Four games at the weekend played in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Thorpe United Ladies runaway leaders in the table this season winning 11 from 11 played to date were at home to 4th placed Tavern Ladies on Sunday looking to make it 12 from 12 and beat one of the sides who could damage their title defence. Tavern enjoying a good season so far following promotion from Division Two losing just one league game so far this season knocked Thorpe out of the League Cup last season. Thorpe though in great form and scoring plenty of goals lead in attack by captain Rebekah Lake. Won the game 4-0 to stay 9 points clear at the top with games beginning to run out.
Sprowston Ladies winning away from home at the weekend to stay 2nd ahead of Bungay Town Ladies the pair level on points 27 each. Sprowston travelling to Clipbush Park to play Fakenham Town Ladies who were fielding the bare 11. Sprowston getting themselves into a 2-0 half-time lead matched that scoreline 2nd half to win 4-0 with goals from top scorer Victoria Leyer her 30th of the season a goal in her first start for Georgina Belton with Camilla Morgan also credited with a goal.
Bungay Town Ladies matching Sprowston’s points tally of 27 in 3rd spot in Division One have two games in hand. Were at home taking on Sprowston Athletic Ladies at the weekend. Both sides scoring twice in the first half going into the half-time interval all square. Sprowston Athletic working hard through the game coming away empty handed with Bungay finding a 3rd goal in the 2nd half to win the game 3-2. Leanne Smith on target with her 12th goal of the season for Bungay with Shannon Dade and Lauren Purling also on the scoresheet. Laura Jenkins and Sophie Rose with her first goal for the club scoring for Sprowston Athletic.
A third straight win in league and cup lifting Long Stratton Women back up to fifth in the Division One table. Were away to bottom side Freethorpe Ladies on Sunday. Captain Samantha Walker scoring a double hat-trick last weekend in the League Cup repeating the feat again this weekend netting 6 goals against Freethorpe sending her past 21 goals for the season. Beth Stratton also scoring a goal as Long Stratton ran out 7-1 winners. Laura-Jayne Stacey getting the Freethorpe goal.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two matches played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday. Thorpe United Ladies Reserves were in action at home to Mulbarton Belles. Shanice Sutton making her return to football after a long injury layoff for Thorpe on target to score twice for the Reserves with Emily Warnes also finding the back of the net for a goal to see the game won 3-1. The 3 points lifting Thorpe back up into 2nd spot in the Division Two table. Megan Sampson scoring the goal for Mulbarton.
Horsford Women climb up to fifth in the Division One table with victory away to 4th placed Waveney Ladies on Sunday. A 0-0 draw with the same opponents in the reverse fixture last weekend. Waveney scoring twice this weekend, Horsford though emerging 3-2 winners thanks to a goal from Amanda Vincent and a brace for Natalie Roope moving her onto 5 for the season. Horsford with 3 wins and a draw now from their last 5 league games.
Beginning this weeks Norfolk Round-Up with the one remaining tie to be played in the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, and it was a huge test for Norfolk Women’s Division One side as they faced FAWNL South East Division One side Norwich City Women. 3 leagues between the sides Norwich keen to make progress in this season’s County Cup after falling in the early rounds since rejoining the competition a couple of season’s ago. A home tie against Wroxham Women awaiting the winner. Norwich holding a 3-0 lead at half-time, prevented Sprowston Athletic from scoring whilst adding a further 3 goals to progress into the last 4 with a 6-0 victory. The goals spread amongst the side with 3 players netting their first goals for the side, Lauren Cullum, Hannah Claughton and Jodie Drake. Eliza McDonald and Reeanna Cook also getting on the scoresheet along with Aimee Durrant scoring her 8th goal of the season.
Aimee Durrant on the scoresheet at the weekend against Sprowston Athletic with her 8th goal of the season for Norwich (photo credit Brian Coombes)
Norwich with now play Wroxham Women in the last four the game to be played on Sunday 16th February. Back to back winners Wymondham Town Ladies are away to Norfolk Division One side Sprowston Ladies.
Norfolk Women’s League Cup
Plenty of cup action too elsewhere in the county with the Norfolk Women’s League Cup reaching the quarter finals stage. A strong line-up in the last 8 of the competition too with the top 4 in Division One all still involved. All showing great form in the first half of the season with plenty of goals in heir squads. Current League Cup holders Sprowston Ladies were at home to at Bungay Town Ladies winners of the League Cup the previous season, 2nd and 3rd in the league. Victoria Leyer has been prolific in front of goal for Sprowston once again this season and was on target for two goals in the fist half for the hosts on Sunday to move her onto 29 goals from just 10 appearances, a goal to for captain Abby Hutchin seeing Sprowston leading Bungay 3-1 at half-time. Selina Rowland netting the goal for Bungay pressed for more goals in the 2nd period Sprowston though standing firm in defence going on to win and book their place in the last 4 of the competition.
Sprowston Ladies opponents in the League Cup final last season were Tavern Ladies then of Division Two. Now riding high in Division One were away to familiar opponents Fakenham Town Ladies had knocked them out of the County Cup earlier in the season. Tavern scoring plenty of goals a potent attack force with players joining from midfield, Fakenham battling hard in defence goalkeeper Chloe Easter pulling off a number of saves, Katie Hart-Copsey scoring in the first half to put Tavern into the lead her 13th goal of the season proving to be decisive enough to send Tavern into the League Cup semi-finals for the 2nd successive season.
