News and Match Reports 08-09 

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22-05-09          Dates for your diary:

The club is holding a fundraising event on Friday 29th May 2009 at Harlow Dog track. £5.00 per ticket gets you into the stadium with a race card and a free meal.

7.00pm meet at the track for your tickets.

Our next major date is Saturday 20th June 2009 which is the date for the clubs Presentation Night. (smart dress, no jeans) 7.00pm till late

Check facebook for both events

26-04-09          Royston Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   4 - 0

On a bright sunny day Sawbo travelled the 18 miles to Royston in relatively good spirits looking to repeat the previous result of a couple of weeks ago when Sawbo came away with a 2-0 win at Crofters.

Right from the off you could see that Royston were more up for the game than Sawbo. Royston were quicker to the ball were running off the ball better and with conviction which to the watching Sawbo spectators was in direct contrast to what has been played all season. Poor control and distribution did not bode well for the visiting side as Royston found it all to easy to break up play and mount their own attack which was being done with purpose. Emma Chaffey who had a poor game at Crofters was more than up for the challenge on home ground and drove Royston forward at every opportunity. 30 minutes gone and an error from Vicky Silvester saw the ball cleared from her straight to the Royston player who drove the ball straight back into the goal for the home side to get their noses in front. 3 minutes later the ball was in the back of the net again after a cross field ball eluded everyone and landed at the feet of the advancing Royston forward who drove the ball home and it was now a very stiff uphill battle for Sawbo. Just before the half time whistle another Royston attack saw a shot from the edge of the box almost like a pass back slide agonisingly past Silvester for the home side to end the half 3 - 0 ahead.

Silvester was replaced by Claire Collinson at the half time break due to a hamstring injury and after a constructive half time chat emerged to play the second half in a better frame of mind than the first half had shown. Royston were still by far the better side and had Sawbo chasing shadows at times but slowly it seemed as if Sawbo were trying to get back into the game. Royston were still attacking at will and on 53 minutes came down the left and drew out three of the four defensive players and with the gap now in the centre of the park crossed into the middle where the ball was met and dispatched inside the near post with Collison making a despairing attempt to save the ball. Joanne Gregory was replaced by Emma Yarrien on the hour mark. It was still an uphill struggle to put more than a couple of passes together and as if to rub salt into the wound Hayley King who had been playing at left back twisted awkwardly trying to defend against the Royston right midfielder and instantly went down clutching her ankle. After brief treatment she was carried off the pitch in agony and was later found to have torn and strained the ligaments in the foot and ankle.

Overall a poor game that in some way showed that it was the last game of the season.

Squad:- V.Silvester, N.Clifford, J.Day, A.Anstey, J.Stott, Z.Plant, J.Gregory, H.Fraser, K.Crump, H.King, T.Gillman

Subs used: C.Collinson (45 Silvester), E.Yarrien (60 Gregory)

15-04-09          Billericay Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   4 - 0

For the first time in many games Sawbo had originally 15 players for tonight's game but a late call off from  Emma Yarrien with an injury to her toes meant a quick reshuffle which saw Rebecca Maybury drafted into the left back spot for a first time occasion. Sawbo have of late started briskly and had the opposition back on their heels from the first whistle but tonight it was a tentative start which allowed Billericay to gain the upper hand from the start. Billericay certainly came to the game with a must win attitude as they strive to remain at the top of the division with Braintree close behind in second place. Seven minutes into the game and the first real shot on goal came from Billericay when they won the ball on the edge of the Sawbo penalty box and fired in a shot that cannoned off the junction of crossbar and post. Fifteen minutes gone and it seemed as if Sawbo had weathered the storm and started to get back into the game. Two well worked moves ended with shots on goal from Hannah Fraser and then Wendy Rankin but  neither shot really troubled the Billericay keeper. During this spell of play Rebecca Maybury sustained a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Claire Collinson at left back around the twenty minute mark. With the ball more in the Sawbo half than in Billericay's the ball was destined to be in or around the penalty box and on 27 minutes a weak penalty claim  for not more than a coming together of two players was awarded to Billericay. As the ball was fired towards goal from the spot Victoria Silvester stood her ground and managed to first parry the ball upwards and then to gather the ball to her chest to thwart the danger. The rest of the half continued with Sawbo gaining a little more of the middle ground but not being able to fully take control, then on 44 minutes an attack down the Billericay left saw the player cross the ball deep into the Sawbo six yard box where it eluded everyone and managed to secure its place in the top  right corner of the goal to put Billericay one up with what can only be described as a miss hit. With their heads still down after a hard fought first half Billericay extended their lead when again attacking down the Sawbo right they crossed into the box where the ball failed to get cleared and was eventually placed over Silvester for the half to end with Billericay in the driving seat with a two goal lead.

Toni Gillman was replaced by Joanne Gregory at the start of the second half with Fraser moving to a forward position to try and add a little pace up front. The second half started with both sides seemingly more up for it than the first period but after just 8 minutes of the half a free kick given away to Billericay on the right saw the ball floated across the six yard box with the Sawbo defenders seemingly watching but not moving as the ball fell to the visiting forward and she drove the ball home for their third goal of the night. Jacqueline Stott was replaced by Hayley King after Stott has sustained a side injury. Sawbo rallied a little and the game was played more in the centre of the park but this was to be a lack luster performance from Sawbo after a previous three weeks of solid performances that has put the club in a solid mid-table position. Tonight was not to be Sawbo's night and on 85 minutes the second strange goal was scored when a shot from the edge of the box hit the crossbar and came down only to hit the back of Silvester as she dived to save and rebounded back into the net for Billericay's fourth. Overall a poor performance from the home side although everyone worked hard for the cause.

Squad:- V.Silvester, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, R.Maybury, H.Fraser, A.Anstey, J.Stott, Z.Plant, W.Rankin, T.Gillman.

Subs used:- C.Collinson (Maybury 18), J.Gregory (Gillman 45), H.King (J.Stott 71)

05-04-09          AFC Kempston Rovers   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   0 - 3

On a glorious sunny spring day Sawbo travelled to AFC Kempston Rovers in Bedfordshire to try and reverse the previous games result which saw Kempston take a 2-0 win away from Crofters last month when over the 90 minutes they had just the two attempts at goal and scored whereas Sawbo peppered their goal all afternoon and could not convert. With a different line up today because the game was rescheduled by the leagues fixture secretary as he tried to get as many games up to date from the call offs during the bad weather a month or so ago. This left Sawbo with just a bare 11 to play the game as for months the date has been free so it seemed logical that it would stay that way but the league had different ideas. Missing for today were, Jackie Day, Kerry Crump, Jacqueline Stott, Beckie Gagg, Emma Tweddle, Claire Collinson and Samantha Lowes. With these players ,missing it meant that the side had to be reshaped to suit the players available. It meant that Central midfielder Ann Anstey and Centre forward Hannah Fraser moved to the two centre back positions to cover for Day and Crump, Joanne Gregory and Rebecca Maybury moved to fill the central midfield rolls vacated by Anstey and Stott, Hayley King remained at right midfield as did Zoe Plant at left midfield. Toni Gillman, Wendy Rankin remained up front as did Victoria Silvester stay between the posts, Nicky Clifford and Emma Yarrien also remained as the two full backs.

The game started fairly even with both sides testing the water so as to speak, but attacking down the slight slope for the first half Sawbo had a little more momentum and after 8 minutes the ball was won in the centre of the park and was played out to King who beat her marker and shot for goal , but Gemma Garner in the Kempston goal managed to get to it and palm it around the post for the first corner of the match. Two minutes later the ball was with Kempston and they attacked down their left beating Clifford at right back to cross into the box where Donna Coombs managed to get her head to the ball but could only glance it wide of the right upright. Sawbo were trying to keep up a high tempo and won the ball in the centre of the park, a neat and tidy chip over the Kempston back line saw Rankin running into the space to retrieve the ball with one touch to control she then chipped the ball over the advancing keeper with her next touch and the ball was in the net for the opening goal for Sawbo on 18 minutes. Kempston responded to the goal almost immediately and but for some sound defensive work could have put Silvester's goal under more pressure. Kempston's pressure continued and although they earned themselves a couple of corners Sawbo's team unit worked hard to thwart any shots on goal. 35 minutes in and Kempston attacked down the left and made a cross field ball to the edge of the penalty box where it was volleyed towards goal only to find Silvester on hand to push it around the post for a corner. Almost directly Sawbo won the ball on the left by Plant and she played in Maybury who played the ball to Rankin who lifted the ball over the head of the defender and as the ball fell once again in one touch chipped the ball over the advancing Garner for the ball to once again nestle into the back of the net for her and Sawbo's second on 39 minutes. The rest of the half saw both sides pushing for goals and it seemed that the better spirit was with Sawbridgeworth who were battling for every ball. Kempston who were fielding three recent signings from the disbanded South East Combination side Bedford Town Bells could not match the desire of the visitors and this was causing much debate in the Kempston ranks.

After a half time discussion the sides emerged back onto the pitch with renewed vigor as the two sides again went into battle. End to end play as had been for the first half continued to see the visitors defending resolutely as they continued to work hard to keep the upper hand. 53 minutes in and Kempston broke with pace, Anstey stuck to her task and made it difficult for the Kempston forward to drive towards goal by defending inside her but she still got a shot on target which again Silvester turned around the post Sawbo then won the ball in the middle of the park and released Gregory who advanced into the penalty box where from nowhere her legs were taken from her by a tackle from behind which the referee had no option but to award a penalty. Rankin wasted no time in picking the ball up placing it on the spot and then taking the kick and blasting the ball high into the back of the net for her hat trick and Sawbo's third on 81 minutes. With the rest of the game seeing Kempston taking the game to Sawbridgeworth and the visitors not giving an inch the game finished with Kempston giving it their all, but a stalwart effort by Sawbo seeing them through to a well earned victory.

Squad: V.Silvester, N.Clifford, A.Anstey, H.Fraser, E.Yarrien, H.King, R.Maybury, J.Gregory, Z.Plant, W.Rankin, T.Gillman

29-03-09          Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Royston Town   2 - 0

Today's game is the first contest between the two sides since Sawbo were relegated from the Premier Division to Division One back in 2003-04. Prior to this Royston seemed to most of the time be the side that emerged as victorious. With Royston now relegated to Division One this season it was on paper an even contest that either club could win. With the weather brighter and the sun breaking through the day was set fair for what was promising to be an entertaining game.

Sawbo were straight out of the blocks and were into their stride early. Closing down Royston at every opportunity to break up play and push forward. Sawbo had their first corner awarded in the 2 minute of the game as Royston cleared hastily. Sawbo were clearly up for the game as they continued where they left off last week with a high tempo and good possession which was clearly upsetting Royston. The home side set their stall out in the 17th minute when Jacqueline Stott  was fed the ball from the right of the Sawbo defensive third, she advanced and played the ball  to Toni Gillman who was on the right of the Royston penalty box in one move she cut inside the defender and drove the ball at goal only to see the ball just clear the cross bar and post. With the ball being played across the park Zoe Plant picked the ball up on Sawbo's left beat her marker and drifted inside to play the ball through to Gillman who advanced on goal, as the Royston keeper came out to collect the ball she fumbled the catch and as the ball eluded her grasp Gillman followed through to slot the ball into the net for the opening goal on 27 minutes. Royston not content to sit back and let Sawbo have all the ball won a corner on the Sawbo right. The ball was played into the box where the ball bounced around with legs a feet trying to get a touch, before Vicky Silvester managed to kick the ball clear but only to a Royston forward who instantly sent the ball back into the box where this time Silvester was able to get a hold of the ball and the danger was cleared on 37 minutes. The rest of the half saw more midfield battles that neither side was really winning but Sawbo were managing to get more strikes on goal at this point that was relieving the pressure on the Sawbo defensive third.

