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29-04-11

A decision was made at an EGM on Wednesday 27th April 2011 that a proposal to take the club to Takeley FC for next season was not going to happen. By a majority vote by those present the decision was made to keep the club at it's current location. It means that the long association of the manager Dave Dawson to the club ends at the end of the season after 22 years. I can only hope that the club does flourish with it's as yet to be decided new management team.

Whitwell   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   1 - 3 (league)     

With the trains coming out of London causing a problem John could only think of calling Hayley King and seeing if she could drop him off. With this agreed they set off for Whitwell. Arriving at the ground at 12.10pm they were well in time for others to get there. Hayley sped off to her match around 12.20pm and John waited. At about 12.45pm he got a call from me asking if he was near or was he having trouble finding the place.  This is where it gets messy.  John says well where are you I said at the venue, so am I he says and then it transpired that he had told Hayley to go to the original venue (he did not really read the change of venue text as he thought it was for the reserve team) in Whitwell rather that the other venue in Baldock. A 22 mile round trip secured his services for the game with about 15 minutes to spare. Arriving as the team had already started their warm up saw the odd jokes flying around at Johns expense.

The game started brightly and for the first few minutes it was end to end with both teams probing their opposite number defences. 7 minutes in Sawbo earned themselves a corner on the left and Jacqueline Stott found Wendy Rankin who was unable to put a shot on goal as she was quickly closed down. With a quarter of the game gone a slick move down Sabow’s left saw Rankin win the ball from a throw in and she instantly found Rebecca Maybury who struck the ball  with a delicate one touch lob that floated over the keeper and into the corner of the net for the opening goal. On the half hour mark some poor passing in the middle of the park allowed Natasha Little of Whitwell to steal the ball  where she then had the space to advance on goal where she deposited a superb shot inside the post for the equaliser. 2 minutes later Sawbo nearly regained the lead when Stott was found by Rankin and with her back to goal shot and agonisingly saw the ball hit the upright and away from danger. 40 minutes and Sawbo were now putting extreme pressure on the Whitwell midfield and defence. A defence splitting diagonal ball from midfield found Hayley Graham who controlled the ball in an instant  took two steps forward and calmly slotted the ball home to regain the lead. With the first half almost at a close a corner on the right was floated in by Stott who saw the ball fall to Claire Poulton, tightly marked she still managed to get a shot away and it took ages to hit the inside of the post and across the line for a goal before the ball was hacked away.

The second half saw Whitwell with a slightly different line up as they tried in vein to get back into the game, but the Sawbo back line was superb with Ann Anstey in goal having very little to do. Emma Hastings replaced Wendy Rankin on 55 minutes as Wendy had to go to work.

Overall a deserved win by Sawbo with good football and team togetherness at the forefront.

Squad From: A.Anstey, F.Liiv, J.Day, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.Graham. J.Stott, R.Maybury, W.Rankin, R.Cavalier, C.Poulton

Sub used:- E.Hastings, (Rankin 55)

20-02-11

Arlesey Town Reserves   v   Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   4 - 0 (league)

Match Report to follow shortly.

13-02-11

Gt Shelford   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   1 - 0 (League Plate Quarter Final)

This was the first meeting between these two sides form either side of the region. With games being called off for waterlogged pitches it was good to see that the Shelford ground was in good condition and more than playable for this quarter final League Plate game.

For the first five minutes it was Sawbo who were quicker to the ball and made inroads into the Shelford Defensive third but there was no real pressure put on the home side goal. It was then Shelford's turn to put their visitors under pressure for the next ten minutes but again no meaningful shots on goal. Sawbo weathered the early pressure and by the half hour mark were controlling the midfield. 5 minutes later Shelford's Becky Taylor was on a counter attack and drove towards goal but her shot was superbly push away by Ann Anstey for a corner. The rest of the half continued in a end to end battle for the first goal

After the half time break Sawbo who travelled with just 11 players made a positional change with Emma Hastings swapping positions with Claire Poulton which saw Poulton now as the lone striker instead of a left midfielder. 50 minutes into the game and possibly the best move so far saw a 4 man passing move which shifted the ball from Sawbo's defensive third to a shot on goal. The ball came from the back to Hastings who shifted the ball to Rebecca Maybury who laid the ball through to Poulton who beat the Shelford off side line and went for goal with pace but her shot to find Poulton who shot over from 12 yards. 73 minutes gone and Taylor was found on the left for Shelford and as she advanced towards the byline she looked as if she crossed the ball into the box, the ball held up in the wind and drifted towards goal and crept under the cross bar with Anstey beaten. The last 15 minutes saw a resurgent Sawbo but they could not find the final pass to put pressure on the home side. Gt Shelford advanced into the Semi-Finals.

Squad From: A.Anstey, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser., J.Gregory, H.Graham, J.Day, C.Poulton, J.Stott, R.Maybury, E.Hastings.

13-02-11

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   v   Watton P-P

Match postponed due the Sawbridgeworth Town not having enough players to field a side.

06-02-11

Sawbridgeworth Town   Standon & Puckeridge   0-3 (league)

Match Report to follow shortly.

30-01-11

Hoddesdon Owls   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   2 - 5 (league)

Just a week ago Sawbo entertained Hoddesdon and here we are 7 days later being entertained by Hoddesdon in the reverse game and here at Hertford Town FC the home of Hoddesdon Owls the Owls started the game with drive and determination and on 5 minutes shot over from 10 yards with just Ann Anstey to beat in the Sawbo goal. 7 minutes in and Freya Liiv shifted the ball from the right into Jackie Day who dissected the Owls defence into the path of Hayley Graham, Graham shifted her weight and drove into the Owls penalty box and as Graham shot the ball deflected off the unfortunate Owls defender and past her keeper into the net for the opening goal. After the early pressure Sawbo were now at ease and started to play some great football, winning the ball in the centre of the park and a quick release to Claire Poulton who was playing as the lone striker today and she allowed the ball to overtake her and she sprinted onto the ball and went one on one with the keeper but she calmly drove the ball into the net for the visitors to be 2-0. 15 minutes gone and it was all Sawbo and when Liiv played the ball to Graham she beat her marker with ease and crossed the ball across the face of the goal which beat the defence and the keeper to find Poulton who slotted the ball home from close range. With 5 minutes to go before the interval Sawbo were in total control of the game and when Graham was found again by  slide rule pass through the defence she unleashed a superb strike into the top corner to end the half 4-0 to Sawbo.

Understandably Sawbo entered the second half a little complacent and were quickly brought back to reality when on 49 minutes the back line was caught a little square and the Owls forward raced past and shot past Anstey to bring the score  to 4-1. With this goal Hoddesdon raised their game and started to put the Sawbo defence under pressure which was really for the first time during the game. 54 minutes in and Hoddesdon were getting closer to the goal and as the forward entered the box she was caught and a penalty was given. The penalty was converted and the gap was now just 2 goals and Sawbo had to dig deep to stop Hoddesdon from taking control of a game that was once beyond them. As the game progressed towards the full time whistle Sawbo had regained their composure and on 87 minutes a corner was driven into the Owls 6 yard box where it was defended well but the ball fell to Hayley King on the edge of the penalty box who volleyed the ball back towards goal where it went into the net just inside the post to bring the score to 5-2.