Elsewhere both Division One leaders Thorpe United Ladies and their Reserves side playing in Division Two were both in quarter final action in the league cup. High scoring games Thorpe United Ladies Reserves were hosting Division One side Long Stratton Women. Samantha Walker captaining the side doing well in front of goal this season on fire at the weekend to score a double hat-trick for Long Stratton helping the club to reach their first semi-final in 9 years. A brace from Emily Watts making her return to the side and one for Ellie Sostman seeing Long Stratton to a 9-2 victory. Rachael Wall on target for both goals for Thorpe United Reserves.
Runaway leaders at the top of Division One with a 100% record from 11 played were away to Division Two newcomers Waveney Ladies in the quarter finals of the League Cup. Thorpe’s captain Rebekah Lake scoring a very large chunk of their goals this season bagging herself another 4 at the weekend against Waveney’s youngsters to take her to 35 for the season from 12 played. Thorpe running out double figure winners progressing to the last 4 of the competition with a 10-0 win, six other players celebrating a goal, Joanne Hooper, Ellie Hunter, Millie Cursons, Aneliese Smith, Alice Ladbrooke and Sophie Jermy.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
One match played in Norfolk Women’s Division One on Sunday with Wymondham Town Ladies hosting Thetford Town Ladies. The visitors finding a bit of form in the league in recent weeks taking 4 points from their last two match Thetford pulling further away from the bottom two going above Wymondham into 8th place in the table as they made it 7 points from 3 matches winning at the weekend 2-1. Natalie Woods scoring for Wymondham but a 6th goal of the season from Melissa Boulton and a first of the campaign for Abbey Comstock securing the win for Thetford who may yet push for a mid-table finish following promotion from Division Two last season.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two games played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two on Sunday, Hockering Ladies getting back to winning ways in the league at the weekend following back to back defeat plus a heavy loss in the League Cup to Tavern Ladies. Were hosting struggling Red Rose Ladies the 2nd bottom side short on numbers a situation Hockering were familiar with in the past. Took advantage to rack up a double figure scoreline winning by 11 goals to nil Hockering back up to 5th in the table.
Very tight though in the middle of the Division Two table with Hockering ahead on goal difference over North Walsham Ladies now 6th ahead of Mulbarton Wanderers who they beat at home on Sunday. Mulbarton another side short on numbers, North Walsham themselves with the bare 11, goals from Kiera Brown and Rhiannon Holt helping the hosts to a 3-0 victory.
Quarter final weekend for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup 3 of the 4 games played this Sunday with Sprowston Athletic Ladies game with Norwich City Women postponed. Current holders and back to back winners of the County Cup, Wymondham Town Ladies were at home taking on Division One leaders Thorpe United Ladies who themselves have enjoyed success in the County Cup in the recent past. Wymondham starting well Thorpe defending missed opportunities too Wymondham opening the scoring with the half hour fast approaching striker Hannah Waters sending the ball into the back of the net after her initial shot was saved. That lead to a flurry of goals for the hosts the lead doubled quickly with Jennifer Codman setting up Laura Nicholls to make it 2-0 just 3 minutes later, a 3rd goal scored just 2 minutes after that Nicholls on the scoresheet again heading home a Mollie O’Callaghan cross.
Wymondham leading 3-0 at half-time took full control of the tie early in the 2nd starting well scoring 2 quick goals after the restart to go 5-0 up. Waters with her 2nd of the match in the 48th minute latching onto a loose back pass. Combination play between Waters and Nicholls then leading to Freya Symonds sending the ball past the keeper to make it 5-0 in the 49th minute. Symonds scoring her 2nd of the game just 5 minutes later scoring at the far post from a Chelsea Clarke cross. Thorpe scoring a late consolation goal with 10 minutes left to play captain Rebekah Lake onto a ball over the top.
A 7 goal thriller between Tavern Ladies and Wroxham Women as they met in the quarter finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup on Sunday. Tavern hosting doing well this season in the league following promotion to Division One scoring goals a tough test on Sunday against ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham. The visitors starting well early chances the pressure bringing the opening goal inside 6 minutes Naomi Cooper with a good run on the ball cutting inside to send a shot under the keeper. Tavern with less of the ball still a threat in attack keeping Wroxham alert at the other end chances missed by both Tavern coming back to level before half an hour was in the clock. Wroxham responding well straight back into the lead Cooper and captain Anna Larkins combining the cross turned in at the far post by Kayleigh Holloway. Cyan Fullbrook with a fantastic diving one handed save to keep Tavern from equalising again the hosts drawing level on the stroke of half-time. 2-2 at the break with Wroxham’s Kirstie Kindred striking the top of the woodwork in stoppage time.
Match action from Tavern Ladies v Wroxham Women (photo credit Wroxham Women)
Into the 2nd half Tavern starting well both sides forcing the keepers into saves the lower league side taking the lead in the 50th minute going 3-2 up. Wroxham on the attack coming back to level themselves in the 70th minute Larkins and Cooper again combining on the flank the cross headed clear of the box falling straight to Chloe Shields to strike on the volley to make it 3-3. Wroxham finishing strong chances to retake the lead a corner in the 80th minute leading to a penalty being given for handball Lauren Bullard stepping up to score and make it 4-3. Wroxham into the draw for the semi-finals.
