The Reserve Section

19-02-06

Sawbridgeworth Town  v  Old Island   2 - 0

Sawbo entertained bottom of the table Old Island today and after previous meeting ended with victories of 5 - 0 and 3 - 0 it was hoped a hat trick of victories would be gained on a very wintry cold February day.

The day started with a hiccup as the referee deemed that the original pitch was unfit as one goal mouth was quite muddy and as this inspection was quite late it meant a frantic effort by the players to shift nets and corner flags so the game could start on time. Not the best of warm ups for either side. It was to be a frantic first period as both side could not hold on to the ball for any period of time that would allow their side to progress up the field. During the first half Sawbo looked just the better side but it was not convincing buy on 26 minutes a through ball found Claire Poulton who out paced her opposing defender and drove the ball home for the hosts to go 1 - 0 up. Old Island kept up their work rate and although did not put keeper Debbie Williams under any real pressure shots were being made as the home side defence forgot their duties and allowed the Old Island forward far to much room. The pace of the forward was causing trouble for the Sawbo back line that had to start without Jessica Pyne who injured her knee at a prior activity. So several last gasp tackles were cleanly made to prevent the final shot being made.

The second half saw a much more focussed Old Island team and they started to gain inroads into the Sawbo midfield and as a result Sawbo started to lose the shape that they had which caused more space to be created and for the first time they looked a little jaded. Sawbo were second to the ball and for a ten minute period were made to chase the game.  A double introduction of Jackie Stott and Nicky Clifford helped to change the game. Stott took control of the midfield and with almost her first touch of the ball chipped the ball into the path of Claire Taylor who slotted in the second on 78 minuets which immediately lifted Sawbo. The rest of the half had Sawbo making more chances than their guests but they could not convert. This result lifts Sawbo into fourth place in the division.

Squad: D.Williams, D.Keating, K.Crump, K.Aubrey, S.Hedley, A.Johnston, N.Broster, L.Sear, C.Halfpenny, C.Poulton, C.Taylor.   Subs used: J.Stott, N.Clifford

18-12-05

Braintree Town   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   9 - 0

Sawbo travelled to league leaders Braintree with a bare compliment of players as once again illness and injury was taking its toll on the squad. The last time these two sides met Braintree were comfortable winners by 11 - 0 but it was hoped that this time around there could be some improvement to show how far the club has come in this its first season of playing together.

With this being the final match before Christmas Sawbo were determined to better the last performance against this high flying team. Having to reshape the team to accommodate a couple of players who were returning from injury and to fill the void of those players who were unavailable for the game Sawbo had to quickly adjust to the new tasks and they did this superbly well against a very well organised and experienced side. Braintree started the game with a goals for of 96 with just 6 being scored against so it was going to be a very hard job keeping them at bay but with determination and a lot of steel Sawbo kept a clean sheet of some 32 minutes before a superb strike broke the deadlock. This strike lifted Braintree and they were just a little quicker to the ball and they started to win the 50-50 balls and because of this were able to score a further 3 goals before the break.

This score line was a superb testament to the side and they entered the second half upbeat and with a growing team spirit. Braintree continued to press and from a last ditch tackle by Kelly Aubrey who prevented another goal at this time she sustained a shoulder injury and had to withdraw from the game. With no substitute players available the Sawbo side was reduced to ten but battled throughout. Braintree's experience told in the end as they created and scored a further 5 goals during this second period  but it leaves a belief that the Sawbridgeworth Town squad is evolving into a very good working team that when it works together it can get results. Today was a result in as much as that the score line was better than the first game and that going down to 10 players for the last 30 minutes allowed the team to show great team awareness and spirit that is growing with each game.

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves extend festive good will to all  for this Christmas and new year, and wish all those players that are currently injured or ill a speedy recovery so that next year we can start and continue with a full squad.

Squad: J.Frost, C.Halfpenny, J.Pyne, S.Headley, G.Bonich, M.Wood, A.Johnston, C.Poulton, K.Mullender, K.Aubrey, N.Broster

11-12-06

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Little Oakley   3 - 0

With Sawbo maintaining a gap between themselves and Little Oakley today's opponents in the league it was vital that to keep that space and perhaps improve on it then the game would have to take on a must win situation. The last time these two side met it was a 2 - 2 draw so a great match was in prospect.

The first half saw most of the possession fall to the home side and with Ashley Johnston floating corners into the box it was just a matter of time before one was made contact with. More pressure resulted in Johnston again supplying a superb corner with Robyn McFayden diving through the air to connect with a superb header to put Sawbo 1 - 0 in the lead. More chances fell during this first half with Little Oakley responding well to being a goal down and putting pressure on the Sawbo goal only to find Jackie Frost on her toes to dive and push round the post a good shot just before the break.

The second half saw a very determined Sawbo take control from the whistle and there was now confidence growing in the team play with some great football being played all over the park. Claire Poulton and Charlotte Turner with a goal apiece during this second half wrapped up a solid team performance.