The last two games just 7 days apart have given Sawbo 6 much needed points as they try to climb the table, but with just 5 games left to play it could be to little to late.

Squad From: A.Anstey, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.King, R.Maybury E.Hastings, J.Stott, W.Rankin, C.Poulton

Sub Not Used:- N.Coates

30-01-11

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   v   Sherrardswood   3-1 (league)

Match report to follow shortly

25-01-11

The draw for the Quarter Final of the League Plate was completed today and is as follows:-

Cambridge Women's Reserves   v   Hannakins

Gt Shelford   v   Sawbridgeworth Town

Royston Town   v   Haverhill Rovers

Thorpe United   v   C & K Basildon

As you can see we have been drawn away at Gt Shelford (Cambridge based ) with the game to be played on February 13th 2011.

25-01-11

To give you some advanced notice it seems we have been given a free week on Sunday February 6th 2011. I will know for definite by Thursday. We are the odd team on that day but it will depend on Cup games etc. So don't make any plans just yet.

24-01-11

Tonight we completed the signing of Christina Oman who has recently moved into the area from Scotland. Christina (Tina) is our first International signing this season. Playing in a defensive role will add to the squad a little more experience. Having played at Team Strathclyde we are hoping she will settle quickly and help the squad till the end of this season and beyond.

23-01-11

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Hoddesdon Owls 3 - 2 (league)

Sawbo started the brighter of the two sides on display today and in the first 5 minutes Emma Hastings has shot over from 12 yards. There has also been two good shots on target that went straight to the Owls keeper. 9 minutes in and the pressure is mounting on the Owls defence with Claire Poulton running riot down the left wing. 27 minutes and the pressure has worked when Hayley Graham worked the ball down the right and crossed to the to the far side of the park where Poulton took the ball in  stride and she laid the ball into the path of Wendy Rankin who shot home into the top corner. Sawbo were dominant at this point and continued the dominance throughout and on 41 minutes Sawbo extended their lead when the ball was played out of the Owls goal area after a bit of a scramble and the ball fell to Hastings who applied the final touch with her left foot to end the half with Sawbo 2-0

Sawbo continued after the break and were pushing for more goal scoring chances and an attack on 47 minutes saw the Owls keeper handle the ball outside the area. Jacqueline Stott stepped up to take the direct free kick and deposited the ball just under the cross bar and into the net with the keeper nowhere. With a 3-0 score line Sawbo became a little complacent and Hoddesdon Owls were allowed to come back into the game. 71 minutes gone and the Sawbo defence were caught a little flat when a speculative shot from the wide right deflected into the net for the score to be 3-1. 2 minutes later a corner to Owls on the left was nudged over the line as too many defenders were trying to clear the ball .  Shortly after this goal Sawbo had to change the keeper when Anstey had to take a double take of a shot on goal and was caught by the attacker as she went for the loose ball. Anstey ended up with a bruised hand but took over at left back with Joanne Gregory taking over in goal. After 90 minutes it was a good three points but Sawbo played it a little too close for comfort after getting a 3 goal lead.

Squad From: A.Anstey, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.Graham, J.Day, R.Maybury, C.Poulton, W.Rankin, E.Hastings

Sub used:- R.Cavalier (F.Liiv 68)

16-01-11

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Billericay Town   1 - 2 (League)

After all the previous weeks bad weather it was good to see that the Crofters End pitch had drained well enough to allow both the Saturday men's reserve side to play as well as being able to to have the Women's game as well on Sunday afternoon.

Billericay Town are currently having a good season and are sitting third in the table after having played just 6 games, Sawbo on the other hand have not yet found their consistency and find themselves in 7th spot. Still Sawbo always raise their game for the stronger teams so today should be no exception.

A very cagey first ten minutes saw no real pressure on either goal but with both sides contesting the middle third. 13 minutes in and with the Sawbo defensive line pushed up to condense the play Billericay played a superb ball through the Sawbo defensive line and Lisa Silverton was quicker to respond and she managed to slide the ball past the advancing Ann Anstey in the Sawbo goal to put the visitors one up. The rest of the half saw a more determined Sawbo team as they tried in vane to get an equaliser.

Sawbo emerged from the interval in determined mood and were soon playing some delightful football which had Billericay chasing the ball. On 50 minutes the endeavours of the hard work reaped results when the ball was played down the left which eventually found Wendy Rankin who had drawn several of the Billericay players to her. She slid the ball into the path of Rebecca Maybury who rifled the ball into the top of the net from some 25 yards. Sawbo continued in the same vane as before trying to get another goal to put their noses in front but the Billericay defensive unit held firm. On the hour mark Billericay attacked down the Sawbo right and from just outside the Sawbo defensive third a cross field pass was sent deep into the Sawbo penalty area with just Joanne Gregory and keeper Ann Anstey in attendance. With the ball looking as f it would eventually go out of play Kerry Oldham stole in on the blind side and headed the ball past Anstey and Gregory into the net from very close range. Sawbo rallied and won several free kicks as Billericay started to tire and the tackles became a little late. Two such free kicks just outside the box were floated to the far post where Rankin just failed to connect. A third free kick saw Jackie Stott hit the underside of the cross bar from about 22 yards with the keeper beaten but the ball rebounded back into play.

Squad from: A.Anstey, F.Liiv, G.Morley, J.Day, J.Gregory, R.Cavalier, R.Maybury, C.Poulton, J.Stott, W.Rankin, E.Hastings

Subs From:- S.Barker (Gregory 65) N.Coates (Not Used)

16-01-11

Hormead Hares   v   Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   1 - 4 (B&H County League)

The reserves travelled the short mileage up the A10 to Buntingford to play Hormead Hares who they played in their first ever game of this season which ended with a 9-3 win to Sawbo. now after several games have been played it was surely going to be a tighter game as both sides have matured during the season. Sawbo have also recruited several new players which has meant that they can now start a game with 11 or more players available on the day.

Sawbo got into their stride early and were putting several good moves together which had Hormead defending well. Back came the home side and good defending across the park saw the attack end. Eventually Sawbo started to take control and with two goals by new signing Sara Drinkwater, one for Natalie Coppin and one for Lucie Sear it secured a win for the much improved squad. Hormead got a goal back but never had enough to overly trouble the visitors defensive line. Lauren Barnard played a cameo role as she started her comeback after knee surgery.

Squad from:- S.Irons, N.Clifford, K.Crump, N.Bayne, E.Yarrien, H.King, A.King, R.Wilson, L.Sear, N.Coppin, S.Drinkwater, S.Williams, L.Barnard

11-01-11

The clubs fixtures have been brought up to date with the first team now having a game on the 16th January 2011 and the reserves now not having a game on the 23rd January 2011 although this could change so watch this space

09-01-11

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   v   Everett   1 - 2 (B&H County League)

Everett came to Crofters, top of the table and I believe expected to get a result in the same vane as Dunstable did prior to the Christmas break, but a reshaped Sawbo team had other ideas. A few changes in player positions and the addition of Jo Gregory who stepped down to play from the first team as the Eastern Region side had their game postponed and a to fill the gap because of India Challis not being available for the day had a renewed confidence that right from the first whistle drove them forward. Early chances to Anna Williams, new signing Sara Drinkwater and Hayley King saw the Everett keeper tested all within the first 20 minutes of the game. Good passing techniques allowed Sawbo to attack fluently but time and again the final ball a shot on goal eluded the home side. With half time just around the corner the Everett keeper picked up the ball and launched the ball up field where there Everett forward controlled the ball and went past the Sawbo defender who was caught slightly flat footed. With a little space the Everett forward drove the ball home for the opening goal.

