Match Reports
Havering Girls (H) - 13 April, 2008 [ friendly ]
Herongate Ladies (H) - 2nd April, 2008 [ friendly ]
Leyton Orient A.S.S. (A) - 16th March, 2008
Little Thurrock Dynamos (H) - 9th March, 2008
Barking Ladies (H) - 2nd March, 2008
Assandun Vikings (H) - 24th February, 2008
RSA Basildon Girls (A) - 10th February, 2008
Harlow Town (H) - 3rd February, 2008
West Ham United (H) - 27th January, 2008 (League Cup)
Colchester Town (A) - 13th January, 2008
Leyton Orient A.S.S. (H) - 25th November, 2007 (League Cup)
Assandun Vikings (A) - 11th November, 2007
RSA Basildon Girls (H) - 4th November, 2007
Harlow Town (A) - 28th October, 2007
Hoddesdon Owls (A) - 14th October, 2007 (League Cup)
Colchester Town (H) - 7th October, 2007
Barking Ladies (A) - 30th September, 2007
Leyton Orient A.S.S. (H) - 23rd September, 2007
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Little Thurrock Dynamos (A) - 16th September, 2007
Havering Girls (H) 13th April, 2008 [ friendly match over 90 minutes ]
East Thurrock United Ladies 4 - Havering Girls 0Sophie Dowman (12 mins)
trialist #5 (61 mins)
Kealy Farley (76 mins)
trialist #6 (90+2 mins)
Team: Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Courtney McGovern, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Hayley Earley, Chelsea Hinz, Sophie Drake, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: trialist #5, trialist #6, trialist #7.
Herongate Ladies (H) 2nd April, 2008 [ friendly match under floodlights ]
East Thurrock United Ladies 5 - Herongate Ladies 3Kealy Farley (1 min) (4 mins, 80+4 mins*)
Sophie Drake (19 mins)
Sophie Dowman (29 mins, 42 mins, 80+4 mins*)
* East Thurrock United scored first
Team:
Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Courtney McGovern, Charley Sayer-Payne,
Hayley Earley; trialist #7, Chelsea Hinz, Sophie Drake, Tia
Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: trialist #5, trialist #6.
Leyton Orient A.S.S. (A) 16th March, 2008
Leyton Orient A.S.S. 1 - East Thurrock United Ladies 4
Sophie Dowman (79 mins)
The Rockettes rounded out their first season with a respectable 4-1 win at Leyton Orient. However for most of the game, which was played out in a strong, blustery wind and driving rain, it looked as if it would finish scoreless as both teams cancelled each other out and neither seemed motivated for a meaningless end-of-season encounter with nothing but pride at stake.
The first half was absolutely dreadful with neither goalkeeper having to make a save of any note. When the whistle signalled half time it was clear that the home side were delighted with their first half endeavours and the 0-0 scoreline.
As the teams emerged from the dressing rooms for the second half the rain seemed even heavier and Rockettes started with a flurry. They won a corner from their first attack and Chelsea Hinz’s in-swinger clipped the near post before being cleared to safety. However, this early excitement flattered to deceive and the match soon settled back into tedium, albeit with rather more urgency than before.
Just as the Rockettes looked as if they might be gaining the upper hand, disaster struck. As an attack broke down, Orient counter attacked swiftly and a pass across the box found a striker unmarked at the far post who slotted the ball past Sophie Mingay. Cue wild celebrations from the home team and their supporters as they sensed an upset with only 13 minutes remaining.
After more than an hour of lethargy, few would have predicted the Rockettes’ furious response. On 70 minutes an Orient defender handled right on the edge of the area and Kealy Farley stepped up to rifle home the free kick. Two minutes later, left back Charley Sayer-Payne lofted an inch perfect pass down the line to Sophie Dowman who beat a defender and squared the ball for Farley to fire the Rockettes into the lead.
Now it was all one-way traffic and Rockettes doubled their tally in the final two minutes. First Dowman latched on to a long clearance out of defence by Courtney McGovern and then, with the game already in added time, Farley completed her hat-trick in controversial circumstances. She cut in from the right and appeared to beat the ‘keeper at her near post. However, the ball then ran out behind the goal and the defenders claimed the shot had hit the side netting and gone behind. The referee consulted his assistant referee (ironically the Orient manager), who was ideally placed to see the incident, and the goal was awarded.
The hat-trick left Farley as top goalscorer for the season with 30 goals from 17 starts. Dowman was just four behind with 26 goals from 17 starts. The Rockettes need to find some back-up for these two before next season as the next highest scorer was Sophie Drake on 9 goals followed up by Hinz, Lauren Riddick and Tia Hart, all on 5 goals.
The first half was absolutely dreadful with neither goalkeeper having to make a save of any note. When the whistle signalled half time it was clear that the home side were delighted with their first half endeavours and the 0-0 scoreline.
As the teams emerged from the dressing rooms for the second half the rain seemed even heavier and Rockettes started with a flurry. They won a corner from their first attack and Chelsea Hinz’s in-swinger clipped the near post before being cleared to safety. However, this early excitement flattered to deceive and the match soon settled back into tedium, albeit with rather more urgency than before.
Just as the Rockettes looked as if they might be gaining the upper hand, disaster struck. As an attack broke down, Orient counter attacked swiftly and a pass across the box found a striker unmarked at the far post who slotted the ball past Sophie Mingay. Cue wild celebrations from the home team and their supporters as they sensed an upset with only 13 minutes remaining.
After more than an hour of lethargy, few would have predicted the Rockettes’ furious response. On 70 minutes an Orient defender handled right on the edge of the area and Kealy Farley stepped up to rifle home the free kick. Two minutes later, left back Charley Sayer-Payne lofted an inch perfect pass down the line to Sophie Dowman who beat a defender and squared the ball for Farley to fire the Rockettes into the lead.
Now it was all one-way traffic and Rockettes doubled their tally in the final two minutes. First Dowman latched on to a long clearance out of defence by Courtney McGovern and then, with the game already in added time, Farley completed her hat-trick in controversial circumstances. She cut in from the right and appeared to beat the ‘keeper at her near post. However, the ball then ran out behind the goal and the defenders claimed the shot had hit the side netting and gone behind. The referee consulted his assistant referee (ironically the Orient manager), who was ideally placed to see the incident, and the goal was awarded.
The hat-trick left Farley as top goalscorer for the season with 30 goals from 17 starts. Dowman was just four behind with 26 goals from 17 starts. The Rockettes need to find some back-up for these two before next season as the next highest scorer was Sophie Drake on 9 goals followed up by Hinz, Lauren Riddick and Tia Hart, all on 5 goals.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Leigh Wainford, Courtney McGovern, Caroline Sheppard,
Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Lauren Riddick, Sophie Drake, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Emma Smith, Hayley Williamson, Mae Town.
Little Thurrock Dynamos (H) 9th March, 2008
East Thurrock United Ladies 4 - Little Thurrock Dynamos 2
Sophie Dowman (56 mins, 74 mins)
The Rockettes claimed local bragging rights and ensured themselves league runners-up spot into the bargain as they overcame a spirited Little Thurrock Dynamos side in the Thurrock derby at Rookery Hill on Sunday morning. The 4-2 scoreline reflected that from the opening day of the season as East Thurrock did the double over their local rivals.
The game began as a tense cat-and-mouse contest as both sides sought to test each other out without wanting to give anything away. A few half chances went begging with Sophie Dowman guilty of missing a couple of opportunities for the home side. It was the visitors who finally opened the scoring on 17 minutes with the ever dangerous Roxy Johnson latching on to an error in the home defence and leaving ‘keeper Sophie Mingay grasping at thin air.
The goal sharpened the Rockettes’ focus and within two minutes they were level. Centre back Courtney McGovern played a long ball out from defence that was collected by Kealy Farley on the left side and the striker rifled her shot home from the edge of the box. The same player could have given East Thurrock the lead seconds later but she pulled her shot wide. However, she made no mistake just before the half hour with a quality finish after Charley Sayer-Payne and Tia Hart had combined down the left wing.
The score remained at 2-1 up to half time and the first significant action of the second half saw the LTD ‘keeper tip a fierce Farley drive over the bar after she had combined well with Dowman to create the opening. The Rockettes strike partnership were constantly allowing themselves to be caught in the LTD offside trap, much to the frustration of the home bench.
LTD looked certain to equalise after 55 minutes but Johnson put her shot into the side netting at the near post. Her disappointment was maximised as the resulting goal kick fell to Dowman in the centre circle and she ran through a static visiting defence to make the score 3-1 to the Rockettes.
The two goal cushion didn’t last for long. An LTD free kick on the right touchline was launched into the box and Mingay appeared to take her eye off the ball as she came to collect it. The ball ran loose and Johnson was on hand to stab it home from close range in the resulting melee. The embarrassed ‘keeper quickly made amends ‘though, as she saved at point-blank range from the same player.