The half time talk was just a pep talk to keep things going as the first half had finished. For the start of this half Hayley King had replaced Wendy Rankin who had to leave for work reasons. A slight reshuffle saw Joanne Gregory take up the now vacant striker slot alongside Gillman with King dropping into the right midfield slot vacated by Gregory. Now playing down the Crofters slope Gillman was played through by a good forward pass from the middle of the park and from 25 yards out she lost her marker and shot at goal the keeper just managed to get hands to the ball and push the ball over the cross bar for a corner on 57 minutes. Royston had made a slight reshuffle of their own to try and stop the forward momentum of the Sawbo midfield and as a result ex national league player Emma Chaffey found space to drive a low left foot shot to the right of Silvester but Silvester managed to take the ball under control at the second attempt on the hour mark. Sawbo get their second wind and again started to push the Royston side back on their heels where a free kick was awarded deep into the Royston right defensive third. Stott took the free kick and floated the ball into the edge of the 6 yard box where Gregory volleyed the ball home to give the home side a 2 goal cushion on 75 minutes. Silvester was on hand to make a superb save as a snap shot came in from the middle of the park, She managed to parry the ball upwards and then grasp it as it came down from just under the cross bar on 85 minutes. Claire Collinson who had replaced Gillman who picked up a slight ankle knock around the hour mark looked like she might get her name on the score sheet when she was found from a corner. Her control and drive at goal unfortunately went straight at the keeper and cleared off the line with 2 minutes remaining. Today saw a complete performance from the Sawbo team with sound defensive work by Nick Clifford, Jackie Day, Kerry Crump and Emma Yarrien, with Day sweeping and controlling the back line like a well oiled machine. Ann Anstey once again covered every blade of grass on the pitch as she worked tirelessly to drive the team forward from midfield. Today's inspiration was Jacqueline Stott who worked herself to an almost standstill. A special word must go to Toni Gillman who was put into the central striker role and played very well for only her third outing since signing for the club in February. Both Toni Gillman and Joanne Gregory notched up their first goals for the club this season

Squad: V.Silvester, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, Z.Plant, W.Rankin, T.Gillman

Subs used:- H.King (Rankin 45) C.Collinson (Gillman 62)

22-03-09          Braintree Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   1 - 0

Sawbo found themselves down to the bare bones for this game on Sunday as with seven players injured not available or on holiday it left the squad with just the bare eleven to travel to Braintree Town who have an impressive set of league results that shows they have not been beaten in the league this season although they have drawn twice. The two meetings between the two clubs this season have so far seen two three nil victories to Braintree. Once in the League and once in the Cup. At least it was a pleasant sunny day with just a slight breeze which was a welcome boost for the players .

The game started very brightly with Sawbo taking the game to their hosts and for some 10 minutes you would not have believed that the visitors were fielding a slightly weaker side than usual due to some seven players not being available for selection. Slowly Braintree began to make inroads into the Sawbo defensive third only to find a resolute defensive back four protecting the goal. Sawbo continued to take the game to Braintree and were unlucky not to go a goal up when Hannah Fraser eluded her marker and shot only to see the ball go just wide of the upright. 24 minutes gone and Sawbo were having the lions share of the play when Braintree broke down the left with pace. The resultant cross found Paula Drane free in the box and she had time to control and shot past Victoria Silvester in the Sawbo goal to go a goal up much against the run of play at that time. The goal opened the play up a little more and and it now became an end to end encounter. 35 minutes gone and a free kick awarded to Sawbo about 25 yards from goal saw Jacqueline Stott fire the shot over the wall and as it dipped to go under the bar the Braintree keeper Hannah Streetley just managed to get her hands to it and clasp it down into her grasp. Five minutes later a corner won on the left saw Stott drive the ball into the box and a headed clearance from a Braintree defender went the wrong way and the ball crashed against the crossbar with the keeper beaten. At this point it seemed it was a matter of time before Sawbo equalised but the ball just would not go in the net. Sawbo were also defending well all over the park and were still counter attacking and causing the unbeaten Braintree problems.

Even in the warm weather both sides were straight out of the blocks for the second half with renewed vigor and the game continued with end to end football. Sawbo had begun to cause an uneasy feeling in the Braintree team as they started to argue with themselves during play as Sawbo was making them make mistakes in their passing and general play. All during the second half Sawbo were contesting every ball which was making it difficult for Braintree to mount any concerted attacks.   75 minutes gone and a cross from the right was played into the Braintree box which found Rebecca Maybury free  and she rose to head the ball towards goal only to see Streetley again get her fingertips to the ball and push it around the post for a corner. With 10 minutes left to play Braintree nearly extended their lead but Silvester pulled out a low diving save to her left to one handedly push the ball around the post for a corner. The result was looked upon as being a good measure of the improvement that Sawbo has made this season as the two previous meetings has seen Braintree win by 3-0 on both occasions, but on reflection of how the game was played today there was a little bit of regret that Sawbridgeworth Town  did not come away with at least a point from the efforts shown.

Squad: V.Silvester, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, H.King, A.Anstey, J.Stott, R.Maybury, J.Gregory, H.Fraser

15-03-09           Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Sharnbrook   3 - 0

What a contrast in weather seven days produces. Last week rain and hail this week glorious sunshine and temperatures to match. The lead up to the match saw that Sawbo were without several players due to injury, Toni Gillman (ankle) Victoria Silvester (Hip) Rebecca Gagg (thigh) along with Rebecca Maybury at University, Samantha Lowes unavailable and Emma Tweddle about to embark on a holiday. This meant a change of personnel for today's game against bottom placed Sharnbrook.

Sharnbrook themselves had travelled down from north Bedford with just the bare eleven players due to work commitments and injury so both clubs were not fully up to strength. Sawbo started brightly and it was soon evident that Sharnbrook were there to frustrate the home side rather than attack with venom. A tactic that worked for a while as it stopped the fluent play that Sawbo has got used to playing of late. Hayley King  who started at right midfield slotted into the spot as if she had played there as a regular and slowly as the half progressed grew into the role with penetrating runs down the flank before sending the ball into the danger area or working one twos with Ann Anstey or Jaqueline Stott.  Joanne Gregory was moved to play as a strike partner for Hannah Fraser for the game and they complimented each other well. Good approach play throughout the first half though did not create any outright chances although Zoe Plant, Fraser and Stott all had attempts at goal but the final effort was without a final outcome.

A solid first half performance had laid down the foundation for the second period and Sawbo had been instructed to up their tempo in the second half and see if Sharnbrook could respond. Almost constant pressure from the restart saw the home side awarded a corner on the left which Stott walked over to take. She delivered a perfect ball to just outside the edge of the  six yard box where Fraser was able to direct her header towards goal in a looping flight that eluded the keeper but dipped under the cross bar to put the home side ahead on 50 minutes. As with many teams Sawbo relaxed a little and this allowed Sharnbrook to gain a little confidence and they began to contest the middle third with more determination which allowed them a little more possession of the ball. Sharnbrook player of the match Rachel Blaire was trying to lift her team with constant runs at the Sawbo defence but they held firm. Stott was replaced by Wendy Rankin on the hour mark and Rankin carried on where Stott had finished. It almost came to fruition when she collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and calmly lifted the ball over the head of the defender and as it dropped she  tried to drive the ball towards goal but it was defended well and the chance was gone. As the game progressed Fraser and Gregory were beginning to get the better of the Sharnbrook defensive central paring but a slightly over astute assistant referee saw to adjudge the runs as offside once or twice that had the home spectators a little perplexed. Then to beat the off side possibility Anstey was found some 35 yards from goal and she drove towards goal beating defenders as she entered the penalty box before driving the ball past Madeline Toft in the Sharnbrook goal for Sawbo's second on 80 minutes. Two minutes later Fraser put into practice a training solution to sprint past her marker and into the penalty box before driving the ball into the far corner to wrap up a rewarding afternoon of football for the home side. Sharnbrook were by no means spectators in this game and contributed to a very entertaining match. King must be praised for her performance as well as Claire Collinson who went between the posts for today's game. The opposition selected Ann Anstey as their choice for player of the match as she must have covered nearly every blade of grass on the Crofters pitch.

Squad: C.Collinson, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, H.King, A.Anstey, J.Stott, Z.Plant, J.Gregory, H.Fraser.

Sub used: W.Rankin (Stott)

Sub not used: V.Silvester.

                                       Lisa Slater Memorial Shield Quarter Final

08-03-09          Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Huntingdon Town   0 - 0 (2 - 3) aet + penalties

With the referee arriving late after a hold up it delayed the kick off by some 25 minutes which was just in time for the heavens to open and a deluge of rain and hail to fall on the pitch. This continued for some 20 minutes into the first half which made conditions extremely difficult but the pitch remained playable throughout but was showing signs of use at the end of the 120 minutes on football that had been played on it.

Sawbo started brightly and had the bulk of possession during the opening period. Huntingdon were certainly not going to lie down as they started to hunt in packs to close down the Sawbo players on the ball and although Sawbo were playing the majority of the game in the Huntingdon half of the pitch the way in which the visitors were playing was making it difficult to penetrate. With Sawbo beginning to make inroads into the Hunts final third Huntingdon made a substitution and altered their line up so that they put more pace at the back to prevent the forward thrust of the Sawbo attack. It was the Huntingdon keeper that throughout the first half kept her team in the game. Anna Parks made several diving one handed saves to put the ball around the post when to all that was watching, were just waiting for the net to billow with the ball nestling in the back of it but it was not to be. In contrast to this Samantha Lowes in the Sawbo goal had very little to do as the Sawbo defensive unit was preventing the major efforts from getting to goal.

The second half began and continued in much the same way as the first with Sawbo having a greater percentage of the possession and play but as in previous games not being able to get the ball into the net. Parks continued to be the thorn in the Sawbo side as again she was able to keep Huntingdon in the game with a series of saves. With the 90 minutes now completed the game went into extra time to try and separate the two sides that had put a lot of effort into the game already but the extra 30 minutes could still not produce a winner. Penalties loomed and the game now became a lottery  and the eventual winner emerged as Huntingdon Town as Parks again pulled off two saves to Lowes one with Sawbo hitting a post with the last kick to stay in the shoot out.

On the day several Sawbridgeworth Players cemented milestones in their games played with the club and after the game were presented with a loyalty medal. Hannah Fraser 100 games, Jacqueline Stott 129 games, Jackie Day 158 games, Joanne Gregory 174 games, Ann Anstey 180 games and finally Nicky Clifford who completed 250 continuous games with the club with today's game.

Squad: S.Lowes, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, V.Silvester, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, T.Gillman, E.Yarrien, H.Fraser.

Subs used:- H.King (T.Gillman), C.Collinson (V.Silvester)

01-03-09          Sawbridgeworth Town   v   AFC Kempston Rovers   0 - 2

With the Sawbo pitch looking very good considering the previous bad weather we have encountered everyone was looking forward to playing today ahead of the Carling Cup Final.

The game started at a brisk pace and did not show any signs of abating as the two sides settled. Early exchanges saw both side probing and testing each others defensive set ups  but it was Sawbo who had the first meaningful attack of the afternoon, but although the effort was there the shot did not live up to the forward play prior to it. Just on 8 minutes with the play on the edge of the Sawbo defensive third Sawbo's Wendy Rankin and Zoe Plant were trying to work the ball forward when their short inter-passes  was stolen by a Kempston striker who neatly set up Sally Dayus who calmly moved towards goal and as Vicky Silvester came off her line she placed the ball wide of her and into the net to put the visitors one up. From this moment on it became one way traffic as time and again Sawbo sent wave upon wave of attacks into the Kempston final third. With Hannah Fraser, Wendy Rankin, Jacqueline Stott and Zoe Plant all having efforts on goal after superb build up play during this 30 minute spell before the break only to see the ball either miss the target completely or to see it nestle in the arms of the Kempston keeper. The nearest Sawbo came to equalising was a superb effort by Ranking that hit the cross bar with the keeper flapping air on 35 minutes. Sawbo had done the job they had been sent out to do all but for the one thing that sets them apart from the opposition and that is to score.