After the interval Sawbo made two changes to the team with Ann Anstey and Emma Hastings taking over from Drinkwater and Lucy Sear but the momentum of the game stayed in favour of the home side. 20 minutes into the half and Sawbo were putting their visitors under more and more pressure and when Hastings found Hayley King just outside the box she drove into the box and slotted the ball past the keeper to bring the scores level. More pressure form the home side could not gain another goal and it seemed as if the game would end even but with both sides going for the win it was Everett who got the next and final goal of the game when one on one with the Sawbo keeper the ball was dispatched into the goal to the right of Irons.

Squad From: S.Irons, K.Eyre, K.Crump, N.Bayne, J.Gregory, H.King, R.Wilson, L.Sear, N.Coppin, S.Drinkwater, A.Williams, A.Anstey, E.Hastings.

09-01-11

C & K Basildon   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   P - P  Waterlogged Pitch

02-01-11

After being without the internet for the last week (modem failure) it is better late than never to wish everyone a great new year. Lets hope that 2011 gives us a better return in all things than this last year has given us.

Training will restart on Wednesday 5th January 2011 at Mark Hall School Gym 7.30pm till 9.30pm. I will text everyone to confirm.

19-12-10

Both teams had to sit it out again this weekend as again the weather won the day. All it leaves me to say is on behalf of the club have a great Christmas and a Happy new year.

12-12-10

The weather has beaten us again with the first team game called off due to the frosty and snow covered pitches The reserves managed to get their game played at home to Dunstable but unfortunately lost 0-10 to the top of the table side.

05-12-10

Once again the weather has beaten the fixtures with both teams again left kicking their heels as the frosty and snow bound pitches win for another week. Hopefully although with no certainty both teams will again try to get a game played this weekend coming. With just two weekends left 12th and 19th before Christmas to get a game played we may have to sit around and pray that the gods are with us to clear the pitches in time for inspections to take place and the games given the go ahead to play. Stand by your mobiles for on the spot information later in the week.

28-11-10

Both the first and reserve games were called off today due to the severe weather that has blighted the country this weekend. The reserve game was called off earlier in the day but the first team had to travel to Basildon to be told by the referee that the pitch was unsafe due to frost. So both games will now be played a little later in the season. Many thanks to all the girls who actually turned up at Basildon to play.

Lets hope next week brings better weather (although snow is forecast).

21-11-10

Hemel Hempstead Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   5 - 1 (Herts County Cup)

With regular players  H.Fraser, W.Rankin, Z.Plant missing, the team took on a slight different picture as we took on Hemel Hempstead Town in the Second Round of the Herts County Cup.

Right from the start Sawbo were going to make a mark in this game, closing down quickly and winning the ball and on 13 minutes the effort was rewarded when Jennie Crossling crossed the ball into the edge of the box where Claire Poulton collected and volley the ball past the keeper on 10 minutes. It took Hemel almost 20 minutes to get their game going and on 41 minutes got their equaliser when Natalie Coates could only parry the ball out to an onrushing Hemel forward who drove the ball home from 8 yards. Still smarting from this Sawbo went on the attack but Hemel won the ball some 40 yards from goal and was allowed to dribble past the Sawbo defence to slot the ball past Coates who at this time was nursing a dislocated thumb to end the half 2-1 ahead.

Liz Eastwood replaced the injured Coates during the break but from the restart it became a catalogue of errors as first Joanne Gregory went in goal for the injured Coates, but within 5 minutes had to change places with Freya Liiv who injured her knee, but travelling with just the one sub and that being made Liiv went between the sticks so that the team could carry on with 11 players. Hemel took advantage and scored two goals either side of a Sawbo attack that saw Eastwood fire the ball over the cross bar after getting free in front of goal, Both  the Hemel goals were scored with similar execution when they were allowed to get in front of the keeper and shoot across the keeper and into the net. Liiv to her credit got fingertips to both shots but was unable to keep the ball out of the goal. Hemel scored a fifth goal with 10 minutes remaining to wrap up the game.

Squad from: N.Coates, F.Liiv, G.Morley, J.Day, J.Gregory, H.Graham, J.Stott, R.Maybury, E.Hastings, J.Crossling, C.Poulton.

Sub used:- L.Eastwood (Coates 45)

21-11-10

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   v   Crawley Green Belles   1 - 1 (league)

Match Report to follow

14-11-10

Royston Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   3 - 5 (league)

This was the second meeting between these two sides this season with Royston ahead with an opening day 3-1win. Determined to put the record straight Sawbo were almost at full strength but we were playing away from home on a ground that has not always been the best venue.

Both sides hit the ground running and early chances fell to both sides. Royston though mounted the first real attack on 10 minutes and when the ball came into the box a defensive mix up allowed Emma Chaffey an easy chance to tap the ball over the line from 2 yards when it seemed it would be easier to clear it. 25 minutes gone and a superb cross into the Sawbo six yard box found Chaffey who glanced a header into the corner of the net to extend Royston's hold on the game. But within a minute Sawbo had got back into the game when Wendy Rankin was found with a through ball and she slid it past the outrushing keeper to make the score line 2-1 to the home side. Rankin almost had an equalising chance when Zoe Plant fed the ball to her and as she was about to unleash her shot on goal the ball was whipped from her by the Royston defense and away to safety on the half hour mark. Royston attacked down the left and crossed the ball into the box but Natalie Coates who was playing her first game in goal was unable to collect the ball and it fell once again to Chaffey who tapped in her hat trick to push Royston further ahead on 38 minutes. Just before the half time whistle Sawbo were back in the game when the best move of the game saw Plant cross the ball to Hayley Graham who almost instantly fed Rankin who touched the ball Emma Hastings who put the ball into the net for 3-2 to the home side and once again reducing the arrears to just the one goal.

The second half saw an inspired Sawbo team enter the field of play. Coates was replaced by Joanne Gregory at the half time interval as it was felt the first half score line of conceding 3 goals was enough for the rookie keeper in her first ever game. Claire Poulton replaced Gregory at left back for the second half. Sawbo now took the game to Royston and were quicker all over the park neat one two football saw the Royston side being outplayed right from the off. 55 minutes gone and Sawbo equalised when a right cross found Plant  who put the ball beyond the keeper to make it 3-3. Three minutes later and Sawbo had their noses in front when the ball was won in the middle of the park and was instantly played out to the left where it was then crossed to Graham who scored. Sawbo put the game to bed when on 68 minutes Plant and Jacqueline Stott combined to work the ball down the left and the resultant cross saw Graham rise and head the ball home from 6 yards to give Sawbo a 5-3 advantage. Sawbo could and should have extended their lead and a win against this hard working Royston team was the result that everyone had worked hard for.

