This Sunday across Norfolk it was the beginning of the Ladies League Cup competition. 4 ties taking place in the 1st Round.
Sprowston Athletic Ladies drawn away to Long Stratton Ladies the Division One side yet to pick up a win at the beginning of the season following promotion, a tough first round opponent in Long Stratton dropping down to Division Two have in contrast won 3 from 3 in the league haven’t played though since the 23rd September. Sprowston Athletic celebrating their 1st win of the season come the final whistle, goals from Melissa Belsey and Rachel Bussey clinching a 2-0 win to see them into the 2nd Round.
Tavern Ladies are another Division Two side showing great form at the start of the season, scoring goals were drawn at home to fellow Division Two side Bulldogs Ladies who in contrast have struggled for results at the beginning of the season. Tavern proving too strong on the day, Atlanta Griffith scoring 4 goals in the match with Katie Hart-Copsey adding a brace. Leysha Bangura also scoring in a 7-1 win. Ffion Lewis scoring the goal for Bulldogs Ladies.
4 goals for Tavern Ladies, Atlanta Griffith
Freethorpe Ladies progress in the Norfolk Ladies League Cup as they won their 1st Round match at home to Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies on Sunday. A single goal enough to clinch the victory coming in the 1st half, Amy Barber with her 1st goal of the season to send Freethorpe through.
Taverham United Women cause the upset of the 1st Round by knocking out higher league opposition. Unbeaten in 2nd place in Division Two were at home in the Ladies League Cup playing Beccles Town Ladies. A brace from top scorer, Rebecca Sutton along with a goal for Abbie Walker seeing Taverham leading 3-0 at half-time. Beccles getting 1 goal back in the 2nd half Taverham winning 3-1 to advance.
On to the 2nd of today’s Finals in Norfolk the Ladies League Cup, FC Sprowston Ladies newly crowned Champion’s of Norfolk Women’s Division Two taking on Bungay Town Ladies who are looking to retain the League Cup having won it for the 1st time last season.
The 2nd time a Sprowston side has featured in the Norfolk Women’s Finals day. FC Sprowston Ladies formed at the start of the season. The two sides are run as two different teams not a 1st & Reserves/Development. FC Sprowston Ladies building on a club that has a strong youth programme. Have dominated Norfolk Women’s Division Two this season with a 100% in both league and cup it looked as though they would go all the way to the League Cup Final with that record intact. But alas no they have been beaten once in the league this season by eventual runners-up Beccles Town Ladies who pushed them all the way. The league finished FC Sprowston Ladies are the Champions and come into the League Cup Final looking to do a double against a side that are thinking exactly the same thing!
Whilst FC Sprowston Ladies are the Norfolk Women’s Division Two Champion’s, Bungay Town Ladies are on the verge of winning the Division One title having a 3 point lead over 2nd placed Sprowston Ladies. A win in their final league game at home to Gorleston FC Ladies this coming Thursday would almost certainly see them become champions. Sprowston having 2 games left can still equal their points tally Bungay Town Ladies however have the advantage of a larger goal difference. Are keen to successfully retain the League Cup this afternoon.
Road to the Final
A bye in the 1st Round of the League Cup for FC Sprowston Ladies. Bungay Town Ladies began the defence of the League Cup with a huge 10-0 win at home to Division Two side Freethorpe Ladies.
10-0 was the winning score for FC Sprowston Ladies as they cruised into the quarter finals beating fellow Division Two side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies in the 2nd Round. Bungay Town Ladies were away to fellow Division one side Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves won the game 6-1 to reach the last 8.
A much closer result for FC Sprowston Ladies in the quarter finals at home to fellow Division Two side Tavern Ladies the sides contesting a 7 goal thriller, FC Sprowston Ladies edging it 4-3. Bungay Town Ladies were at home to the young guns of Bure Valley Wildcats the Division Two newcomers on the wrong end of a 14-0 loss. Have since gone on to turn their season completely around with a strong finish.
Into the last 4, FC Sprowston Ladies were away to Stalham Town Ladies. Another close game a narrow 2-1 victory seeing FC Sprowston into the final. For Bungay Town Ladies it was a repeat of last season’s League Cup Final away to Thorpe United Ladies. 2-1 to Bungay Town in that final, it was another close one with Bungay Town edging it 4-3 to reach a 2nd successive league cup final.
If anything it’s hotter than the previous final the sun high in the sky. Retreated to the shady side of the ground to watch the game.
FC Sprowston Ladies starting XI – Joanna Pipe, Megan Belsey, Annika Skoog, Lois Irving, Katie Fray, Rebecca Kirby, Nicole Read (C), Melissa Belsey, Georgia Potter, Jo Davey & Harriet Gregory. Subs – Rosie Wickenden, Laura Jenkins & Charmaine Storey.
Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Jody Wells, Kelly Collins (C), Ella Swift, Charlotte Power, Ella Hindley, Teo Ilie, Selina Rowland, Nicky Hazell, Lauren Purling, Emily Leach & Samantha Walker. Subs – Arianna Lloyd & Eva Evans.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
FC Sprowston to kick-off the league Cup Final wearing orange shirts with black shorts and socks with Bungay lined up opposite wearing an all Royal Blue kit. An early attack for FC Sprowston the ball played out to Harriet Gregory moving into the right channel a low shot drilled in on the angle, the ball spinning off Bungay goalkeeper Jody Wells getting down at her near post the corner conceded. The ball played in towards the near post Bungay get the ball clear.
Centre back Katie Fray defends well up against Bungay attack Emily Leach as she has a run at the FC Sprowston defence after receiving the ball. Up the other end 3 Bungay defenders converge on Gregory as she makes a central run towards goal. Bungay press the attack Lauren Purling running up the right wing as Selina Rowland feeds her the ball whips a cross into the box, goes long the ball cleared by Megan Belsey for FC Sprowston.
FC Sprowston’s Katie Fray clearing the ball as Emily Leah closes her down
Purling is clipped as she tries to get away on the right, the free-kick awarded halfway inside the FC Sprowston half. Leach to play the ball into the box the ball knocked down into the mix is pushed out to Rowland top of the area, shifts the ball to her right and shoots the ball angling into the top right corner, Joanne Pipe in the FC Sprowston goal with an excellent save to get the ball away for the corner.
Early in the game Bungay have the bulk of the attack, Samantha Walker running onto the ball through the middle strikes the ball from the top of the D her effort running narrowly wide of the post. Lois Irving steps forwards turning to charge down Walker’s next strike the ball spinning away for a throw on the right. Melissa Belsey tracking Purling into the right corner defend conceding the corner kick. Walker to take the inswinging ball towards the far post Purling getting her header on target FC Sprowston have defenders back on the post the ball won and cleared.
FC Sprowston Ladies, Rebecca Kirby
Walker driving forwards into the box with the ball run wide to the byline right side cuts a cross/shot back in cut out by Pipe back to Walker sends the rebound back across the face of goal, Megan Belsey clearing at the far post. FC Sprowston are working hard at the back to deny Bungay the midfield pressing the ball, in attack Jo Davey pressures Charlotte Power at the back as she plays the ball back to the keeper. Gregory with a strike from distance put wide for FC Sprowston as she runs inside with the ball from the right.
Walker looks to be in the clear into the area from the left side as she is given the ball following a throw-in. Irving with a great burst of pace gets back on the striker closing her down as she shoots the ball tame as it is safely collected by Pipe. FC Sprowston captain Nicole Read winning the ball in the middle is fouled as she looks to carry it forwards. The set-piece dealt with by Ella Hindley at the back for Bungay. Purling is fouled on the right beside the box as she tries to bring the ball inside. Walker to fire the ball in across goal, FC Sprowston clearing the threat.
Bungay’s Lauren Purling with FC Sprowston’s Melissa Belsey
Purling is busy on the right at the start of the match getting forwards her cross from the byline cut back to the top of the area Walker behind it takes the shot on the volley sends the ball up over the bar. Bungay continue to dominate the attack, FC Sprowston working hard to defend aren’t getting the ball into their own attackers 25 minutes played. Nicky Hazell puts the ball in over the top of the FC Sprowston defence, Leach running into the area, Pipe out to claim well as she is closed down. Melissa Belsey sliding in to deny Purling a cross as she surges up the right wing.
Hazell bringing the ball on plays the pass inside from the left into Leach, Hazell bombs on into the area Leach sending her the return pass, Hazell putting it inside for Walker in the middle a clever flick to turn the ball goalwards, Pipe is well placed moving to grab hold of the ball. FC Sprowston attacks are few and far between getting forwards on the left win a free-kick on the byline a chance for players to come forwards, the ball played across the face of the goal dropping far post inviting no one can supply a final touch however as it runs wide.
Bungay Town Ladies, Teo Ilie
Fray with the interception to stop Leach getting through on goal as Teo Ilie and Rowland combine through the middle for Bungay. Bungay keep pressing forwards Walker picking the ball up top of the area, left side drills a shot in the keeper beaten, the ball striking the base of the far post the ball rebounding out across goal Annika Skoog 1st to it for FC Sprowston clearing for a corner with Walker looking to close her down.
