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News and Match Reports
League Plate Final Stevenage Borough v Sawbridgeworth Town 0 - 0, 1 - 1aet, 5 - 6 after penalties A pre match meal on Saturday started the gelling process of the team for Sundays game. On Sunday every one had to some extent the nerves which can either help or hinder performance and even the manager was on edge for the first time. Stevenage were always going to be hard to beat as previous encounters have proved but the general belief in the squad was that this was going to be our year and that the trophy would be brought back to Crofters for the first time. It was not the best of days with the wind and then the incessant rain during the game but both sets of players to their credit played through and what a game it turned out to be. Sawbridgeworth started the brighter and created several early chances that tested the keeper but was unable to put the ball in the net. Hannah Fraser ran herself into a superb position on the right of goal only to see the ball powerfully struck but just over the cross bar. Sawbow were playing some superb football but Stevenage to their credit kept being defensively sound. This was shaping up to be Sawbo's best team performance of the season and with Kerry Crump finally finding her voice alongside xox the defensive central duo were breaking up most of the Stevenage forward play. Ann Anstey and Carley Stein were tigerish in the centre of midfield and their work rate was second to none, and with Jo Gregory and Hannah Fraser bombing down the flanks Sawbo were stretching Stevenage but still the goals would not come. The second half saw a more determined Stevenage emerge from the dressing rooms and it was game on. Debbie Williams made a couple of superb saves one of which was full stretch diving to her right and managing to get a hand to it to put the ball around the post for a corner. Then it was the Stevenage keepers turn to make two saves to keep her team in the game. Fraser was now beginning to gain against her defender and when she broke through and unleashed a superb shot along the ground it was the post that saved Stevenage with the keeper beaten. Then with 15 minutes to go Jacqueline Day was put through and she beat two defenders to get one on one with the Stevenage keeper, trying to place the shot wide of the keeper Day managed to do so but the ball went agonisingly wide of the upright. Time ran out and again the result at the end of 90 minutes was the usual draw, extra time now loomed so it time to re-energise the team for another 30 minutes of football to decide the winner. The first 15 minutes went past very quickly or so it seemed with both teams trying to get that elusive strike on goal that would give them victory but try as they might it did not come. The second 15 saw the game slow down visibly as both sets of players were now sensing the strain of combat so as to speak. With just 6 minutes left of play the first goal was scored Stevenage substitute Natasha Rolt was on hand in the six yard box to slot he ball home. Almost from the restart you could see that Sawbo had been stung into action and where they found the extra strength no one knows but they picked themselves up and started again to penetrate the Stevenage defensive third. With just 4 minutes to go of extra time the ball was played down the right and Jackie Stott beat her marker and crossed the ball into the six yard box where Sawbo sub Judith Duffin calm as you like side footed the ball into the net for a well deserved equaliser. End of extra time and penalties loomed and here was where the drama begins. Sawbow started the penalty shoot out with Jacqueline Day taking the long walk from the centre circle to the penalty spot, but she put her shot wide, Stevenage scored with their first spot kick, next up for Sawbo Ann Anstey a long wait before she strode up to the ball but again the ball went wide of the mark. Stevenage take their second spot kick and Debbie Williams saves it and it is now 1 - 0 to Stevenage after 4 kicks. Jackie Stott walks up to take the third Sawbo kick and dispatches the ball into the net followed by Stevenage who again drive the ball into the net to restore the one goal advantage. Hannah Fraser was the fourth Sawbo player to make the long walk and after missing several chances during the game she was not about to miss this chance and she drove the ball into the net. Stevenage again restored their lead with their next kick and it was now down to the last of the compulsory 5. Sawbo Captain xox took her time and it was scores level at 3-3 with Stevenage taking the last spot kick all she had to do was score and the plate was theirs to take home. Williams chose the right way to dive and she made a superb save which now sent the penalties into sudden death. Nicky Clifford took the initiative to be the first and she calmly put Sawbo ahead for the first time. Stevenage equalised and it was now the turn of Carley Stein who restored Sawbo's lead, but Stevenage also scored and it was now getting to the players who for whatever reason did not want to take penalties were now having to and the strain was beginning to show. Goal scorer Judith Duffin was next up for Sawbo and as ball hit the back of the net the relief showed by the way she turned and sprinted back to the centre circle and the rest of the team. Stevenage had to score to keep in the game but once again Williams was at her best as she dived and saved and won the game for Sawbridgeworth Town. The rest of the team, parents, and friends engulfed the pitch and Williams was covered with players who had all dived on her. Finally after three years of finals Sawbo came home with the first prize the Eastern Region Women's Football League, League Plate. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Day, J.Stott. Subs used: J.Duffin, E.Yarrien, Subs not used: S.Anglin, A.Williams, C.Shaw 08-05-07 With regard to the next Sunday's League Plate Final this is to let all those that are going to support the first team in their endeavours that the entrance fee has been set at £5.00 per person. Children will probably get in for a reduced fee depending on age. Bedford & District v Sawbridgeworth Town 2 - 1 Sawbo travelled to Bedford with a patched up team for this their last league game of the season. It did not help that it was against the current league leaders but you have to play these games. With xox (family commitments), Ann Anstey (thigh strain) and Gaynor Fisher (Ankle Ligaments) several reserve players were drafted into the squad Caroline Seale playing her first time for the first time, Emma Yarrien who has almost established herself as a first teamer with the amount of times she has represented the team this year, Clare Halfpenny, and Catherine Shaw. An even start to the game by both sides but the better football was being played by the home side. Sawbo were finding it difficult to adapt to the re-arranged team format and were being tested all over the park. On 21 minutes Sawbo nearly got their noses in front against the run of play when from the back the ball went to Joanne Gregory who found Seale in the box. Seale turned and tried to lift the ball over the keeper but the keeper managed to grab the ball just under the cross bar and their safety was restored. 24 minutes gone and the deadlock was broken when the ball was failed to be cleared and Bedford player of the match Vicky Vickery turned and shot and with Williams beaten Sawbo were now going to have to chase the game. As the half continued Debbie Williams was being asked to make more and more saves to keep Sawbo in the hunt and the first half ended with Bedford well on top and in some ways must have wondered why they were only 1-0 at this stage. After a slight reshuffle of the troops Sawbo entered the second half with a little more determination, and for the next 15 minutes started to put Bedford on the back foot. It was evident though that without xox in the centre of the back line there was a slight breakdown of continuity along the back four and the ball at times was not being cleared to safety quickly enough. This was brought home when a clutch of players surrounded the ball but were unable to clear it from the six yard box and Bedford's Lillianne Fernandez poked the ball into the net from 4 yards to give the home side a 2 goal advantage. Yarrien was replaced by Halfpenny as she had run herself into the ground and again the back line was under pressure to quickly adjust. With time running out Sawbo started to push more into the Bedford half and on 78 minutes they were rewarded when Jackie Stott was found on the edge of the box and although marked by two players she managed to get her shot off and the ball hit the back of the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Sawbo's player of the match Debbie Williams had throughout this half had made a string of superb saves of which one of note was a one handed save to push the ball over the bar from the top corner of the goal. Sawbo's second half performance was a much improved performance and in some was should have allowed them to finish the game level but on reflection the team played very well considering the reshaping that had to be done because of the injuries. Sawbridgeworth Town WFC now look forward to the League Plate Final on May 13th 2007 which is the third time in successive seasons that the ladies have contested this trophy only to have finished runners up on the previous two occasions. Playing Stevenage Borough it bodes well that the game will be very close and hopefully the Robins will this time come out on top. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, H.Fraser, C.Stein, J.Stott, J.Gregory, C.Seale, J.Duffin. Sub used: C.Halfpenny, Sub not used: C.Shaw Cambridge Rangers v Sawbridgeworth Town 4 - 1 With Stevenage Vixens withdrawing from the league on Friday the league table was again put into disarray and with Sawbo having gained the full 6 points from them this season it put the Robins back a little so today's game was all about trying to restore the deficit and make the current 6th place position more secure. The first game between the two sides earlier in the season saw a victory for Sawbo and it was also remembered for the injury to xox who sustained a dislocated shoulder and was out for 10 weeks. The game started very brightly and the first few minutes saw Rangers virtually in the face of their opponents, but Sawbo held strong under this barrage of play and a slick move saw Carley Stein find Hannah Fraser as she broke down the right wing. Fraser managed to play the ball back to Stein who from some 20 yards shot just wide of the upright on 5 minutes. More pressure form the visiting side had Rangers on the back foot and errors were beginning to show as they hastily tried to clear their lines. 10 minutes gone and Ann Anstey won the ball in the middle of the park and found Fraser running into the Rangers defensive third and with the aid of the inside of the post drove the ball into the net for a well deserved opening goal. Gaynor Fisher had to be replaced early in the game on 21 minutes as her ankle again prevented her from continuing. The rest of the half saw Rangers battle back into contention but in truth Debbie Williams was not tested. The second half began as it was to finish with a catalogue of errors by Sawbo who gifted time and space to the Rangers front line. With the second half barely 40 seconds old the scores were level as Bernie Harkin netted for Rangers after the ball failed to get cleared from within the six yard box. On 52 minutes Rangers had got their noses in front when a solid shot from just inside the box from Jodie Williams hit the inside of the net after Williams had managed to get a hand to the ball but was unable to keep the ball out. 63 minutes gone and Sawbo's defensive gremlins again surfaced as Williams called for the ball as it had been played forward and with Kerry Crump shielding the ball from Harkin Crump allowed Williams to take control but Harkin had other ideas and was able to nick the ball from Williams feet and slot the ball into an open net for the scores to be 3-1 in favour of the home side. With time running out Rangers slotted home a fourth goal as one on one with Williams Naomi Wier was able to put the ball past Williams and into the unguarded net. This was the worst result of the season for Sawbo and the biggest defeat. One hopes that the result will now put everyone into the right frame of mind as we look forward to the Plate Final on May 13th 2007, although we still have the small matter of an away game against the league leaders next week in our final league game of the season. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day. Subs used: E.Yarrien, A.Williams, J.Duffin. Sub not used: C.Shaw
Arlesey Town Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 1 An early evening start saw Sawbo travel up the A!/M for this night game against Arlesey Town. The earlier night game between these two sides ended in a 2-1 defeat so tonight the Robins were up for the match to try and reverse the score line. A very pleasant evening weather wise bode well for the entertainment that was about to unfold. The home side started with gusto as expected and had Sawbo on the back foot but sound defensive attitudes kept Arlesey at bay. 16 minutes gone and the first goal of the game was at the end of a superb move that saw Carley Stein find Jacqueline Day with a delightful 30 yard cross field ball who instinctively fed Jackie Stott in the middle of the pitch on the edge of the box. One move and a swerving shot crept inside the post for the visitors to go ahead. On 31 minutes Sawbo were given a blow when Gaynor Fisher had to be substituted with an ankle injury and was replaced by Emma Yarrien who slotted into the left back role very easily. Sawbo had enjoyed almost 90% of the play during this first half and but for some wayward finishing could have ended the half at least 3-0 ahead. The second half saw a resurgent Arlesey who were now the dominant force, with Sawbo's back line being tested to the extreme. Sawbo were reduced to the odd breakaway but could still not find the goal to increase the lead. With just 10 minutes to go a mix up in the Sawbo defence was severely punished when with three defenders trying to get the ball away from the penalty box got in the way of each other and Arlesey's K.Saunders crept in and pinched the ball and drove it past the advancing Debbie Williams for the equaliser. Sawbo rallied and the next 8 minutes saw a frenetic attempt by the visitors to get a win from the game. With just 2 minutes left of normal time a corner floated into the box by Stott found xox who headed the ball down into the bottom corner but somehow Arlesey keeper Amie Fage got her hand to it and pushed it around the post for another corner. Stott floated another corner into the six yard box but this time it was a little deeper and Yarrien was on hand to head the loose ball goal ward only to find a defenders head connecting with the ball and heading it to safety. The game was definitely one of two different halves with both teams on top for one half each although credit must be given to the Sawbo players for trying to win the game in the last few minutes. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day. Sub used: E.Yarrien Sub not used C.Shaw Kettering Town v Sawbridgeworth Town 3 - 2
On the hottest day of the year so far the hour and a half trip North up the M11 / A14 to Kettering was tiring even though the players were being driven there. When at the venue we found it to be a recreational park pitch that not only had a slope end to end but also a slope from side to side. With the spectator numbers increased by the presence of the local constabulary looking to round up several of the local youngsters the game was to be played in a good spirit and highly competitive.
With Nicky Clifford ruled out of the game with a calf injury the squad travelled north with just the bare 11 players for the game. Emma Yarrien being drafted into the squad from the reserves to fill the right midfield role after Hannah Fraser adopted the right back spot due to Clifford's injury. A frantic first 10 minutes saw both sides trying to win the game early. Lots of midfield action but neither team took control. On 10 minutes Jackie Stott advanced into the Kettering penalty box and was brought down. The referee had no choice but to award a penalty to Sawbo. Stott brushed herself down and calmly placed the ball just to the right side of the keeper to put the visitors 1-0 up. On 15 minutes Debbie Williams was asked to be alert as she managed to palm away a shot from the top corner as Kettering tried to equalize. With just the bare 11 players the Sawbo management had their heart in their mouth as Fraser did not get up after clearing the ball. After a quick assessment it was decided that she had bruised her toe from the impact and after treatment resumed her place on the pitch. As both teams were looking for the drinks break at half time Kettering broke free beating the off side line by a yard and when one on one with Williams she was unable to stop the shot hitting the back of the net.
It seemed that Kettering responded better to the half time instructions than Sawbo as they came out for the second half in a very determined mood. 54 minutes gone and a situation that is always apparent when heat affects concentration Kettering's Kristina Faulkner found herself unmarked in the 6 yard box and she placed the ball just inside the post to put Kettering 2-1 up. Sawbo quickly responded and attacked the Kettering defensive third but was unable to break it down, then on 57 minutes the ball was played through the Sawbo midfield and Lisa Lee was quickest to react and again it went one on one with Williams who was quick off her line but Lee managed to shoot past her advance into the net for Kettering to open up a 2 goal advantage. Sawbo now had the bit between their teeth and mounted attack after attack and from one attach the4 ball was played into the Kettering box and in desperation a Kettering defender threw her had into the air to stop the ball going into the 6 yard box and the referee had to award another penalty for Sawbo. This time Stott delivered the ball into the back of the net with more power and it was not game on with just 10 minutes left to play. Sawbo were soon back on the attack and from a Stott corner on 88 minutes it seemed the scores would be level when xox headed the ball into the bottom corner. Where Kettering keeper Kayleigh Blanchard came from to palm the ball away for a corner is yet to be decided but it was a tremendous save to keep her team in front. With time ticking towards the end of the game the next corner was vital if Sawbo were to get anything from the game. Stott floated another superb ball into the six yard box and this time Yarrien was on hand to head the ball into what looked like from the touchline an open goal but again a Kettering defender got her head to the ball and managed to clear it off the line. The game finished in defeat for Sawbo but with the heat and the tempo of the game no one could have asked any more of the players.