LTD probably realised that it wasn’t going to be their day when another free kick struck the crossbar on 67 minutes, although Sophie Drake may well have cleared off the line had it been any lower. Their worst fears were realised six minutes from time when Dowman made the game safe with a clinical finish. She might have claimed her hat-trick in stoppage time after Leigh Wainford set her up for another chance but the LTD ‘keeper, who had an excellent game despite playing with a sore back, was equal to it.
The final whistle signalled the start of wild celebrations for the Corringham girls who can look forward to life in Division A next season. Before that, they have one final Division B fixture to fulfil, away to Leyton Orient on Sunday.
The game began as a tense cat-and-mouse contest as both sides sought to test each other out without wanting to give anything away. A few half chances went begging with Sophie Dowman guilty of missing a couple of opportunities for the home side. It was the visitors who finally opened the scoring on 17 minutes with the ever dangerous Roxy Johnson latching on to an error in the home defence and leaving ‘keeper Sophie Mingay grasping at thin air.
The goal sharpened the Rockettes’ focus and within two minutes they were level. Centre back Courtney McGovern played a long ball out from defence that was collected by Kealy Farley on the left side and the striker rifled her shot home from the edge of the box. The same player could have given East Thurrock the lead seconds later but she pulled her shot wide. However, she made no mistake just before the half hour with a quality finish after Charley Sayer-Payne and Tia Hart had combined down the left wing.
The score remained at 2-1 up to half time and the first significant action of the second half saw the LTD ‘keeper tip a fierce Farley drive over the bar after she had combined well with Dowman to create the opening. The Rockettes strike partnership were constantly allowing themselves to be caught in the LTD offside trap, much to the frustration of the home bench.
LTD looked certain to equalise after 55 minutes but Johnson put her shot into the side netting at the near post. Her disappointment was maximised as the resulting goal kick fell to Dowman in the centre circle and she ran through a static visiting defence to make the score 3-1 to the Rockettes.
The two goal cushion didn’t last for long. An LTD free kick on the right touchline was launched into the box and Mingay appeared to take her eye off the ball as she came to collect it. The ball ran loose and Johnson was on hand to stab it home from close range in the resulting melee. The embarrassed ‘keeper quickly made amends ‘though, as she saved at point-blank range from the same player.
LTD probably realised that it wasn’t going to be their day when another free kick struck the crossbar on 67 minutes, although Sophie Drake may well have cleared off the line had it been any lower. Their worst fears were realised six minutes from time when Dowman made the game safe with a clinical finish. She might have claimed her hat-trick in stoppage time after Leigh Wainford set her up for another chance but the LTD ‘keeper, who had an excellent game despite playing with a sore back, was equal to it.
The final whistle signalled the start of wild celebrations for the Corringham girls who can look forward to life in Division A next season. Before that, they have one final Division B fixture to fulfil, away to Leyton Orient on Sunday.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Courtney McGovern, Caroline Sheppard,
Charley Sayer-Payne; Hayley
Earley, Chelsea Hinz, Sophie Drake, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley Williamson, Justine
Palmer, Lauren Riddick, Leigh Wainford.
Barking Ladies (H) 2nd March, 2008
East Thurrock United Ladies 2 - Barking Ladies 2
Kealy Farley (67 mins)
Rockettes missed the chance to return to the top of the league on Sunday morning when they failed to beat Barking Ladies at Rookery Hill. They now find themselves a point behind Harlow Town having played a game more. Whilst it is still possible for the Corringham girls to overhaul the West Essex side, it is hard to see where Harlow will drop the points.
Having lost right back Emma Smith to an ankle injury just 10 seconds from the end of last week’s game, East Thurrock suffered a further defensive blow before kick off with the news that centre back Caroline Sheppard had been injured in a park kick-around. This meant that the versatile Sophie Drake, a four goal heroine last week, was forced to drop back into defence once again. Drake and fellow centre back Courtney McGovern both gave immense performances that ultimately saved the game for the home side.
The match started with the visitors pressing forward strongly and they almost took the lead after four minutes with a fierce shot that Sophie Mingay was just able to finger tip onto a post. In fact it took almost half an hour before the Rockettes were able to carve out a really dangerous opportunity but Kealy Farley shot straight at the goalkeeper.
The home side gradually began to gain the upper hand as the half time interval approached and the Barking girls seemed to tire. With six minutes to go the pressure finally told and a five player move around the box ended with Farley setting up Sophie Dowman to open the scoring. Rockettes sensed the chance to go further ahead but were denied in the second minute of stoppage time when Farley’s shot hit the bar, ricocheted onto the line and was gathered by the ‘keeper.
East Thurrock continued to press after the break and a good move on the right hand side saw Farley feed Dowman whose shot was blocked at the expense of a corner. A minute later a clever free kick from Drake allowed Farley a shot on goal that was saved, Dowman’s rebound was blocked and she blasted a second chance over the bar.
However Barking were far from out of it and they equalised on 55 minutes when a Rockettes attack broke down and they counter-attacked swiftly down the left. Amy Beckwith found herself clear through on Mingay and drew the ‘keeper out before burying the ball in the net. Just two minutes later Beckwith found herself with the chance to put the visitors ahead and she showed that she could finish just as clinically from the right side of goal. 2-1 to Barking.
For a few minutes the Rockettes’ heads went down and you sensed that Barking might put the match beyond doubt. The home side pulled themselves together though, regrouped and fought their way back into the game. They were rewarded after 67 minutes when Dowman ran at the Barking defence, checked back and teed up Farley to level the scores. Dowman could have won it for the home side in the very next minute, but she shot straight at the keeper when clean through.
Both sides huffed and puffed in the final ten minutes but there were no clear cut chances and they were forced to settle for the draw that neither wanted. This result leaves Barking in third place, three points behind East Thurrock.
The Rockettes finish their home programme next week with a derby against local rivals Little Thurrock Dynamos.
Having lost right back Emma Smith to an ankle injury just 10 seconds from the end of last week’s game, East Thurrock suffered a further defensive blow before kick off with the news that centre back Caroline Sheppard had been injured in a park kick-around. This meant that the versatile Sophie Drake, a four goal heroine last week, was forced to drop back into defence once again. Drake and fellow centre back Courtney McGovern both gave immense performances that ultimately saved the game for the home side.
The match started with the visitors pressing forward strongly and they almost took the lead after four minutes with a fierce shot that Sophie Mingay was just able to finger tip onto a post. In fact it took almost half an hour before the Rockettes were able to carve out a really dangerous opportunity but Kealy Farley shot straight at the goalkeeper.
The home side gradually began to gain the upper hand as the half time interval approached and the Barking girls seemed to tire. With six minutes to go the pressure finally told and a five player move around the box ended with Farley setting up Sophie Dowman to open the scoring. Rockettes sensed the chance to go further ahead but were denied in the second minute of stoppage time when Farley’s shot hit the bar, ricocheted onto the line and was gathered by the ‘keeper.
East Thurrock continued to press after the break and a good move on the right hand side saw Farley feed Dowman whose shot was blocked at the expense of a corner. A minute later a clever free kick from Drake allowed Farley a shot on goal that was saved, Dowman’s rebound was blocked and she blasted a second chance over the bar.
However Barking were far from out of it and they equalised on 55 minutes when a Rockettes attack broke down and they counter-attacked swiftly down the left. Amy Beckwith found herself clear through on Mingay and drew the ‘keeper out before burying the ball in the net. Just two minutes later Beckwith found herself with the chance to put the visitors ahead and she showed that she could finish just as clinically from the right side of goal. 2-1 to Barking.
For a few minutes the Rockettes’ heads went down and you sensed that Barking might put the match beyond doubt. The home side pulled themselves together though, regrouped and fought their way back into the game. They were rewarded after 67 minutes when Dowman ran at the Barking defence, checked back and teed up Farley to level the scores. Dowman could have won it for the home side in the very next minute, but she shot straight at the keeper when clean through.
Both sides huffed and puffed in the final ten minutes but there were no clear cut chances and they were forced to settle for the draw that neither wanted. This result leaves Barking in third place, three points behind East Thurrock.
The Rockettes finish their home programme next week with a derby against local rivals Little Thurrock Dynamos.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Leigh Wainford, Courtney McGovern, Sophie Drake,
Charley Sayer-Payne; Mae Town, Chelsea Hinz, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley
Earley, Hayley Williamson, Justine
Palmer.
Player of the Match: Tia Hart
Assandun Vikings (H) 24th February, 2008
East Thurrock United Ladies 10 - Assandun Vikings 1
Sophie Drake (5 mins, 9 mins, 56 mins, 62 mins)
Sophie Dowman (14 mins, 64 mins)
Chelsea Hinz (22 mins)
Kealy Farley (68 mins, 70 mins)
own goal (76 mins)
The Rockettes looked more like their old selves as they overcame an early setback to reach double figures for the second time this season at Rookery Hill. Sophie Drake, playing in her preferred midfield role for a change, helped herself to her second four goal haul of the season to make it 9 goals from 9 games – many at centre back and one in goal!