Bungay’s Lauren Purling & Annika Skoog for FC Sprowston challenge for the ball
Skoog gets in front of Walker to get the ball back into Pipe as Rowland tries to play her in on goal. Into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half. Rebecca Kirby winning the ball for FC Sprowston in the middle plays it on for Georgia Potter on the right, Bungay captain Kelly Collins quick to close her down. Ella Swift getting forwards from right back for Bungay plays the ball forwards Rowland with the run, good defending from Fray as she closes the midfielder down.
Half-time FC Sprowston Ladies 0-0 Bungay Town Ladies
Goalless at the break, Bungay have had almost all of the attack and kept FC Sprowston penned in their own half for large portions of the game, have rode their luck a little chances going begging. For all that FC Sprowston as much as they are defending aren’t panicking, The defence coping with most intended through balls, Kirby and Read battling for the ball in midfield. A solid defensive base just can’t get anything going in attack. Bungay moving forwards well, Power and Hindley untroubled at centreback. Rowland and Ilie covering alot of ground.
Bungay Town Ladies, Ella Hindley
It’s Bungay to kick off the 2nd half. Are on the attack straight away Rowland bringing the ball on through the middle out to Purling on the wing heads the ball inside towards the area with Walker closing in, Irving getting her head on the ball first to clear for FC Sprowston. Read closes down Rowland as she lines up to shoot from 25 yards out. Skoog strong up against Walker as she tries to break through the FC Sprowston defence on her right. Megan Belsey stepping forwards from the FC Sprowston defence to challenge Hazell as she drives forwards from the left.
Bungay Town Ladies, Samantha Walker
FC Sprowston with a change Davey coming off, Laura Jenkins coming off in attack. The substitute getting hold of the ball straight away and having a run at the Bungay defence Hindley putting in the challenge to regain possession. Building through the middle Ille on for Rowland into Walker she turns and sets Leach up as she breaks in behind the FC Sprowston defence, shoots from 25 yards out her effort rising up over the crossbar. Despite the one sided nature of the game it is an intriguing contest FC Sprowston defending yes but doing so with confidence… and the longer they can keep Bungay out it’ll come down to whether they can create an opportunity up the other end.
Bungay Town Ladies, Emily Leach
Hazell with a powerful run forwards on the left sends a diagonal ball into the area, Fray the 1st to it for FC Sprowston. Rowland getting forwards to support Hazell on the left wing nutmegs her marker the ball on for Hazell cutting inside unleashes a shot curling in on goal, Pipe getting behind it with a comfortable catch. Read charges down Ille as the midfield lines up a shot 20 yards out. FC Sprowston make a change Davey returning to the pitch Potter coming off.
Megan Belsey with a double interception as Bungay try to play the ball through into the box from the left. Read with a great tackle inside the box to stop Leach getting a shot away as Walker squeezes the ball into her from the top left hand corner of the area.
GOAL! At last the deadlock is broken, Bungay finding the back of the net at last to take the lead in the League Cup Final. Rowland getting the goal bringing the ball on looking for options ahead of her right of the goal 25 yards out isn’t closed down the opportunity presenting itself she doesn’t hesitate puts her foot through the ball plenty of power behind the shot it flies past Pipe before she can react and into the goal beyond 0-1.
Selina Rowland with the strike to put Bungay Town Ladies in the lead in the League Cup Final
FC Sprowston work the ball from right to left off a throw in, Kirby getting forwards to support Jenkins the ball the ball helped across into Read, lays it forwards for Melissa Belsey breaking towards the box left side, Wells can come off her line to claim the ball. Potter returns to the action for FC Sprowston, Megan Belsey off. Bungay too make a switch Hazell coming off Arianna Lloyd coming on Purling moving over to the left wing.
FC Sprowston’s Laura Jenkins
Read get’s the ball forwards support from Melissa Belsey, Ille getting in on her to win the tackle. Ilie with a great run forwards slides the ball on for Walker, doesn’t connect cleanly with her snap shot, the ball running harmlessly into Pipe. Fray conceding the corner for FC Sprowston as Purling cuts into the area from the left. The delivery into the top of the area Read half clearing for FC Sprowston, Hindley looks to latch onto the ball strike from distance her touch limited Pipe can come to gather the ball.
Into the closing moments of the game FC Sprowston have a free-kick on halfway the ball up towards the area, Bungay comfortable in defence. The final whistle blows and Bungay Town ladies celebrate as they successfully defend the Norfolk Ladies League Cup.
