 minute 45 seconds. Sawbo were not deterred by this set back as they then quickly set about trying to get a goal back and into the game. More and more pressure was being put onto the Kings back line and several corners were won because of this but Sawbo failed to convert as the Kings keeper was not picked up and she had almost an open area in front of her to gather the ball and set an attack into play. A slight break in the Sawbo pressure saw a Kings attack get into the Sawbo box and Piper found herself under pressure. A coming together of Piper and a Kings forward saw a resultant push by Piper on the Kings player earn Kings a penalty. Looking to extend their lead the penalty was dispatched too close to Piper who managed to get her left foot to the ball and kick it away to safety on 25 minutes.
The second half saw a determined Sawbo side enter the field of play and it seemed that Piper was almost a bystander as Sawbo looked for the equalizer. The introduction of Judith Duffin gave Sawbo a bit more pace into the midfield as Beckie Gagg had to be replaced as she was suffering with cramp. Carlye Stein was also replace so as to strengthen the midfield. With the game entering the last 5 minutes or normal play and attack down Sawbo's right saw Hannah Fraser cross the ball into the path of Duffin who slotted the ball home from 12 yards for a well deserved equalizer. With the game going into added time Sawbo had to defend and in doing so gave away a corner with the clock on 93 minutes. Kings corner found Flynn 6 yards from goal as she rose above the Sawbo defence and headed a superb goal into the top corner. With enough time left to take the restart but nothing else Sawbo had to relinquish their hold on their League Plate for another year.
Squad from: A.Piper, N.Clifford, K.Crump, J.Day, E.Yarrien, B.Gagg, A.Anstey, J.Stott, H.Fraser, C.Stein, J.Gregory. Subs used: xox, J.Duffin. Subs Not used: G.Fisher, V.Silvester
30-03-08 Our Plate semi is now to be played next week at a different venue to today. We will be (awaiting final confirmation) be playing at Eynesbury Rovers FC which is where the other semi-final was played today which saw Brentwood Town beat AFC Kempston Rovers 3-1. So at least we know that should we win our semi we will be pitched against Brentwood Town in the final. Our game that was to be played next Sunday in the league against Stevenage Borough I have agreed to hopefully be played under lights at Sawbo on Wednesday 9th April but I need to confirm this with the club first before it is set in stone. This game will have a 7.30pm KO. Unfortunately after checking it seems that the men's reserves have a game that day so we have to look at other alternatives. You will all be kept informed.
29-03-08 Well are you getting fed up with this incessant weather, well I am. Our Plate Semi-Final was called off at midday on Friday which to most observers was a tad early. So it means we have to play the game next week instead of our league game against Stevenage Borough. Stevenage have run out of available Sundays to play their remaining games so it looks as if we could be adding yet another night game to our current set of two. As soon as any information is known about this I will let you all know. With regard to our Plate Semi-final I am told that it could be at another venue, again once I am told I will let you all know. With Sawbo also called off because of waterlogged pitch the intended Shield semi between Brantham Athletic and Cambridge Rangers has also been put off till next weekend. I think our fixtures will still be playing till the end of May. I have updated the first team fixture page to show the new dates and line up for the rest of the season. Lets hope the weather allows us to keep to it. The reserves fixture page has also been updated to show the remaining two games dates. The Witham game was awarded to Witham.
23-03-08 For the second week running our games have been postponed because of the weather. With the first team involved in a League Plate Semi-Final next weekend it looks as if we will have to go into the game a little green because of the lack of games. The same applies to Kings Sports as well so both clubs will be playing after a two week enforced break. With Monday's training also cancelled because of the bank holiday we will have to get to grips on Wednesday when hopefully there is a full turn out to make selection a head ache for me before the semi-finals. So lets hope you all read this and we do in fact get a full turn out. See you ALL on Wednesday
Sawbridgeworth Town v Brentwood Town 0 - 2
Sawbo got back to playing action this week with a league match against fairly local rivals Brentwood Town. For the first time in weeks Sawbo were able to put out an almost first 11 with Debbie Williams back in goal giving back the stability that the back line has been missing in recent weeks. A mixture of weather greeted the players who were about to be subjected to rain, sleet, sun shine and wind during the next 90 minutes.
Early exchanges saw both sides contesting a congested midfield. Both teams pushed for the first opening although Brentwood were the more decisive as their recent positive playing record gave them the confidence to push into areas whereas Sawbo recent run of three losses has dented the confidence and it showed in their early work but gradually Sawbo began to lift and Brentwood were having to defend and but for a little luck Sawbo could have created the opening they strived for. 18 minutes gone and the ball was played out to Brentwood's left. As the Brentwood player advanced onto the corner of the penalty box she fired the ball goal ward Williams diving full stretch managed to get her hand to the ball but was unable to divert it away from goal so Brentwood had got the advantage. 25 minutes gone and it looked as if Sawbo might equalise when Ann Anstey won the ball some 30 yards form goal. Anstey drove forward and unleashed a shot from just outside the box and as it bounced in front of the Brentwood keeper it took a wicked break to the keepers right but her actions were sharp enough to just hold the ball. 30 minutes into the game and Sawbo were putting more and more pressure on the visitors back line and from a throw in won on the Sawbo right the ball went to Jackie Stott who crossed the ball into the six yard box where Hannah Fraser was inches away from converting at the far post. Minutes later Judith Duffin advanced down the right and beating her defensive marker she hit the byline and crossed into the six yard box with Fraser who was being marked very tight managed to get contact but it flew inches past the post for a goal kick. As the half was coming to a close the heavens opened and the players were subjected to a 10 minute onslaught of hail and sleet.
