Lewes FC Ladies 2016-17

[Sweder]

Match reports and that.

[Sweder]

Lewes FC Ladies 1 Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC 6
FAWPL South, Sunday 18th September 2016
The Dripping Pan, Lewes
 
Spurs came into this fixture flying high at the top of the league. They left with a haul of goals and all three points having delivered a master-class in power, precision and lethal finishing.
 
Lewes knew they would need to be on their mettle to keep the league-leaders at arms’ length, but three goals in the first nine minutes rocked the Rookettes back on their heels. By the time the home side recovered – and they did, bravely matching their opponents in the second half – the points were heading North.
 
Bianca Baptiste, at her hungry, hunting best, fired a warning shot as early as the second minute, her long-range shot rising as it cleared the cross-bar. A minute later the visitors had the lead. West made one firm tackle but couldn’t recover to block the cross and Blanchflower arrived late to finish low past Dolbear.
 
Two minutes later came the goal of the game, perhaps of the season. A swift passing move found Nikita Whinnett, facing away from goal, twelve yards out. She rose, took the ball on her chest and as it dropped, swivelled to smash her volley into the opposite corner. It was a goal of such artistry even the jaded hacks in the press box stood to applaud. 0-2.
 
Six minutes gone, two up, but Spurs were in no mood to let up. Baptiste, feeding off lay-offs and knock-downs from Whinnett and Martin, got her first two minutes later, her low shot squirming under the diving Dolbear. 0-3.
 
Lewes collectively shook their heads and, lead by Newton and the excellent McIntyre, fought their way into the contest. Rebecca Carter chased down a back-pass, forcing a foul on Lane right of the D. Rachel Palmer’s free kick whistled just over Wayne’s crossbar.
 
Tottenham hit cruise control, pinging passes about, looking for spaces. Wendy Martin sprang clear only to find McIntyre on her in a flash, timing her challenge to perfection. West fought as she always does, winning possession, finding Lane who released the ever-lively Carter. Her early shot beat Wayne but cleared the bar by a foot.
 
On 24 minutes Lewes spurned a great chance to turn the tide. McIntyre, at the centre of all good things for the home side, saw her drive checked. Lane picked up the lose ball, found space on the left to send in a pinpoint pass. Stenning, six yards out, lost her marker before chipping her finish straight at Wayne.
 
Kelly Newton, pivotal in the Lewes centre, took a painful blow on her foot. She  lasted only a few minutes before being replaced by Paige Walder on the half hour. Walder, keen to make an impression, found herself in the referee’s book with her first robust challenge, on Martin, a minute later. Eartha Pond struck a thunderous, dipping free kick, missing by inches. Another West challenge gave Pond the chance to show her dead-ball prowess once more, her corner met by Martin’s flying, hammer-head finish at the back post. 0-4.
 
West was pulled up for a strong challenge wide on the Lewes left. Pond fired in another fierce cross, met on the volley by Baptistse on the edge of the box. You don’t stop those. 0-5. HT
 
After the break Spurs brought Renee Hector on for the excellent Pond, Megan Lynch replacing Toni-Anne Wayne in goal. Baptiste spurned two early chances before Lewes upped a gear. Stenning won the ball, found Capon who centred for Walder as Lynch just beat her to the ball. Carter, tireless, took on Keown at full tilt. The Spurs defender backed off before timing her challenge as Carter showed too much of the ball.
 
On the hour Spurs brought Cheryl Williams on for Blanchflower. Schillaci, hugging the left touch-line, got away after a call for the ball in behind, Tammy Waine wise to the move to intercept. Lewes kept coming and on 62 minutes got the goal their endeavour deserved. Carter raced onto a well-timed Kim Stenning pass, rounding Lynch before slotting calmly into the bottom left corner. 1-5.
 
Just as it looked like Lewes might win the second half, Bianca Baptiste finished off her hat-trick with the best of the lot, timing her run perfectly to pick up a great pass before smashing her finish high into the Lewes net. 1-6.
 
Lewes MvP as chosen by match sponsor Martlets Builders was Rebecca ‘Chewie’ Carter. Tammy Waine and Hayley West worked hard against strong opponents, but for my money Katie McIntyre was outstanding.  

