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News and Match Reports 08-05-05 Vauxhall Aftersales League Plate Final Sawbridgeworth Town v Peterborough 1 - 2 Sawbo entered the game with a daunting record against the Divisional Champions having played three games against them during this league season which ended in a 5 - 0 defeat in the first round of the Cup another 5 - 0 defeat at Peterborough in the first league game and a 9 - 0 defeat at home to them in the second league game of the season. So definitely the underdogs going into this final with everything to gain and precious little to lose. A frenetic first 5 minutes saw Sawbo attack a shaky looking Peterborough final third with early chances falling to Jackie Stott and Jo Gregory but they failed to converted. With more forward play coming from the Robins than expected Peterborough just launched the ball forward from their defensive third and league top scorer Jade White was onto it like a flash and she managed to edge in front of the close marking of the Sawbo defence enough to shoot across the diving Debbie Williams to put Peterborough one up on 8 minutes. Sawbo were not about to lay down and still put pressure on the Peterborough defence and when Gregory was brought down some 5 yards outside the box, Stott strode up to drive the ball goal ward only to see a despairing dive by the Peterborough keeper fingertip the ball against the bar and rebound down into the six yard box. The quickest to react was xox and she drove the ball home for a well deserved equaliser. Throughout the rest of the first half chances were few and far between as both sets of defenses did their jobs. Sawbo ended the half still on a high but Peterborough although they had come back into the game just before the break were not the same side that had beaten the Robins just three weeks previous. The second half started as a mirror image of the first with both sides determined to get the goal and with the pace of the game relentless every player was giving everything they had in the tank. The goal came after a period of pressure by Peterborough that had for the best part been well defended by the Robins. The ball was delivered the the middle of the park and it was picked up by Peterborough who released the ball to White who for the first time in the game had worked herself space on the edge of the box. Williams in the Sawbo goal got fingertips to the ball but it crashed into the goal from the woodwork to give Peterborough the goal advantage. at 2-1 on 65 minutes. Sawbridgeworth would still not lie down as they pushed forward for the equaliser and Clare Halfpenny came close as she was within a whisker of converting a Stott cross. More end to end football followed as neither side at this stage had dominance and it looked as if Sawbo would get the opportunity to score as when they had the ball they tried to penetrate through the Peterborough defence. Stott then had a shot on 80 minutes that looked a goal as it left her foot but a superb diving save to her right by the Peterborough keeper just palmed the ball around the post for a corner. This was the first time that the Robins had made Peterborough think about what they were doing and at the end of the game Peterborough knew that they had been in a very competitive game that most probably they did not expect. The Sawbridgeworth side had competed the entire ninety minutes and had worried their opponents with their determination and teamwork. Sawbridgeworth emerged from the game as losers of a cup final but winners on a moral note because of the application they put in. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, J.Frost, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Halfpenny, J.Duffin, C.Poulton. Subs used: C.Turner, K.Mullender, J.Pyne. Sub not used: N.Till 03-05-05 Highfields 11-a-side end of season tournament A superb weekend that saw a depleted team battle through to a semi-final against Enfield Ladies which the Robins lost 2-0. Saturday saw wins against Carshalton 1-0 and Enfield 2-1, The Robins also suffered narrow defeats against Stanway 1-3 and Derby County 1-2. This Saturday performance allowed the ladies to finish 3rd of a group of five which gave them a bye to the second round of the plate competition. Then on Sunday the quarter final was against Haywards Heath which finished with a 1-0 win to Sawbo. It then became a bit of a grudge match between Sawbo and Enfield who were beaten on the Saturday by the Robins. Enfield had the luxury of several substitute players that had allowed them the chance to rest legs during a hot Saturday so that on Sunday they looked sharper and more refreshed than the Robins who at this stage looked tired as they had played some 5 games with just a squad of 13 players which had been reduced to 11 due to injuries during the first day. One good point that came from the weekend was the selection by the organisers of Jackie Stott as the tournaments 'MOST SPORTING PLAYER'. Goals from Jackie Stott, Ann Anstey and Judith Duffin plus a few games from Michelle Wood (who has not played all season) wrapped up a rewarding and enjoyable weekend in Clacton
24-04-05 Sawbridgeworth Town v Peterborough 0 - 9 17-04-05 Sawbridgeworth Town v Loddon United 1 - 0 Vauxhall Aftersales League Plate Semi-Final Sawbridgeworth travelled to Somersham Town FC in Cambridgeshire to play this Semi-Final against Division One West opponents Loddon United who on paper had much the same form and results as Sawbow so it was expected to be a tight game where opportunities would be scarce. Loddon started the brighter with very neat 1;2 football down both flanks and but for some splendid defending might have progressed more but all season the Robins back line have held very firm and today was no exception. At the end of the first 45 neither goalkeeper had had a shot to save as both sets of defensive line up's controlled the respective defensive area's with superb work. Sawbow suffered a body blow on 75 minutes when Robyn McFayden had to be taken off after a strong challenge with a badly twisted ankle that left her with a very badly bruised foot. Judith Duffin entered the fray and a slight re-shuffle saw Jackie Frost go to centre back alongside xox with Duffin filling the central forward position vacated by Frost. Some 5 minutes later Natalie Till was replaced by Claire Poulton as the Robins looked to try and snatch a late winner with a little more pace up front. Sawbo were now beginning to play more and more in the Loddon half and as a result a free kick awarded some 28 yards from goal with just 9 minutes of play left gave Sawbow a chance if they could convert to push for a final place. The direct free kick was dispatched by Stott just under the crossbar with the Loddon keeper just unable to get fingertips to it. As a last attempt to get an equaliser Loddon pushed everyone forward and gained three corners on the trot but the Sawbow defence held firm. For an outstanding performance that drove every Sawbow player to extend themselves to the limit the manager awarded the player of the match to Ann Anstey for her immense effort in the middle of the park. Sawbow will now play Peterborough on May 8th at Soham Town FC in the Final with a 1.00pm kick off Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, R.McFayden, N.xox, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, K.Mullender, N.Till, J.Frost. Subs used: J.Duffin, C.Poulton. Not used J.Pyne
10-04-05
Because of the semi-finals being played today Sawbridgeworth Town
Women's Football Club had a weekend off. Training was the only
football being played as the club gears itself up for their own
semi-final week against Loddon United from the Division One East.