Squad:- N.Coates, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.Graham, J.Day, J.Stott, Z.Plant, W.Rankin, E.Hastings.

Subs from:- C.Poulton (Coates 45), R.Maybury (E.Hastings 60),  

Sub Not used:- R.Cavalier

14-11-10

Bedmond   v   Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   5 - 1 (league)

Match Report to follow shortly

08-11-10

At the ERWFL league Council meeting tonight the draw was made for the League Plate and the draw is as follows:_

To be played on Sunday 5th December 2010

Hoddesdon Owls   v   Haverhill Rovers

Ipswich Wanderers   v   Thorpe United

Gt Shelford   v   Huntingdon Town

Cambridge Women's Reserves   v   Whitton United

Hannakins   v   Cambridge Rangers

Leverstock Green   v   C & K Basildon

Taverham   v   Royston Town

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Bye

So we are already through to the last eight.

07-11-10

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Hutton   0-3 (league)

This was to be the third meeting between these two sides in almost as many weeks. At the start of the day Hutton were 2-0 up in wins so there was a lot at stake today for Sawbo to try and claw back some pride against this newly promoted Essex side.

With the game barely 4 minutes old Hutton won the ball in the middle of the park and slotted a through ball between the Sawbo centre backs and Dannielle Cliffe outpaced the Sawbo back line to slot the ball home. 10 minutes gone and the lead was increased with an almost carbon copy of the first goal where this lime Lucy Hudson was on hand to beat the keeper from some 15 yards. half an hour gone and Sawbo began to try and claw their way back into the game and Rosie Cavalier almost latched onto a through ball from Jacqueline Stott but was upended just outside the box. Stott took the free kick which easily beat the defensive wall and keeper but was unable to see the ball hit the back of the net as the ball crashed against the cross bar and away to safety.

The half time break came just too early as Sawbo were getting back into the game by winning more possession but could not find the killer pass to threaten the Hutton back line.

The second half was a more even affair with the game being played end to end and it was at the time slightly against the run of play that Hutton extended their lead, a corner from the right was not picked up and the ball fell just right for Cliffe who had the easiest of tasks to nudge the ball across the line for Hutton's third.

Squad from: L.Barnard, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, J.Crossling, H.Graham, J.Day, J.Stott, Z.Plant, R.Cavalier, W.Rankin.

Subs used:- E. Hastings (Cavalier 58), H.King (Plant 62) C.Poulton (J.Crossling 65)

31-10-10

Hutton   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   3 - 0 (League Cup 2nd round)

Sawbo travelled to Hutton to play this 2nd round League Cup game with a shuffled squad. It was an opportunity to give a couple of players the chance to play in the first team that have so far played most of their games in the reserves. With the game having a very low priority the result was secondary to the performance of players. Sawbo were also playing with players carrying injuries so their performances although high were at times understandably not consistent.

The new look side for the day took a while to settle but early signs were that Sawbo were here to take an active part and not to be over run by a side that is sitting in second place in the division. Although Hutton had most of the forward play the Sawbo defensive line held firm. With new keeper Sarah Irons in place the outfield players were more stable. 28 minutes gone and a free kick was awarded almost on the byline and about 5 yards in from the touch line. The ball was floated into the six yard box where Leeanne Cox rose the highest to head home for the first goal to the home side. The goal against did not deter the visitors and they mounted their own attack phase but they found the Hutton defence a tight unit to break down. 41 minutes gone and a free kick some 25 yards from goal slightly off centre was awarded to Hutton and Cox strode up and took the direct free kick and drove the ball high into the net over the hands of Irons for Hutton's 2nd.

The second half saw Rebecca Maybury replaced by Jacqueline Stott amid a reshuffle of the side positionaly and it seem to work. Sawbo began to piece together a few more passes and with that progressed more into the Hutton defensive third. Throughout the game Sawbo were competitive and it was unfortunate that the effort shown was not enough to put the Hutton keeper under more pressure that  a few weak shots that were easy to pick up and then re-distribute. Mid way through the half Dannielle Cliffe was put through and for once she managed to beat her marker to get a shot on goal to make it 3-0 to Hutton. On the day the referee made Freya Liiv the player of the match and the opposition made Georgina Morley their player of the match so two Sawbo players were named by outsiders as having a good game. But overall every player today deserves a huge pat on the back for the efforts shown. Hannah Fraser who led the team with her desire to not get beaten for pace at the back. A stalwart effort from Joanne Gregory who played despite having bruised ribs and trouble breathing. Hayley King who still has a lower back injury, and Rebecca Maybury who was replaced at half time but played with a quad muscle nerve injury. Finally we also had Natasha Coppin and Rachel Wilson who have played more games for the reserves than the first team but both performed as expected and did not let the side down.

Squad from:- S.Irons, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.Graham, R.Maybury, R.Wilson, H.King, R.Cavalier, N.Coppin

Sub used:- J.Stott (Maybury 45)

31-10-10

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   v   Arlesey Tow Reserves   6 - 2

Match Report to follow shortly

24-10-10

Hannakins   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   2 - 1  FA Women's Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Sponsored by E-on.

Sawbridgeworth Town travelled once again (when are we going to have a home game) to Hannakins to play the 2nd Qualifying round of the FA women's Cup. Looking for another good run like last season Sawbo were able to at last almost put out its strongest team on the day. Games between these two sides have, over the past two years, been decided by the odd goal and today was no exception.

The game burst into life from the kickoff with Kirsty Chawner hitting a post inside the first minute and Layla Little and Grace Clark both coming close. Sawbridgeworth Town replied with a long range dipping effort which clipped the top of the crossbar from Hayley Graham as well as forcing a fine save from keeper Jakki Smith. Hannakins took the lead on 28 minutes when a through ball from Whitney Locke put Clark clear of her marker to drive the ball past the keeper and into the roof of the net from 18 yards. Sawbridgeworth worked their way back into the game and right on half time Zoe Plant sent a superb looping shot from just outside the penalty box over Smith for 1-1.

Sawbridgeworth possessed the ball better in the second half and had Hannakins working hard to gain control of the ball and it was a kick in the teeth when  on 68 minutes a through ball  from Lisa Nepean found  Chawner who slotted her shot past the keeper and into the corner of the net for 2-1. Sawbo dug in more and most of the play was now being done by the Sawbo team in the Hannakins defensive third as they looked for an equaliser. Sawbo won several corners but could not convert,  The game ended 2-1 and was a credit to the commitment, skill and effort of both sides

Squad From:- J.Gregory, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, C.Poulton, H.Graham, R.Maybury, J.Stott, Z.Plant, J.Day, W.Rankin.

Subs used:- R.Cavalier ( Maybury, 65), King H (Plant, 73)

24-10-10

Watton   v   Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   4 - 1

The reserves went from 12 players available on Friday to just 9 on Sunday as players pulled out for one reason or another. This added a great deal of pressure on the side for the trip to Watton.

A courageous performance from the girls secured a respectable scoreline at the end of the day with Alex Brewer going between the posts and performing well. Rachel Wilson put her name on the score sheet with her first goal for the club, lets hope there are more to follow. The reserves team are suffering as the club as a whole has an ongoing injury list that is very hard to understand. We certainly have enough players registered to sustain a two team set up but week on week we have players unavailable which will always impact on the ability for the reserves to field a full team.

