Despite it feeling as if Christmas was just last week, it's almost the end of March and we are rapidly approaching the sharp end of the season. The big game of the week came in Division One North where Beaconsfield put themselves within touching distance of the title with a win at Penn & Tylers Green. In the Premier, Ascot are finally closing in on a title after consecutive runners-up seasons. The chasing pack continue to keep them honest, but two more wins would guarantee them top spot. In the South, Fleet got back to winning ways after losing their 100% record, and still remain hot favourites to take the title. No doubt that Havant and Stoneham will push them to the wire. Finally, congratulations to Winchester City Flyers on their NHDFA Cup Final triumph.
Midweek Results
Tuesday 18th
Premier League
Wycombe Wanderers 6-1 Reading
The Chairgirls maintained the pressure on Ascot with a resounding derby day win at Adams Park. The home side flew into a three goal lead within the opening eleven minutes, Jessica Watkins scoring twice and Danielle Puddefoot blasting in a free-kick. Reading steadied the ship, but further goals from Kayla Potter, Eman Kassem and Watkins, completing her hat-trick put them 6-0 up. Reading rallied in the closing minutes with Maya Raghunandanan grabbing a well-deserved consolation in front of 567 spectators. Read all about it in the match blog (Wanderers Keep Up The Chase).
Wednesday 19th
NHDFA Cup Final
Winchester City Flyers 2-1 Andover New Street
Hampshire County side Andover New Street were defeated by a Southern Region team for the second successive final. Once again they showed great resolve, taking the premier League team to the wire. Shayne Prasad had given Flyers the lead, but this was cancelled out by an Amelia Riley 'rocket' in the 73rd minute. Laura da Silva popped up with the winner with four minutes remaining.
Premier League
Wycombe Wanderers 6-1 Reading
The Chairgirls maintained the pressure on Ascot with a resounding derby day win at Adams Park. The home side flew into a three goal lead within the opening eleven minutes, Jessica Watkins scoring twice and Danielle Puddefoot blasting in a free-kick. Reading steadied the ship, but further goals from Kayla Potter, Eman Kassem and Watkins, completing her hat-trick put them 6-0 up. Reading rallied in the closing minutes with Maya Raghunandanan grabbing a well-deserved consolation in front of 567 spectators. Read all about it in the match blog (Wanderers Keep Up The Chase).
Wednesday 19th
NHDFA Cup Final
Winchester City Flyers 2-1 Andover New Street
Hampshire County side Andover New Street were defeated by a Southern Region team for the second successive final. Once again they showed great resolve, taking the premier League team to the wire. Shayne Prasad had given Flyers the lead, but this was cancelled out by an Amelia Riley 'rocket' in the 73rd minute. Laura da Silva popped up with the winner with four minutes remaining.
Results 23rd March 2025
PREMIER LEAGUE
P (18) |
GD |
Pts |
|
Ascot United |
14 |
48 |
40 |
Wycombe Wanderers |
15 |
39 |
35 |
Oxford City |
15 |
17 |
29 |
AFC Portchester |
13 |
20 |
28 |
Woodley United 3-3 Reading
A proper derby game that swayed one way, then the other, before ending all-square. Bonnie Messitt gave Woodley the lead after a quarter of an hour. Mia Bradley equalised on 30 minutes to send the sides in level at the break. Maya Raghunandanan then scored for the second game running to put Reading in front. A Lauren Devlin penalty levelled it again. Reading were reduced to nine after two sin bins and looked to be down and out when an in-swinging corner caught out Cherry Preisner to make it 3-2. However, the Royals weren't giving in and Maya Raghunandanan popped up with a last minute equaliser, in a dramatic end to the game. Read the full account on the Tilehurst End website. Check out all the match action photos courtesy of Andy Wicks.
A proper derby game that swayed one way, then the other, before ending all-square. Bonnie Messitt gave Woodley the lead after a quarter of an hour. Mia Bradley equalised on 30 minutes to send the sides in level at the break. Maya Raghunandanan then scored for the second game running to put Reading in front. A Lauren Devlin penalty levelled it again. Reading were reduced to nine after two sin bins and looked to be down and out when an in-swinging corner caught out Cherry Preisner to make it 3-2. However, the Royals weren't giving in and Maya Raghunandanan popped up with a last minute equaliser, in a dramatic end to the game. Read the full account on the Tilehurst End website. Check out all the match action photos courtesy of Andy Wicks.