Playing down the Crofters slope for the second half the game began a little scrappily. Kempston with the added incentive to push on as they were one goal to the good had regained their strength that had seemed to have deserted them in the latter stages of the first half. Slowly Sawbow again began to take control and again the forward play was a pleasure to watch as time and again they dissected the Kempston defensive line  only to see the final effort go the same way as the first half. 68 minutes in and a rare Kempston attack was eventually put behind for a corner. As the ball came into the box it evaded everyone but Paulina Marciniak who met the ball sweetly with her left foot and drove the ball into the net through a clutch of players who were standing directly in the eye line of Silvester in the Sawbo goal who had no chance of getting to the ball as it flashed past her. With 20 minutes still to play it was still possible for Sawbo to get back into the game and to change the odds slightly in favour of the home side Emma Yarrien was shunted up front from her left back position to try and gain a bit more attacking effort but even with this move Sawbo still managed to hit the keeper more times than was necessary and the score remained at 0 - 2 to the visitors until the final whistle.

All in all the work rate and effort shown by Sawbridgeworth Town WFC was exemplary and it was possibly the best football  played by the Women's team this season. Open flowing football good passing dynamic forward play but all this amounts to nothing as the scoreline will show a 2-0 defeat but we must keep pushing on and soon the results will come and the players will have something to celebrate.

Squad: V.Silvester, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, W.Rankin, Z.Plant, J.Stott, H.Fraser

Sub Not used: H.King

22-02-09          Hoddesdon Owls   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   1 - 2

Well the last few days stayed dry and it was game on at last. Even though the Hoddesdon main pitch at Hertford Town had been under 2 feet of water the previous Sunday the club had secured a second pitch in Hoddesdon itself so that the game could go ahead.

With only 11 players for the day as Wendy Rankin, Zoe Plant, Emma Tweddle, Samantha Lowes, Rebecca Maybury, Claire Collinson and Rebecca Gagg were all unavailable for the day it gave debutant Toni Gillman a chance to show her abilities for the first time in senior football. Toni is a gifted 17 year old who has been training with the club for the past three weeks so her early start was perhaps a little too early but sometimes you have to sink or swim and she is a pretty good swimmer. Ann Anstey started the game after being ill during Saturday night so in essence Sawbo started with just 10 1/2 players.

Both teams started tentatively as this was the first game for a while and it showed, Sawbo had not played for three weeks and there were definite signs of a lack of spark in the first encounters. Hoddesdon were looking to close down very quickly with sometimes three defenders chasing the player on the ball and it seemed that the ball sometimes had a mind of its own as it bounced differently every time it hit the ground. Both teams seemed to be playing the ball in the air and in the first half wind the ball never seemed to be under control, for any length of time. Some 25 minutes into the game Sawbo put together the first meaningful set of passes and with quick movement found Hannah Fraser who had come deep to receive, her quick pass down the line found Joanne Gregory running into space behind the Owls defender and her sharp low cross into the box found the attacking Jacqueline Stott who connected sweetly with her left foot to send the ball crashing into the back of the net for the opening goal. Instead of lifting Sawbo it woke up the Owls and almost instantly they were on the edge of the Sawbo box and they fired a ball towards goal. Kerry Crump protecting herself had her arms across her chest as the ball fired into her and the referee adjudged it to be a hand ball and free kick to the home side a yard outside the box. With the defensive wall pushed back the full ten yards Vicky Silvester in the Sawbo goal had little vision of the ball and was only able to see it flash past her into the net for the equaliser on 27 minutes by Becky Scola. On 33 minutes Sawbo had played the ball forward and both Fraser and Emma Yarrien both chased down the ball which made the Owls keeper mishandle and as the ball bounced away from her grasp Yarrien was quickest to chip the ball back towards goal. For an agonising few seconds the visitors were arms in the air ready to salute another goal but as the ball bounced a yard from goal the spin brought the ball back into play and it was cleared by the very thankful Owls defence. With a little déjà view a minute later Fraser was set on her way and as she approached the keeper she chipped the keeper again only to once again see the ball spin back away from the open goal.   For the rest of the first half Sawbo gained control and in many ways peppered the Owls goal but the efforts lacked direction and pace to cause any major trouble to the Owls keeper.

A brisk start to the second half had Sawbo pushing for another goal and when Yarrien was released by Stott on 47 minutes she was clear and racing towards goal. Yarrien took the ball into the box and from 12 yards sent the ball towards goal but could not penetrate past the Owls keeper. 10 minutes later after a contested midfield battle the ball was played high towards the Owls goal which was being contested by Fraser and the Owls defender and as the keeper came out to collect the ball it evaded her grasp but it was played back up field but not far enough as it fell to Stott who returned the ball into the top right corner of the goal for the lead to be restored after 60 minutes. It now seemed as if the barrage of forward play by Sawbo had now broken the spirit of Hoddesdon as it was becoming easier to penetrate the Owls defence. On 65 minutes the ball was played down the flank and as the ball was played into the box Yarrien was quickest to respond and got to the ball at the same time as the Owls keeper who in a very polite way was a very solid player. Try as she might Yarrien could not round the keeper and the ball eventually was cleared to safety. Sawbo had several other chances but failed to capitalise on the now almost one way traffic. The game ended with a win for Sawbo which was well deserved.

Squad: V.Silvester, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, H.King, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, J.Stott, T.Gillman, E.Yarrien, H.Fraser.  

16-02-09          Change of Fixture

Please note that there has been a change of fixture for Sunday 1st March 2009. We now have a home game against AFC Kempston Rovers which is the game we should have played back in October 2008. The fixture page now shows this game on the list. The Braintree game that was originally set for this date has now been put on the to do list.

15-02-09          Royston Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   P - P

This game was to be an away game but a phone call on Friday said there was no chance as the Royston Town pitch was still under a blanket of snow so was there any chance of reversing the fixture. On Saturday the main pitch at Crofters was definitely OFF so after a look at the back pitch we deferred judgment until Sunday morning before making a decision. After checking the pitch at 9.30am there was no way in which the game could be played as overnight two puddles had manifested themselves at the top end of the pitch, one just outside the penalty box and the other between the penalty box and six yard box with the rest of the pitch squelching water as you walked across it. A stark difference to Saturday when the pitch was puddle free and looking as if a dry over night would set it well for the game on Sunday. So another weekend goes by without a game, lets hope that Hoddesdon Owls get the pitch they played on today for our game next week as it seems that was playable today.

08-02-09          Sawbridgeworth Town   v   AFC Kempston Rovers   P - P

Once again the weather has beaten us with a 2 inch covering of snow over the entire pitch. So once again we are left to kick our heels and hope that the weather abates itself so that we can at least get some training done this week before hopefully we travel to Royston Town next Sunday.

01-02-09          Sharnbrook   v   Sawbridgeworth Town    1 - 4

This is by far the longest away journey for Sawbo, with the Sat Nav taking an around the counties route we eventually skirted Kettering and Corby before arriving at Sharnbrook. Sawbo were without Nicky Clifford and Emma Yarrien with injuries as well as Sam Lowes who had other arrangements on the day. The squad was reduced then to just 12 players for the day and with two rookie defenders in Emma Tweddle and Hayley King stepping up to the plates so as to speak to fill the gaps that Clifford and Yarrien had made. Vicky Silvester also took the job between the sticks so all in all a make shift side took to the pitch for today's game.

The game started in a slowish fashion as both sides had trouble keeping the ball for any length of time so for the first 5 or 6 minutes the ball was bouncing around the middle third with neither side really taking control. Eventually the visitors started to put some decent passes together and advanced into the Sharnbrook defensive third And it was Hannah Fraser who nearly connected to a through ball on 8 minutes. Further pressure around the Sharnbrook penalty area resulted in a free kick being awarded to Sawbo about 22 yards for goal. Jacqueline Stott placed the ball and then dispatched the ball just under the cross bar with the Sharnbrook keeper Madeline Toft unable to get her hands to the ball. Sawbo 1 up after 16 minutes. The goal certainly seemed to settle Sawbo and even the occasional Sharnbrook drive down the flanks saw resolute defending by King and Tweddle who were settling into their task well. More attacking play by the visitors saw another corner awarded on the left after Toft had pushed a Stott shot around the post. Fraser took the corner and it went near post where Joanne Gregory just touched the ball towards goal where Stott was on hand to slip the ball into the net for her and Sawbo's second on 25 minutes. It was here that it looked as if Sawbo would now push on and secure the game with more goals but the opposite seemed to happen. Sawbo seemed to sit back a little and Sharnbrook raised their game and started to put pressure on the Sawbo back line. The central pairing of Kerry Crump and Captain Jackie Day were immense but as the half drew to a close Sharnbrook attacked down the left and crossed the ball just inside the penalty area where it was not defended well and the ball found an unmarked player who crossed into the 6 yard area where Victoria Corp had almost an open goal to put the ball into to reduce the arrears to just the one goal.

It took Sawbo some 15 minutes to overcome the surge that Sharnbrook started the second half with. Spurred on with the goal just before the break they had raised their game looking for the equaliser. To their credit Sawbo held firm and slowly but surely again started to take control of the midfield. Several corners and shots ended with nothing to show for the effort but eventually there was light at the end of the tunnel when Gregory who was having a very good game attacked down the right flank she delivered the ball into the centre of the park to Stott who laid the ball into the path of Fraser who drove the ball through the hands of Toft to regain the two goal advantage on 75 minutes. Collinson had replaced King on the right back position for the last 20 minutes and slotted in seamlessly and it was good to know that all the efforts during training and the odd games have made players adaptable so as to be used in various positions that they are not used to. As the game was drawing to a close a vintage bit of football was at last played in the centre of the park and as a result the ball was played through to Stott who chipped Toft to see the ball nestle into the top corner to finish with a hat trick and a 4-1 win to Sawbo. Solid midfield work by Ann Anstey and Wendy Ranking along with good support by Gregory and Zoe Plant saw that Sawbridgeworth Town eventually ended up victorious on the day. Opposition player of the match Jackie Day

Squad Used: V.Silvester, H.King, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Tweddle, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, W.Rankin, Z.Plant, J.Stott, H.Fraser.

Sub Used: C.Collinson (70 King)

30/01/09          Toni Gillman

After a successful trial on Wednesday the club followed up and completed the registration for Toni today. Toni is a talented left sided player who will I am sure settle into the squad very quickly. Welcome to the club Toni and lets look forward to a long association.