Squad: D.Williams, H.Fraser, N.xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, E.Yarrien, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day
Sawbridgeworth Town v Kettering Town 1 - 0 A very bright sunny day was a superb setting for this encounter with second in the table Kettering Town who travelled to Crofters without top goal scorer Andrea Tzschoeckell who has netted some 38 times this season in all competitions for the Northants based side. Kettering came into the game on the back of a good set of results whereas Sawbo were experiencing their worst set of results for some time. Three defeats in as many weeks has seen Sawbo drop from a promotion place into the group of teams chasing at best a runners up spot. Both teams set about their task in a brisk fashion with the ball up, down and side to side as both sets of players tried to get their teams going. early pressure from the visitors was being well marshalled by the Sawbo back line and once the ball had been won it was quickly and efficiently distributed out of the danger area. Sawbo won a corner on 10 minutes and Hannah Fraser drove a superb ball into the box where xox was just short of converting by putting the ball just wide of the post with the keeper nowhere in sight. Sawbo were by far the most offensive of the teams and brought about several corners from this attacking display but again as the previous weeks have shown Sawbo's goal scoring has left them and chances were again left begging. 30 minutes gone and Joanne Gregory was set free on the left of the box, with the Kettering defence expecting a shot (which was clearly the best option) Gregory saw Jackie Stott advancing into a central shooting position and passed the ball on only for Stott to miss the target. 40 minutes gone and again Gregory was clear for a shot on goal which she took but unfortunately the ball sailed over the cross bar. This first 45 minutes had seen a resurgent Fraser re-establish herself with a sound performance as well as Kerry Crump who both of late had found the going tough. The second half saw the Robins having to take the game to Kettering up the Crofters slope and in many ways it turned out to be an advantage. Forward balls were now holding up and Sawbo were slowing beginning to have that belief that they had at the start of the season. Every player was playing to their potential and it became a pleasure to watch. 51 minutes gone and one of the best moves of the game so far saw a 4 man move start with Gaynor Fisher finding Jacqueline Day in the centre of the park Day played a neat little ball to Jackie Stott who quickly returned the ball to the forward running Day who shot from the edge of the box, the move demanded more than seeing the ball drifting just wide of the upright. 65 minutes gone and Sawbo were in full flight as they looked for the opening goal and Stott was tackled about 30 yards from goal on the left side of the pitch. Stott dusted herself down and drove the free kick into the goal mouth where Kettering Town keeper Kayleigh Blanchard saved at the second attempt. 5 minutes later the deadlock was broken when all the pressure that had been placed on the Kettering defence saw another tackle again on Stott but this time a little closer, xox this time became supplier and she got the ball over the defensive wall and into the six yard box, as the ball bounced Stott tried to get contact but only sent the ball along the ground to the far post where Fraser had positioned herself to drive the ball home from 2 yards out. After three games without a goal this one was precious. Immediately the entire team calmed down and for the last 10 minutes looked by far the better side. Kettering competed at every turn during this game and but for some great team work from the Sawbo players the result may not have been as it finished. Mention must be given to the three subs today who were not able to take part because of the way the game went. The return league fixture against Kettering Town takes place next week 15-04-07. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day. Subs not used: D.Keating, C.Poulton, C.Shaw Barton Rovers v Sawbridgeworth Town 2 - 0 What a beautiful day this was. The sun shinning brightly, a gentle drive across country to Barton and a squad of 13 as well. All seemed to be Ok for today's game. Missing were Nicky Clifford (Calf injury) and Jackie Stott (family commitments) from the 1st team squad. Back home on leave from the navy came Shelley Anglin plus promotion from the reserves for Rebecca Maybury and Emma Yarrien, also back from their holidays were Ann Anstey, Jo Gregory and Hannah Fraser, so in theory the first team squad was almost at full strength. An energetic start from both side soon became almost one way traffic as Sawbo laid siege to the Barton goal. Time and again during this first period Sawbo was seen to be breaking up Barton's play and immediately starting a forward move of their own. The pressure on the Barton back line was relentless but the final shot was not to able to test Nina Darlow in the Barton goal to any extreme. Good attacks down both flanks by Hannah Fraser and Jo Gregory were met in the middle of the park but time and again the final shot was missing. After 45 minutes of play it would not be an understatement to say that Sawbridgeworth had by far the better of the half with almost 85% of the ball and close to 15 shots on target, but as the players walked off to the dressing rooms the score was still 0 - 0. With the wind still blowing down the slope and Sawbo now attacking into the wind it was going to be a difficult task but with the ball being played along the ground Sawbo were still making inroads into the Barton final third but with the wind now being a twelfth man for Barton it was even more difficult to get the final shot on goal. The more the game went on it seemed that it would end as a goalless draw as both sides were finding penetration a major task. There then became a bizarre couple of minutes that saw Barton take the lead when the Sawbo right defensive area was breached by Rachel Felton who was able to advance on goal and drive the ball into the far corner from just inside the box on 58 minutes. This goal was like being mugged and having a knife in the back and it took all the steam out of the Sawbo resolve. 6 minutes later still trying to get to terms with the situation that saw after all that work that had been done and against the run of play Sawbo were one goal down. Shortly after a corner conceded on the right was floated into the six yard box where it failed to be cleared and as the ball bounced a speculative nod by Kim Clark saw the ball drop into the goal for Barton's second of the game. It was a bitter pill to swallow after such a dominant display by the visitors but failure once again in front of goal to strike with venom and direction has cost Sawbo dearly. Squad: D.Williams, S.Anglin, N.xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, R.Maybury, J.Day. Subs used: J.Duffin, E.Yarrien
31-03-07 The Eastern Region have been given notice that Cottenham United have as of today Saturday 31st March 2007 withdrawn from the league. As far as Sawbridgeworth Town is concerned it means we will alter our fixture list to suit so that we can now play Kettering Town on the 15th April instead of Cottenham United. This will allow us to finish our season a little earlier than was originally expected. This also means that by default we have now secured a final place in the League Plate against the winners of the semi between Stevenage Borough and Brentwood Town. Kings Sports v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 0 The only thing that marred this from being a perfect day for football was the wind that was blowing from end to end at Wigmore Park. Sawbow started the day with 12 players then went to 10 as players dropped out and with a frantic last minute phone call got the numbers up to 11 to travel. With Ann Anstey, Jo Gregory and Hannah Fraser on holiday, Judith Duffin with a twisted ankle from Hockey the first team squad was down to just 8 players that were available. Emma Yarrien and Anna Williams were drafted in from the reserves on Friday but after Lindsey Kendall (school work) and Duffin were not able to play Donna Keating filled the eleventh berth at the last minute. Kings started the brighter and for the first fifteen minutes were quicker to the ball, and they made constant inroads into the Sawbo defensive third. With the wind at their backs Kings forward play made the Sawbo defensive side come to the fore. A reshaped Sawbo side battled hard to keep in the game and on 15 minutes Emma Collins sped into the box with just Debbie Williams to beat and Williams produced a superb one handed save to keep Sawbo in the game. This in some ways spurred Sawbo on and when Keating won the ball on the right she passed the ball through to Jacqueline Day who went to the by-line and crossed the ball into the Kings area. Anna Williams was a yard short of connecting with the cross which would certainly have been a goal as the keeper had been beaten by the cross. For the last 17 minutes of the half Sawbo were controlling the situation with neat interplay and good team work across the park but the final ball was missing from the play. The second half saw an almost repeat of the first half start with Kings bright and in the face of the Sawbo players but slowly again Sawbo now with the wind at their backs began to once again take control. Hannah Biddel the Kings keeper was tested a few times in this period of play but was able to handle the ball without too much effort. Then on 50 minutes it seemed that all the good work was about to fall apart as the ball went goal ward from a Kings attack. Keating had other ideas and was quickest to the ball and cleared the ball to safety from the goal line. Kings lifted from this and the next few minutes saw them rally but Sawbo were firm. Yarrien had settled well into the left midfield role and her link up play with Gaynor Fisher and Day was beginning to reap benefits as time and again she was able to gain ground for a cross into the box. 70 minutes gone and a corner won by Kings saw the ball fail to be cleared from the box, a shot came in and Fisher was on hand to get her boot to the spinning ball and deflect the ball along the goal line, Kings Emma Collins stuck out her foot and managed to connect and the ball agonizingly hit the inside of the post and in for an against the run of play goal for Kings. The next few minutes saw Sawbo move up a gear and attack the Kings final third but they were unable to convert the chances created and in the end came away from the game as losers for the second week running. Positives from the game came from the introduction of the reserve players that came into the squad for the first time and never looked fully out of place. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, D.Keating, C.Stein, J.Stott, E.Yarrien, A.Williams, J.Day Sawbridgeworth Town v Bedford & District 0 - 2 The weather looked ominous just before the kick off as the dark clouds gathered high above Crofters and with the dug outs still showing the the signs of the poor weather a couple of months ago with both roofs still not part of the structure and the home dugout still being rebuilt it was looking to be a wet and windy afternoon with little or no shelter for the players or manager and substitute.