Full time FC Sprowston Ladies 0-1 Bungay Town Ladies
Bungay Town Ladies eventually getting the goal 2nd half enough in the end to see them win the final. Dominating the attack no doubt had a earlier shot found it’s way into the back of the net they may well have gone on to score more. As it was they didn’t as alot of credit goes to FC Sprowston for the work they did defensively where on the back foot for much of the game but confident in their work ethic and ability. Created very little attack wise largely content to stop Bungay at the other end. Easy to see why they are Division Two Champion’s a hard side to break down. Bungay have players all over the pitch who can create an opportunity in attack or set up another could have easily gotten frustrated as the chances went begging but kept at it the chance finally coming. It was an intriguing contest.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Once again there were several contenders for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A tremendous effort from FC Sprowston Ladies to keep Bungay Town Ladies at bay, Katie Fray working tirelessly in the heart of their defence. Teo Ilie covering alot of ground in the middle of the park for Bungay Town Ladies as too did her midfield partner, and her goal nudges her into pole position so today’s Player of the Match is Selina Rowland.
Bungay Town Ladies, 2017/18 NWGFL League Cup Winners
Congratulation’s to Bungay Town Ladies on successful retaining the Norfolk Women’s League Cup
FC Sprowston Ladies made them work for the win and kept the score at 0-0 for so long, collected their league title award after the match, congratulation’s to them too on a fantastic season.
FC Sprowston Ladies, NWGFL Division Two, Champions
Costessey Sports Ladies were victorious in the Ladies 7’s Final beating Hellesdon Belles 5-2 to lift the trophy. A special mention to for today’s match officials, Lorraine Catchpole, Julia Robathan and Shaun Catchpole officiating in both of today’s 11 a side finals Shaun Catchpole also in the middle for the 7’s Final.
A long but enjoyable day a cup final double sees me complete 8 games in the end in 11 days. Such as it is this time of the season. Not long left before the season finishes, another cup final double coming up next Sunday the ERWFL this time around. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams. To the NWGFL committee too for putting on a great occasion.
One of countless matches postponed last weekend due to the snow fall King’s Lynn Town Ladies were hosting Acle United Ladies in the semi final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup. Both sides playing in the ERWFL Division One North and Premier Division respectfully. The winner of the tie going on to face Wymondham Town Ladies in the Final to be played at the FDC on Friday 27th April.
Acle United started the match the stronger creating chances as they forced King’s Lynn back into their own half. It was the hosts however who opened the scoring midway through the 1st half the ball put into the back of the net by Oksana Imanalijeva. Acle United coming back into the tie to level the scores just before half-time captain Megan Todd making it 1-1. Acle United started the 2nd half as strongly as they had the 1st creating more opportunities in front of goal finally taking one in the 63rd minute midfielder Laura Holden scoring the goal to put them 2-1 ahead. Defending the lead Acle United had further chances but in the end held on for the 2-1 win to send them into their 3rd County Cup Final.
Norfolk Women’s League Cup
In another game postponed from last weekend it was also semi-final action from the Norfolk Women’s League Cup on Sunday a repeat of last season’s final with Thorpe United Ladies hosting current holders Bungay Town Ladies. The sides sharing a 7 goal thriller in the finish Bungay getting off to a great start were leading the game 3-1 at half-time. Thorpe United mounted a come back in the 2nd half scoring twice more to level the scores at 3-3 before Bungay came back to win the match 4-3 to reach their 2nd successive league cup final where they will play FC Sprowston Ladies on Sunday 6th May at Norwich United’s Plantation Park. Emily Leach netting twice for Bungay with a goal each for Nicola Hazell and Samantha Walker. Rebekah Lake, Shanice Sutton and Alice Smith on target for Thorpe United.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
In Norfolk Women’s Division One on Sunday, Emily Watts was making a welcome return to action for bottom side Long Stratton Ladies after over a year out of the game through injury. Jumped straight to the top of their goal scoring charts too as she netted a brace in the game for the side struggling at the bottom of the league. It was opponents Wymondham Town Ladies who came away from Long Stratton with all 3 points however as the scored 5 goals to take them up from 7th to 5th in the league table.
Stalham Town Ladies 4th in the Division One table were at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies in a local derby on Sunday a close game between the side, Stalham edged the result 2-1 to claim all 3 points for their 5th league win of the season.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
A piece of sad news to bring from Norfolk Women’s Division Two and that is the unfortunate folding of another club in the East, Toftwood United Ladies. A Dereham boy myself growing up it’s sad to hear. The club has struggled for numbers this season however and with the mens club also going it was on the cards. Wishing everyone involved with Toftwood all the best for the future and hope to see everyone continuing in the game somewhere in the future.
A hat-trick for Bure Valley Wildcats, Charlie Cooper on Sunday
In Norfolk Women’s Division Two there were two matches played on Sunday. Fair to say it has taken Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies young side a little while to adapt to women’s football but after a tough start to life in the league the side has grown and developed well showing great form as they won their 3rd consecutive league match this Sunday to see the consolidate 4th position in the table. At home to Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies a strong 1st half saw Bure Valley Wildcats leading 3-0 at the break before going on to score another 5 in the 2nd half to win 8-0. Charlie Cooper top scoring in the match getting a hat-trick. Kiera Brown netting a brace along with a goal for Emma Macmillan her 1st goal this season, plus an own goal.