Squad: J.Frost, D.Keating, K.Crump, J.Pyne, S.Headley, G.Bonich, C.Le-Count, A.Johnston, C.Poulton, C.Turner, R.McFayden

27-11-05

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Ipswaich Town   1 - 2

13-11-05

Old Island   v   Sawbridgeworth Town    0-3

This was the second league meeting between these two sides this season. A convincing 6-1 win to Sawbridgeworth in the first match could suggest that Old Island would want to settle the score this time around.

The game started at a brisk pace with both teams settling quickly. Sawbridgeworth dominated possession in the first half including an impressive 11 minute spell inside the Old Island half. Much to the frustration of the players, the numerous chances created failed to produce a goal. Old Island produced good counter-attacking moves throughout this period of play, to probe the defence and Sawbo goalkeeper Jackie Frost. The Sawbo players produced some great challenges to keep the home side at bay. 

The second half continued with Sawbo dominating the play inside the Old Island half. With the scores remaining goal-less and Sawbo still looking for that elusive goal, Super-sub Michy Wood came on with 20 minutes remaining to play in central midfield. This change intensified the pressure on the Old Island goal and on the 81^st minute, Ashley Johnston showed initiative and shot from inside the box, to score the first goal of the afternoon. The Sawbo team now began to play with increased confidence; over the 9 minutes remaining Kelly Taylor scored 2 goals to extend Sawbo’s lead. The 3^rd goal came from a near-perfect free kick taken by Wood, which swung into the box and was headed into the top corner by Taylor.

The Sawbo team performed well as a unit under adversity, with the younger players showing maturity beyond their years.

Squad: J.Frost, D.Keating, J.Pyne, K.Crump, S.Headley, N.Broster, K.Taylor, C. Le-Count, A.Johnston, C.Poulton, C.Long

Subs used: M.Wood

06-11-05

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Redbridge Reserves   2 - 0

30-09-05

AFC Sudbury   v   Sawbridgeworth Town   3 - 0

A disappointing first half that saw Sawbridgeworth by far the better of the two sides but unable to capitalise on the possession and play. Chances were being created but spurned in front of goal and as a result Sudbury were allowed back into the game and as a result 2 minutes before the break got a goal much against the run of play. Changes were made at half time to try and inject some more urgency into the team but it did not work as planned. The side became disjointed and the flow that was there during long periods of the first 45 minutes did not appear during this second half. Much as the Sawbo side tried it did not come off and from the pressure that Sudbury were now putting on the Sawbo defence a corner was conceded and a second goal was conceded by what must have been the youngest and shortest girl on the pitch who ran unmarked about 30 yards to meet the ball. Sudbury wrapped up a sound second half performance by scoring their third goal after a free kick was awarded on the edge of the box. Praise must be given to stand in keeper Kelly Aubrey who had an outstanding game

Squad: K.Aubrey, D.Keating, J.Pyne, C.Turner, S.Headley, N.Broster, K.Taylor, C.Le-Count, K.Crump, C.Poulton, C.Long

Subs used: A.Johnston, L.Harris       Sub Not used: M.Wood

23-10-05

Sawbridgeworth Town   v   Braintree   0 - 11

Sawbo entertained top of the table side Braintree in todays league encounter

Squad: J.Frost, D.Keating, J.Pyne, K.Aubrey, S.Headley, G.Bonich, M.Wood, K.Taylor, N.Broster, C.Poulton, C.Long.

Subs used: S.Hawes, C.Turner, K.Crump       Subs not used: C.le-Count, D.Smith,

16-10-05

Little Oakley   v   Sawbridgeworth Town  2 - 2

25-09-05

Sawbridgeworth Town  v  Old Island   6 - 1

Following on from last weeks game the confidence in the team was growing and today against Old Island there was to be a better understanding as the team played its second league game of the season.

The gane started briskly by both teams with the ball being played along the ground for forwards to  run onto and create chances. After a while it was Sawbow who took the initiative when Claire Long recieved the ball and shot home the opener. This goal settled Sawbow and they grew in confidence and wth this confidence the ball was being played all over the park to willing players. As the confidence grew so did the number of chances being created and Long was on hand to extend Sawbow's lead. The remainder of the half saw Long grab another two goals as the home side took control of the game but Old Island were not about to be totally upstaged as they hit back with a well taken goal just before the break.

The second half started with both teams looking to extend their goal tally and mid way through the half Claire Poulton slotted home her first as she started her catch up with her team mates tally of 4 for this game Claire Long. Credit must be given to Old Island who throughout this show of dominance in front of goal by the home side kept pushing forward in an attempt to score and in one attemt they got the decision of the ref who awarded a penalty as a Sawbow defender was ajudged to have pulled back the Old Island forward. The penalty was struck well but it was saved by Jackie Frost in the Sawbow goal and the rest of the half became an end to end spectacle as both sets of players pushed for another goal and just before the final whistle Poulton added a second to her tally and to make the final outcome a first win for the reserves with a decisive 6 1 victory. At the end of this match credit goes to both teams for their committment and especially to Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves for their first win this season. A two week gap before the next game in the Essex County Women's league which will be against Little Oakly.