Three minutes into the game and the expected downpour turned out to be a hailstorm which lasted all but a couple of minutes but left everyone with stinging skin from the onslaught of frozen pellets from the sky. As the game got into gear it was the visitors who were showing more adventurous play as with the very high wind at their backs Sawbo were being pushed back into their defensive third and as a poor tackle came in from Ann Anstey the referee had little or no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot on 8 minutes. The Bedford player strode up and with what seemed a very confident approach stroked the ball to the left corner of the goal but it seemed that the wind took the ball onto the post and the rebound took the ball to safety. Instead of firing Sawbo into life it did not. Sawbow have shown in their play over the past couple of games a slight downturn in their abilities that has seen the usual high standard of passing and movement taken over by sloppy play that has seen the ball in the air more than on the ground which has made it difficult to control. The first 25 minutes saw Bedford control the midfield and they earned themselves several corners which Sawbo defended well against. Then from a break good link up play between Nicky Clifford, Anstey, Carley Stein and Judith Duffin, saw Duffin cross the ball into the path of Jackie Stott who tried to take a first time shot at goal only to see the ball screw off the outside of her left boot and well wide of the goal. Almost direct from the restart Bedford were on the attack again but the ball went to Debbie Williams in the Sawbo goal. Williams elected to throw the ball out to Gaynor Fisher but the ball was picked up by the marauding Bedford player Vicky Vickery who drove the ball back across goal and into the net for the opening goal on 27minutes. On the half hour mark Bedford were 2 up when their quick centre forward Lillianne Fernandes was put through. She was able to outpace Kerry Crump and xox to slot the ball past the advancing Williams. At this point it seemed that Sawbo decided without words to come and play and up to the half time whistle started to compete and win the ball in the midfield and they started to take the game to Bedford.
A game of two halves this definitely was as now with the wind at their backs Sawbo were the more adventurous. The very high wind had been the main contributor to the first half and was to play a major part in the second half as Sawbo had greater possession. Several corners were won by the home side but that elusive goal would not come and then on 58 minutes it looked like Sawbo would open their account. A corner delivered from the right eventually fell to Stein who twisted and shot with venom towards the Bedford goal. Prudence Cannon instinctively put her hands up and made a superb reflex save just under the cross bar. This turned out to be one of three saves she made during the second half that kept Bedford ahead in the game. It seemed that everything that Sawbo did to try and claw a way back into this game Bedford were able to match. Joanne Gregory replaced Duffin on the hour mark but the substitution did not have the required effect to try and get a goal back. Overall Sawbo were well below par and will have to improve greatly if they want to end the season on a high.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, H.Fraser, J.Stott, J.Day. Sub used: J.Gregory
League Plate 1/4 Final Sawbridgeworth Town v Lakenheath 2 - 0 With the weather finally taking a turn for the better, blue skies and sunshine was the backdrop for this quarter final game against Lakenheath from Division One East. On paper it would seem that Sawbo were the favorites to progress but like in many cup competitions paper favorites means nothing on the day it is the team that wants it the most that is usually victorious. An even start to the game saw both sides a little tentative as if not wanting to make an error and the game suffered somewhat with the ball bouncing around like a pin ball. Neither side could create more than two passes before the ball was again in possession of the opposition. The first half chance, fell to Jo Gregory who timed her run just a little late to latch onto a cross from Judith Duffin after 20 minutes. This was a rare effort by the home side as Lakenheath were beginning to control the middle of the park. After 35 minutes Sawbo had won several corners against Lakenheath single effort but there were no conversions. Both goalkeepers were asked to do very little as the game became a midfield battle which as the half closed was becoming a stalemate situation. The second half saw a Sawbo side that had responded to the half time talk. The passing was more accurate and the penetration was more decisive but the final shot was still missing. Up the other end of the park and Lakenheath were trying to engineer an opening but the final effort was put wide. Then on the hour mark Lakenheath released Holly Kingston who ran the ball to the edge of the box where she rounded the advancing Debbie Williams in the Sawbo goal and with the goal beckoning she pulled her shot wide of the target, Kingston was being well marshaled by xox who's presence alongside her must have put her under pressure to shoot earlier than she would have liked and Sawbo lived on. Shortly after this Duffin was replaced by Kerry Crump and a slight reshuffle of the team was made. After some neat work down the left side of the pitch Jacqueline Day was released about 25 yards out and she drove into the edge of the box and unleashed a superb strike at goal that had the Lakenheath keeper beaten hands down but to the astonishment of all the ball cannoned off the bar and out to safety giving Lakenheath a life line. As both clubs were looking towards extra time the deadlock was broken when Sawbo won a corner on the left. Jackie Stott delivered the ball into the six yard area where Lakenheath's Kim Thomas was unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time as the ball flew into the net off her body to give at this time a deserved lead for Sawbo on 83 minutes. Buoyant after this goal Sawbo started to play the football that we have come to expect and on 86 minutes they extended their lead when Ann Anstey floated a free kick into the edge of area where Day was on hand to control the ball and drive the ball into the net off the inside of the post. Sawbo advanced into their third semi-final in three seasons after this result and have been drawn against Cottenham United with the game to be played on April 15th 2007 Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, G.Fisher, H.Fraser, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day. Sub used: K.Crump. Sawbridgeworth Town v Stevenage Vixens A - 0 After being given the news that Sunday's game was after Saturdays postponement of the Men's first team to be decided on the Sunday morning we looked skyward to see if the Gods would be kind to us. Early Sunday morning with it still dry from the previous night manager Dave Dawson and Del Gardener went to the ground with forks in hand to see if we could make the pitch playable. After 2 hours of work both the front and back pitches were passed as playable but unfortunately the effort was in vane as Stevenage were unable to field a team for the game. Under league rules the game is now awarded to Sawbo but the real down side is that a League Plate quarter final game next week against Lakenheath looms and the team needed today's game to keep the match fitness up. The current league situation now sees that Sawbo along with many other clubs are now well behind with their fixtures and alternative date are being considered so that the league can finish somewhere near the final date. With what can be said to be the wettest winter for a considerable length of time the Eastern Region and as I guess many other league will still be playing come the end of May. Next Sunday sees the first team take on Lakenheath from Division One East in the quarter final of the league plate. Lets hope the weather is good to us this week so that the need to get up early on Sunday to get the pitch playable can be avoided. The reserves have a re-arranged fixture at home against Brentwood Town Reserves. Bullfields was playable this weekend so hopefully the reserves will be able to get their game going as well.