Another young side getting to grips with life in Division Two are Gorleston Rangers Ladies were away to Freethorpe Ladies on Sunday. A 1-0 win for Gorleston Rangers in the reverse fixture back in December their 1st in the league. Winning last time out earned another point away from home this Sunday Chloe Bailey getting a brace in a 2-2 draw. Freethorpe’s goal coming from Andrea Colbrook and Kiera Squires.
A few waterlogged pitches around Norfolk this weekend affecting the women’s football fixtures with just 3 matches getting played some big games nevertheless with a semi final in the League Cup and a quarter final in the League Plate both featuring Sprowston who are on top of everything at the moment.
One league match in Norfolk Division One at the weekend with 3rd placed still uneaten in the league at home to 5th placed Gorleston FC Ladies looking to close the gap to 2 points on 2nd placed Bungay Town Ladies. A close first half seeing Thorpe United holding a 2-1 advantage the hosts when on to score 3 more goals in the 2nd half to win the game 3-2 with Shanice Sutton scoring a hat-trick that sees her move onto 27 goals for the season from just 11 appearances. Leonie Daulby also on the scoresheet scoring her 1st 2 goals for Thorpe United’s senior side. Sophie Gillett and Nicola Sheldrake with the goals in each half for Gorleston FC Ladies.
Norfolk Women’s League Cup
The first of the semi-finals of the League Cup were played this Sunday with Division Two leaders FC Sprowston Ladies travelling to Rivers Park to play Division One side Stalham Town Ladies. The visitors unbeaten in league and cup so far this season were up against higher league opponents for the 1st time this season. The Division Two side coming out on top clinching a narrow 2-1 win to book there place in the final. Rebecca Kirby and Nicole Read netting the winning goals. FC Sprowston Ladies will meet either Thorpe United Ladies or League Cup holders Bungay Town Ladies in the final their semi-final scheduled for this coming Sunday.
Norfolk Women’s League Plate
Also advancing to the semi-finals of the League Plate are Sprowston Ladies, currently leading Division One were drawn at home to Division Two side Beccles Town Ladies in the quarter finals. 2nd in Division Two, Beccles Town were trailing 2-0 at half-time before a strong 2nd half performance from Sprowston saw them score 4 more goals to win the tie 6-0 to advance. Rebecca Russell scoring a brace their goals to for Chelsea Pettifer, Georgia Cushion, Chelsea Brister and Victoria Leyer.
The other 3 quarter finals all scheduled for this Sunday too were all called off.
A weekend of cup football to start 2018 in Norfolk with the quarter finals of the Ladies League Cup being played along with 3 ties from the 1st Round of the Ladies Plate Competition.
It was an emphatic win at home for current League Cup holders, Bungay Town Ladies as the Division One side ran out double figure winners over their Division Two opponents, Bure Valley Wildcats. Emily Leach netting a double hat-trick in the game, Samantha Walker was just one goal behind with 5 to her name. Selina Rowland also getting herself a brace. Nicola Hazell also getting a goal in a 14-0 win to book their place in the semi-finals.
Thorpe United Ladies were last season beaten League Cup finalists and they also reached the semi-finals of the competition this Sunday however they needed to come from behind to do so at home against Fakenham Town Ladies who were leading 1-0 at half-time. Shanice Sutton netted a brace in the 2nd half with a goal too for Alice Ford to see Thorpe edge Fakenham out with a 3-2 victory. Sam King and Rochelle Woods with the goals for Fakenham Town.
Also reaching the League Cup semi-finals are Stalham Town Ladies as they narrowly beat fellow Division One side Gorleston FC Ladies away from home on Sunday. Joanne Hooper getting a brace for Stalham Town at Emerald Park with Sophie Lubbock also grabbing a goal as the visitors edged Gorleston out with a 3-2 win. Leanne Smith and Samantha Hunn with the Gorleston goals.
The league Cup semi-final line-up is completed by FC Sprowston Ladies leading the Division Two table. Were at home to fellow league side Tavern Ladies in the quarter finals this Sunday the sides involved in a 7 goal thriller, Sophie Fuller getting a brace for Tavern with Lucy Kean scoring the visitors 3rd goal. It wasn’t enough however as FC Sprowston thanks to goals from Tammy Graves and Katie Fray along with a brace for Rebecca Kirby won the match 4-3 to progress.
Norfolk Ladies League Plate
3 games played in the 1st Round of the Ladies Plate competition this Sunday. North Walsham Angels Ladies winners of the Plate competition two seasons ago were drawn away to fellow Division One side Long Stratton Ladies. Progressed with a comfortable win leading 1-0 at half-time went on to score 3 more in the 2nd half with Mary-Anne Hoy, Luci & Hope Middleton and Rachel Bussey all getting in the scoresheet.
