The Cumbria Women’s League season came to an end on Monday 10 May 2010, with the League Cup Final acting as the showcase for women’s football in the county.

The match lived up to the billing, with 2 teams playing great football and being role models for female players in Cumbria.

Crown Newlaithes, in their first season as an adult team (following success through the ranks as a junior team) turned up at Borough Park, home of Workington Reds for their first senior cup final. Whitehaven Ladies more experienced and newly crowned League Champions were the opposition. With this Cup Final also being the first for Whitehaven Ladies, the pitch was very much a level playing field.

Following the pre-match photographs and the Respect handshake, both teams were keen to get on with the business.

The game started off at a fast pace, with Whitehaven having the first opportunity, only for Natalie Broad to fire over the bar. Crown Newlaithes undeterred by this struck back almost immediately, going down the other end and putting the ball in the back of the net, only for the offside flag to dampen the celebrations. Whitehaven captain Fiona Buglass struck a sweet volley from a corner which had beaten the keeper, but it was the Newlaithes captain Jade Williams who headed off the line.

With more chances at either end following, it was Whitehaven who got the decisive first goal. A cross from the left found Meg Murdock who turned and placed her shot in the corner. 1-0

The goal was a little harsh on Newlaithes who had been pressing the Whitehaven goal. Newlaithes didn’t allow their heads to drop and but for some fine goalkeeping, they would have replied almost immediately. However, Whitehaven now had a spring in their step and with clinical finishing went into half time leading 3-0 following goals from Natalie Broad and Meg Murdock.

The second half started like the first, with some neat play from both teams. Newlaithes had an early chance to pull a goal back, but once again found Whitehaven goalkeeper Sarah Scott in fine form following a double save from the Newlaithes front line.

A Whitehaven clearance down field found Meg Murdock on the touchline, Meg put an early cross into the box and this time it was a header from Katie Maxwell which looped over Katie Marrs in the Newlaithes goal to make the score 4-0.

More chances on goal followed; with Natalie Broad seeing her shot saved by the goalkeeper. Newlaithes pressed with Tasha Scott being put through by Katie Ostridge and Faye Comber also having chances.

Whitehaven made the score-line 5-0 with a goal from substitute Kelly Murray, scoring with her first touch of the ball – a cracking shot from outside the 18 yard box.

Crown Newlaithes still did not lie down and continued to give a good account of themselves. A cross by Katie Ostridge found Claire Blakey, another substitute who fired into the net from 6 yards out 5-1. Newlaithes continued to press and were unlucky not to get a second from a well struck free kick which went just over the bar.

Claire Blakey pulled another goal back for Newlaithes, running onto a through ball from Katie Ostridge and scoring with a first time shot past the goalkeeper. 5-2

Final Score: Whitehaven Ladies 5 – 2 Crown Newlaithes

An entertaining game which was a great advert for the women’s game in the county.

Crown Newlaithes:
Katie Marrs, Sarah Pagan, Holly Andrews, Jade Williams (C), Tasha Scott, Faye Comber, Carly Boyd, Chelsea Lightfoot, Stacey Harkness, Pat Currie, Katie Ostridge
Subs: Rosie Robson, Laura Webster, Claire Blakey, Laura Owen, Sara Currie

Whitehaven Ladies:
Sarah Scott, Ceire Kinsella, Anna Williams, Lisa Cullen, Fiona Buglass (C), Kirsty Robson, Katie Maxwell, Linzi Evans, Lauren Fryer, Megan Murdock, Natalie Broad
Subs: Zoe Robinson, Yula McCourt, Kelly Murray, Rachel Kitchen, Danielle Easdon


Following the presentation of the League Cup Final medals, Whitehaven were also presented with the League Championship trophy. Whitehaven will now be promoted into the regional league as the County League is part of the Women’s Football Pyramid. The Cumbria Women’s League would like to thank both teams for their efforts this season and wish them both well for next year.

The Cumbria Women’s League would also like to thank Workington Reds for their hospitality for the evening.

For more details on women’s football, please contact Helen Aitchison, Women & Girls Football Development Officer on 01900 872310 or email Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com