For Spurs, Martin worked tirelessly, Pond’s deliveries caused chaos and Baptiste had a game to remember, but Nikita Whinnett’s finish, just 6 minutes in, was good enough to win a cup final.
 
Lewes have two weeks without a fixture. The next home game is a rematch under the floodlights with Pompey Ladies on Wednesday 5th October. Manager John Donoghue will take that time to assess and reset his squad after a tough run of games. As for Tottenham, I think we have just seen the favourites for the FAWPL South.
 
Lewes: Lauren Dolbear, Hayley West, Tammy Waine, Katie McIntyre, Claire Capon, Kelly Newton, Sian Heather, Danielle Lane, Rebecca Carter, Rachel Palmer, Kim Stenning
Subs: Gabby Baldock, Paige Walder, Charlie Carter, Georgia Bridges
 
Spurs: Toni-Anne Wayne,  Lucia Leon, Alex Keown, Jenna Schillaci, Eartha Pond, Sophie McLean, Rhianna Scoobadoo, Wendy Martin, Kelley Blanchflower, Nikita Whinnett, Bianca Baptiste
Subs: Mehan Lynch, Cheryl Williams, Josie Green, Shannon Maloney, Renee Hector

   
Rookmeister & Gingeraction discuss the game over a Curly Wurly

[Bierzo Baggie]

Up the Rookettes!!
Didn't know you could still buy curly wurlies...

[Sweder]

Lewes FC Ladies 1 Portsmouth LFC 2
FA WPL, Dripping Pan, Lewes
Weds 5th October 7.45pm
 
PORTSMOUTH TURN THE TIDE TO TAKE THREE POINTS
Lewes rue missed chances to let lead slip
 
Lewes missed several chances to put this game to bed before Portsmouth rallied to mount an impressive comeback under the lights at the Dripping Pan. Both sides were bolstered by recent signings from out-of-season Brighton and Hove Albion, Lewes looking to avenge a narrow 4-3 defeat from the previous encounter.
 
The home side started brightly, led by Rebecca Carter, an effervescent striker who looked to be in mean mood from the off. In defence Leeta Rutherford, just signed from Portsmouth, teamed up with the excellent Tammy Waine in the Lewes defence.
 
Portsmouth lost Gemma Hillier to injury on 15 minutes as the hosts took a grip, and ten minutes later, the lead. Hayley West found the perfect pass inside, unleashing Carter who raced in to beat Trodd to the ball and slot home. 
1-0.
 
Carter should have doubled her tally before the break, stealing in after Trodd saved Barton’s long-ranger. Trodd made herself big, Carter blasting over rather than taking the ball round the keeper. HT 1-0
 
If Lewes thought the job was done they were soon reminded of what a tough league this is. Lisa Fulgence, on loan from BHA, punished them twice. First a mix-up in the Lewes defence left keeper Dolbear stranded, Fulgence gleefully sliding the ball into an unguarded net.
 
Ten minutes later Lewes committed a cardinal sin. Firmly believing Fulgence to be offside they appealed as one. Fulgence, in the spirit of ‘play to the whistle’, continued her run to finish unopposed. The assistant’s flag remained down, and after a brief consultation the goal was awarded. 1-2.
 
Lewes lost the injured Carter, replaced by Georgia Bridges, but not their attacking momentum. Bridges’s pacey style offering Portsmouth plenty to ponder. Sarah Kempson ran the midfield for Pompey, setting up chances for Natkiel, who forced a brilliant save from Dolbear on 75 minutes. Barton and Natkiel both saw chances wide before the end. FT 1-2
 
Lewes boss John Donoghue:
‘Portsmouth worked their socks off, with no little quality. They’ve added to their team, which is obviously significant for them. But so have we, and I think we were very good in the first half.’
 
Lewes: Lauren Dolbear, Hayley West, Tammy Waine, Katie McIntyre ©, Leeta Rutherford, Kirsty Barton, Sian Heather, Danni Lane, Rebecca Carter, Rachel Palmer, Kim Stenning
Subs: Charlotte Young, Georgia Bridges

[Sweder]

LATE DRAMA AS LEWES STUN SWINDON
Manager sent to the stands; Bridges hits 98th minute winner

Georgia Bridges struck a stunning winner to take all three points from this action-packed FA WPL match. Lewes had drawn level through a close-range Kirsty Barton strike ten minutes from time, having fallen behind earlier in the half to a superb free kick from Swindon skipper Michelle Rich.