Squad from: A.Brewer, N.Bayne, L.Barnard, N.Coppin, L.Sear, S.Williams, A.Williams, R.Wilson

17-10-10

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   0-A    Hertfordshire County Cup 1st Round

Unfortunately the continuing injury list and general unavailability at the club prevented this game from being played so the first team got a bye to the second round to be played on Sunday 21st November 2010 away to Hemel Hempstead Town who beat Watford Development Squad today 5-0. Next weekend sees the 1st team away to Hannakins in the FA Women's Cup 2nd Qualifying Round. A must win as it will put a few Pounds in the kitty and we need to overturn the result from a couple of weeks ago when we lost in the league. I am hopeful that we shall have a full squad for both the first and reserves next week with the reserves also away playing against Watton.

13-10-10

This week has seen changes to the squad with two players leaving and three being added. Victoria Silvester has asked to leave the club as she is now living away from the area, Chloe Byrne has found the pressure of training and playing too much as she seeks more time for her studies. Three players that are returning to the club are Kerry Crump, Anna Williams and Nicky Clifford who has signed on only for the reserves at the moment. The club is still attracting ex players who were part of the previous reserve set up with Nicky Browster  who has started training with the squad again. With the reserve team struggling at times to field a full side recruitment has been ongoing to give the best possible chance for this to happen. The club is open to players from 16 years old and older who would like to be part of this re-emerging club. Goal keepers would be most welcome to get in contact.

10-10-10

Standon & Puckeridge   v   Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   11 - 0

With the whole club suffering from injuries and unavailability the reserves had to travel away with just 10 players to start the game. Without a recognized goalkeeper Rebecca Maybury went between the sticks. A spirited performance from the girls was squashed by a very good new side that played the ball well and against a team that was virtually just put together on the day made the task more difficult for Sawbo. During the game Sawbo were reduced to 7 players as Emma Yarrien (shoulder) Kerry Crump (shoulder) and Alex Brewer (ankle) had to sit on the sidelines as the game progressed. Lauren Barnard had to be heavily strapped on her knee at the interval so that the game could continue. The overall performance of the girls must be complimented as the effort they had shown during an arduous 90 minutes of football was beyond everyone's expectations. With the injuries across the club next weeks county cup game between the two Sawbo sides could be in jeopardy.

Squad:- R.Maybury, A.Anstey, N.Bayne, L.Barnard, A Brewer, A.King, S.Williams, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, K.Eyre.

10-10-10

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   C & K Basildon   4 - 4

On an unusual bright and sunny October Sunday with the pitch in pristine condition Sawbo entertained the current league leaders C & K Basildon in this the first league game between these two sides. Beset with injuries and unavailability Sawbo had to shuffle the pack so that 11 players could play. A warm up injury to Rosie Cavalier took her out of the starting 11 and she was replaced by Liz Eastwood who was initially listed as substitute for her first game this season. The goalkeeping duties were placed on Claire Poulton as Victoria Silvester has decided to stop playing after moving out of the area.

The first ten minutes saw most of the play in the Basildon half as they pushed for an opening but it was Basildon who had the first chance of a goal scoring opportunity as they won a corner on the right. The ball was put into the box and a first time shot on goal saw Poulton parry the ball forward and then she dived onto it to make the save. 5 minutes later a through ball from the Basildon midfield caught Hannah Fraser and Georgina Morley a little flat footed which allowed the forward half a yard to get clear to slot the ball past the advancing Poulton and into the net for the opening goal. Sawbo played some neat football to advance into the Basildon defensive third but the final pass was a little misplaced and was won back by the Basildon defence who quickly counter attacked with a flowing move that resulted in in a shot that beat Poulton at the near post on 23 minutes. Sawbo although 2 goals down were still making inroads into the Basildon defensive third but could not create the final ball to have a goal scoring chance. 38 minutes gone and Basildon won a corner on their right which was driven into the box. Somehow the ball missed everyone and eventually fell to the Basildon forward who volleyed the ball into the net for Basildon's third on 38 minutes. Sawbo ended the half with a little disbelief as they had more than contributed in the first period but had nothing to show for their endeavours.

Poulton swapped positions with Jo Gregory who was still suffering with a slight rib injury so once again Sawbo had to shuffle the pack to start the next 45 minutes.

Seven minutes into the second period and Sawbo looked a different side. It was like a team that had removed the weight from their shoulders as they seemed to be quicker to the ball and this caused Basildon to show a little bit of panic with their first half fluency now being tested The ball found Eastwood who dribbled the ball infield and passed to Hayley Graham who fed Wendy Rankin who had a snap shot at goal but the ball went over the cross bar. With more forward play Sawbo won a corner on their right and with almost a carbon copy of Basildon's third goal the ball found its way to Poulton who drove the ball back to goal and beat the keeper to make the score line a bit more respectable at 1 - 3 to the visitors on 58 minutes. Sawbo now saw the light at the end of the tunnel and began to win a lot more possession that they had done during the first period. More solid approach play by Sawbo saw the ball into the box where Zoe Plant was on hand to eventually place the ball past the keeper on the hour mark and reduce the arrears to just the one goal. Sawbo equalised on the 73  minutes when Eastwood finished a flowing move when she shot across the keeper. The comeback was now complete with the scores level and Sawbo on the ascendancy, with just seven minutes remaining of the 90 Emma Hastings tried to lob the keeper from all of 30 yards, as the keeper came out to gather the ball she slipped and the ball bounced over her head and into the empty net for Sawbo to be ahead for the first time in the match. With the referee indicating that there would be 4 added minutes Basildon now began to press looking the the equaliser and with just one minute left of play the ball went out of play for a throw deep into the Sawbo defensive third. From the throw Basildon won the ball and as Georgina Morley slid in to win the ball the cross spun off her foot and looped over Gregory and into the far corner. This was a definite body blow to Sawbo after all the work to get the game back on track after the first half, but credit must be given to Basildon who like Sawbo battled right to the final whistle.

Squad from:- C.Poulton, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.Graham, E.Hastings, J.Day, Z.Plant, W.Rankin, L.Eastwood

Sub not used:- R.Cavalier

03-10-10

Hutton   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   3 - 1

With the weather now hitting hard with the rain sweeping across the country it was good to know that the pitch today was playable. Most of the lines had been washed away but the referee had deemed it ok to play on.

Sawbo started brightly and within the first 2 minutes a severe challenge on Zoe Plant by ex Sawbo player Nina Witteridge should even at this early stage of the game earned a card on some description but the referee saw fit just to give the player a vocal warning. Then with just ten minutes gone Hutton set their stall out by playing a long ball through to Nicole Farmer who evaded the challenge of Hannah Fraser to get one on one with Vicky Silvester who again advanced then stopped which allowed  Farmer to pick her spot and Sawbo were 1 down. Sawbo lifted and started to put pressure on the Hutton defensive and after some neat interplay the ball found Fraser who unleashed a superb shot from some 20 yards to bring the scores level on the 20 minute mark. The scores remained level right up to almost the break but a bit of pin ball in the middle of the park saw Hutton get control and from the right they crossed the ball into the box where again Sawbo failed to clear and it was eventually stabbed across the line by Lucy Hudson on 45 minutes.

