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Hampshire County Women’s League -

Finals Day

Glorious sunshine marked the triple header of finals for the Hampshire County Women's League at the home of Winchester City FC.

A thriving organisation of some sixty teams in six divisions, the day was marked by enthusiastic support for all six competing clubs which inspired some great performances.

 

The Junior Shield saw Romsey Town of the Division 4 come from a goal down to defeat Division 5 title challengers Petersfield Town 4-1. Libby Guest gave Petersfield the lead but Jessica Goudie an Eleanor Bailey double and Katie Long made sure of Romsey's win.

 

Two more Division 4 sides contested the Junior Cup and it was a Zoe Ridley inspired Andover Town who took the honours over Solent Sports who may not won on the pitch but had the most enthusiastic supporters with the loudest cheer of the day reserved for their first half goal which brought it back to 2-1. However, four from Ridley and singles from Jen Hastie and Jana-Liss Kelly ensured the North Hampshire side were victorious.

 

The Invitation Cup saw two of the Division One title contenders meet as Shanklin and Farnborough battled it out. The two league meeting had been settled by a single goal and the first half in the mid-afternoon heat was goalless and very tightly contested with the Islanders having marginally the better of the chances with the inspirational Gemma Woodford controlling play .

 

All that changed in six crazy second half minutes as Boro scored three times. Farrah Yewings set up Katie Taylor for the first, leading scorer and player of the match Ellie Stalley notched the second and Tallie Margilewska added a stunning solo run and dinked finish for the third.

 

If anyone thought that was game over, Shanklin soon changed the narrative and piled pressure on the Boro goal. Woodford reduced the arrears with a clever lobbed finish and when Jasmine Bavington added a second with twelve minutes left in the 90, there was all to play for.

 

Farnborough's defence was grateful for a great display by a young late replacement goalkeeper Jodie Sawyer, who made some crucial catches and blocks throughout and kept a calm head under pressure as they held off a fine Shanklin team to lift the Cup .

 

With three all female refereeing teams all doing a fine job, the HCWFL Finals day was testament to the vibrant spirit of the league and the volunteers who run it.    

Match reports by Patrick Higgins

Photos by www.jamesprickett.co.uk