Sawbo were straight out of the blocks for the second half and on 48 minutes Stott won the ball` from a poor Brentwood goal kick and her instant return lob just went over the cross bar with the keeper in no mans land. Brentwood sparked back into life and again it became a midfield battle but again it was the visitors who were having a better throw of the dice in front of goal but Williams was in inspired form pushing another shot onto the upright and saving at the second attempt when another shot just bounced away from her. 70 minutes and Brentwood won a corner of which they several during the game but for this one their striker found space central and as the corner came in was left unmarked and she calmly headed the second for Brentwood. The last twenty minutes saw Sawbo pushing for a goal but the final shot with power was missing. This second period was a better 45 minutes for the home side where they had more of the possession in the middle third but were unable to push into the final third and put the visiting keeper under pressure. Overall a promising performance that was good to see the squad almost at the point we need to be at this time of the season.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, B.Gagg, J.Stott, H.Fraser
02-03-08 Our scheduled match against AFC Kempston Rovers that was to be played today was postponed because of the intended referee not being available for the Sunday afternoon kick off. Some 30 referees from Hertfordshire and Essex were contacted but there were none available. After contact with Kempston it was decided that as they were only coming with a bare 11 they would not be able to share the refereeing it was decided to ask the league for a postponement and for the game to be re-played on 23rd March 2008.
Chelmsford City v Sawbridgeworth Town 6 - 0
Currently sitting top of Division One South Chelmsford City were always going to be a stiff test for Sawbo as the past few weeks have seen a mid season blip in performances with consistency the main reason for the poor results along with player availability. Sawbo travelled with 12 players which on the start of the day was 13 but a late call off due to another injury to hit the side meant a last minute reshuffle once we got to the venue.
For the first time in several weeks Sawbo started brightly and matched and in some cases bettered their opponents which had the home side back on their heels. Several ventures into the Chelmsford defensive third had the home side a little jittery but again the final shot was not decisive enough for the visitors to put their noses in front. 22 minutes gone and the whole shape of the game changed with an extremely poor decision by the referee to award a penalty to Chelmsford City. The city striker and Sawbo's central defender Kerry Crump were running shoulder to shoulder for the ball as it raced towards the Sawbo penalty area. With the Chelmsford player leaning into Crump she began to fall to her right and both players started to fall to the ground and on the way down Crump was able to get her foot to the ball and guide it away from goal. The referee saw this as a tackle from behind which to most of the spectators watching was an extremely dubious decision which granted the home side an opportunity to settle their nerves and get the opening goal. The pen was duly dispatched into the back of the net and Chelmsford at this point were 1 up against the run of play. With the pen decision still in the forefront of their minds Sawbo were now slower to the ball and as a result gave away a free kick, the ball was played into the Sawbo box and it caught the Sawbo players a little flat footed which allowed the Chelmsford striker the space to move forward and head their second on 34 minutes. Sawbo rallied after this goal and began to play some decent football which resulted in Jackie Stott chipping the City keeper from just inside the penalty box. The ball hung and then dropped but onto the cross bar rather than in the net for what would have been a just result for the effort. on 40 minutes.
Sawbo again started the stronger of the two sides and on 48 minutes Stott again had a chance but put her shot high and wide of the target on 48 minutes. Ten minutes later the ball was in the back of the net again as Chelmsford were pulling the centre pairing of Jacqueline Day and Crump apart at ease and then getting their midfield to push through the gap created and as a result of this they scored their third as a through ball found their forward who easily slotted the ball past stand in keeper Vicky Silvester (reserve team centre back). City got their fourth a minute later when they attacked down Sawbo's left. Beating Gaynor Fisher for pace the City winger crossed into the box for their forward to slot home from 8 yards. A catalogue of defensive errors allowed City their fifth goal when the ball failed to get cleared from the six yard box. The ball bounced about and finally was stabbed home form 3 yards. City's final goal was scored from the edge of the box, a shot came in which Silvester seemed to have easily covered but a wicked deflection took the ball to her left. Diving full stretch she managed to get her hand to the ball but was unable to divert the ball away from goal and it ended up in the net.
All in all a disappointing result but in many ways a stepping stone towards the right end. Sawbo played well in patches but still with several 1st team players unavailable the squad looks to be growing and as the missing players return the squad should show its strength once again.
Squad: V.Silvester, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, G.Fisher, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, B.Gagg, J.Stott, J.Gregory Sub Used: E.Yarrien (K.Crump)
Brentwood Town v Sawbridgeworth Town 3 - 1
Once again, Sawbridgeworth Town were forced to travel with just a bare 11 players and unfortunately it was for a game against second placed Brentwood Town. Injuries, Illness, holidays, and working took its toll so the starting line up had two players playing with slight thigh strains, one player with a chest infection, one player with the after effects of being up all the previous night with a sickness bug and added to that no recognized goalkeeper. So not the starting line up one would like to have but at least it was a full side that battled hard and gave everything it had on the day.
Sawbo decided to play with the sun at their backs for the first half, but Brentwood drove into the sun well from the first whistle and put immediate pressure on the Sawbo back line. Sawbo had been forced to play central midfielder Ann Anstey in goal and she was tested when a cross came in from the right wing. Anstey was able to get hands to the ball but was not able to hold onto it and as it bounced into the six yard box the Sawbo defenders were caught a little flat footed which allowed the Brentwood striker the easiest of tap ins for the opening goal on 5 minutes. This makeshift Sawbo side were stung into action and 4 minutes later could have been level when Hannah Fraser left her marker on the left and crossed the ball into the middle of the park where Gaynor Fisher tried to strike the ball first time at goal but the shot went agonisingly wide of the upright. The game now became a midfield battle which Brentwood started to win. Sawbo found themselves chasing and closing down well but not winning the challenges so the ball came out and Brentwood were on the attack again. Sawbo managed to counter attack well but Fisher was isolated up front in a lone roll as the rest of the team covered for players who were playing but under par on the day. Then on 37 minutes Sawbo won a throw in on the Sawbo left and as the ball bounced into the box a Brentwood defender attempted to clear the ball with a header but it went direct to Joanne Gregory who calmly controlled the ball and then drove it just under the crossbar for the equaliser. The half time whistle in many ways came at the wrong time for this battling Sawbo side but the equaliser had come at the right time as Brentwood returned to the dressing room just a little dejected.
