The U18s start their season tomorrow, Saturday, with an away match against Hayes & Yeading in the JPL Cup. This comprises five groups played on a league basis, the Chairgirls also have Kew Park Rangers, Millwall Lionesses and Fulham in theirs. There are 26 teams taking part in the cup, 29 registerd U18s teams, so it will be interesting to see how they are grouped for the league when that starts. Venue and KO time for the Hayes game has not been published.
On Sunday the Firsts play their opening home league game, against Oxford City. Both teams lost last week, City 3-1 at Eastleigh. Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
Also on Sunday, the U23s travel to Beaconsfield Town in the league. Both teams lost their openers, Town 8-2 at home to Penn & Tylers Green. Kick-off 2pm at Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE.
A very good nine minute video by Luke Jarrett, of the Firsts' Oxford City game. The game is much faster, and more skilful and physical compared to when I started watching the Chairgirls, not that long ago.
Tomorrow the U18s continue their JPL Cup quest when they travel to Fulham, who won their opening game 2-0 at Kew Park Rangers. Kick-off 10.30am at LSE Sports Ground (Pitch 1), Windsor Avenue, New Malden KT3 5HB.
On Sunday, the Firsts are at home again in the league, against Warminster Town, who lost 1-0 to Eastleigh at home last week, and 6-0 at Bournemouth Sports on the opening day. Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
Also on Sunday the U23s travel to Caversham United, with both reams looking for their first point. Last week the Billy Goats lost 3-1 to Camden & Islington in the FA Cup, and 7-3 to Milton United before that. Kick-off 2pm at Mapledurham Playing Fields, Upper Woodcote Rd, Caversham RG4 7LB.
Correction, the U18s play Fulham next Saturday, my mistake. Today they are at home to MK United U18 BlueBelles, in the First Round of the Berks & Bucks U18 Girls' Cup, a welcome return to the competition. Kick-off 10.30am, presumably at Burnham.
The U18s beat MK United BlueBelles 13-0. That was not the highest score in the round. Ascot United beat Caversham Swans 22-0, and AFC Reading Miami Belles beat Milton United 13-0. The Chairgirls used their discretion and did not publicise the final score, well done them. I have seen a cricket team post their innings total, in a one-sided match, and give the other side's score as "not enough runs".
My heart always sinks a little when I see scores like this, especially at youth level. It must be very demoralising. In the States, in lower levels of baseball and softball they have the 8, 10 and 15-Run Rules. If a team is losing by a set number of runs after so many innings, depending on the league and level, then they have to concede and the game is over. Perhaps a football game should finish if a team is winning by 10 goals, at junior or youth level at least. Although goal difference is important in leagues, I don't see that as a reason not to do this. If a team is winning by double figures then it is a mismatch and the game should not be taking place. Nobody benefits from these one-sided matches.
Tomorrow the U18s continue their JPL Cup quest when they travel to Fulham, who won their opening game 2-0 at Kew Park Rangers. Kick-off 10.30am at LSE Sports Ground (Pitch 1), Windsor Avenue, New Malden KT3 5HB.
On Sunday the Firsts travel to Winchester City Flyers, who had a good 1-0 win at Eastleigh last weekend. Kick-off 2pm at Alton Town FC, Anstey Park, Anstey Road, Alton GU34 2NB.
Also on Sunday, the U23s are home in the league to Chesham United Dev, who have lost their opening two matches. Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
I couldn’t agree more. Youth teams winning by double digit margins learn nothing and the game becomes ludicrous where all the players want to score more and more individual goals. I’m all for a ‘mercy rule’ as you outline above.
I coach a girls team and there is something called 'powerplay' for mini soccer matches up to under 10's (5 and 7 a side matches). If one team is losing by 4 goals they can bring on an extra player. If the deficit is reduced then they take off that extra player. If the deficit increases to 6 goals then they can bring on another extra player. Works well IMHO.
In his post-match interview on Sunday, Head Coach Carl Simon reveals that it's been a tough week as players have left the club, to play at a higher level.
Captain Kara Howes is one of the leavers revealed, to an unnamed club. That is quite a blow but it shows that the club are successfully developing young players, to go on to a higher standard.
A few weeks ago two sets of twins moved from Wycombe Wanderers to Maidenhead United's Development team, Amy and Emily Norfolk, and Freya and Ruby Harris. The Norfolks have already made their debut for Maidenhead Firsts in the National League.
The Slough Express published an article on the two sets of twins playing together.