Things could not have started better for the visitors as the pacy Lucy Cooper stunned the home side by firing Vikings ahead with only 12 seconds on the watch. To their credit the Rockettes were not fazed by this shock and Drake soon pulled them level with a solo effort bursting through from the right. Not content with that, she gave them the lead just four minutes later. Courtney McGovern, starting at centre back for the first time, played the ball out to Chelsea Hinz on the right wing and Hinz found Sophie Dowman who crossed into the box. Kealy Farley’s shot was blocked but Drake was on hand to smash home the rebound.
With Rockettes now in the ascendancy, Dowman turned from provider to scorer, letting rip with a long range effort that the ‘keeper could only help into the net. Barely half way through the first half and the Corringham girls made it 4-1 as the Vikings’ defence failed to clear a left wing corner from Drake and the ball ran loose to Hinz who gratefully tucked it away at the far post.
After this early onslaught the Rockettes seemed to take their collective foot off the gas and there were chances for both teams as the first period drew to a close. This situation continued into the second half and it was 15 minutes before the Rockettes hit top form again with a six goal burst in 20 minutes.
Drake secured her hat-trick in style, running through from the halfway line before coolly slotting the ball past the advancing ‘keeper. Just a few minutes later she was on hand again to tap in at the far post as Dowman just failed to get her head to a Hinz cross. Two minutes later and Drake took a quick throw to Dowman who beat two defenders before scoring.
With the score at 7-1, leading scorer Farley clearly decided she should have a piece of the action by scoring twice in two minutes. First she collected a pass from Dowman to score an easy goal then she seemed to beat half the Vikings team to score again. She was denied a hat-trick in the very next minute after she juggled the ball with her back to goal and her overhead kick came back off the crossbar. Moments later Dowman was also denied a hat-trick after her ‘goal’ was ruled out after a foul by a team mate. She came close again before the end, pressurising a Vikings defender to head past her own ‘keeper to make the final score 10-1.
Rockettes know they will face a sterner test when Barking Ladies visit next week. They will have to do so without full back Emma Smith who was carried off with a serious ankle injury just seconds from the end.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Courtney McGovern, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Tia Hart, Sophie Drake, Hayley Earley; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley Williamson, Justine Palmer, Leigh Wainford.
RSA Basildon (A) 10th February, 2008
RSA Basildon 3 - East Thurrock United Ladies 6
10 mins Chelsea Hinz (4 mins, 57 mins)
16 mins Sophie Dowman (30 mins, 78 mins)
66 mins Kealy Farley (50 mins, 52 mins)
The Rockettes got back to winning ways against RSA Basildon, but it was hardly a convincing performance against a team that they thrashed 13-2 in November. In fairness, it wasn’t exactly their strongest side that took to the field on Sunday morning and, given their recent injury problems, the three points were the chief concern.
The Thurrock girls got off to a good start, taking the lead as early as the fourth minute after a long clearance from the back found Chelsea Hinz in acres of space on the right and she cut inside to score with ease. The lead didn’t last for long ‘though because RSA hit back with a controversial equaliser on ten minutes. The linesman flagged offside but the referee, Mr Alain Job from Cameroon, ruled that the goal should stand. Worse was to come six minutes later when the RSA #8 muscled her way though the Rockettes defence to score an excellent solo goal.
There was a comical interlude when Mr Job blew for half-time after only 28 minutes. Fortunately the idiosyncratic official was quickly convinced that he had made a mistake and the first period continued. Just as well for the Rockettes because Sophie Dowman soon controlled a high ball on the left side of goal and hammered it home to tie the score at 2-2 going into the real interval.
The Rockettes started the second half playing down the slope and within minutes Kealy Farley hit the bar and Lauren Riddick drew a great save from the home ‘keeper. Farley was not to be denied for long and in the space of two minutes she helped herself to a brace; the first a fine solo effort and the second a neat lob after good work by Sophie Drake. Hinz soon added her second of the game after Drake and Hayley Earley had combined to create a simple opportunity for her. Three goals in seven minutes!
RSA pulled a goal back against the run of play after 66 minutes and almost immediately after the Rockettes spurned a guilt edged opportunity to reply. Dowman was brought down in full flight on the edge of the box and Riddick struck a powerful free kick that was handled on the line by the RSA captain. Bizarrely, Mr Job showed neither a yellow nor red card and Farley passed up the chance to notch her fourth hat-trick of the season by pulling her spot kick wide of the post. Rockettes were not to be denied a sixth ‘though and Dowman powered home a bullet-like header from a Hinz corner with two minutes remaining.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Justine Palmer, Emma Smith, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Tia Hart, Sophie Drake, Hayley Earley; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Courtney McGovern, Lauren Riddick, Leigh Wainford, Mae Town.
Player of the Match: Sophie Dowman
Harlow Town (H) 3rd February, 2008
East Thurrock United Ladies 0 – Harlow Town 5
4 mins, 32 mins
42 mins, 70 mins, 73 mins
After being trounced in the cup by West Ham United last week, Rockettes saw their league championship hopes dashed when title rivals Harlow Town whipped them at Rookery Hill on Sunday morning. This was the girls’ first league defeat since 19th November 2006, but they could have no complaints as Harlow comprehensively avenged their home defeat in October.
A mounting injury crisis threatens to derail Rockettes season completely and they now find themselves with only eight fully fit players from a squad of 17. With experienced defenders Kelsey Bridges and Leigh Wainford already ruled out, four players faced an early fitness test. Courtney McGovern, who was supposed to replace Bridges, failed to make the cut and by the end of the game her three colleagues had also been forced off.
In truth, the Rockettes were never at the races. Harlow took an early lead from a free kick on the right side of the box and doubled it just past the half hour mark with a goal that may well have been the best scored all season at Rookery Hill by any team. Dempsey Favell collected a long clearance from her own defence after the bounce deceived the Rockettes back line, controlled the ball with her head and thigh and volleyed home from 25 yards.
Any hopes that Rockettes might have harboured of staging a second half fight back were quickly dashed as a flowing move down the left wing led to a third Harlow goal after the initial shot had struck the post. This effectively put the game beyond reach. Centre back Caroline Sheppard finally got the ball in the net in after 57 minutes but Justine Palmer, on as a makeshift striker, was adjudged to have fouled a defender and the goal didn’t count.
As the game wore on a succession of players limped off, were patched up, and then thrown back into the fray. Harlow scored twice more in the final ten minutes to confirm the points and, in all likelihood the championship. Rockettes now trail by five points with a game in hand but, on this form, the chances of Harlow tripping up look remote. Meanwhile, Rockettes may struggle to field a full team at RSA Basildon next Sunday.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Sophie Drake, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley Earley, Justine Palmer, Mae Town.
A mounting injury crisis threatens to derail Rockettes season completely and they now find themselves with only eight fully fit players from a squad of 17. With experienced defenders Kelsey Bridges and Leigh Wainford already ruled out, four players faced an early fitness test. Courtney McGovern, who was supposed to replace Bridges, failed to make the cut and by the end of the game her three colleagues had also been forced off.
In truth, the Rockettes were never at the races. Harlow took an early lead from a free kick on the right side of the box and doubled it just past the half hour mark with a goal that may well have been the best scored all season at Rookery Hill by any team. Dempsey Favell collected a long clearance from her own defence after the bounce deceived the Rockettes back line, controlled the ball with her head and thigh and volleyed home from 25 yards.
Any hopes that Rockettes might have harboured of staging a second half fight back were quickly dashed as a flowing move down the left wing led to a third Harlow goal after the initial shot had struck the post. This effectively put the game beyond reach. Centre back Caroline Sheppard finally got the ball in the net in after 57 minutes but Justine Palmer, on as a makeshift striker, was adjudged to have fouled a defender and the goal didn’t count.
As the game wore on a succession of players limped off, were patched up, and then thrown back into the fray. Harlow scored twice more in the final ten minutes to confirm the points and, in all likelihood the championship. Rockettes now trail by five points with a game in hand but, on this form, the chances of Harlow tripping up look remote. Meanwhile, Rockettes may struggle to field a full team at RSA Basildon next Sunday.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Sophie Drake, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley Earley, Justine Palmer, Mae Town.
West Ham United (H) 27th January, 2008 - League Cup Quarter Final
8 mins, 21 mins, 32 mins
45 mins, 55 mins, 66 mins, 70 mins, 80 mins
There was to be no fairytale giant-killing at Rookery Hill on Sunday morning as East Thurrock United Ladies were crushed 8-0 in the quarter finals of the U16 League Cup by all conquering Division A champions, West Ham United.
Whilst the score might have been predictable – the Hammers girls have racked up league scores of 22-0, 20-1 and 15-1 already this season – the manner in which it was achieved was not. The gulf in class between the top of the two divisions was clear to see, but East Thurrock fought hard until the dying minutes and while the Hammers margin of victory was considerable it was not a true reflection of the effort put in by the home side.