The semi played today saw favorites Peterborough dispense Cambridge City
Reserves out 2 - 0. The Robins will attempt to gain a final place
week for the first time under the name of Sawbridgeworth Town. This
season has seen a much improved squad that has shown by results it is up
for the task ahead. A difficult game on paper that really could go
either way. Lets hope it is our way as the work that has been put in
deserves something this year. The game is being played at Somersham Town
FC, West End Ground, St Ives Road, Somersham, Huntingdon,
Cambridgeshire, England, PE17 3ER
03-04-05 Peterborough v Sawbridgeworth Town 5 - 0 The penultimate game of the season saw Sawbridgeworth Town travel to Peterborough to play the divisional champions. The only other meeting was a 5 - 0 defeat in the first round of the league cup earlier in the season when the Robins were still in the learning phase of playing together with new players etc. hoped that the recent good form would put the clubs a lot closer this time around. The first half started briskly for the home side and the pattern was set as the Robins back line was constantly pushed back and desperate defending at times was needed to keep the Peterborough attack from scoring. Time and again Sawbo could not clear their lines as the speed of closing Peterborough players stopped them in their tracks and again defending became the best option. Peterborough had several chances to open the scoring but sound resolute defending kept them at bay for the first half. The second half started where the first had finished but Peterborough seemed to find an extra gear. Then on 48 minutes Peterborough opened the scoring when a neat 1, 2 released Donna Nicholls (who to everyone in the Sawbo back line had at least 2 yards off side) raced through and shot home. After all the good work done in the first half Sawbridgeworth had had the wind taken from their sails and 2 minutes later Lisa White shot from the edge of the box and the ball struck the bar but Sawbo were slow to clear the rebound and Claire Knibbs tucked the ball away for the second goal. More Peterborough pressure followed as their confidence grew and from a corner Maria Rudd added the third. The divisional top scorer who before the game had scored 53 goals shot home from the edge of the box and the rout was completed on 78 minutes when Jessica Farchica latched onto a long through ball which she fired past Sawbow's player of the match keeper Debbie Williams. For 70 minutes of this game Sawbridgeworth had managed to defend as a team and thwart all efforts to score from the free running Peterborough side that had scored in total 152 goals prior to this game. The Robins were beaten on the day by a better side and must look back at a very sound defensive display that at times had Peterborough wondering where they would get a goal from. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Duffin, J.Stott, A.Anstey, J.Gregory, C.Poulton, C.Turner 20-03-05 AFC Kempston v Sawbridgeworth Town 0 - 0 With just three games left to play in the league this season Sawbridgeworth would have to play really well to gain points as the last games are against the leading sides of the division. Today we played Kempston who lie in second and the last remaining games are against league leaders Peterborough. Having lost in the first game against Kempston this season by 3 - 1 today was going to be a very hard encounter. Starting the game without regulars Nicky Clifford (ankle) and Judith Duffin (ankle) the team had to be reshaped and because of that the game was played for the first 10 minutes almost entirely in the Sawbo half. With no real shots on target Kempston even at this early stage of the game were being ruffled because of the lack of opportunities that were being allowed by the stalwart Sawbridgeworth back line. Then on 28 minutes Kempston were reduced to 10 players when their No 9 Hayley Reynolds was red carded for a raised hand that struck the face of xox. The advantage gained by Sawbridgeworth because of the sending off allowed the play to be switched to the Kempston end of the pitch and Sawbow gained a corner. Jackie Stott delivered a perfect ball which was dipping and bending under the crossbar but Gemma Garner in the Kempston goal finger tipped the ball away for another corner. With mounting confidence Sawbo were contesting every ball and when Stott was found from a throw in some 30 yards out she chanced a lob as Garner was off her line but the ball fell just short allowing Garner to retrieve it. The rest of the half was a contest of wills as each team tried in vain to gain the upper hand but as with the score the game remained level. After the interval both sides set about their tasks with renewed vigor but still no real chances were made for that elusive shot on goal. There were attempts but both teams were giving easy efforts for the respective keepers to gather up. The game was being played at a relentless pace by both sets of players and the football being played was superb as each team tried to work that extra bit of space but credit to both defenses that they held firm. With injury time being played Ann Anstey sustained a thigh injury and was replaced by Jessica Pyne to play out the last 2 minutes. Jackie Stott was voted player of the match by the opposition but from a managers point of view every Sawbridgeworth player deserves the recognition of playing the game with 100% commitment and all earning that mention of teamwork and effort that sets them out from the rest. Squad: D.Williams, J.Frost, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, J.Stott, A.Anstey, K.Mullender, C.Poulton, C.Turner. Sub used: J.Pyne. Sub Not used: J.Duffin 14-03-05 The draw for the League Plate Semi-Finals were made today and it is as follows: Peterborough v Cambridge City Reserves Sawbridgeworth Town v Loddon United to be played April 17th 2005 13-03-05 Vauxhall Aftersales League Plate Quarter Final Sawbridgeworth Town v Arlesey Town 1 - 0 Both these sides know each other so well after playing each other in the league twice this season. Sawbow had emerged with two victories but both games were closer than the score line states. A 2-0 home win and a 4-1 away win on paper put Sawbo ahead but with this game being a knockout competition game anything could happen. As with the previous games Arlesey were straight out of the blocks putting early pressure on the Sawbo back line and midfield and time and again the ball was cleared up field and Sawbo would begin an attack. This very entertaining football went on throughout the first half with Sawbo slowly getting more and more into the game as it progressed towards half time but still the opening goal eluded both teams as many of the chances to put a shot on goal fell short of a good effort and was easily cleared by both sets of defenses. It was not until the 41st minute that the deadlock was broken when Clare Halfpenny playing in an unfamiliar striker role (usually a left back) sprinted with the ball past an unusual Arlesey flat back line and superbly slotted the ball between the legs of Emma Chamberlaine in the Arlesey goal for the opener. With their noses in front the Robins had to work hard for the remainder of the half as Arlesey pushed on to get the equaliser. From the restart Sawbridgeworth were under pressure as once again Arlesey came out flying. 3 minutes into the half Debbie Williams in the Sawbo goal was called upon to make a good holding save from a shot by Arlesey midfielder Sarah Tayler. On 63 minutes a free kick awarded to Arlesey about 25 yards out was taken by Tayler and Sawbo watched as the ball rebounded off the cross bar back into play and was cleared. Some 5 minutes later Arlesey again hit the bar with a speculative lob again from some 20-25 yards but they just could not put the ball in the goal. Then on 71 minutes a clearance ball from Arlesey struck Halfpenny in the face with such force she had to be substituted as she went a little dizzy, if that was not enough Nicky Clifford whilst clearing a ball twisted her ankle badly and also had to be replaced. Arlesey thought they had scored when after several attempts the ball came goal ward and it had to be a very alert Williams who had to make a double save to stop the ball from crossing the line. So for the last 12 minutes Sawbo had to work hard to get the two substitutes into the game as quickly as possible. As the game approached the final 5 minutes it was Sawbridgeworth chance to put the result beyond doubt as from a corner the ball bounced around the 6 yard box but the final effort lacked power and direction before the ball was pushed away for another corner. As if playing a replay of the previous event the same set of circumstances happened with Claire Poulton, Charlotte Turner and Jo Gregory all throwing feet and legs at the ball but the ball was going nowhere. The final whistle came and Sawbridgeworth Town Women's FC can now look forward to a semi-final game (draw to be made this week) in April. No player of the match was selected by the opposition this week but mention must be given to the entire team who played extremely well. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, R.McFayden, N.xox, J.Frost, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, J.Stott, J.Gregory, C.Poulton, C.Halfpenny. Subs used: J.Pyne, C.Turner 20-02-05 Sawbridgeworth Town v White Lions 7 - 0 White lions arrived at Crofters with just 8 players as illness and injury had ravaged their squad in the days leading up to this league one west game. Sawbridgeworth also had illness unavailability and injury problems which left Sawbo with just a bare 11 for the second week running. Although 11 were available Sawbo had to start the game with 10 as xox was going to be late due to work commitments. It took just 3 minutes for the goals to start and Sawbo opened the scoring when Jackie Frost found Claire Poulton whose awareness in the 6 yard box earned the opportunity to score. On 6 minutes Judith Duffin fired the ball goal ward but Sarah Hudson in the Lions goal could only parry the ball back out where Poulton was on hand to turn the lose ball into the net for her and Sawbo's second. Although Sawbo were in control a few lapses of concentration allowed Lions into the Robins defensive third and but for some sound defending by Robyn McFayden who knows what might have been. During this time Lions gained a corner which was cleared. It was not until the 38th minute that Sawbo extended their lead when Duffin shot home from 10 yards under the body of Hudson. Lions were reduced to 7 players when midfielder Amy Griffin was stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle after a 50-50 challenge. (it was later found to be damage to ligaments and a severely sprained ankle after an examination at the local hospital) There were then 2 goals in two minutes just before the break. On 43 minutes Duffin made it 4-0 after a solo run down the right wing and cutting in and then on 44 minutes it was 5-0 when Poulton became provider to Joanne Gregory who had to have two attempts before putting the ball over the line. xox arrived on 40 minutes and was introduced to the game and Sawbow looked more solid with a full side. The second half began with Lions trying to push forward but the extra players were always going to be dominant for Sawbo. Ann Anstey nearly made it 6-0 as her long range lob cannoned off the bar to save the blushes of Hudson who was nowhere near the shot. Poulton made it 6-0 on the hour when she got her hat trick again by following in on a shot that was not gathered by Hudson in the Lions goal. The game was wrapped up when Jackie Stott fired the ball into the top corner on 65 minutes. Then disaster struck as Lions captain Gaynor Fisher sustained an injury to left leg on 71 minutes and could no longer continue. This brought Lions down to 6 players so the referee had to abandon the game as lions were below the required number of players to continue. Fisher sustained a dead leg which after treatment had improved before she travelled home. Jackie Stott gained the player of the match from the opposition but Jackie Frost, Judith Duffin Robyn McFayden and Claire Poulton all need to be mentioned for their tireless work rate throughout the game. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, R.McFayden, N.xox, J.Frost, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, J.Stott, K.Mullender, J.Gregory, C.Poulton
13-02-05 Kettering Town v Sawbridgeworth Town 2 - 1 Sawbridgeworth were down to the bare bones for this trip to Kettering Town as illness, work and holidays took their toll of players. Just 11 travelled north for what was going to be a hard match that was played in poor conditions. Sawbow lost the toss and had to contend with gale force winds in their faces and a quagmire of a pitch which in all essence was just about playable. With players of both teams finding it difficult to secure sound footing the outright casualty was the quality of football that was being played by both sets of players. Sawbow found themselves under constant pressure as the wind against made life difficult even to play the ball along the ground and time and again the final ball held up in the wind as well as the mud and the pressure was back on. As a result the first goal came on 28 minutes when the ball was lost in the middle of the park and Anna Wilson managed to get the ball under control and with the wind assisting hit a 30 yard shot into the top corner with Jackie Frost in the Sawbow goal only being able to get fingertips to it. Sawbow could quite easily have been level at this time after Claire Halfpenny was just a fraction of a second late with a one on one with the Kettering keeper Rebecca Auty who made a brave save at the feet of Halfpenny and prevented an equaliser, as a result of the save Auty sustained an injury to her hand and was replaced. Some 7 minutes later Sawbow were 2 down when under pressure the ball failed to get cleared and as the wind again helped the opposition the clearance became a cross into the path of Kristina Faulkner who had the easiest of jobs to put the ball home. The interval came and as Sawbow were looking forward to having the winds at their backs the wind died down and only came in the odd bursts. Sawbow though were determined to get back into the game as although they were 2 - 0 down they still felt they were in the game and after just 5 minutes of the second period Joanne Gregory found Natalie Till who received the ball with her back to goal but managed to turn and make space for a shot that brought the score down to 2-1. This lifted the Robins who were now putting more pressure on the Kettering side. Making allowances now for the unplayable middle of the pitch Sawbo used the flanks more and was gaining more and more ground but the final ball let down the good approach play. With some 11 minutes left to play a Kettering player went down with cramp and it took some 4 minutes of treatment to get her back playing and all this time the game had been stopped by the referee. The final whistle came as Sawbow were again mounting another attack with the ball on the edge of the box and as far as the assistant referee and the manager of Sawbridgeworth Town were concerned there were still the 4 minutes of in jury time still left to play. The opposition voted for Jackie Stott as player of the match but mention must be given to xox, Ann Anstey and Clare Halfpenny who did not stop working for the entire game. Squad: J.Frost, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, J.Pyne, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Halfpenny, C.Poulton, N.Till
08-02-05 3rd Round draw made at the Full Council meeting at Bottisham 07-02-05 3rd Round to be played on Sunday 6th March 2005 Mulbarton Belles v Cambridge City Reserves Loddon United v Kings Sports Peterborough v Fakenham & Aylsham Sawbridgeworth Town v Arlesey Town
06-02-05 Sawbridgeworth Town v Corton Ladies 2 - 0 Vauxhall Aftersales League Plate 2nd Round Last weeks defeat left its mark on the Sawbo players who all felt that a draw would have been the right result so they were fired up for this game against Corton Ladies in the Vauxhall Aftersales League Plate 2nd round. Sawbo certainly started the brighter and quick one and two touch football time and again left Corton players marking shadows. For the first 12 minutes Sawbow kept the ball well and from a neat move down the right flank Jackie Stott crossed for Natalie Till who's shot was saved by Heather Elliott in goal for Corton but she could only parry the ball back out and the advancing Claire Poulton had the easiest of tap ins to put the home side one up. This brought Corton back into the game and although they started to gain a little more ground in the middle third defensively Sawbo were superior and Jackie Frost in the Sawbow goal had very little to do. On twenty minutes Sawbo almost doubled their lead when 3 shots cum crosses were fired across the Corton goal with Till Stott and Joanne Gregory all failing to convert their crosses into goal bound shots. Then on 37 minutes Judith Duffin in her first start with the club fired just wide after beating a defender and gaining space for her shot. The second half saw a more determined Corton but they were still unable to unlock the defensive door that Sawbow was keeping well and truly shut. Then on the hour Sawbow's Poulton was adjudged to have been impeded in the box and from the spot Stott converted to give the home side a 2 goal advantage. Sawbo kept up the pressure for what seemed to be an eternity but still were unable to increase their lead so Till was replaced by Charlotte Turner and Kelly Mullender replaced Gregory to try and restore a greater pace but the final whistle came and Sawbo now look forward to the draw for the round. Ann Anstey was voted player of the match by the opposition but mention must go to Judith Duffin, Jo Gregory, Clare Halfpenny and Jackie Stott who all played extremely well on the day. Squad J.Frost, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, J.Stott, J.Gregory, C.Poulton, N.Till Subs used: C.Turner, K.Mullender. Not used: D.Williams, J.Pyne 30-01-05 Sawbridgeworth Town v Stevenage Borough 0 - 1 With all games called off on the Sawbridgeworth Town main pitch this week end the Women had to quickly find an alternative pitch to play this weeks game. Once found it was noticeable that the pitch would have benefited with a quick cut of the grass but this was not able to be done. It meant that the game would have to be played