The second half saw a Brentwood side that had obviously had their ears burnt at the half time break, as they were more focused and played the ball with a little more purpose. Sawbo were now being exploited as they had run their selves ragged in the first half and the efforts shown were allowing Brentwood more space and time on the ball. On 51 minutes Brentwood attacked down the left and the ball was played into the edge of the penalty box where the home striker managed to wrong foot Jacqueline Day for the first time in the match. As she did she turned made half a yard of space and drove the ball into the top corner to regain their one goal advantage. Sawbo were visibly tiring. With the sun low in the sky Brentwood attacked down the right and a speculative cross come lob came in and Anstey lost the ball in the sun and although she managed to get her hands to the ball but she was unable to hold it and Brentwood were now 3 - 1 up. Hannah Fraser replaced Anstey in goal as she was really suffering with the chest infection and could not breath and almost directly was tested and she pulled off a superb one handed save as she dived low to her right top push the ball around the post for a corner. The remaining minutes of the half saw Brentwood attacking and Sawbo defending but defending without conviction so the ball kept coming back. In the end a gutsy performance from a Sawbo side that showed a great deal of resilience and but for a couple of errors made because of the lack of a natural keeper the game could well have ended as a draw. It was an under par performance because of the nature of the players available and credit must be given for those that played under these extreme circumstances.
Squad: A.Anstey, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, J.Duffin, C.Stein, J.Gregory, H.Fraser, J.Stott, G.Fisher
Sawbridgeworth Town v Kings Sports 0 - 2
Starting the day 3 points clear of Kings, Sawbo were looking to push on from last weeks win against Taverham and get the new year rolling. The first body blow was the pull out of striker Laura Day with flu which with 5 other 1st team players unavailable reduced the squad to just 8 players, a quick call to recruit 2 players from the reserves gave a starting set of 10 players for the day. The second blow was that the intended referee for the day failed to make it so a quick call on the referee who had just finished a game on Sawbo's back pitch allowed this game to go ahead. Kings Sports are also our semi-final opponents in the League Plate to be played on 30th March 2008
With a reshuffled team due to regular players not being available Sawbo looked disjointed for the first few minutes as they adapted to the task which gave Kings the incentive to push forward. Kings were the first to make a shot at goal but after good work the ball fell at the edge of the box and the resultant shot was easily collected by Debbie Williams in the Sawbo goal on 5 minutes. Being stung into action Sawbo responded in the best fashion and on 10 minutes a Kings goal kick was controlled by Joanne Gregory who played in Ann Anstey who quickly laid the ball to Vicky Silvester who shot for goal. The ball was saved by a rebound and Anstey was quickest to the ball and her intended lob just went over the cross bar to the relief of the Kings keeper. 25 minutes gone and another Kings attack down the Sawbo left. Emma Yarrien tried to marshal the ball away for a goal kick but the Kings forward won the ball and crossed into the six yard box, Williams was unable to hold the ball and it fell to Emma Flynn a Kings forward who easily slotted the ball home from 6 yards. Ten minutes later it was 2-0 to Kings when a swerving shot from the edge of the box eluded Williams as it moved late in its travel to Williams right.
Throughout the first half Sawbo were found to be second to the ball and it was felt that the negative reaction of starting with 10 players had taken a toll of the mental approach to the start of the game. At the half time interval it was discussed and the Sawbo team came out more focused and determined to try and get back into the game. Better movement along with playing down the slope helped to generate more possession and it was certainly a more together performance in this second period. Kings still had more of the early possession in the middle of the park but Sawbo were starting to exert more effort in winning the ball and breaking the play up. As the half progressed Sawbo were the stronger side and the last 15 minutes saw Sawbo create chances to have a shot on goal, but the final effort did not test the keeper. All in all a good test for those players who played in a gutsy second half where the score was kept at 2-0. With Hannah Fraser, Judith Duffin and Laura Day all available for the next game on 17th February, plus the returning Gaynor Fisher after a long injury lay off the squad will almost be back to its full quota and we can hopefully look forward to a successful run in to the end of the season.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Stein, V.Silvester.
League Plate 2nd Round Sawbridgeworth Town v Taverham 1 - 0
At last we were able to play a game at home. The water had disappeared from the surface of the pitch which left the ground ideal for studs but still a little heavy. A bright sunny day with a nip in the air greeted the players as they emerged from the dressing rooms for this League Plate 2nd round tie. It was the first meeting between the two sides so both clubs came into the game with little or no knowledge of their opposition. Taverham who are playing their football in the ERWFL sister Division One North have been showing good form of late and are currently sitting in 3rd place. All bode well for a tight game and with the winners getting the right to play Kings Sports in the semi-finals on 30th March 2008 on a neutral ground as decided by the ERWFL.
From the kick off Taverham attacked the ball and put early pressure on the Sawbo back line. Kerry Crump was put under early pressure and as a result fumbled her first touch but quickly recovered and sent the ball to safety. 3 minutes gone and Sawbo mounted their first real attack with Jackie Stott drifting wide right she sent the ball into the box where Joanne Gregory who had been drafted into the squad for the day from the reserves as injuries were still a problem managed to get her head to the ball but was unable to trouble the visiting keeper as the ball drifted past the post for a goal kick. These early few minutes saw Sawbo apply more and more pressure and when Hannah Fraser was released through the middle the Taverham defender had to work hard to push Fraser onto her weaker left foot and the resultant shot lacked power as it ran into the keepers hands. 10 minutes gone and it was the turn of Taverham to apply a little pressure. Attacking down their right flank Emma Yarrien was wrong footed and a shot came in which Debbie Williams in the Sawbo goal pulled into her stomach and held. 20 minutes into the game and Sawbo's Fraser was being a pain in the side of the Taverham left back and when again Fraser beat her for pace and got to the bye line she crossed a superb ball into the box which found Gregory advancing into the six yard area, Gregory connected with the ball at waist level which unfortunately only parried the ball straight at the keeper. A poor clearance from the keeper found Fraser again and this time she drove into the edge of the box but her shot went direct to the keeper who caught the ball at the near post. The next cross that came into the box found Stott who had eluded her marker but again the final effort lacked power and direction and ended up with Taverham. Right on the half time whistle Sawbo won a corner on their right. The ball was delivered right into the six yard box but it missed everyone and the advantage had gone.