Rockettes started brightly and matched their more illustrious opponents stride for stride in the opening minutes. With eight minutes gone they had a golden opportunity to take the lead as Kealy Farley found herself with a run on goal and a clumsy challenge resulted in the award of a penalty kick. Midfielder Sophie Drake strode forward with confidence but she put her kick too close to the ‘keeper who saved at the second attempt. Her swift clearance downfield found the home side out of position at the back and West Ham opened the scoring. Such is football!
The Corringham girls continued to battle bravely but found themselves outgunned in midfield and opportunities to get forward were rare. The Hammers doubled their lead on 21 minutes, but shortly afterwards Farley broke through on the right-hand side, only to see her goal-bound shot headed off the line by a quick thinking defender. On the half hour mark the Rockettes were handed another scoring chance after a hand ball right on the edge of the box but Lauren Riddick’s powerful free kick just cleared the bar. Two minutes later centre back Caroline Sheppard appeared to impede her own goalkeeper and the ball ran free to allow the visitors a soft third goal.
In truth, the Rockettes were not too disappointed to go into the half time interval with the score at 3-0. Pre-match injury worries over three players had proved well founded and after an enforced reshuffle the excellent Drake, none the worse for her penalty miss, was now starring in the centre of defence. With the wind at their backs in the second half there were high hopes that the scoreline could be contained within reasonable bounds.
Unfortunately the Hammers didn’t quite see it that way, swarming forward in an incessant wave of attacks and running in five goals in the process without reply. The closest Rockettes came to a goal was an opportunist long range effort from Tia Hart that sailed over the bar.
This was the first time that the Rockettes have lost a game since 19th November 2006. They need to pick themselves up quickly and regroup because next Sunday they host arch rivals Harlow Town in the game that may well decide the outcome of the Division B Championship. Despite being on the wrong end of eight goals, home ‘keeper Sophie Mingay had an outstanding game, notching up no less than 35 saves!
Team: Sophie Mingay; Courtney McGovern, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Sophie Drake, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Emma Smith, Hayley Earley, Justine Palmer, Lauren Riddick, Mae Town.
Whilst the score might have been predictable – the Hammers girls have racked up league scores of 22-0, 20-1 and 15-1 already this season – the manner in which it was achieved was not. The gulf in class between the top of the two divisions was clear to see, but East Thurrock fought hard until the dying minutes and while the Hammers margin of victory was considerable it was not a true reflection of the effort put in by the home side.
Rockettes started brightly and matched their more illustrious opponents stride for stride in the opening minutes. With eight minutes gone they had a golden opportunity to take the lead as Kealy Farley found herself with a run on goal and a clumsy challenge resulted in the award of a penalty kick. Midfielder Sophie Drake strode forward with confidence but she put her kick too close to the ‘keeper who saved at the second attempt. Her swift clearance downfield found the home side out of position at the back and West Ham opened the scoring. Such is football!
The Corringham girls continued to battle bravely but found themselves outgunned in midfield and opportunities to get forward were rare. The Hammers doubled their lead on 21 minutes, but shortly afterwards Farley broke through on the right-hand side, only to see her goal-bound shot headed off the line by a quick thinking defender. On the half hour mark the Rockettes were handed another scoring chance after a hand ball right on the edge of the box but Lauren Riddick’s powerful free kick just cleared the bar. Two minutes later centre back Caroline Sheppard appeared to impede her own goalkeeper and the ball ran free to allow the visitors a soft third goal.
In truth, the Rockettes were not too disappointed to go into the half time interval with the score at 3-0. Pre-match injury worries over three players had proved well founded and after an enforced reshuffle the excellent Drake, none the worse for her penalty miss, was now starring in the centre of defence. With the wind at their backs in the second half there were high hopes that the scoreline could be contained within reasonable bounds.
Unfortunately the Hammers didn’t quite see it that way, swarming forward in an incessant wave of attacks and running in five goals in the process without reply. The closest Rockettes came to a goal was an opportunist long range effort from Tia Hart that sailed over the bar.
This was the first time that the Rockettes have lost a game since 19th November 2006. They need to pick themselves up quickly and regroup because next Sunday they host arch rivals Harlow Town in the game that may well decide the outcome of the Division B Championship. Despite being on the wrong end of eight goals, home ‘keeper Sophie Mingay had an outstanding game, notching up no less than 35 saves!
Team: Sophie Mingay; Courtney McGovern, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Sophie Drake, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Emma Smith, Hayley Earley, Justine Palmer, Lauren Riddick, Mae Town.
Player of the match: Sophie Drake
Colchester Town (A) - 13th January, 2008
Colchester Town 1 - East Thurrock United Ladies 5
3 mins Kealy Farley (21mins, 52 mins, 53 mins, 61
mins) Tia Hart (58 mins)
Having not played a match of
any kind since 25th November, it was no surprise that the Rockettes found
themselves out of sorts when they resumed league action at Colchester
on Sunday after their extended Christmas break.
With Wickford Town’s
withdrawal from the League having been confirmed during this period, both the
league table and fixture list are showing significant changes. Rockettes now find themselves in the enviable
position of ending their season with a run of three home games, but their
destiny will likely be decided over the next three weeks that see vital league
encounters with Leyton Orient and Harlow
Town and a cup quarter
final showdown with the all-conquering West Ham United girls from Division A.Rockettes day started badly
when it was reported that the A12 had been closed by an accident when the team
had barely left Rookery Hill. Some hasty
revisions to the travel plan saw the girls arrive in Colchester
only half an hour later than scheduled and the match kicked off only 10 minutes
late.On a bumpy pitch, with a
gale force wind blowing across it, Rockettes looked a shadow of the team that
despatched these opponents 9-0 in October and could have no complaints when the
home side took an early lead. A miscued
clearance led to a succession of corners and at the third attempt the wind
curled the ball over Sophie Mingay’s finger tips and into the top corner of the
net without another player touching it.Having gone behind,
Rockettes failed to respond in the manner expected and it took nearly 20
minutes before they pulled themselves level.
Chelsea Hinz cut in from the right and played the ball into the path of Kealy
Farley who finished with aplomb.With half of the first
period remaining, the Corringham girls never looked like seizing control of the
game. The midfield failed to string
their customary passing game together and Farley and her strike partner Sophie
Dowman were constantly flagged offside.Half time brought the anticipated
wake up call from Head Coach Scott Farley
and the second half soon saw the regular partnership of Lauren Riddick and
Hayley Williamson (returning from injury) restored in the centre of
midfield. With Hinz and Tia Hart now
free to play in their familiar wide roles, Rockettes were shaken out of their
lethargy and scored four goals in a devastating nine minute spell.First Farly gave Rockettes
the lead when she cut in from the left and beat the keeper with a low shot from
the edge of the area. A minute later she
popped up on the right to complete her hat-trick by lobbing the ‘keeper. Then Hart got in on the act and made it four
with an even more audacious 25 yard lob from left after being set up by
Williamson. Finally Farley made it four for the match, and 20 for the season, after
bursting through the centre and firing home.With a quarter of the match
still remaining, it looked as if Rockettes might go on to run up a big score. In fact, they slipped back into mediocrity and
had Mingay to thank for three superb saves, two at point blank range late in
the game, to maintain the scoreline at 5-1.
This win sees East Thurrock consolidate their second place in the table, two points behind leaders Harlow Town but with a game in hand. Coach Farley knows they will have to up their game significantly if they are to take all three points when they visit Leyton Orient next Sunday.Team: Sophie Mingay; Courtney McGovern, Caroline Sheppard, Kelsey Bridges, Charley Sayer-Payne; Hayley Earley, Chelsea Hinz, Tia Hart,Mae Town; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Emma Smith, Hayley Williamson, Justine Palmer, Lauren Riddick.Player of the match: Kealy Farley
This win sees East Thurrock consolidate their second place in the table, two points behind leaders Harlow Town but with a game in hand. Coach Farley knows they will have to up their game significantly if they are to take all three points when they visit Leyton Orient next Sunday.Team: Sophie Mingay; Courtney McGovern, Caroline Sheppard, Kelsey Bridges, Charley Sayer-Payne; Hayley Earley, Chelsea Hinz, Tia Hart,Mae Town; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Emma Smith, Hayley Williamson, Justine Palmer, Lauren Riddick.Player of the match: Kealy Farley
Leyton Orient A.S.S. (H) - 25th November 2007 - League Cup Round One
East Thurrock United Ladies 4 - Leyton Orient A.S.S. 1own goal (8 mins) 13 mins
Tia Hart (14 mins)
Kealy Farley (17 mins)
Mae Town (69 mins)
East Thurrock United Ladies progressed to the quarter finals of the U16 League Cup with a comfortable victory over Leyton Orient, the only team to take league points off them this season. There was to be no repeat of September’s thrilling 4-4 draw as the Rockettes took control of the game in the first twenty minutes and refused to allow the East London girls to get back into it.
