As a former West Brom season ticket holder, I make no apologies for this weeks blog title. However, the subject of the title is not the greatest football club in the Midlands. It is aimed at Badshot Lea Ladies, who clocked up only their second win of the season at the weekend, almost 6 months since their first win on the opening day of the season. Elsewhere in the Premier League, Ascot continued to set the pace, winning 4-2 at Wycombe. Abingdon's Development team applied the brakes, albeit only slightly, to Long Crendon's title charge with a 2-2 draw at The Northcourt. In the South the top three all won, so it's as you were for now.
Premier League
Top of the Table - Ascot United : Top Scorer - Ellie White (21), Oxford City
Eastleigh 2-3 Badshot Lea
Eleanor Chambers, Alyssa Hall and Holly Montgomery were all on the mark in a first half that saw bottom of the table Badshot Lea storm into a three goal lead, which they held until the break. The Baggies then survived a second half fightback from Eastleigh, who managed to get two back through Catherine Browning, holding on for only their second win of the season.
Oxford City 5-1 Winchester City Flyers
After two defeats and a draw in their last three league outings, City got back to winning ways in some style. Top scorer Ellie White was back amongst the goals with a brace. Billie Bough-French also netted twice with captain Georgina Tayman hitting the other goal. It was all too much for Flyers who's single response came from Libby Wilkinson.
Woodley United P-P Bournemouth Sports
Wycombe Wanderers 2-4 Ascot United
In a game that swung to and fro, Amelia Kimble gave Ascot the lead in the 18th minute. This was quickly cancelled out by Kine Anderson. The Yellawomen then lost the goalkeeper Nicole Spittle to injury after less than half an hour but not before Anderson had put the Chairgirls in front. Five minutes before the break Kimble was on target again to send the sides in all-square. The league leaders took the game to their hosts in the second-half and hit them with a double-whammy. First Philippa Holden from the spot and then, a minute later, Sarah Jones, following up on Tiff Skinner's shot. You can read the match report on the Ascot United web site.
Eleanor Chambers, Alyssa Hall and Holly Montgomery were all on the mark in a first half that saw bottom of the table Badshot Lea storm into a three goal lead, which they held until the break. The Baggies then survived a second half fightback from Eastleigh, who managed to get two back through Catherine Browning, holding on for only their second win of the season.
Oxford City 5-1 Winchester City Flyers
After two defeats and a draw in their last three league outings, City got back to winning ways in some style. Top scorer Ellie White was back amongst the goals with a brace. Billie Bough-French also netted twice with captain Georgina Tayman hitting the other goal. It was all too much for Flyers who's single response came from Libby Wilkinson.
Woodley United P-P Bournemouth Sports
Wycombe Wanderers 2-4 Ascot United
In a game that swung to and fro, Amelia Kimble gave Ascot the lead in the 18th minute. This was quickly cancelled out by Kine Anderson. The Yellawomen then lost the goalkeeper Nicole Spittle to injury after less than half an hour but not before Anderson had put the Chairgirls in front. Five minutes before the break Kimble was on target again to send the sides in all-square. The league leaders took the game to their hosts in the second-half and hit them with a double-whammy. First Philippa Holden from the spot and then, a minute later, Sarah Jones, following up on Tiff Skinner's shot. You can read the match report on the Ascot United web site.
Division One North
Top of the Table - Long Crendon : Top Scorer - Henna Hussain (22), Penn & Tylers Green
Abingdon United Development 2-2 Long Crendon
United, with goals from Mimi Hodges and Erin Hartigan, ended Long Crendon's long wining streak with a battling draw at the Northcourt. Two Michelle Bailey goals helped the leaders retain their unbeaten run and they are still odds-on to take the title in the next few games.
United, with goals from Mimi Hodges and Erin Hartigan, ended Long Crendon's long wining streak with a battling draw at the Northcourt. Two Michelle Bailey goals helped the leaders retain their unbeaten run and they are still odds-on to take the title in the next few games.
Division One South
Top of the Table - Havant & Waterlooville : Top Scorer - Chloe Melton (27), AFC Stoneham
AFC Portchester 8-1 Rushmoor
When you are taking on a team that averages almost six per game at home, the last thing you need is to lose your only goalkeeper after 10 minutes, but that's what happened to Rushmoor when Kim Marshall unluckily saw red for handling outside the area. The home side took full advantage of the situation to keep up their impressive league record. Four from Eilidh Currie, a hat-trick from Nat Bavister and a goal from Aimee Hall-Guy gave them a comfortable win. That was despite Cristina Paulinho's first half goal for Rushmoor, and Portchy having Mille Bradbury sent off in the second half. Two reds in what I am told was a game played in the right spirit, even if the conditions were not great.
Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-3 AFC Stoneham
Sports last game of the season sees them finish with 21 points, safely ensconced in mid-table. A good showing for their first season at this level. However it was Stoneham who took the points on Sunday, keeping up the pressure at the top of the table. Two from Lia Delaney and yet another Chloe Melton goal was enough to give the Purps a 3-0 victory. The run-in to Division One South looks set to go to the wire.
Fleet Town 0-4 Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks maintained their lead at the top and kept up the pressure on the chasing pack. It's all they can do at this stage. Emma-Jane May struck twice with Tia Hooper and Emily Wernham grabbing the other two goals. Fleet's search for points continues. They are still six adrift at the bottom but do have four games in hand on Rushmoor, who still have to visit the Mustard Seed Stadium.
Woking 7-2 Abbey Rangers
The Cards completed a derby-day league double over their rivals. Two Charlotte Keenan strikes and an own goal had the hosts three up at half-time. Leah Robertson then pulled a goal back for Rangers only for Keenan to secure her hat-trick before Gabriella Hobday made it 5-1 after 68 minutes. Helen Ogle then added her name to the score sheet before Lisa Smith pulled a late goal back for Abbey. However, they couldn't even have the final say as Trudy Bryan-Kerr completed the scoring just before the final whistle. Read the match report on the Woking web site.
When you are taking on a team that averages almost six per game at home, the last thing you need is to lose your only goalkeeper after 10 minutes, but that's what happened to Rushmoor when Kim Marshall unluckily saw red for handling outside the area. The home side took full advantage of the situation to keep up their impressive league record. Four from Eilidh Currie, a hat-trick from Nat Bavister and a goal from Aimee Hall-Guy gave them a comfortable win. That was despite Cristina Paulinho's first half goal for Rushmoor, and Portchy having Mille Bradbury sent off in the second half. Two reds in what I am told was a game played in the right spirit, even if the conditions were not great.
Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-3 AFC Stoneham
Sports last game of the season sees them finish with 21 points, safely ensconced in mid-table. A good showing for their first season at this level. However it was Stoneham who took the points on Sunday, keeping up the pressure at the top of the table. Two from Lia Delaney and yet another Chloe Melton goal was enough to give the Purps a 3-0 victory. The run-in to Division One South looks set to go to the wire.
Fleet Town 0-4 Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks maintained their lead at the top and kept up the pressure on the chasing pack. It's all they can do at this stage. Emma-Jane May struck twice with Tia Hooper and Emily Wernham grabbing the other two goals. Fleet's search for points continues. They are still six adrift at the bottom but do have four games in hand on Rushmoor, who still have to visit the Mustard Seed Stadium.
Woking 7-2 Abbey Rangers
The Cards completed a derby-day league double over their rivals. Two Charlotte Keenan strikes and an own goal had the hosts three up at half-time. Leah Robertson then pulled a goal back for Rangers only for Keenan to secure her hat-trick before Gabriella Hobday made it 5-1 after 68 minutes. Helen Ogle then added her name to the score sheet before Lisa Smith pulled a late goal back for Abbey. However, they couldn't even have the final say as Trudy Bryan-Kerr completed the scoring just before the final whistle. Read the match report on the Woking web site.
Cup Matches
Chairman's Cup
Eversley & California 2-2 (p4-3) Milton United
A first half goal from Olivia Mansell was not enough to prevent The Boars from going into the break 2-1 down. However, just before the hour Keira Lourdes squared the game again giving the hosts a platform to edge through 4-3 on penalties.
Kidlington 0-0 (p1-4) Penn & Tylers Green
Nothing at all to separate the sides over 90 minutes, despite the home side having the lion's share of possession. It was a different matter in the shootout, with Penn showing their hosts the way, progressing 4-1 from the spot.
League Cup - Tuesday 27th February
Havant & Waterlooville 2-1 AFC Portchester
The Hawks progressed to the final of the League Cup after a narrow defeat of league rivals AFC Portchester. Mia Gardner scored in the 13th minute for Havant but the sides went in level at the break after a 38th minute equaliser for Portchy. However, an Emily Wernham strike ten minutes into the second half was enough to see the Hawks through. Havant will face either Bournemouth Sports or Ascot United in the final.
Eversley & California 2-2 (p4-3) Milton United
A first half goal from Olivia Mansell was not enough to prevent The Boars from going into the break 2-1 down. However, just before the hour Keira Lourdes squared the game again giving the hosts a platform to edge through 4-3 on penalties.
Kidlington 0-0 (p1-4) Penn & Tylers Green
Nothing at all to separate the sides over 90 minutes, despite the home side having the lion's share of possession. It was a different matter in the shootout, with Penn showing their hosts the way, progressing 4-1 from the spot.