A half time discussion inside the Sawbo dressing room was enough to send the players out in the right frame of mind to look for a early goal to settle the play. 2 minutes gone and the ball was played out to the in form Hannah Fraser who easily beat her marker and crossed the ball into the box where Stott was on had to control and then side foot the ball over the advancing keeper into the net for the opening goal which put Sawbow deservedly into the driving seat at this time. 8 minutes later it looked as if Sawbo had extended their lead when Stott crossed from the right to Gregory who was found unmarked in the centre of the area and she placed the ball into the net but the assistant referee had flagged for offside which to all was a dubious decision. Taverham were not to be seen as lying down when they won a corner on the hour mark. From the corner it found the head of a Taverham player but the ball drifted over the bar for a goal kick. 80 minutes gone and Fraser down the right flank sent the ball into the edge of the box and found Stott who with her back to goal controlled the ball and in one movement turned and shot with her left foot but the ball drifted just past the upright . Considering this was the first game for Sawbo since January 6th it was a sound performance especially as there were only 11 players available for the game. Gregory slotted into the team very well on this her first full outing with the team.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, B.Gagg, J.Stott, J.Gregory.
21-01-08 For the second week running the club has had to cancel games because of the weather. Our league situation is now in free fall and it seems there will be almost a weekly update of fixture changes so that we can finish on time. Our next first team game will be against Taverham which we are hoping will be played this weekend at Sawbridgeworth Town FC as we were drawn at home, but it has been suggested that if we know that the weather is going to be rain again and that the game is going to be cancelled then we reverse the fixture and play at Taverham as their pitch was even playable last weekend. It will be a decision that will be taken towards the end of the week as we need to give Sawbo every chance of staging the game.
Barton Rovers v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 1
Sawbo travelled to Barton knowing that although Barton had not yet gained a single point in the league they were going with just 10 fit players so it was going to be an up hill struggle from the first whistle to the last. On arrival at the ground the pitch was seen to be playable but only just and that for both teams it was going to be heavy going.
Barton started brightly and although they enjoyed much of the early possession they were not able to fully penetrate the solid Sawbo back line. Ann Anstey was deputizing for Debbie Williams between the sticks for this game as Williams had family commitments on the day and Anstey was not tested. Although a player down Sawbo were beginning to exert the pressure and from 15 minutes into the game they took the game to Barton and a three man move saw Judith Duffin in possession on the wide right and she found Hannah Fraser who interchanged twice with Laura Day whose final shot was tipped around the post from the top right corner of the goal for a corner. 28 minutes gone and a rare attack by Barton saw the referee award a very dubious free kick on the edge of the box. From the free kick the ball was driven trough the defensive wall towards the goal where Jackie Day connected with the ball but was only able to divert it towards the far corner, Anstey got her hand to the ball and pushed it onto the post where it rebounded back and hit Anstey on its way back into the net for the opener. Anstey collided with the post with her head but was able to continue. The goal obviously spurred Barton but Sawbo were not deterred and moved up a gear and controlled the possession for the next 10 minutes and from this possession got their just rewards when Fraser won the ball in midfield and drove towards the Barton goal beating a defender on the way, as she was closed down she laid the ball into the path of L.Day who slotted the equaliser into the net from 6 yards on 39 minutes.
Sawbo entered the second half determined to get a winning goal and they totally controlled the ball for almost the whole of the second half. On 68 minutes it seemed that Sawbo would get the goal they had been striving for when Fraser linked up again with L.Day who was one on one with the keeper but the keeper was able to advance an shut down the angle which saw the ball drift just past the outside of the post. Duffin and Beckie Gagg continually put the Barton wide defensive players under threat but the final ball was just not on the button. Emma Yarrien played steady throughout but as the game continued she made several probing runs deep into the Barton defensive third. After the 90 minutes Barton celebrated as if they had won the cup final after getting their first point of the season Sawbridgeworth left the field of play disappointed that their overall play and possession did not give them the victory that they richly deserved on the day. Every Sawbo player gave their all for the cause on a very heavy pitch and with a man down from the start showed the fitness levels of the ladies is superb. Barton selected Hannah Fraser for player of the match which was testament to the running she put in over the 90 minutes whilst suffering with a head chest cold.
Squad: A.Anstey, N.Clifford, K.Crump, J.Day, E.Yarrien, J.Duffin, J.Stott, H.Fraser, B.Gagg, L.Day
18-12-07 On behalf of Sawbridgeworth Town Women's Football Club may I extend seasons greetings to all who visit the site. Please also note that any literary contribution can be made through our Guest Book page and if relevant will be published. Lets all look forward to a successful 2008.
ERWFL League Plate 1st Round Sawbridgeworth Town v Huntingdon Town 7 - 0
Without a game since 25th November 2007 today was a welcome change from sitting at home on a Sunday afternoon. A sunny and crisp winters day welcomed the players to Crofters for this afternoons League Plate first round game against old adversaries Huntingdon Town who now play their football in the ERWFL sister Division One North. Sitting in a mid table position very much like Sawbridgeworth on paper this game should and could be a close encounter.