in the air more as the usual ground play that Sawbo use would be useless as the ball would not run. Stevenage started quicker and had the Sawbow defensive line deep into their defensive third and it took some time before the ball ventured across the half way line into the visitors half. With Sawbo not having lost in the league since October 3rd last year this situation was not liked and defensively a few errors were made that resulted in free kicks being given for basic errors. The early storm weathered Sawbo began to play more of the ball into the visitors half and the pressure for a time was relieved, then a hopeful ball played to Ana Belen Ruiz Jerez a recent signing for Stevenage saw another mild touch being on the back being given as a free kick about 20 yards from goal. Jerez took the free kick and dispatched the ball just under the bar with Sawbo keeper Debbie Williams only being able to push the ball into the top of the net as she tried in vain to stop the powerful strike on 30 minutes. The rest of the half saw the robins contesting more and winning the ball more in the middle of the park but were unable to have a meaningful strike on he Stevenage goal. The second period saw a see-saw game with the ball and game being played end-to-end as each side battled to gain the upper hand but the effort shown by the home side was not going to get the equliser as the Stevenage side defended well . Sawbow's new signing Judith Duffin entered the fray on 65 minutes for her debut to replace the tiring Claire Poulton but had to take a central attacking role instead of her more natural wide midfield place, several minutes later Jessica Pyne replaced Laura Day who picked up a slight knee injury. Next week Sawbridgeworth Town Women's play hosts to Corton Ladies in the Vauxhall Aftersales League Plate. Corton play in the parallel Division One East and the only games played between the two sides has seen two victories last season when the leagues were joined. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, J.Frost, C.Poulton, L.Day. Subs: J.Duffin, J.Pyne 23-01-05 Godmanchester Rovers v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 1 It turned out that a win today would have put Sawbridgeworth Town second in the league clear on points but the draw was only good enough to go second on goal difference. Sawbow travelled to Godmanchester with 12 players but still had to reshuffle the pack again as regular Nicky Clifford and Kelly Mullender (work) and Natalie Till still on Holiday. The first 7 minutes saw the home side take control as their movement and passing was crisp and direct. Godmanchester fielding at least 2 new young signings certainly tested the robins back line before Sawbo started to hold and then break into the home sides half. On 8 minutes Charlotte Turner and Laura Day interlinked well to set up Clare Halfpenny who shot first time from 12 yards but straight at Rebecca Thoday in the Rovers goal. 2 minutes later Halfpenny again beat the defensive line but saw her shot go agonisingly past the post. On 15 minutes Laura Day had her first shot on goal but again straight into the keepers hands from 10 yards. This pressure was relentless and on 21 minutes a corner was floated in by Ann Anstey and it fell to xox who drove it home through a crowd of players for the opening goal for Sawbo. The 15 minutes saw much the same but slowly Godmanchester were getting back into the game and on 36 minutes Rovers Perri Keane was allowed to push through the Sawbo back line and when 1 on 1 with Debbie Williams in the Sawbo Goal she didn't hesitate to drive the ball home for the eaqualiser. Although the half finished equal on goals Sawbo can feel they should have turned around at least 4 goals to the good as efforts hit the post went just wide and the visitors also had a goal ruled offside. The second half turned out to be a better half for Godmanchester as they advanced more into the Sawbo half. The rearguard action by the Robins back line and midfield time and again stalled the final shot on goal by the home side and although both sides had chances and both sides played what must be said a competitive second 45 neither side deserved to win over the 90 minutes. It must be said that substitute Claire Poulton nearly won the game for Sawbo with almost the last kick of the game when she was just not able to get her foot to the ball as it bounced in front of the keeper. Sawbo now look forward to week when they are at home to Stevenage Borough in the League. Squad: D.Williams, J.Frost, N.xox, R.McFayden, J.Pyne, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Halfpenny, L.Day, C.Turner, Sub used: C.Poulton 16-01-05 Sawbridgeworth Town v Cottenham United 2 - 0 Cottenham traveled to Sawbridgeworth with just 10 players after two players phoned in ill on the morning of the match. Sawbo also had Laura Day and Kelly Mullender missing through illness and working commitments but was still able to field a full 11 plus have the luxury of a single substitute. This would be the third game in a row that the team had to be reshuffled on the morning of the game but Sawbo's depth of squad once again came to the rescue. With just 10 players Cottenham came to defend and they were marshaled very well by the Cottenham player of the match Annette Stock. Sawbo were playing the better football but were unable to unlock the door for a final shot on goal. On 18 minutes Cottenham had shed their defensive third and managed to penetrate into the middle third only to see the move break down and the ball passed early back into their half. Jackie Stott picked up the ball on the right and crossed the ball to Joanne Gregory who instantly fed the ball to Charlotte Turner who guided the ball home from 6 yards to give Sawbo a deserved lead. The rest of the half saw the Robins with a lot of possession but no real efforts on goal. The second half started as the first had finished with Sawbo attacking and Cottenham defending and although Sawbo created many chances there were no serious attempts to score from either side. The wait for another goal was ended when Sawbo earned yet another corner on 74 minutes. Stott took the corner and floated the ball to the near post where a Cottenham defender had no choice but to head the ball under pressure into her own goal. Throughout the game Stott worked for the team in the middle of the park and Jo Gregory along with Jackie Frost worked the flanks well. Although Stott was voted player of the match by the opposition Robyn McFayden was outstanding in the heart of the Sawbo defence. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, J.Pyne, J.Frost, A.Anstey, J.Stott, J.Gregory, Turner, C.Halfpenny. Sub used: C.Poulton 09-01-05 Sawbridgeworth Town v Hoddesdon Owls 3 - 0 Still without first team regulars Sawbow were rocked when Ann Anstey became ill on Sunday morning which meant yet another reshuffle of the pack to be able to play this game against the much improving Hoddesdon Owls. Another set back was the non-showing of the referee (who was only booked on the Saturday night) which meant that both sides had to agree a referee and Sawbridgeworth Town's Vice Chairman Steve Day stepped in so that the game could be played. Playing down the slope and with the wind slightly in their favour Sawbow started the quicker and had the Owls on the back foot as early pressure kept them in their own defensive third. From an early corner taken by Jackie Stott the ball eventually fell to Jo Gregory on the edge of the box and she deftly dispatched the ball dipping under the bar for the first goal to Sawbridgeworth on 15 minutes. Although much of the game was played in the Hoddesdon half the Robins could not make the final breakthrough to extend the lead. On 38 minutes Stott dribbled the ball into the box and was felled by a Hoddesdon defender but the stand in referee did not give the penalty and Sawbow felt aggrieved by the decision and for the remainder of the half their game was effected and Hoddesdon gained ground in the middle of the park. The second half was always going to be a major effort as playing up the slope and with the wind against them Sawbow had to dig deep to remain in front. Three minutes into the half Laura Day back in the team after illness was found by a Jackie Frost throw in and she took the ball to the by line and crossed into the box where Claire Poulton was on hand to drive the ball home from 6 yards. This second goal settled Sawbow and they began to control the game for the first time during the afternoon. On 55 minutes the game was put well and truly beyond the reach of Hoddesdon when Stott's shot was blocked and the rebound fell to Day who calmly fired the ball back across the goal and into the net for the third Sawbow goal. Much of Sawbow's control was because of the superior defensive line led by xox and Robyn McFayden who along with Jo Gregory who had played in the centre of the park to take the place of Ann Anstey Sawbow showed they do now have strength in depth for the first time in a long while. This result put Sawbridgeworth Town Women's FC into third place in the division for the first time. Jackie Stott was selected by the opposition as player of the match but as mentioned above although not one of the best games played by the Robins what they have now learnt is that you can get success by grinding out a result by hard work. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, J.Pyne, J.Frost, J.Stott, J.Gregory, C.Halfpenny, L.Day, C.Poulton Sub used: K.Mullender. 02-01-05 Sawbridgeworth Town v Kettering Town 1 - 1 This first game of a new year after not playing since 12th December 2004 gave a slight advantage to Kettering who had played the week after 19th December 2004. Kettering Town traveled to Sawbridgeworth with a strong league record having 29 points from 12 games where Sawbo could only boast 24 points from 12 games played. At the start of the day Kettering were holding second place in the league whereas Sawbridgeworth were in fifth. After some awful weather, Sunday turned out to be bright but cold but from the first whistle Kettering turned up the heat and took the game to the home side. Time and again they probed but were not able to get a worthwhile shot on Debbie Williams goal as the Sawbo back line held firm with the help of the industrious midfield. Being pushed constantly back into the defensive third Sawbow could not clear their lines and on 28 minutes the worst happened when from a poor but speculative cross across the edge of the Robins penalty area Jackie Frost try to clear the ball under pressure but was only able to slice the ball up and over Williams to record an own goal which put the visitors one up. The rest of the half saw Sawbow gain some ground and towards the end of the half had several attacks into the Kettering defensive third only to see final efforts short of the mark. If the first half was needed to get rid of the cobwebs from Christmas it showed in the first five minutes of the second half as Sawbow laid siege to the Kettering goal. On 49 minutes extreme pressure caused Kettering to handle in the box and at that time Sawbow deserved the opportunity from the penalty spot. Jackie Stott elected to take the kick but was gutted to see the ball beat the keeper but rebound off the crossbar back into play, Joanne Gregory followed up and her shot hit the post with the goalkeeper beaten but the final effort went wide for a goal kick. It could be seen that Sawbow were determined not to be beaten as they continued to push Kettering back and with time running out Charlotte Turner was replaced by substitute Jessica Pyne on 70 minutes. This allowed Clare Halfpenny to be pushed into an attacking role alongside Claire Poulton and Pyne slotted into the left back spot. Halfpenny's pace was required to fill the gap that should have seen Laura Day in but illness prevented her from playing. After testing the Kettering back line for pace once or twice and coming out on top Halfpenny was eventually fed a through ball from midfield which she took in her stride, beat the defender and cool as you like slide the ball under the advancing keeper and into the net for a well deserved equaliser on 86 minutes. Certainly a game of two halves but over the ninety minutes Sawbridgeworth can feel aggrieved that all they have come away with is one point. With three first team players missing on the day the result was a moral victory, opposition player of the match was voted as Jackie Stott, but mention must be given to the tireless work of xox, Robyn McFayden in defence, Ann Anstey and Jo Gregory in midfield. Squad: D.Williams, J.Frost, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, K.Mullender, C.Poulton, C.Turner Sub used: J.Pyne 12-12-04 Arlesey Town v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 4 This was Sawbow's last game of 2004 and it was played in the very good facilities of Arlesey Town Football Club. With the pitch firm and flat good football would be the winner and on a cold but clear day both sides were up for the challenge. Last season the two games provided points for both teams as each won a game. This season the Robins have notched up a 2-0 victory at home so this away game had added pressure as the need to pull away from Arlesey who shared the same points in the league was important so that in the new year they could mount a challenge for a top three finish. The early exchanges were all in favour of the home side as they took control for long periods. Arlesey Town's Sarah Tayler was causing a lot of problems with her pace and aggressive runs down the flanks that were putting a lot of pressure on Nicky Clifford on the Robins right defensive flank, but it was Sawbow who drew the first blood so as to speak with a goal against the run of play. Opposition player of the match Jackie Stott was fed the ball by Kelly Mullender from the left wing and found space in the middle of the pitch and fired the ball under the diving Michelle Gee and into the net. This settled Sawbo and although not gaining control were taking a bigger slice of the action than they had at first. 10 minutes later a break down the right found Jo Gregory who crossed for Laura Day to fire home from 12 yards for the visitors to go 2 - 0 ahead and still very much against the run of play. This second goal roused Arlesey and they made a quick break down the right with Sarah Tayler out striding Clare Halfpenny and making room to cross the ball to an unmarked Marie Clarke who very calmly fire the ball past Jackie Frost to reduce the difference on 39 minutes. Prior to this Frost was called upon to make 2 first class saves diving to her right both times as Arlesey tried to bring the score line down. The second half saw it begin with Arlesey pumped up and ready to go but Sawbow held firm with the back line stopping all but the odd shot from getting to Frost's goal. It was not until the 65 minute that Sawbow got the extra goal advantage when a poor goal kick fell to Ann Anstey who controlled the ball and fired a dipping right foot shot just under the bar for a 3 - 1 lead. Even though Sawbow were not playing as they have been when opportunities arose they took their chances well which was the difference between the two sides. On 75 minutes Sawbow finished the job they had come to do when substitute Claire Poulton who had replaced Charlotte Turner on 69 minutes made a support run to Day who kindly passed to her just inside the box for Poulton to side foot the ball past Gee for a final score line of 4 - 1. In the end a good result to finish the year but a below par performance from a much improved Sawbridgeworth team. Squad: J.Frost, N.Clifford, R.McFayden, N.xox, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, J.Stott, A.Anstey, K.Mullender, L.Day, C.Turner. Sub Used: C.Poulton. Sub not used: D.Williams
05-12-04 Hoddesdon Owls v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 4 Listed as a home game this fixture was reversed because of the poor conditions of the Sawbridgeworth pitch after the poor weather we have had this past two weeks. With just 18 hours notice Hoddesdon Owls made the necessary arrangements for the game to go ahead and to Steve and all the officers involved at Hoddesdon a big thank you for getting this game played. The opening exchanges saw Hoddesdon trying to continue where they left off last week when they beat Kettering Town in the League Cup but they were unable to breach the Sawbo defence. Slowly but surely the Robins began to exert pressure in the midfield and were winning more of the exchanges. On 14 minutes Jackie Stott threaded a ball into the heart of the Hoddesdon defence and all they could do was to back head the ball into the path of Laura Day who without hesitation drove the ball home from 8 yards to open the scoring. Sawbow became more decisive in the middle third and the ball was being possessed for long periods which visibly worked to frustrate the Owls midfield. From one exchange ex Owls player Robyn McFayden was fed the ball back from the midfield and she delivered a precise ball to Day who was able to strike for the second time on 22 minutes to give the visitors a 2 goal cushion. Within 2 minutes it was 3-0 when neat play found Day who interchanged with Jo Gregory who fired an unstoppable left foot drive into the top corner of the net. From this point onward until the half time interval Hoddesdon began to work harder and from one effort the alert Jackie Frost playing between the sticks for Sawbo finger tipped the ball over the bar to keep the score at 3-0. After the break Hoddesdon showed signs that they were up for the challenge and started to gain ground through the middle of the park. From what seemed a complacent attitude from the Sawbo side that seemed to say we have won this game already Hoddesdon mounted an attack that caught the Sawbo defence cold. On 47 minutes Heather Nelson slotted home a lifeline for the home side and game was on. This one goal sparked Sawbo back into life and the complacency was forgotten as each player picked themselves up and began to play as they did in the first half but it was not until the 73 minute that the Hoddesdon defence was broken again. But it was the best goal of the game. When Natalie Till was fed the ball she then passed to Day who lobbed the Hoddesdon keeper from some 22 yards to restore the 3 goal lead. The game then became a midfield battle as each side worked hard to restore possession. The game finished with once again Sawbo attacking once again but to no effect. xox was voted the player of the match by Hoddesdon. Along with sound performances by Clare Halfpenny, Jo Gregory, Ann Anstey, Nicky Clifford, Laura Day and Jackie Stott who all performed well on the day Squad: J.Frost, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, J.Stott, A.Anstey, K.Mullender, L.Day, N.Till Sub Used: J.Pyne Sub Not Used: C.Poulton