The second period saw a better performance from Sawbo but time and again the midfield and defence were so far apart it was making it difficult to defend against the continual long ball from the Hutton defence and midfield to their forwards. On the hour mark Hutton scored their third when again the long ball forward found Dannielle Cliffe who calmly chipped Silvester to give the home side a 2 goal advantage. Jackie Stott was replaced on the hour mark by returning player Claire 'Taz' Poulton who is now back from Uni. With 20 minutes remaining Sawbo were awarded a penalty and a chance to get within striking distance of the home side. Fraser elected to take the penalty as Stott was now off the park. Her kick went down the middle of the goal and was saved by the feet of the Hutton keeper but the referee blew his whistle as there had been encroachment by the home side. Fraser again placed the ball for the penalty retake and this time the keeper made a good save diving to her left to push the ball away. with five minutes remaining Silvester was called upon to make a brilliant diving save to her left to keep the scores at 3-1 to the home side.

Squad from: V.Silvester, F.Liiv, J.Day, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.King, E.Hastings, J.Stott, Z.Plant, W.Rankin, R.Cavalier

Sub used:- C.Poulton (Stott 60)

03-10-10

Sharrardswood    v   Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   5 - 3

Sawbo had to travel with just 9 players to start this game so it was always going to be a huge ask for them to get a result against a full team with subs. With Lucie Sear not being able to turn up till half time because of work commitments it was going to be hard work for 45 minutes. As expected the home side did dominate the first period and in doing so scored three goals although it must be said that Sawbo were certainly not out of the game by any means and had the two extra players been on the pitch it could quite well have been a different story. Katie Eyre went in goal for the first time and performed well under the circumstances. She was only going to do the first half but made the decision to stay in goal for the whole game.

With 10 players now able to start the second half Sawbo were an inspired side and it showed in the pressure they started to apply to Sherrardswood. Alex brewer playing her first game for the club was a thorn in the home side defence as during the half two corners won by the visitors were floated in by Brewer and the final touch before crossing the line was from defensive players trying to get the ball away from goal. Not to be out done by this Brewer herself stepped up to score a goal of her own although two more goals during this half by the home side saw a spirited fight back from an undermanned team that can only get better as and when the missing players return from injury and unavailability. Credit goes to the entire team and Michelle Wood for their efforts in today's game.

Squad From:- K.Eyre, N.Bayne, L.Barnard, G.Morley, I.Challis, A.King, S.Williams, L.Sear, N.Coppin, A.Brewer

26-09-10

Sawbridgeworth Town   Whitwell   4 - 4

Whitwell travelled to Crofters for this only the second league game at home of the season. The pitch was in superb condition a credit to the groundsmen. The weather set fair and the prospect of a good even game was on the cards as both teams had started in similar fashion

It was Sawbo who started the brighter of the two teams and on 5 minutes had opened the scoring with some neat wing play by Hayley Graham and a cross into the box that Wendy Rankin had no problem in converting. Six minutes later it was Whitwell's opportunity to push forward and when they won the ball in the midfield they played it out to the right where the ball was quickly crossed into the box where Alexandria Moir headed home from 6 yards for the equaliser. 30  minutes gone and again the right flank was the area of attack from Whitwell and when the ball was crossed into the area Eustacia Randles saw her weak shot at goal hit the legs of Victoria Silvester and spin around her and over the line with Silvester routed to the spot until ,the ball actually crossed the line before she dived to save it. Just before the interval Sawbo found themselves 3 - 1 down when a throw out from Silvester was not controlled by Graham and Whitwell pounced to get the ball and played into the path of Moir who slotted home.

Half time was a reflective time where Sawbo got themselves back into the right frame of mind to try and turn this around although it was to be a tall order.

Sawbo had been fired up and right from the restart were stopping Whitwell from playing. 47 minutes gone and Emma Hastings won the ball in the midfield third and found Rankin to the left of the Whitwell goal and Rankin converted with a superb left foot shot that beat Amie Fage in the Whitwell goal to bring the score to 2 - 3. 6 minutes later the scores were level when the ball was fed out to the right and Graham beat her defensive marker and slotted the ball into the middle of the box where it seemed to move around for a while as Whitwell desperately tried to clear the ball. Eventually it came to Zoe Plant who dispatched it between the posts. Definitely on a high Sawbo continued to push forward as Whitwell at this time were back on their heels. Sawbo were getting more joy attacking the left back and once again Graham and Rankin worked the ball between the and eventually Graham slotted the ball home to once again put the home side in front on the hour mark. At this point Plant was replaced by Hayley King and a while later Rosie Cavalier replaced Hastings. Sawbo took a while to adjust to the changes and Whitwell gained a little more possession. With the game entering the last 5 minutes a long ball caught the Sawbo defence a little flat and Moir was quickest to react. her composure being one on one with Silvester was won quite easily and the scores were now level again. Just prior to the final whistle Whitwell had their manager red carded for foul and abusive language to the official.

Squad From:- V.Silvester, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.Graham, J.Day, J.Stott, Z.Plant, E.Hastings, W.Rankin

Subs used:- H.King (Plant 60) R.Cavalier (Hastings 65)

19-09-10

Hannakins   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   1 - 0

Hannakins proved last season that they are a hard nut to crack and when you travel with 6 of your normal first team players away either on holiday, honeymoon or injured it was going to be a tough task. Promoting several reserve team players into the squad was for today the only option and we were sure they would not let the team down in any way.

With so many players away it was imperative that the selected side started well and bonded quickly. Some of the players were actually playing their first senior game today so not really the best place to start but you have to start somewhere. Both Tash Coppin and Rachel Wilson settled well and were soon competing with the rest. The game was certainly a midfield battle with uncautioned tackles coming in with regularity which set the tone for the rest of the game. There were no real opportunities during the first half as the ball stayed within the middle third of the pitch as both sets of players  tried in vain to set a move on the road to goal but it was cut out and again the ball was bouncing around the middle third. Coming up to the half time break a lunging knee high tackle floored Wilson who needed treatment before she re-entered the fray. At half time it was deemed that she could no longer take part as the knee had swollen considerably. She was later to go to been seen by a doctor to establish any damage.

With new comer Sian Williams replacing Wilson the team was reshaped and we tried again. As the game progressed a few tired legs came into the equation and a bit more space was apparent which was quickly exploited by the Sawbo midfield. Lauren Barnard added herself to the growing Sawbo injury list when she pulled her quad attempting to clear the ball up field and was replaced by Katie Eyre.  Attacking down the slope in this period  Sawbo gained several corners but were unable to convert any. Hannakins defensive unit were very quick to snuff out any chance created so it was then a case of attack and counter attack as both sides searched for that elusive opening. After one attack Hannakins won the ball and broke quickly and this time found themselves one on one with Vicky Silvester who advanced to the player but then stopped allowing the player a bit more space than she should have had at the near post to slot home the eventual winner on 70 minutes. With no way of reshaping the side to push more forward with the players on the park Sawbo tried and tried to get the ball into the Hannakins final third for a shot on goal but to no avail. Every Sawbo player competed to the best of their ability under extreme circumstances today and although a loss I am sure many players will have learnt something from the game.