To be made live on BBC Radio Norfolk on Friday evening also in the hat are Sprowston Ladies the Division One side winning at home to Division Two opposition Hockering Ladies. A 2nd heavy defeat for the visitors in cup competitions in successive weeks Tavern knocking them out of the League Cup, Sprowston racking up the goals this Sunday to win the game 15-0.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
Two matches beating the weather in Norfolk Women’s Division One featuring the sides bottom two. Positive results for both on Sunday. Bottom side Freethorpe Ladies were at home taking on Thetford Town Ladies. Has been tough for both sides following promotion to Division One this season and both knew it would be. Thetford’s recent form picking up earning some useful points a win against Taverham last weekend taking them out of the bottom two. Freethorpe working hard every game bottom haven’t got a point on the board after 10 played. That changed at the weekend as Freethorpe were celebrating earning their first point of the season. Olivia Sutton with her first goal of the season giving Freethorpe a first half lead. Thetford coming back to level the scores in the 2nd half to see it end 1-1. Rebecca White with the goal.
A tough season too for Taverham United Ladies following promotion as Division Two champions in their debut season dropping into the bottom two after being beaten 2-1 by Thetford last weekend. Were at home this Sunday taking on 5th placed Fakenham Town Ladies. Injury and illness affecting the visitors Taverham doing well to get their 3rd league win of the season go back above Thetford. Rebecca Sutton on target with her 8th goal of the season with Hannah Artis firing home her first of the campaign to see the match won 2-0.
Hannah Artis scoring her first goal of the season for Taverham United Ladies at the weekend.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this weekend. Waveney Ladies moving up to 3rd in the league after grabbing a last minute winners last weekend in a dramatic game away to North Walsham Angles Ladies. Were on the road again this weekend taking on Horsford Women a less dramatic game with neither side able to breach their opponents defend they had to settle for a point each in a 0-0 draw.
That results sees Thorpe United Ladies Reserves climb above Waveney back into 3rd spot in Division Two on goal difference as they won at home to struggling Red Rose Ladies on Sunday. Red Rose short of a full side Thorpe were welcoming back Shanice Sutton returning to the pitch after a long lay off due to a nasty knee injury suffered at the back end of the season before last. Carried on were she left off scoring plenty of goals that season hit the ground running by scoring 4 on her first start back. A first of the season too for Kirstie Andrews. Mia Calver also on the scoresheet with a goal with Chloe Musson-Pipe netting a brace in an 8-0 victory.
Thorpe United Ladies winning form in the league shows no sign of fading made out 10 wins from 10 at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One starting 2020 where they left off the old year. A 3-1 away win against nearest rivals Sprowston Ladies opening up a 9 point lead at the top of the table. Were away this Sunday too making another short trip to Sprowston this time taking on Sprowston Athletic Ladies. Thorpe’s captain Rebekah Lake a constant threat to opposition defences scoring plenty of goals this season eased past 30 on Sunday netting another brace to put her on 31 from 11 played. A new name on the scoresheet this weekend too as Thorpe ran out 3-0 winners, Melissa Belsey scoring her first goal for Thorpe against her former club.
Sprowston Ladies themselves bounced back from defeat to Thorpe last weekend moving back up to 2nd in the Division One table over Bungay Town Ladies on goal difference collecting the 3 points away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. The sides drawing 0-0 at the break a brace for Camilla Morgan her first goals for Sprowston in her 5th appearance and a 7th of the season for Ellie Hall securing the win by 3 goals to 1 in the 2nd period. Rebecca Carver scoring the goal for Wymondham.
Long Stratton Women where at home to Fakenham Town Ladies at the weekend. A close game between the newly promoted sides the game settled by a single goal at the finish. Samantha Walker wearing the captains armband for Long Stratton hitting her 9th goal of the season to win her side the 3 points. Long Stratton in 6th closing the gap to 5th placed Fakenham to a point.
Another clash between two of the promoted sides saw Thetford Town Ladies at home taking on Taverham United Ladies, both sides struggling for points in Division One. Thetford 2nd bottom going into the game finding a bit of form towards the end of 2019 to collect their first points with a win and a draw. Taverham one place above them with 2 wins from the 10 matches played so far. A close game between the pair a single goal in it in the finish, Maya Lawlor scoring for Taverham the visitors though were to leave empty handed as Thetford clinched their 2nd win of the season 2-1 to climb above Taverham into 9th position. Melissa Boulton and Dayna Howard with her first Thetford goal winning the points.
Norfolk Women’s League Cup
One outstanding tie left to be played in the 2nd Round of the Norfolk Women’s League Cup, a tough test for Division Two side as they hosted Division One high flyers Tavern Ladies. The game played at Easton College on 3G. Tavern are scoring plenty of goals this season and soon got the ball rolling strong to lead 6-0 at half-time, matching that scoreline 2nd half to win the tie 12-0 to reach the quarter finals. Will fancy their chances of making a 2nd successive League Cup final appearance having down so as a Division Two side last season. Katie Hart-Copsey closing the gap to joint top scorers Atlanta Griffith and Lucy Kean on target to score 5 goals in the game taking her to 11 for the season. A brace for Griffith puts her on 13 along with Kean getting a goal. A goal each too for Sophie Fuller & Meganne Smith with Kelly Gray and Natalie Wright both scoring their first goals for Tavern.
The quarter finals of the League Cup to be played Sun 26th January the draw as follows:-
Sprowston Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies
Waveney Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies
Thorpe United Ladies Reserves v Long Stratton Women
Fakenham Town Ladies v Tavern Ladies
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Three games played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this weekend. Stalham Town Ladies maintaining their 7 point lead at the top of the table winning their 8th game of the season at home to Horsford Women on Sunday. A goal in each half for top scorer Amber Mayhew securing the 3 points. Mayhew moving onto 16 goals for the season.