28-11-04 Hitchin Hearts v Sawbridgeworth Town 3 - 4 This was the second meeting this season in the league for these two sides with Sawbridgeworth ahead winning the first encounter 2 - 0. That was early in the season and although Hitchin had not won a game so far this season their results suggested that they had improved and that this was going to be a difficult game. Sawbo started brightly but was unable to break through with early efforts from Natalie Till and Laura Day being fired straight into the hands of Melisha Davis in the Hitchin goal. Then on 7 minutes the deadlock was broken when Jackie Stott found space to fire home from 12 yards to give the Robins a well deserved lead at this time. Hitchin lifted their game and after a defensive mix up on the edge of the Sawbo area Hearts Rosie Wilshere fired home the equaliser. Three minutes later Sawbow were back in front as some neat play found Till who fired the ball unluckily against the right upright, but Stott was on hand to fire home the rebound. There was then a bizarre seven minutes just before the interval that started when Hitchin broke down the left and fired the ball across goal, both keeper Jackie Frost and defender xox went for the clearance but the ball ended up in the back of the net after a deflection off xox on 37 minutes. On 41 minutes Sawbow were again in front when Till found the unmarked Stott free in front of goal some 18 yards out and her sweetly hit left foot shot nestled into the top corner for her hat-trick and Sawbow's third. From the restart Hitchin pushed forward and from a corner on the right the ball was driven to the far post and it found the shin of Sawbow's Kelly Mullender and another own goal was noted. After the break Sawbow tightened up defensively and became a much more secure unit and this seemed to frustrate Hitchin as their game began to falter. Although Sawbridgeworth had much more possession they could not find the killer goal to settle this game as time and again the final shot missed the target or was fired straight at the keeper. Then on 63 minutes Mullender was released down the left flank and she found Day who crossed for Till who calmly lifted the ball over the diving Davis to once again give the visitors the lead. So as not to lose the advantage again Sawbow began to work harder and this restricted Hitchin to just a couple of half chances which were quickly dealt with by the improving partnership of xox and Robyn McFayden. The opposition voted Jackie Stott as player of the match and this was echoed by the manager. Squad: J.Frost, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, J.Stott, A.Anstey, K.Mullender, L.Day, N.Till Subs used: C.Poulton, C.Turner Sub not used: J.Pyne 21-11-04 Unfortunately today's game had to be called off because the main Sawbridgeworth pitch was under water. Also along with the water there was a severe frost so for safety reasons the Peterborough game will be put back until the league can fit it in. For all those reading this there is a change to our training area for Mondays until the end of February. We will be training at Brays Grove School, Tracey's Road, Harlow. (opposite the Moat House Motel) We will be training from 7.30pm till 9.00pm. On the floodlight playground. There is also a change possible for the midweek training which could see us inside in a gym until the end of February. I will talk to you all on Monday. 14-11-04 Sawbridgeworth Town v Godmanchester Rovers 1 - 1 On a bright sunny day with the Sawbridgeworth pitch still recovering from the mid-week rain fall this league game was looked upon to be a table climber for Sawbo as the previous weeks performance had given much to the expectations. This was enhanced when Rovers arrived at Crofters with just 10 players. Sawbo was also down to the bare 11 players as both teams were suffering from illness. injury and unavailability for today's game. Sawbridgeworth started the quicker but could not string more than a couple of passes together as the build up pass either went high in the air or straight to one of Rovers players and the move broke down. Rovers were defending well with ex player Rebecca Thoday (now with Rovers) playing in a central defensive position instead of her now familiar central midfield role for the club sweeping the back line very effectively and Perri Keane extending Sawbow's Nicky Clifford down the left flank which was relieving the pressure that the Robins were putting on the visitors. On the half hour mark Rovers were up to full strength as Helen Riemer arrived late due to a car breakdown on route. After a lot of huffing and puffing the half time score was 0 - 0 The second half continued much in the same vane as the first with Sawbo doing much of the attacking but finding the shot on goal a rarity. It was not until 53rd minute when some neat play down the Robins right flank that saw Jo Gregory & Natalie Till work space with Gregory feeding Jackie Stott who from some 25 yards lobbed Laura McAllister in the Rovers goal for her first league goal of the season and the opening goal of the game. A minute later Sawbow were almost jubilant again as Claire Poulton slide the ball goal-ward only to find a backtracking Rovers defender clear the ball off the line. This sparked both sides as they raised their games to either in Sawbow's case to increase the lead and in Rovers case to try and equalise. Jessica Pyne playing in an unfamiliar left midfield slot found herself twice in front of goal with open opportunities to score but was unable to convert the chances that opened up to her. On 70 minutes after a tackle by xox the Rovers player fell backward onto the head and neck of xox which left the Robins player on the ground with what seemed a possible problem with the neck. After a lengthy period of assessment she was guided off the pitch and the game resumed. xox returned to the game on 83 minutes and immediately was called into action to clear the ball away for a corner. From this corner the ball was cleared to Claire Radford on the edge of the box who instinctively drove the ball back into the box and saw it curl just inside the far post for the equaliser. Sawbo obviously felt a little aggrieved by this as they had been the better team throughout and in the dying minutes saw efforts from Till and Stott go agonizingly close. The final whistle blew and Sawbow had seen three points melt into 1 with missed chances again being the main cause. Opposition voted Sawbow's player of the match xox but again the efforts of Jackie Stott and Ann Anstey must be noted. Squad: J.Frost, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, J.Pyne, C.Poulton, N.Till 07-11-04 Sawbridgeworth Town v Kings Sports 1 - 0 The last meeting between these two sides ended in a nine goal thriller where the lead changed hands four times before Kings Sports emerged as winners 5-4. Although for today's game Sawbow were without the so far ever present Laura Day (holiday) and Kelly Mullender who at the start of the day was available but was called into work at the last moment which meant that two of the younger members of the squad Charlotte Turner and Claire Poulton were given starting positions. As expected the opening exchanges came from both sides as the sticky pitch took a time to get used to and neither side was able to take control. A different defensive approach by the Robins meant a tighter control on the interaction between the defence and midfield stifled the Kings Sports front two who usually enjoy a lot of space to run into. Slowly but surely Sawbo began to exert a little bit of control which found Kings Sports back on their heels and on 14 minutes Sawbo were awarded a free kick on the left flank. Jackie Stott floated a superb ball over the defensive line which saw Natalie Till get to first at the far post and she deftly lobbed the ball back across the face of the goal and into the far corner for the opening goal. For the rest of the half Sawbow were in control although Kings did have the odd attack but the back line marshalling by xox and Robyn McFayden kept the centre secure. Throughout all this period both Sawbo and Kings were still battling in the midfield and although there were some shots on goal neither side seemed able to get the ball into the net. Then on 34 minutes Stott was found on the right flank and she crossed with accuracy into the six yard box and again Till found the back of the net with a diving header for what should have been the best goal of the game, turning with jubilation it was then noticed that the away club assistant had his flag raised for off side and the jubilation had to be wiped away. As the game went into the second period it was noticeable that the Robins were now playing with a lot more confidence than of late and it showed buy the way that the ball was being shifted across the park and down both wings. Kings began to try and match the home sides efforts but did not really put Jackie Frost's goal under any real pressure. There were a couple of penalty area melee's after corners when it became a problem to clear the ball but even so there no real shots on goal for the visitors. Midway through the second half Sawbo had the ball in the back of the net again, This time by Turner but again the assistants flag was sharper than the eye and it was disallowed for offside. With just a couple of minutes remaining Kings began a last set of assaults on the Sawbo goal and from one of these Frost made a superb diving save at the near post to turn round a goal bound shot for a corner. xox was voted player of the match by the opposition but mention must be given to Jackie Stott, Robyn McFayden goal scorer Natalie Till and Charlotte Turner all of which had superb games. Squad: J.Frost, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Poulton, C.Turner, N.Till Sub Used: M.Bell-Gan Subs Not Used: J.Pyne, G.Bonich