Squad From:- V.Silvester, F.Liiv. L.Pepper, L.Barnard, H.Graham, W.Rankin, R.Wilson, J.Stott, H.King, N.Coppin, E.Hastings

Subs From:- S.Williams (Wilson 45), K.Eyre (L.Barnard 50)

12-09-10

Leverstock Green  v   Sawbridgeworth Town   3 - 3

With several injuries and the team captain on Honeymoon the team had to rely on new players to come into the side and perform  on a hot and sticky afternoon. Returning a week after our win in the League Cup meant we started the game with recent knowledge of our opponents firmly in our minds.

Sawbo got off to a flyer as after just 16 seconds the ball was played to Hayley Graham who drifted inside and found Emma Hastings who in turn floated the ball over the head of Rosie Cavalier and into the path of  Laura Pepper who was running towards goal and Pepper slotted the ball home for the opening goal. More pressure by the visitors saw Pepper on the left drive a cross field ball to Graham who crossed the ball into the box where Hastings latched onto the ball and it was in the net for the visitors second. on 6 minutes. Ten minutes later it was the home sides chance to put pressure on the Sawbo defence and keeper and when Jane Rudderham broke clear she advanced towards goal with Just Vicky Silvester to beat, Rudderham drove the ball towards goal but Silvester made a superb diving save to palm the ball around the post for a corner. From the corner Silvester kept her side with a clean sheet when a snap shot and a great reflex save saw the ball tipped over the cross bar from six yards. Leverstock Green's pressure finally paid off when the quick Giselle Subryan beat the back line and went one on one with Silvester and this time won the battle as the ball found the back of the net on 20 minutes. On the half hour mark the scores were level when from a short corner the ball found Leah Maloney on the edge of the box and she drove the ball towards goal. The shot took a slight deflection but it could not prevent the ball hitting the back of the net. Rosie Cavalier had what looked to be her first goal for the club ruled out for offside which from most spectators looked as though she had run through to collect the ball before sliding it under Helen Orsman which would have put the game at 3-1 to the visitors at this time. After consultation between referee and assistant the goal was disallowed.

Sawbo started the brighter after the break and looked the side that was going to get the breakthrough of another goal. With the half just five minutes old Sawbo won a throw in on the left found Hastings who drifted inside and floated a great ball over the defence and into the path of Graham who slotted home into the far corner to restore the visitors advantage. The game took a strong midfield hold where both sides competed strongly. Sawbo's player of the match Silvester was called upon to keep the team in front and it has to be said that this was probably her best game so far for the club. Sawbo had to make their only substitution when Wendy Rankin had to be replaced by new signing Rachel Wilson around the hour mark but still Sawbo held firm. With only the one substitute Sawbo were reduced to 10 players when Emma Hastings fell foul to cramp and had to be removed so the last eight  to ten minutes were going to be a sever test of the Sawbo resolve. An earlier bang to the head saw a second incident to Freya Liiv and she then had to be removed from  the pitch for a while to be assessed and while she was off and Sawbo were at nine players Leverstock equalised when the Sawbo defence failed to clear the ball as it was bouncing around the six yard box, Kelly Randall prodded the ball home from 4 yards. Liiv returned to the game with just 4 minutes remaining as did Hastings with just 3 minutes on the clock  to even up the numbers. The game ended with the scores level the same as the previous week. Although this week we did not have extra time to sort out the winner.

Squad from: V.Silvester, F.Liiv, G.Morley, J.Day, J.Gregory, H.Graham, W.Rankin, J.Stott, L.Pepper, R.Cavalier, E.Hastings

Subs From:- R.Wilson (Rankin 57)

12-09-10

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves   v   Hormead Hares   9 - 3

Congratulations to the Reserves on their first game of the season as they hit nine with three against. A superb start for Michelle Wood's charges and a superb foundation for this new team to build upon. I am sure there will be a full match report to follow shortly.

06-09-10

Tonight I travelled up to Sandy in Bedfordshire to get registered another 14 players in the Beds & Herts County League. This takes the total registered to 29. I am still awaiting some paperwork from Rachel Wilson, Sam Rigby and Katherine Terris so that these players can be registered as well, which will make it 32 registered players to choose from. Yes we know that Laura Pepper and Emma Yarrien will by the end of September only be able to make games when they will be back from Uni or work placement and also that Kerry Crump because of her work will only be able to do two in four games. But if we get the signatures and completed paperwork from both Katherine Terris and Sam Rigby we should almost be at full strength.

I do hope that this years explosion of new players will be the catalyst that the club needs to really push on and win something at the end of the season as well as along the way we make friends of the club who like seeing the game played and enjoyed in the right manner.

05-09-10

Leverstock Green   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   2 - 3 (aet, League Cup First Round)

This was the first time that Sawbo had travelled to Hemel Hempstead to play Leverstock Green as they gained promotion into the Eastern Region from last season so the visitors only had Leverstock Green's previous two game match reports to go by to have some inkling as to how they may play. With Ann Anstey and Rebecca Maybury still on the side lines injured and Hayley King (holiday) several of the new young players were drafted into the squad so that the numbers were good. With the reserves not kicking their season off till next week we were fortunate to be able to do so.

Sawbo were out of the blocks early and soon were making crisp passing and possession the order of the day. At this early stage of the game Leverstock were not quite settled and when the ball was played down the Sawbo right Hayley Graham dribbled through two defenders to slot home under the diving Helen Orsman in the Leverstock goal to put the visitors ahead on 8 minutes. As the first half continued Leverstock began to get back into the game and the midfield became a hive of activity as both sides contested to win the ball.

Sawbo started the second half brightly but Leverstock had also stepped up a gear and were now contesting more on the edge of the Sawbo defensive third. On 53 minutes a shot from the edge of the box which seemed to be straight at Vicky Silvester in the Sawbo goal but Leverstock were given a lifeline when the ball somehow went through the hands of Silvester and ended up in the goal after a touch by Stacey Russell. Some 10 minutes later Leverstock had edged ahead when the ball seemed to bounce around the edge of the six yard box with legs all flailing around. Joanne Gregory managed to get her boot to the ball but her clearance only found Gaby Bonich who eventually slotted the ball home. With time running out Sawbo lifted their game and again stated to to push the Leverstock defence back on their heels so that the game was now being played in the home sides final third. Sawbo won a corner on the right and Jackie Stott floated the ball high across the six yard box. Orsman could not get her hands to the ball and as it dropped Wendy Rankin was in the right position to chest the ball across the line for the equaliser with just minutes to go. Try as they might both sides now went for the winner but the final whistle blew and it was now extra time.

The first half of extra time went by without incident but the second half saw the inspirational Laura Pepper substituted with just 11 minutes of the game left to play as she was suffering with cramp. Emma Hastings entered the fray with Rosie Cavalier now taking over the central midfield position and Hasting moving up alongside Rankin in the centre forward role. With penalties looming at the end of this highly contested game Right back Gina Morley found Hasting with a through ball who beat her marker and advanced on goal with just Orsman to beat. Hastings elected to drive the ball and it hit the top left corner of the net to give the visitors the win with just 1 minute remaining of play. Sawbridgeworth Town will now play Hutton in the second round of the league cup on Sunday October 31st 2010.