East Thurrock took an early lead after a right wing corner from Chelsea Hinz was turned into her own net by an unfortunate defender after 8 minutes. However, the lead lasted only five minutes before a miscued goal kick from Sophie Mingay was rifled straight into the net by a grateful Orient striker. The same player had shot over with the goal at her mercy moments before.
Within a minute the Rockettes were ahead again. Right back Courtney McGovern played a long ball down the wing to Hinz who picked out Tia Hart on the far side of the box with an inch perfect pass and she volleyed the ball into the top corner of the goal. Three minutes later the lead was extended to 3-1 as Kealy Farley played a neat one-two with Sophie Dowman before slotting the ball home.
By now the Rockettes clearly had the measure of Orient but they suffered a blow five minutes before the break when captain Charley Sayer-Payne was the victim of a savage scissor tackle and was taken to hospital with damaged knee and ankle ligaments. She was replaced at left back by Emma Smith.
Orient had a great opportunity to get back into the game seconds after the restart, but they missed an open goal. That would prove to be their best chance of the second half and the game settled into a stalemate punctuated only by Dowman’s header against the crossbar just after the hour. With ten minutes to go, substitute Mae Town put the game out of reach when she latched on to a pass from Dowman and slotted the ball past the Orient ‘keeper at her near post.
East Thurrock took an early lead after a right wing corner from Chelsea Hinz was turned into her own net by an unfortunate defender after 8 minutes. However, the lead lasted only five minutes before a miscued goal kick from Sophie Mingay was rifled straight into the net by a grateful Orient striker. The same player had shot over with the goal at her mercy moments before.
Within a minute the Rockettes were ahead again. Right back Courtney McGovern played a long ball down the wing to Hinz who picked out Tia Hart on the far side of the box with an inch perfect pass and she volleyed the ball into the top corner of the goal. Three minutes later the lead was extended to 3-1 as Kealy Farley played a neat one-two with Sophie Dowman before slotting the ball home.
By now the Rockettes clearly had the measure of Orient but they suffered a blow five minutes before the break when captain Charley Sayer-Payne was the victim of a savage scissor tackle and was taken to hospital with damaged knee and ankle ligaments. She was replaced at left back by Emma Smith.
Orient had a great opportunity to get back into the game seconds after the restart, but they missed an open goal. That would prove to be their best chance of the second half and the game settled into a stalemate punctuated only by Dowman’s header against the crossbar just after the hour. With ten minutes to go, substitute Mae Town put the game out of reach when she latched on to a pass from Dowman and slotted the ball past the Orient ‘keeper at her near post.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Courtney McGovern, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Emma Smith, Justine Palmer, Leigh Wainford, Mae Town
Player of the match: Caroline Sheppard
Assandun Vikings (A) - 11th November 2007
Assandun Vikings 1 - East Thurrock United Ladies 4 Kealy Farley (8 mins, 63 mins)
Tia Hart (56 mins)
Sophie Dowman (69 mins)
Tia Hart (56 mins)
Sophie Dowman (69 mins)
East Thurrock United Ladies put themselves three points clear at the top of the league but they had to work hard against a determined and well organised Assandun team who threatened to cause an upset for the first hour of the game.
The match started badly for the Rockettes when ‘keeper Sophie Mingay appeared to deflect a left wing corner into her own goal with just two minutes on the clock. However, they soon pulled level after Kealy Farley latched on to an excellent through ball from Courtney McGovern on the left. After the two early goals there was no further score in the first half although the Vikings constantly took the game to the Corringham girls and were unlucky to go in with the scores level.
With the half time words from Head Coach Scott Farley still ringing in their ears, the Rockettes immediately showed more urgency from the start of the second period and gradually began to take control of the game. The pressure finally told on the home defence after 56 minutes. Farley broke down the right and was fouled ten yards out from the goal line. Chelsea Hinz floated the free kick into the centre of a crowded penalty box, the home ‘keeper could only parry Farley’s header and Tia Hart was on hand to finish with her left foot.
That goal visibly lifted the pressure off the visitors and they began to pass the ball more fluently. They should have gone further ahead five minutes later but Hinz suffered the agony of seeing her shot hit the crossbar for the fifth time this season. There was no such disappointment for Farley ‘though as she raced on to a long ball from Sophie Drake and scored with a powerful shot. Leading scorer Sophie Dowman, who had a quiet match by her standards, rounded off the scoring as she waltzed around the ‘keeper and tapped the ball into an empty net with ten minutes remaining.
This win means the Rockettes will now complete a 12 month unbeaten run as their last defeat was on 19th November 2006, and they do not play again until 25th November.
After the game Scott Farley said, “In the first half we didn’t have any shape or movement and struggled against a very well organised team. After a stern half time talk we managed to get the ball down and play the kind of football that has seen us go unbeaten for a year, a mark not many clubs can say they have reached”.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Leigh Wainford, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne, Emma Smith; Chelsea Hinz, Tia Hart, Sophie Drake, Courtney McGovern; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley Earley, Hayley Williamson, Justine Palmer, Lauren Riddick, Mae Town.
The match started badly for the Rockettes when ‘keeper Sophie Mingay appeared to deflect a left wing corner into her own goal with just two minutes on the clock. However, they soon pulled level after Kealy Farley latched on to an excellent through ball from Courtney McGovern on the left. After the two early goals there was no further score in the first half although the Vikings constantly took the game to the Corringham girls and were unlucky to go in with the scores level.
With the half time words from Head Coach Scott Farley still ringing in their ears, the Rockettes immediately showed more urgency from the start of the second period and gradually began to take control of the game. The pressure finally told on the home defence after 56 minutes. Farley broke down the right and was fouled ten yards out from the goal line. Chelsea Hinz floated the free kick into the centre of a crowded penalty box, the home ‘keeper could only parry Farley’s header and Tia Hart was on hand to finish with her left foot.
That goal visibly lifted the pressure off the visitors and they began to pass the ball more fluently. They should have gone further ahead five minutes later but Hinz suffered the agony of seeing her shot hit the crossbar for the fifth time this season. There was no such disappointment for Farley ‘though as she raced on to a long ball from Sophie Drake and scored with a powerful shot. Leading scorer Sophie Dowman, who had a quiet match by her standards, rounded off the scoring as she waltzed around the ‘keeper and tapped the ball into an empty net with ten minutes remaining.
This win means the Rockettes will now complete a 12 month unbeaten run as their last defeat was on 19th November 2006, and they do not play again until 25th November.
After the game Scott Farley said, “In the first half we didn’t have any shape or movement and struggled against a very well organised team. After a stern half time talk we managed to get the ball down and play the kind of football that has seen us go unbeaten for a year, a mark not many clubs can say they have reached”.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Leigh Wainford, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne, Emma Smith; Chelsea Hinz, Tia Hart, Sophie Drake, Courtney McGovern; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley Earley, Hayley Williamson, Justine Palmer, Lauren Riddick, Mae Town.
Player of the match: Sophie Drake
RSA Basildon Girls (H) - 4th November 2007
East Thurrock United Ladies 13 – RSA Basildon Town 2Kealy Farley (9 mins, 15 mins, 34 mins, 70 mins)
Sophie Dowman (10 mins, 21 mins, 30 mins, 39 mins, 42 mins, 55 mins)
Hayley Williamson (29 mins)
Courtney McGovern (51 mins)
Sophie Drake (65 mins)
East Thurrock United Ladies are now just one game away from going a year without defeat after demolishing RSA Basildon Girls at Rookery Hill on Sunday morning. Leading scorer Sophie Dowman helped herself to a double hat-trick to take her season’s tally to 17 from seven games with strike partner Kealy Farley notching four (13 from 7). These two are now well on their way to beating last season’s tally when they shared 51 goals between them (26-25).
Farley opened the scoring on Sunday with a ninth minute strike and Dowman doubled the lead a minute later. RSA pulled a goal back from a controversial free kick soon after when home ‘keeper Sophie Mingay was adjudged to have handled outside the area. However, this was not the start of a fightback and Rockettes would find the net a further eleven times before RSA’s second goal rounded off the match.
By half time the score had raced on to 8-1 – four for Dowman, three for Farley and the first of the season for hardworking midfielder Hayley Williamson, who lobbed the ‘keeper from long range.
After the break the tempo of the game eased slightly as Rockettes took their foot off the gas pedal and the substitutions came thick and fast. Courtney McGovern had the honour of bringing up double figures for the first time as she scored her first ever league goal in the 51st minute. Dowman added two more either side of that and Sophie Drake, showing her versatility by playing centre back in this game, made it twelve by driving into the top corner from outside the box after a corner had been cleared straight out to her.
Farley finished the rout she had started by completing the scoring for East Thurrock ten minutes from time, but the goal of the game came five minutes later. The RSA #10 smashed a hopeful ball forward, virtually from the half way line, and was both astonished and delighted to see it take a wicked bounce over Mingay and fly into the net.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Courtney McGovern, Sophie Drake, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Emma Smith, Hayley Earley, Justine Palmer, Leigh Wainford, Mae Town.