Sawbridgeworth Town v Kings Sports 3 - 0 After last weeks cancellation of this game it was good to be able to get the game played so quickly due to other teams playing in County Cup games. With the weather at last being kind to us, Crofters was surprisingly firm under foot which allowed both sets of players solid footing for the football to flow. Grey skies always seem to give the threat of rain but the game passed under dry conditions. Sawbo were quickly out of the traps for this game knowing that previously their early match form tended to give the opposition a foothold which then had to be prized away from them before Sawbo could progress on. The first 5 minutes saw the game being played in Kings defensive third and but for some sound defending could have seen Sawbo a goal up early on. Sawbo were still making all the headway and on 15 minutes nearly opened the scoring when a free kick was played forward by xox who found Jackie Stott but the resultant effort flew agonizingly just wide of the mark. Shortly after a corner won saw Ann Anstey flight the ball into the box where Stott fed Carley Stein who shot over from 12yds. This onslaught finally got its rewards when on 25 minutes Nicky Clifford found Stott on the edge of the box who controlled the ball with her chest and as the ball fell she turned and drove the ball into the net for the opening goal which was richly deserved. The rest of the half saw only glimpses of Kings ability as every time they started to play the move was broken up by a resolute Sawbo side. Other efforts by Stott, Jacqueline Day and Stein came close but did not really test Hannah Biddel in the Kings goal. The second half began as the first had finished with Sawbo in control and looking to extend the lead they more than deserved. On 57 minutes the score was increased when Stott advanced to just inside the edge of the box and cleverly chipped the advancing Biddel for her and Sawbo's second goal. All through the game a new look Sawbo defensive line saw Kerry Crump making a solid entrance in the absence of Shelley Anglin and under the guidance of captain xox did not put a foot wrong all afternoon. Day was replaced by Emma Yarrien on 71 minutes and almost immediately Sawbo had increased their lead. A neat move down the right flank found Fraser who managed to beat her marker for pace and whipped in a superb cross which Stott met on the edge of the 6 yard area and she headed with power past Biddel for her hat trick and Sawbo's third. Sawbo had some 75% of the ball and at times never looked like giving it away although Kings Sports did play their part in the game but never really put the Sawbo defence under any great threat. Sawbo entertain Cottenham United in the league next week at Crofters. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, xox, K.Crump, G.Fisher, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day. Sub used: E.Yarrien Sawbridgeworth Town v Stevenage Borough 1 - 1 Playing at home for the first time in what seems like years Sawbo entertained Stevenage Borough a team that we have had trouble beating in past encounters as over the past few seasons the games have ended in drawn affairs. With last weeks win under our belts it was hoped that the momentum would carry forward into this game so that we could continue our rise up the league table. Unfortunately Stevenage had other ideas and from the first whistle they started to harry the home side which unsettled Sawbo to the extent that saw the recent fluent passing game disappear and an edginess descended upon the team as a whole and after just 4 minutes Stevenage opened the scoring when they were allowed to break into the final third unchallenged and dispatch a curling shot into the the far corner of the goal by Stevenage forward Ana Ruiz-Jerez which rocked Sawbo. Even this early sign did not spur Sawbo into life. Time and again Stevenage were first to the ball and but for some at times lucky defending they could have extended their lead. As the half wore on Sawbo managed to get a foothold back into the game and towards the end of the half managed a couple of shots that in the end went wide of the mark but it gave the side a breather after the early onslaught. After a few points were raised in the dressing room the Sawbo side emerged with a little more focus and determination and started to pressurize the Stevenage players on the ball. Sawbo started to find their passing range and at last the game started to flow. As the passing improved so did the confidence in the side and Sawbo were unlucky not to equalize when on 55 minutes after a corner was floated into the box a thunderous shot from Ann Anstey saw April Spang in the Stevenage goal make a superb reflex save on the line which prevented the ball hitting the back of the net. Five minutes later Spang got her foot to a driven shot by Carley Stein which cleared the ball to safety. Possibly the best move of the game started back in the Sawbo defensive third when xox and Gaynor Fisher interpassed the ball to relieve the pressure from Ruiz-Jerez who was chasing everything, xox finally found Stein with a good through ball and Stein dissected the Stevenage defence and into the path of Judith Duffin who drove ball across the keeper into the net for a well deserved equaliser on 75 minutes. The rest of the game was played almost entirely in the Stevenage half of the pitch but the chances that were created were not converted so once again a draw was the end result. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, S.Anglin, G.Fisher, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, H.Fraser, J.Stott, J.Day. Sub used: J.Gregory Stevenage Vixens v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 4 The last time these two sides met was three seasons ago when Stevenage won the division and were about to get promoted to the Premier Division. Well there has been a lot of water under the bridge so as to speak as this season Stevenage have been relegated back to Division One after a miserable season last term in the Premier but unfortunately they have not been able to adjust to life in the lower division and have not seen the results that they would have liked to have seen this season so far. Whereas Sawbridgeworth have taken three years to be a strong side within the Division One West and are once again looking for a strong finish to the season so that a promotion possibility is there at the end of it. Sawbo had the best of starts to this game when after just 2 minutes Jacqueline Day was at the end of a very slick move that saw the ball moved from Jackie Stott out wide to Judith Duffin who fed Day down the centre who ran on and drove the ball past the advancing Nicolle Barrett in the Stevenage goal. More pressure for Sawbo saw several chances wasted as poor shooting from inside the box fell kindly within Barrett's grasp. A free kick awarded to Stevenage mid way in their half saw a poor ball delivered to the feet of Carlye Stein who quickly moved the ball to Stott who put Sawbo 2 up on 12 minutes. The next 20 minutes saw Sawbo slow a little and Stevenage were able to match the efforts being shown by the visitors. A bumpy and spongy pitch was not conducive for Sawbo's now flowing style of play and many good moves faltered as the ball did not get to its intended destination. 30 minutes gone and Sawbo were 3 - 0 up as a result of a free kick being awarded to Sawbo on the edge of the penalty box 2 yards from the goal line. Ann Anstey had been felled as she tried to turn. Stott took the kick and the curling floating ball was headed into the goal by xox. Sawbo at this moment in the game seemed to have the game wrapped up as they were quicker to every ball and with the confidence in the team at a high it seemed that almost at will they could mount another attack and get another goal. With this rise in confidence also came a 3 minute spell of complacency where with several players out of position the ball fell to Vixens Sue Stanton who's shot got a goal back on 36 minutes when it was diverted into the goal by xox when it screwed off the outside of her boot as she tried to clear the danger and curled past Williams and into the net which at that time was was very much against the run of play. The goal obviously gave Stevenage hope and it was a wakeup call for Sawbridgeworth and almost instantly order was restored and Sawbo began to control the game once again. The second half started with a more determined Stevenage team and Sawbo had to work hard to get control of the game, Stevenage lone striker Frankie Locock was constantly trying to beat her marker xox but almost every time Shelley Anglin was sweeping behind to help the defence clear the ball. Midway through the half Stevenage changed keepers but it did not change the dominance of Sawbo in this game. Stott had several chances to extend Sawbo's lead only to find the keepers in excellent form. Day saw a shot bounce on the cross bar, Stott saw a corner hit a post and some frantic Stevenage defending saw efforts from Duffin, Stein and Anstey cleared from the danger area. Emma Yarrien replaced Duffin on 73 minutes. Sawbo finally saw the fruits of their endeavors when Day scored her second and Sawbo's 4th on 88 minutes. The ball was bouncing around in the centre of midfield and it eventually fell to Day who ran on and shot into the bottom corner. Mention must go to Gaynor Fisher who played her first 90 minutes today after a lengthy injury . Slotting into the left back position as Hannah Fraser was not available Fisher never put a foot wrong. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, S.Anglin, G.Fisher, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day. Sub used: E.Yarrien
15-01-07 Because of County Cup matches next weekend 21st January 2007 Sawbridgeworth Town will not have a game. Eastern Region Women's Football League, League Plate 1st Round Barchester United v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 2
Memories flooded back as Sawbo travelled North to Norwich to play Barchester United in this 1st round plate game, from when regular trips North were made during the Premiership days. The difference this time was that the road link has improved and made for a much better trip in the minibus.
Not having played since December 10th 2006 meant that this game was almost like the first game of a season as all the team had done was train since that last game. Barchester were also a new team this season in the Region and because of that Sawbo had to approach the game with caution but determination to try and boss the game from the first whistle. Sawbo started very brightly and in the first ten minutes had won 6 corners as they dominated the early play and kept the ball in the Barchester defensive third. Unfortunately the early pressure did not produce a goal that the pressure deserved but it did make the home side nervous as most of their clearances were made rashly and the ball just came back at them. Sawbo got the goal they deserved after 20 minutes when a four man move saw the ball progress from Nicky Clifford to Judith Duffin who neatly turned her marker and lay the ball inside to Carley Stein who instantly fed the ball forward to Jackie Stott who advanced a few yards before lobbing the advancing keeper. The rest of the half saw more chances created but poor finishing and good goal keeping kept the score at 1 - 0 at the break.