26-01-09          Lisa Slater Memorial Shield Draw

The draw for the Shield was completed today and we have been drawn at home to  Huntingdon Town. The full Cup / Plate and Shield draws are listed below:-

Lisa Slater Memorial Shield Quarter finals to be played on 8th March 2009

Ipswich Wanderers   v   Royston Town / West Lynn

Haverhill Rovers / Wymondham Town   v   Hoddesdon Owls / AFC Kempston Rovers

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Huntingdon Town

Lakenheath / Histon Hornets   =   Bye

League Cup 2nd Round Proper to be played on Sunday February 8th 2009

 Stevenage Borough   v   Sharnbrook

Bedford   v   Cambridge University

Arlesey Town / Braintree Town   v   Brentwood Town

Chelmsford City   v   Hethersett Athletic

Woodbridge Town   v   Barking

Kettering Town   v   Peterborough

Dagenham & Redbridge   v   Billericay Town

Swanton United   v   Haringey Borough

League Plate Quarter Finals to be played on Sunday March 8th 2009

Royston / West Lynn   v   Hoddesdon Owls / AFC Kempston Rovers

Cambridge Rangers   v   Lakenheath / Histon Hornets

Cambridge City Reserves    v   Haverhill Rovers / Wymondham Town

Taverham   v   Leighton Linslade

25-01-09          Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Sharnbrook   (postponed due to a waterlogged pitch)

Once again the weather was the winner today with the heavy overnight rain doing the damage to the pitch to prevent the game going ahead.

Picture taken at 9.30am Sunday 25-01-09

18-01-09          Billericay Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town    (postponed due to a waterlogged pitch

A late call off at 12.25am whilst on our way to the ground for this re-arranged game because the pitch was waterlogged. The long range weather forecast is not promising for February so we shall just have to wait and see if we do get to play football soon.

11-01-09         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Leighton Linslade   0 - 1 (Reversed Fixture) League Plate 1st Rnd

Without a game since 21st December both clubs were hoping that this game would go ahead. The game was scheduled to be played at Leighton but with the frosty conditions their pitch was called off on Friday, so we looked to see if Crofters would be able to take the game. With the men's game being called off on the Saturday and the youth game called off for the Sunday morning it was  touch and go until the temperature hit a heady 9 degrees and the surface softened a little to allow the referee inspection to give the go ahead at 10.30am.

Sawbo were straight out of the blocks and after winning the ball on the left it was delivered into the middle of the park where Hannah Fraser received the ball and made an advance across the edge of the penalty area where she shot on the run only to see the ball drive just wide of the upright on 2 minutes. 15 minutes into the game and again it was the home side who were doing all the attacking and Zoe Plant's shot went just wide again. Even at this point so early in the game it looked as if it was going to be one of those days. Although there was plenty of action during the next 25 minutes neither goal keeper was really tested, it was not until just before half time that Sawbo were awarded a free kick in the middle of the pitch about 30 yards form goal. Jackie Stott delivered the ball into the box where Wendy Rankin rose highest to connect with the ball and as the ball was heading towards the goal the keeper managed to get one hand to it and push it around the post for a corner on 43 minutes.

The second half began as the first had finished with Sawbo making most of the running and on 55 minutes another corner won on the left was taken by Ann Anstey who drove it into the box and Kerry Crump glanced the header to Jo Gregory who attacked the ball sweetly only to see the effort go agonisingly wide of the post on 55 minutes. Seven minutes later it looked like Sawbo were about to take the lead as Plant took the ball to the edge of the box and shot right footed only to see the ball beat the keeper as it looped onto the junction of the cross bar and upright  and away to safety. Well against the run of play Leighton's player of the match Sophia Pidgeon passed the ball from midfield through the Sawbo back line to the right where Kathryn Solley ran onto the ball and into the box where she drove the ball past the advancing Sawbo keeper Sam Lowes and into the far corner for Leighton to take the lead. Sawbo were straight back on the attack as they were now stung into action and another corner delivered into the box by Stott found Crump and her header went wide of the post. More pressure and again the woodwork came to the rescue of the under siege Leighton defence when on 75 minutes a superb shot from the edge of the box eluded the Leighton keeper and defence and hit the bottom of the post and back out into the six yard box. Try as they might Gregory and Fraser went to ground trying to get a touch on the ball but to no avail. Sawbo tried all they could to get back into the game that they had dominated but it was to be one of those days. The game was played throughout in a good spirit and by the end of 90 minutes on a quickly freezing pitch as the temperatures again dropped as the sun disappeared..

Squad Used: S.Lowes, N.Clifford, K.Crump, J.Stott, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory, A. Anstey, W.Rankin, Z.Plant, V.Silvester, H.Fraser.

Subs used: E.Tweddle (V.Silvester 28), C.Collinson (E.Tweddle 83)    Sub not used: H.King

04-01-09         Leighton Linslade   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   P - P (frozen pitch)

The weather was the winner today as the widespread frost hit all parts of the region with not one game being played.  A late cal off from Leighton meant we had been driving for an hour before the call came in at around 12.00 noon. We will now have to hope for the weather to change so that we can play this League Plate game next Sunday.

We have been given a new fixture for the 18th January 2009. They have brought forward our night game against Billericay Town.

21-12-08          Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Brentwood Town    2 - 1

After the recent poor weather it was a treat to get this game played. Over the past month Sawbo had only managed one game and Brentwood had not played at all, so both teams came into the game fairly ring rusty but both teams were up for it so as to speak.

It was noticeable from the first whistle that the first encounters saw a very focused Sawbo side and that although Brentwood had beaten them 4 - 0 in the first league meeting this season this game was not going to be the same. With Victoria Silvester (ankle) Hayley King (Knee) Rebecca Maybury (knee) and Rebecca Gagg (unavailable) Sawbo had just 13 players available which included new signing Emma Tweddle being included for the first time. The first half was an intense affair which although Sawbo had the better possession they did not convert that into clear chances as both defenses shut out most of the forward play and Sawbo's midfield worked tirelessly to close down and restrict the usual space that Brentwood work to gain, but on the other hand Samantha Lowes was called upon to dive swiftly to her right to smother a shot from Brentwood's attacker Kierra Gabriel on 28 minutes. Ten minutes later a great break down the right saw Joanne Gregory and Jacqueline Stott combine to get the ball into the six yard box where Zoe Plant slid in at the far post and just pushed the ball inches past the post. The first half continued to pulsate with the play going from end to end and it finished goalless. Sawbo were probably the happiest as they had worked hard and had got to the turn around still with a good chance of getting something out of the game if they could continue with the same efforts as they had put into the first 45 minutes.

It was felt at half time that the first goal if any would be the turning point and give the scorers the upper hand for the rest of the game and on 49 minutes the breakthrough came. Attacking down the Crofters slope Sawbo played the ball down the left to Plant who with Wendy Rankin had caused havoc most of the afternoon in the Brentwood midfield. The ball eventually came to Stott who dispatched the ball over the up stretched Isaura Vian in the Brentwood goal and the ball nestled in the back of the net and Sawbo were deservedly one up. Ten minutes later it could have been 2 - 0 to Sawbo when Hannah Fraser again lost her marker  but her superb strike went no more than a foot over the bar with the keeper well beaten. 65 minutes in and a Brentwood attack saw the ball played into the Sawbo penalty box and as the ball bounced around it bounced up and hit the arm of Nicky Clifford. Clifford had her arms by her side and made no attempt to guide the ball with her arms but to shouts from the Brentwood bench a penalty was awarded. Brentwood's Sophie Lovell dispatched the ball into the net to level the scores. At this point Brentwood had got back into the game and it looked as if Sawbridgeworth were on the back foot. New signing Tweddle was introduced at the expense of the hard working Gregory who had run herself into the ground all afternoon and instantly fell into the game as if she had played all afternoon. With fifteen minutes left Sawbo rallied and started to come back into the game and Sawbo's hard working midfield took control and this relieved the back line and the whole team started to believe that one more chance and we could get all three points. With time running out Ann Anstey played the ball through to Fraser in the center of the park and she outsprinted her marker to get 20 yards from goal and she neatly chipped the ball over the advancing Vian and the ball bounced and then rolled into the empty net for what was to be the winning goal on 87 minutes. Sawbo had worked extremely hard all afternoon and every player deserved a pat on the back for their efforts. This performance was due and it came at a time when we could now all go and have a very, very happy Christmas.

Squad: S.Lowes, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, W.Rankin, Z.Plant, J.Stott, H.Fraser.

Subs used: E.Tweddle (Gregory 68 ) Sub not used C.Collinson.

14-12-08         Sharnbrook   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   P - P

Once again the British weather took hold and our expected game against Sharnbrook was called off on Sunday morning. This game adds to the already long list of games that we will now have to fit in between existing games before the end of the season. We have so far had six games postponed. Three  for weather and three because of our involvement in the various outside Cup competitions. Lets hope that next week we will be able to get the game against Brentwood Town played as this one will be the last game before the new year.

07-12-08         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Arlesey Town   0 - 2

With the temperature on or just below freezing the early morning pitch inspection was completed when the pitch was deemed as playable for the Sunday Senior side to play with an 11.00am kick off. With a patch of frozen pitch alongside the clubhouse and the rest of the pitch fine all was good to go for the ladies game at 2.00pm.

New signing Samantha Lowes was to debut today between the sticks and with Hayley King, Rebecca Maybury, & Emma Yarrien all not available today the squad was  down to 12 available for the day. Maybury and Yarrien were both carrying knocks which hopefully will be Ok for our next game but for today they had to sit the game out. The early pressure was certainly with the away side who without Sarah Tayler was expected to be a bit ring rusty but Libby Pennant took the reigns and got Arlesey ticking straight away from the first whistle. A corner conceded on the Sawbo right saw the ball floated into the centre of the six yard box where it looked to  bounce off two players before it was guided past Lowes by Pennant for the opening goal on 10 minutes. Sawbo rallied and began to win the ball a bit more in the middle third exchanges although at this stage Arlesey were playing with a considerably better confidence level, having not conceded a point from their previous 5 league games, whereas Sawbo were still trying to build the confidence from an erratic start to the season so far. 33 minutes gone and with Sawbo defending on the edge of the box a free kick was awarded on the right point of the box about 3 yards out. The direct free kick was driven over the wall by Pennant and crashed into the goal from the underside of the cross bar leaving Lowes close but not close enough to save the shot.

The second period started with a brighter aspect for the home side after a constructive half time chat to put things right were put into place from the starting whistle. Sawbo took the game to Arlesey and but for some solid defensive work could have seen Sawbo on the score sheet. Time and again Zoe Plant and Jo Gregory exploited the space down the flanks only to see the final ball not forth coming but chances were being made and this drove the home side forward. With 70 minutes gone it looked as if Sawbo were about to get onto the score sheet when a 20 yard shot from Jacqueline Stott that was going for the top corner of the Arlesey goal. Amie Fage between the sticks for Arlesey came from nowhere and managed to get fingertips to the ball and push it away to safety. Vicky Silvester replaced Claire Collinson who had worked hard all afternoon and was showing signs of fatigue. As the second half wore on it was Sawbo finishing the more positive but the final pass just would not run for the hard working Sawbo team. Then the best build up and pass of the game saw the final ball played 30 yards over the retreating Arlesey defence from Ann Anstey to the running Hannah Fraser who had got in behind the Arlesey defence and tried to almost volley the ball towards goal. Unfortunately the shot lacked direction and went just wide of the upright and to safety once again.

In many ways it was a rewarding result as the half time restructure paid dividends in keeping a clean sheet. The positives were certainly an overall improving performance from the 12 players who represented Sawbo today. Sharnbrook next week so lets hope we have a full fit squad to travel.

Squad: Lowes, Clifford, Day, Crump, Collinson, Gregory, Anstey, Rankin, Stott, Plant, Fraser.

Sub Used: Silvester (Collinson 70)  

30-11-08         Hoddesdon Owls   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   P - P

Sawbo travelled the short mileage to Hertford Town FC on a wet morning and after speaking to the groundsman it looked as if the game might go ahead although it would have to be a referee decision. The squad got changed and were out on the pitch to get warmed up when the referee arrived and inspected the pitch. In his opinion the persistent rain and the worsening conditions would make the surface unsafe for the players so he called the game off at 1.40pm.