31-10-04 League Cup 1st Round Sawbridgeworth Town v Peterborough 0 - 5 Peterborough came to Crofters with an unbeaten run in the league and a reputation of being very difficult to play against as they field several U15 England squad players within their ranks. The Robins were able to field a full squad for this League Cup game and with 2 subs available they had the cover required also. The first half was played very much end to end for the first twenty minutes but time and again Sawbow had to defend the quick running Peterborough forwards who were being constantly asked to chase the long ball pumped forward from the back line. Although Sawbow were playing deeper than recently they were not able to stop divisional top scorer Jade White from opening the scoring for Peterborough on 24 minutes. Two more goals for the White followed before the break as Peterborough found Sawbridgeworth in a very lackluster mood. Chances for the Robins were few and far between but in reality Claire Everall in the Peterborough goal had very little to do. Playing with the slope in the second half it was felt that Sawbow may be able to get something back and they certainly started better than the back end of the first half. Efforts from Laura Day, Ann Anstey and Natalie Till all lacked power or direction to test Everall but at least the efforts were being made. Peterborough got their fourth from the penalty spot after xox brought down Claire Knibbs in the box. The last goal of the game fell to Laura White and it gave Peterborough the door into the second round which will be played on 28th November. Sawbridgeworth will now enter the League Plate Competition which will see the first round being played on January 9th 2005. Peterborough selected Jackie Frost as their player of the match but mention must be made of the tireless running of Ann Anstey. Squad: J.Frost, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Poulton, L.Day, N.Till Subs Used: C.Turner, J.Pyne
24-10-04 Stevenage Borough v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 1 With the weather beginning to take a major part in the regional games as 7 games were postponed due to water logged pitches it was good to know that the pitch at Stevenage was playable for this latest venture for Sawbridgeworth Town Women's Football Club. The corresponding game last season ended with a deadlocked 1-1 draw, but with Stevenage 2nd in the table and Sawbow in 7th the possible outcome looked favorable for the home side. Sawbridgeworth took a lot on board from their game last week against London Colney and the belief and confidence was still there as they took control from the first whistle. For the first 30 minutes Stevenage could not hold onto the ball as time and again Sawbow were harrying to win the ball back and to also keep possession for long periods. The Stevenage midfield and defence were under constant pressure and again but for some weak finishing Sawbow could have had the game wrapped up in the first 15 minutes. It actually took till the 24th minute when some delightful football opened up the spine of the Stevenage team when Robyn McFayden's through ball found Laura Day who had her shot parried by Stevenage keeper Rosie Millbrow into the path of Claire Poulton who smashed the opportunity into the back of the net for a well deserved opener for Sawbow. On 30 minutes Kelly Milton was replaced by Josie North who instantly added a touch of speed down the Stevenage right flank. Claire Halfpenny at first found the task a little daunting but soon got to grips with the pace and was able to match most of what was offered. After yet another attack on the Stevenage goal the ball fell to Lindsey Light who launched the ball forward to twin sister Katie on the half way line. Stevenage had a three against two situation and when Jackie Frost was confronted one on one with Liz Brodie, Brodie got the better and slotted the ball home for the equaliser on 33 minutes. The second period was a much more even encounter but neither side could sustain a prolonged possession situation and to take control. On 55 minutes Sawbow were lucky not to concede a goal as the ball bobbled about the 6 yard box with boots flying all over trying to get a connection but in vain. The ball was eventually cleared but it was not until after goal line clearances by Nicky Clifford and xox that kept the scores level. Jo Gregory had to be replaced on 70 minutes by Emily Gizzi and the rest of the game was played out with both sides battling to try and get the winner. Opposition selected player of the match was Jackie Stott. But mention must also be given to Ann Anstey, Jo Gregory (until she came off) and Robyn McFayden who all had exceptional games. Squad: J.Frost, N.Clifford, R.McFayden, N.xox, C.Halfpenny, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Poulton, L.Day, N.Till Sub Used: E.Gizzi
17-10-04 Herts County Cup 1st Round Sawbridgeworth Town v London Colney 1 - 2 aet Last season in the same round these two sides met for the first time and London Colney came out winners by 4 goals to 1 but with a confident Sawbridgeworth Town now emerging from the good start to the season it was felt that a good result was on the cards for today's match. A lack luster start by the home side allowed Colney to dictate the opening 15 minutes. Although several half chances were made by both sides neither keeper was really tested. As Sawbow began to get into the game a slack pass by the home side midfield was picked up by Colney's defence and quickly punted forward to the Colney forward who made space as she ran towards goal and shot to the right of the diving Debbie Williams to put the visitors ahead on 28 minutes. The rest of the half continued with an up and down game as each team tried to gain the upper hand but failed. A stern half time talk had the home side on their toes for the start of the second half and this seemed to unsettle the Colney side as the Robins began to pour forward in search of the equaliser. Laura Day, Natalie Till and Jackie Stott all had good chances to strike on goal but time and again the finishing did not live up to the forward play that got them there. Player of the match Joanne Gregory continued to be a pain in the neck for the visiting defence as she continued to battle for every ball down the right flank. With time running out Till was released down the right flank and she curled a pass into the path of her strike partner Day who was just beaten to the ball by the Colney defence. With just 2 minutes remaining Day became provider as she managed to slide the ball to Till who was some 20 yards out from goal and she drove the ball just under the cross bar for what was a deserved equaliser. The Robins were now lifted and as the game went into extra time they began to pepper the visiting goal with good efforts but they lacked the power to make the efforts count. As the half marched on Colney forced a corner and from the corner Williams gathered the ball but was caught accidentally by the Colney forward and as she fell the Colney player fell onto her and this left Williams with a lot of pain down the left side. We now know that Williams has sustained a broken rib and will be out of action for 6 to 8 weeks which will be a blow for the Robins. Williams continued in goal and pulled off a couple of fine saves as she tried to keep the home side in the game. As the last period of extra time began it was getting harder to get the ball forward because of the extremely wet conditions and the efforts taken to get the game level and with penalties looming and just 4 minutes remaining a Colney substitute ran onto a through ball which left the exhausted Robins defence chasing shadows and she was able to calmly place the ball past Williams for what was the winning goal. Debbie Williams was outstanding in the Robins goal but just edging the player of the match was Joanne Gregory who did not stop for the 120 minutes played. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, R.McFayden, N.xox, J.Pyne, J.Gregory, J.Stott, A.Anstey, C.Halfpenny, N.Till, L.Day. Sub used: C.Poulton 11-10-04 The Vauxhall Aftersales League Cup 1st Qualifying Round draw was made tonight and we have been given a HOME draw against fellow Division One West side Peterborough The game will be played on Sunday October 31st The full draw is listed in competitions on: www.erwfl.co.uk The regional web site.
