The final matches of the season take place this weekend, although the Firsts are arranging friendlies in May.
Tomorrow, the U18s host Hayes & Yeading, who are one place and five points above the Chairgirls. In December it finished 2-2 in the reverse fixture. Kick-off 10:30 at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
On Sunday, the Firsts travel to Warminster Town, who are one point above the Chairgirls. That ended 2-2 in September at Burnham. Kick-off 2pm at Weymouth Street, Warminster BA12 9NS.
The Warminster match report. We wish Katie Riddington a speedy recovery from her broken collarbone. Good luck to Assistant Manager Dan Weber in his next adventure, he leaves after two years.
Th Firsts still have the Sponsors Cup to come, against Maidenhead United on 12th May.
The Firsts improved on last season to finish fifth, with Katie Riddington top scorer with 10 from 20 games. I'm sure that the coaching team, and the Trust, we're hoping to be challenging for promotion this season, but performances have been getting better during the season. The commitment and desire shines through on the highlights, and in the interviews, and plenty of chances are being created. The signing of experienced players in the last few weeks signals a clear intent to be at the top next season.
The U23s have had a remarkable season after promotion up two levels. They are currently second, with other teams yet to complete their fixtures or be awarded wins. Shannon Read was top scorer again, with 21 from 17 games. Last season she scored 19 from 16 for the Reserves, she has played a handful of games for the Firsts over the past two seasons. The U23s do seem to be not far behind the Firsts.
The U18s had a good season, finishing fifth out of eight, with a better playing record than last season. It was pleasing to see them enter the B & B again, hopefully that will continue. The already inadequate JPL Warriors site got worse this season, with no player stats at all now, unless I am not finding the right page. It would be good to see who is playing and scoring. The U23s and U18s have their own Twitter account but with very little match information on it. It would be helpful to see all matches publicised in advance, and results and scorers given.
I forgot to mention that the Firsts beat both the champions Bournemouth, in the league, and runners-up Ascot, in the FA Cup. On their day they are a match for anyone, maybe not consistent enough yet over a season. As the Chairgirls have improved this season, so have the other teams, and games are much more closely contested these days.
One final game tomorrow. The Firsts play Maidenhead United in the annual sponsors cup, introduced last year "to recognise and thank those sponsors and individuals who have helped the club throughout the season".
Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG. £4 Adults, U16s free (cash only).
Maidenhead highlights. All three Chairgirls' goals are excellent, and Emani Kassem is a real handful on the right wing. The Maidenhead goalkeeper kept her side in it, in the first half, with some very good saves.
Carl's 17 minute video review of the season. Points made include:
League fixtures are only released a few at a time, need to have whole season mapped out. Also, fixtures not evenly distributed, end up playing the same teams too soon again.
More injuries than normal last season, and a lot of away postponements due to the weather.
Recruitment is now more focused on players who are proven at this level, rather than hoping they come good. However, a lot of players have come through from U18s and U23s, and have not struggled. 32 players turned out for the Firsts last season. U23s a big success after jumping two levels, and U18s have benefited from the step up to regional level.
Carl's assistant coach of five years, Dan Weber, has moved on. Coaching at this level is a big commitment, can be 30 hours a week on top of a full-time job.
Emily McCartney praised, played every minute of every first team game, still only 18 after joining two years ago. Players' Player of the Season.
The new partnership with WW Foundation is mutually beneficial and already exciting both parties.
The Southern Region allocations have been announced for next season.
The Premier Division increases by two to 11 teams. Badshot Lea have been reprieved from relegation. The two Division One champions move up, AFC Portchester and Long Crendon. They are joined by Selsey, relegated from the National One South West after a very difficult season, losing all 22 games, scoring three goals and conceding 198.
Division One North increases by one to 12 teams, as Caversham are reprieved. Last season's league table remains uncompleted, with the U23s in second place.