Games this weekend. I cannot see a fixture for the U18s tomorrow. In their league cup group of five, it is their turn to sit out.
On Sunday the Firsts begin their FA Cup trail, when they travel to Ascot United in the 2QR. The Yellawomen have won all three league games, including beating the Chairgirls 4-1 on the opening. However, the Chairgirls are unbeaten in three and had a very good win last week, with Maddie Armstrong giving a POTM performance as, I think, a replacement for the departed Kara Howes. Kick-off 2pm at the Racecourse Ground SL5 7LJ (entrance free).
There is the added incentive of the prize fund, some serious money for amateur clubs. This is the page listed for 2023-24, I think the amounts are the same as last season.
Also on Sunday, the U23s are away to Eversley & California in the league. After losing their first two games, E & C's games the last two weekends have been postponed. Hopefully all is well at Eversley and the game goes ahead. Kick-off 2pm at Fox Lane, Eversley RG27 0NS.
Dartford play in the London & South East Regional Premier, same fifth tier as the Chairgirls, and are top with six wins out of six. Yesterday they beat Ashford United 2-0 at home in the 2QR.
A tough draw but so was the last round. Prize money will be £4k for the winners, £1k for the losers.
I normally only give the names of the goalscorers but a light deserves to be shone on the full line-up from yesterday. Emily McCartney was the POTM.
The U18s are back in action tomorrow, in the JPL Cup. They host Millwall Lionesses who have won two and lost one in the group. Match details not published yet but probably 10:30 at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
On Sunday the Firsts resume league action, looking for a win to back up last week's performance. Badshot Lea are in town, with one win and two defeats so far, and a 4-3 loss in the FA Cup last week at Whyteleafe. Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium.
Also on Sunday, the U23s travel to Long Crendon, who have won all three league games, scoring 13 goals. Last week they lost 6-2 at home to Watford Dev in the FA Cup. Kick-off 2pm at Recreation Ground, 9 Chearsley Road, Long Crendon HP18 9BS.
Captain Bobby Lynch with the winner for the Firsts, from 30+ yards, to make it three wins on the bounce. Also three clean sheets on the bounce, I can't remember when that last happened, some years ago I think, and all since Captain Kara Howes, a rock at the back, left the club. Players have really stepped up superbly.
The big game in the Premier Division today was Ascot v Bournemouth, the top two clash with Ascot coming from 2-0 down at HT, to draw 2-2. That leaves the Chairgirls third and two points from the top. It feels as though this division is more open this season than first thought.
In Division One North, the U23s had a very good win at Crendon, who lost their 100% record. The Chairgirls retain top spot.
Comments
The U18s start their season tomorrow, Saturday, with an away match against Hayes & Yeading in the JPL Cup. This comprises five groups played on a league basis, the Chairgirls also have Kew Park Rangers, Millwall Lionesses and Fulham in theirs. There are 26 teams taking part in the cup, 29 registerd U18s teams, so it will be interesting to see how they are grouped for the league when that starts. Venue and KO time for the Hayes game has not been published.
On Sunday the Firsts play their opening home league game, against Oxford City. Both teams lost last week, City 3-1 at Eastleigh. Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
Also on Sunday, the U23s travel to Beaconsfield Town in the league. Both teams lost their openers, Town 8-2 at home to Penn & Tylers Green. Kick-off 2pm at Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE.
FT Hayes & Yeading 5-1 U18s.
Match squad for Oxford City, Molly Carter in the frame.
Kick-off 2pm today at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG
FT Firsts 2-2 Oxford City (HT 1-1)
FT Beaconsfield Town 5-2 U23s.
Amy Leach opened the scoring on 20' for the Firsts, City equalised immediately. Katie Riddington restored the lead on 59', City made it 2-2 on 87'.
Maria Fernanda and Daisy Thompson were on target for the U23s.
Tables:
Firsts: https://bit.ly/3r4GGbB
U23s: https://bit.ly/45NQtBS
U18s Cup: https://bit.ly/3Re2HiI
A very good nine minute video by Luke Jarrett, of the Firsts' Oxford City game. The game is much faster, and more skilful and physical compared to when I started watching the Chairgirls, not that long ago.
https://twitter.com/WWFCWomen/status/1702734954885476724?t=nZ5DuoGA1CjAkj02yJJTIA&s=19
Tomorrow the U18s continue their JPL Cup quest when they travel to Fulham, who won their opening game 2-0 at Kew Park Rangers. Kick-off 10.30am at LSE Sports Ground (Pitch 1), Windsor Avenue, New Malden KT3 5HB.