League Cup - Tuesday 27th February
Havant & Waterlooville 2-1 AFC Portchester
The Hawks progressed to the final of the League Cup after a narrow defeat of league rivals AFC Portchester. Mia Gardner scored in the 13th minute for Havant but the sides went in level at the break after a 38th minute equaliser for Portchy. However, an Emily Wernham strike ten minutes into the second half was enough to see the Hawks through. Havant will face either Bournemouth Sports or Ascot United in the final.
Fixtures - Sunday March 3rd
Premier
Badshot Lea v Wycombe Wanderers
The Baggies, fresh from their second victory of a long, tough season, take on mid-table Wycombe in the knowledge that winning this game in hand would put them within a point of second from bottom Winchester City Flyers. The reverse fixture, played in October, was a tight affair only decided by a single, second-half strike from Bobby Lynch. That was enough to give the Chairgirls the points. A win for Wanderers would take them fourth, level on points with third-placed Oxford City.
Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF
Division One North
Caversham United v Abingdon United Development
The Goats remain three points (effectively four with their goal difference deficit) from safety and have played four more games than their nearest rivals. Mimi Hodges (2), Freya Gilmore (2) and Iva Geogievska scored in the reverse fixture as Abingdon cruised to a 5-0 victory. The Yellows held Long Crendon to a 2-2 draw at the weekend whilst Caversham have not played since their cup defeat at Woking on February 11th.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD
Kidlington v Milton United
Kidlington are currently in second spot but it's Milton who probably have the slightly better chance of catching Long Crendon if, and it's a big ask, they can win their games in hand. Kidlington have already taken three points off United this season, a two-goal haul from Courtney Sumner taking them to a 2-1 victory at The Heights in September. Both teams exited the Chairman's Cup on penalties last weekend.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB
League Cup
Bournemouth Sports v Ascot United
The top two in the league go head to head in the League Cup ahead of the critical league encounter in a couple of weeks time. As a pointer to this game, the sides have met once before this season, back in early October at The Racecourse Ground. Becky Miles and Rosie Eden had Sports 2-0 up at the break. However, Ascot roared back in the second period with goals From Sarah Leonard and Amelia Kimble squaring it up.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.
Oxfordshire County Cup
Oxford City v Oxford University
Time to try again with this local derby. Oxford University play within the British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) system. As their own web site stats, they train and play games all aimed at their main goal, beating Cambridge in the annual Varsity game. Both teams received a bye in Round 1. In the Second Round City won 4-2 at Tower Hill whilst OU were thrashing Goring United 6-1 away from home. In the Quarter-Final The Hoops beat Kidlington 3-0. The University team were awarded their scheduled tie at Easington Sports, setting up this clash. The winners will take on either Oxford United or Thame United in the Final.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ
Chairman's Cup Quarter-Finals
Beaconsfield Town v Penn & Tylers Green
Something of a local derby between two sides who both play in Division One North. They have met just once so far this season and that was way back on the opening day. On that occasion, also played at Holloways Park, the visitors gave The Rams a harsh welcome to the Southern Region League. Rebecca Stopforth hit a hat-trick, Henna Hussain struck twice and there were also goals for Rachel Harnby, Ellie Ludgate-Williams and Evie Matthews. Beaconsfield replied with two second-half goals through Lucy Casey but it wasn't enough to prevent Penn clocking up an 8-2 victory.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE
Fleet Town v Eversley & California
South versus North. Neither team has set their respective league alight this season, so the promise of a cup semi-final is a big incentive for both teams. Eversley's recent form has been patchy, with a win, a loss and a draw in their last three. Fleet have yet to taste victory in the league but are a different team when it comes to cup competitions.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA
Long Crendon v Chesham United Development
Two league-mates who have already met twice this season. The current league leaders, Long Crendon, have won on both occasions, 5-2 at Chesham on the opening day and, just a couple of weeks back, a 4-0 victory at Chearsley Road. Despite that fact, Chesham have had a good first season at this level and currently sit in fifth spot with genuine ambitions to finish higher. They are only five points off second spot.
Long Crendon Recreation Ground, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon HP18 9BS
Woking v Winchester City Flyers
An interesting tie between a confident Division One South side, Woking, and a Premier League side who have had mixed recent results. On the plus side, Flyers have won more games on the road than they have at home this term. They'll need to be on their guard against a Cards side who have something of a ruthless streak about them, as shown in their recent 11-1 defeat of Rushmoor and 13-0 demolition of Caversham United in the previous round of this competition.
Eastwood Leisure Centre, Albert Drive, Sheerwater, Woking GU22 5RF
Combined Counties Women's Cup
Fulham v Havant & Waterlooville
A tough draw for The Hawks as they make the trip to the capital to take on a Fulham side sitting second in the London & South East Premier League. Fulham are unbeaten at home this season, having won seven and drawn two so far. They are also the division's top scorers with 51 goals, 32 of which have been scored on their own patch. Of course, Havant are no slouches themselves. Currently top of Division One South, through to the League Cup Final and, although not as prolific up front, have an extremely good defensive record, only conceding 15 goals in 13 league games this season.