DIVISION ONE NORTH
P (20) |
GD |
Pts |
|
Beaconsfield Town |
17 |
52 |
47 |
Ascot United Reserves |
17 |
34 |
39 |
Wycombe Wanderers u23 |
20 |
31 |
35 |
Penn & Tylers Green |
13 |
24 |
29 |
Penn & Tylers Green 1-3 Beaconsfield Town
The much awaited local derby that would go a long way to deciding the fate of the Division One North title. In a uncompromising game, new signing Ammara Qureshi put the cat amongst the pigeons by giving Penn the lead late in the first half. However, Beaconsfield were able to retaliate before the break through Sarah Davern's free-kick. The game remained in the balance until the final ten minutes when former Penn striker, Henna Hussain, and then Dominique Carrington, both planted left-foot strikes into the home net, to leave The Rams on the brink of becoming champions. Read the match report, for full details - No Love Lost. You can also watch the highlights courtesy of the Beaconsfield Town YouTube channel.
Tilehurst Panthers 2-1 Milton United
Two goal in two minutes saw Panthers complete the double over Milton and finally break their league duck at Scours Lane. Abbie Why, with her second in two games, after 76 minutes, and Georgia Hayes, with her 12th of the season, two minutes later, were on the mark for Tilehurst. Watch all of the goals on their Facebook page.
The much awaited local derby that would go a long way to deciding the fate of the Division One North title. In a uncompromising game, new signing Ammara Qureshi put the cat amongst the pigeons by giving Penn the lead late in the first half. However, Beaconsfield were able to retaliate before the break through Sarah Davern's free-kick. The game remained in the balance until the final ten minutes when former Penn striker, Henna Hussain, and then Dominique Carrington, both planted left-foot strikes into the home net, to leave The Rams on the brink of becoming champions. Read the match report, for full details - No Love Lost. You can also watch the highlights courtesy of the Beaconsfield Town YouTube channel.
Tilehurst Panthers 2-1 Milton United
Two goal in two minutes saw Panthers complete the double over Milton and finally break their league duck at Scours Lane. Abbie Why, with her second in two games, after 76 minutes, and Georgia Hayes, with her 12th of the season, two minutes later, were on the mark for Tilehurst. Watch all of the goals on their Facebook page.
DIVISION ONE SOUTH
P (16) |
GD |
Pts |
|
Havant & Waterlooville |
14 |
37 |
31 |
Fleet Town |
11 |
29 |
30 |
AFC Stoneham |
13 |
25 |
30 |
Fleet Town 4-0 QK Southampton
Town got back to winning ways with two goals in each half against a battling QK side. Brooke John and a Lily Martin penalty had Fleet two up at the break, who then added two more in the second 45 minutes.
Wimborne Town 0-1 AFC Varsity
Varsity leapfrogged both Wimborne and Bursledon in the race to become the best placed promoted team. A Bethany Ebert goal midway through the second half was enough to edge this one.
Town got back to winning ways with two goals in each half against a battling QK side. Brooke John and a Lily Martin penalty had Fleet two up at the break, who then added two more in the second 45 minutes.
Wimborne Town 0-1 AFC Varsity
Varsity leapfrogged both Wimborne and Bursledon in the race to become the best placed promoted team. A Bethany Ebert goal midway through the second half was enough to edge this one.
LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Ascot United 6-2 AFC Portchester
A comprehensive semi-final win for United, taking them into the final to face Winchester City Flyers. The game was goalless until midway through the first half. Then Beth Lloyd and Leah Robertson hit two quickfire goals. Kate Fox added a third before the break, although April Hill did reduce the deficit to 3-1. A minute into the second half Lloyd was on the mark again. Eilidh Currie got another goal back for Portchester, but Leah Littlechild them made it five, before Beth Lloyd completed her hat-trick after 80 minutes. You can read the match report from Neal Jeffs on the Ascot web site.
Sholing 1-3 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers made it to their second cup final of the season with a solid win at Sholing, based around a three-goal first half haul. Lavinia Nkomo gave the visitors the lead after just 11 minutes. Libby Wilkinson then added two more in the 29th and 35th minute, sending Winchester into the break three to the good. Ella Wilson did pull one back after 79 minutes, but Sholing couldn't find a way back. You can watch the Winchester goals on their X feed.
A comprehensive semi-final win for United, taking them into the final to face Winchester City Flyers. The game was goalless until midway through the first half. Then Beth Lloyd and Leah Robertson hit two quickfire goals. Kate Fox added a third before the break, although April Hill did reduce the deficit to 3-1. A minute into the second half Lloyd was on the mark again. Eilidh Currie got another goal back for Portchester, but Leah Littlechild them made it five, before Beth Lloyd completed her hat-trick after 80 minutes. You can read the match report from Neal Jeffs on the Ascot web site.
Sholing 1-3 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers made it to their second cup final of the season with a solid win at Sholing, based around a three-goal first half haul. Lavinia Nkomo gave the visitors the lead after just 11 minutes. Libby Wilkinson then added two more in the 29th and 35th minute, sending Winchester into the break three to the good. Ella Wilson did pull one back after 79 minutes, but Sholing couldn't find a way back. You can watch the Winchester goals on their X feed.