Sawbo started slightly the better of the two teams but it was soon evident that Huntingdon were not here just to make up the numbers. Early exchanges did not really test either keeper although most of the play was being contested in the middle third. Sawbo were making the better opportunities but the finishing was poor and the Huntingdon keeper was not tested. Twenty minutes into the game and Sawbo were just about getting on top and were winning most of the ball in the middle of the park but the final ball constantly let them down. A slightly different line up to the Sawbo starting eleven due to illness and working commitments took a time to settle and on the half hour mark the football started to flow a little. Hannah Fraser started today's game playing down the wide right and her pace and control was beginning to get her past the Huntingdon left defender. When she was once again fed the ball she outpaced her marker and drove into the edge of the penalty box where she fired the ball under the diving Huntingdon Keeper and into the net for the opening goal. As the half was progressing Sawbo were more and more in the Huntingdon's defensive third and around the 40 minute mark should have increased the lead when a series of four corners won saw the only effort on goal from a Stott corner that Carley Stein volleyed towards goal with her left foot from the edge of the box that the keeper managed to tip over the bar for a corner.
The second period started with Sawbo in a determined mood and it was not long before the Hunts keeper was again tested but she was equal to the task and saved comfortably. 52 minutes gone and Laura Day was found in space out wide and she was able to reverse pass the ball to Stott who turned her marker first one way then the other before unleashing a shot that flew into the net just under the cross bar. Two minutes later Sawbo won the ball in the middle of the pitch and released Beckie Gagg down the left flank, with one movement she crossed the ball into the box but the advancing front players were just behind the ball but as the ball looked as if it was going safe Fraser ran into the box controlled the ball and crossed the ball back into the box and found Stein who lobbed the keeper from 12 yards to give Sawbo a three goal advantage. Sawbo were applying pressure all over the park and from this pressure the ball was played back to the keeper who became undecided as to either pick the ball up or kick it out, but L.Day reacted quickest and managed to put the ball over the line whilst the keeper was still thinking what to do. 4 - 0. After a brief period of Huntingdon possession the ball was won and played out to Judith Duffin who had replaced Ann Anstey and her pace took her into the Hunts defensive third, a neat ball played into the path of Fraser saw Fraser get her second and Sawbo's 5th when she outpaced the defender and slotted it past the keeper on 62 minutes. More pressure and Sawbo won another corner. Stott strode up and drove the ball towards the near post, the ball evaded everyone except the Hunts keeper who seemed to help the ball over the line while trying to save it. (Jackie Stott has been awarded the goal) 85 minutes gone and the final goal was scored after good work by Fraser down the right. She hit the byline and crossed the ball into the box where Stott was on hand to drive the ball home for her hat trick and Sawbo's 7th. A good game to finish the year and something to think about before the season restarts again after the Christmas break with an away game at Barton Rovers on January 6th 2008.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, B.Gagg, J.Stott, L.Day, Subs used: J.Duffin (Anstey), V.Silvester (Crump)
10-12-07 After a week kicking our heels as the odd team out in our division for the fixtures, we were looking forward to playing Huntingdon Town in the League Plate this weekend. But unfortunately the weather had other ideas and we were once again left with out a game due to the main pitch at Crofters being under water. It was some consolation that the first team men's game had also been called off on the Saturday. Hopefully with the weather forecast set as dry for most of the week and no games scheduled for the main pitch until Saturday we should be able to get the League Plate game against Huntingdon Town Played on Sunday. The Reserves were also left without a game on Sunday when Little Oakley also had a waterlogged pitch. This coming weekend because of the Essex County League cup games the Reserves will once again be without a game.
Sharnbrook v Sawbridgeworth Town 2 - 3
After agreeing an earlier kick off than usual because of the impending gloom that drops around the usual finish time Sawbo arrived at the venue with three players still en-route. The mini-bus also arrived late due to some misleading AA route finder directions that somehow sent it the wrong way down the A6. One player was held up in traffic, two players arrived with only 20 minutes to spare, still arrival was before kick off so Sawbo managed to at least start with 11 players on the field.
On a very small pitch that resembled a junior size pitch it was going to be a difficult start for Sawbo as they had to adjust to the size both in length and width so early forward balls went straight to the Sharnbrook keeper or when passed to the wide positions bounced out of play for a throw in, still the early work of possession was going in favour of the visitors. Five minutes into the game and it seemed that Sawbo were adapting well. 8 minutes in Hannah Fraser latched onto the ball down the Sawbo left and as the Sharnbrook defender came in for the tackle Fraser got the ball away towards L.Day. Under pressure L.Day shot for goal but it looked as of she had screwed it wide but Emma Yarrien ran in and tapped the ball home from 5 yards for the opening goal. With the goal in front Sawbo eased slightly and this gave Sharnbrook an opening, as they broke down Sawbo's right Emma Butler unleashed a shot which drove into the net past stand in keeper Ann Anstey for the equaliser on 25 minutes. xox was booked after an altercation from a Sharnbrook player who was also booked. Sharnbrook now on a high after the goal pressurized the Sawbo back line and earned a corner on 38 minutes. The corner was fired into the six yard box and Butler's run was not picked up and she headed the ball past Anstey for the home side to gain the advantage just before the break.
The second half saw Sawbo take more of the game as they tried to claw back the goal deficit. With Judith Duffin now on the side line as a sub after arriving just before the half time whistle Sawbo began to extend themselves. Throughout the game Beckie Gagg had become a thorn in the side as she constantly outpaced her marker and on 68 minutes once again she did this and from the byline crossed with power across the face of goal, the ball was missed by the Sharnbrook keeper but once again Yarrien was on hand 3 yards out to tap the ball into the net for her and Sawbo's second of the game. Now back on an even score line Sawbo went pushing for the winner and on 81 minutes it came when the ball came into the Sharnbrook box from a throw it was initially missed by the defenders and as it bounced L.Day had three attempts to get purchase on the ball and the third time was the conclusive touch as the ball went into the top of the net. At this time Sawbo were down to 10 players as xox had been Red carded for a second foul. Sawbo kept up the tempo with a man down and almost extended their lead near the end but the ball went wide. A hard fought (in more ways than one) performance that more than pleased the manager. A solid all round performance. Beckie Gagg was justifiably given the opposition player of the match.