The second half saw a slightly more determined home side who started to push Sawbo back into their own defensive third for the first time in the game. It appeared that Sawbo went to sleep for a few seconds when Barchesters Gemma Hallam was allowed to run through and come one on one with Debbie Williams in the Sawbo goal. Williams advanced on the Barchester forward and received a nasty knock to the shin as the pair came together just after the ball had been placed goal ward for the equaliser. As a result of this tackle Williams was replaced by central defender Shelley Anglin with Kerry Crump replacing Anglin in the central defensive position on the 60 minute mark. Sawbow came to life again and began to once again push forward and this resurgence stabilized the visitors and gave protection to Anglin who was tested from distance but was equal to it. On 70 minutes Jo Gregory was replaced by Gaynor Fisher who was about to play her first football since an ankle / groin injury stopped her playing in November 2006. 80 minutes gone and Sawbo got their noses in front again when Jackie Day drove the ball in from 12 yards after neat approach play. Judith Duffin, Jackie Stott, Jacqueline Day and Ann Anstey all had chances to put the game beyond Barchester but it is hoped that now we have shaken the cobwebs off that 2007 will continue to see Sawbow in a positive attitude.
Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, S.Anglin, N.xox, H.Fraser, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day. Subs used: K.Crump. G.Fisher
The League Plate Other Results: Mulbarton Belles v Stevenage Vixens 6 - 3 Stevenage Borough v Kings Lynn 6 - 1 Brantham Athletic v Bedford & District 4 - 2 Godmanchester Rovers v Barton Rovers 4 - 1 Kings Sports v Brentwood Town 0 - 4 Barchester United v Sawbridgeworth Town 1-2
17-12-06 Once again the weather has stepped in to prevent the first team from entertaining Kettering Town. With all the squad now available we was looking forward to this game as Kettering are sitting just below us in the league and have a game in hand. A win would have put a little bit of daylight between the two clubs and given the Robins an early Christmas present. Still not to worry it means that the girls get an extra week off for the Christmas break and hopefully will come back after Christmas full of energy to take on Cambridge Rangers away on January 7th 2007. To all of you that are reading this may I on behalf of the club wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a very rewarding 2007 Sawbridgeworth Town v Godmanchester Rovers 5 - 0 A late change of pitch was the order of the day after a morning kick off made the already water holding pitch unplayable as far as the referee was concerned. So a change of venue to Bullfields was quickly agreed by both teams. Godmanchester had travelled to the game with just 10 players and it was a credit to them that they came and played with what was known after the game a couple of players that were carrying injuries. On the other hand Sawbo welcomed back captain xox who has not played first team football since dislocating her shoulder several weeks ago, although she did manage 65 minutes last week in a reserve game. It was the first time in several weeks that Sawbo fielded a full squad of first team players as all the injuries were back in the squad and from the first whistle it showed. On a sticky pitch Sawbo found their feet quickly and were cutting the Goddy defence in half time and again but for some solid defending by Emily Ingle Sawbo could well have been goals up in the first 5 minutes. Stand in Goddy keeper Laura McAllister was playing her first game after recovering from torn ankle ligaments with regular keeper Kate Bunch playing as a fullback. On 10 minutes a sweeping move saw Hannah Fraser feed Jo Gregory down the left wing who found space to send a cross field ball into the path of Judith Duffin. Duffin controlled the ball and moved along the edge of the box and with the outside of her right foot launched the ball past McAllister and into the net for the opening goal. Just a minute later it was 2 - 0 to Sawbo when Jacqueline Day was passed the ball from midfield and she again found Duffin on the edge of the box. As if to rub salt into the wound an instant reply of the first goal saw Duffin hit the same shot but this time into the far corner. Sawbo continued to have the lions share of the ball with Debbie Williams in the Sawbo goal almost a spectator as xox and Shelley Anglin were defending well in front of her. Sawbo were playing delightful football which saw their passing and movement almost back to how it was at the beginning of the season and with xox back to her vocal best at the back Sawbo had their driving force back in command. 38 minutes gone and Sawbo were 3 - 0 up when Jacqueline Day never gave up on a ball that was being marshaled out by the Goddy defender, Day managed to get the ball back into the danger area of the box where Carlye Stein was free to strike the ball into the net. Just before the interval Sawbo wrapped up a supreme first half performance when Duffin became provider for Day who drove home number 4 on 43 minutes. As expected Godmanchester changed their shape in the second half as they tried to salvage something from the game. So as to try and put pressure on the Sawbo back line they reverted to a 4 - 3 - 2 which at least gave them an outlet as in the first half they played with just the one up front and that became easy to defend against. Goddy came back into the game a little more but were still being kept at bay by a resolute Sawbo back four but the extra possession that Goddy worked for began to giver them a little more confidence but on 58 minutes possibly the best goal of the game saw a flowing 4 man move which ended with Stein holding the ball and then releasing Joanne Gregory who beat her marker before sending a superb left foot cross into the box where Jackie Stott rose and headed the ball over the despairing hands of McAllister to give the home side a 5 - 0 advantage. Sawbo player of the match Ann Anstey once again proved her worth in the centre of midfield and her tireless work rate helped Sawbo throughout the game. Stott was replaced some 5 minutes later by Clare Halfpenny as Stott was carrying a slight ankle injury but it did not stop the forward play that Sawbo were creating. With Rebecca Thoday now playing the second half back in the middle of the Goddy back line defensively the visitors were a lot stronger and Sawbo's efforts were now restricted. Next Sunday Sawbo entertain the fast improving Kettering Town and weather permitting the game should go ahead at Crofters. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, N.xox, S.Anglin, H.Fraser, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, J.Gregory, J.Stott, J.Day. Sub used: C.Halfpenny. 03-12-06 Sawbridgeworth Town v Stevenage Vixens Match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch Reserves gain first win of the season. Check out Reserves News 06-07 26-11-06 Bedford & District v Sawbridgeworth Town Unbeknown to Bedford & District, Sawbridgeworth Town Women's Football Club were down to their last 11 players for this game which included 3 reserve players to help make up the team. The clubs reserve game had been cancelled due to lack of player availability and with the increasing injury list across the clubs two teams the first team was about to play the league divisional leaders with a very weakened side. After the torrential rain over the past few days Bedford called the game off which was like Sawbridgeworth Town FC who called their reserve game off on Saturday afternoon due to a waterlogged pitch at Crofters. The team that was to travel to Bedford, included for the first time reserve team players Stacey Hedley and Kerri Millbanks along with Emma Yarrien who had played a couple of times for the first team this season. So from a squad of 31 players the team had a major problem with the availability of players on the day. Over the next couple of weeks it is hoped that a few new signings will be made to not only give a greater number of players to choose from but also to strengthen the squad for the rest of the season and beyond. We have currently two players training with the squad who hopefully will put pen to paper this week and one player who will be training with the squad in the hope of being registered. If all goes well the reserves will have an extra three players for next Sunday's match away at Brentwood Town Reserves. Squad was to be: D.Williams, N.Clifford, S.Anglin, J.Day, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, C.Stein, S.Hedley, E.Yarrien, K.Millbanks
