Isleham United Ladies versus Haddenham Ladies SUN 11 NOV 2007 14:00

Home Victory for Isleham

On a typical Fenland afternoon Isleham hosted rivals Haddenham for a return to league action. Following the recent transfer of players between the clubs there was a degree of healthy anticipation in both camps for what turned out to be a comfortable home victory.

Katie Low started the scoring with a superb solo effort running from her own half and then blasting past the Haddenham keeper. Boris Montgomery was then soon in on the act, scoring two before half time.

Haddenham started the second half with much more energy than perhaps seen in the first but whilst they tried very hard, didn't force a save from Hannah Smith in the Isleham goal. Isleham had relaxed but after a couple of reminders from the coaches they soon upped their gears again, and were rewarded when Boris completed her hat-trick.

A couple of substitutes changed the shape of the team but there were a number of opportunities to extend the lead but that was not to be. Iselham had played very well in the first half and had effectively wrapped up the points by half time. As they continue to improve they must look to play with the ball, and control the tempo of the game. Becky Thoday, Rachel Taylor, Katie Low and Emma Farr all played well today, as did the defensive unit, but man of the match has to go to anyone that scores a hat-trick, Helen - Boris- Montgomery gets the match ball, but must clean it and bring it to training on Wednesday.

Newmarket away next will be a stiff test but I'm confident that there will be no repeat of the last scoreline between the two teams.

Isleham United Ladies versus Kirkley & Pakefield SUN 04 NOV 2007 14:00

Cracking game on perfect day

Sunday saw the visit of Kirkley & Pakefield to Isleham, with the start delayed 30 mins due to traveling issues. The Home side started brightly forcing a couple of early saves from the impressive K&P keeper. Then, and slightly against the run of play, K&P took the lead. However, this was not held for long as a strong run and shot by Lisa Pryke was followed up and converted by sister Helen Montgomery.

1-1 at half-time, with K&P having held the upper hand over the first half the game was all to play for. The second half was end to end play but K&P scored two quick goals around the hour mark. Instead of then pressing home this advantage it was like a spur to the home side. Isleham dominated play for the last 30 minutes putting the away goal under constant pressure. Boris, Emma Farr, Rachael Taylor, Lias Pryke and Parris Williams were all guilty of missing good chances, but the football played was some of the best Isleham have put together.

Katie Low and Rachael Taylor bought new momentum to the team and although Isleham gave it their best shot K&P broke away once more to score the final goal with 5 minutes remaining. IT was a cracking match with both teams trying to play football on the floor and not kick and chase. All girls deserve credit for the spectacle that they performed before a strong crowd on The Rec.

Many thnaks to K&P for making the journey and best wishes for the rest of the games. As for Isleham, the defeat should not disshearten the team, who should look forward to the always keenly fought battle against Haddenham next Sunday.

Isleham United Ladies versus Fulbourn Bluebirds SUN 28 OCT 2007 14:00

Season's first victory

Sunday on a windswept new pitch at Isleham saw the coming togther of the two bottom teams in the lague, with the home side victorius. Two goals for Becky Thoday, and one each for Helen Montgomery, Lisa Pryke and debutant Emma Farr was more than enough to defeat the incredible girls from Fulbourn. I say incredible because despite having only 10 at the start, and then losing players through injury and illness their attitude was exemplory and their play not without merit.

Scoring early settled Isleham, and it was a fine low shot from Becky Thoday. This was followed by a bullish finish from Boris and one from Lisa with the score 3-0 at half time, and into the strong gail. Playing with the wind saw Isleham control possession but they were made to fight by the Bluebirds for everything. A wonderful save from the replacement keeper denied Becky her second but she made amends with another, the last in the game. Emma Farr had several opportunities but took an excellently worked goal to round of a lovely debut.

The home side were prompted by captain Alison Irvine who was superb in these conditions and showed everyone what can and should be done. Sincere congratulations and thanks to Bluebirds for the bottle showed. I know teams in this league that would have used excuses not to play today, but Bluebirds are made of stronger stuff. Look forward to the away game with hopefully a full squad to select from.

Milton Ladies versus Isleham United Ladies SUN 21 OCT 2007 14:00

When it is your day

Milton thoroughy deserved the win although the scoreline doesn't reflect the game. The scorer of all four goals was truly the only difference for what was a game that ebbed and flowed between two committed teams.

The first 20 minutes saw Isleham play some of the best that they have done this year but failing to take the lead, which would have been deserved at that stage really hurt. Milton then scored, against the run of play but the jolt in confidence to Isleham was immense. At that time Emma Goldsack again retired injured and the team was reshaped. New girls Becky & Hannah were fighting their nerves but performed well on a day that belonged to the home side.

A home game versus fellow league strugglers Fulbourn next week will hopefully bring better rewards but if anyone knows where a coach can purchase a bottle of confidence please do let me know. The girls work hard, try their best and put everything into every game but missing leading scorer Boris has proved hard to cope without. It is hoped that she can return in full this weekend.

Congratulations to a Milton team, and we look forward to the home game later this year. Also special note for the referee who I thought got everything spot on, and did so with a humour and authority that was most welcome. Congratulations to Ray? ( I think that was his name.)

Isleham United Ladies Vs Cambridge Rangers Res SUN 14 OCT 2007 14:00

Heavy Home defeat

Isleham Ladies welcomed Rangers On Sunday but suffered a 5-0 home defeat. Not a single Isleham girl lacked effort or commitment but if I'm honest, quality was short on display from Isleham. There are a million excuses with injured and missing players but that would not be fair on a spirited rangers team who played hard and fair from the start and deserved their victory.

Hannah Rowley playing in only her 2nd ever match was brave and committed in goal, and Rachael Taylor did well in a more forward position. Other than that everyone gave their all but it was not enough to stop Rangers winning. 2-0 at half time was followed by actually a better second half from Isleham but conceding a further 3 goals to end teh game at 5-0.