CHAIRMAN'S CUP QUARTER-FINALS
AFC Stoneham 5-2 Kidlington Youth
Goals from Keira Isaac and Courtney Sumner were not enough for the Greens as they lost out in this quarter-final tie. You can watch all of the Stoneham goals on their Facebook page. Tiegan Stevens and Chloe Marshall both score twice for Stoneham with Abbie Awdas nodding home their other goal.
Stoneham will face Abingdon United Development in the semi-final.
Bournemouth Sports Reserves 2-1 Bursledon
Sports recorded their first win of any kind since they beat QK back in October last year. Emma Whall put them ahead in the 12th minute, only for Alice Floyd-Barrow to level the scores seven minutes later. The game remained that way until deep into second half added time when, on 94 minutes, Anastasia Hnatiw hit the winner sending Bournemouth through to face Premier League Oxford City in the semi-final.
Caversham United 0-9 Abingdon United Development
A Goats side missing a number of key players through a combination of injury (one of which came in last week's game with Abingdon in which goalkeeper Holly Robinson was taken to hospital with a nasty head injury) and the Reading Half-Marathon, played the entire game with 10. A Beth Hawtin hat-trick, two from Ellie Owen and goals from Charlotte Bigmore, Anaya Grey, Isabel Hughes, Frida Ives and Olivia Ward, saw Abingdon through to face Stoneham in the semi-final
Caversham posted this message after the game. A lovely gesture from Abingdon. Best wishes to Holly for a speedy recovery.
Goals from Keira Isaac and Courtney Sumner were not enough for the Greens as they lost out in this quarter-final tie. You can watch all of the Stoneham goals on their Facebook page. Tiegan Stevens and Chloe Marshall both score twice for Stoneham with Abbie Awdas nodding home their other goal.
Stoneham will face Abingdon United Development in the semi-final.
Bournemouth Sports Reserves 2-1 Bursledon
Sports recorded their first win of any kind since they beat QK back in October last year. Emma Whall put them ahead in the 12th minute, only for Alice Floyd-Barrow to level the scores seven minutes later. The game remained that way until deep into second half added time when, on 94 minutes, Anastasia Hnatiw hit the winner sending Bournemouth through to face Premier League Oxford City in the semi-final.
Caversham United 0-9 Abingdon United Development
A Goats side missing a number of key players through a combination of injury (one of which came in last week's game with Abingdon in which goalkeeper Holly Robinson was taken to hospital with a nasty head injury) and the Reading Half-Marathon, played the entire game with 10. A Beth Hawtin hat-trick, two from Ellie Owen and goals from Charlotte Bigmore, Anaya Grey, Isabel Hughes, Frida Ives and Olivia Ward, saw Abingdon through to face Stoneham in the semi-final
Caversham posted this message after the game. A lovely gesture from Abingdon. Best wishes to Holly for a speedy recovery.
Fixtures Sunday 30th March 2025
PREMIER LEAGUE
Badshot Lea v Winchester City Flyers
With two games remaining, Badshot Lea still hold the one point lead over Selsey. The battle to avoid bottom spot looks like it is going to the wire. The Baggies have been a little unfortunate to lose their last three games by the same 1-0 score line, especially as one was against leaders Ascot United. Flyers, fresh from NHDA Cup Final success and League Cup semi-final victory, are safe in mid-table. They won the reverse fixture 4-1 back in October
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF
Oxford City v Reading
Last weekend's 3-3 draw with Woodley took Reading into double points figures for the season. City, meanwhile, will be looking to secure third spot to add to their upcoming Chairman's Cup semi-final. The reverse fixture in September ended in a 5-0 win for Oxford.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ
Selsey v AFC Portchester
Games are rapidly running out for Selsey. This is their final home game with a trip to champions-elect Ascot to come. Still a point adrift at the bottom but with a better goal difference, a point could make all the difference. Portchester will have third place, possibly even second, in their sights though and having already beaten Selsey 6-1 earlier in the season, they'll be full of confidence.
Seal Bay Stadium, High Street, Selsey, PO20 0QG
Woodley United v Ascot United
This will be the fourth meeting between the clubs this season and, thus far, it's not been a happy union for Woodley. The opening day 11-0 defeat was followed by a 8-2 FA Cup exit. They were followed by a 4-1 League Cup defeat in November. However, all of these games were at The Racecourse Ground. Will a change of venue produce a change of fortune?