They could, in theory, although it may not pass ground grading. I don't remember it having floodlights and, although that may not be a problem with an early kick-off on Sunday, it would mean they couldn't train there in the evening.
The Trust said that renting Burnham was a five figure sum, but didn't say over what period. Who knows what Marlow costs. It would be surprising to keep paying rent just for the Women's teams at Marlow, as well as at Burnham. Maybe there are bigger plans for Marlow.
It was confirmed at the Trust meeting last night that the Women's teams will continue playing at Burnham this season, the agreement to play there has another year to run. Playing games at Marlow Road was not ruled out in the future, and the Foundation could also use the facilities there.
Comments
It was 3-0 at HT today, goals from Molly Carter, Amy Leach (2), Eman Kassem (2), Kine Andersen and Axelle Courlander.
Badshot Lea highlights.
https://twitter.com/WWFCWomen/status/1783434656731295911?t=i6ZbcHXgJw_dxRekxjrxWg&s=19
The final matches of the season take place this weekend, although the Firsts are arranging friendlies in May.
Tomorrow, the U18s host Hayes & Yeading, who are one place and five points above the Chairgirls. In December it finished 2-2 in the reverse fixture. Kick-off 10:30 at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG.
On Sunday, the Firsts travel to Warminster Town, who are one point above the Chairgirls. That ended 2-2 in September at Burnham. Kick-off 2pm at Weymouth Street, Warminster BA12 9NS.
FY U18s 2-6 Hayes & Yeading
FT Warminster Town 0-3 Firsts (HT 0-1).
The scorers yesterday were Molly Carter, Eman Kassem and Kine Andersen.
The Warminster match report. We wish Katie Riddington a speedy recovery from her broken collarbone. Good luck to Assistant Manager Dan Weber in his next adventure, he leaves after two years.
https://www.wwfc.com/news/2024/april/29/chairgirls-end-season-with-win-at-warminster/
Th Firsts still have the Sponsors Cup to come, against Maidenhead United on 12th May.
The Firsts improved on last season to finish fifth, with Katie Riddington top scorer with 10 from 20 games. I'm sure that the coaching team, and the Trust, we're hoping to be challenging for promotion this season, but performances have been getting better during the season. The commitment and desire shines through on the highlights, and in the interviews, and plenty of chances are being created. The signing of experienced players in the last few weeks signals a clear intent to be at the top next season.
The U23s have had a remarkable season after promotion up two levels. They are currently second, with other teams yet to complete their fixtures or be awarded wins. Shannon Read was top scorer again, with 21 from 17 games. Last season she scored 19 from 16 for the Reserves, she has played a handful of games for the Firsts over the past two seasons. The U23s do seem to be not far behind the Firsts.
The U18s had a good season, finishing fifth out of eight, with a better playing record than last season. It was pleasing to see them enter the B & B again, hopefully that will continue. The already inadequate JPL Warriors site got worse this season, with no player stats at all now, unless I am not finding the right page. It would be good to see who is playing and scoring. The U23s and U18s have their own Twitter account but with very little match information on it. It would be helpful to see all matches publicised in advance, and results and scorers given.
Latest tables.
Thanks for all your updates @Steve_Peart I do like to see how they've all got on
I second that - thanks @Steve_Peart
Warminster highlights.
https://twitter.com/WWFCWomen/status/1785953750554730833?t=PmMeE6t9pXd77se6vr624w&s=19
I forgot to mention that the Firsts beat both the champions Bournemouth, in the league, and runners-up Ascot, in the FA Cup. On their day they are a match for anyone, maybe not consistent enough yet over a season. As the Chairgirls have improved this season, so have the other teams, and games are much more closely contested these days.
Thanks for all the updates @Steve_Peart
One final game tomorrow. The Firsts play Maidenhead United in the annual sponsors cup, introduced last year "to recognise and thank those sponsors and individuals who have helped the club throughout the season".