Just as they had against Portsmouth, Lewes dominated the first 45 minutes. That they failed to find the net wasn’t for lack of effort. Rebecca Carter fashioned three good chances, the last thwarted only by a brave stop from Swindon’s player of the match, goal-keeper Robyn Levett.

Rachel Palmer, operating in an attacking wide role, almost opened the scoring when she beat Levett from 20 yards, only to see her curled effort hit the cross-bar. By contrast, Swindon’s players were fully occupied in defence, Chenise Austin the pick of the home outfield players. HT 0-0

The match restarted in similar fashion, Kirsty Barton supporting Carter, Sian Heather and Kim Stenning. Barton looked in mean mood, seeing a shot cleared off the line and her follow-up to a superb Katie McIntyre run and shot drift wide. Rutherford came close, connecting well with a McIntyre corner to volley just over.

Swindon brought Chyna Collings on for Samantha Hallsworth. Just inside the hour Charlotte Young fouled Collings 25 yards out. Rich stepped up to strike a superb free kick that saw Dolbear get a touch on the ball as it flew into the net. 1-0 (58).

Lewes continued to press, the excellent Tammy Waine starting attacks from the back. Lewes brought Dani Lane on for Heather, Swindon Picton for Wathan. Lane added drive and penetration to the Lewes right, creating chances for Carter and the tireless Barton, who induced a superb, full-stretch save from Levett.

Steve Robertson made his final change on 75 minutes, bringing Sandy Abi-Elias on for the tiring Ellie Maynard. Two minutes later Lewes manager Donoghue made a double change that turned the game on its head. Paige Walder and Georgia Bridges replaced Young and Stenning. Within a minute, Lewes were level. Levett somehow clawed the ball off the line. McIntyre delivered from the left, Walder rose high to flick on as Barton raced into the box to smash home. 1-1 (81).

Swindon responded, forcing a corner of their own, but it was a rare visit to the Lewes half. On 89 minutes Walder rose highest again, her header well directed, yet again Levett was there to make the save. Moments later the assistant called referee Alan Baldwin across to speak to Steve Robertson. There followed a baffling exchange, which ended with Mr Baldwin asking Mr Robertson to leave the dugout. Robertson did so, but not far enough. It took several minutes before Mr Baldwin was satisfied. The game restarted, now well into added time.

Lewes pressed, Swindon resisted, until, in the 98th minute, Bridges took possession 18 yards out. She saw Levett advancing and calmly lifted the ball over the keeper into the top left corner to win the match, sending the Lewes bench spilling from the dugout and the away fans delirious. FT 1-2

There’s little doubt that the pantomime with the Swindon manager unsettled his team. They defended bravely, virtually non-stop since taking the lead, and deserved a point. The break in play disrupted the home side and gave Lewes the chance to regroup. There’s no denying the quality of the winning strike, however, and Lewes won’t complain as they return from Wiltshire three much-needed points.



Swindon: Robyn Levett, Alice Smith, Samantha Hallsworth, Chenise Austin, Sam Quinn, Alison Witts, Michelle Rich ©, Guard, Amy Wathan, Georgia Walters, Ellie Maynard
Subs: Chyna Collings, Sandy Abi-Elias, Steph Houston, Abby Picton, Sylvannah Winstone

Lewes: Lauren Dolbear, Hayley West, Tammy Waine, Katie McIntyre ©, Leeta Rutherford, Kirsty Barton, Sian Heather, Charlotte Young, Rebecca Carter, Rachel Palmer, Kim Stenning
Subs: Dani Lane, Paige Walder, Georgia Bridge, Kelly Newton

[Sweder]

Solid Win Sees Lewes Advance In FA Cup
Lewes FC ladies 5 Brislington LFC 0

SSE Women’s FA Cup 1st Round
Sunday 4th December 2016
The Dripping Pan, Lewes

Lewes Ladies cruised into round two of the SSE Woman’s FA Cup with a strong showing against Brislington LFC. A crisp, sunny day at the Dripping Pan offered cold comfort for the visitors once the home team hit their stride.