On Sunday, the Firsts are at home again in the league, against Warminster Town, who lost 1-0 to Eastleigh at home last week, and 6-0 at Bournemouth Sports on the opening day. Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
Also on Sunday the U23s travel to Caversham United, with both reams looking for their first point. Last week the Billy Goats lost 3-1 to Camden & Islington in the FA Cup, and 7-3 to Milton United before that. Kick-off 2pm at Mapledurham Playing Fields, Upper Woodcote Rd, Caversham RG4 7LB.
Correction, the U18s play Fulham next Saturday, my mistake. Today they are at home to MK United U18 BlueBelles, in the First Round of the Berks & Bucks U18 Girls' Cup, a welcome return to the competition. Kick-off 10.30am, presumably at Burnham.
The U18s won today, it was 6-0 at half-time, final score not published yet.
The U18s beat MK United BlueBelles 13-0. That was not the highest score in the round. Ascot United beat Caversham Swans 22-0, and AFC Reading Miami Belles beat Milton United 13-0. The Chairgirls used their discretion and did not publicise the final score, well done them. I have seen a cricket team post their innings total, in a one-sided match, and give the other side's score as "not enough runs".
My heart always sinks a little when I see scores like this, especially at youth level. It must be very demoralising. In the States, in lower levels of baseball and softball they have the 8, 10 and 15-Run Rules. If a team is losing by a set number of runs after so many innings, depending on the league and level, then they have to concede and the game is over. Perhaps a football game should finish if a team is winning by 10 goals, at junior or youth level at least. Although goal difference is important in leagues, I don't see that as a reason not to do this. If a team is winning by double figures then it is a mismatch and the game should not be taking place. Nobody benefits from these one-sided matches.
FT Firsts 2-2 Warminster Town.
Chairgirls took the lead, Town led at half-time, Chairgirls equalised on 62'.
FT Caversham United 2-8 U23s.
Yesterday's scorers.
Firsts: Charlotte Hill, Katie Riddington
U23s: Jessica Poulter (2), Ammara Qureshi (3), Daisy Thompson, Shannon Read (2)
Tomorrow the U18s continue their JPL Cup quest when they travel to Fulham, who won their opening game 2-0 at Kew Park Rangers. Kick-off 10.30am at LSE Sports Ground (Pitch 1), Windsor Avenue, New Malden KT3 5HB.
On Sunday the Firsts travel to Winchester City Flyers, who had a good 1-0 win at Eastleigh last weekend. Kick-off 2pm at Alton Town FC, Anstey Park, Anstey Road, Alton GU34 2NB.
Also on Sunday, the U23s are home in the league to Chesham United Dev, who have lost their opening two matches. Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
FT yesterday.
Fulham 6-2 U18s (HT 1-1)
Today's matches.
Winchester City Flyers 0-2 Firsts (HT 0-1)
U23s 5-1 Chesham United Dev
I couldn’t agree more. Youth teams winning by double digit margins learn nothing and the game becomes ludicrous where all the players want to score more and more individual goals. I’m all for a ‘mercy rule’ as you outline above.
I coach a girls team and there is something called 'powerplay' for mini soccer matches up to under 10's (5 and 7 a side matches). If one team is losing by 4 goals they can bring on an extra player. If the deficit is reduced then they take off that extra player. If the deficit increases to 6 goals then they can bring on another extra player. Works well IMHO.
Scorers for the Firsts, yesterday, were Katie Riddington and Emma Kern.
Shannon Read, Ammara Qureshi (2), Amaya Navarro and Mia Parkin bagged for the U23s. All after the break after trailing at half-time.
A good interview with Emma Newberry, now in her ninth season for the Chairgirls.
https://youtu.be/5XjU8lzuyQU?si=jCGzTQbpsC6ylGis
In his post-match interview on Sunday, Head Coach Carl Simon reveals that it's been a tough week as players have left the club, to play at a higher level.
https://youtu.be/W2z9e9xaMzk?si=CPWGUX5onR7nI-t-
Captain Kara Howes is one of the leavers revealed, to an unnamed club. That is quite a blow but it shows that the club are successfully developing young players, to go on to a higher standard.
A few weeks ago two sets of twins moved from Wycombe Wanderers to Maidenhead United's Development team, Amy and Emily Norfolk, and Freya and Ruby Harris. The Norfolks have already made their debut for Maidenhead Firsts in the National League.