Beccles Town Ladies in hot pursuit and they were relentless in front of goal on Sunday as they rattled 15 goals past bottom side Bulldogs Ladies matching Stalham’s eye watering scoreline registered back at the start of December. The bare 11 available for Bulldogs always going to be a hard ask against Beccles young guns confidence high within the squad. Francesca Catchpole out for a lengthy spell suffering a nasty injury making up for lost time firing 5 more goals into the back of the net taking her tally to 9 goals from 3 appearances. Lola Barbour-King currently Beccles top scoring a hat-trick moves to 14 from 7 games. Chloe Pearce usually keeping goal netting a brace to add to the goal she has already got this season. A brace too for Francesca Heaney her first goals of the season. There was a goal each too for captain Megan Vincent, Elisha Bower and Bethan Owen.
Waveney Ladies are up to 3rd spot in the Division Two table scoring a dramatic late winner to take home all three points away to North Walsham Angels Ladies. Rhiannon Holt scoring her 8th & 9th goals of the season to fire North Walsham into a 2-0 lead. Waveney fought back well Maddie Cook heading home her first goal of the season to pull it back to 2-1 on the hour. 2-1 in remained to the hosts heading into the final 3 minutes of the game a free-kick awarded to Waveney Cook sending it in to equalise late on more drama a nervous end to the game 10 seconds left on the clock Chloe Dobson popping up with the winner for Waveney.
Five games to begin the New Year in Norfolk on Sunday. A fantastic start to the season for Thorpe United Ladies at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One as they defend the league title won last season a perfect 1st half of the campaign ending 2019 with a 100% record 9 wins from 9 to top the table one of three sides making a perfect start to the season. Thorpe United maintaining that record started 2020 as they left off the old year winning away from home again a potential challenger Sprowston Ladies who themselves had lost just twice in the opening half of the season. One of those losses against Thorpe the defending champions have Rebekah Lake leading their attack and their captain has been in fine form in front of goal this season, scoring another hat-trick at the weekend to close in on 30 goals for the season seeing Thorpe seal a 3-1 victory. Calista Tink scoring the goal for Sprowston Ladies.
Keeping the pressure on Thorpe in 2nd are Bungay Town Ladies themselves losing just the one game this season that away to Thorpe. In good form scoring plenty of goals Bungay are 6 points behind Thorpe with a game in hand. Were away to bottom side Freethorpe Ladies at the beginning of 2020. A tough first half to the season for Freethorpe without a point on the board always going to be a tough as after being put up to the top division in Norfolk after the leagues were adjusted to accommodate a host of new sides. Nevertheless remain in good spirits and work hard for each other week in week out. Bungay making it 8 wins from 9 played with the goals spread amongst their squad 7-2 the final score. Leanne Smith netting a brace to take her to 11 for the season. Selina Rowland with a goal stays top scorer with 12 their were goals too for Lauren Purling, Porsha Renwick, Shannon Dade and Nicola Hazell. Claire Garner and Amy Morris with her first of the season on the scoresheet for Freethorpe.
Another two of the promoted sides meeting at the start of the year as Division Tow champions Taverham United Ladies hosted Tavern Ladies, the Dereham based side with an excellent start to life playing in Division One right at the top with a long standing 100% winning run. Just the one defeat leaving them in fourth spot 9 points behind leaders Thorpe with 2 games in hand. Tavern scoring plenty of goals too, Taverham struggling for results after blazing the way in Division Two in their debut season in women’s football, just the 2 wins this season. Atlanta Griffith and Lucy Kean amongst the goals for Tavern this season have 23 between them now with both scoring a brace at the weekend to see their match won 4-1. Taverham with just the bare 11 available scoring through Rebecca Sutton.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two games to start the year in Norfolk Women’s Division Two. Newly reformed Stalham Town Ladies with a strong start well clear at the top of the table winning 7 of their opening 9 matches. 9 points clear of 2nd placed Thorpe United Ladies new Reserves side. Stalham Town not in action this weekend a host of sides below all with games in hand on the leaders, Beccles Town Ladies aiming to bounce straight back up to Division One have played just 5 matches so far this season 10 points adrift of Stalham with 4 games in hand were away to Thorpe United this Sunday. Beccles with just the one defeat so far getting 2020 off to the perfect start have Francesca Catchpole back in their squad after a long lay off through injury. Scoring a hat-trick at the weekend has 4 goals now from just two appearances. Top scorer Lola Barber-King also on the scoresheet with her 11th of the season as Beccles ran out 4-0 winners to move above Thorpe into 2nd spot.
In the other game played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two at the weekend new side Waveney Ladies were away to bottom side Bulldogs Ladies who ended 2019 on a high with their first win of the season. Just the bare 11 available for Bulldogs in their first game in 2020, Waveney Ladies proved too strong as they opened the scoring in the 10th minute a strong first half seeing them leading 4-0. Two more goals coming in the final 10 minutes to see the game won 6-0 their 4th win in 6 played lifting Waveney up into 4th spot in the Division Two table well placed to mount a promotion push.