Match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch Sawbridgeworth Town v Huntingdon Town 3 - 0 During this past week there has been mixed news in the team. Good news was that both Jackie Stott and Judith Duffin were looking good for a come back but bad news surrounded Gaynor Fisher who ended up on crutches after sustaining a groin injury and could be out for 2 - 3 weeks. It has now been confirmed that Fisher has not torn a muscle but has badly strained it, it has also transpired that Fisher underwent and ear operation on Friday to try and sort out an infection with a further operation due soon. With the reserves not having a game this weekend due to their opposition being in the Essex County cup it would give the first team an opportunity to have several substitutes for the game. Huntingdon kicked off and almost at once started to put pressure on the Sawbow defensive third and they kept this pressure up for some 6 minutes. It was obviously not what the Sawbo side expected and it took them by surprise. An early wake up call that all teams even those at the bottom end of the league will contest everything, kicked Sawbo into life and just 3 minutes later Sawbo were in front. A superb flighted ball into the box from a corner by Ann Anstey found Joanne Gregory who had the easiest of chances to slot the ball home for the opening goal on 9 minutes. Ten minutes later a great run down the right flank by Duffin opened up the Huntingdon back line and a perfect cross found Stott waiting to shoot home from 16 yards for Sawbo's second. Sawbo were attacking at will but time and again the Huntingdon keeper made a fine save to stop Sawbo from going further ahead. Then on 36 minutes Duffin made one run too many and her hamstring popped slightly so she was replaced by Clare Halfpenny. The half continued as it had started with Sawbo attacking and Huntingdon content to make the odd counter attack although Debbie Williams in the Sawbo goal did not have a great deal to do. The second half kicked off with Sawbo a little bit more focused and they began to play a little better football, although Huntingdon would not stop harrying for the ball. With the pitch beginning to show the signs of the previous weeks rain as it began to become heavy it showed in the passing and control of the ball by both sides. Sawbo got another corner on 55 minutes and after a clearance mix up on the edge of the box Anstey fired the ball home for Sawbo's third. Stott who was playing her first game for several weeks after injury was replaced by Charlotte Turner on the hour and 10 minutes later Kelly Mullender was replaced by Emma Yarrien after Mullender had sustained a slight knock to her knee. The game finished with a belief that Sawbridgeworth are back on the march again but they had to fight all the way against a very upbeat Huntingdon side that was in a totally different mood than at the first game of the season when they were beaten 11-1 by Sawbridgeworth Town. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, S.Anglin, J.Day, H.Fraser, J.Duffin, A.Anstey, C.Stein, K.Mullender, J.Stott, J.Gregory. Subs used: C.Turner, C.Halfpenny, E.Yarrien Cottenham United v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 2 After last weeks defeat to Cottenham in the League Cup Sawbo were in determined mood to rectify the problem and come away with a win in the league today. With the returning Carley Stein and Claire Halfpenny into the squad from injury and working commitments respectfully the team was given a boost. Judith Duffin was expected to have a first run out for a few weeks from her injury but a slight set back prevented this. Sawbo managed to keep two reserve players in the starting lineup as their efforts and commitment last week earned them a recall. Sawbo were out of the blocks very quickly and began to boss the game. Cottenham were finding it difficult to hold the ball for any period of time as they were being hounded at every opportunity by a Sawbo side that was really in the mood. Sawbridgeworth were playing some delightful football with the ball switching across the pitch at ease and both Jo Gregory and Carley Stein making inroads into the Cottenham defensive third. After being away from the squad for a few weeks through injury Stein was on fire and her touch and distribution were as if she had not been away and time and again Hannah Smith in the Cottenham goal came to her sides rescue by picking up crosses into the box and preventing Gaynor Fisher or Emma Yarrien from getting to the ball. The deadlock was broken when on 22 minutes a superb 5 man move ended with Ann Anstey unleashing a 30 yard effort that hung in the air and dipped just under the cross bar to give the visitors a well deserved lead. At this stage of the game Sawbridgeworth were well in control but the goal changed the game as Sawbo seemed to sit back and Cottenham grew in confidence. Debbie Williams was more than once called upon to to keep the visitors ahead with fine saves and then at the other end Shelley Anglin was unlucky not to put the visitors 2 up when a shot from the edge of the box beat the keeper but hit the base of the post and rebounded to safety. On 33 minutes Sawbridgeworth were forced to make a substitution as Fisher over stretched to get to a through ball and pulled her groin. Clare Halfpenny entered the game and slotted into the task very easily. With the half coming to an end Sawbo lost the ball in the middle of the park on the edge of the box and because of failing to clear the ball allowed Cottenham's Laura Spaxman to slot the ball home from 12 yards for the equaliser on 44 minutes. The goal came at the wrong time as it would give the home side a lift for the second half and also make Sawbo have to come out again to try and get a winner. A stern half time chat got the Sawbo players back on the pitch in the right frame of mind and again they took control from the whistle. There was a little more bite and positional control and discipline and it showed in the overall play. Player of the match Carley Stein was having a great game and her return to the team was a great fillip for the squad as all around her lifted their game a little. Charlotte Turner was having another fine game in the centre of midfield alongside Anstey and as the half continued it seemed just a matter of time before Sawbo would get another goal, that said there were few clear cut chances but Sawbo were having more of them. Cottenham's main striker Nadine Sillence was well marshaled and was restricted to one clear chance although she did manage to get clear on a couple of occasions. Sawbo eventually got their noses in front by scoring a goal that saw the ball roll agonizingly slowly over the line. A through ball by Turner found Halfpenny just inside the edge of the box and as Cottenham's Smith advanced Halfpenny got her foot to the ball as she fell and the ball went under the body of Smith but the sting was taken out of the shot and it was an age before Sawbo could celebrate the goal with just 14 minutes left. This 14 minutes stretched to nearly 20 as the referee found an extra 6 minutes of injury time (from where I don't know) but it did give Cottenham the chance to make a couple of late excursions into the Sawbo defensive third. Three late corners put the Sawbo defence under pressure but all were cleared and the first win for some weeks came home to Sawbridgeworth and the league position looks much better today. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, S.Anglin, J.Day, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, C.Turner, C.Stein, G.Fisher, E.Yarrien Sub Used: C.Halfpenny. 09.11.06 New Signing It is not very often that I sign a player that I have not seen train / play but I have done so this time around. I have been told by Nichola Broster that Anna Williams would be an asset to the reserves as she had played for Harlow Frontiers previously. So welcome on board Anna I hope you can live up to the preamble that Nichola gave you. We have also training with us a Czechoslovakian national. Karin Hranicka will hopefully sign once her International Clearance is obtained from the Football Association. Eastern Region League Cup 1st Qualifying Round Cottenham United v Sawbridgeworth Town 2 - 0 Due to the injury crisis within the club Sawbo reserves had their game cancelled for this Sunday so that the First team could complete their away fixture at Cottenham in the ERWFL league cup. An original set of 12 players were available on Sunday morning but by 10.30am that number had dwindled down to 9 as three players phoned in unable to play. A couple of frantic phone calls gave the team at least a starting number of 11 players in this tricky away game at Cottenham. Emma Yarrien, Charlotte Turner and Lindsey Kendall were all drafted into the team from the reserves and Jo Gregory and Gaynor Fisher played with heavy strapping to damaged ankles. Nicky Clifford, Debbie Williams and Shelley Anglin had knee supports so that they could play, So an untried team represented the Hertfordshire side. Early pressure as expected went to the home side but to their credit Sawbo defended well with Williams making a couple of early saves. Cottenham were really up for the game and must have sensed the caution that Sawbo were showing as they tried to accommodate the three reserve players into the team. Turner was put alongside Ann Anstey in the centre of midfield with Kendall playing down the right flank and Yarrien up front along side Fisher. Turner seemed to settle the quicker of the three as she has played several times with the first team. With Anstey instructing it was soon evident that with belief and effort the game could be turned in Sawbo's favour, Slowly but surely as we approached the 22 minute mark that seemed to be the case as they were making serious inroads into the Cottenham defensive third. Then on 25 minutes Cottenham cleared their lines with a speculative high ball which fell to Nadine Sillence who to all around her seemed to control the ball with her arm prior to shooting past the advancing Williams for the opening goal. The rest of the half Sawbo grew in confidence and a couple of half chances failed to test Cottenham's keeper Tracey Ware-Lane. The second half began with Sawbo taking the game to Cottenham looking for an equaliser but time and again the final ball was just not good enough to test the keeper. As the half wore on Cottenham seemed to be running out of steam as each time Sawbo mounted an attack the Cottenham markers were not keeping up and it seemed that last ditch defending was to keep the visitors at bay. With just 3 minutes left of normal time a coming together of two players on the edge of the Sawbo box was deemed to be a foul in favour of Cottenham and from the free kick Sillence got her and Cottenham's second goal. The final whistle went and although Sawbridgeworth Town had been knocked out of the cup positives came out of the game. The emergence of three very good young reserve players that given time will only get better. Next week we have a repeat performance as Sawbridgeworth travel again to Cottenham but this time in the league. It is hoped that at least two players will be back into the squad come next Sunday. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, S.Anglin, J.Day, H.Fraser, L.Kendall, A.Anstey, C.Turner, J.Gregory, G.Fisher, E.Yarrien Sawbridgeworth Town v Barton Rovers 1 - 2 Sawbo's early season aspirations have faltered of late due to the mounting injury list that is the worst for years. It seems that every game so far has ended with at least one more injury so the team has to be re-shaped every week to accommodate players who do not normally play at this level. Jackie Stott was added to the injury list late in the week due to inflamed ankle ligaments but good news was that Judith Duffin is now at 80% fitness and was placed on the subs bench for the first time in 5 games. Kerry Crump was again asked to come into the first team from the reserves so that the team could at least start with a full compliment of players but knowing that the only sub available was Duffin the ask of the players was high. Barton have had an indifferent start to this season's campaign as they adjust to life in Division One West after many years in the Premier Division. A very bright day saw both sides start well and after the first few encounters it was the visitors who managed to exert the early pressure. Sawbo were looking for the quick break but time and again the experienced Barton back line managed to stop the forward play and again it was back to defending which Sawbo were doing very well. 20 minutes into the game and it started to become a midfield battle as Sawbo began to push forward pushing the Barton forward line further back into their own midfield third but neither team could sustain the effort and on 25 minutes Ann Anstey was adjudged to have made an illegal challenge about 25 yards out from goal in a fairly central position. The free kick was dispatched over the defending wall by Stacey Smith and as it dropped Debbie Williams managed to get hands to the ball but could only parry it into the top of the net for the opening goal to Barton Rovers. Sawbo now upped their game and began to chase down every ball and on 34 minutes they got their just rewards when after the ball was delivered into the Barton 6 yard box The Barton keeper could not hold the ball and Kelly Mullender got her first goal of the season to bring the scores level at 1 - 1. With the scores now level Sawbo began to play a dangerous game of trying to keep the ball and as a result the ball was lost in the midfield third and when Barton played the ball forward the Sawbo back line stopped to look for off side which was not given and Barton's forward Rachel Felton was allowed to have an one on one with Williams which she won as she placed the ball into the net from 10 yards. The second half began and finished with Sawbo in control but not having a worthwhile shot on goal. But what did emerge was the fact that Sawbo picked up two more injuries the existing long list pf players when Jo Gregory when tackled fell awkwardly and badly twisted her ankle and Kelly Mullender aggravated knee ligaments and had to come off with 8 minutes still remaining. With Duffin on for Gregory Sawbo finished the game with 10 players which actually matched Barton who had Rachel Felton red carded after two yellows for dissent. It was a disappointing result for Sawbo who battled hard but with no flow to their game. The second half was a major improvement form the first half but the extra possession did not create a goal scoring opportunity of note during the whole 45 minutes. Next week will be a waiting game as Sawbo wait to see if any of the injuries will be OK to travel to Cottenham to play in the first round of the League Cup. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, S.Anglin, K.Crump, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Day, K.Mullender, G.Fisher, C.Halfpenny. Sub used: J.Duffin. Stevenage Borough v Sawbridgeworth Town 1 - 1 On a very wet day Sawbo travelled just a short ride along the A414 to Codicote the home of Stevenage Borough a team that has similar form to Sawbo and who last year it took a cup game to divide the two teams as in the league both games ended equal. Of late Stevenage had been showing slightly better form than their visitors but a determined Sawbo entered the game to try and re-kick start their season. Stevenage started the better of the two sides and for the first twenty minutes only allowed the odd penetration through their defensive wall. Time and again they pushed into Sawbo's defensive third but a new starting defensive line that saw Jackie Day alongside Shelley Anglin in the middle of the back four was a good match that Sawbo was not ready to loose. Stevenage were chasing every ball and putting their visitors under extreme pressure. But Sawbow held firm, with the rain a constant menace which made the conditions very slippery and with the ball skating off the ground the pace of the game was extreme. Stevenage gained a free kick out on Sawbo's right flank and when the ball was delivered into the box it somehow found the back of Hannah Fraser and rebounded onto the head of Dominique Godbeer who sent the ball goal ward. Debbie Williams lost her footing at the moment of pushing off to dive to get the ball and could only just get fingertips to the ball which was not enough to stop it falling into the net for the opening goal on 22 minutes. Stevenage saw this goal as a major advantage and began to exert more pressure and won several corners which were defended well by the Robins. The goal was what Sawbo needed as it began to gel the side together and some good sessions of passing saw Stevenage chasing shadows and for the first time in the game Sawbo were able to penetrate deep into the Stevenage defensive third. Sawbo's Jackie Stott and Ann Anstey were obviously targets for the Stevenage midfield as time and again when in possession ankles were caught but the game continued and as it did so, so did the confidence build of Sawbo. and as a result of this confidence just before the half time break Stott was fed the ball on the right corner of the box and it seemed in one movement turned and hit the ball towards goal. It seemed to float for ages before it dipped under the bar and into the net for a well deserved equaliser. The second half started with the rain still pouring down and with the pitch in some areas having puddles formed. One such puddle was in the Sawbo goal mouth and across the front of the penalty area which was an added burden for Williams in the Sawbo goal. Sawbo started this half brightly with the goal still fresh in their minds and a will to try and increase the lead. Sawbo had mastered the way in which Stevenage were trying to play the off side trap and Gaynor Fisher and Clare Halfpenny both tested the resolve of the Stevenage back line but just did not have the opportunity to finish off the good run with a shot on goal. Sawbo were having much more of the possession this half with good football being played even in poor conditions. The game came to an end with Sawbo still chasing the winning goal but it was not to be. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, S.Anglin, J.Day, H.Fraser, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, K.Mullender, G.Fisher, C.Halfpenny. Sub Not Used: E.Yarrien 17-10-06 Last night at the Regional management committee meeting the draw for the League Cup 1st Qualifying Round was completed and we have been drawn away at Cottenham United. The game will be played on November 5th 2006. Herts County Cup First Round Sawbridgeworth Town v London Colney 0 - 1 This was the third time in four seasons that Sawbridgeworth had played London Colney in the first round of the county cup with the past two encounters going the way of London Colney. When the draw was first made it was looked upon as a chance to beat them for the first time but since the start of the season injuries have made that thought a distant memory. Going into the game Kerry Crump was promoted from the reserves for her debut first team game and along with Emma Yarrien, Charlotte Turner and relative new comer (still finding her feet) Jacqueline Day the Sawbridgeworth squad had taken on a totally different look. Early exchanges saw Colney have the better of the play and it took Sawbo several minutes to get started. The game became a midfield battle with neither side really putting any major pressure on the respective keepers. Crump who had been slotted in at centre back for the injured xox had a tentative start but grew in confidence as each minute passed, so defensively Sawbo kept the Colney forwards to half chances which saw the team as a whole become more determined as the game went on. The second half became a bit more frantic as each side tried to gain a little more control and at this stage it was Colney who began to have the upper hand. On the hour mark Crump who had played extremely well but at this time was looking jaded was replaced by Jacqueline Day to try and keep up the defensive momentum going. On 66 minutes the deadlock was broken when the Colney No 10 was allowed to dribble the ball along the goal line and also allowed to cross the ball into and across the goal mouth where the No 14 was on hand to stab the ball home. Try as they might the Sawbo team tried to pick themselves up for a final onslaught on the Colney goal but never really got into a position to cause any damage. On the day the bright spot was the emergence of Kerry Crump in her first game for the first team and also Emma Yarrien who again improved as the game went on. Jacqueline Day also showed signs of getting back to what we know she can do so the future looks bright at the end of this day of defeat. Squad: D.Williams, N.Clifford, S.Anglin, K.Crump, H.Fraser, E.Yarrien, A.Anstey, J.Stott, K.Mullender, G.Fisher, J.Gregory. Subs used: J.Day, C.Turner Women's FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Sponsored by E-ON Dagenham & Redbridge v Sawbridgeworth Town 3 - 0 Sawbo travelled to Aveley FC to play Dagenham & Redbridge with a reshaped team that because of injuries was always going to make the game an uphill struggle. Influential captain and central defensive link pin xox was going to be a major player to replace after her shoulder injury last week has sidelined her for some 16 weeks. With Judith Duffin also a casualty from the Arlesey game with a hamstring injury the team had to use all its resources to jigsaw a side that would at least give the Daggers a game. |