Squad: A.Anstey, N.Clifford, K.Crump, J.Day, G.Fisher, E.Yarrien, C.Stein, xox, B.Gagg, H.Fraser, L.Day. Sud used: J.Duffin (Yarrien)
Herts County Cup 2nd Round Sawbridgeworth Town v Stevenage Borough 0 - 1
On a grey overcast and bitterly cold day Sawbo played host to Stevenage Borough in this seasons Herts County Cup 2nd Round. Having already met in the league with the result being a 4-0 win to Stevenage today was to be a test of character for Sawbo to see if they have improved on that last fixture.
An even start but then we saw Stevenage slowly exert the early pressure on the Sawbo midfield and back line. A free kick awarded to Stevenage about 25 yards from goal was struck to the right of Debbie Williams who got her hands to it and was able to push it around the post for a corner. Stevenage were winning every ball in the middle of the park and were able to distribute at ease. On 25 minutes the ball was played down their right and as the ball was floated in it was held up in the wind and landed thankfully on the top of the net for a Sawbo goal kick. On 34 minutes Sawbo mounted a rare attack for this half and Beckie Gagg started the move by attacking down the left and crossing the ball into the penalty box where Laura Day was running onto the the ball. Stevenage keeper April Spang almost read the situation and was onto the ball just as L.Day got to the same point, the ball squirmed out of Spang's hands and although L.Day was able to get another touch the ball went wide of the upright for a Stevenage goal kick. Sawbo had rallied at this point and on 38 minutes nearly had the opening goal when Hannah Fraser beat her marker and advanced into the right side of the penalty box but as she lifted the ball to shoot over the advancing keeper it went agonisingly over the bar. At this stage in the game as we approached half time the game was more even, Sawbo had weathered the storm of pressure that Stevenage had applied and came out even.
The second half saw Stevenage even more determined than the first, they seemed to be quicker to the ball and were finding their players at ease. Sawbo's back line was a constant hub of movement as they defended superbly to stop Stevenage from scoring. Sawbo's midfield were not able to win the ball in the middle third which allowed the Stevenage midfield to work past them straight into the defensive line. To try and alleviate the pressure a tactical change was made which saw right defender Nicky Clifford replaced by midfielder Jackie Stott as Sawbo went to a 3-5-2 formation. The idea being to try and win the midfield so as to stop the constant pressure on the back line. Now having the two wide midfielders covering the the two defensive wide areas it was thought that we would be able to defend better and attack better with the different line up. Directly after the change Judith Duffin was adjudged to have fouled a Stevenage player directly after it seemed that Sawbo would get the foul when the same Stevenage player had fouled Duffin but the referee had allowed play to continue. From the resultant free kick Rachel Edlin drove the ball into the top corner for what was a deserved opening goal on 68 minutes. Instead of keeping to the new formation the on field players decided to change back to a 4-4-2 which still allowed the pressure from Stevenage to keep coming. Stevenage kept up the pressure and on 83 minutes won another free kick and again Edlin was to take it. More central this time and again she struck the ball well but this time Williams was able to palm the ball over the bar for a corner. Two minutes later it was Sawbo's turn to warm the keepers hands when they won a free kick some 28 yards form goal, Jackie Stott strode up and struck the ball well, Spang was able to get two hands to the ball but was unable to hold it but she was able to somehow push the ball onto the bar and over for a corner to Sawbo. On the day Sawbo produced an under par performance right across the park with the exceptions of Jackie Day & Beckie Gagg who appeared to play to their potential throughout, even though they made Stevenage work for their win.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, K.Crump, J.Day, G.Fisher, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, B.Gagg, L.Day, H.Fraser. Subs Used: J.Stott (Clifford), E.Yarrien (Fisher)
AFC Kempston Rovers v Sawbridgeworth Town 0 - 1
This was to be the first league meeting between the two sides since the nail biting League Plate Final which Kempston won some two seasons ago at the end of the 2005/06 campaign. Kempston gained promotion that year into the Premier Division but failed to maintain their form and were relegated this season back to Division One South. The forecast for rain proved wrong as the day turned out to be bright and sunny but with a wintry nip in the air towards the end of the game.
A frantic start to the match saw both teams battling for the midfield which Sawbo started to take control of after just 5 minutes and just 2 minutes later a superb forward ball found Judith Duffin who sped past the left defender to get one on one with the Kempston keeper but her shot went just wide of the post. Keeping up the attacking pressure on 15 minutes Hannah Fraser played the ball back to Carley Stein who found Beckie Gagg free on the left who flighted a great ball into the box where Laura Day managed to get her foot to the ball but it went straight to the keeper. The pressure was mounting on the Kempston back line as time and again Sawbo were able to penetrate and with Duffin running at speed the left defender was being beaten at will, on 17 minutes Duffin went on another run and as she got to the bye line she crossed the ball back into the six yard box and L.Day was just too quick for the cross as the ball just fell behind her run and was cleared in panic by the Kempston defence. 36 minutes into the game and the pressure finally gave a goal. It seemed like Sawbo had the ball for ages as they passed the ball across the park from player to player but the final penetrating ball came when Stein found Fraser who had pulled wide to the right, Fraser beat her player and crossed the ball to L.Day who had time to control the ball and drive the shot over the keeper into the net for a very well deserved opening goal. 40 minutes gone and from some 25 yards out on the left Gagg found space and she drove a ball that was dipping into the top of the goal, as everyone was looking to celebrate the effort the keeper managed to get her fingertips to the ball and put it over the bar for a corner. Just before the interval it looked as if Sawbo would get another goal as Fraser drove a corner into the box and found Stein who volleyed just over the bar from 10 yards.