The Slough Express published an article on the two sets of twins playing together.
https://www.sloughexpress.co.uk/gallery/football/187992/maidenhead-united-women-s-development-side-field-two-sets-of-twins-in-first-competitive-match.html
Firsts' report from Sunday.
https://www.wwfc.com/news/2023/september/25/chairgirls-win-at-winchester/
Pitchside highlights - such passion and commitment.
https://twitter.com/WWFCWomen/status/1706358782815592821?t=uKOvUCxcMmVZYDfaiy27LQ&s=19
Games this weekend. I cannot see a fixture for the U18s tomorrow. In their league cup group of five, it is their turn to sit out.
On Sunday the Firsts begin their FA Cup trail, when they travel to Ascot United in the 2QR. The Yellawomen have won all three league games, including beating the Chairgirls 4-1 on the opening. However, the Chairgirls are unbeaten in three and had a very good win last week, with Maddie Armstrong giving a POTM performance as, I think, a replacement for the departed Kara Howes. Kick-off 2pm at the Racecourse Ground SL5 7LJ (entrance free).
There is the added incentive of the prize fund, some serious money for amateur clubs. This is the page listed for 2023-24, I think the amounts are the same as last season.
Also on Sunday, the U23s are away to Eversley & California in the league. After losing their first two games, E & C's games the last two weekends have been postponed. Hopefully all is well at Eversley and the game goes ahead. Kick-off 2pm at Fox Lane, Eversley RG27 0NS.
A fantastic result for the Firsts in the FA Cup!
I can't emphasise just how good a result this is! £3000 banked as well!
To round off a wonderful Wycombe Wanderers weekend, the U23s won 5-0 at Eversley & California and go equal top.
https://twitter.com/WWFCWomen/status/1708526395406582196?t=zGIU-1pgXSwzlj5XJ1O1Rw&s=19
Katie Riddington's winning FA Cup goal.
https://twitter.com/WWFCWomen/status/1708580297128727034?t=b6a6ilr0zUPkkQ-o1qawvQ&s=19
Dartford play in the London & South East Regional Premier, same fifth tier as the Chairgirls, and are top with six wins out of six. Yesterday they beat Ashford United 2-0 at home in the 2QR.
A tough draw but so was the last round. Prize money will be £4k for the winners, £1k for the losers.
I normally only give the names of the goalscorers but a light deserves to be shone on the full line-up from yesterday. Emily McCartney was the POTM.
Interviews with Emily and Carl.
https://youtu.be/hFRRv29JGL4?si=kKBa4IDS4MOov0Lt
https://youtu.be/b6X80hoyOpc?si=TLwPkuZchofw07sC
Ascot highlights.
https://youtu.be/GANzF2PP3JA?si=EPavm6-PdxZJDLaP
The U18s are back in action tomorrow, in the JPL Cup. They host Millwall Lionesses who have won two and lost one in the group. Match details not published yet but probably 10:30 at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
On Sunday the Firsts resume league action, looking for a win to back up last week's performance. Badshot Lea are in town, with one win and two defeats so far, and a 4-3 loss in the FA Cup last week at Whyteleafe. Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium.
Also on Sunday, the U23s travel to Long Crendon, who have won all three league games, scoring 13 goals. Last week they lost 6-2 at home to Watford Dev in the FA Cup. Kick-off 2pm at Recreation Ground, 9 Chearsley Road, Long Crendon HP18 9BS.
Today's results:
Firsts 1-0 Badshot Lea (HT 0-0)
Long Crendon 1-2 U23s
Yesterday:
U18s 1-7 Millwall Lionesses (HT 0-5).
Captain Bobby Lynch with the winner for the Firsts, from 30+ yards, to make it three wins on the bounce. Also three clean sheets on the bounce, I can't remember when that last happened, some years ago I think, and all since Captain Kara Howes, a rock at the back, left the club. Players have really stepped up superbly.
The big game in the Premier Division today was Ascot v Bournemouth, the top two clash with Ascot coming from 2-0 down at HT, to draw 2-2. That leaves the Chairgirls third and two points from the top. It feels as though this division is more open this season than first thought.
In Division One North, the U23s had a very good win at Crendon, who lost their 100% record. The Chairgirls retain top spot.
League tables.
Firsts: https://bit.ly/3r4GGbB
U23s: https://bit.ly/45NQtBS
U18s Cup: https://bit.ly/3Re2HiI