Bungay Town Ladies weren’t the only side to score 14 goals on their way to victory at the weekend as Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves also matched that result in the 1st Round of the League Plate away to Division One side Toftwood United Ladies. The Division One side proving too strong as they overwhelmed their opponents to progress.
An all Division Two tie in the 3rd 1st Round League Plate game played this Sunday with Freethorpe Ladies hosting Beccles Town Ladies. Kiera Squires scoring for the hosts in the 1st half it was Beccles Town who held the lead at half-time 2-1 up going on to add another goal 2nd half to progress with a 3-1 win. Jordan Duke, Lucy Robbens and Grace Storey their goalscorers.
Two matches played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday, with Thorpe United Ladies taking over the lead in the league for the 1st time this season, although they dropped points for the 1st time this season in the process. At home to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves the visitors held a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time with Sally Hammerton scoring the goal. Thorpe United coming back in the 2nd half to draw the game 1-1, Shanice Sutton the scorer taking her goals scored tally to 20 from just 7 appearances. The point enough to move Thorpe United ahead of Sprowston Ladies on goal difference.
Fakenham Town Ladies travelled to the coast on Sunday to play Gorleston FC Ladies looking to build on last weekends 3-3 home draw against Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. Scored 3 goals once again with Jennifer Codman netting a brace along with a debut goal for Jade Dodds. It wasn’t enough however to take anything from the game this time around as the home side netted 4 times up the other end to win the game 4-3, Gorleston winning their 1st league game of the season. Sophie Gillett scoring a hat-trick along with a goal for Bethany Turner.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
In Division Two, Bure Valley Wildcats ladies climb a place in the table up into 5th spot after claiming their 2nd league win of the season on Sunday away to Toftwood Ladies. A goal from each side saw them drawing 1-1 at half-time the visitors going on to score twice more in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1. Abigail Clark, Charlie Cooper and Juliette Kelly getting the goals. Thea Wilson scoring the 1st half goal for Toftwood United.
Gorleston Rangers Ladies won their 1st ever league game in Division Two at the weekend new to the league have been on the wrong end of some heavy defeats claiming their 1st win will do their confidence no end of good. At home to Freethorpe Ladies the sides playing out a goalless 1st half Gorleston Rangers went on to score in the 2nd half and win the game 1-0.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup
FC Sprowston Ladies complete the Ladies League Cup quarter finals line up with a big win away to fellow Division Two side Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies in the last remaining 2nd Round tie to be played. Tammy Graves top scoring in the match with 4 goals. Lois Irving hit a brace with goals too for Keri Boorman, Rebecca Kirby, Joanne Pipe and Nicole Read in a 10-0 victory
The Norfolk Ladies League Cup ties are scheduled to be played in the New Year, Sunday 7th January the final line up as follows:-
Women’s Football East was at Clipbush Park on Sunday to watch the Norfolk Women’s Division One match between Fakenham Town Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. It was the visitors who took the early lead Fakenham failing to get the ball clear were undone from a left wing cross as Sally Hammerton headed the ball into the back of the net from inside the six yard box. Fakenham responded well to the early set back and came back into the game with a good performance Rochelle Woods strike smashing against the crossbar was dropped by the goalkeeper to fall over the line to make it 1-1 the home side going on to take the lead Fanny Danskanen turning the ball home as it was fired into the box from the left.
Emma Chambers winning the ball for Wymondham
2-1 the advantage to Fakenham the home side started the 2nd half slowly Wymondham doing the opposite looking to get back into the match a good run from midfielder Laura Hammerton into the box set up striker Eleanor Norton to score the equaliser, 2-2. Wymondham went on to take the lead an unfortunate own goal from a corner by Danskanen seeing the visitors lead 2-3. Into the final 10 minutes and Fakenham were awarded a penalty the Wymondham goalkeeper bringing down Fakenham’s captain Sam King. Sian Sands to take the spot kick powered the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-3 the final score the points shared.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
3 games played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two at the weekend, Beccles Town remain 4 points clear at the table with a victory at home on Sunday against bottom side Toftwood United Ladies the visitors making the trip with just the 10 players available despite this they were holding their opponents 1-1 at half-time, the home side eventually coming out on top in the 2nd half to win 3-1 to record their 7th league win of the season from 8 played. Victoria Ottey, Lucy Robbens and Emily Coe scoring the Beccles Town goals. Rosie Richmond-Smith with the 1st half goal for Toftwood United.