A perfectly observed minute’s silence gave all present pause to consider the recent Chapecoense tragedy before the game started under clear skies.

Early exchanges saw Lewes on top with close to 80% possession. Rusty after weeks of postponed matches, Lewes took time to find their rhythm. They moved the ball well through midfield, but found the combination of a dogged defence and firm ground tough to break down. Rutherford and West had little to do for much of the game, patrolling the back line hungry for challenges, supporting their midfield in attack.

Georgia Bridges, up front in the absence of the injured Rebecca Carter, fed on supply from Sian Heather and Dani Lane. Lane clearly enjoyed her free-roaming role, popping up inside left and right, working with Paige Walder and Katie McIntyre to prize an opening.

Early chances for Bridges and Lane, created by Walder and a peach of a pass from Leeta Rutherford, went begging. Brislington worked their socks off, Rogers and Whelan impressive in their industry, Zoe Gunter giving everything for the cause, taking a fierce drive full in the face.

Natasha Wells, returning to the Lewes first team, struck the post with a header, meeting a smart cross from Bridges in typically full-bloodied fashion. Bridges eluded her marker to bear down on goal, only to see her shot blocked at the near post by alert ‘keeper Tallulah Wheeler.

On the half-hour Lewes broke through. Dani Lane, running at the Brislington back four, pulled the ball back to the unmarked Bridges who finished low to Wheeler’s left from 12 yards. 1-0.

Rogers picked up a caution for a lunge on Wells, though Wells hurdled the challenge to tear in on the left to feed Bridges, who shot wide. Brislington fought back, Zoe Gunter hitting a shot just wide after a smart turn. Bridges came close to doubling the lead, her first-time curled shot-on-the-run beating Wheeler before grazing the upright. HT 1-0.

The second half saw more of the same. Brislington fought bravely, players making blocks and tackles that ceded a string of corners that the hosts could not convert. Apparently frustrated by her team-mates’ errant finishing, Lane took matters into her own hands. Beating three defenders she drove in from the left before calmly passing the ball past Wheeler into the opposite corner. 2-0 (53)

Still Lewes pressed, still Brislington resisted. Walder smashed a shot into Ham Lane, Lane sent Bridges through only for Chelsea Heal to get a toe in. On 66 minutes, Lewes brought Kim Stenning on for the hard-working Bridges, Brislington Sophie Allen for Gunter.

The changes suited the home side. As Brislington figured out who would pick up Stenning, Lane picked up possession on the left, slipped inside and curled the ball high past Wheeler from 16 yards. 3-0 (68)

Walder warmed to her playmaker role, pinging a pin-point pass to Heather who’s cross was blocked by Whelan. Walder raced in to keep the ball alive, Stenning’s resulting shot well saved by Wheeler. Stenning, out on the right, picked out Wells with a fine ball, the well-struck volley rattling the cross-bar.

Charlie Carter replaced Rachel Palmer for Lewes. Georgia Vandries warmed the hands of the traveling support with a smart turn, her fierce shot flying just over. Lewes attacked and after another accurate Walder feed, Kim Stenning belted the ball past Wheeler for 4-0 (82).

Despite the relentless assault Brislington refused to lay down, taking the game to Lewes and forcing a corner, a fine delivery well-taken by Dolbear. Wells made way for debutant Hayley Bridge. Four minutes later Bridge marked her arrival with a thunderous finish after yet another perfect pass from MvP Walder. 5-0 (88).

Shannon Osman, jumping for the ball, crumpled in a heap, in obvious pain. She was carried from the field, having apparently aggravated a previous knee injury. FT 5-0

Lewes manager John Donoghue was understandably pleased by his team’s professional performance.

‘I was happy that once we found our rhythm, we dictated play. Brislington offered a good challenge and made it hard for us early on. It’s good to be playing competitive football again and we’ll look to build on this, hopefully now with a run of games.’

Brislington, a friendly and hard-working side, left with their pride intact after a brave performance. Osman was taken on the team bus back to Bristol where she was assessed in A&E. All at Lewes FC Ladies wish her all the best for a swift recovery.

MvP: Paige Walder. Relished the opportunity to run the game in the second half, pipping the excellent Danielle Lane by a whisker.