A busy Sunday of fixtures to end the year in the Norfolk Women’s County League’s, just the one fixture called off, Tavern Ladies home match against Sprowston Athletic Ladies in Division One. 4 matches were played in Division One however at the weekend and a big win for Thorpe United Ladies sees them stay six points clear at the top of the table with their 100% winning start now extended to 9 matches. Were taking on Long Stratton Women at home, scoring plenty of goals none more so than captain Rebekah Lake smashing home a double hat-trick to take her onto 26 goals for the season, a strong 2nd half in particular seeing Thorpe finish 10-2 winners, also on the scoresheet, midfielders Laura Hedtke and Alice Ladbrooke with their 6th and 5th goals respectfully, Millie Cursons and Aneliese Smith with her first goal of the season. Ellie Sostman with her first of the season and captain Samantha Walker scoring for Long Stratton who finish 2019 on 10 points 8th in Division One following promotion last season.
A double hat-trick for Thorpe United Ladies captain Rebekah Lake at the weekend
Thorpe with the only unbeaten record in Division One now after Sprowston Ladies ended Tavern Ladies 100% winning start last time out to move into 2nd spot in the league. Travelled down to Thetford on Sunday to play another promoted side Thetford Town Ladies. The hosts finding some form playing at a higher level in recent weeks. Sprowston though like Thorpe have a goalscorer piling them in this season, Victoria Leyer going toe to toe with Rebekah Lake scoring 4 at the weekend to give her 27 goals so far this campaign. Abby Hutchin also scoring a goal at the weekend to see Sprowston wrap up a 5-0 win.
27 goals so far this season for Sprowston’s Victoria Leyer
Keeping pace with Sprowston in 2nd are Bungay Town Ladies matching their tally of 21 points 3rd on goal difference have lost just the once this season that to Thorpe, were at home this Sunday taking on another of the promoted sides Fakenham Town Ladies who they beat heavily 10-0 on the opening day of the season back in September. Fakenham finding their feet in the league since then fighting their way up to 5th spot in the league. An improvement upon the first game of the season despite their keeper travelling and being unable to play due to an issue with her glasses. Fakenham nevertheless battling managing to restric Bungay to 3 goals this time around. Lauren Purling scoring a brace her first goals of the season for Bungay and Selina Rowland with her 11th of the season securing the 3 points.
A tough start to the season for Freethorpe Ladies promoted up to Division One never going to be easy no points on the board after 8 played spirits have kept high, their final match of 2019 at home to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves whom they played on the opening day of the season Wymondham winning 2-0 then. Claire Garner captaining Freethorpe scoring a brace her first goals of the season. Samantha Shaw also saving from the penalty spot, were edged out by the odd goal to lose 3-2. A brace for captain Rebecca Carver and a goal for Alexandra Denes seeing Wymondham end a poor run their last win coming back in October climb up to 7th in the Division One table.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Stalham Town Ladies running away with the lead in Norfolk Women’s Division Two end 2019 9 points clear of the rest of the pack. Losing just the one so far from 9 played 7 wins and a draw their latest 3 points coming at home to Hockering Ladies on Sunday. Sarah-Jayne O’Connor scoring a hat-trick at the weekend to double her tally for the season for Stalham with top scorer Amber Mayhew striking home a brace to give her 14 for the season. Stalham winning the game 5-1.
A positive result for Mulbarton away to North Walsham Angels Ladies on Sunday could have seen them end the year in 2nd spot in Division Two. Mixed fortunes so far though for a club born in the summer and rapidly growing. North Walsham reentering a side into women’s football in Norfolk this season, young finding their feet 2 wins so far this season, picked up their 3rd to end the year on a high as they narrowly beat Mulbarton 2-1 to climb up onto 9 points joining a cluster of sides well placed to kick on in the New Year. Keira Brown and Rhiannon Holt with her 7th goal of the season helping North Walsham to the win. Amy Coaker scoring her 5th goal of the season for Mulbarton.
Also joining the cluster of sides in the middle of the table on 9 points are Horsford Women made it back to back wins in fact after victory over North Walsham last weekend, 2-1 then a much bigger scoreline this time around at home to Red Rose Ladies. Leading 2-1 at half-time Horsford went on to dominate the 2nd half to win the match 9-1. Natalie Roope top scoring in the game netting a hat-trick. A brace each for Ella Wright and Sophie Nabarro, the latter’s first goals for Horsford. A first goal too for Nicola Fordham and one from Amanda Vincent.
Everyone of the mark at last in Division Two as Bulldogs Ladies celebrate their first win of the season and a convincing one too away to newcomers Waveney Ladies on Sunday. Has been a tough season and a half for the club so far with some heavy defeats along the way. A different story this weekend. Leading Waveney 2-0 at half-time went on to score a further 3 goals without reply 2nd half to win 5-0. Hannah Etcitty making just her third appearance for Bulldogs scoring a hat-trick her first goals for the club. Rachel Hardy with a brace too has 7 so far this season.
Thorpe United Ladies remain 6 points clear at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One after they continued their 100% winning start to the season with an 8th straight win at home to bottom side Freethorpe Ladies on Sunday the fixture reversed due to the weather affecting Freethorpe’s pitch. Thorpe scoring plenty of goals this season in particular captain Rebekah Lake moving onto 21 for the season netting a brace at the weekend. Braces too for Laura Hedtke and Bryony Knights her first goals for the club. Natasha Levesley, Joanne Hooper and Alice Ladbrooke all getting on the scoresheet too with a goal each in a 9-0 win.