As was expected Kempston came out of the blocks for the second half a littler bit stronger and quicker and again it was a test of character for the first 10 minutes as to who would eventually win the early exchanges. But after this early blip Sawbo again regained control with opposition selected player of the match Ann Anstey working her socks off in midfield to break up the Kempston flow, and with the central defensive pairing of Jacqueline Day and Kerry Crump soaking up all that was thrown at them it was becoming a master class of team work. On the hour a long ball out of defence by the Kempston keeper caught the Sawbo defence a little too square and as the ball was played into the box it was Emma Yarrien who managed to head the ball back to stand in keeper Jackie Stott to collect. Direct from this the ball was played up field and Duffin was onto it very quickly as she made ground she found herself almost one on one with the keeper who advanced quickly out of goal and managed to smother the goal attempt. Keeping up the pressure Sawbo were awarded a free kick about 5 yards outside the penalty box, Anstey took the free kick and it was cleared off the line back to Stein who instantly shot the ball back towards goal only to see the keeper make a save just inside her near post on 70 minutes. Duffin was replaced by Vicky Silvester as she had a slight pull on her hamstring and it was better to replace rather that make the injury worse. The rest of the game followed the pattern of Sawbo having much the better of possession but the second goal would not come. After consecutive defeats in the last 4 games it was good to get back to winning ways. Sawbo had to reshape the squad as Debbie Williams is still on the illness list, captain xox was away on a course and because of other reasons reserve player Vicky Silvester was promoted for the game with Gaynor Fisher taking her position in the reserves, but in the end Sawbo were by far the stronger and fitter of the two teams and the score line reflected as such.
Squad: J.Stott, N.Clifford, K.Crump, J.Day, E.Yarrien, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, B.Gagg, H.Fraser, L.Day. Sub Used: V.Silvester (Duffin)
League Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Arlesey Town v Sawbridgeworth Town 2 - 0
A bright sunny and virtually wind free day was the back drop for this second round league Cup encounter against Arlesey Town. With first choice keeper Debbie Williams sidelined with a virus xox and Beckie Gagg both unavailable due to working commitments the team had a slightly different set up as Catherine Shaw was promoted to the first team as stand in keeper for the first time so nerves were apparent prior to the start of the game.
The game started with Arlesey taking control of the midfield and seemed to be quicker to the ball. Triangle one twos put Sawbo under pressure but sound defensive work kept the Arlesey forward line at bay. Two shots were made on the Sawbo goal by the advancing Arlesey forward line but they were weak and straight at Shaw which settled her nerves. 13 minutes in and Sawbo were making advances of their own when Hannah Fraser latched onto a loose ball in the Arlesey final third, her cross into the six yard box just evaded the forward runs of Laura Day and Carley Stein at the near post. Keeping up the pressure on 15 minutes Sawbo won a corner, Jackie Stott put the corner into the edge of the six yard box and Fraser was unlucky to see the ball connect with her knee which saw the shot go agonisingly wide of the upright. 32 minutes and Judith Duffin went on a mazy run through the Arlesey midfield on the right centre of the pitch, her cross was just in front of the onrushing L.Day and allowed the Arlesey keeper to gather the ball. As the first half continued the Sawbo players were getting more and more frustrated by the over zealous performance of the referee which in many ways prevented the hard working side of the Sawbridgeworth team from performing to its full capacity.
Half time brought a change of mind set for Sawbo and their possession was increasing, and when Stott found herself clear on the edge of the six yard box it looked like the opening goal was just a formality. Stott drove the ball goal ward but Amie Fage between the sticks for Arlesey somehow managed to smother the ball into her body. Duffin tested the keeper again and she was equal to the test. It seemed just a matter of time before the first goal would come Sawbo's way as time and again Arlesey were being made to open up but unfortunately the final ball was not sharp enough of accurate enough to fully test Fage in the Arlesey goal. 68 minutes gone and the first goal was scored. Sawbo had just had another attack broken down and were caught a little square. Sarah Tayler Arlesey Town's best player by far had been marshalled superbly all game by the hard working Sawbo midfield found a half yard of space and played the ball through to substitute Jacqueline O'Keefe who was now one on one with Shaw. As Shaw advance off her line to narrow the angle O'Keefe shot early and the ball found the inside netting to put the home side 1 up. This goal against did not deter Sawbo who continued to push forward looking for a goal to satisfy the efforts put into the game so far and again Fage was having a blinding game by keeping everything at bay. As Arlesey played the ball to their left flank Tayler picked the ball up but while doing so pushed Nicky Clifford to the ground with a firm one hand shove, expecting a foul to be given Sawbo momentarily slowed which allowed Tayler to shift into a half yard of space and from the wide corned of the penalty box floated a superb ball over the hands of Shaw into the top right corner of the net. The game was a disappointing result as for long periods Sawbo were in command but this defeat puts Sawbo into the League Plate competition which was won last season against Stevenage Borough.
Squad: C.Shaw, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, G.Fisher, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Stein, H.Fraser, L.Day. Sub Used: E.Yarrien (Clifford)
Sawbridgeworth Town v Chelmsford City 1 - 2
This is the first game of the season that we have had to play in the rain and with a little more give in the ground it would allow a better game of football to be played, as sliding tackles and a quick passing game would be allowed because of the conditions.
The game started brightly and both teams contested the middle third of the pitch with no real possession going to either team. Sawbo had to reshuffled their starting 11 for the game as Laura Day was working and with Beckie Gagg available after a slight groin / thigh strain and Gaynor Fisher available after slightly pulling a groin last Sunday in the friendly with Brentwood Town. So a slightly different back line and midfield line was put up against the second in the table Chelmsford City. The new line up gelled together quite quickly and is was soon put under the test of the City attacking play but they held firm. City were beginning to get the upper hand of the middle third and on 26 minutes played a through ball to Claire Pavett and because the Sawbo defence had not set itself right she was able to get her shot off and past Debbie Williams for the opening goal. Just two minutes later as City advanced down the right wing a tackle was made against Emma Wells but she was able to get the ball crossed into the box. The cross became a shot as it held up in the wind and dropped over the hands of Williams into the top corner. The fluke of the goal was met by laughter rather than despair as it really was a lucky goal to put City 2-0 ahead. This score line stayed the same till half time although Jackie Stott, Judith Duffin and Hannah Fraser had half chances to get on the score sheet but City held firm in their defensive endeavours.