Training Ground, Motspur Park, New Malden, KT3 6PT
Badshot Lea v Wycombe Wanderers
The Baggies, fresh from their second victory of a long, tough season, take on mid-table Wycombe in the knowledge that winning this game in hand would put them within a point of second from bottom Winchester City Flyers. The reverse fixture, played in October, was a tight affair only decided by a single, second-half strike from Bobby Lynch. That was enough to give the Chairgirls the points. A win for Wanderers would take them fourth, level on points with third-placed Oxford City.
Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF
Division One North
Caversham United v Abingdon United Development
The Goats remain three points (effectively four with their goal difference deficit) from safety and have played four more games than their nearest rivals. Mimi Hodges (2), Freya Gilmore (2) and Iva Geogievska scored in the reverse fixture as Abingdon cruised to a 5-0 victory. The Yellows held Long Crendon to a 2-2 draw at the weekend whilst Caversham have not played since their cup defeat at Woking on February 11th.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD
Kidlington v Milton United
Kidlington are currently in second spot but it's Milton who probably have the slightly better chance of catching Long Crendon if, and it's a big ask, they can win their games in hand. Kidlington have already taken three points off United this season, a two-goal haul from Courtney Sumner taking them to a 2-1 victory at The Heights in September. Both teams exited the Chairman's Cup on penalties last weekend.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB
League Cup
Bournemouth Sports v Ascot United
The top two in the league go head to head in the League Cup ahead of the critical league encounter in a couple of weeks time. As a pointer to this game, the sides have met once before this season, back in early October at The Racecourse Ground. Becky Miles and Rosie Eden had Sports 2-0 up at the break. However, Ascot roared back in the second period with goals From Sarah Leonard and Amelia Kimble squaring it up.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.
Oxfordshire County Cup
Oxford City v Oxford University
Time to try again with this local derby. Oxford University play within the British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) system. As their own web site stats, they train and play games all aimed at their main goal, beating Cambridge in the annual Varsity game. Both teams received a bye in Round 1. In the Second Round City won 4-2 at Tower Hill whilst OU were thrashing Goring United 6-1 away from home. In the Quarter-Final The Hoops beat Kidlington 3-0. The University team were awarded their scheduled tie at Easington Sports, setting up this clash. The winners will take on either Oxford United or Thame United in the Final.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ
Chairman's Cup Quarter-Finals
Beaconsfield Town v Penn & Tylers Green
Something of a local derby between two sides who both play in Division One North. They have met just once so far this season and that was way back on the opening day. On that occasion, also played at Holloways Park, the visitors gave The Rams a harsh welcome to the Southern Region League. Rebecca Stopforth hit a hat-trick, Henna Hussain struck twice and there were also goals for Rachel Harnby, Ellie Ludgate-Williams and Evie Matthews. Beaconsfield replied with two second-half goals through Lucy Casey but it wasn't enough to prevent Penn clocking up an 8-2 victory.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE
Fleet Town v Eversley & California
South versus North. Neither team has set their respective league alight this season, so the promise of a cup semi-final is a big incentive for both teams. Eversley's recent form has been patchy, with a win, a loss and a draw in their last three. Fleet have yet to taste victory in the league but are a different team when it comes to cup competitions.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA
Long Crendon v Chesham United Development
Two league-mates who have already met twice this season. The current league leaders, Long Crendon, have won on both occasions, 5-2 at Chesham on the opening day and, just a couple of weeks back, a 4-0 victory at Chearsley Road. Despite that fact, Chesham have had a good first season at this level and currently sit in fifth spot with genuine ambitions to finish higher. They are only five points off second spot.
Long Crendon Recreation Ground, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon HP18 9BS
Woking v Winchester City Flyers
An interesting tie between a confident Division One South side, Woking, and a Premier League side who have had mixed recent results. On the plus side, Flyers have won more games on the road than they have at home this term. They'll need to be on their guard against a Cards side who have something of a ruthless streak about them, as shown in their recent 11-1 defeat of Rushmoor and 13-0 demolition of Caversham United in the previous round of this competition.
Eastwood Leisure Centre, Albert Drive, Sheerwater, Woking GU22 5RF
Combined Counties Women's Cup
Fulham v Havant & Waterlooville
A tough draw for The Hawks as they make the trip to the capital to take on a Fulham side sitting second in the London & South East Premier League. Fulham are unbeaten at home this season, having won seven and drawn two so far. They are also the division's top scorers with 51 goals, 32 of which have been scored on their own patch. Of course, Havant are no slouches themselves. Currently top of Division One South, through to the League Cup Final and, although not as prolific up front, have an extremely good defensive record, only conceding 15 goals in 13 league games this season.
Training Ground, Motspur Park, New Malden, KT3 6PT
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