Thorpe now the only unbeaten side in the league as another 100% record fell at the weekend as Tavern Ladies promoted to Division One lost for the first time this season away to Sprowston Ladies who as a result of the win join them on 18 points and go 2nd in the table. A good first half for Sprowston taking a 3-0 lead into the changing room at half-time added a 4th in the 2nd period whilst keeping a free scoring Tavern out at the other end to keep a clean sheet and win 4-0. Victoria Leyer racing way ahead in the goal scoring charts moving to 23 for the season scoring a hat-trick. Chelsea Brister also celebrating a goal for Sprowston.
After an indifferent start to the season back in Division One following promotion Fakenham Town Ladies finding some form are now up to 5th in the league as they take their unbeaten run in all competitions to 5. A bare 11 drawing 0-0 away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves last weekend Fakenham were back at Clipbush Park this weekend hosting the reverse fixture. Despite going 1-0 down Fakenham came back 2nd half to win the game 4-2. Holly Davies with a 25 yard screamer opening her account for the season. An own goal. Sophie Lubbock scoring her 8th of the season and Karina Townsend with her first of the season seeing the 3 points won for Fakenham.
Fakenham Town Ladies, Holly Davies
Sprowston Athletic Ladies also winning at the weekend their 3rd victory of the season now into double figures in mid-table were at home playing Taverham United Ladies. Kate Morris with a brace moves onto 5 for the season. 5 goals for the season too now for Rachel Bussey also getting a goal with Katie Fray scoring her first of the campaign in a 4-1 win. Abbie Walker scoring the Taverham goal.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup
A local derby as Beccles Town Ladies hosted Bungay Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of this seasons League Cup. An end to end game Beccles taking the lead Lucy Robbens with the through ball to set-up Lola Barber-King to make it 1-0. Bungay coming back to equalise close to the end of the first half to see the sides drawing at the break Grace Storey with the goal. Bungay awarded a penalty Selina Rowland putting the visitors into the lead in the 2nd period. The game remaining end to end Beccles bringing on a couple of subs Francesca Catchpole finding the back of the net for her 4th goal in 2 matches to send the game into extra-time. Both sides creating chances Bungay getting their noses in front going 3-2 ahead with Porsha Renwick scoring what would prove to be the winning goal and send Bungay into the quarter finals.
Bungay Town Ladies, Porsha Renwick
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Stalham Town Ladies continue to set the pace in Norfolk Women’s Division Two winning again on Sunday to remain 6 points clear at the top of the table. Following on from a 15-0 home win over bottom side Bulldogs Ladies last side were again at home this Sunday entertaining Mulbarton Belles. Stalham’s strong form in front of goal continued top scorer Amber Mayhew netting a brace to take her onto 12 for the season. A brace to for Lalaine Davey her first goals of the season. Emma Gillespie and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor also getting a goal apiece in a 6-2 win. Mulbarton’s goals scored by Evie Hards in her first appearance for the club.
Thorpe United Ladies Reserves move back into 2nd spot in the Norfolk Women’s Division Two table with a narrow 2-1 win away to bottom side Bulldogs Ladies on Sunday, travelling with the bare 11 Thorpe led 0-1 at half-time, Rachel Hardy scoring her 5th goal of the season for Bulldogs. Thorpe with a 2nd goal winning the 3 points thier goals scored by Sophie Jermy and Annika Skoog.
Horsford Women won their 2nd match of the season at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies to join them on 6 points on Sunday in Division Two, a fantastic strike from Ella Wright along with an own goal seeing Horsford to a 2-1 victory.
A handful of fixtures played across Norfolk this weekend with just the four in total across 3 competitions. Two games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Thetford Town Ladies promoted to the league this season making a tough start showing signs of improvement in their last few matches earning their first league point 3 weeks ago, took fellow promoted side Long Stratton Women all the way to penalties in the League Cup last weekend before eventually being knocked out. Long Stratton once again their opponents in the league themselves making a solid start in Division One solid in mid-table. Long Stratton with the bare 11, Charlie Head with her 5th goal of the season and Summer Whiting getting her first for the club. It was Thetford though who were celebrating at the final whistle clinching their 1st league win of the season winning 4-2 with both Melissa Boulton and Laura Martins scoring a brace.
In the other game played in Division One the points were shared between Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves and Fakenham Town Ladies both sides only able to field the bare 11. The pair contesting a goalless draw. The point seeing Fakenham’s recent run continue now unbeaten in 4 matches takes them up into the top half of the Division One table for the first time since regaining promotion to the league.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
One match played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this weekend top versus bottom with leaders Stalham Town Ladies hosting Bulldogs Ladies. The bare 11 for the visiting side. Stalham strong from the off scoring plenty of goals to win heavily and move 4 points clear at the top, 7-0 up at half-time added a further 8 in the 2nd period to win 15-0. Top scorer Amber Mayhew moving into double figures on target for a brace. Not the top scorers at the weekend Andrea McCombe opening her account with 4 goals. A hat-trick too for Emma Gillespie. Darcey Burdett another scoring her first goals netting a brace along with first goals of the season for Sian Clarke and Carla Beane. A couple of own goals too.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup
One game two played in the 2nd Round of the Ladies League Cup in Norfolk at the weekend, Thorpe United Ladies top of Division One making a 100% winning start away to fellow league side Taverham United Ladies. Captain Rebekah Lake in form in front of goal once again this season for Thorpe smashed home 7 goals at the weekend to move onto 19 goals for the season. Joanne Hooper netting a brace with the final score reaching double figures 10-0 to put Thorpe through the the quarter finals. Sophie Jermy with the other goal.