10-10-04 White Lions v Sawbridgeworth Town 0 - 7 Playing a side that was well beaten the previous week sometimes is a banana skin waiting for the opposition who may go into the game too complacent and this was the message given in the pre game talk. White Lions currently occupy the bottom place in the division but can also boast of two signings from Premier side Cambridge City who should be able to help them progress. The day was bright but there was a blustery wind that blew from end to end and Sawbridgeworth played into the wind for the first half. The first five minutes was a see - saw as the play went from end to end although the better play was coming from the Robins. The deadlock was broken when on 9 minutes after a four man move which saw neat quick passing between Laura Day, Natalie Till and Jackie Stott end with a fine shot from Day that beat the outstretched hands of Lions keeper Sarah Hudson. Six minutes later Sawbow were two up when Ann Anstey converted a direct free kick from 20 yards into the top corner. Gaynor Fisher was a constant obstacle to cross within the lions defensive midfield but was not fully supported and as the visitors took greater control the football became better and another fine move saw Stott feed Day through the middle and she laid on a perfect pass to Till who fired home from 12 yards. After the half time interval with the wind at their backs Sawbow started to keep the ball on the ground more and this was allowing greater possession. Now under pressure for long periods the Lions defence could not clear the ball as effectively as the first half and as a result of this pressure on 55 minutes a defender put through her own goal to put the visitors 4-0 up. On 67 minutes Day got her second and Sawbow's 5th when she calmly lobbed the advancing keeper. Claire Poulton replaced Till up front to add a different aspect to the front line and it almost paid quick dividends as her greater urgency put the home side under pressure. This pressure earned yet another corner for the visitors and the Lions defence could only clear the ball to xox who was just on the side of the 6 yard box and she drove the ball in to the far corner for the Robins 6th. Substitute Poulton eventually got her name on the score sheet when she ran onto a through ball and slotted the ball past the keeper on 88 minutes. Jackie Stott got the oppositions player of the match but xox was the defensive block alongside Robyn McFayden in the heart of the Robins defence and Joanne Gregory had an outstanding game down the left flank. At the end of the game it was pleasing to reflect on a sound performance knowing that the robins now face a tough task at home against London Colney in the Herts County Cup weekend. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, R.McFayden, J.Pyne, C.Turner, J.Stott, A.Anstey, J.Gregory, L.Day, N.Till Sub used: C.Poulton, Sub not used: E.Gizzi 03-10-04 Sawbridgeworth Town v AFC Kempston 1 - 3 Looking forward to when the full squad is available Sawbo entertained AFC Kempston for today's mid-table class. The past couple of weeks have really tested the resolve of the Sawbridgeworth squad and today was going to be no exception. A quick start by both sides as each tried to outwit the other causing both keepers to be tested in the early exchanges. The home side seemed to take more from the start and they began to control the play from midfield with Ann Anstey and Jo Gregory instrumentally pulling the strings with Jackie Stott just behind covering all that managed to get through. Forward play was continually being broken up by the Kempston sweeper Sarah Higgins but from time to time she was left as the lone defender. Laura Day and Natalie Till tried in vein to open the scoring for the home side but visiting keeper Gayle Garner was on hand in the right place at the right time to keep the scores level at half time. The second half started with Kempston slightly more aggressive in as much as they seemed to want the ball more and for the first time in the match Sawbo were being pegged back in their own half for long periods. Then on 64 minutes a through ball found Tracey Kup-Forroth who was allowed to go one against the assistant's flag for offside to slot the ball home for the opening goal. This somehow stopped Sawbo in their tracks and for the 20 minutes they were not at the races so as to speak as Kempston not only increased their lead on 75 minutes from Nina Brown but made it 3-0 by the same player on 78 minutes. It seemed that this third goal ignited the home side as for the final 12 minutes Kempston were having to play a defensive game as Sawbow battered their goal only to see the efforts going straight into the Kempston keeper's hands. With just 4 minutes left Sawbow got a lifeline as Natalie Till was put through and she fired home the best goal of the game to bring back some sanity to the score line. Unfortunately the final whistle came just as Sawbow were gaining the upper hand again. Early first half pressure should have given the home side a first half advantage of at least 3-0 as their overall possession and play deserved such a score line but finishing let the side down again and we are to rue the efforts missed along with the 3 points. Opposition player of the match was Debbie Williams who during the second half made several superb saves to keep the home side in the game. Seconded by the manager for her 90 minute performance. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, R. McFayden, J.Pyne, M.Bell-Gan, A.Anstey, J.Gregory, C.Poulton, N.Till, L.Day. Sub Used: E.Gizzi . 26-09-04 Cottenham United v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 1 Two signings were made during the week to enable Sawbridgeworth Town to have at least 11 players for this game against Cottenham. With 9 players unavailable through holidays working illness and injury the squad was decimated but with Robyn McFayden and Emily Gizzy now on board along with Gaby Bonich who was able to play her first game of the season Sawbow were able to travel with 11 players. Sawbridgeworth Town players wore black arm bands as a mark of respect for Ann Anstey whose Father died last Monday Sawbow were rocked back on their heels after just 20 seconds as Heather Cooper was fed straight from the start kick off and she was allowed to place a shot just inside the far post to get the home side one up. An early shock did not provoke the inevitable which could have been an onslaught by the home side on a much depleted Sawbow 11. but what it did start was a team effort that dug deep and deeper again as Cottenham put the visitors under more pressure until towards the end of the first half Sawbow managed to play the ball with possession into the home side half and kept it there. Although Cottenham had put pressure on Sawbow's back line stand in goal keeper Natalie Till was not really called upon to make a save. A few changes of position in the second half saw Emily Gizzy move from right back to left midfield and Claire Poulton move the other way. Charlotte Turner moved from centre forward to right midfield and Gaby Bonich moved the other way. The reason for the moves was to try and make the team a little more robust at the back and also to strengthen the midfield. Within 5 minutes of the restart it was evident that the changes were working as the Robins started now to put pressure on the home side defence. Time and again Jackie Stott engineered openings for the forwards only for the shot on goal to be a wasted effort. After having at least three goal efforts go by unrewarded Stott fed Laura Day on the hour and she managed to get the final touch of the ball and slid it just past the home keepers grasp for the much deserved equaliser. All through the game Ann Anstey was supporting and battling alongside Stott and with new signing Robyn McFayden playing as if she had been with the team for ages this makeshift team was beginning to work as a team and it showed as with time running out the home side were now not running for the ball but defending instead to try and hold onto a result. Jackie Stott was voted by the opposition as player of the match but as mentioned Ann Anstey, Robyn McFayden, Laura Day all competed well. Squad: N.Till, E.Gizzy, C.Halfpenny, R.McFayden, J.Pyne, G.Bonich, A.Anstey, J.Stott, C.Poulton, C.Turner, L.Day. 19-09-04 Sawbridgeworth Town v Hitchin Hearts 2 - 0 With several of the first team squad unavailable due to holidays working and family commitments Sawbo had to call up the younger members of the squad to play the full game as they had just the bare eleven for today's game. We also introduced Maggie Bell-Gan into the arena for her first game with the club. Sawbo knew they had to gain an early advantage as they needed to give the newer players a chance to settle into the game and from the first whistle took the game to the visitors. early chances came and went as poor finishing and good keeping by Hearts Louise Shepherd kept the home side at bay. Sawbow's Laura Day was beginning to test the defensive core of Hitchin and on 31 minutes Day was forced to the left of goal but managed to get a low cross in which debutant Maggie Bell-Gan converted at the far post. Sawbow continued to press down the slope but was not able to convert the many chances that fell their way and the half finished with just the one goal advantage Knowing that Hitchin now had the slope and the wind in their favour Sawbow made several positional changes to try and hold on to their one goal advantage. reverting to a usual 4-4-2 Sawbow were more together and defensively stronger and with Day now in midfield and Jackie Stott in defence the Robins were able to keep the Hitchin forwards at bay. The game bounced from end to end with little goal mouth action as both sides contested every ball. Then with just 5 minutes left to play Claire Halfpenny released Claire Poulton down the left flank and she managed to gain ground into the final third. Although she had support from Claire Long she shot to the near post and although Shepherd got a hand to the the ball it nestled into the back of the net for Sawbow's second. The final whistle blew and Sawbridgeworth had gained 3 points from a game that on paper with the side that had been put out was not a certainty. Jackie Stott was the oppositions player of the match which was echoed by the Sawbo manager along with xox, Jo Gregory and Clare Halfpenny who had outstanding games. Squad: D.Williams, J.Pyne, N.xox, C.Halfpenny, M.Bell-Gan, J.Stott, J.Gregory, C.Turner, C.Poulton, C.Long, L.Day 12-09-04 Sawbridgeworth Town v Arlesey Town 2 - 0 Playing our first home game of the season it was imperative that any mistakes from last week should be put aside and improved upon for this game. With Emma Laing playing her last game for the club before she emigrates to New Zealand, Claire Long back from family duties and xox back in the heart of the defence after her suspension carry over from last season, the Robins were almost up to full strength for the visit of Arlesey Town who shared the spoils last season when the two teams met. Sawbow started the brighter and using the slight slope started to find gaps in the Arlesey midfield and defence and on 5 minutes the scoring opened when Emma Laing ran onto a diagonal ball from the center to slot the ball home for Sawbow's first. More pressure found Laing again free down the right but this time her shot went agonizingly just past the post on 12 minutes. Sawbow's Claire Long was up to test the Arlesey keeper when she was put clear only to once again see the shot brush the post and away for a goal kick on 20 minutes. 8 minutes later a full blooded s |