Farley opened the scoring on Sunday with a ninth minute strike and Dowman doubled the lead a minute later. RSA pulled a goal back from a controversial free kick soon after when home ‘keeper Sophie Mingay was adjudged to have handled outside the area. However, this was not the start of a fightback and Rockettes would find the net a further eleven times before RSA’s second goal rounded off the match.
By half time the score had raced on to 8-1 – four for Dowman, three for Farley and the first of the season for hardworking midfielder Hayley Williamson, who lobbed the ‘keeper from long range.
After the break the tempo of the game eased slightly as Rockettes took their foot off the gas pedal and the substitutions came thick and fast. Courtney McGovern had the honour of bringing up double figures for the first time as she scored her first ever league goal in the 51st minute. Dowman added two more either side of that and Sophie Drake, showing her versatility by playing centre back in this game, made it twelve by driving into the top corner from outside the box after a corner had been cleared straight out to her.
Farley finished the rout she had started by completing the scoring for East Thurrock ten minutes from time, but the goal of the game came five minutes later. The RSA #10 smashed a hopeful ball forward, virtually from the half way line, and was both astonished and delighted to see it take a wicked bounce over Mingay and fly into the net.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Courtney McGovern, Sophie Drake, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Emma Smith, Hayley Earley, Justine Palmer, Leigh Wainford, Mae Town.
Player of the match: Kealy Farley
Harlow Town (A) - 28th October 2007
Harlow Town 3 - East Thurrock United Ladies 42 mins, 8 mins, Lauren Riddick (32 mins)
28 mins Kealy Farley (51 mins)
Sophie Dowman (62 mins)
Chelsea Hinz (80+1 mins)
The Rockettes came into this game defending an unbeaten record that stretches back 50 weeks, but they were behind for most of the match. At half time, with the score at 1-3, Head Coach Scott Farley told Manager Nigel Payne that they would win the match in the last minute and, just as predicted, a goal from Chelsea Hinz that came 1 minute and 40 seconds into added time snatched all three points for the Corringham side. In truth, this was hard on a Harlow team that battled gallantly for the whole game and deserved to take something from it.
The match began badly for East Thurrock as a mix-up in central defence allowed the home side to take the lead with just 80 seconds on the clock. It became worse when striker Kealy Farley contrived to score a bizarre own goal from fully 30 yards, shortly after missing an open goal at the other end. Playing uphill and into driving rain, the visitors began to claw their way back into a match that was being badly disrupted by a fussy referee who seemed to think that there should be absolutely no physical contact between female players. One such decision, for obstruction, resulted in Harlow going three up from a well executed free kick.
Coach Farley brought on the experienced duo Charley Sayer-Payne and Hayley Williamson who had both returned from holidays on the eve of the match. This was the signal for the Rockettes fight-back to begin in earnest and their own dead-ball expert Lauren Riddick soon reduced the deficit with a superbly flighted free kick from a very long way out.
As the game moved into the second half the momentum swung to East Thurrock but the anticipated goals were slow to come. Farley pulled another one back with a long range strike on 51 minutes but Hinz was frustrated on the hour as she struck the woodwork yet again this season. However, just a couple of minutes later she played a short corner to Riddick who swept the ball on to Williamson and Sophie Dowman was able to poach an equaliser from close range – her eleventh goal from six games.
Rockettes were now firmly camped in the Harlow half as they sought the winner. Riddick drove another free kick against the crossbar with just three minutes left but that just served to set the scene for Hinz’s rousing finale.
After the game Farley commented, “The conditions were really horrible today and the girls did well to keep pushing right to the end. It was a shame that the referee decided to take centre stage and ruin a good game with some very strange decisions. The Harlow management team were equally disappointed with him. It should be a great game when they come to Rookery Hill in February.”
Team: Sophie Mingay; Leigh Wainford, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Emma Smith; Chelsea Hinz, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart, Courtney McGovern; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs:Charley Sayer-Payne, Hayley Earley, Hayley Williamson, Kiyah McNab, Mae Town.
The match began badly for East Thurrock as a mix-up in central defence allowed the home side to take the lead with just 80 seconds on the clock. It became worse when striker Kealy Farley contrived to score a bizarre own goal from fully 30 yards, shortly after missing an open goal at the other end. Playing uphill and into driving rain, the visitors began to claw their way back into a match that was being badly disrupted by a fussy referee who seemed to think that there should be absolutely no physical contact between female players. One such decision, for obstruction, resulted in Harlow going three up from a well executed free kick.
Coach Farley brought on the experienced duo Charley Sayer-Payne and Hayley Williamson who had both returned from holidays on the eve of the match. This was the signal for the Rockettes fight-back to begin in earnest and their own dead-ball expert Lauren Riddick soon reduced the deficit with a superbly flighted free kick from a very long way out.
As the game moved into the second half the momentum swung to East Thurrock but the anticipated goals were slow to come. Farley pulled another one back with a long range strike on 51 minutes but Hinz was frustrated on the hour as she struck the woodwork yet again this season. However, just a couple of minutes later she played a short corner to Riddick who swept the ball on to Williamson and Sophie Dowman was able to poach an equaliser from close range – her eleventh goal from six games.
Rockettes were now firmly camped in the Harlow half as they sought the winner. Riddick drove another free kick against the crossbar with just three minutes left but that just served to set the scene for Hinz’s rousing finale.
After the game Farley commented, “The conditions were really horrible today and the girls did well to keep pushing right to the end. It was a shame that the referee decided to take centre stage and ruin a good game with some very strange decisions. The Harlow management team were equally disappointed with him. It should be a great game when they come to Rookery Hill in February.”
Team: Sophie Mingay; Leigh Wainford, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Emma Smith; Chelsea Hinz, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart, Courtney McGovern; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs:Charley Sayer-Payne, Hayley Earley, Hayley Williamson, Kiyah McNab, Mae Town.
Player of the match: Sophie Mingay
Hoddesdon Owls (A) - 14th October 2007 - League Cup Preliminary Round
Hoddesdon Owls 2 - East Thurrock United Ladies 9Sophie Dowman (5)
Lauren Riddick (3)
Kealy Farley
East Thurrock United Ladies extended their unbeaten run to five games this season in the Preliminary Round of the U16 League Cup at Hoddesdon on Sunday afternoon. The Rockettes earned their place in the First Round proper after the comprehensive demolition of their Division A opponents - not so much a giant-killing as a massacre.
Head Coach Scott Farley made a few changes from the team that beat Colchester Town last week, bringing Chelsea Hinz and playmaker Lauren Riddick back into the starting line-up. On a steeply sloping pitch, the Rockettes got off to a fine start by taking a two goal lead within ten minutes. The first came from a move rehearsed on the training ground in midweek as great vision from Riddick sent Kealy Farley racing down the wing and her cross was met by the head of Sophie Dowman who gave the ‘keeper no chance.
The Rockettes were on fire, but their lead was quickly halved when a defensive mix up allowed an Owls midfielder to smash home from just inside the box. This was the wake-up call they needed and the two goal cushion was rapidly restored with another fine finish from Dowman. By now East Thurrock were in complete control and Riddick made it four with a great free kick from outside the box. However it wasn’t all plain sailing as first Hoddesdon pulled a second goal back and then influential centre back Kelsey Bridges was taken to hospital with a broken finger and badly bruised hand before Dowman completed a first half hat-trick after another top class move.
Farley said, "I was very pleased with the way we worked as a team in the first half and at times our football was a joy to watch. It is so sweet to see a move you work on in training pay off in a game with two of our goals coming straight off the training ground".
The second half started the way the first had ended with Hoddesdon being put under intense pressure. It was only a matter of time before their defence crumbled and some great work down the left by Hinz allowed Dowman to poach her fourth goal with an easy header into an empty net. With Dowman going on to collect her fifth, Riddick completing her hat-trick and Farley smashing home a half volley, the Rockettes earned themselves a home tie against Leyton Orient on 25th November.
After the match Farley reflected, "I was very pleased with the way we all stayed focused for the whole game. It is so easy to lose concentration when you are dominating a game for long periods of time but we kept our shape and our work rate was second to none. We now have a break before travelling to league newcomers Harlow Town on 28th October.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Kelsey Bridges (c), Caroline Sheppard, Leigh Wainford; Sophie Drake, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart, Chelsea Hinz; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Courtney McGovern, Hayley Earley, Justine Palmer, Mae Town
Player of the match: Kealy Farley
Head Coach Scott Farley made a few changes from the team that beat Colchester Town last week, bringing Chelsea Hinz and playmaker Lauren Riddick back into the starting line-up. On a steeply sloping pitch, the Rockettes got off to a fine start by taking a two goal lead within ten minutes. The first came from a move rehearsed on the training ground in midweek as great vision from Riddick sent Kealy Farley racing down the wing and her cross was met by the head of Sophie Dowman who gave the ‘keeper no chance.