After the half time briefing and now with the Sawbo slope in their favour it was hoped that Sawbo would be able to make inroads into the City defence and make life a little more difficult than the first half. Sawbo were by far the more determined side and on 48 minutes it looked as if Sawbo were about to get a goal back. Stott got the ball on the edge of the box and danced through three challenges before unleashing a terrific drive that beat the keeper but not the post and the ball bounced clear, but this was a mark of intent as Sawbo now marched forward with every chance they could get. Judith Duffin found Stott just inside the box on the right side and another goal bound shot left Stott's right boot only to see Leanne Topper in the City goal dive full stretch to her left to palm the ball around the post for a corner on 55 minutes. Sawbo were in the ascendancy now and cracks were opening up across the City defensive lineup and to compensate the City midfield now made it almost 8 across the park to get through, but they could not stop Sawbo's advances. Two corners awarded in the space of three minutes saw Sawbo have two goal line clearances as they looked for a goal to get them back into the game, it was not until the 83 minute that Sawbo managed to get on the score sheet. A corner delivered by Stott was not cleared by the City defence and as it bounced around the penalty spot Carley Stein with her back to goal swiveled and shot in one movement to send the ball into the top of the net for a well deserved goal. Unfortunately time ran out and Sawbo had to settle for a defeat that was a bitter pill to swallow after a tremendous second half effort to get at least a point.
Next week Sawbo travel to Arlesey town for the second round of the league cup.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, K.Crump, J.Day, xox, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, E.Yarrien, J.Stott, H.Fraser
Subs Used: B.Gagg (Yarrien) G.Fisher (Fraser) Subs not used: J.Gregory, S.Anglin
17-10-07 League Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Draw. To be played Sunday 4th November 2007
home club drawn by Lynn Whittingstall Woodbridge Town LFC. secretary away club drawn by Glenn Snell Woodbridge Town LFC. coach
KETTERING TOWN V STEVENAGE BOROUGH
BILLERICAY OR BARTON V BRANTHAM ATHLETIC
ARLESEY TOWN V SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN
IPSWICH WANDERERS V KINGS SPORTS
MULBARTON BELLES V CHELMSFORD CITY
BYE - WEST LYNN
League Cup 1st Qualifying Round Sawbridgeworth Town v Cambridge Rangers 3 - 1
A surprisingly bright and sunny October day greeted the players as they emerged onto the Crofters pitch for this League Cup 1st qualifying round tie between these two clubs who over the years have always taken points off each other in their league encounters. Now playing in different division ones within the Eastern Region it became a battle of the South vs the North to see who has progressed the best with the changes that were made for this season. In the week preceding this match Sawbridgeworth Town secured the sponsorship of a ENERTRAG ENERGY which is a company that distributes wind turbines, so for the first time in three seasons Sawbridgeworth Town had a little more financial backing and it gave a good feel to the club as it embarked on this game.
To match the day Sawbo started the brighter of the two teams and were soon putting Rangers under pressure in their defensive third, Rangers conceded a free kick on the corner of the penalty box on 6 minutes. Ann Anstey drove the free kick between the legs of the defensive wall and with the keeper unsighted the ball nestled into the keepers bottom right corner of the net to give Sawbo an early lead. Two minutes later Sawbo increased their lead when Laura Day was brought down in the area after chasing a through ball. L.Day pickled the ball up and placed it on the spot and drove the ball over the diving keeper into the net. With this two goal advantage so early in the game the Sawbo team seemed to settle and allowed rangers to get back into the game. For the next 20 minutes Rangers were pushing the Sawbo defence back onto the edge of their box and when on 26 minutes Anstey was adjudged to have handled the ball when the ball clearly hit her chest the resultant free kick was dispatched into the six yard area and with Debbie Williams back in goal for Sawbo the ball seemed to bounce awkwardly in front of Williams and she was unable to hold on to it and as the ball fell to ground Sarah Duncanson was quickest to react and she slotted the ball home from 3 yards. At 2-1 the game became a more serious affair with both sides contesting the midfield, this continued up till half time.
With the slope in their favour Sawbo were almost a constant attacking unit from the start of the half. The quality of the football improved and Sawbo began to play to their strengths. Two and three touch football left the Rangers players at times just as spectators as the ball was moved around quickly but it was also evident that the Rangers side were quite capable of gaining possession and delivering a quick counter attack and at times the pairing of Jacqueline Day and xox was tested to the limit but they held firm with one or the other covering when needed. All through the game Emma Yarrien was becoming a thorn in the side of the Rangers defence as she battled for every ball and did not give up until the ball was out of play or cleared and she was unlucky not to have had her name on the score sheet when a couple of efforts went close. L.Day was also chasing and working well up front and she along with Judith Duffin and Beckie Gagg it was a question of when not if as to when another goal would be scored, as Sawbo were now beginning to gain control of the final third of the pitch. Gagg was replaced by Victoria Silvester on 70 minutes as Gagg was suffering with a slight pull to her thigh. The killer goal came in the84 minute when Duffin unleashed a shot from the edge of the box which the keeper failed to hold. L.Day was first to the loose ball but as it spun away Yarrien stabbed it home from 2 yards. In the end a well deserved victory which now see's them in the hat for the next round with the draw being completed later this week.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, xox, J.Day, G.Fisher, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, B.Gagg, L.Day, E.Yarrien
Sub used: V.Silvester (Gagg). Sub n |
