The Round-Up
Sunday 17th February
Norfolk Women’s County Cup
Semi-final weekend for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup a strong line-up in the last four with the huge incentive of Carrow Road waiting for the winners the final of the women’s competition being held at the home of Norwich City FC.
No side winning to lay down both games couldn’t be sorted in the allocated 90 minutes. It was to one of these semi-finals Women’s Football East headed this Sunday to the game between Thorpe United Ladies & King’s Lynn Town Ladies. 4 County Cup final appearances in a row for Thorpe United including back to back successes in recent season’s the underdogs being the lowest ranked side. That said their new side with a good blend of youth and experience are runaway leaders in Norfolk Women’s Division One. King’s Lynn Town Ladies playing in the league above were looking to reach the County Cup final for the 1st time.
Thorpe with a depleted squad a few missing some on the field recovering from injury. Started well with captain Rebekah Lake a threat up top. King’s Lynn were to open the scoring the ball struck well from outside the area by Tiffany Forshaw on the hour to make it 1-0. A narrow lead for King’s Lynn at the break the 2nd half they started to grow in dominance creating chances but failing to find the back of the net to put the tie to bed. The game entering the final 10 minutes Thorpe with a free-kick outside the area was cleared out to Sharnie Boast on the left inside the box struck it well racing through the crowded six yard box to nestle in the back of the net. 1-1 at the final whistle extra-time to be played.
A hat-trick for King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Tiffany Forshaw
King’s Lynn striking early to retake the lead the ball crossed into the area for Forshaw to head down from six yards to score her 2nd of the game. Good work from Jodie Hopkins on the right supported by captain Becky Russell brought a 3rd goal the ball across the face of goal missed at the near post running on for Forshaw to tap in and complete her hat-trick. King’s Lynn 3-1 with 15 more minutes of extra-time left. Thorpe were never out of it a free-kick struck well from outside the box by Laura Hedtke setting up a nervous finish but running the ball into the corner King’s Lynn held on and were ecstatic at the final whistle as they booked their place at Carrow Road.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies through to their first ever County Cup Final
No less dramatic in the other Norfolk Women’s County Cup semi-final as Acle United Women took on Wymondham Town Ladies in a repeat of last season’s final. Close rivals always a closely fought contest between the sides both in the ERWFL Premier Division. Both have lifted the County Cup, Wymondham the holders last season’s winners 3-2 over Acle looking to make it 3 finals in a row. League encounters don’t give much away Acle winning 1-0 at Wymondham back in October. Wymondham returned the favour winning 1-0 at Acle 3 weeks ago.
The game started off at tight affair little penalty box action, the opening goal coming as the game closed in on the half hour Wymondham awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out, Mollie O’Callaghan the taker her shot judged to have crossed line despite Acle’s attempts to clear. 5 minutes to go in the first half and it was Acle’s turn to score from a free-kick Amber Rowland finding the top corner to make it 1-1. Wymondham were soon back in front getting down the other end won a penalty. O’Callaghan stepping up to send the ball in for her 2nd of the game. 2-1 the lead at half-time.
Mid-way through the 2nd half and Acle levelled the scores up once again winning a penalty themselves Rowland like O’Callaghan sending the ball past the keeper to make it 2-2. Acle pressed for a winning goal Wymondham keeping them at bay the game ending all square headed int extra-time. A cagey period of extra play Laura Nicholls broke through to send the ball into the back of the net to put Wymondham ahead for the 3rd time in the game, but with 3 minutes remaining Acle equalised for a 3rd time. Broghan Scully sending the ball in from the free-kick. The game heading to penalties the shootout seeing more drama, Acle seeing one strike the post, Summer Ward scored the decisive spot kick for Wymondham to send them into their 3rd successive final. Wymondham winning on penalties 5-4.
The Final to be played at Carrow Road, I can hardly wait! Scheduled for Sunday 28th April with a 3:30pm kick-off.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
One game in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday with 2nd placed Sprowston Ladies travelling to the coast to play Gorleston FC Ladies on Sunday. A 1-0 lead for the visitors in the 1st half Sprowston went on to have the better of the 2nd half to score a further 4 goals and win 5-0 to open up a 3 point gap over Aylsham Ladies in 3rd. Victoria Leyer hitting another brace takes her tally to 21 goals for the season from 10 appearances. Their were goals too for Amee Kennett, Georgina Belton and captain Abby Hutchin.
Norfolk Ladies League Plate
One outstanding tie left to play in the 2nd Round of the Norfolk Ladies League Plate competition saw another Sprowston side travelling to Gorleston on Sunday with Sprowston Athletic Ladies taking on Division Two side Gorleston Rangers Ladies. The higher league side running out comfortable winners in the finish to reach the quarter finals. Sprowston Athletic wining the game 61 had 6 different goalscorers on the scoresheet with both Melissa Belsey and Rachel Bussey netting for the 5th time this season. Goals too for Olivia Leggett, Katie Fray and Laura Jenkins with Keri Boorman on target for her 1st of the campaign. An away trip to Division Two side Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies this coming Sunday in the quarter final. Rachel Adams with the goal for Gorleston Rangers.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Three matches played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday. Long Stratton Women taking advantage of Fakenham Town Ladies not having a game to climb above them into 2nd spot in the table with their 5 successive league win. Were on the road this Sunday taking on Freethorpe Ladies. A brace from Beth Stratton taking her to 12 for the season along with a 27th goal of the season for Samantha Walker seeing the visiting side win the game 3-0.
A series of postponements see Tavern Ladies with games in hand in Division Two and should they win those games will be in amongst the top 4 sides themselves. A scoring plenty of goals too. Were away to Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies this Sunday. 4-1 up at half-time the score repeated 2nd half to see Tavern climb up to 6th with an 8-2 victory. Katie Hart-Copsey well in front in the goal scoring charts hit 5 into the back of the net this weekend taking her tally to an incredible 35 goals from 11 appearances. Atlanta Griffith with a goal to against Bure Valley has 15 for the season with Lucy Lincoln and Meganne Smith with her 1st goal of the season also scoring.
Hockering Ladies were once again short on numbers as they entertained Horsford Women at home this Sunday in Division Two. Horsford winning for the 3rd time this season to move further clear of the bottom pair. The winning score 6-2. Laura Hudson was on target for 3 goals her 1st for the club in just her 2nd appearance. Jade Dodds too celebrating her 1st goals for Horsford netting a brace with Tanya Kirton also on the scoresheet for her 3rd of the season. Amy Bambridge scoring both the goals for Hockering.