The Rockettes were on fire, but their lead was quickly halved when a defensive mix up allowed an Owls midfielder to smash home from just inside the box. This was the wake-up call they needed and the two goal cushion was rapidly restored with another fine finish from Dowman. By now East Thurrock were in complete control and Riddick made it four with a great free kick from outside the box. However it wasn’t all plain sailing as first Hoddesdon pulled a second goal back and then influential centre back Kelsey Bridges was taken to hospital with a broken finger and badly bruised hand before Dowman completed a first half hat-trick after another top class move.
Farley said, "I was very pleased with the way we worked as a team in the first half and at times our football was a joy to watch. It is so sweet to see a move you work on in training pay off in a game with two of our goals coming straight off the training ground".
The second half started the way the first had ended with Hoddesdon being put under intense pressure. It was only a matter of time before their defence crumbled and some great work down the left by Hinz allowed Dowman to poach her fourth goal with an easy header into an empty net. With Dowman going on to collect her fifth, Riddick completing her hat-trick and Farley smashing home a half volley, the Rockettes earned themselves a home tie against Leyton Orient on 25th November.
After the match Farley reflected, "I was very pleased with the way we all stayed focused for the whole game. It is so easy to lose concentration when you are dominating a game for long periods of time but we kept our shape and our work rate was second to none. We now have a break before travelling to league newcomers Harlow Town on 28th October.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Kelsey Bridges (c), Caroline Sheppard, Leigh Wainford; Sophie Drake, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart, Chelsea Hinz; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Courtney McGovern, Hayley Earley, Justine Palmer, Mae Town
Player of the match: Kealy Farley
Colchester Town (H) - 7th October 2007
East Thurrock United Ladies 9 - Colchester Town 0Sophie Drake (24 mins, 41 mins, 52 mins, 75 mins)
Kealy Farley (38 mins, 42 mins, 44 mins, 70 mins)
own goal (62 mins)
East Thurrock United Ladies went into this game equal on points at the top of the table with Leyton Orient. The Rockettes embarked on a Sunday morning goal-fest to record a victory that left them a point clear of second placed Barking Ladies by the end of the day.
Head Coach, Scott Farley, made a number of changes to his starting line-up, resting several of his regular players to give other squad members more match experience. The Rockettes got off to a jittery start and should have found themselves behind after only six minutes. Right back Justine Palmer made a clumsy challenge on the edge of the area and referee Daniel Foord had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. The Colchester player hit her spot kick hard but too close to goalkeeper Sophie Mingay who saved her team mate’s blushes by making a comfortable save.
The home side continued to make hard work of breaking down a stubborn Colchester side and Farley was forced to introduce Sophie Drake and then Chelsea Hinz to add width to his attack. It was Drake, making her home debut, who finally made the breakthrough, bursting through the visitor’s back line and coolly rounding the goalkeeper in the 24th minute. Even then East Thurrock failed to impose themselves on the game and experienced playmaker Lauren Riddick was brought off the bench to bolster central midfield.
Kealy Farley doubled the lead just before half time, but as the players headed for the dressing room they must have known what reception awaited them. Coach Farley said, “I was bitterly disappointed with the way we played in the first half. Our defence was all over the place and the midfield were second to every ball. But for the penalty save we could well have found ourselves behind at half time. We were very fortunate to be leading 2-0”.
The second half started with another change as club captain Charley Sayer-Payne made an unexpected return from injury at left back. The half time ‘roasting’ clearly had the desired effect because within four minutes the Rockettes had scored three goals and killed off the game. First Drake doubled her tally with a chip over the ‘keeper then Farley raced to her hat-trick by scoring twice in two minutes, the second a trademark one-on-one. Not to be out done, Drake soon notched her own hat-trick by skilfully curling a left wing corner directly into the goal just minutes after Sophie Dowman had had a header ruled out for offside.
Just past the hour, a Colchester player finally got on the score sheet, but not in the way she would have wanted, as the unfortunate left back lobbed the ball over her own goalkeeper to make the score 7-0. By now the Rockettes were rampant and ‘Player of the Match’ Drake and Farley each helped themselves to a fourth goal to provide a timely boost to their side’s goal difference.
After the match Farley reflected, “I knew we had the potential to run up a big score today and I was delighted with the way they responded in the second half. The news that Leyton Orient have lost makes it all the sweeter. We have the distraction of a visit to Division A Hoddesdon in the cup next week but, quite honestly, my focus is on winning the league and we have to make the most of games like today’s.”
Team: Sophie Mingay; Justine Palmer, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Emma Smith; Hayley Earley, Hayley Williamson, Tia Hart, Mae Town; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Charley Sayer-Payne, Chelsea Hinz, Courtney McGovern, Lauren Riddick, Sophie Drake
Head Coach, Scott Farley, made a number of changes to his starting line-up, resting several of his regular players to give other squad members more match experience. The Rockettes got off to a jittery start and should have found themselves behind after only six minutes. Right back Justine Palmer made a clumsy challenge on the edge of the area and referee Daniel Foord had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. The Colchester player hit her spot kick hard but too close to goalkeeper Sophie Mingay who saved her team mate’s blushes by making a comfortable save.
The home side continued to make hard work of breaking down a stubborn Colchester side and Farley was forced to introduce Sophie Drake and then Chelsea Hinz to add width to his attack. It was Drake, making her home debut, who finally made the breakthrough, bursting through the visitor’s back line and coolly rounding the goalkeeper in the 24th minute. Even then East Thurrock failed to impose themselves on the game and experienced playmaker Lauren Riddick was brought off the bench to bolster central midfield.
Kealy Farley doubled the lead just before half time, but as the players headed for the dressing room they must have known what reception awaited them. Coach Farley said, “I was bitterly disappointed with the way we played in the first half. Our defence was all over the place and the midfield were second to every ball. But for the penalty save we could well have found ourselves behind at half time. We were very fortunate to be leading 2-0”.
The second half started with another change as club captain Charley Sayer-Payne made an unexpected return from injury at left back. The half time ‘roasting’ clearly had the desired effect because within four minutes the Rockettes had scored three goals and killed off the game. First Drake doubled her tally with a chip over the ‘keeper then Farley raced to her hat-trick by scoring twice in two minutes, the second a trademark one-on-one. Not to be out done, Drake soon notched her own hat-trick by skilfully curling a left wing corner directly into the goal just minutes after Sophie Dowman had had a header ruled out for offside.
Just past the hour, a Colchester player finally got on the score sheet, but not in the way she would have wanted, as the unfortunate left back lobbed the ball over her own goalkeeper to make the score 7-0. By now the Rockettes were rampant and ‘Player of the Match’ Drake and Farley each helped themselves to a fourth goal to provide a timely boost to their side’s goal difference.
After the match Farley reflected, “I knew we had the potential to run up a big score today and I was delighted with the way they responded in the second half. The news that Leyton Orient have lost makes it all the sweeter. We have the distraction of a visit to Division A Hoddesdon in the cup next week but, quite honestly, my focus is on winning the league and we have to make the most of games like today’s.”
Team: Sophie Mingay; Justine Palmer, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Emma Smith; Hayley Earley, Hayley Williamson, Tia Hart, Mae Town; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Charley Sayer-Payne, Chelsea Hinz, Courtney McGovern, Lauren Riddick, Sophie Drake
Player of the match: Sophie Drake
Barking Ladies (A) - 30th September 2007
Barking Ladies 3 - East Thurrock United Ladies 410 mins, 14 mins, Kealy Farley (35 mins)
51 mins Sophie Dowman (50 mins)
Chelsea Hinz (54 mins)
Sophie Dowman (58 mins)
The Rockettes arrived at top-of-the-table Barking to find themselves facing a below strength side. However, on an under-sized pitch they struggled to take advantage of their good fortune before eventually running out 4-3 winners and replacing their hosts at the top of the table.
Barking stunned the Rockettes by romping into a two goal lead in only 14 minutes, prompting Head Coach Scott Farley to introduce experienced players Kealy Farley and Lauren Riddick from the bench. Barking were still getting to the ball first, but Rockettes gradually began to get back into the match and Kealy Farley pulled a goal back for the visitors five minutes before half time.
At the interval Farley challenged his players to play the football they are capable of and seize the opportunity to take top spot for themselves. No outfield changes were made but goalkeeper Sophie Mingay was complaining of feeling light-headed and debutant Sophie Drake, who had begun the match up front, donned the gloves for the second half.
Drake was soon called upon to make a couple of saves that quickly settled any nerves and boosted her confidence. After nine minutes of stalemate Chelsea Hinz struck the woodwork from distance for the second week running, but just a minute later Rockettes were level. Sophie Dowman latched onto a through ball and beat the goalkeeper with a crisp finish. However, it took Barking just a few seconds to regain their advantage. Straight from the restart the Barking centre forward noticed that Drake had strayed off her line and beat the back-pedalling ‘keeper with an audacious lob from the halfway line.
This setback only served to galvanise Rockettes even more and Hinz quickly restored parity with a superb chip of her own. The visitors continued to sweep forward and Dowman gave them the lead for the first time in the game when she pounced on a fumble from the home goalkeeper.
The spirited Barking girls refused to give up and rattled Rockettes’ nerves when their centre forward struck the crossbar with a powerful free kick from outside the area. However, the girls from Rookery Hill were not going to let a 4-3 lead slip two games in a row and shut out the home side to claim all three points.
Farley said, "We found it hard to adapt our game to the smaller pitch in the first half, which sometimes happens, and struggled to gain an advantage. At half time I told the girls that if we played the kind of football I know we can play and started working for each other then it would only be a matter of time before the pressure would tell and force them into mistakes. I was pleased with the way we got the ball wide in the second half which helped us stretch them and impose our pattern of play on the game.”
Team: Sophie Mingay; Justine Palmer, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Emma Smith; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Tia Hart, Courtney McGovern; Sophie Drake, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Kealy Farley, Lauren Riddick, Hayley Earley, Mae Town, Leigh Wainford
Player of the match: Courtney McGovern
Barking stunned the Rockettes by romping into a two goal lead in only 14 minutes, prompting Head Coach Scott Farley to introduce experienced players Kealy Farley and Lauren Riddick from the bench. Barking were still getting to the ball first, but Rockettes gradually began to get back into the match and Kealy Farley pulled a goal back for the visitors five minutes before half time.
At the interval Farley challenged his players to play the football they are capable of and seize the opportunity to take top spot for themselves. No outfield changes were made but goalkeeper Sophie Mingay was complaining of feeling light-headed and debutant Sophie Drake, who had begun the match up front, donned the gloves for the second half.
Drake was soon called upon to make a couple of saves that quickly settled any nerves and boosted her confidence. After nine minutes of stalemate Chelsea Hinz struck the woodwork from distance for the second week running, but just a minute later Rockettes were level. Sophie Dowman latched onto a through ball and beat the goalkeeper with a crisp finish. However, it took Barking just a few seconds to regain their advantage. Straight from the restart the Barking centre forward noticed that Drake had strayed off her line and beat the back-pedalling ‘keeper with an audacious lob from the halfway line.
This setback only served to galvanise Rockettes even more and Hinz quickly restored parity with a superb chip of her own. The visitors continued to sweep forward and Dowman gave them the lead for the first time in the game when she pounced on a fumble from the home goalkeeper.
The spirited Barking girls refused to give up and rattled Rockettes’ nerves when their centre forward struck the crossbar with a powerful free kick from outside the area. However, the girls from Rookery Hill were not going to let a 4-3 lead slip two games in a row and shut out the home side to claim all three points.
Farley said, "We found it hard to adapt our game to the smaller pitch in the first half, which sometimes happens, and struggled to gain an advantage. At half time I told the girls that if we played the kind of football I know we can play and started working for each other then it would only be a matter of time before the pressure would tell and force them into mistakes. I was pleased with the way we got the ball wide in the second half which helped us stretch them and impose our pattern of play on the game.”
Team: Sophie Mingay; Justine Palmer, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Emma Smith; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Tia Hart, Courtney McGovern; Sophie Drake, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Kealy Farley, Lauren Riddick, Hayley Earley, Mae Town, Leigh Wainford
Player of the match: Courtney McGovern
Leyton Orient A.S.S. (H) - 23rd September 2007
East Thurrock United Ladies 4 - Leyton Orient A.S.S. 4Tia Hart (29 mins) 22 mins, 52 mins, 67 mins, 80+4 mins
Kealy Farley (60 mins)
Sophie Dowman (64 mins)
Kealy Farley (68 mins)
Rockettes and Leyton Orient played out a pulsating draw in the U16 Essex County Girls Football League at Rookery Hill on Sunday morning. The day started badly for the Rockettes with the news that goalkeeper Sophie Mingay was unwell and confined to bed. Without a second string ‘keeper in the squad, midfielder Courtney McGovern bravely stepped into the breach.
The game got off to a cagey start with both sides testing each other out, but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 22nd minute after slack marking in the Rockettes defence. Rockettes responded well to this set back and drew level just seven minutes later when Tia Hart was left with a simple tap in.
The second half started with Rockettes taking the game to Orient, so it was a surprise when a superb solo effort put the visitors’ ahead again against the run of play, shortly after a powerful strike by Chelsea Hinz had rattled their crossbar. Kealy Farley restored parity with a confident finish from the right side of the box on the hour and strike partner Sophie Dowman eased Rockettes in front for the first time with a similar goal four minutes later. Sadly Rocks’ lead lasted just three minutes before an exquisite Orient chip just brushed McGovern’s outstretched finger tips before dropping under the bar.
Things got a whole lot worse a minute later when Dowman was shown a straight red card by referee Daniel Foord for raising her hands to an Orient player. Dowman, top scorer last season, later reported that the defender had been treading on her feet the whole game. Her loss through suspension will be a serious blow to the team.
Rockettes reorganised their formation and, with only two of the scheduled 80 minutes remaining, Farly looked to have won it for the home side with her second goal of the game. However, the points were shared after Orient used their numerical advantage to throw bodies forward and levelled the game after Rocks failed to clear a corner in the fourth minute of added time.
Team: Courtney McGovern; Leigh Wainford, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Emma Smith; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley Earley, Mae Town, Justine Palmer
The game got off to a cagey start with both sides testing each other out, but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 22nd minute after slack marking in the Rockettes defence. Rockettes responded well to this set back and drew level just seven minutes later when Tia Hart was left with a simple tap in.
The second half started with Rockettes taking the game to Orient, so it was a surprise when a superb solo effort put the visitors’ ahead again against the run of play, shortly after a powerful strike by Chelsea Hinz had rattled their crossbar. Kealy Farley restored parity with a confident finish from the right side of the box on the hour and strike partner Sophie Dowman eased Rockettes in front for the first time with a similar goal four minutes later. Sadly Rocks’ lead lasted just three minutes before an exquisite Orient chip just brushed McGovern’s outstretched finger tips before dropping under the bar.
Things got a whole lot worse a minute later when Dowman was shown a straight red card by referee Daniel Foord for raising her hands to an Orient player. Dowman, top scorer last season, later reported that the defender had been treading on her feet the whole game. Her loss through suspension will be a serious blow to the team.
Rockettes reorganised their formation and, with only two of the scheduled 80 minutes remaining, Farly looked to have won it for the home side with her second goal of the game. However, the points were shared after Orient used their numerical advantage to throw bodies forward and levelled the game after Rocks failed to clear a corner in the fourth minute of added time.
Team: Courtney McGovern; Leigh Wainford, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Emma Smith; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Lauren Riddick, Tia Hart; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Hayley Earley, Mae Town, Justine Palmer
Player of the match: Tia Hart
Little Thurrock Dynamos (A) - 16th September 2007
Little Thurrock Dynamos 2 - East Thurrock United Ladies 412 mins, 20 mins Sophie Dowman (40+1 mins, 79 mins)
Lauren Riddick (49 mins)
Tia Hart (64 mins)
East Thurrock United Ladies kick started their season with a 4-2 win over local rivals Little Thurrock Dynamos at the Orsett Showground on Sunday.
After a scrappy start to the game in which both teams found it hard to get the ball down and play due to the swirling wind and hard, bumpy pitch, L.T.D. made the break through after a mix up in the East Thurrock defence. The pressure continued from the restart with wave after wave of L.T.D. attacks. With the wind in their faces, East Thurrock found it hard to break out on the attack and it was only a matter of time before L.T.D. doubled their lead.
With the half already in stoppage time, an East Thurrock attack resulted in handball by an L.T.D. defender and the penalty kick was slotted home coolly by Sophie Dowman. 2-1 down at half time - a result head coach Scott Farley said he would have taken before the start considering the conditions.
The second half started in pretty much the same fashion as the first but this time it was L.T.D. on the back foot with the wind in their faces. After relentless pressure, and some great play down the left hand side, Lauren Riddick pulled the Rockettes level with a great strike from outside the box.
By this time L.T.D. were pinned into their own half as East Thurrock piled on the pressure in search of the winner. A debut goal from Tia Hart, just past the hour mark, put their noses in front and a second from Sophie Dowman a minute from time was enough to kill off a spirited L.T.D. side.
Farley said, “The wind and the pitch were a nightmare today and stopped us playing the kind of football I know the girls can play. I was pleased to reach half time only 2-1 down and knew that in the second half we would be camped in their half for long periods of the game. I told the girls at half time that if we stayed focused and kept our shape then I was confident we could go on a win the game.”
A serious ankle injury to club captain Charlie Sayer-Payne, sustained when she put her foot down a hole in the pitch, will rule her out of action for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks.
Team: Sophie Mingay; Emma Smith, Kelsey Bridges, Caroline Sheppard, Charley Sayer-Payne; Chelsea Hinz, Hayley Williamson, Tia Hart; Courtney McGovern; Kealy Farley, Sophie Dowman. Subs: Kiyah McNab, Hayley Earley, Lauren Riddick, Leigh Wainford, Justine Palmer