7 goals at the weekend for Thorpe United’s Rebekah Lake
Remains highly competitive at the top of Norfolk Division One with 3 teams beginning the weekend at the top still with 100% winning starts, Bungay Town Ladies winning 6 from 6 at the start of the season 3 points ahead of both Thorpe United Ladies and newly promoted Tavern Ladies who had 5 win from 5 so far. Two of the three meeting for the first time this season as Thorpe United Ladies played host to Bungay Town Ladies. Women’s Football East along to see the action unfold. Both sides recruiting well over the summer.
Light rain before kick-off an overcast sky it was Thorpe who started the brighter getting hold of the ball in the middle and taking the game to Bungay using the width of the pitch forcing the defence back. Bungay’s defence on the back foot but coping well on the whole Thorpe creating openings whilst preventing Bungay from attacking up the other end. For all their 1st half dominance Thorpe didn’t take the lead until late in the half a driving run into the box from wide from captain Rebekah Lake seeing her cross the ball into substitute Millie Cursons inside the six yard box she scored from close range the ball squirming through as goalkeeper Joanne Pipe attempted to save.
Thorpe defender Tash Levesley challenging for the ball with Bungay’s Porsha Renwick
Thorpe 1-0 up at the break starting the 2nd half in similar fashion, without finding an early 2nd goal. Bungay frustrated getting more joy now players forwards growing in confidence as Thorpe began to retreat a little the game opening up. Bungay looking for a reply risked being hit on the counter, had Pipe to thank for keeping it down to 1-0 pulling off a couple of fantastic saves, Cara Anderson up the other end doing well too as Bungay tried their luck from distance. Bungay couldn’t find that all important equalising goal as Thorpe held out for the win to keep their 100% and join Bungay on 18 points who lose for the 1st time this season. The full match report can be found further down the page.
For all their effort Thorpe ironically fall a place in the league down to 3rd in Division One as the other 100% winning side take over at the top of the table. Tavern Ladies also on 18 points now making it 6 wins from 6 with a double figure win at home to bottom side Freethorpe Ladies. Both promoted to the league this season Tavern scoring plenty of goals whilst keeping it tight at the back. Lucy Kean leading the goal scoring charts scoring 4 at the weekend to move into double figures for the season. 4 goals too for Atlanta Griffith who moves onto 9 goals for the campaign. Katie Hart-Copsey also amongst the goals for Tavern last season’s top scorers doubling her tally for this campaign netting a hat-trick. Tavern beating a spirited Freethorpe 11-0.
Sprowston Ladies remain well placed in 4th place to capitalise on any slip ups from the top 3 just 3 points behind on 15 points winning for the 5th time this season coming out on top in the 2nd Sprowston derby of the season. At home to Sprowston Athletic Ladies this Sunday. A 6-1 away win in the reverse fixture 3 weeks ago. Top scorer Victoria Leyer netting 4 goals in that game was on target for 2 this time around to move onto 20 goals for the season. Leading 2-0 at half-time Sprowston went on to add a 3rd goal in the 2nd half to win the match 3-0 captain Calista Tink also on target with a goal.
5th placed Long Stratton Women were away to Taverham United Ladies at the weekend both sides ending the game with a player send off a straight red for both Taverham’s Hannah Artis and Long Stratton’s Samantha Walker. Long Stratton securing the 3 points to move into double figures following promotion from Division Two last season. Charlie Head scoring a brace with Katie Ransome finding the back of the net for her first goal for the club. Long Stratton winning 3-1, Rebecca Sutton with the strike for Taverham.
Two more newly promoted sides meeting in Division One at the weekend saw Fakenham Town Ladies on the road to take on Thetford Town Ladies. A tough start for Thetford losing their opening five games. Signs they were improving however and earned their first point of the season against Fakenham who weren’t at their best. Clemence Achour with her first Fakenham goal for the club. Thetford Town drawing the game 1-1 getting their first point on the board thanks to a first goal of the season for Rebecca White.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
The battle for the title in Norfolk Women’s Division Two now beginning to heat up with the chasing sides all closing the gap on early leaders Stalham Town Ladies who lost for the 1st time in the league this Sunday. With so many new sides entering the league it was always going to take some time to settle down see which sides would emerge as potential challengers Stalham Town Ladies setting the early pace undefeated in 5 played away this Sunday playing Beccles Town Ladies in 3rd spot. Beccles with a strong performance to win the 3 points and move up to 2nd just a point behind Stalham. Lola Barber-King scoring plenty of goals for Beccles early in netting a brace to put her on 9 for the season. Two more players joining her with two goals each on Sunday with Lucy Robbens and Ellie Hills on target for a brace. Bethan Owen also getting her name on the scoresheet with her first goal of the season Beccles winning the match 7-2. Amber Mayhew with her 8th goal of the season and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor with the goals for Stalham Town.
Thorpe United Ladies Reserves side up there at the top of Division Two pressing for top spot in the table were away to fellow newcomers, Waveney Ladies at the weekend. Thorpe undefeated in thier last 5 games with 4 wins and a draw in both league and cup Waveney making a late start to the league winning their opening 2 fixtures suffering defeat last time out to leaders Stalham Town bounced back well to beat Thorpe United 2-0 to win their 3rd game of the season to move onto 9 points 4 behind the leaders with games in hand on all the sides above them.