FC Sprowston Ladies keep up the pressure on Beccles Town with a big win at home against Gorleston Rangers Ladies on Sunday, taking their winning start to the season to 6 games. Rebecca Kirby scoring a hat-trick, 3 players all grabbed 2 goals each, Keri Boorman, Joanna Davey and Lois Irving, whilst a further 3 all celebrated a goal each, Tammy Graves, Kelly Hawker and Annika Skoog in a 12-0 win. 4 points behind Beccles, Sprowston have two games in hand.
So too do Tavern Ladies climbing above Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies into 3rd spot with 13 points now winning away from home against Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies. Women’s football proving to be an educational experience for Bure Valley’s young guns alot more physical than the U16s football they’re used to. The sides level at 1-1 at half-time, Tavern went on to win the game 4-2 in the 2nd half with Sophie Fuller scoring a hat-trick, Emily Bell with their other goal.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup
One game from the 2nd Round of the Norfolk Ladies League Cup played at the weekend after a referee no show prevented the game taking place previously, Division Two newcomers Costessey Sports Ladies hosting Division One side, Gorleston FC Ladies. The higher league side having plenty of goal scorers in their sides several found their scoring boots on Sunday, Bethany Turner scoring 7 goals alone, Samantha Hunn getting 4 goals to her name. Both Leanne Smith and Sophie Gillett got a hat-trick, Molly Sims a brace and a goal each for Rosie Cook and Kelly Allen in a 21-0 win. A tough scoreline for Costessey Sports however Gorleston credited them for not giving up despite conceding goals.
A weekend dedicated to cup football in Norfolk there was one tie played in the Ladies League Cup postponed last Sunday in the 2nd Round, Long Stratton Ladies hosting last season’s beaten finalists Thorpe United Ladies. All the goals coming in the 1st half Thorpe United progressing with a 5-1 victory, Shanice Sutton scoring a hat-trick. There were goals to for Alice Ford and Laura Hedtke. Sophie Rose on target for Long Stratton. A home tie against Fakenham Town Ladies awaits in the quarter finals for Thorpe United.
Norfolk Women’s County Cup
This Sunday saw the 2nd Round of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup being played. 7 ties scheduled with Fakenham Town Ladies receiving a bye through to the quarter finals. As it was 3 sides progressed without kicking a ball all from Norfolk Division One, Aylsham Ladies, North Walsham Angels Ladies and Sprowston Ladies leaving just the 4 matches to be played.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies leading ERWFL Division One North play all of their home County Cup matches at The Walks and had been handed a plum tie against Norwich City Ladies the FAWPL South East Division One side returning to the competition after a 3 season absence. Norwich started brightly however it was King’s Lynn who went on to open the scoring captain Becky Russell putting the ball in from the angle after King’s Lynn had won a corner. Working had as a unit with Norwich trying to find an equaliser King’s Lynn held the narrow advantage heading into half-time.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Becky Russell with Norwich’s Paige Shorten
A competitve match viewed by over a hundred spectators King’s Lynn kept Norwich a bay 2nd half then midway through, Tiffany Forshaw was put through on goal into the box riding the challenge from goalkeeper Fiona Coombes sliding in to try and stop her Forshaw controlled the ball on the byline and sent it in across goal to make it 2-0 to the hosts. 15 minutes left and with Norwich chasing a goal Forshaw was in behind once more, Norwich captain Grace Parker diving in from behind to try and stop her bringing the striker down denying a clear goals coring opportunity was sent off. Despite being down to 10 Norwich did pull a goal back with 5 minutes left Vivian Moyo stabbing the ball in after Aimee Durrant’s shot had struck the crossbar. No last minute nerves from King’s Lynn as they held on to win 2-1 to reach the quarter finals.
Wymondham Town Ladies last season’s beaten finalists are also through to the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup with a comfortable away win against Norfolk Division One side, Stalham Town Ladies on Sunday. The ERWFL Division One North side 2-0 inside the opening 10 minutes thanks to long distance strikes from Alice Ladbrooke and Betty Fretwell. Laura Nicholls rich vein of scoring form continued with her making it 3-0 just past the half hour. Kayleigh Holloway seeing Wymondham into a 4-0 half-time lead. Two goals early in the 2nd half saw Nicholls complete her hat-trick. Leah Newcombe made it 7-0 to Wymondham with 15 minutes left. Nicholls having time to find a 4th goal of the afternoon with 7 minutes left the final score 8-0.
Also reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup quarter finals with a comfortable scoreline away from home are Acle United Ladies, the ERWFL Premier Division side taking on Norfolk Division One side Gorleston FC Ladies at Emerald Park on Sunday. Acle starting strongly took the lead in the 14th minute Grace Birchall making it 1-0 to the visitors. Birchall scoring again 7 minutes later her goal quickly followed by a goal for Megan Todd making in 3-0. Lauren Bullard went on to make it 4-0 to Acle on the half hour. Birchall getting her 3rd for her hat-trick in the 38th minute. A 5-0 lead at half-time two early goals 2nd half from captain Rebecca Burton and another for Birchall saw Acle go on to win 7-0.