Squad: J.Frost, D.Keating, K.Aubrey, J.Pyne, S.Headley, G.Bonich, C.Le Count, K.Taylor, N.Broster, C.Poulton, C.Long

Sub Used: M.Wood

18-09-05

Redbridge Reserves   V Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves    2 - 1

Two new sides both having only 11 players started the match.  The Sawbo team only having played 1 match together and that only a friendly had immediately gone down from 17 players to 11.  The Redbridge team had mostly 15 year olds against the more experienced but older Sawbo team.   Play started with both teams feeling their way forward.  Our first goal came half way into the first half when Kelly (T) gently teased the ball over the line; her instincts to boot it only just overcome by commonsense.   Jubilation breaks out on the sidelines by the elite supporters group.  Just before half time Redbridge managed an equalising goal.   Still heads did not go down only steely determination came up.

Half time and the scores were equal. Manager Michy highlighted how well everyone was playing without exception. Back Sawbow came even more determined to put us in the lead and a long second half began, It took Redbridge well into the second half to score a scrappy goal which never seemed to cross the line completely. At this point questions were asked and Kelly (T) got a yellow card. The back line held them off really well and this despite the opposition having two incredibly fast  forwards. The match continued on with the play seeming to be focused into Redbridge's  half but despite many attempts Sawbo didn’t have the killer instinct. We needed a greedy goal scorer because the ball was getting up to the Redbridge  goal but  not quite to the back of the net.

Despite this the team did really well and all players were to be commended on their excellent performance and this will be the start of a great season if we continue at this pace.  A great job by kelly Aubrey the  new goalkeeper and very well done to all 11 players.

Squad: K.Aubrey, M.Wood, S.Headley, C.Le Count, D.Smith, K.Taylor, K.Crump, C.Long, C.Poulton, J.Gregory, G.Bonich.

13-09-05

Maldon Saints were the first opponents to play the reserves in this their inaugural season. Starting well the scores were still level after some 25 minutes with chances for both sides going free. Using the rolling on and off substitutions Sawbow started to change players around so that the best positions can be found for the team for next season. As a result of the changes with novice players coming into the line up the squad stability suffered a little and goals were conceded. During the second half Claire Poulton managed to get a goal for Sawbo but the overall togetherness of the opposition was enough to see the visitors finish the game as 5-1 winners. As this was the first ever outing of the reserves the final score was a great result to the way the side is attempting to gel. Time will be the healer of this squad of players and great prospects within the team will flourish as the season gets under way.

08-09-05

The Reserves were able to increase their squad depth last night as another 4 players put pen to paper for next season. Gaby Bonich, Stacey Headley and Kelly Taylor are players who have been away a while but have come back this season and new signing Nichola Broster who last season played for Harlow Frontiers. With other players still possible signings in the near future it gives the management team a major boost to know that the reserves are well on their way now to be able to maintain their status during the season and be an able support for the first team.

05-09-05

Well Michy has been working her magic and has got a friendly for the Reserves against Maldon on Sunday 11th September 2005. I believe it will be a 10.30am or 11.00am kick off. As this is the first proper game for the reserves it will be interesting to see the outcome.

24-08-05

The reserve team fixtures are now printed on the reserves Fixture / Results page accessed through the main Fixtures page. You will note that a full seasons fixtures have been done but these are liable to change as they will also confirm fixtures monthly in advance with referee appointments. Well I am sue that at this time all the reserve players are looking forward to this new venture as much as I am. We all know it will be a steep learning curve as all the players get to know each other and how each of you play. We have almost completed all the registration forms there is just a few that now need to get signed on. There is already a squad of 13 with another 5 still to be confirmed so there should be a team available to play each week come the start of the season.

29-07-05

There is moves being made in the Essex County League with respect to competing teams. Two teams have withdraw from the division 3 that we will be playing in but another 2 teams have been added. I am not sure what these teams are but we should know by next week. The division will be run with 8 teams.

2005-2006 will see the emergence of the Sawbridgeworth Town Women's F.C. Reserves. Being accepted to play in the Essex Women's League division 3 will be a good testing ground for the youngsters as well and a place for the more experienced players that still want to play football but without the pressure that the first team are under. It is hoped that the younger and newer player to football will learn quickly so as to put the first teamers under constant pressure to hold their place. As a club we wish to see progression from the reserves to the first team through consistency and ability so the door is always open for the squad members to improve and progress.

Match reports will still be published as the first team reports but information relevant to the Essex League will appear here so that the information does not get intermingled with the ERWFL info. Currently the teams within the Essex League Division Three are as follows:-

 AFC Sudbury

Braintree Town

Ipswich Town

Little Oakley  (Felixstowe)

Old Island  (Canvey Island)

Redbridge Reserves

Sawbridgeworth Town Reserves

Torquespeed (Tiptree)

Although all in or close to Essex there is still a little travelling to do but most a less than an hour away. Old Island and Little Oakley will be the only over an hour travelling to do. Fixtures will be produced MONTHLY along with referee appointments, (so you don't have to get your own referee). I am hoping that you will be able to play at the club on the back pitch but it will be down to the main club fixture secretary as to where you are asked to play. The back pitch is being brought up to the main pitch size so playing wise there should be no difference it will just be that there will be no dug outs etc.