Squad From:- V.Silvester, F.Liiv, J.Day, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, H.Graham, L.Pepper, N.Coppin, R.Cavalier, W.Rankin.

Subs From:- G.Morley (F.Liiv 35),  Z.Plant ( N.Coppin 67), E.Hastings (L.Pepper 109)

22-08-11

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Royston Town   1 - 3 (league)

Once again a first game of the season victory eludes us even though we probably just edged the overall possession over 90 minutes. After the first phase of registrations Sawbo had 20 players on the books but because of injury, illness, holidays and working requirements the squad was reduced to just 13 for this opening game. In the starting line up was the just sixteen year old Georgina Morley and 17 year old Rosie Cavalier who have joined the club for this season. being thrust into senior football on the opening day was certainly going to be a sink or swim event and both performed above expectations.

The day was warm and sticky which would eventually sap the strength of both teams as the game progressed but the early exchanges were all Sawbridgeworth. Taking the game to Royston saw openings begin to appear and on 10 minutes Laura Pepper slotted home under the advancing Royston Keeper after a through ball from Jackie Day who for this game occupied the central midfield slot alongside Jacqueline Stott. Cavalier was finding space throughout the half and on 33 minutes took the ball to the bye line and beating her marker then slotted the ball across the face of goal but the advancing Natalie Bayne was inches from getting contact with the ball and the open goal that was before her which could have put the game beyond the visitors.

The second half was barely 10 minutes old when Royston drew level through Emma Chaffey and for a few minutes Sawbo were unable to lift themselves, but they did and they came back at Royston pinning them into their own final third. After some 7 minutes of pressure Royston mounted a counter attack and as a result Jennie Probert put the visitors ahead. It was then time for Sawbo to again put pressure on the Royston back line when a corner landed in the six yard box which Royston could not clear. Two successive shots rebounded off Sawbo players as the ball was headed for the goal and eventually the ball was cleared up field and away from danger. Natalie Bayne was replaced by Katie Eyre on 65 minutes and Lauren Barnard replaced Laura Pepper who was suffering from cramp around the 75 minute mark. Royston's Probert was again on target on the 80 minutes mark as gaps began to appear in the Sawbo ranks due to the strength sapping weather and the effort that every player had given. The final result flattered Royston but it has given the Sawbo team a massive boost that young players are around to support the first team and not to let the team down.

Squad From: V.Silvester, F.Liiv, G.Morley, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, N.Bayne, J.Day, J.Stott, H.King, L.Pepper, R.Cavalier.

Subs used: K.Eyre, L.Barnard

18-08-10

On the injury front I have learnt today that long term absentees Ann Anstey, Rebecca Maybury and Wendy Rankin are looking to resume light training within the next two weeks. Although their playing start date has not been fixed yet we are optimistic that it will be before the end of September. Zoe Plant has now given birth to baby Ellie and is looking to get back to playing fitness as soon as possible (no date fixed) as the doctors have said she can now start light training (light walking).

18-08-10

The number of registered players hit the 20 mark when we completed the registrations of Ann Anstey and Vicky Silvester from last seasons register and new comer Georgina Morley who is joining several other new faces in the squad this year. More new signings along with some re-registrations will take place over the next few days to hopefully take the total squad number to 30 plus by the end of August early September. New players of any ability are welcome to join the growing band of players as we embark with a reserve team for this seasons Beds & Herts County League campaign.

16-08-10

The Beds & Herts County League have today been forced to re-align the divisions in the wake of three clubs withdrawing from the league. Instead of the original Division One and two division twos (geographically set) there will now be a First Division and a Second Division which has increased the number of teams from nine to 11. Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves are now in Division Two. As shown below:-

15-08-10

Pre-season has not gone as planned as several key injuries has prevented any squad building. Holidays as well as working have also restricted the overall build up to the new season but as a group we are confident that this season could be better than last season. With the introduction of a reserve team this season it will certainly put pressure on places within both squads. There are still several players still to put pen to paper but we are convinced this will happen sooner rather than later. We have managed just one friendly in this pre-season which was supposed to be a first team game against Woodbridge Town from the Premier Division. Although the result in itself a 6 - 0 defeat does not show us in a good light I was pleased with the performance of several new players with most playing against open age senior players for the first time and competing quite well. This final week before the ERWFL season gets under way we shall be getting everyone signed up and ready for what lies ahead. The reserves kick off their season with a small 11-a-side tournament at Sandy where they will be pitched against 4 other teams in a mini round robin on Sunday 5th September 2010. The following week they will start their season. (no fixtures have been produced as yet).

24-07-10

We have over the past few weeks signed several more players with Rachel Wilson & Freya Liiv, adding to the list of new players signed with several more who will sign once they are back from holiday. Current members have also signed with again several still to do so on their return from holiday. On paper now we look to have a squad of 30 plus which I hope will satisfy the two teams throughout this coming season.

Our first friendly has been shelved as Hackney ladies have contacted me and said that they are unable to play that day so our first friendly will be the inter club one on the 1st August 2010 at the club.

I am also very pleased to announce that Michelle Wood will be returning to the club as Reserve Team Manager. Michy managed our reserves some 5 years ago before family and work commitments prevented her from continuing. Now fully back in the swing we look forward to Michy once again getting the reserve team progressing up the table at their first attempt.

12-07-10

This evening the club successfully signed five new players to the squad Alex Brewer, Sian Williams, Natasha Coppin, Rosie Cavalier and Lauren Barnard as well as the resigning of Hayley King. With the emergence of a reserve team for next season these new players along with several more that could not make tonight's registration will give the club a younger feel and keep the current established players on their toes.

With two teams competing this season their respective league constitutions are:-

11-07-10

Although the member clubs of the ERWFL were explained the benefits of having equal divisions at the division one level several clubs including Huntingdon Town who had been earmarked for the change to the South proved difficult to convert. It has now been decided that the Division One South shall for this year have just 9 clubs and Division One North will have 11.

16-06-10

It appears that the ERWFL Committee are about to sanction that both the Division Ones have 10 teams each we will find out exactly what teams we are talking about come Monday at the AGM.

16-06-10

It looks as if we have today secured the chance to have a second team for next season, Even though forms have not been signed the new players that came along tonight have said that they would like to sign. We had three players from last seasons Bishop's Stortford Under 16's squad Alex, Tash and Siobhan who all slotted into the training with ease along with Mandy Elsley who is beginning again after having children who is looking to get fit first then play. These new players tonight along with Rosie Cavalier and Lauren Barnard who have trained with us a couple of times previous have added to the squad numbers so it looks very promising for next season. We have also been told that there could be several more from Bishop's Stortford after they have completed their exams.

14-06-10

Just to remind you that our Presentation Barbecue is this Sunday 20th June 2010. The venue is Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club and it will kick off at 2.30pm. All members friends and family are invited to come along and see who has gained the trophies for the 2009-2010 season. Who do you think deserves the awards?

13-06-10

The ERWFL have been informed that Histon Hornets have withdrawn from the Region due to a lack of Player Availability. They will now play in the Cambridgeshire STec County League next season.