In the other 2nd Round match played in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup this weekend, it was an all Norfolk Women’s Division Two clash between Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies at home to Freethorpe Ladies. Bure Valley playing the game for a large period with 10 players nevertheless held Freethorpe to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes the game heading into extra-time the home side finding a winning goal to reach the quarter finals. Carrie Last with the 1st goal for Bure Valley, Abigail Clark with the goal in extra-time. Keira Squires scoring the goal for Freethorpe.
This Sunday saw 4 ties from this season’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup 2nd Round being played. Holders Bungay Town Ladies were drawn away to fellow Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies. A potentially tricky tie for Bungay as it was the visitors were in control of the fixture by half-time leading 3-0 went on to add another 3 goals 2nd half with both Emily Leach and Samantha Walker scoring a hat-trick the final score 6-1, Louise Hamilton-Rout with the 2nd half goal for Wymondham.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Juliette Kelly
Bure Valley Wildcats were at home to fellow Division Tow side, Toftwood United Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup. Plenty of goals scored in this fixture, Bure Valley edging the 1st half with a narrow 3-2 lead, went on to double that goals tally 2nd half with Toftwood United finding just one more goal, Bure Valley winning 6-3 to reach the quarter finals Juliette Kelly scoring a hat-trick for the home side their other goals scored by Charlie Cooper, Carrie Last and Jade Starling. Thea Wilson with a brace for Toftwood United with Laura Harvey scoring their other goal.
Fakenham Town Ladies progressed with ease to the quarter finals of the League Cup with a dominant 1st half at home to Aylsham Ladies in the 2nd Round. The visitors struggling for numbers starting the game with just 7 players gave it a go, Fakenham with the numbers advantage soon on top, Sam King scoring 4 goals in the 1st half, Rochelle Woods getting a brace along with goals from Selina Goodrum and Jennifer Codman seeing them leading 8-0 at half time. Aylsham conceding the 2nd half.
In the other all Division One clash in the 2nd Round of the League Cup it was bound to be a competitive match between Stalham Town Ladies away to North Walsham Angels Ladies. The sides all square at the break drawing 1-1. It was Stalham who went on to have the better of the 2nd half scoring 3 more goals to take the result 3-1 and book a quarter final spot with goals from Sophie Lubbock, Amber Mayhew and Marie Meale. Hannah Sturman scoring the 1st half goal for North Walsham.
4 2nd Round ties outstanding with a couple of postponements this weekend and 2 scheduled for a later date however the quarter final draw has been made and is as follows.
Bungay Town Ladies v Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies
Costessey Sports Ladies or Gorleston FC Ladies v Stalham Town Ladies
Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies or FC Sprowston Ladies v Beccles Town Ladies or Tavern Ladies
Long Stratton Ladies or Thorpe United Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies
A break from the league in Norfolk as the attention switched to the Ladies League Cup with just a handful of games played in the 1st Round of the competition this Sunday. 3 ties in total with everyone else receiving a bye.
Bungay Town Ladies were one of those sides in action, Ladies League Cup winners last season the Norfolk Division One side began the defence of their trophy at home against Division Two side Freethorpe Ladies. Eased through to the next round ending up with a double figure win after extending a 4-0 half-time lead into double figures in the 2nd half. Nicola Hazell scoring a hat-trick. Their were braces too for Emily Leach and Becky Hills with Selina Rowland, Samantha Walker and Eva Evans all getting a goal a piece in a 10-0 win.
Thorpe United Ladies were last season’s beaten finalists in the Ladies League Cup they were also in action this Sunday the Division One side away to Division Two youngsters Gorleston Rangers Ladies. Have found life tough so far in the league without a point and taking on an in form Thorpe United Ladies side they were blown away as the away side rattled in the goals. Shanice Sutton alone netting 8 goals in the game. Leanne Ferdani scoring 5 more with Rebekah Lake claiming a hat-trick. 2 goals for Lisa Ferdani with Laura Hedtke, Aneliese Smith and Edie Wright also getting in the scoresheet in a 22-0 result.
A much closer game in the final tie to bring you from the weekend an all Division One clash with Stalham Town Ladies at home to Sprowston Ladies, both starting the season well 3rd and 2nd in the league level on points. The score were level too at the break both scoring in the 1st half, Victoria Leyer for Sprowston, Marie Meale for Stalham Town Ladies 1-1 it was Stalham Town who went on to claim the winning goal to take the tie 2-1 and advance to the 2nd round. Amii Andrews scoring to put them through.