23-11-08         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Sharnbrook   P - P

After driving up to the ground early this morning and walking the pitch it was passed as fit to be played on. It was firm and only had a slight sprinkling of snow which was like a heavy frost look. This was done at 9.45am. At 10.30pm a call was received that because of the impending rain forecast that we should look at postponing the game which I was reluctant to do as we are three games back from schedule anyway and wanted this game to try and catch up. So it was left as a use common sense decision when we eventually arrived at the pitch. At 11.15am I received another call which said that the rain had arrived and the puddles had started to form on the pitch so the game was called off. I am now writing this at 12.35pm and we have clear blue skies and no rain over Harlow. Sods law they say!!!!!

17-11-08

At last nights League Meeting we were given a change of fixture for next weekend 23rd November 2008 as Kings Sports have folded. We are now at home to Sharnbrook which was one of the postponed games from earlier in the season. We have also been drawn against Leighton Linslade away in the first round of the league plate which will be played on January 4th 2009.

16-11-08         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Welwyn Garden City   0 - 10 (Herts County Cup 2nd Round)

The previous week did not end with good feelings as yet another player has seen fit to leave the club and after de-registering joining Histon Hornets although technically Nina Witteridge was  a de-registered player, just 24 hours later Histon asked for her clearance, but along with Jackie Stott not available, Hannah Fraser on holiday, Beckie Gagg phoning in ill on the day plus Rebecca Maybury at university the squad was left with just a bare 11 for this game against South East Combination side Welwyn Garden City.

So with a very depleted squad Sawbo entered the game just hoping to play as best they could with what players were available on the day. Much of the early exchanges occupied the middle third although Welwyn did penetrate into the Sawbo defensive third but was unable to have a clear shot on goal as Jackie Day was marshalling the back line with great aplomb. With 18 minutes gone Welwyn attacked down their right and  Vicky Silvester playing in goal for this game managed to drive the attacker further wide of the goal, as the defender took over the Welwyn attacker shot from just inside the box which the retreating Silvester managed to parry wide of the target but the ball fell nicely for an unmarked attacker on their left who drove the ball home for the opening goal. Silvester was tested again shortly after as Welwyn raised their game and managed to tip the ball over the cross bar for a corner. Silvester almost became saviour again as from a corner she parried the ball out of the immediate danger area only to see the ball driven back towards goal where she was able to get a strong hand to it but the ball hit the inside of the post and into the net for Welwyn's secondon 31 minutes. Welwyn Garden added a third when a long ball was crossed into the near post where the Sawbo players were caught a little flat footed and the Welwyn attacked acted quickest to slide the ball home from 6 yards inside the near post. Just before the half time whistle was about to blow Welwyn added a fourth which must go down as a keeper error. The shot was under hit and as it trundled it's way towards goal Silvester seemed to have it covered bit it somehow managed to go through her hands as well as her legs as she bent to take the ball. Sawbo's players had worked really hard during this first half and in some ways did not deserve to turn around with a 4 goal deficit although Welwyn showed their ability is worthy of a higher league than Sawbo is currently in.

The second half started with Zoe Plant playing although she was withdrawn after just 5 minutes due to a slight groin strain which reduced the Sawbo team to just 10 players for the rest of the game. Playing now with a player short the drive needed to try and compete was draining fast from the Sawbo team and goals seemed to come at regular intervals throughout this second period. By the time the 7th goal had been conceded Sawbo looked tired as they had chased and harried all afternoon but to no avail. Every player wearing the Sawbo shirt had given 110% for the cause but today for the full 90 minutes but it  was just not to be. A sub may have helped as the numbers would have been at least even but we will have to accept the result and get ourselves back up to speed and ready for the next league game in the ERWFL.

Squad: V.Silvester, N.Clifford, J.Day, K.Crump, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, W.Rankin, C.Collinson, Z.Plant, H.King.

13-11-08

Last night at training I received a message from Nina Witteridge saying that she wished to be de-registered from the club with immediate effect. I would like to wish her well in her future endeavours and thank her for her efforts during her time with us.

02-11-08         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Braintree Town   0 - 3

After the previous two days of rain it was almost expected that the notorious Sawbo pitch would be waterlogged for today's game but  as we entered the ground the pitch was fine. Firm enough to hold the feet when running with a flat surface with no surface water. One must say that it was a great advert for the ground staff who have got the pitch to the current condition over the past few months.

A fairly frantic start by both clubs which eventually saw Braintree gain control of the middle third but although they had better possession the defensive line up for Sawbo kept them at bay. For the first 15 - 20 minutes the ball was cleared up field after a Braintree attack only to see the Sawbo forward move break down and again the visitors were knocking on the door trying to unpick the lock that would allow them a penetrative strike on the Sawbo goal. Claire Collinson started the game well with two good saves early on as she was given good protection by a hard working back four.  With Ann Anstey back in the middle of the park alongside Wendy Rankin after a three game break because of eye surgery the impetus was back with the Sawbo centre midfield breaking up play and helping the back line as well. Braintree opened the scoring on 25 minutes when a long range shot skidded under the diving Collinson from the edge of the box. Braintree's Paula Drane turned her marker to make space and shot on the turn which surprised Collinson by the speed of turn and shot. Braintree were proving to be stronger on the ball and firmer in the tackle to the Sawbridgeworth team which gave them an edge but to Sawbo's credit they kept playing the football with one and two touch football but throughout the first half failed to have a cutting edge in the final third.

After a purposeful half time chat Sawbo entered the pitch in a determined mood and it showed as they upped their game. They were quicker to close down and this saw Braintree having to work harder to gain space but time and again this space was reduced and Sawbo were able to win the ball and try and counter attack. With 62 minutes gone Braintree increased their lead when  Lynsey Bowman was found in the centre of the park and she was able to advance on goal and lift the ball over the advancing Collinson and into the net. Joanne Gregory was then replaced on the right flank by Hayley King on 65 minutes as Gregory who was feeling unwell during the first half was now visibly running on empty at this time. With 15 minutes left a rash tackle from behind left Sawbo's Kerry Crump grounded with an ankle injury, after assessment she was removed from the pitch as she could no longer take part in the game. While this assessment was taking place and down to ten men Braintree seized their chance to rifle in a third goal by Carla Dickinson from the left side of the penalty box. With just Victoria Silvester on the bench Silvester replaced Collinson in goal and Collinson filled the space on the out field. Silvester is still suffering from an ankle injury sustained whilst playing against Arlesey Town at the end of September so she can only cover the goal keeping slot. Silvester showed her worth by diving full stretch and to her right to push a goal bound shot around the post with just 5 minutes left to play. Sawbo worked extremely hard today but came away from the game with nothing. A game that was a lot closer than the score line suggests and left the management team not to disappointed.

Squad from: Collinson, Clifford, Crump, Day, Yarrien, Gregory, Anstey, Rankin, Gagg, Stott, Fraser

Subs used: King (Gregory 65), Silvester (Crump 75)

26-10-08         Leighton Linslade   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   2 - 2

This was the longest distance to travel for our away league games so a full minibus drove the 55 miles to Leighton Buzzard for this game. A bright day that followed overnight rain and on arrival the pitch conditions were sticky after a men's game had been played during the morning. It meant that the game would not just be a test of skills but also of stamina.

Sawbo started quite brightly and pushed the Linslade defence onto their heels but no meaningful shots were made on the home side goal. After 7 minutes the first meaningful shot came from the home side after the forward Sawbo play broke down and Linslade broke quickly. The shot just went past the upright for a goal kick. Sawbo continued to take the game to Linslade and on 12 minutes gained the first corner of the game. Linslade cleared the corner to safety and the ball went out for a throw in. 30 minutes gone and the game started to open up a little and when Hannah Fraser got onto the end of a flowing move she took the ball to the left and crossed into the middle where Jo Gregory advanced onto the ball and shot first time with her left foot but the ball went straight to the keeper. This effort spurred Linslade into action and they advanced into the Sawbo defensive third on a counter attack. With Nina Witteridge one on one with the attacker she tried to slide tackle the striker on the edge of the box but managed to contact the ball completely wrong and the ball flew into the net past the advancing Collinson to put Linslade one up on 36 minutes. Linslade now with their backs up pushed forward again and advanced into the Sawbo defensive third, the attack was broken down and now it was Sawbo's turn to mount a counter attack with the ball played quickly and accurately into the path of Fraser who had time to control the ball on the move and as she advanced towards goal the Linslade keeper came off her line and blocked the shot. More attacking play by Sawbo followed which saw an effort go again past the post. From the goal kick Sawbo won the ball and Wendy Rankin was quickest to respond and she advanced towards the keeper and coolly lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net for the equaliser on 38 minutes.

The second half continued with both sets of players trying to gain control on a very sticky and now somewhat slippery pitch. Quick turns and trying to sprint off were not going to happen as boot studs did not get enough traction on the now very soft surface. Emma Yarrien was beginning to chase every forward ball and as the half continued was creating errors in the Linslade defence. As a result of this constant pressure now being applied Sawbo won yet another corner on the right. Jackie Stott took the corner and managed to get this ball into the danger area where Wendy Rankin was in enough clear space to neatly volley the ball home from 8 yards on 70 minutes. From another corner gained the ball was floated into the near post where Gregory headed onto the crossbar as the ball fell Yarrien thought she had nudged the ball over the line with her side but the referee disallowed the goal as he said he saw the ball put into the net with an arm. Gaining the upper hand saw Sawbo now become a little ragged in their passes and where they should have taken control they let it slip and Linslade took advantage of this lack of composure. They won the ball in their own half and ran the ball unchecked into the Sawbo penalty box where Collinson advanced to close the angle, the Linslade attacker neatly lifted the ball over Collinson into the net and again the scores were level on 75 minutes.  Having been in front Sawbo now lifted their game to a level that had not been in the game since the start, neat passing and running into space saw three efforts from Stott that should have been goals. Had it not been for a very agile and alert Linslade keeper who first managed to touch a chipped ball over the cross bar while running backwards and then throw herself full stretch to one handedly push the ball around the post for a corner after a superb shot from the edge of the box looked a goal all the way until this hand appeared from nowhere to push the ball to safety. In the last 5 minutes the ball was again going goal ward but it managed to hit the inside of the post and rebound out to safety.

A poor game in many respects as it seemed that most of the players did not start playing until the 70th minute. The team seemed to have a very lackluster approach today which was in direct contrast to our previous superb performances. Wendy Rankin was awarded the oppositions player of the match but Jackie Day was also superb marshalling the back line.

Squad from: Collinson, Clifford, Day, Crump, Witteridge, Gregory, Stott, Rankin, Plant, Fraser, Yarrien

Subs From: King (Plant 82)  Sub not used: Silvester.  

19-10-08         Brentwood Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   4 - 0

It surprises me sometimes how shortsighted some men's clubs are when it comes to women's football when they prevent the women playing on their hallowed turf because they have this belief that the light footed women may in some way destroy the pitch. Perhaps they should consider the fact that most of the lightweight women weigh much less than 140lbs where most men weigh in at around the 170lbs and are travelling faster and with more dead weight than women could ever produce. Their precious pitches will never be made unplayable by women playing on them but men on the other hand can make the pitch unplayable for anyone who may want to follow. At Brentwood on Sunday the women's manager apologized because we were not allowed to play on the main pitch because there was a men's game to be played on Tuesday night two days away and good weather forecast. It beggars belief that this attitude is still so prevalent today when equality is bandied about as the main stream in the current football climate.