An end to end thriller between Hockering Ladies and Mulbarton Belles at the weekend both sides amongst those to potentially mount a title challenge, Hockering recruiting well bringing in players to strengthen their squad, Mulbarton’s still very new and continuing to build. 7 goals between the sides it was Mulbarton who would emerge the winners taking it 4-3 to win the 3 points and make it 3 successive wins to climb up to 3rd in the Division Two table level on points with 2nd placed Beccles a point behind leaders Stalham Town. Gemma Hamilton-Rout with her first 2 goals for the club scoring on debut. A goal too on her debut for Iris Morton-Smith along with one for Harriet Husbands. Cerys Nicholas scoring a brace has 5 goals now for Hockering, with Shelley Woods scoring her 7th since joining the club.
Tight at the top of the Division Two table there was also an important match at the other end with the bottom two meeting on Sunday, Bulldogs Ladies hosting newcomers Red Rose Ladies both with a tough start to the season losing their opening 4 games respectfully. Without a point something had to give at the weekend. Bulldogs scoring 3 goals with Rachel Hardy getting a hat-trick. Red Rose having scored a goal in each of their previous 4 league matches more than doubling their tally for the season up the other end as they hit 7 into the Bulldogs net to win the game 7-3 to claim their 1st 3 points of the season.
Sprowston Ladies moved to the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One playing in the only league game two weeks ago joining Bungay Town Ladies, Thorpe United Ladies and Tavern Ladies all on 12 points. This weekend they were the only side not in action across the 11 strong Division One as the leading trio all continued their 100% winning starts to the season that see’s Sprowston back to 4th in the table.
Bungay Town Ladies moving clear at the top of Division One in midweek playing at home to Long Stratton Women, a brace from Nicola Hazel aswell as a goal each for Shannon Dade and Selina Rowland seeing Bungay win 4-0. 5 wins from 5, keep 3 points in front at the top with a 6th straight win at home to Thetford Town Ladies this weekend. A strong first half seeing Bungay into a 4 goal lead. Thetford Town promoted from Division Two this season finishing 5th knowing life would be tough in the top tier, a better performance 2nd half battling restricting Bungay to a further 2 goals, scoring a goal themselves with Amy Skipp getting her first goal for the club. Selina Rowland on target to score 4 goals for Bungay doubling her tally taking her to 8 for the season from 6 played. Leanne Smith keeping top scorers spot with a goal moving to 9 with Samantha Penman scoring her 1st goal.
4 goals at the weekend for Bungay Town Ladies, Selina Rowland
Defending champions Thorpe United Ladies remain hot on Bungay’s heels recording a 5th straight win at the start of the season to keep the pressure on. At home this Sunday were taking on Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. Captain Rebekah Lake continues to be amongst the goals for Thorpe scoring again at the weekend to give her 12 now from 5 matches. Also getting on the scoresheet midfielder Laura Hedtke and footballing all rounder Joanne Hooper. Thorpe winning the game 3-0. Thorpe hosting Bungay this coming Sunday.
Tavern Ladies promoted to Division One this season after a 4th placed finish in Division Two last season continue their impressive start to the season keeping pace with the leading duo winning a 5th straight game at the start of the season. At home this Sunday on Scarning Playing Fields taking on fellow promoted side Fakenham Town Ladies whom they beat in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup 1st Round a fortnight ago. Sophie Fuller impressing then was amongst the goals this time around too scoring a hat-trick. Natalie Merry also on target with a goal her first of the season securing a 4-1 win for Tavern. Vicki Lubbock getting the goal for Fakenham.
A competitive game between mid-table Long Stratton Women and Sprowston Athletic Ladies at the weekend. Host Long Stratton getting themselves into a 2 goal lead, Charlie Head and Samantha Walker captaining the side with her 7th goal of the season. Sprowston Athletic coming back to earn a share of the points on target for 2 goals themselves, O’Shea Winter with both goals her first for the club.
A first competitive league win of the season for last season’s Division Two champions Taverham United Ladies, their previous 3 points awarded as a home win. Were at home to fellow promoted side Freethorpe Ladies who having finished 6th last season knew it would be a difficult task as they were moved up with the leagues needing to be evened up following an influx of new sides. Taverham’s young side scoring plenty of goals on their way to the title last season finding thing’s tougher at a higher level themselves seeing two players celebrate a hat-trick, 3 goals each for Rebecca Sutton and Abbie Walker her first goals in the league. Tyla Cole also getting off the mark with a goal with Teigan Robinson also scoring in a 8-1. Freethorpe bottom at last registering a goal with Rebecca White scoring in the first half.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two game played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two at the weekend, Stalham Town Ladies returning to the top of the table 3 points clear of Thorpe United Ladies Reserves with a home win over Waveney Ladies ending their fellow newcomers unbeaten start whilst maintaining theirs a 4th win of the season coming courtesy of a hat-trick from top scorer Amber Mayhew who has 7 for the season now. Megan Swain also getting her name on the scoresheet in a 4-1 victory. Waveney’s goal coming from the penalty spot.
Beaten for the first time this season a fortnight ago against Thorpe United’s Reserve side Hockering Ladies 4th in Division Two returned to winning ways away to Horsford Women on Sunday. Ella Wright putting Horsford into the lead, the visitors came back to level the scores 5 minutes later with Olivia Baker scoring to see the scores level at the break with her 7th of the season. Hockering going on to win the 3 points 2nd half, Shelley Woods making it 2-1 5 minutes into the 2nd half added a 2nd and her 6th of the season on the hour to secure the 3 points.
