Sunday 13th April 2008 at the Rockingham Triangle, Corby Town FC

Match Report:  Northampton Town Ladies 1 - 0 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

(Northants FA Women's Cup Final)

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies' run of ten games without defeat ended in controversy as Northampton Town beat them by a single goal in the Northants FA Women's Cup Final at the Rockingham Triangle. Diamonds keeper Charlene Ward was bundled over the line following a corner on 57 minutes with the referee allowing what turned out to be the winning goal to stand.

Diamonds kept the same side which had beaten Enfield Town in last weekends League Cup semi-final, but both teams appeared reluctant to take the initiative during the opening period. With the lack of ball boys, the ball constantly disappeared across the surrounding athletics track for 20 seconds at a time, so there was little in the way of continuity.

Diamonds thought they had taken an early lead when Charly Wright put the ball in the net from a Fay Howell free kick on 11 minutes, but the goal was disallowed for offside. It was the first effort on goal from either side with both teams being over-cautious. Diamonds tried to create some openings but the Northampton defence looked strong and apart from Alileen Whelan's effort on 27 minutes, neither side created a goal-scoring chance.

Charly Wright was close to getting on the end of Whelan's pass which had split the Northampton defence, while Whelan herself came close from Howell's corner with the ball being cleared from the goal-line. Northampton failed to record a single attempt on goal during the first 45 minutes.

Half time: Northampton Town Ladies 0 - 0 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

Within two minutes of the second half commencing, Northampton had their first chance when Lisa Porter drove a free kick over the bar. Both sides looked to have more urgency in their play and Leanna Doyle did well to cut out a Cobblers attack but on 57 minutes, they scored the controversial goal. Steph Gale sent in a corner which keeper Charlene Ward grabbed at the second attempt, but as Nicki Robson challenged, she was bundled over the line. To everyone's surprise, the referee awarded the goal.

Player manager Vicky Gallagher replaced Mikaela Welford immediately following the goal as Diamonds tried to respond. Howell shot from distance, with Serina Milenkovic holding on, while at the other end, Lisa Porter tried to set up substitute Laura Sutherland, but the shot was easy for Charlene Ward.

Diamonds were still performing well below par and on 75 minutes, a cross from Gallagher found Ashley Palmer in the centre but her flick went just wide of the post and typified Diamonds afternoon. As they pushed further forward, there was always a chance of a counter attack from Northampton and on 84 minutes, Janine Holland set up Laura Sutherland but Ward spread herself well to block the shot and clear the danger. Diamonds had one final chance as full time approached after Howell was fouled by Lucy Bateman ten yards outside the area, but Gallagher sent the free kick high over the bar.   

Full time: Northampton Town Ladies 1 - 0 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

The disappointment of the defeat was clear at the end of the game and Northampton must have considered themselves fortunate to win the Cup in such a manner. After last year's excellent final, the match was an anti-climax with neither side playing anywhere near their full potential. Diamonds Ladies have the chance to put the defeat behind them when they play in the South East Combination League Cup Final in two weeks time. Their opponents will be Lewes who won their semi-final tie against Ipswich Town. The game will take place at Bedford Town's New Eyrie Ground (27th April - 2pm kick-off).

Teams:

Northampton Town Ladies: Serina Milenkovic, Hannah Cave, Hayley Gallacchi (Leanne Keen 71), Kirsty Linnell, Natalie Smith, Steph Gale (Lucy Bateman 84), Sam Christie (Laura Sutherland 84), Nicki Robson, Lisa Porter(c), Janine Holland, Lizzy Clarke.

Subs not used: Not known.

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Amy O'Brien (Rosie Thurston 80), Fay Howell, Kirsty Cooper(c), Leanna Doyle, Jade Linnell, Anna McLeod (Caroline Moran 62), Charly Wright, Ashley Palmer, Aileen Whelan, Mikaela Welford (Vicky Gallagher 57).

Subs not used: Stephanie Thompson, Bethan Lelliott.

Goals: Robson 57 (1-0).

Referee: Mr P.Ellis

========================

Other results (SE Combination):

Gillingham 5 AFC Wimbledon 1

Whitehawk 2 Cambridge City 0

(SE Combination League Cup semi-final):

Lewes 6 Ipswich Town 0

Forthcoming fixtures:

27 Apr Lewes ( at Bedford Town FC ) SEC League Cup Final