The game started on the very back pitch at Brentwood with both sides up for the battle and contesting all that befell them. 10 minutes into the game and the visitors Sawbridgeworth won the ball in the middle of the park where Zoe Plant released Emma Yarrien who checked and laid the ball back to Nina Witteridge who shot first time and brought out a flying one handed save from the Brentwood keeper. The game then became a midfield contest but after 30 minutes Brentwood won a corner on their right which at that time was well against the run of play. The ball was flighted into the box and as it dipped it swerved towards goal and Claire Collinson could not hold it and it was one nil to Brentwood. Sawbo came back into the game and for the next ten minutes were contesting and winning the ball and but for a very poor decision by the referee who never seemed to be up with play denied a good goal claim from Kerry Crump who had seen her effort cross the line before the keeper dragged the ball back out of the goal and back into play from a corner. This decision left a sour taste in the mouth but Sawbo continued to press but the final pass or shot was not becoming. Brentwood then won another corner on the left and from the resultant kick the ball found the head of a Brentwood attacker who headed home their second goal of the match on 44 minutes. At the end of this first half Sawbo could feel a little aggrieved as not only did it seem that the decisions were nearly all going against the away side but the rub of the green was certainly against the grain.

The second period started again with the visitors pressing for a goal and it seemed that all the good work that was being done to win the ball unfortunately was not being converted as on 47 minutes Yarrien was released down the middle of the park and was clear on goal with a Brentwood defender chasing close behind and to one side. This defensive pressure was enough to prevent the resultant shot being on target as the ball went agonisingly close past the upright. Brentwood do seem to have a good array of corners and from another one won on their left the ball was driven into the six yard box where the Sawbo defence failed to clear the ball and it fell to a Brentwood player who stabbed it home from 3 yards on 61 minutes. Almost from  the restart Sawbo were back into the Brentwood final third Hannah Fraser was found free and she advanced on goal but her shot drifted past the advancing keeper but again also post. 75 minutes gone and Yarrien made a superb run from between two Brentwood defenders as the ball was played and was at least two yards onside but with the home side assistant some 8 yards off the back line he flagged for an offside which the very static referee gave. This was a diabolical decision at a time when Sawbo were beginning to get back into a game and this decision once again knocked them back. From the resultant free kick the ball was dispatched forward  and was met sweetly by the Brentwood forward who drove the ball into the top corner, although substitute keeper Victoria Silvester did managed to get finger tips to the ball but was unable to keep the ball out. With ten minutes to goal Sawbo were still trying to get the ball into the net and it looked as if it might just happen when Witteridge found Yarrien free in the six yard box but her header somehow went over the cross bar. Overall a very frustrating day for all connected with  Sawbo as the final score line did not in any way reflect the game that was played today. Dubious decision in favour of the home side did not help with the free running of the game but perhaps we are asking to much to have totally free minded officials when we are all guilty of having to supply our own referees from a list of unknowns for each home game. Jackie Stott was awarded the player of the match for Sawbo by Brentwood, but again Kerry Crump and Wendy Rankin stood out along with Nina Witteridge who played in an unfamiliar right midfield role today and acquitted herself very well.

Squad: Collinson, Clifford, Day, Crump, Gagg, Witteridge, Stott, Rankin, Plant, Fraser, Yarrien.

Sub used:- Silvester (Collinson 45)    Sub not used:- King.

13-10-08

Shelley Anglin will be completing her move to Histon Hornets this week after a clearance was requested. Shelley cold not see a future with us this season so we wish her all the best with her new club and for the future. (Histon Hornets now boast 4 of our ex players from last season any more and I will call them our reserves)

12-10-08         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Leighton Linslade    3 - 0

An unusual bright sunny and warm day welcomed the players to Crofters for this the first meeting between these two sides in over 16 years. Leighton Linslade were part of the founder members of the Eastern Region but drifted away to play in the County leagues after a couple of seasons. Back now in the Eastern Region after being crowned champions of the Beds and Herts County League last season they came to the game with a similar start scenario as their hosts. On paper an entertaining game was about to unfold.

Sawbo started the game without regulars Ann Anstey and Hannah Fraser while Nina Witteridge was returning from holiday, Rebecca Maybury had returned to Oxford University so this reduced the somewhat small Sawbo squad to just 12 for the day. A slight reorganization of the squad saw a change in goal as Claire Collinson was still carrying a slight thigh strain so Vicky Silvester deputized, and Hayley King came in for Fraser. Jackie Stott was drafted into the centre of midfield to cover the gap left by Anstey. Linslade started briskly and had Sawbo defending from the first whistle. The game was very competitive for the first twenty minutes but eventually Sawbo started to get control of the midfield and the the football began to flow. After 28 minutes Sawbow nosed in front when Beckie Gagg who has now made the left back slot her domain put Zoe Plant through down the left, Plant pulled the ball inside the defender and the space opened up for her to drive to the edge of the box and let fly with a great shot that hit the top of the net for the opening goal. It is amazing how a goal lifts a side to a higher achievement as this goal seemed to take away any shackles that had been around the Sawbo team and the one and two touch passing and movement made advancement so easy. When Nicky Clifford found Jo Gregory on the right Gregory's quick feet found space for her to  cross into the box. The ball evaded two Linslade defenders as it made its way to Hayley King who controlled and shot almost in one movement to guide the ball across the keeper and into the inside of the side netting to advance the score to 2 - 0 on 32 minutes. The central defensive dominance of Kerry Crump and Jackie Day with Day sweeping anything that broke the back line was a major confidence builder for the Sawbo team. The first half continued with Sawbo having much the better of the possession and could have scored again but for some slightly wayward finishing.

The second half started as the first with Linslade having much the better of the early exchanges. It seemed that the half time break was enough to give them a new lease of life as they had a desire to try and get a goal back. Silvester had to advance very quickly at one point to gather the ball at the feet of a Linslade striker after they had beat the Sawbo back line. It was then back down the other end and again the nimble feet of Gregory found space to cross into the box where Wendy Rankin suddenly found herself free to shoot but the ball bounced awkwardly and she managed to hit it over the cross bar from 7 yards. With the early storm now quelled Sawbo began to regain control of the midfield and the football was a delight to watch. Passion, attitude, desire to win the ball, distribution, passing and movement would have graced any level of football and but for some last ditch defending Sawbo could have been well past the winning post before Gregory became supplier again from the right. A firm cross into the box saw the ball bounce around until Emma Yarrien who had worried the keeper all afternoon with her late runs into the box finally latched onto the ball and drove the ball into the back of the net for a well deserved goal on 88 minutes.

Every one of the Sawbo team performed extremely well with undying effort on a hot and sticky afternoon. Silvester playing her first game between the sticks today was not called upon to do very much but what she did was enough to now put competition for places throughout every place in the team. Superb performances from Gregory, Plant and Stott was only just surpassed by an extreme effort by Wendy Rankin who seemed to be at the heart of every move.

Squad: Silvester, Clifford, Day, Crump, Gagg, Gregory, Stott, Rankin, Plant, King, Yarrien.

Sub not Used:- Collinson

05-10-08         League Cup 2nd Qualifying Round  Braintree Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   3 - 0

With games being called off due to waterlogged pitches it was quite a surprise to arrive at Braintree and find a superb facility and a pitch to match. Even though the rain never abated during the whole game the pitch stayed firm and true which allowed good football to be played by both teams.

Early exchanges saw both teams attacking which bode well for an open game. Braintree left winger Amie Drane was a constant threat during the first 10 minutes of the game as she extended Nicky Clifford with each and every run she made but Clifford held firm and defended well preventing any danger in the early stages of the game. On 8 minutes though a Braintree corner that was won on the left was driven into the box after a short corner exchange and the ball seemed to bounce around for a while before it was slotted home inside the near post eluding the efforts of Clifford and Claire Collinson on the line. The match settled a little and for the next 10 minutes was evenly contested, on 23 minutes a ball that was won in the middle of the park fell to Zoe Plant who shot on first touch but the ball went agonisingly just wide of the post for a goal kick to Braintree. A minute later Jo Gregory was fed the ball on the right and she advanced and crossed into the edge of the box where Hannah Fraser connected well and drove the ball towards goal, Braintree's keeper could not hold the ball and with Emma Yarrien advancing onto the loose ball as she pulled back to make a strike on the ball the keeper managed to get a second dive onto the ball and the chance was gone. Out of the blue on 30 minutes a speculative shot from some 20 yards seemed to be covered by Collinson but with the rain and very wet conditions the ball squirmed through her grasp and into the net for Braintree's second. Sawbo were still not out of the game as a majority of the possession was in Sawbo's hands and on 38 minutes it looked as if Sawbo were about to get right back into the game when Fraser found Wendy Rankin  some 10 yards from goal, Rankin decided to take an extra controlling touch and when she shot for goal a defender had appeared from nowhere to clear off the line for a corner. From the resultant corner Ann Anstey found Gregory who played the ball back to Anstey who lofted the ball to the far post where Rankin found herself just a little short of the ball and could only connect with her knee and saw her effort go just wide of the upright on 38 minutes.

The second half saw early pressure from the visitors and on 50 minutes Fraser took the ball just inside the edge of the box and fired towards goal, unluckily for Sawbo the ball rebounded off a defender straight back to Fraser who shot instinctively back towards goal but it went just wide again. Braintree started to rally at this point and started to put some good passes together and on the hour mark the ball was played to Pula Drane who went one on one with Jacqueline Stott (who had been playing at left back but replaced Collinson in goal at half time because of a thigh injury) managed to go around her and slotted Braintree's third. Straight from the restart Sawbo were back up into the Braintree final third and first Anstey and then Rankin both having shots that were saved by the keeper. Sawbo continued to press right until the end of the game and were very unfortunate to be knocked out of the League Cup when producing their best performance to date. The whole Sawbo team deserved credit for their effort, passion and commitment today but the outstanding performances of Jackie Day, Kerry Crump, Ann Anstey and Wendy Rankin just deserved special mention.

Squad: Collinson, Clifford, Day, Crump, Stott, Gregory, Anstey, Rankin, Plant, Fraser, Yarrien.

Subs used: Gagg ( Collinson 45), Maybury (Gregory  63)

28-09-08         WFA Women's Cup 1st Qualifying Round Sawbridgeworth Town   v   C & K Basildon    2 - 4

Sawbo entered this game with a belief that they could emerge victorious after 90 minutes as the belief in the squad was that there was enough ability to master any situation  that may be thrown at them during this Women's FA Cup encounter.

Basildon did not come to Crofters to lie down but to fight for the right to proceed into the 2nd round qualifying of this competition. A speculative shot on 20 minutes put the visitors ahead as the ball bounced awkwardly just in front of Claire Collinson in the Sawbo goal and somehow managed to elude her grasp and end up in the back of the net. Sawbo rallied a little and played some decent football but were unable to penetrate the Basildon defence. Hayley King was substituted after 35 minutes and replaced by Ann Anstey to try and re-establish a little more bite in the middle of the park. Looking towards half time and a chance to rectify the problems that were allowing Basildon time on the ball and space to play Sawbo were dealt another body blow as they conceded another goal just before the break.

Sawbo started the better of the two sides after the break and using the slope to their favour started to put pressure on the Basildon back line. A cross from the right after 50 minutes saw the ball beat the defensive line and fall in front of two of Sawbo's attacking players but they were unable to connect. Basildon then broke and scored their third against the run of play at this time and as a result Hannah Fraser was pulled out of the back line and put up front. Sawbo had gone to a 3 man back line and with now three up front were putting more and more momentum into going forward and from one of these  forward thrusts Fraser drove the ball towards goal from some 20 yards only to see the ball crash against the cross bar and away to safety. Jacqueline Stott was introduced at the expense of Rebecca Maybury on 62 minutes and almost immediately the ball was played again down the right and the cross again eluded all and the ball ran to safety once again. Sawbo were now really in the ascendancy trying to pull the goals back but Basildon rode their luck and broke again and when they found themselves once again one on one with Collinson the ball was dispatched into the bottom corner for Basildon to have a commanding lead of 4 - 0 The score line certainly did not reflect the overall play and Sawbo still came forward but time was running out. 82 minutes gone and Sawbo managed to get a goal back through Fraser who connected sweetly with the ball and the Basildon keeper had no chance of getting near it. 2 minutes later it was 4 - 2 as Fraser again slotted home. Sawbo ended the game flying and in the end can feel a little aggrieved that the score line went against them. A very spirited second half display deserved more but credit must go to Basildon for amassing 4 goals before Sawbo could retaliate.