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE
With two games remaining, Badshot Lea still hold the one point lead over Selsey. The battle to avoid bottom spot looks like it is going to the wire. The Baggies have been a little unfortunate to lose their last three games by the same 1-0 score line, especially as one was against leaders Ascot United. Flyers, fresh from NHDA Cup Final success and League Cup semi-final victory, are safe in mid-table. They won the reverse fixture 4-1 back in October
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF
Oxford City v Reading
Last weekend's 3-3 draw with Woodley took Reading into double points figures for the season. City, meanwhile, will be looking to secure third spot to add to their upcoming Chairman's Cup semi-final. The reverse fixture in September ended in a 5-0 win for Oxford.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ
Selsey v AFC Portchester
Games are rapidly running out for Selsey. This is their final home game with a trip to champions-elect Ascot to come. Still a point adrift at the bottom but with a better goal difference, a point could make all the difference. Portchester will have third place, possibly even second, in their sights though and having already beaten Selsey 6-1 earlier in the season, they'll be full of confidence.
Seal Bay Stadium, High Street, Selsey, PO20 0QG
Woodley United v Ascot United
This will be the fourth meeting between the clubs this season and, thus far, it's not been a happy union for Woodley. The opening day 11-0 defeat was followed by a 8-2 FA Cup exit. They were followed by a 4-1 League Cup defeat in November. However, all of these games were at The Racecourse Ground. Will a change of venue produce a change of fortune?
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE
DIVISION ONE NORTH
Ascot United Reserves v Slough Town
The significance of this game depends upon the outcome of the postponed meeting between Ascot and Beaconsfield, originally scheduled for March 3rd. If Ascot only have two games remaining, then they are out of the race. If they still have three, one against The Rams, then they need to win this one to stay in with a chance of catching the leaders. Earlier in the season, at Arbour Park, United left with the points thanks to two goals from Sarah Jones and another from Laura Moss. Slough are safe from danger, but will want to finish as high as possible. A win could lift them to 7th.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ
Kidlington Youth v Abingdon United Development
A mid-table tussle. Victory would take Kidlington to within four points of fifth placed Abingdon. Earlier in the season, in the reverse fixture, A Grace Craven hat-trick secured the points and a 3-2 win for Kidlington. That was despite Charlotte Bigmore scoring twice for United.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB
Penn & Tylers Green v Milton United
Sunday's defeat to Beaconsfield has almost put paid to Penn's title challenge. However, they will continue to fight until it is mathematically over. All they can do is try to win every game and hope for a slip from The Rams. The reverse fixture in early March ended 3-1 to Penn with goals from Ellie Lovelock, Tara Woodward and Holly Wyncoll. Securing the points despite a red card for Sarah Harrison.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG
Tilehurst Panthers v Chesham United Development
Chesham's last game of the season. A win would consign Caversham to bottom spot unless the Goats were to win their remaining two games and overcome an 18 goal difference. However, Tilehurst won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in February despite a late fightback from United, who scored twice in the closing 5 minutes. Last weekend's defeat of Milton United was Panthers' first league win at home.
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY
The significance of this game depends upon the outcome of the postponed meeting between Ascot and Beaconsfield, originally scheduled for March 3rd. If Ascot only have two games remaining, then they are out of the race. If they still have three, one against The Rams, then they need to win this one to stay in with a chance of catching the leaders. Earlier in the season, at Arbour Park, United left with the points thanks to two goals from Sarah Jones and another from Laura Moss. Slough are safe from danger, but will want to finish as high as possible. A win could lift them to 7th.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ
Kidlington Youth v Abingdon United Development
A mid-table tussle. Victory would take Kidlington to within four points of fifth placed Abingdon. Earlier in the season, in the reverse fixture, A Grace Craven hat-trick secured the points and a 3-2 win for Kidlington. That was despite Charlotte Bigmore scoring twice for United.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB
Penn & Tylers Green v Milton United
Sunday's defeat to Beaconsfield has almost put paid to Penn's title challenge. However, they will continue to fight until it is mathematically over. All they can do is try to win every game and hope for a slip from The Rams. The reverse fixture in early March ended 3-1 to Penn with goals from Ellie Lovelock, Tara Woodward and Holly Wyncoll. Securing the points despite a red card for Sarah Harrison.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG
Tilehurst Panthers v Chesham United Development
Chesham's last game of the season. A win would consign Caversham to bottom spot unless the Goats were to win their remaining two games and overcome an 18 goal difference. However, Tilehurst won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in February despite a late fightback from United, who scored twice in the closing 5 minutes. Last weekend's defeat of Milton United was Panthers' first league win at home.
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY
DIVISION ONE SOUTH
Wimborne Town v Fleet Town
Wimborne's final two games of the season are both against Fleet. They start with their final home game this weekend before going to Fleet on April 27th to complete the campaign. Fleet are just a point off top spot with three games in hand on Havant, so victory on Sunday would take them to the summit.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU
Wimborne's final two games of the season are both against Fleet. They start with their final home game this weekend before going to Fleet on April 27th to complete the campaign. Fleet are just a point off top spot with three games in hand on Havant, so victory on Sunday would take them to the summit.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU
SDFA
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