Kick-off 2pm at the 1878 Stadium, Burnham SL1 8JG. £4 Adults, U16s free (cash only).
https://www.wwfc.com/news/2024/may/07/chairgirls-to-host-maidenhead-united-in-sponsors-cup-/
FT Firsts 3-1 Maidenhead United (HT 0-0).
Goals from Axelle Courlander (2) and Kine Andersen saw the Chairgirls retain the Sponsors Cup.
End of season awards.
https://www.wwfc.com/news/2024/may/14/trophy-time-for-the-chairgirls/
Maidenhead highlights. All three Chairgirls' goals are excellent, and Emani Kassem is a real handful on the right wing. The Maidenhead goalkeeper kept her side in it, in the first half, with some very good saves.
https://youtu.be/R_M4C8vGJls?si=93m9syYZGjF55j8X
Carl Simon's end of season review.
https://www.wwfc.com/news/2024/may/15/carl-s-season-review/
Carl's 17 minute video review of the season. Points made include:
League fixtures are only released a few at a time, need to have whole season mapped out. Also, fixtures not evenly distributed, end up playing the same teams too soon again.
More injuries than normal last season, and a lot of away postponements due to the weather.
Recruitment is now more focused on players who are proven at this level, rather than hoping they come good. However, a lot of players have come through from U18s and U23s, and have not struggled. 32 players turned out for the Firsts last season. U23s a big success after jumping two levels, and U18s have benefited from the step up to regional level.
Carl's assistant coach of five years, Dan Weber, has moved on. Coaching at this level is a big commitment, can be 30 hours a week on top of a full-time job.
Emily McCartney praised, played every minute of every first team game, still only 18 after joining two years ago. Players' Player of the Season.
The new partnership with WW Foundation is mutually beneficial and already exciting both parties.
https://youtu.be/ZFEJUsHuMsg?si=p82HmxQM-i91uaHj
Molly Carter scored 97 not out off 144 balls, opening for Bucks U18s against Oxon U18s at Chearsley today. Bucks won by 111 runs.
The Southern Region allocations have been announced for next season.
The Premier Division increases by two to 11 teams. Badshot Lea have been reprieved from relegation. The two Division One champions move up, AFC Portchester and Long Crendon. They are joined by Selsey, relegated from the National One South West after a very difficult season, losing all 22 games, scoring three goals and conceding 198.
Division One North increases by one to 12 teams, as Caversham are reprieved. Last season's league table remains uncompleted, with the U23s in second place.
The Firsts have eight pre-season games scheduled. The home games at Burnham kick-off at 2pm, spectators are welcome.
Thatcham Town tournament win for the Youth Team.
According to this report, Reading Women will be playing in the same league as the Chairgirls. Not confirmed yet by the league.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c72vel6081po
From Instagram I see the Women's team is now training at Marlow Road.
Interesting, will they still be training there, on grass, in the winter?
Could they not play their matches there as well ? Save renting Burnham, which I'm assuming they have to do ?
They could, in theory, although it may not pass ground grading. I don't remember it having floodlights and, although that may not be a problem with an early kick-off on Sunday, it would mean they couldn't train there in the evening.
The Trust said that renting Burnham was a five figure sum, but didn't say over what period. Who knows what Marlow costs. It would be surprising to keep paying rent just for the Women's teams at Marlow, as well as at Burnham. Maybe there are bigger plans for Marlow.
This replaces the away game at Haywards Heath tomorrow, entry is free.
London Benfica match report from The Wandering Tractor, which reveals a 5-2 win for the Chairgirls.
https://wanderingtractor.uk/rocking-chairs/
It was confirmed at the Trust meeting last night that the Women's teams will continue playing at Burnham this season, the agreement to play there has another year to run. Playing games at Marlow Road was not ruled out in the future, and the Foundation could also use the facilities there.
The Chairgirls lost 3-0 to Farnham Town at Burnham today. Town re-formed this season and have been allocated to the Surrey Premier League, at step 7.