Squad from: Collinson, Clifford, Day, Crump, Fraser, King, Maybury, Rankin, Plant, Gagg, Gregory

Subs Used: Anstey (King 35), Stott (Maybury 62)

21-09-08         Arlesey Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   3 – 0

Travelling to this away game with several players not quite 100% was going to be a major test of the resolve of the Sawbo team. Hannah Fraser (toe injury ) Joanne Gregory (after effects of head cold) Ann Anstey (slight thigh strain) as well as two other players still suffering with slight chest viruses.

The game started fairly evenly although Arlesey did create the better chances in the first 15 minutes. Arlesey’s main playmaker Sarah Tayler was a constant  threat but she was well marshalled once she entered the final third. The home side certainly picked out the left back position as an area to put pressure on and as  a result Kerry Crump who was playing in that position for the first time was turned inside out by the more experienced Hannah Kratochvilova. The first goal of the  game must go down as a speculative shot from some 30 yards by the Arlesey playmaker Sarah Tayler who made a yard of space and cracked the ball  onto the  underside of the cross bar and then into the net on 28 minutes. Although under pressure it seemed as if the game would end up goal less for the first period but for this strike. Ann Anstey was then clattered with a full on studs to shin pad that left her with a bruised shin just above the ankle and a lump that had to be treated at half time so that she could continue. Sawbo had a very legitimate call for a penalty when Emma Yarrien was tackled from behind as she entered the box and with the keeper also advancing was also sandwiched between the two but somehow the referee saw no problem with this and waved play on. Seconds later Crump was called by the referee for a chat as he saw something that no one else did followed by another chat but this time with Jackie Day  and then Nina Witteridge all for situations that were negligible to say the least. Just as it seemed the half time whistle would blow an attack down the Sawbo left saw the ball played into the box and Arlesey’s Laura Brown had an easy task of tapping the ball over the line for their second.

Half time substitution saw Crump replaced by Vicky Silvester who went straight up front alongside Fraser and Yarrien went back to left back. With the referee more intent on questioning Sawbridgeworth players it was obvious that the visiting side were now uneasy when it came to tackles and time and again did not exert the pressure that was needed to turn the game in their favour. 55 minutes gone and again the ball was played in from the right wing and was converted by Brown for Arlesey’s third. Joanne Gregory was replaced by Hayley King on the hour mark as she was still affected by the after effects of the head cold she had had all week. 20 minutes into the second half and Silvester got onto the end of a through ball and in the process of unleashing a shot was caught late on her follow through and was eventually carried off to go to hospital where they have diagnosed ligament and tendon damage. Sawbo had to play out the final 18 minutes with 10 players but held firm to keep the score at 3-0. Sarah Tayler was booked late on for a challenge on Zoe Plant which the referee ALL game had let go with a ‘play on’ but he had to be seen as doing something.

A poor display by a referee that spoilt what could have been a very entertaining game. Challenges were blown up which should have been allowed to carry on yet the more serious challenges were allowed to play on.  A report has been sent to the Regional League on this referees performance that warranted a mark of 45 / 100.

Squad from: Collinson, Clifford, Day, Witteridge, Crump, Gregory, Anstey, Rankin, Plant, Fraser, Yarrien.

Subs used: Silvester (Crump 45), King (Gregory 63)  

17-09-08         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Billericay Town   1 - 3

The much awaited night game against Billericay Town came to Crofters tonight and the weather was kind to us as it was dry and the pitch in good condition. Both sets of players had worked during the day and the travelling was always going to prove tiresome and difficult for some so it would be a matter of which team settled first as to the outcome of the game.

A brisk start to the game by the visitors had Sawbo caught square and with 5 minutes gone an attack down the left saw the player cut inside and and have a snap shot  that keeper Claire Collinson who was playing with a slight strained wrist could only push the ball around the post for a corner. Two minutes later the inevitable happened when Billericay Town took the lead after they broke quickly and ended up one on one with Collinson and the ball was dispatched into the far corner. It seemed as if Billericay were at least a yard quicker to everything that was happening and all Sawbo could do was try their best to close down as much as they could. Billericay playing a five man midfield did have the extra man when it mattered and this was evident when on 22 minutes Billericay scored again when a corner from the right was miss-handled by Collinson and as the ball fell to ground it was touched over the goal line at the far post. 30 minutes in and Nina Witteridge who was having breathing problems due to the beginnings of a chest infection had to be replaced by Kerry Crump who was thrown right into the middle of the action. Under more pressure the home side were camped out on the edge of their box trying to set up a blockade to the constant forward play that Billericay were playing, on 35 minutes it looked as if Billericay had scored again for an instant but the ball crashed against the underside of the cross bar and down onto the goal line before being hastily kicked away to safety. The visitors went 3-0 up when a cross from the left evaded both the keeper and a defender to leave the Billericay forward in acres of space to just tap home from 6 yards. Just before the interval Billericay had a goal disallowed for offside. During this first half Sawbo only managed two shots on goal which shows that the visitors were more in tune than the home side.

During the interval two more substitutions took place because of a toe injury to Hannah Fraser she was replaced by Rebecca Maybury and Jo Gregory who played the first half with a head cold and her breathing was being hampered she was replaced by Jacqueline Stott. The interval also gave the home side time to reshape the team to match the 5 man midfield that the visitors had adopted and it was noticeable right from the start that this move was right as Sawbo were straight from the restart more competitive in the middle of the park. Although Billericay had more of the ball in the second period there forward play was harder to complete because of the move by the home side to match their visitors formation. With no more substitutions available to the home side it meant that an injury to Ann Anstey had to be covered so she did a swap of positions with Collinson for the last 20 minutes,  78 minutes gone and a hopeful chase by Rebecca Gagg into the Billericay final third saw her bundled off the ball just inside the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Jacqueline Stott placed the ball and then tried to place the ball to the left of the keeper but the keeper was alert and made the save but could not hold the ball, Stott was the quickest to react and slotted home the rebound to make the score line a little more acceptable.

Squad from: C.Collinson, N.Clifford, N.Witteridge, J.Day, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory,  A.Anstey, W.Rankin, Z.Plant, R.Gagg, H.Fraser

Subs Used: K.Crump (N.Witteridge 30), J.Stott (J.Gregory 45) R.Maybury (H.Fraser 45)

Subs Not Used: V.Silvester, H.King

15-09-08

Late last night I received a message from Shelley Anglin that she had decided to not play football any more this season with us and has asked to be de-registered from the club. With no club on the horizon for Shelley (but you never know what my come up in the future) I would like to wish her well in her future endeavours  and thank her for her efforts during her stay with us.

14-09-08         Histon Hornets   v   Sawbridgeworth Town    1 - 4  League Cup 1st Qualifying Round.

An ironic draw in the League Cup which pitched us against ex player Gaynor Fisher who is now manger of Histon Hornets along with Carley Stein and Donna Keating. The short journey was only marred by the late withdrawal of new signing Zoe Plant who had to work at the last minutes otherwise a full squad travelled north.

An extremely bright sunny day greeted the players on arrival with a flat well grassed pitch to play on this game would be won on merit with no external causes present to help one club or the other.

Straight from the kick off Histon were on the attack which put Sawbo back on their heels. The ball was played down Histon's left flank to Hannah Smith who neatly side stepped the challenge by Nicky Clifford and crossed into the box. Vicky Silvester in her first senior game start for  Sawbo also missed the challenge which left Laura Spaxman the easiest of chances to slot the ball past Claire Collinson for the opening goal on 2 minutes. Histon kept up the pressure and Sawbo had to dig deep to defend well and to slowly but surely get back into the game. After weathering the first 15-18 minutes Sawbo began to advance into the Histon final third and a break down Sawbo's left saw the ball played across the edge of the box and it found Jo Gregory unmarked just inside the edge of the box her control and shot fired towards goal but Tracey Ware-Lane between the sticks for Histon pulled off a superb diving one handed save to push the ball around the post for a corner. Just a minute later Sawbo were level when Clifford found Hannah Fraser who drove the ball under the advancing keeper on 26 minutes. This goal was the starter for ten that Sawbo needed to get fully underway and now the football began to flow. neat and concise one and two touch football kept possession and enabled Sawbo more and more time in the Histon half and on 34 minutes Sawbo got their noses in front when at the end of a six man pass and move the ball was crossed into the centre of the park by Rebecca Maybury to Wendy Rankin who slotted the ball across the keeper and into the far corner for her first league goal for the club since her move from Hackney Ladies in the Summer.

The second half became an extension of the first with Sawbo dictating the play and it was just when the next goal would be scored rather than if a goal would be scored, that was how dominant Sawbo had become, but we had to wait until the 64th minute before Fraser netted her second of the game and Sawbo's third when she picked the ball up in the centre of the park and ghosted between two defenders before slotting the ball past the advancing keeper. Histon were now suffering under the pressure and two injuries meant that their right midfielder was replaced by Donna Keating and their excellent keeper Ware-Lane who twisted her Knee was replaced by by Hannah Smith who had played quite well on the left flank. Sawbo also replaced Vicky Silvester with Nina Witteridge and Rebecca Maybury made way for Shelley Anglin. Sawbo's Rebecca Gagg who had played alongside Fraser in a more forward role was replaced by Hayley King after sustaining cramp. King almost made a super sub entry by nearly back heeling the ball into the net with her first touch but the keeper saved it. the Robins finally wrapped up the game when Emma Yarrien who had been moved up front for the last 18 minutes was put through by Clifford to beat the off side trap and race towards goal before driving the ball home from just inside the box.

A thoroughly entertaining game played in the right spirit that saw the better team win on the day. Superior fitness and technical awareness won the day.

Squad From: C.Collinson, N.Clifford, J.Day, V.Silvester, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, W.Rankin, R.Maybury, R.Gagg, H.Fraser.

Subs used: N.Witteridge (V.Silvester 58), S.Anglin (R.Maybury 67), H.King (R.Gagg 73)

Sub not used: K.Crump

02-09-08

A provisional date has been set for our night game against Billericay Town. It is to be played on Wednesday 17th September 2008 with a 7.30pm kick off. Please put this date in your diary so that all players can let me know their availability.

31-08-08         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Hoddesdon Owls   2 - 2

The first game of the season arrives, not a full squad to choose from but those that were present and available were together as a unit and ready for the off. A three quarter of an hour wait for a replacement referee did little to settle the nerves but with the original referee crying off with an upset stomach the wait had to be endured so the game could proceed.