Lewes: Lauren Dolbear, Hayley West, Rachel Palmer, Katie McIntyre ©, Leeta Rutherford, Claire Capon, Sian Heather, Natasha Wells, Paige Walder, Danielle Lane, Georgia Bridges
Lewes bench: Charlie Carter, Kim Stenning, Hayley Bridge

Brislington: Tallulah Wheeler, Sophie Whelan, Chloe Rogers, Jade Hatton, Polly Wardle, Chelsea Heal, Kim Maggs, Adele Brown, Shannon Osman, Georgia Vandries, Zoe Gunter.
Brislington bench: Sophie Allen


   

[Sweder]

Luton Town Ladies FC 0 Lewes FC Ladies 6
FAWPL Plate Quarter Final
Sunday 18th December 2016

A Rebecca Carter hat-trick in the last fifteen minutes added a sheen to the score-line as Lewes eased through to the semi-finals of the FA WPL Plate.

Playing on a slippery surface surrounded by an open athletics track, the visitors made heavy weather of a first half illuminated by a wonderful strike from Rachel Palmer. Until then Luton proved a match for their higher-ranked opponents, operating two well-drilled banks of four to push Lewes wide and keep the ball out of the danger zone.

Georgia Bridges and Danielle Lane lead the Lewes line, ably supported by Palmer, Paige Walder, Katie McIntyre and the excellent Claire Capon. Capon, making a rare start this season, wore the coveted No 6 jersey. She did her injured captain proud, giving an all-action, 90-minute display that earned her the MvP award.

On fifteen minutes the Luton keeper raced out of her area to reach a through  ball. She handled outside the box and was booked for her troubles. Palmer stepped up to curl a peach of a strike over the wall, over Devoti and into the top corner. 0-1.

Lewes continued to take the game to Luton but the home side stood firm, putting bodies behind the ball and on the line. Tash Wells came close, finishing a good move started by Capon and a clever lay-off by Lane with a dipping shot that beat Devoti and cleared the bar by a foot. HT 0-1.

Lewes used half time to re-set their side. Two minutes after the restart Lane, operating wide right, raced away from her full back to send in a perfect cross for the un-marked Bridges to score from close range. 0-2. 

Luton brought Jenna Moore on for Robinson as the home side fought back into the game. Bridges made a timely interception, racing 20 yards to tackle back as Luton threatened on the left flank.  Joanne Rutherford tried her luck from 25 yards, only to see her effort still rising as it cleared the crossbar. Luton’s revival was soon repelled by McIntyre, leading her midfield with a series of crunching challenges and astute interceptions.

On 65 minutes Devoti made the save of the match. Lane, now at the heart of the Lewes attack, broke inside right and hit a fierce, dipping shot. The Luton keeper dived full stretch, arching her back to tip the ball over the bar. Devoti made another brave stop, this time at the feet of Lane after good build-up from Charlie Carter and Georgia Bridges.

Lewes replaced Bridges and Palmer with Rebecca Carter and Sian Heather on 77 minutes. This effectively ended the contest as fresh Lewes legs left Luton chasing shadows. 2 minutes later Kim Stenning, on for Walder, played in a first-time pass from the left. Rebecca Carter’s well-struck volley hit a defender, spinning past the stranded Devoti. 0-3. 

Luton had barely caught their breath before Carter hit her second, an even more emphatic strike on the turn after good work and a fine pass from Sian Heather. 0-4. Luton were shell-shocked, Lewes rampant. A minute later Carter turned provider, picking out Stenning as she arrived late into the six-yard box to slide home. 0-5. 

There was just time for Carter to complete her hat-trick to end the contest 0-6. 
Even this Solskjaeresque Supersub display wasn’t enough to take MvP from Capon, who ran tirelessly from first whistle to last and set the standard for her team. The score-line is hard on Luton, who worked incredibly hard and created enough to keep the visitors on their toes for over an hour.  

Lewes progress to the semi-finals where they will travel to Leicester City Women on Sunday 5th March. Manager John Donoghue was pleased with the result, if not entirely happy with the time it took for his players to get their passing game going. 

‘I think six-nil flatters us a little. They struggled to cope with Chewie and Sian coming on. Before that I thought we looked rusty. The positives are that we’ve come through the fixture and have a semi-final to look forward to.’

MvP: Claire Capon. Set the standard with an all-action display

Luton Town LFC
Devoti, Carter, Kosky, Robinson, Webster, McKay, Henman, Byron, Soubth, Bellinger, Rutherford
Subs: Moore, Pratt, Tape, Kane

Lewes FC Ladies
Dolbear, West, Carter, McIntyre ©, Waine, Capon, Walder, Wells, Bridges, Lane, Palmer
Subs: Carter (Chewie), Heather, Stenning

[Sweder]

LIVELY LEWES GIVE CARDIFF THE BLUES
Rookettes Knock High-Flying Bluebirds Off Unbeaten Run and Out Of FA Cup 

http://lewesfc.com/2017/01/lively-lewes-...the-blues/

   
Photo: James Boyes

[Sweder]

LEWES PUSH LEAGUE LEADERS TO THE WIRE
Martin Double Denies Brave Rookettes
FAWPL South, Cheshunt FC
Sunday 12th February

A Wendy Martin double, the second a brilliant flicked header five minutes from time, sealed a win and top spot for Spurs after Lewes pushed them all the way. Lewes, without talismanic midfielder Katie McIntyre, replaced by returning skipper Kelly Newton, travelled to Cheshunt looking to test themselves against the best side in the division.

Juan Amoros had warned his players that this would be a tough challenge, and so it proved. With goalkeeper Lauren Dolbear in sparkling form, and a back four boosted by the return of Tammy Waine, Lewes stood firm. Martin linked well with Baptiste and Whinnett, yet they found Palmer, Thompson, West and Waine more than a match for their slick passing and clever runs.

Lewes looked lethal on the counter attack. Rebecca Carter, back after illness, ran the home side ragged, with Lane, Bridges and Heather in support. Leeta Rutherford pulled the strings as Newton notched her usual high tackle tally with a series of robust interventions. Lane, adapting to a more defensive role, proved a thorn in Tottenham's side as she tracked back to make a some vital challenges.

Both sides created half-chances early on. Bridges and Carter found space in behind, Spurs grateful that Toni Anne Wayne was alert to the danger. At the other end Dolbear, showing good judgement and safe hands, made a fine save from a dangerous low cross, West on hand to complete the clearance as Martin closed in. Lewes won two corners and a free kick in quick succession, each time the referee spotting infringements by the visitors in the area. 

On 34 minutes, after a spell of sustained pressure, Spurs broke the deadlock. Martin, looking sharp, latched onto a deflected cross. As Lewes appealed in vain for offside, she clipped the ball past Dolbear who somehow managed to claw the ball out, Martin stabbing home the rebound. 1-0. 

Lewes rallied. Rutherford found Bridges wide left. Her clever turn and early pass sent Carter racing through on Wayne, the Lewes striker sending her attempted finish wide. HT 1-0.

Tottenham started the second half on the front foot, forcing good interceptions from Newton and Waine as Dolbear continued to claim anything in behind. Lewes started to win more of the ball, building pressure of their own. A superb ball over the top from Rachel Palmer sent Bridges through one on one, the Spurs keeper smothering the ball just as Bridges pulled the trigger. Moments later Bridges was in again, fed by Rutherford. She got her shot away this time, Wayne saving with her feet. 

The decisive moment of the match arrived on 67 minutes. Sian Heather raced away on the right. Marshalled by two defenders, she cut back inside to curl a fabulous left-foot strike around the retreating defenders and under the diving Wayne. As Lewes celebrated the linesman signalled to the referee, and a free kick was awarded for offside. Bridges, who had followed in close to the Spurs keeper, deemed to have interfered with play. 

Undaunted, Lewes continued to press, inevitably leaving spaces that Spurs, through the industrious Whinnett and powerful Baptiste, looked to exploit, Dolbear forced into a superb low save from Baptiste. On 78 minutes Lewes lost Palmer to an impact injury, Fliss Love coming on. Scillaci sent a free kick fizzing in towards Hector only for Bridges to hook clear. On 85 minutes Schillaci delivered again, this time an inswinging corner. Martin timed her run to perfected, rising above Waine and Rutherford to head the ball over Dolbear and into the net. 2-0.

Bridge and Stenning replaced Lane and Carter, but with a two-goal cushion the home side shut up shop. FT 2-0.

After the match I spoke to both coaches. For Spurs, Juan Amoros was happy to keep an unbeaten run going.
'It was a very good match. We expected Lewes to be strong, they played well. We were patient, we took our chances and we got the win.'
On the disallowed goal for Lewes: 'I'm not really sure. It looked like a good finish but maybe the girl (Bridges) was too close to the keeper.'

For Lewes, John Donoghue rued missed opportunities.
'Apart from the 'goal', we had four one-v-ones, two immediately before that. We could have scored three in five minutes. It says something about this team that we come away disappointed'

Lewes were superb from front to back. Carter and Bridges didn't stop running, Lane applied herself to her role, Heather showed excellent touch and control. Kelly Newton, plastered in mud, looked like she'd never been away. At the back, Waine showed why she is so important to this team, whilst West made almost as many tackles as her captain. My MvP was Lauren Dolbear. I can't fault her on either goal - she made a brilliant save before the first, the second was perfection from Martin. Otherwise, she bossed her area, made good saves and showed good judgement.

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies
Toni Anne Wayne, Lucia Leon, Renee Hector, Jenna Schillaci ©, Ertha Pond, Josie Green, Sophie McClean, Rianna Soobadoo, Bianca Baptiste, Wendy Martin, Nikita Whinnett

Subs: Megan Lynch, Kelley Blanchflower, Leah Rawle, Maya Vio, Abbie Bensted

Lewes FC ladies
Lauren Dolbear, Hayley West, Rachel Palmer, Tammy Waine, Bex Thompson, Leeta Rutherford, Kelly Newton ©, Sian Heather, Rebecca Carter, Dani Lane, Georgia Bridges 

Subs: Kim Stenning, Hayley Bridge, Fliss Love

[Sweder]

LARKIN'S STELLAR STRIKE SEALS WIN FOR LEWES
Rookettes Take The Points After Close Encounter
FAWPL South, Uxbridge FC
Sunday 19th February

A superb Kellie Larkin free kick 14 minutes from time secured Lewes all three points after a close-fought encounter with QPR. 
Danielle Lane's brave header opened the scoring for the visitors after the first half ended goal-less.

Lewes travelled to Uxbridge missing a host of first team regulars, injured midfield dynamo Katie McIntyre joined by Hayley West, Claire Capon, Georgia Bridges and Paige Walder, giving manager John Donoghue the opportunity to play several of his impressive DS squad. In came Gabby Baldock (midfield) and Fliss Love (right back) with Kellie Larkin, Lucy Apps, Mia Hyland and Hayley Bridge added to the Lewes bench. Baldock lined up on the left with Heather at 7. Rebecca 'Chewy' Carter lead the line, Danielle Lane in close support.

QPR boss Martino Chevannes had one major injury headache, leading scorer Jenni Critchley, out with a broken toe. Rae Roberts took the number nine shirt flanked by Jules denny and Seun Odeniyi, with Sara Ezzahiri at ten. 

Lewes pressed from the start. QPR got numbers back, soaked up pressure and played on the counter. On six minutes the first clear chance fell to the home side. Odeniyi picked up possession inside the Lewes box, turned and fired low through a crowd of players. Lauren Dolbear saw it late, diving low, at full-stretch, to palm the ball clear. 

The early exchanges, peppered with injuries to QPR players, one after a ferocious challenge between Odeniyi and Lewes skipper Kelly Newton, saw Lewes enjoy the lion's share of possession without threatening Sophie Cheadle's goal. Carter and Heather exchanged passes, looking to play in Lane. Baldock showed pace and control on the left, but with QPR getting numbers back the attacks broke down. On 23 minutes Heather's stinging cross was met by Lane on the charge, her first-time connection flying just wide. Three minutes later, after a succession of Lane corners, Carter spurned an even better chance, leaning back to fire over from eight yards.

On the rare occasion Rangers got at the Lewes defence they found Tammy Waine, as ever, reading the game with aplomb, in command. Lewes pressed in search of an opener, Carter and Heather thwarted by superb tackling by Jean Sseninde and a perfectly-timed challenge by Michaela Lopes on Carter with the Lewes striker all but through. HT 0-0.

The second half continued in the same vein, Rangers pinned in their half for the opening ten minutes, Lopes putting in a fierce tackle on Lane as the Lewes ten broke away. On 52 minutes Fliss Love, warming to her role, fed Heather who switched play through Rutherford to Baldock. Baldock stepped up a gear, making room to deliver a superb cross from the left met on the full by the diving Lane. 0-1. 

Chevannes brought Butts on for Roberts. Rangers rallied and almost forced an instant equaliser. Odeniyi got away on the left, cut inside and shot low. Dolbear, advancing to meet her, made a great save, then recovered to deny Maggs on the line, Waine clearing the ball as Lopes pounced. Butts made an instant impact on the Ranger right, finding space to set up Lopes who fired on the half-volley just wide. 

Lewes regained their grip, Love and Palmer feeding Heather and Baldock on the flanks. Rutherford went for spectacular overhead, her effort spinning wide. Staples replaced the excellent Lopes, Kellie Larkin coming on for the visitors to replace Baldock. With fifteen minutes to go, Palmer sent a clever first-time ball in behind for Carter, Sseninde crashing into the Lewes striker as both players entered the Rangers the box. The referee blew, awarding a free kick just outside the box. Larkin stepped up to strike her free kick up over the wall and into the top right corner. Cheadle did well to get a hand on it, but there was no stopping that. 0-2 (76). 

https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/C5D3cF3WcAAQgHE.mp4

The Hoops weren't done. Six minutes later Maggs, tireless, fought past Love on her left to race in on Dolbears goal. Dolbear got there first and both players went down in a heap, Waine arriving to clear the danger. A flurry of late changes saw Lewes bring on Bridge for Lane and Hyland for the excellent Carter, Rangers bringing Liz O'Callaghan on for Odeniyi. FT 0-2.

Lewes manager Donoghue, pleased with the win, was quick to acknowledge the home side's efforts. 
'They made it hard for us today. We didn't take full advantage of good possession early on, and you have to say that's down to QPR as much as our own play.' On Larkin's strike; 'I told Kellie to take it. She looked at me and I said 'Yes, you!'. She hit it perfectly, gave the keeper no chance, really.'

Martino Chevannes was left to rue his sides missed chances. 
'That's another game for (us), another day of frustration at missed opportunities in front of goal. We need to be more clinical.'
He said that the free kick awarded for the late foul on Carter 'that could easily have been a red card and a penalty. It was a close call.'

The away fans voted Sian Heather MvP. I agree, this was another in a series of excellent performances from her. Lauren Dolbear also had another strong afternoon. Baldock and Love looked comfortable in their roles, Bex Thompson and Tammy Waine's centre back partnership is growing very nicely. Fair to say Lewes took the points without really hitting top gear.

QPR face some big matches in what looks like a tough run-in, including a return visit to the Dripping Pan on 12th March. Elly Maggs, Michaela Lopes, Jean Sseninde and latterly Katie Butts impressed. The team defended well as a unit and put in some brave challenges against the fearsome midfield duo of Newton and Rutherford. Goals aside, Cheadle commanded her area well and took care of a host of Lewes deliveries, a good number of them probably a little too close to the home 'keeper.

Next up for Lewes: Coventry United LFC away next Sunday

QPR: Sophie Cheadle, Michaela Lopes, Marika Engles, Jean Sseninde, Joanna Blodgett, Jade Dempster, Elly Maggs, Juliette Denny, Rae Roberts, Sara Ezzahiri, Seun Odeniyi
Subs: Dominika Netschova, Katie Butts, Elizabeth O’Callaghan, Sara Staples

Lewes: Lauen Dolbear, Fliss Love, Rachel Palmer, Bex Thompson, Tammy Waine, Kelly Newton ©, Sian Heather, Leeta Rutherford, Rebecca Carter, Dani Lane, Gabby Baldock
Subs: Apps, Hyland, Larkin, Bridge

[Sweder]

LEWES SEND ESSEX GIRLS PACKING AFTER FEISTY ENCOUNTER
Bridges Double Header Bookends Heather's Solo Strike

http://lewesfc.com/2017/03/lewes-fc-ladies-beat-basildon-to-climb-fawpl-table/