Tentative beginnings gave Hoddesdon the opening minutes as they attacked down the slope for the first half, Sawbo's back line pushed up initially with a view to clear the defensive lines early on but were caught by a swift counter attack which left Helen Plackett bearing down on the Sawbo area and in a one on one with Claire Collinson in goal for Sawbo. With the percentage in favour of the visiting player she did not waver and calmly put Hoddesdon in front with a shot inside the post on 5 minutes. Sawbo were stung into life and began to take control of the game. Superb one touch passing across the park carved great gaps in the Hoddesdon defence but Sawbo were unable to find that last ball. 10 minutes in Ann Anstey was found from a throw in and from 25 yards drove the ball goal ward only to see it drop early and bounce into the keepers hands. With the pressure mounting on the Hoddesdon back line a great passing move down the Sawbo left which saw Shelley Anglin link up with Jo Gregory who eventually found Hannah Fraser in front of goal about 30 yards out. Fraser slid the ball to Emma Yarrien whose left foot shot narrowly missed the upright on 20 minutes. After a succession of corners, Anstey eventually got the ball into the danger area at the far post where the ball seemed to bounce around for a while before Yarrien celebrated her 19th birthday with a well taken shot inside the post to bring the scores level. Sawbo were now well on top of possession and superior in tactics and technical play and when the ball was played to Fraser on the edge of the box it was expected that the ball would be driven towards goal. Fraser did not disappoint and the ball left her foot like a bullet and the Hoddesdon keeper could not hold the ball but parried it back into the danger area, Yarrien was the quickest to latch onto the loose ball and calmly put the ball into the net for Sawbo to deservedly take the lead just before the half time break.

The second half started much the same as the first had finished with Sawbo almost in total control but after 13 minutes of the second half again the Sawbo back line had advanced a little too high and Helen Plackett was put through and her pace took her again one on one with Collinson but the striker again showed composure to bring the scores level again at 2 - 2. With this goal the game became an end to end affair as each side looked for the winner. On 78 minutes a 20 yard shot from a Hoddesdon attacker nearly crept in as it beat Collinson and hit the inside of the post and rebounded across the face of the goal and was eventually cleared to safety. Then it  was Sawbo's turn as another corner was floated into the Hoddesdon box substitute Vicky Silvester was found two yards out but her header hit the cross bar and although it bounced down and near to Silvester she could not turn and connect to put the ball goal ward and it was cleared. Emma Yarrien was voted as the opposition player of the match a fitting selection on her birthday.

On the day it was a new beginning as the team has been reshuffled a little from last season. With Shelley Anglin and Jo Gregory back in the squad and they both played extremely well, with Anglin picking up the managers player of the match for her continuous use of the flank from her left defensive position. Hayley King had her first outing as an Eastern Region player  and lasted an hour before her legs finally gave in. With new singings Wendy Rankin and Zoe Plant now  available for the rest of the season and for the next game we have Kerry Crump and Beckie Gagg back in contention the squad is looking really strong across the board.

Today's Squad: C.Collinson, N.Clifford, J.Day, N.Witteridge, S.Anglin, H.King, A.Anstey, J.Stott, J.Gregory, H.Fraser, E.Yarrien.

Sub used: V.Silvester (H.King)

23-08-08

I have today been asked to supply a clearance form for last season's reserve team captain Donna Keating. Donna has chosen to play at newly promoted Histon Hornets in the ERWFL Division One North this season along with friends Gaynor Fisher and Carlye Stein. On behalf of the club we wish Donna all the best for the future and with her new club.

18-08-08

It is with regret that we have to announce that the expected registration of Kirsty Thain did not progress past the first stage. Due to work commitments Kirsty cannot commit to the regular demands of football as well as maintain her own personal life. We wish Kirsty all the best for the future in whatever she decides to do with herself.

10-08-08         Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Saffron Walden Town     4  -  1  (friendly)

This was the first full 90 minutes to be played with the new set up here at Sawbridgeworth Town. Following on from last weeks tournament and a slight change to the players available gave an edge to the game as well. Previous meetings between the two sides have had mixed fortunes but today saw a determination in the Robins that has been missing for a few seasons now.

The early pressure came from Walden as they tried to take control but stalwart efforts by the home side prevented any meaningful attacks happening. Some 6 minutes gone and after breaking down a Walden attack the ball was played forward and eventually fell to Zoe Plant who advanced into the Walden box and shot left footed across the keeper and into the far corner for the opening goal. After scoring the first goal Sawbo relaxed too quickly and Walden with their backs up now came at Sawbo and the Robins defence had to be alert to the forward pressure. As the pressure mounted Sawbo started to make a few rash challenges and as a result a free kick was awarded some 25 yards from goal. The Walden player drove the free kick towards goal and Claire Collinson in the Sawbo goal saved the shot but was unable to hold onto it, Walden were quicker to react to the rebound and slotted the ball home for the equaliser on 9 minutes. The goal against was the shot in the arm that Sawbo needed to kick start their game. Good movement on and off the ball carved the Walden midfield up time and again but the final pass was just not getting through. After a sustained amount of pressure form the home side Sawbo won a corner on the left, Ann Anstey floated the ball into the six yard box and found Wendy Rankin jumping higher than the defenders to head home into the top corner to put the home side once again in front on 38 minutes.

The second half saw the home side now attacking down the slope and with the wind at their backs found forward balls difficult to control, whereas Walden were now trying to play passing football and began to make inroads into the Sawbow defensive third only to find a resolute back four that was not prepared to let anything through, and what did get through Collinson was picking up with ease. We had to wait until the 68th minutes to see another goal and it came via a good piece of football down the Sawbo left. A 5 man move found Plant on the left flank and she evaded her marker to send a cross on the ground  into Kirsty Thain who was not able to get the ball away at the first attempt as she was closely marked but she twisted and turned, relaxed a little and drove the second attempt just inside the post for Sawbo's third. Walden were not out of the game at this point as they were still able to put a few passes together and as a result of this they were able to release an attacker into the box who was one on one with Collinson. Collinson held her ground and made the player go around her, Collinson made an attempt to get the ball but failed to connect which looked as if all the attacker had to do was slot the ball home. As the attacker shot for goal Collinson appeared from nowhere to make a superb save and the ball rebounded to safety.  With just 8 minutes left a though ball was chased down by Vicky Silvester into the right corner and using her body strength managed to win the ball off the Walden defender making a yard of pace for herself she managed to get the ball to Jackie Stott on the edge of the box who took one touch and then drove the ball just under the cross bar for Sawbo's fourth.

The game was a friendly, yes, but also the first of only a couple of games before the start of the season. With Kerry Crump, Hannah Fraser, Beckie Gagg and Hayley King, all unavailable the game was a solid performance from the squad and shows that we now have a quality depth of squad for the forthcoming season.

Squad: C.Collinson, N.Clifford, N.Witteridge, J.Day,  S.Anglin, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, W.Rankin, Z.Plant, K.Thain, E.Yarrien V.Silvester, J.Stott.

04-08-08

The Colchester tournament was as far as the manager was concerned a great success. No we did not come back with a trophy and we did not win a game although we did come close twice with a draw  against Enfield in the league format and a draw against Woodbridge Town in the semi-final which we eventually lost on penalties. But the day itself was a hard fought day against sides of a higher status than us which we competed against very well. Colchester was our first opponents and we kept them at bay for the first half and 5 minutes into the second before they managed to score from a corner. With this impetus they then pushed on and scored a further two goals. Next up was Enfield  which ended goalless but it was a supreme effort from the team. Last up in the league format was Ipswich  who could only manage a single goal against a defence that was unchanged throughout the tournament and performed very well. After our exploits in the league format we were drafted into the shield competition and straight into the semi-final against ERWFL Premier side Woodbridge Town. This was a very even game which was destined for a draw right from the outset but it was Woodbridge who opened the scoring. As the game progressed Sawbo began to push into the Woodbridge final third and chances were being made. It was not until there were seconds remaining that Sawbo managed to get the equaliser after a through ball from new signing Wendy Rankin found Hannah Fraser who managed to guide the ball home past the advancing keeper and a close defender. Penalties loomed and with both sides level at 5-5 it came to sudden death, it then went to 6-6 then 7-6 to Woodbridge and that is how it finished as Sawbo missed the 7th penalty. What came out of the day was that the four new signings all performed as if they had been in the team for years and that the squad after many changes at the end of last season looks good for the forthcoming season.

Squad:- C.Collinson, S.Anglin, J.Day, N.Witteridge, E.Yarrien, J.Gregory, A.Anstey, W.Rankin, Z.Plant, H.Fraser, K.Thain, C.Poulton, J.Stott

Results were:- Sawbo  v  Colchester  0-3;   Sawbo  v  Enfield  0-0; Sawbow  v  Ipswich  0-1; Sawbo  v  Woodbridge  1-1 (6-7 after pens)

01-08-08

Confirmation today that clearances  have been agreed from Hackney Ladies  for Wendy Rankin and Zoe Plant and from  Rayleigh for the  ex Billericay Town Centre Forward Kirsty Thain. All three will feature this weekend along with our other new signing Claire Collinson who has been playing for Huddersfield University as a Keeper / Defender in the 11-a-side tournament in Colchester. It will give the club a good chance to asses the new player under playing conditions. The first team squad now has a different look about it as the new faces will show. It is now a matter of time to see if the new faces will help push the club upwards towards the Premiership which is the main goal this season.

31/07/08

The draw for the County Cup has been made and we have been given a first round bye for the first time but our second round tie is at home to Welwyn Garden City which will be played on November 16th 2008 so our home game against Royston Town will be moved till later in the season. The fixture pages on this site have been adjusted.

30/07/08

On the squad front we have to say a farewell to Laura Day, Gaynor Fisher, Carlye Stein, Judith Duffin, Donna Keating, Kerri Burt, Anna Williams, Katie Austin, Claire Poulton, Karen Lau, Catherine Shaw, Sarah Wynne, and at present Amy Piper but after she has had the operation to her knee, we may see her back training.  These players will not be playing for Sawbo next season but may be continuing the association with the club by training in the hope we can have a reserve side for the 2009/2010 season. There are still a couple of players who have indicated their desire not to play but have not made a definite decision,   I will keep you informed through these pages. We also have to say thank you to Claire Fox for her endeavours as manager of the reserves last year and although not in a management position this term will I am sure be around the club as an avid spectator. We have promoted from last season's Reserves, Joanne Gregory back to the first team along with Haley King and Victoria Silvester. We have also recruited Claire Collinson (direct from university who has played as a keeper for the past 4 years), Wendy Rankin (played for Hackney Ladies last season as a Central midfielder and is moving into the Sawbridgeworth area) along with Zoe Plant ( another Hackney Ladies player who plays in midfield as well) Jackie Stott is not leaving to go to another club but feels she needs a year off to regain the enthusiasm so we will be looking to sign her on as a maybe player and use her skills on the sidelines as the club Physio.

The Women's FA Cup has pitched us away against local rivals Harlow Athletic in the first prelim round on 7th September  2008 should we be successful, then not only do we win a £75 prize for the club from the FA but we then have a home game against C&K Basildon on 28th September 2008 which if successful there, it would net the club another £100. SO there is a financial inducement to do well and progress.

The club have also been drawn away against Histon Hornets in the ERWFL League Cup. This is sod's law really as both Carley Stein (player) and Gaynor Fisher (new Histon manager) have moved to Histon from Sawbo. We have also got a friendly against them at home on 17th August 2008.

The Herts County Cup has not yet been draw but as soon as that fixture is available it will be shown on the fixture page as well as here on the news page.

28/07/08

Well to start off with the bad news we have to report that the reserves have had to be disbanded due to a lack of players which has been a hard act to do, but it is hoped that it is for just the one season and we can back next year with a stronger squad and be able to compete with full teams on both counts.

22/06/08

The site has now been updated for next season 2008-2009. As soon as the information comes in about the Essex League that will be updated as well, as we only have speculation as to teams and divisions. The Eastern Region has produced the league fixtures for next season and they have been listed on the fixtures page. Although some caution must be taken with these as County Cups and FA Cup games after the first round of the FA Cup have not been listed so if we do progress then the league games listed on those dates will be re-arranged to free dates.

Last night was the clubs presentation night and those that were honored were as follows: